Markets spent the week reading geopolitics as much as freight rates. A ceasefire in the Gulf reopened the Strait of Hormuz, carriers hedged on how fast flows return, and deal-making carried on regardless. Here is what moved global supply chains over the past 24 hours.
Operations & 3PL
RBW Logistics has bought the warehousing arm of World Group for an undisclosed sum, folding new US capacity into its contract-logistics network. Source: American Shipper
Burlington is opening a distribution centre of nearly 2 million sqft in Georgia, minutes from the Port of Savannah. The off-price retailer is building ahead of more store openings. Source: Supply Chain 24/7
GEODIS has widened its airport logistics partnership with Lagardère Travel Retail, taking over operations at London Heathrow and Auckland. The deal pushes its travel-retail handling beyond existing sites. Source: Container News
And at Rotterdam, Broekman Logistics has added heavy-lift muscle with a Liebherr LHM 800 mobile harbour crane, nicknamed “Titan 1”. Source: Container News
Technology & Automation
UPS has launched a set of AI tools covering tracking, returns and customer service. The pitch is speed: helping shippers react sooner when parcels stall. Source: Logistics Management
Berkshire Grey is expanding in Europe. The robotic automation firm is opening a customer innovation centre in Haarlem, near Amsterdam, to bring buyers closer to its picking systems. Source: DC Velocity
Volvo Autonomous Solutions and AVI-SPL have started running driverless freight on the Dallas-Houston lane, using Aurora-powered Volvo VNL trucks to haul audio-visual equipment. Source: American Shipper
Plenty of forwarders have AI demos. Starboard is betting it can handle the real test: the quote desk and its daily pile of emails, PDFs and carrier portals, giving smaller forwarders a way to compete. Source: The Loadstar
Sustainability & Energy
The US-Iran ceasefire has taken some heat out of energy prices. Logistics operators are less convinced the relief is permanent, and warn that flows will normalise slowly. Source: Logistics Management
The Strait of Hormuz has reopened, yet recovery is not a switch. Carriers expect the rebuild of confidence and schedules to run for months rather than weeks. Source: Supply Chain 24/7
European Shipowners (ECSA) and the International Chamber of Shipping have published a study mapping the gaps between the EU Ship Recycling Regulation and the Hong Kong Convention. Their argument: the industry needs one international standard, not two. Source: Hellenic Shipping
International Markets
Gartner has named Schneider Electric the world’s top supply chain organisation for a fourth year running, holding off the rest of its annual ranking. Source: DC Velocity
Accenture says a new acquisition will sharpen its ability to help manufacturers digitalise product development and production, leaning on software, data and AI-enabled tools. Source: DC Velocity
Cavotec has appointed Christoffer Robertsson as CFO from 17 August, succeeding Joakim Wahlquist, who is moving on after a handover period. Source: Container News
And in Brussels, EU national leaders have asked the Commission to build new trade instruments to counter the economic pressure from China, following a rare summit debate on Beijing. Source: SCMP Business
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Updated daily — your morning briefing on global supply chain.
