WSI’s Warehouse Wire: January 30, 2026

Your connection to what’s happening across warehousing, transportation, and supply chain operations.

This week’s stories point to a supply chain industry sharpening its focus on scale, control, and capital efficiency.

Retailers like American Eagle and Office Depot are stepping back from offering third-party logistics services, pulling back from running 3PL operations alongside core retail businesses. Meanwhile, traditional 3PLs and solution providers are leaning in; investing in warehouse automation, tighter integration between inventory visibility and financing, and infrastructure designed to support long-term growth.

Other emerging stories include FedEx’s planned FedEx Freight spin-off’s renewed focus on LTL performance and Amazon’s removal of high-value item return label exemption.

Together, these moves highlight a common theme: logistics strategies are becoming more disciplined, more tech-enabled, and increasingly tied to how warehouses and transportation networks perform day to day.

Check back every other week for timely headlines and practical insights shaping the future of warehousing and supply chain operations.

FedEx moves closer to FedEx Freight spin-off with SEC Form 10 filing

FedEx has taken a key step toward separating its less-than-truckload (LTL) business after filing a Form 10 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for the planned spin-off of FedEx Freight.¹ The transaction remains on track for completion on June 1, 2026, pending final board approval and customary conditions.

Once independent, FedEx Freight aims to become a top LTL carrier in North America, supported by a nationwide network, industry-leading transit times, and more than 39,000 employees. FedEx leadership said the separation will allow both companies to operate with greater focus, positioning FedEx Freight to pursue a dedicated growth strategy centered on high-growth verticals, technology and infrastructure investment, and operational efficiency.

FedEx Freight plans to host an investor day on April 8, 2026, to outline its business strategy and long-term value creation. The company’s shares are expected to trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker FDXF following the spin-off.

Amazon ends high-value return exemption, mandates prepaid return labels for all seller-fulfilled orders

Amazon will require all U.S. seller-fulfilled orders to use its Prepaid Return Label (APRL) program starting February 8, 2026, eliminating the previous exemption for high-value items, such as luxury watches, fine jewelry, and high-end electronics.²

The policy, announced January 8 on Amazon Seller Central, mandates that returns be processed through Amazon’s Buy Shipping Services, standardizing return labels and refund workflows across the marketplace.

American Eagle and Office Depot pull back from 3PL subsidiaries

A recent FreightWaves article reported that American Eagle Outfitters and Office Depot are pulling back from offering third-party logistics services, raising new questions about retailers’ ability to operate multi-client 3PL networks alongside their core businesses.⁵ American Eagle is winding down Quiet Logistics, its omnichannel fulfillment subsidiary acquired for $360 million in 2021, after determining the model was too complex and capital-intensive to manage alongside its retail operations. The company said the move will allow it to refocus on its core lifestyle brands, while helping existing Quiet customers transition to new providers.

Office Depot is taking a similar approach following its $1 billion acquisition by Atlas Holdings. Its logistics arm, Veyer, is exiting ecommerce fulfillment for external customers and being folded into ODP Business Solutions, ending its role as a standalone 3PL. Veyer operates roughly 8 million square feet of warehouse space across 40 facilities.

Industry experts cited by FreightWaves note that while “supply chain as a service” sounded attractive, serving third-party customers while managing retail volume proved difficult. The moves suggest a retailer shift toward narrowing focus and leaving multi-client warehousing to traditional 3PLs.

Amazon said the change is intended to create a more consistent post-purchase experience by reducing buyer-seller messaging and cutting refund timelines from 14 days to seven. Existing category exemptions, including Handmade, certified preowned watches, non-physical items, dangerous goods, and oversized or heavy products, will remain in place.

Sellers, however, raised concerns about financial exposure tied to high-value returns. Current prepaid labels include only $100 in insurance coverage, shifting risk to merchants if returned items are lost or damaged. Industry observers note the policy prioritizes platform efficiency and uniformity, potentially prompting sellers to reassess pricing, product selection, or their reliance on Amazon’s marketplace.³

New report projects global freight transport market set to reach $122.9B by 2035

A new industry report projects the global freight transport market will grow from $42.5 billion in 2025 to $122.9 billion by 2035, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.2%.⁴ The study outlines freight transport’s central role in global commerce, spanning road, rail, sea, and air networks that connect manufacturers, distributors, and end customers worldwide.

According to the report, road transport currently holds the largest market share at 45.9%, driven by last-mile delivery demand and expanding regional distribution networks. Maritime shipping continues to dominate global trade volumes, moving roughly 90% of international cargo, while rail and air freight play critical roles in bulk and time-sensitive shipments. By end-use industry, retail and ecommerce lead the market with a 20.5% share, reflecting sustained growth in online shopping.

Asia Pacific remains the largest regional market, accounting for 38.9% of global freight transport revenue, supported by manufacturing growth and trade expansion. The report also notes increasing investment in digital freight solutions, automation, and lower-emission infrastructure as sustainability pressures reshape long-term logistics strategies.

MHS Lift expands partnership with Movu Robotics to deploy next-generation warehouse automation systems

MHS Lift is expanding its partnership with Movu Robotics to accelerate the deployment of next-generation warehouse automation across North America.⁶ This marks another milestone in the adoption of high-density, robot-assisted storage systems. The companies announced that MHS Lift has successfully commissioned its second Movu Atlas system, reinforcing its role as Movu’s first North American integrator.

At the center of the partnership is Movu Atlas, a four-way shuttle automated storage and retrieval system designed to increase pallet density, reduce aisle space, and improve material flow. The system uses autonomous shuttle robots that move pallets within rack lanes and integrate directly with existing warehouse management systems, allowing operators to automate storage without fully redesigning their facilities.

For warehousing operators, the expanded partnership shows a move toward automation that prioritizes flexibility and scalability alongside efficiency.

By maximizing usable space and supporting multi-site fleet management, the technology helps warehouses handle higher volumes within constrained footprints while improving safety and consistency. As labor constraints and throughput demands continue to pressure distribution networks, solutions like four-way shuttle systems are becoming foundational to modern warehouse design and long-term operational resilience.

Winter storm Fern causes supply chain delays and tightens truck capacity across the eastern U.S.

Winter Storm Fern has disrupted freight and delivery networks across the eastern United States, creating supply chain delays,⁷ tightening truck capacity,⁸ and extending transportation backlogs.⁹

The storm brought heavy snow, ice and dangerously cold conditions from Texas into the Northeast, prompting carriers to halt or limit pickup and delivery services in parts of the country and cancel thousands of flights that support air cargo operations. FedEx and UPS issued service disruption alerts and warned that weather-related delays could persist throughout the week, while the U.S. Postal Service suspended live cargo shipments and its Priority Mail Express guarantee due to hazardous conditions.

In freight markets, capacity tightened sharply as outbound tender volumes fell and trucking rejections rose, prolonging a surge in spot rates reminiscent of recent holiday season constraints.

Icy road conditions, temporary closures of key freight corridors and limited port access further complicated surface transportation. Shippers and carriers now face residual congestion and slower transit times as networks work through backlogs, emphasizing the need for contingency planning and flexible routing in extreme weather events.

DockFi launches asset-based lending program embedded in 3PL warehousing and fulfillment networks

DockFi has launched an embedded asset-based lending (ABL) program designed to integrate directly into 3PL warehousing and fulfillment operations, linking working capital access to inventory visibility and operational discipline.¹⁰ The program, delivered through 3PL partners, allows inventory-intensive businesses to unlock secured financing without relying on unsecured debt or equity dilution.

The model reinforces fiscally responsible 3PL operations by tying credit availability to measurable, verifiable inventory already in storage. DockFi’s underwriting evaluates inventory quality, SKU velocity, obsolescence risk, reporting cadence, and warehouse controls, ensuring lending aligns with accurate data and sound processes.

For 3PLs, the approach complements existing workflows rather than adding friction, leveraging warehouse management systems and routine inventory reporting.

By enabling post-purchase, inventory-backed liquidity, the program can support inbound inventory growth, steadier throughput, and stronger client retention. Financing tied to monitored collateral also reduces volatility caused by customer cash constraints, helping 3PLs maintain operational stability. As capital efficiency becomes as critical as execution, DockFi’s model positions financially disciplined 3PLs as strategic partners in their customers’ growth.

References:

About the Author

Alyssa Wolfe

Alyssa Wolfe is a content strategist, storyteller, and creative and content lead with over a decade of experience shaping brand narratives across industries including retail, travel, logistics, fintech, SaaS, B2C, and B2B services. She specializes in turning complex ideas into clear, human-centered content that connects, informs, and inspires. With a background in journalism, marketing, and digital strategy, Alyssa brings a sharp editorial eye and a collaborative spirit to every project. Her work spans thought leadership, executive ghostwriting, brand messaging, and educational content—all grounded in a deep understanding of audience needs and business goals. Alyssa is passionate about the power of language to drive clarity and change, and she believes the best content not only tells a story, but builds trust and sparks action.