All articles by Abigail Williams – Page 3
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FeatureHandling failure and finding success at the port of Baltimore
Getting every part of the chain involvedVested interestsAgent of changeHow a cross-departmental quality group at the Maryland Port Authority helped the port of Baltimore go from almost losing an important customer to being the top US port for new vehicle handling.In 1997, one of the Port of Baltimore’s largest automotive ...
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FeatureQuestions of quality handling
Planning every movement and pauseTaking a cue from OEMsThe role of IT and data collectionDefining KPIs clearlyDefining standards that encourage flexibilityOEMs and logistics providers must reach an agreement on common quality handling standards through co-operation, increased visibility and better data collection.Establishing processes for quality vehicle handling begins at home, but ...
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FeatureTied to the green principle
Regulatory realities;The real cost of regulations;Strategies for reducing emissions and cost;How to measure emissions;Future trends.Andrew Williams reports on how LSPs are attempting to reduce emissions and costs in response to environmental concerns and changing regulationsIn recent years, automotive logistics companies have come under increasing pressure to improve the environmental performance ...
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FeatureTaking a rational approach
With supply chain costs and risks on the increase, Andrew Williams looks at how LSPs can respond to the squeeze on relatively healthy German manufacturers and their suppliers. Additional reporting by Christopher Ludwig.Modest growth;Engineering intelligence and the Mittelstand;Not shielded from risk;Building transnational supply chains;Transparency and collaboration.In spite of Europe’s economic ...
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FeatureCan one size fit all for IT optimsation?
Strategic, tactical and operationalCollaborative approach?Rolling out the system network wide The use of IT tools to improve efficiency in the outbound supply chain is increasing, but the question is how far providers and OEMs are willing to go. Andrew Williams investigates the potential for systems across networks and nations. ...
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FeaturePackaging the future
Return to sender;Global versus local;Raising the standard;Pooling resources.China’s growth in automotive sales has led to a related increase in volume and sales of automotive packaging. Andrew Williams looks at how local and international suppliers are responding to pressure from manufacturers to provide cost efficiency, good service and product sustainability.China’s recent ...
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FeatureTurning the corner
Key trendsLogistics challengesIn a big countryBuilding on core strengthsConfidence is returning to the automotive industry in Australia after a period of slump but challenges such as infrastructure investment and supply chain flexibility need to be met, writes Andrew Williams.In the wake of the global financial crisis, the Australian automotive industry ...
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FeatureScratching the surface of damage protection
Types of damage Damage limitationHandle with careNew innovation gaining tractionThe long journeys experienced by finished vehicles require a co-ordinated approach to improving handling and prevent the risks of damage in transit, writes Andrew Williams.By the time new cars roll off production lines they will have undergone a series of strict ...
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FeatureA rise ahead for European packaging
Large increases in new global vehicle programmes are expected to drive up demand for packaging across much of Europe, but manufacturers still want to see more recyclable and returnable packaging, particularly on an intercontinental basis.Demand, volume and sales forecastChallenges for the packaging industryThe standard argumentReturn to senderPlunging into container pooling?Although ...
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FeatureBalancing act for high and heavy
Construction back on track?Are the LSPs ready?Coping with growthFreight rates climbProductions shifts to follow salesEnvironment legislation kicks inThe high and heavy industry is recovering, but the growth is now in emerging economies and the logistics sector needs to invest or shift capacity to service the demanding new markets, writes Andrew ...
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FeatureFrench providers look to intermodal
Current challengesA very French disease?Railing against the systemGovernment interventions ineffectivePrivatisation as catalyst for changeVehicle logistics providers have suffered from price pressure, rising costs and regulation, as well as large scale industrial action. But while more flexibility is sought on rail, there are signs that the country’s intermodal options are growing, ...
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FeatureFacing up to the capacity conundrum
The North American situationIs investment in capacity the solution?Beyond boom and bustThe European situationTrucking into the futureHow can a country have severe over-capacity for vehicle transport one year, and under-capacity the next? Andrew Williams investigates the factors affecting such swings in the US and Europe, and uncovers the delicate relationships ...
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FeatureThe bear wakes up
Customary problemsSecondBranching outFools and roadsInto the interiorExport from RussiaRussia’s carmakers are coming out of hibernation, and as the market picks up, logistics providers must prepare for delivering to a domestic market beyond St Petersburg and Moscow, and keep the outbound logistics cost effective, writes Andrew WilliamsIn the wake of the ...
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FeatureAn uncertain future for European intermodal
The European intermodal network does not always offer carmakers the flexible and low cost service that most seek today, and without investment and legislative reform, Andrew Williams discovers that the longterm trend toward road may continueBlock trains alone are not enoughPort problemsSmall changes go a long wayShow me the moneyIntermodal ...
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