<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper">SHOULDER-LENGTH HAIR appears to be all the rage among South Korean women, but to one economist it is</div>

SHOULDER-LENGTH HAIR appears to be all the rage among South Korean women, but to one economist it is

<div>SHOULDER-LENGTH HAIR appears to be all the rage among South Korean women, but to one economist it is more than just a fashion trend. It is an unmistakable sign of lean times ahead.According to Korea Times, longer hair styles reflect Korea's current malaise. They are a sign of declining export earnings and the expectation of hard times.The 1995 bobbed look has become too expensive and is being replaced by the more financially prudent "straight schoolish" or "active career women" style.Moreover, women who prefer the glamorous Scandinavian look are no longer dying their hair blond. Rather, they increasingly opt for the...

SHOULDER-LENGTH HAIR appears to be all the rage among South Korean women, but to one economist it is more than just a fashion trend. It is an unmistakable sign of lean times ahead. According to Korea Times, longer hair styles reflect Korea's current malaise. They are a sign of declining export earnings and the expectation of hard times.The 1995 bobbed look has become too expensive and is being replaced by the more financially prudent "straight schoolish" or "active career women" style. Moreover, women who prefer the glamorous Scandinavian look are no longer dying their hair blond. Rather, they increasingly opt for the longer-lasting peroxide bleach. Meanwhile, hemlines, which tend to rise in a recession, are staying put in the West, a signal of feminine confidence in the economy.

SEOUL'S HAIR-RAISING TREND

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper">Doug Otto will serve an 15-month term at the helm of the port due to previous plans to retire in early 2027, but will oversee projects that aim to position Mobile as a gateway for reaching inland US markets. </div>

Doug Otto will serve an 15-month term at the helm of the port due to previous plans to retire in early 2027, but will oversee projects that aim to position Mobile as a gateway for reaching inland US markets.

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<div class="phx-topic">The Port of Mobile has chosen its chief engineer to lead the port as it looks to complete some $700 million in capital improvements through 2027. The Alabama Port Authority said in a statement Wednesday its board of directors appointed Douglas Otto as its new director and chief executive, effective immediately. Otto will serve as director through March 2027, the statement said, due to his previously planned retirement. He had been serving in the role on an interim basis since late August following the departure of previous CEO John Driscoll. Otto has been the port’s chief engineering officer since 2024, taking that role two years after joining the port as a vice president of engineering. Otto’s 18-month term as director will coincide with a slate of new and ongoing capital projects that Mobile hopes to complete. The largest of those projects was completed last month — <a href="https://www.joc.com/article/harbor-deepening-primes-mobile-for-bigger-ships-first-us-calls-6092987">the $425 million dredging of Mobile’s harbor</a>that will make it the deepest in the Gulf Coast. Mobile’s container terminal operator APM is in the process of completing its fourth, $147 million expansion, <a href="https://www.joc.com/article/mobile-looks-to-boost-container-terminal-capacity-to-handle-intermodal-demand-5215600">which includes adding more yard space and a flyover bridge for moving containers to its railyard</a>. Mobile and APM are also jointly building a third berth for the terminal, which will cost $131 million and bring its capacity to around 1.4 million TEUs per year. Mobile, which is positioning itself as a gateway for intermodal rail cargo for the Southeast, is also looking to complete construction of a $100 million railyard in Montgomery operated by CSX Transportation. Mobile is also undertaking $330 million in projects related to its general-purpose docks and coal terminal, Contact Michael Angell at <a href="mailto:michael.angell@spglobal.com">michael.angell@spglobal.com</a> </div>

The Port of Mobile has chosen its chief engineer to lead the port as it looks to complete some $700 million in capital improvements through 2027. The Alabama Port Authority said in a statement Wednesday its board of directors appointed Douglas Otto as its new director and chief executive, effective immediately. Otto will serve as director through March 2027, the statement said, due to his previously planned retirement. He had been serving in the role on an interim basis since late August following the departure of previous CEO John Driscoll. Otto has been the port’s chief engineering officer since 2024, taking that role two years after joining the port as a vice president of engineering. Otto’s 18-month term as director will coincide with a slate of new and ongoing capital projects that Mobile hopes to complete. The largest of those projects was completed last month — the $425 million dredging of Mobile’s harbor that will make it the deepest in the Gulf Coast. Mobile’s container terminal operator APM is in the process of completing its fourth, $147 million expansion, which includes adding more yard space and a flyover bridge for moving containers to its railyard . Mobile and APM are also jointly building a third berth for the terminal, which will cost $131 million and bring its capacity to around 1.4 million TEUs per year. Mobile, which is positioning itself as a gateway for intermodal rail cargo for the Southeast, is also looking to complete construction of a $100 million railyard in Montgomery operated by CSX Transportation. Mobile is also undertaking $330 million in projects related to its general-purpose docks and coal terminal, Contact Michael Angell at michael.angell@spglobal.com

Port infrastructure

Marine terminals

North American ports

Mobile taps its chief engineer to lead port through 2027

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper">With 196,000 TEUs of new capacity added to its fleet, the latest orders mean Evergreen will leapfrog both Hapag-Lloyd and Ocean Network Express in global capacity to become the fifth-largest container line.</div>

With 196,000 TEUs of new capacity added to its fleet, the latest orders mean Evergreen will leapfrog both Hapag-Lloyd and Ocean Network Express in global capacity to become the fifth-largest container line.

<div class="phx-topic">Taiwan’s Evergreen Marine on Wednesday confirmed an order for 14 14,000-TEU liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fueled ships that could cost almost $3 billion, with the vessels split between South Korea’s Samsung Heavy Industries and China’s Guangzhou Shipyard International. Evergreen said each ship would cost between $175 million and $205 million, taking the total cost to between $2.45 billion and $2.9 million. The two shipbuilders will construct seven vessels each. The deals were approved at an Evergreen Marine (Asia) board of directors meeting Wednesday, the carrier said in a filing to the Taiwan stock exchange, ending recent speculation by shipbrokers that Evergreen was readying a massive order. With 196,000 TEUs of new capacity added to its fleet, the latest orders mean Evergreen will leapfrog both Hapag-Lloyd and Ocean Network Express in global capacity to become the fifth-largest container line, up from seventh place. <div class="wrapper-narrow"><dynamic-object type="jocchartid" resource-id="82b6ff12-d7ca-420a-abbe-7b9998b29e56"></dynamic-object></div>Fleet data from Sea-web, a sister company of the Journal of Commerce within S&amp;P Global, shows the latest deals boost Evergreen’s total capacity to 2,747,549 TEUs, against 2,606,972 TEUs for ONE and 2,360,562 TEUs for Hapag-Lloyd. The orders also reinforce LNG as the next generation fuel of choice for carriers, increasing the total number of LNG-fueled container ships on order to about 380, according to S&amp;P Global Market Intelligence. <h3>Q3 financials up from Q2, but down from year-ago period </h3>The green light for the new ships came as Evergreen, together with Taiwan’s two other top carriers — Yang Ming Marine Transport and Wan Hai Lines — announced a rebound in third-quarter net profits compared with the second quarter, buoyed by a recovery in freight rates in July as shippers frontloaded cargo to beat US tariffs. But third-quarter financials were lower across the board compared with the 2024 third quarter. Evergreen led the pack with net profit of $700 million, the carrier said in a separate exchange filing Wednesday, up from $403 million in the second quarter but down 63% compared with $1.9 billion in the third quarter last year. Operating revenues fell 34% to $3.1 billion in the third quarter from $4.7 billion a year earlier, the filing showed. Yang Ming Marine saw third-quarter net profit climb to $194 million, the carrier said Wednesday, up from $31 million in the second quarter but down from $890 million in the third quarter last year. Third-quarter operating revenues of almost $1.4 billion were similar to the previous two quarters, although down 39% from $2.3 billion in the prior year. “Compared with the same period in 2024, weaker freight rates resulted in softer profitability,” Yang Ming said in a statement. Yang Ming, the only one of the three carriers to comment on the market, said it was hopeful that the temporary pause in US-China tariff tensions “may help stimulate pre-Lunar New Year shipment demand on trans-Pacific routes.” The carrier said the intra-Asia and Middle East markets were “expected to remain steady, supported by stable demand.” “Despite persistent global trade policy uncertainty and elevated geopolitical risks, Yang Ming has continued to maintain schedule reliability and enhance operational efficiency, supporting steady business performance,” it said. Meanwhile, intra-Asia-focused Wan Hai Lines saw third-quarter net profit climb to $363 million, up from $41 million in the second quarter but almost half the $600 million reported in the third quarter last year. Operating revenues in the third quarter were $1.1 billion, in line with the previous two quarters but down 35% from $1.7 billion a year earlier. Contact Keith Wallis at <a href="mailto:keithwallis@hotmail.com">keithwallis@hotmail.com</a>.</div>

Taiwan’s Evergreen Marine on Wednesday confirmed an order for 14 14,000-TEU liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fueled ships that could cost almost $3 billion, with the vessels split between South Korea’s Samsung Heavy Industries and China’s Guangzhou Shipyard International. Evergreen said each ship would cost between $175 million and $205 million, taking the total cost to between $2.45 billion and $2.9 million. The two shipbuilders will construct seven vessels each. The deals were approved at an Evergreen Marine (Asia) board of directors meeting Wednesday, the carrier said in a filing to the Taiwan stock exchange, ending recent speculation by shipbrokers that Evergreen was readying a massive order. With 196,000 TEUs of new capacity added to its fleet, the latest orders mean Evergreen will leapfrog both Hapag-Lloyd and Ocean Network Express in global capacity to become the fifth-largest container line, up from seventh place. Fleet data from Sea-web, a sister company of the Journal of Commerce within S&P Global, shows the latest deals boost Evergreen’s total capacity to 2,747,549 TEUs, against 2,606,972 TEUs for ONE and 2,360,562 TEUs for Hapag-Lloyd. The orders also reinforce LNG as the next generation fuel of choice for carriers, increasing the total number of LNG-fueled container ships on order to about 380, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. Q3 financials up from Q2, but down from year-ago period The green light for the new ships came as Evergreen, together with Taiwan’s two other top carriers — Yang Ming Marine Transport and Wan Hai Lines — announced a rebound in third-quarter net profits compared with the second quarter, buoyed by a recovery in freight rates in July as shippers frontloaded cargo to beat US tariffs. But third-quarter financials were lower across the board compared with the 2024 third quarter. Evergreen led the pack with net profit of $700 million, the carrier said in a separate exchange filing Wednesday, up from $403 million in the second quarter but down 63% compared with $1.9 billion in the third quarter last year. Operating revenues fell 34% to $3.1 billion in the third quarter from $4.7 billion a year earlier, the filing showed. Yang Ming Marine saw third-quarter net profit climb to $194 million, the carrier said Wednesday, up from $31 million in the second quarter but down from $890 million in the third quarter last year. Third-quarter operating revenues of almost $1.4 billion were similar to the previous two quarters, although down 39% from $2.3 billion in the prior year. “Compared with the same period in 2024, weaker freight rates resulted in softer profitability,” Yang Ming said in a statement. Yang Ming, the only one of the three carriers to comment on the market, said it was hopeful that the temporary pause in US-China tariff tensions “may help stimulate pre-Lunar New Year shipment demand on trans-Pacific routes.” The carrier said the intra-Asia and Middle East markets were “expected to remain steady, supported by stable demand.” “Despite persistent global trade policy uncertainty and elevated geopolitical risks, Yang Ming has continued to maintain schedule reliability and enhance operational efficiency, supporting steady business performance,” it said. Meanwhile, intra-Asia-focused Wan Hai Lines saw third-quarter net profit climb to $363 million, up from $41 million in the second quarter but almost half the $600 million reported in the third quarter last year. Operating revenues in the third quarter were $1.1 billion, in line with the previous two quarters but down 35% from $1.7 billion a year earlier. Contact Keith Wallis at keithwallis@hotmail.com .

Container lines

Container Shipping News

Maritime

Evergreen says will spend almost $3 billion on 14 new LNG-fueled ships

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper">Shippers using truckload visibility platforms need accurate data to run their supply chains, but face hurdles in onboarding carriers in Europe. </div>

Shippers using truckload visibility platforms need accurate data to run their supply chains, but face hurdles in onboarding carriers in Europe.

<div class="phx-topic">Truckload shippers in Europe are constrained by a host of behavioral and technical challenges from effectively tracking carriers. But those challenges can be overcome if data quality expectations are spelled out in contracts with carriers and third-party logistics providers (3PLs), a range of shippers say. “Carrier onboarding and data quality management are the most important visibility project success factors,” Frank Hildebrandt, director of supply chain excellence at BASF, said at the Shippeo VisibilityNow conference in Paris on Nov. 6. “You need procurement involved,” Hildebrandt added. “If you don’t have [service level agreements] built into contracts with carriers, you’re a toothless tiger.” Jurgen Neyses, associate director of inbound logistics at Arla Foods, echoed those remarks. “Make sure carriers know visibility expectations before you onboard them and then eventually make it part of the contract,” he said. “No visibility, no contract.” Neyses bemoaned the silos of information around coordinating truckload pickups and deliveries, saying that visibility data, if properly absorbed by the shipper and conveyed to the carrier, could help create efficiencies for both parties. Appointment scheduling is a good example. Arla’s freight tendering system might default to set an appointment at 8 a.m., but a receiving facility, which requires appointments, might only have a 3 p.m. appointment available on a specific day. “But there’s no way for us to connect that open appointment to other systems [including visibility platforms],” Neyses said. <h3>Part of the contract </h3>Olivier Cuntz, senior vice president of supply chain optimization at Geodis, said putting Shippeo onboarding requirements into contracts with carriers has helped increase the accuracy of data it receives. “All carriers face tech issues, so we get around that by providing a mobile app,” he said. The challenges around onboarding carriers — and the connected importance of data quality for shippers — was a common theme at the Shippeo event. But sources have independently told the Journal of Commerce that onboarding is a hindrance to using visibility tools effectively. “It’s a challenge to manage the variability between carriers that have onboarded employees or vetted drivers versus other [third-party] drivers they use,” said a shipper who asked not to be identified. Another shipper who also asked not to be identified said the data exchange mechanisms commonly used by visibility providers — application programming interfaces — are challenging for shippers with legacy infrastructure. Much of the discussion at the Shippeo event involved the manner in which shippers and 3PLs could combine to make the onboarding challenge easier for each other and carriers. “If the carrier doesn’t onboard, we can’t track our shipments,” said Bas Schoone, chief operating officer of Dutch 4PL provider Caroz. “But what’s in it for the carrier? In most cases, they’re not rewarded. The tender happens, freight is awarded and then visibility is discussed, but the carrier has a small margin and they are being asked to integrate with many platforms. Those costs are not included in their price.” Schoone had a call to arms for Shippeo’s customers, one that would apply to other networks of shippers and 3PLs built around a common visibility vendor. “We as Shippeo customers should share information about carriers that are integrated to give them more freight and help them build their businesses,” he said. “That’s a benefit.” Hildebrandt agreed. “We as shippers have overlapping carrier networks, yet we’re all individually doing the same exercise over and over with those carriers,” he said. “We all have the same base requirements.” Contact Eric Johnson at <a href="mailto:eric.johnson@spglobal.com">eric.johnson@spglobal.com</a>. </div>

Truckload shippers in Europe are constrained by a host of behavioral and technical challenges from effectively tracking carriers. But those challenges can be overcome if data quality expectations are spelled out in contracts with carriers and third-party logistics providers (3PLs), a range of shippers say. “Carrier onboarding and data quality management are the most important visibility project success factors,” Frank Hildebrandt, director of supply chain excellence at BASF, said at the Shippeo VisibilityNow conference in Paris on Nov. 6. “You need procurement involved,” Hildebrandt added. “If you don’t have [service level agreements] built into contracts with carriers, you’re a toothless tiger.” Jurgen Neyses, associate director of inbound logistics at Arla Foods, echoed those remarks. “Make sure carriers know visibility expectations before you onboard them and then eventually make it part of the contract,” he said. “No visibility, no contract.” Neyses bemoaned the silos of information around coordinating truckload pickups and deliveries, saying that visibility data, if properly absorbed by the shipper and conveyed to the carrier, could help create efficiencies for both parties. Appointment scheduling is a good example. Arla’s freight tendering system might default to set an appointment at 8 a.m., but a receiving facility, which requires appointments, might only have a 3 p.m. appointment available on a specific day. “But there’s no way for us to connect that open appointment to other systems [including visibility platforms],” Neyses said. Part of the contract Olivier Cuntz, senior vice president of supply chain optimization at Geodis, said putting Shippeo onboarding requirements into contracts with carriers has helped increase the accuracy of data it receives. “All carriers face tech issues, so we get around that by providing a mobile app,” he said. The challenges around onboarding carriers — and the connected importance of data quality for shippers — was a common theme at the Shippeo event. But sources have independently told the Journal of Commerce that onboarding is a hindrance to using visibility tools effectively. “It’s a challenge to manage the variability between carriers that have onboarded employees or vetted drivers versus other [third-party] drivers they use,” said a shipper who asked not to be identified. Another shipper who also asked not to be identified said the data exchange mechanisms commonly used by visibility providers — application programming interfaces — are challenging for shippers with legacy infrastructure. Much of the discussion at the Shippeo event involved the manner in which shippers and 3PLs could combine to make the onboarding challenge easier for each other and carriers. “If the carrier doesn’t onboard, we can’t track our shipments,” said Bas Schoone, chief operating officer of Dutch 4PL provider Caroz. “But what’s in it for the carrier? In most cases, they’re not rewarded. The tender happens, freight is awarded and then visibility is discussed, but the carrier has a small margin and they are being asked to integrate with many platforms. Those costs are not included in their price.” Schoone had a call to arms for Shippeo’s customers, one that would apply to other networks of shippers and 3PLs built around a common visibility vendor. “We as Shippeo customers should share information about carriers that are integrated to give them more freight and help them build their businesses,” he said. “That’s a benefit.” Hildebrandt agreed. “We as shippers have overlapping carrier networks, yet we’re all individually doing the same exercise over and over with those carriers,” he said. “We all have the same base requirements.” Contact Eric Johnson at eric.johnson@spglobal.com .

Logistics Technology News

Supply chain

European shippers bemoan data impact of truckload carrier onboarding challenge

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper">With typical seasonal lulls setting in after a slower-than-usual peak season, forwarders generally do not expect India-Europe rates to show any sort of an uptick until January. </div>

With typical seasonal lulls setting in after a slower-than-usual peak season, forwarders generally do not expect India-Europe rates to show any sort of an uptick until January.

<div class="phx-topic">The steady rate erosion seen on India-Europe trades over the last few months continues to build, sending carrier westbound booking rates to lows last <a href="https://www.joc.com/article/november-rate-plunge-negates-carrier-pricing-activity-on-india-europe-trade-5222709">reported in late 2023</a>, an analysis of new data obtained by the Journal of Commerce from freight forwarders shows. Forwarder sources have now put average freight-all-kinds (FAK) rates from West India to North Europe at $800 to $900 per FEU, with some cargo-hungry Asian carriers even quoting slightly lower. That’s down from $1,000 to $1,100 per FEU about a month ago. “It’s pathetic out there to get the cargo without compromising on prices,” a sales executive at a European liner who didn’t want to be identified told the Journal of Commerce. “But we have still announced a modest rate hike plan for early December.” With typical seasonal lulls setting in after a slower-than-usual peak season, forwarders generally do not expect India-Europe rates to show any sort of an uptick until January. They also believe overcapacity will remain a drag on the ability of carriers to push through large rate increases in early 2026 unless demand strengthens significantly. Supal Shah, CEO of Mumbai-based Sarjak Container Lines, noted that ocean pricing on the India-Europe trade lane has been through peaks and lows in recent years due to ongoing volatile market conditions. “Rates surged in early 2024 as carriers rerouted vessels around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid attacks in the Red Sea,” said Shah. “By late 2025, demand weakened and capacity improved, leading to yet another correction.” In that vein, Shah believes exporters and freight service providers should combine long-term service contracts with flexible spot strategies to hedge their margin bets. <h3>Data suggest export diversification </h3>Meanwhile, CMA CGM seems set to pull the additional India-Europe capacity it injected last month into the market through a temporary relay stop at Tangier in Morocco on its Indamex (India-US East Coast) loop, the carrier’s November forward vessel schedules indicate. Anecdotal industry data puts India-Europe containerized volumes from January to September at 770,000 TEUs. On a broader note, despite US tariff pressures, India’s merchandise exports by value in September were up nearly 7% year over year, government data shows, likely due to stronger market diversification efforts. “While the US continues to be India’s largest export destination, there is substantial untapped potential in regions such as Latin America, Africa and [Southeast Asia],” the Federation of Indian Export Organizations said in a statement. Contact Bency Mathew at <a href="mailto:bencyvmathew@gmail.com">bencyvmathew@gmail.com</a>. </div>

The steady rate erosion seen on India-Europe trades over the last few months continues to build, sending carrier westbound booking rates to lows last reported in late 2023 , an analysis of new data obtained by the Journal of Commerce from freight forwarders shows. Forwarder sources have now put average freight-all-kinds (FAK) rates from West India to North Europe at $800 to $900 per FEU, with some cargo-hungry Asian carriers even quoting slightly lower. That’s down from $1,000 to $1,100 per FEU about a month ago. “It’s pathetic out there to get the cargo without compromising on prices,” a sales executive at a European liner who didn’t want to be identified told the Journal of Commerce. “But we have still announced a modest rate hike plan for early December.” With typical seasonal lulls setting in after a slower-than-usual peak season, forwarders generally do not expect India-Europe rates to show any sort of an uptick until January. They also believe overcapacity will remain a drag on the ability of carriers to push through large rate increases in early 2026 unless demand strengthens significantly. Supal Shah, CEO of Mumbai-based Sarjak Container Lines, noted that ocean pricing on the India-Europe trade lane has been through peaks and lows in recent years due to ongoing volatile market conditions. “Rates surged in early 2024 as carriers rerouted vessels around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid attacks in the Red Sea,” said Shah. “By late 2025, demand weakened and capacity improved, leading to yet another correction.” In that vein, Shah believes exporters and freight service providers should combine long-term service contracts with flexible spot strategies to hedge their margin bets. Data suggest export diversification Meanwhile, CMA CGM seems set to pull the additional India-Europe capacity it injected last month into the market through a temporary relay stop at Tangier in Morocco on its Indamex (India-US East Coast) loop, the carrier’s November forward vessel schedules indicate. Anecdotal industry data puts India-Europe containerized volumes from January to September at 770,000 TEUs. On a broader note, despite US tariff pressures, India’s merchandise exports by value in September were up nearly 7% year over year, government data shows, likely due to stronger market diversification efforts. “While the US continues to be India’s largest export destination, there is substantial untapped potential in regions such as Latin America, Africa and [Southeast Asia],” the Federation of Indian Export Organizations said in a statement. Contact Bency Mathew at bencyvmathew@gmail.com .

Asia-Europe

Overcapacity, slack season pressures push India-Europe rates to two-year lows

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper">A predicted annual growth rate of 9% for the space economy to 2035 will intensify the demands on cargo handlers. </div>

A predicted annual growth rate of 9% for the space economy to 2035 will intensify the demands on cargo handlers.

<div class="phx-topic">Increased frequency of launches, a rise of orbital servicing and the emergence of lunar cargo delivery are driving demand for space-related project cargo logistics models that are agile, compliant and technically robust, according to specialist forwarders. Citing an analysis from McKinsey &amp; Company for the World Economic Forum (2024–25), Marc Cowie, CEO for North America for specialist forwarder Trans Global Projects, said the space economy is undergoing a significant transformation that “directly impacts the logistics of space components.” The McKinsey report projects the global space economy to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, up from $630 billion in 2023, with an average annual growth rate of 9% — nearly double the global GDP growth rate. This expansion is driven by several key factors, Cowie told the Journal of Commerce. These include declining launch costs, the proliferation of smaller, cheaper satellites; enhanced Earth observation capabilities, diversified investment with over $70 billion in private capital invested in space ventures during 2021–22, and sectoral integration. McKinsey emphasized that space is no longer a niche sector — it is becoming a ubiquitous enabler of terrestrial industries, including logistics. “For the logistics of space components, this means increased demand for specialized transport solutions, growth in multimodal and intercontinental operations, higher regulatory and compliance complexity, and opportunities in orbital and lunar logistics,” Peter Fritschi, Group COO at Trans Global Projects (TGP), told the Journal of Commerce. As satellite constellations and orbital infrastructure scale, logistics providers must support more frequent, time-sensitive and technically complex shipments today. For tomorrow, emerging services such as in-orbit refueling, debris removal and lunar cargo delivery will require new logistics models and partnerships. “In short, the logistics of space components is entering a phase of accelerated growth and strategic importance,” Fritschi said. <h3>Shift of logistics focus </h3>The logistics of space components has evolved over the past few years, both operationally and commercially. TGP has seen a shift from ad hoc, project-based shipments to a more structured and recurring flow of high-value, technically complex cargo. “Private logistics providers have adapted to this shift by developing multimodal solutions that accommodate oversized, sensitive and often confidential space hardware,” Cowie said. In a recent project, NATCO, part of the TGP group, coordinated the transport of custom-built containers for a next-generation European launch vehicle. These containers each held one-half of the rocket tip and were moved from Switzerland to a South American launch site operated by a European space agency. The shipments were part of a regular supply chain supporting both European and US space programs. TGP USA, meanwhile, has supported a US space company by shipping large counterweights for rocket launchers from China to the US in moves that required coordination across continents, including customs brokerage, biosecurity compliance and specialized handling protocols. “The operational complexity of these shipments reflects the broader evolution of the market,” Fritschi said. “Logistics providers are now expected to manage not only the physical movement of space components but also the regulatory, engineering and risk mitigation aspects of each mission.” This includes navigating export controls, ensuring vibration and temperature stability, and aligning with launch schedules and orbital servicing windows. <h3>Greener handling of space components </h3>Wind power is playing a central role in the logistics for the European Space Agency (ESA) Ariane 6 program, as part of ESA’s environmental commitments. The launcher elements of the heavy-lift rocket Ariane 6, manufactured in Europe, are being transported to ESA’s spaceport in French Guiana onboard the 121-meter-long Canopée, a custom-built roll-on/roll-off vessel fitted with four 37-meter-tall OceanWings sails. The sails fitted to the Canopée reduce fuel consumption on the rotation by between 25% and 30%, and halve the cost of shipping the parts, said Louis Laurent, head of the Ariane 6 program. “Our environmental commitments were at the center of the decision taken early in the Ariane 6 program to build the most efficient vessel in terms of costs and carbon footprint,” he told the Journal of Commerce. The hybrid propulsion vessel rotates between five ports to load Ariane 6 components and ship them across the Atlantic. The rotation starts in Bremen, Germany, where the upper stage is loaded, then to Rotterdam in the Netherlands to load the rocket’s fairing, Le Havre, France, for the core stage for Ariane 6, and finally Bordeaux, France, for the solid propulsion elements, before a 10-day trans-Atlantic crossing to the port of Pariacabo in Kourou, French Guiana — where all the components are offloaded and transported by road to the Ariane 6 launch vehicles assembly building a few kilometers away. The Canopée is expected to complete the port rotation up to 12 times a year. “Today we are not at the maximum for Ariane 6, but we are ramping up to 10 to 12 launches per year,” said Laurent. “So the vessel is not at maximum use now, but next year will be almost fully occupied on the Ariane 6.” The vessel is chartered and operated by shipping company Alizés, which can use it elsewhere if there is capacity. The Canopée was built by Neptune Marine Projects in the Polish port of Sczezcin. Sea trials beginning in December 2022 included a crossing from Rotterdam to Kourou, and the four sails were installed in 2023. “The sails enable a very significant reduction in fuel. It is not a concept, but has been demonstrated in reality, in more than two years of operations between Europe and South America,” said Laurent. “The vessel is part of our sustainability program, which also includes our commitment to deorbit the upper stage at the end of the mission, rather than leaving it in orbit. Ariane 6 is the first program to have this policy to clean up in space when the mission is done.” Ariane 6 weighs almost 900 metric tons when launched with a full payload. The two versions have the flexibility to launch both heavy and light payloads to a range of orbits, for applications such as Earth observation, telecoms, meteorology, science and navigation. <h3>Plethora of logistics challenges </h3>ESA’s Ariane 6 program demonstrates the physical challenges of handling space cargoes. But logistics complexity lies not only in the physical nature of the cargo, but also in the regulatory, operational and geopolitical landscape surrounding space-related shipments. Another challenge is confidentiality. “Space-related cargo often involves proprietary technology and mission-critical components,” Cowie said. “This limits the ability to share operational details with subcontractors or even internally across teams.” As a result, logistics providers must implement heightened security protocols, discreet handling procedures and close coordination with clients and government agencies. Timing is also critical. “Space components are frequently tied to fixed launch windows, meaning any delay in transport can have cascading effects across mission schedules,” Fritschi said. “This demands contingency planning, priority access to transport modes and constant communication with stakeholders.” But there are opportunities on the horizon. With orbital congestion and space debris becoming critical concerns, Fritschi believes logistics providers will be called upon to support missions focused on debris removal, satellite repositioning and end-of-life asset management. “This opens a niche for companies with engineering capabilities and secure transport solutions for sensitive and hazardous materials,” he said. Contact Carly Fields at <a href="mailto:carly.fields@spglobal.com">carly.fields@spglobal.com</a>.Contact Felicity Landon at <a href="mailto:felicity@felicitylandon.com">felicity@felicitylandon.com</a>.</div>

Increased frequency of launches, a rise of orbital servicing and the emergence of lunar cargo delivery are driving demand for space-related project cargo logistics models that are agile, compliant and technically robust, according to specialist forwarders. Citing an analysis from McKinsey & Company for the World Economic Forum (2024–25), Marc Cowie, CEO for North America for specialist forwarder Trans Global Projects, said the space economy is undergoing a significant transformation that “directly impacts the logistics of space components.” The McKinsey report projects the global space economy to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, up from $630 billion in 2023, with an average annual growth rate of 9% — nearly double the global GDP growth rate. This expansion is driven by several key factors, Cowie told the Journal of Commerce. These include declining launch costs, the proliferation of smaller, cheaper satellites; enhanced Earth observation capabilities, diversified investment with over $70 billion in private capital invested in space ventures during 2021–22, and sectoral integration. McKinsey emphasized that space is no longer a niche sector — it is becoming a ubiquitous enabler of terrestrial industries, including logistics. “For the logistics of space components, this means increased demand for specialized transport solutions, growth in multimodal and intercontinental operations, higher regulatory and compliance complexity, and opportunities in orbital and lunar logistics,” Peter Fritschi, Group COO at Trans Global Projects (TGP), told the Journal of Commerce. As satellite constellations and orbital infrastructure scale, logistics providers must support more frequent, time-sensitive and technically complex shipments today. For tomorrow, emerging services such as in-orbit refueling, debris removal and lunar cargo delivery will require new logistics models and partnerships. “In short, the logistics of space components is entering a phase of accelerated growth and strategic importance,” Fritschi said. Shift of logistics focus The logistics of space components has evolved over the past few years, both operationally and commercially. TGP has seen a shift from ad hoc, project-based shipments to a more structured and recurring flow of high-value, technically complex cargo. “Private logistics providers have adapted to this shift by developing multimodal solutions that accommodate oversized, sensitive and often confidential space hardware,” Cowie said. In a recent project, NATCO, part of the TGP group, coordinated the transport of custom-built containers for a next-generation European launch vehicle. These containers each held one-half of the rocket tip and were moved from Switzerland to a South American launch site operated by a European space agency. The shipments were part of a regular supply chain supporting both European and US space programs. TGP USA, meanwhile, has supported a US space company by shipping large counterweights for rocket launchers from China to the US in moves that required coordination across continents, including customs brokerage, biosecurity compliance and specialized handling protocols. “The operational complexity of these shipments reflects the broader evolution of the market,” Fritschi said. “Logistics providers are now expected to manage not only the physical movement of space components but also the regulatory, engineering and risk mitigation aspects of each mission.” This includes navigating export controls, ensuring vibration and temperature stability, and aligning with launch schedules and orbital servicing windows. Greener handling of space components Wind power is playing a central role in the logistics for the European Space Agency (ESA) Ariane 6 program, as part of ESA’s environmental commitments. The launcher elements of the heavy-lift rocket Ariane 6, manufactured in Europe, are being transported to ESA’s spaceport in French Guiana onboard the 121-meter-long Canopée, a custom-built roll-on/roll-off vessel fitted with four 37-meter-tall OceanWings sails. The sails fitted to the Canopée reduce fuel consumption on the rotation by between 25% and 30%, and halve the cost of shipping the parts, said Louis Laurent, head of the Ariane 6 program. “Our environmental commitments were at the center of the decision taken early in the Ariane 6 program to build the most efficient vessel in terms of costs and carbon footprint,” he told the Journal of Commerce. The hybrid propulsion vessel rotates between five ports to load Ariane 6 components and ship them across the Atlantic. The rotation starts in Bremen, Germany, where the upper stage is loaded, then to Rotterdam in the Netherlands to load the rocket’s fairing, Le Havre, France, for the core stage for Ariane 6, and finally Bordeaux, France, for the solid propulsion elements, before a 10-day trans-Atlantic crossing to the port of Pariacabo in Kourou, French Guiana — where all the components are offloaded and transported by road to the Ariane 6 launch vehicles assembly building a few kilometers away. The Canopée is expected to complete the port rotation up to 12 times a year. “Today we are not at the maximum for Ariane 6, but we are ramping up to 10 to 12 launches per year,” said Laurent. “So the vessel is not at maximum use now, but next year will be almost fully occupied on the Ariane 6.” The vessel is chartered and operated by shipping company Alizés, which can use it elsewhere if there is capacity. The Canopée was built by Neptune Marine Projects in the Polish port of Sczezcin. Sea trials beginning in December 2022 included a crossing from Rotterdam to Kourou, and the four sails were installed in 2023. “The sails enable a very significant reduction in fuel. It is not a concept, but has been demonstrated in reality, in more than two years of operations between Europe and South America,” said Laurent. “The vessel is part of our sustainability program, which also includes our commitment to deorbit the upper stage at the end of the mission, rather than leaving it in orbit. Ariane 6 is the first program to have this policy to clean up in space when the mission is done.” Ariane 6 weighs almost 900 metric tons when launched with a full payload. The two versions have the flexibility to launch both heavy and light payloads to a range of orbits, for applications such as Earth observation, telecoms, meteorology, science and navigation. Plethora of logistics challenges ESA’s Ariane 6 program demonstrates the physical challenges of handling space cargoes. But logistics complexity lies not only in the physical nature of the cargo, but also in the regulatory, operational and geopolitical landscape surrounding space-related shipments. Another challenge is confidentiality. “Space-related cargo often involves proprietary technology and mission-critical components,” Cowie said. “This limits the ability to share operational details with subcontractors or even internally across teams.” As a result, logistics providers must implement heightened security protocols, discreet handling procedures and close coordination with clients and government agencies. Timing is also critical. “Space components are frequently tied to fixed launch windows, meaning any delay in transport can have cascading effects across mission schedules,” Fritschi said. “This demands contingency planning, priority access to transport modes and constant communication with stakeholders.” But there are opportunities on the horizon. With orbital congestion and space debris becoming critical concerns, Fritschi believes logistics providers will be called upon to support missions focused on debris removal, satellite repositioning and end-of-life asset management. “This opens a niche for companies with engineering capabilities and secure transport solutions for sensitive and hazardous materials,” he said. Contact Carly Fields at carly.fields@spglobal.com .Contact Felicity Landon at felicity@felicitylandon.com .

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The world of LTL is slow to embrace change. Business anachronisms permeate current supply chain processes. These vestiges of the way things used to work define the LTL freight transportation procurement process of many modern shippers.David Knuth, logistics specialist at IEWC, a global supplier of cable and wire based in Wisconsin, is happy to have modernized the RFP process, automating the entire LTL bidding procedure with Bid$ense, SMC³’s automated truckload and LTL freight transportation sourcing solution. But when prompted, he can still recall what once was.In his previous job, a large part of his duties were consumed by creating an intermodal bid package for carriers. In a spreadsheet, Knuth detailed the company’s volumes lane by lane, taking care to delete any errant keystrokes or misleading data. He would then email out the information to each carrier, taking time to respond to detailed technical questions about the spreadsheet data. Finally, he had to compile all the results, create an algorithm that would compare the carriers on each lane, and award the business.“It was a huge undertaking. It took about four months to do,” Knuth said of the old process. “It was almost a full-time job for that part of the year, every year.”In his new job at IEWC, he sat down with Bid$ense on day one and was amazed at the capabilities. Knuth had never before used a bid tool. SMC³’s latest versions of Bid$ense automate the process even further, taking truckload and LTL RFPs entirely online. The tool draws on RFP best-practices protocols to streamline the bidding communication process, enabling bidding carriers to respond accurately and promptly to shipper requests. The solution also does all the distribution work automatically, electronically submitting shipper bid data to carriers based on their actual service capabilities and performance records. Carriers are alerted with timely prompts for RFP deliverables, so shippers aren’t waiting by the phone for responses.Another benefit of automating the process is the data-cleansing assistance. When Knuth sent spreadsheets to carriers, data errors might cloud the bidding process; he might have to resend data or simply accept a price that did not truly reflect the costs of doing business. Data cleansing is incredibly beneficial, he said.The spreadsheet technique also made bidding analysis an onerous task. Since Bid$ense automates and streamlines the entire RFP process, intensive examination is now simple. SMC³ knows that each bid has more than one best outcome. With uniform responses from each carrier, shippers can quickly rank results and create an unlimited quantity of what-if scenarios to make the optimal procurement decision.Jesse Burnett of Central Garden &amp; Pet experiences many of the same benefits. Founded in 1980, Central Garden &amp; Pet has spent the last three decades growing from a small garden supply company to a provider of a range of products from dog chews and bird seed to soil supplements and natural insecticides. For much of its life, the company shipped these disparate goods via LTL and truckload carriers to retailers throughout the country, relying on each business unit to negotiate directly with their freight transportation providers. This arrangement worked fairly well for a small company, but as Central Garden &amp; Pet expanded, leadership decided to consolidate decision making.Burnett helped centralize the transportation decision making in 2015 with SMC³’s Bid$ense. Before Bid$ense, every business unit operated independently as far as negotiating with carriers.“There were a lot of different things just floating around,” he said. “We didn’t have master agreements in place; no national pricing at all. The pricing from carriers was just all over the place, depending on where you were.”The transformations he saw with Bid$ense were immediate. Burnett has been using the tool about every other year since its implementation at the company. Central Garden and Pet’s $19.6 million 2019 LTL bid saved the company just more than 9 percent when compared to its historical average. For Burnett, though, bid automation extends far beyond savings.“We knew that we weren’t getting the best pricing offer from our carriers just because nothing was centralized,” he continued. “We knew that if we combined everything from all these business units and paired it with one corporate offering, then it would drive some cost benefit with it.”When the company initially decided to centralize bid procurement, executives researched a number of different methodologies and technologies. In the end, though, Burnett found that Bid$ense was both widespread and well known, and that his carrier partners already knew how to use the application. Burnett also highlighted the data-cleansing process as a major benefit, saying the rigorous process ensures that carriers always return the best price.“It definitely has helped drive savings,” he said. “Any time you go out there and you drive that competitiveness with the carriers and they know they’re in a bid environment, it seems to sharpen their pencils.”Transportation procurement is an integral part of the modern supply chain. With Bid$ense, shippers can develop a strategic implementation plan that saves them time and money, but also helps them create strong relationships with their carrier partners. These carriers appreciate the solution’s data-cleansing process; when carriers receive a complete shipment history and future volume forecast, they don’t have to guess on pricing. Carriers that receive more data from shippers get a complete picture of that shipper’s freight, allowing them to accurately plan instead of simply preparing for the worst-case scenario. Clean data presented through an automated system can lead to both bigger shipment savings and a lasting partnership between carrier and customer.Whether customers are looking to streamline over-the-road transportation bidding by automating the RFP process or create an entirely new, centralized sourcing process, Bid$ense has the analytical horsepower to get the job done.SMC³ 2020 Customer Case Study

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Shippers save money, time with automated transportation bidding tools

If there’s one immutable truth in the world of logistics, it’s this: LTL is an inherently complex form of transportation. Tariffs, rates, DIM weights, transit times — it’s enough to confuse even seasoned logistics professionals. The solution to this knowledge gap has historically been on-the-job training or university supply chain education, but for a variety of reasons there is now a pressing need for third-party, remote LTL training that prepares logistics workers for transportation success. Global Scope Can Overlook Local Intricacies In the past, professionals looking to move into a supply chain career learned about the basics of supply chain from universities. However, many of these college supply chain programs are now global in scope, focusing on worldwide supply chain management instead of the intricacies of specialized domestic transportation. And even these programs, which used to be widespread, are becoming less common. LTL is not an industry of broad-brush strokes; supply chain professionals really need a pointillistic understanding of the logistics of LTL in order to excel in the industry. Accelerating Need for Dedicated LTL Education This lack of specified training put the onus on employers to prepare new hires with the LTL knowledge needed to do their jobs. Dedicated LTL study is a necessity, not a luxury. At the same time, changes in LTL and the broader supply chain world are accelerating. The reliance on e-commerce has ballooned since the start of the pandemic, and last-mile LTL shipments and related e-commerce strains on the supply chain won’t diminish once social distancing abates. That genie isn’t going back into the bottle. So supply chain employers need logistics workers that are fully versed in all aspects of the industry, ready to solve unique shipping and delivery problems based on their extensive supply chain knowledge But why care about LTL? It’s been reported that some shippers in today’s world are no longer concerned with what mode is used to ship their goods. A Multimodal Approach Ensures On-Time Delivery This mode agnosticism means supply chain stakeholders have to be well versed in all modes of transportation. As unforeseen weather events and other disruptions, such as protests, become more common, savvy logistics employees will need to be armed with familiarity of all modes, not just the most popular, to ensure that freight is delivered on time, without damage, and in the most financially expedient way possible. Offerings like SMC³’s LTL online education courses cover a wide range of topics from LTL basics and operations to more advanced concepts like pricing analytics and transportation law. The company also has plans to continually refresh content, adding new expert presenters and taking the feedback of students to make the courses even better as time goes on. Learn more about&nbsp;<a href="https://logisticstrainingcenter.com/smc3-courses/" rel="noreferrer" class="joc_admin__link">SMC³’s LTL Online Education program</a>&nbsp;and view the 2021 hybrid schedule, featuring live industry experts,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smc3.com/onlinelearning2021/" rel="noreferrer" class="joc_admin__link">here.</a>

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Filling the Supply Chain Education Gap with LTL Education Courses

In 1995, we began operations with a clear vision: to grow alongside Mexico and connect the world through our terminals. Our priority has always been to deliver excellence in service, foster economic development, and strengthen our communities. We firmly believe that progress is not only measured in tons of cargo moved, but in the opportunities we create. _______________________________________________________________ This year marks a significant milestone: SSA Marine Mexico celebrates 30 years of presence in the country, having established itself from day one as the leading port operator nationwide. Over the past three decades, we have built a legacy of reliability, innovation, and commitment to Mexico’s growth. Our journey has been defined by continuous evolution and a steadfast dedication to our mission. SSA Marine México currently operates in six of the country’s most important ports: Cozumel, Lazaro Cardenas, Manzanillo, Progreso, Tuxpan, and Veracruz. Additionally, we have signed a concession to operate a new multipurpose terminal in Guaymas, Sonora, expanding our footprint to the north of the country. We serve a wide range of segments including containers, general cargo, automobiles, cruise ships, hydrocarbons, and asphalt. As part of this ongoing commitment, SSA Marine Mexico continues to strengthen its infrastructure and capabilities. International trade remains a key driver of global economic growth, and we are proud to support this momentum. Through our continuous improvement strategy, we invest in cutting-edge technology and equipment to deliver more efficient and competitive services, contributing to the success of Mexican businesses. •	Manzanillo, Colima- Specialized Container Terminal I: On October 13, we celebrated the arrival of two new STS (Ship To Shore) Super Post Panamax dockside cranes. This $21.2 million USD investment significantly boosts our operational capacity, streamlining cargo reception and delivery processes. In line with our modernization efforts, we will also retire four of our oldest cranes, paving the way for a more sustainable and technologically advanced fleet that meets the evolving demands of international trade. With these upgrades, SSA Marine México now operates a total of 16 cranes along our 1,350-meter dock, reaffirming our position as a national benchmark in port <span class="joc_admin__inline-image joc_admin__inline-image-aspect-ratio-4_3 joc_admin__inline-image-position-left joc_admin__inline-image-size-large" data-figure-size="large" data-figure-position="left" data-figure-aspect-ratio="4:3"><img src="/content-assets/1760982635607_Manzanillo.jpg" alt="Image provided by SSA Marine" class="joc_admin__inline-image-inherit"> •	As for the Multipurpose Terminal and Specialized Facility, also in Manzanillo, Colima, improvement and conditioning works are planned, along with the acquisition of four E-RTG (Electric Rubber-Tyred Gantry) cranes to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability. •	At our Automobile and General Cargo Terminal in the port of Veracruz, we continue to lead with specialized value-added services that support our clients’ growth. Recent investments include a new washing cabin and a general cargo warehouse, increasing indoor storage capacity by 67%. •	Lazaro Cardenas, Michoacan – Specialized Automobile Terminal: we are working on the development of an additional 4-hectare storage space within our bonded area and a 10-hectare Vehicle Distribution Center (VDC). These enhancements, along with ongoing personnel and system improvements, will reinforce our leadership in automotive handling across the Mexican Pacific coast.<span class="joc_admin__inline-image joc_admin__inline-image-aspect-ratio-4_3 joc_admin__inline-image-position-left joc_admin__inline-image-size-large" data-figure-size="large" data-figure-position="left" data-figure-aspect-ratio="4:3"><img src="/content-assets/1760982742240_Lazaro.jpg" alt="Image provided by SSA Marine" class="joc_admin__inline-image-inherit"> Through these strategic investments, SSA Marine Mexico reaffirms its commitment to the sustained growth of Mexico’s foreign trade. By expanding capacity, modernizing infrastructure, and diversifying services, we continue to strengthen the country’s competitiveness in global logistics. Today, we celebrate three decades of dedication, innovation, and leadership, with deep gratitude to our employees, clients, and partners for being part of this incredible journey. LINK: https://www.ssamarine.mx/<span class="joc_admin__inline-image joc_admin__inline-image-aspect-ratio-16_9 joc_admin__inline-image-position-left joc_admin__inline-image-size-small" data-figure-size="small" data-figure-position="left" data-figure-aspect-ratio="16:9"><img src="/content-assets/1760982787360_SSA%20Marine%20Mexico%20logo%20150pxW.png" alt="" class="joc_admin__inline-image-inherit">

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SSA Marine Mexico: 30 years growing together.

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