Logistics Outsourcing

Trucking Problems Are Still Slowing Aid Delivery in Puerto Rico

October 13, 2017

The relief and recovery effort in Puerto Rico continues to pose unique difficulties for aid organizations and businesses alike: the destruction of the island's electrical grid and communications infrastructure has made routine tasks much more difficult, adding friction to every point of the shoreside supply chain.

Worldwide Air Cargo Volumes Soared Through August

October 11, 2017

Air Cargo World

By all metrics, air cargo enjoyed another great month in August with a 12.9 percent year-over-year increase in volumes for the month alongside even higher direct tonne kilometer (DTK) growth of 14.6 percent, with WorldACD noting the average distance between origin and destination points for airfreight shipments continues to grow.

Amazon Is Testing Its Own Delivery Service to Rival FedEx and UPS

October 11, 2017

Bloomberg

Amazon.com Inc. is experimenting with a new delivery service intended to make more products available for free two-day delivery and relieve overcrowding in its warehouses, according to two people familiar with the plan, which will push the online retailer deeper into functions handled by longtime partners United Parcel Service Inc. and FedEx Corp.

Why It's Important to Become Your Carrier's 'Preferred Shipper'

October 9, 2017

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

If you thought the act of purchasing transportation was as simple as paying a carrier to haul your freight - well, think again.

A Mobile Floating Truck Stop on the St. Lawrence Seaway

October 5, 2017

Maritime Executive

Ro-ro ships carry trucks and other road vehicles across the Baltic Sea and also across Cook Strait, providing onboard overnight accommodations as well as food services. There may be scope to adapt that operational precedent to bypass roadway traffic congestion on the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Freight Startup Flexport Raises $110M, Turns Down $1Bn Valuation

October 4, 2017

Forbes

Flexport, the shipping logistics company that launched in San Francisco just four years ago, is set to close a $110m Series C funding round. The investment values the company at $910m post money, says Wesley Chan, managing director at Menlo Park VC firm Felicis Ventures, an early investor in Flexport. The new round will bring the total capital invested to $204m.

Deliv Expands Across U.S., Takes Macy's, Best Buy, Others Along

October 3, 2017

MultiChannel Merchant

In a move that it says puts it on equal footing with Prime Now's domestic coverage, crowdsourced same-day delivery provider Deliv has expanded to 1,400 U.S. cities in 33 markets, up from 19 markets previously - allowing retail customers like Macy's and Best Buy to greatly increase the range of their services.

Logistics Sector Cheers May's Support for Brexit Transition Period

October 3, 2017

Air Cargo World

The U.K.'s Freight Transport Association (FTA) welcomed Prime Minister Teresa May's call last week for a transition period as a key priority for Brexit negotiations. But, as May's Tories grip on power continues to erode against an ascendant Labor party, the prime minister's pragmatic turn might be too little, too late, and the future of U.K.-E.U. trade remains unclear.

Best Buy's Secrets for Thriving in the Amazon Age

October 2, 2017

The New York Times

While running errands the other day, I ducked into a local Best Buy to pick up a pair of new headphones. What I saw inside was shocking.

Robots Endangering Workers Drives German Startup to Airbags

September 25, 2017

Industryweek

Two years ago, a robot crushed a 22-year-old man to death at a Volkswagen AG factory in Germany after the maintenance worker became trapped in an area usually off-bound to humans. While this type of tragedy is still relatively rare, efforts to improve safety are intensifying as factories around the world become increasingly automated.

Logistics Outsourcing

The latest news, analysis, services and systems regarding logistics outsourcing and its impact on global supply chains. Today’s companies are transporting and delivering perishables and manufactured goods in a more timely and efficient manner than ever before using third party logistics providers (3PLs). New technologies that provide information during shipments are transforming the way companies work with these providers - and allowing them to stay ahead of the competition in their industries. As 3PL services continue to evolve, businesses are discovering new ways to increase efficiency and cut costs. Learn how companies are using logistics outsourcing solutions to power their supply chains.