Report highlights Google’s increasing focus on logistics

While global e-commerce giant Amazon, for good reason, receives more than its fair share of headlines for its ongoing initiatives to expand its logistics presence into a key service offering and competitive differentiator, it is not entirely alone as a large global ubiquitous player making noticeable strides in the logistics sector, at least not yet. In fact, according to a recent CNBC report, another household name may be ready to take a deep logistics plunge as well.

There is a good chance you probably have heard of that company. Its name is Google.

The report noted that Google recently held a meeting, which was led by its Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners Group, and what the report called its “moonshot” research project-focused group, known as X, with the focus of the meeting on e-commerce logistics.

The detailed CNBC report said this meeting included internal executives and external retailers getting together to talk about “potential investments and strategies in the logistics sector with a focus in logistics and fulfillment.”

If that is not enough to grab your attention yet, then consider the A-list of supply chain stakeholders whom joined Google’s parent company Alphabet at the meeting, including: FedEx, JD.com, Deliv, Flexe, and a former Walmart executive.

And the topics covered at the meeting, cited by CNBC, were widespread, with a focus on predictive analytics, order fulfillment package tracking, Bluetooth usage, and drone delivery. These are all very topical and speak to the key logistics-focused areas Google may in interested in taking deeper dives into, it seems.

What’s more, the report pointed to various points Google is using as it considers potential logistics-focused business opportunities like “Accelerating Fulfillment and Delivery” and “Automated, Advanced Warehousing,” too.

Not surprisingly, last mile logistics was a key focus area as well, with the report citing a key question from the meeting noting: “As last-mile delivery alternatives proliferate with the emergence of new companies and technologies, we anticipate the emergence of a marketplace to bid last-mile delivery across a wide range of options.” 

What Google’s next logistics-focused moves, or initiatives, are remains to be seen. But it is obvious it cannot be overlooked in any way, shape, or form. Like its counterpart, Amazon, it is truly a force to be reckoned with, and is clearly a company we all need to be keeping a close eye on, as it forges ahead on the logistics front.