Logistics Trends

The Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) said it decided to lower the target range for the federal funds rate by 0.25% to 4.25%-to-4.5%. This was preceded by a September’s 0.5% reduction, to 4.75%-to-5%, which marked the first time there had been a rate cut in four years, with the last one coming in 2020, during the pandemic, as well as a 0.25% cut, to 4.5%-to-4.75% made in November.

2025 will see more use cases, rapid deployment of the technology throughout the supply chain.

Many businesses are focused on international expansion, personalized customer service, and creative discounts to overcome inflation and tight spending.

Data recently issued by Atlanta-based supply chain software provider Manhattan Associates, in its “2024 Supply Chain Confidence Survey,” gauged both confidence and concerns regarding the holiday season. Findings were based on feedback from 250 retail executives, 250 supply chain and logistics executives, and 500 consumers.

LM Group News Editor Jeff Berman recently spoke with Doug Waggoner, CEO of Chicago-based 3PL Echo Global Logistics. Waggoner offered up insights on various logistics and supply chain trends and themes, including: freight economic conditions, capacity and rates, M&A, and technology, among others.

Quarterly consolidated revenue, at $22.2 billion, increased 5.6% annually, and adjusted earnings per share, at $1.76, topped the $1.57 reading a year ago. Consolidated quarterly operating profit came in at $2.0 billion, which was up 47.8% annually.

International Federation of Robotics survey finds more than 4.2 million robots are now operating in factories worldwide.

In this podcast, LM Group News Editor interviews Mark Baxa, President & CEO of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP).

Descartes said that the acquisition price was roughly $110 million.

Roberto Isaias, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Mattel, shares insights from his more than 30 years of leading change

Registration for annual NextGen Supply Chain Conference is ongoing.

Supply chain resiliency firm Resilinc has compiled the leading disruptions that impacted supply chains in the first half of the year

As Hurricane Helene approaches landfall in the Florida Gulf Coast, ALAN is busy preparing and encouraging all partners to do the same. 

One year after introducing Supply Chain by Amazon, an end-to-end, automated suite of supply chain services geared towards offering Amazon sellers with a full offering to move products from their manufacturers to customers worldwide, Seattle-based global e-commerce giant Amazon said yesterday that the service is now available to sellers.

DSV said that this deal will augment the company’s global network, expertise, and competitiveness, adding that bringing Schenker in will provide access to new markets and strengthen its global network and capabilities, coupled with increased reach and opportunities to serve customers.