UPS adds more than 200 flights in April for US, Europe coronavirus relief

The move follows FedEx's announcement of 150 additional flights for COVID-19 relief in April. 

By S.L. Fuller • April 17, 2020

Navigating supplier relationships in the COVID-19 era

Coronavirus-related ruptures in the supply chain are leading to canceled, invalidated or ignored contracts, emphasizing the importance of buyer-supplier relations.

By Rich Weissman • April 16, 2020

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

ISM: Lead times are up 200% or more across the world

Supply disruptions will remain a global issue that will challenge even well-prepared and diversified firms, said ISM CEO Tom Derry.

By Morgan Forde • April 15, 2020

Low April shipment volumes could rival early 2009, Cass says

Shipper spending on transport fell 8% in March, and Cass said it expects transport pricing to remain low through May. 

By S.L. Fuller • April 15, 2020

How medical supply chains can diversify beyond COVID-19

Pharma and medical device buyers' heavy reliance on global sourcing lowers costs but has created supply problems during the coronavirus pandemic.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • April 15, 2020

To prepare for the next 'black swan' event, supply chains should rethink 'lean'

The coronavirus outbreak contains lessons that can help companies — and policymakers — better prepare for the next inevitable “black swan event," if they are willing to take a less myopic approach, write Professors Yao Jin and Lisa Ellram of Miami University.

By Yao Jin and Lisa Ellram • April 14, 2020

COVID-19 wreaks havoc on inventories

Some retailers have asked vendors to hold shipments or stop production on summer and fall items, and put holiday planning on hold.

By Daphne Howland • April 14, 2020

FedEx adds 150 flights in April to shuttle PPE from Asia to the US

The carrier plans to redeploy aircraft it had parked, according to Bloomberg. FedEx has been cutting airfreight capacity since September. 

By S.L. Fuller • April 13, 2020

PwC: Supply chains will up supplier scrutiny after coronavirus

Initial concerns about near-term supply disruptions are giving way to larger questions regarding procurement risk going forward.

By Emma Cosgrove • April 13, 2020

MSC confirms malware attack, site comes back online

Cargo continued to flow throughout the outage, and terminals operated without disruption, MSC said.

By Shefali Kapadia • Updated April 15, 2020

Smithfield closes more plants as coronavirus cases grow among workers

Temporary closures at meat processing plants in the U.S. have executives and meat supply chain stakeholders worried that large disruptions in processing will ripple upstream to livestock farmers and feed producers.

By Emma Cosgrove • Updated April 16, 2020

Godiva fails to address labor rights, sustainability in supply chain, survey finds

Although major chocolate brands have made some improvement in reducing deforestation, giving fair wages and increasing visibility, the industry has a long way to go as it braces for the coronavirus, according to the survey.

By Morgan Forde • April 9, 2020

WTO: 2020 trade levels could rival Great Depression

Optimistically, global trade would decline by 13% year over year. In a pessimistic outlook, the decline is 32% or more.

By S.L. Fuller • April 9, 2020

Unions demand COVID-19 protections for Amazon warehouse workers

These safety concerns come as the e-commerce giant is hiring for nearly 200,000 new roles. 

By Sheryl Estrada • April 8, 2020

Kearney: Coronavirus disruption will force even diversified supply chains to 'rethink' sourcing

Kearney predicts supply chains will begin prioritizing resilience over cost to ensure profitability in the future.

By Morgan Forde • April 8, 2020

NRF: March import volume expected to hit 5-year low

The Port of Long Beach, one of the only ports to have already reported its March numbers, saw a 5% decline in volume that it blamed on 19 blank sailings during the first quarter of 2020.

By Matt Leonard • April 8, 2020

Levi's ramps up ship-from-store to move inventory trapped in dark stores

The transition will help move inventory trapped in closed stores and hedge against any changes in local regulations that could shut down fulfillment centers not shipping essential goods.

By Emma Cosgrove • April 8, 2020

As coronavirus spread through Asia, Atlantic Natural Foods prepared for US impact

With a facility in Thailand, the company had foresight about how the pandemic could sweep across the world and affect the food industry.

By Lillianna Byington • April 7, 2020

Transportation bottlenecks snarl inputs to food supply chains

Global agricultural commodity prices are jumping as pandemic mitigation efforts constrict logistics and trade.

By Emma Cosgrove • April 7, 2020

Why supply chain data is king in the coronavirus pandemic

Healthcare systems, distributors and purchasing organizations rely on real-time data to manage supplies and model their equipment and staffing needs.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • April 7, 2020

Blank sailings, idle automotive manufacturing hit March rail volume

Recent SEC filings from Norfolk Southern, Union Pacific and CSX suggest the pandemic's effect on rail operations and financial performance "could be material." 

By Matt Leonard • April 7, 2020

Supply chains will survive the pandemic, but revised strategies may take hold

Experts anticipate an increased focus on risk assessment and scenario planning beyond COVID-19. 

By Rich Weissman • April 2, 2020

How can supply chains manage COVID-19 risk? 4 experts weigh in

The short term need is to keep employees safe and healthy. Longer term thinking should focus on resilience and strengthening supply chain partnerships.

By Shefali Kapadia • April 2, 2020

How the CARES Act will affect supply chains

The law offers financial relief to businesses weathering COVID-19 disruption and attempts to keep freight and last-mile cargo moving.

By Morgan Forde • April 1, 2020

UPS, FedEx suspend service guarantees citing coronavirus impact

UPS declined to "speculate about future policies" when asked if it is considering a force majeure declaration and if the service guarantee will return after the COVID-19 crisis resolves.

By Emma Cosgrove • April 1, 2020