US Rail Union Rejects Deal Raising Strike and Supply Chain Fears

US Rail Union Rejects Deal Raising Strike and Supply Chain Fears

Labor negotiations between US railroad workers and employers have stalled again, with over 20,000 workers rejecting a tentative agreement, raising concerns about a supply chain shock. This article analyzes the reasons for the agreement's rejection, explores the possibility of congressional intervention, and reveals the fragility of the supply chain. It also examines the attitudes of other unions and the potential impact on consumers. The article emphasizes the importance of supply chain stability and calls for building harmonious labor-management relations to mitigate potential disruptions and ensure economic stability.

Postpandemic Supply Chains Struggle to Balance Safety Stock and Lean Practices

Postpandemic Supply Chains Struggle to Balance Safety Stock and Lean Practices

A Gartner survey reveals a divide among supply chain professionals regarding increasing safety stock versus adhering to lean manufacturing principles. The automotive and high-tech industries lean towards boosting inventory, while sectors like industrial manufacturing show less interest. Companies must strike a balance to build a resilient supply chain, encompassing risk assessment, supply chain visibility, diversified sourcing, digital transformation, and strategic partnerships. This approach allows businesses to navigate disruptions effectively while maintaining operational efficiency and responsiveness to market demands.

Quest for Quality Awards Honor Top Logistics and Supply Chain Firms

Quest for Quality Awards Honor Top Logistics and Supply Chain Firms

The 42nd “Excellence in Quality Award” recognizes 160 logistics service providers for their outstanding performance. Recipients are directly rated by readers of the *Logistics Management* magazine, ensuring impartiality. Evaluation criteria include on-time delivery, value, and information technology. The award aims to incentivize excellent service and provide a reliable benchmark for companies, ultimately promoting the development of the logistics industry. It highlights companies that demonstrate superior quality and customer-centric approaches within the logistics sector.

Congress Passes Water and Trucking Bill to Ease Supply Chain Strain

Congress Passes Water and Trucking Bill to Ease Supply Chain Strain

The U.S. Congress has passed the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) and clarified the 34-hour restart rule, delivering a double boost to the supply chain. WRDA aims to improve waterway infrastructure, increase port dredging depths, and enhance dedicated use of harbor maintenance taxes. The rule clarification averts the risk of a complete rejection of the 34-hour restart rule for truck drivers. These measures are expected to enhance the efficiency and resilience of the U.S. supply chain. However, sustained efforts are still required for long-term improvements.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Logistics Firms Use Data and Tech to Overcome Supply Chain Challenges

Logistics Firms Use Data and Tech to Overcome Supply Chain Challenges

In the face of a complex and ever-changing logistics environment, companies need to build on tradition, understand the market, embrace technological innovation, and create an agile and efficient operating system. By continuously investing in technology and talent, and focusing on improving resilience, the logistics industry can find its way forward, overcome difficulties, and achieve sustainable development. The three annual reports from *Logistics Management* magazine will provide companies with valuable information and insights.

Bel Group Adopts Kinaxis AI to Streamline Supply Chain

Bel Group Adopts Kinaxis AI to Streamline Supply Chain

Bel Group leverages the Kinaxis Maestro platform to optimize its supply chain, enhancing efficiency and visibility. This implementation allows them to better respond to unexpected demand fluctuations, reduce costs, and lower carbon emissions. By utilizing AI-powered solutions, Bel Group achieves a more agile and sustainable supply chain, improving overall performance and resilience in a dynamic market environment. The platform's capabilities in demand forecasting and intelligent operations are key to their success.

US Warehouse Shortage Hits Record Low CBRE Reports

US Warehouse Shortage Hits Record Low CBRE Reports

A CBRE report indicates that the US industrial real estate vacancy rate continues to decline to a historic low, exacerbating the supply-demand imbalance. E-commerce growth and economic expansion are key drivers, with future supply expected to catch up with demand. Businesses need to pay attention to market segmentation differences, technological innovation, and policy impacts. By seizing opportunities and addressing challenges, companies can achieve long-term growth in the industrial real estate sector.

Logistics Property Demand Surges As Firms Restock Inventories

Logistics Property Demand Surges As Firms Restock Inventories

Prologis CFO points out that inventory replenishment demand, e-commerce development, and population growth are driving the surge in demand for logistics real estate. The vacancy rate of logistics real estate in the US has reached a record low, and rents are rising, but companies are paying more attention to the overall cost of the supply chain. Companies should plan ahead, optimize their supply chains, and lease flexibly to meet market challenges.

Dole Announces Supply Chain Expansion at Nextgen Conference

Dole Announces Supply Chain Expansion at Nextgen Conference

A Dole Foods executive will share their supply chain transformation experience at the 2025 Next-Gen Supply Chain Conference, focusing on how flexible manufacturing, lean logistics, and data-driven demand forecasting are being used to build a supply chain that drives business growth. Dole's practical experience offers valuable insights for mid-sized consumer goods companies. It provides a reference for how businesses can achieve rapid growth through supply chain innovation.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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Retailers Boost Inventory Early As Ecommerce Supply Chains Shift

Retailers Boost Inventory Early As Ecommerce Supply Chains Shift

Retailers are leveraging relaxed ocean freight capacity to stock up in advance, aiming to meet future peak demand and reduce costs. Digital transformation is accelerating the intelligent and collaborative development of e-commerce supply chains. Businesses need to accurately predict market demand, optimize inventory management, and build efficient supply chain systems to respond to market changes. This proactive approach helps mitigate potential disruptions and ensures product availability during peak seasons, ultimately improving customer satisfaction and profitability.