MHI Blog — Uber recently announced that it has acquired Otto for approximately $680 million. The plan is that all of Otto's team will move under Uber's umbrella and continue to develop the self-driving technology the company is working on.



Part of the original beauty of Uber was that it relied on existing technology, like smartphones and cars, and made it easy to build a network using everyday people. However, for long term growth, Uber is starting to focus on original research to develop new technologies and systems to help them go farther.

The Wall Street Journal — China's recent move to add the U.S. to a list of Zika-infected countries is worrying U.S. exporters, who fear they will be required to fumigate all containers destined for Chinese ports. The cost to fumigate a container ranges from between $100 and $200.



Exporters who ship everything from agricultural products and chemicals to engine parts say they fear that conflicting information from Chinese custom officials about the new requirements could result in delays, added cost and lost business.

CNBC — While Amazon is tussling with regulators over drone deliveries, one company has found a way to make the unmanned flying machines deliver packages today, by launching them out of the roof of a truck.



U.S. firm Workhorse has created a system called "HorseFly" that has managed to stick to the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) latest rules.

Ebnonline — The container shipping industry is undergoing a historic wave of consolidation as carriers seek to tighten supply to offset the historical drop in pricing.



However, the caveat for the supply chain is that those paying for shipping could eventually see price hikes as a result. Also, some carriers continue to increase their capacity by adding megaships to their fleets, which could disrupt the supply chain in a negative way.

MHI Blog — What challenges and opportunities does the U.S. and global economic outlook pose for your company? Join top-ranked economist, Jason Schenker, at the 2016 MHI Annual Conference where he will share his short-term and long-term economic forecasts. This presentation will cover the growth outlook, as well as the outlook for interest rates, foreign exchange rates, energy prices, and industrial metals prices.

Industryweek — The greatest risks to your supply chain are your choices-especially how you treat your supply chain partners. This does not obviate doing risk assessment exercises and trying to anticipate other sorts of supply chain disruptions, yet too many companies underestimate how many company misfortunes result from getting exactly what they asked for.

The Hill — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is preparing for a swarm of drone applications when the first ever rule permitting small, routine drone flights goes into effect on Monday.



The FAA said more than 3,000 people have already pre-registered to take the test required to fly unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) on the very first day, underscoring the pent-up demand for the emerging technology.

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Supply Chain Digital — Traditional warehouses - large buildings sitting in affordable rural areas along popular shipping routes - have been replaced by new breeds of fulfillment centers. Retailers' warehouse strategies are changing dramatically and becoming a more critical piece of the ecommerce landscape - from how the geographic location of each warehouse is chosen to how products are documented and placed in a warehouse's inventory. These logistical innovations are allowing retailers to stay competitive and offer shipping options that keep their customers happy.



From retail powerhouses to small businesses, companies are using fresh warehouse tactics to fuel their ecommerce success.

MHI Blog — The MHI team is ready to connect with you on Twitter! They offer behind the scenes photos at our events, keep you updated on what's happening at MHI, and share advice, thoughts, and current happenings in their area of expertise. Meet our talented thought leaders.

www.theferrarigroup.com — Business media has of-late pointed out that that overall inventory levels among retailers and manufacturers has been unusually high, which is impacting both current procurement activity as well as logistics and transportation trends. In a prior blog posting earlier this month, our research suggested there was indeed an inventory overhang with two potential causes.  Of the three potential causes, one was that with more and more products being offered online, and with consumers expecting immediate availability and delivery, it would seem that inventory levels have risen to the challenges in the transition to support the explosion of online.

The Wall Street Journal — This summer, dockworkers, truckers and railroads geared up for a surge of retail goods passing through U.S. ports that hasn't occurred.



Imports are flat at major seaports on both coasts heading into peak shipping season, the stretch in late summer and early fall when retailers usually load up on imported toys, clothing and other merchandise to sell to holiday shoppers. If the trend holds, it will be the second year in a row without a traditional peak.

Ebnonline — One of the biggest benefits to having freight invoices audited is the data that's captured from bills during the process. The treasure trove of information can be used to help companies further improve their supply chain operations.

Industryweek — The greatest risks to your supply chain are your choices-especially how you treat your supply chain partners. This does not obviate doing risk assessment exercises and trying to anticipate other sorts of supply chain disruptions, yet too many companies underestimate how many company misfortunes result from getting exactly what they asked for.



Here are the three most common risks that companies create for themselves often without realizing, illustrated with examples from the automotive industry.

MHL News — By improving environmental, social and governance and performance throughout the supply chain, companies can enhance processes, reduce costs, increase productivity, innovate, differentiate and improve societal outcomes.

Industryweek — The next technology wave has hit the manufacturing industry. But if you think about it, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) isn't a trend at all. It's a natural evolution of the automation and connectivity that has been a part of the plant environment for decades. IIoT takes that concept and extends communication and connectivity to people and systems within the manufacturing enterprise.

The Detroit News — Federal regulators are proposing a requirement that would force truck and passenger bus companies to install devices that limit their speeds to under 70 mph.



The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said Friday they are looking at speed-limit devices that would allow a maximum speed of possibly 60, 65 or 68 miles per hour for trucks, buses and other multi-passenger vehicles weighing more than 26,000 pounds. But they also said other potential speed limits would be considered during public commenting on the new proposed rule.

Marketing Land — Walmart, Kroger, ShopRite and other traditional chains are jumping aboard, as physical store-less grocery providers like Amazon are moving in.

MHI’s new Career Forum  enables manufacturing and supply chain professionals to view current job postings of MHI member companies. Go to http://www.mhi.org/careers to find the perfect opportunity for you.

MHI Blog — It's National Pony Express Day on the 28th and we thought we'd highlight it because, if you think about it, it was an early form of supply chain and material handling. Hold on to your horses (pun intended) and you'll see the parallels, I promise.