Industry Trends

Pandemic-era bottlenecks, soaring geopolitical tensions and other factors have ushered in a new era of globalization as manufacturers bring production closer to where their products will be consumed and create lower-cost, more resilient supply chains. South of the U.S. border, Mexico’s nearshoring boom presents a treasure trove of opportunities as demand for material handling and logistics solutions grows. BY DAVID ...

By the Numbers No. 1 Mexico’s standing as the leading source of U.S. imports after overtaking China in 2023 $475 billion Value of goods imported into the U.S. from Mexico last year $798 billion Total value of U.S.-Mexico trade, making Mexico the largest trading partner of the U.S. $36 billion Foreign direct investment in Mexico in 2023 $300 billion Value ...

Feature BY MARY LOU JAY Sci-fi films may portray artificial intelligence (AI) as a threat to humanity, but in the real world of supply chain, AI provides many benefits to the humans who interact with it. As a powerful decision-making tool, AI helps workers be more effective and more productive. The term AI encompasses many related technologies, including machine learning ...

55% say they are increasing their investment in supply chain tech and innovation and 42% are planning to invest over $10 million A new report released by MHI and Deloitte finds that 55% of supply chain leaders are increasing their supply chain technology and innovation investments, with 88% saying they are planning to spend over $1 million. Forty-two percent plan ...

Industry Focus BY TOM GRESHAM The food and beverage industry is a complex one. In the words of Bobby J. Martens, associate professor of economics at Iowa State University, “Food is both global and uniquely local and personal.” It also carries with it distinctive demands that are fast evolving in a rapidly changing world, and the supply chain is at ...

CEO Update The efficient movement of goods and products is the lifeblood that fuels supply chain operations. Each stage of this process carries its own set of complexities and challenges. One thing that is true for all stages is that speed, accuracy, efficiency and transparency are paramount. Meeting the challenges of first, middle and last mile logistics is no easy ...

Executive Viewpoint BY ARCH THOMASON, CEO, SUNLAND LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS AND CHAIR, WERC ADVISORY COMMITTEE Over the past 15 years, Sunland Logistics Solutions has grown from a small, local company with 75 total employees—most of them temporary—to a national third-party logistics provider serving Fortune 500 organizations in warehousing and transportation. We now have 14 sites and a high-performance team of about ...

AI and human intelligence are a potent blend in route planning and optimization. BY MARY LOU JAY Artificial intelligence (AI) is currently in the hype stage of new technology adoption; some proponents see it as the answer to many problems, including, for the supply chain industry, last mile logistics. While AI does have potential for resolving some last mile issues, ...

For Grocers and Other Online Retailers, Dark Stores Offer Pros and Cons BY NICK FORTUNA Are dark stores here to stay, or are they just a supply chain experiment spurred on by a singular event and destined to fizzle out? That’s a question grocery chains and other online retailers will grapple with over the next few years as they continue ...

Industry Focus BY TOM GRESHAM In the eyes of some, the port industry once appeared reluctant to adopt sophisticated technological solutions to strengthen their operations. In fact, for years, Jonathan Daniels, CEO and port director of Port Everglades in Florida, said carriers, ports and the rest of the shipping industry seemed loath at times to “go away from paper and ...