Global Logistics

Stifel Logistics Confidence Index Reaches 13 Consecutive Months of Negative Outlook

November 2, 2016

The Stifel Logistics Confidence Index - which measure logistics industry outlook - remained below the neutral mark in October at 49.4, but once more noted a slight improvement against the previous month, according to global logistics researcher Transport Intelligence. In a sign that the bankruptcy of Hanjin Shipping has had little overall effect upon the container shipping industry, the October Sea Freight Confidence Index remained unchanged from September, at 49.0 points.

UPS 747-8F Order May Resuscitate Boeing's Program

November 2, 2016

Air Cargo World

Just when the industry thought the sun might be setting on Boeing's workhorse jet, the aviation giant announced a firm order for fourteen 747-8Fs, plus options for up to 14 more, from express giant UPS. The announcement is being seen as a possible game-changer for the jumbo freighter, which, until last week, had only had enough orders in the pipeline to continue production through 2019, according to estimates.

Jettainer, Lufthansa Developing 'Digital' Containers to Increase Transparency

November 1, 2016

Air Cargo World

Logistics company Jettainer and IT specialists at Lufthansa Industry Solutions are working to develop a digital container that can "measure temperature changes, shocks and other external factors independently and provide information about its state," according to the Lufthansa Group. Jettainer is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lufthansa Cargo AG.

Offshore Downturn Is Impacting Sea Time, Mariners Warn

November 1, 2016

Maritime Executive

The current downturn in the offshore industry has put offshore supply vessels into layup, operators into receivership and shipbuilders into a tailspin, industry professionals say. It has meant layoffs for thousands of mariners, but it's also having an impact on officers in a different way: a shortage of sea time.

Evergreen Line Enhances Asia-Australia Network

October 31, 2016

Evergreen Line

In hopes of offering shippers a more comprehensive service on Asia-Australia trade, Evergreen Line has announced a new joint North East Asia-Australia Express (NEAX) service. The Taiwanese container transportation and shipping company is teaming up with Orient Overseas Container Line, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, "K" Line and YangMing Marine Transport Corp.

Hanjin to Halt E.U. Routes, Operations This Month

October 31, 2016

Maritime Executive

Hanjin Shipping's European routes services have completely halted, the company said last week, and a Seoul court overseeing its receivership process has approved winding down four of its European units.

Walmart and JD.com Are Launching Three E-commerce Initiatives in China

October 31, 2016

MultiChannel Merchant

Three months after entering into a partnership to expand online shopping options for Chinese consumers, Walmart and JD.com have announced three new ways for customers to access Walmart products from around the world. The efforts, which are part of the original strategy announced in June, are officially launching during the run up to Singles Day on November 11. They aim to improve logistics and supply chain functions, cross-border e-commerce and online-to-offline e-commerce services for consumers across the country, the companies say.

Airline Earnings Reports Point to Uncertain Growth Trajectory in U.S. Cargo

October 28, 2016

Air Cargo World

Of the three major American carriers to publish third-quarter results so far, only Alaska Airlines Cargo saw its cargo revenues increase, up 3 percent, year-over-year, to $31m - a fraction of its growing passenger revenue, according to earnings reports. Meanwhile, United registered a 4.7 percent decline in revenues, y-o-y, to $224m and, as previously reported, Delta continued its losing streak into the quarter, with revenues falling 15 percent, y-o-y, to $167m.

Russia Adds Deepwater Port to 15-Year Transport Strategy

October 27, 2016

Maritime Executive

A new deepwater port is planned for Arkhangelsk in the north of European Russia, according to Northern Shipping Company Arkhangelsk, a Russian shipping company. The new deepwater hub will be suitable for year-round handling of large capacity vessels and will be situated 55 kilometers (34 miles) north from Arkhangelsk near Mudyug Island, in the northern part of the Sukhoye Morje Bay, says NSC Arkhangelsk.

5 Tips for Moving Beyond the Traditional Warehouse Management System

October 27, 2016

RIS News

For decades, companies have relied on warehouse management systems (WMS) to control inventory and material handling processes within their warehouses. Historically, retail distribution centers have been built upon plans that included predetermined transportation routes that outlined the number of stores on a route, what product those stores would get and the quantity and configuration of those products. Consequently, distribution centers have had similar designs, process methodologies and IT infrastructures for years. E-commerce has changed the game, though.