APL Logistics wins Asia supply chain award

SHANGHAI – NOVEMBER 18, 2009 - APL Logistics, an innovative provider of international supply chain solutions, has received the 2009 CHaINA ‘Best 3PL Supply Chain Provider in Asia’ Award for its development of integrated logistics services to support world-famous U.S.-based designer and marketer of premium retail brands Liz Claiborne Inc.

The prestigious awards were presented at a gala ceremony in Shanghai by the Global Supply Chain Council, to identify and honor excellence in the procurement and logistics industries throughout the region, especially in Greater China.

Liz Claiborne nominated APL Logistics for the award, citing the significant cost reductions and operational efficiencies that APL Logistics has helped the designer achieve during their relationship. APL Logistics’ creative use of flexible consolidation and transportation services at key stages throughout Liz Claiborne’s TransPacific supply chain was also highlighted as a major contributor enabling the supply chain to remain adaptive to shifting market dynamics during the downturn.

Paul Man, Director, APL Logistics North China, who collected the award alongside Adam Liu, Logistics Manager, Liz Claiborne Inc., said: “To win an award after being nominated by such a valued customer is the ultimate accolade. Over the years we have provided an increasing depth and breadth of services to Liz Claiborne, which reflects the collaborative approach both parties take in ensuring the efficiency and reliability of Liz Claiborne’s supply chain operations between Greater China and the United States."

A key factor in winning the award was the value created for the customer through APL Logistics’ Air Logistics Management Service (ALMS). APL Logistics acted as a virtual consolidator of air and sea-air shipments to the U.S. from multiple vendors and locations across Greater China. It then determined the most effective means of transportation, by either air or APL Logistics’ time-definite ocean freight transportation service, OceanGuaranteed®. By optimizing the best transportation method according to product delivery timelines and consolidating multiple shipments into one booking to minimize inbound documentation and customs expenses, APL Logistics was able to increase control over costs and product flow.