Logistics

Rising labor costs and tight delivery margins are pushing Grab towards automation. By acquiring Infermove, Grab is bringing robotics expertise in-house to develop AI for real-world delivery challenges. This move aims to selectively integrate robots into specific delivery segments, complementing human couriers rather than replacing them, to improve efficiency and manage costs while maintaining service quality in complex urban environments.

Stord has acquired Shipwire, expanding its e-commerce logistics network with 12 new facilities and AI-driven fulfillment capabilities. This strategic move, Stord’s seventh acquisition, enhances its mid-market and enterprise client base and integrates advanced AI tools for operational optimization. The company aims to leverage this growth to reduce shipping costs and accelerate deliveries for smaller merchants, positioning itself as a formidable competitor in the logistics sector. Further international expansion is planned.

Matson, Inc. (MATX) announced CFO Joel Wine will present at the Stephens 2025 Annual Investment Conference on November 18, 2025, providing a corporate overview and Q&A. Presentation slides will be available on Matson’s investor relations website on the same day. Founded in 1882, Matson is a key transportation and logistics provider, serving Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, Micronesia, and operating premium China-Long Beach services. Maintaining a modern fleet and adapting to market changes, including environmental regulations, are crucial for future growth. Matson Logistics offers asset-light services across North America and Asia.

American Heritage International (AHII) has signed an agreement to acquire Freightmaster Semi-Trailers, an Australian heavy transport equipment manufacturer since the 1990s. This supports AHII’s Roadships initiative and development of critical rolling stock, including ship unloaders and specialized trailers. AHII plans to leverage Freightmaster’s brand and expertise by establishing US-based production facilities for both civilian and defense logistics markets. The acquisition aims to optimize on-road transportation and accelerate the realization of AHII’s intermodal transport vision.

The growing energy storage industry faces logistical challenges handling massive, 60+ ton containers. Existing equipment struggles with weight and efficiency. XCMG addresses this with the XCS65K, the world’s first front-end loader specifically designed for energy storage. Boasting a 65-ton lifting capacity and five-level stacking capability, the XCS65K passed rigorous testing in April. It features precise micro-motion control, anti-rollover technology, and a 360° imaging system for safe and efficient operation, a vital solution in the burgeoning energy storage sector.

As torrential rains caused severe flooding near Beijing, JD.com activated its emergency response, dispatching relief supplies to Miyun by 8 PM. The initial shipment included food, rescue equipment, and medical supplies donated via JD Health and philanthropic brands. JD.com is leveraging its logistics network to expedite supply movement and deploying personnel to assist relief efforts. JD Logistics couriers are aiding cleanup, ensuring last-mile delivery. The response is guided by a policy allowing rapid, decentralized action during national disasters.

DAT Freight & Analytics is acquiring the Convoy Platform from Flexport, enhancing its freight-matching capabilities. The acquisition brings automation, fraud prevention technology, and a mobile-friendly platform to DAT One. Key Convoy Platform personnel, including Bill Driegert, will join DAT. Flexport views the sale as beneficial for the industry, DAT, and themselves, after improving and decoupling the platform. DAT aims to integrate the Convoy Platform to offer brokers automated and manual freight-matching options, while carriers benefit from streamlined load discovery and faster payments.

Nanjing’s No. 503 bus line now offers “SF Half-Day Delivery,” transporting goods alongside passengers to expedite deliveries. This “bus-plus-delivery” model aims to improve efficiency by leveraging existing infrastructure. Several cities have experimented with similar initiatives due to declining ridership and increasing financial difficulties. This collaboration between public transport and express delivery could reduce costs and improve last-mile delivery. However, concerns exist regarding regulations, driver workload, and the suitability of passenger vehicles for cargo transport.

China’s express delivery volume has ranked first globally for 11 years, processing over 500 million parcels daily. In 2024, central and western China saw express delivery growth rates significantly above the national average, indicating successful strategic investments. The postal sector strengthens the modern circulation system and promotes balanced development. China is enhancing rural delivery logistics, aiming to bridge the urban-rural consumption gap. Xinjiang has achieved universal free e-commerce shipping, boosting agricultural product sales and improving rural residents’ access to online shopping. The sector’s growth also creates local employment opportunities.

Didi Delivery has launched “Swift Compensation” for logistics, guaranteeing compensation for loss or delays unless user fault is proven. This user-centric service simplifies the objection process and enhances cargo safety. Additionally, Didi Delivery’s “Delayed Delivery Compensation” now offers apology coupons that increase with delay severity, with phased city rollouts planned.