Amazon Effect Drives Furniture Retail Overhaul Customization Boom

Amazon Effect Drives Furniture Retail Overhaul Customization Boom

The furniture retail industry is undergoing a transformation driven by the 'Amazon effect,' with personalized demands fueling supply chain upgrades. The Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas' renovation highlights the importance of customization. Ashley Furniture has improved operational efficiency by optimizing its supply chain. To succeed in a competitive market, furniture retailers must embrace change and focus on personalized customer needs. This includes streamlining logistics, offering bespoke options, and leveraging data to anticipate trends and cater to individual preferences, ultimately enhancing the customer experience and driving sales.

US Rail Freight Automotive Grain Up As Intermodal Lags

US Rail Freight Automotive Grain Up As Intermodal Lags

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported a mixed performance in U.S. rail freight for the week ending March 21. Traditional carload traffic saw a slight year-over-year decrease, but grain and automotive shipments performed strongly. Intermodal volume, however, bucked the trend and increased. Year-to-date figures show a small increase in carload volume, while intermodal volume experienced a slight decline. The U.S. rail freight market is undergoing a transformation and upgrade, requiring proactive responses to challenges and the seizing of opportunities.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Calgary Shifts From Energy to Logistics Hub

Calgary Shifts From Energy to Logistics Hub

Calgary is transitioning from an energy hub to a logistics hub. Its geographical advantages, supportive government policies, and skilled workforce are key drivers of this transformation. As global supply chains become increasingly complex, Calgary's role as a logistics hub will become even more crucial. The city's strategic location provides access to major markets, while its modern infrastructure facilitates efficient movement of goods. Calgary is poised to become a major player in the global supply chain network, attracting businesses and investment in the logistics sector.

2025 Ecommerce Trends Home Goods Outdoor Gear Lighting in Focus

2025 Ecommerce Trends Home Goods Outdoor Gear Lighting in Focus

Product selection is crucial in cross-border e-commerce. The "New Start 2025 Product Selection & Procurement Closed-door Meeting" on February 28th focused on three popular categories: Home & Office, Sports & Outdoors, and Lighting. It provided cross-border sellers with a one-stop product selection solution, connecting them with high-quality factory resources. Experts shared product selection strategies to help sellers grasp market trends and achieve sales growth. Simultaneously, it empowered factories to expand overseas, broaden their international sales channels, and achieve transformation and upgrading.

US Intermodal Volumes Reflect Uneven Recovery in June

US Intermodal Volumes Reflect Uneven Recovery in June

According to the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA), U.S. intermodal volumes decreased by 2.9% year-over-year in June, although the decline narrowed. Domestic containers showed growth against the trend, while international standard containers continued to decline. The IANA anticipates that international volumes may surpass domestic volumes in the future, but supply chain volatility needs to be monitored. The market faces multiple challenges, including macroeconomic factors and supply chain bottlenecks, requiring transformation and upgrades. This includes strengthening infrastructure construction and optimizing operational processes.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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CH Robinson Sells European Unit to Sennder Shifts Focus to Global Freight

CH Robinson Sells European Unit to Sennder Shifts Focus to Global Freight

C.H. Robinson's sale of its European road transport business to sennder Technologies aims to focus on core strengths like global forwarding and the North American market, enhancing profitability and operational efficiency. This move accelerates digital transformation, promotes industry consolidation, and foreshadows more diverse and sustainable logistics services. The divestiture allows C.H. Robinson to streamline operations and invest in technology-driven solutions, ultimately strengthening its position in key growth areas. This strategic adjustment reflects the evolving landscape of the logistics industry and the increasing importance of digitalization.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Ecommerce 3PL Drive US Industrial Real Estate Shift CBRE

Ecommerce 3PL Drive US Industrial Real Estate Shift CBRE

A CBRE report reveals that e-commerce and 3PL are reshaping the U.S. industrial real estate leasing market. Strong e-commerce demand, coupled with brick-and-mortar retailers' active transformation, and the flexibility and efficiency offered by 3PL providers are driving these changes. Leasing activity is concentrated in consumer-centric regions and expanding into secondary and tertiary markets. These trends present new opportunities for both investors and businesses. The growth of e-commerce continues to fuel demand for warehouse space, impacting location strategies and lease terms.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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NCR Enhances Global Supply Chain Transparency Cuts Costs

NCR Enhances Global Supply Chain Transparency Cuts Costs

Global technology leader NCR Corporation built robust landed cost analysis capabilities and achieved transparent global supply chain management by implementing an in-transit visibility project. This paper delves into NCR's transformation journey, sharing its experience in demand analysis, system implementation, and benefit realization. It offers valuable insights for companies seeking to optimize their global supply chains, providing a useful reference for improving efficiency and reducing costs through enhanced visibility and data-driven decision-making. The project's success highlights the importance of proactive supply chain management.

Fourkites Koepke on Logistics Trends Supply Chain Resilience

Fourkites Koepke on Logistics Trends Supply Chain Resilience

In an interview, Glenn Koepke of FourKites analyzes current logistics market trends, including the current state of the market, changes in the LTL market landscape, and peak season outlook. He emphasizes the importance of digital transformation and building resilient supply chains. He also introduces FourKites' network collaboration strategy, designed to achieve end-to-end supply chain visibility, helping companies address challenges and improve efficiency. This approach aims to provide a comprehensive view, enabling businesses to proactively manage disruptions and optimize their operations in a dynamic environment.

ATA Economist Predicts Freight Industry Trends Amid Economic Uncertainty

ATA Economist Predicts Freight Industry Trends Amid Economic Uncertainty

Bob Costello, Chief Economist at the American Trucking Associations, believes the current economic situation is complex, requiring a deep analysis of drivers like consumer spending, factory output, housing starts, and the inventory cycle. He emphasizes the significant impact of inventory levels on freight volume and expresses optimism about the manufacturing transformation. This article interprets Costello's views from a data analyst perspective, offering freight companies recommendations on optimizing inventory management and expanding diversified business opportunities. The analysis aims to provide actionable insights for navigating the evolving economic landscape.