Retailers wary of the shutdown, tariffs and a looming recession

There's a greater than 50% chance that a recession hits the U.S. this year, economists said during sessions at the NRF Big Show Monday.

By Corinne Ruff • Jan. 15, 2019

UPS and Amazon: A tale of 2 last-mile sustainability strategies

Carriers and retailers view sustainability from different vantage points, influencing their decisions on adopting goals and strategies for the last mile.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • Jan. 15, 2019

Explore the Trendline➔

Sustainable supply chains

Amid pressure from consumers, investors and governments, companies are scrambling to measure and reduce the impact of their supply chains on the world.

By Supply Chain Dive staff

Think peak season was hard work? UPS exec says 2019 will be harder

Flexible capacity and collaborative planning will be paramount for growth this year, as retailers and 3PLs face a peak season five days shorter than in 2018. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 14, 2019

What drives retailers to seek supply chain visibility?

The majority of retailers appear to have gotten the message that visibility is a must whether trying to withstand new tariffs or exploring new fulfillment models. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 13, 2019

Apparel supplier cuts ties with Chinese factory reportedly in internment camp

An Associated Press investigation revealed the factory is staffed by unpaid detainees of the state, made up largely of ethnic and religious minorities and surrounded by armed guards and dogs. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 11, 2019

Labor exploitation also happens close to home

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day brings into focus the labor conditions of our extended supply chain — at least for one day.

By Rich Weissman • Jan. 11, 2019

Report: Skills testing delays truckers entering the workforce

Carriers are raising wages and offering bonuses, but they may not be enough to offset delays resulting from testing backlogs.

By Shefali Kapadia • Jan. 11, 2019

Study: Most large UK firms fail to pay suppliers on time

Consistently late payments can damage productivity, and many groups and industries are calling for stricter requirements to ensure prompt payment.

By Barry Hochfelder • Jan. 10, 2019

Tiffany adds diamond origin to store displays

Diamonds, like palm oil or cocoa, have a complicated supply chain that has become notorious for controversy and ethical issues.

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 10, 2019

US-China trade talks extended, 'going very well'

Leaders on both sides praised the progress made during three days of discussions but so far are keeping mum on the details.

By Shefali Kapadia • Jan. 9, 2019

UK airports invest in anti-drone technology

Airports around the world are vulnerable to drone incursions that could snarl passenger and freight traffic for days.

By Gary Wollenhaupt • Jan. 9, 2019

Imports expected to slow after rush to beat tariffs

The National Retail Federation's import forecast shows a slow start to 2019 as China and the U.S. have wrapped up three days of trade negotiations.

By Matt Leonard • Jan. 9, 2019

Amazon adds keyless garage entry for parcel deliveries

Digital locks can prevent package theft and encourage e-commerce orders, but privacy concerns linger among consumers.

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 8, 2019

3 forces that will move freight markets in 2019 … and 1 that won't

New regulations, operating models and economic changes will lead to shifting trends this year in trucking, ocean shipping and rail.

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 7, 2019

Sears Holdings reportedly preps for liquidation

Eddie Lampert has until Tuesday to make adjustments to his bid, but anonymous sources told multiple media outlets that a liquidator is lined up.

By Corinne Ruff • Jan. 7, 2019

New shoe brand to source car tires, plastic bottles for footwear

Ethical sourcing doesn't have to be a zero-sum effort, and small steps in conscious procurement can develop into a trend long-term. 

By Rich Weissman • Jan. 7, 2019

US, China hold trade talks ahead of tariff hike

Both nations have expressed optimism surrounding negotiations, but will they be able to resolve deep-seated trade issues before March 1?

By Shefali Kapadia • Jan. 7, 2019

Environmental concerns loom after MSC loses 270 containers at sea

Containers on the sea floor could "eventually become a significant source of pollution," according to The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute.

By Edwin Lopez • Updated Jan. 7, 2019

Apple suppliers take a hit after iPhone sales slump warning

The tech giant's struggles may indicate a trend of economic slowdown, serving as a warning to companies and suppliers doing business in China. 

By Shefali Kapadia • Jan. 4, 2019

US manufacturing slows amid trade war with China

"Growth appears to have stopped. Resources still focused on re-sourcing for U.S. tariff mitigation out of China," said one unnamed respondent in the computer and electronics field in ISM's latest survey. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 4, 2019

UK preps emergency supply chain as Brexit nears 'cliff-edge scenario'

The country's Department for Transport awarded three freight contracts for carriers to ease congestion in case the U.K. leaves the EU in March without a new trade deal.

By Edwin Lopez • Jan. 3, 2019

The 30K piece puzzle: Brexit and the auto industry

A no-deal Brexit would hit automakers' top and bottom lines and could cost them 2.8 million sales over the next two years.

By Shefali Kapadia • Jan. 3, 2019

Promised tariff relief for farmers uncertain in government shutdown

Farmers must decide whether to sell their wares at historically low prices or store them, waiting for a more favorable market.

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 2, 2019

Counterfeits: The nightmare before Christmas

A recent congressional briefing warned consumers of the dangers of purchasing counterfeit goods and retailers of the brand risks.

By Kaarin Moore • Dec. 21, 2018

Tesla had quite a year in 2018

Though founder Elon Musk’s antics on Twitter were often the lead story in 2018, the company’s supply chain difficulties also made headlines.

By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 21, 2018