Ocean Transportation

New KPIs Reflect Changes in Logistics Management Solutions

July 16, 2013

As global trade management software has improved visibility to international shipments, companies have been able to enhance performance measures, moving from departmental indicators to broader metrics that drive coordination between departments, says Stephanie Miles, senior vice president of commercial services at Amber Road.

U.S. Imports Reported Stagnant for First Half of 2013

July 16, 2013

Zepol Corp.

U.S. vessel imports have declined almost 3 percent from May to June. Imports are also 1.6 percent below TEUs (twenty foot containers) seen in June of 2012. This year, U.S. ocean imports had a steady increase of 1 percent compared to the volume seen in 2012, but with the low June numbers that percentage has changed. Zepol has found that in the first six months of this year, compared to January through June of 2012, import volume is virtually stagnant. In fact, 2013 is down 0.3 percent, if you want to be picky.

Chinese Government Steps Up Scrutiny of Pricing by Foreign Shipping Interests

July 16, 2013

Maritime Executive

China is considering a package of regulatory measures to protect the struggling domestic shipping industry against foreign competitors suspected of malicious price manipulation, the China Daily reported on Friday.

C.H. Robinson Expands in Europe With New Office in Istanbul

July 15, 2013

C.H. Robinson

C.H. Robinson Europe, a freight forwarder with 51 offices throughout the region, has further expanded its European network with the opening of an office in Istanbul, Turkey.

Large Percentage of Ocean Port Accidents Avoidable, Analysis of Claims Reveals

July 15, 2013

TT Club

Leading transport and logistics insurer TT Club says analysis of 9,500 claims over the past seven years, valued at $ 400m, confirmed an ongoing trend in avoidable damaging events that resulted in claims.

UPS Launches Monitoring Service for High-Value, Temp-Controlled Shipments

July 9, 2013

UPS

UPS has launched a monitoring and risk-management service for high-value and temperature-sensitive shipments.

Crowley Launches LCL Service From Chicago to Caribbean, Central America

July 8, 2013

Crowley Maritime Corp.

The logistics group of Crowley Maritime Corp. is launching a weekly less-than-containerload (LCL) service from Chicago to the Caribbean and Central America.

Uncertainty Impacts Shippers with Volatility in General Rate Increases

July 8, 2013

The Loadstar

A series of general rate increases on the Asia-North Europe trade have gone into effect as container shipping lines once again attempt to force freight rates up to break-even levels, amid warnings from shippers and analysts that pricing volatility is set to continue - and possibly worsen.

How Realistic Is Nicaragua's Plan for Inter-Ocean Canal Like Panama's?

July 3, 2013

Business Week

In a placid lagoon about a mile inland from the Atlantic coast in southeast Nicaragua, the mast of Cornelius Vanderbilt's dredge boat rises out of the water. The railroad tycoon abandoned it along with his dream of building an inter-oceanic canal in the 1850s. More than 160 years and several failed plans later, Wang Jing, a 40-year-old Chinese telecommunications billionaire, has emerged as the next mogul to give it a go.

Container Shipping Rates Continue to Fall in June, But Will They Rise in July?

July 2, 2013

Xeneta

The market index for Asia to North Europe is still on the decline, with the average for a 20-foot seeing a 19-percent drop since the 26th of May compared to the 26th of June, according to Xeneta, the price comparison service for sea freight. The market average for a 40-foot in Asia to North Europe performed similarly with a 20-percent decline in container shipping rates in the same period.

Ocean Transportation

The latest news, analysis, services and systems regarding ocean transportation and its impact on global supply chains. Today’s companies are transporting and delivering container shipments in a more efficient manner than ever before using new services and technologies that provide information en route - allowing them to stay ahead of the competition in their industries. As ocean cargo services continue to evolve, businesses are discovering new ways to increase efficiency and cut costs. Learn how companies are using ocean shipping solutions to power their supply chains.