Bringoz Industry Weekly 8/11

hippers have maintained a diverse mix of last-mile carriers throughout 2024. J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Kodiak Robotics and Bridgestone Americas expanded their delivery partnership. Ace Hardware has debuted a new store format. Read about these stories and more in our weekly industry news roundup.

Carrier diversification has steadily increased since the pandemic strained last-mile capacity and incentivized businesses to seek new delivery providers. Shippers have maintained a diverse mix of last-mile carriers throughout 2024, according to project44 data. The average number of last-mile carriers per company account increased slightly in July. Smaller carriers are staying competitive by bolstering their services, expanding delivery coverage and offering low rates. Read more.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Kodiak Robotics and Bridgestone Americas expanded their collaboration to include additional weekly deliveries along its South Carolina to Texas autonomous route. Using the J.B. Hunt 360box program, the carrier can identify shippers with live and drop freight needs from the Dallas area to Atlanta, mitigating empty miles. The partnership recently surpassed 50,000 accident-free long-haul miles, while also achieving 100% on-time pick and delivery. Read more. Read more.

After recently reaching 5,000 stores in the United States, Ace Hardware has debuted a new experiential store format to better serve its customers. The hardware chain debuted the “Elevate3 Ace” store design at its Fall 2024 Convention in Chicago with a 13,000 sq. ft. model. The new format, which will begin rolling out in January, features brand showrooms, an outdoor space, and new product assortments. Read more.

Third-party logistics providers are increasingly leveraging technology solutions to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and provide superior service to their clients. Technology is transforming third-party logistics operations and offering new opportunities for innovation and growth. Here’s a look at how technology is impacting 3PL management, reshaping their operations and enhancing their services. Read more.

Third-party logistics providers offer a diverse range of services that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of businesses of all sizes. Understanding the different types of 3PL providers is essential for businesses looking to outsource and optimize their logistics operations effectively. Here’s a look at various types of 3PL services and how businesses can utilize them to achieve greater operational flexibility, cost efficiency, and logistics optimization. Read more.

Delivering big and bulky items, from home appliances to furniture, to customers’ doorsteps presents a unique set of challenges in last-mile delivery. As the demand for oversized deliveries grows, it’s essential to develop effective strategies to overcome these challenges and ensure a seamless last-mile delivery experience. Learn about some common last-mile challenges in big and bulky delivery and strategies to overcome them. Read more.