Purdue University Wins 5M Grant for Truck Platooning Research

Purdue University Wins 5M Grant for Truck Platooning Research

The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded Purdue University a $5 million grant to research truck platooning, focusing on improving fuel efficiency and communication between vehicles. The project aims to enhance the fuel economy of heavy-duty trucks by 20%. This initiative explores the potential of coordinated driving strategies to reduce aerodynamic drag and optimize fuel consumption within a convoy of trucks. The research will also address the challenges of maintaining safe following distances and reliable communication in real-world platooning scenarios, contributing to advancements in smart logistics and sustainable transportation.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Manufacturing Adapts to Challenges with Innovation Push

US Manufacturing Adapts to Challenges with Innovation Push

US manufacturing, despite growth expectations, faces challenges like weak domestic demand, rising healthcare costs, and a shortage of skilled workers. While companies are actively investing in technologies like IoT and 3D printing, the absence of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) hinders digital transformation. This analysis identifies these issues and proposes strategies to overcome them and seize opportunities. Recommendations include increasing technology investment, addressing the digital gap with MES implementation, strengthening workforce development, controlling costs, and proactively expanding into new markets. These actions are crucial for sustained growth and competitiveness in the evolving manufacturing landscape.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Kuehnenagel Adds Emissions Data to Invoices to Boost Supply Chain Sustainability

Kuehnenagel Adds Emissions Data to Invoices to Boost Supply Chain Sustainability

Kuehne+Nagel is incorporating emission data into its ocean freight invoices to enhance environmental awareness within supply chains and empower customers to make data-driven, eco-friendly decisions. Leveraging data from the Clean Cargo Working Group, this initiative underscores the role of logistics providers in sustainable development. By transparently displaying carbon footprints, K+N enables businesses to optimize their transportation strategies, achieve emission reduction targets, and set a new standard for sustainability within the industry. This move promotes informed choices and contributes to a greener future for global logistics.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Seattle Port Terminal Faces Congestion As New Alliance Begins

Seattle Port Terminal Faces Congestion As New Alliance Begins

Seattle's Terminal 18 (T18) is experiencing congestion due to a surge in new shipping alliance operations, leading to longer truck turnaround times. This article analyzes the causes of the congestion, including the complexities of alliance restructuring, port infrastructure bottlenecks, delayed information communication, and external factors. It proposes strategies to address the issue, such as optimizing terminal operations, enhancing information sharing, and investing in infrastructure, with the aim of building a more resilient supply chain. The analysis emphasizes the need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of these challenges.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Transportation and Logistics Sector Sees Rising Salaries Amid Tech Talent Demand

Transportation and Logistics Sector Sees Rising Salaries Amid Tech Talent Demand

Compensation for transportation technology talent leads the science and technology industry, driven by technological innovation and talent scarcity. Specific areas like autonomous driving engineers are highly sought after, with San Francisco leading in compensation, but emerging cities are rising. Rising salaries will reshape the talent structure and skill needs of the supply chain. Companies should build talent ecosystems, and governments should strengthen talent development and introduction to jointly usher in a golden age for transportation technology talent. This requires proactive strategies to attract, retain, and develop skilled professionals.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Hanjin Races to Sell Long Beach Terminal Amid Deadline Pressure

Hanjin Races to Sell Long Beach Terminal Amid Deadline Pressure

Hanjin Shipping's sale of its Long Beach terminal assets is nearing completion. After Korea Line relinquished its priority purchasing rights, HMM and MSC jointly bid. Creditors are pressuring Hanjin to expedite Korea Line's decision to avoid bankruptcy. This transaction impacts the Port of Long Beach's operations, shipping competition, and global trade. Quantifying throughput, industry consolidation, competitor strategies, and legal risks is crucial from a data-driven perspective. The outcome will significantly reshape the landscape of container shipping and port operations in the region, potentially influencing global supply chains.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Regulator Blocks Shipping Merger Stirring Global Maritime Uncertainty

US Regulator Blocks Shipping Merger Stirring Global Maritime Uncertainty

The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) rejected the merger plan of Japan's three major shipping companies (K Line, NYK, and MOL) citing jurisdictional issues, raising concerns about the future of consolidation in the shipping industry. While the merger faces challenges like scrutiny from the Department of Justice, a smaller market share might offer a glimmer of hope. Shipping companies need to closely monitor regulatory policies and adjust their development strategies to adapt to market changes. This decision highlights the complexities and potential obstacles in global shipping consolidation efforts.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Hostess Revives Brand with Supply Chain Overhaul

Hostess Revives Brand with Supply Chain Overhaul

Hostess Brands achieved a successful revival from near bankruptcy through supply chain reshaping. Key strategies included embracing a DTC model to accelerate inventory turnover, driving innovation to create seasonal bestsellers, reshaping the S&OP process with a consumer-centric approach, and optimizing demand forecasting through data-driven insights. This case inspires businesses to prioritize consumers, embrace digitalization, foster continuous innovation, adapt flexibly, and operate leanly, transforming the supply chain into a cornerstone of corporate success. The focus on data and direct connection with consumers proved crucial for their turnaround.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Supply Chain Digital Twins Risk Growth by Overlooking Customers

Supply Chain Digital Twins Risk Growth by Overlooking Customers

Gartner's research indicates that while most enterprises are actively exploring Digital Supply Chain Twins (DSCT), few plan to incorporate Digital Twins of Customers (DToC) into their strategies. This oversight may hinder the full potential of digital twin technology. Businesses need to shift their perspective, placing the customer at the core, and enhance data collection and analysis. Building a customer-centric digital twin ecosystem is crucial to unlocking the true value of digital twins and gaining a competitive advantage. Prioritizing customer understanding within the digital twin framework is essential for maximizing its impact.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Digital SOP Boosts Supply Chain Efficiency

Digital SOP Boosts Supply Chain Efficiency

This article delves into the modern upgrade of S&OP (Sales and Operations Planning), emphasizing the importance of digital transformation and analyzing the cost reduction and efficiency gains brought about by digitizing supply chain documentation. It also summarizes the key elements for successful S&OP implementation, identifies common pitfalls and corresponding strategies, aiming to help enterprises build an efficient, collaborative, and intelligent supply chain system. The paper provides practical insights for companies seeking to optimize their S&OP processes and achieve better supply chain performance through digitalization and enhanced collaboration.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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