Logistics providers bet on tech to improve warehouse efficiency

Companies such as Maersk, DHL and SEKO Logistics have piloted new technologies over the past year. Here are 10 stories that show how.

Serve Robotics to deploy up to 2,000 delivery bots on Uber Eats

The company has a short list of cities it's considering an expansion into as part of the agreement, its CEO said.

Geodis buys Southern Companies, bolstering drayage services

The transport and logistics company says the addition gives it access to seven ports in the southern U.S.

FedEx Express, pilots union reach tentative agreement

The deal follows years of negotiations and a strike authorization vote two weeks ago.

Higher shipping costs keep biting into Williams-Sonoma’s earnings

The retailer has shipped from out-of-market distribution centers and made multiple deliveries for multi-unit products in order to reach customers quicker.

Ford inks long-term lithium supply contracts

The automaker announced deals lasting through at least 2034 in three different countries.

How a DHL center in Seattle moves 4,000 packages daily

A team of 78 at the facility ensures electronics, fashion merchandise and more get delivered in the Emerald City.

UPS, Teamsters agree to new terms for deliveries using the Postal Service

The tentative deal regarding the delivery giant's SurePost service is subject to ratification of the next national contract, which is still being negotiated.

ASCM launches new certificate to train supply chain workers in tech

CEO Abe Eshkenazi said as companies prioritize technology spend, workers need training to understand concepts like big data, machine learning and AI.

Kohl’s inventory down 6% as it makes way to chase merchandise

Executives say they feel good about current levels as they clear space and budget for newer goods.

Nike CFO takes on procurement oversight

Matthew Friend, who joined the brand in 2009, will have responsibility over a massive supply operation that sources from hundreds of factories around the globe.

Wood vs. plastic: Which pallets are more sustainable?

More pallet companies are marketing their products’ sustainability amid growing attention to ESG practices, fueling the ongoing debate of whether one substrate reigns superior.

FedEx launches tool for shippers to track emissions

FedEx Sustainability Insights is available in the U.S. for all shipments in the company's Express, Ground and Freight units.

Maersk opens supply chain innovation center

The New Jersey center has already been used to research or test a variety of logistics technology, including Verity warehouse drones and trailer unloading equipment from Boston Dynamics.

Flood of summer air cargo capacity further softens spot rates

With volumes falling for the 14th consecutive month, industry hopes for a rebound ahead of peak season continues to fade.

Walmart works with some suppliers to lower prices

The retailer wants to “get costs down more as fast as we possibly can” in food and consumables, CEO Doug McMillon told analysts. 

2 ocean carriers fined for Ocean Shipping Reform Act violations

ONE and Wan Hai Lines paid a combined $2.65 million in fees, and agreed to issue refunds to affected shippers.

US Foods to purchase Renzi Foodservice

The acquisition will enable the food distributor to expand its service area into central upstate New York.

Chanel buys partial stake in cashmere and natural fibers supplier

The stake in Cariaggi strengthens the fashion brand's supply chain and alleviates sourcing issues.

US Postal Service outlines next steps to becoming ‘the preferred delivery provider’

The priorities for the third year of the agency’s transformation plan include growing revenue via new shipping services and boosting local delivery speeds.

Target sticks with lean inventory position as uncertainty lingers in 2023

A double digit decline in stock levels has freed the retailer to focus on well-performing products.

Apple strikes multibillion-dollar deal with Broadcom for US-made 5G tech

The mobile and computing giant framed the partnership as part of its commitment to invest $430 billion in the domestic economy.

Blue Apron sells fulfillment centers in shift to asset-light model

The buyer, FreshRealm, plans to exclusively provide production and fulfillment needs for the company's meal kit products.

AI opens new frontier in supply chain planning

The pandemic showed that forecasting is more important — and difficult — than ever.

Chipotle prepares national rollout of RFID for food traceability

The restaurant chain is expanding its use of the technology to track ingredients from suppliers in real-time.