Global Gateways

August Merchandise Imports to Show Continuing Increase; Volume for Year Expected to Beat 2012

August 15, 2013

Following negative numbers in four of the last five months, import volume at the nation's major retail container ports is expected to grow 1.7 percent in August over the same month last year and should continue to see gains through the holiday season and the remainder of 2013, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates. The year is expected to end with a 2.4-percent increase over 2012.

Using a 3PL to Simplify Shipments to and From Mexico

August 13, 2013

SupplyChainBrain

Third-party logistics companies with experience in Mexico and strong partnerships with leading Mexican carriers and customs brokers can make cross-border shipping a truly seamless activity, says Dennis McCaffrey of XPO Logistics.

Mexico's Improving Logistics Environment

August 9, 2013

SupplyChainBrain

A new reform-minded government, a stable economy and sound infrastructure are among the factors combining to make Mexico a good market for logistics operations, says Eric Markeset, who is based in Mexico City as principal of consulting firm Tsol.

U.S. Imports in July Are Highest Since 2007; Businesses Prep for Holiday Season

August 9, 2013

Zepol Corporation

U.S. imports in July are the highest volume seen in one month since July of 2007. The United States brought in more than 1.69 million twenty-foot containers in July, which is 13 percent higher than last month's volume and 2 percent higher than July of last year.

London Reportedly Maintains Most Expensive Logistics Space

August 9, 2013

Arabian Supply Chain

London Heathrow is the most expensive logistics location in the world, according to a new report by DTZ. The property solutions firm's Global Occupancy Costs Logistics 2013 report reveals that renting a logistics facility around the London airport will cost $313 per square meter a year.

Initiatives to Relieve Congestion at Southern California Ports

August 6, 2013

SupplyChainBrain

Long waiting lines of incoming trucks at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach create an unacceptable drag on productivity, says Mike Stark, president and CEO of Pacer Distribution Services and an active member of the Harbor Trucking Association. Stark explains how adaptive appointment software could help remedy this situation.

Initiatives to Relieve Congestion at Southern CA Ports

July 19, 2013

Mike Stark, President and CEO, Pacer

Using a 3PL to Simplify Shipments to and from Mexico

July 18, 2013

Dennis McCaffrey, Vice President of Sales, XPO Logistics

Mexico's Improving Logistics Environment

July 16, 2013

Eric Markeset, Principal, Tsol

U.S. Imports Reported Stagnant for First Half of 2013

July 16, 2013

Zepol Corp.

U.S. vessel imports have declined almost 3 percent from May to June. Imports are also 1.6 percent below TEUs (twenty foot containers) seen in June of 2012. This year, U.S. ocean imports had a steady increase of 1 percent compared to the volume seen in 2012, but with the low June numbers that percentage has changed. Zepol has found that in the first six months of this year, compared to January through June of 2012, import volume is virtually stagnant. In fact, 2013 is down 0.3 percent, if you want to be picky.

Global Gateways

The latest news, analysis, services and systems regarding global seaports and airports and their impact on global supply chains. Today’s companies are transporting and delivering goods to more international customers than ever before through global ports and free and foreign trade zones. As infrastructure around these global gateways continues to evolve, businesses are discovering new ways to increase efficiency and cut costs. Learn how companies around the world are improving supply chain operations through their strategic use of global seaports and airports.