Despite some bumps throughout the year, North America remained a bright spot in an otherwise dismal global economy.
For 2012, the growth was slow but the region’s economies remained positive and growth in trade was recorded. The growth prompted mergers and acquisitions and new service offerings throughout the region by logistics and transportation providers.
For example, the increasing regionalization resulted in an increase in NAFTA trade. To accommodate this growth, providers such as Exel opened multi-client distribution facilities along the border. UTi Worldwide and DHL introduced cross-border solutions that encompass bundled solutions such as transportation, warehousing and brokerage services. UPS Crossborder Connect, ground freight service between the US and Mexico was also launched. The Canadian-US border also saw new solutions with US Express Enterprise and Canada’s Maritime Ontario Freight Lines partnering to move freight across the border and create a single North America network. Werner Enterprises opened a new freight terminal near Detroit. The terminal is located south of the Detroit, Michigan/Windsor, Ontario region, which is the primary border crossing point to facilitate freight for Werner’s continually expanding customer base in eastern Canada.