Last-Mile Delivery

  • Returned items being prepared for an outbound shipment at a Happy Returns hub.
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    Courtesy of Happy Returns
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    How retailers are responding to a wave of returns

    Companies face a multifaceted balancing act of controlling costs, stopping fraud and maintaining engagement and flexibility for customers.

    By Nate Delesline III • Jan. 22, 2025
  • A Walmart employee packs products into a vehicle.
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    Courtesy of Walmart
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    Walmart invests in automation as it sells robotics arm

    The retail giant will fund the buildout of more than 400 accelerated pickup and delivery centers as part of its agreement with Symbotic.

    By • Jan. 21, 2025
  • Explore the Trendline➔
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    Adeline Kon/Supply Chain Dive
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    Trendline

    Peak season management

    Higher peak season surcharges are one risk for shippers to manage this year.

    By Supply Chain Dive staff
  • The outside of a standalone Ulta Beauty store.
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    patty_c via Getty Images
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    Ulta taps Instacart for same-day delivery

    Through the partnership, customers can receive beauty products in as little as one hour.

    By Howard Ruben • Jan. 17, 2025
  • A person carries a package. The package reads, "Veho"
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    Permission granted by Veho
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    Parcel carrier Veho introduces Premium Economy service

    The new delivery offering aims to compete with the U.S. Postal Service as the agency hikes rates on lightweight packages.

    By • Jan. 16, 2025
  • UPS package handlers move shipments from a conveyor belt into package cars at the UPS Centennial Ground Hub on December 6, 2021 in Louisville, Kentucky.
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    Jon Cherry via Getty Images
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    UPS rolls out temporary facility closures amid network overhaul

    The provisional shutdowns are resulting in layoffs across several states, but the carrier said it plans to reopen the sites in 2026.

    By • Jan. 15, 2025
  • The CMA CGM Argentina container ship arrives at PortMiami.
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    Joe Raedle via Getty Images
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    Deep Dive

    2025’s logistics risks include tariffs, labor strife

    Potential disruptions could pressure costs and reliability across transport modes. Here's what supply chain experts are watching this year.

    By • Jan. 14, 2025
  • A person accepts boxes from a delivery professional.
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    SARINYAPINNGAM via Getty Images
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    Delivery provider Pandion closing

    The company has ceased operations after conversations with investors and potential acquirers fizzled out, founder Scott Ruffin said.

    By • Jan. 13, 2025
  • A U.S. Postal Service van on the road.
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    Emma Cosgrove/Supply Chain Dive
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    USPS to launch ‘Next Day Priority’ shipping service in 2025

    The agency said the offering will reach about 87% of the U.S. daily by sending packages to its last-mile delivery units overnight.

    By • Jan. 13, 2025
  • A UPS worker makes deliveries in Manhattan on July 24, 2023 in New York City.
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    Spencer Platt via Getty Images
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    UPS SurePost volume shifts away from US Postal Service, Teamsters say

    The move brings millions of packages back into the carrier's network for final-mile delivery, according to the union.

    By • Jan. 10, 2025
  • Three U.S. Post Service workers sort packages at a distribution center.
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    Joe Raedle via Getty Images
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    Supply chain management trends to watch in 2025

    Retailers and manufacturers will continue to diversify their networks while leaning on new technology to safeguard processes and improve customer experiences. 

    By • Jan. 9, 2025
  • The front facade of a Costco store.
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    Scott Olson via Getty Images
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    Costco reports improved big-and-bulky delivery performance

    The wholesale retailer’s ability to cut down on delivery times has coincided with an uptick in activity, according to President and CEO Ron Vachris. 

    By • Jan. 9, 2025
  • A UPS worker delivers packages on December 26, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois.
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    Scott Olson/Getty Images via Getty Images
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    2025 brings wave of parcel carrier rate hikes

    Shippers are facing price increases and surcharge changes but have room to negotiate discounts.

    By • Jan. 8, 2025
  • A United States Postal Service courier delivers mail on Sept. 12, 2024 in Miami Beach, Florida.
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    Joe Raedle via Getty Images
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    USPS’ transportation consolidation efforts have hurt service: OIG

    The Postal Service's Local Transportation Optimization initiative particularly impacted on-time delivery for rural customers, per an agency watchdog report.

    By • Jan. 8, 2025
  • A mail carrier walks through the snow on March 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.
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    Spencer Platt/Getty Images via Getty Images
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    Winter Storm Blair: FedEx, UPS and US Postal Service warn of delays

    Delivery services across the central and eastern U.S. have been stymied by the severe weather.

    By • Jan. 7, 2025
  • Person hands two blue bags to person at the front door of a residence.
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    Courtesy of Walmart
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    Walmart misled delivery drivers on earnings access, lawsuit claims

    The CFPB says the retailer deposited Spark drivers' pay into illegally opened accounts without their consent.

    By Peyton Bigora • Jan. 7, 2025
  • Workers prepare to offload an incoming FedEx plane at a FedEx global hub, one of only seven in the U.S., on December 16, 2014 in Newark, New Jersey.
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    Andrew Burton via Getty Images
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    FedEx targets growth in 4 customer segments

    Network changes and new capabilities aim to snag market share in healthcare and automotive B2B, U.S. e-commerce, global air freight and Europe.

    By • Jan. 6, 2025
  • Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum and Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard stand with a signed decree affecting apparel duties.
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    Courtesy of Presidencia de la Republica
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    Mexico restricts duty-free apparel imports

    The rule change will significantly impact foreign fashion brands and 3PLs using Mexico for de minimis shipments to the U.S.

    By • Jan. 2, 2025
  • Worker scanning barcode of cardboard packages before delivery at storage.
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    Ridofranz via Getty Images
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    Exploring the de minimis exemption’s role in supply chains

    The provision has come under fire in recent years, with any potential changes likely impacting manufacturing, parcel shipping and air cargo operations.

    By • Jan. 2, 2025
  • A cargo ship carrying stacked containers is trapped by a fallen bridge in flames.
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    Leah Millis/Reuters

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    Supply Chains 2024: A year in pictures

    The industry saw significant upheaval, with a major container vessel crash, natural disasters and port and rail shutdowns. Here are some memorable moments.

    By , • Dec. 20, 2024
  • A FedEx delivery truck sits parked on June 25, 2019 in San Francisco, California.
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    Justin Sullivan/Getty Images via Getty Images
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    FedEx aims for ‘seamless’ customer transition with Freight spinoff

    The less-than-truckload unit aims to sustain or improve service levels while also bolstering its sales ranks.

    By • Dec. 20, 2024
  • Amazon warehouse workers carry signs in a picket line in front of an Amazon supply chain facility. The signs read: "Amazon is Unfair" and "Amazon: Obey the Law."
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    Scott Olson via Getty Images
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    Amazon warehouse workers on strike amid holiday rush

    The e-commerce giant said work stoppages at seven facilities have not impacted operations.

    By Daphne Howland • Dec. 20, 2024
  • A FedEx Freight truck is stationed at a dock door.
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    Courtesy of FedEx Freight
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    ‘The right time’: FedEx will spin off FedEx Freight LTL unit

    FedEx Freight will be separated from the parcel giant, creating a new publicly traded company, the board announced.

    By • Dec. 19, 2024
  • A medium-skinned person joins a protest, with pro-union signs in Spanish behind them
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    Stephanie Keith via Getty Images
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    Amazon faces Senate probe, strike threats over warehouse safety allegations

    “Our employees’ safety is and always will be our top priority,” an Amazon spokesperson said Monday.

    By Caroline Colvin • Dec. 18, 2024
  • A storefront with riding mowers, wheelbarrows and other garden equipment out front.
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    Courtesy of Tractor Supply
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    Tractor Supply plans big last-mile delivery upgrade

    The retailer’s multiyear initiative will lead to more bulky products delivered via its in-house network, Chief Supply Chain Officer Colin Yankee said.

    By • Dec. 17, 2024
  • A UPS worker in Manhattan delivers packages on his daily rounds on July 24, 2023 in New York City.
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    Spencer Platt via Getty Images
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    UPS to hike SurePost rates, delivery area surcharges

    The service will see higher increases compared to last year as it navigates higher demand and changes at the Postal Service, which it often relies on.

    By • Dec. 16, 2024