E-Commerce and New Delivery Paradigms Shaping Future of Global Logistics

HONG KONG, CHINA--(Marketwired - October 20, 2015) - Leading global commercial real estate services firm Colliers International Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CIGI) (TSX: CIG) today issued "From First Mile to Last Mile," a global logistics report examining the primary factors that will impact the global pattern of warehousing and logistics over the next generation, as well as the elements already shifting global trade flows and retail formats.

In Asia Pacific, as global giants such as China and India develop their port-centric facilities and link these to a developing rail infrastructure, the growth in Asia Pacific intermodal logistics is set to become very, very big.

"Our analysis finds that e-commerce and evolving delivery methods are the primary factors driving the shape of the logistics sector both today and in the future as e-retailing is slated to increase significantly in cities and towns across the globe," says Dwight Hotchkiss, National Director of Industrial for Colliers | U.S. and President of Brokerage Services | U.S. "This will result in the creation of new and innovative space at the initial 'First Mile' level, including mega distribution centers, and the 'Last Mile,' where there is already a proliferation of e-fulfillment distribution centers on the edge of urban areas."

"In Asia, our research suggests China will come out on top by far the biggest leader of logistics demand in the order of over 170 million sq ft per year from 2016 to 2020," Simon Lo, Executive Director of Asia Research and Advisory says. "Going forward, one of the most interesting trends is that growing demand for more sophisticated warehousing and distribution facilities will foster the logistics real market evolution into a stage of alliance where a significant number of joint ventures are formed between retailers, freight and logistics providers, developers and institutional real estate investors."

Colliers' extensive report focuses on the vast growth potential of e-retail driven logistics and warehousing, reviewing cutting-edge examples and case studies of modern warehousing and distribution space designed to overcome the industry's most pressing challenges. The analysis also provides insights on market implications and opportunities in the logistics sector worldwide.

Key highlights of the analysis include:

• Population & Consumption Influences the Future: Increases in urbanization will create more concentrated consumer markets. Also, Generations X, Y and the new Millennials will increasingly comprise the majority of the population, bringing a complete change in consumer behavior and logistics/warehousing needs.
• Global Trade Flows Shifting: Since 2000, there has been dramatic growth in containerized traffic around the world, with total shipments increasing by 290 percent in 2013. Because of the pressures of this demand, trade routes have changed to better meet capacity in North American markets, with activity shifting away from the traditional ports, such as LA/Long Beach in Southern California.
• Key Clusters & Physical Infrastructure Expanding: To meet growing demand, new infrastructure investments have been made in key clusters worldwide, which are either planned or ongoing, and stand to significantly enhance or alter logistics frameworks and warehouse real estate markets for many years to come.
• First Mile Facilities Expand: Due to the growth of e-retailing and the corresponding space requirements to install more sophisticated facilities, such as automated picking and sortation systems, there is a noticeable trend of the total floor area getting larger, with modern 'first mile' distribution facilities comprising a floor area of more than 1 million sq ft.
• Last Mile Space Contracts: As the essential element in improving urban logistics is to limit deliveries to the shortest route, e-commerce retailers have started to include smaller urban warehouses to shorten delivery routes and provide quick delivery services to online customers. These smaller urban facilities within urban community catchment areas, as well as a variety of 'click and collect' options for immediate pick up or same delivery options are coming to the forefront.

For more information or to download the report, visit: http://www.colliers.com/en-us/insights/market-news/2015-global-logistics-report.