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 the world-famous US-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 were also highlighted as major contributors that have enabled 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). In this scenario, APL Logistics acted as a virtual consolidator of air and sea-air shipments to the US 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® (OG). 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 overall control over costs and product flow.

The process was underpinned by a suite of 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 Mr Man.