Logistics Outsourcing

McDonald’s to Switch to Paper Straws in Britain as Country Turns Against Plastic

June 19, 2018

The queen has backed efforts to curb the use of plastics. The Church of England has encouraged a similar push. The British government plans to legislate to require it.

Global Circular Fashion Initiatives Receive $1.5M in Funding

June 19, 2018

Environmental Leader

C&A Foundation announced $1.5m in funding for five circular fashion initiatives worldwide to bridge the gap in implementing circular business models throughout the global apparel value chain.

As Shipping Costs Soar, Supply Chains Get a Makeover

June 19, 2018

The Wall Street Journal

Retailers and manufacturers are taking stock of their transportation costs and exploring alternatives as a capacity crunch in freight is driving up prices and causing shipping delays.

Google Aims to Rebuild China Presence With $550M Investment in E-Commerce Giant JD

June 19, 2018

Forbes

Google will invest $550m in JD.com, one of China’s largest e-commence companies, as part of a strategic partnership to jointly develop markets outside of the country, the two said in a statement Monday.

Tracking Inventory in Motion

June 18, 2018

Challenge: Trading partners need to trust that inventory will arrive when scheduled — particularly during item promotions. Historically, location and arrival time was obtained via driver phone calls. But these projected arrival times didn’t consider traffic and weather conditions, and they were often too optimistic.

Why Retailers Are Struggling With Ship-From-Store Fulfillment

June 18, 2018

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

The age of the omnichannel is all about options. Customers buying online should be able to receive their purchases in any way they choose — at home, work, a designated retrieval point, or direct from the store. Or so goes the theory.

Samsung Joins Global Pledge to Increase Renewable Energy Use

June 15, 2018

The Washington Post

Samsung Electronics Co., the world’s biggest smartphone maker, joined on Thursday a growing list of companies that are promising to increase their use of solar and other renewable energy to help curb global warming.

Delivery: The Last Face-to-Face Touch Point for Brands in a Digital World?

June 15, 2018

Jeff Hughes and Charles Schreiner

Consumer preferences are shifting. More and more, shoppers are favoring the convenience of online shopping over the in-store experience. As retail tilts more toward online sales, delivery becomes one of the few remaining face-to-face touch points with end customers.

Supreme Court Turns Aside J.B. Hunt on Truck Driver Suit

June 15, 2018

The Wall Street Journal

A lawsuit over California’s ability to set work and wage rules for truck drivers that go beyond federal trucking regulations is set to go to trial 11 years after the case began.

How A.I. Will Transform Shipping and Logistics

June 15, 2018

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

Artificial intelligence promises to have a profound impact on the way in which shippers and carriers do business together. Assuming, of course, that they’re able to make use of the wealth of data that the technology offers.

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.