Shipping Search - Archive

Russian Money Funds Expansion in Dubai

UAE – French headquartered freight forwarding and automotive logistics specialist GEFCO has established its new subsidiary, GEFCO Middle East Fze, in the Jebel Ali free zone (Jafza) of Dubai. The office, which will be the company’s headquarters in the Middle East, was opened at the end of 2012 and will be fully operational in 2013 and it consolidates the company’s existing presence in the region which includes representational offices in Iran and Iraq opened in 2011 to support trade primarily with China, India and Eastern Europe.

Two Leading Industry Groups Join Up with Card Provider

UK – Following yesterday’s article on how a deteriorating exchange rate was adversely affecting the country’s truckers by pushing up the price of diesel fuel, comes the news that from this Friday (1 March), members of the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and the Freight Transport Association (FTA) will have exclusive access to discounted fuel through a new joint fuel card from The Fuelcard Company. Lee Atkinson, the organisation’s Partnership Manager said:

K + N Secure Extension to Iveco Agreement

EUROPE – Fiat’s truck division Iveco, has extended its service contract with freight forwarding group Kuehne + Nagel for another three years. The two companies have been cooperating for 12 years during which the logistics provider says it has aimed to develop a culture of improvement by optimising and introducing innovative processes and tools such as RFID technology to stay ahead of developments in the market.

New Centre Will Target the Bosses behind a Criminal Industry and Amnesty Announced

UK- SOMALIA – SEYCHELLES - INDIAN OCEAN- One of the great fears which troubles the commanders of the naval forces currently dealing with the security of shipping in the Indian Ocean is that they will lose the political backing necessary to reinforce the tremendous strides they have taken to eliminate the scourge of piracy in the region. The combined naval force chiefs realise that theirs must be a long term commitment to ensure the safety of all craft, from private yachts and fishing boats up to cruise liners and container carries and bulk freight vessels.

Giant Aircraft Again Solves Transport Conundrum

JORDAN – TANZANIA – Specialist out of gauge and project air freight group Volga Dnepr brought new meaning to the term ‘Flying Boat’ recently when it undertook to carry two fourteen tonne cutters on one of its huge AN-124-100 freighters. Cutters are the type of vessel traditionally used by the authorities for coastguard duties and the like but their sheer size and weight usually precludes delivery by air.

Exchange Rates are Hitting Industry Regardless of Other Factors

UK – Road haulage operators have picked up on the latest figures showing the continued rise in fuel prices, despite Government postponements of proposed duty increases. Since the start of the year fuel has risen by 6 pence per litre at the pumps, but some say the reason is one over which neither trucker, nor government minister, has any control. The continued escalation is principally due to the exchange rate against the US dollar, the currency under which all oil markets conduct their business. When dollars cost more, up goes the price of diesel, regardless of other factors with every 5 cent loss on the dollar/pound exchange rate resulting in a diesel price increase of around 2 pence.

Twenty One Accused Now Incarcerated Following Capture by Naval Forces

SOMALIA – SEYCHELLES – The nine men accused of attempted piracy who were captured by the Dutch EU Naval Force frigate HNLMS De Ruyter on the 19th February have been transferred to the care of the authorities in the Seychelles for prosecution. The men were taken in a counter piracy operation which we reported on at the time after being spotted by a freighter in the region.

Another Warehouse Development in China for German Group

CHINA - KONE is a name recognisable to most people, although many may not remember why, the name plate on the escalator or lift often doesn’t impress into the memory exactly where one spotted it but the fact is that the Finnish company has profited from the huge upsurge of construction in China and now freight forwarder DB Schenker has begun operations from its new 47,000 square metre distribution centre dedicated to servicing the elevator manufacturing group’s needs within the country.

(and Doesn't Drop the Ball)

UK – CHILE – When the royal tunnel gates from the original Wembley Stadium went up for auction in November 2011, few would have predicted that the successful bid would come from a museum in Chile, although given the South American continent’s passion for the game perhaps not, and indeed successful it was, leaving freight forwarding and project logistics group Anglo Pacific with the task of safely shipping the gates to capital Santiago. Terry Horsnell, Anglo Pacific's Fine Art Consultant, commented:

WTO Must Push Through with Negotiations to Avoid Doha Debacle

DOHA – WORLDWIDE – The latest communication from the Global Air Cargo Advisory Group (GACAG), a body which packs in all the heavy hitters involved in the supply chain, from forwarding agents to airlines, makes very plain the views of the air cargo industry regarding the recently stalled Doha Round of trade negotiations held under the auspices of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and specifically designed to lower trade barriers and simplify processes, particularly to allow two way market access to developing countries. Air freight is of course especially vulnerable to the vagaries of both unstable economic factors and delays caused in any way whatsoever as despite carrying around 34% of world trade by value, goods worth around US$5 trillion annually, only a tiny percentage of overall tonnage is carried this way and financial and time constraints are often fundamental factors in choosing this mode of transport.

Increased Cargo Levels Mean Adjustments for Belarus and Italy

BELARUS – ITALY – Last week, representatives from the Belarusian and Italian Commission on International Road Transport (passengers and cargo), met in Rome where an agreement was reached to increase bilateral quotas on road haulage in 2013 and 2014. The parties also discussed the subject of intermodal transport and the prospect of increased use of bilateral communication, and increasing the flow of freight between Europe and Asia.

2013 Regional Nominations Sought by CILT

UK – This year, the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT) North West Awards supported by recruitment agency CAST UK, an event which aims to recognise achievements, encourage the highest standards and promote a professional approach to the practice within the region, will be held in the Edwardian grandeur of the Midland Hotel, Manchester, on 14th June 2013.This is an appropriate venue, not least for the excellent freight and passenger transport connections by air, rail, road, tram and even canal but because of its long standing connections to the transport industry dating back over a century to 1903.

Danish Giant Looks to the Future in All Areas as Changes Made and Some 2012 Figures Published

DENMARK – SOUTH AFRICA – NETHERLANDS – AP Moller Maersk Group companies range far and wide, both geographically and in terms of what they actually undertake, and this week there is news in both the project freight forwarding and general logistics fields from Safmarine and Damco, both key subsidiaries for the Danish headquartered giant.

Emergency Action to Maintain Fuel Supplies Whilst Elsewhere Freight Crime Remains an Issue

UK – The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has welcomed the Department for Transport’s (DfT) agreement to a temporary, and limited, emergency relaxation of the enforcement of EU drivers’ hours and working-time rules for drivers of fuel tankers engaged in the delivery of refined fuel within Scotland and northern England. The timing coincides with drivers represented by the Unite union threatening further strike from Thursday after a work to rule and walk out last week when an aviation fuel contract at Grangemouth was switched from BP to DHL.

As Boeing Reels from Dreamliner Problem - Bad News on the Labour Front

US – It has not been a good month for Boeing, following the grounding of the new 787 Dreamliner fleet whilst a fix for the lithium ion battery problems we reported on previously is found comes news of a possible strike after workers belonging to the same union voted different ways on a new contract deal.

Cargolux Ships Solar Impulse Craft as Sun Also Shines on Schenker

LUXEMBOURG – SWITZERLAND – US – NETHERLANDS – Mores news recently from Cargolux, as Europe’s largest freight only airline operated a Boeing 747 freighter out of the Swiss military airfield of Payerne, carrying the solar-powered prototype aircraft HB-SIA, created by the Solar Impulse project, to the United States. HB- SIA will be deployed for its ‘Across America’ mission on a coast-to-coast flight from San Francisco to Washington D.C. and New York City, including 3-4 stopovers on the way.

London's Latest Logistics Facility Ships In Its Own Gateway

UK – London Gateway, DP World’s development of the new container port in the Thames Estuary, shipped in its own gateway this week with the arrival of 90,000 tonnes of aggregate to be used in the construction of its fully automated port gate complex. The shipping terminal, due to open later this year, saw the bulk cargo vessel Yeoman Bridge moored alongside one of the completed deep water berths to discharge the initial building materials for what will become a state of the art entry and exit point utilising the latest technology including optical character recognition to read container and vehicle information to manage traffic through the gate process.

DB Schenker Expand Intermodal Capacity in Midlands

UK – DB Schenker says it has significantly increased multimodal freight options for its customers in the region with the completion of a major re-investment programme at one of the logistics company’s main UK land hubs at Nuneaton. The recent opening of their dedicated contract logistics site in Tamworth created new capacity in the Nuneaton facility and this expansion forms part of the company’s growth strategy for the huge catchment area that is the Midlands.

Those Who Invest in Technology Can Avoid Legal Infringements, Accidents and Quantify Driver Problems

US – UK – The Vishay Precision Group (VPG), a producer of numerous sensor devices of use in the freight and logistics field has announced that its VPG On-Board Weighing product group has partnered with VUE, a UK leading supplier of vehicle CCTV, tracking, and telematics solutions, to enhance its 1300 BulkWeigh and 1300 WasteWeigh systems. The on board weighing systems enable road haulage operators to ensure their loads are always within legal limits, often otherwise impossible without access to a weighbridge. Now the VUE CCTV and accident recording products add a further safety dimension to any truck.

Liebherr Solves a Long Standing Problem Whilst Elsewhere there are Timely Reminders that Safety is Always Paramount when Handling Containerised Cargo

TURKEY – WORLDWIDE – A ‘finger pier’ where a thin and long, hard standing jetty juts out into the water can make life difficult when one is faced with the problem of optimising vessel turnaround times. To solve this problem on the jetty pier in Nemrut Bay/Aliaga, Turkey, where Grup TCB operates its container terminal TCEEGE, the resident company turned to Liebherr Container Cranes to create an innovative crane design tailor made for shipping the freight as quickly as practical.

DHL Launches Another New Product

GERMANY – EUROPE – Ever keen to stay ahead of the game German logistics group DHL Freight has announced the introduction of another complementary (and complimentary) freight app. Called DHL Activebooking and allows its users to enter and manage Europe-wide orders when on the move from smartphones operating with iOS and Android.

French Giant Opens Largest Box Vessel to the Ordinary Traveller

FRANCE – WORLDWIDE – It’s a return to the posh* society this month as French shipping line CMA CGM, the world’s third largest box carrier is reinstating personal travel that harks back to the days of the Raj, or more properly perhaps the French Empire. The company has announced that passenger cabins are now available on board the CMA CGM Marco Polo, currently the world’s largest containership with a capacity of 16,020 TEU’s.

Old Sponsor for Logistics Conference but New Agents and Services Announced

LUXEMBOURG – NIGERIA – INDIA – HONG KONG – FRANCE - WORLDWIDE – Freight only airline Cargolux, recently announced that it is to add a new service to its African network, transporting equipment to the oil and gas industry. Meanwhile, air freight wholesaler Air Menzies International (AMI) has created a new regional division to spearhead its development in India with the launch of its own operation in Mumbai whilst US Airways, soon to join with American Airlines, has a new cargo general sales agent in France.

Active Campaign Following Ministers U Turn

UK – The ongoing protests against a new Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) continue as the number of people who have signed the petition appealing to the local council to prevent development going ahead climbs toward the 10,000 signatures required to prompt a council debate. The sale of a piece of council owned land is vital to enable the development to proceed.

Court Decision Which Follows Company Closure Protest is 'Unjust and Idiotic'

MOROCCO – Stakeholders throughout and beyond the shipping community today expressed shock at the totally unexpected decision by a court in Morocco to jail trade union leaders Said Elhairech and Mohamed Chamchati after they were accused of relatively minor charges. Elhairech was sentenced to a year’s imprisonment for ‘obstructing freedom of action’ and Chamchati to two and a half years for associated charges. The two men had interceded at the behest of the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) when the Comarit-Comanov ferry company ceased trading.

Ministers Out and About and Impressed by Infrastructure Development and Ex Military Employment Scheme

UK – Say what you like about the current crop of British politicians those representing the transport sector certainly seem to be putting themselves about again this month with ministerial visits to two of the country’s major container shipping ports, a leading logistics park and the launch of a new scheme to place ex-forces personnel into work in the freight and logistics sectors.

Blame for Accidents Allocated in New ATA Report

US – WORLDWIDE – Traffic accidents of course happen everywhere across the globe but when they involve a road haulage asset, particularly a large truck, the consequences tend to be much graver than when any other vehicles are involved and it’s pretty certain that the latest report from the US can be extrapolated to give a fairly reasonable picture of what happens elsewhere in similar circumstances. The report tries to evaluate the role of trucks in accidents where other road users are involved and therefore apportion ‘average blame’.

Demonstration On Line Shows the Value of Information

WEST AFRICA – UK - Xpert Technologies International is a software house that specialises in helping owners and operators of vehicle fleets to remotely manage their assets online. The company says that by using its Fleet Management and Vehicle Tracking software solution, multi-national companies such as Coca Cola, 7UP and West African conglomerates such as Dangote Group, AG Leventis (Nig) Plc, Nigerian Breweries PLC, Flour Mills and Buildwell have been able to reduce their operating costs whilst increasing their operational efficiency and profit margins and now it is offering a free trial to freight and logistics companies interested in keeping track of one truck for the next year.

Man-Up Technology a Thing of the Past According to Flexi Boss

UK – WORLDWIDE – One of the country’s most innovative materials handling suppliers has expressed a view that predicts the demise of the ‘man-up’ style of fork lift, popular with some warehouse keepers who have installed racking to higher than normal specifications. Anyone involved in handling freight as it passes through the supply chain will be familiar with the difficulties of handling goods safely at the extreme altitudes and there have been many attempts during the past few decades to obviate the problem, not least computer controlled order picking which still remains beyond the budget of many ordinary suppliers and cargo handlers.

Nine Suspects Captured After Attempting to Flee

SOMALIA – INDIAN OCEAN – Another success for the men and women of the European Union Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) Somalia, Operation Atalanta yesterday when the Dutch frigate, HNLMS De Ruyter spotted two high powered skiffs carrying suspected pirates. The authorities had been alerted to the presence of the small craft by an observant watch on a Panamanian registered freighter approximately 200 nautical miles north east of Eyl off the coast of Somalia.

MOL Cape Signs Two Decade Deal with Rio Tinto

WORLDWIDE – Five years ago this week, the Baltic Dry Index (BDI) started its rapid ascent from 7000+ (heady beyond belief by today’s standards), to brush the 12,000 market just three months later. Few would have believed at that time that an index level of 700+ would ever appear acceptable but as the Index hovers around this point trade continues despite the prolonged slump. With some industry experts predicting another dismal year for bulk cargo carriers, there comes a sign that some of the commodity groups themselves may hold a very different view. MOL Cape (Singapore), a subsidiary of shipping giant Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), has concluded 20-year Freight Service Agreement for 200,000-tonnes-plus class iron ore carriers with international mining group Rio Tinto.

From Ram Raids to Florists Shops It's Not Just Pirates That Scavenge for Treasure

BELGIUM – FRANCE – NETHERLANDS – UK – The latest audacious raid by thieves on a Swiss bound aircraft whilst it sat on the tarmac at Brussels airport yesterday has an uncanny similarity to the bungled French robbery we reported on last August. In the latest case the eight strong armed gang crashed vans through the perimeter fence as £32 million worth of diamonds were being loaded as freight into the hold of a scheduled passenger flight. The would be thieves last year attempted to seize their booty as a plane was unloading, but not the expected cargo of currency they had anticipated.

Ciceley Collect Three Prizes as Top Franchisees

UK – Mercedes-Benz’s agent for Lancashire, Cumbria and the south-west of Scotland, Ciceley Commercials, picked up a hat-trick of awards at the Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicle Dealer of the Year awards for 2012, an annual awards ceremony celebrating the manufacturer’s franchised truck and van dealer network.

Turkey Dips Its Toe in Oily Waters

TURKEY – UAE – Ship management company, V Ships Turkey recently announced that it has agreed an offshore crewing contract with Polarcus, a marine geophysical company with principal office in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Polarcus has a long-term collaboration arrangement with the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) and last month the company sold and delivered the Polarcus SAMUR, an 8-streamer 3D world class seismic exploration vessel, to TPAO. The vessel will be renamed Barbaros Hayreddin Pasa after the legendary Ottoman Admiral, and Polarcus will provide technical and crew management services to TPAO.

DSV Continues Its Expansion Policy

DENMARK – WORLDWIDE – The DSV road haulage and logistics group announced last week that it had signed an agreement to acquire the entire share capital of Seatainers Group A/S. Seatainers has a services portfolio which includes a raft of logistics activities from warehousing through road and air freight to ocean shipping services. The group also specialises in project freight forwarding and undertakes large and complex transport assignments for the renewable energy industry amongst others.

New RoSPA Award Announced

UK - The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has long argued that accidents on the roads should be considered alongside other work related accidents when they involve commercial activity such as road haulage. Between a quarter and a third of all road crashes in the UK are estimated to involve a person and/or a vehicle at work at the time, which equates to around 150 people killed or seriously injured in work crashes every week, some simply travelling to a job but many in the freight industry going about their daily business.

Who's Gone Where in the Recent Past

CANADA – Starting the latest update regarding appointments in the freight, logistics and shipping sectors this week is the news that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced the appointment of Jeffrey Shane as General Counsel. Shane will begin working with the Association from 2 April 2013 and will be based at its headquarters in Montreal. Shane served as the United States Undersecretary of Transportation for Policy, US Department of Transportation (DOT) from 2003-2008, a position to which he was appointed by then President George W. Bush.

US Airways and American Airlines Merger Blessed by Unions

US – Although primarily a passenger story, and therefore outside the normal remit of the Handy Shipping Guide, the merger between American Airlines (AA) and US Airways which was announced last week is worth examining as it does have some ramifications for freight operatives. It seems many union leaders in the US have woken up to the economic realities of shipping both members of the public and the cargo which resupplies every aspect of their lives and judged that, in hard times, big is beautiful.

Dreamliner Scares Wake Up Authorities to Long Standing Concerns

US – JAPAN – WORLDWIDE – Suddenly the news of the recent incidents which grounded the Japanese Boeing Dreamliner fleet has initiated action to prohibit the carriage of lithium ion (Li-ion) aircraft batteries as cargo on passenger planes. The concerns have also caused European aircraft manufacturer Airbus to announce only nickel cadmium cells will be incorporated into their new A350 project but readers of the Handy Shipping Guide will know the concerns that the air freight industry has had for a decade over the battery type.

TIACA Summit and AGM Has Heavy Hitters in Line Up

US – WORLDWIDE – Anyone who views an air freight conference as a chance for a few days away from their working responsibilities might need to reconsider if they attend the International Air Cargo Association's (TIACA) Executive Summit & AGM hosted by Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport in April this year. The 2013 event will witness a series of workshops in which respected business leaders, consultants and logistics analysts will discuss issues ranging from accelerating e-commerce without breaking the bank, essential innovation during the downturn, exploiting air cargo's growth sectors, and embracing new technology in the workplace.

Whilst Discussions Continue on a Free Trade Agreement British Agents See Themselves Sold Short

EUROPE – US – As talks are announced regarding a potential Free Trade Agreement between the two continental powers which could simplify and revolutionise the €450 per annum transatlantic trade there are rumblings in UK freight forwarding circles that another agreement, potentially a precursor to the main agreement and involving the security concerns when shipping goods between the partners, does not appear to hold all that it originally seemed to promise.

(and you could win a Kindle Fire HD into the bargain)

UK – Nobody it seems is taking next months IMHX 2013 exhibition at the NEC Birmingham more seriously than Briggs Equipment. The materials handling show is the perfect place for the company to show off its complete range to prospective customers in both the freight and logistics and manufacturing sectors. Briggs is sole distributor in the UK for two of the best known names, Yale Europe Materials Handling and Hyster, both of which produce handling equipment which helps keep the supply chain intact.

New Vessel for Diana and Two More Charters Agreed

GREECE – FRANCE – WORLDWIDE – Specialist dry bulk freight operator Diana Shipping Inc. successfully bid for the 2009-built Kamsarmax carrier m/v Valeria Della Gatta (to be renamed Maia) which it purchased through one of its separate wholly-owned subsidiary companies at a recent French auction. The vessel cost €14,755 million and is a 82,193 dwt, dry bulk carrier originally built by Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., Japan.

Freight and Logistics Sector Pleased but Critics Cynical

UK – The decisions by the Mayor of London over the future of pollution control in the metropolis have been met with varying levels of support and cynicism alike this week. Boris Johnson announced the Congestion Charge areas of the capital will become an ‘Ultra Low Emission Zone’ by 2020 where only vehicles which produce the very lowest, or preferably no, harmful emissions may venture. There were exclusions however and to the relief of the freight and logistics community, particularly the membership of the Road Haulage Association (RHA), large trucks will be exempt from the changes due to be implemented in 2015 in the larger Low Emission Zone.

Deutsche Post DHL Offer Apprenticeships Whilst Global Unions Launch Street Protest Against Company's Employment Practices

GERMANY – UK – WORLDWIDE – Deutsche Post DHL, one of the world’s largest employers with around 470,000 employees across the globe, has once again increased the number of apprenticeships it is offering in Germany this year. Meanwhile, two global union federations will aim to make workers’ rights fashionable at the opening of London Fashion Week tomorrow when they challenge event sponsor freight and logistics group DHL over its ongoing abuse of employees’ rights.

Volvo Annual Awards Announced as Company Set to Become World's Largest Truck Producer

US –CANADA – Volvo Trucks is searching for the safest road haulage fleets in North America and grant them with due recognition by way of the annual Volvo Trucks Safety Awards. For the fifth consecutive year, two fleets with the safest driving records and top safety programs will receive $25,000 to be used toward their safety-related activities. The automotive manufacturer will again join with Michelin in sponsoring the Awards, which highlight the importance of highway safety for the trucking industry and the motoring public. Göran Nyberg, President, Volvo Trucks North American Sales & Marketing said:

Turkish Agency Commits to London Flights

TURKEY – UK – Regular shortages of first sector air cargo capacity from Istanbul should be a thing of the past for leading Turkish General Sales and Service Agents (GSSA) Kargosistem, following an increase in the freighter capacity of its major client airline DHL, and Kargosistem's own commitment to additional main deck space for the next year on three-times-weekly freighters to London Heathrow. Kargosistem was established in 1996 and operates from five air freight offices in Istanbul (downtown and airport), Ankara, Izmir and Bursa.

Georgia Opening Up to European Trade

GERMANY – GEORGIA – EUROPE – Global freight and logistics company Gebrüder Weiss is now offering a new, direct groupage freight connection from Passau, Germany to the Georgian capital Tbilisi. The regular transit time is eight days with regular departures weekly on Thursday and dependant on the shipment volumes, an additional departure on Tuesday. Thomas Moser, Regional Manager Southeast/CIS at Gebrüder Weiss said:

Lobby Group for the Industry Extols the Virtues of Track Transported Cargo

US – The Association of American Railroads (AAR) recently announced the nation’s major freight railroads plan to invest an estimated $24.5 billion in 2013 to build, maintain and upgrade America’s rail network to ensure freight railroads can continue to develop more intermodality and deliver for the nation’s economy. This investment includes $13 billion in projected capital expenditures, or which go toward upgrading or enhancing rail network capacity in the year ahead. AAR President and CEO Edward R. Hamberger said:

Hong Kong Service from Essex Base for Luxembourg Based Airline

LUXEMBOURG – UK – HONG KONG – After recently announcing that Cargolux has started offering new destinations to its 747-8 air cargo network, the all freight airline is now set to further boost Stansted Airport’s cargo operation by flying a Boeing 747 on a twice weekly service between the Essex airport, Hong Kong and Luxembourg. Mark Boffee, Cargolux Country Manager UK said:

French Giant Finalises Restructuring Plan

FRANCE – WORLDWIDE – CMA CGM, third largest of the world’s container shipping lines, has issued a statement saying that the major financial restructuring of the group which it embarked upon a year ago has now been finalised. It claims that the new financial arrangements it has made make allowance for the volatility and uncertainty surrounding the trade after the recent depression in the ocean freight industry following the high points reached in 2008-9.

Czech and Singapore Developments for Schenker

CZECH REPUBLIC – SINGAPORE – News from freight forwarding group DB Schenker Logistics over the past week gives details of two new logistics centres with a total investment of about €64 million. Construction has started on the first of the new facilities, a 90,800 square metre premises which will become a workplace for 320 employees based in Rudná u Prahy, close to the Czech capital. DB Schenker is investing €23.5 million in the project with operations scheduled to start this autumn.

Initiative to Create Jobs for the Young in Traditional Industries

SOMALIA – Since the rise of the modern pirate scourge in the waters off the East African coastline some years hence the concerted message from everyone from container shipping lines to the combined naval security forces has been simply that protecting the freight and passenger vessels that ply the Indian Ocean was merely a short term solution. Redoubling of defensive efforts and honing security surveillance and avoidance techniques has minimised the problem but the investment of time and resources all adds to the cost of the international logistics supply chain.

Outstanding Talent Has One More Week to be Recognised

UK – You now have an extra week to nominate and outstanding woman working as a link in the supply chain as the deadline has been extended for nominations for the sixth annual Freight Transport Association (FTA) everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards which will now close on Monday 18th February. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony, held at the Savoy Hotel in London on 16 May 2013. This year’s Awards categories are as follows:

Have a Great Day out on the Flying Angel Ride Along

UK – On Sunday 28 April 2013 The Mission to Seafarers’ annual Flying Angel Ride returns, with a choice of either a 35 mile or 75 mile bike ride through the stunning setting of Brockenhurst, Hampshire, you don’t have to work in shipping or logistics to aid this great cause. Venturing through the villages of Beaulieu and Lyndhurst (35 miles), with the longer distance group continuing through Fordingbridge and Hyde (75 miles), the Mission aims to raise funds to continue their essential work as the world's largest provider of port-side welfare services for seafarers.

Collaborators Insist ICAO Must Coordinate Practices

WORLDWIDE – Warning – if you are allergic to acronyms this piece may contain them to dangerous levels. In its latest press release the Global Air Cargo Advisory Group (GACAG), the advisory group formed two years ago by the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Global Shippers’ Forum (GSF), and The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) to lobby global authorities and regulatory bodies in the interests of the air freight industry, has stated categorically that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) should serve as the focal point for implementing global air cargo supply chain security standards.

Specialist Temperature Controlled Pavilion Returns to NEC

UK - This year’s Commercial Vehicle (CV) Show from 9-11 April at the NEC will see the return of the Cool Pavilion - an area dedicated to chilled and frozen products and services and of special interest to temperature-controlled transport and logistics providers. The annual CV Show is organised by the Road Haulage Association, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and IRTE Services Ltd, the trading company of the SOE (Society of Operations Engineers).

MIT Transport and Logistics Reveal Key to Success

US – WORLDWIDE – It is of course fashionable for every freight forwarder, shipping line and logistics company to try to impress the world at large how careful they are being to cut emissions and produce a supply chain a shade greener than hitherto. It can be a little numbing, if encouraging to hear of the effort being put in by so many diverse groups in a bid to economise and improve the environment at the same time.

New Playing Field for Alternative Power Vehicles and Vessels in Europe Right Through the Supply Chain

EUROPE – With emission controls being an essential consideration in any supply chain these days and energy policy, price and supply as a major concern for all European states, the recent announcement from the European Commission regarding the distribution of alternative fuels across the continent will come as welcome news to road haulage operators, shipping lines and most stakeholders in the freight and logistics market.

Lots of News this Month from the FTA - Some of it Urgent !

UK – IRELAND - The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has been especially proactive this month with many subjects important to road haulage operators and shipping and logistics interests alike. The most urgent item on the agenda must be the fact that it’s last orders for anyone who wishes to enter themselves or a colleague in the FTA sponsored everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards. Besides this the FTA have a strong message for drivers in London regarding parking, or the lack of it, an extension to submissions from environmental achievers and the latest on the forthcoming Irish Transport Manager Seminar.

Courses Now Available in China and Europe

CHINA – EUROPE - The Certificate of Achievement in Project Cargo Management short course offered by the Australian headquartered Project Professionals Group is ISO accredited and designed to offered advice and knowledge to fast track skills that will enable less experienced forwarding staff to confidently tackle those larger than life and heavy lift consignments that help make a freight and logistics operators life more interesting.

Accidents Where Fault Can Be Attributed Should Not Count Against Innocent Truckers

US – WORLDWIDE – There has been growing dissatisfaction in many Western countries in the past few years about the way the statistics of road traffic accidents often result in blameless parties being penalised simply by having their identities mentioned in the reports. The classic example of this have been numerous cases where drivers have seen insurance premiums rise due to their innocent involvement in an incident and now US truck drivers representatives, the American Trucking Associations (ATA) has reiterated its call for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to immediately establish a process to remove from motor carriers’ records crashes where it was plainly evident that the road haulage operator was not to blame.

Boss Speaks at Length to Employees and Investors Alike

LUXEMBOURG – Speculation has been rife in air freight circles regarding the future of Cargolux Airlines International S.A., the only European all cargo carrier which saw Qatari support withdrawn in November in controversial circumstances and the Luxembourg government taking up the slack until a new shareholder for the available 35% holding is found. Now the company has acted decisively to reassure both its customers, and particularly its employees, that it has the matter under control.

A Century on New Panamax Vessels will shortly be a Reality

PANAMA – With its 100th anniversary fast approaching (2014) the Panama Canal Expansion is moving forward to reach its goal of bolstering the waterway's capacity in order to provide a better service to customers and to date, the programme is 50% complete. When the centenary of the Canal is reached it will be carrying vastly more freight than was ever envisaged. The huge container vessels and Panamax sized tankers which pass through daily mean around 300 million tonnes of shipping a year travelling a route which was envisaged originally to reach a maximum capacity of 80 million tonnes two decades after it construction.

Dedicated Division for Singapore Based Shipping Company

SINGAPORE – Shipping and forwarding outfit U-Freight Singapore has entered the specialised world of fine art using a new division based at its logistics hub. The company is to offer not only suitable storage but exhibition facilities for the showcasing of artwork by local artists. A large area of the company's modern logistics centre at Changi Airport has been converted into a highly secure, climate-controlled, storage area; plus a grand hall where artworks can be displayed.

International Space Station Event Can be Viewed by All

US – KAZAKHSTAN - PLANET EARTH (and beyond) – For anyone who likes to see their cargo depart on an international trailer or a container load of their freight being lowered into the hold of a box ship imagine the emotions going through the minds of their counterparts on Saturday (9 February) when they (and you) can watch the live coverage of the latest resupply vessels to and from the International Space Station (ISS).

(but can TSA Members Hold Their Nerve)

ASIA – US – WORLDWIDE - Here we go again seems to be the stock reaction to news this week that the members of the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (TSA) are to ‘shore up’ freight rates with an across the board general rate increase on all dry and refrigerated cargo, effective 1 April 2013, in the amount of US$400 per 40-foot container (FEU) to the U.S. West Coast and $600 per FEU to all other destinations. Membership of the TSA of course reads like a who’s who of box shipping groups with Maersk, MSC, CMA-CGM et al all singing from the same song sheet – for now.

(Yes, it's the Company not the Tea carriers)

DENMARK – INDIA - With a name like Clipper Fleet Management one is entitled to expect environmental efficiency and now the department responsible for direct technical management of around 30 assorted bulk and multi-purpose (project) ships belonging to the Clipper Group has justified the name by achieving ISO 50001 certification issued by LRQA, Lloyd’s Register’s provider of independent business assurance.

Two Different Operations with a Common Purpose

TAIWAN – UK – Two very different organisations announced enhanced training programmes this week, both with a maritime bent. Located in Taoyuan County, Taiwan, the Evergreen Seafarer Training Centre (ESTC), financed by the giant Evergreen container shipping group, was established in August 1999 to carry out advanced training for seafarers. In June 2001 ESTC became the first training centre in Taiwan to be awarded the ISO-9001:2000 certificate by DNV (Det Norske Veritas) and today ESTC proudly claims to be one of the world’s most sophisticated maritime training establishments continuing to provide training courses for Taiwanese and foreign seafarers. Since its inauguration over thirteen years ago, more than 30,000 seafarers have undergone training at the facility.

Tentative Agreement Suspends Union Action at US East Coast and Gulf Ports

US – Just two days before the employment contract between the US Maritime Alliance (USMX) and the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) was due to expire, having been already twice extended, an uneasy truce has been reached with both sides referring to a ‘tentative’ agreement for a new six year term of Master Agreement which now needs formal ratification by both parties. The USMX numbers not only the ten largest container shipping lines amongst its members but also major East Coast and Gulf ports stretching from New York to Florida and eight major cargo handling groups. The news was welcomed globally, not least by international freight forwarding representatives.

New Service designed to Eliminate Risk of Attack - but is it Legal?

UK – SOMALIA – GULF OF ADEN – WORLDWIDE- Recently, Typhon, a company, apparently with as prestigious bunch of directors as ever toiled before the mast, says it amassed around £13 million in its first round of fund raising, designed to finance the group’s high seas adventure to deter would be pirates targeting container vessels, bulk tankers and other freight and passenger liners as they pass through the danger areas off the coast of East Africa and beyond using a sophisticated, modern version of the World War II convoy protection model.

South America and China Open Up to Larger Aircraft

LUXEMBOURG – CHINA – SOUTH AMERICA – All freight airline Cargolux has begun this month to offer four new destinations to its 747-8 cargo network with the first-ever 747-8 services to Xiamen, China; Latacunga, Ecuador and Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. Xiamen saw its first 747-8 service on 1 February when the Cargolux aircraft arrived from Beijing and on 3 February, Cargolux performed the inaugural 747-8 service to South America with a flight to Latacunga, previously the southernmost destination of any 747-8 operator was Panama City. On the return flight the aircraft also touched down in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico resulting in another first for the Luxembourg based carrier.

Scams to Cheat the Authorities Can Have an International Flavour

UK – US – CANADA – Fuel is a hot topic these days, particularly when the subjects of tax and duty come up at the same time, and those readers who have knowledge or experience of the subject will often know a little of something surrounding the dark arts which can magically transform diesel rated low on duty as heating or agricultural fuel into the liquid gold of its vastly more expensive road fuel cousin. Now in Britain the Road Haulage Association (RHA) has given a cautious welcome to new measures against hauliers that use diesel that is not fully duty-paid. News from across the Atlantic concerning the merits or otherwise of biofuels however is somewhat more disturbing.

Overland Road Trailer Services Giving Way to Alternatives

UK – TURKEY – Talk to anyone regarding trade with Turkey, from logistics groups to politicians, and you are liable to receive qualified answers to any question. The country is a Eurasian state, neither obviously Arabian nor European, basically Muslim yet with no official state religion, some Turks wanting closer ties with the EU, some not, and this confusion of identity can sometimes make people hesitant to commit to investment of various sorts. What must be remembered however is that UK – Turkish trade stretches back a very long way and that accompanied road freight services paved the way for the later glut of trailer activities which developed after the UK entered the Common Market as the EU then was. Now multimodal options such as rail and RoRo are opening the business to a possibility of a greener future.

Green Replacement for Traditional Packing Materials

UK – Many companies involved in the 2012 Olympic Games obviously hoped to profit from the success of the event but whilst most would simply have expected an upturn in fortunes from the exposure from advertising or new contacts made, one London based company which supplies unconventional packing materials to logistics groups as an alternative to the typical disposable boxes in a supply chain, has evolved a new product as a direct result of its involvement in the Games.

Facilitator's Recommendations May Resolve Long Running Conflict

NEW ZEALAND – Well over a year ago we were writing of industrial relations breaking down between management and unions at the Port of Auckland (POAL) and commenting on a lock out at two of the container handling terminals there following notice of threatened strike action. By March 2012 there was talk of union busting with some shipping diverted to other ports and accusations of inefficiency prompting layoffs, pickets etc. At the end of that month we took the view that the newly pronounced peace had a temporary feel about it and unfortunately that proved correct.

Anger as OFT Report Sidesteps the Subject of Duty and Taxes

UK – The report from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) to investigate competition in the pump price of fuel which came out this week has received a decidedly unfavourable reception from many including FairFuel UK, the Freight Transport Association (FTA), the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and some MP’s. In what sometimes reads as a self contradictory piece the OFT concludes ‘at national level competition is working well in the UK road fuel sector’ whilst going on to say that motorway service stations (a key filling point for truck operators) tend to disguise their prices before one enters their sites whilst charging significantly more than the national average, and that in areas where there is little competition for sales, and urban regions, prices again are higher.

Chinese Snap Up CMA CGM Subsidiary Share

FRANCE – CHINA – Container shipping group CMA CGM has agreed to sell 49% of its container terminal subsidiary, Terminal Link, for €400 million to port operator China Merchants Holdings (International) Company Ltd (CMHI). The two companies signed the Share Purchase Agreement on the 25th January and, following some pre-closing reorganisation, the transaction is expected to be completed within the first half of 2013, subject to regulatory approvals. Terminal Link, a 100% subsidiary of the CMA CGM Group based in Marseilles, France, operates, develops and invests in a global network of 15 freight handling terminals located on the world’s key international shipping routes.

Who's Going, Who's Gone, Where To and (occasionally) Why

UK – John Stubbings, Group Director and Company Secretary at the Essex-based Woodland Group has been appointed Chairman of the British International Freight Association's (BIFA) Legal and Insurance Policy Group. Having served as a member of the legal group for the past two years, Stubbings has also played an active role in the London East regional members meetings. In becoming a group chairman, Stubbings also takes a place on the BIFA Council, the body responsible for the governance of the association which looks out for the interests of UK freight forwarders.

Another Driver Accompanied Trailer Service from Morrison

UK – EUROPE – Morrison Freight, the Suffolk based forwarder has long had an association with agricultural machinery movements through its regular driver accompanied trailer services into France, Germany and beyond. Now, with the burgeoning demand for trucks into Eastern Europe the group has set up a dedicated all year round service for tractors and agricultural machinery and spares across the whole of Europe.