AI infrastructure surge creates new logistics bottleneck

Dimerco Express Group says the global race to build AI data centers is sharply increasing demand for complex logistics services as components move from Asia to construction sites worldwide. The company raised the issue at a Taipei supply chain summit marking its 55th anniversary.

Why it matters: - AI data centers require thousands of components sourced from multiple countries, creating a logistics workload that is more complex than traditional electronics shipping. - The buildout is pushing demand for premium air freight, customs handling, bonded warehousing and time-critical delivery services. - McKinsey projects global data center capacity demand could nearly triple by 2030, requiring almost $7 trillion in investment.

What happened: - Dimerco Express Group hosted its "Beyond the Next Horizon" Supply Chain Summit in Taipei as part of its 55th anniversary activities. - More than 150 customers and supply chain experts attended the event. - Dimerco CEO Jeffrey Shih said AI infrastructure is one of the fastest-growing logistics demand areas. - Colley Hwang, chairman and CEO of DIGITIMES, said industry questions have shifted from what AI can do to where computing power comes from.

The details: - AI infrastructure includes servers, switches, cooling units and power systems that must be manufactured, transported, cleared through customs, stored and delivered safely. - The equipment often moves from manufacturing hubs in Asia to hyperscale data centers under construction around the world. - Shih said companies face tighter trade compliance requirements, stepped-up export controls and shipments worth tens of millions of US dollars. - The logistics process also requires damage-free handling of highly delicate equipment and precise delivery timing. - The summit said AI infrastructure is reshaping the air cargo market and creating one of the fastest-growing segments of premium air freight. - Dimerco Chairwoman Catherine Chien said the company is positioned to move AI equipment from Asia's manufacturing base to data centers worldwide through shipping, trade compliance and bonded warehousing services. - Dimerco was founded in Taiwan in 1971 and is listed on the Taipei Exchange under 5609. - Dimerco says it operates more than 300 service locations on a cloud-based digital logistics platform. - More information is available at the company's announcement.

Between the lines: - AI hardware is turning logistics into a strategic constraint, not just a delivery function. - The shift favors freight forwarders that can combine cross-border transport, regulatory expertise and specialized handling. - E-commerce remains a major air cargo driver, but AI infrastructure is emerging as a competing source of high-value freight demand.

What's next: - The buildout of AI data centers is likely to keep raising demand for specialized logistics as deployment schedules accelerate. - Freight and supply chain providers will need to handle higher-value shipments with tighter timing and more compliance risk. - Dimerco is positioning its global network to support that flow as AI infrastructure spending expands.