Survey shows logistics companies plan to use AI to ship goods ahead of purchase orders; Trans-Pacific GRIs pushing spot rates above $3,500 per FEU; companies turn to novel strategies to get through coronavirus; hydrogen shows promise for the future of zero-carbon fuels; new approaches to manufacturing spurred by COVID; and Trans-Pacific ‘going crazy’ as demand defies pandemic pessimists all headline this week’s freight updates. Short on time? Check out our summary of the latest industry news.
Week 33 Freight Updates
August 14th, 2020
Logistics companies plan to use AI, data to ship goods ahead of purchase orders: survey
More than 60% of logistics companies will use data and artificial intelligence to ship goods ahead of purchase orders in the next three to five years, according to an Ericsson survey of nearly 2,000 logistics professionals from China, Germany, Sweden and the United States.
Trans-Pacific GRIs pushing spot rates above $3,500 per FEU
Spot rates from Asia to both US coasts spiked by several hundred dollars last week as carriers in the eastbound trans-Pacific prepare to implement an Aug. 15 general rate increase.
As Inventories Swell, Companies Turn to Novel Strategies to Get Through Coronavirus Crisis
Companies that have stockpiled more goods during the coronavirus pandemic are turning to creative strategies to put inventory to work and generate cash.
Hydrogen – The future of zero-carbon fuels?
As the debate over how to combat climate change becomes ever more urgent, one company says it has found a way to produce carbon-neutral hydrogen on an industrial scale. In November, Heliogen, an American clean energy company backed by Bill Gates, announced that it had concentrated solar energy to exceed temperatures greater than 1,000 degrees Celsius.
Four Approaches to Manufacturing Spurred by COVID-19
As the COVID-19 pandemic took hold around the world, it delivered a shock to the system that tested manufacturers’ ability to adapt to change. Global electronic manufacturing services (EMS) providers are quite accustomed to navigating the complexities that come with supporting thousands of customers, products and regulations.
Trans-Pacific ‘going crazy’ as demand defies pandemic pessimists
China-U.S. West Coast container rates continue their astonishing climb. Not because of too little vessel supply, but because of too much import demand. U.S. import demand that is not surging despite of coronavirus, but because of it.
