Supply Chain News: The stories hitting supply chain this week

Welcome back to "What's the Big Deal?", where we unpack the latest in supply chain and make sense of the chaos. This week, we’re talking about AI making freight smarter, domestic trucking taking center stage, postal strikes wreaking havoc, and a cyberattack that sidelined Krispy Kreme’s online orders.

The big deal this week:

• Cartage's Story: Rethinking Freight Logistics with AI

• Tariffs Boost Domestic Trucking Demand

• Canada Post Strike Freezes Deliveries

• Logility Is Up for Sale

• Krispy Kreme Cyberattack

1. Rethinking Freight Logistics with AI: Cartage's Story

Cartage started with a simple, bold idea: solve the inefficiencies in freight logistics without forcing people to change how they work. Our CEO, Abdul Basharat, saw these pain points firsthand- the realized the industry’s heavy reliance on emails, phone calls, and manual processes was holding it back. Instead of fighting the system, Abdul set out to create a solution that works with it.

With Cartage, Abdul and our team built an AI-powered service that integrates seamlessly into existing workflows, eliminating brokers and automating logistics tasks for shippers. The goal was clear—make freight coordination simpler, faster, and more cost-effective, all without disrupting the way the industry operates.

What’s the big deal?

AI in logistics isn’t just a buzzword anymore—it’s a reality. For shippers, this means fewer manual processes, faster turnaround times, and reduced costs. Unlike traditional freight brokers, Cartage’s AI integrates seamlessly into existing workflows, making the transition painless. The broader implication? The logistics industry is becoming leaner, more efficient, and more data-driven. Consumers can expect faster, more reliable deliveries, and shippers will save time and money while improving customer satisfaction.

Dive into the future of freight: The Conveyor

2. Tariffs Drive Demand for Domestic Trucking

New tariffs on Chinese and Canadian goods are making imports pricier, so businesses are looking local to save cash. Enter U.S.-based trucking, which is suddenly in high demand as supply chains shift closer to home. Industries like manufacturing and retail are leading the charge, adapting their supply chains to mitigate the impact of higher import costs.

What’s the Big Deal?

For trucking companies, this is like hitting the logistics lottery. More demand means more opportunities to lock in contracts and grow. But there’s a catch: trucking capacity is already tight, and this surge could push rates higher. For consumers, don’t be surprised if this translates into a few extra bucks on your favorite products. Long-term, it could pave the way for more localized supply chains, which sounds great—until domestic networks start feeling the strain.

Read the full story: Freightwaves

3. Canada Post’s Holiday Strike: Santa’s Backup Plan?

In a classic case of “worst timing ever,” Canada Post workers went on strike in mid-November, just as the holiday shipping season ramped up. Postal operations have been frozen since, with businesses scrambling for alternatives and consumers left wondering if their gifts will arrive before Valentine’s Day. Some shippers are turning to private carriers, but with capacity already stretched thin, delays and higher costs are inevitable.

What’s the Big Deal?

This is peak “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” energy. For businesses, the strike is a brutal reminder of the importance of backup plans. For consumers, it might mean writing IOUs and getting creative with gift delivery. On a bigger scale, it’s a nudge to the logistics industry, especially in Canada: build networks that can flex and adapt, because single points of failure are so last season.

Dive into all the details: Supply Chain Dive

4. Logility Puts Up the 'For Sale' Sign Amid Industry Consolidation

Logility, a heavyweight in AI-driven supply chain software, is up for sale, with a $400 million price tag. Their tools help businesses manage inventory and streamline logistics, making them a hot commodity as tech reshapes the industry. This sale is part of a broader trend of consolidation in the supply chain tech space, as companies look to boost capabilities and capture market share.

What’s the Big Deal?

If you’re a Logility customer, this sale could mean big changes—think new features, pricing, or partnerships. For the industry, it underscores the growing importance of supply chain optimization tools. Consolidation can lead to faster innovation (yay!) but might also reduce competition (boo!), impacting pricing and service quality down the road. Either way, it’s a sign that the software side of logistics is where the action is.

Read the full story: Reuters

5. Krispy Kreme's Online Ordering Glazed by Cyberattack

Krispy Kreme’s online ordering system got hacked, leaving donut lovers across the country heartbroken. While their physical stores kept the sugary goodness flowing, online customers were stuck in a glaze-less limbo. The company is now working with cybersecurity experts to recover, but as far as timing goes, this was the equivalent of burning a batch of donuts right before the morning rush.

What’s the Big Deal?

If even donuts aren’t safe from cyberattacks, what is? This incident is a wake-up call for businesses of all kinds: secure your systems, especially during peak times when disruptions hit hardest. For shippers, it’s a reminder that logistics tech isn’t just about speed—it’s also about reliability. And for consumers, maybe consider that trip to the store. Fresh donuts taste better anyway, and let’s be real—half the fun is inhaling that bakery smell.

Donut miss the full story: The Wall Street Journal

The Big Picture: Why It All Matters

This week’s stories are a crash course in supply chain dynamics. From AI freight assistants and shifting tariffs to postal strikes and donut drama, the logistics world is proving just how interconnected—and unpredictable—it can be.

This week’s stories showcase a logistics landscape that’s evolving rapidly. From AI-driven innovation to geopolitical shifts and labor disputes, the supply chain is as dynamic as ever. Staying informed is the first step to staying ahead.

Until next time, keep those shipments moving and your cybersecurity tight!

About Cartage

Cartage delivers AI-managed transportation services to small and medium sized shippers across North America. Explore a future of logistics you don't have to manage at www.cartage.ai.