ProLogis Releases New Supply Chain Review Report on Import-Driven Warehousing

DENVER, June 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ProLogis (NYSE: PLD), the world's largest owner, manager and developer of distribution facilities, today released the latest edition of the ProLogis Supply Chain Review entitled, "Import-Driven Warehousing in North America."

The report offers an in-depth examination of the challenges facing import warehouse operators that serve major seaports or inland ports across the U.S. and Mexico. Such operators, the report argues, are subject to myriad pressures in today's global trade environment, including highly volatile product flow, inconsistent communications with shipping companies, traffic congestion and post-9/11 customs and security measures.

"Import warehouse managers are not masters of their own fates," said Leonard Sahling, first vice president of research for ProLogis. "Their efficiency and productivity depend not just on how well they execute their own operations, but also on a host of other factors beyond their control. At the same time, they play a crucial role in the overall supply chain, enabling containerized products to move as smoothly as possible from the dockside to the retail shelf."

The report was co-authored by Arnold Maltz, professor of supply chain management at Arizona State University, and Thomas Speh, professor of distribution at Miami University in Ohio. Their findings are based on interviews with 23 warehouse operators at 10 major North American ports.

In addition to its analysis of import warehousing, the study provides readers with a detailed description of seaports and their inner workings. "The typical seaport is an enormously complex operation, with a roster of players that includes terminal operators, stevedores, longshoremen, drayage companies, brokers and customs officials," Sahling said. "Those with an interest in logistics and supply chain management will appreciate the wealth of detailed information about seaports contained in this report."

Maltz and Speh also offer practical suggestions for how to improve the import supply chain process. Ports, they argue, would benefit tremendously from information systems that provide all players with real-time visibility on ship arrivals and on the status of containers throughout the unloading process. They also recommend improved synchronization of container pickup hours and ship unloading hours. Such measures would go a long way toward improving the efficiency and productivity of the entire import supply chain process -- while also helping to alleviate port congestion issues.

ProLogis' Global Research Department monitors, analyzes and reports on key trends and dynamics in both real estate and supply-chain management, drawing from industry data and primary research conducted by company analysts and a network of affiliated academics and other professionals. Past issues of the Supply Chain Review have focused on warehouse voice recognition systems, RFID technology, offshore outsourcing and other related topics.

For a copy of the report on Import-Drive Warehousing in North America or other reports, please click on the following link: http://www.prologisresearch.com/library/default.asp?reid=A3U2349687DE.

About ProLogis

ProLogis is the world's largest owner, manager and developer of distribution facilities, with operations in 103 markets across North America, Europe and Asia. The company has $28.6 billion of assets owned, managed and under development, comprising 436.9 million square feet (40.6 million square meters) in 2,525 properties as of March 31, 2007. ProLogis' customers include manufacturers, retailers, transportation companies, third-party logistics providers and other enterprises with large-scale distribution needs. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, ProLogis employs more than 1,300 people worldwide. For additional information about the company, go to http://www.prologis.com.

SOURCE ProLogis

Released June 21, 2007