USPS patent envisions sorting robots aboard mail trucks

The robot could replace some of the sorting tasks generally performed by humans in a U.S. postal building, potentially cutting down on the delivery time and labor required to deliver a package.

By Emma Cosgrove • Aug. 6, 2019

Distributors rely on efficient ports, Class A warehouses

Finding sites with access to a qualified workforce, reliable supply chain and near-Port, Class A warehouses are crucial to success.

Aug. 6, 2019

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Top 5 stories from Supply Chain Dive

Here’s how companies are navigating rising costs, network changes and logistics disruptions across global supply chain networks.

By Supply Chain Dive staff

XPO still working to make up for loss of largest customer

The customer is widely believed to be Amazon, and XPO is "making great progress in replacing it," CEO Brad Jacobs said.

By Matt Leonard • Aug. 6, 2019

Google pledges carbon-neutral shipping by 2020

A shift from air freight to ocean shipping for many of the tech giant's hardware products has already brought per-unit emissions down by 40% between 2017 and 2018.

By Morgan Forde • Aug. 5, 2019

Schneider shuts down First to Final Mile delivery due to 'poor operating performance'

The service, which focuses on deliveries of home goods and bulky items, resulted in $13 million losses in the first and second quarters of the year. 

By Matt Leonard • Aug. 5, 2019

Wayfair touts growing logistics network despite financial losses

The retailer opened its 39th North American last-mile facility this past quarter, and CEO Niraj Shah called Wayfair's internal logistics capacity a "major differentiating advantage." 

By Emma Cosgrove • Aug. 2, 2019

10% China tariffs and the supply chain scramble

The tariffs will come as importers ramp up shipments for peak season, creating the potential to disrupt global supply chains and trade flows for the remainder of the year. 

By Shefali Kapadia • Aug. 2, 2019

Analysis: One-third of Class 8 truck miles are driven empty

While industry estimates are typically around 20% for empty miles, an analysis from Convoy finds the figure is closer to 33%.

By Shefali Kapadia • Aug. 1, 2019

Why BNSF is bucking the PSR trend and adding logistics centers

As other Class I railroads shed lines and close yards, BNSF is adding logistics centers to serve customers, with the most recent addition outside of Denver.

By Gary Wollenhaupt • Aug. 1, 2019

Temp control, traceability top priorities for healthcare supply chains in 2019

Also of concern is an FDA requirement for healthcare supply chains to prove the traceability and verifiability of drugs in the supply chain by 2023.

By Morgan Forde • Aug. 1, 2019

Retailers look to outsource more e-commerce fulfillment

Consumer expectations are driving retailers to fulfill orders more efficiently and accurately, requiring a strategic approach that may involve a hybrid of insourced and outsourced fulfillment operations. 

By Matt Leonard • July 30, 2019

As eBay, Shopify jump into the fulfillment game, are they playing offense or defense?

The CEO of eBay implied prices and shipping times may not match those of Fulfillment by Amazon, but its new e-commerce fulfillment service could offer other benefits to sellers.

By Emma Cosgrove • July 30, 2019

Tractor Supply's BOPIS strategy pays off in rural communities

On its Q2 earnings call, the company reported over 70% of online orders are now fulfilled in-store, which executives called encouraging as the company targets rural community market share through both brick-and-mortar and digital investments.

By Morgan Forde • July 30, 2019

CBP to pilot voluntary data collection on e-commerce shipments for security

Customs and Border Protection claims additional data on origin, content and recipient could help it screen high-volume, small package e-commerce shipments for dangerous items and could expedite border clearance.

By Morgan Forde • July 29, 2019

Kuehne + Nagel acquires Worldwide Perishable in cold chain expansion

Cold chain, whether perishables or pharmaceuticals, has proven a key and steady growth driver for the freight forwarder. 

By Shefali Kapadia • July 29, 2019

Amazon Prime 1-day transition costs higher than expected

The main cost drivers were related to transitioning warehouses, buying more inventory and moving it around the network closer to customers, Amazon's CFO said Thursday.

By Emma Cosgrove • July 25, 2019

Amazon logistics service lacking for small parcel shippers, proposal reveals

After seeing Amazon's small parcel service proposal first hand, one small parcel service consultant called the offering a "nothing burger."

By Emma Cosgrove • July 24, 2019

eBay to launch end-to-end fulfillment service for sellers

The new service, called Managed Delivery, will allow high-volume sellers to store, pack and ship orders through eBay's network of approved third-party vendors.

By Morgan Forde • July 24, 2019

Hasbro warehousing costs up as it plans for tariffs

Even though no new tariffs were enacted on Hasbro's products, planning and risk mitigation led to greater expenses for the brand. 

By Shefali Kapadia • July 24, 2019

UPS seeks FAA approval for drone delivery service via new subsidiary

The carrier currently has multiple drone delivery pilots underway, but FAA approval would enable the company to bring the service up to scale by removing certain flight restrictions. 

By Morgan Forde • July 24, 2019

UPS to launch 7-day service, extended pickup, matching FedEx

Both carriers are expanding their service and retail networks, bringing into question what will become a point of differentiation between UPS and FedEx. 

By Emma Cosgrove • July 24, 2019

FedEx: Amazon 'may be' competitor, could reduce market share

The annual filing marks a change in tone for the company's executives who brushed off questions about Amazon as a competitor on previous earnings calls.

By Shefali Kapadia • July 19, 2019

Alternative pallet market grows 3% as supply chains see sustainability, cost benefits

Molded pallets are often cheaper to purchase, easier to recycle and lighter in weight, thereby reducing fuel costs. 

By Morgan Forde • July 19, 2019

Gen Z has a thing for BOPIS

A recent survey found 58% of Gen Z shoppers have used Buy Online Pickup In-Store for a purchase, and 60% said it was a factor in deciding where to shop.

By Morgan Forde • July 18, 2019

H-E-B to test driverless delivery with Udelv

The Texas grocer's quest for digital dominance continues as it launches a self-driving technology pilot in San Antonio. 

By Jessica Dumont • July 15, 2019