European Logistics

In a Form 8-K filing with the United States Securities Exchange Commission earlier today, Memphis-based global freight transportation and logistics services provider FedEx announced a workforce reduction plan in Europe as part of the company’s ongoing measures to reduce structural costs. Company officials said that this plan will impact between 1,700-to-2,000 FedEx Europe-based employees serving in back-office and commercial functions.

In light of the current political and economic developments, the mood in the European transport and logistics branch remains somewhat subdued. However, the crises have taught the logistics industry the importance of resilient supply chains—and thus the need for diversification of logistics services.

The company said that this business unit now has more than $200 million euro ($218.2 million USD) in freight under management and is on track for $2 billion ($2.18 billion USD) by 2028.

Figuring out how to emerge from this ongoing maelstrom will remain a challenge for shippers everywhere in 2024. With that in mind, let’s focus a few areas around the globe where extra care and diligent logistics management will need to be applied to keep operations—and budgets—in check.

Europe’s transport and logistics industry faces new challenges.

The European Shippers’ Council recently stated that the service provided by container shipping lines has deteriorated since 2016 and is now seen by exporters, importers and freight forwarders “as more problematic.”

Analysts and logistics service providers agree that increasing protectionism and restrictions on trade can only hinder the free flow of goods between nations—and certainly can’t be in the interest of the global transport and logistics sector. European Trade and Logistics Report, Brexit implications, European Union Trade Report, Global Trade trends

The warehousing and distribution center (DC) market in Western Europe is experiencing one of the highest levels of rental growth ever recorded. Here’s where the action is and what you need to know if you’re expanding your EU operations.

New political developments from both sides of the Channel and the Atlantic still have shippers and logistics services providers scratching their heads. But where some see an element of uncertainly and discord, others see bright new opportunity.

While speculation and uncertainty abounds, freight transportation and logistics industry leaders contend that it’s important for all involved to keep a cool head and begin planning for the new phase after the U.K. leaves the EU.

Our European correspondent examines how the region’s ongoing migration issue has affected freight transportation and logistics and how shippers and service providers are responding to overcome the bottlenecks.

Our European correspondent offers U.S. shippers examples of how the logistics industry—hand in hand with government—has responded to the consumer demand for convenience, while keeping cargo flowing from the port of entry to the customer’s doorstep in the most environmentally friendly and cost efficient way.

While the European economy is combating the Greek debt crisis and the EU Commission is calling for unity, the transport and logistics industry is sticking to the motto: “business as usual”—now more than ever. How will the EU continue to develop economically and politically in an effort to tighten it’s relations with U.S. partners? The answer remains open.

As the EU slowly recovers from its economic doldrums, member nations vie for U.S. investment and logistical services while shippers increase their willingness to enlarge operations on the continent.

While the first half of 2013 showed some signs of cautious optimism, the Euro crisis is still hampering the European logistics and transportation landscape. However, measures are currently underway to stabilize the region—including plans for a closer partnership with the U.S.