Digital freight management systems may push traditional freight forwarders out of business. However forwarders offering 3PL services, provide added value because the complexity of certain supply chain services are not conducive to digitization. Cargo owners benefit from digital platforms by cutting out middlemen for point to point transport but still need logistics specialists to handle pre and post-shipment services.
To learn more about digital platforms and related block chain developments, click on below links:
https://www.freightwaves.com/news/forwarders-on-notice-as-new-tools-put-freight-in-hands-of-shippers
Published On: 07/2/19 10:00 AM
Some top tier office furniture manufacturers are attempting to expand their global footprint through direct sales offices and showrooms in other countries, rather than relying on foreign dealers. The trend among multi-national clients is to standardize their workplace environments worldwide in order to project their brand globally. Therefore, many manufacturers are exploring ways to meet the needs of an increasing number of corporate clients searching for global solutions. Manufacturers are applying various strategies to fill the gap in their global coverage. The old world business model was to establish a global network of foreign dealers who provide an existing sales and operations mechanism. In an increasingly borderless world empowered by the internet, manufacturers are making more direct sales in other countries while operations are being handled by global logistics partners. Some manufacturers are even opening their own offices in multiple business centers around the world, in order to provide their multinational clients with local company stores, wherever their clients’ foreign offices are located. Click on the below link to read more about how a major European manufacturer is growing their global sales mechanism: https://officerepublic.news/en/2019/04/royal-ahrend-reinforces-position-in-france/
Photo courtesy Office Republic
This facility takes WeWork’s concept of shared office facilities a step further, by providing shared recording studios and editing rooms for smaller tenants, who prefer not to make large investments in equipment and facilities. To learn more about the new concept in shared media workspaces visit The Hollywood Reporter.
(Photo by Elizabeth Daniels)
Ocean freight rates are impacted by reversals in short and long term demand as a result of the trade wars. According to some analysts, container rates from China typically increase with demand before tariff increases take effect. Once the tariffs are in place, demand softens, creating downward pressure on freight rates. Read more from Freightwaves here.
Steel and aluminum tariffs have been lifted on imports from Canada and Mexico to the US. In return, Canada has agreed to lift the retaliatory tariffs on import of certain products from the US. This move will bring welcome relief to many industries. Imports into Canada still require NAFTA documentation for customs. Once the USMCA is approved by all parties, the requirements are likely to change.
Read more at Transport Topics
(Photo: An employee performs a quality check on a steel slab at a plant in Nanticoke, Ontario, Canada. Cole Burston/Bloomberg)
