After years of volatility due to economic uncertainties and global disruptions, the freight industry is seeing early signs of recovery. However, this recovery comes with challenges, including tighter capacity and heightened expectations for operational efficiency.
President-elect Donald Trump’s tech policies could boost FreightTech for AI, warehouse automation and 3D printing.
FreightWaves spoke with experts from across the supply chain about technology lessons learned in 2023 and what strategies will succeed in 2024.
As the industry recovers, keeping a “do more with less” mindset can enhance a company’s growth and help it prepare for the next downturn.
“Waterfall tracking” means that a visibility provider, like Trucker Tools, automatically assigns the best available tracking method to each individual load based on information provided when the track was created and what the company already knows about the carrier.
People remain invaluable in solving the unanticipated problems that arise in the course of everyday operations.
The recent explosion of freight technologies has benefited companies of all shapes and sizes, but these solutions have had an outsized effect on small and mid-sized operations.
Today, automation can mean launching a fleet of autonomous robots that can unload shipping containers without human intervention. In 1974, a remote-controlled “bow boat” was considered a major launch.
Ryder rolls out warehouse automation that fits your profile.
Q4 Market Update and Outlook: Highlights from Uber Freight’s Q4 Market Update Report
An analysis of supply chain job postings has found that, despite interest in automation technology, many companies are not seeking candidates with technological experience.
GXO Logistics said it has doubled the use of automation in its facilities and is operating nearly 7,600 pieces of technology.
The Future of Autonomous Trucks in Freight
The transformation of Walmart’s distribution network continues with the unveiling of a revamped facility in Texas.
Fulfillment isn’t as simple as it used to be. These are the five pain points giving e-commerce firms a headache.
Mary O’Connell and Alex Schwarm, head of data at Arrive Logistics, sit down to talk about all things tech innovation and integration.
FMCSA recruits truck drivers
“When we first got started here, probably 75% of my day was answering emails and phone calls asking for updates. Now that all that is being sent directly from the drivers to the customers, it gives me a lot more time to handle planning and other issues that come up.”
1MRobotics looks to take an automation-first approach to fulfillment with a network of ‘nanofulfillment’ centers.
A new Berkshire Grey survey found that most supply chain executives believe automation is necessary to counter a shrinking workforce.
Walmart announced a new high-tech consolidation center in Pennsylvania, creating up to 1,000 jobs, will open soon.
One year into its existence, GXO Logistics continues to find contract logistics is the right fit.
Automation is changing the American workforce, and companies need to start investing in the workers of tomorrow by offering the training necessary to compete, Walsh says.
Three-quarters of warehouse on-floor workers would consider switching jobs if they involved technology such as robots and warehouse automation, according to a new survey.
Walmart will build four new fulfillment centers utilizing a combination of robotics, humans and machine learning for faster order fulfillment times.
As worker shortages persist, industries across the board are turning to robots to fill gaps, with record orders in the first quarter.
“Ensuring companies stay compliant certainly isn’t the sexiest venture, but in the trucking industry, it’s one of the most important aspects to get right.”
Increasing use of automation is helping GXO Logistics reduce the carbon footprint of its facilities and customer supply chains.
Like many companies across all industries, the COVID-19 pandemic shifted the overall priorities of Varstar.
As part of FreightWaves’ The Future of Supply Chain event, Zuum will demonstrate its platform that connects software and solutions for all aspects of the supply chain.
Near-term deployment of long-term technologies such as automation isn’t as far away as one might think.
AI and warehouse robotic companies Berkshire Grey and Swisslog join forces to accelerate adoption of warehouse robotic solutions.
To learn more visit Tai-Software.com
Parade’s capacity management solution integrates seamlessly with Tai’s TMS system to help freight brokerages
Many automation solutions companies are penetrating the industry to remove supply chain friction, improve efficiency and job satisfaction.
Nonbinding reservations from fleets hit 7,325 as 2021 revenues grow to $6.3 million
Software platform JAGGAER is automating the entire procurement process for buyers with its all-in-one sourcing solution.
“There’s a lot more focus on tracking the product itself” when it comes to consumer packaged goods, said Bart De Muynck, vice president of supply chain research at Gartner.
Automation can help “you get a ton more value out of your existing systems and any new investments you want to make in technology,” said Eric Rempel, chief innovation officer at Redwood Logistics.
FIRESIDE CHAT TOPIC: Opportunities for automation abound over the middle and last miles SPEAKER: Sam Saad, VP of strategic initiatives for Gatik BIO: Saad currently heads up strategic initiatives for […]
SmartBOL includes industry-focused functionality, exceptional customer care, training for management and users, and simplicity to assure easy operational readiness and improvement.
Haul’s Timothy Henry discusses how technology is combating the driver shortage.
Warehouse robotics firm Exotec has raised $335 million in funding as it looks to deploy more of its solutions in fulfillment operations.
Berkshire Grey has introduced software that allows two of its popular sorting and picking products to efficiently switch to reverse logistics operations when needed.
CargoWise has risen to a position of dominance in the transport management system market. In 2020, it gained the top 25 freight forwarders as customers, as well as continued partnerships […]
You’re only as strong as your weakest link. Don’t let back-office issues bring down the rest of your supply chain.
Ultimately, utilizing digital tools to manage spot transactions drives down both transportation and labor costs.
While automation offers the quickest path to increased efficiency, many companies are held down by slow-to-adapt legacy operations or siloed solutions.
Host Mary O’Connell discusses process improvement with Cargo Chief’s Chris Arrendondo.
“Leaders should realize that you’re not going to get a lot of benefit by trying to build volume with negative margins. The goal here is to be focused on value-adding technology and cloud adoption, not in volume building,” says Loadsmart co-founder and co-CEO Felipe Capella.
It is well known that desperation breeds innovation, and many across the logistics industry have certainly found themselves desperate for capacity this year.
The food delivery giant revealed this week that it’s been working on something big: DoorDash Labs, its robotics and automation arm.
The two facilities will create up to 1,000 full-time jobs and will be among the largest high-tech distribution and fulfillment centers in the company’s supply chain.
To discuss how How emerging technologies are delivering on the promise of reducing workload, saving time, and accelerating growth, FreightWaves is partnering with BravoTran for a one-hour webinar starting at 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday, November 23. Featured speakers include Justine Kruger, Founder and CEO Jucari Global, Sebastien Richard, Vice President WJ Jones, and Matt Bernstein, CEO, BravoTran Inc.
“A lot of people will say an automation journey starts with having the right tools and right technology. Well it’s not. It actually starts with knowing what you want to automate and having processes very well defined before you start,” says Lean Solutions’ CTO.
Berkshire Grey’s revenue was up 750% year-over-year, but it still missed on analyst expectations, more than tripled its net loss and more than doubled its adjusted-EBITDA loss.
Tesla has been many things, but to Ed Niedermeyer, the company is a case study filled with both good and bad lessons on how to build a company.
The Connecticut-based drop shipping company just completed a huge funding round led by K1 Investment Management.
We are excited to build out products that free documents and data from legacy workflows and manual processes.
Zebra Technologies adds three autonomous robots and a fulfillment software package for operations that require order-picking accuracy.
Digital freight matching and what options exist, avocado toast for all, and Laredo’s port growth.
People hate doing things themselves. Today we have cars that are self-driving, microwaves that are self-cleaning, thermostats that are self-adjusting – even sentences that are self-completing. Automation is just about […]
The fast pace of logistics today has no patience for paperwork; it’s evident that today and tomorrow are digital.
Learn how technology and automation can help maximize profits and strengthen your partner relationships at MyBlueGrace.com
Honeywell hopes its new robot will cut back on warehouse injuries while making case picking more productive than ever.
Don Thibodeaux from FuelHub discusses how automating fuel-buying processes can save money.
3PL and e-commerce warehouse customers of Advanced Handling Systems can now choose robotic solutions from Berkshire Grey.
Without clarifying objectives, a company cannot, with confidence or a unified vision, understand where it’s going.
Companies will demand a full, scalable suite of services from their partners over the next few years, leading to widespread consolidation and the emergence of a handful of clear leaders with considerable market share.
Autonomous software provider will evaluate miniature machine for Navistar truck
Autonomous & Electric Vehicles Summit – Register Now
Locomation: Re-Engineering the World’s Supply Chain for Autonomy
Shippers will never lose a document, driver or client through an automated rate contract management system.
“We feel like Transfix is not even at the end of the first inning. We’re in the first pitch of the first inning.”
French robotics company Exotec has embarked on a pilot run with the Gap in North America, testing its Skypod robots to handle e-commerce returns management.
“For midsize transportation suppliers, their viability depends on their procurement process,” says Keelvar founder and CEO Alan Holland.
Major Canadian trucking and warehousing company Groupe Robert is making a large investment to build Quebec’s first 3PL automated distribution center for fresh and frozen foods.
“Robotics and automation are a way for industries such as manufacturing to remain competitive in ‘America 2.0.,’ but these advances in technology don’t come without risks,” said Mark Cuban.
This fireside chat about logistical trends in artificial intelligence and automation highlights a variety of misconceptions. “Almost immediate ROI” might be enough to steer logistics companies toward AI, said Kate Curtin, head of marketing at Deep Cognition.
Warehousing has changed more in the past five years than in the previous 70 years. Chris Riemann, managing director of Deloitte Consulting, and A.K. Schultz, co-founder and CEO of SVT Robotics, discuss the role of automation in this warehousing revolution and how organizations must move their supply chains forward to compete during the e-commerce boom and the spike in online ordering because of the COVID pandemic.
According to Bank of America and McKinsey, 10 years of expected e-commerce growth penetrated in three months’ time.
Walmart and Kroger are taking differing approaches to online grocery fulfillment. While fully-automated warehouses are more efficient, they are much more expensive and inflexible. Local-fulfillment centers may not be as efficient, but they are much more cost effective. Read the detailed trade-offs here:
The European Commission has released its Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy. Massive investments and infrastructure are needed to meet the EU Commission’s sustainability milestones.
Railroads are leveraging automation and evaluating assets to improve fuel efficiency. Corporate climate goals are on the rise as railroads increase their conservation and emission-reducing efforts.
Trucking is going sustainable. Find out the details on AFVs, FTLs, automation and what new regulations to expect next year.
Join Freightwaves and Level One Technologies for an hour-long webinar on Tuesday, December 1 at 2pm ET, where we’ll discuss how Epay Manager can convert a broker’s A/P and A/R departments to one that uses the principles of self-invoicing to more efficiently create and exchange carrier invoices, customer bills, documents and payments electronically.
Using data aimed at developing workplace safety practices can not only enable safer environments, it can empower employees and bolster a company’s safety culture, according to speakers at FreightWaves’ The Future of Real Estate Logistics summit.
Continuous intelligent planning can help companies avoid stock outs and drive on-shelf availability.
Unisot has created a blockchain-based platform that helps bring end-to-end transparency in seafood supply chains.
The digitalization of freight has logistics providers seeking automation and efficiency on a scale never before seen.
HubTran will now process and audit incoming documents from carriers and automatically assign them to the correct load in Brokerware.
Outrider focuses on autonomous zero-emissions yard operations for logistics hubs.
Optimal Dynamics seeks to automatically optimize trucking flight operations. Brian Aoaeh profiles the company and interviewed its founder and CEO.
American Shipper has partnered with Haven to develop a white paper that explores processes necessary for your organization to customize its workflow to capture the efficiency of the virtual supply chain.
It’s time to look for the silver lining, and do it fast. You have a once-in-a-decade opportunity to stake your claim as an innovation leader and disrupt your industry (or even your own organization) by quickly transforming operations and building net-new offerings that extend your company’s value.
API integrations with shippers and carrier density were key.
Vector, a startup that digitizes back office operations for trucking companies, discovers a higher purpose as customers seek touchless solutions during the COVID-19 outbreak.
For companies looking to achieve rapid growth, having the right technology in place to automate manual processes and help scale as they grow is critical. To discuss how companies can ensure they are set up for success as they grow, FreightWaves is partnering with Transflo for a one-hour webinar on Thursday, March 26, 2020 at 2 pm EST.
