Logistically Minded: Supply chain ends 2016 on high note, 2017 looks bright

Low freight rates and consumer spending may have plagued much of 2016, but November statistics indicate the year may end on a positive note, setting 2017 up for success.

By Edwin Lopez • Dec. 23, 2016

Pilot rate increase could risk Great Lakes carrier competitiveness

A third year of pilotage fee increases imposed by the Coast Guard may force shippers to find freight alternatives, Great Lakes carriers noted.

By Edwin Lopez • Dec. 23, 2016

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Top 5 stories from Supply Chain Dive

Here’s how companies are navigating evolving global trade and tariff policies, rising costs and operational uncertainty across supply chain networks.

By Supply Chain Dive staff

How digitization may help the shipping industry recover

Improvements in efficiency, combined with continued scrapping and rising gas prices may return rates to sustainable levels in the long run.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Dec. 22, 2016

Merck KGaA: AI will run demand planning in 2017

Agile demand planning can make the difference in deals with medical providers within the competitive pharmaceutical market.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Dec. 22, 2016

UPS invests in reverse-logistics startup Optoro, readies itself for National Returns Day

Supply Chain Dive spoke with officials at UPS and Optoro to gain insight on how to optimize the returns process this holiday season, and why the partnership was formed.

By Edwin Lopez , Jennifer McKevitt • Dec. 22, 2016

Flirtey, 7-Eleven complete 77 store-to-home drone deliveries in November

While instant delivery seems a far-off concept, drones are rapidly rising to the challenge.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Dec. 21, 2016

FedEx: quarterly setback sets stage for long term growth in freight, e-commerce

The company also noted it frequently cut shippers who would not comply with increased prices in order to keep demand in pace with supply.

By Edwin Lopez • Dec. 21, 2016

Hark! eManifest for Santa's Elves

Delivering toys to children around the world in one night is indeed a logistical challenge of mythical proportions—but it's less of a test for Santa than it is for his freight forwarders: the elves.

By Glenn Palanacki • Dec. 21, 2016

Whipped cream shortage highlights need for multi-tier visibility

An upstream disruption is threatening a widespread whipped cream shortage, despite the dozens of alternate suppliers in the U.S.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Dec. 21, 2016

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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