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CSX lays off 86 including management

The railroad did not specifically reference the coronavirus in its explanation for the staff cuts, but CEO Jim Foote has forecasted that the cost cuts driven by the pandemic may be maintained even when volumes recover.

Gartner: Three-quarters of enterprises will 'operationalize' AI by 2024

COVID-19 drove the need for accurate, speedy insights into the inner workings of all businesses.

Shippers should embed carrier financial health into resilience plans as pandemic upends logistics

As supply chain leaders shift their focus to increasing resilience, they will need to consider multi-modal, multi-carrier logistics plans, according to CSCMP's State of Logistics Report.

4 food and beverage ingredients facing shortages amid the pandemic

From mushrooms and garlic to carbon dioxide and yeast, the COVID-19 outbreak has sparked global supply concerns.

Opinion

Coronavirus and counterfeits: How supply chain leaders can protect their products and brands

It's dangerous to assume only healthcare products are impacted by counterfeiting during the pandemic, writes Andrew Stevens, a senior director analyst in Gartner's supply chain practice.

Airfreight rates from China to US begin falling back to earth

Demand for transporting PPE via air has fallen as shippers build up inventories, but aifreight rates remained up 65% year over year through June 8.

FMC: Trucks should return empties to pickup terminal, increasing dual transactions

The process would boost driver productivity and reduce congestion at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Prologis: Demand for warehouse space will rise alongside e-commerce growth

E-commerce requires three times the logistics space of traditional storefronts, so companies are expected to begin investing to keep up with pandemic-driven demand.

Designer Brands to trim vendor list to prep for post-pandemic landscape

Simplification is a watchword of supply chains post-lockdown, according to business executives across sectors.

Kroger's omnichannel investments pay off in Q1

The grocer credited tech investments for its ability to handle demand for delivery and pickup services.

Column

A call to action: Use HUB suppliers for critical operations

Procurement professionals can use their collective power to actively join the social justice revolution.

CH Robinson flexes muscle to wrangle PPE supply chains

The struggle to procure PPE has led states and hospital systems to lean on the procurement and logistics skills of private players.

1 in 3 procurement leaders: We're past the peak of coronavirus disruption

A Procurious survey found procurement teams navigated the early months of the pandemic fairly well, though the learning curve has been steep.

California city to pilot zero emissions delivery zone

Leaders in Santa Monica, California are eager to cut delivery traffic in the downtown area, exploring solutions such as e-cargo bikes, micromobility devices, curb management, and light- and medium-duty electric vehicles.

Unilever to request suppliers' emissions data on invoices

The supplier accountability effort seeks to advance Unilever' sustainability goals, such as reaching net-zero emissions from products by 2039 and ridding its supply chain of deforestation by 2023.

'Shake up that carrier mix': Shippers need flexibility in logistics, fulfillment for peak-season prep

The pandemic introduced atypical market conditions and led some carriers to cap volume from retailers. 

MSC rolls out carbon neutral shipping program

Shippers now have the option to offset the carbon emissions produced in transit by investing in clean energy and environmental protection programs chosen by MSC.

More automation means more reusable packaging: survey

Highly automated fulfillment environments rely on standardized, reusable packaging, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. 

Automotive rail volume remains below pre-pandemic levels as factories reopen

Motor vehicles and parts volume was down 75% year over year in May, according to the latest numbers from the Association of American Railroads.

Developing the coronavirus vaccine supply chain

Pharmas, nonprofit organizations and suppliers prepare to handle a high volume of vaccines, but component shortages and scaling up manufacturing present challenges.

Strained supply chains, resource scarcity drive heightened focus on circularity amid pandemic

Supply chain disruptions in healthcare, packaging and other industries are seen as potential opportunities for new reuse and remanufacturing initiatives.

CPGs stockpile inventory to guarantee supply for retail customers

Companies are using cash reserves to invest in the raw materials they need to avoid food shortages resulting from widespread panic buying.

FedEx, UPS on-time performance falls in May

The carriers have experienced demand surges and volume levels equivalent to peak season as the pandemic puts greater emphasis on e-commerce for consumers.

Lamb Weston furloughs 660, closes 2 plants as fry demand falls

The bullwhip effect is alive and well in the food industry — and french fry supply chains are feeling the sting from closed restaurants.

Commercial truck traffic returning to pre-pandemic levels

Research indicates trucking is in a better position to recover from the shutdowns than other industries.