Logistics

Amazon puts live mobile tracking feature on the map

The company's Map Tracking service allows customers to check the physical location of their package at any time, and gives shoppers an estimate of what time the delivery will be made.

By Dan O'Shea • May 25, 2018
Kohl's boosts margins with 7% inventory reduction

The retailer's omnichannel strategy involves leveraging its stores as fulfillment centers, serving online orders while driving foot traffic to brick-and-mortar stores.

By Shefali Kapadia • May 23, 2018
Blockchain in Supply Chain Alliance will focus on procurement, warehousing

BiSCA could accelerate the technology's adoption, helping industries draw on one another to determine best use cases.

By Kate Patrick • May 23, 2018
High demand — and high pay — for supply chain managers focused on market intel

Professional specialization in demand forecasting, predictive analytics and meeting consumer demands "just in time" drives a premium for services.

By Kate Patrick • May 23, 2018
Campbell Soup struggles with high supply chain costs

The company's fresh foods division posted an operating loss of $19 million amid rising logistics and materials costs.

By Shefali Kapadia • May 22, 2018
UPS bets on cross-border infrastructure, boosts investment

The 3PL opened a new logistics facility in London, not long after investing in a similar hub at the U.S.-Mexico border.

By Edwin Lopez • May 22, 2018
Deep Dive
Next-generation technology raises the bar for logistics managers

Experts say we've reached a tipping point for technology, shifting executives' focus beyond the factory walls.

By Craig Guillot • May 21, 2018
Home Depot returns to Gartner's Top 25 with focus on omnichannel

The retailer had fallen off the charts for three years, but bounced back strong with priorities on inventory and profits.

By Edwin Lopez • May 21, 2018
Walmart e-commerce growth rebounds

U.S. online sales at the big-box retailer jumped 33%, up from a 23% increase last quarter.

By Corinne Ruff • May 17, 2018
Most healthcare execs hope Amazon expands supply chain presence

A new survey shows industry leaders back Amazon jumping further into medical supplies to lower prices and quicken deliveries.

By Les Masterson • May 17, 2018
Retail supply chain investments revolve around the consumer

While retailers invest in visibility and new fulfillment models, a joint survey from JDA and KPMG said lack of management commitment is a top inhibitor.

By Shefali Kapadia • May 16, 2018
HSBC, Cargill successfully complete blockchain trade-finance transaction

The transaction could propel interest in blockchain, as worldwide spending on the tech solution is forecast to reach $2.1 billion in 2018.

By Barry Hochfelder • May 15, 2018
Warehouse robotics are catching on, but to a limited scale

Tough ROI calculations, cost and implementation barriers mean the top adapters of the new tech are logistics providers, while others lag behind.

By Edwin Lopez • May 15, 2018
Opinion
Tit-for-tat tariffs call for closer calculations

Should the worst happen, companies need to ensure global supply chains are prepared to handle disruption.

By Gary M. Barraco
Supplier competition heats up as retailers focus on speed and precision

Suppliers and manufacturers must adopt retailer tactics to improve their own supply chains or else lose business.

By Kate Patrick • May 15, 2018
Deep Dive
To survive the apocalypse, retailers must think of retail as a service

Adapting to consumer demands is the new focus of the retail supply chain, according to the D3 Retail Supply Chain Summit in New York.

By Kate Patrick • May 15, 2018
Deep Dive
Warehouse recruiters get creative as labor crunch tightens

Far more than a talent crisis, the U.S. is facing a labor shortage — and that's limiting supply chain productivity.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • May 15, 2018
Target tests more frequent, tailored deliveries to stores

The mass merchant's latest pilot aims to cut its replenishment cycle from days to hours while reducing inventory at stores, especially small-format ones.

By Corinne Ruff • May 14, 2018
Sears finds niche as brick-and-mortar resource for Amazon

The company's tire installation deal with Amazon mirrors its symbiotic relationship with other e-tailers looking for a brick-and-mortar presence.

By Rich Weissman • May 14, 2018
Demand grows for fresh food shipments in reefers

Heightened demand for fresh produce worldwide is upping the need for refrigerated containers.

By Cathy Siegner • May 11, 2018
KFC recovers from DHL disruption, but at a cost

The supply disruption led to 2% lower same-store sales and cost 5% in operating profit in the first quarter.

By Edwin Lopez • May 11, 2018
Mother's Day flower orders squeeze cold chain capacity

The majority of cut flowers come to the U.S. from Ecuador and Colombia via Miami, leading to a spike in spot rates for refrigerated van services.

By Barry Hochfelder • May 11, 2018
UPS, Teamsters discuss Sunday deliveries to help last mile

While the proposal could increase efficiency, union dissidents argue it would create a "hybrid driver" position resulting in lower pay.

By Barry Hochfelder • May 10, 2018
Two Volvo companies to share real-time data, advancing safety tech

The technology is a continuation of vehicles “talking” to each other about traffic, fuel usage, driver hours of service and route optimization.

By Barry Hochfelder • May 09, 2018
More delivery robots could soon hit DC streets

The Council of the District of Columbia approved a bill that would expand the pilot program citywide and allow more than five on the street at once.

By Chris Teale • May 09, 2018