Weekly meal planning is a recurring event in our household. Although this activity is not particularly exciting, every Saturday my wife and I sit down to plan out our family meals. This process helps us avoid the mid-week supermarket scramble, as well as sidestep overspending on items we don’t actually need. Sound familiar? Supply chain planning is no different when it comes to yielding efficient results, especially this year. It’s no secret the way companies ship their freight has shifted due to COVID-19. C.H. Robinson is great at helping customers secure capacity and optimize their global freight across our suite of service offerings as their needs evolve. Due to COVID-19 market changes, our global team of supply chain experts has spent extra time securing expedited less than container load (LCL) capacity for companies that can work with extra lead time.Another big change is how many ghost or charter flights are used to make up for lost capacity from the mass decline in global passenger travel. “Planning ahead and using forecast data can be the difference needed to turn an efficient or dysfunctional supply chain into a strong, agile one that is ready to face this volatile market” However, COVID-19 is not the only event putting pressure on the freight market now. And with passenger travel not expected to recover until 2024, proactive solutions are needed to avoid current and upcoming disruptions.

The future of port operations is now. Intelligent systems and adaptive digital tools are shaping a more responsive and resilient terminal environment. MAXTECH is leading this effort by delivering advanced engineering and practical innovation. A pioneer in applying AI across the port, marine and offshore engineering sectors, it builds cranes, lifting technologies and complete material-handling packages. It blends intelligent features and integrated systems to create solutions aligned to each customer’s needs, helping ports adopt modern technology without disrupting existing workflows. “We don’t just manufacture quality equipment. We deliver a comprehensive, adaptive and reliable partnership that drives operational excellence,” says Alina Zhang, sales director. Product development at MAXTECH follows a customer-centric cycle that turns operational needs into applied solutions. It begins with a conversation with the customers to fully understand their working demands. These requirements are translated into solutions that reflect field requirements instead of theoretical assumptions. MAXTECH’s production system is built on structured R&D, detailed modeling and controlled fabrication. Its engineering team utilizes 3D modeling to refine structures and uses finite element analysis simulation to test significant loads and dynamic forces. Programmable logic controller-based hydraulic and electrical integration helps smoother response during operation. Advanced technology features are integrated into products to equip clients with improved control in demanding environments. Remote monitoring, load indication and anti-sway systems help operators work with greater stability. Its offshore and marine crane includes an AI-powered load optimization function that reduces fuel consumption. MAXTECH plans to introduce its first lifting robot in 2026, moving the marine and offshore industry toward autonomous lifting systems with self-learning and judgment capability. By developing equipment rooted in practical capabilities, MAXTECH helps clients tackle complex challenges in the industry with ease. One persistent issue port operators face is in loading and unloading goods from larger vessels. The limited reach of cranes often makes it challenging to access the farthest container rows on the ship. Its patented Articulated Parallel Spreader addresses this by extending the working radius by up to two meters, eliminating the need for costly structural changes. With a 60-day production and delivery window, it limits operational disruption and allows ports to resume full activity faster. .