Sweetwater CEO Phil Rich Tackles Peak Season Supply Chain Hurdles

Sweetwater CEO Phil Rich Tackles Peak Season Supply Chain Hurdles

Phil Rich, head of supply chain at Sweetwater, shares the company's strategies for tackling peak season challenges. These include placing orders early, optimizing the transportation network, increasing safety stock, strengthening information communication, and flexibly adjusting warehouse space. The aim is to ensure customer needs are met and business growth is achieved in a complex and volatile environment. By proactively addressing potential disruptions and implementing agile solutions, Sweetwater strives to maintain a seamless and efficient supply chain throughout the high-demand period.

Trucking Industry Struggles Amid Broader Economic Growth

Trucking Industry Struggles Amid Broader Economic Growth

At the SMC3 conference, Keith Prather of Armada Corporate Intelligence highlighted the cyclical disconnect between the macroeconomy and the freight market, currently driven by inventory imbalances. He noted that global supply chains are undergoing a reset, with destocking nearing completion. Anticipated economic growth is expected to drive a rebound in freight volumes. Prather emphasized the need for freight companies to proactively embrace change and prepare for market recovery. The current situation presents both challenges and opportunities as the industry navigates this transition.

E2open CEO Identifies Top Logistics Industry Trends

E2open CEO Identifies Top Logistics Industry Trends

E2open CEO Michael Farlekas analyzes three major trends in the current logistics industry: the transformation of the freight economy, declining imports, and supply chain diversification. He emphasizes the need for businesses to adopt data-driven decision-making and build flexible and efficient supply chains to address market challenges. Companies must leverage data insights to optimize operations, mitigate risks, and adapt to evolving global dynamics. This proactive approach is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and ensuring resilience in the face of ongoing disruptions and uncertainties.

E2open CEO Discusses Global Supply Chain Resilience

E2open CEO Discusses Global Supply Chain Resilience

E2open CEO Michael Farlekas provides an in-depth analysis of the global logistics industry's transformation trends, emphasizing the importance of supply chain diversification and resilience. He points out that facing challenges such as the freight economy downturn and declining port throughput, companies should strengthen risk management, embrace digital transformation, and collaborate with platforms like E2open to build a more resilient supply chain system and embrace future opportunities. This collaboration is crucial for navigating the current economic climate and preparing for future growth.

Study Finds Shippers Carriers Align on Transport Industry Priorities

Study Finds Shippers Carriers Align on Transport Industry Priorities

A new Breakthrough study reveals three key areas of consensus between shippers and carriers in the next 12 months: reducing emissions, building mutually beneficial contract relationships, and navigating fluctuations in linehaul rates. The report emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and sustainability as crucial for industry advancement. It provides strategic insights for businesses to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities, highlighting the importance of working together to achieve shared goals in a dynamic freight landscape. This research offers valuable guidance for navigating the evolving transportation sector.

Ameriflight Invests in Cargo Drones for Lastmile Delivery Boost

Ameriflight Invests in Cargo Drones for Lastmile Delivery Boost

Amerijet plans to purchase 35 cargo drones to expand its rapid supply chain services and enter distribution center logistics. This marks the company's second major investment in the drone sector, aiming to leverage the vertical takeoff and landing capabilities of drones to build a more efficient warehouse distribution network. The cargo drone market holds significant potential but faces challenges including regulations, technology, and costs. In the future, cargo drones are expected to reshape the logistics landscape and improve supply chain efficiency.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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South Carolina Ports See Volume Dip Amid Expansion Efforts

South Carolina Ports See Volume Dip Amid Expansion Efforts

The South Carolina Ports Authority reported a 9% year-over-year decrease in cargo volume for October, but an 18% increase month-over-month. The inland port of Greer is undergoing expansion to meet future demands. The port needs to strengthen data analysis to optimize operational efficiency in order to address challenges and seize opportunities for sustainable growth. Improved data insights will be crucial for navigating the evolving supply chain landscape and ensuring the port's competitiveness in the long term.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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STB Implements Reciprocal Switching Rule to Reduce Rail Freight Delays

STB Implements Reciprocal Switching Rule to Reduce Rail Freight Delays

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) proposes a reciprocal switching rule to address rail service challenges faced by shippers. The new rule would allow shippers to choose alternative rail carriers when existing carriers fail to meet service standards. It defines service evaluation metrics, simplifies the application process, and aims to break rail monopolies, improve service levels, and ultimately enhance freight efficiency. This initiative seeks to provide shippers with greater options and ensure reliable rail service by promoting competition within the rail industry.

US Freight Growth Slows As Costs Remain High

US Freight Growth Slows As Costs Remain High

The Cass Freight Index September report indicates a slowdown in US freight volume growth and a narrowing of freight expenditure increases, primarily due to port congestion and chip shortages. The report highlights the coexistence of capacity bottlenecks and demand-side challenges. Looking ahead, attention should be paid to opportunities arising from economic recovery and technological innovation, as well as the impact of changing consumer spending patterns on freight structure. Investors and businesses should closely monitor market dynamics and maintain a cautiously optimistic outlook.

Cold Chain Storage Demand Rises with Fresh Food Ecommerce Growth

Cold Chain Storage Demand Rises with Fresh Food Ecommerce Growth

A CBRE report reveals that the explosive growth of fresh produce e-commerce is driving significant demand for cold chain warehousing. This sector faces challenges like high costs, long construction periods, and strict temperature control. Future trends include speculative development, expansion into lower-tier cities, and automation upgrades. To capitalize on this trillion-dollar market, stakeholders must embrace technological innovation, focus on lower-tier markets, and strengthen collaboration. Seizing these opportunities will be key to success in the evolving cold chain warehousing landscape.