Smarter Shipping, Volume 14: Innovations in the Final Mile Spark Conversation
Welcome to Volume 14 of "Smarter Shipping" with Intelligent Audit.
If you missed last week's newsletter, "Smarter Shipping, Volume 13: How to Build a Stronger Future with Logistics Network Optimization Software "
Let's dive right in!
In this edition of "Smarter Shipping," we'll cover the following:
How Machine Learning can become Your Strongest Tool
Learn how Intelligent Audit used machine learning to detect a 500% anomaly in shipping invoices and charges for this Pet Specialty Retailer.
When Intelligent Audit’s anomaly detection software flagged an inexplicable spike in shipping spend before peak season, it immediately escalated to the specialty pet retailer's team to help them find the root cause and resolve it quickly.
Innovations in the Final Mile Spark Conversation
As the global parcel industry continues to contend with falling volumes, industry experts are looking ahead. Zipline, Roadie, and last-mile delivery robot manufacturers are leading the industry forward with innovative solutions to age-old problems. However, it’s not all optimism in the global transportation industry. National negotiations are off to a bumpy start between UPS and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and the bleak news keeps coming as Q1 results roll in. In an industry that’s always moving, here’s what you need to know.??
DHL Expands Partnership with Leading Robotics Firm
DHL Supply Chain has announced intentions to invest further in robotics. According to a May 10 press release , the German-based carrier plans to expand its partnership with Locus Robotics. The expansion will see 5,000 Locus Origin AMRs (autonomous mobile robots) deployed across the carrier’s global distribution and warehouse facilities.?
“The flexibility and scalability of the Locus solution has been instrumental in helping us meet the evolving demands of the e-commerce landscape and leveraging cutting-edge technology to optimize our operations and deliver an even better experience for our customers,” said Oscar de Bok, Chief Executive Officer at DHL Supply Chain.
Experts Debate Future of Last-Mile Delivery Robots
In a recent roundtable discussion hosted by Supply Chain Dive , industry leaders debated the role of sidewalk delivery robots in a dynamic last-mile delivery landscape. Ali Kashani, CEO and Co-Founder of Serve Robotics, predicted that sidewalk delivery robots would play an integral role in last-mile supply chains: “I think you’re going to see this in every densely populated area or medium density [area], I would even say. So you don’t have to be in the middle of downtown Los Angeles for this to make sense,” Kashani said. “These robots, you’re going to see them in all of those environments as the last mile part of the supply chain.”
However, other industry experts were less rosy on the future of last-mile delivery robots. “My sense is that we’re going to be seeing a lot more consolidation in terms of the number of companies that are looking at these things,” said Nico Larco, a University of Oregon Professor of Urbanism,?“and I think we’re going to have a lot more narrowly defined use cases and business models.”
Drone Delivery Provider Zipline Attracts Major Customers
Zipline, a leading provider of drone delivery solutions, has recently signed on major customers, including GNC, Pagliacci Pizza, and Associated Carriers, according to a May 10 press release . The new customers will be served by the Platform 2 drones, which produce significantly less noise than the Platform 1 models.?
Irene Scher, Senior Vice President of U.S. Go-To-Market at Zipline, said, “Zipline’s instant delivery solution is faster, more convenient, and better for the environment than traditional automotive delivery. We provide the best delivery experience on earth for consumers and businesses of any size, industry, and location. We’re excited to go above and beyond for GNC, Pagliacci Pizza, and Associated Couriers’ customers.”
UPS Company Roadie Announces New Service for Same-Day Oversized
According to a website post , UPS-owned delivery platform Roadie plans to offer same-day delivery services for oversized items. The service, which will be called RoadieXL, offers local shippers an opportunity to ship oversized items without the inconvenience or expense of traditional dimensional pricing.?
National Negotiations Begin Between UPS and Teamsters, Despite Two Unresolved Supplemental Agreements
Despite unresolved supplemental negotiations, UPS and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters have moved on to talks regarding the national (or master) agreement. The two supplemental negotiations continue in Kentucky and Northern California , respectively, despite the commencement of national bargaining.?
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The latest insights from the?Intelligent Audit Resource Hub
Outpacing Carrier Strategy Shifts with Parcel Management Software
In the post-pandemic era, carriers like FedEx and UPS face significant challenges, forcing shippers to adapt as well. As carriers adjust strategies amidst dwindling parcel volumes, shippers must seek innovative solutions to maintain relevance. One solution gaining prominence is parcel management software, which offers optimization and cost-saving advantages.
Employing multi-carrier parcel management systems, shippers bolster collaboration with carriers, elevating timeliness and customer satisfaction, particularly in rocky environments. By embracing these solutions, shippers can preserve their competitive edge, surmount market obstacles, and flourish in the face of uncertainty.
Today’s Shippers Get Smart with Business Intelligence to Tackle Parcel Industry Challenges
The stormy waters of today's parcel shipping environment have shippers battling escalating costs, capacity constraints, and high customer demands. Yet, these choppy waves don't signal an iceberg on the horizon or an imminent shipwreck. Instead, there's a guiding lighthouse emerging on the storm's horizon amid the chaos called Business Intelligence (BI).
By converting raw data into actionable insights, BI becomes an essential survival tool rather than a mere luxury. It empowers shippers to steer through market uncertainties, streamline operations, and gain a competitive edge.?
As we sail into the second half of 2023, BI is not merely a sanctuary in the storm. Instead, it opens the way to calmer seas, empowering shippers to transform these industry challenges into opportunities.??
A Freight & Shipping Audit Checklist Guide
With increased e-commerce shipping, high consumer expectations for delivery, and challenges in the supply chain, companies need optimized transportation systems and freight services. One of the fundamental ways to achieve this is through collecting and analyzing data — which can, in part, be done through a regular freight audit. Quality, relevant shipping data shows what is going right and needs improvement for better shipping services.
Consistently carrying out freight audits allows one to collect data from shipping invoices. Over time, freight audits have become more comprehensive and focus more on analysis, making it easier to use the data to improve processes and business decisions. Freight audits can improve visibility into the supply chain, the accuracy of payments, and more.
This guide gives you an actionable freight audit checklist to follow.
Today’s supply chain environment requires a company to obtain a competitive advantage by improving its entire supply chain process end-to-end. It’s common to run into data overload throughout this process, leading to disparate systems, information silos, and the inability to navigate external challenges. The future of the supply chain industry will take the emotion out of decision-making by leveraging innovative technology to transform raw data into actionable intelligence.
The digital transformation of supply chains has already begun, so join us for this exclusive webinar to learn how to improve your company’s bottom line and, ultimately, your end customer experience.
Hannah Testani will teach us more about:
See the IA Team in Philadelphia at Home Delivery World 2023!
The Intelligent Audit team is gearing up for another amazing Home Delivery World experience, exhibiting once again at the show built for retailers.
Learn how we help retailers reduce and manage transportation spend in Philly, June 14th thru the 15th at Booth #114!
That's it for this edition of "Smarter Shipping" with Intelligent Audit! Make sure to subscribe to not miss a weekly edition!
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