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SAP, Bumble Bee Foods team up to track tuna using blockchain

Consumers will be able to scan a QR code on the final product to find out where their fish was caught and how it made it to the store. 

Walmart tightens on-time, in-full rate for suppliers to 87%

The retailer toughened its OTIF policy from the previous requirement of 85% as it seeks greater control over inventory. 

Imports drop to annual lows with tariff hike on hold

Data from the National Retail Federation provide key insights into the retail supply chain that will help inform critical business decisions.

Air freight demand falls amid weak trade

The International Air Transport Association projected "little prospect" of a rebound for air freight unless trade tensions like Brexit and tariffs diminish. 

Rising revenue on all rungs of drug supply chain, Pew says

As pharmaceutical spending and PBMs take fire in Washington, the report aims to suss out the players pocketing a share as drugs make their way through the system.   

Investors call on soy trade companies to eliminate deforestation

In a letter, 57 investors with $6.3 trillion in assets asked for a "commodity-specific deforestation policy" and traceability from the largest publicly traded companies involved in the soy trade. 

Walmart planning new returns process at front of stores

The retailer's U.S. CEO said customers will be able to get refunds from employees stationed just inside store entrances.

Kohl's cuts inventory for 12th quarter in a row

The retailer keeps inventory on a downward slope through its "speed initiative," which seeks to reduce lead times and quickly fulfill orders. 

Dollar Tree builds business plans for 25% tariffs

In planning for the worst-case scenario, the discount retailer opens the possibility of increased margins in the latter half of 2019 if tariffs do not rise.

Retailers take aim at packaging waste

The amount of packaging waste generated in the U.S. has increased by 185% between 1960 and 2016. Retailers are looking for a more sustainable way forward. 

Solving intermodal's visibility 'black hole'

GE's Port Optimizer gathers and shares data across all stakeholders in the intermodal supply chain, but experts argue the drive must come from shippers. 

FreshDirect expands suburban delivery and same-day service

The e-grocer will serve additional markets around Washington, D.C. and Connecticut, and announced a new speedy delivery service three years after launching FoodKick.

More than half of hospital leaders see supply chain improvement as path to higher margins

Despite being a high priority, many hospitals rely on outdated methods to manage inventory and related costs, and some barely keep track at all according to a new survey. 

FMCSA eases rules to upgrade from class B to class A CDL

The change is one of several regulatory attempts to ease the nationwide commercial driver shortage. 

Target touts store-centric model after record peak season

In the fourth quarter, CEO Brian Cornell saw the progress he had previously promised as scale and supply chain investments started to pay off. 

BMW, Toyota: No-deal Brexit could make UK business untenable

The automakers say moving operations could be in the cards, depending on how Brexit negotiations unfold. 

Your own robot to pick up packages? Amazon is on it.

The live-in robot described in Amazon's new patent would meet the delivery truck and securely take parcels back inside.

Maersk CEO promises instant booking on most shipments by mid-year

The carrier is advancing its digital processes and visibility in an effort to become more customer centric and provide end-to-end solutions, CEO Søren Skou said at TPM 2019.

Infrastructure, congestion cost carriers billions in fuel

Highway congestion costs trucking companies billions in additional fuel spend, according to a new study by the American Transportation Research Institute.

7 elements of the sustainable warehouse — and why shippers are moving in

Whether new construction or retrofitting, warehouses designed with sustainable practices can result in operational efficiencies and decreased costs.

Digital freight brokerage: a crowded field that could have many winners

Open questions remain about how startups will disrupt the status quo, but some shippers, including Anheuser-Busch, are all in.

Ocean carriers strive to keep capacity in check

Reduced capacity, if coupled with steady or increased demand, could come with the side effect of higher rates for shippers.

Chinese carriers move autonomous vehicles into daily use

China Post and Deppon Express say this is the first use of this technology for commercial purposes in the country. 

CEVA Logistics to run IKEA's New York Distribution Centre

The distribution center will support purchases from IKEA's Manhattan Planning Studio, the first of its kind in the United States.

Supply chain stakes — and questions — increase as Gap, Old Navy split

Executives on Gap's fourth quarter earnings call said the brands' supply chains have become nearly as different as their target customer.