Volkswagen partners with AWS for industrial cloud to streamline logistics

VW plans to use internet of things, machine learning, analytics and computing solutions for plant assembly efficiency, vehicle quality and production flexibility. 

By Samantha Schwartz • March 28, 2019

Robots expected in 50K warehouses by 2025: report

E-commerce and labor shortages drive a need for automation in facilities, and adoption of robotics is increasingly affordable. 

By Matt Leonard • March 27, 2019

Explore the Trendline➔

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

UPS launches medical drone transports, explores vaccine deliveries

The 3PL's foray into healthcare services leverages its expertise across three key business strategies: operational excellence, product leadership and customer intimacy. 

By Rich Weissman • March 27, 2019

New York's plan to reduce truck traffic with barges moves ahead

The RFP is part of the Freight NYC plan, which aims to modernize the city's freight system to keep up with growing last mile demand while mitigating road congestion.

By Emma Cosgrove • March 26, 2019

Alibaba platform adds procurement, fulfillment services

The new initiatives, coupled with recent logistics acquisitions, offer an advantage to international brands that see potential in the Chinese market but are unsure how best to target consumers. 

By Shefali Kapadia • March 22, 2019

EU agrees to Brexit deadline extension

If Theresa May's agreement fails for the third time, the U.K. would exit without a deal or put forward another agreement, the Prime Minister said. 

By Matt Leonard • March 21, 2019

Michaels brings e-commerce fulfillment in-house

The switch means the retailer no longer has to worry about the cost associated with a third-party fulfillment provider, but Michaels continues to face cost headwinds from tariffs and transportation. 

By Matt Leonard • March 20, 2019

FedEx revenue misses as short-haul small parcels dominate

Even as margins decline, FedEx continues an ambitious investment strategy and aims to build its business in the most profitable areas.

By Emma Cosgrove • March 20, 2019

Counterfeit goods total $509B, 3.3% of global trade and growing

The e-commerce boom has created a greater circulation of small parcels — a "growing conduit for counterfeit goods," according to the OECD. 

By Shefali Kapadia • March 19, 2019

State Department backs plan for postal treaty countries to set own rates

The Trump administration says the current rate structure of the Universal Postal Union is unfair, allowing Chinese retailers to ship to the U.S. at such a low price that it puts American companies at a disadvantage.

By Matt Leonard • March 19, 2019

Lawsuit alleges UPS tolerated nooses, racial slurs at Ohio facility

In addition to numerous specific incidents of racism directed toward them, the plaintiffs allege a racially discriminatory culture "permeated employment decisions."

By Lisa Burden • March 18, 2019

How shippers can navigate trucking labor disputes

Strikes by truck drivers can cost billions and leave manufacturers scrambling to meet customer demands.

By Barry Hochfelder • March 18, 2019

Ulta plans 'fast fulfillment centers' to handle online orders

The new centers will be able to handle up to 30,000 orders per day during peak times and help the company reach its two-day delivery goal.

By Matt Leonard • March 18, 2019

Dollar General to build out distribution capacity for fresh foods

The fresh program is already boosting day-to-day traffic, said CEO Todd Vasos, but after experimenting in 300 stores, the company is eager to claim back the margin eaten up by distributor fees.

By Emma Cosgrove • March 15, 2019

Kroger's autonomous delivery test moves to Houston

The grocer said it will conclude its Scottsdale, Arizona, pilot this month, which launched in 2018, before initiating phase two in Texas this spring.

By Jeff Wells • March 14, 2019

Penske Truck Leasing adds FUSO electric trucks to its fleet

The vehicles are made by FUSO and will first be introduced to the California market. 

By Barry Hochfelder • March 14, 2019

Alibaba buys stake in Chinese parcel carrier STO Express

This is the fourth investment in a logistics firm by Alibaba, as it seeks to strengthen shipper-carrier bonds and take greater control of its supply chain. 

By Emma Cosgrove • March 13, 2019

Rising revenue on all rungs of drug supply chain, Pew says

As pharmaceutical spending and PBMs take fire in Washington, the report aims to suss out the players pocketing a share as drugs make their way through the system.   

By Les Masterson • March 11, 2019

Imports drop to annual lows with tariff hike on hold

Data from the National Retail Federation provide key insights into the retail supply chain that will help inform critical business decisions.

By Rich Weissman • March 11, 2019

Rue21 to launch BOPIS in over 700 stores

The retailer's large-scale commitment to click-and-collect comes as more consumers across the sector are engaging with the service.

By Dan O'Shea • March 11, 2019

SAP, Bumble Bee Foods team up to track tuna using blockchain

Consumers will be able to scan a QR code on the final product to find out where their fish was caught and how it made it to the store. 

By Matt Leonard • March 11, 2019

Will shipper-carrier tension melt away in favor of collaboration?

A noticeable sense of underlying tension among supply chain partners permeated sessions at TPM 2019 in Long Beach, California. 

By Shefali Kapadia • March 11, 2019

Walmart planning new returns process at front of stores

The retailer's U.S. CEO said customers will be able to get refunds from employees stationed just inside store entrances.

By Dan O'Shea • March 8, 2019

Walmart tightens on-time, in-full rate for suppliers to 87%

The retailer toughened its OTIF policy from the previous requirement of 85% as it seeks greater control over inventory. 

By Matt Leonard • March 8, 2019

Infrastructure, congestion cost carriers billions in fuel

Highway congestion costs trucking companies billions in additional fuel spend, according to a new study by the American Transportation Research Institute.

By Barry Hochfelder • March 6, 2019