Supply Chain by the Numbers
   
 

- March 3 , 2011

   
 

Supply Chain by the Numbers for Week of March 3, 2011
   
  Schneider Exec Says Proposed HOS Impact Significant; Dell Orders Chinese; DC Construction Implosion; Has One Company Solved the Energy Problem?
   
 
 
 

4.72%

Drop in total productivity anticipated by carrier Schneider National if proposed new Hours of Service (HOS) go through as proposed, according to recent testimony by Schneider executive Don Osterberg to the FMCSA. This estimated was based on National's sophisticated network modeling software. To keep drivers whole, pay would have to increase by $3000.00, Osterberg also said - with little to no increase in safety from the rules. See Schneider National Exec Tells FMSCA that New Hours of Service Rules will Drop Productivity 5%, have no Impact on Safety.

 
 
 



 

1000+

Number of new retail outlets Dell is said to be planning to open in China in 2011, as the computer giant like almost everyone else is trying to capture more share of China's rapid growth. A Dell spokesman said the company will be establishing both new stores aimed and small and mid-sized business customers and expanding its product offerings at established retailers.

 
 
 
7 million

Amount of new warehouse and DC space in square feet currently under construction in the US - the lowest level of new logistics construction on record, according to a new report by real estate brokers Grubb & Ellis. While demand is finally starting to rise, the huge amount of abandoned space during the recession obviously has minimized the new for new construction, there is lag time between when new buildings are planned and when construction actually starts. See Distribution Center Space Still Largely a Buyer's Market in 2011, New Report Says, though Rates Slowly Inching Up from 2009 Nadirs

 
 
 
 
$30

The cost to produce a diesel fuel at the equivalent cost per barrel of oil price using a new process and engineered micro-organisms, according to scientists at Boston-based Joule Unlimited, in a new research article this week. The process used is somewhat similar to other attempts to make biofuels, but eliminates the need for massive amounts of biomass that plants or algae-based systems require, the company says. Some experts are doubtful the results can be achieved, but Joule's story is a good one. It plans to start building production facilities soon. See Boston Company Claims Game Changing Breakthrough in Production of Biofuels.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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