CPG and Retail Firms Adapt SOP to Market Volatility

CPG and Retail Firms Adapt SOP to Market Volatility

The consumer goods and retail industry is highly competitive, making efficient Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) crucial. This paper explores how to optimize the S&OP process to achieve more accurate demand forecasting, optimized resource allocation, efficient production delivery, and collaborative cross-departmental cooperation. Companies should leverage advanced technologies and a culture of continuous improvement to build a more resilient and competitive S&OP system, thereby maintaining a leading position in the rapidly changing market. This includes improving forecast accuracy, resource allocation, and cross-functional collaboration.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Winter Storms Boost January Truckload Volumes to Record High

Winter Storms Boost January Truckload Volumes to Record High

DAT reports that U.S. truckload freight volume hit a record high in January due to severe winter weather, with increased rates and truck-to-load ratios. Experts believe this is not a long-term trend and anticipate a return to seasonal market fluctuations. The report analyzes freight data for different trailer types, including dry van, refrigerated, and flatbed, and provides an outlook on future market trends. The surge is expected to be temporary, influenced by weather-related disruptions rather than fundamental shifts in demand.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Biden Allocates 28B to Boost US EV Battery Production

Biden Allocates 28B to Boost US EV Battery Production

The Biden administration announced $2.8 billion in grants to expand U.S. electric vehicle battery production and reduce reliance on China. The funding will support 20 companies in building or expanding battery and component manufacturing facilities, covering the entire supply chain from raw materials to recycling. Simultaneously, the "American Battery Materials Initiative" was launched to secure the supply of critical minerals. This initiative aims to reshape the U.S. electric vehicle supply chain and enhance domestic competitiveness.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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California Ports Launch Datasharing Platform to Improve Supply Chains

California Ports Launch Datasharing Platform to Improve Supply Chains

Five major California ports are collaborating to build a data-sharing platform, aiming to improve efficiency and supply chain resilience. Real-time data will empower businesses to optimize transportation and reduce costs. The initiative has received funding from the state government and includes provisions to protect labor rights. The platform is expected to streamline operations, enhance visibility, and strengthen the overall competitiveness of California's port system by fostering better collaboration and information exchange among stakeholders.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Del Monte Shifts Strategy to Full Supply Chain Provider

Del Monte Shifts Strategy to Full Supply Chain Provider

Del Monte, a fresh produce giant, is actively expanding its logistics business by partnering with Stord and Happy Egg Co. to offer comprehensive logistics services and open up its cold chain infrastructure. Leveraging its robust logistics assets and extensive experience in the fresh produce sector, Del Monte aims to become an end-to-end supply chain service provider. This strategic move allows them to capitalize on the burgeoning fresh produce e-commerce market, address the challenges of fresh produce logistics, and achieve new growth.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Kelloggs Shifts to Warehouse Model for Supply Chain Efficiency

Kelloggs Shifts to Warehouse Model for Supply Chain Efficiency

Kellogg's is closing its direct store delivery (DSD) system and shifting to a retailer warehouse delivery model. This move aims to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and adapt to omnichannel sales trends. It will empower retailers with greater control, optimize inventory management, and cater to the shopping preferences of millennials. The industry is accelerating its transformation towards digital and intelligent supply chains. This shift is expected to streamline operations and enhance responsiveness to evolving consumer demands within the competitive retail landscape.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Amazon Opens Prime to More Sellers Amid Warehouse Limits

Amazon Opens Prime to More Sellers Amid Warehouse Limits

Facing warehousing pressure, Amazon expanded Prime eligibility, allowing third-party sellers to handle their own fulfillment, sparking industry interest in warehouse model transformation. Companies like GameStop, AutoZone, FedEx, and Flexe are also exploring innovative warehousing solutions. Data analytics are increasingly crucial in optimizing warehousing and logistics. Data-driven and green warehousing are expected to be future trends. This shift highlights the growing need for flexible and efficient warehousing strategies to meet the demands of e-commerce growth and evolving customer expectations.

01/27/2026 Warehousing
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APICS and Supply Chain Council Merge to Transform Industry

APICS and Supply Chain Council Merge to Transform Industry

APICS and SCC have announced their merger, marking a powerful alliance between two leading authorities in supply chain management. This move aims to consolidate resources, unify standards, and enhance industry influence, potentially reshaping the supply chain landscape. The combined organization will provide businesses with more comprehensive guidance and support, enabling them to collectively address global supply chain challenges. This merger signifies a significant step towards a more unified and robust approach to managing increasingly complex global supply chains.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Retailers Slow to Invest in Visibility Amid Omnichannel Boom

Retailers Slow to Invest in Visibility Amid Omnichannel Boom

In the omnichannel retail landscape, accurate inventory visibility is crucial. Despite growing demand, retailers have been relatively slow to invest in visibility. Improved visibility enhances customer satisfaction, increases sales, and optimizes operational efficiency. Key strategies include implementing a unified inventory management system, adopting an advanced order management system, and investing in data analytics tools. Proactive investment in visibility is essential for retailers to succeed in the future.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Major Shipping Firms Collaborate to Boost US Port Competitiveness

Major Shipping Firms Collaborate to Boost US Port Competitiveness

Increased shipping industry consolidation and the rise of shipping alliances pose risks to US ports, including declining cargo volumes and reduced competitiveness. Ports need to develop a hub port model, upgrade infrastructure, and strengthen cooperation with shipping alliances. Simultaneously, regulators should prevent unfair competition to address industry changes and maintain competitiveness. This requires strategic adaptation and proactive measures to navigate the evolving landscape of the maritime industry and ensure the long-term viability of US ports.

01/28/2026 Port Encyclopedia
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