Supply Chains Prioritize Cost Control Amid Labor Shortages

Supply Chains Prioritize Cost Control Amid Labor Shortages

A Gartner report indicates that cost control and decision optimization are primary drivers for supply chain investment, but talent shortages are a significant concern. The report suggests companies adopt a multi-pronged approach to address the talent gap and enhance supply chain competitiveness. This includes strengthening employer branding, optimizing compensation, expanding talent pools, deepening university-industry partnerships, and promoting technological innovation. Addressing the talent shortage is crucial for maximizing the return on supply chain investments and achieving long-term success.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Services Sector Defies Economic Slowdown ISM

US Services Sector Defies Economic Slowdown ISM

The November US ISM Non-Manufacturing Report indicates continued solid growth, with the NMI index reaching 60.7. While business activity and new orders remained strong, the sector faces challenges including a skills shortage in the labor market and persistent upward pressure on prices. Tariffs and trade friction introduce uncertainty. Experts view the economic outlook as optimistic but emphasize the need to address these challenges. Businesses and policymakers should proactively respond to these factors to sustain growth and mitigate potential risks.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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USPS Reform Act Aims to Cut Losses Modernize Logistics

USPS Reform Act Aims to Cut Losses Modernize Logistics

The US Postal Service Reform Act aims to improve the USPS's financial situation. Key provisions include eliminating pre-funding of retirement benefits, integrating healthcare, and mandating six-day delivery. Experts argue that the reform is not a 'bailout' but a correction of historical flaws. The USPS still faces numerous challenges, such as transitioning to electric vehicles and adjusting delivery standards. Future developments require close attention.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Chinas Firsttier Cities Tackle Lastmile Delivery Challenges

Chinas Firsttier Cities Tackle Lastmile Delivery Challenges

First-tier cities face a severe shortage of last-mile delivery depots, impacting delivery efficiency and courier safety. A CPPCC National Committee member suggests urban planning should incorporate last-mile service facilities. While policies offer guidance, practical implementation remains challenging. The industry needs to improve land utilization efficiency, and communities can leverage idle spaces to jointly solve the last-mile dilemma. This collaborative approach is crucial to overcoming the challenges of securing adequate space for efficient last-mile delivery operations in densely populated urban areas.

09/28/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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Warehouses Turn to Creative Tactics Amid Labor Shortages

Warehouses Turn to Creative Tactics Amid Labor Shortages

High turnover rates among warehouse workers pose a significant challenge for businesses. This paper argues that compensation isn't the sole solution. Companies need to challenge stereotypes and showcase technological advancements. Embracing diversity and expanding recruitment efforts are crucial. Building career ladders and providing development opportunities are essential for employee growth. Furthermore, valuing employee feedback and creating a meaningful work environment can effectively address the labor shortage. By focusing on these strategies, companies can improve employee retention and overcome the challenges of finding and keeping qualified warehouse personnel.

11/03/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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Global Container Shipping Service Quality Plummets to Historic Lows

Global Container Shipping Service Quality Plummets to Historic Lows

The quality of global container shipping services has sharply declined, with on-time performance dropping to 56%, posing significant challenges for shipping companies. Routes from Asia to the U.S. have shown particularly poor results, with record-low on-time rates leading to shipper dissatisfaction. The rise in trade volume due to global economic recovery has exacerbated capacity constraints and high shipping costs. The shortage of container equipment needs urgent attention, and shipping companies must improve transparency and service quality to alleviate pressure on customers.

10/29/2020 Logistics Industry Insights
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China Overtakes US in Mexicos Auto Trade As Industry Shifts

China Overtakes US in Mexicos Auto Trade As Industry Shifts

Chinese car brands are rapidly rising in the Mexican market, gaining market share with high cost-performance, diverse product lines, and quick market response, even surpassing the US in trade. During the semiconductor shortage crisis, Chinese automakers demonstrated greater resilience. The rise of the Chinese automotive industry is not only reshaping the Mexican automotive market but also driving changes in local transportation methods. Their competitive pricing and adaptable models cater to the specific needs of Mexican consumers, leading to increased adoption and a shift in market dynamics.

12/30/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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Kraft Heinz Boosts Supply Chain Efficiency with New Operations Center

Kraft Heinz Boosts Supply Chain Efficiency with New Operations Center

Kraft Heinz successfully addressed a mayonnaise bottle shortage crisis and achieved cost savings and efficiency gains by establishing an operations center and integrating its supply chain and marketing departments. This strategic transformation, breaking down departmental silos, is crucial for companies to maintain competitiveness in a highly competitive market. Integration is not easy, but Kraft Heinz's experience demonstrates that it is a worthwhile path to explore. By centralizing operations, Kraft Heinz streamlined processes and improved responsiveness to market demands, ultimately strengthening its overall supply chain resilience.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Trucking Industry Struggles with Capacity As Freight Rates Soar

Trucking Industry Struggles with Capacity As Freight Rates Soar

The trucking market is experiencing a persistent capacity crunch and soaring freight rates, driven by surging consumer demand, port congestion, and a shortage of drivers. Carriers hold significant bargaining power, putting pressure on shippers' costs. This article analyzes the current market situation, underlying causes, and future trends. It also provides sales professionals with strategies to navigate these challenges, aiming to help them seize opportunities and succeed in the future. The analysis offers insights into adapting to the evolving landscape and securing a competitive advantage amidst market volatility.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Korn Ferry Supply Chain Talent Adapts to Postpandemic Demands

Korn Ferry Supply Chain Talent Adapts to Postpandemic Demands

A CRI International survey reveals that the pandemic has accelerated cultural changes in supply chains, with agility, resilience, and collaboration becoming key. Companies are facing a shortage of end-to-end talent and need to break down departmental barriers and broaden their selection horizons. CRI International helps companies meet these challenges by building outstanding supply chain teams and embracing the digital future. The survey highlights the urgent need for organizations to adapt their talent strategies to foster a more responsive and adaptable supply chain workforce.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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