US Manufacturing Turns to Apprenticeships to Address Skills Gap

US Manufacturing Turns to Apprenticeships to Address Skills Gap

This article explores the role of apprenticeship in bridging the skills gap within manufacturing supply chains. Traditional education struggles to keep pace with the evolving skill requirements driven by automation. Reimagining apprenticeship programs, integrating practical experience with theoretical knowledge and incorporating data analytics skills, is crucial for addressing talent shortages and promoting manufacturing upgrades. The article advocates for a re-evaluation of the value of manufacturing roles and calls for the cultivation of highly skilled talent through revitalized apprenticeship models.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Walmart Unveils Fivestep Plan to Optimize Supply Chain Efficiency

Walmart Unveils Fivestep Plan to Optimize Supply Chain Efficiency

Walmart implemented the "On-Time, In-Full" (OTIF) delivery strategy to improve supply chain efficiency and product availability. This strategy requires suppliers to deliver the correct quantity of goods within a specified timeframe, or face penalties. Walmart supports suppliers in their OTIF transformation through a five-step approach: clarifying intent, providing business tools, transparently displaying performance, collaboratively solving problems, and ensuring reasonable fees. Ultimately, this aims to create a more efficient and reliable supply chain system for Walmart and its partners.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Under Armour Shifts to Leaner Strategy in Apparel Market

Under Armour Shifts to Leaner Strategy in Apparel Market

Under Armour is undergoing a transformation aimed at overcoming challenges after rapid expansion by streamlining operations, optimizing its supply chain, developing direct-to-consumer (DTC) channels, and refining financial management. The company is working to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and reshape brand competitiveness with a data-driven and consumer-centric strategy to achieve sustainable growth. This involves focusing on consumer insights and leveraging data to inform product development and marketing efforts.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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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.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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CSX Rail Strategy Draws Regulatory Scrutiny Customer Complaints

CSX Rail Strategy Draws Regulatory Scrutiny Customer Complaints

CSX Transportation's implementation of Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) is facing significant challenges. The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has raised serious concerns, customers are complaining, and employee morale is low. Operational data is deteriorating, and efficiency improvement targets seem unattainable. The future of CSX is uncertain, requiring improved communication, a focus on customer needs, better employee relations, and a potential adjustment of its PSR strategy to overcome current difficulties. The company needs to address these issues to navigate its path forward.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Foxconn Faces Scrutiny Over Student Labor in Iphone X Production

Foxconn Faces Scrutiny Over Student Labor in Iphone X Production

Foxconn's reliance on student workers to assemble iPhone X, with reports of excessive overtime, exposes long-standing labor issues within Apple's supply chain. This analysis examines the collaboration between Foxconn and Apple, historical labor problems, the silence surrounding these issues, and the responsibilities of both Apple and government entities. It calls for the construction of a sustainable supply chain that respects labor rights, fostering a win-win situation for businesses, workers, consumers, and society as a whole.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Retail Suppliers Tighten Credit As Bankruptcy Risks Rise

Retail Suppliers Tighten Credit As Bankruptcy Risks Rise

The wave of brick-and-mortar retail bankruptcies is impacting suppliers, exposing them to accounts receivable risks. Suppliers are forced to shorten payment terms, diversify their operations, and even explore direct-to-consumer sales. In the new retail era, suppliers and retailers need to forge closer partnerships to share risks and benefits. This includes collaborative forecasting, transparent communication, and potentially, shared ownership or profit-sharing models to ensure mutual success and resilience in a volatile market.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Wearable Tech Boosts Smart Factory Efficiency and Revenue

Wearable Tech Boosts Smart Factory Efficiency and Revenue

A Zebra Technologies study reveals that connected factories worldwide will double within five years, with over a third of companies expecting to achieve this by 2022. Nearly 88% anticipate revenue growth, with 44% projecting at least a 5% increase. Connected factories, through quality checkpoints, automation, and wearable technology, enhance flexibility, quality control, production efficiency, and business insights, helping companies seize the opportunities of smart manufacturing. This transformation allows for improved operational performance and a competitive edge in the evolving industrial landscape.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Infrastructure Crisis Crumbling Roads Threaten Economy Safety

US Infrastructure Crisis Crumbling Roads Threaten Economy Safety

The American Society of Civil Engineers report reveals a multifaceted crisis in the US road system, encompassing congestion, deterioration, funding shortages, and safety hazards, severely threatening the economy and safety. The report recommends increased funding, reformed fund management, innovative financing methods, congestion mitigation, prioritized maintenance of existing roads, guaranteed funding sources, and enhanced road safety. It calls for collaborative efforts from the government, businesses, and society to reshape America's transportation lifeline.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Hyundai Recalls Vehicles Amid Whistleblower Probe

Hyundai Recalls Vehicles Amid Whistleblower Probe

Hyundai Motor faces a massive recall and government investigation in South Korea due to internal whistleblowing, exposing issues within its quality control system. An engineer reported five major design flaws concealed by the company, affecting several key models. This crisis highlights internal communication failures and hierarchical culture within Hyundai. It also raises concerns about corporate social responsibility and government oversight. Hyundai needs to address the quality problems and rebuild its brand image. The incident underscores the importance of transparent communication channels and robust quality assurance processes within automotive manufacturing.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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