Power 25: Stability at the top, churn at the bottom

Churn at the bottom

As usual, most of the upward mobility in the Power 25 list this year occurred in the bottom 10 companies. Crane Worldwide Logistics showed the most upward mobility, increasing its airfreight tonnage by a surprising 44 percent to reach 281,083 tonnes in 2017, which pushed it four spots ahead to No. 21.

“In 2017, we saw a very robust air market across the globe,” said Sam Slater, senior vice president of global operations for Crane Worldwide. “That, along with continued investment in people, technology and facilities accelerated our growth.” Part of Crane’s success also came inorganically from the merger with Texas-based Davaco in 2017.

Michael Blaufuss, senior vice president of airfreight for Agility Global Integrated Logistics, said that, while the 3PL maintained its No. 14 rank on the Power 25, “we grew volumes in airfreight by 11.3 percent and we also increased our airfreight revenue by 17 percent, year-over-year, in 2017.” Rather than grow through acquisition, Agility “focused very successfully on executing our organic growth strategy for airfreight,” he said.

Dachser rose three spots to No. 16, as its air cargo throughput jumped by 23 percent, the second-highest percentage-point rise on the list. Apex Logistics (see sidebar) climbed two ranks to No. 19, while Yusen Logistics held on to No. 15, even though its 2017 tonnage rose by 11 percent. GEODIS and NNR Global Logistics each fell one spot, to No. 17 and No. 18, respectively.

Dimerco held steady at No. 24 on the list, but its tonnage rose a healthy 7 percent, while revenue soared 19 percent higher than its 2016 totals. The Taiwanese forwarder saw most of its expansion on the domestic front, and by working with China’s e-commerce powerhouses Alibaba and JD.com in Asia.

“Most people in the U.S. don’t really know about Dimerco. They’re so heavy in Taiwan and greater China and Southeast Asia,” Armstrong said. “Actually, I’m surprised they haven’t been bought yet. They’re a nice mid-market size with Asian capabilities that companies in the West might be interested in.”