SWOT Analysis: American President Lines
The Pacific Mail Steamship Company, predecessor of the American President Companies, was founded in 1848; it was one of the first steamship companies to open its doors in the United States. In 1921, the Pacific Mail Steamship Company was acquired by Dollar Steamship Lines, a company founded in the early 1900s by lumberman Robert Dollar. Then on November 1, 1938, Dollar Steamship Lines’ board of directors changed its name to American President Lines (APL). The name change was due in part to the company’s practice of naming its ships after American presidents. During those years APL constructed one vessel named President Lincoln; this ship was the first of three
C9-class, diesel-powered container ships to ever crossed the world’s oceans. Finally, in 1997 APL merged with Neptune Orient Lines (NOL) one of the largest shipping and logistics company in the world, headquartered in Singapore, with annual revenues of around US$8 billion. With more than 150 years’ experience APL today employs over 5,500 employees in a global network of 162 offices in more than 55 countries. APL is committed to provide the best service possible to its customers, and part of that we can clearly see it in their mission statement below:
“To design, implement and execute end-to-end supply chain solutions and create competitive advantage for our customers that reduce costs and inventory, increase flexibility and better-match product to demand. “
Strengths
History and employees American President Lines is a pioneer in the logistics and transportation industry with over 150 years of experience. In their about us section they take a lot of pride in their employees and they state that is their biggest asset in their company. This is a portion of their about us section: “Our greatest asset though is not our information technology, or our ships and terminals, or trucks and warehouse. Our greatest asset is our people. They are resourceful, innovative, passionate, and dedicated to making
C9-class, diesel-powered container ships to ever crossed the world’s oceans. Finally, in 1997 APL merged with Neptune Orient Lines (NOL) one of the largest shipping and logistics company in the world, headquartered in Singapore, with annual revenues of around US$8 billion. With more than 150 years’ experience APL today employs over 5,500 employees in a global network of 162 offices in more than 55 countries. APL is committed to provide the best service possible to its customers, and part of that we can clearly see it in their mission statement below:
“To design, implement and execute end-to-end supply chain solutions and create competitive advantage for our customers that reduce costs and inventory, increase flexibility and better-match product to demand. “
Strengths
History and employees American President Lines is a pioneer in the logistics and transportation industry with over 150 years of experience. In their about us section they take a lot of pride in their employees and they state that is their biggest asset in their company. This is a portion of their about us section: “Our greatest asset though is not our information technology, or our ships and terminals, or trucks and warehouse. Our greatest asset is our people. They are resourceful, innovative, passionate, and dedicated to making
References: American President Lines History. February 02, 2007. China’s logistic problems. April 14, 2007. APL logistics Inc. January 07, 2007 http://www.epa.gov/smartway/partners/apl-logistics.htm. American Presidential Lines Contributions. September 26, 2007 http://www.logisticstoday.com. China’s Declaning Economy. October, 12, 2007 http://www.linkedin.com/in/chinaeconomy.