Global Supply Chains Face Labor Shortages Rising Freight Costs

Global Supply Chains Face Labor Shortages Rising Freight Costs

A report by ASCM and KPMG reveals that labor shortages and high freight costs are the primary pressures on the US supply chain. While geopolitical events have some impact, these two factors account for the majority of supply chain strain. The report highlights the tight labor market, rising logistics costs, and reliance on overseas supply. It advises businesses to take measures to address these challenges. The findings underscore the urgent need for companies to adapt to the evolving landscape and build more resilient and efficient supply chains to mitigate the impact of these persistent pressures.

Industrial Property Vacancies Hit Record Low As Rents Surge JLL

Industrial Property Vacancies Hit Record Low As Rents Surge JLL

JLL reports that the US industrial real estate market hit a record low vacancy rate of 4.8% in Q2, with rents soaring to $6.62 per square foot, a 5.1% year-over-year increase. The logistics and distribution sector led leasing activity, accounting for 24.9% of total leased space in the first half of the year. Despite active construction projects, net absorption exceeded deliveries, potentially leading to a supply shortage in the long term. Businesses need to carefully select industrial space, and landlords should pay close attention to market changes.

Tech Innovations Transform Global Supply Chains

Tech Innovations Transform Global Supply Chains

Global supply chains are undergoing a profound transformation driven by technology, becoming a critical artery for the future economy. Experts at the summit emphasized the vital role of technology in enhancing transparency, optimizing efficiency, bolstering security, and fostering collaboration. While traditional industries face transformation challenges and infrastructure/cost constraints, disruptive technologies like Hyperloop and blockchain foreshadow the future of supply chains. Businesses must actively embrace technology to remain competitive. This includes adopting AI, IoT, and data analytics to streamline operations and improve decision-making across the entire supply chain network.

Kuehnenagel Adds Emissions Data to Invoices to Boost Supply Chain Sustainability

Kuehnenagel Adds Emissions Data to Invoices to Boost Supply Chain Sustainability

Kuehne+Nagel is incorporating emission data into its ocean freight invoices to enhance environmental awareness within supply chains and empower customers to make data-driven, eco-friendly decisions. Leveraging data from the Clean Cargo Working Group, this initiative underscores the role of logistics providers in sustainable development. By transparently displaying carbon footprints, K+N enables businesses to optimize their transportation strategies, achieve emission reduction targets, and set a new standard for sustainability within the industry. This move promotes informed choices and contributes to a greener future for global logistics.

Global Supply Chains Focus on Resilience Amid Rising Risks

Global Supply Chains Focus on Resilience Amid Rising Risks

The report reveals frequent supply chain disruptions, yet nearly half of businesses fail to analyze the root causes, lacking deep visibility. IT disruptions are a major threat, and cybersecurity risks are significant. Building a resilient supply chain requires improved visibility, enhanced risk assessment, optimized supplier management, strengthened contingency plans, and investment in talent development. Going beyond Tier 1 suppliers is crucial to create a more robust network. Companies need to proactively identify vulnerabilities and implement strategies to mitigate potential disruptions, ensuring business continuity and minimizing the impact of unforeseen events.

Firms Upgrade CRM Systems to Boost Supply Chain Efficiency

Firms Upgrade CRM Systems to Boost Supply Chain Efficiency

This report explores how CRM system upgrades can empower supply chain management and enhance multi-tier visibility. It analyzes the crucial role of CRM in supply chain operations, identifies challenges in current integrations, and proposes strategies such as building a unified data platform, adopting standardized interfaces, and optimizing business processes. The report emphasizes the importance of leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to help companies build a more efficient and agile supply chain. The goal is to provide insights for businesses looking to improve their supply chain performance through CRM integration.

Firms Struggle to Achieve True Supply Chain Resilience

Firms Struggle to Achieve True Supply Chain Resilience

This paper explores the phenomenon of 'heavy reaction, light analysis' in corporate supply chain risk management, pointing out that many companies avoid in-depth analysis of the root causes of supply chain disruptions. The article emphasizes that businesses should view risk as an opportunity, shifting from passive risk management to proactive resilience building. Through risk identification, diversified sourcing, and information transparency, companies can construct a more resilient supply chain. This proactive approach enhances adaptability and minimizes the impact of potential disruptions, ultimately improving overall supply chain performance and competitive advantage.

OOIDA Challenges ELD Mandate Over Trucker Privacy Concerns

OOIDA Challenges ELD Mandate Over Trucker Privacy Concerns

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) is again challenging the ELD mandate, arguing it infringes on driver privacy and raises safety concerns. The article delves into truck drivers' worries about the cost of ELDs, the risk of tampering, and the lack of flexibility. It reviews OOIDA's long-standing battle against ELDs and looks at the profound impact of the ELD mandate on the trucking industry, as well as the future interplay between technology and regulation. The mandate's impact on small businesses and independent operators remains a key point of contention.

01/29/2026 Logistics
Read More
Hostess Revives Brand with Supply Chain Overhaul

Hostess Revives Brand with Supply Chain Overhaul

Hostess Brands achieved a successful revival from near bankruptcy through supply chain reshaping. Key strategies included embracing a DTC model to accelerate inventory turnover, driving innovation to create seasonal bestsellers, reshaping the S&OP process with a consumer-centric approach, and optimizing demand forecasting through data-driven insights. This case inspires businesses to prioritize consumers, embrace digitalization, foster continuous innovation, adapt flexibly, and operate leanly, transforming the supply chain into a cornerstone of corporate success. The focus on data and direct connection with consumers proved crucial for their turnaround.

Supply Chain Digital Twins Risk Growth by Overlooking Customers

Supply Chain Digital Twins Risk Growth by Overlooking Customers

Gartner's research indicates that while most enterprises are actively exploring Digital Supply Chain Twins (DSCT), few plan to incorporate Digital Twins of Customers (DToC) into their strategies. This oversight may hinder the full potential of digital twin technology. Businesses need to shift their perspective, placing the customer at the core, and enhance data collection and analysis. Building a customer-centric digital twin ecosystem is crucial to unlocking the true value of digital twins and gaining a competitive advantage. Prioritizing customer understanding within the digital twin framework is essential for maximizing its impact.