XPO Logistics pilots virtual reality for LTL cross-dock training

Using Oculus for Business, the firm saw higher productivity, better safety outcomes and reduced waste.

By Aman Kidwai , S.L. Fuller • Jan. 8, 2021

Suppliers struggle with labor availability, slowing deliveries: ISM

One company said the pandemic is affecting its suppliers' labor availability now more than in March, though the vaccine rollout provides a bit of optimism.

By Matt Leonard • Jan. 7, 2021

Explore the Trendline➔

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

UPS expects to break weekly returns record with nearly 9M returns

As e-commerce took a larger share of overall commerce in 2020, returns increased and diffused out over the holiday shopping period.

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 6, 2021

FAA: New drone rules address safety, provide more operational flexibility

While the industry has seen a flurry of drone activity with UPS, Amazon Prime, Walmart and others, regulation and investment hurdles have precluded more widespread adoption for delivery operations.

By A.B. Brown • Jan. 5, 2021

Using supplier data to measure and manage greenhouse gas impact

Making a notable difference requires the pursuit of science-based greenhouse gas reduction targets supported through measurement and participation by a myriad of supply chain stakeholders working in concert.

Jan. 4, 2021

Nike's Los Angeles warehouse reduces fulfillment cost per unit going into the holiday rush

Building fulfillment capacity has been at the center of Nike's supply chain strategy in 2020 as the company attempts to move away from wholesale distribution and toward direct sales to consumers.

By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 23, 2020

UPS to reinstate pre-holiday peak surcharges mid-January

The surcharges on Ground Residential and SurePost will be based on flat volume rather than relative volume surge, meaning it's possible more shippers may be subject to surcharges come Jan. 17.

By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 22, 2020

FDA authorizes Moderna coronavirus vaccine, paving way for distribution

"We're starting our drumbeat of continuous execution of vaccine," said Army Gen. Gustave Perna, COO of Operation Warp Speed.

By Matt Leonard • Dec. 18, 2020

Small, automated sort centers — and surcharges — are the future of FedEx

The build-out of smaller, last-mile sort centers is intended to bolster overnight service within FedEx Ground and act as a "relief valve for spillover sortation at peak," FedEx Ground CEO Henry Maier said. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 18, 2020

Pfizer vaccine deliveries turned around after becoming too cold

Real-time tracking alerted Pfizer to the temperature diversion. The returned doses number about 3,000, a spokesperson said.

By Matt Leonard • Updated Dec. 18, 2020

Parcel 2020: The year of surcharges, volume caps and peak on top of peak

E-commerce shipments started to flood logistics networks as early as May.

By Shefali Kapadia • Dec. 18, 2020

FedEx extends endless peak into 2021 with new SmartPost, oversize surcharges

Peak surcharges have been the norm since June, and FedEx is the first, but likely not the last, to confirm that they will not end with 2020. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 17, 2020

Retailers did not achieve 1-day delivery in 2020: study

Companies took about three days to fulfill orders, while brick-and-mortar locations leveraged BOPIS and curbside pickup services.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 17, 2020

Ultra-cold freezer sourcing up 522% with vaccine logistics underway: Thomas

The Thomas Index Report reported a 464% increase in sourcing, compared to Q3 numbers.

By A.B. Brown • Dec. 16, 2020

Walmart to take middle-mile trucks driverless in Arkansas

Since the retailer began its self-driving pilot with Gatik last year, the trucks have traveled more than 70,000 operational miles in autonomous mode.

By Rosie Bradbury • Dec. 16, 2020

COVID-19 vaccine supply chain has cyberthreats hidden in plain sight

The one thing all supply chain operators and pharmaceutical companies essential to vaccine distribution have in common is cyberthreats. 

By Samantha Schwartz • Dec. 16, 2020

Peak season fulfillment fuels BOPIS growth at Walmart, Target

In a rare vulnerability for Amazon, research is piling up that customers want omnichannel services for shopping and returns.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 14, 2020

Coronavirus vaccine distribution by the numbers

Millions of doses, thousands of flights, hundreds of cold storage locations — and one race to vaccinate the world.

By Matt Leonard • Dec. 14, 2020

Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine is FDA-authorized. How the supply chain has been preparing for this moment.

Federal officials have been meeting with distribution partners since the summer to participate in table-top vaccine delivery exercises.

By Matt Leonard • Dec. 11, 2020

FedEx, UPS collaborate on VIP treatment for coronavirus vaccine deliveries

FedEx Express Regional President of the Americas Richard Smith noted that peak-season volume will largely travel on the company's Ground network while the vaccines will use its Express operation.

By Matt Leonard • Dec. 11, 2020

Why analysts say the time is right for XPO to become 2

External factors and CEO Bradley Jacobs' endgame makes this move "smart," one expert said.

By Jim Stinson • Dec. 9, 2020

Supplier of the year: 3M

The supplier is making more N95 respirators than ever before. Pre-pandemic surge capacity and a focus on real-time visibility enabled the quick shift.

By Shefali Kapadia • Dec. 9, 2020

The Supply Chain Dive Awards for 2020

From Target to 3M, these are the companies and executives that shaped supply chains during this unprecedented year.

By Supply Chain Dive Team • Dec. 9, 2020

CBRE: Holiday sales expected to generate $70.5B in returns

The capacity constraints 3PLs are facing during peak season have been widely reported, but expanded networks are expected to benefit retailers when it comes time to process returns through warehouse networks.

By Matt Leonard • Dec. 8, 2020

Boyle Transportation: 'Wicked tight' capacity challenges the vaccine supply chain

Inventory restocking and a slowed pipeline of new drivers is converging with a condensed vaccine development timeline.

By Shefali Kapadia • Dec. 7, 2020