Industry News
Supply Chain
- UPS’ Happy Returns taps into Geek+ sorting roboticsThe provider’s Pennsylvania hub is seeing reduced processing times by leveraging 150 robots to help handle returns volume.
- Arkansas could be a lithium treasure troveThe state’s Smackover Formation region may contain up to 19 million tons of the critical mineral, more than enough to meet projected global demand in 2030.
- Top UPS shippers temper holiday volume forecastsA condensed peak season is expected to increase in-store shopping activity, which could blunt home delivery demand.
- Ocean rates spot rates tumble from pre-ILA strike surgeWhile lower demand may be driving the decline, shippers still have potential carrier surcharges to factor in.
- Election 2024: Where Harris, Trump stand on AI regulationAnalysts expect Kamala Harris to continue the White House's current approach to AI oversight, while Donald Trump could introduce a major shift.
Packaging
- Tesco Announces Global Success in Grocery E-CommerceLearn how one of the world’s largest pioneers in grocery e-commerce improved their online shopping experience to help them surpass $75bn in revenue.
- Five Ways to Maximize Workforce Flexibility and Efficiency in High-Volume HiringIn today’s dynamic supply chain environment, companies are under constant pressure to quickly and efficiently scale their workforces to meet fluctuating demands. Success hinges on adopting flexible and innovative staffing strategies that meet immediate needs and position companies for long-term success.
- Market for Warehouse Automation Expected to Grow to $55B by 2030According to LogisticsIQ, the U.S., China and Germany make up more than half of the global market for warehouse automation in terms of demand.
- Five Ways to Maximize Workforce Flexibility and Efficiency in High-Volume HiringBy prioritizing workforce quality and focusing on compliance, businesses can ensure they’re bringing in the best candidates for the job.
- WMS Past, Present and Future: Where Is the Technology Heading?Learn how today’s WMS has progressed beyond the straitjacket of on-premises software to the greater adaptability of SaaS, and how the future is all about flexible, powerful low-code architecture built for the era of ongoing disruption.
Material Handling
- KION Group and Li-Cycle form battery recycling partnership focused on circular economyKION Group signs agreement with Li-Cycle, a leader in lithium-ion battery resource recovery. Recycling will initially be carried out beginning later this year in a new Li-Cycle plant in the Magdeburg, Germany area with expansion into other countries, including France.
- ProMat 2023 insights: Integrated robotics direction seems well-matched to the timesLabor availability issues remain a core driver for warehouse automation and robotics, but ProMat exhibitors were also talking up analytics, algorithms, and digital twin modeling as a means of containing costs in inflationary times.
- ProMat 2023 attendance sets new mark at nearly 51,000 registrantsProMat returns as biggest supply chain event in its history, with an overall registration count of 50,924 and 1,051 exhibitors.
- Gap Inc. expands its e-fulfillment networkA new 800,000-square-foot DC in Texas optimizes fulfillment processes and the network.
- MHI announces winners of 2023 MHI Innovation and StartUp awardsLast night, during Industry Night at ProMat 2023, MHI announced the winners of the 2023 MHI Innovation and Startup Awards.
Transportation & Distribution
- U.K. Warns of Threat to Grain Supply After Russia Steps Up Attacks on ShipsRussia has been targeting Kyiv’s export infrastructure since the 2022 invasion, with strikes on its ports in the Black Sea and on the Danube.
- DHL Supply Chain and Diageo North America to Deploy Hydrogen Fuel Cell TrucksThe Nikola electric trucks utilize fuel-cell technology to power the vehicle's electric motors for up to 500 miles in range on a single fill.
- UN Report: Future-Proofing Supply Chains a 'Strategic Necessity'The UNCTAD's report released on October 22 found that container trade measured in tons of cargo grew by just 0.3% in 2023.
- Panama Speeds Up Process to Revoke Sanctioned VesselsPrior to this new expedited process, it would take months to remove a sanctioned vessel from the Panama Ship Registry.
- India Grapples With Surge in Hoax Bomb Threats Against AirlinesAlthough it's unclear what exactly it is that's sparked this recent increase, most of the threats appear to be coming from anonymous accounts on social media.