4 types of billion-dollar weather events tested supply chains in 2020

The combination of a record year for natural disasters and the pandemic magnified disruptions to shippers, carriers and everyone in-between.

By Shefali Kapadia , S.L. Fuller • June 1, 2021

As storms become more frequent and volatile, some ports plan for the risk — but most do not

The interconnectedness of ports leave assets such as warehouses, trucking networks and railroads vulnerable to disruptions from climate change and rising sea levels.

By Matt Leonard • Updated June 8, 2021

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Peak season management

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

By Supply Chain Dive staff

Instacart launches 30-minute, last-mile delivery service

Algorithms will determine delivery windows based on factors such as the distance from the store, basket size and personal shopper availability, the company said.

By Jeff Wells • May 28, 2021

UPS offers tracking tech, logistics and warehousing in pharma cold chain service

Lessons learned from vaccine transport and distribution help the company tap into demand it anticipates will outlast the pandemic.

By Matt Leonard • May 27, 2021

Port of Long Beach waives pollution fee for natural gas trucks as it targets supply chain emissions

The exemption aims to incentivize the trucking industry to adopt cleaner fuels while electric and hydrogen technology scale.

By S.L. Fuller • May 27, 2021

Flytrex expands drone deliveries for Walmart, local retailers in North Carolina

An FAA permit allows the drones to carry deliveries up to a mile away from retailers. 

By Matt Leonard • May 26, 2021

FedEx piles on peak surcharges with increases set for June

Now is "not the best time to be a shipper," one consultant said.

By Matt Leonard • May 24, 2021

Drop trailers provide flexibility amid tight trucking capacity

The category offers a cost-effective way to keep up with demand, and it also helps mitigate some impacts of the driver shortage on shipping.

By Amanda Loudin • May 24, 2021

Target taps into tech acquisitions as it expands supply chain network

The retailer will rely on software from Grand Junction and Deliv to pick carriers and create routes from its distribution and sortation centers.

By Matt Leonard • May 20, 2021

Industry group warns pallet prices up 400% amid shortage

Demand for pallets stems from retailers and grocers restocking, while pallet manufacturers face supply constraints and rising material costs.

By Shefali Kapadia • May 20, 2021

Walmart boosts inventory, extends lead times to account for supply chain delays and stockouts

The retailer increased inventory 16% and is adjusting its fulfillment network as e-commerce sales grow.

By Matt Leonard • May 19, 2021

DoorDash grapples with driver shortage, delayed deliveries

The company worked to improve its network efficiency, expanded its marketing to gain more drivers and improved conversion rates to help overcome the impacts of a delivery courier shortage.

By Julie Littman • May 18, 2021

Series: When supply chain and marketing intersect

The supply chain and marketing departments have historically been disparate. But that's changed as supply chains have entered the public eye.

May 18, 2021

Amazon embarks on 75K hiring push to accommodate logistics growth

The retailer is offering competitive pay and sign-on bonuses, as well as COVID-19 vaccine incentives.

By S.L. Fuller • May 14, 2021

Wayfair adds fulfillment capacity, scales forwarding to help supply chain flow

Scale and carrier partnerships help prioritize shipments, but the company is not immune to port congestion, inventory constraints and delivery delays, the CEO said.

By Matt Leonard • May 13, 2021

Retailers double tech investments to make supply chains faster: report

The enhancement of supply chain and omnichannel capabilities continues to drive funding as retailers approach a post-pandemic world, according to CB Insights.

By Maria Monteros • May 13, 2021

Logistics meets marketing: Fast and free shipping promotions need supply chain on board

Data sharing between the departments maintains low costs and customer loyalty.

By Jen A. Miller • May 13, 2021

HelloFresh to open largest distribution facility in Phoenix

Expanding supply chain and production facilities allows the company to add more options in a crowded meal kit market.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • May 11, 2021

Schneider uses diverse range of services to give shippers more options

Trucking firms that can offer a variety of services across modes are better able to cater to shippers' needs, the company's CEO said. 

By S.L. Fuller • May 10, 2021

Suez jam, recalls pile on Peloton's supply chain costs

Expedited shipping allowed Peloton to deliver more products and reduce its inventory backlog, but it chipped away at margins.

By Shefali Kapadia • May 7, 2021

Walgreens rolls out 2-hour delivery nationwide

The pharmacy chain, which already partners with several third-party firms for delivery, expands e-commerce options in a push to reach more online shoppers. 

By Catherine Douglas Moran • May 6, 2021

XPO Logistics: Companies demand outsourcing, warehouse automation as e-commerce surges

The company's contract logistics segment won several large contracts recently, including a direct-to-consumer fulfillment center deal with Apple.

By S.L. Fuller • May 4, 2021

Kroger pilots drones for last-mile grocery delivery

The grocer, along with partner Drone Express, will begin making deliveries this spring in Ohio and then expand to California in the summer.

By Jeff Wells • May 4, 2021

TMS integrations with digital freight brokers are gaining momentum

The partnerships meld capacity, loads, real-time rates and booking into an all-in-one platform for shippers.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 4, 2021

Amazon's logistics build-out yields more data, accurate delivery estimates

The investment is expensive, but the company says it has resulted in better information on delivery patterns, which it passes on to customers in the form of delivery time estimates.

By Matt Leonard • April 30, 2021