US Imports Hit Record High As Holiday Demand Strains Supply Chains

US Imports Hit Record High As Holiday Demand Strains Supply Chains

US imports hit a record high in October, indicating sufficient stockpiling for the holiday season, but supply chain bottlenecks persist. Energy imports surged, industrial goods saw steady growth, while healthcare and consumer staples imports declined. Companies need to diversify supply chains, plan ahead, optimize inventory, strengthen collaboration, and embrace digitalization to address these challenges. Future supply chain hurdles are expected to continue, requiring businesses to prepare for the long term. This proactive approach is crucial for navigating the evolving global trade landscape.

01/19/2026 Logistics
Read More
Women Gain Ground in Supply Chain Leadership

Women Gain Ground in Supply Chain Leadership

The representation of women in supply chain continues to increase, with the gender pay gap gradually narrowing, largely thanks to corporate DEI initiatives. However, career advancement bottlenecks and talent attrition remain challenges. Future efforts should focus on bolstering support for women's professional development and fostering an inclusive environment to promote gender equality and overall prosperity within the industry. Further research and targeted programs are needed to address the specific barriers women face and ensure their continued success in the supply chain field.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US and California Tackle Port Supply Chain Delays

US and California Tackle Port Supply Chain Delays

The U.S. federal government is partnering with the State of California through an 'Emerging Projects Agreement' to expedite port and infrastructure development, aiming to alleviate supply chain bottlenecks. This agreement focuses on eight key areas, including port upgrades, rail expansion, and inland port development. It provides financial support to enhance the resilience and efficiency of California's supply chain. The initiative serves as a model for other states seeking to improve their own supply chain infrastructure and address similar challenges through federal-state collaboration.

01/19/2026 Logistics
Read More
Firms Adopt New Strategies to Strengthen Postpandemic Supply Chains

Firms Adopt New Strategies to Strengthen Postpandemic Supply Chains

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of supply chain resilience. This paper explores how companies can build more resilient supply chains to address the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic from five perspectives: supply chain design, demand and supply strategies, demand and supply balancing, agile supply chain execution, and B2C trends. It provides insights and references for companies to enhance their supply chain's ability to withstand risks and disruptions, ultimately improving overall operational robustness in a volatile environment.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Declines

US Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Declines

Recent data reveals a complex picture for the US rail freight market: carload volume saw a slight increase, but intermodal volume declined, reflecting challenges in economic recovery. While cumulative year-to-date figures show growth, concerns remain regarding supply chains and labor shortages. Railroad companies should focus on improving efficiency, strengthening collaboration, and embracing digital transformation to address future challenges. The decrease in intermodal volume suggests a potential shift in freight transport patterns or underlying economic pressures impacting consumer demand and international trade.

01/19/2026 Logistics
Read More
Vietnam Lockdowns Strain Global Supply Chains Ahead of Holidays

Vietnam Lockdowns Strain Global Supply Chains Ahead of Holidays

Vietnam's pandemic lockdowns have significantly impacted global supply chains, posing risks of product delivery delays and sales decline for retailers. Businesses are actively adjusting strategies, including early stockpiling, production relocation, inventory optimization, and diversified sourcing, to address these challenges. Building a more resilient and flexible supply chain system is crucial for companies to cope with future risks. The disruption highlights the need for proactive measures and adaptable strategies in navigating unforeseen global events and ensuring business continuity in the retail sector.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Sysco Acquires Coastal Companies to Boost Cold Chain Operations

Sysco Acquires Coastal Companies to Boost Cold Chain Operations

Sysco's acquisition of The Coastal Companies enhances its cold chain transportation capabilities and market share in the Mid-Atlantic region. This strategic move aims to strengthen logistical control and address ongoing supply chain challenges. The acquisition allows Sysco to better manage the distribution of fresh produce and other temperature-sensitive goods, ensuring quality and efficiency. By integrating The Coastal Companies' expertise and infrastructure, Sysco is poised to improve its overall supply chain resilience and responsiveness to customer demands in a critical geographic area.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Fresh Food Ecommerce Tackles Raccoon Threats to Boost Deliveries

Fresh Food Ecommerce Tackles Raccoon Threats to Boost Deliveries

The "last mile" delivery in fresh produce e-commerce is a critical challenge. Companies need to innovate, such as using insulated boxes, to address temperature and safety issues and enhance brand loyalty. Building a proprietary logistics network and outsourcing both have advantages and disadvantages, requiring careful selection. The pandemic has boosted the development of fresh produce e-commerce, and the future is promising, but continuous improvement in service quality is essential. This includes optimizing delivery times and ensuring product freshness upon arrival.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
DHL Invests 300M in US Ecommerce Automation

DHL Invests 300M in US Ecommerce Automation

DHL announced a $300 million investment to expand its U.S. distribution network and enhance automation to address e-commerce growth and labor shortages. The expansion includes increasing warehouse space and deploying loop and linear sorters to improve package processing speed and efficiency. This aims to optimize logistics services and provide e-commerce customers with a superior delivery experience. The investment will allow DHL to handle the increasing volume of packages and maintain its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Biden Administration Addresses Congestion at LA Long Beach Ports

Biden Administration Addresses Congestion at LA Long Beach Ports

To address port congestion in the United States, the Biden administration is actively collaborating with the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach. The ports have proposed short-term incentives, data optimization, pilot improvements, and capacity optimization measures. Long-term recommendations include establishing a national port information sharing system, assessing tariff impacts, building workforce training centers, and increasing infrastructure investment on the West Coast. These initiatives aim to improve port operational efficiency and alleviate supply chain pressures.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More