AI infrastructure surge creates new logistics bottleneck, Dimerco says

Industry leaders at a Taipei summit said the global rush to build AI data centers is creating one of logistics’ fastest-growing demand centers. Dimerco marked its 55th anniversary by warning that oversized, high-value and time-sensitive equipment is testing trade, customs and transport networks worldwide.

Why it matters: - The AI buildout is turning logistics into a core constraint for data center expansion. - Moving AI infrastructure now requires coordination across manufacturing, customs, warehousing and final-mile delivery. - Delays or damage can stall facilities that depend on millions of dollars in equipment.

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 used the event to mark its 55th anniversary. - Industry leaders said the movement of AI infrastructure is becoming one of the world’s fastest-growing logistics demand areas. - Dimerco CEO Jeffrey Shih said AI data centers need every server, switch, cooling unit and power system to move safely, securely and on time. - Colley Hwang, chairman and CEO of DIGITIMES, 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 estimates global demand for data center capacity could almost triple by 2030, requiring nearly $7 trillion in investment. - Unlike consumer electronics, AI infrastructure often involves oversized, high-value and highly sensitive equipment. - The equipment typically moves from manufacturers across Asia to hyperscale data centers under construction around the world. - Shih said the logistics challenge includes trade compliance, stepped-up export controls, risk management for shipments worth tens of millions of US dollars, damage-free handling and precisely timed deliveries. - Hwang said the industry’s focus has shifted from what AI can do to where computing power comes from. - The summit also examined how AI infrastructure is reshaping the air cargo market. - Premium air freight is seeing one of its fastest-growing segments as AI servers, networking gear and other high-value equipment move from Asian manufacturing hubs to global data centers. - E-commerce remains an important source of air cargo demand. - Dimerco Chairwoman Catherine Chien said the company is positioned to help move AI equipment from Asia’s manufacturing base to data centers worldwide through global shipping, trade compliance and bonded warehousing services. - Dimerco was founded in Taiwan in 1971 and is listed on the Taipei Exchange under 5609. - The company says it operates more than 300 service locations on a cloud-based digital logistics platform. - More information is available on Dimerco’s website.

Between the lines: - AI is changing logistics from a scale-and-speed business into a precision and risk-management business. - The shift also raises the value of specialized freight services that can handle customs, storage and controlled delivery for critical hardware. - Taiwan’s role in semiconductors and technology supply chains makes Taipei a natural venue for this discussion.

What's next: - Companies building AI data centers are likely to face tighter logistics planning, more export-control scrutiny and higher delivery stakes. - Air cargo and freight providers that can manage premium, sensitive shipments may capture more of the AI supply chain. - Dimerco is positioning its network around that demand as the global AI buildout continues.