Global Logistics

Weather Partly Accounts for 16-Percent Decline in April Spot Truckload Freight Volume

May 16, 2013

Spot market freight volumes declined 16 percent in April compared to April 2012, according to the DAT North American Freight Index. Year-over-year declines in volume were seen across all equipment types: van load volume declined 20 percent, refrigerated ("reefer") loads slipped 10 percent, and flatbed freight dropped 15 percent.

U.S. Retail Import Growth Expected to Slow Significantly During Summer Months

May 16, 2013

National Retail Federation

Import volume at the nation's major retail container ports is expected to increase 3.3 percent in May over the same month last year, but growth could trickle to a standstill by the end of the summer, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

Supply Chain Visibility Lacking by Global Manufacturers, Says Report

May 15, 2013

Globe News Wire

Global manufacturers are putting their supply chains at the center of their business strategies to serve as the foundation for operational efficiency and collaborative innovation, according to KPMG's fourth annual Global Manufacturing Outlook. The report, entitled "Competitive Advantage - Enhancing Supply Chain Networks for Efficiency and Innovation", surveyed 335 C-level executives globally - including 95 in the U.S.

Trucking 'Eager' to Diversify; Maximizing Driver Miles 'Most Important' in Driver Retention

May 13, 2013

TMW Systems

Truckload carriers continue to innovate to remain profitable, particularly through service diversification and driver retention, according to TMW Systems' first Transportation & Logistics Study - North America For-Hire Truckload Carrier Benchmarking Survey. Truckload carriers that are diversifying their businesses are adding new higher margin services, including brokerage, logistics, LTL-to-TL consolidation, dedicated services and intermodal services. Those looking to expand are exploring dedicated services first (27 percent), followed by brokerage services (21 percent). The majority of them are working on an accelerated schedule, within a one-year time frame.

Indonesia Is Very Attractive to Multinational Manufacturers and Investors

May 10, 2013

Supplychains

When Marcos Purty arrived here in 2011 as the chief of General Motors' Indonesian operations, he found a mothballed auto plant. Today, that plant is humming. About 700 people work in the facility, 16 miles east of Jakarta, compared with about 30 just 18 months ago. And next month, GM will start delivering its first Indonesian-built vehicle in years, the Chevrolet Spin.

UTi Unveils New Logistics Location in Taiwan

May 10, 2013

Marketwatch

UTi Worldwide, a global supply chain services and solutions company, has opened a multi-client logistics centre in New Taipei City, Taiwan.

Joint Venture to Benefit Rail Logistics

May 10, 2013

International Railway Journal

Logistics group Kuehne & Nagel and wagon leasing company VTG have announced plans to create a jointly-owned rail logistics business after signing a letter of intent at the end of April.

DHL Introduces Multimodal Link Connecting China, Europe

May 10, 2013

Supply Chain Digital

DHL has introduced a second road/rail multimodal routing option for its overland service connecting Asia and Europe. Customers based in Chengdu can now board DHL's once-a-week service, which departs every Friday from Chengdu to Europe along China's West Corridor rail line through Kazakhstan and via DHL's intermodal hub in Małaszewicze, Poland.

Airfreight Industry to Benefit from Sensor-Based Tracking

May 10, 2013

Handy Shipping Guide

Airfreight reliability and security took another step forward with the news that American Airlines Cargo will begin offering a one-time use program with FlightSafe, a leading GPS and sensor-based tracking device for air cargo shipments.

DB Schenker Constructing Innovative Hub in Switzerland

May 10, 2013

SHD Logistics

A groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of construction for one of Switzerland's most advanced logistics centres, built by Schenker Schweiz AG. The new logistics hub will include office buildings, on a 38,500 square-meter property in Pfungen, Canton Zurich.