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Supply Chain Watch
The
Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners has approved a 40-year lease
agreement with Aeroterm to develop and manage an international air cargo center
at the Ontario International Airport, located in Southern California’s Inland
Empire.
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Names & News
NYK Promotes Keller; SEKO Appoints Fitzgerald; Lowe’s Cos. Awards Horizon Lines; RailAmerica Taps Giles; Nelson Named Advisor to TradeBeam; New CEO for Werner Enterprises; JAXPORT Promotes Peek
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Rail Improvements for India
Indian Railways says it will introduce triple-stack trains on certain key routes following the success it’s had with double-stack container trains throughout the country. “Such containers will be useful to carry motor vehicles,” said India’s rail minister.
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China Top Pick for R&D
A new report by the United Nations finds that China has become the most popular country for establishing research and development (R&D) facilities.
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Mexico Shifts Production Gears
In recent years, Mexico has lost millions of dollars in foreign investment and low-cost manufacturing to China, particularly in sectors such as electronics. However, business leaders and Mexican government officials have begun viewing their rival as a land of opportunity.
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Transportation Services Index (TSI)
The Transportation Services Index (TSI) fell 0.6 percent in January to 109.5 (2000=100) from its December level, falling after a one-month rise, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) office.
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Supply Chain Watch
U.S., EU Reach Agreement on Open Skies Pact
A last ditch effort between negotiators from the U.S. and EU to agree on terms for a trans-Atlantic air pact has resulted in a major breakthrough.
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Names & News
Two executives have received promotions at Mediterranean Shipping Company’s U.S. headquarters in New York.
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U.S., Korea Trade Talks: Pact would be bigger than NAFTA
Trade officials from the U.S. and South Korea met again recently to try and make progress on a free trade agreement (FTA). If a deal is eventually reached, the pact would be the biggest for the U.S. since the North American Free Trade Agreement signed in 1993.
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HOS Rules For Canadian Truckers: Effective Date January 1
The beginning of the year brought with it new Hours of Service rules for three provinces in Canada. The new rules stipulate that Canadian and U.S. truckers cannot drive more than 13 hours in a day and be on duty no more than 14 hours.
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Transportation Services Index (TSI)
The Transportation Services Index (TSI) fell 1.0 in November (2006) to 109.1 (2000=100) from its October level, declining for the first time since August, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) office.
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Supply Chain Watch
Although the U.S.-Europe trade lane has been the bread and butter for many U.S. East Coast airports’ air cargo programs for years, their interest in Asia is starting to gain altitude. At New York’s JFK airport, Asian destinations accounted for 51 percent of the international freight volume during the fist half of 2006.
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Transportation Services Index (TSI)
The Transportation Services Index (TSI) remained unchanged in October at 110.3 (2000=100)—the same level as September, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) office
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EU Wants More Bilateral Pacts
The EU’s trade chief, Peter Mandelson, says he wants to negotiate bilateral trade deals with India, South Korea, and developing Asian nations.
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Euro Zone expansion
Although Poland is expected to attract roughly $10 billion in foreign investments this year, many multinational companies are increasingly pressuring the government to join the euro zone as quickly as possible.
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Better Forecast for Euro Zone
The European Commission has upwardly revised its economic growth forecast for the 12 countries that use the euro, predicting 2.6 percent growth this year over last year’s 1.4 percent.
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India Plans New Deep-Sea Port
India’s government has plans to build a new deep-sea port in the state of West Bengal, and has begun talking to potential developers about the project.
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China, India Want Closer Trade Ties
A bilateral pact between China and India intends to boost two-way trade between the partners to $40 billion by 2010.
“There is enough space for the two nations to develop together in a mutually supportive manner while remaining sensitive to each others’ concerns and aspirations,” remarked Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Bilateral trade is estimated to reach $20 billion in 2006-2007, compared to just $260 million in 1990.
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Truckers’ Top Concerns
A new survey conducted by the American Transportation Research Institute finds that driver shortages and diesel fuel issues are the leading concerns for trucking companies.
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New Rules for Border Truckers
Although the U.S. government had delayed the implementation date of a new rule requiring U.S., Canadian, and Mexican citizens entering or re-entering the U.S. to show passports, a recent notice in the Federal Register states that the target date is “as early as January 1, 2008.”
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CAFTA-DR Trade Boost
The newly implemented U.S. Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) will provide significant opportunities to U.S. manufacturers, states a report by Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI.
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U.S., Colombia Sign Pact
The U.S. and Colombia have entered into a trade promotion agreement that will remove tariffs and other barriers to trade in goods and services.
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Major Investments Materializing for India
According to John Chambers, head of global networking giant Cisco, India is the hottest growth market in the world, which is why the company is investing over $1 billion in the country to establish a critical global operations hub there
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China’s Trade Deficit Growin
The Chinese government says it plans to reduce its huge
trade surplus to zero by 2010. To get there, the government says it will trim
booming export growth and focus more on “quality growth.” China’s trade surplus
during the first eight months of this year hit $95.7 billion, well on track to surpass
last year’s record of $101.9 billion.
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China’s Retail Market
As many Western retailers are well
aware, China’s retail market is one of the most lucrative in the world.
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Transportation Services Index (TSI)
The Transportation Services Index (TSI) rose 1.5 percent
in September to 110.3 (2000=100) from its August level, rising one month after
the largest monthly decline in five years, according to the U.S. Department of
Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) office.
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Supply Chain Watch
As many in the air cargo
industry had hoped, the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA)
new air cargo security rules will be postponed until mid-2007 in order
to give the industry more time to implement changes necessary to comply
with the broad reaching rules.
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Names & News
The Transportation Services Index (TSI) rose 1.5 percent
in September to 110.3 (2000=100) from its August level, rising one month after
the largest monthly decline in five years, according to the U.S. Department of
Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) office.
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Hope Fades for Turkey to Join EU
A recent survey published in the Turkish Milliyet newspaper
reveals fewer Turks think their country should join the European Union.
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EU Liberalizes Mail Market
The
EU has directed its 25 member states to open their mail markets to full
competition by 2009—a development that is expected to provide a big boost to
competition from companies such as UPS and FedEx in the $115-billion market.
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New Box Port for Vietnam
The
Vietnamese government has approved a proposal for the development of a new
container port in Van Phong Bay, north of Nha Trang in the central coast
province of Khanh Hoa The proposed port will be developed in three phases on a
total area of 750 hectares in Dam Mon basin, and is expected to be complete by
2020.
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China, Aussie Free Trade Talks
A
new round of negotiations between China and Australia to establish a free trade
deal will be held in December, with cargo and service trade to be the topics of
discussion.
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 | Transportation & Logistics: “Truck” Your Freight From China to the U.S.
Similar to many industries, the trucking sector in recent years has experienced considerable consolidation as bigger firms have bought and paired up with smaller companies in order to extend their reach in products and services. This ‘urge to merge’ has even resulted in a few unique partnerships—evidence that as shippers continue to move operations to overseas markets, their transportation service providers have been required to respond with new offerings in order to keep up with them. And naturally, of lot of the impetus has come from the non-stop activity occurring in China.
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Supply Chain Watch
The MidAmerica airport in St. Louis is positioning itself as an international air hub following the signing of a contract with a global freight handling company. The new tenant will lease 26,000 square feet of space at the airport with plans to develop it for warehousing and international cargo transfers.
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Calling on China
Market research firm Ovum says that China will soon emerge as the world’s biggest broadband market because of its booming economy and rising incomes.
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More Ports for India
India’s two largest ports—Mumbai and Nhava Sheva—are operating at peak capacity, which has prompted the government to build secondary ports to help alleviate congestion and facilitate increasing trade flows.
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Transportation Services Index (TSI)
The Transportation Services Index (TSI) fell 2.5 percent in August to 108.7 (2000=100) from its July level, the third consecutive monthly decline and the largest monthly decline in five years. The biggest monthly drop—9.3 percent—occurred in September 2001.
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Japan, Indonesia Talking Free Trade
Japan has already formed free trade deals with Singapore, Mexico, and Malaysia, and talks with Chile recently wrapped up. Now, a bilateral pact with Indonesia is entering the final draft stages.
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Further Delays for Airbus
A recent announcement by Airbus that more delays of the super jumbo A380 were to be expected has prompting UPS and FedEx to become increasingly worried about the impact on their freighter orders.
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U.S., Oman Sign Free Trade Agreement
President Bush got closer to his vision of a Middle East Free Trade Agreement by 2013 with the formal signing this week of a free trade pact with Oman.
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U.S. Customs is Hiring
The head of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) told an industry group this week that the agency would be adding more personnel over the next two fiscal years.
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Names and News
Mary Peters has been confirmed by the Senate to be the next transportation secretary. The chamber gave the former Federal Highway Administration head unanimous approval.
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New Terminal for Rotterdam
Dutch lawmakers have approved the construction of a massive container terminal at the Port of Rotterdam, which will help the port retain its competitive advantage over ports such as Le Havre and Hamburg.
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The Nicaragua Canal?
Nicaraguan lawmakers are considering a proposal to build a canal between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans that would accommodate vessels too large to pass through the Panama Canal.
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U.S. Manufacturers Losing Ground
A new study by the National Association of Manufacturers finds that U.S. manufacturers are facing higher corporate taxes, natural gas prices, and other cost burdens compared to their competitors in nine other industrial countries.
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China Trims Trade Surplus
The Chinese government says it plans to reduce its huge trade surplus to zero by 2010. To get there, the government says it will trim booming export growth and focus more on “quality growth.”
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Another Expansion for the EU
It’s official—Bulgaria and Romania have been approved to join the EU on January 1, 2007 after the European Commission determined recently that both nations had made enough progress for entry after seven years of membership talks.
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EU Box Ban Causes Stir
A controversial plan by the European Union to ban 45-foot containers is causing a ruckus in the maritime transport industry, with ocean carriers, shippers, and ports warning that the move will hamper trade inside the 25-member trade bloc.
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Southeast Asia Fights Back
Talk about the need for a major ad campaign—with all the focus on China in recent years it almost seems that every other Asian country has fallen off the map. Yet, a handful of countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, have been busy investing in infrastructure and manufacturing facilities to improve their competitiveness.
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Supply Chain Watch
The Transportation Security Administration’s new air cargo security rules are set to go into effect on December 1, providing a few measures in the rules can be clarified in time.
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Transportation Services Index (TSI)
The Transportation Services Index (TSI) fell another 0.4 percent in July to 111.5 (2000=100) from its June level, dropping for the second consecutive month, reports the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS).
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Supply Chain Watch
Cargo Volume at San Antonio On Track to Break Record
A strong economy coupled with changing demands in the global supply chain is likely to push air cargo volumes at San Antonio International Airport to a record high this year, say airport officials.
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Bulgaria Closer to EU Accession
Target date set for January 1
Bulgaria’s chances of joining the EU on January 1 are somewhat improved, according to an EU official who recently praised the country’s progress on various reforms.
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Express Firms Eyeing Middle East
Express and logistics companies can expect plenty of growth in the Middle East despite regional conflicts, notes research firm Transport Intelligence.
The main economic powerhouses are located in the Gulf region, where the logistics industry is being driven by the buoyant oil sector, rising consumer spending, and the construction boom.
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China’s Hidden Logistics Costs
In the rush to outsource manufacturing to China, many companies are unaware of hidden costs, notes Boston Consulting Group.
Moving manufacturing to China means the supply chain is longer, therefore increasing the time it takes to get products into stores. Furthermore, the increased volume of goods moving through U.S. West Coast ports "is creating bottlenecks that are making supplies to retailers uneven," says the consultancy.
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DP World Investing in Argentina
Dubai-based terminal operator DP World is preparing to expand its presence in Latin America with a substantial investment in Argentina.
The company considers the region one of the world’s key emerging markets.
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EU Gives Boost to RFID
RFID research is in need of more funding in order for the technology to realize its potential, and a recent decision by the EU to $7 million towards that effort is being praised by industry experts, who say the U.S. and other countries need to also do more.
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Supply Chain Watch
The U.S. Justice Department is looking into alleged anticompetitive practices involving air cargo shipments and passenger fares.
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Transportation Services Index (TSI)
The Transportation Services Index (TSI) rose 1.1 percent in May to 112.4 (2000=100) from its April level, rising for the third consecutive month, reports the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS).
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Names & News
Monika Ribar has been appointed the new CEO for Panalpina, succeeding Bruno Sidler.
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China Raking in FDI:
Securities and banking attracting investment
The Chinese government says that strong foreign investment in financial services such as banking and securities boosted the country’s total foreign direct investment last year to $72.4 billion—up significantly from the $60.3 billion first reported for 2005.
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Transportation Services Index (TSI)
The Transportation Services Index (TSI) rose 0.8 percent in March to 111.0 (2000=100) after three consecutive months of decline, reports the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS).
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Child Labor Declines for First Time
The International Labour Organization (ILO) in its latest report entitled “The End of Child Labour: Within Reach,” asserts that, “Though the fight against child labour remains a daunting challenge, we are on the right track.
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Names & News
Forwarder and logistics provider, Seko, has appointed Paco Engels as managing director for Seko Global Logistics-Americas. Engles will be responsible for sales across the Americas region, including all strategy, marketing initiatives and related activities, as well as recruiting new worldwide partners.
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Canada Budgets More for Customs
Canada’s proposed federal budget calls for more spending on border and port security as well as arming Customs border staff—a first for the country. Specifically, the budget allocates $101 million to arm Canada Border Services Agency officers, starting at high-traffic ports of entry. A total of $303 million is set aside to accommodate low-risk trade as part of a controversial U.S. plan to require passports for anyone entering the United States.
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Russia Warned Over IPR Protections
The U.S. Trade Representative’s office resisted placing Russia on the most severe watch list for intellectual property rights violations, however it did warn that the country could lose benefits under the Generalized System of Preferences if it didn’t improve the situation.
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Nicaragua Opens World-class Call Center
The Nicaraguan government has opened a state-of-the-art call center in Managua that is poised to become the flagship call center for all of Central America.
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U.S., Peru Sign Free Trade Agreement
The U.S. and Peru have signed a free trade agreement, which is headed to Congress for approval. Under the agreement, 80 percent of U.S. exports of consumer and industrial products will become duty-free immediately and an additional 7 percent will be duty-free within 5 years.
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Massive Expansion of Panama Canal
The Panama Canal Authority has proposed to double the capacity of the canal in a $5.25 billion expansion project. Under the plan, a third set of locks would be constructed, which would allow box ships up to 12,000 TEUs to traverse the canal.
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Air
Air carriers across the board are raising their fuel surcharges to keep pace with rising oil costs. Surcharges for many are now in the 60 to 65 cents per kilo range.
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Rail : Intermodal Posts Q1 Gains
The Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) reports that intermodal container volume increased 6.3 percent in the first quarter of 2006 compared to the same period last year
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Road
Wal-Mart wants to make its trucking fleet 25 percent more efficient within three years, and so far they’re off to a great start.
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Ocean
The head of DP World said in an interview that the terminal operator will try again to enter the U.S. market once new legislation is enacted that assures U.S. lawmakers that national security won’t be compromised.
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Rail
The Port of Miami is revisiting the idea of on-dock rail as a way to ease congestion at the port, which truckers and shippers say is a major problem.
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Technology
A new study by Accenture finds that supply chain professionals in the chemicals industry view the underutilization of supply chain technology as a barrier to improving overall supply chain performance.
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Finance
Small business exporters located in Hawaii will be better equipped to expand their international sales and minimize financial risks thanks to a new partnership between the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) and the State of Hawaii.
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 | Transportation Services Index (TSI)
The Transportation Services Index (TSI) fell 0.9 percent in February to 110.2 (2000=100) from its January level, falling for the third consecutive month, reports the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS).
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Names & News
Third-party logistics provider Nexus Distribution has announced that Mark Ofenloch has been formally appointed as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO). In his new position, he will be responsible for providing leadership to all operational organizations company-wide, including Transportation, Warehousing, and Freight Management Services (FMS).
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Help for Canadian Exporters
The Canadian government has launched a pilot loan program intended to help the country’s smaller exporters cover the costs of meeting tougher U.S. Customs import security rules.
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Economic Boost for Euro Zone
Europe’s biggest economy is showing signs of revitalization, according to a recent survey of consumer and business confidence, which bodes well for the 12-member euro zone.
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New Customs Security Program
The Department of Homeland Security will launch the pilot program for the Secure Freight Initiative sometime before the end of 2006.
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Business Confidence Up in South Africa
South Africa’s business confidence edged up in March after falling sharply in February, but rampant domestic spending remained a concern, the South African Chamber of Business (SACOB) reported in April.
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Failing Grade for U.S. Infrastructure
UPS CEO Mike Eskew told business leaders recently that “the inability of our transportation infrastructure to keep up with the normal day-to-day stresses imposed upon it” was “shocking.” Furthermore, Eskew warned that America was taking a chance with its future by neglecting its infrastructure.
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e-Freight Top Priority for Air Cargo
The most important item on the air cargo industry’s agenda right now is the paperless processing of airfreight documents, according to Giovanni Bisignani, chief executive of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
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Ukraine Eases Banking Rules
Ukraine has agreed to allow U.S. banks to operate in the Ukraine through branches, reports the Bankers’ Association of Finance and Trade (BAFT).
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EU Delays Wood Packing Rule
The U.S. Department of Commerce says the European Union has delayed implementation of a rule that would ban wood packing material with tree bark still attached.
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First Double-Stack Train for India
A new double-stack train service in India—the country’s first such service—will help trim shipping costs, expedite freight movement, and shift more containers from road to rail.
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China’s Logistics Markets Expanding
The logistics market in China reached 3.4 trillion yuan (US$421 billion) last year, up 12.9 percent from a year earlier, according to the Xinhua news agency.
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Rail
Imagine being able to know what freight will hit your system one month in advance. That’s the forecasting goal for railroads like UP and Burlington Northern, who are experimenting with new technology to give them better planning ability.
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Road
The American Trucking Association’s (ATA) for-hire Truck Tonnage Index decreased 2.5 percent in February, which was the first monthly decline since August 2005.
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Finance
Ex-Im Bank authorized $1.7 billion in financing in fiscal year 2005 to support U.S. exports to Mexico, the Bank’s largest market.
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Ocean
Maritime executives are predicting smooth sailing for the port complex of Los Angeles-Long Beach again this year, despite what will likely be another record-breaking year in terms of cargo volume.
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Technology
RFID’s use in global supply chains is helping advance the technology from its traditional and established closed-loop applications such as security/access control, automobile immobilization, animal tracking, and toll collection, according to a new market research report, “RFID Industry Analysis 2006,” published by RNCOS.
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Air
Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport will soon have its first refrigerated cargo facility open to all users, which will be used primarily to handle direct shipments of perishables from Central and South America.
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Transportation Services Index (TSI)
The Transportation Services Index (TSI) fell 0.1 percent in January to 111.3 (2000=100) from its December level, falling for the second consecutive month.
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EU Reviewing China Container Deal
Takeover of Dutch company would create monopoly
European Union antitrust regulators are reviewing China International Marine Containers Company’s takeover of Dutch company Burg Industries BV.
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GSP Status for Liberia
Duty-free benefits restored
President Bush has reinstated Liberia’s duty-free benefits under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program, under Proclamation 7981.
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U.S.-UAE Trade Talks Delayed
Fallout from DP World deal blamed
The Bush administration has postponed free trade talks with the United Arab Emirates after the Dubai Ports World takeover of P&O’s U.S. ports assets was scrapped.
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Indian Rail Investment
Billions earmarked for upgrades
Five billion dollars will be pumped into Asia’s oldest rail network—Indian Railways—to keep up with the country’s growing transportation and logistics needs
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Ban on U.S. Carriers Postponed
Venezuela agrees to talks with U.S.
The Venezuelan government says it will delay a ban on flights by most U.S. airlines until March 30 in order to allow both sides further time to negotiate.
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More FTAs for U.S.
U.S. pursuing bilateral trade pacts
U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman told the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee that the Bush administration will pursue several bilateral trade pacts this year.
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More Foreign Trucks on UK Roads
New EU member states linked to increase
The latest transportation statistics for 2005 indicate an increase in the number of foreign trucks working on UK roads.
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Piracy in Russia Costly
U.S. businesses suffering
Intellectual property piracy in Russia cost U.S. businesses $1.8 billion in 2005, says the International Intellectual Property Association, which warned that, “Russia’s copyright piracy problem remains one of the world’s most serious
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‘Open Skies’ Pacts Loses Altitude
Deal between EU, U.S. hits major snag
Things looked promising last year when the European Union and United States reached a tentative ‘open skies’ pact, which would allow European and American airlines to fly into cities on either side of the Atlantic
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Canadian Truckers’ Costs Rising
Shippers warned of pending surcharges
The Canadian Trucking Alliance has cautioned shippers that all the major components of carrier operating costs—labor, fuel, equipment and maintenance—will continue to come under upward pressure in 2006 and need to be covered through a combination of rates and surcharges, similar to the situation that is plaguing the U.S.
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Recovery for World Economy
Latest ICC survey reveals high expectations.
The latest International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) survey of world economic conditions reveals a climate of continued recovery with stronger momentum and expectations than last year.
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Energy pact gives China added security
China has signed a deal with Saudi Arabia that gives it added security for its future energy needs. Recently, Chinese President Hu Jintao has sought to bolster economic and diplomatic ties with its major oil suppliers throughout the world, including those in the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
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Lawmakers dump waterfront reform
A controversial plan to open up European port services to outside competition went down in a major defeat when EU lawmakers voted 532 to 120 to dump the plan
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Faster, more direct U.S.-Asia flights
The Russian government has agreed to open more of the country’s airspace to U.S. cargo carriers, which means expanded flights to Asia and improved routings
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DOT Unveils National Freight Transportation Policy
The Department of Transportation has plans for a national freight transportation policy aimed at increasing freight capacity, reducing congestion and regulatory barriers, and protecting the environment, reports the Journal of Commerce.
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Manufacturers want greater access to cheap labor
Despite fears that workers from Eastern Europe would take jobs from developed European economies following their accession to the EU, a new report by the European Commission (EC) says those fears are unfounded. At present, Germany, France and some other countries have limits on access by Eastern European workers
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DHL Taps Hickler
DHL has tapped Hans Hickler as executive vice president of business strategy & implementation. Before joining DHL in May 2005, Hickler spent more than twenty years with the NOL Group and its subsidiaries APL and APL Logistics.
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Hickerson New CEO For Pacer
Pacer International has appointed John Hickerson as chairman and chief executive officer of Pacer Transport. Most recently, Hickerson was the vice president of domestic intermodal marketing & sales for BNSF. Prior to joining BNSF in 2004, Hickerson served as president of Roadway Next Day Corporation.
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LAN Cargo CFO Assumes CEO Spot
LAN Cargo has appointed Cristian Ureta, the current chief operating officer, as its new chief executive. Ureta began his career in the aviation industry as a cargo services manager for Fast Air Carrier, S.A. in Santiago, Chile, followed by subsequent promotions to various managerial positions at Aerotransportes MAS de Carga S.A. de C.V. in Mexico City.
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Road
The U.S. Dept. of Transportation is seeking funding for a pilot program to explore alternative funding for new highway construction. The $100 million in funding would come from the agency's 2007 fiscal year budget, which was proposed in February by DOT Secretary Norman Mineta.
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Technology
Logistics experts at a recent RFID conference in India say the country has to move quickly to get up to speed on the increasingly popular technology.
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Ocean
The supply chain strategies that U.S. ocean shippers deployed last year won't change much for 2006, that means spreading out shipments to various seaports, moving cargo early to avoid peak season congestion, and working closely with ocean carriers to keep the lines of communication open.
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Rail
CSX Transportation says it is resuming local freight rail service on its Gulf Coast line, which serves as a vital transportation artery to New Orleans. Over the past five months, the company has been working to restore six major bridges, more than 40 miles of track, and its major rail yard in New Orleans.
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Air
New versions of the massive AN-124 aircraft, which is used to transport oversized cargo, will be produced at a plant in Ulyanovsk, Russia, with the first aircraft scheduled to debut in 2008. Serial production will begin in 2010. Only three aircraft will likely be made each year.
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GeoLogistics Names Eisenblatter
GeoLogistics has named Thomas Eisenblatter its senior vice president of Ocean Freight, effective May 1, 2006. Eisenblatter comes to the new post after twenty years in the global ocean freight industry, the last thirteen of which were spent at Panalpina, where he most recently held the position of managing director of Ocean Freight.
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BAX Global Appoints Mitchell
BAX Global has appointed Andrew Mitchell as director of logistics business development Asia-Pacific. Mitchell has fifteen years’ operational experience in the pharmaceutical logistics industry, with the bulk of those years spent with Melbourne-based Sigma Company.
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Keegan Takes VP Spot For ChemLogix
ChemLogix, a provider of integrated logistics services for the chemical industry, has appointed Ronald M. Keegan as vice president of international operations.
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DGX Taps Ortiz-Luis
Ike Ortiz-Luis has been appointed International Project Cargo Manager at DGX (Dependable Global Express) to provide operational expertise in the fast growing field of oversize, bulky ocean cargo. DGX is a major international ocean and airfreight organization with offices throughout Asia and the South Pacific.
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New box port on Thi Vai River
Construction has begun on the Tan Cang-Cai Mep container port, situated on the Thi Vai River in the southern coastal province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau. According to the Vietnam News Agency, the 61.2-hectare port will be built at a cost of nearly 3 trillion VND (US$188.7 million).
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Transportation Services Index (TSI)
The Transportation Services Index (TSI) rose 1.2 percent in November to 112.2 (2000=100) from the October level of 110.9, turning up after a one-month decrease to reach a record high, reports the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS)
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3PLs
Research firm Datamonitor says 3PLs have considerable potential to capture market share in the European pharmaceutical industry due to their expertise and easing of strict compliance codes.
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Finance
Kazakhstan's Prime Minister Daniyal Akhmetov is pushing for liberalization of the country's banking sector and loosen the monopoly controlled by three of Kazakhstan's largest banks.
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Ferguson Joins Schneider National
Schneider National has hired John Ferguson as general manager, Canada. Ferguson joins Schneider National after eighteen years in sales & marketing at PBB Global Logistics. He currently serves as the director of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) and president of the Transportation Marketing & Communication Association (TMCA).
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KCS Rail Promotion For Freeman
Kansas City Southern has promoted J. Daniel Freeman from general director strategic analysis to assistant vice president strategic analysis. Freeman has worked in the rail industry for 29 years, and joined the Kansas City Southern Railway Company in 1995.
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New technology promises ‘smarter’ roads
Transportation experts say the nation’s five decades old interstate highway system was not designed to handle the tremendous amount of freight that now moves by truck along U.S. roads, and they’re turning to technology to try and ease the growing congestion.
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New bill eases disputes over demurrage
A new California state law prevents marine terminal operators from charging truckers for returning containers and chassis late if truckers weren’t able to access terminals through no fault of their own.
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High-tech gives hope to struggling industry
A recent conference on the future of Mexico’s maquiladora industry finds that low-cost manufacturing has indeed relocated to Asia and other regions, but high-tech manufacturing is taking its place
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Duty-free benefits suspended since 2001
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has announced that duty-free benefits under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) have been reinstated for Ukraine, effective January 23, 2006
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Pact marks fifth Middle Eastern FTA for U.S.
Officials from the U.S. and Oman have signed a free trade agreement—the fifth such pact between the U.S. and a Middle Eastern country. The agreement will result in the elimination of tariffs on all consumer and industrial products, as well as 87 percent of agricultural products
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Air
The growth of international airfreight posted a modest gain last year, just under 3 percent, but it’s hoped that number will grow in 2006 with increased demand from the IT and semiconductor industries, says the International Air Transport Association.
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Expanding RFID’s Applications
According to MoreRFID.com, the role of radio frequency ID is being expanding to other industries and applications, including food supply chains.
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LA-LB Off-peak Program
The off-peak program PierPass has been such a success at the port complex of Los Angeles-Long Beach that terminal operators plan to expand the program in 2006.
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U.S. Wins WTO Ruling
The United States has won the latest round in the ongoing controversy over genetically modified food products, after the WTO ruled in early January to let producers in the U.S., Canada, Argentina, and Australia sell huge quantities of processed foods containing GM ingredients into the EU.
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Changes to U.S.-Australia FTA?
The U.S.-Australia free trade agreement is barely over one year old, yet the Australian government says it may consider a request by the U.S. pharmaceutical industry to remove an amendment in the pact that puts a cap on drug prices.
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Trade Surplus For Canada
The Canadian dollar has made significant gains against the U.S. dollar recently, pushed higher by rising energy prices, gold, and other commodities, which comprise 35 percent of the country’s exports and about 10 percent of its economy.
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Success For Chile’s Seaports
The move to privatize ten of Chile’s largest seaports, which began in 2000, is starting to pay off for the country’s exporters, who are no longer plagued by the serious delays the had become commonplace.
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Opening Up India to Trade
India’s huge consumer market used to be the stuff of dreams, mostly because despite advances the country remained poor.
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New Currency Policy For Venezuela
The Central Bank of Venezuela has approved using the euro as a way to service demand from foreign companies and to diversify the country’s dealings from the dollar.
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Rail
Intermodal shippers survived the peak shipping season last year without any major snags, and the nation’s rail carriers are gearing up to improve intermodal performance this year. Not surprisingly, imports from China will continue to drive intermodal rail growth.
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Ocean
The North Carolina State Ports Authority is closer to the construction of a large seaport in the southern part of the state that would have the capacity to handle 2 million TEUs per year.
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Technology
A recent study by Fusion Consulting shows that many Chinese companies in the Pearl River delta region—an intensive manufacturing area—“don’t understand and are not familiar with” RFID technology.
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China Air Freighter Boom
The rivalry between Boeing and Airbus has played out in China for years and it shows no signs of letting up. Boeing has approximately 60 percent of the market share in China, but on a recent visit to France, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said his country would purchase 150 Airbus A320s.
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Transportation Services Index (TSI)
The Transportation Services Index (TSI) fell 0.6 percent in October to 110.9 (2000=100) from the September level of 111.5, turning down to its lowest level since February after two months of increases, reports the U.S.
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3PLs
The logistics industry is ripe for growth in Eastern Europe, thanks to ongoing investment by Western European and American companies in the region who are being lured by lower labor costs and other incentives.
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Finance
According to insurance and risk management firm Aon, just like car insurance, there are no established ‘prices’ for trade credit insurance policies.
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Overhaul For European Shipping
In what would be a dramatic change in the global maritime landscape, the European Union has called for ocean liner conferences to be dismantled because they are in conflict with European competition laws.
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Transportation Services Index (TSI)
The Transportation Services Index (TSI) rose 0.1 percent in September to 111.6 (2000=100) from the August level of 111.5, turning up after a one-month decline, reports the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS).
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Gulf States Reinvesting Oil Profits
Not surprisingly, the countries that comprise the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)—Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates—have profited generously in recent years due to the rising global demand for oil.
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FDI Up Sharply in Central Europe
The ten countries that comprise Central Europe are attracting a considerable amount of foreign direct investment (FDI)—a whopping $37 billion annually—which puts it in second place behind China but far ahead of third-place India.
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Air
“Our mission is to take the paper out of cargo by the end of 2010. The air cargo business is drowning in paper. Every cargo shipment travels with up to 38 documents. Each year we could fill 39 747-freighters with the paper wasted on this documentation,” laments Giovanni Bisignani, director general and CEO of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
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Ocean
Recently, World Trade asked executives at Maersk, Inc. to share their view on industry trends for the coming year. Gordon Dorsey, Senior Director, Corporate Communications, provided the following comments.
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Finance
The Conference Board announced in mid-December that the leading index for South Korea increased 0.2 percent in October, due mostly to a large increase in Letter of Credit arrivals, followed by a rise in stock prices and real exports.
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3PLs & Warehousing
Netherlands-based TNT has announced that it will sell of its logistics business to focus more on its core competencies—express and freight forwarding.
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Outsourcing to Malaysia
A survey of 357 global Fortune 500 companies places Malaysia among the top five countries for energy, finance and logistics in global shared services and outsourcing (SSO).
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Nordic Economies Heat Up
“It’s a very American economic growth scenario,” remarked a Danish economist in reference to the strong economic performance being exhibited by countries in the Nordic region in recent quarters.
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U.S. Exports To China
The good news is that the United States is exporting more products to China than ever, but other countries are exporting even more, says the Government Accounting Office.
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Economic Recovery in Argentina
Four years after Argentina plunged into an economic tailspin, the return of top brands to the country’s store shelves is one of the biggest indicators that the country is returning to financial and economic health.
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Bric Countries Flex Their Muscles
A new report by the BBC on the emergence of the next generation of world players warns that developed nations should not underestimate the power of the Brazil, Russia, India and China—known collectively as the Brics.
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Brazilian Tariff Cuts
Brazil’s foreign minister says his country will propose a series of cuts in industrial tariffs in order to do its part in advancing global trade talks.
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India Supply Chain
A number of Fortune 500 companies are both sourcing raw materials and manufacturing finished goods in India to avoid high import tariffs while taking advantage of India’s low-cost labor force.
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Technology
The Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development reports that China has surpassed the U.S. as the world’s biggest exporter of information and communication technology—a sector that includes such products as mobile phones, laptop PCs, and digital cameras.
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Ground
One of the top five busiest bridge crossings linking the United States and Canada—the Queenston-Lewiston bridge—has opened a fifth lane dedicated as a FAST lane for U.S.-bound trucks.
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Names and News
Ozburn-Hessey Logistics, the nation’s largest privately held 3PL, has promoted Karen Hall to Director of Marketing and Communication.
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Improving African Trade
A new report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) says that while improving market access for African goods and services will help lift the continent’s economies, that alone is not enough.
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Growing Mexico’s Economy
Mexico’s close proximity to the United States and network of free trade agreements with other countries continues to attract American firms who are looking for close integration into their own supply chains and speedy transit times.
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Transportation Services Index (TSI)
The Transportation Services Index fell 0.6 percent in July to 111.6 (2000=100) from the June level of 112.0, the second consecutive monthly decline.
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By the Numbers
What will be the effect of Katrina on Louisiana's farm exports?
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RFID Costs
'Smart tags' are expensive, but long-term opportunities exist.
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Names & News
Find out who's making the headlines this month.
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Bush supports Russia's efforts to join WTO
Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Bush will meet in February in the Slovak city of Bratislava to discuss a range of issues, including Russia's efforts to join the World Trade Organization.
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Egypt, Israel, and the U.S. sign trade pact
A landmark trade pact signed between Egypt, Israel, and the U.S. will allow Egyptian goods to enter the U.S. free of duty provided they have a set percentage of Israeli content.
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U.S. exporters post gains in 2004
The latest export figures show that through October 2004, goods exports for the year were up 12.8 percent over the same period in 2003.
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Zimbabwe ready to fly again
The government of Zimbabwe has announced its plans to establish a cargo airline in 2005 as a means to boost horticultural exports and foreign currency earnings.
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Dominican Republic may be out of the CAFTA
The Dominican Republic's President Leonel Fernandez is being urged to reject a provision in the budget recently passed by country's lawmakers that places a 25 percent tax on soft drinks containing high-fructose corn syrup.
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UK's Tesco rolls out RFID network
The UK supermarket chain Tesco has begun rolling out an RFID network to track shipments from its central distribution center to all 98 of its Tesco Extra superstores.
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Transportation Services Index (TSI)
The Transportation Services Index (TSI) fell 0.2 percent in June, the second consecutive monthly decline from the all-time high recorded in April.
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China to continue pegging yuan to U.S. dollar
The Bush administration in September rejected a petition by a coalition of U.S. business and labor groups to file a formal complaint with the WTO accusing China of manipulating its currency to gain an unfair advantage in international trade.
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Indonesia, U.S. sign open skies pact
Indonesia and the United States have signed an aviation treaty that removes restrictions on air services to, from and beyond each other's territory.
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Transportation Services Index (TSI)
The Transportation Services Index (TSI) reached its highest level in the 14-year period covered by the index with a 0.8 percent rise in April.
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EU talks 'free trade' with Mercosur
The president of a Miami, Florida-based multinational research and consulting firm, which specializes in Latin America, says negotiations over a free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur are a "real threat" to the U.S.
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Progress on the FTAA limps along
Representatives from Peru, Colombia and Ecuador met with U.S. officials recently to try and work out a trade pact that would pave the way for the larger Free Trade Area of the Americas.
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EU offers to cut farm subsidies
The EU says it's prepared to end approximately $3.56 billion in subsidies for farm exports to advance global trade talks if the U.S. and other countries agree to take similar steps.
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U.S. Trade Rep releases "Special 301" report
The United States Trade Representative's office has released the latest "Special 301" annual report on the adequacy and effectiveness of intellectual property rights protection with trading partners around the world.
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IMF calls U.S. debts threat to world economy
Rising U.S. budget deficits and a ballooning trade imbalance of record-breaking proportions has prompted the IMF to sound warnings about the financial stability of the global economy.
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Competition for the Panama Canal?
A proposed rail landbridge across Nicaragua is just what some shippers may be interested in, especially as an alternative shipping route for cargo from Asia to the U.S. East Coast.
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EU toughens anti-trust laws
European Union regulators will be equipped with new tools to fight unfair business practices beginning May 1.
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Heathrow's expansion is a tough sell for some
Although Heathrow is the busiest international airport in the world, environmental constraints and community opposition are making it difficult to decide where to build a new runway to alleviate congestion.
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AGOA expands with two new members
The African countries of Niger and Cote D'Ivoire have become the latest to join the U.S. African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
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China Scuttles U.S. Buying Trip
The Bush administration's decision to impose trade sanctions on certain Chinese textile imports prompted China's government to cut a planned buying trip to the U.S.
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World Bank Resumes Lending to Kenya
The World Bank's president, James Wolfensohn, said they were ready and anxious to resume lending to the country following the Government's commitment to implement sound political and economic policies.
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Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards Salutes "Iraqi Freedom"
The United Seamen's Service 2003 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Award will be presented to Charles (Chuck) G. Raymond, Chairman, President and CEO of Horizon Lines, the largest American-flag liner service ocean carrier and Jones Act trade transportation provider.
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NAM Member Says Chinese Currency Manipulation Unfair
National Association of Manufacturers member Falcon Plastics, Inc., testified before Congress recently that Chinese currency manipulation has heavily and unfairly distorted the company's global trade environment.
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California Biotech Seeking EU Partnerships
Meeting with leading large pharmaceutical firms headquartered in Europe, fifteen California biotechnology companies report potential partnership deals that could be worth up to a total of $400 million in 2 years or more.
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Chamber Urges Senate To Support American Workers Abroad
The United States Chamber of Commerce urges the Senate to protect American workers and their jobs by preserving the current tax treatment of income earned abroad as part of a broader tax relief package aimed at reinvigorating the economy.
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Supply Chain Visibility Key To Iraq's Recovery
Satellite and radio frequency identification tags and systems used by coalition forces in the Middle East have substantially increased the in-transit visibility of military equipment and supplies.
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Letters to the Editor
Readers write in on topics ranging from SUVs to the refrigerated transportation industry.
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China Continues to Maintain Major Telecom Barriers
U.S. companies continue to face barriers that interfere with their ability to compete in China's telecommunications market, despite the country's progress in implementing its membership in the World Trade Organization.
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Fitch Confirms Coface's AA Rating
Fitch Ratings, the international rating agency, has affirmed the "AA" Insurer Financial Strength rating on Coface S.A., the head entity of the Coface Group.
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GALA To Unite Localization Industry
The Globalization and Localization Association (GALA) is among the translation industry's premier trade organizations, created to foster and facilitate a corporate shift toward "true" globalization.
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Worldwide Chip Sales Continue to Expand
Global semiconductor sales reached $12.5 billion in October 2002, a 1.8 percent sequential increase from the revenue reported in September 2002, and a 20 percent increase from the $10.4 billion total recorded in October 2001.
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Brazil Highlights Importance of Reform for U.S. Sugar Program
At the trade ministers' meeting to negotiate the terms of the Free Trade Area of the Americas, a senior Brazilian official said that Brazil would be unable to agree to a deal unless the "protectionist" U.S. sugar program is substantially reformed.
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Just as WORLD TRADE Predicted
Our article from last August--"Pernod Ricard Toasts Its U.S. Distribution Partners: And Pours On The Added Value For Its Customers"--ended up being right on the money.
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WTCA Back in Action
Just a month after the terrorist attacks destroyed the fabled Twin Towers, the World Trade Centers Association of New York hosted its annual meeting.
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New Penn Enhances Web Site
New Penn Motor Express, Inc., a Lebanon-Pa.-based subsidiary of Roadway Corp., announced Sept 18 several enhancements to its Web site, www.newpenn.com.
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Hong Kong Authority Licenses Bank SinoPac
A decision by the executive council of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority to relax certain entry criteria for the banking sector has resulted in the first HKMA licensing for an overseas bank.
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U.S. Ports Push for Security Funding
U.S. public port authorities took advantage of their Legislative Policy Council meeting in Palm Beach, Fla., Sept. 23 to urge Congress to appropriate additional security funding for fiscal 2003.
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WTO Panel to Investigate EU Safeguard Measures
U.S. steel import tariffs and the resulting maneuvering by the European Union has resulted in the establishment of a WTO panel to see if everyone's ruffled feathers can be smoothed out.
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U.S. Turns Down British Air Request
The U.S. has turned down Britain's request for a limited liberalization of trans-Atlantic air services, much to the frustration of some American carriers.
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Kudos to 'K' Line
"K" Line America, Inc. turned in a remarkable performance during the fiscal year running from July 2001 through June 2002.
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Customs Begins Accepting C-TPAT Applications
The U.S. Customs Service Aug. 26 began accepting applications from brokers, forwarders, and non-vessel-operating common carriers for the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism.
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WORLD TRADE, Savi, Qualcomm Team Up
Persistent concern over the past year regarding whether--and how--to increase the security of global supply chains has resulted in a free global Web cast.
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NSCSA Stays the Course
Executives from the National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia say they are committed to maintaining service in the U.S. and Middle East trade lane.
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Exel Chief Weighs In
WORLD TRADE managed to toss a few questions to John Allan, chief executive of Exel plc before he dashed off to capture new markets.
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NASSTRAC Director Looks to Future
WORLD TRADE asked Debra Phillips, National Small Shipments Conference's executive director, to answer a few key questions we had about the future.
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NASSTRAC Elects New Officers
The National Small Shipments Traffic Conference, Inc., of Washington, D.C., has announced the election of a new group of officers.
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WT Partners with iCopyright
WORLD TRADE MAGAZINE has implemented the iCopyright Instant Clearance Service on its Web site to make it easy for readers and other interested parties to license and purchase articles for commercial reuse.
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New Branch Manager for Hellmann
The Dallas branch of Hellman Worldwide Logistics has a new branch manager with the late September appointment of Earl Williams to fill the position.
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Exel Gives Assist to Snack Food Launch
Adams, a division of Pfizer, Inc., is crediting its partnership with Exel Logistics for creating a competitive, speed-to-market advantage for the rollout of the new Body Smarts snack foods line.
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NITL Broadens its Horizons
The National Industrial Transportation League's transformation from domestic to international shipper advocate is no accident.
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Going Global Down Under
Asia-Pacific was in the spotlight recently when the Australian Embassy in Washington, D.C. hosted a panel discussion on the intricacies of doing business in that region.
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MAERSK Completes DSL, Oy Area Acquisitions
MAERSK Logistics, the integrated logistics arm of the A.P. Moller Group of Copenhagen, announced Oct. 15 the completion of its acquisition of "certain assets" of Distribution Services Limited.
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Market Forcast
The Danish Krone, British Sterling and Eurozone Euro are featured in this month's forcast.
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Texas Port Breaks Records
Management officials at the Port of Beaumont have announced that the facility expects to break historical records for both total earnings and tonnage for fiscal year 2000-2001.
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Giovanetti Takes AISA Helm
World Trade recently asked Geoff Giovanetti, president of The American Institute of Shippers for the 2001/2002 term, a few questions.
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Logistics Scholarship on Tap
An aspiring logistics professional will be the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship at the June, 2002, meeting of the annual Monterey Seminar.
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Shipping Services Joint Venture Launched
Inchscape Shipping Services and RioMar Agencies have announced the two companies will launch a joint venture in the U.S. that will focus on port agency services in all U.S. Gulf ports.
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World Trade Writer Earns ANSI Kudos
Amy Zuckerman, a longtime contributing writer for World Trade Magazine, has been tapped to receive the 2001 President's Award for Journalism from the American National Standards Institute.
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Ortiz, Cholico Join CFI
Contract Freighters, Inc., of Joplin, Mo., has announced the addition of a pair of regional sales managers to the roster of its Mexican subsidiary, CFI de Mexico S.A. de C.V.
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New Sales Director at TydenBrammall
TydenBrammall, a supplier of cargo security seal products, has announced the appointment of Koorosh Vafadari as its new international sales director.
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Spaur Posted at Fresno EDC
The Economic Development Corporation serving Fresno County, Calif., has welcomed aboard a new president and Chief Executive Officer in the person of Dave Spaur.
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Current Risks
China, Japan and India are covered in this article.
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New Ship Joins NOL Fleet
The APL Holland, a 5,500-TEU container ship built by Samsung Heavy Industries, has joined the NOL Group as one of the largest vessels in the company's fleet.
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TowerGroup Posts Mebane
Reginald Mebane, a 20-year veteran of FedEx Express, has been named senior vice president and COO of TowerGroup International, Inc., of Buffalo.
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Troy Container Goes Gaellic
Eight-day ocean transit time and fixed-day sailings are but two features of a new LCL service to France rolled out in late August by Troy Container Line of Red Bank, N.J.
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Exel Consolidates in Columbus
Exel, one of the world's largest supply chain management companies, says it's developing a new facility at the Rickenbacker Airport in Columbus, Ohio.
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Pittinger Promoted at Hellman
Hellman Worldwide Logistics has announced the promotion of Hans Pittinger to the position of vice president of global accounts and international public relations director.
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Market Forcast
Get the market forcast for several currencies, including the U.S. dollar.
Sarver International, New York City
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Market Forcast
Get the market forcast for several currencies.
Sarver International, New York City
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 | The Best of the Bunch
When the world’s largest producer and marketer of fresh fruit and vegetables makes a significant change in its logistics strategy, it captures the attention of others in the industry.
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Where’s the Internet in Trade Finance?
Changing economic and political climates across the globe, especially in emerging markets such as Latin America and Asia, are reducing the number of trading partners.
Rick Striano
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The International Standards Conundrum
Whether to continue pursuing ISO 9000 or move onto an industry-specific hybrid like QS-9000 has been confusing the world since the release of QS-9000 in 1994.
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Risky Business
Risk management is an essential feature of any investment strategy, allowing companies to operate in profitable but complex—or even hostile—locations.
World Trade Exclusive Report by Control Risks Group
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A Lesson from Cool Hand Luke
“What we've got here is failure to communicate. Some men you just can't reach. So you get what we had here last week—which is the way he wants it. Well, he gets it. I don't like it any more than you men.”
Steve Geary
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Cinderella, Meet Hermes
Petroleum-exporting countries in the Middle East are doing what they can to diversify their export incomes beyond oil,...
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Kidnapped!
The specialized area of kidnap and ransom (K&R) coverage is often overlooked, but is becoming more of a concern to insurers, and should be even more of a concern to multinational firms with employees traveling overseas.
Robert C. Meder
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The Weakest Link
“You’re phoning to check on container availability? Ever thought of joining the 21st century? Apparently not. Goodbye.”
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Be Agile or Be Fragile
Perhaps the most compelling attribute of today’s business environment is its accelerating change.
Beth Enslow
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 | It’s Coooold Out There!
Shipping a variety of equipment to a remote location (Antarctica) for its Polar Services Program...
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 | The International E-Commerce Evolution
Although the e-commerce euphoria that we experienced just a year ago has faded, the financial services industry continues to forge ahead into the “e” world.
Paul Simpson
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 | Break Bulk Handling in South China
The massive growth of manufacturing within Asia is presenting opportunities for consolidation and break bulk on an unprecedented scale.
Vincent Wong and Neil Landeg
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 | 5 Strategic Trends in E-Learning
As e-learning becomes part of the workplace, five strategic trends have emerged. If you follow and put them into effect, you will both save money and increase your company’s competitiveness.
Katherine Leary
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 | Innovations in Logistics Technology:
E-commerce and the desire for a competitive advantage are destroying traditional ways of doing business in the transportation segment of today’s supply chain management, and logistics is now emerging as an area that can deliver tremendous benefits.
Mike Nixon
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Shipping to and from Europe
If Santa's reindeer were to take sick one Christmas Eve, he'd have no problem delivering toys to southern Italy from the North Pole without having to take to sea or air.
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Due Diligence in Tax Planning
The growth of the internet and the easing of international trading laws have combined to allow businesses to expand their reach beyond national borders more easily than at any previous time in our history.
Sarah D. Winters
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 | Moving North, Moving South
As the US's top two trading partners, Canada and Mexico are easily logical choices for extra-national locations for US companies.
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The New International Banker
It is the rare CFO, corporate treasury manager, or export/import manager who does not have to deal daily with the issues of globalization, process integration and technology management.
Bruce Proctor and Paul Sinaly
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Web-Based Financial Settlement Comes of Age
While the internet continues to redefine the ways in which business is conducted-from finding buyers and sellers, to procurement, transportation, and customs clearance-there is one component of the business transaction that has been somewhat slower in moving over to the e-commerce arena: financial settlement.
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 | Move Over, JIT
It's been about 30 years since the concept of just-in-time (JIT) delivery was introduced in the manufacturing and transportation industries.
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 | Anything But Business As Usual
US companies shipping to or from Mexico are finding it necessary to go deeper into the country, to be more involved with logistics and transportation...
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Reducing International E-Commerce Taxes
Whether your company is an established global enterprise moving from traditional business to e-business or a new e-business start-up, planning for international taxes reduces your world-wide tax bills.
Jeff Olin
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What'll You Give Me?
Although states are learning that some business incentives are not cost effective for them, few will be reducing or eliminating their current incentives over the next five years, according to a survey conducted by the Council of State Governments.
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On-Line Transportation
The number of on-line transportation firms jumping into the marketplace in recent years had to taper off sometime, and it did.
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Changes in the Global Insurance Market
During recent months, insurance buyers in the US have been feeling the crunch of increasing rates, both for commercial and personal insurance.
Robert C. Meder
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Approaching a Borderless North America
The longest undefended border in the world-that between the US and Canada-stretches 5,061 miles over land and 3,832 miles over water, and it is rapidly becoming a border for sovereignty reasons only.
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Hiring a Local Lawyer When Doing Business Abroad
US business leaders often feel that their at-home counsel will protect the company's rights abroad, and, only if foreign litigation is initiated, should foreign counsel be secured.
Chris Messina
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Supply-Chain Management in the Big Leagues
Today's mass retailers use sophisticated data and information technology to better forecast demand, more tightly manage the flow of products through distribution centers and ensure that items end up where they are most needed.
Janet Purdy Leavaux
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Bridges to Fertile Ground
Many US companies shy away from expanding their business in Asia because of concerns about Asian economies and because of cultural and regulatory impediments.
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Shipping To and From Southeast Asia
Seasonal demands for both ocean and air cargo space have not changed, with surges in the third and fourth quarters, and there has been an increase in shipping both east and west, which carriers expect to continue.
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Are On-Line Letters of Credit in Your Future?
Like almost every other facet of business these days, international trade is being revived and reinvented on the internet through B2B exchanges-the marketplaces of the new economy.
B.J. Handal
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Leading International Seaports & Airports
As global trade continues to boom, seaports and airports around the world are developing their facilities to keep up with their customers' demands, while at the same time finding ways to attract new business in the increasingly competitive marketplace.
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Go Ahead, Drop It!
When the goods you're sending overseas are the tricky kind that need precision and special care in handling and transportation, a whole new set of rules apply.
Stacy Muth
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Be There or Beware
Policy makers, central bankers, economists and the media speak of "globalization" as if it represents a homogenous phenomenon.
Jaime Quintana
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Positive Performances
Check out the good news in our industry and share yours.
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Interactive Maps
Find an economic development, port or IWLA Member by location.
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WT Features |
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Web Exclusives
A selection of supply chain industry reports, analysis, and studies found only on the WT100 site.
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