Businesses Adapt Supply Chains to Overcome Pandemic Disruptions

Businesses Adapt Supply Chains to Overcome Pandemic Disruptions

During the pandemic, supply chains faced multiple challenges including container shortages, port congestion, and labor shortages. Companies actively responded to the crisis through strategies such as container decompartmentalization, alternative port selection, technology-enabled transformation, collaborative supply chain partnerships, and proactive risk planning. These efforts demonstrated remarkable adaptability and innovation. The experiences provide valuable lessons for future supply chain management, highlighting the importance of resilience and agility in navigating disruptions.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Packaging Industry Boosts Automation Amid Pandemic Ecommerce Demand

Packaging Industry Boosts Automation Amid Pandemic Ecommerce Demand

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the automation transformation in the packaging industry, with companies facing labor shortages and surging e-commerce demands. Secondary packaging is becoming a key area for automation, and technologies such as collaborative robots and remote maintenance are increasingly prevalent. Human-machine collaboration will be a major trend in the future of the packaging industry. This shift aims to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance resilience in the face of evolving market dynamics.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Material Handling Industry Adapts to Pandemic Embraces Microfulfillment

Material Handling Industry Adapts to Pandemic Embraces Microfulfillment

On the first day of ProMatDX, industry experts noted that the pandemic has accelerated the transformation of the material handling industry, with surging demand creating supply chain pressure. MRO service demand is rising, and micro-fulfillment is emerging as a new growth area. Robotics technology is evolving from individual products to comprehensive solutions, with mobile solutions like AMRs potentially replacing traditional conveyors. Experts will also lead a discussion on micro-fulfillment.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Asiapacific Nations Unite on Ecommerce Rules During Pandemic

Asiapacific Nations Unite on Ecommerce Rules During Pandemic

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held an online workshop for Asia-Pacific members, focusing on the effective implementation of the E-Commerce Framework of Standards (E-Commerce FoS) to address challenges arising from the pandemic-accelerated growth of e-commerce. The meeting covered topics such as advance electronic data, data exchange, tax collection, cooperation & coordination, and technology applications. The aim was to promote trade facilitation, ensure effective customs control and revenue collection, and foster the healthy development of cross-border e-commerce.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Top US Trucking Firms Grew Despite Pandemic Challenges

Top US Trucking Firms Grew Despite Pandemic Challenges

Despite the pandemic's impact, the Top 50 US trucking companies demonstrated remarkable resilience. Key success factors included agile adaptation, technological innovation, employee well-being, lean management, and risk control. These companies optimized operations, accelerated digital transformation, and strengthened contingency plans. By doing so, they achieved growth against the odds and solidified their position in the industry. Their experience provides valuable lessons for navigating future challenges and underscores the importance of proactive strategies in a volatile environment.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Autozone Overhauls Supply Chain Amid Pandemic Trade Strains

Autozone Overhauls Supply Chain Amid Pandemic Trade Strains

AutoZone is re-evaluating its supply chain due to the pandemic and trade war, incorporating geographic diversification into supplier selection. The company is exploring new sourcing locations such as India and Mexico. This reflects a global trend of businesses reshaping supply chains to mitigate risks and enhance flexibility. AutoZone is prioritizing the restructuring of its private-label supply chain, offering a valuable case study for building resilient supply chains.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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West Africa Enhances Customs Risk Management During Pandemic

West Africa Enhances Customs Risk Management During Pandemic

Supported by the WCO/JICA joint project, West African Customs administrations continued to enhance their risk management and intelligence analysis capabilities during the pandemic through online training. The MTP project, involving six countries including Benin, aims to cultivate a team of experts proficient in these skills and has made significant progress. By adopting innovative training methods, the project overcame the challenges posed by the pandemic and injected new momentum into customs capacity building in West Africa. The online format allowed for continued learning and development despite travel restrictions and social distancing measures.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Amazon Ends Thirdparty Delivery to Streamline Pandemic Operations

Amazon Ends Thirdparty Delivery to Streamline Pandemic Operations

Amazon suspended non-essential, third-party package delivery services to focus resources on surging first-party business during the pandemic and ensure timely delivery of essential goods. Experts believe this move poses little immediate threat to UPS and FedEx. However, Amazon's long-term potential as a powerful competitor in the logistics space remains significant. This action highlights the importance of adaptable logistics networks in responding to unexpected events and maintaining service levels during times of crisis.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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Customs Key to Asiapacific Trade Resilience During Pandemic

Customs Key to Asiapacific Trade Resilience During Pandemic

The Asian Development Bank and UNESCAP jointly held a webinar focusing on the critical role of customs in safeguarding trade and connectivity during the pandemic. The WCO Secretary General emphasized the need for customs to ensure supply chain transparency and shared WCO's response measures and recommendations for regional cooperation. These included coordinating border management, digitizing procedures, and building capacity. The meeting highlighted the importance of customs in facilitating trade and building resilient supply chains during global crises.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Pandemic Risks Longterm Damage to Global Economic Growth

Pandemic Risks Longterm Damage to Global Economic Growth

An IHS Markit report indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic not only caused an economic recession but also poses a threat to long-term growth. The labor market, capital stock, and total factor productivity have all been negatively affected. Real GDP in developed economies is projected to be lower than pre-pandemic expectations by 2030. Accelerated digitalization may partially offset these adverse effects, but the overall long-term economic consequences remain significant and concerning.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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