Purdue University Wins 5M Grant for Truck Platooning Research

Purdue University Wins 5M Grant for Truck Platooning Research

The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded Purdue University a $5 million grant to research truck platooning, focusing on improving fuel efficiency and communication between vehicles. The project aims to enhance the fuel economy of heavy-duty trucks by 20%. This initiative explores the potential of coordinated driving strategies to reduce aerodynamic drag and optimize fuel consumption within a convoy of trucks. The research will also address the challenges of maintaining safe following distances and reliable communication in real-world platooning scenarios, contributing to advancements in smart logistics and sustainable transportation.

Automation Eases Supply Chain Strains in Logistics Sector

Automation Eases Supply Chain Strains in Logistics Sector

A Prologis report reveals automation as crucial for tackling supply chain challenges. Facing policy shifts, route adjustments, and demand fluctuations, automated warehousing, intelligent route planning, and accurate demand forecasting enhance efficiency and resilience. Logistics real estate must support automation technology adoption, helping businesses thrive in a competitive landscape. Automation enables businesses to adapt quickly to disruptions, optimize operations, and improve customer service. Investing in automation is essential for long-term success in today's dynamic supply chain environment. This allows for better resource allocation and ultimately, a more robust and responsive supply chain.

Fourkites Analyzes Key Logistics Trends and Future Challenges

Fourkites Analyzes Key Logistics Trends and Future Challenges

FourKites expert Glenn Koepke provides insights into the current state and future trends of the logistics market. He discusses changes in the LTL market landscape, challenges and opportunities in the freight economy, peak season outlook, and the importance of technological innovation and sustainability. Koepke emphasizes the need for companies to strengthen collaboration, build more resilient supply chains, and leverage FourKites' visibility solutions to navigate market challenges. He highlights the critical role of real-time data and proactive decision-making in optimizing supply chain performance and mitigating potential disruptions.

Ecommerce Surge Drives Demand for Industrial Warehouses

Ecommerce Surge Drives Demand for Industrial Warehouses

The booming e-commerce sector is fueling a surge in demand for mega-warehouses, leading to supply shortages and rising rents in core markets. This report indicates that e-commerce growth directly stimulates industrial real estate prosperity as retailers optimize their supply chains to meet fulfillment deadlines. Key markets include Atlanta and Chicago, with emerging markets also experiencing rising demand. Technological innovations such as automated warehousing will drive continued market growth. The continuous decline in national industrial space vacancy rates foreshadows a promising future for the mega-warehouse market.

Cloud ERP Transforms Global Supply Chains

Cloud ERP Transforms Global Supply Chains

In the cloud-dominated era, ERP systems are undergoing profound transformations, evolving from basic Material Requirements Planning to integrated, cloud-based intelligent platforms. Technologies like cloud computing, IoT, and Big Data empower ERP, making it more interconnected, economically flexible, and intelligently agile. This facilitates stronger decision support and business innovation for enterprises within the digital supply chain. Embracing the cloud and actively exploring innovative ERP applications are crucial for the future development of businesses. Cloud ERP enables real-time visibility and collaboration across the supply chain, driving efficiency and responsiveness.

Global Logistics Rents Surge Amid Ecommerce Growth

Global Logistics Rents Surge Amid Ecommerce Growth

A CBRE report indicates continued rental growth in prime global logistics real estate, primarily driven by supply-demand imbalances and e-commerce expansion. The Americas region leads the way, followed closely by Asia Pacific. Experts believe there is still room for growth in this cycle. Investors should focus on high-growth areas, quality assets, and embrace the e-commerce trend. The increasing demand for efficient distribution networks, fueled by online retail, is a key factor contributing to the sustained upward pressure on rents in strategically located logistics facilities.

01/27/2026 Logistics
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New Strategies Boost Visibility in Multimodal Supply Chains

New Strategies Boost Visibility in Multimodal Supply Chains

This paper explores achieving 100% supply chain transparency through the implementation of a control tower. It addresses overcoming real-time update obstacles, quantifying the benefits of advanced tracking, and leveraging TMS integration for automated visibility. The paper emphasizes that supply chain visibility is more than just knowing the location of goods; it's about using data insights to gain a competitive advantage. Key to this is building a robust control tower that provides a single source of truth for all supply chain activities, enabling proactive decision-making and improved operational efficiency.

Smart Logistics Bolsters Winter Supply Chain Resilience

Smart Logistics Bolsters Winter Supply Chain Resilience

This paper analyzes the challenges posed to supply chains by severe winter weather, highlighting the role of smart logistics in enhancing supply chain resilience. Technologies like real-time monitoring, intelligent route planning, and digital operation platforms enable businesses to effectively address transportation delays and capacity shortages caused by adverse weather. UPS's winter safety assurance system provides a practical reference. Building diversified suppliers, optimizing inventory management, and strengthening risk assessment are crucial for improving supply chain resilience. These strategies help mitigate disruptions and ensure business continuity during extreme weather events.

Allentown Warehouse Boom Tests Sustainable Growth Potential

Allentown Warehouse Boom Tests Sustainable Growth Potential

Allentown, Pennsylvania, is experiencing economic growth due to large-scale warehouse construction, but faces challenges related to traffic, environment, land use, and skills matching. From a data analyst's perspective, this article suggests that the town optimize transportation planning, strengthen environmental protection, rationally utilize land, improve skill levels, and establish a data-driven decision-making system. This aims to achieve coordinated economic, social, and environmental development, providing a reference for logistics real estate development in other regions. The key is balancing growth with responsible practices for long-term sustainability.

01/27/2026 Logistics
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Blackberry Outage Highlights Supply Chain Resilience Lessons

Blackberry Outage Highlights Supply Chain Resilience Lessons

This paper reviews the impact of the BlackBerry outage on supply chains, analyzing the underlying risks of being 'disconnected'. It proposes suggestions for enhancing supply chain resilience, including diversifying communication channels, data backup and recovery, cloud-based solutions, real-time monitoring and early warning systems, risk assessment and drills, and embracing new technologies. The aim is to remind businesses in the digital age to be constantly vigilant about potential risks and prepare in advance to build a more robust supply chain network. This proactive approach is crucial for mitigating disruptions and ensuring business continuity.