AFS Logistics’ Post

Top 4 Supply Chain Trends of the Week 📰 China exports – March exports declined 7.5% on the year in dollar terms, reversing the 7.1% gain in the first two months of 2024, according to data released by the country's customs office. A downturn in demand for mechanical and high-tech products, as well as garments, contributed to March's export deterioration, the steepest since an 8.8% plunge last August. Exports to the European Union dropped 5.7% in the quarter, while those to the U.S. slipped 1.3%. Exports to Southeast Asian economies grew 4%. https://lnkd.in/eqsKx2_K 📰 Fulfillment expands – ShipBob announced the opening of its latest fulfillment center in British Columbia. The new location marks the first in ShipBob's network's to be in Western Canada and the fifth for ShipBob in Canada. https://lnkd.in/ep3QxQQ2 Stord acquires ProPack - which further expands Stord's fulfillment network throughout the US and Canada, and strengthens its ability to provide comprehensive and tailored supply chain physical and digital solutions to its customers. https://lnkd.in/eJVKf_Dh 📰 Air continues to benefit from ecommerce - The US DoT has from April authorized China-based airlines to increase the number of weekly flights they carry out between the US and China from 35 to 50. Judah Levine, head of research at Freightos, said that the increase in capacity could ease some pressure on rates on the trade lane. He added that air cargo volumes out of China were being driven by growing demand for business-to-consumer e-commerce out of China. “Online retailers like Temu and Shein are increasingly buying up air cargo space to the west,” he said. https://lnkd.in/epuiBznT However, the de minimis is under threat as counterfeits rise and the potential lack of complying with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). Air freight BoLs makes up 88% of total de minimis BoLs. If there is a change in de minimis, air freight volumes into the US would sharply decline. https://lnkd.in/eCh48Xg4 📰 Retailers/businesses continue to move closer to customers for faster final-mile https://lnkd.in/eaGppnwk   while cutting costs to reduce the need for promotions & keeping inventory fresh - Buy items early & at full price, rather than wait for discounts says Land End’s CFO. https://lnkd.in/eeZtrJks - Cathy (Photo 87922531 | Trends © Kittipong Jirasukhanont | Dreamstime.com)

🚨 The recent executive action by the Biden Administration on de minimis goods was inevitable, especially given rising concerns over imports from China. 📦 Timing couldn't be worse, as holiday shipments will likely be affected—particularly for giants like Shein and Temu, who rely on the $800 duty-free threshold. This shift adds costs and complexities, but maybe it’s time for Amazon sellers to be happy 🎉 as they gain a competitive edge! How will your business adapt to these changes? #SupplyChain #Logistics #AmazonSellers #Shein #Temu #ECommerce #GlobalTrade

How brands are avoiding US import tariffs on Chinese goods: 1) Setting up complex China to Mexico warehouse and distribution schemes as outlined by Maersk to allow Chinese goods to enter into the US without paying tariffs. Or 2) Brands purchase directly from the network of factories we own in Europe, Indonesia, and the new North American site going live later this year, avoiding China altogether. Still need to buy packaging to be delivered into China? We have a factory there too to support China to China business. Let's talk. https://lnkd.in/eUR7Q8m6 #china #nearshoring #packaging #design #manufacturing #tariffs #purchasing #retail #import

Discover Direct Import – our streamlined supply chain solution for seamless importing. By managing orders directly from the brand's manufacturing base, we eliminate the need for intermediaries. The result? Lower costs, leaner operations, and higher efficiency. What makes Direct Import a great solution? - Brands receive aggregated orders, respecting production lead times and minimum order quantities. - Amazon manages the end-to-end supply chain, including ocean transport, customs clearance, and storage in Europe. Swipe right to learn more. #AWindowIntoAmazonFashion #Fashion #SupplyChain

What is the Best Way to Ship from China to the United States? While that is indeed a significant question, there exists no ubiquitous "optimal approach" for shipping from China to the United States. When formulating a shipment plan, it is imperative to meticulously contemplate the subsequent variables: Product and Load – What precisely is being dispatched, what are its dimensions, and how much does it weigh? Destination – To which country is the shipment destined, and what routes are accessible? Timing Requirements – Do you have an urgent need for your items, do you require them within a few days, or can you tolerate a wait of several weeks? Based on your responses to these inquiries, one or more of the following shipping methods ought to be taken into consideration, inclusive of: Air Express Air Freight Sea Freight Regardless of the method you ultimately select, the most effective way to ship from China to the United States invariably involves contacting a China freight forwarder, and there are several compelling justifications for this. Firstly, a freight forwarder based in China will offer rates that are significantly lower than those typically provided by a US or international freight forwarder. This is because our rates have been negotiated for the Chinese market, rather than the United States. Similarly, due to the substantial volume of shipments that the leading freight forwarders book with their respective carriers, they also secure more favorable rates than if you were to attempt to contact a carrier directly to manage your solitary shipment. All of these cost savings are subsequently transferred to you. At least such is the case with topwayshipping, which is why we have rapidly emerged as one of the premier freight forwarders for shipping from China for retail, Amazon FBA, and high-growth e-commerce brands. #topwayshipping #how much is shipping from china to us #ShippingFromChinaToUS##ShippingFromChinaToUSA #FreightForwarder #ChinaRates #ProductLoad #Destination #TimingRequirements #AirExpress #AirFreight #SeaFreight #CostSavings #RetailShipping #AmazonFBA #EcommerceBrands

In the world of #logistics, challenges are inevitable. From supply chain disruptions to inventory management issues, businesses often face obstacles that can hinder their operations and affect their bottom line. At TripleF, we understand these challenges and are here to provide innovative solutions that help businesses overcome them. One common challenge that businesses encounter is inefficient transportation management. Whether it's shipment delays or high transportation costs, inadequate transportation can impact both the speed and cost-effectiveness of logistics operations. That's where #TripleF comes in. Our advanced logistics solutions optimize transportation routes, minimize transit times, and reduce costs, ensuring your shipments reach their destination quickly and affordably. Another challenge businesses face is inventory management. Maintaining optimal inventory levels while minimizing stockouts and overstock situations can be a delicate balancing act. With TripleF's inventory management solutions, businesses can gain real-time visibility into their inventory levels, track stock movements, and forecast demand more accurately. This helps businesses optimize their inventory levels, reduce carrying costs, and improve overall efficiency. Additionally, navigating complex customs and compliance requirements can pose a significant challenge for businesses engaged in international trade. TripleF's expertise in customs clearance and compliance ensures smooth and hassle-free cross-border transactions. Our team of experts stays up-to-date with the latest regulations and requirements, helping businesses navigate the complexities of international trade with ease. By partnering with #TripleF, businesses can overcome these common logistics challenges and unlock new opportunities for growth and success. With our innovative solutions, industry expertise, and commitment to customer satisfaction, we're here to help businesses thrive in today's competitive market. Ready to overcome your logistics challenges? Contact TripleF today and discover how we can help streamline your operations and drive your business forward. #Logistics #SupplyChain #TripleF #BusinessSolutions #Innovation

A 𝘀𝗽𝗹𝗶𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 refers to the practice of sending a single order with multiple products in separate shipments, resulting in the customer receiving more than one package despite ordering everything together. While businesses generally aim to avoid split shipments, certain circumstances necessitate this approach. One such scenario arises when products are located in different facilities. In the realm of e-commerce, where companies often 𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗺𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, varying stock levels may prompt the utilization of different warehouses to fulfill a single order. This ensures that, rather than waiting for a single fulfillment center to restock, the customer receives their products more efficiently. Additionally, logistical constraints in transportation, such as limited space on trucks or planes, may lead to individual boxes being 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆, particularly in international shipments where each parcel requires specific customs documentation. This 𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 𝗲𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 and streamlines the shipping process, even if it adds complexity to customs procedures. #GLA #GLAFamily #SplitShipment #Shipment #LogisticsStrategy #fastdelivery #ecommerce

SupplyChainBrain reports that U.S. import volumes are expected to peak early this year due to proactive strategies by retailers, such as stocking up ahead of tariff changes and holiday demand. Ascent Global Logistics offers the expertise and technology to confidently navigate high demand pressures. Let's discuss how we can support your logistics this peak season! #Logistics #SupplyChain #PeakSeason #PeakShipping #AscentGlobalLogistics

🚚🌍 UPS is making changes! Starting September 15, they are adjusting their charges based on billable weight for shipments. This change will affect 12 other countries and territories. 📦✈️ This means shipping costs might go up, so it's important for everyone shipping from these places to be aware! Stay informed and plan ahead to manage your shipping expenses better. 🌟 For more details, check out the article on Supply Chain Dive: https://lnkd.in/gMTFXQ9Y

Happy Saturday! This week's top 4 supply chain trends 💡 U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy agreed to pause planned further consolidation of the postal service's processing network after a bipartisan group of senators raised concerns about the impact on mail deliveries. https://lnkd.in/emqZ2eBH 💡 Tariffs & trade blocks - US sharply raises tariffs on Chinese EVs & semiconductor imports https://lnkd.in/gsXAdN5G. A list of increases are listed here https://lnkd.in/enxP3YSC The U.S. will also block imports from 26 more Chinese textile companies over their alleged ties to forced labor https://lnkd.in/e6CAqxHK 💡 Trucking indices for April still note little signs of an upswing. The Cass Transportation Index noted shipments fell 1.3% month-to-month in April, as for-hire demand remains broadly soft. Meanwhile, expenditures which measures the total amount spent on freight, was unchanged in April, and down 17% year-over-year. The Cass Truckload Linehaul Index increased slightly, 0.1%, in April, the 3rd straight slight increase. The year-over-year decline narrowed to 3.8%. With spot rates steady over the past several months, downward pressure on the larger contract market is lessening, with some instances of contract rate increases bucking the downtrend recently. https://lnkd.in/eChF7Fwg 💡 Airfreight continues to benefit from e-commerce. https://lnkd.in/eV74ChWV  and https://lnkd.in/eQdun-Q7. Per The Loadstar - A “significant percentage” of Cargolux’s loads ex-Asia are ecommerce, said Cargolux CEO Richard Forson .“It’s Asia-Europe, Asia-US, Asia-Mexico, Asia to Canada. So it just shows you the spread of cross-border e-commerce. We’ve seen no slowdown in the demand for cross-border ecommerce. Rather it’s increasing. According to data from ShipMatrix, Shein & Temu are shipping an estimated one million packages a day on average in the U.S., helping drive spot rates & demand out of Asia by freighter & belly hold. https://lnkd.in/eUMF5kyQ Meanwhile, excluding autos & gas, US retail sales declined by 0.1% in April. Nonstore retailers, which includes online sales, led the declines, falling 1.2% from March. According to Michael Pearce, deputy chief U.S. economist at Capital Economics, the decline reflected a new sales event at Amazon & the earlier timing of Easter. https://lnkd.in/eVApyYph - Cathy (Photo 87922531 © Kittipong Jirasukhanont | Dreamstime.com)