By analyzing the large volumes of anonymous data generated by mobile devices, it is possible to establish whether a distribution center has a commercial relationship with other logistics complexes, and even with establishments that serve the end consumer.
Using the most advanced Big Data tools, it is possible to understand the behavior of the supply chains of companies in the retail sector, since by monitoring delivery parts and counting mutual visits between suppliers and vendors, it is possible to identify and establish which are the most important relationships between distribution centers and points of sale to the end consumer, such as stores.
Mandatory use of low-sulfur fuel by ships, shortage of containers and priority for medical supplies and vaccines will push up sea and air freight costs.
Local authorities decided to extend from 3 to 10 days the maximum period that drivers of international cargo transport are allowed to stay in Salvadoran territory to unload or load merchandise.
Due to the spread of covid-19 Costa Rica was the first country to impose restrictions on cargo transport units from other countries in the region. Faced with this decision taken unilaterally, the governments applied reciprocal measures.
After the difficulties generated by the restrictions imposed by Costa Rica on the entry of cargo from neighboring countries were overcome, the Costa Rican pilots denounce that the authorities of the region, far from applying reciprocal measures, have established "repressive measures."
Between May 18 and June 1, 2020, the free transit of goods in Central America was interrupted.
Although the region's markets are not yet facing a scenario of shortage of raw materials or products, the restrictions imposed on freight transport are destroying the regional logistics chain.
Given the conflict resulting from the restrictions on the time that cargo transport units can remain in the countries of the region due to the health crisis, the deadlines for carrying out the procedures were modified.
Since El Salvador, Costa Rica and Panama have set a 72-hour time limit for freight drivers operating in the region, hundreds of units have decided to halt their operations as a measure of pressure.
Due to the health crisis resulting from the covid-19 outbreak, Salvadoran, Costa Rican and Panamanian authorities decided that the drivers of the cargo transport units entering the country will have only 72 hours to make the formalities at the borders, and to unload and reload the goods from the vehicles.
The Uber technological platform, which in Central America is currently transporting people and food, is planning to expand its service offerings to the freight transport business.
Uber and Uber Eats, platforms for transporting people and delivering prepared food, respectively, are already operating in the countries of the region. However, the U.S. company's new bet for Latin America is to use Uber Freight to transport cargo.
The mania for regulatory bureaucracy which feeds its own existence is taking away flexibility in the use of resources in the economy, slowing development.
EDITORIAL
It will be impossible for Central Americans to make progress if every new business activity has to be authorized by a public official.In the region the practice is not that you can do anything that is not forbidden, but rather the general culture indicates that you can only do what the State authorizes you to do.
In order to get the most leverage from the Canal as sea and air hub optimization of Panamanian land cargo transportation is needed.
From a statement issued by the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama (CCIAP):
The Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama (CCIAP), through its Committee on Logistics and in order to promote the country as a regional transit hub, recently presented to the National Assembly some modifications to the Bill on Land Cargo Transportation, with a view to promoting the logistics sector and creating a more agile and efficient business relationship with Central American nations.
The global relevance of companies seeking the award of a third port for container ships in the Pacific is a clear sign of the importance of Panama as maritime and logistics hub.
The companies pre-qualified to participate in the tender for the concession of a new port in Corozal are subsidiaries of the largest shipping companies such as Maersk-Denmark, MSC-Italy and CMA-CGM-France or are direct port operators, in this case the most important in the world, PSA from Singapore.
As a gateway to 90 destinations in America and Europe, and soon Asia, Panama International Airport is venturing into the high value air cargo business.
The development of the logistics area at Tocumen International Airport will bring opportunities for infrastructure development in terms of roads, land leveling and construction and fitting of galleys and sheds.
The union has exhausted dialogue with the regional government of Chiriqui and is a blockading the border preventing the movement of freight carriers in Central America.
The provincial government in Chiriqui has failed to prevent Panamanian carriers, organized by the National Chamber of Cargo Transportation in Panama, (Canatraca) from indefinitely blocking the passage of trucks across the border in Paso Canoas (information at time of going to press at 3:30 p.m).
The terminal which is being built by APM Terminals in the Costa Rican Caribbean will be able to receive vessels containing refrigerated cargo containers of a larger capacity than those currently arriving at the port.
Fresh fruits and meat exporters are some of the productive sectors that will benefit the most once the mega port being built in Limon, Costa Rica comes into operation.