GLDPartners News Blog
Can Ports Keep Up with the Changing Needs of Container Lines?
Can Ports Keep Up With the Changing Needs of Container Lines? A recent article in SupplyChainBrain discusses the changing size of ships, the ever-shifting alliances and mergers among the container lines, and the consequences for [...]
From GLDPartners UK Office: Business minister says EU trade ties are top goal
A Reuters article talks today about the UK Business Minister's focus on EU trade ties, this is focus during the aftermath of the Brexit vote.
Logistics Executives Say Brexit May Rattle European Supply Chains
Logistics Executives Say Brexit Will Rattle European Supply Chains In an article last week in the WSJ, global logistics executives are acknowledging that supply chains will be in transition as the Europe reacts to the [...]
Panama Canal reopens with hopes for trade boost as “Center of the Americas”
In the coming twelve months, our staff and the GLDPartners’ Advisory Committee will be focusing on two key issues: 1) first year market use and acceptance by the ocean carriers, and 2) ground-based private investment in Panama in regards to inventory management/logistics activity. Later on we will be focused on the extent of ground-based investment in Panama associated with the Canal’s impact on new manufacturing and value-add investment.
So they say: Amazon not aiming to take over last mile delivery – company chief
Essentially, Jeff Bezos is saying that Amazon wishes to maintain much of the status quo in terms of their relationship with the main carrier/integrators - but that at the same time that they wish to control some transport capacity during peak periods. There is so much going on here - on one hand he is saying to investors that Amazon is keeping its head and isn't venturing into territory that will disrupt its profit-making business model, for now. On another hand, he is saying that he sees a friendly-ish balance in the relationship with the likes of FedEx, UPS, DHL and others. He needs them (for now) and he wants to hold more cards in the pricing/leverage balance. All I would note is that he who owns the demand has all of the power - and would offer that Amazon would have little reason to not wade deeper and deeper into the swimming pool that is transportation and logistics. The ecommerce model will increasingly have end-customers demand faster deliveries and in the end, the likes of Amazon and Alibaba are more logistics companies than anything else.
Record-Breaking Container Ship Departs U.S. Shores For Good
There are changing winds in the liner shipping industry. Or should we call it a perfect storm of low oil prices, low charter rates and falling demand in times when the market is trying to absorb an increasing number of ultra large container ship?