Dive into a recap of this year’s top three blogs, offering key insights for navigating the evolving logistics landscape

In an industry filled with uncertainties, one thing is clear: the logistics and shipping landscapes will keep evolving, making it essential to stay informed about the latest trends and innovations. The year 2024 has been full of technological advancements, growing customer expectations, and increasing complexities in managing parcel and freight operations. To help shippers navigate and mitigate these challenges, Varsity Logistics delivered a year of thought-provoking blogs, designed to empower shippers with actionable insights and game-changing strategies.

As the year comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect back on the blogs that made the greatest impact on our readers, not only sparking insightful conversations, but also offering practical solutions for some of the industry’s most pressing challenges. Here are the top three Varsity Logistics blogs of 2024 you don’t want to miss.

#3. The IBM i (AS/400) Guide to Handling Increased Parcel Throughput

Coming in as our third most popular piece of 2024, this blog recognizes the challenges of scaling operations to handle increased parcel volumes for businesses operating on the IBM i platform. It provides a roadmap for shippers to optimize their workflows and boost efficiency without overworking their existing systems. By focusing on practical strategies, such as leveraging multi-carrier shipping software, the blog empowers readers to meet the demands of today’s fast-paced e-commerce landscape while maximizing the value of their legacy infrastructure.

Why This Blog Resonated in 2024

As parcel shipping demands continue to grow in response to e-commerce growth over the past few years, businesses still relying on the IBM i (AS/400) are in search of solutions that will bridge the gap between traditional technology and modern shipping needs. This blog’s emphasis on overcoming bottlenecks, improving throughput, and ensuring operational efficiency during crucial peak seasons is something that makes it a standout resource for logistics professionals.

#2. What to Know Before You Invest: 7 Key Questions About Shipping Software

Investing in a shipping software solution is no small decision. This blog earned its spot at #2 by providing a comprehensive guide for businesses looking to make the right choice in their shipping software purchase journey. The seven essential questions to ask before committing to a solution equips readers with the tools they need to effectively assess their unique needs, evaluate potential options, and future-proof their shipping operations.

Why This Blog Resonated in 2024

As businesses increasingly seek to optimize their logistics strategies, this blog stands out for its clarity and relevance. It addresses the common pain points of shippers navigating a crowded shipping software market and provides a structured approach to making informed decisions. It provides practical advice and emphasizes the importance of aligning your technology systems with long-term goals, making it a top piece for not only 2024, but many years to come.

#1. The New Era of Less-Than-Truckload (LTL): How LTL APIs Are Revolutionizing Freight Shipping

And earning its spot as the #1 Varsity Logistics blog of 2024, this article explores how LTL APIs are revolutionizing freight shipping. By streamlining operations, enhancing visibility, and improving connectivity between shippers and carriers, LTL APIs are reshaping the way freight moves through the supply chain. A must-read for freight shippers, this blog highlights the LTL APIs’ role in enabling quicker decision making, optimizing routes, and boosting overall efficiency.

Why This Blog Resonated in 2024

As the supply chain continues to evolve and grow more complex, the need for innovative solutions like LTL APIs becomes more crucial. This blog stands out because it provides a straightforward, actionable look at a technology that is significantly transforming the logistics industry. The real-world benefits discussed in the blog such as cost reduction and improved customer satisfaction make it the top performing blog of the year.

Key Takeaways from 2024

Looking back at the top three Varsity blogs from this year, they deliver several key lessons that can help businesses shape the future of their logistics and shipping strategies, including:

• Embrace Innovation: In a fast-paced business environment, embracing innovation and technological advancements is essential. Partnering with a shipping software solution provider that shares this mindset is equally critical. Such a partnership ensures you can effectively streamline operations, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the customer experience. Together, you can remain competitive, adapt to industry changes, and unlock even greater potential for success.
• Assess and Invest Wisely: Investing in shipping software should not be taken lightly – this process deserves a strategic approach. Asking the right questions prior to making a decision ensures you invest in the best shipping solution for your business’s unique needs and long-term goals.
• Leverage Your Systems Effectively: For businesses still operating on platforms like IBM i (AS/400), moving off the platform may be a long-term goal – but timing is everything. In the meantime, the focus should be on optimizing and integrating these systems with trusted solutions that enhance productivity and efficiency. By taking this approach, you can address immediate challenges and meet current operational demands, all without disrupting your existing infrastructure.

Looking Forward to the Path Ahead

While 2024 may be wrapping up, the logistics industry will continue to evolve at an accelerated pace as we transition into 2025. The insights shared in not only our top three blogs, but all of our blogs this year provide a strong foundation for businesses to take future challenges head-on and seize new opportunities. From leveraging cutting-edge technologies to optimizing existing systems, the key to success lies in staying informed, adaptable, and proactive.

Want to get a head start on your 2025 projects? Reach out to Varsity Logistics today to ensure you’re partnering with the only holistic shipping solution built for the IBM i. Varsity Logistics looks forward to continuing sharing valuable insights and seeing what the year 2025 will bring to the supply chain and logistics industries!