Logistics

The M&A Market for Logistics Companies in 2015

February 24, 2015

John Anderson, advisory director of Greenbriar Equity Group LLC, explains why mergers and acquisitions are so popular in the logistics sector today. He offers an outlook for the M&A market, as well as advice for potential sellers, in the coming year.

Consumer Products Companies Can Be Multichannel, Too

February 24, 2015

SupplyChainBrain

Analyst Insight: Consumer products companies are making far greater use of alternative sales channels than ever before. They are proactively reaching out to customers, whether in B2B or B2C environments, to gain share of mind and increase sales. Consumer products companies have also become much more active using their own websites and utilizing marketplaces as a means to increase their product's visibility and availability to potential customers. – Bruce Tompkins, Executive Director, Tompkins Supply Chain Consortium

Four-Year Low in Container Shipping Rates Hits Intra-Asian Trades

February 23, 2015

Drewry

Container shipping rates on intra-Asia trades have fallen to their lowest level in four years, according to the Container Freight Rate Insight which is updated weekly and published by global shipping consultancy Drewry.

Potential Drone Operators Fly Into Flak from FAA

February 23, 2015

MHI Blog

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration has unveiled proposed rules for drone flights. The plan maintains aviation safety standards, but may make it difficult for companies - such as Amazon - hoping to use drones for delivery service.

In Retail Demand Planning, The Numbers Can Lie

February 23, 2015

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

Retail demand planning is, to a great extent, a game of numbers. But the store that relies entirely on hard statistics is likely to be in for an unpleasant surprise.

2015 to See Focus on Domestic Transportation, Warehousing & Manufacturing in China

February 20, 2015

SupplyChainBrain

Analyst Insight: Though logistics in China has historically been resistant to change, improvements in express delivery will have a noticeable impact in 2015 due to the rapid growth of e-commerce, food safety concerns, and government measures. The limited supply of land for logistics purposes will affect warehousing costs, and the extra cost will drive the need for storage efficiency. Manufacturing will see modest expansion and gradual migration out of China to lower cost countries. – Jim Serstad, Managing Director, Tompkins Asia

Asia Pacific: Conscientious Producers and Savvy Consumers

February 20, 2015

Tim Foster, Managing Director, Asia-Pacific, Chainalytics

Success in the global economy requires a shift in strategic vision of the Asia-Pacific region's role in supply chains. While it is no secret that an end to low-cost production in Asia is in sight, smart companies are studying the complexity of APAC region and gaining insight into the roles each country plays in the quickly evolving economic horizon. But visibility into where APAC is today isn't enough; forecasting where it will be next year, five years from now, and further into the future are key to positioning supply chains now for ongoing optimization.

Dry Bulk Shipping Rates Expected to Bounce Back This Year

February 20, 2015

Drewry

Strong trade growth, moderating fleet development and deployment of new fuel-efficient vessels are expected to lead to a recovery in dry bulk shipping rates later in 2015, according to the latest edition of the Dry Bulk Forecaster, published by global shipping consultancy Drewry.

Kintetsu World Express Looks to Gobble Up APL Logistics

February 20, 2015

Maritime Executive

Japanese freight carrier Kintetsu World Express Inc. is buying Singapore's APL Logistics for $1.2bn, paying a higher than anticipated price for an overseas deal at a time of slow domestic growth.

Echo Global Logistics Acquires Xpress Solutions

February 19, 2015

Echo Global Logistics

Echo Global Logistics Inc. has acquired all of the assets of Xpress Solutions Inc.

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.