Retailers report a growing gap between last-mile delivery expectations and service performance, especially for on-demand. DHL has resumed B2C U.S. shipments over $800 under updated customs rules. Early Q1 2025 earnings show mixed results for major global brands amid tariff pressures. Container shipping rates continue to dip, down 2% this week. As Hudson’s Bay liquidates, Urbana Corp. has placed a bid to retain its Canadian legacy.
Fixing the Performance Gap in Last-Mile Delivery
A new survey shows a major gap between what retailers expect from last-mile delivery providers and what they’re actually getting—especially with on-demand services. On-time delivery and damage rates are falling short, hurting customer satisfaction. Delayed pickups, missed time windows, and weak tech integration are key issues. Experts recommend choosing partners with vetted drivers, strong infrastructure, and a track record of performance.
Source: Supply Chain Dive
DHL Resumes U.S. B2C Shipments Over $800
DHL has resumed business-to-consumer shipments to the U.S. for packages over $800 after restoring informal customs processing for goods under $2,500. The earlier suspension in April followed new customs clearance rules that caused delays. With the threshold reset to $2,500, DHL can now process high-value shipments more efficiently. Some delays may still occur as the backlog is cleared.
Source: Supply Chain Dive
Q1 2025 Earnings Week 1: Mixed Results & Tariff Pressures
The first week of Q1 2025 earnings brought mixed results for global giants like LVMH, Nestlé, and P&G amid growing tariff concerns. This infographic breaks down revenue and EPS updates from Coresight 100 companies reporting as of April 27, 2025. Hermès and L’Oréal performed well, while others struggled with shifting trade policies.
Source: Coresight
Container Rates Fall Again Amid Tariff Uncertainty
Container shipping rates fell for the second week, with Drewry’s World Container Index down 2% to US$2,157 per 40-ft container. While still 52% above 2019’s average, rates are now 79% below their 2021 peak. Major routes like Shanghai–New York and Los Angeles saw the largest drops. Drewry expects further declines as tariff uncertainty continues.
Source: Inside Logistics
Thomas Caldwell Bids to Keep Hudson’s Bay Charter in Canadian Hands
As Hudson’s Bay liquidates, Thomas Caldwell of Urbana Corp. has bid for its intellectual property and Royal Charter to keep the brand Canadian. Driven by patriotism and business potential, he plans to donate the charter to a public institution and explore new brand uses beyond retail. Other bidders include Chinese billionaire Weihong Liu and possibly Canadian Tire. For Caldwell, it’s about preserving a national legacy over profit.
Source: Retail Insider
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