Three Strategies to Strengthen Supply Chain Resilience

Three Strategies to Strengthen Supply Chain Resilience

A joint study by APICS and MSU reveals that supply chain complexity stifles corporate growth. The report proposes three solutions: first, strengthen collaboration and build a community of value; second, empower with technology and create a smart engine; and third, drive with leadership and build an agile culture. Companies should actively embrace change to reverse the situation in complex markets. By focusing on these key areas, businesses can navigate challenges and achieve sustainable growth despite increasing supply chain complexities.

US Revamps Logistics Procurement Boosting 3PL Sector

US Revamps Logistics Procurement Boosting 3PL Sector

The U.S. Department of State is shifting from traditional logistics procurement to a 'collaborative contracting' model, presenting new opportunities for 3PL providers. This change emphasizes long-term partnerships and value creation, fostering innovation and shared risk. The State Department has announced a $2 billion logistics contract covering global embassy and consulate supply chain management. This requires 3PL companies to enhance comprehensive service capabilities, embrace technological innovation, and build cooperative relationships with the purchaser to jointly create value.

Target Overhauls Supply Chain for Retail Innovation

Target Overhauls Supply Chain for Retail Innovation

Target invested $7 billion to reshape its supply chain, building an efficient fulfillment network centered around stores. Investments in sortation centers optimize last-mile delivery, and deeper integration with Shipt enhances delivery flexibility. Emphasizing customer centricity, Target drives supply chain decisions with the customer in mind, empowers partners to simplify processes, and leverages automation to improve efficiency. Moving forward, Target will continue to embrace change, maintain agility, and deliver an exceptional retail experience for its customers.

Supply Chains Adapt to Geopolitical Shifts and Digital Demands

Supply Chains Adapt to Geopolitical Shifts and Digital Demands

Global supply chains face multiple challenges, including geopolitical tensions, climate change, and labor shortages. This paper emphasizes the importance of supply chain visibility and explores strategies such as digital transformation, diversified sourcing, and risk management to build a more resilient supply chain ecosystem, moving away from a reactive 'rolling apocalypse' scenario. Key technologies include RFID, 2D barcodes, as well as data standardization and interoperability. These approaches enable proactive adaptation and mitigation of disruptions, ensuring business continuity in an increasingly volatile world.

UPS Teamsters Agree on Surepost Package Size in Tentative Deal

UPS Teamsters Agree on Surepost Package Size in Tentative Deal

UPS and the Teamsters union have reached a tentative agreement, adjusting SurePost package size limits, potentially shifting more packages to union drivers for delivery. This move could impact UPS's operational costs, union member benefits, and consumer service experience. The agreement also sparks discussion about automation in the logistics industry and the future of labor relations. The change in SurePost dimensions aims to bring more volume under the union contract, influencing delivery efficiency and potentially affecting the competitive landscape within the package delivery sector.

11/03/2025 Logistics
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Key Industries Await Relief from Trumpera Tariffs

Key Industries Await Relief from Trumpera Tariffs

The US may extend the tariff suspension period from the Trump administration, potentially benefiting industries such as electronics, machinery, furniture, automotive parts, textiles, and photovoltaics. The direction of tariff policy significantly impacts the China-US trade landscape and the development of related businesses. Companies need to closely monitor policy trends and adjust their business strategies accordingly. This extension could provide a temporary relief and opportunity for growth in the affected sectors, while a change in policy could necessitate further adaptation and strategic realignment.

Lazada Malaysia Cuts Seller Fees to Boost Marketplace Growth

Lazada Malaysia Cuts Seller Fees to Boost Marketplace Growth

Lazada Malaysia will adjust commission rates and launch an all-inclusive plan starting August 1, 2025. Commission fees for LazMall sellers using overseas warehouses will significantly decrease, while commission fees for non-LazMall sellers using direct shipping will slightly decrease. Sellers should pay attention to the adjusted contribution ratio for coin discounts. Overall, this adjustment is beneficial for most sellers and will help reduce operating costs. This change aims to improve competitiveness for cross-border merchants on the Malaysian platform.

11/03/2025 Logistics
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Madagascar Shares Disaster Resilience Strategies Amid Crises

Madagascar Shares Disaster Resilience Strategies Amid Crises

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation and Columbia University's National Center for Disaster Preparedness (NCDP), held a workshop in Madagascar to enhance the country's capacity to respond to pandemics and natural disasters. Through the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and practical exercises, Madagascar gained valuable lessons, providing insights for other developing countries facing challenges posed by climate change. The workshop aimed to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience through customs facilitation and international collaboration.

World Customs Journal Highlights Global Trade Challenges

World Customs Journal Highlights Global Trade Challenges

The sixth issue of the *World Customs Journal* focuses on the impact of economic crises, regional trade agreements, and climate change on customs. It gathers insights from global experts, providing perspectives on understanding new challenges and opportunities in international trade. The articles emphasize the important implications of risk management, trade facilitation, environmental regulation, and international cooperation for the development of Chinese customs. It offers valuable insights into navigating the evolving landscape of global trade and the crucial role customs plays in it.

Lomboks Selaparang Airport Yields Legacy Data Insights

Lomboks Selaparang Airport Yields Legacy Data Insights

This paper focuses on the closed Selaparang Airport in Lombok, Indonesia. By analyzing its IATA/ICAO codes, geographical coordinates, and altitude data, it explores the airport's historical value and potential reference significance for future aviation planning. The study emphasizes the role of data analysis in understanding regional transportation development. It highlights how even closed airports can provide valuable insights into past infrastructure decisions and inform future strategic planning in the aviation sector, particularly in regions undergoing rapid growth and change.