Topic: E-commerce

NRF said that retail sales are expected to see annual growth between 2.7%-to-3.7%, coming in between $5.42 trillion-to-$5.48 trillion. In its 2024, forecast, the organization called for a 3.6% annual increase, at $5.29 trillion, and it added that the 2025 forecast matches up with its 10-year pre-pandemic average annual sales growth rate, at 3.6%.

A number of declining data points addressing logistics sector growth patterns, driven by ongoing tariff-driven uncertainty, was apparent in the March 2025 edition of the Logistics Manager’s Index (LMI), which was released this week.

The report, entitled “The E-Commerce Boom Isn’t Over: Implications for Logistics Real Estate,” examines how more than five years after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent re-opening of the economy, recent consumer behavior is showing a return to value, convenience, and choice, while examining retailers, supply chains, and logistics real estate, as it relates to e-commerce going forward.

As United States-driven tariff-related actions continue to dominate the narrative in supply chain and freight transportation circles, leading to a new “Trade War,” it is not an understatement to say it has brought with it a sense of economic uncertainty, and unease regarding macroeconomic conditions.

The new service, UPS Global Checkout, addresses issues consumers face when making global online purchases, particularly an additional bill for unpaid import costs, which UPS called “an unpleasant surprise.” To that end, the company explained that through UPS Global Checkout, UPS is able to guarantee upfront the amount being paid in duties, fees, and taxes by online shoppers, ridding them of unexpected costs upon delivery.

Quarterly revenue, at $22.16 billion, increased 2% annually, and operating income, at $1.29 billion, rose 4%. Earnings per share, at $4.51, fell short of Wall Street expectations, at $4.56.

The rise of e-commerce continues to disrupt logistics and supply chain operations, driving the need for faster, more efficient delivery models. As consumer demands evolve, traditional freight methods are being replaced by innovative solutions to keep pace with unprecedented growth in parcel shipments. Here’s a look at where we are.

Proposed tariffs could once again alter the supply chain map.

“Logistics operators are now heavily investing in warehouse robotics to alleviate labor challenges and adopting AI-driven route optimization and predictive analytics to streamline order fulfillment,” says Bentz. “We’re even seeing autonomous vehicles and drones being tested to manage costs and accelerate delivery speeds. E-commerce ignited this transformation, and the shift is well underway. Logistics is being redefined.”

Reverse logistics is not only about managing returns; it’s about creating a more sustainable and efficient supply chain. So, whether you’re a retailer, a tech company, or a manufacturer, it’s time to rethink your reverse logistics strategy and stay ahead of the curve.

According to a new FedEx report, more than 80% of consumers prioritize free shipping, and 76% say it influences where they shop. But while customers expect it, free shipping is anything but free. Someone is footing the bill. The question is: who?

United States Postal Service (USPS) said that there will be a change coming at the top sooner than later, with USPS Postmaster General Louis DeJoy having notified the Postal Service Board of Governors “it is time for them to begin the process of identifying his successor.”

Late last week, President Donald Trump inked an executive order that will take steps, albeit temporarily, to reinstate the de minimis treatment, which allows goods under $800 sent from China to the U.S. to not be subject to tariffs. The de minimis treatment being reinstated came shortly after in the executive order, entitled “Amendment to Duties Addressing the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China.”

For December, the most recent month for which data is available, United States imports came in at 2.14 million TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units)—which does not include final data from the Port of New York and New Jersey and the Port of Miami—marking a 0.9% decline compared to November and a 14.4% annual increase.

Operating revenue, at $22.499 billion, increased 4.1%, annually, paced by what the USPS called strategic price increases, as well as a strong political and election mailing season. Net income, at $144 million, marked a solid turnaround, compared a $2.1 billion net loss a year ago, largely driven by various strategic initiatives through the organization’s “Delivering for America” plan. Total quarterly volume, at 31.015 million pieces, rose 1.8% annually.

Occupiers signed leases for 49 mega distribution leases in 2024, topping the 43 signed in 2023 (2023 was the first year in which there was a decline in the number of mega distribution center leases—that saw sharp gains during the pandemic, topping out at 61 in 2022)

In its data on millions of parcels shipped during this period in 2024, ShipMatrix found that the on-time performance (OTP) for the three national carriers—FedEx, UPS, and the United States Postal Service (USPS), came in at 91.8% for FedEx, 96.5% for UPS, and 90.4 for USPS.

Quarterly consolidated revenue, at $25.3 billion, rose 1.5% year-over-year, while adjusted earnings per share, at $2.75, increased 11.3% annually. Consolidated quarterly operating profit, at $2.9 billion, grew 18.1% year-over-year. For the full year of 2024, UPS reported total revenue of $91 billion, marking a modest 0.1% annual gain, though total operating profit of $8.468 billion decreased by 7.4% compared to 2023.

Commerce reported that December retail sales, at $729.2 billion, increased 0.4% over November and rose 3.9% annually, with total sales for calendar year 2024 up 3.0% annually. It added that total retail sales, from October through December, headed up 3.7% annually.

On January 1, the SurePost relationship between Atlanta-based global freight transportation and logistics services provider UPS and the United States Postal Service (USPS) officially came to an end, upon the expiration of the companies’ negotiated service agreement (NSA).