QAD Precision News Round-Up: 4 October 2019

In the QAD Precision News Round-Up: 4 October 2019, US slaps tariffs on EU goods; WTO slashes growth forecast; Forever 21 to shut 350 stores; UPS receives drone certification; Chronopost unveils green fleet; plus choosing a global multi-carrier shipping solution.

Global Trade

WTO SLASHES GROWTH FORECAST

This week, the World Trade Organization downgraded its 2019 trade growth forecast to 1.2 percent. In April, the WTO had predicted growth of 2.6 percent. The organization said that sluggish growth in major economies, ongoing trade disputes and Brexit uncertainty had all impacted growth. Roberto Azevêdo, the WTO’s director-general, said that businesses were delaying investments and hiring and that this could negatively impact living standards and employment. For more details, please see the BBC.

US TARIFFS ON EU CHEESE, WINE AND SCOTCH 

This week, the US government announced 25 percent tariffs on French wine, Italian cheese and single-malt Scotch whisky. The move comes as a response to the European Union’s Airbus subsidies. Other goods named in the US Trade Representative’s list include dairy products, German camera parts, and wool and cashmere items made in the UK. The tariffs should begin to take effect from 18 October. For more details, please see Reuters.

Retail 

FOREVER 21 TO CLOSE 350 STORES

This week, high street fashion retailer, Forever 21, announced plans to shut down operations in Europe and Asia. The retailer also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US, postponing its obligations to creditors until it can reorganize its debts. Forever 21 plans to shut down 350 stores around the world. As many as 178 US stores may close. Forever 21 appears, like many traditional retailers, to have been unable to fight off online competition. For more information, please click here.

Carriers

UPS RECEIVES US CERTIFICATION FOR DRONE FLIGHTS

UPS Flight Forward has received US certification to operate a drone airline. This makes the UPS subsidiary the first company to receive  the full Part 135 Standard certification. This is the highest level of certification and permits UPS to fly an unlimited number of drones. The certification also allows UPS to fly drones at night. The carrier plans to expand drone deliveries across hospital campuses in the US. In addition, UPS will offer drone transport for items across a variety of industries. To read more about this, please click here.

CHRONOPOST GOES ELECTRIC IN PARIS

French express carrier Chronopost has unveiled its new low emission fleet. The company has ordered 400 Nissan e-NV200’s with Voltia conversion. These will be added to Chronopost’s 100 percent electric zero emission fleet for deliveries in Paris. To read more, please click here.

QAD Precision News

CHOOSING A GLOBAL MULTI CARRIER SHIPPING SOLUTION: 3 QUESTIONS TO ASK

The global express and small parcels market has experienced significant growth in the last decade. In 2010, the global market was worth just under $170 billion; forecasts suggest this could rise to over $427 billion by 2022. Unsurprisingly, much of the growth is due to online shopping. Consumers have not only embraced online shopping, they are looking beyond their borders too, increasing the need for international parcel shipping.

Equally importantly, e-commerce has changed our expectations. Across a variety of industries — not just retail — customers want and expect the same service they receive when they shop online. That includes prompt delivery. As a result, more small parcel shipments, going to more domestic and global locations, are becoming the norm for many enterprises. 

Multi carrier shipping software helps organizations control shipping costs and meet customer expectations. In this QAD Precision Report we look at 3 questions to ask when evaluating multi carrier solutions for global parcel shipping operations. To read the full report, please click here.

QAD PRECISION SPONSORS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATIONAL PROCUREMENT (NAEP) DISTRICT VI CONFERENCE

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--QAD Precision, an industry-leading provider of global trade management and transportation execution solutions, will sponsor the National Association of Educational Procurement (NAEP) District VI Conference Oct. 6 - 9, 2019 in San Diego, CA. QAD Precision is a division of QAD Inc. (NASDAQ: QADA) (NASDAQ: QADB).

This will be QAD Precision’s second consecutive year sponsoring the conference. At this year’s conference, QAD Precision will highlight how attendees can master domestic and export compliance, standardize shipping procedures, control costs and leverage campus-wide controls with QAD Precision’s integrated trade and transportation solution. To read the full press release, please click here.