AJOT: Personal touch triumphs over technology, seasoned air freight executive contends

Air cargo and forwarding is first and foremost a people business, says Angel Rodriguez. At the end of the day, boxes, shipments, and pallets are important to be moved but too often in the industry, we get tied up with metrics, numbers, and trying to make it onto someone’s board. This is a relationship business where you get exposed to different customers, cultures, and challenges and you need the flexibility and agility to shift to each unique client.

The Personal Touch: On-board Courier Service

Andrew Rossell, our VP of Operations, spoke to Inbound Logistics magazine for the August edition about the benefits of deploying OBC for high-value cargo.

Tailoring Logistics to the Unique Requirements of High-Value and Oversized Vehicles

Steven Chard, executive VP at ASF, discusses key strategies for optimizing logistics with Global Trade magazine.

Synchronizing success: Logistics and Germany's automotive trade

Driving Germany's automotive exports through enhanced operational efficiency and global trade success.

Our story: The heart and soul of ASF

Success is often measured by the ability to adapt, innovate, and rise above logistics challenges. At ASF Logistics, there’s a remarkable story of leaders who have gone beyond what is expected for the last 24 years.

Air Freight 2024 Mid-year Outlook

Angel Rodriguez, President of ASF Air shares our outlook on air freight capacity, rates, and growth, and what shippers should consider and plan for the remainder of 2024.

Why you need an intelligent, reliable partner to power your Flexitank logistics

Like all special cargo – from reefer to OOG, project to open tops, and all others – special cargo requires specialized care. Specialized care comes from having deep expertise, years of hands-on experience, and a proven network of partners.

Flexitanks with ASF - your supercharged Bulk Liquid Transportation solution

Flexi-tank, or flexitank, is one of the more unique solutions in the container shipping industry, regardless of how you spell it.

Where in the world are flexitanks most often found?

Your bulk liquids can reach any corner of the world with ASF via our exclusive flexitank offering, depending on your needs and the type of liquid you are shipping. There are some regions where flexitanks are particularly popular:

Flexitanks – Why it’s the sustainable choice

Designed for the transportation of liquids, typically food-grade fluids or non-hazardous chemicals, a flexitank makes shipping bulk liquids in a standard shipping container possible.

Navigating 2023 Ocean Freight Rates

In 2023, there seems to be a great deal of confusion surrounding the best model for ocean freight rate contracts. While some confusion is relatively normal, these discussions are usually easy to navigate based on specific client needs.

What Does the West Coast Labor Dispute Mean For My Freight?

West Coast ports shut down as union workers ‘no show’ after breakdown in wage negotiations. What does that mean for your freight?

What is moved in flexitanks?

Flexitanks are commonly used to transport non-hazardous liquids, such as food-grade, industrial, and non-hazardous chemicals. The most common types of liquids moved in flexitanks include:

Minimizing Disruption and the Role of a Freight Forwarder

Freight rate volatility has a major impact on the shipping industry. Learn more about understanding the market and mitigating supply chain issues with ASF.

The North American medical supply chain – should we consider Reshoring?

Learn more about the past, present, and future state of the medical supply chain market. ASF offers expert insights and steps towards a more resilient healthcare supply chain. In this blog post, we dive into how we got here and how we navigate out.

What Is Nearshoring: Unlocking Opportunities for Manufacturing in the Americas

As the global manufacturing landscape continues to evolve, businesses are exploring new strategies to optimize their supply chains and enhance operational efficiency. Nearshoring and reshoring have emerged as game-changing approaches, enabling companies to bring production closer to their home markets. In this blog post, we will delve into the concepts of nearshoring and reshoring, their impact on the freight forwarding industry, and the advantages they offer to businesses seeking to streamline their operations.

What types of companies benefit from flexitanks?

Typically used by companies transporting non-hazardous, flexitanks allow global shippers to move liquid bulk cargo in ocean containers. Some of the industries that commonly require the use of flexitanks include:

The Smart Move: Why Your Freight Forwarder Should Handle Your Trucking Needs

In this blog post, we'll explore the compelling reasons why importers should make this strategic shift and why those not taking advantage of this are losing out.

Human Centric Logistics: Pioneering a Distinct Global Offering

The concept of customer experience as a business imperative gained importance over the last few decades as markets became more competitive and customer expectations evolved. Consumers and buyers’ behaviors have shifted dramatically as a result of technological advancements and globalization. This has led organizations to compete in the market in dramatically different ways to drive success.

28 Years of Partnership

From the desk of ASF President, Phillip Ousley

Delivering Efficient Solutions with Advanced Technology

In this blog, Jeff Plumley discuss how ASF is optimizing global supply chains with advanced processes and market-leading technology.

Mastering Temperature-Controlled Logistics With ASF Logistics

The world of logistics is complex and ever-changing, more so when it involves maintaining a specific ambient temperature for goods during transportation. That's what temperature-controlled logistics is all about - the process of ensuring the integrity, quality, and safety of temperature-sensitive goods throughout the supply chain.

Driving change: Shaping Sustainable Supply Chain Logistics

Environmental sustainability is a prevailing issue that’s being tackled in a variety of ways to reduce the environmental impact of supply chain logistics operations. Efforts are being made to reduce CO2 emissions, energy consumption and waste, boost recycling and reuse products and packaging.

Navigating the Busiest Ports in the US: Leveraging Expertise for Efficiency

The United States, with its vast coastlines and various economic hubs, boasts some of the busiest ports in the world. Each US port serves as a lifeline for imports and exports, fueling the global economy.

Yacht Shipping: A Journey of Precision and Protection

You've recently closed the deal on your impressive 100-foot yacht, which is berthed in Miami. The buyer is located thousands of miles away in Australia. Have you considered how you will get your precious cargo to the next owner? Here’s why opting for commercial vessel shipping would be a wiser choice rather than embarking on a long and uncertain voyage across the open seas.

The Art of Shipping Motor Vehicles

We understand that not all cargo is created equal. When it comes to transporting precious cargo like race cars, luxury automobiles, and recreational vehicles, a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of international regulations are essential. Here’s an overview pointing out what it takes to seamlessly ship and secure vehicles throughout the world.

2024 Trucking Forecast

From the desk of ASF Vice President of Operations, Andrew Rossell

Beyond Borders: Mastering Supply Chain Compliance with ASF

In the world of manufacturing, there's a term that's both a guiding principle and an absolute requirement - 'supply chain compliance.' Simply put, supply chain compliance means adhering to the laws, regulations, and standards that govern the journey of products from origin to end consumer. It is the thread that binds the processes, stakeholders, and legal frameworks in a global supply chain. More importantly, it serves as the defense against the risks and repercussions of non-compliance that range from hefty fines and reputational damage to potential loss of business.

The Evolution of Flexitanks

From the desk of ASF Chief Commercial Officer and 30-year bulk liquid transport veteran Jeffrey D. Plumley.

Unleashing potential: U.S. - Vietnam trade

Over the course of the past three decades, the remarkable growth of bilateral trade between Vietnam and the United States has been a beacon of economic opportunity and collaboration for both countries. What began as a virtually blank slate 28 years ago, today finds these countries engaged in an economic relationship that has blossomed into a thriving partnership worth billions in investment and trade.

Cargo, Containers, and Connectivity: The Changing Face of Vietnam's Logistics Landscape

The Vietnamese market is one of the fast and largest developing economies in Southeast Asia. It is a key sourcing location for U.S. manufacturers and is increasingly seen as a leading growth area for U.S. companies.

Traditional & Tech Savvy: Logistics Technology Today

For several years now, there’s been a great deal of discussion about the digital gap between traditional freight forwarders and digital forwarders. Well, the time has come for all the hoopla to end and reality to set in. The case is, in fact, that traditional forwarders have had logistics technology to support the effective, reliable movement of their clients’ shipments, as well as technology to increase the efficiency of their operations and improve the customer experience for many years.

Simplifying Freight Visibility in the Digital Age

Technology became an extremely important enabler for shippers and logistics providers during the pandemic. It connected the various links in the supply chain, bridged human collaboration between trading partners, and kept freight flowing.

ASF Logistics Expands Flexitank Capabilities, Led by Jeff Plumley, CCO

ASF Global Logistics announces expansion of ASF Flexitanks with Jeff Plumley, Chief Commercial Officer.

Angel Rodriguez joins ASF as President of ASF Air

ASF, the human standard in global logistics, announces the addition of Angel Rodriguez as President of ASF Air to champion the growth of the ASF Air service offering.

Shippers Have a Secret Negotiation Weapon

ASF President, Phillip Ousley, featured in Inbound Logistics

Unlocking Growth: Enhancing Furniture Supply Chains Through Strategic Planning

The furniture industry has seen its share of supply chain challenges in recent years. High freight costs, surcharges, congestion and unpredictable weather events have all conspired to disrupt the smooth flow of furniture imports, impacting both bottom lines and customer satisfaction.

Global Logistics Essentials: What to Know Before You Source, Import, or Export

Global logistics can certainly be challenging. However, the right partner can drastically simplify the process.

Leveraging Just In Time (JIT) Delivery with Air Freight Solutions

In today's fast-paced business environment, a streamlined supply chain is crucial for gaining a competitive advantage. Businesses employ varied strategies to achieve this goal. Among these, Just In Time (JIT) delivery stands out as a revolutionary approach in logistics, significantly impacting how companies manage minimal inventory and production processes.

Demurrage vs Detention: Navigating Through Shipping Charges with ASF Global Logistics

In the complex world of freight forwarding, navigating the maze of charges, rules, and regulations can be daunting for both experienced and startup businesses. Among these, detention and demurrage charges are particularly critical and are often sources of confusion for exporters and importers, leading to unexpected costs and delays. The key to managing these charges and similar challenges effectively lies in working with a knowledgeable freight forwarder. ASF Global Logistics offers the expertise needed in this area.

2023 Global Trade Recap & 2024 Forecast

With 2023 in the rearview mirror and 2024 off to a challenging start. It’s a good time to take stock of the current state of the global shipping industry, events that impacted 2023 and other events that should be watched in 2024. We’ll also look at other areas that may impact your supply chain - the economy, global trade, and other notable events.

ASF Logistics Newsroom