#BeforeLeBronDecides
Yes, it’s an actual trending hashtag.
And thanks to ESPN’s SportsNation, it has been a top trending topic over the last 24 – 36 hours. And fans got creative with their ideas. But fans are also growing impatient. People want to know where LeBron James will play next year. Personally, I’m not overly concerned, but I’d like him to hurry up with his decision. Four years ago he dominated headlines with his self-serving, over-the-top announcement known as “The Decision.” This year, he is lying low, and expected to make his announcement on his website.
But when? I’d like to get back to my regularly scheduled news coverage and move beyond the Decision 2.0. With that, let’s move on to some real news.
- Amazon seeks approval for drone tests closer to home
- US port volume surges
- Sears, Kmart to Offer Cross Store Pickup For Online Orders
- Self-driving trucks are here
- 4 Parallels between Planning a Wedding and Supply Chain Planning
It’s been a while since we talked about Amazon and drones, but they’re back. Amazon has requested permission from the FAA to test drone deliveries just outside of Seattle. On Thursday, the company asked that the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) be permitted to fly outside in order to continue developing the Amazon Prime Air project, which aims to use UAVs to get packages into customer hands “within 30 minutes” of an order. Within the letter, Amazon says that Prime Air drones have been advanced within the last five months, and tests have included flight ranges and the development of sense‐and‐avoid sensors, as well as the creation of UAVs capable of carrying five-pound loads while travelling at 50 miles per hour. The drones are now eighth and ninth-generation models.
Imports into U.S. ports may hit a five-year high this month as retailers rush in holiday goods to avoid potential disruptions as West Coast longshore workers negotiate a new labor contract. The contract expired on July 1, but the previous 6 year contract was continued until today, July 11. Negotiations will resume at this point, but retailers are not taking any chances when it comes to stocking their stores and pre-planning holiday sales.
“Retailers have been bringing merchandise in early for months now and will do what it takes to make sure shelves are stocked for their customers regardless of what happens during the negotiations,” said Jonathan Gold, NRF vice president for supply chain and customs policy, in the statement.
Sears or Kmart? I guess whichever is closer. Sears and Kmart customers will be able to pick up online orders at either store, regardless of which brand’s website is used. This week, the retailers’ parent, Sears Holdings Corp. (SHLD), unveiled a new feature, available at more than 2,000 locations across the country, where shoppers can choose to pick up a sears.com order at a Kmart location, and vice versa. This is a major step forward for the retailer’s efforts to blend the physical and online channel.
When I think about autonomous vehicles in the trucking industry, I can’t help think of Homer and Bart Simpson lounging on the hood of their big rig while the “Navitron Autodrive” system does all the work. This week, Daimler unveiled an actual, fully-functioning autonomous truck operating at real-world speeds on a special section of the Autobahn outside of Magdeburg. Daimler said the autonomous truck could be ready for real-world deployment by 2025. Daimler is quick to point out that these new “truck autopilot” systems do not diminish or eliminate the role of the truck driver, but rather turn him or her from a “trucker” to a “transport manager.” Daimler claims its new system, once fully fleshed out and in real-world use, will offer drivers an “attractive mobile workplace offering scope for new professional skills.”
And from the “just for fun” files, this article outlines the parallels between planning a wedding and supply chain planning. The top 4 list of parallels is spot on: disruptions, risk management, collaboration, and talent. Think about it…
That’s all for this week. Enjoy the weekend and the song of the week, The Lumineer’s Ho Hey.
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