Bringoz Industry Weekly 8/24

ertz is selling used cars online. Warehouses are rapidly automating material handling operations. eBay is offering free returns on auto parts and accessories. Read about these stories and more in our weekly industry news roundup.

Hertz is selling pre-owned cars on Amazon Autos, a move meant to bolster the company’s retail operations. The program is available to customers who live within 75 miles of Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles and Seattle, with plans to expand to 45 locations nationwide. Customers can browse thousands of used vehicles on Amazon Autos, e-sign the paperwork, complete their purchase online and pick up their vehicle at Hertz locations. Read more.

Despite market uncertainty, the fundamental need for automation continues to push the warehouse market forward, according to a recent report from ABI Research. Warehouses are rapidly automating material handling operations. System integrators have experienced strong growth recently and global revenues are expected to surpass $100 billion by 2030. Retail has seen recent growth in material handling automation. Third-party logistics providers are expected to make significant investment in the short to medium term. Read more.

eBay, which offers more than 700 million auto parts and accessories, is now offering free returns for qualifying purchases of these products. If a return is necessary, customers can print a free shipping label and schedule a pickup or dropoff to send the item back for a refund. eBay says it offers accelerated auto parts refund processing, including the option to receive an eBay credit to resume shopping. Read more.

Partnering with 3PLs frees up internal resources, speeds up fulfillment, and lets businesses scale faster without building their own warehouses or delivery network. However, while 3PL partnerships can accelerate growth, they can also be problematic. Here’s a look at how to avoid common pitfalls when working with a 3PL. Read more.

Whether you’re a growing eCommerce brand or an established manufacturer, your distribution network plays a critical role in meeting customer delivery expectations. But managing warehouses, carriers, and last-mile logistics on your own can be complex and costly. Here’s a look at how you can optimize your distribution network with the right third-party logistics provider. Read more.

The automotive aftermarket, encompassing parts, accessories, maintenance, and repair services, continues to grow. The growing popularity of electric vehicles, increasing adoption of digitalization, and shifting consumer preferences are driving the industry forward. Here’s a look at the top trends shaping the automotive aftermarket this year. Read more.