Postpandemic Supply Chains Struggle to Balance Safety Stock and Lean Practices

Postpandemic Supply Chains Struggle to Balance Safety Stock and Lean Practices

A Gartner survey reveals a divide among supply chain professionals regarding increasing safety stock versus adhering to lean manufacturing principles. The automotive and high-tech industries lean towards boosting inventory, while sectors like industrial manufacturing show less interest. Companies must strike a balance to build a resilient supply chain, encompassing risk assessment, supply chain visibility, diversified sourcing, digital transformation, and strategic partnerships. This approach allows businesses to navigate disruptions effectively while maintaining operational efficiency and responsiveness to market demands.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Procurement Pros Adapt Strategies for Second Demand Peak

Procurement Pros Adapt Strategies for Second Demand Peak

Facing a potential second wave of the pandemic, procurement professionals must return to fundamental processes, monitor macroeconomic trends, deepen commodity management strategies, and reshape strategic sourcing to enhance supply chain resilience and ensure stable business operations. Data analysis plays a crucial role in risk quantification, predictive modeling, cost analysis, and supplier evaluation, enabling informed decision-making and proactive risk mitigation. By focusing on these key areas, organizations can navigate uncertainty and maintain a competitive edge in a volatile market.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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CSX Announces Leadership Changes and Strategic Upgrades

CSX Announces Leadership Changes and Strategic Upgrades

CSX has appointed Kevin Boone as CFO and Maryclare Kenney as CCO, aiming to strengthen strategic focus and promote long-term growth. The formation of this new leadership team signals a heightened emphasis on operational and commercial execution at CSX. This move is expected to provide a competitive edge in the market and drive performance improvements. The appointments reflect CSX's commitment to optimizing its leadership structure to achieve strategic objectives and deliver sustainable value to shareholders.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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Supreme Court Blocks LA Port Clean Truck Program

Supreme Court Blocks LA Port Clean Truck Program

The U.S. Supreme Court rejected parts of the Port of Los Angeles' 'Clean Truck' program, sparking debate on the boundaries of local regulations. The program aimed to reduce port pollution, but trucking associations argued it interfered with the market. The Port of Los Angeles is reassessing the plan, seeking collaboration with trucking companies to explore a win-win path for environmental protection and economic development. This offers insights into the green transformation of the logistics industry.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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Descartes Buys Sellercloud to Enhance Ecommerce Logistics

Descartes Buys Sellercloud to Enhance Ecommerce Logistics

Descartes' acquisition of Sellercloud creates a comprehensive omnichannel e-commerce solution. This integration streamlines inventory, order management, and logistics processes, empowering businesses to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and drive business growth. The combined offering provides a unified platform for managing sales across multiple channels, optimizing fulfillment, and enhancing the customer experience. By connecting various aspects of the e-commerce value chain, Descartes and Sellercloud enable retailers to operate more effectively and compete in today's dynamic market.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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US Import Growth Persists Despite Port Strike Concerns

US Import Growth Persists Despite Port Strike Concerns

Despite the looming threat of port strikes on the East and Gulf Coasts, US import volumes remain high. Reports indicate that retailers are front-loading shipments to mitigate strike risks and concerns about future tariff changes, driving the increase. However, port congestion is escalating, challenging supply chain management. Businesses need to closely monitor market dynamics and adapt their supply chain strategies to navigate the uncertainties. The potential strike action adds further complexity to an already strained global logistics network.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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Mattels Supply Chain Chief Shares Rules for Managing Complexity

Mattels Supply Chain Chief Shares Rules for Managing Complexity

Roberto Isaias, Head of Supply Chain at Mattel, shared five golden rules for navigating complex supply chains: establish an end-to-end perspective, build an agile supply chain, leverage digital technologies, cultivate a professional team, and continuously optimize. These principles aim to help businesses adapt to market changes, improve operational efficiency, and achieve sustainable development. By focusing on these key areas, companies can better manage disruptions, enhance visibility, and create a more resilient and responsive supply chain.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Mattel Supply Chief Outlines Leadership Tips for Complex Logistics

Mattel Supply Chief Outlines Leadership Tips for Complex Logistics

Mattel's Chief Supply Chain Officer, Roberto Isaias, shares five transformative leadership principles gleaned from his 30-year career. He emphasizes the importance of embracing change, focusing on the customer, investing in technology, cultivating talent, and building a sustainable supply chain. These lessons offer valuable insights for businesses navigating complexity and challenges, ultimately leading to sustainable growth. His experience provides a practical framework for leaders seeking to optimize their supply chains and drive positive organizational change within dynamic market environments.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Mattel Shares Five Rules to Manage Supply Chain Complexity

Mattel Shares Five Rules to Manage Supply Chain Complexity

Roberto Isaias, Mattel's supply chain leader, shares five golden rules for navigating complex supply chains: embrace transparency and build end-to-end visibility; establish agility to quickly adapt to market changes; invest in talent to build high-performing teams; embrace innovation to continuously optimize supply chain processes; and build strategic partnerships for win-win development. These principles offer valuable experience for companies to effectively manage their supply chains and lead change in complex and volatile environments.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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UPS Wins USPS Air Cargo Contract Reshaping Logistics Sector

UPS Wins USPS Air Cargo Contract Reshaping Logistics Sector

UPS has successfully secured the United States Postal Service (USPS) air cargo contract, marking a significant shift in the logistics landscape. Driven by cost reduction and efficiency improvements, USPS's decision to partner with UPS presents a challenge for FedEx, which faces the loss of a crucial revenue stream. UPS, leveraging its integrated network advantages, is poised to enhance operational efficiency and expand its market share. This transformation will impact industry competition and potentially benefit consumers in the long run.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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