All articles by Abigail Williams – Page 3

  • qchat
    Article

    Handling failure and finding success at the port of Baltimore

    2012-10-01T16:59:06Z

    Getting every part of the chain involvedVested interestsAgent of changeHow a cross-departmental quality group at the Maryland Port Authority helped the port of Baltimore go from almost losing an important customer to being the top US port for new vehicle handling.In 1997, one of the Port of Baltimore’s largest automotive ...

  • logistics
    Article

    Questions of quality handling

    2012-10-01T16:44:35Z

    Planning every movement and pauseTaking a cue from OEMsThe role of IT and data collectionDefining KPIs clearlyDefining standards that encourage flexibilityOEMs and logistics providers must reach an agreement on common quality handling standards through co-operation, increased visibility and better data collection.Establishing processes for quality vehicle handling begins at home, but ...

  • green-1-300x285.jpg
    Article

    Tied to the green principle

    2012-07-01T12:13:46Z

    Regulatory realities;The real cost of regulations;Strategies for reducing emissions and cost;How to measure emissions;Future trends.Andrew Williams reports on how LSPs are attempting to reduce emissions and costs in response to environmental concerns and changing regulationsIn recent years, automotive logistics companies have come under increasing pressure to improve the environmental performance ...

  • approach-1-450x258.jpg
    Article

    Taking a rational approach

    2012-04-01T09:53:00Z

    With supply chain costs and risks on the increase, Andrew Williams looks at how LSPs can respond to the squeeze on relatively healthy German manufacturers and their suppliers. Additional reporting by Christopher Ludwig.Modest growth;Engineering intelligence and the Mittelstand;Not shielded from risk;Building transnational supply chains;Transparency and collaboration.In spite of Europe’s economic ...

  • tms-solutions3
    Article

    Can one size fit all for IT optimsation?

    2012-01-22T14:59:30Z

    Strategic, tactical and operationalCollaborative approach?Rolling out the system network wide The use of IT tools to improve efficiency in the outbound supply chain is increasing, but the question is how far providers and OEMs are willing to go. Andrew Williams investigates the potential for systems across networks and nations. ...

  • future-1-340x333.jpg
    Article

    Packaging the future

    2011-10-01T10:41:32Z

    Return to sender;Global versus local;Raising the standard;Pooling resources.China’s growth in automotive sales has led to a related increase in volume and sales of automotive packaging. Andrew Williams looks at how local and international suppliers are responding to pressure from manufacturers to provide cost efficiency, good service and product sustainability.China’s recent ...

  • turningthecorner
    Article

    Turning the corner

    2011-07-01T22:04:46Z

    Key trendsLogistics challengesIn a big countryBuilding on core strengthsConfidence is returning to the automotive industry in Australia after a period of slump but challenges such as infrastructure investment and supply chain flexibility need to be met, writes Andrew Williams.In the wake of the global financial crisis, the Australian automotive industry ...

  • scratching-surface
    Article

    Scratching the surface of damage protection

    2011-07-01T20:35:22Z

    Types of damage Damage limitationHandle with careNew innovation gaining tractionThe long journeys experienced by finished vehicles require a co-ordinated approach to improving handling and prevent the risks of damage in transit, writes Andrew Williams.By the time new cars roll off production lines they will have undergone a series of strict ...

  • rise-1.jpg
    Article

    A rise ahead for European packaging

    2011-04-01T10:55:05Z

    Large increases in new global vehicle programmes are expected to drive up demand for packaging across much of Europe, but manufacturers still want to see more recyclable and returnable packaging, particularly on an intercontinental basis.Demand, volume and sales forecastChallenges for the packaging industryThe standard argumentReturn to senderPlunging into container pooling?Although ...

  • hhm
    Article

    Balancing act for high and heavy

    2011-04-01T09:53:06Z

    Construction back on track?Are the LSPs ready?Coping with growthFreight rates climbProductions shifts to follow salesEnvironment legislation kicks inThe high and heavy industry is recovering, but the growth is now in emerging economies and the logistics sector needs to invest or shift capacity to service the demanding new markets, writes Andrew ...

  • french-providers
    Article

    French providers look to intermodal

    2011-01-02T14:59:49Z

    Current challengesA very French disease?Railing against the systemGovernment interventions ineffectivePrivatisation as catalyst for changeVehicle logistics providers have suffered from price pressure, rising costs and regulation, as well as large scale industrial action. But while more flexibility is sought on rail, there are signs that the country’s intermodal options are growing, ...

  • conundrum
    Article

    Facing up to the capacity conundrum

    2010-10-01T14:41:38Z

    The North American situationIs investment in capacity the solution?Beyond boom and bustThe European situationTrucking into the futureHow can a country have severe over-capacity for vehicle transport one year, and under-capacity the next? Andrew Williams investigates the factors affecting such swings in the US and Europe, and uncovers the delicate relationships ...

  • russian
    Article

    The bear wakes up

    2010-07-01T15:40:01Z

    Customary problemsSecondBranching outFools and roadsInto the interiorExport from RussiaRussia’s carmakers are coming out of hibernation, and as the market picks up, logistics providers must prepare for delivering to a domestic market beyond St Petersburg and Moscow, and keep the outbound logistics cost effective, writes Andrew WilliamsIn the wake of the ...

  • inter-1
    Article

    An uncertain future for European intermodal

    2010-04-01T13:01:12Z

    The European intermodal network does not always offer carmakers the flexible and low cost service that most seek today, and without investment and legislative reform, Andrew Williams discovers that the longterm trend toward road may continueBlock trains alone are not enoughPort problemsSmall changes go a long wayShow me the moneyIntermodal ...