The hottest Logistics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Finance Topics

Fred Smith Built a Great American Company. What Made Him Tick?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 524 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Logistics E-commerce Management Marketing
  1. Fred Smith came up with the idea for FedEx while at Yale, despite not doing well in school. He didn't let that grade stop him from building a huge company.
  2. FedEx changed how people expect deliveries with its promise of overnight shipping. Smith had to navigate many rules to make this vision a reality.
  3. As the internet grew, Smith adapted by expanding into ground shipping, helping FedEx stay strong against competitors like UPS and Amazon.

Forty eight hours in Montreal, Logistics of Long Walks, Bad Delta, and Turtles

intellectualinting • 261 implied HN points • 21 May 25
🏝 Travel Travel tips Logistics Anecdotes Personal experiences
  1. Montreal is a unique mix of European and American cultures. It's known for its lively cafe scene, beautiful architecture, and vibrant neighborhoods.
  2. Planning logistics for long walks can be tricky. It's important to pick a good backpack and check routes carefully to avoid risky paths or closures.
  3. Experiences like travel can sometimes feel dehumanizing. Companies often prioritize efficiency over personal connection, which can make traveling frustrating.

Why and how to walk 200 miles

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 1344 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🏝 Travel Walking Urban Exploration Logistics Cultural experience
  1. Walking long distances, like 200 miles, helps you learn about places in a deeper way. It’s not just about getting from A to B, but experiencing the journey and meeting people along the way.
  2. Preparing for a long walk is key. Training your body and choosing the right gear can prevent injuries and make the experience more enjoyable.
  3. Choosing a good route is important. Look for safe paths and enjoyable views, and plan where you’ll sleep and eat to keep the adventure smooth.

Containerized Missile Systems Without Cranes

Tapa’s Substack • 4 HN points • 05 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Defense Logistics Engineering Aerospace Innovation
  1. Containerized missile systems aim to fit missiles into shipping containers for easy transport. This could help with quick deployment and keeping them hidden.
  2. Most missiles are too tall for standard shipping containers, requiring them to be laid down horizontally. This makes launching them more complicated.
  3. A new idea suggests using a small jump jet to lift and angle the missile for firing, making it faster and potentially cheaper than using a crane system.

Odds and Ends #55: The left needs to learn to love AI

Odds and Ends of History • 603 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Infrastructure Autonomous Vehicles Logistics Government
  1. The left is often more skeptical about AI compared to the right. Understanding and embracing AI could help reshape perceptions and foster positive changes.
  2. There are important logistics infrastructures that many people overlook in their everyday lives. These systems keep society running smoothly, and it's worth acknowledging their significance.
  3. Google's plans for autonomous vehicles are becoming clearer, which suggests a shift in their business approach. This could mean more practical applications of self-driving technology in the near future.
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India’s Operations Revolution: Lessons from Zepto, Rebel Foods, and the Dabbawalas

Gad’s Newsletter • 50 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
💼 Business Operations Logistics E-commerce Startups Innovation
  1. Zepto has transformed grocery delivery in India with its promise of delivering products within 10 minutes. This model responds to customer demand for fast service, using small warehouses to ensure quick order fulfillment.
  2. Rebel Foods leads the cloud kitchen market by creating multiple food brands under one roof. This strategy maximizes kitchen use and caters to different tastes, enabling rapid growth in a competitive environment.
  3. The Dabbawalas have a long history of reliably delivering home-cooked meals in Mumbai. Their simple, synchronized system shows how effective human coordination can be, even as newer tech-driven services emerge.

Document: Pentagon Knew Weapons Shipments for the Failed Ukraine "Counter-Offensive" Were a Logistical Disaster

Michael Tracey • 130 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Military Foreign Policy Logistics
  1. The Pentagon was aware that the weapons shipments for Ukraine's counter-offensive had serious logistical problems before it started. This means they knew it would be hard to get supplies to the troops in time.
  2. It cost the U.S. government an extra $1.6 million because of delays in delivering ammunition. This situation arose primarily due to issues with rail service, which made it harder to transport weapons quickly.
  3. The public and lawmakers didn't know about these problems until much later despite the military's push for the counter-offensive. This lack of transparency affects how people view the U.S.'s role and decisions in the conflict.

Let It Snow, Let It Go: The SnowVendor’s Dilemma

Gad’s Newsletter • 29 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
💼 Business Operations Economics Logistics Supply Chain Resource Management
  1. Cities need to balance snow removal resources to avoid wasting money during mild winters while being prepared for severe storms. Too many resources can cost a lot, while too few can lead to big problems.
  2. Using data to predict snowfall and plan ahead helps cities manage their snow removal strategies better. This includes estimating how many snowplows and how much salt they will need based on past snow events.
  3. Pooling snow removal resources among cities sounds good, but it can create logistical challenges. Sharing equipment and supply can be complicated during serious snow events when everyone needs help at the same time.

The Profile: The secretive 38-year-old billionaire & the reporter who quit The New York Times

The Profile • 555 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurs Media CEOs Logistics
  1. The Profile newsletter features interviews with interesting individuals like Laura Dekker, discussing parenting and chasing dreams.
  2. The edition highlights notable figures like Josh Kushner and Bari Weiss, providing insights into their success and ventures.
  3. Profiles of important personalities like Laura Alber, Dr. Ruth, and Beryl Tomay shed light on their remarkable careers and roles in various industries.

Ante Up, SUV Drivers: Paris Triples Parking Rates

The Micromobility Newsletter • 275 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
💼 Business Transportation Electric Vehicles Bankruptcy Investment Logistics
  1. Paris has tripled parking rates for SUVs over 1.6 tonnes and electric vehicles over 2 tonnes to promote a bike-able and walk-able city.
  2. Cake, an e-motorcycle manufacturer, filed for bankruptcy after facing challenges with recalls and losing an investor in funding.
  3. DYU, a prominent e-bike manufacturer in China, raised $14M in a funding round, planning to expand operations and enhance supply chain.

Market Movers - 20 October 2023

The Wolf of Harcourt Street • 319 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
💰 Finance Stocks Earnings Investor Relations Acquisitions Logistics
  1. PepsiCo exceeded analyst estimates in Q3 earnings by focusing on consumer interaction and pricing for smaller packs.
  2. Adyen's Investor Relations Update hints at strong Q3 results and their launch of Tap to Pay for Australian retailers.
  3. Block, previously Square, made another costly acquisition with Hifi, a music-focused fintech startup, following previous less successful deals.

Rethinking Returns: The Invisible Battleground of Modern Retail

Gad’s Newsletter • 29 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
💼 Business Retail E-commerce Consumer behavior Sustainability Logistics
  1. Returns during the holiday season are rising, causing challenges for both shoppers and stores. Retailers are changing their return policies to manage costs and customer satisfaction better.
  2. Some companies are offering return-less refunds, where customers keep the items without returning them. This helps stores save money on shipping and processing, but it can create confusion about who benefits from these policies.
  3. Retailers are using new strategies to reduce returns, like providing customers with better information to help them make good choices. Companies need to balance easy returns while being mindful of costs and environmental impacts.

Europe’s mission to the Moon

Europe in Space • 137 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🔬 Science Space Exploration Logistics Services
  1. European Space Agency is developing a sustainable human presence on the Moon with innovative concepts and technology.
  2. European startups like Spartan Space and ASI are contributing to the development of lunar habitats and outposts.
  3. Efforts by ESA and European companies in developing lunar landers, OTVs, training centers, and communication services are crucial for establishing a sustained presence on the Moon.

Drone Age 2023

Diane Francis • 499 implied HN points • 02 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Drones Transport Logistics Delivery Innovation
  1. Drones are becoming a key part of logistics, allowing for deliveries of groceries and packages, which could change how we get our goods.
  2. Major companies like Amazon and Walmart are already testing delivery by drones, and places like Britain are creating dedicated drone highways to make this more efficient.
  3. The future could see flying taxis, transporting people quickly and reducing traffic, all thanks to advancements in drone technology and better regulations.

What’s up with…? - Part 1: Temu

Tech Buzz China Insider • 139 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
💼 Business E-commerce Market Expansion Promotion Logistics Profitability
  1. Pinduoduo's cross-border platform Temu experienced rapid growth, reaching impressive sales numbers and expanding to new markets with strong user retention rates.
  2. Temu heavily invested in marketing and promotion, with a significant budget allocation for advertising and user acquisition, showcasing a focus on market expansion and customer reach.
  3. Logistics played a vital role in Temu's operations, with a well-defined shipping strategy to ensure timely deliveries and a wide product range provided by a large network of suppliers.

Temu: from $0 to $3 billion in 10 months

Tech Buzz China Insider • 179 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
💼 Business E-commerce Marketing Logistics Expansion Business strategy
  1. Temu rapidly grew from $0 to $3 billion in 10 months, expanding to around 20 countries and focusing on aggressive social media campaigns and expensive Super Bowl advertising.
  2. Shifting its focus to household and personal care products substantially increased Temu's average order value, as about half of Temu's suppliers were manufacturers and the other half were traders.
  3. Temu is putting pressure on staff, logistics partners, and merchants, shifting costs to merchants and increasing pressure to lower prices, resulting in a current loss rate of 60% despite significant gross margins.

The long and winding road of TikTok Shop

Tech Buzz China Insider • 99 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
🕹 Technology E-commerce Logistics Platforms
  1. TikTok expanded its e-commerce business internationally, but faced challenges with live commerce in Western markets like the UK due to cultural differences and difficulty in replicating the success seen in China.
  2. There were issues with long delivery times, poor customer service, and cultural clashes within TikTok's e-commerce division in the UK, causing difficulties and staff turnover.
  3. Chinese cross-border e-commerce platforms are encountering challenges abroad due to changing regulations, such as increased postage costs, compliance requirements, and consumer protection concerns.

The race to be the gateway to Eastern and Central Africa heats up

An Africanist Perspective • 158 implied HN points • 23 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Infrastructure Economic Development Logistics
  1. The competition between Kenya and Tanzania as gateways to Eastern and Central Africa involves extensive infrastructure plans to link landlocked countries to the sea.
  2. The economic challenges of landlocked countries in the region show a need for improved transportation infrastructure to reduce costs and boost trade.
  3. While Kenya has a head start in infrastructure, Tanzania's cost-effective land acquisition and political stability position it to potentially surpass Kenya in the long run.

Alibaba Cainiao: Delivering Innovation, Globally?

Tech Buzz China Insider • 99 implied HN points • 26 May 23
💼 Business Logistics E-commerce Technology Market Share Investment
  1. Cainiao has transitioned to operating its own logistics services both domestically and internationally, focusing on Tmall flagship stores and aims for growth despite significant losses.
  2. Alibaba's e-commerce platforms lead the express business market with over 45% share by parcel volume, followed by JD, Pinduoduo, Douyin, and Kuaishou, shaping the competitive landscape.
  3. Cainiao is not a traditional top logistics company in the courier market, with its unique approach and focus on enhancing logistics efficiency through technology.

Manpower over Machines: The Calculated Gamble of BYD

Tech Buzz China Insider • 59 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
💼 Business EVs Investment Logistics Manufacturing Corporate culture
  1. BYD evolved from a struggling mobile lithium battery business to a top-selling passenger car brand in China, showcasing explosive growth within two years.
  2. The three main business segments of BYD are automotive, mobile components and assembly, and secondary rechargeable batteries and photovoltaics.
  3. Automotive sector is the primary revenue generator for BYD, contributing 100% to revenue growth and solidifying its position as the pillar industry.

Death to DTC? Enabling the future of cross-channel commerce

Equal Ventures • 138 implied HN points • 07 Jun 22
💼 Business E-commerce Retail Marketing Logistics Financing
  1. The acceleration of e-commerce due to COVID led to a significant shift in consumer behavior towards online shopping, particularly in categories like groceries.
  2. Direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands are facing challenges with rising customer acquisition costs, impacting their margins and leading to a shift towards omnichannel strategies for survival.
  3. New business models are emerging in retail, emphasizing the importance of marketplaces, brick-and-mortar stores, and multi-channel management software to drive growth for merchants in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Cryoport

axialdaily • 39 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
💼 Business Biotech Logistics Investing Supply Chain Healthcare
  1. Axial partners with great founders and inventors in early-stage life sciences companies.
  2. Cryoport is a leading biotech logistics company for cell therapies and more, with over $200M in annual sales.
  3. Cryoport's IntegriCell platform streamlines distribution with strategic locations across the US.

The Point of No Return? A New Model for Reverse Logistics

Equal Ventures • 59 implied HN points • 11 Oct 22
💼 Business Logistics Ecommerce Retail Returns Inventory
  1. Ecommerce returns have surged, leading to unsustainable cycles of returns. Covid-19 exacerbated this trend, with around 40% of retailers easing return policies, resulting in return rates of 20% for ecommerce.
  2. Returns are costly for retailers due to logistics expenses. Online returns can cost retailers approximately 21% of the order value, and long returns processes lock up inventory, impacting retail profitability.
  3. Major retailers like Amazon have mastered optimizing returns through dedicated processing centers. Democratizing this capability to all brands is essential for efficient returns management.

How did COVID (Really) Shape Supply Chains?

Gad’s Newsletter • 50 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
💼 Business Supply Chains Globalization Risk management Logistics Trade
  1. During COVID, global supply chains faced disruptions from lockdowns, shortages, and transportation issues.
  2. Companies reduced the number of countries they sourced from but maintained the same number of suppliers.
  3. Businesses adapted ordering patterns by increasing shipment size and volume while decreasing frequency, influenced by the pandemic.

Need for Speed 3: Coming soon, from a Meituan warehouse near you!

Tech Buzz China Insider • 19 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23
🕹 Technology E-commerce Logistics Digital Platforms Market Analysis
  1. Meituan Maicai is a major player in the front-end warehouse market, focusing on first-tier cities and expanding strategically to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
  2. Unlike its competitors, Meituan Maicai has a cautious expansion strategy, utilizing big data and real-time analysis to drive decision-making and enhance customer experience.
  3. The front-end warehouse model's success relies on adapting to consumer habits and demands, as seen through Meituan's efforts to improve efficiency and stay competitive in the evolving market.

Reports about the death of community group buying are greatly exaggerated …

Tech Buzz China Insider • 19 implied HN points • 29 Apr 23
🕹 Technology E-commerce Startups Market Trends Logistics Competition
  1. The Community Group Buying industry has seen major players like Meituan and Pinduoduo dominate the market despite challenges, aiming for cost reduction and efficiency.
  2. The industry is projected to continue growing in 2023, with expansion into new markets and improvements in existing businesses contributing to its projected 50-60% GMV growth.
  3. Challenges faced by the industry include difficulty in balancing price and quality, limited target audience, and cost savings even with the use of big data.

How Temu’s semi-managed model could change everything …

Tech Buzz China Insider • 2 HN points • 11 May 24
🕹 Technology E-commerce Global expansion Logistics Pricing Marketing
  1. Temu's semi-managed model could have significant impacts on the e-commerce landscape, serving as a stepping stone to potential future developments.
  2. Temu is strategically reducing its reliance on the US market to improve profitability and aims to expand its influence globally.
  3. Key factors influencing Temu's performance include customer demographics, market share, logistics strategies, pricing mechanisms, and aggressive marketing plans.

12/5/22: Temu - Pinduoduo's Cross-Border E-commerce Platform

Tech Buzz China Insider • 19 implied HN points • 05 Dec 22
🕹 Technology E-commerce Supply Chain Market research Logistics Customer Acquisition
  1. Pinduoduo's Temu app is a significant player in cross-border e-commerce by targeting the U.S. market, mirroring Shein's strategy.
  2. Temu operates with a focus on a strong supply chain, including recruitment from Shein and rigorous merchant selection processes.
  3. To succeed in the competitive market, Temu needs to improve customer acquisition efficiency, logistics, and after-sales services while expanding globally.

11/22/22: Details on Shein's Operations

Tech Buzz China Insider • 19 implied HN points • 22 Nov 22
💼 Business E-commerce Logistics Market Analysis Revenue growth
  1. Shein's growth relies on broadening customer base and category expansion rather than supply chain optimization.
  2. Shein's best markets include the US, with strong growth in Russia and LatAm, but slower growth in Southeast Asia due to competition.
  3. Supply chain management and logistics are key strengths for Shein's operations, with ongoing investments to enhance customer experience.

Douyin's E-Commerce Efforts & Increasing Taobao-fication

Tech Buzz China Insider • 19 implied HN points • 13 Nov 22
🕹 Technology E-commerce Livestreaming Marketplace Logistics Advertising
  1. Douyin is focusing on expanding its traditional marketplace e-commerce as it nears saturation with livestreaming e-commerce
  2. E-commerce content like livestreaming negatively impacts user retention, so Douyin is limiting such content to less than 10%
  3. Challenges for Douyin's livestreaming e-commerce include limited SKU exposure, high return rates, and the need to enhance logistics for better competitiveness

The Anatomy of a Clinical Trial

Superfluid • 26 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Clinical Trials Logistics Data Analytics Future Trends
  1. Clinical trials are expensive and crucial for determining the efficacy and safety of new drugs.
  2. There are multiple stakeholders involved in running a clinical trial, each with important roles to play.
  3. Challenges in clinical trials include patient recruitment, trial logistics, and data analytics, but there are innovative startups working on solutions.

The Next Mile in the Journey — Congratulations to SmartHop on their Series A led by USV

Equal Ventures • 39 implied HN points • 10 Feb 21
💼 Business Investment Logistics Technology Entrepreneurship Startups
  1. SmartHop closed a $12m Series A round led by Union Square Ventures, a significant milestone demonstrating their impact in the industry.
  2. By partnering with brokers and enhancing load network efficiency, SmartHop offers better rates for drivers and cost savings without increasing IT budget.
  3. SmartHop's platform empowers truckers by providing tools to grow their businesses, enabling them to earn livable wages and supporting them through challenges like the pandemic.

4 Supply Chain Themes for 2021

Equal Ventures • 19 implied HN points • 30 Jan 21
💼 Business Supply Chain Logistics Finance Technology Small business
  1. 2021 will be a record year for supply chain investing due to problems to solve and available capital.
  2. The rise of FBA sellers has created demand for multi-channel logistics solutions, especially for D2C brands.
  3. SMBs and mid-market seek working capital, presenting an opportunity for startups to embed trade finance solutions within the supply chain stack.

Why You Should Join Loop

Why You Should Join • 5 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
💼 Business Logistics Data Management Finance Shipping Auditing
  1. Logistics and freight payments can be complex and challenging due to the intricate flow of goods and the variety of payment-related documents involved.
  2. Loop has developed a platform to centralize and structure freight payment data, enabling automation of invoice audits, dispute resolution, scenario planning, and more, resulting in significant cost savings and increased productivity for customers.
  3. Loop's unique data layer, automation capabilities, and focus on customer value creation give them a competitive edge in the market, setting them apart from traditional freight audit firms and software solutions.

Flexport Shopify Join Forces - Term Sheet Digest

Termsheet by Attack Capital • 6 implied HN points • 23 May 23
💼 Business Logistics Investment Technology Startups Market Trends
  1. Flexport acquired Shopify's logistics business and founder Ryan Peterson stepped back from day-to-day operations.
  2. Flexport, an $8 billion logistics giant, raised $2.4 billion in funding and aims to streamline global trade with technology.
  3. Despite challenges like fluctuating stock prices and slowing growth, Flexport remains a unique and influential player in the logistics industry.