Perdue AgriBusiness Announces Plans to Close Lothian, Maryland Grain Elevator

Perdue AgriBusiness, an independent operating company of Maryland-based Perdue Farms, has announced plans to close its grain elevator in Lothian, Md., by March 31 and is working closely with local farmers to minimize the impact. The company will stop receiving grain deliveries on Feb. 26.

“As a 101-year-old Maryland based company, we have long valued the importance of our relationship with local grain farmers, one built on a century of trust and transparency,” said Scott Fredericksen, president of Perdue AgriBusiness. “Unfortunately, over the last 20 years, we have seen...

2020 Retail Imports May Break Record Despite Pandemic

Imports seen during 2020 appear to be headed toward a new record despite the coronavirus pandemic, and remain at high levels as 2021 begins, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“Nobody would have thought last spring that 2020 would be a record year for imports, but it was clearly an unpredictable year,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “Consumers and retailers once again proved their resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges. Thanks in part to government stimulus, retail sales saw...

REPORTER: Protein Industry Facing Logistical Hiccups During the Pandemic

This article was originally featured in the Winter 2021 Edition of Urner Barry's Reporter magazine.

Add logistics to the laundry list of problems the coronavirus pandemic has thrown at the protein industry.

Throughout the pandemic, the protein industry faced multiple hiccups from a logistics standpoint. Labor has been an
issue at essentially every link in the supply chain. Domestically, meat plants have dealt with outbreaks. Meanwhile overseas, labor shortages at ports have stalled shipments and, in some cases, led to product heading back stateside...

Sysco Testing All-Electric Freightliner Truck

Sysco Corporation announced it is testing an all-electric Freightliner eCascadia from Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA). Sysco’s participation in this initiative is consistent with its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy and the Company’s ongoing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.

This initiative is a part of DTNA’s ongoing work to engage customers in its commercial electric vehicle development process by deploying trucks in real-world applications. Sysco aims to power more of its tractor fleet with alternative fuels, and deployment of electric trucks will play a significant role in achieving that objective.

“We are excited to partner with DTNA on this important work,” said Neil Russell, Sysco’s vice president of corporate affairs. “Collaborating with manufacturers to develop new truck models that can meet...

Amazon Hiring 100,000 New Employees Across the U.S. and Canada 

Amazon continues to provide opportunities for regular full-time and part-time jobs in its fulfillment and logistics network as it expands its footprint to better serve customers in communities where they live. The company announced that it is hiring an additional 100,000 regular employment opportunities throughout the U.S. and Canada on top of the 33,000 Corporate and Technology jobs announced last week. The roles offer a starting wage of at least $15 per hour, and in select cities Amazon is offering sign-on bonuses up to $1,000 to new hires. On top of Amazon’s minimum $15 wage, the company offers full-time employees industry-leading benefits, which include health, vision and...

Lineage Logistics Announces Acquisition of Henningsen Cold Storage, Assets from Maines Paper & Food 

Lineage Logistics is expanding their reach. Just last month the refrigerated warehousing and logistics provider announced the acquisition of Henningsen Cold Storage Co., as well as assets of Maines Paper & Food Service.

In February 2019 Lineage announced the acquisition of Preferred Freezer Services, making them not only the largest refrigerated warehousing and logistics provider in North America, but globally as well. The acquisition of Henningsen Cold Storage adds 14 facilities to Lineage’s expansive U.S. network, and bolsters its leading presence in the Pacific Northwest...

Retail Fresh Produce Demand Soars, but Landmines Remain During Coronavirus Pandemic 

The COVID-19 situation has created a surge in fresh produce demand in retail grocery, but challenges around foodservice, logistics, macroeconomics, and labor availability pose ongoing threats. While fresh produce sales through foodservice channels have largely dried up, consumers continue to stock up on grocery items, including fresh produce.

Logistics have been strained, both globally and domestically, but the industry is adapting rapidly. The imminent global recession and rapid climb in the value of the US dollar will continue to threaten global demand, even after the virus is contained. Labor availability constraints and increases in...

Rabobank: Supply Chains in the Midst of Coronavirus Outbreak 

Containment measures to avoid the further spread of the coronavirus are affecting Chinese and global logistics supply chains. China’s domestic transport sector is disrupted, and global logistics operators are seeing their volumes reduced. It will be a challenge to contain the virus with as little interruption to supply chains as possible and to revert to normal quickly.

Containing Measures Are Taking a Toll

In the attempt to contain the spread of coronavirus, the Chinese government enforced a series of stringent quarantine measures that are taking a high toll on domestic and global supply chains.

Hubei province, where the virus started, and Wuhan, its main city, have been on lockdown since the start of the disease. The government extended the Lunar New Year holiday for an extra week, gaining time to contain the disease. However...