Global Supply Chain

International freight forwarder Flexport is undertaking a second round of mass layoffs this year.

The TJX Cos., headquartered in Framingham, Massachusetts, is a global leader in off-price apparel and home fashions, including its T.J. Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods stores, has been named a Shipper of Choice.

Kraft Heinz is moving forward with several initiatives to create an autonomous supply chain operation that have carriers calling it a choice shipper for a fifth straight year.

The prominent former Amazon executive agreed to resign from the CEO role. Flexport founder Ryan Petersen will take back his role. 

Supply chain visibility provider Descartes leans on past acquisitions to grow through the downcycle.

Along with a six-year port agreement, President Biden is underscoring the role of UPS Teamsters and ocean shipping reform in boosting the U.S. economy.

Former Amazon executive Dave Clark told FreightWaves that Flexport founder Ryan Petersen wants to redirect Flexport’s mission.

The Shipper of Choice nomination said Owens Corning’s shipping team “is committed to keeping carriers long-term by providing and welcoming feedback to ensure a smooth operation across the board.” 

Ken’s Foods was chosen as a Shipper of Choice — an award that recognizes retailers and distributors that value their carrier relationships.

The air cargo sector was banking on a turnaround in market conditions by this fall, but it might have to wait until late next year unless demand unexpectedly revives.

Lowe’s has been changing the way it deploys trucks to deliver goods and has garnered a spot on FreightWaves’ annual list honoring shippers.

Two of the top three global logistics powers took a big profit haircut during the second quarter and aren’t very optimistic about a seasonal upturn in shipping.

Molson Coors strives for flexibility and readiness in its supply chain, which is why the Chicago-based company garnered a spot on FreightWaves’ annual list honoring shippers.

Office furnishings manufacturer HNI Corp. strives to be attentive to drivers’ needs, which is why the Iowa-based company garnered a spot on FreightWaves’ annual list honoring shippers.

Heavy usage of financing tools among S&P 500 companies is boosting free cash flow but comes with significant risks to investors and the economy.

Companies and governments are moving to de-risk their supply chains, says CNN and Financial Times economics expert Rana Foroohar.

More than half of winners earn distinction for 1st time, 2 add 5th straight

The end of a 40-year economic boom cycle and America military strategy are combining to make China less fearsome than global impressions.

Kroger management reaffirmed the “low end” of 1-2% identical sales growth guidance.

Cargo airlines and third-party logistics providers are crossing their fingers for a resurgence of air shipments by October. But indications are increasing that the peak season may go out with a whimper.

Demand for global supply chain visibility tools is forecast to hit $39B by 2028.

Toyota announced an investment of $328 million to build its new hybrid Tacoma pickup trucks in Mexico.

Jake Medwell sits down with Loren Smith to discuss policy items, including fleet electrification, rail safety and the debt ceiling.

Ikea announced it has acquired cloud-based supply chain and warehouse management software provider Made4net.

Supply chain visibility provider Descartes beat first-quarter estimates, and management said they are optimistic about recent trends.

More signs are surfacing that the second half of the year won’t be a panacea to the international freight recession. Seko Logistics says there won’t be a surge in orders that fuels transportation spending.

Flexport has taken another step toward simplifying international freight transportation from manufacturing to e-commerce storefront.

An annual survey from Descartes shows how brokers and forwarders are adjusting to the downside of the cycle.

If you’ve never heard of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, you’re not alone. But for DSV, a large logistics company, it could prove a diamond in the rough for air cargo purposes.

Recovery from the recession in airfreight transportation looks like it will be drawn out over the next year — and very slight when it does happen.

Nippon Express has signed a deal with Austria’s Cargo-Partner that expands its geographic reach and logistics service capabilities.

CPG companies are trying to lock in low freight rates in a cyclical trough.

EY Americas’ Sumit Dutta says there’s a realization among companies that a broken or inefficient supply chain is going to crimp growth.

Arizona, Texas and other states aim to reconfigure the global supply chain for makers of electric vehicles, batteries and semiconductors.

Localz offers a differentiated platform, logistics IT firm Descartes says.

Many industries are enjoying high profits from historic inflation. The furniture industry isn’t one of them. Thank the supply chain crisis.

DSV is rapidly building up its logistics infrastructure in Arizona, an emerging market for semiconductors and electric vehicles.

Plus One Robotics has raised $50 million to roboticize parcel handling in warehouses and distribution centers.

Global logistics provider Kuehne+Nagel wants to avoid bottlenecks at big cargo airports by sending freighters to Birmingham, Alabama.

Kuehne + Nagel had a highly profitable year in 2022 despite macroeconomic headwinds, but results fell considerably in the fourth quarter along with transport demand.

Kraft Heinz will sell Lunchables in schools directly to kids. It’s an auspicious deal but not the best indicator for the nation’s health.

Supply chain software provider Descartes sees retailers refilling shelves as 2023 progresses.

Agility is losing lucrative contracts to manage logistics parks in Kuwait after the government decided not to renew its agreement with the company.

Radford University’s Zach Collier discusses the state of the semiconductor industry with FreightWaves’ Eric Kulisch after chip shortages roiled the global economy during the pandemic.

Christina Hultsch, a partner in Benesch’s Healthcare Practice Group, addressed how generic pharmaceutical wholesalers fared during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the big three manufacturers and discussed some of the difficulties of shifting drug manufacturing production back to the U.S. during Global Supply Chain Week on Wednesday.

HelloFresh executive Matt Cicinelli discusses how the pandemic shifted the company’s supply chain strategy during FreightWaves’ Global Supply Chain Week.

Fillogic CEO Bill Thayer chats middle mile and reverse logistics at FreightWaves’ Global Supply Chain Week.

New York Shipping Exchange head Gordon Downes talks about the ocean shipping market at FreightWaves’ Global Supply Chain Week.

Jackie Gonsalez, vice president at Crowley Logistics, discusses post-pandemic maritime trends with Thomas Wasson on Tuesday during Global Supply Chain Week.

Rosemary Coates of the Reshoring Institute discusses supply chain strategy during FreightWaves’ Global Supply Chain Week.

Experts predict more nearshoring of manufacturing to Mexico in 2023, especially for supplies of components used in green technologies.

Inventory management is one pipe in the supply chain that can stoke the flames of inflation.

Cargo thieves stole more than $223 million worth of merchandise in 2022, led by household items, electronics and food and beverage goods.

Nominate industry-leading shippers for FreightWaves’ annual Shipper of Choice award by Thursday, May 4.

Republican lawmakers blame the Biden-backed $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill for boosting inflation and vow to step up oversight on how the money is spent.

Cardboard boxes are a humble but key indicator. Manufacturers are quickly halting output of this good in a spooky sign for the economy.

White House economic adviser Brian Deese points to supply chain improvements while new pressures loom overseas.

Supply chain financing is a major way that corporate behemoths keep cash flow humming. This tool is about to get its moment in the spotlight. 

Influential logistics provider Flexport says it will reduce its staff by 20% in the face of a looming global recession.

Wabash has signed a multiyear trailer supply agreement with J.B. Hunt, making good on its plan to smooth out equipment ordering.

A first-ever strategy aimed specifically at decarbonizing transportation encourages maritime and rail over highway freight.

E2open, a publicly traded supply chain software provider, reveals earnings that provide a look into the state of the industry.

AskWaves looks at how recent changes requiring disclosure of supply chain finance programs could impact shippers.

Flexport is hiring top tech talent to scale up its digital logistics platform.

Freight forwarder MTM Logix recently received a private equity investment aimed at capitalizing on companies nearshoring to the Americas.

The German national railway is looking to sell off its DB Schenker logistics business if it can get a good price.

An analysis of supply chain job postings has found that, despite interest in automation technology, many companies are not seeking candidates with technological experience.

The Reshoring Institute’s Rosemary Coates discusses how companies are navigating supply chain risks by bringing manufacturing home.

Although retailers may be past the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, other headwinds persist, reminding storefronts the importance of having a resilient supply chain, according to National Retail Federation’s Jon Gold.

Jack Echeverria, senior manager of Wayfair’s global logistics arm, CastleGate Logistics, discusses how the online furniture retailer planned its peak season amid this year’s supply chain uncertainty and looks ahead to key factors that will affect market conditions in 2023.

Experts say Mexico has increasingly become a go-to production option as shippers seek to reduce supply chain risks with China.

AWS Supply Chain has launched an application to unify supply chain data from multiple systems and vendors.

Whirlpool was chosen as a Shipper of Choice — an award that recognizes retailers and distributors that value their carrier relationships.

Sapphire Ventures executive Demi Obayomi explains what trends the venture capital firm is seeing in the supply chain — and where technology can help.

Jake Medwell of Austin, Texas-based 8VC and Loren Smith of Skyline Policy Risk Group discuss fuel prices, infrastructure and the possibility of a rail strike.

project44 has secured $80 million in funding to create a system to measure supply chain emissions globally.

Rosemary Coates, executive director of the Reshoring Institute, offers insights into supply chain issues during a keynote address Thursday at the FreightWaves F3: Future of Freight Festival.

The Coca-Cola Co., which sells everything from sodas to tea, coffee and more, is a 2022 FreightWaves Shipper of Choice award winner.

Most politicians are clueless about supply chains, so it’s a shame when industry veteran Mike Erickson runs for Congress and pins inflation on ocean carriers.

DOT should consider trucking and other supply chain costs in its push to expand off-site and inland container facilities, transportation executives caution.

Kuehne+Nagel is the largest logistics company in the world. It sees opportunities to capture more business as shipping demand falls.

Campbell Soup Co. is taking sustainability seriously. The company has completed a risk assessment study looking at how much water resources Campbell and its partners use.

Supply chain chaos has helped increase the cost of a new car by 25%. The automotive industry won’t let go of those profits anytime soon.

Flexport is an international logistics provider that also acts as a bank for customers that need more liquidity when sourcing goods from overseas.

The air cargo market is full of contradictions. Shipments and rates are falling and a recession is looming, but business is better than in 2019.

Embattled FreightTech platform Slync.io has named John Urban as CEO and chairman of the board, replacing Chris Kirchner, who was fired on Aug. 5.

Driver recognition helps Shaw Industries maintain and build customer relationships.

Warehouses are turning loss to profits with CartonCloud’s WMS.

Hurricane Ian could slash the flow of Florida products to companies and consumers in the United States and abroad.

Amid threats like Hurricane Ian, shippers should consider inventory positions, risk tolerance for specific commodities, transit times and associated costs.

Supply chain disruptions and higher inventory costs have industry participants looking to stretch working capital more frequently.

In a Q&A, supply chain industry executives provide their thoughts on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s proposed climate disclosure rules that could put retailer pressure on fleets to share emissions data.

FreightWaves founder and CEO Craig Fuller outlines how FreightWaves SONAR pointed to the global freight recession months ago.

Nestle is a FreightWaves Shipper of Choice for 2022.

Moving manufacturing from abroad back to the U.S. could reduce emissions while improving supply chain resilience.

Associations have come together on supply chain issues in California to form the Goods Movement Alliance.

Billions in trade between the U.S. and Mexico could be affected by a railway strike that could begin Friday.

With a Friday deadline looming for some rail unions and management to make a deal, a shutdown is looking more and more possible.

The MerQube FreightWaves Supply Chain Tech Index is introduced.

The airfreight sector remains chaotic, but a better-than-expected August is spurring optimism for solid results during the busy shipping season.