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Global Logistics—April 2012
UPS Buys TNT Express, Shifting Global Balance UPS’ estimated $6.77-billion acquisition of Netherlands-based TNT Express puts to rest lingering speculation about the future of Europe’s number-two express mail provider following competition from FedEx and U.S. economic uncertainties. The move clearly places UPS in a new position of strength among its U.S. competitors and German expediter […]
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Trends—April 2012
Southern Accent: Supply, Demand Shifts Underline Southeastern Market A slow and steady stream of manufacturers and retailers has been feeling out the U.S. Southeast over the past decade. The trickle began in 2002 following the West Coast port strike, when many shippers swallowed losses and began exploring all-water alternatives from Asia to the U.S. hinterland. […]
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Trends—March 2012
Nissan Rides Waves of Sustainability What could be more sustainable than a slow-steaming solar-powered ocean vessel transporting electric cars? Japanese automaker Nissan recently debuted the Nichioh Maru, a roll-on/roll-off coastal transporter ship that replaces traditional diesel-powered electricity generators found on most vessels with 281 photovoltaic solar panels mounted above deck. Global automotive manufacturers have been […]
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Global—March 2012
New Zealand Port Tries to Strike Labor Balance As yet another reminder of how global labor strife can impact supply chains, the Ports of Auckland is trying to ease the pressure of three week-long strikes by the Maritime Union of New Zealand during the country’s busy export season. With an impasse expected to run through […]
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Trends–February 2012
BNSF Lays Down Investment Plan Transportation infrastructure funding remains a hot topic on Capitol Hill while legislators continue to bandy about ideas to satisfy a long-overdue highway reauthorization bill. Out on the rails, however, the railroads continue to lead by example. BNSF Railway Company recently announced a planned 2012 capital commitment program of approximately $3.9 […]
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Global Logistics–February 2012
UK University Engine Behind Carbon Tool The University of Sheffield has developed a supply chain environmental analysis tool (SCEnAT) to help manufacturers cut carbon emissions. The solution, which a number of international companies, including aircraft engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce, are already using, creates a database of carbon usage. It then arms businesses with ways to reduce […]
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Trends—January 2012
Supply Chain Outlook: What’s Ahead? With the drop of the ball every New Year, it’s only natural to take out the Magic 8 Ball and divine what supply chain trends loom large on the horizon. Inbound Logistics editors and writers thumbed through their notes, clicked through their digital Rolodexes, and checked with sources to ascertain […]
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Global Logistics—January 2012
Containers Aweigh The International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) has joined the World Shipping Council, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), and the Baltic and International Maritime Council to encourage the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to amend the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS). The measure would ensure that a ship and port […]
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Trends—December 2011
Transportation Management Breaks Out Transportation management system (TMS) solutions and TMS-managed services have been evolving at hyper-speed over the past few years, largely driven by an economy in a tailspin, corporate mandates to reduce costs at all costs, and the emergence of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and cloud-connected networks. The facility with which companies can develop and […]
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Global Logistics—December 2011
Japanese Ocean Carriers Mull Merger In a move reminiscent of Air China/Cathay Pacific’s recent joint venture cargo agreement, Japan’s three largest container lines are considering a merger to stave off rising costs and capture greater market share in the region. MOL, NYK, and “K” Line are in ongoing discussions to consolidate operations, reports French container […]
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