The Latest

• 

  Tracker

  US ports by volume: How maritime cargo trends are stacking up

  The amount of containers handled at 12 major gateways can help show how the economy is faring. Use this tracker to dig into trends by seaport, coast and month.

  Updated Nov. 20, 2023

  Maritime

• 

  Column

  Labor’s resurgence cannot be overlooked in procurement strategies

  Here are five workforce-related issues procurement teams should consider when analyzing their supply chains.

  Operations Management

• 

  Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits to deploy warehouse automation from Symbotic

  The alcohol distributor expects the upgrades to improve fill rates, order accuracy and increase capacity at its existing facilities.

  Technology

• 

  Tracking the speed, dwell and cars of Class I railroads

  This dashboard shows the average speed, dwell time and cars online for all of the Class I railroads operating in the U.S.

  Updated Nov. 22, 2023

  Rail

• 

  S&P turns negative on Clorox after cyberattack causes shortages

  As the CPG company recovers from significant operational disruptions, analysts warned rebuilding inventory and distribution could be a lengthy process.

  Risk and Resilience

• 

  Walmart adding parcel stations for faster delivery, greater density

  The retailer plans to have more than 40 stations, described as mini post offices, in its stores by the end of 2023.

  Last-Mile Delivery

• 

  Procurement leaders are prioritizing ESG, but gathering data is ‘increasingly painstaking’: report

  Along with informational challenges, buyers said that they have difficulty finding sustainable suppliers, according to a recent survey released by Amazon.

  Risk and Resilience

• 

  UAW strikes: What’s next for auto supply chains after labor deals?

  As automakers ramp up production efforts, labor challenges and geopolitical risks may continue to plague operations, according to industry experts.

  Manufacturing

• 

  Toyota, Redwood Materials expand deal to source recycled battery materials

  The automaker is looking to create a circular supply chain that can make use of aging Prius models to help feed its growing electric vehicle production.

  Manufacturing

• 

  How Pitney Bowes is preparing for the 2023 peak season

  Much is at stake for the shipping provider's e-commerce logistics segment to reliably deliver for the holidays. Automation will play a big role.

  Last-Mile Delivery

• 

  DHL Supply Chain to open four more automated warehouses

  The logistics provider is leveraging an automated storage and retrieval system to improve throughput.

  Technology

• 

  With lean inventory, Target ekes out more profit from lower sales

  Trim stock levels and a faster supply chain helped the retailer chase faster-moving goods and keep replenishing them on its shelves.

  Operations Management

• 

  Port of Oakland cargo volumes drop 12% YoY in October

  Despite the overall drop, the port saw a 4% increase in loaded export containers processed at the port.

  Maritime

• 

  UPS expanding childcare program to boost warehouse retention

  The initiative at a California hub offers on-site day care in emergency situations, which will expand to more company facilities in 2024.

  Operations Management

• 

  Schumer calls for USDA investigation into nationwide milk carton shortage

  The New York senator is calling for help “to find packaging alternatives” and resolve the issue. Many point to Pactiv Evergreen as the source of the supply chain snarl, although no official cause has been confirmed.

  Manufacturing

• 

  US Postal Service plans 2024 rate hikes for Ground Advantage, other products

  The price increases, which are slated to take effect on Jan. 21, come as the agency faces continued financial challenges.

  Logistics

• 

  After months in limbo, some products from bankrupt Mitchell Gold may finally reach customers

  Ryder Last Mile won approval to ship the furniture company’s stored merchandise. End customers would again pay for delivery, but Ryder plans to waive storage fees.

  Risk and Resilience

• 

  Port of Los Angeles cargo volumes rise 7% in October

  In recent months, San Pedro Bay ports have increased their U.S. market share of containerized imports from Asia.

  Maritime

• 

  ‘It is everywhere’: Rooting out forced labor from supply chains

  Only half of surveyed procurement executives feel they are making effective progress on modern slavery risks in their sourcing, according to a Gartner report. 

  Risk and Resilience

• 

  Port of Brunswick adds Mexico service as Georgia auto shipments skyrocket

  Besides the Gold Star service offered by Zim, CMA CGM also started a new short-sea service carrying vehicles from Mexico to the Southeastern port.

  Logistics

• 

  Opinion

  How Black Friday and Cyber Monday test supply chain adaptability and resilience

  How proactive inventory planning and operations management can keep brands from falling behind during the holiday season.

  Operations Management

• 

  More employees are taking part in company volunteering activities

  The uptick comes as employers roll out a mix of in-person and virtual opportunities, according to the Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals.

  Operations Management

• 

  Kraft Heinz veteran joins Utz Brands as chief integrated supply chain officer

  Mitchell Arends will oversee procurement, manufacturing, transportation, warehousing and planning as the snack food company looks to accelerate its optimization goals.

  Operations Management

• 

  Port of Long Beach cargo volumes rise nearly 15% in October

  The increase in volumes processed comes as the San Pedro Bay port works to recapture market share.

  Maritime

• 

  Flexport to open fulfillment center in New Jersey

  The Phillipsburg site adds to the company’s existing large-scale warehouse operations in Atlanta and Los Angeles.

  Operations Management

More stories