Shipping Search - Archive

Con-way and Menlo Logistics Face Complete Rebranding

US – As predicted freight brokerage firm XPO Logistics has officially acquired North American road haulage group Con-way in a deal worth $3 billion, a price some investors in the trucking giant thought was under its market value leading to a shareholder filing a lawsuit to halt the takeover. This deal also sees the start of a major rebranding with all of the acquired operations - Con-way Freight, Con-way Truckload, Con-way Multimodal and the freight forwarding arm, Menlo Logistics, now operating under the single global brand of XPO Logistics.

Company Talks Up a Difficult Situation

GERMANY – In a dramatic overhaul of Deutsche Post DHL’s IT infrastructure, the New Forwarding Environment (NFE) system has now been cast to the wayside, with the freight and logistics group writing off €345 million of costs as a result of the failed project. In taking this financial hit, DHL also announced that it has cut its 2015 profit forecast for the second time this year. Explaining the decision to let go of the system, DHL in a statement, said:

International Airport the Site of New Development

UAE – SENEGAL – The policy of backing up the multimodal freight facilities offered at the foreground of its port and container terminal facilities with logistics parks seems to be at the heart of DP World’s development plans. Witness its projects at home in Dubai, on the banks of the River Thames at the London Gateway, and, more lately, in the Dominican Republic. Also, as part of the UAE's effort to boost relations with countries around the globe, and African nations in particular, DP World has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Senegalese government to build and develop such a logistics ‘free zone’ in the vicinity of the new Blaise Diagne International Airport, not far from the DP World-Dakar Terminal in the outskirts of Senegal’s capital city.

HGV Fleet Management Group Linked to Transport Planner in New Cooperation

UK - ECO Stars the fuel management and operational efficiency support programme, designed as a measure for local authorities to improve local air quality by reducing emissions from heavy duty vehicles, has joined forces with Route Monkey which specialises in transport planning solutions. Together the two believe they can assist HGV and other fleet managers to plan cost and emission reductions and have a real influence on the way companies plan road haulage operations.

Humanitarian Crisis Prompts Rescue Assistance

EUROPE – The migrant crisis which is casting a shadow over the Southern continent has seen two high-speed boats sent from Sweden to join the maritime rescue effort in the Eastern Aegean. The craft were sent by the not-for-profit NGO, the Swedish Sea Rescue Society (SSRS), in response to the growing humanitarian crisis that has seen thousands of refugees attempting to cross the sea to enter Europe through the islands of Eastern Greece and the movement was undertaken by freight and logistics group GAC which utilised the road haulage option to transfer the vessels.

3PL Firm Speaks Out

UK – Workers rights are often a controversial subject with zero hours contracts and living wages often upsetting labour and employer alike but one logistics boss claims that Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) rules, TUPE Regulations, are restricting the ability of 3PL’s to bid successfully for contracts which could cost potential clients money.

Two Established Companies Link in Indian Ocean

SRI LANKA – MALDIVES – DB Schenker has partnered with Sri Lankan conglomerate, Aitken Spence to form a new subsidiary, DBS Logistics, to solely represent DB Schenker's air, ocean, and project cargo activities in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. By establishing the new network partner, DBS Logistics should enable better integration of services as well as enhanced capabilities and quality of service in the two territories.

One Year On Scottish Venue Has Single Point of Contact

UK – With many coastal harbours subject to periodic fluctuations in traffic levels the dangers to vessels, particularly in those ports with an influx of casual holiday sailors, cannot afford to be underestimated. Oban, lying on the west coast of Scotland north-west of Glasgow is a case in point, host as it is to regular ferry and commercial services with many vessels plying their trade to the off lying islands.

Importers and Exporters Can Build More Efficient Supply Chains

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – DP World Chairman HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem was on hand this week to celebrate the container handling and port facility group’s latest enterprise, the Caucedo Logistics Centre (CLC), a joint venture between DP World and the Caucedo Development Corporation. The official opening of the facility, designed to provide regional distribution facilities for foreign and Dominican businesses and connect them to the multimodal logistics network provided by the DP World run Port of Caucedo, was also attended by Dominican Republic President Danilo Medina Sanchez.

Another Major Order to Clean Up the Urban Environment

US – Slowly but surely the intention to present an environmental face to the world is becoming ever more important to most mainstream companies. Logistics and road haulage providers have made strides to reduce emission levels and goods producers also feel the need to go green, as the latest move from Manhattan Beer Distributors shows, with the company’s purchase of 35 more compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered Volvo VNM 200 model tractors for its New York City fleet. The model was chosen due to having the durability of a Class 8 model paired with the manoeuvrability necessary for urban deliveries.

London Meeting to Hear from Expert Speakers

UK – HQS Wellington, moored along the Thames Embankment in central London, will again be the venue for the upcoming UK Marine Pilot Association (UKMPA) conference which this year takes place on 4-5 November. The two day conference will offer members the chance to be updated on the Association’s business of the last year and determine future strategies whilst hearing from a bevy of expert speakers led by Shipping Minister Robert Goodwill MP.

Still No Long Term Resolution for US Road Infrastructure as Politicians' Hide Under the Sheets (Again)

US – As we approach the scariest time of the year, the horror that is the Highway Trust Fund once again rears its ugly head as lawmakers in the US House of Representatives have once again proposed yet another patch to temporarily neutralise this Frankenstein’s monster ahead of its expiration date on October 29. Extending authorisation for funding by three weeks, it would seem as though the House intends to use this short time to pass a multi-year fix to federal highway funding, though critics will say they certainly had more than enough time to sort out the details in the three months since the last patch was passed.

US Authorities Institute Mandatory Safety Procedures

US – WORLDWIDE – The doubt and confusion regarding the carriage of lithium batteries aboard aircraft has taken another twist with the announcement from US authorities that the carriage of battery-powered portable electronic smoking devices in checked baggage is now not permissible. The move comes in response to recent smoke and fire incidents involving e-cigarettes in passenger baggage, following on from a history of problems involving both freight and passenger flights, something we have been writing about for over five years.

Hard to Pick a Winner This Year from Hot Competition

NETHERLANDS - Menlo Logistics has announced it is continuing its sponsorship of the Best Thesis Award, chosen from the research work of graduates of the Supply Chain Management Masters Degree programme at Tilburg University. This is the fourth year that Menlo has given such an academic award, which is designed to inspire students to excel in the logistics arena and acknowledge high quality research in supply chain management.

Xmas is Coming, There's Snow Upon the Mat, The Hydraulics are Leaking and the Battery is Flat

UK - Materials handling group Briggs Equipment points out that predictions on the severity of this year's winter conditions may be as diverse as the British weather itself, but what remains certain is that businesses need to plan ahead for every eventuality. Even worse is that associated problems are likely to arise just as many freight and logistics providers which operate warehouses with fork lift trucks and other equipment, are already gearing up for the busiest time of the year.

Climate Control Infrastructure Helps Secure Prestigious Cosmetics Business

BRAZIL - Sephora, a cosmetics retailer owned by LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton), has appointed freight services company Ceva Logistics to act as its supply chain provider in Brazil. Under the contract, Ceva will consolidate a variety of cosmetic products such as make-up, fragrances, hair care products, accessories, body and bath products and its own brand, Sephora Collection, from 40 distribution points within Brazil into one of Ceva’s multi-user sites located just outside of São Paulo.

Established Hyperbaric Lifeboat Maker Acquired in Cross Continental Deal

UAE – NETHERLANDS – Two organisations dedicated to safety at sea have come together with the news that Oceanwide, a Netherland’s based designer and manufacturer of self-propelled hyperbaric lifeboats, has been acquired by the Sharjah headquartered Unique Group which provides integrated subsea and offshore solutions.

Ability to Handle Everything from Containers to Heavy Lift and RoRo Freight

UK – EUROPE – MIDDLE EAST – INDIAN SUBCONTINENT – DKT Allseas Shipping, the alliance formed last year between UK based Allseas Global Logistics and Antwerp headquartered De Keyser Thornton (DKT), which operates from Allseas Tilbury office, has expanded its liner agency after the National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia (Bahri) announced plans to launch a unique new service for shipping heavy roll-on/roll-off, project and containerised cargoes between the UK and the Gulf region.

AGM and Lunch Presents Networking Opportunities

UK – In the seven years since Ruth Waring and a group of friends established Women in Logistics (UK) with the purpose of increasing the number of women in the sector and improving the lot of those already working within it, the events hosted by the organisation have grown in popularity. The theme of the next event, to be held in conjunction with the AGM at Royal Mail London on November 19, is to be 'From Performance Management to Collaboration - How to Make Supply Chain Relationships Work' and it promises to be an interesting day.

More Than 500 of the Great and the Good Meet in London

UK – Over 500 leading professionals from the UK's freight and logistics industry gathered this week at the Lancaster London Hotel for the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT UK) Annual Awards Dinner. Honouring individuals, companies and other organisations that have made major contributions to achieving higher and ever improving standards in logistics and transport operations during the last year, the event is hailed as one of the best networking events of the CILT calendar and this year’s Awards were attended by finalists, sponsors, members and their guests.

Norwegian Classification Group Advises on Liquefaction

WORLDWIDE – Norwegian classification society DNV GL has published a set of guidelines for the design and operation of vessels with bulk cargo that may liquefy, with the intention of raising awareness of the risks of liquefaction and describes mitigating actions to reduce these risks. Liquefaction is a phenomenon in which a soil-like material is abruptly transformed from a solid dry state to an almost fluid state. Many common bulk cargoes, such as iron ore fines, nickel ore and various mineral concentrates, have the potential to transform into an almost fluid state, threatening the stability of the vessel.

New China - US LCL Routes Open Up

US – CHINA – NVOCC and ocean freight consolidator, CaroTrans, has announced 11 new, direct LCL import services between China and the United States. CaroTrans first started the increase in August and the company is strengthening its existing China network which consists of its own team in Shanghai and now has formed a new alliance with Portever Shipping Ltd., a local NVO based in Ningbo. The new Less than Container Load services are:

Multipurpose Vessels to be Employed by Italian Agency

ITALY – SINGAPORE – GERMANY – Having launched a cooperation in May of this year between themselves to combine talents on multipurpose tramp and project shipping matters, Singapore based AAL (formerly AustralAsia Line) and Hamburg headquartered Peter Döhle are now to operate in Italy via the services of Genoa-based shipping company, OceanWise Corp (OWC), which will act as commercial agents for the pair. OWC will be able to harness the two operators’ combined fleet of seven classes of modern multipurpose heavy lift vessels, ranging from 12,000 to 31,000 dwt.

500 Million Euro PPP Details Finalised This Week

NETHERLANDS – Work is due to start on a replacement sea lock for the port of Ijmuiden after final details of the public-private partnership (PPP) were ratified this week. After almost 100 years in operation the current northern lock is to be replaced by a new 70 metre wide, 500 metre long and 18 metre deep lock system to ensure that the Amsterdam port area remains accessible for the new generation of medium sized container and bulk freight vessels. The larger, tide-independent lock will also reduce waiting times for ships and provide opportunities for future capacity expansion.

Announcements on Who is Heading Where This Week

US – We start this week’s roundup of appointments and departures in the freight and logistics sector with news that the recently appointed President and Chief Executive Officer at United Airlines, Oscar Munoz, is now on medical leave following a heart attack he suffered on October 15. The former CSX Chairman and Chief Operating Officer took over the role from Jeff Smisek in September after a federal investigation was launched into some of the company’s previous practices. The company’s board of directors has named Brett Hart, currently United's Executive Vice President and General Counsel, as acting CEO.

Logistics Groups Predict European Commission Victory

EUROPE – It is claimed by the two companies involved that EU antitrust regulators will apparently follow in the footsteps of their New Zealand counterparts and not issue any objections to the planned €4.4 billion acquisition of the Dutch parcel carrier TNT Express, by its US rival, express freight carrier the FedEx Corporation. No official confirmation has been provided by the European Commission on its final decision but a joint statement from the two small package carriers said:

Russian Airline Wins in its 25th Anniversary Year

RUSSIA – UK – It has been a year to celebrate for air freight specialist Volga-Dnepr Airlines which has not only seen its 25^th Anniversary this year but now has won the award for ‘Best Cargo Charter Airline’ from the Baltic Air Charter Association (BACA) for the second consecutive year. The Baltic Air Charter Association (BACA) is the successor to the Airbrokers’ Association founded by members of the Baltic Mercantile and Shipping Exchange in March 1949, and 2015 marks the sixth occasion Volga-Dnepr has won what it considers the air charter industry’s most prestigious cargo charter airline award.

Chronic Shortage of Skills in Logistics Must be Addressed Immediately

UK – The chronic shortage of HGV drivers which is not only currently blighting the country’s road haulage industry, but threatening to get steadily worse over time as more elderly workers retire, has been the subject of a Transport Select Committee inquiry which closed for submissions this week into skills and workforce planning in the sector. One body eager to post a response was the Freight Transport Association (FTA) which has been focusing on the subject for some time.

European Manufacturers Give a Lift to Australian Influence

AUSTRALIA – GERMANY – UK – By a strange quirk of fate this week saw two major European fork lift manufacturers announce deals extending their influence in the region by signing contracts in Australia. German headquartered Jungheinrich, has acquired a majority stake in Australian material handling equipment dealership, NTP Forklifts Australia, whilst UK based Narrow Aisle Ltd, manufacturer of the Flexi range of articulated forklift trucks and associated logistics solutions, has signed a new six-year distribution agreement with Flexilift Australia.

Unmanned Vehicle Fulfils Supply Chain Requirement

JAPAN – DHL Supply Chain recently introduced the first ever automated guided vehicle (AGV) it has used in the country when the Toyota built unit commenced work ferrying goods around one of the freight and logistics giant’s warehouse units. More usually found at manufacturers premises AGVs can only really be useful to the largest of logistics providers in terms of cost and efficiency.

New European Depots Increase Influence

FRANCE – UK – PORTUGAL – La Palette Rouge (LPR), a division of Euro Pool Group and a leading European pallet pooling company, is to extend its influence, both in its home country and in Portugal and the UK with the opening of four new service centres. In the UK, LPR is developing its partnerships with XPO, formerly Norbert Dentressangle, nationwide and S&R Smith specifically in the London area. These developments have given LPR access to two new automated service centres where pallets can be stored under shelter: a site in Castleford, Leeds, operated by XPO, and another in West Thurrock, operated by S&R Smith.

Fifth Annual Report Compiled from 200 Expert Views

SWEDEN – WORLDWIDE – Fender and port furniture supplier Trelleborg has launched its fifth annual Barometer Report, which calls on the views of 200 port owners, operators, consulting engineers and contractors. This year’s report takes a look back over the last five years to see how attitudes to investment, maintenance and quality have changed over time. The report provides a useful insight into trends affecting the ocean freight sector.

New Battery Charger Range Claims to Save Money

UK – Manbat, the battery technology group, is making bold claims for its latest product which will be of interest to any freight and logistics or road haulage outfit with a warehouse and a fleet of electric fork lift trucks. The company, part of the Eco-Bat Technologies group, says its new intelligent chargers will deliver up to 84% efficiency against a conventional 50Hz forklift battery charger’s overall efficiency of roughly 56% thus significantly lowering operating costs.

Currency Adjustment a Major Factor

SWITZERLAND – WORLDWIDE – Swiss headquartered freight forwarding and logistics group Panalpina has declared a consolidated profit of CHF 69.3 million (currency adjusted: CHF 75.8 million or +9.5%) for the first nine months of 2015. Group gross profit decreased 6% to CHF 1,107.3 million (currency adjusted: CHF 1,177.0 million or 0%), while EBIT decreased 2% to CHF 92.4 million (currency adjusted: CHF 102.7 million or +9%).

First Live Animal Movement Between Countries for Cargo Carrier

US – NETHERLANDS – The cargo which every freight forwarder often wishes to shy away from is anything alive, the stresses and strains imposed on both flora and fauna can, if handled improperly, lead to tragic consequences. And so there was probably some trepidation at American Airlines Cargo when Tiffany the dog became that company’s first ever live animal movement between the Netherlands and the US, especially as Tiffany is a particularly rare and valuable puppy.

We Have Good News and Bad News

UK – In an ironic twist comes the news that Freightliner, Britain’s largest rail maritime intermodal freight operator, is to celebrate half a century of operations, on the same day in which the RMT union chose to spoil the party by announcing a two day strike this week in a protest over pay. November 12 will see the anniversary marked by an event at the National Rail Museum in York, where the Secretary of State for Transport, Rt. Hon. Patrick McLoughlin MP, will deliver a key note speech.

Multi Discipline Facility Sees Time Capsule Buried Beneath

NETHERLANDS – Our picture shows the ground breaking ceremony which took place this week to celebrate the establishment of Menlo Logistics new 70,000-square metre regional freight distribution and general supply chain facility in Eindhoven which we reported last month. A time capsule was buried as part of the ceremony containing an artist’s impression of the completed building, a Polaroid picture of the ceremony and a newspaper dated October 14.

Once Again RFG Chairman Spells Out Criticisms Very Concisely

EUROPE – There are few associated with the rail freight sector who have such a concise and polarised view on the industry as Lord Tony Berkeley, Chairman of the Rail Freight Group (RFG) and a Board Member of the European Rail Freight Association (ERFA). In January he blasted the watering down of the 4^th Railway Package and this week, with the EC/EP/Council Trilogues approaching, he has once again put forward his own views on the current situation regarding the actions of vested interests in France and Germany, saying:

More Visitors Than Ever Hit Amsterdam

NETHERLANDS – At a time when the energy industry is in some confusion as oil prices fluctuate, this year’s Offshore Energy Exhibition & Conference 2015 (OEEC), held at the Amsterdam RAI, was not only a big success, the event also grew compared to last year. 11,865 visitors came to Amsterdam to meet up with companies or to attend one of the many Technical Sessions, Keynotes and Master Classes from the conference program. All with one constructive goal in mind; investing in the future of energy.

Shipping Outfit Still Pursues Development After 180 Years

UK – The John Good Group, which includes shipping and logistics, warehousing and freight distribution and corporate and leisure travel in its portfolio, has been recognised once again for its recent growth by being shortlisted for the Real Business Growing Business Awards. For a company formed originally in 1833 the desire to continue to grow and develop remains strong.

Chinese Proposal for Development in Island Nation

SÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE – CHINA – Diversified engineering services conglomerate China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) has concluded recent discussions and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the São Tomé e Príncipe government for the design and construction of a deep sea transhipment freight port on the small island nation which rests in the Gulf of Guinea, off the western equatorial coast of Central Africa, an area which in recent times has seen a decline in reported piracy attacks.

Freight and Oil Groups Say Stay Vigilant and Report Incidents

INDIAN OCEAN – NORTH AFRICA – It is a sign of the success of the campaign by international coalition forces that from December 1 the High Risk area covered by Best Management Practices in the war against Somali pirates is to be reduced. The area covered by BNP4 is decided by organisations representing the global shipping and oil industries which have decreed the reduction in response to the ongoing containment of pirate attacks in the Indian Ocean. Freight and passenger vessels are still warned however to maintain vigilance as a serious threat remains.

Recommendations on Illegal Alternative Fuels Ignored

IRELAND – Despite a series of tax cuts and an increase in government spending announced this week, and a promise that the ‘boom and bust’ years are over, the Irish pre-election budget has disappointed at least one section of the community with the Irish Freight Transport Association (FTAI) expressing dismay at what it termed ‘missed opportunities’ as far as the road haulage industry is concerned.

Go Green Initiative Shows Issues Faced by Freight Industry

UK – Last month saw a concerted effort by the world’s leading port terminal operators join forces to promote environmental awareness and make a sustainable difference in the communities where they have terminals in operation. Britain’s latest deep water container port, DP World’s London Gateway, has had to concentrate on such matters since the idea for a new Thames side port was first mooted and September saw the port and logistics park team explain the environmental issues faced by the ocean freight shipping industry, and the role DP World London Gateway continues to play, for the benefit of the environment.

Revision of Port Calls for Fruit and Vegetable Season

MOROCCO – WORLDWIDE – French container line CMA CGM, has claimed upgraded shipping services to Morocco, offering improved connections to key markets in Russia, Northern Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Africa, ahead of the start of the Morocco's citrus fruit and vegetable export season. CMA CGM and its newly acquired subsidiary OPDR, will offer 5 maritime freight services to meet the increased needs of the Mediterranean country, with 14 calls in Moroccan ports per week. The Port of Agadir is the heart of Moroccan citrus fruit and vegetable production, and will thus be served with 3 weekly calls serving Northern Europe and Russia, via the DUNKRUS, CISS and AGAX services.

Call for Ban on Disposable Cylinders from Refrigeration Specialist

EUROPE – WORLDWIDE – According to Svenn Jacobsen, Technical Product Manager of Refrigeration at Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS), the counterfeit refrigerants being used to cool reefer containers, and which have caused fatal accidents in Vietnam, China and Brazil, remain a persistent risk to freight carriers and port workers. Counterfeit refrigerant cylinders typically contain a dangerously unstable cocktail of gases, blended to roughly mimic the most common refrigerant, R-134a. These cylinders are often loaded with rogue gases such as R-40. Though similar to R-134a, R-40 reacts with aluminium to form Tri Methyl Aluminium (TMA), a highly volatile substance that, when exposed to air, can explode.

Toll Extends Influence in Germany

GERMANY – Toll Global Forwarding, a division international of freight and logistics firm Toll Group, has expanded its presence in Germany by establishing two new freight forwarding branches in the cities of Munich and Nuremberg. Uwe Jacobsen, Country Manager for Germany, Toll Global Forwarding, said:

New Initiative to Target Unsafe HGVs

UK – Both the Freight Transport Association(FTA) and Road Haulage Association (RHA) have welcomed the launch of a new initiative set up by the Transport for London (TfL) and partner agencies which the aim to tackle unsafe HGVs, and take any non-compliant and unsafe commercial vehicles, drivers and operators off London’s streets. The two associations represent many of the capital’s road haulage operators and the London Freight Enforcement Partnership has been hailed by the FTA as ‘the right way to go and will enable a more intelligent approach to enforcement in the capital’.

Triennial Meeting Demands Respect for Agreements and Seafarers

PANAMA – WORLDWIDE – Every three years the entire inspectorate network of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is gathered together for a seminar to develop new skills and plan for the delivery of ITF objectives. The inspectors are union officials working in ports all over the world on issues related to the ITF flags of convenience campaign. Their role is to ensure seafarers have decent pay, working conditions and living conditions by carrying out inspections on ships calling in their ports. They also assist with actions to protect seafarers' rights.

African Terminals Benefit from Cooperation with Finnish Manufacturer

WEST AFRICA – FINLAND – FRANCE – Nothing demonstrates customer satisfaction better than a repeat order, and Finnish manufacturer Konecranes has revealed that the Bolloré Group recently ordered thirteen more Rubber Tired Gantry (RTG) cranes for delivery to container terminals operated by Bolloré Africa Logistics Cotonou, Benin, and Lomé, Togo. Last year the freight handling arm of the French transportation, power and communications group installed eight similar units in its Congo and Cameroon facilities.

Investment Fund Takes Control of UK Based Network

UK – As we reported some months ago EmergeVest owner of NFT Distribution, the chilled food distribution specialist, has successfully bid for UK road haulage outfit Palletforce Plc. The £30 million valuation from a new company, Forcefield Bidco Ltd, which was set up in July 2015 by the EmergeVest Fund and Palletforce's executive management, was accepted, and the deal is now complete with the new owner committed to retaining and developing the existing business model and to uphold the partnership values with established Palletforce network members.

Monthly Total Smashed by Mediterranean Terminal

SPAIN – Barcelona Europe South Terminal (BEST), a subsidiary of Hutchison Port Holdings, has broken its own record for freight moved through the intermodal facility in one month. With all the sums complete August saw 15,000 TEU of cargo transported via rail, breaking the previous record of 13,000 TEU set in March of this year. The terminal managed to service nearly 300 trains, a 25% increase on its monthly average

Hard Work Justifies Individual Success

UK – Most companies like to win trade accolades and many work all year targeting a particular award and the kudos it brings. Perhaps however the finest hour comes instead for individuals who win these sought after trophies just for doing an outstanding job. When the award in question is for a contribution to safety, claiming the title must give even more satisfaction. Thus the winner of the inaugural Safety Champion Award from the Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA), Nick Moore, can be justifiably proud of his achievement.

Danish Transport Group with Road Haulage History Just Keeps on Growing

DENMARK – US – International freight and logistics group, DSV, the brainchild of ten Danish local road haulage outfits almost forty years ago, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire US based global supply chain services and solutions provider, UTi Worldwide, in a deal worth approximately $1.35 billion. The combined companies will have a more balanced geographical footprint with approximately 61% of revenue in Europe, Middle East and North Africa, 17% in Americas, 16% in Asia (APAC) and 6% in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Four Ten Year Contracts are Exceptional in Today's World of Forwarding

UK – WORLDWIDE – Freight forwarding and supply chain management firm Ceva Logistics, has been awarded four ten-year contracts worth over £260 million to provide warehousing, store deliveries, e-commerce fulfilment, international distribution and fourth party logistics services to four leading fashion retailers. Under the new contracts, which will run until 2025, Ceva will manage a newly-acquired 25,000 square metre shared-user facility in Oxfordshire, UK, which will handle around 20 million units per annum, across 30,000 stock keeping units. The site, which employs 330 people, is semi-automated, and handles the processing and storage of hanging and boxed garments, as well as fashion accessories. Michael O’Donoghue, Ceva’s Managing Director, UK, Ireland and Nordics said:

CalMac Scoops Inaugural Independent Travel Award

UK – The Independent Travel Awards are generally not concerned with matters of freight and therefore not in the province of this publication. However the first ever title of ‘Best Ferry Company’ has been awarded in its inaugural year to Caledonian MacBrayne, a company which provides a vital lifeline on many of its routes for both essential supplies and indeed exports, as well as for the local populace and tourists, whilst travelling routes which, at certain times of the year given their northerly location, can provide a particular type of logistical challenge to carry passenger and cargo alike.

Who is Off, When and Where To This Week

SWITZERLAND – Ariaen Zimmerman has been appointed Executive Director of Cargo 2000 (C2K), an IATA Interest Group established to lead the drive towards enhanced quality throughout the air freight industry. Zimmerman’s C2K team includes Laura Rodriguez, Assistant Manager, who has been working with IATA’s cargo division for two years, Sebastian Schirmers, who joined C2K as Operations Manager in August from DB Schenker, and Phil Sims, Secretary to the Board. The management team will continue to work closely with its Membership Board, chaired by Kuehne + Nagel’s Global Head of Carrier and Gateway Air Logistics Max Sauberschwarz and with the IATA Cargo standards team.

Eyes Turn to Europe for Final Approval as FedEx Finds Charity Cash

NEW ZEALAND – The New Zealand Commerce Commission has granted its approval for the acquisition of TNT Express by the FedEx Corporation, saying that enough competition will remain in the small package delivery market. With other competition authorities considering their options, European regulators are apparently considering requesting concessions to ensure a fairer freight market, confirmation of which may well trickle through in the next few weeks according to sources within the parcel carriers.

Three More Freight Company Executives Stand Accused of Corruption

US – JAPAN – Three former ocean freight executives have been indicted for participating in a long-running price-fixing conspiracy. The executives, Yoshiyuki Aoki, Masahiro Kato and Shunichi Kusunose, have been charged with cartel activity under antitrust regulations by collaborating on the allocation of customers and routes, rigging bids and fixing prices for the sale of international ocean shipments of RoRo cargo, such as cars, trucks, construction equipment and agricultural equipment, to and from the US and elsewhere.

Japanese System Harnesses Both Wind and Sun

JAPAN – Maritime technology company, Eco Marine Power (EMP) has been granted a patent in Japan related to its Aquarius Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) System, a combined wind & solar power solution for a variety of ships, ranging from RoRo ferries to container vessels, and consisting of an advanced integrated system of rigid sails, solar panels, energy storage modules, and marine computer platforms that is intended to enable ships to tap into renewable energy by harnessing the power provided by both wind and sun.

RHA Calls for Driver Training Impetus While FTA Praises Latest Thames Crossing Enquiry

UK – The Road Haulage Association (RHA), which represents a large proportion of the country’s truck operators, has been on the campaign trail this week with a stand at the Conservative Party conference ensuring that those in power become aware of the state of Britain’s freight industry, with particular emphasis on just how hard a lorry driver’s job actually is, and how the chronic shortage of staff entering the HGV industry is a matter of extreme concern.

DP World Hosts the Great and the Good Intent on Stemming the Flow of Illegal Shipments

DUBAI – Anyone familiar with the development of DP World’s London Gateway deep water container port and logistics park on the River Thames will know the company had to jump through many hoops to satisfy the requirements to ensure the project remained as environmentally friendly as possible. Thousands of wild and endangered creatures were removed to suitable environments and treated to replacement facilities to allow them to develop without visible harm. Now it seems the parent company is assisting in a freight related programme to save wildlife elsewhere.

Heavy Lift and Project Shipment Specialist Spreads its Wings Wider

RUSSIA – CIS – The Moscow headquartered Volga-Dnepr group has of course always been primarily known for its airline division which ships project cargoes and heavy lift items around the world on a daily basis. In 2014 however, like so many other freight providers, the company established its own logistics division as part of the company’s evolving ‘Cargo Supermarket’ strategy and service offering. The division is charged with providing in-house ground logistics support for Volga-Dnepr Airlines and AirBridgeCargo Airlines, and also offers direct third party logistics services to outside organisations using all modes of ground transport as well as air transport services contracted from other airlines.

American Club Widens Portfolio

US – Established in 1917 the American Club is the only P&I operation domiciled in the US and now has announced a strategic investment in a new Cyprus-based hull insurance company, American Hellenic Hull Insurance Company Ltd. (American Hellenic), as part of its continuing global expansion and diversification initiative. Both based and licensed in Cyprus, American Hellenic will be a Solvency II compliant, wholly-owned American Club subsidiary. The American Club will now not only be able to continue offering marine protection and indemnity cover, but also through this new subsidiary, will provide an expanded product line of marine insurance including hull & machinery, war risk, and mortgagee interest insurance.

DP World's London Gateway Signs Up a Road Haulage Household Name

UK – Cumbrian headquartered road haulage and logistics firm Eddie Stobart, has announced a new container transport base at DP World's London Gateway Port and Logistics Park to provide new and existing customers with competitive container transport solutions from the south of the country. As well as being on the doorstep of London and the South East, London Gateway will allow Eddie Stobart to serve destinations across the UK, using their road and rail solution to provide shipping lines and cargo owners the opportunity to reduce mileage and costs, as well as supporting their overall carbon reduction agendas and increasing supply chain reliability. DP World London Gateway CEO, Simon Moore, said:

American Built Container Vessels to Hold More TEUs Scheduled for 2018 Launch

US – Ocean shipping line and multimodal carrier, Matson, has announced the start of production on two new ‘Aloha Class’ container ships designed specifically for its Hawaii services, with greater TEU capacity and state-of-the-art ‘green ship technology’ features. After a small ceremony at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard in Pennsylvania, the cutting of steel plates began, initiating the construction work to build both ships. The contracts for the vessels were originally signed in 2013 for a total value of $418 million, with deliveries expected in the third and fourth quarters of 2018.

Export of Giant Machine and Handling Biggest Ever Crane Goes to TSL

THAILAND – BRUNEI – Thoresen Shipping and Logistics (TSL), the joint venture between the French headquartered supply chain group NAXCO group and Bangkok based Thoresen Thai Agencies, has just completed another heavy lift, out of gauge freight project, transporting a 25 MVA power transformer with 18 units of accessory parts from Bangkok, Thailand to Muara, Brunei.

Professional Drivers Charity Raises Funds at Scania Event

UK – In what is believed to be the largest gathering of a single marque of truck in Europe this year’s ‘Gathering of the Griffin’ saw over 110 Scania HGV’s turn up at the annual event, once again held at the Orwell Crossing Truck stop at the end of September. Road haulage contractors from far and wide came to attend the event which included mostly working, yet immaculate, trucks. Some vintage, some customised, some new but with one thing in common, it was a gathering of friends who again included the Professional Drivers Foundation (PDF).

Planet Listed as Next Cargo Market - Break Out Those Drones!

EARTH – MARS – ALL POINTS BEYOND – With the news this week that the Mars Tourist Board has joined ArrivalGuides as the latest destination wishing to attract millions of travellers to its rocky shores, it may well be time for go ahead freight forwarders and logistics groups to consider their long term plans regarding shipping cargo to the Galaxy’s latest tourist destination. Those flocks of visitors will require all manner of supplies! ArrivalGuides reveals that, wishing to develop itself as a family friendly destination with its water based attractions, the cold, jagged surfaces of the Red planet are also finding themselves a magnet for adventure enthusiasts, and has published a comprehensive, downloadable guide ‘Welcome to Mars’. Mr. Hydro Flipida, CEO of the Mars Tourist Board commented:

Hapag-Lloyd Assists Maersk to Improve Safety and Identify Risk

GERMANY – DENMARK – German container line Hapag-Lloyd, and Danish shipping giant Maersk Line, have agreed to cooperate in improving the safety of dangerous goods the shipping companies carry, following a meeting held in Hamburg earlier this week, during which Maersk Line showed interest in implementing a freight tracing system, similar to Hapag-Lloyd’s watchdog programme, into its business processes. Dangerous goods that are declared imprecisely, incorrectly or not at all have the potential to pose a major risk to crews, ships, the environment and other cargo on board.

Slightly Smarter Data from IATA

WORLDWIDE – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight markets showing that in August freight markets stabilised after two months of decline. Measured in Freight Tonne Kilometres (FTK’s), air cargo volumes rose 0.2% compared to the same month a year ago, consistent with developments in world trade activity. This is a modest improvement on July performance when freight demand contracted by 0.6% year-over-year. Speaking on the current state of the air cargo market, IATA’s Director General and CEO Tony Tyler, said: