5 Ecommerce Logistics Predictions for 2017

| Jake Rheude

Major breakthroughs in technology are allowing for the possibility of expedited delivery, higher efficiency, greater accuracy and – most importantly for supply chain logistics – lower costs than ever before. See some predictions for ecommerce logistics in 2017.

Operations Summit 2017 Once Again a Jam-Packed Affair

| Mike O'Brien

Next week the team at Multichannel Merchant is eager to join 800+ professionals from across the spectrum of direct-to-customer and ecommerce operations and fulfillment at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, PA for our fifth annual event. Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Amazon Using Logistics for FBA Orders, Pushing Ahead on Drones

| Mike O'Brien

An Amazon executive said the company at this point is just using its recent investments in logistics and transportation to handle internal capacity, including servicing sellers using its Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) program where it handles third-party orders. See what else he said about the company’s logistics focus, as well as the status of its drone delivery program.

Dealing with Digital Disruption in Ecommerce Operations

| Mike O'Brien

Jim Tompkins, founder and CEO of Tompkins International, talks about the need to go beyond continuous improvement to total reinvention in order to address continual digital disruption. This will be the theme of Jim’s breakfast keynote address at Operations Summit 2017 on Tuesday, March 28 in Pittsburgh. Come gain insights from his experience working with major corporations on their supply chain strategy and execution.

Amazon Lowers Free Shipping Threshold to $35

| Mike O'Brien

In a quick counter-salvo, Amazon recently lowered the free shipping threshold for non-Prime members from $49 to $35, a response to Walmart’s move earlier this month.
The speed with which Amazon changed its policy is an indication of just how seriously it is taking ecommerce competition from the world’s largest retailer.

UPS Tests Drone Delivery in Florida

| Mike O'Brien

UPS recently conducted a successful drone delivery test to a home in a rural area outside Tampa, FL, launching it from the top of a delivery truck. The drone was from electric truck and drone developer Workhorse Group. See what other drone projects UPS has in the works, how it is working with the FAA and how it sees the future of drone delivery.

Amazon Planning a $1.5B Air Hub in Kentucky

| Mike O'Brien

Amazon plans to build a $1.5 billion air hub at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky airport in Hebron, KY, part of its ever-growing logistics enterprise. Observers continue to believe Amazon’s endgame is to handle shipping and distribution not only for its own fast-growing ecommerce business but for other retailers as well.