Amazon Automating Packaging to Save on Fulfillment Labor

| Mike O'Brien

In an effort to reduce its massive distribution and fulfillment costs, Amazon is implementing packaging automation, much as many other retailers have, while a separate program offers up to $10,000 to help set up Amazon employees willing to flip to delivery contractors.

3 Projects to Offset Ecommerce Fulfillment Center Labor Costs

| Brian Barry

This may be the perfect storm: A tight labor market insufficient for growth and holiday hiring. Are your ecommerce fulfillment center operations becoming efficient quickly enough to offset these labor increases? For most companies the answer is a resounding NO. Here are three projects to help you drive more productivity.

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MCM Outlook 2019: Getting Creative in Operations to Meet Demands

| Mike O'Brien

Amazon may have raised the customer expectations bar, but the pressure has been kept up as merchants scramble to meet increased fulfillment demands. So how do you react and execute? Our MCM Outlook 2019 report gathers survey results and expert insights to help you focus your investments to compete and win.

Is Your Warehouse Completely Winter Prepped?

| Frank Granieri

While we can’t change the weather, with minimal effort we can help mitigate exposure when the inevitable transpires. By taking a few simple yet often overlooked steps, even as the calendar has turned into 2019, logistics managers can effectively maintain a safer warehouse operation through the coldest months.

Warehouse Workers Looking to Unionize in New York, New Jersey

| Mike O'Brien

Warehouse workers made their voices heard twice recently, both times involving Amazon and unionization, while in New Jersey labor groups are seeking safer conditions and better pay in ecommerce facilities statewide. Expect the unionization push to pick up momentum in 2019 as reports of poor working conditions continue to grow.

Hourly Wages for Warehouse Workers Rise 6.7% in 2018

| Mike O'Brien

After staying suppressed for years, wages are increasing well ahead of inflation for warehouse workers, driven by a strong economy as well as the scarcity of labor for operations and fulfillment positions, according to an annual survey of associates conducted by Prologistix. See what else the survey found, and where rates are headed.

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Labor Shortfall for Warehouse Workers Growing Acute

| Mike O'Brien

Warehouses, distribution centers and fulfillment centers need to hire an additional 226,000 workers each in 2018 and 2019 just to keep pace with demand, driven largely by perpetually booming ecommerce, according to a new report from commercial real estate firm CBRE.

12 Ways to Improve Peak Season Hiring for Ecommerce Fulfillment

| Brian Barry

For many companies, peak season hiring is an absolute necessity. The quality and the number of hourly workers can mean success or failure in fulfillment and for your company’s service level and profitability. In many businesses, hiring decisions are underway. These 12 considerations will help you succeed at this annual exercise.

MCM CommerceChat podcast

Vermont Teddy Bear on Peak Season Operations Hiring

| Mike O'Brien

In our latest MCM CommerceChat podcast, Katie Langrock, VP of operations for Vermont Teddy Bear, talks about her company’s approach to recruitment, hiring and retention, especially during peak season. Join us as Katie also takes part in a session on this topic at MCM’s virtual E-Fulfillment Summit on Thursday, June 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. EDT.