Want to see why there’s still so much confusion about what’s real and what’s hype with AI in supply chain management? Check out these two headlines from our friends at SupplyChain247:
- AI Use in Supply Chain Operations Jumps 18 Points in One Year
- Despite the AI Hype, Only 10% of Supply Chain Companies Use It
Each article references a different study, one from Factiv and the other from Sage. So, what is the true state of AI in supply chain management? It depends on whom you ask and who’s asking.
Speaking of confusion, I’ve been on the road again this week. As I waited to get off the plane — I fly coach, so I’m usually near the back — a question popped into my head: why haven’t airlines experimented with different ways of deplaning? They’ve certainly experimented with different ways of boarding, so why not experiment with different ways of getting off the plane too?
Then again, it doesn’t really matter. We’ve landed and we’re safely back on the ground. I can wait for the 129 people ahead of me to get off first, even if they’re moving as slow as…
But I digress. Without further delay, here’s the supply chain and logistics news that caught my attention this week:
- Record Diesel-Price Surge Hits U.S. Truckers, Retailers and Manufacturers (WSJ – sub. req’d)
- Disruption to Shipping in the Gulf Brings Record Cancellations (SupplyChainBrain)
- Disruptions to airfreight corridors are encouraging shippers and forwarders to explore the potential for China – Europe road transport (Aircargo News)
- U.S. Navy will escort oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz when ‘militarily possible,’ Bessent tells Sky News (CNBC)
- Trump administration launches Section 301 trade probes into Mexico, China, EU, others (CNBC)
- US customs agency expects tariff refund system to be ready in 45 days (Reuters)
- Costco sued by shopper in potential tariff class action case (The Hill)
- De minimis: Case aiming to revive exemption can proceed, court rules (SupplyChainDive)
- US medical equipment company Stryker says cyberattack disrupted its global networks (AP)
- MIT CTL and Mecalux Develop an AI-based Simulator to Optimize Inventory Across Warehouses
- More Than 100 Trillion Data Points Fuel C.H. Robinson’s Leadership In Agentic Supply Chains
- Blue Yonder Expands Agentic AI and Mobile Experiences for Industry-Specific Supply Chain Execution
- Descartes Announces Fiscal 2026 Fourth Quarter and Annual Financial Results
- We Got Hooked on Fast, Free Shipping. Now Retailers Are Taking It Away. (WSJ – sub. req’d)
- Big Warehouses Are Back in Demand (WSJ – sub. req’d)
The rise in diesel prices, sparked by the war in the Middle East, dominated the headlines this week. See what I wrote about it in “Diesel Prices Are Rising Again. Are Your Fuel Surcharges Ready?”
As the headlines above show, the war is disrupting supply chains in other ways too — while the drama around tariffs continues. And AI? There’s always more AI.
I have to catch another flight, so I’ll call it a day here and share additional commentary next week.
Have a meaningful weekend!
Song of the Week: “Human” by The Human League
