TEL: (516) 822-1183
amazon pt

Can Public Transportation Be Used To Ship Packages? Amazon Thinks ‘Yes.’

/in /by

Amazon is always experimenting with new ways to optimize shipping efficiency, while reducing shipping time and costs. Earlier this week, an Amazon patent application to use public transportation such as buses, trains, and subways was made public. The patent would allow Amazon to either use public transportation as a delivery service, or as a roaming pickup location.

This innovation in shipping can be useful to commuters who ride the same form of public transportation on a daily basis, or people who live in rural areas, with no easy or cheap access to at-home delivery. They can choose to have their package delivered to them on public transportation, or at the transportation stop. This can be useful to both Amazon, and the package recipients, because Amazon can reduce the amount of delivery locations, and the recipient can specify exactly when and where they would like to receive their package.

This new service requires Amazon to have precise timing within their delivery services so that they can make sure packages are where they need to be at the previously specified time. This is essential to upholding their service model, yet also a challenge, as public transportation is subject to unforeseeable delays and disruptions. Other obstacles regarding the safety and size of the packages may also stand in the way of the success of this particular delivery service.

Can this new way of delivery overcome obstacles and become successful?

To find out more details about this possible delivery service by Amazon, read the original article: http://www.geekwire.com/2015/amazon-envisions-package-pickups-on-public-transit-using-lockers-on-buses-trains-and-subways/

UPS

UPS Shares Insights Into Global Trends After Interviewing High Tech Executives

/in /by

During a time of rapid change and development in our turbulent global economy, high tech executives all over the world are still showing signs of optimism. According to a recent UPS commissioned independent research study surveying over 500 executives in 11 different countries, nearly 75% of high tech executives expect high tech exports to grow at the same or a faster rate during the next two years. This annual independent research study took a closer look at change, growth, and how high tech specifically is adapting to meet global demand.

The study reveals that the biggest trends in manufacturing consist of a combination of off-shore, near-shore and right-shore practices, with right-shore practices rising. Global businesses in emerging markets have found that the number one barrier to expansion is the local regulations in different countries. The countries that have been adding the most production capacity are Japan, China, and India. The countries that high tech manufacturers see as the largest opportunity for growth are Brazil, India and Russia.

With an increase in overseas manufacturing comes more complex supply chains and an increase the need for risk management. While companies put energy into assessing overseas risk management, few companies are taking action.

To find out more information about the UPS commissioned study, be sure to watch the original video: http://youtu.be/FNoOdiD1Sag

Emerging markets road sign

Emerging Market Latest Trends

/in /by

According to a July 14th article on the Supply Chain Management Review, a recent interview with Scott Williams, Manager of Global Forwarding Marketing at UPS, reveals some very insightful trends in emerging markets.

The following topics are discussed in this interview and we highly recommend reading the transcript here.
•    Near shoring, and its many benefits
•    Shifts in manufacturing overseas, from one emerging market to another e.g. Coastal China to inland China
•    Which emerging markets provide the best opportunities for U.S. exporters
•    How the “rise of the middle class and access to technology has empowered consumers in developing markets around the world “ to increase demand of American brands
•    Which countries are fueling growth and expansion in the global market

What trends do you see happening?

5 Year Agreement Ratified by ILWU: Are West Coast Ports In The Clear?

/in /by

On Friday, May 22, 2015, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (the union that represents dockworkers) “voted overwhelmingly to approve a new contract.” According to joc(dot)com, “82 percent of the rank-and-file votes were cast in favor of the contract.”

An article in the Seattle Times brought up the issue of ‘confidence’ now that the official dispute is over.

When will confidence and trust be restored?

Will some shippers still divert shipments to the East Coast or to expanded canals such as in Panama? Will other ports vying for United States business successfully gain new business? Or, will the status quo resume?

Read more the details of this breaking news here:

http://bit.ly/1PKCEuz

http://bit.ly/1dv8KcO

 

 

 

 

Slowing Growth in U.S. Freight Shipments?

/in /by

According to joc(dot)com, the Cass Freight Index shows that United States freight shipments increased only .3% this March 2015.
Reasons cited:

• Economic slowdown
• U.S. West Coast Ports port backups
• ‘Late’ Chinese New Year
• Soft Railroad Car volumes

The article does a good job expounding on each of the drivers of this marked change in the Cass Freight Index.

Are there any additional reasons the Index may have changed? You can read the original article here: http://bit.ly/1b51QcC