Shipping Search - Archive

Project Predicts Substantial Environmental Savings

UK – CHINA – Classification society Lloyds Register have been engaged in a project with Shanghai-based Bestway Marine Engineering Design to develop plans for a freight vessel which would surpass the requirements of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Energy Efficiency Design Index. The results for the proposed 35,000 dead weight tonne bulk carrier have exceeded all expectations.

Human Error is Primary Suspect in Fatal Accident

GERMANY – Saturday’s fatal train crash near Hordorf in Saxony-Anhalt occurred on a single track section in thick fog according to local reports. Shortly after the Veolia owned passenger train left Magdeburg station it collided head on with the freight train believed to be operated by a subsidiary of steel giant Salzgitter, CPS, leaving the driver and nine of his passengers dead.

Rising Tolls Across the Country Add to Fuel Price Woes

UK – Hauliers across the country feel they are being made to pay unfairly as the Government’s policies start to filter down. We have already witnessed rising resentment to the rises in fuel duty and the growing popularity of the FairFuel UK campaign which aims to stop the next round of increases due in April.

Railways Deficit Subject to Two Prong Attack - But Where Will the Money Come From?

PAKISTAN – Loss making Pakistan Railways have taken steps to improve their finances by upping rates for both passenger and freight customers – in the case of cargo carriage by a massive 20%. The increase will apply from the 1st February and was apparently levied after government approval with Ashfaq Ahmad Khatak the General Manager Operations of Pakistan Railways saying that to assist customers the hike had been restricted to ‘only’ 20%.

US and UK Officials Revue Security Methods

US – UK – After the recent discovery of explosive devices in freight consigned via passenger aircraft at two airports there was a review of security by politicians of both countries with British Home Secretary Theresa May and Transport Secretary Philip Hammond meeting with US Homeland Secretary Janet Napolitano during her London visit last week, to discuss the overall situation and the implementation of new techniques and procedures for verifying cargo safety in the future.

Nigerian Event Hosts Spanish Legal Expert

NIGERIA - The African Logistics Summit will be held in Abuja, Nigeria between the 10th and 12th March, which is endorsed by the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents and a number of African shipping associations, and supported by Pan African freight forwarding group, African Cargo and Logistics Alliance, will have Mr José M. Alcántara as this years guest speaker.

An-124 Quiet Enough For Exports

AUSTRALIA – MAURITANIA – Ruslan International, the company christened after the nickname of the An-124, the aircraft which forms the basis of its fleet, saw one of the planes make an inaugural flight from Sydney this week after officials at the country’s Department of Infrastructure & Transportation passed the giant heavy lift freighter as Chapter 3 ICAO noise-compliant.

Group Must Improve or Face the Consequences

CAMBODIA – According to reports the largest haulier in the Kingdom has received severe criticism from the Country’s Prime Minister, Hun Sen, who has gone so far as to threaten to company with closure. The So Nguon group runs about 200 freight trucks, principally distributing cargo to and from the capital Phnom Penh around the country and into Vietnam.

Recruitment Of Six New Executives - and One Sad Departure

UK – The AKW Group, owners of World Freight Centre and AK Worthington, have appointed ex Davies Turner stalwart John Duke as commercial director. Duke, who was with Davies Turner for forty years, is tasked with increasing the group’s turnover in its contract packing, warehousing and transport divisions.

Snippets from the Air, Sea and Rail Transport Industries This Week

EUROPE – Eurotunnel, operators of the England to France undersea link saw a 29% increase in their revenue in the final quarter of 2010. The freight revenue now included in the group total turnover was largely responsible for the increase totalling €31 million. Groupe Eurotunnel, owners of Europorte, the tunnel operators, say truck shuttles were up 35% to over 300,000 freight trucks in the quarter but rail freight train numbers and tonnages were down, 19% and 13% respectively due to French strikes and bad weather.

(and Place Their Books) in History

UK – When one of the most prestigious libraries in the world decided to commission a new £26 million storage facility, the logistics of moving existing and inputting new content were of primary concern. Oxford’s Bodleian Library houses some of the most treasured books, maps and manuscripts ever produced including four copies of the Magna Carta and Shakespeare’s first folio . The Library is entitled to receive a copy of every book published in the UK, which means it receives on average some 1,000 volumes a day, and some five kilometres of extra shelf space is needed every year to house the ever expanding collections.

Maersk Get Two Seats at the Top Table

SWITZERLAND – For more than forty years the World Economic Forum has met annually to try and set the agenda for global trade, and attendance is strictly invitation only. This week representatives from the world’s largest container shipping line, Maersk, have their chance to shape the future in fields ranging from restrictive import practices to carbon emissions.

Ministers Sign Heads of Agreement for Black Sea Services

TURKEY – UKRAINE – In a meeting on the 25th January an agreement to develop a common tariff for rail freight ferry links was signed by Ukrainian First Deputy Infrastructure Minister Kostiantyn Yefymenko and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the latter’s official visit. Each agreed to facilitate the transit of cargo via direct rail freight and ferry services across the Black Sea.

UK Industry Still Seeking the Right People Despite Recession

UK – Shipping and Forwarding is still the industry for those with the right qualifications according to one of the country’s leading operators. Despite the economic doom and gloom Davies Turner group chairman Philip Stephenson says school leavers and graduates looking to take their first career moves in the logistics industry have again been attracted to his company. Despite the influx of well qualified, fresh faced youngsters however other supply chain specialists still seek the right candidates for more senior jobs. Stephenson says:

Germany Targeted for Chinese Traffic

GERMANY – CHINA – In the past year, DHL has launched 25 services from Asia to key cities around the world and today the global logistics provider and freight forwarder has announced a new service to satisfy customer requirements. The new direct Less than Container Load (LCL) services will connect the ports of Dalian and Shanghai, China to Hamburg, Germany. Bilateral trade volume between the two countries totalled almost $129 billion in 2009 and China has become first largest import partner of Germany and the eighth largest export partner.

How Allseas Collected That BIFA Award

UK – CONGO – When we covered the recent BIFA (British International Freight Association) Freight Service Awards in London we made special mention of the fact that Allseas Managing Director Andrew Morris dedicated the industry accolade for Project Forwarding which he collected, to the crew of an Ilyushin 76T cargo aircraft, all of whom tragically died shortly after completing the successful mission to supply everything required to create a base camp for mine workers in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s remote jungle, and for which Allseas were being recognised.

Vessel Squeezes into Lock by a Hand's-breadth

UK – The Port of Leith saw the arrival last week of its largest ever visitor, the bulk carrier Merchant with her cargo of 42,000 tonnes of Peruvian salt destined to help cope with the Scotland’s roads in the sub zero temperatures that have prevailed this Winter.

Norden to Dispose of Six New Handysize and Diana Figures Scheduled

DENMARK – CHINA – GREECE – Norden. The specialist bulk carriers announced on Monday they are to sell up to six new build Handysize dry cargo bulkers to Greek interests subject to the usual approvals from the buyers Board of Directors until the end of March. Both parties have agreed not to publicise the sale price and the agreement comprises 6 newly built sister vessels of 32,700 dwt from a Chinese shipyard. Five of the vessels will be delivered from the yard during 2011 and the other in 2012.

Maersk Pay Over $1 Billion For A Single Vessel

DENMARK – BRAZIL – For most of our readers the name Maersk summons up a picture of the largest container ship operator and supply vessel operator in the world but news this week demonstrates that there is a lot more to the A P Moller-Maersk group than conveying cargo around the globe.

Tests Show Product Can Defeat The Invisible Enemy

UK – Ask any truck driver pulling a tautliner or tilt trailer and he’ll (or she'll) tell you the weak security point of the whole system is the cord. No matter how carefully one examines it, a serious thief can cut and reseal it in an inconspicuous place so that only a microscopic examination can reveal the damage. However these days the risk is not just to the freight carried within.

Inevitable Conclusion to Continuing Market Falls

UK – KOREA – The weeks graph to indicate the state of the Baltic Dry Index resembled a profile of a ski slope again this week as it dropped over a hundred points to stand at 1325 yesterday. Inevitably the first real casualty of falling bulk freight prices has been announced this week as Korea Line Corporation filed for receivership today, the dry bulk and liquid natural gas (LNG) carrier hit by the slump in charter freight rates.

Future is Not Just Built of BRICS

WORLD WIDE – Global logistics firm Agility have launched their Emerging Markets Logistics Index 2011 from their Global Integrated Logistics business in Switzerland in which they compares 39 major emerging markets on a number of different metrics, identifying the key attributes which will they believe make the market attractive from the point of view of logistics, air cargo, shipping lines and freight forwarders.

Unions Protest at Inactivity by Flag of Convenience States

UK – The condition of the freighter Most Sky, which has been detained in Birkenhead since the 8th November, has been described as a ‘disgrace’ by UK trade union Nautilus International which claims that inactivity by the vessel’s Turkish owners has caused the continued detention by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Bigger Logistics Site Under Construction but not at the Expense of the Environment

NETHERLANDS – This month saw the Port of Amsterdam present freight tonnage figures for 2010 and to use a paraphrase of a football analogy it was very much a year of two halves. The Amsterdam port is part of the North Sea Canal region along with the ports of IJmuiden, Beverwijk and Zaanstad. In Amsterdam port transhipments were down 1% to around 72.5 million tonnes, after dropping 7.1% in the first six months, the second half of the year showing a strong 5% recovery.

Voyage Accomplished Despite Appalling Conditions

NORWAY – ALASKA - Following on from our previous stories regarding opening up the sea routes for shipping using the formerly impassable Northern routes passing close to the Arctic Circle comes new from logistics specialist GAC of their plans to expand their freight operations in the frozen regions.

Video Shows the Storming of a Captive Vessel - But What Happens Next to Captured Hijackers?

SOMALIA – It seems the navies in some parts of the world have grown a little tired of the continuing attacks on merchant shipping and this week, before detailing the usual tally of captured freighters, tankers and assorted vessels which we have become used to, there are two cases where the authorities decided enough was enough and opened fire on the miscreants regardless of consequences, capturing the pirates and leaving the politicians of two countries with the problem of what to do next.

Some Snippets from Around the Globe

HONG KONG – Shares in China Shipping Container Limited (CSCL) were suspended here on the 19th January after the company issued a statement it would be issuing an announcement in relation to a profit positive alert for the twelve months ended 31 December 2010 which may be price sensitive in nature. An application to resume trading in the shares will be made as soon as the statement is published.

Ambitious Plans to Dominate Traditional Markets

EUROPE – Not for the first time a Swiss owned freight forwarder has announced plans to dominate the European groupage market within the next few years. Using a traditional ‘Hub and Spoke’ operation, Kuehne + Nagel have declared their intention to expand their overland network to encompass 500 overland lines by 2014, 200 more than at present.

Yet More Voices Raised in Protest - Have You Registered Your Opinion Yet?

UK – The UK authorities are coming under more pressure from all stakeholders in the freight and logistics community over fiscal policies, particularly with regard to fuel duty and the abolition Scottish Grants to extend intermodal use.

Talks This Week Will Decide if Hauliers Keep Working

SOUTH AFRICA – The country awaits the result of union meetings to be held over the next few days which may have a huge impact on supply chains throughout the country. Four of the biggest freight transport unions the SA Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu), the Motor Transport Workers Union (MTWU), the Professional Transport Workers Union (PTWU) and the Transport and Allied Workers Union of SA (Tawusa) stand poised for an all out strike which would bring haulage to a virtual standstill.

However Some Help Available for Stricken Businesses

AUSTRALIA – Without the beating heart of ore and agriculture the freight and haulage operations which form the arteries and veins that carry produce to ports and markets wither and die and one can barely imagine the trauma being suffered by the employees and small logistics operators who live in, or derive an income from, a flood affected area, wherever in the world it may be.

New Vessels, Faster Transits and Extra Asian Calls

ASIA – CENTRAL and SOUTH AMERICA – The container services offered by CMA CGM, Compagnia Sudamericana de Vapores (CSAV) and China Shipping Container Lines (CSCL) for shipping cargo between Asia, Mexico, Central America and the West Coast of South America are to receive a full upgrade within the next three months including each party providing new ships.

Achievements Celebrated at Annual BIFA Bash - with a Melancholy Touch

UK – The British International Freight Association (BIFA) awards are now in their 22nd year, and there can certainly never been a finer luncheon in their history than that served to the 460 guests in London yesterday when the nominees and sponsors plus shipping and logistics personalities gathered to celebrate the event. The event was ably hosted by former football referee Graham Poll and introduced by BIFA Chairman Andrew Melton who referred to freight as:

Rack or Box? Now There are Two Options to Avoid Damage

WORLDWIDE – Ever the innovators DHL Global Forwarding have come up with two solutions to an age old problem. Exporting or importing a car without any of the serious damage that can result even after the smallest bodywork scrape. For decades this particular cargo has been the bane of many a freight operator’s life and now refinement of a double rack system, plus a new innovative box built for motor vehicles, may well prove the answer for many.

Now BIFA Adds Its Voice to Protest

UK – There is complete agreement amongst the country’s freight, shipping and haulage interests that the rapidly escalating cost of diesel which fuels Britain’s trucks is having a detrimental effect on domestic and international trade. Our last article attracted numerous comments showing the strength of feeling over the matter. Now the British International Freight Association (BIFA) has added its voice to a protest which has united all sectors of the industry.

Authorities Raid Commercial Vehicle Manufacturers

EUROPE – It was way back in September that we first revealed that the authorities were scrutinising some of the EU’s truck makers following raids in the UK by the Office of Fair Trading and there were hints that other major manufacturers might be involved in a cartel to rival the scandals we have witnessed in the freight forwarding and air freight carrier sectors.

Electric Articulated Flexi Can Shift Heavier Loads

UK - One of the factors that sometimes counts against articulated narrow aisle fork lift trucks is the perception that they lose lift capacity when handling freight when compared to a more recognisable counterbalance model. Now Flexi Narrow Aisle has announced the addition of a new model designed to handle heavy loads in very narrow aisle storage schemes.

Lessons Learnt in the Slump Buoy Shipping Lines

WORLDWIDE – Yesterday the New World Alliance declared its intention to temporarily reduce capacity on selected Trans-Pacific Trade services to coincide with Lunar New Year factory shutdowns in Asia. To those who don’t know the NWA is a loose affiliation of three major container shipping lines, APL (part of Neptune Orient Lines-NOL), Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and the reduction is expected to last around six weeks.

New Year - New Ship - New Service

UK – Last October we detailed how, once again, Northlink Ferries, a subsidiary of the David MacBrayne group which services the far Northern reaches of Britain from Aberdeen and Scrabster to the Orkney and Shetland Isles, was holding a competition to rename their newly acquired RoRo vessel. Now, the ships identity has been confirmed and Northlink has declared she will assist in their introduction of a new freight route to Orkney.

Scots Won't Let 7 Million Pound Grant Go Without a Fight

UK – The SNP find itself under an almost unprecedented wave of pressure after declaring plans to abandon the Freight Facilities Grant (FFG), designed to assist the modal shift from trucks to rail and sea freight. The Grant was originally started in 1974 and in the past twelve years had awarded £68.9 million including £10.9 million from the Department for Transport, to fund thirty seven projects.

DFDS Pulls Out of Irish Sea Trade

UK – IRELAND - The review of its Irish Sea RoRo freight ferry services which we referred to in December has resulted in a much swifter reaction than that predicted when it was announced by DFDS. Originally the company said it was to take three months to decide the future of the Dublin to Birkenhead and Heysham routes but a decision to axe them was announced this week.

Who's Been Appointed Recently

A review of who’s moved where world wide throughout the freight industry……….

Some News in Brief from the Past Week around the Globe

US - The Surface Transportation Board are to meet in May with a view to studying ways to increase intermodal competition, not the first time this subject has come up recently. Lobbyists for industries such as mining say that rail freight rates are too high whilst railroad companies insist they have to maintain infrastructure. The Board will look at ensuring tracks are shared to allow consumers a choice of freight carriers. A spokesman for the Association of American Railroads said under the current system there had been almost $500 billion invested by rail companies in the past three decades.

Konecranes Buys Into South America

FINLAND – CHILE – PERU –BOLIVIA - Specialist lifting group Konecranes have acquired Gruas Koman Limitada, the former licensee of Konecranes in Recoleta, Santiago, Chile for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition also includes the Peruvian start-up subsidiary, Koman Gruas Peru S.R.L. The companies specialize in providing advanced overhead lifting solutions and maintenance services in Chile, Peru, and Bolivia.

EU Software Will Lower Ships Repair Costs

EUROPE – Flagship, the Pan European maritime transport project part funded by the EU, claim they have now developed software that can forecast the condition of a ship’s hull over time to help improve the efficacy of surveys and reduce the amount of time a vessel is out of service. The consortium of various stakeholders from the freight and shipping and academic sectors say their new hull condition assessment is designed to accurately predict the condition of a vessel’s structure, coating and components, enabling ship owners and operators to schedule maintenance in a more efficient manner and thereby reduce maintenance costs while improving safety at sea.

Four LNG Vessels for Exxon and MOL

CHINA – Four new liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels are to be built by the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd. (Hudong), a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation on behalf of the Exxon Mobil Corporation and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) the companies announced today.

Colombia and Ecuador Targeted by K & N

COLOMBIA – ECUADOR – SWITZERLAND – Kuehne + Nagel, the worlds largest NVOCC is expanding its freight forwarding operations in South America with the news this week that the group have taken over two Colombian companies Translago S.A.S. and Agencia de Aduanas Excelsia Ltda. as well as Mastertransport SA, Ecuador. All three companies are specialised in perishables logistics activities.

But Latest Laser Weapons May be One in the Eye for the Raiders

SOMALIA – NIGERIA – UK – Unfortunately once again the past few days have seen much pirate activity with mixed results for the victims. Two days after our last report on the 4th January there were two attacks South East of Muscat by pirates who fired rocket propelled grenades at their intended victims. The Bahamian flagged oil tanker MV Front Warrior was equipped with razor wire and fire hoses which the crew employed to defeat the raiders. Full speed and perimeter razor wire enabled the Norwegian flagged LPG carrier MV BW Austria to similarly escape the two skiffs attacking her.

Your Chance to Influence The Cost of Diesel

UK – Rarely has one issue united the disparate forces of commercial vehicle operators than the recent increases in diesel and petrol prices imposed by across the board price hikes. With the legacy of the last Labour Government’s excise duty increases imposed from this month, plus more to come in April and the barrel price of crude seemingly beyond the control of anyone but overseas producers, freight hauliers are seeking some respite from ever spiraling costs.

Cargoitalia Adds Atlanta to its Schedule

ITALY – US – Cargo only freight airline Cargo Italia has extended its services to the USA and will commence MD11 freighter services from Milan to Atlanta on February 2nd, providing the only through main deck cargo link between the two cities. The new service will be twice weekly from Milan using the company’s 90-tonne capacity MD11 freighters, arriving Monday and Thursday. Both services will operate via New York JFK, while return flights will route direct from Atlanta to Milan.

Vietnam Doing Well But Must Improve to Stay Ahead

VIETNAM – As cargo levels rise and fall with the normal ebb and flow of world imports and exports it has always been the case that those involved with the logistics of an ever changing scenario move to ensure they are involved in setting up reliable freight links with the new and expanding trade areas. With the current visit of International Air Transport Association (IATA) Director General and CEO Giovanni Bisignani to South East Asia the organisation has been quick to point out the opportunities arising for shipping groups looking to become involved in the Vietnamese market.

More Woes For Freight Airlines

US - AUSTRALIA - After the enormous fines imposed by the European Commission in November the penalties for anti trust activity by the worlds air freight carriers just keep piling up. Now it’s once again the turn of the US Courts to punish those airlines which have indulged in a price fixing cartel and the fines are as tough as expected.

Roll Out to all Vessels Anticipated

WORLDWIDE – A ½ to 1 % saving on fuel may not seem the most dramatic thing even to a medium sized company. However when your business is running a fleet of two hundred and twenty ocean going freight and container vessels the bottom line improvement can make you sit up and take notice.

(What Exactly Are You Waiting For?)

WORLDWIDE – It is one of the Handy Shipping Guide’s small vanities that we keep a casual eye on our readership. Nothing Big Brother you understand but it is nice to know that now a quarter of a million people use our services we have an idea where they emanate from.

Crowley Swat Unwanted Immigrants

US – The Handy Shipping Guide has often reported the growing menace of non indigenous species which can flourish in their new environments and have devastating effects on local ecosystems which are unprepared for the new invaders. It is the responsibility of all those involved in an international supply chain to ensure freight is free from pests, some of which are highly mobile and capable of easy transfer into their new homes, all too often proving impossible to dislodge.

New Truck for DD as Workload Increases

UK – Manchester based specialist exhibition stand design and build company DD Exhibitions have increased their logistical abilities by buying their first articulated truck, an Iveco Xtralis 400. The new lorry joins DD’s existing fleet of vans and 7.5 tonne vehicles.

Tales of Heroism, Common Sense and Woe as Flooding Continues

AUSTRALIA –BRAZIL – SRI LANKA - PHILIPPINES - The continuing bad weather across much of the globe continued unabated this week disrupting supply chains and throwing freight and logistics movements into complete confusion. Along with the disasters and rising death tolls in Brazil (around 1000 so far reported),Sri Lanka (26 to date), Philippines (42 confirmed) and Australia (at least 34 dead with dozens more still missing)comes the forbidding prospect of what the short term future holds.

New Tool Targets Pollution by Optimising Traffic Throughput

SPAIN – EUROPE – The EU funded consortium FLAGSHIP, which consists of forty industry organisations and aims to produce financial and environmental savings and make European maritime transport services more efficient, say it has successfully implemented the first real-time optimisation system targeting congestion in container terminals.

Incorrect Declarations Can Lead to Accidents

UK – WORLDWIDE – Once upon a time it was cube cutting that was the fraud of choice for the world’s freight forwarders but with the burgeoning trade in full load containers (FCL’s) over the past few decades, often stuffed with consolidated cargo from different consignors, a new and potentially much more dangerous, problem has arisen.

Change of Operator Follows Liquidation

CIS – GERMANY – After the demise of intermodal transport operator ICF Intercontainer-Interfrigo SA, Basel,which ceased trading officially on the 2nd December when shareholders voted for the liquidation of the company the liquidators agreed to continue freight operations with a view to others taking over the running of services. At the time of the closure ICF had 145 block trains running throughout Europe.

Glut of Shipping Capacity as Disaster Continues

AUSTRALIA – WORLD WIDE – The harrowing pictures of the vast floods in Queensland help to illustrate the despair of the nation to cope with what may well prove to be even worse than the damage felt in the 1974 disaster. With more than 70 people unaccounted for so far every facet of life in the state has been affected and the ramifications are likely to continue for some time to come.

Another Purchase for US Group

US – Florida based Crowley Maritime Corporation announced yesterday that it has acquired Jarvis International Freight, Inc., a Houston-based freight forwarding, export packing and logistics company primarily serving the energy, oilfield and mining industries. Jarvis, founded in 1984, will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Crowley and will continue to operate from its existing headquarters.

New Damco Alliance Operational from Next Month

MOROCCO – Logistics and freight forwarding subsidiary of AP Moller Maersk, Damco, have started a joint venture with Moroccan group SNTL to trade under the ‘SNTL Damco Logistics’ banner to produce an integrated service for the Moroccan market. SNTL has been the biggest fleet operator in Morocco for the past 70 years with around a 1,000 trucks and the group intend to create new logistics centres in Casablanca, Tangier, Agadir, Fes, Meknes and Marrakech over the next five years.

BIMCO Releases its Annual State of the Industry Report

WORLD WIDE - BIMCO have published their ‘Reflections 2011’, and as usual, it is worth anyone concerned with ocean freight in any capacity and particularly those interested in environmental and social matters, taking ten minutes or so to read through the annual ponderings. From ship building to piracy on the high seas it provides an insight from a group dedicated to the furtherance of ocean trade.

DHL's Consolidation and LTL Services Keep Expanding - and You Could Promote Them!

EUROPE – NORTH AFRICA – EURASIA - Since DHL launched its Euroconnect freight groupage services for palletized and non-palletized general cargo as well as products requiring special care and compliance, it has continued to extend and expand both routes and cargo categories when shipping less than truckload consignments. Following the successful launch of the product into Morocco and Tunisia last year the group now offer road freight services into Georgia.

Indian Railways Report Increase but Delays and Corruption Still Endemic

INDIA – Figures released by Indian Railways yesterday confirmed that freight traffic had increased slightly over the past few months. During December 1.65 million tonnes more cargo was carried than in the corresponding month the previous year bringing the months total to a fraction under 80 million tonnes representing a 2.11% increase.

Out of Gauge Beer Vats Make a Spectacular Sight

CANADA – Project forwarding contracts are often the most exciting part of what is often, let’s face it, a pretty tedious business. Nothing gets the blood pumping in a dyed in the wool freight man (or possibly woman) like the site of some huge piece of gear aboard the deck of a ship or balanced atop a truck in what can appear an almost impossible manner.

Industry Recovery Sees Return of Popular Event

UK – Anticipation is building for the 2011 Commercial Vehicle Show and Workshop which will be held at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre (NEC) between the 12th and 14th April after a three year absence. Turbulent times saw the 2009 event cancelled and a renamed show last year. Now, with markets showing signs of reinvigoration and technological advances right across the board, both exhibitors and visitors can look forward to a smorgasbord of new choices for freight truck operators and logistics suppliers.

Agility Deny Change of Legal Status as Shares Fall

US – KUWAIT – IRAQ – DUBAI – The lawsuit outstanding against Agility, the Kuwait based logistics contractor, seems destined to continue its controversial way toward the Courts after what appears to be yet another piece of disinformation. The shipping of supplies to the US military machine in Iraq, the previous misinformed press coverage and Agility’s replacement by Dubai listed Anham FZCo has already been liberally covered in these pages.

Forth Ports Describe Market Sector as 'Robust'

UK – Forth Ports plc run a range of ports throughout Scotland in Grangemouth, Rosyth, Dundee, Burntisland, Methil and Leith plus managing the Port of Tilbury and having interests in oil marine terminals and the provision of specialist marine related logistic services. As such the figures released covering trading to the end of 2010 give a view of the country’s shipping related development in the past 12 months.

National Maritime Museum Exhibition Runs to March

UK – For anyone interested in the inception of the ocean freight trade who is travelling in the South West in the next couple of months the latest exhibition at the National Maritime Museum in Cornwall would be well worth a visit. In this quiet corner of Britain much of the basis of the nation’s reputation as a merchant and military marine force was formed.

Coal Exports Devastated as NSW Braces Itself

AUSTRALIA – The first estimates of damages caused by the continuing flooding have started to appear in press reports as heavy rain spreading from Queensland into New South Wales is predicted. Rail freight carrier QR National say they cannot yet estimate the cost to the company as mines resume some activity after strenuous efforts to pump water from the coal workings, but logistics industry analysts are estimating the cost to the company will be around A$45 million, assuming the waters start to recede this week.

Alcohol and Tobacco Shippers and Warehousemen Could Face Financial Ruin

UK – After a change to the regulations, concern is growing that third party logistics suppliers could face huge penalties over duty remaining unpaid on goods in their care. In April last year HMRC were awarded powers to ‘assess anyone for duty on goods illegally diverted from bonded movements who was “aware or should reasonably have been aware” of the diversion at any point in the supply chain.’ According to the United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA) warehouse keepers and hauliers face “financial ruin” if knowingly – or unknowingly – they handle excise cargo on which the duty has yet to be paid.

Your Chance to Spotlight the Ladies Who Matter in the Industry

UK – Women working in the freight transport and logistics sector feature for two reasons this week. Applications to attend the Women in Logistics UK annual general meeting and networking event have now closed and we shall publish a review after the 12th January meeting. The organisation is keen however to recruit more members from shipping and supply chain service companies at any time and enquiry details can be found HERE.

2011 Sees More Shipping Cartel Accusations

US – After last years shameful performances which saw numerous freight forwarders and air carriers having to fork out billions (yes, billions)of dollars in fines throughout the States, Europe and beyond, it was to be hoped the New Year would offer a chance for a rebuilding of relationships between some shipping groups and their customers.

Niftylift Cherry Pick for Skinny Racks

UK - Niftylift Ltd is one of the largest manufacturers of cherry pickers, boom lifts, access and work platforms in Europe but when they faced a problem with available space they turned to the Flexi Narrow Aisle range of articulated forklift trucks to improve logistics throughput by enabling them to adjust the potential storage area of the warehouse facility at their Milton Keynes manufacturing plant.

12th January Open Day Will Demonstrate How You Can Save Money

UK - Growth Logistics 2, an EU-funded programme to help North-East businesses become leaner and greener, has helped companies in the region improve their bottom lines by almost £10m. To demonstrate its effectiveness first-hand, three firms taking part in the project are holding an open day to show what they have gained by their participation. Growth Logistics 2 is also providing 100% funding for consultants from the NAC group to work directly with a further twenty two small to medium sized enterprises.

Damco Strengthens Relationship with Puma

SWEDEN – MEXICO – Any freight forwarder worth their salt always eyes the exclusive group of world wide brands which are instantly recognisable by name or logo with a view to having them as a customer. Once the sales team have had the chance to demonstrate their talents at enhancing the supply chain the proof of worth is only evidenced by repeat, and increased, business. Now Damco, the independent logistics subsidiary of A.P. Moller – Maersk, have reinforced their own relationship with sports and leisurewear giant Puma by gaining further shipments to and from new global markets.

Government Told to Show Some Grit (Whilst in Ireland There Was None)

UK – IRELAND – The haulage and business press have been full of fuel price stories lately, hardly surprising as the British Government earn extra revenue from increased fuel duty and then add a further 2.5% as VAT rises to see the New Year in. The talk is all of likely failures amongst UK freight hauliers with many small and medium sized logistics companies seemingly unable to bear the extra costs.

A Gentle Reminder of Your Responsibilities for 2011

UK – It’s 2011 and, as we herald in the New Year, specialist training company Novadata ask us to remind readers not to forget their responsibilities to workforce, transport authorities and not least – the Public. Freight haulage drivers these days need qualifications and as Novadata’s website points out drivers of vehicles over 3.5 tonnes (less than 3.5 tonnes for ADR regulations) are responsible under the law in ways that go far beyond that of any other profession.

Boost in Traffic for PD

UK – As we have been indicating for sometime one of the few consistent growth areas in freight carriage has been the steady expansion of container shipping feeder services, with the East Coast being particularly ripe for development due to the comparatively difficult conditions for both road and rail traffic. Now figures released by PD Ports, operators of Teesport, seem to support that conclusion.

AMI Strengthens Management Team

UK – There are very few companies who can claim to have envisioned a niche in the freight market and then developed it single handed for over thirty years, maintaining a reputation for reliability and credibility as would be competitors fell by the wayside. One such is AMI , acquired in 1993 by John Menzies plc and rebranded Air Menzies International, who conceived the client neutral, wholesale, trade only airfreight system way back in 1976.

Trials for Carbon Dioxide Based Refrigeration System are Ongoing

WORLDWIDE – Carrier is a name very familiar to anyone in freight, often without them realising where they noticed it. The company’s name appears on the front of countless refrigerated trailers and their products are widely used throughout the shipping industry and Carrier Transicold, part of the Carrier Corporation, supply units which cool refrigerated trucks, trailers and reefer containers alike.

YRC Dodges Another Bullet

US – Despite the ongoing pressure and cries of ‘foul’ from logistics group ABF Freight Systems the International Brotherhood of Teamsters have announced this week that they intend to allow freight trucking group YRC Worldwide a conditional extension to the preferential agreement granted to the group after protracted negotiations going back to 2008.

Somalia Hijack Starts 2011 as Depressing as Ever

SOMALIA – Despite the close attentions of the EU Navfor mission and NATO’s Operation Shield, piracy in the Gulf of Aden and beyond seems set to continue into the New Year in the same vein as it finished 2010. Once again a freight vessel was seized on the 1st January about 150 nautical miles off the coast of Oman. The MV Blida, a 20,586 tonne dry bulk carrier en route to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania with a cargo of clinker was seized together with her crew of twenty seven Algerians, Filipinos and Ukrainians bringing the total of vessels held by Somali pirate groups to twenty eight together with six hundred and fifty four hostages.

Nigeria Must Clean Up Its Act

NIGERIA – After what can only be described as a somewhat hostile relationship between the country’s freight forwarders and port terminal operators in recent months, it seems communications between the two groups appear to be thawing following an olive branch offered by representatives of the forwarding and customs broking communities.

Efficiency of Cargo Screening Questioned

US – With the screening of cargo on scheduled passenger services highlighted by the cases of bombs disguised as printer cartridges, every air freight carrier should be doubly alert to ensure all their security systems are in first class order. Now it appears that a division of OHL, the Tennessee based logistics group have been made to suspend operations after an initial inquiry by the Transportation Security Agency (TSA), a division of the Department of Homeland Security.