Deep Dive
Industry insights from our journalists
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FedEx’s network poised for a shakeup after US Postal Service split
Daytime flight operations and pilot staffing are likely targets for reductions once the air transportation contract expires in September, experts say.
Max Garland • April 10, 2024 -
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Shippers should lock in trucking rates soon: experts
Carrier executives are beginning to show optimism for a rate recovery, which could mean rising costs for customers.
Larry Avila • March 7, 2024 -
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Why UPS keeps shrinking its workforce
UPS’ headcount has dropped by 43,000 employees in just three years, and more cuts are coming. Experts say it’s not all market-driven.
Max Garland • Feb. 23, 2024 -
Octavio Jones via Getty Images
Warehouse employment keeps falling — and more layoffs loom
Companies are shifting their focus from expansion to efficiency within their supply chain networks, leading to job cuts and facility closures.
Max Garland • Jan. 26, 2024 -
Spencer Platt via Getty Images
Will parcel shippers use fewer delivery providers in 2024?
Aggressive discounting from FedEx and UPS pose a threat to carrier diversification, but competitors are striking back.
Max Garland • Jan. 22, 2024 -
Lindsey Shuey/The Republican-Herald via AP
Carton shortage may last through school year, but brandless packaging brings relief
Pactiv Evergreen said the generic containers are part of its response “to minimize supply chain complexity” amid a monthslong disruption challenging dairies and schools.
Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 19, 2024 -
Sean Rayford via Getty Images
Shortages 2024: What supplies are still at risk after years of disruption?
Excess inventory may be in focus, but climate change, geopolitics and structural supply chain challenges continue to threaten some goods.
Ben Unglesbee • Jan. 10, 2024 -
IgorSPb via Getty Images
Suez Canal at risk: What shippers should know to mitigate disruption
Using alternative routes like the Cape of Good Hope can mean longer transit times and higher freight costs. Here’s what shipping experts had to say.
Alejandra Salgado • Dec. 22, 2023 -
THEPALMER via Getty Images
Mexico’s nearshoring wave is years in the making
Decades of investments in logistics infrastructure, trade deals and becoming a manufacturing hub are paying off as shippers look to nearshore production.
Alejandra Salgado and Edwin Lopez • Dec. 18, 2023 -
Khoa Nguyen via Getty Images
As manufacturers turn away from China, Vietnam lures investment
The country is home to a growing number of factories thanks to its increased use of free trade agreements, tax incentives and competitive labor costs.
Kate Magill • Dec. 14, 2023 -
Hector Vivas via Getty Images
6 reasons why global supply chains are shifting
Political risk, emissions and lead times are just some of the drivers pushing companies toward onshoring, nearshoring and friendshoring decisions.
Edwin Lopez • Dec. 13, 2023 -
"DXL Men's Apparel store located in Natick, MA." by JCarnellDXLG is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Nearshoring apparel: Inside DXL’s pivot to Central America
The clothing maker is one of many eyeing the region, but economic and policy barriers could stand in the way of greater investment.
Ben Unglesbee • Dec. 12, 2023 -
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Logistics companies race to adapt to shifting supply chains
Carriers in ocean, air cargo, rail and trucking are launching new services and tweaking their networks amid evolving global trade flows.
Max Garland, Alejandra Salgado, Kelly Stroh and Larry Avila • Dec. 11, 2023 -
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5 tips for cutting insurance costs amid climate change
As weather damage increases, firms can upgrade buildings with storm shutters, flood barriers and fire-suppression systems, among other moves to reduce premiums.
Jim Tyson • Dec. 7, 2023 -
Courtesy of RecruitMilitary.
How military veterans can fill the manufacturing labor gap
As the industry pushes to fill more than 600,000 open roles, veterans offer unique skillsets and leadership qualities to step into manufacturing careers.
Sara Samora • Nov. 10, 2023 -
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FedEx, UPS 2024 rate increases: What shippers should know
The variances within the carriers’ price hikes indicate what services are seeing the most pressure from competitors, experts say.
Max Garland • Nov. 8, 2023 -
gorodenkoff
By the numbers: How retailers stack up on inventory
Going into Q3, many major players cleaned up their inventories after last year’s surge in stock levels, with benefits to margins. Not everyone fared equally, however.
Ben Unglesbee • Oct. 17, 2023 -
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5 ways fashion brands can reset their supply chain strategies
Port disruptions, labor negotiations and other shipping industry upheavals have forced apparel companies to develop new solutions to enduring challenges.
Howard Ruben • Oct. 10, 2023 -
Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images via Getty Images
The ambitious regulations cleaning up fashion’s supply chain
From pollution to human rights violations, new European laws are holding global fashion brands accountable for collateral damage.
Lauren Schenkman • Sept. 28, 2023 -
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
How Amazon Shipping could shake up the parcel delivery industry
While not yet a heavy hitter against FedEx and UPS, the service could entice small- and medium-sized businesses with its straightforward fees, experts say.
Max Garland • Aug. 30, 2023 -
Courtesy of International Brotherhood of Teamsters
What’s behind the summer of supply chain labor unrest?
From port disruptions to UPS and Yellow's dust-ups with the Teamsters, disputes between unions and employers are a recurring threat to the steady flow of goods.
Max Garland • Aug. 16, 2023 -
Alex Potemkin via Getty Images
Who will pay to decarbonize the supply chain?
Some brands are helping their suppliers reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Others are dumping new requirements on vendors without shouldering any of the costs.
Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 15, 2023 -
Joe Raedle via Getty Images
Why some UPS shippers haven’t diverted volume even as a potential strike looms
As many businesses firm up contingency plans, others are maintaining their current delivery activity with UPS, according to parcel shipping experts.
Max Garland • July 24, 2023 -
Aude Guerrucci/Reuters
UPS’ chances of averting a strike are shrinking. How should shippers prepare for the worst?
Experts say an Aug. 1 strike isn't a certainty, but customers should still solidify alternative carrier options.
Max Garland • July 5, 2023 -
Brandon Bell/Getty Images via Getty Images
Deliveries keep getting faster. Will it last?
Shippers adjusted to pandemic-related disruptions to reach customers faster. But shifting shopper preferences and cost-cutting efforts may slow things down.
Max Garland • June 12, 2023
