Embedded AI agents are reshaping retail operations, from pilots to performance
Retailers have spent the past several years experimenting with artificial intelligence, deploying chatbots, copilots, and analytics tools designed to boost efficiency and improve decision-making. But as AI adoption matures, the conversation is shifting away from experimentation and toward operational impact. “What’s a little different this year than last year is that retailers are getting, I […]
3PLs represented 44% of top 100 industrial leases in 2025
In 2025, 3PLs signed more of the biggest U.S. industrial leases than any other group, according to CBRE. Third-party logistics providers signed 44 of the top 100 industrial leases last year, up from 28 in 2024. That jump shows more companies are choosing to work with 3PLs to handle storage, shipping and other parts of their supply chains. In total, […]
U.S. DOT issues final rule focused on keeping unqualified foreign drivers off the road
With a focus on highway safety, United States Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy issued a final rule yesterday, focusing on preventing unqualified foreign drivers from obtaining licenses to drive commercial trucks and buses, with DOT saying that these drivers pose a significant safety threat to the driving public. “For far too long, America […]
U.S.-bound imports fall in January, for fifth consecutive month, reports S&P Global Market Intelligence
United States-bound containerized freight imports started 2026 where 2025 left off, with declining volumes, according to data recently issued by S&P Global Market Intelligence. January imports, at 2.42 million TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units), fell 5.5% annually, marking the fifth straight month of annual declines, while topping December’s 2.32 million TEU, and trailing November’s 2.63 million […]
National diesel average sees gains for fourth straight week, reports EIA
The national price per gallon of diesel gasoline rose for the fourth consecutive week, albeit barely, according to data issued today by the Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration (EIA). With a 0.007-cent increase, the national average, for the week of February 9, came in at $3.688 per gallon. This gain followed three weeks of […]
Port Tracker report calls for U.S. import declines over the first half of 2026
United States-bound retail container import volumes are expected to see annual declines over the first half of the year, according to the new edition of the Global Port Tracker report, which issued earlier today by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and maritime consultancy Hackett Associates. The ports surveyed in the report include: Los Angeles/Long Beach; Oakland; […]
USPS reports a $1.3 billion net loss for fiscal first quarter earnings
Fiscal first quarter 2026 earnings issued this week by the United States Postal Service (USPS) saw declines. Operating revenue, at $22.2 billion, fell 1.2% annually, or $264 million, which USPS said was largely due to declining First-Class Mail, Shipping and Package, and Marketing Mail volume declines, which it said were partially offset by price increases. […]
Looking at how L.L. Bean rethought its supply chain
For years, L.L.Bean’s store growth followed a steady, comfortable rhythm. The company would open one or two new locations per year, rely on strong store teams to solve operational challenges, and lean on a supply chain built for a direct-to-consumer world. That model worked. Until it didn’t. According to Corey Bouyea, VP of Stores & Retail Operations, […]
Prologis Industrial Business Indicator signals continued leasing momentum
The meshing of record-high industrial leasing activity, declining vacancy rates, and inventory replenishment efforts marked a turning point in the market, according to the new edition of the Industrial Business Indicator (IBI) issued this week by San Francisco-based real investment trust company Prologis. Prologis defines the IBI as a survey of customer sentiment focused on […]
National diesel average, for week of February 2, rises for third consecutive week, reports EIA
The national average price per gallon of diesel gasoline saw another sharp weekly increase, according to data issued today by the Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration (EIA). Rising 5.7 cents, the national diesel average, for the week of February 2, came in at $3.681 per gallon, following a 9.4-cent increase, to $3.50, for the […]