Logistics Update: Retail Fulfillment Struggles, Supply Chain Risks, and New Predictive Analytics Solutions

by | Mar 15, 2024 | Logistics

Recently in logistics, American Eagle is facing challenges through the merger of Quiet Logistics and AirTerra into Quiet Platforms, A recent opinion piece from Glenn Riggs outlines what he believes are the biggest risk factors for the supply chain in 2024, Rockwell Automation, Inc. has acquired OTTO Motors, and Adam Woodworth, CEO of Wing, predicts that 2024 will mark the first real year of scaling for residential drone delivery in the United States.

American Eagle Faces Logistics Challenges

American Eagle is facing challenges through the merger of Quiet Logistics and AirTerra into Quiet Platforms. Despite optimistic projections, Quiet Platforms struggled to expand its third-party logistics business, leading to the resignation of its president. Quiet Platforms, reported a $36.1 million operating loss for the year, prompting adjustments to realign operations with American Eagle’s broader strategy. Despite setbacks, the company has managed to lower its cost per order by 8% compared to 2021 and improve delivery speed, with over 80% of orders now reaching customers within three business days.

Source: Supply Chain Dive

Industry Leader Shares Supply Chain Risks For 2024

A recent opinion piece from Glenn Riggs, Chief Strategy Officer of Odyssey Logistics outlines what he believes are the biggest risk factors for the supply chain in 2024. Among these risks are the recent attacks on ships in the Red Sea, the droughts in the Panama Canal, and current geopolitical conflicts. 

Source: Freight Waves

Rockwell Automation Enters APL Space

Rockwell Automation, Inc. has broadened its scope into autonomous production logistics by acquiring OTTO Motors, a renowned manufacturer and innovator of automated material handling equipment. With an impressive track record of over five million hours of production experience, OTTO Motors’ autonomous mobile robots are utilized by leading global brands like General Electric, Toyota, and Hirotec America. This collaboration aims to address workforce shortages and demand fluctuations in the industry, providing innovative solutions for warehouse automation and intelligent material movement. 

Source: Inside Logistics

New Business Intelligence Tool From Locus Robotics

Locus Robotics has unveiled LocusHub, a business intelligence tool designed to empower customers with reporting tools and data insights for managing fleets of Autonomous Mobile Robots. LocusHub provides real-time reporting on AMR performance, enabling optimization based on customer-defined metrics. With features like workflow routing, machine learning for staffing and order volume forecasts, bottleneck identification, and role-based access control, warehouse managers can enhance operational efficiency.

Source: Freight Waves

Wing CEO Predicts Big Year For Drone Delivery

Adam Woodworth, CEO of Wing, a company handling deliveries for Walmart and DoorDash, predicts that 2024 will mark the first real year of scaling for residential drone delivery in the United States. However, logistical experts caution that drones have yet to prove their cost-effectiveness compared to traditional delivery methods. Despite challenges, attention to drone delivery has increased, particularly during the pandemic, with advocates highlighting its environmental benefits. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has eased some restrictions, allowing companies like Wing and Zipline to fly drones beyond visual line of sight. While drone delivery has seen rapid growth globally, regulatory constraints remain, with ongoing efforts to address safety, privacy, and noise concerns. 

Source: Wall Street Journal

Are your logistics requirements being effectively addressed? Let’s explore your eCommerce fulfillment strategies if you have a moment for a brief call. Our team of seasoned logistics professionals is prepared to evaluate your needs and formulate a customized plan to propel your business forward.

author avatar
NLS Logistics Team
As a leading Third Party Logistics (3PL) firm, we have the strategic infrastructure, technology relationships, and insights to help Canadian and international brands reach and serve the Canadian market.

Related 3PL Logistics Resources

Omnichannel Logistics Solutions

Direct to Consumer

Our well-established retail relationships, transportation partnerships, and infrastructure provide clients with a significant advantage for reaching and serving consumers through wholesale, brick-and-mortar, and e-commerce channels.