USPS Expands Lastmile Delivery to Support Retailers

USPS Expands Lastmile Delivery to Support Retailers

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced an expansion of its last-mile delivery network, opening up over 18,000 Delivery Destination Units (DDUs). This initiative aims to reduce costs for retailers and logistics companies, accelerate delivery speeds, and provide greater delivery flexibility, ultimately improving the consumer experience. By leveraging its existing infrastructure, USPS seeks to offer a more efficient and cost-effective solution for last-mile delivery, benefiting both businesses and consumers.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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South Carolina Ports Report Cargo Decline Auto Exports Rise

South Carolina Ports Report Cargo Decline Auto Exports Rise

South Carolina Ports saw a 9% year-over-year decline in cargo volume in August, mirroring weakened US consumer demand and an economic slowdown. Bucking the trend, automobile transportation surged by 9%, driven by the automotive industry's recovery and increased demand for electric vehicles. The inland port in Greer demonstrated strong performance. Moving forward, the port needs to embrace digital transformation and diversify its development strategies to navigate the challenging economic landscape.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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US Retail Sales Show Mixed Trends in February

US Retail Sales Show Mixed Trends in February

February retail sales data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the National Retail Federation (NRF) indicate a slowdown in overall retail growth, with varying performance across different sectors. Online sales continue to rise, while categories like apparel experienced declines. Retailers need to closely monitor macroeconomic conditions, optimize product mix, and strengthen online channels to address challenges and seize opportunities. This includes adapting to evolving consumer preferences and potential impacts from broader economic factors.

Study Ecommerce Convenience Marred by Delivery Frustrations

Study Ecommerce Convenience Marred by Delivery Frustrations

A recent Descartes study reveals that despite the continued growth of online shopping, customer satisfaction with home delivery is improving slowly, highlighting persistent delivery challenges. The report emphasizes that retailers should focus on consumer demands for cost, speed, and personalized delivery options. Optimizing service processes and addressing these needs is crucial for enhancing the overall shopping experience and improving customer satisfaction in the e-commerce landscape. Retailers must prioritize these factors to remain competitive.

US Import Volumes Drop Sharply Amid COVID19 and Low Demand

US Import Volumes Drop Sharply Amid COVID19 and Low Demand

Panjiva data reveals a sixth consecutive month of decline in US seaborne imports in February, impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and weakened demand. Imports from China experienced a sharp decrease, and future prospects remain uncertain. The ongoing pandemic continues to disrupt global supply chains and consumer spending, contributing to the overall downturn in trade activity. This trend raises concerns about the potential long-term economic consequences for both the US and its trading partners.

US Freight Volume Reaches Record High Despite Economic Challenges

US Freight Volume Reaches Record High Despite Economic Challenges

The U.S. Freight Transportation Services Index (Freight TSI) reached a record high in June, demonstrating resilience amidst economic headwinds. Growth was driven by trucking, rail, air, and water transportation. However, economic indicators present a mixed picture. As a leading indicator, the Freight TSI reflects consumer demand and supply chain conditions, providing crucial insights for businesses and policymakers. It offers a valuable snapshot of the current economic landscape and potential future trends within the freight sector.

IDC Forecasts Decade of Disruptive Change in Manufacturing Supply Chains

IDC Forecasts Decade of Disruptive Change in Manufacturing Supply Chains

IDC predicts disruptive changes in the manufacturing supply chain over the next decade, driven by consumer upgrades and technological innovation. Ten predictions cover digitalization, intelligent logistics, data-driven decision making, planning collaboration, and workforce transformation. Companies should actively embrace new technologies, optimize operating models, and cultivate innovative talent to win in this era of change. Focusing on these key areas will be crucial for maintaining competitiveness and achieving sustainable growth in the evolving manufacturing landscape.

Logistics Firms Adapt to Aidriven Personalization Trends

Logistics Firms Adapt to Aidriven Personalization Trends

At the SMC3 conference, Tomorrow CEO Mike Walsh emphasized the need for logistics companies to focus on the AI-driven wave of personalization. He highlighted the importance of understanding evolving consumer behavior and leveraging AI to optimize decision-making. Drawing inspiration from Amazon, Walsh urged businesses to embrace digital transformation, strengthen data analytics capabilities, and foster a culture of innovation. By doing so, logistics companies can position themselves for success in the future competitive landscape.

Retailers Logistics Firms Compete for Holiday Workers

Retailers Logistics Firms Compete for Holiday Workers

As the holiday season approaches, the logistics and retail industries face labor shortages. Giants like UPS and Amazon are launching large-scale recruitment drives, increasing wages and benefits to attract talent. Companies need to optimize their staffing structure, plan ahead, and focus on employee experience to win the 'talent grab', ensure smooth supply chains, and improve the consumer shopping experience. Early planning and competitive compensation are crucial for success in this competitive hiring landscape.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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US Service Sector Growth Slows in Latest ISM Report

US Service Sector Growth Slows in Latest ISM Report

The US Services PMI registered 51.5 in August, indicating a slower pace of expansion. New orders increased, while employment declined and backlogs decreased. Performance varied across sectors, with institutional sectors performing well and consumer-facing industries lagging. Key focus should be on tracking changes in new orders to gauge future economic activity. The slowdown suggests potential headwinds for economic growth, and the ISM report provides valuable insights into the current state of the services sector.