Global Logistics

After Growth Spurt at End of 2013, Airfreight Market Has Leveled Off

May 16, 2014

Airfreight markets in March were up 5.9 percent compared to a year ago and capacity grew 3.4 percent, according to the International Air Transport Association. While this marks a significant improvement in volumes compared to March 2013, much of the growth took place in the final quarter of 2013 (over and above the usual year-end volume growth). Since the beginning of the year, air cargo volumes have been basically flat. This plateau in volumes is consistent with the recent pause in improvements to business confidence and world trade.

Women in Supply Chain: Are the Doors Open?

May 16, 2014

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

You'd like to think that the people who manage a global supply chain are as diverse as the pieces that make it up. But that's not always the case.

Politics Hamper Improving North America's Border Infrastructure

May 15, 2014

I-Politics.ca

Twenty years after NAFTA, the failure of member countries to invest in adequate border infrastructure is catching up with us. To reverse the drag on our competitiveness, North America needs an infrastructure bank. To this end, Canada should join and lead the transformation of the North American Development Bank.

CaroTrans Adds Weekly, Direct Connection Between New York and Marseilles

May 14, 2014

CaroTrans

CaroTrans, the non-vessel operating common carrier and ocean freight consolidator, has expanded its less-than-containerload and full-containerload services between the U.S. and France, with the addition of a direct, weekly New York-Marseilles service.

Best Practices Can Help Overcome Transnational Infrastructure Challenges

May 12, 2014

BCG Perspectives

Transnational infrastructure programs, such as cross-border railway networks and electricity distribution systems, can increase regional trade, prosperity, stability and integration. That is part of the rationale of the Priority Action Plan of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA PAP), encompassing 51 programs and with an investment need of $68bn up to the year 2020. Such programs face formidable challenges, however.

Spain Seeks to Become Integral Logistics Platform

May 9, 2014

Fresh Plaza

Spain aims to become the major logistics platform for southern Europe and northern Africa, serving the global east-west trade routes, as well as the emerging north-south, according to Rafael Catala, Spanish Secretary of State for Infrastructure, Transport and Housing.

Bamboo Top Alternative Material for Container Flooring

May 9, 2014

Supply Chain Digital

Bamboo is now being utilized in container floors as the rail and intermodal industry continues its drive to improve the environmental and economic efficiency of its operations. A report by the Container Owner's Association has found that the production volume of containers fitted with floors using materials other than the traditional tropical hardwood plywood has gradually risen over the past two years.

Retail Imports to Increase 3.5 Percent in May as Port Labor Talks Set to Start

May 9, 2014

National Retail Federation

Import volume at the nation's major retail container ports is expected to increase 3.5 percent in May as negotiators prepare to begin talks on a new contract for West Coast dockworkers, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

The Struggle to Turn Airfreight Around

May 9, 2014

Economist

Traditional airfreight has become more difficult to sell. And that is hitting carriers' profits just as passengers are returning and they are laying on more flights.

The Key to Omni-Channel Retailing

May 8, 2014

enVista

Global Logistics

The latest news, analysis, services and systems regarding global logistics and freight and their impact on global supply chains. Today’s companies are transporting and delivering perishables and manufactured goods faster and farther around the world than ever before through global logistics solutions. New technologies that provide information during 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 global logistics solutions to power their supply chains.