Whale Logistics Group Meets Growing Demand with Superior Freezone Warehousing Services

Moreover, autonomous vehicles leverage AI-enhanced technology to optimize travel routes, avoiding traffic jams and selecting the most efficient paths to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The US-based startup Steamchain offers a blockchain platform that simplifies payment processes using its World Trade Logistics (WTL) smart contract system. WTL smart contracts enable B2B payments and prevent fraud by providing an immutable record of all transactions. Dedicated compliance management teams to closely monitor your customs activity along with the latest changes in legislation. Compliance experts and specialist trade consultants help you manoeuvre the complex world of tariff codes, taxes, duties and international trade regulations to help decrease costs and increase predictability.

These vehicles navigate urban environments, delivering a wide range of goods, from groceries to home appliances. By offering a zero-emission delivery solution, Clevon assists companies in achieving their carbon emission targets while enhancing delivery methods. The US-based startup FACTIC offers a SaaS platform that provides predictive analytics solutions for the food and beverage industries. FACTIC leverages data mining and AI techniques to analyze the data from internal and external sources to predict future sales. Automated warehouse technologies include automated guided vehicles (AGVs), robotic picking systems, automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), and put-wall picking. They streamline operations within the warehouse and also have a ripple effect on the last-mile delivery phase.

Explore the Top 10 Logistics Trends in 2025

Asset-based 3PLs usually specialize in specific industries or regions where they have facilities. Don’t assume that the cost of third-party warehousing and distribution is out of your price range—as we explain below, it can actually reduce your overhead costs and free up capital. 3PLs maintain their own hours of operation and workflow, which can have a flow-on effect to your business. As of 2024, warehouse vacancy rates in the US have risen to 5.2%, marking the first time since the pandemic that vacancies have exceeded 5%. When evaluating 3PLs, ask about their shipping speed capabilities, the locations of their fulfillment centers, and their track record in meeting delivery promises. At the core of our operations lies a state-of-the-art IT system, ensuring seamless orchestration and the promise of delivering consistent service levels.

In response to increasing demand for logistics services, Whale has set a goal to expand its warehouse and container yard to more than 1,220,000 sqm by 2026. The right partner can make or break your company’s logistics, customer service, and repeat purchase rate. Trusting someone with sales, inventory, and other sensitive information is a significant risk. Selecting a third-party logistics service is likely one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as you scale your international ecommerce business. You’re putting trust in the provider you select to take care of your brand and deliver the customer experience you envision. A 3PL should provide inventory warehousing, as well as inventory management solutions and software to manage it.

In business, logistics is the process of transporting and storing raw materials, finished goods, inventory, and other resources. Logistics in a business is typically made up of many components, including customer service, demand forecasting, warehousing, material handling, inventory control, order processing, and transportation. Supply chains are also becoming digitised in terms of how data is being created, stored, and analysed. Years of investment in the deployment of sensors, cameras, IoT devices, and integrations have helped to digitise the physical movement of goods and has significantly increased the volume of data created throughout supply chains. In addition, while data was traditionally stored in on-premises warehouses (that were difficult to access, integrate or innovate with), we now see the emergence of cloud-based systems. At Maersk, our suite of LCL solutions ensure that even the smallest cargo keeps moving for a big impact.

Recent extraordinary events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, the energy crisis and rising inflation, have drastically altered the balance between supply and demand. These disruptions have underscored the critical need for operational flexibility, prompting companies to explore alternative strategies beyond traditional approaches. In this context, logistics outsourcing emerges as a compelling solution, bolstered by the growing complexity and strategic significance of logistics and supply chain management. For those working in any areas that involve the supply chain, certification can go a long way in validating that you have the right knowledge, expertise, and skillset to help organizations oversee the supply chain. It can be what sets you apart from other candidates who don’t have certifications, reassuring employers that you can quickly step into any supply chain management job.

I could reach out to people representing different functions to get their perspective and gain support based on their experience and market expertise. Since day one I got great support from senior leaders and was enrolled in real comprehensive business cases giving me an overview on how the business works. “I got great support from senior leaders and was enrolled in real comprehensive business cases giving me an overview on how the business works.”

Embracing cutting-edge technologies is not an option but a necessity for companies looking to thrive in the logistics landscape. “We have an analyst who studies SONAR and freight markets, and we look at the heat maps for supply and demand on a daily basis,” said Johnson. “We’ve actually fired customers because they refused to be a shipper of choice and they were a drain on our staff,” said Clay. Clay didn’t want to leave but was finally convinced by Johnson to take a risk; they launched Axle Logistics with just enough money to buy McLeod Software’s PowerBroker and provide a few months of runway. Now Johnson serves as Axle’s Chief Executive Officer, and Clay is the Chief Operating Officer. Addverb offers a custom Dynamo AGV with different guidance systems including laser, inertial, wire, and magnetic tape.

Effective cost optimization

Similarly, micro-fulfillment centers strategically positioned in urban areas reduce transit times. Crowdsourced delivery platforms tap into local resources for flexible, on-demand service. The company further leverages trusted computing, digital twin simulations, and AI to drive decision-making.

• The exam covers supply chain fundamentals, plan supply, inventory management, continuous improvement and quality management, strategy, sales and operations planning, and inventory, among other topics.
• Similarly, this shift can be seen in the fashion industry in how a leading clothing brand has responded to the demand for ethical production.
• Utilizing logistics properly is essential to the function of businesses across the globe — and effectively managed logistics typically leads to positive business outcomes.
• Over the last two years, the emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion has really given a spotlight to the work the ERGs have been doing for years.
• The FedEx Business Model revolves around providing reliable and efficient delivery services to businesses and consumers worldwide.

Luckily, logistics tech has successfully reshaped the industry, turning it into a robust sector fueled by the rise of innovative new technologies. Supply chain management is the larger network that connects global vendors, transportation companies, distributors and warehouses. “We can have lower logistics costs and good customer service but don’t necessarily need more inventory to do that,” Ellram said. When you need scalable and flexible logistics, supply chain and transportation solutions, everyone knows these companies deliver.

This addresses the need for secure and tamper-proof documentation in the complex logistics supply chain, enhancing security, transparency, and efficiency. Through blockchain, stakeholders in logistics operations access real-time and accurate information on the movement and status of goods, providing complete visibility and traceability. Spanish startup Canonical Robots creates various collaborative robots to facilitate supply chain processes. Cobots work collaboratively with human workers, offer assistance, and enhance productivity in logistics operations. These robots pick, place, and pack goods in a brief span while eliminating potential human errors. Integrating robotics into logistics increases the speed and accuracy of supply chain processes and reduces human error.

What are the different types of reverse logistics?

The NCMA also offers a Certified Federal Contract Manager (CFCM) certification for those working in or with the government and a Certified Commercial Contract Manager (CCCM) certification for those in the commercial industry. “Our expert team is steadfast in the Whale Trust principle, ChatGPT App which is the foundation of our organization’s operation. We are committed to providing efficient services and proper consultation, benefiting all stakeholders,” Mr. Sonchaeng described. Whale prioritizes the environment and sustainability through its Green Logistics project.

Studies show that customer satisfaction with the last-mile experience can lead to a remarkable 21% increase in the likelihood of repeat purchases. The startup also provides solutions such as real-time tracking, route optimization, freight security ChatGPT customized reporting, real-time alerts, and reduces freight costs by leveraging AI-enabled technology. The synchronization of these advanced automation solutions with last-mile logistics systems further ensures a seamless flow of goods.

We offer services and technology for managing the end-to-end shipping process—from individuals to enterprises, local to global. We have a broad portfolio that uses the same set of assets, creating tremendous leverage and efficiency. Air, ground, domestic, international, commercial and residential services are supported through a single pickup and delivery network.

If you transport international freight, some include brokerage fees; others include import/export taxes and duties in their costs. Plus, the supply chain crisis has made clear the importance of having real-time, multi-location inventory visibility. Expanding internationally requires a global fulfillment network, documentation, and accounting for customers and duties. If you want to try to sell your product overseas but aren’t prepared to navigate the legalities involved or invest in infrastructure abroad, working with a 3PL can be a good way to test the waters. Breaking fulfillment promises to customers can cause major damage to your brand, particularly in an era when 62% of customers only want to wait up to three days for a package. Instead of managing your own warehouses and doing distribution in-house, you can store your stock in a 3PL vendor’s warehouse, with the stock shipped directly from your manufacturers.

Employees can submit questions ahead of time for the featured guest, giving them a chance to have their voices heard and concerns addressed. Since pitching the idea in August, to launching the first episode in March, I have felt an overwhelming amount of support from the M2A team, senior leadership, and colleagues across the network. This is just one example of how Mondelēz cultivates a growth and collaborative community amongst its people. By submitting this form, I agree to receive logistics related news and marketing updates from A. The certification is designed to show employers you have the right skillset to navigate the R12 E-Business Suite, enter data, pull information, form queries, and access online help.

Innovation Driven is about taking a more disciplined approach to capital allocation, driving more productivity from the assets we own and improving U.S. revenue quality to generate better bottom-line results. We are using world-class technology and ingenuity to make productivity a virtuous cycle and achieve operational excellence. We track our progress on this element by measuring customer service in logistics management improvements in return on invested capital. But accounting for the complexity of an ecosystem so vast requires a level of real-time coordination among partners, governments, and shippers that current optimization solutions—using classical computing—cannot fully provide. Quantum computing could provide the solution for persistent supply chain and logistics problems.

Companies might invest more in electric delivery vehicles or in artificial intelligence to improve inventory management. “As supply chains have normalized, you just don’t need as much inventory to keep those customers happy,” he said. Tancredi has seen more companies shift to a 3PL-centric model amid the volatile demand environment of the past few years.

The Supply Chain Management certification offered by the Six Sigma Global Institute (SSGI) includes an online, self-paced course, which typically takes students three to five weeks to complete. This course covers everything you need to know about the supply chain and how vital it is to organizations, especially as the supply chain grows more complex with new and emerging technology. You’ll learn about mapping and diagraming, integration, inventory, logistics, cycle time, sourcing, risk, information gathering, relationship management, demand management, continuous improvement, and supply chain optimization.

In alphabetical order, here are the 100 third-party logistics providers deemed the best of the best by Inbound Logistics editors. FedEx remains a driving force in the global logistics industry with a solid commitment to innovation, a robust network infrastructure, and a customer-centric approach. Despite the challenges and disruptions faced along its journey, the company’s unwavering dedication to delivering packages quickly and reliably has propelled it to become a trusted partner for businesses and individuals worldwide. Over the years, FedEx expanded its services to include international shipping, ground transportation, and logistics solutions. In 1981, the company introduced the “FedEx Priority Overnight” service, guaranteeing next-day delivery for packages within the United States. This groundbreaking service disrupted the industry and solidified FedEx’s reputation as a reliable and efficient delivery provider.

Smart contracts, a key feature of blockchain, automate and streamline various aspects of logistics, including customs clearance and payment processing. These self-executing contracts enable quicker approvals and reduce processing times at checkpoints, speeding up the entire supply chain. As blockchain continues to gain adoption, it improves trust among participants, reduces administrative burdens, and ensures the secure and efficient flow of goods worldwide. Blockchain’s decentralized ledger system ensures the integrity and immutability of transaction records.

“For us, it strictly came down to cost of shipping and labor and having more control,” Mammoser wrote. Natural Dog Company also saw cost savings after outsourcing its fulfillment to a 3PL in Q4 of 2023, CEO Bill D’Alessandro said in a LinkedIn post earlier this year. The move will help the company save $750,000 annually on postage alone, and $500,000 from reduced rent and payroll expenses.

In the Logistics Innovation Map, you get a comprehensive overview of the logistics industry trends & startups that impact your company. As one of the world’s largest automobile manufacturers, TATA relies on timely deliveries that demand on-time customs clearances. Watch Jayant Shreedhar Athawade, Head of SCM at TATA Motors International Business, talk about the value Maersk’s customs team brings to seamless delivery of their vehicles. Integrate your customs process with our Supply Chain Management (SCM) platform for export data management and downstream import benefits.

I started on the Tampa South team as a Senior Sales Rep, which quickly led to a Sales Rep position managing the Lakeland/Bartow/Mulberry territory. From there, I was promoted to the West Palm Beach team for the Retail Merchandising Supervisor role. In 2018, I relocated back to my home state of New Jersey for a promotion to the Shelf Management Specialist role in support of the Wakefern/NYC CBT. I have been a project manager within our Customer Service & Logistics Center of Excellence (CS&L COE) for the last 13 months. You can foun additiona information about ai customer service and artificial intelligence and NLP. In this role I manage project lifecycles from scoping through completion, to ensure stakeholder expectations are met by delivering on critical milestones and having strong communication. This role has given me the opportunity to learn more about the strategic planning process for key business initiatives, by working closely with project leads across multiple functions.

When choosing a 3PL warehouse, determine how many distribution centers you’ll have access to. You’ll also need to accurately forecast inventory levels to appropriately stock warehouses in your network. Not only is knowing how much stock you have (and where) a key component of improving operational efficiency, so too is shipping inventory from the location closest to the customer, which cuts shipping costs. Full-service 3PLs help cross-border ecommerce brands become more efficient during and after crises.

By leveraging Flexport’’s logistics expertise and Shopify’’s ecommerce know-how, SFN positions your brand for scalable, sustainable growth. The use of advanced technologies like machine learning means more efficient operations, lower costs, and happier customers. The final measure is to confirm the 3PL integrates with your existing inventory management system, order management system, order processing software, and/or warehouse management solution.

“Making the digital twin part and parcel of the core AI product allows it to orchestrate greater warehouse efficiency, which results in a better client experience,” says Eisbart. Goods arrive at the warehouse, get processed by the team, and then move on to the shelves. However, what should be a seamless process can be fraught with inefficiencies that increase labor and handling costs and threaten on-time delivery. The Inbound Logistics editors selected the Top 100 Logistics & Supply Chain Technology Providers—companies offering the innovations their customers need to optimize and streamline supply chain operations.

Last-mile delivery software: Leveraging real-time data for efficiency

The exam is included in the course, which extensively covers the SCOR model to help you apply it to real-life supply chain problems, support organizational goals, improve efficiency, organize SCOR projects, and implement processes. “Devotion to customer demands, as embodied in the Whale Trust principle, is Whale’s main strength. We are grateful for the trust our customers place in us and will continue to enhance capabilities and service quality to meet their various demands, supporting them in every industry to advance globally,” Mr. Sonchaeng concluded. “We are also committed to enhancing our cargo capacity and warehouse efficiency to align with customer demand, supporting their import-export operations,” Mr. Sonchaeng revealed. Plus, SFN’’s pricing is competitive and transparent, ensuring you pay only for what your business requires. Conversely, larger warehouse networks often can use their heft to negotiate deeper discounts than lone businesses.

Ultimately, warehouse automation becomes an essential part of the larger logistics ecosystem. Such solutions optimize operational logistics costs and improve the delivery of last-mile deliveries. The software provides modules for risk assessment and demand forecasting to optimize process decisions and control operational conditions. Its machine learning further offers tools to collect and integrate process data in real-time. A close working relationship with one customs service provider throughout your cargo journey; someone who understands your business needs and increases your supply chain efficiency and visibility.

ExxonMobil is exploring how blending classical and quantum computing techniques might solve big, complex, pressing global challenges as it ships liquefied natural gas (LNG). The increased efficiencies of supply chains have played a significant role in curbing inflation. Deflation is often regarded as a negative but supply chain efficiencies are one of the few examples in which it’s a good thing. Efficient supply chain systems can get each piece of the product to the location where it’s needed when it’s needed. The terms supply chain management (SCM) and business logistics management or simply logistics are often used interchangeably but logistics is one link in the supply chain. It can lower a company’s overall costs and boost its profitability when supply chain management is effective.

• Through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, FedEx continues to expand its capabilities to meet the evolving needs of its customers in a rapidly changing world.
• Air, ground, domestic, international, commercial and residential services are supported through a single pickup and delivery network.
• With a vast network of strategically located fulfillment centers nationwide, full-service 3PLs like ours make sure you have the right merchandise at the right location, so orders ship faster and more cheaply.
• The history of logistics management software can be traced back to the 1960s, when IBM developed the first computerized inventory management system to help NASA coordinate manufacturing for its moonshot.

AWS S3 Document Mgmt Service to store retail & corporate customers contracts & KYC Document, e-way bills & manifests documents required to delivery of 100+ millions packages a year. Customer would be able to reduce paper usage as well by using AWS S3 Digital document Repositories. MyMaerskSupplychain was developed to save you time, enabling you to manage your entire supply chain whenever necessary. The interactive SCM dashboard can help you control, manage and monitor your supply chains in just a few clicks. The top three facility types represented by survey participants are regional (30%), centralized (19%) and wholesale (19%).

Based on where most of your customers reside, it’s helpful to know where a 3PL’s warehouses are located. This can keep your merchandise within shipping zones, allowing you to provide same-day or two-day shipping. Asset-based 3PLs can sometimes offer more tailored solutions, since they control their assets.

Supply chain solutions consists of our forwarding, truckload brokerage, logistics and distribution, UPS Capital and other businesses. Supply chain complexity creates demand for a global service offering that incorporates transportation, distribution and international trade and brokerage services, with complementary financial and information services. We meet this demand by offering a broad array of supply chain services in more than 200 countries and territories.

It involves offering multiple delivery options, such as same-day or next-day delivery, and providing real-time tracking information. There’s also a strong requirement for seamless communication with customers, empowering them to reschedule deliveries or provide specific instructions. In terms of technology, Axle uses McLeod’s PowerBroker and a customized version of IQ that ties into MacroPoint. Axle developed a gamified brokerage competition called Axle Drive in-house, where every broker has his or her own avatar and real-time analytics are displayed on screens across the office. The Logistics Industry Trends & Startups outlined in this report only scratch the surface of trends that we identified during our in-depth research. Among others, hyperlocal solutions, drones, and sustainable technologies will transform the sector as we know it today.