During the past decade, advancements in warehousing and logistics have been nothing short of remarkable. It seems almost impossible these days to pick up any related industry publications without reading about the latest innovations in robotics, wearable scanning technologies and same-day delivery options.

Did anyone notice how fast fuel surcharges went up during the oil spike? No? Did anyone notice how they’re not coming down after prices dropped? Didn’t think so. Have you ever asked your freight providers that question? Try it, sit back and just listen. It’s a great show.

Keeping on top of today’s ever-changing technology can be a challenge, one that HVAC distributors, in particular, can find overwhelming. There are numerous technology options that can change the way the HVAC industry does business.

Historically, relationships between B2B manufacturers and distributors have been a complicated mix. Some are valuable partnerships, while others are rocky relationships seeded with mistrust.

I recently had a friendly conversation with Bryan Jensen, a principal with York, Pa.-based St. Onge Co. I regard Bryan as one of the most knowledgeable executives I’ve ever met on supply chain issues. Ever have that “flash of an idea” in a conversation? Of course you have.

I had a recent conversation with someone pitching me a story about their company and how they could help with the supply chain issues of HVACR wholesalers.

Ah, the joys of being the "middleman." For decades, distributors have been responsible for efficiently passing products from manufacturer-based suppliers to customers.

At the beginning of 2015, UPS and FedEx introduced a new pricing model for all ground shipments called “dimensional weight pricing.”