With all the new rules and regulations doing the rounds in the UA E, heavy duty driver’s licenses and safety on the roads are turning out to be two areas of focus.
Delivering Quality Logistics Information Since 1947
Delivering Quality Logistics Information Since 1947
November 1st, 2008 — Hot Topic, Issue 12 November 2008
With all the new rules and regulations doing the rounds in the UA E, heavy duty driver’s licenses and safety on the roads are turning out to be two areas of focus.
October 1st, 2008 — Hot Topic, Issue 10 September 2008
DP World’s much publicised Jebel Ali Port is already congested. But there’s hope in the form of a second phase
Jebel Ali hasn’t had the easiest of years, with Dubai’s ongoing growth and the closure of Port Rashid causing berth congestion at DP World’s flagship port. Reports of ships being kept waiting up to 10 days just to find a slot have made it a trying period for shippers and carriers alike.
October 1st, 2008 — Issue 11 October 2008, Trends
Proposals for a series of truck stops in the UAE would be welcome for haulage drivers and serve as a focal point for logistics services
As the weather starts to cool and UAE motorists start to dream up enjoyable daytrip itineraries, spare a thought for the thousands of truck drivers who, come winter or summer, drive through the heat for hours on end, are restricted in when and where they can drive, and have little in the way of amenities and services to help them off the roads.
September 1st, 2008 — Hot Topic, Issue 10 September 2008
With shorter work hours and regular deadlines, how does anything get done during the Holy Month?
Meeting Ramadan deadlines is challenging for all Middle Eastern companies, given the shorter working hours and allowances for Muslim staff who are fasting and praying. But for logistics companies, the Holy month can present additional challenges, since global trade never stops and the industry, in any given month, ticks to a 24-hour beat.
July 1st, 2008 — Hot Topic, Issue 9 July/Aug 2008
As if soaring inflation was not enough, the VAT is coming soon. Contrary to popular belief, experts say it could be a blessing in disguise
The UAE is set to be the first GCC country to introduce value added tax (VAT) on consumer goods and services in early 2009, paving the way for the tax to be pan-regional within five years – Oman and Syria are also proposing to introduce it next year. VAT will likely be set at between three to five per cent in the UAE, replacing the five per cent customs duty.
Small businesses with revenues under US$1 million will be exempt from the tax, according to a statement by Dubai Customs, and companies within the health and education sectors could also be exempt – but it is unlikely those in the logistics sector will escape.
June 1st, 2008 — Issue 8 June 2008, Trends
Healthcare logisticians are eagerly awaiting Dubai Logistics City’s full opening
in two years’ time, but must keep their speedy transport options open in the
interim.
It’s all systems go at Dubai World Central, as its myriad components home in on a series of deadlines in the next few years. The first flight is targeted to arrive by the end of the year, the 200,000 sq metre office complex aims to be ready by April next year and the industry awaits the full opening of Dubai Logistics City (DLC) by 2010, with 150 plots currently reserved.
April 1st, 2008 — Issue 6 April 2008, Management
Skilled candidates are like gold dust in all industries today – none more so than the recruitment challenged logistics sector. Robin Lyndhurst outlines some of the key issues and tries to suggest ways to boost competitiveness and
appeal
The 21st century battlefield won’t be fought outside castles or on grassy plains, but in the recruitment department of every company globally. Everyone is scrambling for skilled staff, developed and developing countries alike.
Paul Stuiver, CEO, Barloworld Logistics
March 1st, 2008 — Issue 5 March 2008, Special
Developed yet emerging, conservative yet enterprising, Saudi Arabia’s transport industry is very much at a crossroads. Robin Lyndhurst reflects on the new impetus within the Kingdom’s logistics industry and outlines the projects coming up designed to cement its reputation as the premier powerhouse of the GCC
You may have struggled to buy a red rose in Riyadh this Valentine’s Day, but there’s no denying the Kingdom is blooming, particularly in the logistics arena. Macro economic cities, major rail projects and ambitious new port developments are all coming up on the horizon in the GCC’s largest and richest market, with more than SR50 billion worth of transport projects now on the table.
February 1st, 2008 — Industry, Issue 4 February 2008
Shipping companies are increasingly using forward freight agreements (FFAs) to manage their spot exposure. Freight derivatives provide a means of hedging exposure to freight market risk
Today, products and services are sourced from where they are available suitably and cheaply; and sold where they fetch the best possible price. Even in this day and age, the primary channel of international trade has changed little with more than 90 per cent of total trade transported by sea. The increased complexities of modern trade have led to a larger amount of risks (and profits) both for ship-owners and their clients.
February 1st, 2008 — Industry, Issue 4 February 2008
As the global halal food market continues to grow rapidly, logistics providers must ensure their standards match their commercial appetites.
The halal sector is definitely the flavour of the month in the logistics industry, even if no one can agree on just how big it is. Some say $150 billion, $245 billion, or as much as $570 billion – one source even goes as far as $2.1 trillion.
