Commentary

 
Global Trade Management has been defined as “the total optimization of the end-to-end international supply chain — from product conception to final delivery — with focus on the integration of regulatory, strategic and system components to ensure a seamless, secure and cost-effective flow of goods, data and payments across international borders.” In other words, GTM is a holistic approach of managing all of these separate, disparate tasks as a single seamless process.
 
A few weeks ago an intermodal executive asked me a question to the effect of, “Where should we be headed?” As I talked out my answer and the rationale, it occurred to me that on the surface I sounded cringingly mundane, my observation the type that could have been made in 1995, 2007 or today.
 
Global economic uncertainty and excess shipping capacity are two key factors that will drive the maritime industry in 2013.
 
The maritime sector has seen substantial recovery in trade volumes since the dark days of late 2008. This fact appears to support the notion that world trade, while not immune from cyclical economic downturns or temporary disruptions in trade finance, is very much on a trajectory for healthy growth.
 
The success of the coming year depends largely upon the global economic climate.
 
We are entering a new, Big Ship era for the port industry.
 
Those ports across the nation not blessed with naturally deep harbors are in a race to either benefit from an expanded Panama Canal or sit on the sidelines while their competitors reap the rewards.
 
The National Rifle Association’s refusal to support background checks is befuddling given that more than 2 million transportation workers already are required to get them for employment.
 
Who's liable for cargo loss on a through bill of lading involving an ocean shipment that extends beyond port limits?
 
Organizations crave more visibility into operations to make smarter business decisions and unlock potential within the value chain.
 
Shippers this year will continue to search for more ways to balance production and procurement with demand for sales orders.
 
The past year has been one of great uncertainty, from the eurozone crisis and slowing Chinese economy to the U.S. presidential election and fiscal cliff negotiations.
 
2012 was a rollercoaster ride, and the cards dealt for 2013 promise excitement.
 
Following a presidential election in which the word “outsourcing” became such a lightning rod, industry needs to do a better job of helping policy-makers understand the reality of today’s global marketplace, the central role American business plays in worldwide production and value chains, and the benefits of all this for our workers, consumers and small businesses at home.

Pages