ChemLogix LLC has added GeoMetrix rail logistics guidance technology as part of its transportation management solutions set.

Lufthansa Cargo AG has created a new express service for the most urgent shipments. Dubbed Courier.Solutions, the offering provides shippers with the carrier's fastest transit and shortest delivery times. It is supplemented by constant surveillance and custody of consignments.

Damco has launched a new service allowing customers easily to re-plan shipments in line with changes in delivery date, product cost or carbon footprint.

Most companies go through some form of portfolio planning, whether they use that term or not, says Eric Symon, principal with Digital Tempus. He defines it as a strategic effort to determine "what products you're going to sell to whom, and what businesses you're going to invest in." The model can help businesses to understand which products are growing in demand, and which need to be phased out.

The past few years have brought radical changes to the world of supply chain management. The business climate today is not only more complex, due to shorter product life cycles, increasing service demands from channels, price erosion and global customers with specialized needs but much more uncertain due to supply risks.

LogFire, a provider of warehouse-management system (WMS) software in the cloud, has created new transload and deconsolidation functionality, designed to meet the warehouse-management needs of third-party logistics providers.

Webgistix Corp. has unveiled SmartFreight, a package of software and services aimed at mid-sized electronic-commerce retailers.

Flash Global, a provider of services for critical parts and products, has moved into its new Flagship Parts Distribution Center at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.

Parcel Service Inc. has reached agreement to acquire TNT Express N.V., in an all-cash offer valued at approximately $12.56 per ordinary share. Total value of the transaction was set at $6.77bn.

Mexico, the United States' southern neighbor offers transportation distances a fraction of those from Asia, a labor force a good deal cheaper than domestic workers, and a country causing fewer headaches about intellectual property and other trade concerns. But in recent years, drug-related violence along the border has caused some manufacturers to be more cautious about making the move to Mexico.