Deep Dive
Industry insights from our journalists
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Daphne Howland/Supply Chain Dive
Nordstrom and Macy’s abandoned the ‘retail inventory method’ after using it for decades. Here’s why.
The accounting practice can interfere with merchandising and pricing decisions while also muddying the picture on inventory shrink, experts say.
Daphne Howland • Dec. 19, 2024 -
Michael M. Santiago via Getty Images
What restaurants, suppliers can learn from McDonald’s E. coli outbreak
The fast food giant’s initial response to the outbreak was quick, but guest sentiment suffered from a lack of direct consumer messaging.
Julie Littman and Sarah Zimmerman • Nov. 18, 2024 -
Allison Joyce / Stringer via Getty Images
Why apparel companies embrace supplier scorecards
The tool can help build more transparent sourcing relationships and better measure supply chain metrics.
Kelly Stroh • Oct. 17, 2024 -
Spencer Platt via Getty Images
A shipper’s guide to East and Gulf Coast port strikes
U.S. West Coast, Canada and Mexico ports are seen as viable alternatives if a threatened strike becomes reality on Oct. 1
Alejandra Carranza • Sept. 19, 2024 -
Adam Glanzman via Getty Images
De minimis: Helping or hurting U.S. manufacturers?
While groups like the National Association of Manufacturers claim the exemption benefits domestic production, others say it erodes the U.S. industry’s competitive edge and forces factory closures.
Philip Neuffer • Sept. 12, 2024 -
Joe Raedle via Getty Images
Temu and Shein packages are flooding delivery networks. Will the surge persist?
Parcel carriers are counting on the e-commerce companies to adapt to any potential de minimis changes, as many have come to rely on the added volume.
Max Garland • Aug. 29, 2024 -
Joe Raedle via Getty Images
What would the demise of de minimis mean for supply chains?
E-commerce companies rely on the exemption to sell U.S. consumers low-cost goods. Experts say they need to be prepared for a change.
Max Garland • Aug. 15, 2024 -
Provided by Canadian National
How a Canada railroad workers’ strike could affect supply chains
Logistics managers have been making contingency plans since at least May, when the threat of disruption escalated.
Larry Avila • July 24, 2024 -
Bernd von Jutrczenka/Picture-Alliance/DPA/AP
What’s behind the unsettling rise in ocean rates?
A blend of congestion and blank sailings stemming from the Red Sea crisis has created an unpredictable environment for shippers.
Alejandra Carranza • July 2, 2024 -
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images via Getty Images
The Port of Baltimore is reopened from the bridge collapse. How much cargo will return?
With wreckage from the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse removed, leaders are bullish on the port’s ability to retain customers.
Colin Campbell • June 13, 2024 -
Permission granted by Chipotle
Chipotle leverages RFID technology, increases overall visibility
Executive Carlos Londono spoke to Supply Chain Dive about the company’s operations and its efforts to bring the technology to its 3,500 restaurants.
Alejandra Carranza • May 14, 2024 -
Drew Angerer via Getty Images
UPS and FedEx battle over small business customers while Amazon looms
The delivery rivals are fighting to gain share in the lucrative volume segment as their relationships with larger shippers evolve.
Max Garland • May 13, 2024 -
Brett Carlsen via Getty Images
USPS delivery unit proposal sparks service, cost concerns for shipping partners
The agency is mulling changes to how shipping companies like DHL eCommerce and Pitney Bowes inject volume into its network, industry experts told Supply Chain Dive.
Max Garland • April 30, 2024 -
Andrew Burton via Getty Images
FedEx’s network poised for a shakeup after US Postal Service split
Daytime flight operations and pilot staffing are likely targets for reductions once the air transportation contract expires in September, experts say.
Max Garland • April 10, 2024 -
cofotoisme via Getty Images
Shippers should lock in trucking rates soon: experts
Carrier executives are beginning to show optimism for a rate recovery, which could mean rising costs for customers.
Larry Avila • March 7, 2024 -
Scott Olson/Getty Images via Getty Images
Why UPS keeps shrinking its workforce
UPS’ headcount has dropped by 43,000 employees in just three years, and more cuts are coming. Experts say it’s not all market-driven.
Max Garland • Feb. 23, 2024 -
Octavio Jones via Getty Images
Warehouse employment keeps falling — and more layoffs loom
Companies are shifting their focus from expansion to efficiency within their supply chain networks, leading to job cuts and facility closures.
Max Garland • Jan. 26, 2024 -
Spencer Platt via Getty Images
Will parcel shippers use fewer delivery providers in 2024?
Aggressive discounting from FedEx and UPS pose a threat to carrier diversification, but competitors are striking back.
Max Garland • Jan. 22, 2024 -
Lindsey Shuey/The Republican-Herald via AP
Carton shortage may last through school year, but brandless packaging brings relief
Pactiv Evergreen said the generic containers are part of its response “to minimize supply chain complexity” amid a monthslong disruption challenging dairies and schools.
Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 19, 2024 -
Sean Rayford via Getty Images
Shortages 2024: What supplies are still at risk after years of disruption?
Excess inventory may be in focus, but climate change, geopolitics and structural supply chain challenges continue to threaten some goods.
Ben Unglesbee • Jan. 10, 2024 -
IgorSPb via Getty Images
Suez Canal at risk: What shippers should know to mitigate disruption
Using alternative routes like the Cape of Good Hope can mean longer transit times and higher freight costs. Here’s what shipping experts had to say.
Alejandra Carranza • Dec. 22, 2023 -
THEPALMER via Getty Images
Mexico’s nearshoring wave is years in the making
Decades of investments in logistics infrastructure, trade deals and becoming a manufacturing hub are paying off as shippers look to nearshore production.
Alejandra Carranza and Edwin Lopez • Dec. 18, 2023 -
Khoa Nguyen via Getty Images
As manufacturers turn away from China, Vietnam lures investment
The country is home to a growing number of factories thanks to its increased use of free trade agreements, tax incentives and competitive labor costs.
Kate Magill • Dec. 14, 2023 -
Hector Vivas via Getty Images
6 reasons why global supply chains are shifting
Political risk, emissions and lead times are just some of the drivers pushing companies toward onshoring, nearshoring and friendshoring decisions.
Edwin Lopez • Dec. 13, 2023 -
"DXL Men's Apparel store located in Natick, MA." by JCarnellDXLG is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Nearshoring apparel: Inside DXL’s pivot to Central America
The clothing maker is one of many eyeing the region, but economic and policy barriers could stand in the way of greater investment.
Ben Unglesbee • Dec. 12, 2023
