🏎️ Amazon’s test track
Good morning! Greetings and welcome to our special edition Workday Dash, coinciding with an extraordinary day that rocks our world—National Rock Day! On this auspicious occasion, we embrace the spirit of stability, strength, and resilience that rocks symbolize and channel that energy into exploring the fascinating world of supply chain and logistics., reducing waste, and improving our supply chains' overall sustainability. National Rock Day, observed annually on July 13th, is a timely reminder of the solid foundation upon which modern commerce thrives. Just as rocks form the bedrock of our planet, supply chain, and logistics provide the essential framework that supports the global movement of goods and services, fostering economic growth and connecting people across borders.
So, get ready to embark on a journey that will rock your supply chain and logistics world! Stay tuned for our upcoming Workday Dash, where we'll deliver valuable information to your inbox. 🪨🗿
Rock on!
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Amazon Prime Day, known for its lightning-fast deals that disappear within seconds, has often left shoppers frustrated. In an effort to address this issue, Amazon has introduced an "invite-only" promotion for selected customers, providing them with a better chance to secure the bargains they desire. Customers can request an invite for discounted items they spot on the website, such as a 32% discount on an Acer Swift X laptop. If the deal is still available, they will receive an email with a unique link to purchase the product during the Prime Day sale, which began on July 11th and runs through July 12th.
By incorporating a lottery-style approach into certain Prime Day deals, Amazon aims to alleviate the need for customers to constantly monitor the site and refresh their browsers. Kristin McGrath, editor of RetailMeNot, which tracks online deals, highlights that this method allows shoppers to either secure the deal or move on, saving them the frustration of fruitlessly searching for discounts over a two-day period.
Check out today’s featured article from TTNEWS to read more about Amazon Prime Day and what they are doing to try and combat shopper frustration. Will this new way of going about things work better in the long run? Will it work at all?
Featured Article:
Amazon Prime Day Invite-Only Deal Targets Buyer Frustration | TT News
“Lottery Approach Saves Shoppers the Hassle of Constantly Monitoring the Site.”
Supply Chain & Mining
Deep Sea Mining's Alarming Impact on $5.5bn Tuna Industry
Deep-sea mining operations pose a significant threat to the $5.5 billion tuna industry, according to a recent study published in the journal Nature of Ocean Sustainability. The study highlights that climate change is expected to drive tuna species into areas targeted for deep-sea mining in the Pacific Ocean. Researchers utilized climate models to predict that by the mid-century, bigeye, skipjack, and yellowfin tuna biomass will increase by an average of 21% in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone—an extensive region between Hawaii and Mexico that is earmarked for mining valuable metals. This projected increase in the overlap between tuna and mining activities could exacerbate conflicts, leading to environmental and economic repercussions in a climate-altered ocean.
The potential damage to the Pacific tuna industry from mining operations is multifaceted. Mining companies plan to deploy large robots to the ocean floor, extracting polymetallic nodules that contain cobalt, nickel, and other metals. This process would create sediment plumes that could spread over vast distances. Furthermore, the transportation and processing of nodules would result in the release of mining waste back into the ocean, potentially impacting the breathing, feeding, and stress hormone levels of tuna and their prey. The release of toxic metals during mining, along with the noise and light associated with extraction operations, could further harm tuna health and disrupt their breeding and migration patterns.
Forced Labor & Ethics
Forced Labor Allegations Prompt Investigation of Nike and Dynasty Gold
Canadian ethics watchdog, the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE), has initiated investigations into Nike Canada and Dynasty Gold following allegations of their involvement or benefit from Uyghur forced labor in their Chinese operations. The investigations were launched based on complaints filed by a coalition of 28 civil society organizations, assessing the overseas operations of 13 Canadian businesses. Nike Canada is alleged to maintain supply chain relationships with Chinese companies identified as using or benefiting from Uyghur forced labor. Nike, however, stated that it no longer has ties with those companies and provided information on its due diligence practices.
Dynasty Gold, on the other hand, is accused of benefiting from Uyghur forced labor at a Chinese mine where it holds a majority interest. The company responded by clarifying that it no longer has operational control over the mine and that the allegations arose after its departure from the region. The Canadian Ombudsperson, Sheri Meyerhoffer, stated that mediation between the involved parties is not currently an option. The investigations aim to gather facts and make appropriate recommendations based on the findings. The CORE's mission is to resolve human rights complaints impartially and promote responsible business practices among the companies involved.
Let’s Get Global 🌎
Checking out the scoop outside of the United States…
🇮🇳 U.S. to Establish Naval Logistics Hubs in India as a Countermeasure to China. The U.S. and India are collaborating to establish naval logistics hubs in India, aiming to enhance resupply and maintenance capabilities for naval vessels in the South Asia region. The initiative comes as part of the comprehensive defense and economic partnerships agreed upon by U.S. President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their summit in June. The U.S. plans to support India in developing infrastructure for resupply, repair, and maintenance of ships and aircraft. The U.S. Navy is expected to sign ship repair agreements with Indian shipyards, including Larsen & Toubro shipyard, with additional agreements being finalized with two other shipbuilders in Mumba and Goa.
🇩🇪 Sennder and Poste Italiane Renew $2.5 Billion Joint Venture. Sennder, the German digital freight forwarder, has announced the renewal of its joint venture with Poste Italiane, Italy's postal operator. The joint venture, known as Sennder Italia, aims to generate €2.3 billion ($2.5 billion) in revenue over the next 10 years. The partnership has been successful in reducing costs for Poste Italiane through Sennder's technology, which streamlines operations and minimizes unnecessary mileage for freight.
🌊 How Nearshoring is Transforming the LTL Industry. Nearshoring, the practice of moving manufacturing operations closer to North America, is unlocking growth opportunities in the less-than-truckload (LTL) freight transportation industry. Companies are shifting their manufacturing operations from China to North America due to pandemic-related production and shipping delays, rising labor costs, and geopolitical tensions. While the United States is a popular destination, Canada and Mexico are also experiencing significant growth as nearshoring destinations. This trend presents an exciting opportunity for LTL carriers, such as XPO, as cross-border capabilities become increasingly in demand. Carriers with extensive networks across North America can offer cost savings, flexibility, and improved freight handling for companies involved in nearshoring.
iLevel With You 🏡
More topics for the average American household to consider…
💪 Hallmark Strengthens Distribution Network with Second Liberty Facility. Hallmark has opened a second distribution center, named Liberty II, in Liberty, Missouri, as part of its efforts to optimize and centralize its distribution network. The 850,000-square-foot facility is located close to Hallmark's existing distribution center and will serve as the primary hub for distributing Hallmark Ornaments, Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments, Christmas boxed cards, and gift wrap. The new facility aims to enhance efficiency and enable Hallmark to better serve its customers and consumers, while also creating additional capacity for future growth and innovation. By centralizing operations, Hallmark expects to reduce transportation needs and use approximately 1 million fewer cardboard boxes annually.
👞 Puma Commits to Enhancing Transparency in Leather Supply Chain by 2030. Puma has pledged to source all its leather from verified deforestation-free supply chains by 2030, or even earlier, as part of its commitment to enhance transparency in its leather supply chain. The company joined the Deforestation-Free Call to Action for Leather initiative, launched by the Textile Exchange and the Leather Working Group, which aims to encourage brands to improve supply chain transparency and traceability. Currently, Puma sources its leather from tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group. However, the company faces challenges in achieving full traceability at the cattle ranch level for its suede products, as intermediaries are involved in the supply chain. To address environmental concerns and mitigate the risk of biodiversity loss, Puma focuses on using more sustainable materials and avoids using wood or wood-derived fabrics from ancient or endangered forests.
🚗 150 Million Packages Delivered by Rivian Electric Vehicles. Amazon has announced that it has successfully delivered over 150 million packages using Rivian's electric vehicles (EVs). Since last summer, Amazon has deployed over 5,000 electric delivery vehicles in more than 800 cities across the United States. These custom electric vans are being utilized for deliveries in major cities such as Baltimore, Houston, Las Vegas, New York, Seattle, and Miami. In 2019, Amazon placed an order for 100,000 custom electric vehicles from Rivian as part of its commitment to decarbonize its transportation fleet and achieve its broader sustainability goals. This initiative is a significant step towards reducing emissions and transitioning to a more environmentally friendly delivery system.
Get Smart 🧠
Ramp up that brain power for these advanced topics…
🚚 Arizona Moves Towards Standardization. Arizona recently implemented a new law that requires vehicle weight-restriction signs on state highways to be designed by the state transportation department for enforcement. The truck route uniform signage law, known as Senate Bill 1098, was signed by Governor Katie Hobbs. Introduced by state Senator Frank Carroll during the 2023 legislative session, the bill went through amendments before being signed into law. The legislation addresses the lack of standardization and clarity in truck route restriction signs across Arizona. The Arizona Trucking Association (ATA) had previously highlighted the need for improved signage to help truck drivers navigate and avoid prohibited routes. Starting January 1, the law mandates the placement of uniform signs near every intersection or junction with a traffic control device along designated highways to inform the public about the restrictions.
🙌 CADDi Secures $89M Funding Amid Challenging Supply Chain Management Landscape. CADDi, a global procurement startup, has secured $89 million in a Series C funding round, even as the supply chain management sector has experienced a decline in funding. The round was co-led by existing investors and included participation from new investors. CADDi operates a B2B marketplace for the manufacturing industry, providing companies with tools to manage quality, cost, and delivery within their supply chain infrastructure. With the new funding, CADDi aims to generate $10 billion in revenue by 2030 and expand its U.S. office to employ 100 people within a year. While venture funding for supply chain startups has slowed in recent years, CADDi's successful funding round highlights its ambitious goals and growth potential in the industry.
🤝 Redwood acquires Rockfarm Supply Chain Solutions. Redwood Logistics has acquired Rockfarm Supply Chain Solutions and Global Distribution and Logistics, expanding its geographic reach and customer base. Rockfarm, based in Dubuque, Iowa, strengthens Redwood's presence in the Upper Midwest and Northern Plains, adding international freight forwarding, trade compliance, and customs brokerage capabilities to Redwood's portfolio. The acquisition enhances Redwood's "modern 4PL" services, which focus on supply chain management and logistics orchestration. The combined entity will manage a total freight volume of $5.5 billion between Redwood's 3PL and 4PL services. Rockfarm will initially operate as a separate entity, with its key leadership and management teams becoming Redwood employees.
The Workday Dash is an aggregation of articles regarding the transportation logistics, trucking, and supply chain industries for November 27, 2024, from iLevel Logistics Inc.