9 trends in last-mile delivery

From drones to in-city warehouses, e-commerce is forcing changes in how retailers and carriers do business.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • May 25, 2017

Bulletin draws seed funding to play host to startup retailers

The company raked in $2.2 million to construct more flexible rental spaces that allow e-commerce companies to rent on a month-to-month basis.

By Dan O'Shea • May 24, 2017

Explore the Trendline➔

Inside retail supply chains

Companies looking to trim expenses and streamline operations during a crutial year for supply chain management. 

By Retail Dive staff

JD.com plots massive 'heavy-load' drone logistics network in China

The company aims to construct the country’s largest low-altitude drone logistics network for devices that can carry shipments weighing more than a ton.

By Dan O'Shea • May 22, 2017

What retailers can do to make the last mile more efficient

Estimates show the final leg of delivery can comprise up to 28% of a product’s total transportation cost — it’s no wonder retailers are searching for ways to perfect the process.

By Barry Hochfelder • May 22, 2017

Prime Air pilots to confront Amazon at shareholders meeting

The cargo pilots aim to alert investors about the intensifying challenges at their airlines and the potential risks for Amazon’s growing logistics operations.

By Daphne Howland • May 22, 2017

New Amazon research center propels drone traffic management

The Prime Air Development Center will employ about a dozen software developers tasked with creating a traffic control system to work the company’s planned fleet of delivery drones.

By Dan O'Shea • May 21, 2017

Teleretail targets rural delivery with long-distance traveling robot

The Swiss startup has created a prototype of a robot capable of making long-range deliveries up to 50 miles away in urban, suburban and rural environments.

By Dan O'Shea • May 16, 2017

Nike, H&M join Circular Fibres initiative promoting 'circular economy'

The effort, launched by The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, aims to shift production from the traditional "make, use, dispose" model to more sustainable methods.

By Daphne Howland • May 15, 2017

Amazon challenges inventors to design new warehouse picking robot

The e-commerce giant hopes a $250K competition prize and prestige will lead to a fully automated picking solution, a needed innovation for its warehouses.

By Jennifer McKevitt • May 12, 2017

Upstart Flexe takes aim at Amazon with next-day delivery

The new service allows e-commerce brands to control the end-to-end fulfillment process, from identifying ideal fulfillment center locations, to delivering product via integrations with major carriers.

By Dan O'Shea • May 11, 2017

DHL taps Alexa to deliver package status updates

The Amazon virtual assistant's new skill gives consumers a hands-free process to track their deliveries.  

By Dan O'Shea • May 10, 2017

Target to pilot next-day delivery for loyalty members

Using Target Restock, REDcard holders will be able to visit a dedicated online experience to order household essentials and convenience products for home delivery.

By Dan O'Shea • May 8, 2017

American Apparel to let shoppers choose US-made clothing

Made-in-the-USA garments will be priced as much as 25% higher than goods made in Canadian owner Gildan's overseas factories, executives said.

By Daphne Howland • May 8, 2017

Amazon unveils plans for vast UK tech development center

The center, slated to open in the fall, will focus on work related to devices like the Kindle, Echo Look and others.

By Dan O'Shea • May 4, 2017

UPS, Sealed Air debut Packaging Innovation Center

The facility aims to help solve packaging and shipping challenges facing e-commerce retailers by maximizing efficiency, minimizing waste, reducing shipping costs and increasing brand affinity.

By Dan O'Shea • May 2, 2017

Barclays: Warehouse, delivery automation critical for AmazonFresh success

Fewer human-centered processes in logistics, including the use of “robot vans,” could drive massive growth for Amazon's grocery service.  

By Jeff Wells • May 2, 2017

Crocs, Quicksilver leverage new SPS Commerce analytics tool

The new capability, as well as enhancements to its sourcing platform, combines retail point-of-sale and inventory data with external information across channels.

By Dan O'Shea • May 1, 2017

UPS, Amazon invest heavily in logistics networks to keep up with e-commerce

Executives from the two companies emphasized the role warehouses and technology will have in keeping costs down amid rising volumes during their respective earnings calls.

By Edwin Lopez • April 28, 2017

Boxed automates fulfillment center, retrains workers for new jobs

The e-commerce retailer has automated its New Jersey fulfillment center with robotics, a move expected to result in a six-fold productivity increase.

By Dan O'Shea • April 27, 2017

Suppliers draw line in sand, toughen terms as bankruptcies roil retail industry

Suppliers are often the last to get paid when bankruptcy strikes, but they are also a key player in helping to avoid it altogether.

By Jennifer McKevitt • April 25, 2017

Report: Amazon at work on secret driverless vehicle project

The e-commerce giant is reportedly exploring how it can leverage driverless vehicle technology, which could have significant ramifications for logistics and fulfillment. 

By Dan O'Shea • April 24, 2017

Invertex rakes in $2M in seed funding to grow footwear technology

The fashion technology startup uses 3D digitization and other technologies to allow brands to produce and sell measure-to-fit footwear.

By Dan O'Shea • April 20, 2017

Report: Macy's RFID effort boosts sales, fulfillment

The store's effort to tag all items by the end of 2017 is already paying off through lesser inventory variance, fewer markdowns and greater display compliance.

By Jennifer McKevitt • April 20, 2017

Amazon wins patent for on-demand textile manufacturing

The patent describes a system that could batch orders according to a variety of categories, like type or delivery address, in order to improve efficiency of manufacture and order fulfillment.

By Daphne Howland • April 19, 2017

UPS taps beacon technology to curb misloaded packages

UPS is rolling out a system of scanners connected to beacons that alert delivery truck loaders when a package has been placed on the wrong truck.

By Dan O'Shea • April 17, 2017