I was last week at the E-commerce exhibition in Paris in order to meet some carriers specialized in the business, not so many actually, though a very blooming sector.
I found it very interesting and heard about trends in social shopping and new media. Top quality for the conferences and easy access as it is a free exhibition (over 3 days).
Although the French « La Poste » gets about 50% of the market, there is much room left for carriers who already have good access to regional and local distribution. Be quick !
Last Wesnesday, the European parliament adopted a report that recommends a number of measures to improve the efficiency of European freight logistics, among which the use of megaliners (60 tonnes) on EU roads. The compromise says that the use of mega-liners should only be allowed for certain routes by the Commission. « An evaluation of the requests would have to respect factors such as the existing infrastructures and safety aspects. The use of mega-liners should, consequently, be permitted under strict conditions only. » Details here
Member states will still have their last word on it !
Personnaly, although I believe these huge trucks should not be allowed in all areas (especially agglomerations), I quite agree with the MEP Mathieu Grosch who commented: « Logistics is, in itself, an important economic sector. It accounts for 13% of the EU’s GDP and it offers new employment perspectives. Therefore it is of vital importance to the EU’s economy and competitiveness to achieve a well-organised, sustainable and safe transport logistic system. »
By the end of 2007 the European Commission plans to publish an Action Plan for freight logistics in Europe which will serve to put logistics on the European political agenda…. Good news !
Once again I urge upon showing that the demand for logistics is increasing in the Western part of France. In the south west of course, but also around Nantes. I just found this complete outlook from Goodman Property Investors called « Continental European Logistics Market » on the web and was quite happy to see that :
« Demand is finally materialising beyond the north-south axis, especially in the west (Nantes) and in the south west (Bordeaux and Toulouse), where retailers have established their locations (Conforama in Toulouse and Angers, CDiscount in Bordeaux, Point P and Systeme U in Nantes for instance). »
……… YES !!!!! exactly ! This is just CORRECT, just read my previous articles !!
Western France is an EMERGING LOCATION able to meet the appetite of investors. Read the rest of this entry »
I know some cross-dock centers in Western France able to welcome transporters around the city of Cholet. Buildings for cross-docking are quite simple, yet who knows exactly what cross-docking is ?
I found this good explanation from Professor Kevin R. Gue of the Naval Postgraduate School: Read the rest of this entry »
