LAST year saw significant steps toward transferring big ocean freight lines into providers of inland logistics service, a trend that is blurring the line between freight forwarders and carriers, reports New York's FreightWaves
Previously, an asset-light business model dominated the logistics sector.
Now with the supply chain crisis and the growth of Amazon's logistics network, the sector has demonstrated the value of controlling capacity rather than being completely reliant on third parties.
Many container lines established logistics divisions years ago but focused on short-haul port drayage, transloading, or intermodal moves.
In 2021, the major carriers invested in becoming integrated logistics hubs where customers can order individual services or bundled solutions from an end-to-end international supply chain management menu.
Some carriers also invested in port terminal operations to better guarantee access and prompt handling for their vessels.
For example, Maersk announced before Christmas that it made a US$3.6 billion deal with Hong Kong sourcing expert Li & Fung for its LF Logistics subsidiary.
In early November, it agreed to acquire German freight forwarder and air freight specialist Senator International for $644 million.
Maersk ordered two new Boeing 777 freighters for its in-house airline Star Air and leased three Boeing 767-300s, starting in 2022.
CMA CGM announced a $3 billion deal for the e-commerce and life cycle units of technology distribution giant Ingram Micro in December.
Meanwhile, the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) is close to buying Log-In - Logistica Intermodal, which operates coastal vessels, as well as port and intermodal terminals in Brazil and lower South America.
SeaNews Turkey
Previously, an asset-light business model dominated the logistics sector.
Now with the supply chain crisis and the growth of Amazon's logistics network, the sector has demonstrated the value of controlling capacity rather than being completely reliant on third parties.
Many container lines established logistics divisions years ago but focused on short-haul port drayage, transloading, or intermodal moves.
In 2021, the major carriers invested in becoming integrated logistics hubs where customers can order individual services or bundled solutions from an end-to-end international supply chain management menu.
Some carriers also invested in port terminal operations to better guarantee access and prompt handling for their vessels.
For example, Maersk announced before Christmas that it made a US$3.6 billion deal with Hong Kong sourcing expert Li & Fung for its LF Logistics subsidiary.
In early November, it agreed to acquire German freight forwarder and air freight specialist Senator International for $644 million.
Maersk ordered two new Boeing 777 freighters for its in-house airline Star Air and leased three Boeing 767-300s, starting in 2022.
CMA CGM announced a $3 billion deal for the e-commerce and life cycle units of technology distribution giant Ingram Micro in December.
Meanwhile, the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) is close to buying Log-In - Logistica Intermodal, which operates coastal vessels, as well as port and intermodal terminals in Brazil and lower South America.
SeaNews Turkey
