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The article focuses on the dynamic role of the Port of New York and New Jersey in the U.S. trade and logistics sector, highlighting its significant impact on both national and global supply chains. Topics include the port's rapid volume growth and infrastructure improvements, its collaboration with stakeholders to address challenges, and the implementation of sustainability and digitalization initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the supply chain through forecasting and data analysis. AI can rapidly analyze disruptions in the supply chain, illustrate their impact, and provide suggestions on how to respond. Global businesses are embracing logistics adaptability and using AI to improve logistics visibility throughout their operations. AI can also help improve the accuracy of customs invoices and speed up the receipt of goods. However, while AI is a powerful tool, data overload can limit its usefulness, and a focused approach is preferred. Additionally, AI can help optimize supply chains and meet the needs of local markets by predicting supply, demand, and capacity. Al-driven forecasting can also help brands compete domestically while taking advantage of global economies of scale. Overall, AI is transforming the supply chain and improving efficiency and customer satisfaction. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: Motivated by the real-world practice that the boom of the online selling induces a higher product return as well, selecting which online channel mode indicates who takes ownership over the product and thus bears the loss of the product return. This paper aims to seek the optimal online channel modes for the two members in a platform supply chain in the presence of product returns. Design/methodology/approach: This study aims to develop a platform supply chain that consists of one platform company and one supplier. Along with an offline distribution channel, the supplier can choose two alternative online selling modes (i.e. the reselling and agency modes) to sell its product through the online marketplace. This paper applies Stackelberg game to derive the equilibrium with different business scenarios and selects the optimal online channel modes for two parties, respectively. Moreover, this paper extends to a different supply chain with a reverse channel leadership and a different product return policy for testing the robustness. Findings: Several interesting and important results are derived in this paper. Firstly, it is found that the relative pricing are largely relied on the costs of two channels. Secondly, the platform supply chain may benefit from a pure channel rather than the dual-channel when this channel enjoys a relatively low cost and/or a sufficiently high consumer preference. Then, the platform and the supplier act contradictorily when selecting their optimal online channel modes. To be specific, the platform motivates to choose the online reselling mode when both the commission rate and the slotting fee are relatively low, whereas the supplier is likely to select the online agency mode under this circumstance. Finally, a win-win situation in regards to the optimal online channel mode for two parties is achievable with numerical experiments. Practical implications: Based on the analytical studies, the results derived in the authors' work can provide managerial insights to assist the supplier and the platform company in determining the operational decision and selecting the optimal online channel mode to deal with consumer returns. In addition, appropriate commission rate along with slotting fee will make both parties achieve a win-win situation in determining their optimal online channel mode. Originality/value: To the authors' best knowledge, this paper makes the first move to determine the optimal online channel mode in the content of consumer returns and study how it is affected by different product return policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reveals the practice of technology company Apple Inc. to destroy its iPhone products and recycled them even if the iPhones looked good enough for resale. According to GEEP Canada Inc., an ectronic-waste processor in Toronto, Apple explicitly required that every product it sent be destroyed. It notes that lawsuits against Apple implied that the company was forcing a recycling partner to shred tens of thousands of iPhones that were apparently in prime condition for refurbishment.

The article focuses on the forecast for the trans-Pacific trade in 2024, highlighting challenges faced by carriers, strategies to maintain rates, and efforts to improve service delivery and competitiveness in the Pacific Northwest region. It discusses the importance of exports, the impact of blank sailings on importers, and solutions such as express ocean services.

The life sciences industry is undergoing a significant shift in drug discovery and development, moving towards advanced therapeutic modalities (ATMs) such as engineered cell therapies, gene therapies, and nucleic acid therapies. This shift is disrupting the industry and necessitates new business strategies, investments, and risk management. ATMs have seen significant growth and investment, with analysts predicting that ATM drug sales may reach a market value of $45 billion to $60 billion by 2027. The unique characteristics of ATMs, such as their design, modularity, and complex manufacturing processes, require stakeholders to focus on manufacturing speed, cost, and consistency. Failure to address manufacturing early on can have costly consequences. Biopharma companies must proactively manage their manufacturing and supply chain strategy, considering factors such as IP control, cost, and strategic value. Contract development and marketing organizations (CDMOs) must invest in enabling tools, technologies, and talent to support complex ATM manufacturing processes. Suppliers of raw materials, tools, and equipment can benefit from the growing demand for GMP-grade materials in ATM production. They should offer innovative solutions to address key bottlenecks in the market and secure ongoing supplier roles. Stakeholders should recognize that ATMs are moving into the mainstream and develop strategies to participate in the next wave of medical biotechnology innovations. [Extracted from the article]

New research suggests that consumers value a product more highly when its manufacturers take responsibility for its disposal. Extended producer responsibility regulations, which hold manufacturers accountable for the end-of-life phase of their products, are gaining traction globally. Some companies, such as Apple, Adidas, Dell, and IKEA, have already implemented take-back strategies that allow consumers to return used products for recycling. Contrary to concerns about increased costs, the research shows that consumers are willing to pay more for products that are part of a take-back program, and they exhibit increased spending behavior. The study also provides design principles for effective take-back programs, such as tying the program to specific products and emphasizing consumer control. The findings highlight the demand for extended producer responsibility and offer insights for businesses navigating sustainability and consumer behavior. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the adjustments made by container carriers to navigate longer routes around the south of Africa amid ongoing U.S. strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen and Red Sea transit challenges, with sailings from Asia to various destinations now taking around 40 days. It mentions the impact on North American and European ports is currently minimal, but concerns arise about potential congestion if demand surges after China's Lunar New Year.

Purpose: Reverse logistics (RL) has become integral in modern supply chains, with many companies investing in circular economy (CE), a recuperative and effective industrial economy. The traditional linear model triggered many negative environmental consequences such as climate change, ocean pollution, loss of biodiversity and land degradation. The development of RL strategies that support the transition between RL to CE is crucial. The purpose of this paper is to connect RL with CE in the context of Industry 4.0 and develop a hierarchal structure to explore the relationship between RL and CE critical success factors in the context of Industry 4.0. Design/methodology/approach: This study used both qualitative and quantitative approach. Literature review in collaboration with the Delphi method is used to identify and validate critical success factors. Then, the ISM-based model and MICMAC method were used to determine the relationship between CE and RL success factors and its driving and dependence power. Findings: This study result shows that waste reduction, skilled employees and expert's involvement and top management commitment and support will provide guidelines and paths for implementing CE and RL, leading to the competitiveness of a firm. Practical implications: The findings provide managerial insight, particularly useful to third-party logistics companies' managers who are looking to implement RL and CE, to help prioritize where to invest company resources to generate prime difference. Furthermore, this study also identified Industry 4.0 technologies, which would tackle top identified critical success factors within the hierarchical model such as block chain and digital platforms. Originality/value: This paper contributes to the literature by exploring the connection between RL and CE in the context of Industry 4.0 that determines the critical success factors enabling sustainable inter-firm collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of greening and promotional effort dependent stochastic market demand on the remanufacturer's and the collector's profits when the quality of used products for remanufacturing is uncertain in a reverse supply chain. Design/methodology/approach: The proposed model is developed to obtain optimal profits for the remanufacturer, the collector and the whole supply chain. Both the centralized and decentralized scenarios are considered. To motivate the collector through profit enhancement, the remanufacturer designs a cost-sharing contract. Through numerical examples and sensitivity analysis, the consequences of greenness and promotional effort on optimal profits are investigated. Findings: The results show that the remanufacturer gets benefited from greening and promotional effort enhancement. However, a higher value of minimum acceptable quality level decreases the profits of the manufacturer and the collector. A cost-sharing contract coordinates the supply chain and improves the remanufacturer's and the collector's profits. Besides green innovation, remanufacturing mitigates the harmful effects of waste in the environment. Originality/value: Two different viewpoints of remanufacturing are considered here – environmental sustainability and economic sustainability. This paper considers a reverse supply chain with a remanufacturer who remanufactures the used products collected by the collector. The quality of used products is uncertain, and customer demand is stochastic, green and promotional effort sensitive. These two types of uncertainty with green and promotional effort sensitive customer demand differs the current paper from the existing literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of integration capabilities on reverse supply chain (RSC) adoption and, consequently, RSCs' effectiveness. Thus, supply chain (SC) integration capabilities and their types in relation to internal, supplier and customer integration capabilities are investigated. Design/methodology/approach: In this paper a quantitative survey was conducted with Malaysian manufacturers with a certified the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 environmental management system. The entire population was utilized through census sampling; 150 useable survey responses were received. The partial least squares technique was used for the data analysis. Findings: The results indicate that internal integration improves external integration. In addition, supplier and customer integration have a positive direct effect on the adoption of RSC activities. Though internal integration has no significant direct effect on the adoption of RSC activities, it has an indirect impact through both supplier integrative capabilities and customer integrative capabilities. Practical implications: The findings of this study suggest that the managers of manufacturers whose internal integrative capabilities are the base and whose SC integrative capabilities and external integrative capabilities are reinforcing SC integrative capabilities should adopt RSC activities. Originality/value: The paper offers in-depth insight into this issue and has shed light on the ambiguities in the literature regarding the role of SC integration in RSC adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the growing industry of product returns. Topics discussed include the rise in returns due to online shopping; the challenges retailers face in managing returns; the strategies used to handle returned items; and the environmental impact of product returns; the role of liquidators and refurbishers; and how some companies are adapting to the complex process of handling returned goods, including the issues of sustainability and value extraction.

The article focuses on the increasing investment by forwarders and carriers in South American ports and logistics businesses, driven by growing trade volumes and sourcing shifts from diversifying supply chains. It reports that countries like Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru are attracting investments across various industries, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and information technology.

A recent study conducted by researchers at Northern University in Barranquilla, Colombia, focuses on the design of a reverse logistics network for medical waste management. Medical waste is categorized as hazardous due to its infectious, toxic, or radioactive properties, posing risks to human health and the environment. The study proposes a bi-objective model that considers both economic factors and biomedical safety in determining the optimal quantity, depot locations, and routes for transporting waste from hospitals to treatment and disposal sites. The researchers developed a genetic algorithm to solve the complex location routing problem, and their results demonstrate the efficacy of this approach in addressing small and large instances of the problem. This research contributes to the scientific literature and provides a decision-making tool for practitioners in the field of medical waste management. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the University of British Columbia discusses the challenges of managing recovery options for plastic beverage containers and the importance of designing a sustainable plastic bottle reverse logistics network. The researchers propose a multi-objective optimization model that considers economic, environmental, and social objectives. They also develop a data-driven fuzzy optimization framework to handle uncertainty and incorporate decision makers' preferences. The results show that the optimal configuration of the reverse logistics network is sensitive to fluctuations in costs, demands, and objective prioritization. The research concludes that the developed data-driven algorithm can reduce over-conservatism and guarantee the feasibility of optimal solutions. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses Kore Technologies' rebranding as Kore Tech, along with a broader focus on ERP solutions and a new website launch.

The company's less-than-truckload segment saw revenue soar by 43%, while its truckload group's revenue was up 13%, logistics climbed by six per cent, and package and courier revenue eked out a one per cent improvement. TFI International Inc. (TFII) TFI, based in Montreal, has trucking operations in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. In late April 2023, both TFI and Mullen shares plunged in the wake of disappointing first-quarter results from TFI. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: Recently, reverse logistics (RL) has become more prominent due to growing environmental concerns, social responsibility, competitive advantages and high efficiency by customers because of expansion of product selection and shorter product life cycle. However, effective implementation of RL results in some direct advantages, the most important of which is winning customer satisfaction that is vital to a firm's success. Therefore, paying attention to customer feedback in supply chain (SC) and logistics processes has recently increased, so manufacturers have decided to transform their RL into customer-centric RL. Hence, this paper aims to identify the features of a mobile phone which affect consumers' purchasing behavior and to analyze the causality and prominence relations among them that can help decision-makers, policy planners and managers of organizations to develop a framework for customer-centric RL. These features are studied based on analysis of product review sites. This paper's special focus is on social media (SM) data (Twitter) in an attempt to help the decision-making process in RL through a big data analysis approach. Design/methodology/approach: This paper deals with identifying mobile phone features that affect consumer's mobile phone purchasing decisions. Using the DEMATEL approach and using experts' insights, a cause and effect relationship diagram was generated through which the effect of features was analyzed. Findings: Eighteen features were categorized in terms of cause and effect, and the interrelationships of features were also analyzed. The threshold value is calculated as 0.023, and the values lower than that were eliminated to obtain the digraph. F6 (camera), F13 (price) and F5 (chip) are the most prominent features based on their prominent score. It was also found that the F5 (chip) has the highest driving power (1.228) and acts as a causal feature to influence other features. Originality/value: The focus of this article is on SM data (Twitter), so that experts can understand the interaction between mobile phone features that affect consumer's decision on mobile phone purchasing by using the results. This study investigates the degree of influence of features on each other and categorizes the features into cause and effect groups. This study is also intended to help organizational decision-makers move toward a reverse customer SC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the China's plans for Myanmar where the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, has succeeded third term in office at the 20 National Party Congress of the Chinese Communist Party in Beijing, China. It discusses that the with Myanmar's military regime pursuing a "China-plus" policy, there appears to be little focus on how best to mitigate risk associated with the policy.

The article discusses that trade, logistics providers have been experiencing steady business increases in the U.S. It mentions that port authorities and trade and logistics partners have been eyeing the Southeastern United States as a place to expand. It discusses that population growth as one key factor in the Southeast's expanding trade and logistics business, especially cold storage. INSETS: Explosive demand for industrial storage space;50 years of customer service, safety, and family values;The trusted name in transportation and warehousing;Supporting global economies, one port enhancement at a time

The article discusses the concept of free returns. Topics discussed include the complex and expensive process of the management of retail returns, also known as reverse logistics; how online purchases generate more returns than in-store purchases, and how Joe Rensing began his reselling career about ten-years ago, currently known online as The Family Flips.

The article discusses ports of California blazing the trail for post-pandemic imports and exports. Topics discussed including port employees working with ocean carriers to help maximize their outbound capacity, extension of trade corridor from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to Sacramento by 2027, and owner-operators and fleet owners will be able to utilize their existing trucks.

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The article focuses on the turnaround in US recyclables exports in 2023, marking the end of a three-year decline, albeit still below pre-pandemic levels. Topics include the challenges faced by US recyclables exporters, such as economic downturns, logistical obstacles, and regulatory restrictions, alongside the prospects for increased exports and ongoing issues with detention charges and unreliable information from carriers.

Copyright of Logistra is the property of Huss Verlag GmbH and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Logistra is the property of Huss Verlag GmbH and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article informs about using the right digital technologies for supply chain visibility with an array of data-gathering options can trace, track and optimize operations. Topics include sustainability standards, information about status and locations of products, loading devices and other supply chain assets will improve customer service and lower costs; and appropriate and weight the costs for technology adoption and use against the benefits it offers.

The article offers the previews of several heavy duty industry equipment related to conveyance and sortation, including the Roller Zero Pressure AC (RZPAC), developed by the Bastian Solutions to support the need for enhanced throughput and more effective product handling; the HC-Loop Double Cell cross-belt sorter, developed to sort small and large items by Material Handling Systems (MHS), and the BG Pouch System, developed for omni-channel and direct-to-consumer operators by Beumer Group.

The article focuses on supply chain strategies for Canadian ports, with emphasis on optionality, redundancy, and resiliency. It mentions the Western Intermodex is investing in the Port of Prince Rupert to bring capacity and logistics support, while the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is working to enhance its supply chain fluidity and advance its transportation gateway projects within the region.

Researchers from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology conducted a study to determine the relationship between reverse logistics and the performance of food and beverage manufacturing firms in Kenya. The study found a correlation of 0.705 between reverse logistics and the performance of these companies, with reverse logistics accounting for 49.4% of the variation in their performance. The use of returnable packaging was identified as a cost-saving measure that improves efficiency, and implementing reverse logistics can help companies reuse, resell, or recycle materials. This research validates the Stakeholders theory and highlights the benefits of reverse logistics for profit margins and brand reputation. [Extracted from the article]

DSV A/S and CVC Capital Partners Plc are the top contenders to acquire DB Schenker, the logistics unit of Deutsche Bahn AG, after AP Moller-Maersk dropped out of the running. Binding bids are expected to be submitted in August. DSV could integrate DB Schenker into its freight forwarding technology system, while CVC has offered to let the German government or a related fund keep a 20% stake in the unit. Saudi shipping company Bahri is also a potential bidder. Non-binding bids have exceeded €15 billion. A deal would help Deutsche Bahn reduce debt and modernize its domestic railroad operations. [Extracted from the article]

Cryoport, Inc. and Minaris Regenerative Medicine Co., Ltd. have formed a strategic partnership to provide logistics and manufacturing services for regenerative medicine products. Cryoport specializes in supply chain solutions for the life sciences industry, while Minaris is a contract development and manufacturing organization for cell and gene therapies. The collaboration aims to support the advancement of cell and gene therapies by offering integrated services from the collection of cells and tissues to the delivery of products to patients. The partnership will ensure secure transport and quality assurance for regenerative medicine products. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Tongji University in Shanghai, China, explores the evaluation of adaptation strategies for sustainable supply chains, specifically focusing on medical waste reverse supply chains. The researchers emphasize the importance of integrating sustainability and resilience in supply chain viability to withstand disruptions and aid in recovery. The study introduces risk-averse and robust evaluation methods that consider uncertain recovery rates and risk attitudes of supply chain managers. The findings suggest that decision-makers can adjust adaptation strategies based on the evaluated recovery time. This research provides valuable insights for decision-makers in the field of sustainable supply chains. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on ocean carriers restricting forwarders' access to named-account rates in contract negotiations, leading to speculation about carriers' long-term intentions regarding forwarders' market position. While carriers aim to divert more cargo to the higher spot market rates, the move complicates the already challenging market for forwarders, potentially reshaping their role in logistics services separate from Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier activities.

The article reports on the Philadelphia trade and logistics. It discusses PhilaPort logged its sixth straight year of container growth and increasing investment from different companies. It mentions factors elevating those volumes include consumer demand for fresh and healthy foods the port's proximity.

The article discusses the investment of Jacksonville Port Authority (Jaxport) in Jacksonville, Florida. Topics include the five-year investment that will modify the transportation and logistics system and in the process provide foundational access and economic opportunity to a multitude of industries and shippers, especially those in the U.S. Southeast.

The article reports on the Ports are adding capacity with terminal expansions and modernization projects that use technology and new processes to densify existing footprints.

The article relates the experience of Denmark-based manufacturer LINAK in using both activity-based costing (ABC) and value-stream costing (VSC) in its accounting and reporting system. Topics covered include a description of LINAK's accounting and reporting system, its ABC system which was designed to see how marketing and distribution costs varied across the customer base, an assessment of the company's accounting system which has many characteristics of Lean accounting and VSC.

Copyright of Volkswirtschaft is the property of State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of brand eins is the property of brand eins Medien AG and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)