Logistics

Ship Owners Who Pay Ransom Hinder Anti-Piracy Efforts

May 17, 2013

The recent revelation that the owner of an Algerian cargo ship whose crew was held by Somali pirates paid them $2.6m in ransom is yet another indication that the rewards these denizens reap for their illegal, life-threatening work remain a serious stumbling block to ending maritime organized crime, said William H. Watson, president and COO of AdvanFort Company, a maritime security solutions provider.

Asia-Europe Rates Likely to Take Hit as More Ultra-Large Container Vessels Are Launched

May 16, 2013

JOC Sailings

The deliveries of new ultra-large container ships that are scheduled later this year will further depress Asia-Europe freight rates unless carriers make more radical changes, Drewry Shipping Consultants report.

Importance of Resilient Supply Chains Can't Be Overstated

May 16, 2013

Lloyd's

Dual sourcing is becoming more common as companies heed the supply chain risk management lessons of 2011.

Weather Partly Accounts for 16-Percent Decline in April Spot Truckload Freight Volume

May 16, 2013

DAT Freight Index

Spot market freight volumes declined 16 percent in April compared to April 2012, according to the DAT North American Freight Index. Year-over-year declines in volume were seen across all equipment types: van load volume declined 20 percent, refrigerated ("reefer") loads slipped 10 percent, and flatbed freight dropped 15 percent.

U.S. Retail Import Growth Expected to Slow Significantly During Summer Months

May 16, 2013

National Retail Federation

Import volume at the nation's major retail container ports is expected to increase 3.3 percent in May over the same month last year, but growth could trickle to a standstill by the end of the summer, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

Automated Storage Movement Increased by British Manufacturers

May 15, 2013

SHD Logistics

Britain's manufacturing companies are driving a trend towards greater use of automated storage and handling systems. That is the view of Steve Richmond, director of Jungheinrich UK, systems and projects division.

EU Proposal Rejected by Dairy Industry

May 15, 2013

Farmers Weekly

EU proposals to return to the days of supply chain management following the abolition of milk quotas in 2015 have been fiercely rejected by the dairy industry.

RFID Helps Delta Air Lines Keep Track of Oxygen Generator Equipment

May 15, 2013

RFID Journal

Delta Air Lines is employing radio frequency identification technology to improve the visibility of oxygen generators installed within its aircraft in an effort reduce the amount of waste associated with discarding generators, as well as the time required to check the devices' expiration dates.

Trucking 'Eager' to Diversify; Maximizing Driver Miles 'Most Important' in Driver Retention

May 13, 2013

TMW Systems

Truckload carriers continue to innovate to remain profitable, particularly through service diversification and driver retention, according to TMW Systems' first Transportation & Logistics Study - North America For-Hire Truckload Carrier Benchmarking Survey. Truckload carriers that are diversifying their businesses are adding new higher margin services, including brokerage, logistics, LTL-to-TL consolidation, dedicated services and intermodal services. Those looking to expand are exploring dedicated services first (27 percent), followed by brokerage services (21 percent). The majority of them are working on an accelerated schedule, within a one-year time frame.

Indonesia Is Very Attractive to Multinational Manufacturers and Investors

May 10, 2013

Supplychains

When Marcos Purty arrived here in 2011 as the chief of General Motors' Indonesian operations, he found a mothballed auto plant. Today, that plant is humming. About 700 people work in the facility, 16 miles east of Jakarta, compared with about 30 just 18 months ago. And next month, GM will start delivering its first Indonesian-built vehicle in years, the Chevrolet Spin.

Logistics

The latest news, analysis, services and systems regarding logistics and freight and their impact on global supply chains. Today’s companies are transporting and delivering perishables and manufactured goods in a more timely and efficient manner than ever before through logistics solutions. New technologies that provide information during local and global shipments are transforming the way companies do business - and allowing them to stay ahead of the competition in their industries. As transportation and distribution services continue to evolve, businesses are discovering new ways to increase efficiency and cut costs. Learn how companies are using logistics and cargo solutions to power their supply chains.