All articles by Marcus Williams – Page 156
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FeatureWWL buys controlling stake in ALS
Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics has bought a 60% stake in Abnormal Load Services Holding (ALS), a UK-based high-and-heavy-equipment logistics provider that specialises in ‘out of gauge’ transport and supply chain services.ALS will now become an integrated part of WWL, enhancing the Norwegian logistics provider’s services for existing and ...
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FeatureCarmakers aim for greater accuracy in delivery
Old habits die hard in the automotive logistics industry and according to Greg May, president and CEO of Car Delivery Network, you either decide to change them or the market will do it for you.Delegates at last week’s Automotive Logistics Global conference in Detroit learned about the latest changes ...
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Tax advantages keep auto investment in Poland
There are new developments being discussed for an automotive cluster in the Silesia region of Poland near GM’s Opel’s plant in Gliwice, which lies at the heart of the Katowice Special Economic Zone (KSEZ). It reaffirms the importance of the automotive industry to the region since Opel decided in 1996 ...
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FeatureCan outbound keep up with North America’s changes?
Rail and road capacity better than expected Move to hub-and-spoke distributionReducing empty backhaulsDynamic ETA and visibilityElectronic data sharingA new associationA flexible futureDelegates at Automotive Logistics Global debated the implications of vehicle production growth in Mexico, and whether the industry will offer enough direct services and capacity to handle changing vehicle ...
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FeatureWith the clock ticking, take sulphur out at source
Moving cars and equipment on the ocean is arguably the least environmentally damaging way of doing it. The good news is that it is about to become even less polluting with the introduction of emission control areas (ECAs) around the coasts of the Baltic and North Sea in Europe and ...
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FeatureWWL calls for critical mass on fuel strategy
Following the European Parliament’s confirmation that it will not apply a five-year extension to the introduction of MARPOL regulations governing sulphur content of bunker fuels (read more here), the shipping industry is now faced with the unavoidable prospect of forwarding goods with a maximum limit 0.1% sulphur content in ...
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FeatureAuto trade shows strong growth
The automotive industry is out in front when it comes to the global trade in goods but could cut costs with some innovative thinking about rail for finished vehicles.Speaking at the beginning of this week’s RoRoEx conference in Gothenburg, Sweden, Mike Garratt, managing director of MDS Transmodal, pointed out ...
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FeatureRoom for improvement
Backlogs and bottlenecksA need for optimismNo need for pessimismDaimler’s outbound logistics providers were told that they needed to improve their performance and invest in new transport equipment to support the carmaker’s ‘best or nothing’ credo at this year’s European Carrier Day, writes Marcus Williams.Das Beste oder nichts. The best or ...
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FeatureVertical impact in a volatile market
While the automotive industry holds its breath over economic forecasts, DB Schenker Logistics is looking ahead with cautious optimism and expanding its contract logistics offering for the sector. Marcus Williams finds out whyFlexibility to meet fluctuation;Targeted growth;Broad customer base;Cross-sector solutions;Investment in IT;Logistics growth in Leipzig;Strong focus on spare parts;Footprints to ...
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FeatureBlend the strengths at NYK
Japan’s NYK Group is in the process of merging its contract logistics division with its airfreight forwarding business to create a global entity called Yusen Logistics. Marcus Williams reports on the how it is aiming to provide a tailor-made service that will better serve the needs of its automotive customers.Phased ...
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FeaturePermit impasse reveals bigger problems
Further details have come to light about the politically-fuelled dispute between Russia and Poland that affected the issue of third-country haulage permits for car carriers last month (read more here). They include the impact of fuel duty prices, restrictions on transit through the Czech Republic and tariff increases. And, according ...
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FeatureAn economic approach to logistics
The reason behind Renault-Nissan’s restructuring of its logistics organisation was to reinforce the importance of supply chain planning and integrate it fully into the day-today business from the design stage forward. Marcus Williams reports on the progress that has been made since the establishment of the Global Supply Chain DepartmentPart ...
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FeatureFathoming the new frontier
Carmakers and LSPs getting to grips with the complexities of the new Customs Code unifying Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan need a good eye for detail and a close relationship with customs officials if they are to tackle what remains a risky procedure full of compromise and hidden costsInvestment fearsSomething old, ...
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FeatureSharing spare space for spare parts
Carmakers and suppliers are driving down inventory and consolidating distribution for aftermarket logistics following the economic slowdown, but as Marcus Williams discovers, there could be many more collaborative benefits to be foundLow inventory vs. service levelPrecision profilesCollaborative networksA question of trustFinding the right solutionAftermarket sales are typically more stable than ...
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NewsPorsche upgrades Zuffenhausen plant with logistics automation
[Update Nov 23] Porsche is investing €250m ($272m) to upgrade its main plant in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, increasing capacity and flexibility in the production of combustion-engine and electric sports cars. The upgrade includes the latest automated guided vehicles (AGVs), additional logistics areas and a new high-bay rack.