Home Delivery World Recap: Strategic Partnerships Matter

We just wrapped up an energizing few days at Home Delivery World 2025 in Nashville. From RFID innovation to fulfillment challenges in rural America, one thing became clear: companies aren’t just chasing cost savings anymore—they’re searching for strategic, long-term logistics partnerships.

The show was packed with insightful conversations, innovative tech, and candid stories from leaders who are in the trenches of supply chain transformation. Whether it was a national retailer talking about sub-optimizing the supply chain to preserve customer experience, or a DTC brand rethinking how inventory is distributed, the message was clear: the era of fragmented, transactional logistics is on its way out.

Retailers Want More Than a Vendor

Across multiple sessions, we heard retailers and brands call for deeper, more strategic relationships with their logistics partners. This isn’t just about rates and capacity anymore—it’s about:

• Shared visibility
• Resilience through uncertainty
• Tech integration (like RFID)
• Expertise navigating tariffs and sustainability regulations
• And above all, trust

Key Takeaways from the Floor

Fabletics shared how they’re scaling both e-commerce and physical retail while investing in RFID technology to better manage inventory and deliver a more seamless customer experience. But they were clear: none of this works without reliable, long-term logistics support. As VP of Supply Chain Opal Portis put it, the challenge is delivering “faster, greener, and cheaper” in an unpredictable world—while empowering teams and staying agile through change.

GEODIS highlighted how more companies are turning to Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) to defer duties and gain control over import costs. With rising tariffs and shifting trade policies, FTZs are being used to strategically store goods, consolidate customs clearances, and improve cash flow. Implementation can take 6–12 months, but the long-term financial advantages are pushing more retailers and manufacturers to explore FTZs as a viable tool for duty mitigation.

Tractor Supply shared how they are building a rural delivery network like no other with 2,400 stores acting as fulfillment hubs. EVP & Chief Supply Chain Officer Colin Yankee emphasized the importance of “playing long-term games with long-term partners” to maintain consistency, resilience, and capacity. Their supply chain isn't just about cost—it's about service, trust, and having the right partners in place when it counts.

Where GLI Fits In

At Global Logistics Inc. (GLI), we couldn’t agree more with what we heard. Our clients don’t work with us because we’re the cheapest or the flashiest—they stay with us because we deliver.

Founded in 1996, GLI is a veteran-owned, family-operated 4PL built on long-term relationships and real results. Some of our client partnerships span 20+ years, and on average, our clients stay with us for 10+ years—a rare feat in a transactional industry.

We take a hands-on, human-first approach to logistics. We act like a bolt-on extension of your team, helping mid-sized shippers navigate complexity, cut freight costs, and build strategies that scale.

Our model is built on once-call resolution, proven cost savings across all modes, and solutions that are tailored—not templated. There are no one-size-fits-all plans here. As a non-asset-based 4PL, we’re not limited by fleet size or warehouse capacity. We know where to find the right solution for every challenge.

With expertise across parcel, LTL, FTL, and international freight—plus deep knowledge in tariff mitigation, audit recovery, and tech integration—GLI is the strategic partner that stays with you for the long haul.

Let’s Build Something That Lasts

If you're ready to ditch the transactional model and start building a long-term logistics strategy, let’s talk.

We’re not just here for a quote—we’re here to become the most reliable call on your list.