AIT launches LTL service solution

Offering customers the economical choice of convenience, carrier selection and cost savings, AIT Worldwide Logistics has announced the launch of its new comprehensive LTL (less-than-truckload) ground transportation solution.

The centralized carrier base model was designed to provide aggressive pricing agreements through a diverse network of regional and national partnerships. 

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Chicago Tribune names AIT one of Top 100 Workplaces

AIT Worldwide Logistics has been named to the Chicago Tribune’s second annual list of the Top 100 workplaces in the Chicago area. Company rankings are compiled in a special section published on Nov. 15 and available online. 

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Transpacific News Updates

Within the past week, carriers have all announced a combination of global rate increases (GRI) and peak season surcharges (PSS). The GRI has been announced by all 15 TSA members of the WEF January 1 at US$320/400/450/510 per 20’/40’/HQ/45’, with an identical quantum being announced for the PSS WEF December 15. It remains to be seen whether or not the market will be strong enough to take the PSS by mid-month; AIT will continue to monitor the situation and keep our customers informed.

Please be aware that there is potential space trouble brewing as carriers reduce capacity to combat growing revenue losses. CKYH have suddenly suspended their all-water AW5 service, squeezing the supply tighter on the European Commission, which had been quite open for negotiations. This service utilized 5,500 TEU ships, which is a considerable amount of tonnage to remove and would suggest a strong push for the above increases.

While carriers have indicated that the forecast for December is quite strong, the fact that the market has remained level for 7 days is a surefire sign that strength is returning.

The possibility of a capacity crunch has been projected between now and the Chinese New Year. The GRI announcement has made the possibility of a cargo rush before the end of 2011 very real, and with Chinese New Year arriving early on January 23, there is a high probability of a strong 5 or 6 weeks before China closes for the holidays.  
   

AIT hosts first annual Latin America Conference

The AIT Miami Gateway station recently hosted its first ever Latin America (LATAM) Conference, helping to strengthen its leading role in the expansion of AIT’s global presence.

Conducted on Nov. 4-5 and coordinated by Jaime Cabrera, Director, Latin America Development, the event sought to foster a collaborative environment with AIT’s partners from 15 different nations. Attendees from countries across the western hemisphere including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela helped provide a new perspective on the entire region.

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Retail Sales Boom Feeds Restocking Hopes

Double-digit growth kicked off the holidays, but analysts warn discounting dampens outlook

Retail sales grew at a double-digit pace over the Thanksgiving Day weekend, launching the holiday sales season with raised hopes for stronger demand that will trigger inventory restocking.

The National Retail Federation said sales grew 16.4 percent over last year’s Thanksgiving weekend, reaching $52.4 billion.

IBM said the momentum continued into what's now called ‘Cyber Monday,’ with sales on the first weekday following the break up 33 percent over the same day a year ago. MasterCard said actual store transactions jumped 17 percent on ‘Black Friday.’

The big gains belied indicators that showed the U.S. economy growing at only a meek rate this fall.

Source: Journal of Commerce
   

TAPA Rolls Out Truck Security Standards

First global certification program aims to block high-value cargo theft

The Transported Asset Protection Association is rolling out global security standards for trucking and the first trucking security certification program for motor carriers and logistics service providers in the U.S. and abroad.

The program fills a gap in cargo security, the lack of international security standards and a certification program for the most ubiquitous mode of transportation. The program is aimed at transporters of high-value goods targeted by cargo thieves. Detailed information on the trucking security requirements is available here.

Source: Journal of Commerce