East Coast Port Labor Talks Resume Over Automation Dispute

East Coast Port Labor Talks Resume Over Automation Dispute

The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have resumed negotiations to avert a potential port strike. A key point of contention is the use of automated equipment, with the ILA fearing job losses for dockworkers. Failure to reach an agreement could cripple ports along the US East and Gulf Coasts, disrupting the supply chain. Both parties need to find a balance between improving efficiency and protecting workers' rights to maintain supply chain stability.

01/18/2026 Logistics
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SEKO Logistics Adapts Supply Chains for VUCA Challenges

SEKO Logistics Adapts Supply Chains for VUCA Challenges

A SEKO Logistics executive discusses the supply chain challenges in the VUCA era, emphasizing that data-driven approaches, technological innovation, flexible networks, and talent development are crucial for enhancing resilience. The executive highlights the need for adaptability and proactive strategies to navigate the volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity that characterize the current global landscape. Building a robust and responsive supply chain requires embracing new technologies and fostering a skilled workforce capable of anticipating and mitigating disruptions.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Multimodal Transport Struggles With Congestion Aims for Recovery

US Multimodal Transport Struggles With Congestion Aims for Recovery

Multimodal transport expert Larry Gross highlighted challenges facing US intermodal transportation at the RailTrends conference, including congestion, capacity constraints, and declining market share amid a surge in trucking. He argued that supply chain reshaping requires a focus on resilience and redundancy. Gross anticipates freight volumes to stabilize in 2022, presenting both challenges and opportunities. The need for improved infrastructure and more efficient operations is crucial to regain market share and mitigate the ongoing supply chain disruptions.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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IBM JDA Partner to Transform Omnichannel Logistics

IBM JDA Partner to Transform Omnichannel Logistics

IBM and JDA collaborated to provide shippers with an integrated omnichannel supply chain solution, empowering businesses to make smarter, real-time sourcing decisions and deliver exceptional customer shopping experiences. Following IBM's acquisition of Sterling Commerce, the company will offer more comprehensive supply chain services, accelerating the logistics industry's evolution towards intelligence, efficiency, and sustainability. This partnership aims to streamline processes and optimize resource allocation, ultimately leading to improved profitability and customer satisfaction in the dynamic landscape of modern commerce.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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Walmart Tightens Delivery Rules Pressuring Suppliers

Walmart Tightens Delivery Rules Pressuring Suppliers

Walmart is tightening its on-time delivery standards, demanding higher compliance rates from suppliers within a narrower delivery window and imposing penalties for violations. Suppliers face multiple challenges, including supply chain optimization, logistics collaboration, and increased data transparency. They need to proactively adapt to these industry trends to maintain compliance and competitiveness. This shift requires suppliers to streamline their operations and improve communication throughout their supply chain to meet Walmart's stricter requirements and avoid costly fines.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Walmart Enforces Ontime Delivery Rule for Suppliers

Walmart Enforces Ontime Delivery Rule for Suppliers

Walmart's tightening of its 'On Time in Full' (OTIF) standards presents significant supply chain challenges for suppliers. To mitigate these challenges and transform them into opportunities, suppliers need to focus on optimizing their logistics and inventory management. Enhancing transparency throughout the supply chain is also crucial. Furthermore, proactive collaboration with Walmart is essential for understanding their expectations and aligning operations accordingly. By embracing these strategies, suppliers can navigate the evolving landscape and achieve mutual success with Walmart.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Ecommerce Supply Chains Drive Sales Growth Boost Imports

Ecommerce Supply Chains Drive Sales Growth Boost Imports

With ample current shipping capacity, e-commerce businesses should seize the opportunity to build up inventory and optimize all aspects of their supply chain. Digital transformation is key to improving efficiency. Establish strong partnerships to create an efficient ecosystem, enabling businesses to navigate market challenges and achieve a win-win situation of increased sales and improved efficiency. Proactive inventory management and supply chain optimization are crucial for capitalizing on current favorable conditions and ensuring future success.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Ecommerce Firms Optimize Supply Chains for Peak Season

Ecommerce Firms Optimize Supply Chains for Peak Season

E-commerce companies are taking advantage of the current ample shipping capacity to stock up early, aiming to secure better freight rates, alleviate supply chain pressure, and improve customer satisfaction. By accurately forecasting demand, optimizing inventory management, flexibly selecting logistics solutions, and establishing a stable supply chain, businesses can effectively execute a 'counter-cyclical' strategy, stand out from the competition, and prepare for future market challenges. This proactive approach allows them to mitigate potential disruptions and ensure product availability.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Five Strategies to Enhance Manufacturing Logistics Efficiency

Five Strategies to Enhance Manufacturing Logistics Efficiency

Manufacturing companies face challenges like labor shortages and supply chain disruptions, requiring a re-evaluation of internal logistics systems. This paper proposes five key strategies: lean inventory management, intelligent warehousing management, flexible production logistics, visualized logistics tracking, and strategic partnerships. These strategies aim to help companies build an efficient and agile logistics operation, enhancing competitiveness and resilience in a dynamic market environment. By adopting these approaches, manufacturers can optimize their internal processes and improve overall supply chain performance.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Furniture Industry Adopts Diversified Sourcing for Resilience

Furniture Industry Adopts Diversified Sourcing for Resilience

Supply chain resilience has gained significant attention in the post-pandemic era. Multi-sourcing strategies in the furniture industry, which aim to reduce reliance on single suppliers, may enhance supply chain stability. Flexport data indicates that some companies are willing to pay a premium for sourcing furniture from Vietnam, or from both China and Vietnam simultaneously. However, whether this trend represents a strategic shift or a temporary expedient remains to be seen and requires further observation.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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