APL Logistics has developed a new shipment-planning platform. ShipmentOptimizer is designed automatically to generate the best shipment plan against three objectives: cargoes arriving at destination on the preferred date, the maximization of space and load utilization, and the minimizing of overall transportation costs on a door-to-door basis. According to APL Logistics president Jim McAdam, the technology allows global shippers to make better allocation decisions. It integrates a Web-based planning and optimization tool with APL Logistics' expertise and technology applications. It employs algorithms that are designed to handle complex and changing real-world environments. The plan takes into account a shipper's unique preferences, requirements and constraints, including all possible combinations of shipment flows, modes, routes and cargoes. It is updated as assumptions or conditions change. APL Logistics has rolled out ShipmentOptimizer on a global basis.
