Kook Pak LLC is expanding its chilled and frozen storage services on the U.S. West Coast, through an agreement with Sierra Pacific in Patterson, Calif.
Analyst Insight: There is a growing emphasis on the strategy and management of fleets in the U.S. due to regulatory changes, driver shortages, increased trucking costs and additional focus on customer service. To manage these challenges, companies must assess how best to leverage assets and design their networks to optimize their overall supply chain. – Aaron Pernat, Senior Manager, and Gary Allen, Executive Director, both of Ernst & Young LLP's Supply Chain Advisory Practice
Analyst Insight: With the rise of e-commerce, higher customer expectations and skyrocketing transportation costs, the business case for automation has changed. It's not just about accuracy and labor savings anymore. It's also about the incremental revenue and competitive advantage that comes from improving customer service and better managing inventory. – Frank Jewell, Food & Beverage Industry Leader, Fortna Inc.
XPO Logistics Inc. has agreed to acquire all of the common stock of 3PD Inc., reportedly North America's largest non-asset, third-party provider of heavy goods, last-mile logistics, in a transaction valued at approximately $365m.