Global Logistics

Calming the Bubble in Deep-Sea Cargo Markets

March 15, 2017

Analyst Insight: Slow post-recessionary recovery has fostered uncertainty in many markets, but few have felt the effects as strongly as deep sea cargo transportation. The market's emblem - an ancient, laboring ship that is slow to adapt to obstacles in its path - has become an apt metaphor for the market itself. Financial risk, absent demand and volatile inputs indicate that container shippers may be caught in a bubble - one that IBISWorld anticipates will burst by 2020 unless shippers change course. – Ashley Cruz, research analyst, IBISWorld Inc.

Omni-Mode Transportation Integration Is Key Tool for Profitable Fulfillment

March 15, 2017

SupplyChainBrain

Analyst Insight: In 2016, Amazon subsidized the cost of shipping to their customers by about $7bn, setting a very high bar for customer expectations of cheap or free shipping with rapid delivery. Most competitors don't have the same options as Amazon to buy market share this way, putting enormous pressure on them to squeeze every penny out of fulfillment and transportation costs (as well as to differentiate in other dimensions). Omni-mode integration is one tool that can help companies lower shipping costs to effectively compete. – Bill McBeath, chief research officer, ChainLink Research

Unisys, CSIRO Partnering on Threat Analytics for Cargo Security

March 14, 2017

Air Cargo World

IT and software company Unisys Corp. announced that it will partner with Australia's government-backed Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), to develop software and technology that can analyze massive sets of data to identify risks posed by both passengers and cargo.

The Future of Transportation Looks Flexible

March 13, 2017

SupplyChainBrain

Analyst Insight: Logistics decisions are executed to deliver a service at the lowest possible cost. There are various inefficiencies in logistics operations, and the overall supply chain, that make this seemingly simple objective a constant struggle. Some of those inefficiencies are self-imposed by shippers, as they attempt to drive stability in logistics to lower costs. Mode decisions and core carrier programs are examples of historical ways to drive logistics efficiencies. But they may be driving inefficiencies in tomorrow’s logistics operations. – Shanton Wilcox, Partner-Supply Chain Management, Infosys Consulting

A Grim 2017 Expected for Container Shipping

March 13, 2017

Maritime Executive

The outlook for global container carriers remains grim at the outset of 2017, says analyst AlixPartners in their latest industry report.

Are Ocean Carriers and Shippers Focused on Service - Or Just Lip Service?

March 13, 2017

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

It's been the same drill for years: Ocean carriers and shippers talking service, then fixating on price. Is this disconnect finally about to be disrupted?

Autonomous Robots Promise Economic Delivery Options

March 10, 2017

SupplyChainBrain

Analyst Insight: The decades-old practice of a delivery truck dropping off a package at a home or business occurs millions of times daily across the globe. But new ways to cover last-mile delivery - such as drones, self-navigating parcel robots and underground vehicles/tunnels - are providing a glimpse into what tomorrow's last-mile delivery options might look like. Here are three technologies that carry the potential to transform the local delivery of direct-to-consumer orders. – John Johnson, senior content specialist, Gartner

The Supply Chain Outlook for China in 2017

March 9, 2017

SupplyChainBrain

Analyst Insight: Concern over a potential economic slowdown in 2017 is showing up in both government policy and business strategy in ways that positively impact the logistics sector. Government policies are showing concern for profitability of businesses. Many of the new incentives are centered around logistics. Meanwhile, businesses are taking a harder look at where to make profit in sectors which have thus far shown little margin, such as e-commerce logistics. – Jim Serstad, managing director, Asia, Tompkins International

Amazon Founder Plans Delivery for 'Future Human Settlement' of the Moon

March 9, 2017

Los Angeles Times

More than four decades after the last man walked on the lunar surface, several upstart space entrepreneurs are looking to capitalize on NASA's renewed interest in returning to the moon, offering a variety of proposals with the ultimate goal of establishing a lasting human presence there.

Research Group Seeks Insights on Ocean Supply Chain

March 8, 2017

BPI Network

The global container shipping industry is undergoing unprecedented upheaval, with industry restructuring and consolidation, supply and demand imbalances and convergence of e-commerce and transport logistics, says the Business Performance Innovation (BPI) Network. The group is seeking insights on emerging trends through its survey, Competitive Gain in the Ocean Supply Chain: Innovation That's Driving Maritime Operational Transformation.