AI server boom creates logistics strain, Dimerco leaders say

Dimerco Express Group used its 55th anniversary summit in Taipei to argue that AI infrastructure is becoming one of logistics' fastest-growing demand drivers. Leaders said the buildout is creating new pressure on air cargo, trade compliance, customs and high-value handling as data center projects expand worldwide.

Why it matters: - AI infrastructure is turning into a major logistics challenge as companies race to build the data centers needed to support artificial intelligence. - The shift is creating demand for the cross-border movement of oversized, high-value and highly sensitive equipment. - The buildout raises stakes for customs, export controls, bonded warehousing, damage prevention and on-time delivery.

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. - Dimerco CEO Jeffrey Shih said AI infrastructure now requires the global movement of servers, switches, cooling units and power systems before data centers can operate. - Colley Hwang, chairman and CEO of DIGITIMES, said technology executives are shifting from asking what AI can do to asking where computing power comes from.

The details: - McKinsey estimates global demand for data center capacity could almost triple by 2030, with nearly $7 trillion in investment needed. - AI infrastructure depends on thousands of components manufactured in multiple countries. - Those components must move from manufacturers across Asia to hyperscale data centers under construction around the world. - Shih said the logistics chain now includes manufacturing, transport, customs clearance, storage and final delivery. - Shih said companies must prepare for shipments valued in the tens of millions of US dollars. - The summit also examined how AI infrastructure is reshaping the air cargo market. - Dimerco said the rapid deployment of AI servers and networking gear is becoming one of the fastest-growing segments of premium air freight. - The company said that flow is moving from Asian manufacturing hubs to hyperscale data centers globally. - Chairwoman Catherine Chien said Dimerco is positioned to help companies move AI equipment from Asia's manufacturing base to data centers worldwide. - Dimerco's services include global shipping, trade compliance and bonded warehousing. - Dimerco was founded in Taiwan in 1971 and is listed on the Taipei Exchange under ticker 5609. - The company 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: - The comments point to AI buildout as a supply chain problem as much as a technology race. - Premium air freight may benefit as AI hardware needs faster, more controlled transport than many traditional consumer goods. - The focus on compliance and sensitive cargo suggests logistics providers with deep Asia-to-global networks may gain an edge.

What's next: - Dimerco expects demand tied to AI infrastructure to keep expanding as data center projects advance toward 2030. - Logistics providers will likely face more pressure to coordinate speed, security and customs handling for high-value AI equipment. - Companies building AI infrastructure may need more specialized freight, warehousing and compliance support as deployment schedules accelerate.

The bottom line: - AI is not just changing computing. It is reshaping global freight flows, and logistics has become part of the infrastructure race.