Retailers Adapt Lastmile Delivery Strategies for Postpandemic Demand

Retailers Adapt Lastmile Delivery Strategies for Postpandemic Demand

Post-pandemic, last-mile delivery faces challenges including rising customer expectations, increasing cost pressures, accelerating technological changes, heightened environmental requirements, and growing supply chain uncertainties. This paper delves into five key trends shaping last-mile delivery: customer-centricity, lean operations, technology enablement, green logistics, and resilient supply chains. It provides logistics companies with strategies to address these challenges and build efficient, intelligent, and sustainable last-mile delivery systems. The focus is on adapting to the evolving landscape and leveraging innovation for a competitive edge.

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.

US Imports Stay Elevated As Port Delays Continue

US Imports Stay Elevated As Port Delays Continue

According to the Descartes Global Shipping Report, US imports in August decreased by 3% month-over-month but remained high, up 12.9% year-over-year, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. This high import volume exacerbates port congestion, with delays increasing at the seven major ports. Chinese imports remain a significant driver, growing by 17.2%. The report reveals a slight decrease in the West Coast ports' share and a general increase in port transportation delays. Addressing port congestion requires increased infrastructure investment, optimized operations, and improved inland transportation.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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WCO Private Sector Collaborate to Streamline Global Trade

WCO Private Sector Collaborate to Streamline Global Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG) met with the Policy Commission (PC) to discuss key issues including business resumption, data strategy, and Green Customs. The meeting highlighted the critical role of customs during the pandemic and called for the permanent implementation of trade facilitation measures. Participants emphasized leveraging data strategies and Green Customs initiatives to build a sustainable trade system. The importance of strengthening cooperation between customs and the private sector to reshape the global trade landscape was also underscored.

World Customs Organization Balances Crisis Response and Global Opportunities

World Customs Organization Balances Crisis Response and Global Opportunities

At the 7th Annual Conference of International Organizations, the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) shared WCO's strategies for responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring the stability of the global supply chain. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation and called for strengthened collaboration in areas such as digital transformation, e-commerce development, and disaster management to jointly address global challenges. The WCO's efforts highlight the crucial role of customs organizations in facilitating trade and ensuring security during times of crisis.

US Shipping Delays Drive Up Global Trade Costs

US Shipping Delays Drive Up Global Trade Costs

The US maritime shipping market is facing a double whammy of delays and rising prices. Factors such as pandemic-induced port congestion, labor shortages, surging demand, container shortages, insufficient capacity, rising fuel costs, and cargo backlogs have collectively driven up ocean freight costs, straining the global trade chain. Container shipping rates from the US to China and Europe have increased 3-4 times since 2020, and delays have not yet been fully resolved. The situation continues to put pressure on businesses and consumers alike.

Key Strategies for Global COVID19 Vaccine Distribution

Key Strategies for Global COVID19 Vaccine Distribution

This paper delves into the challenges and opportunities facing supply chain leaders in the context of global COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Based on Gartner's research, the article highlights ten key strategic considerations for vaccine distribution, including last-mile agility, data-driven decision-making, ethical responsibility, innovation opportunities, balancing standardization and flexibility, risk management, open collaboration, and end-to-end integration. The aim is to provide a reference for relevant decision-makers navigating the complexities of vaccine supply chains and optimizing distribution strategies during the pandemic.

Ecommerce Booms in Postpandemic US and Europe

Ecommerce Booms in Postpandemic US and Europe

Following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in Europe and the US, demand for apparel, luxury goods, and beauty products has surged. The US retail sector is showing strong recovery, while lipstick sales in France have skyrocketed. Social media marketing is crucial for beauty brands to stand out. Cross-border e-commerce sellers should closely monitor policy changes, optimize product selection strategies, strengthen social media marketing efforts, improve supply chain efficiency, and pay attention to consumer feedback to seize new opportunities in the post-pandemic era.

Amazon Top Seller Packable Files for Bankruptcy

Amazon Top Seller Packable Files for Bankruptcy

Top Amazon seller Packable is on the verge of bankruptcy due to failed financing, laying off over 20% of its workforce. Over-reliance on the Amazon platform, the fading pandemic dividend, a capital winter, and a strategic error of prioritizing expansion over profits are the main reasons for its downfall. This case serves as a warning to cross-border e-commerce sellers, highlighting the need for diversified channels, improved profitability, and optimized operating models. They need to focus on building sustainable businesses rather than chasing rapid growth.

Ecommerce Surge Drives Industrial Property Demand

Ecommerce Surge Drives Industrial Property Demand

JLL reports that the pandemic has accelerated e-commerce growth, projecting US e-commerce sales to reach $1.5 trillion by 2025, driving demand for an additional 1 billion square feet of industrial real estate. Online grocery and safety stock strategies are emerging as new growth drivers. Despite facing challenges related to land availability, labor, and sustainability, industrial real estate is entering a golden age fueled by this e-commerce boom. The increasing need for fulfillment centers and distribution hubs will continue to shape the industrial landscape.