Logistics Bulletin

Monday 13 September 2021

This week’s Logistics Bulletin reports on revenue and shipment growth at Old Dominion Freight Line for the first two months of the third quarter, reflecting strength in both the US economy and demand for its service. While daily volumes increased during August, growth was affected by the recent rise in COVID-19 cases as well as various other matters impacting customers’ supply chains throughout the country. As a result, the Company has made the decision to offer a financial vaccination incentive that it believes is an important investment for the safety and well-being of its employees.

Elsewhere, in ocean freight, container shipping spot freight rates have continued to rise due to port congestion and the major imbalance between demand and maritime container transport effective capacity. Although these market-driven rate increases are expected to continue in the coming months, the CMA CGM Group has decided to put any further increases in spot freight rates on hold for all services operated under its brands, until 01 February 2022. By doing so, CMA CGM aims at strengthening and prioritising its long-term relationship with customers.

Corporate and market news...

• Old Dominion Freight Line sees August growth impacted by rise in COVID-19 cases
• Market conditions reinforce near- term strategy of focusing on yield at Yellow Corporation
• Echo Global Logistics to be acquired by The Jordan Company
• Wavepoint 3PL acquires Alcor Cold Storage
• Whiplash acquires Enlinx to expand its Western region presence
• ASG acquires PackageRoute
• DFDS’ acquisition of HSF Logistics Group approved
• DSV Panalpina A/S becomes DSV A/S
• A&R Logistics rebrands as Quantix

Service developments... 

• CMA CGM makes the decision to stop all spot rate increases
• Kerry Logistics launches Trans-Pacific flight
• cargo-partner extends portfolio of rail transport services via the Iron Silk Road
• Kombiverkehr launches direct Germany - Austria train service
• GEODIS achieves AEO accreditation in Hong Kong
• TASCO is first global logistics company to be AEO certified in Malaysia
• Yusen Logistics obtains GDP Certification in Thailand and Indonesia

Outsourcing news...

• Maersk’s Supply Chain Management solution supports Pak Elektron Limited
• ParcelPal announces expanded services with large meal kit delivery company
• WFS awarded Srilankan Airlines contract for new cargo terminal at Heathrow
• Rhenus Advanced Services agrees contract with Sinomed
• Bolloré provides logistics support to the AZITO IV Power Plant extension

Warehouse and distribution centre developments...

• Long-term structural growth drivers accelerate for logistics real estate in Europe
• Amazon to open its first fulfilment centre in the Republic of Ireland
• Maersk Canada targets landside logistics asset with new Vancouver facility
• CEVA Logistics opens Singapore cold station as part of global healthcare logistics solution
• Gebrüder Weiss continues to consolidate land transport network across southern Germany
• Amazon expands investment with seven new sites in Michigan
• Panattoni leases logistics centre in Bolton to UPS
• Telecom Transport Services expands warehouse and logistics division
• ‎Amazon invests in eight new logistics centres in Germany‎
• Rhenus’ airside facility in South Africa assures speed and safety
• Neovia Logistics set for new DC at former Ford site
• Expanded UPS air hub at East Midlands Airport supercharges UK exports

IT, fleet and environmental developments...

• GXO pilots customised robotic arm for fashion eCommerce logistics
• Hapag-Lloyd introduces worldwide electronic Bills of Lading
• Berkshire Grey partners with AHS to accelerate next-generation warehouse robotics
• Geek+ and FDL Group accelerate eCommerce in Greece and Cyprus
• DHL Express deploys AI-powered robot increasing efficiency by at least 40%
• Saloodo! rolls out new ‘Closed Shop’ feature
• Samskip launches integrated customer portal
• TLD Logistics upgrades multi-asset fleet solution
• Maersk invests in WasteFuel to develop green bio-methanol production
• GEODIS offers its customers sustainable fuels for air and sea transport
• Hyzon Motors to supply up to 500 hydrogen fuel cell trucks to HongYun Automobile
• ESGs to be included in performance targets at DSV

Personnel and  HR developments...

• GEODIS to hire 4,200 seasonal workers to prepare for US peak season
• UPS aims to hire over 100,000 essential seasonal workers
• Xpediator appoints Non-Executive Chairman
• UPS appoints new leadership for Asia Pacific

The Logistics Bulletin has provided global supply chain professionals with the latest insight, news and analysis for 18 years. To receive this highly valued service direct to your in-box, register here. Press releases and articles for inclusion can be sent by email to logisticsbulletin@analytiqa.com