Logistics

Commerce reported that May retail sales, at $703.1 billion, were up 0.1% compared to April and up 2.3% annually. NRF reported that May’s core retail sales, which it bases on Census data and excludes automobile dealers, gasoline stations, and restaurants, increased 0.3%, from April to May, on a seasonally-adjusted basis, and increased 2.9% annually on an unadjusted basis.

The influential 35th annual State of Logistics Report released today shows how logisticians are adapting to what the report calls “permanent volatility” in their supply chains while they ride out the wave of uncertainty.

In this podcast, Logistics Management Group News Editor Jeff Berman interviewed Dr. Alfredo Coutino, director at Moody’s Analytics.

Continuing its ongoing run of M&A activity, Waterloo, Ontario-based Descartes, a provider of logistics based on-demand, software-as-a-service offerings, said this week it has acquired Windsor, England-based BoxTop Technologies Limited, a provider of shipment management services for small-to-mid-sized logistics services providers (LSP).

Company officials said that this new facility is strategically positioned to efficiently service the most significant and demanding consumer population in the U.S., adding that Pyle also has plans to expand the campus to further accommodate growth in New York City. 

As more companies move production and sourcing closer to home, it adds a new dynamic to procurement.

Camden, N.J.-based third-party logistics (3PL) services provider NFI acquired the freight brokerage operation of New York-based Transfix, a logistics technology services provider that streamlines shipment data to better help shippers make informed decisions to optimize time and revenues.

Following an April 2023 announcement, in which Memphis-based global freight transportation and logistics services provider FedEx said that, effective June 2024, it will consolidate all of its operating companies into a single organization, CEO Raj Subramanian offered up some insight into the initiative at investment firm Bernstein’s 40th Annual Strategic Decisions Conference this week.

Schneider Electric maintained its top position, with Cisco Systems and Colgate-Palmolive rounding out the top three. NVIDIA also made a strong debut at seventh place.

The American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) has officially opened nominations for its eighth annual Humanitarian Logistics Awards.

Blue Yonder’s annual survey finds cost of materials and transportation being impacted; disruptions remain.

Take one last look at last week's top stories including robots helping humans in the warehouse, Peleton vs. Flexport, and delivery discontent.

Study finds that 45% of SMBs are concerned with inflation as they seek to improve their supply chains.

Atlanta-based global freight transportation and logistics services provider UPS said that effective June 1, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Brian Newman will leave the company.

While there is plenty of danger around the world, the reality of interconnected supply chains may be prevailing.