Intelligent robotics 
Test run for robot and AI-supported logistics for cosmetics shippers. Combining generative AI with robotics is less self-evident than it may seem at first sight. The marriage of the two technologies is currently being tested in a contract logistics pilot project in a Californian... more
First e-ATA carnet issued in the USA 
Los Angeles-based Rock-it Cargo has issued and processed the first US digital ATA carnet for a time-critical hand-carry shipment from New York to London. It was used to ship microphones, designed by Emmy Award-winning costume designer Perry Meek, to this year’s TPI awards... more
Haulier lands big intermodal contract
J.B. Hunt has entered into a multi-year intermodal service agreement with its long-term partner Walmart, whereby it will acquire the retailer’s rational intermodal container and chassis fleets. The North American haulier is a specialist in converting over-the-road shipments... more
Porto Chibatão's game changers
Porto Chibatão, a major port operator in Brazil, has integrated four Lieberherr LBS 800 barge-slewing cranes into its operations. They are the largest harbour cranes over floating piers globally, with a special boom length of 66 m and a 9.6 m tower extension, enhancing... more
30 energy efficient locos for Brazil
The Brazilian provider MRS Logistica has signed an agreement with the manufacturer Wabtec for 30 new Evolution Series locomotives. The deal is valued at BRL 500 million (EUR 93.4 million) and the first deliveries are scheduled for 2024. These additions will allow MRS to... more
More business in retail beyond obvious candidates
It does't necessarily have to be China and India all the time. The Chicago-founded consultancy Kearney draws a number of conclusions from its latest Global Retail Development Index (GRDI) and sees the global retail landscape "at the crossroads." The report is a... more
Four facilities, two ports
In an acquisition near two major West Coast ports, Centre Point Properties has added four buildings to its portfolio. The company is moving into the South Bay industrial submarket, which is located near the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. It now manages 30 total assets and... more
Los Angeles starts 2024 on a high note
The port of Los Angeles handled almost 856,000 teu in January this year. While loaded imports went up to almost 442,000 teu (19% more compared to January 2023), loaded exports did even better. The 126,554 teu in the first month of 2024 represented an increase of 23% compared to... more
Safety and innovation
Union Pacific (UP) plans to invest USD 3.4 billion in 2024. An estimated 56% of the capital plan - USD 1.9 billion - will be used for upgrading and replacing infrastructure, such as rail, ties, and ballasts, and USD 0.6 billion for locomotives and equipment. The US class I... more
DHL: a Mid-Atlantic move
DHL recently relocated its Maryland e-commerce hub to a new site in Manassas, Virginia. The new distribution centre spans almost 13,006 sqm and is close to an international airport. Maintaining its focus on its customer base in Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic states, DHL... more