Evolution Time Critical

Each year, we partner with a local business to create a holiday-themed seasonal video, which we send to our valued contacts along with a personal message from our team. This year, we're happy to continue this tradition with Yael Biran and share our warm wishes with you all! 🎄🎅🤶 As 2024 draws to a close, we recognise that many of our clients are still operating and preparing for the peak season ahead of Chinese New Year. To ensure continuous support, our teams are available 24/7 throughout the holidays in case of any disruptions. You can reach our global control centre at info@evolution-timecritical.com or by phone at +44 (0)1332 814914, where you will be connected with a local team for further assistance. From all of us at Evolution Time Critical, we wish you a joyful holiday season and we hope you enjoy quality time with those closest to you. See you in 2025! 👋

E-commerce now accounts for over two-thirds of airfreight originating from China, according to a recent report by WorldACD. While this trend is unsurprising, logistics networks are becoming increasingly strained as capacity crunches and air rates continue to rise. For OEMs and suppliers in the automotive sector, it will be crucial to have accurate forecasts and contingency plans in place to address potential delays and unexpected disruptions—such as those currently occurring between Turkey and Europe. What’s the latest? • Global full-market rates rose by 2% week-on-week from December 1, reaching $2.84 per kg—the highest level this year. • Spot rates increased by 3%, driven by a 4% rise in capacity demand from APAC and 3% from North America. • WorldACD also noted significant week-on-week rate increases, with China and Hong Kong experiencing respective rate jumps of 7% (to $5.10 per kg) and 9% (to $6.45 per kg). Although these rates are expected to dip slightly during the holiday season, our teams anticipate further increases ahead of the Chinese New Year, which begins on January 28. Additionally, tariffs set to be introduced by the incoming US administration have contributed to a capacity crunch, as OEMs and suppliers rush to stockpile goods—placing further strain on logistics networks and driving air cargo rates higher. If you’re uncertain about how airfreight rates and available capacity will evolve over the next three months, contact our global team at info@evolution-timecritical.com. Where you can be directed to a local control centre for more information. Alternatively, fill out our contact form by clicking the link here: https://hubs.ly/Q02-K0Yr0

As Thanksgiving approaches tomorrow, myself and the team wanted to take a moment to show our gratitude to our customers, suppliers, family and friends. Your support and trust means the world to us, and we continue to grow thanks to your faith in what we do.    2024 has been an incredible year for our North American team, and we look forward to showcasing even more innovation in our services to support your business in 2025. As always we're available 24/7 over Thanksgiving, you can reach out - info@evolution-timecritical.us / +1 855 738 6564   From all of us in the Atlanta office, we wish you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful holiday season. Evolution Time Critical

The demand for air cargo continues to surpass expectations, according to a recent Xeneta report. It was confirmed last week that October saw an 11% year-on-year increase in volumes, despite disruptions such as strikes at U.S. Gulf and East Coast ports. Key Findings: 📈 Spot rates have risen alongside demand. Over the past year, the average spot rate reached $2.68 per kilogram, up 19% year-on-year. ⚖️ The global dynamic load factor, measuring cargo volume, weight, and capacity availability, stood at 63%. 👨💻 Niall van de Wouw, Xeneta’s Chief Airfreight Officer, stated: “The frequency and diversity of disruptions in 2024 could have created significant challenges, but the industry has demonstrated strong preparedness and adaptability. This reflects a shift towards prioritizing relationships over short-term gains.” As a business, we’ve observed significant shifts in consumer behavior, with air freight becoming an increasingly popular transport solution, particularly in North America. Our Atlanta-based Control Center, led by Operations Manager Michael Critchlow-Regan since July 2023, has expanded its capabilities over the last year to better support OEMs and Tier Suppliers. To get further insights into how we can support your supply chain during peak and off-peak seasons, feel free to contact his team at info@evolution-timecritical.us or by phone at +1 (855) 738 6564.

Today, we reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who have served our countries. On this Remembrance Day in Canada and the UK, and Veterans Day in the United States, we express our deepest gratitude for your bravery and commitment to protecting the freedoms we hold dear. Your legacy will never be forgotten. #remembranceday2024 #veteransday

The National Farmers Union in the United Kingdom has organised a "mass lobby" for November 19, 2024, to protest against changes to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief introduced in the latest Autumn Budget in London. Here’s what we know: 🚜 Farmers plan to blockade ports, potentially causing significant delays for materials entering and leaving the United Kingdom. 🚶 Organisers expect around 10,000 people to participate in a peaceful march through London. The demonstration aims to convey farmers' concerns without causing disruption to the public. This is the latest information we have at the moment. We will post an update as soon as there are further developments. If you have any concerns about how port delays may affect your supply chains, please contact our UK Control Centre at +44 (0)1332 814914 or via email at info@evolution-timecritical.com.

With over 73% of 1,500 industry professionals in the automotive sector identifying concerns about the costs associated with battery packs in their production strategies, a recent report by Automotive IQ provides an eye-opening perspective on the industry's current stance regarding critical issues in electric vehicle production from a global viewpoint. Key Insights from the Report: 🔗 43% of respondents cited supply chain costs as a major concern, while 50% expressed worries about manufacturing costs. 📝 Additionally, 36% noted that increased overall production costs are affecting their decision-making for both short-term and long-term strategies. 💵 Despite declining production in 2024, this is not due to a lack of willingness to address these challenges. Over 42% of respondents are committed to overcoming cost concerns by investing resources within the next 2–3 years. 🤝 Logistics providers and raw material suppliers are playing an increasingly critical role. 54% of respondents view collaboration with suppliers and partners as an essential investment. 🚘 While the industry is ready to tackle these issues, shifting market demand is a major factor influencing decision-making. More than 56% stated that evolving market demand has shaped their investment decisions over the past year. Interested in reading more? Our team recently published an article on the challenges OEMs and Suppliers are facing with a shifting Automotive industry. You can read it here: https://hubs.ly/Q02XgjRH0

In case you missed it, SCI has been rebranded Metro Supply Chain. We are no longer posting company news on this page, but you will find the latest supply chain industry updates by following us at: https://lnkd.in/eM5xG6-2 Thank you for all your support and see you there!

Retail executives are increasingly seeking logistics partners to boost profitability and customer conversion rates, according to a new report by Standvast, which highlights key trends and strategic shifts among supply chain leaders. Below are insights from the report into these behavioural shifts and how we’re helping retailers deliver enhanced customer services. ⏩ 94% of supply chain executives say two-day or faster delivery is critical for customers, and 91% report rising demand over the past year. “Fast delivery” is defined as next-day (35%), two-day (35%), or same-day (26%) service. 💰 To stay competitive, 47% of respondents offer two-day shipping at no extra cost, and 44% provide three-to-five-day service without additional fees. However, only 34% offer one-day or same-day delivery free of charge. 📈 Among companies prioritising sales and conversion, 95% see rapid delivery as crucial for achieving growth and revenue targets. 🤝 Most surveyed companies (59%) already partner with logistics providers to improve on-time delivery for time-critical shipments, while 31% are actively seeking such partnerships. 🌐 The majority of respondents (52%) fulfil orders from multiple distribution points year-round, while 20% implement multi-fulfilment strategies only during peak seasons. Just 9% operate from a single fulfilment location, and 15% plan to expand to a multi-facility model within the next 24 months. Over the past 16 months, we’ve supported leading retailers in enhancing the cost-efficiency and resilience of their supply chains. By integrating our global network with our 24/7/365 management model, our clients have reported an increase in customer satisfaction and higher profitability compared to the previous year. To learn more about how we can support you to achieve similar results, contact our global control centre at +44 (0)1332 814914 or email info@evolution-timecritical.com. From there, one of our colleagues will direct you to a regional control centre to develop a customised transport plan tailored to your business needs.

A recent trend in supply chain management shows companies shifting away from globalised sourcing toward more localised supply chains. This shift has been accelerated by vulnerabilities exposed during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Panama Canal drought, which highlighted the fragility of long-distance trade routes. Key Trends: ⚠️ Businesses are increasingly adopting regional production strategies to enhance resilience and reduce risks. 📈 Over the next two years, the proportion of U.S.-serving supply chains based in North and South America is expected to rise from 59% to 69%, according to a survey of 250 U.S.-based executives from companies with annual revenues of $1 billion or more. 🌎 However, the countries hosting the majority of these operations are set to change in the next three years. The U.S. is projected to see its share drop from 62% to 44%, while Canada’s is expected to fall from 39% to 30%. In contrast, Mexico is poised for growth, with its share anticipated to rise from 27% to 36%, overtaking Canada as the second-most popular nearshoring destination in the Americas. 📉 The average number of supply chain locations is expected to decrease from 2.7 to 2.4 over the next three years. Companies with the most efficient supply chains are also aiming to streamline their operations, reducing the number of markets they operate in from an average of 2.1 to 1.9. Our regional control centre, based in Atlanta, U.S., is supporting clients in regionalising their supply chains through transport solutions focused on cost-efficiency and stability. You can reach out to them for more information at +1 (855) 738 6564 or by email at info@evolution-timecritical.us.