AI infrastructure surge is creating a new logistics challenge, Dimerco leaders say

Industry leaders gathering in Taipei said the global race to build AI data centers is driving fast-growing demand for complex logistics, from oversized hardware moves to customs clearance and secure delivery. Dimerco marked its 55th anniversary by highlighting how AI infrastructure is reshaping air cargo and supply chain operations worldwide.

Why it matters: - AI infrastructure is becoming a major new source of global logistics demand as companies race to build the data centers needed for artificial intelligence. - The shift raises the complexity of moving high-value equipment across borders, including customs, export controls, bonded warehousing, and damage-free handling. - The supply chain pressure affects manufacturers, freight forwarders, and data center builders working on tight deployment schedules.

What happened: - More than 150 customers and supply chain experts gathered in Taipei for Dimerco Express Group’s “Beyond the Next Horizon” Supply Chain Summit. - Dimerco marked its 55th anniversary at the event. - Company leaders and outside speakers discussed how AI is changing global logistics and air cargo. - Dimerco CEO Jeffrey Shih said AI infrastructure now requires the movement of servers, switches, cooling units, and power systems across global supply chains. - DIGITIMES Chairman and CEO Colley Hwang said semiconductor and technology executives are increasingly focused on the hardware bottlenecks behind AI data center construction.

The details: - AI infrastructure includes thousands of components manufactured in multiple countries before a data center can operate. - McKinsey projects global demand for data center capacity could almost triple between now and 2030, requiring nearly $7 trillion in investment. - The equipment involved is often oversized, highly sensitive, and high value. - The manufacturing base is concentrated in Asia, while the destination is often hyperscale data centers under construction around the world. - Shih said the logistics chain must handle manufacturing, transport, customs clearance, storage, and timed delivery safely and securely. - He said the harder parts now include trade compliance, stepped-up export control measures, shipments valued in the tens of millions of US dollars, and precise delivery timing. - The summit also examined the air cargo market, where AI servers and networking gear are creating one of the fastest-growing segments of premium air freight. - Dimerco Chairwoman Catherine Chien said AI is the next major supply chain management challenge. - Chien said Dimerco’s shipping, trade compliance, and bonded warehousing services position the company to move AI equipment from Asia to data centers worldwide. - 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 in the company’s announcement.

Between the lines: - The comments point to a logistics market shift away from consumer electronics toward infrastructure-heavy AI buildouts. - The supply chain bottleneck is moving upstream, where hardware availability, transport reliability, and customs timing can determine how quickly AI capacity comes online. - The emphasis on premium air freight suggests speed and security are becoming as important as cost in this segment.

What's next: - Global demand for data center capacity is expected to keep rising through 2030. - More AI hardware shipments are likely to move from Asian manufacturing hubs to construction sites for hyperscale data centers. - Logistics providers with cross-border compliance, warehousing, and high-value cargo capabilities are positioned to benefit as the market expands. - Dimerco is likely to keep leaning on its global freight and supply chain network as AI infrastructure demand grows.