Topic: Special Reports

Once completed in late 2014 or early 2015, the expansion project will accommodate vessels more than twice the size of current Panamax ships. However, the projected overall impact on shippers, carriers, ports, and service providers appears to be up in the air.

While top truckload carrier executives are doing their best to manage the elements currently battering their returns, we set our sites on three areas that carriers say will make the biggest impact on their ongoing relations with shippers-capacity, regulations, and fuel.

Finding the right third party logistics provider (3PL) in today’s global marketplace involves looking beyond the provider’s “vision” statement, say industry experts. Yet, they also acknowledge that there’s still an element of prognostication involved once a short list of the Top 50 has been whittled down.

While ranking ports on size and container throughput is both valid and traditional, analysts contend that domestic ocean cargo gateways might also be compared by volume and value of trade as well as value-added services.

Analysts and top trucking executives agree that a sharp focus on a durable business plan and dependable operations are vital to remaining profitable in one of the most challenging trucking environments in history.

While logistics managers wait to see how the American/US Airways merger shakes out, analysts say deals like this recent blockbuster may be a blessing in the long run for shippers.

Port authorities at major cargo gateways on all three coasts are investing in infrastructure and strategic planning to become more sustainable corporate citizens—a positive trend that’s making U.S. seaports more efficient and resilient than ever.

Top analysts help logistics and supply chain professionals better understand and overcome the mounting challenges of global transportation and logistics management.

In anticipation of the Panama Canal expansion in 2014, the fight for market share of inbound cargo remains fierce among top U.S. ports.

After being battered by three years of recession that decimated profits, LTL carriers are now focusing on improving yields and profitability in order to recapitalize their rolling stock. Now shippers need to cope with a new era of tighter capacity, higher rates, and tougher carrier negotiations.

Renewed market discipline has helped the world’s leading ocean carriers to restore rates while delivering on enhanced service. Could this be the “turnaround year” on the high seas?

We examine how warehouse and distribution center design and operations have evolved to play a critical role in meeting overall business objectives in today’s multi-channel world.

With the Eurozone in full free fall, the continent’s forwarding giants continue to dominate the global market. This disconnect can be explained, say analysts, by the fact that these leaders adhere to one fundamental business practice: building upon established worldwide networks.

Despite economic and financial uncertainties, the first half of 2012 has been moderately successful for many leading European carriers, ports, and 3PLs.

With pricing power back in the hands of the rejuvenated LTL sector, carriers are now laser focused on margins while concentrating on profitable freight.

The growing number of supply chain certification programs now available opens up new opportunities for managers looking to advance their careers. But before embarking on any program, the experts advise, make sure that it has value to current and potential employers.

A flurry of major service provider deals captured mainstream headlines in recent months, but the consequence of this activity has yet to be measured by domestic and international shippers. Meanwhile, the EU flounders, Asia remains strong, and emerging nations may represent the next great opportunity for the major 3PL players.

The recent surge of U.S. exports has created a more balanced trade picture for U.S. ports and the stakeholders they serve. If this is a sustainable trend, analysts expect to see more investment in infrastructure and increased competition among the leading gateways.

The most ambitious truck safety program in a generation is leaving the industry bewildered over the exact nature of the initiative—which, according to analysts, seems to be changing continuously.

The nation’s top trucking companies share “high intensity” management teams, financial stability, and IT systems that afford “two-way communication” with shippers—and they’re just getting wiser.