Logistics and Infrastructure

Most countries in ME have perfected the implementation and deployment of efficient logistics infrastructure. For example, the US accounts for about 25% ( 900 billion) of the 3.5 trillion of annual revenue that the transportation sector generates worldwide. On an average per-capita basis, the estimates indicate that approximately 68 tons of freight (135,338 lb) valued at 45,324 were transported 15,310 ton-miles for every American resident in 2002 (DOT 2006). In 2002, more than three-quarters of the weight of all shipments and over half the value moved in local and short haul shipments within 250 miles from origin. However, long haul shipments carried 82% of the ton-miles. 

As shown in Fig. 7.1, note that the logistics cost as a percentage of product-value is significantly low in the US in comparison to the emerging economies such as Brazil. In addition, most countries in ME possess very efficient retail industries and reliable distribution systems that make use of the logistics infrastructure. 

A manufacturer or a distributor may choose among three alternatives to transport its materials. The company may operate a private fleet of owned or rented vehicles. It may use a carrier for transporting materials through direct shipments regulated by a contract. The company can also use a carrier that leverages common resources (vehicles, crews, terminals) to fulfill several clients transportation needs. Major 

Switzerland s spends heavily on R D and can quickly commercialize its research into products that also leads to a high rate of patenting. Switzerland s public institutions are among the most effective and transparent in the world. These include an independent judiciary, strong rule of law, and a highly accountable public sector. Its competitiveness is enhanced by excellent infrastructure and a well-functioning market. 

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Logistics and infrastructure. How can a storage-and-delivery infrastructure best connect the demand for hydrogen with its supply and ensure the public safety ... 

Material handling, collection logistics, and infrastructure are important aspects of the biomass resource supply chain. 

Biomass collection logistics and infrastructure Harvesting biomass crops, collecting biomass residues, and storing and transporting... 

Establish the logistics and infrastructure required for the fabrication, fuelling,... 

Business logistics and infrastructure will also need to be developed. 

Site services and infrastructure are very often considered a rather unexciting function in chemical corporations. Yet maintenance, logistics, utilities, engineering, analytical services, and SHE (safety, health, and environment) - to name but some of the key tasks - can have a major impact on their competitiveness. Hence, their management needs to be treated by chemical companies as part of their core activities. 

To achieve success in these complex relationships, enterprises and their partners should speak a common business language. All parties will need to coordinate standards (such as software and network protocols) and business process elements (such as procurement, production, logistics, and customer service). In addition, all parties should participate in joint budgeting in order to understand the key cost drivers inherent in the network s infrastructure. 

Select the appropriate aspects of products (e.g., types of product, product range, Mfe cycles) and markets (e.g., sales/promotional tools, delivery service requirements), logistics (e.g., volume shipment via consolidation), investment and cost (e.g., level of investment, level of inventory, shipping cost), and infrastructure (e.g., corporate culture and management styles). 

Transportation Research, Part E Logistics and Transportation Review (1366-5545). Scope Transport economics, infrastructure, public policy evaluation, empirical studies of management, logistics and supply chain management, and logistics and operations models. 

Bechtel has constracted a vast array of major plants and infrastructure projects around the world. In the past few years, advanced-technology tools, such as simulations, have increasingly been used to address logistical barriers, schedule constraints, environmental factors, and risk in support of the design and engineering in many projects. 

Another prominent example is partnering between manufacturers and third-party logistics providers, or 3PLs. The third-party providers leverage their expertise and infrastructure to fill what have been internal roles in material management. An example is the consolidation center described in a case study in a later chapter. Forging supply chain partnerships, we believe, is indispensable in improving supply chain operations and competitive position. 

Johnston, E. (2008). Kansai Airport still strugghng after 14 years. The Japan Times, September 5. Kasarda, J. D. (2000). New logistics technologies and infrastructure for the digitized economy. 4th International Conference on Technology Policy and Innovation, Curitiba, Brazil, August 28-31. 

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