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Global Logistics—August 2009
Brazils Broken Track Record Less Substance More Lines Brazil is a little late coming to the railroad turntable, a reality that has stifled transportation infrastructure and economic development dating back to the beginning of the 20th century. As rural and expansive as the country is, a major rail renaissance has been barely chugging along. For […]
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Nationalism is alive and thriving, and that has some public and private sector interests around the world worried that inward-pressing cultural forces could scuttle past efforts to break down bureaucratic trade barriers. Look no further than the recent riots and long-simmering feud between ethnic Han and minority Uighurs in China—a conflict originally stoked by Uighurs’ […]
Read MoreTrends-July 2009
The allure of Central America and the Caribbean as a New World for exploration beguiled 16th-century European traders eager to exploit its wealth of natural resources and labor. Today, the region is attracting colonization of a new order and under its own terms—and U.S. trading partners are equally captivated. As China sourcing becomes more complicated, […]
Read MoreTrends-May 2007
It has been a tough year for the trucking industry with empty stores, trailers, and gas tanks casting their lot against carriers and motor freight buyers alike. Shrinking budgets, expanding carbon emissions and fuel efficiency standards, and steady competition from rail/intermodal providers have similarly pushed truckers and shippers into a sustainability strata that augurs a […]
Read MoreGlobal Logistics-June 2009
Ademand-driven logistics strategy can help companies save considerable time and expense flowing product through the supply chain. It can also save lives. Wayne, N.J.-based MAQUET Cardiovascular, a newly acquired division of German parent company MAQUET Medical Systems, recently expanded its relationship with third-party logistics provider Menlo Worldwide Logistics in Europe to manage inbound transportation for […]
Read MoreIN BRIEF: New Services & Solutions-May 2009
Products Shippers can fully utilize the space inside a trailer with the Ancra Cargo AutoDeck system, which adjusts the height of each beam to create a customized decking solution. The automated system reduces losses resulting from cargo damage because pallets don’t have to be stacked on top of each other, and increases load averages by 10 to […]
Read MoreGlobal Logistics-May 2009
“Not in my backyard” posturing has become a familiar obstacle to economic development interests wrestling with local citizenry over infrastructure projects. Recently, Canadian National’s nationally publicized and locally ostracized acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet, and Eastern Railroad, and intention to reroute rail traffic around Chicago to alleviate congestion, drew criticism and legal action from affected […]
Read MoreTrends-May 2009
Lean times call for equal measures. The U.S. automotive industry has been decimated by a slumping domestic economy and increasing global competition. While some cash-strapped manufacturers join government “bread” lines, still others are turning to their assembly lines. In what amounts to a corporate mandate to level production and lean out its supply chain, General […]
Read MoreGlobal Logistics-Apr 2009
The ocean shipping industry is awash in a sea of confusion. Some liners are putting vessels on furlough to squeeze capacity and offset operating expenses. Others are shifting assets to demand, leaving equipment shortages in underperforming lanes. Shippers beset with their own swelling costs continue to demand make-or-break pricing, while some carriers risk running aground […]
Read MoreTrends-2009
When consumer spending dips, few companies target high-income shoppers as a potential revenue stream. But few companies can walk in Walmart’s shoes, and the retailer has both attracted more consumers and convinced them to buy bigger-ticket items. With a fresh new logo to boot, Walmart is cleaning up in more ways than one. Its stores […]
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