The head of DHL Global Forwarding (DHL GF), the world's largest forwarder, said the company expects shipping volume - both air and ocean shipments - around the world to decline 20 per cent in the first half of 2009 and 10 per cent for the full year, based on ongoing shipment data this year and reports from customers. Hermann Ude, chief executive officer of DHL Global Forwarding and Freight, said business out of Asia is particularly weak, with exports from China and Hong Kong, leading the … [Read more...] about DHL forecasts 20% cargo drop, 1st improvement 2010
Logistics
China aims to up Pearl River Delta competitiveness
The Chinese government has released its plan for the future development of that country's most prosperous region, the Pearl River Delta. Shenzhen, Guangzhou and the other cities of Guangdong have the greatest concentration of economic activity in China and Beijing has mapped out an ambitious plan to keep the economic export engine running smoothly. The ongoing global recession has underscored concern in China over how to maintain growth in the key export sectors of its economy. Faultering demand … [Read more...] about China aims to up Pearl River Delta competitiveness
US small-business optimism revealed in UPS survey
Despite the steady stream of grim economic news, a large majority of US small-business owners are optimistic about their company's financial future, according to two nationwide surveys sponsored by UPS. In the first UPS Business Monitor United States, conducted between September and October last year, 91 per cent of small-business owners or managers said they expect their company to be in the same or better financial shape in a year than it is today. A follow-up survey, conducted in mid-December … [Read more...] about US small-business optimism revealed in UPS survey
DHL links Europe to the ME by road
DHL Freight, the overland transport business of German global logistics group Deutsche Post World Net, has announced the launch of a regular road freight service between Europe and the Middle East, which it is touting as a lower cost alternative to air freight with faster transit times than ocean freight. "For shipments to and from the fast-growing Middle East region, DHL customers can now choose the most suitable mode of transport depending on the time/cost restraints associated with each … [Read more...] about DHL links Europe to the ME by road
GWC, Agility Qatar plan to merge
Agility Qatar has announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enter into merger discussions with the Gulf Warehousing Company (GWC), a company listed on the Doha Securities Market. The new entity will be called GWC ¨C Agility. "This is clearly a defining moment for both Agility and GWC," said Elias Monem, Agility CEO for Middle East and Africa. "We are entering into a new era of unprecedented growth, and this merger would increase our commitment to development in the State of … [Read more...] about GWC, Agility Qatar plan to merge
Global supply chains not ready for challenges
Nearly half of companies with global supply chains say they fear major disruptions in their ability to source, produce and ship goods around the world, but they’re not doing much to prevent it, according to a new survey sponsoredby UPS. Some 47 per cent of companies say they need to pay more attention to risk mitigation compared to just 16 per cent that believe they pay an adequate amount of attention. As a result, only 38 per cent of those surveyed rate the resilience of their supply … [Read more...] about Global supply chains not ready for challenges
