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These ‘4 pillars’ are critical for successful automation

“People, processes, data and systems” are essential elements of any automation strategy, Sven Diedrich, head of digital transformation and business solutions at Pinaxis, said at IMTS in Chicago.

Trump unveils plans to build $15B steel mill in Iowa

Mesabi Metallics’ steel facility will be the largest in the U.S., creating 1,750 jobs and adding 10 million tons of annual production capacity. The company is also investing $3 billion to complete an iron ore mine in Minnesota.

Amazon launches 2 new China-to-US air freight options

The Air SMP and Economy Air services can speed up inventory replenishment and help with peak season preparations, according to Amazon.

Nippon Express aims to boost US transport reliability with 5-day service

The delivery offering provides long-haul transit from Nippon Express warehouses near the Port of Los Angeles to any U.S. destination within 100 miles of designated metropolitan areas.

Tractor Supply opens Idaho distribution center with automation, dedicated AI team

The retailer's site in Nampa will distribute inventory to 123 stores and includes a group that aims to "apply practical artificial intelligence to operational needs."

Air freight shippers weary of long-term fixed contracts

Three-month agreements represented 60% of new shipper contracts starting in Q3, up from 47% in Q2, Xeneta reported.

McCormick cites higher freight, input costs in lifting inflation forecast

The spice and seasoning maker is mitigating the impact through pricing and productivity measures, as well as the acquisition of a Mexico subsidiary.

Diesel’s supply crunch may hit CFOs through freight contracts

Chevron CFO Eimear Bonner expects energy prices to stay elevated, while a major trucking CEO says contracts signed before diesel prices rose are hurting the bottom line.

USTR initiates next stage of USMCA review

The agency is seeking public comment as part of the annual review process triggered by the U.S.’ decision not to extend the pact this summer.

Top supply chain conferences of 2027

Next year’s trade shows will spotlight artificial intelligence and technology insights, sustainability strategies, and how to navigate trade and logistics risks.

Updated Oct. 12, 2026

Why one brand adopted Amazon’s growing inventory replenishment service

Moralve is using Amazon Global Warehousing and Distribution for more effective product allocation in markets beyond the U.S., its CEO said.

How Etsy is pushing freight decarbonization

The marketplace is among several shippers that will claim zero-emission trucking certificates to help cover added operational expenses for electric trucks.

Cal-Maine points to egg supply, demand rebalance

Fewer hatched chicks from breeder eggs and a reduction in U.S. flock are helping ease the current glut, President and CEO Sherman Miller said.

Levi’s, Marks & Spencer launch renewable energy initiative for fashion suppliers

The apparel giants launched the “Fashion Renewable Collective” in collaboration with Schneider Electric to help suppliers across fashion supply chains adopt renewable electricity at scale.

CH Robinson to buy RXO for $5.8B, combining 3PL heavyweights

If approved, the deal would grow C.H. Robinson's network density and bring RXO's brokerage, expedited and last-mile services into the fold.

USPS lengthens some delivery expectations outside contiguous US

Lengthier Ground Advantage and Priority Mail timeframes to and from Alaska, Hawai`i and other areas are more realistic due to distance, the agency said.

Costco CFO doubles down on tariff strategy, winks at churro comeback

The retailer’s CEO Ron Vachris said on Sept. 24 that the company “predominantly” has used initial IEEPA tariff refunds to lower prices. 

How restaurants can mitigate rising fuel costs

Evaluating delivery frequency and leveraging route optimization and scenario planning can help brands combat higher transportation expenses, experts say.

Puma taps Maersk to manage North America distribution network

Under the agreement, other Maersk customers will gain access to capacity at a Puma distribution center in California next year.

FedEx rolls out added security option for select deliveries

FedEx Authenticated Delivery requires the recipient to present a QR code upon arrival, which could benefit high-value items like electronics.

AutoZone hones in on domestic distribution network

The auto parts retailer opened 16 mega hubs this quarter and 39 this year in total as it advances its inventory replenishment strategy.

Ikea freight to be hauled by driverless Kodiak trucks

The unsupervised long-haul service between Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston looks to launch by the end of 2026.

Manufacturing expands in September, but uncertainty weighs on sentiment

Although the sector remained in expansion, "not being able to rely on a steady economic policy" is worrying manufacturers, said Susan Spence, chair of the Institute for Supply Management.

Chemical manufacturer selects Uber Freight to manage global logistics

Oxea’s logistics operations will run under a single network spanning across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Europe.

Not just ocean: How Maersk grew its US logistics capabilities

The carrier operates a robust ground freight network while its e-commerce arm integrates with its contract logistics and air freight services.