The Latest
3D printing use for MRO will double: report
Respondents in a survey by Essentium, a 3D printing platform, named reduced lead times as a key benefit of the technology.
Operations Panama Canal adds fees, changes booking as it fights drought
The canal plans to increase investment in projects that address the sustainability of its water supply after rainfall last year fell 20% below average.
Regulation Amazon lets 3rd party sellers use FedEx Ground for Prime shipments after peak season ban
The decision comes after Amazon removed the option for sellers to ship with FedEx Ground and Home in December 2019 over concerns about late holiday shipments.
Logistics The importance of S&OP in 2020
Trends in personalization and fast shipping will require planning that goes beyond supply and demand.
Operations - Deep Dive
The 3 most common forecasting errors retail CFOs make
Smart investment on the planning side can help retailers better align forecasts with actual sales.
Operations Spending on robotics forecast to exceed $112B in 2020: IDC
These robotic systems increase efficiency, but tariffs could add to their cost — a factor businesses consider to be a challenge.
Stat of the Week H&M's AI operation helps make its supply chain more sustainable
With precisely honed demand forecasts, supply chains can use only the resources they need and no more.
Operations Amazon, FedEx, UPS join CBP e-commerce data pilot
The pilot will test whether shippers providing cargo information to the agency upfront will streamline screening processes as e-commerce parcel volumes approach 1.8 million per day.
Logistics - Q&A
What are the top supply chain trends of 2020? 4 experts weigh in
2019 trends including automation, speedy operations and changing global supply chains will likely carry over and intensify this year.
Regulation Judge extends restraining order temporarily exempting trucking from AB5
The judge heard arguments from both sides on Monday but did not reach a final decision, which could take days or weeks, CTA said.
UPDATED: Jan. 13, 2020 at 4:30 p.m.Regulation Boeing supplier's 2.8K layoffs highlight scale of supply chain disruption
Spirit AeroSystems blamed the layoffs on Boeing's decision to stop 737 Max production and said it's not clear when manufacturing could begin again.
Regulation Sustainable ocean freight gains momentum as Kuehne + Nagel, 7 others forgo Arctic shipping
Eight companies pledged not to use the Northern Sea Route, a pathway through the Arctic which cuts transit times but carries environmental consequences.
Freight Robotic micro-fulfillment startup Fabric wants to help NYC retailers compete with Amazon
Fabric’s service will enable retailers and brands to compete directly with Amazon Prime Now and Target's same-day service once it gets up to speed.
Operations California state court rules AB5 doesn't apply to trucking, LA to appeal
NFI Industries and its subsidiaries were accused of misclassification in a lawsuit, which cited AB5. The defense argued the legislation, which was passed into law last year, is preempted by federal regulations.
UPDATED: Jan. 9, 2020 at 4:58 p.m.Regulation Brexit vote paves way for Jan. 31 exit, future of EU trade remains uncertain
The U.K. is subject to EU trade laws until Dec. 31, 2020, though European Commission President called the likelihood of the partners reaching a comprehensive trade agreement by the end of the year "impossible."
Regulation TradeLens blockchain platform awaits antitrust clearance by FMC
The agreement allows sharing of data related to the physical movement of goods, but prohibits discussion of rates or terms between carriers and customers.
Regulation 25% of small firms say Amazon, Walmart drive shipping strategy: report
The "Amazonification" of retail, driving consumer expectations toward faster and seamless delivery, has become a struggle for smaller firms hoping to keep pace, a report from uShip found.
Logistics - Sponsored
3 consumer retail megatrends in 2020 and beyond
No matter where you sit in any retail supply chain today, you have to pay attention to the end consumer more than ever.
Operations Coupa acquires travel startup Yapta to boost spend management platform
Software vendors use acquisitions to make their suites more comprehensive and encompass numerous procurement functions.
Procurement Air cargo continues slump, down for 13th straight month
November is usually peak season for air cargo, but the ongoing trade war impacted volume in North American and Asian markets.
Industry Pulse - Column
Recession ahead? 6 ways buyers can reduce risk
A prolonged period of economic health has lulled buyers and suppliers alike into a false sense of security.
Procurement - Opinion
How artificial intelligence is disrupting manufacturing
For traditional manufacturers, integrating AI across day-to-day processes and equipment is no small task. Firms can keep up or risk becoming obsolete, writes 3D Hubs Co-founder and CCO Filemon Schoffer.
Operations Court rules Walmart must pay drivers $54.6M for layover, break time
The drivers filed a class-action suit seeking back pay for time spent in layover, on break or spent in inspections.
Regulation Port of Baltimore to reduce diesel emissions with $1.8M EPA grant
The funding will allow the port to replace old, diesel-powered equipment and drayage trucks with newer, efficient models.
Freight Drop trailers: What's old is new again — for now
Technology increases transparency and holds promise for enhanced efficiency, but with enough advanced technology, drop trailers could become obsolete.
Logistics