Amazon Logistics Expansion 💸
Good morning! As a new week dawns on the global business landscape, we welcome you to another edition of The Work Day Dash. Whether you're a seasoned logistics professional, a curious newcomer, or simply someone interested in the intricate web that keeps our world moving, we've got you covered. 🤝
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Amazon's Logistics Services Could Generate Over $100 Billion in Revenue
Amazon's foray into logistics services, including shipping and distribution, could become a significant revenue stream, potentially surpassing $100 billion, says Truist Securities analyst Youssef Squali. By offering its logistics network as a service for non-Amazon sellers, the company could turn its substantial logistics costs into a profit center.
This move is seen as akin to Amazon's successful expansion into cloud services with Amazon Web Services (AWS), initially serving its own needs before opening the platform to third-party clients. While Amazon's valuation has fallen since last year, it remains one of the most expensive among major tech firms, but its growth prospects continue to drive optimism on Wall Street.
Check out today’s featured article from Fortune to read more about Amazon’s big idea - and what it could mean for the logistics industry.
Politics & EV
Transportation Secretary Buttigieg's Call to Action for Affordable EVs, Enhanced Transit, and Climate Justice
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the need to make electric vehicles (EVs) more affordable and improve public transit options as part of the Biden administration's efforts to combat climate change during an appearance in Baltimore. Buttigieg discussed the positive impacts of the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and highlighted the importance of community engagement in transportation projects. He also expressed confidence in achieving the goal of having half of all car sales as EVs by the end of the decade and emphasized the importance of investing in reliable public transit to fight climate change.
Additionally, Buttigieg mentioned the Justice40 initiative, which aims to direct 40% of certain federal investments to marginalized communities disproportionately affected by pollution, and urged the use of data to guide these investments effectively.
Trucking & Driver Issues
California Argues That AB5 Has Not Disrupted Trucking Amid Legal Battle
California's attorney general's office has responded to a request for a new injunction against independent contractor law AB5 in the trucking sector, stating that AB5 has not disrupted the industry. They argue that the predicted disruptions and burdens have not materialized, with drivers still operating, ports functioning, and freight being delivered.
This legal battle centers on whether trucking companies can classify workers as independent contractors under AB5, with the state defending its position that AB5 is not causing chaos in the trucking sector.
Let’s Get Global 🌎
Checking out the scoop outside of the United States…
🇹🇷 MTS Logistics Engages 150 Children in Clean Oceans Project to Promote Environmental Awareness. MTS Logistics organized its third annual Clean Oceans Project in Izmir, Turkey, with 150 children among the 300 participants working to clean the beach and raise awareness about the importance of clean and healthy oceans. The project aims to educate children about environmental conservation, reducing plastic usage, minimizing waste, and recycling. Environmental specialist Akın Erdoğan discussed ocean protection and environmental topics with the participants, who then joined in cleaning Akarca Beach. The event also included a drawing workshop and seed ball-making class to promote green initiatives, and each participant received a gift bag containing eco-friendly items.
⛏️ U.S. Aims to Secure Critical Minerals in Africa Amid Growing Competition With China. As the U.S. seeks to build an alternative critical minerals supply chain to reduce reliance on China, African nations possess valuable resources like cobalt and lithium, necessary for clean energy and electric vehicles. The U.S. aims to diversify its supply chains and promote sustainable practices when engaging with Africa on critical minerals. Although some experts believe the West has lagged behind China in this regard, initiatives like the Minerals Security Partnership and partnerships with African nations are part of the U.S.'s efforts to secure critical minerals and encourage local processing and refining to create jobs and increase local capacity.
🚀 Maersk Equips 330 Container Ships with SpaceX Starlink Internet Service. Maersk, the Danish logistics company, is outfitting over 330 of its container ships with SpaceX's Starlink internet service. The installation is expected to be completed by Q1 2024 and will provide internet speeds of over 200 Mbps. The move aims to connect seafarers with their families and facilitate the digitalization of vessel operations.
iLevel With You 🏡
More topics for the average American household to consider…
🔋 Rystad Energy Study Proclaims Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) as Clear Environmental Winners Over Gas and Diesel Cars. A recent analysis by Rystad Energy, an independent energy research firm, has affirmed that battery-powered electric vehicles (BEVs) are environmentally superior to diesel or gasoline cars, even in regions with predominantly fossil fuel-based grids. The study revealed that BEVs emit at most half the carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) cars throughout their lifespan, regardless of the country. Additionally, as countries shift to renewable energy sources, the emissions associated with BEVs could decrease by up to 86%. In the United States, for instance, a BEV is projected to emit only 14% of the emissions of a gasoline or diesel car by 2041.
🛍️ Black Friday Tops List of Busiest Shopping Days in the U.S. for 2023, While Canada Prepares for a Busy Boxing Day. Black Friday is expected to be the busiest shopping day of 2023 in the United States on November 24th, according to a report by Sensormatic Solutions. In Canada, Boxing Day is forecasted to be the busiest shopping day of the year on December 26th. The study also noted that the majority of the busiest shopping days in the U.S. and Canada occur in December, with Black Friday being the second busiest shopping day in Canada and Boxing Day ranking sixth in the U.S.
🤖 Waymo One's Robotaxi Service Rolls Out to the Public in Los Angeles, Gaining Enthusiastic Interest. Waymo has expanded its Waymo One robotaxi service to the public in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, and plans to roll out the service to other areas in the city, including Century City, West Hollywood, Mid-City, Koreatown, and downtown Los Angeles. The move follows months of testing, and interested users can get an activation code for a free one-week ride through pop-up events or online sign-ups. Despite concerns from some protesters, self-driving enthusiasts lined up to experience Waymo's autonomous rides, with many expressing excitement about the technology's potential for the future.
Get Smart 🧠
Ramp up that brain power for these advanced topics…
🧥 REI Co-Op Earns Approval for Ambitious Emission Reduction Targets Amid Fashion Industry Scrutiny. REI Co-Op has received approval for its greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets from the Science Based Target initiative. These targets include a 47% reduction in direct emissions (scopes 1 and 2) by 2030 compared to 2019 levels and a commitment to cut 90% of emissions across scopes 1, 2, and 3, aiming for net-zero emissions throughout its value chain by 2050. REI is also encouraging 41% of its suppliers to adopt science-based emission reduction targets by 2025 and has engaged in clean energy agreements within its supply chain to promote renewable energy adoption. Despite this progress, the fashion industry, in which REI operates, continues to face criticism for insufficient action in reducing emissions, with REI receiving a C- grade from Stand.earth.
🎄 Small and Mid-Sized Businesses Optimistic for Holiday Sales Amid Supply Chain Challenges. Despite ongoing supply chain challenges and economic uncertainties, a recent DHL survey of over 800 small- and mid-sized business leaders revealed optimism regarding the upcoming holiday peak season. The majority of respondents expect strong online shopping during the holidays, but they also expressed concerns about supply chain disruptions and inflation. Around 70% anticipate their online holiday sales will either increase or match last year's figures, with plans to prioritize global expansion, collaborating with international suppliers and business partners. Early preparation appears crucial, with many businesses starting holiday supply chain planning as early as the second quarter of the year, and concerns about supply chain delays and inflation have eased compared to the previous year.
🤖 CEVA Logistics Introduces Innovative Transload Facility with Boston Dynamics Robots in Los Angeles. CEVA Logistics has unveiled a cutting-edge transload facility in Los Angeles, equipped with Boston Dynamics robots to enhance its efficiency and automation. The facility, strategically located near the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles, is the only one in North America with a cross-belt sortation device, enabling the sorting of 10,000 parcels per hour. CEVA plans to use Boston Dynamics' Stretch robots for unloading and Spot robots for security, further improving efficiency and safety. Additionally, the facility features environmental initiatives such as rooftop solar panels and electric trucks powered by renewable energy sources.
The Workday Dash is an aggregation of articles regarding the transportation logistics, trucking, and supply chain industries for November 22, 2024, from iLevel Logistics Inc.