Bringoz Industry Weekly 7/28

etailers are shifting their last-mile delivery strategies. Kroger is deploying new technologies at its fulfillment centers. Commercial fleets are increasingly using electric vehicles. Read about these stories and more in our weekly industry news roundup.

Roughly 75% of retail executives said delivery cost on a per-package basis has increased since last year, and 85% said reducing their total cost per order is the No. 1 priority for last-mile delivery, according to a new survey from AlixPartners. To save on delivery costs, retailers are moving away from reliance on single carriers in last-mile delivery, with 75% of executives reporting they are using a mix of last-mile options. Read more.

The Kroger Co. will deploy new automated technologies designed to increase efficiency and labor productivity in its customer fulfillment centers (CFCs). The grocery giant will implement Ocado Group’s “Re:imagined” technologies across multiple existing CFCs, as well as in future CFCs. The technologies include proprietary Ocado innovations which will bring new levels of efficiency and labor productivity to Kroger’s delivery network and drive down costs. Read more.

EVs have managed to pick up steam in the freight industry, as fleet managers have doubled down. Geotab tracked an 81% increase in EV adoption among U.S. commercial fleets between 2022 and 2023, as technology and infrastructure have rapidly grown. There are several factors driving this trend including the availability of the technology itself, with a wider range of EV vehicles, from vans to semi-trucks, giving fleet managers more choices to fit their needs. Read more.

By combining different transportation methods, intermodal freight solutions offer various advantages but also present unique challenges. As the demand for reliable and efficient freight transportation rises, companies are increasingly adopting intermodal transportation. Here’s a look at some of the benefits and obstacles associated with intermodal transportation. Read more.

Whether it’s global shipping or local deliveries, the costs involved in freight operations can escalate quickly. However, with the implementation of effective cost-reduction strategies, businesses can optimize their operations and achieve significant savings. Here’s a look at four strategies to reduce freight costs without compromising on service quality or efficiency. Read more.

The growth of online shopping and demand for faster delivery options means maximizing efficiency in delivery operations is more critical than ever. Here are some ways companies can efficiently utilize their delivery network, helping them easily adapt to demand and provide a fast and frictionless delivery experience. Read more.