6 supply chain stories showcase industry shifts in 2016

From maritime consolidation to e-commerce logistics and vertical supply chains, these stories highlight the ever-changing nature of the industry.

By Edwin Lopez • Dec. 20, 2016

Reverse logistics dilemmas cost companies up to $260B

Every retailer handling returns wants to recoup its losses, but the best way to do so isn't always clear.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Dec. 20, 2016

Explore the Trendline➔

Inside the trends affecting logistics management

The demise of the de minimis exception, trade tensions and tariffs are among the new challenges logistics managers are facing.  

By Supply Chain Dive staff

Surging drug prices force hospitals to lean supply chains

Lacking leverage to combat a surge in drug prices, hospitals are turning to inventory management and procurement practices to help save costs.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Dec. 20, 2016

As Amazon, Uber invest in shipping, should carriers worry?

Shipping alternatives are hot on the heels of FedEx and UPS, but lack of experience and regulatory compliance may still quell the new entrants' dreams.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Dec. 19, 2016

OOIDA renews challenge to ELD rule

The association petitioned for an en banc hearing, which requires all 12 U.S. Court of Appeal judges in Chicago to rehear the case.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Dec. 19, 2016

Amazon reportedly developing Uber-like app for truckers

The application would eliminate the 15% commission typically charged by third parties to broker such deals.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 16, 2016

FedEx's dimensional weight formula adjustment will force packaging shifts

The price increases will have a greater impact than customers realize.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Dec. 16, 2016

Logistically Minded: Machine learning, self-driving and sensors everywhere will define 2017

The year has seen industrial technology make large strides to bring self-driving heavy duty trucks, cognitive technology and IoT to the market.

By Edwin Lopez • Dec. 16, 2016

Preparing for 2017? Don't overlook rising supply chain risk

Halloween might be over, but that doesn’t mean the ghouls and goblins aren’t still creeping around waiting for your vulnerable moment.

By Gary M. Barraco • Dec. 15, 2016

Risk, not resilience: Why companies avoid examining disruption

Rather than react to invisible threats, build an agile chain that will minimize loss.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Dec. 15, 2016

Drewry: Despite overcapacity, freight rates will increase in 2017

Shippers on East-West routes suffered from the first contract rate rise in almost 2 years, potentially heralding a year of increased payments.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Dec. 15, 2016

A.P. Moller-Maersk eyes supply chain solutions future

CEO Soren Skou claimed the company's Transport & Logistics division is well-positioned to offer clients full supply chain services.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Dec. 15, 2016

Uber for X funding wanes as success proves elusive

Venture capitalists are losing faith on these services as the complexity of logistics continues to take its toll on startups.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Dec. 14, 2016

UPS, FedEx on-time delivery falls due to holiday package surge

On-time delivery rates have been down since Thanksgiving compared to other periods of the year.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 13, 2016

Costco's big box nature leaves it playing catch-up with e-commerce

Costco's embrace of high quantity and low variability is antithetical to the standard e-commerce strategy.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Dec. 13, 2016

Could whole chain traceability be the answer to food safety and transparency?

Even if it is, the method of tracking supply may not yet be feasible for manufacturers and retailers.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Dec. 12, 2016

WERC: To improve warehouse performance, benchmark against company metrics

The WERC study identifies key metrics that can help facilities become best-in-class warehouses.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Dec. 12, 2016

Wal-Mart to invest $1.3B in Mexico logistics

Mexico holds the most Wal-Mart stores outside of the U.S., as the retailer has invested $3.93 billion there over the past four years.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 9, 2016

Logistically Minded: Ports may be next in line to consolidate, but at least the market is recovering

A slight recovery in October and November tempered the effects of earlier turmoil, although overcapacity remains a problem.

By Edwin Lopez • Dec. 9, 2016

Digital tools bring freight forwarding to the next generation of professionals

Shrinking margins are increasingly challenging 3PLs to go digital in order to improve sales.

By Jennifer McKevitt , Rich Weissman • Dec. 9, 2016

Why supply chain managers should care about Trump's $1 trillion infrastructure plan

A lack of infrastructure funding forces the costs of basic maintenance upon supply chains while stifling the country's competitiveness.

By Edwin Lopez • Dec. 9, 2016

FMC innovation teams suggest national portal to evaluate port efficiency

The nation's three largest ports would work with actors across the supply chain, including chassis providers and shipping lines, to report critical data and drive innovation.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Dec. 8, 2016

Delivery problems? Time to rethink your S&OP metrics

Supply chain must take production capacity into account during the S&OP process or risk aggravating existing delivery problems.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Dec. 8, 2016

Within a struggling industry, outcry over surcharges emerges

Perception of unfair fees add further turmoil to an already struggling industry.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Dec. 8, 2016

UPS launches eBike deliveries in Portland, OR

The green-leaning city is conducive to UPS' stated goal of reducing carbon emissions.

By Deborah Barrington • Dec. 8, 2016