Global Logistics

Cost Savings of Mega-Vessels Often Offset by Higher Port Expenses, Study Shows

March 14, 2016

Drewry, the global shipping consultancy, has carried out a simulation study of the operational and financial impacts on lines, terminal operators, ports and other supply chain stakeholders as vessel size increases up to and beyond 18,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units, the standard metric used to measure a ship's cargo carrying capacity). The study results suggest that the economies of scale, that have been a key feature of the liner industry, may be running out.

Container-Weighing Rule: And You Put the Load Right On ... Who?

March 14, 2016

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

Just who's responsible for weighing that ocean container? After several years of thrashing out a rule to combat the problem of misdeclared weights, regulators and rulemaking bodies still can't seem to agree.

Sharks vs. Jets on the West Coast Waterfront?

March 7, 2016

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

Here's a question for U.S. exporters who were grievously harmed by the West Coast longshore labor slowdown in late 2014 and early 2015: Would it make you feel any better to learn that you were the victims of "a street brawl"?

Customs Automation Is Finally Happening. Really!

March 4, 2016

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

After years of delay, the automation of importer filings, involving multiple government agencies, is upon us. Say hello to the "Single Window."

How Roland DG Corp. Is Aiming for New Markets

March 1, 2016

Zoltan Pekar, VP Global Supply Chain Division, Roland DG Corp.

What's Driving Change in Supply-Chain Planning?

March 1, 2016

Trevor Miles, Mark Ramirez, Josh Greenbaum and Bob Bowman

Time to Step It Up, 3PL Providers!

February 26, 2016

SupplyChainBrain

Analyst Insight: Third-party logistics providers (3PLs) will no longer be able to squeeze the wages and benefits of their warehouse workers for cost savings. In the past, 3PLs came in with a lower hourly rate and a lower benefit package, with a mix of contract and full-time employees. The savings from this strategy, along with design improvements, workflow and systems, enabled the 3PL to present a value proposition with a lower cost for operation. - Valerie Bonebrake, SVP, Business Solutions, Tompkins

China's Domestic Supply Chain Undergoes Mighty Transformation

February 26, 2016

SupplyChainBrain

Analyst Insight: The demand for increased efficiency in China distribution is driving some incremental improvements in supply chain. Growth is on the rise for domestic transportation, localized supply chain IT solutions are experiencing revenue growth, and the amount of automation installed in new facilities is on the rise. Changes are also happening in real estate and there is an increase amongst importing and exporting. - Jim Serstad, Managing Director Asia, Tompkins International

Maybe Container Shipping News Isn't Quite So Bad After All?

February 26, 2016

Maritime Executive

The latest Container Shipping Forecaster from Maritime Strategies International reports "flickers of improvement" in February after an opening to the year which saw 1.3 million TEUs of capacity idle, freight rates struggling and the charter market on its knees.

Internet of Things Brings Greater Visibility to Ocean Shipping

February 25, 2016

Logistics Viewpoints

The ocean shipping industry has traditionally used EDI for shipment tendering, booking and milestone tracking. A new solution has emerged that leverages near real time vessel tracking data to improve shipment planning and tracking.

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.