The issue of lithium battery shipments onboard freighters and the belly holds of passenger aircraft is again at the forefront of safety concerns as Christmas approaches and the volume of electronic gadgets relying on lithium batteries surges. The latest ‘problem child’ is this year’s toy of choice, the so-called ‘hoverboard’, a two-wheeled transportation device that relies on a larger-capacity lithium-ion battery around 42,000-mAh. Numerous reports of the devices catching fire and even exploding … [Read more...] about Hoverboards too hot for airlines & Amazon
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DHL opens Innovation Centre in Singapore
DHL launched its Asia Pacific Innovation Centre (APIC) in Singapore to offer a visionary view of the logistics world, and develop innovative solutions to meet evolving supply chain needs. The multi-million dollar facility is DHL’s first innovation centre outside of Germany and the first dedicated centre for innovative logistics services in the Asia Pacific region. The centre is located within the S$160 million (US$113 million) DHL Supply Chain Advanced Regional Centre (ARC) building at … [Read more...] about DHL opens Innovation Centre in Singapore
Zalora signs returns deal with Pos Indonesia
Fashion e-tailer Zalora has signed a new collaboration agreement with Indonesia's national postal operator, Pos Indonesia, to supply customers with a free returns service at any of its 4,154 post offices. Zalora offers online shoppers more than 70,000 fashion products, including clothing, shoes, handbags, accessories and cosmetics for men and women. Anthony Fung, managing director, Zalora, said: “Pos Indonesia is the right partner for us in delivering a comprehensive online shopping … [Read more...] about Zalora signs returns deal with Pos Indonesia
FedEx announces Asian small business grant winners
FedEx Express (FedEx) has announced the winners of the first-ever FedEx Small Business Grant Contest in Asia Pacific. The contest was open to all for-profit small businesses that met entry criteria around the number of employees in the organisation and the length of time the companies had been established, among others. In October, eligible SMEs were first required to register online andoutline their business plans to go global. Selected finalists then progressed to the final judging stage in … [Read more...] about FedEx announces Asian small business grant winners
Amazon looks to be quietly testing own air cargo ops from Wilmington
E-commerce giant Amazon looks to be taking steps to operate its own air freight service to compete with the likes of FedEx and UPS, with tests taking place out of DHL’s former US hub in Wilmington, Ohio. The aim would be to improve efficiency and cut its US$4.2 billion (2014) net shipping costs. A posting on Airline Pilot Forums in late October by an individual claiming to be a pilot said that two B767s were in operation for Amazon. Various media reports have suggested the tests, said to be … [Read more...] about Amazon looks to be quietly testing own air cargo ops from Wilmington
FedEx improves China outbound transit times
FedEx Express has announced improvements to its international outbound express services in six Chinese cities, including Fuzhou, Xiamen, Chongqing, Chengdu, Changchun and Xi’an. The transit time for FedEx International Priority and FedEx International Economy shipments from these cities to the US, Europe and other parts of the world will now be reduced by one working day, improving the convenience and efficiency with which customers can connect to the global marketplace, FedEx said. “Our … [Read more...] about FedEx improves China outbound transit times