APL Logistics wins Asia supply chain award
SHANGHAI – NOVEMBER 18, 2009 - APL Logistics, an innovative provider of international supply chain solutions, has received the 2009 CHaINA ‘Best 3PL Supply Chain Provider in Asia’ Award for its development of integrated logistics services to support world-famous U.S.-based designer and marketer of premium retail brands Liz Claiborne Inc.
The prestigious awards were presented at a gala ceremony in Shanghai by the Global Supply Chain Council, to identify and honor excellence in the procurement and logistics industries throughout the region, especially in Greater China.
Liz Claiborne nominated APL Logistics for the award, citing the significant cost reductions and operational efficiencies that APL Logistics has helped the designer achieve during their relationship. APL Logistics’ creative use of flexible consolidation and transportation services at key stages throughout Liz Claiborne’s TransPacific supply chain was also highlighted as a major contributor enabling the supply chain to remain adaptive to shifting market dynamics during the downturn.
Paul Man, Director, APL Logistics North China, who collected the award alongside Adam Liu, Logistics Manager, Liz Claiborne Inc., said: “To win an award after being nominated by such a valued customer is the ultimate accolade. Over the years we have provided an increasing depth and breadth of services to Liz Claiborne, which reflects the collaborative approach both parties take in ensuring the efficiency and reliability of Liz Claiborne’s supply chain operations between Greater China and the United States.
A key factor in winning the award was the value created for the customer through APL Logistics’ Air Logistics Management Service (ALMS). APL Logistics acted as a virtual consolidator of air and sea-air shipments to the U.S. from multiple vendors and locations across Greater China. It then determined the most effective means of transportation, by either air or APL Logistics’ time-definite ocean freight transportation service, OceanGuaranteed®. By optimizing the best transportation method according to product delivery timelines and consolidating multiple shipments into one booking to minimize inbound documentation and customs expenses, APL Logistics was able to increase control over costs and product flow.
The process was underpinned by technology solutions to ensure the effective management of e-bookings and documentation while enhancing cargo visibility. An intelligent reporting process on strategic KPIs also helped to facilitate information flow between the customer and its vendor community, ensuring that the supply chain remained adaptive to any changes.
“As customers look for new ways to adapt their supply chains to respond to today’s unpredictable economic climate, this award clearly shows that APL Logistics continues to work closely with them to see how we can add further value at origin and increase their connectivity in Greater China with domestic, regional and international markets to reduce costs and increase responsiveness,” concluded Man.
About APL Logistics
APL Logistics provides international, integrated supply chain services in more than 50 countries, including both origin and destination services such as freight consolidation, warehousing and distribution management. It uses innovative IT for maximum supply chain visibility and control. APL Logistics is a unit of Singapore-based Neptune Orient Lines (NOL), a global cargo transportation and logistics company. APL Logistics Web site: www.apllogistics.com
About Liz Claiborne Inc.
Liz Claiborne Inc. designs and markets a global portfolio of retail-based premium brands including Kate Spade, Juicy Couture, Lucky Brand and Mexx. The Company also has a refined group of department store-based brands with strong consumer franchises including the Monet family of brands, Kensie, Kensiegirl, Mac & Jac, and the licensed DKNY® Jeans Group. The Dana Buchman and Axcess brands are sold exclusively at Kohl's, and beginning in Fall 2010, the Liz Claiborne and Claiborne brands will be sold exclusively at JCPenney and the Liz Claiborne New York brand designed by Isaac Mizrahi will be available at QVC and at company-owned Liz Claiborne New York outlet stores.