APL Logistics named lead provider on military PXs

APL Logistics named lead provider on military PXs    Neptune Orient Line subsidiary APL Logistics has been named as the international import logistics and freight transportation provider for the $8.9 billion Army & Air Force Exchange Service.
   Under terms of the deal, Oakland-headquartered APL Logistics will serve as lead logistics provider for the 111-year-old military exchange overseeing consolidation/vendor management, air freight, ocean transport, customs brokerage and in-transit visibility services.
   AAFES ships about 3,500 FEUs, or forty-foot equivalent units, of ocean cargo and 1.27 million kilograms of air freight annually under the contract managed by APL Logistics.
   The deal caps a 12-year partnership between APL Logistics and AAFES and marks one of the supply chain manager's largest-ever military logistics deals.
   With facilities in 30 countries, the 45,000-employee AAFES is a joint military activity providing merchandise and services to active duty, guard and reserve members, military retirees and their families at low prices. AAFES returns earnings to the Army and Air Force to improve troops' quality of life and to provide a dividend to support Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs. AAFES operates 147 retail stores and more than 2,000 fast food restaurants worldwide.
   Until recently, AAFES relied on a collection of carriers and supply chain companies to handle transportation and import logistics. The new contract consolidates that responsibility with APL Logistics.
   APL Logistics said it will deploy new technology at the exchange as it automates AAFES purchase order data for the first time and installs SeeChange, the company's supply chain visibility and exception management system.