Shipping Search - Archive

Government Figures Show Second Half of 2014 for Labour, Cranes and Ships

AUSTRALIA – The Australian government’s Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE) provides economic analysis, research and statistics on infrastructure, transport and regional development issues and this week has produced statistics in its ‘Waterline 56’ report showing the rate of flow of freight through the country’s ports in the second half of 2014 slowing noticeably, as the amount of cargo actually increased.

Virgin Atlantic Opens Eleventh US Routing

UK – US – The start of June will see Detroit become Virgin Atlantic Cargo’s eleventh destination in North America when the airline commences daily flights to and from London Heathrow on the first of the month. Virgin Atlantic’s daily Airbus A330 flight will offer over 16 tonnes of capacity for freight in both directions and the airline expects customers in the UK, Europe, India and South Africa that already use its daily Chicago services to welcome a second destination into the popular US Midwest cargo market.

Egyptian Forwarding and Customs Group Snapped Up by Panalpina

SWITZERLAND – EGYPT – Panalpina the Swiss based freight forwarding and logistics company, is to acquire family owned partner Afifi, its partner in Egypt since 1995. Established in 1936 in Cairo by Mohamed Afifi senior, the Egyptian forwarder and customs specialist today employs around 150 staff in offices in Cairo, Alexandria and Suez / Sokhna. It also operates in Port Said East and West through a long-term subcontractor.

After Just Nine Months Terminal Expansion is Needed

DENMARK – Both Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and her Prince Consort, Prince Henrik, are known to be artistic and therefore freight and logistics provider DSV was only too happy when the Prince Consort, an enthusiastic poet and sculptor, provided a version of a piece he first modelled in the 1980’s, to adorn the main entrance of the transport company’s new global headquarters in Hedehusene.

WSC Speaks Out on Complexities of Congestion

US – WORLDWIDE – Concerned that some within the logistics industry are expressing the view that the rising size of container ships, coupled with the plethora of vessel sharing alliances, are contributing largely to port congestion in the US, Europe and Asia, the World Shipping Council (WSC) has produced a short paper to open up the matter for discussion. The WSC says delays to freight on the US West Coast in late 2014 and early 2015 due to labour disruption has been another factor pushing the matter of congestion to the forefront.

Eurotunnel Pulls Out of MyFerryLink Lease Deal - Who Will Step In Next?

FRANCE – UK – At first sight it would appear that the persistence of the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has at last sapped the will of Eurotunnel to maintain its cross Channel RoRo freight and passenger ferry service MyFerryLink, with a formal notice apparently served on the maritime carrier that the French undersea group would withdraw its support from what was perceived as a subsidiary when its leasing arrangement for the three ex SeaFrance vessels which serve the route expires in July.

Pressure on German Government Over Minimum Wage Legislation

EUROPE – GERMANY – The European Commission has decided to launch an infringement procedure against Germany concerning the application of the Minimum Wage Act to the road haulage sector, which sees the country enforce its newly introduced pay standard to foreign companies that provide services within German borders, something covered in our article in February. Following an exchange of information with the German authorities and a thorough legal assessment of the German measures, the Commission has sent a Letter of Formal Notice to Germany, the first step in the infringement procedure.

Deutsche Post DHL Labour Practices Under Attack at AGM - Again

GERMANY – It seems that once again the Annual General Meeting of Deutsche Post-DHL will be the scene of dissent by unions over the treatment of workers employed by the postal, logistics and freight delivery group. The difference this year is that the attack on the company comes, not from overseas as previously, but in the form of complaints about the working rights of postal transport staff employed in the home country.

Precise Postcode Format Has Potential for Good and Bad

IRELAND – The last two weeks of June will see the country’s own controversial postcode system, Eircode, rolled out across the nation, with every business and dwelling allocated a unique seven digit reference. The occasion has caused the Freight Transport Association in Ireland (FTAI) to call for support from the IT and Geo communities to help small and medium businesses get the best from a system which has raised both fears and objections.

Ban Ki-moon Speaks Out Before Leipzig Conference

WORLDWIDE – Once more climate change has been brought sharply into focus with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon speaking directly to the world’s transport ministers in a bid to have them focus on reducing the effect of passenger and freight movements on the environment. In a video message released ahead of the annual meeting of transport ministers during their global summit in the German city of Leipzig which runs until 29 May, Ban said:

Build Up of Refugees in Calais Means Slower Truck Borne Cargo Checks

EUROPE – On the day the EU hears a proposal to move up to 40,000 fleeing migrants expected to arrive in Greece and Italy, principally from Syria and Eritrea, over the next two years, the subject of immigration into the UK has been highlighted by the Freight Transport Association (FTA) regarding the reliability of the cross Channel supply chain, as pressure builds on the authorities to increase checks on trucks importing cargo from the continent thus slowing the entire import process.

From Ship Building to Container Lines - Who is Going Where

TURKEY – This week’s round up of freight and logistics staff moves begins with DHL Global Forwarding naming CFO and Deputy Managing Director for Turkey Teoman Beyazit, as its new General Manager for that country, replacing Kerem Inanc who moves to a new position as CEO of the company’s Eastern Europe division. Beyazit now reports to Claudio Scandella, the company’s CEO, for the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey.

CMA Appeal Turned Down but Other Legal Avenues Still Open

UK – FRANCE – After the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) saw a victory for the ex SeaFrance workers of the Société Coopérative de Production de SeaFrance S.A. (SCOP) in the UK Court of Appeal last week, many must have thought that the battle to keep Eurotunnel’s MyFerryLink RoRo freight and passenger services open had been won by the operator. The 2 to 1 majority decision might well have ended the argument as to the legality of the service, yet it appears that the battle still might not yet be over.

Two Day Trip Exposes Again How Anti-Competitive Track Carried Cargo is Becoming

EUROPE – Last week saw a most unusual setting for an international meeting as interested parties debated and discussed aboard a DFDS ferry travelling between Copenhagen and Oslo during the European Freight and Logistics Forum, in a 46 hour event running from 21 to 23 May. One party who didn’t mince words on the trip was Tony Berkeley, chairman of the Rail Freight Group (RFG) in the UK and a Board Member of the European Rail Freight Association.

Temporary End to the Dock Labour Contract Merry Go Round

US – This week saw the ratification of a new dock labour contract for the West Coast ports which were recently choked with vessels and container freight as members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) slowed work whilst they argued for a new deal after the existing contract expired. As we have witnessed so often previously, all is now smiles and cuddles now that February’s ‘tentative’ five year agreement, offered by the employers, in the form of the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), has been formally accepted by 82% of the workforce in the vote to ratify the deal.

Indonesia Formally Opens its Latest Ocean Gateway

INDONESIA – Along with its fellow ASEAN states, development of the infrastructure necessary to promote trade via logistics in the country is advancing at a rapid pace and this week has seen a major event in ocean freight connections with the formal inauguration by the President of Indonesia and a group of other distinguished officials, of the Lamong Bay Container Terminal in Surabaya, East Java. The development represents an important milestone in the country’s transport development program that is improving the movement of goods through its vast waterways.

More Industry Recognition for Leading Materials Handling Group Product

GERMANY – WORLDWIDE – The medium sized standard counterbalance truck with its variety of fuel types remains the versatile favourite of the world’s general freight handling companies, and now Jungheinrich, one of the world’s three leading companies in the materials handling equipment and warehousing technology sectors, has collected a coveted prize at the prestigious International Forklift Truck of the Year Awards 2015 (IFOY) in Munich, with its EFG S30s three-tonne electric counterbalance truck.

Lack of Will to Resolve a Most Serious Situation as Highway Trust Fund Continues to Fail

US – With the Highway Trust Fund, the gasoline tax part of which funds roads infrastructure upkeep and development, about to expire at the end of the month, the US House of Representatives has passed yet another short term funding patch in an effort to avoid any interruptions in the country’s numerous infrastructure development projects. Whilst it appears that the government are actually trying to solve the issue, this 33rd patch in six years only sees Congress delay proper investment decisions for all of two months as politicians of every hue simply continue to drip feed the failing fund.

Life Saving Mission as Endangered Species Gets into Trouble

US – If questioned, most members of the public would say they knew exactly what the duties of the Coast Guard consisted of, and it would be true to say the principal roles of the organisation consisted of watching over the national waters, ensuring the safety of those at sea and the security of the coastline. There are however, other tasks which the service is called upon to perform and this week involved the logistics required to ship a very rare and special piece of cargo on a life-saving mission.

Police and Industry Work in Harmony to Educate and Regulate

UK – London roads are a main focus for the upcoming Freight Transport Association’s Fleet Engineer Conference, despite the venue, when it takes place on Wednesday 10 June at the National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham. Both the London Safer Lorry Scheme (SLS) and the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) will be highlighted at the event, both programmes which are likely to be rolled out across the UK if successful. Road haulage trucks, particularly those in the construction industry, have been shown to cause a disproportionate amount of injuries to vulnerable road users in the capital, and older diesel engines produce health harming emissions.

German Site Chosen for Expansion This Year

AUSTRIA – GERMANY – Freight forwarding and logistics group Gebrüder Weiss is optimising the cargo handling operations at its Esslingen, Germany location with the construction of a new warehouse, to be equipped with improved soundproofing, energy efficient lighting, and a state-of-the-art CCTV system, meeting the highest standards in terms of technology, security and environmental preservation.

Seafarers Awareness Week May be For You

UK – 20 to 28 June 2015 has been designated Seafarers Awareness Week and this year the theme is to be ‘Opportunities to Work at Sea’ with the intention of informing young people of the opportunities of a job in the Merchant service aboard anything from a container ship to a freight ferry or cruise liner, or indeed with the Royal Navy. The idea is to promote the relevant education, training and recruitment services that can lead to maritime employment.

'Once More Unto the Breach Dear Friends'

UK – FRANCE – Apologies to Wm. Shakespeare but the story of Eurotunnel’s MyFerryLink RoRo freight and passenger ferry service just won’t lie down. We have covered the potential demise and subsequent closure of SeaFrance since 2009 and yet controversy over the company’s three vessels continues to this day. As with Henry V’s famous Agincourt speech, the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced it is to 'Cry God for Harry, England, and Saint George!' and try to reverse the latest decision of the Court of Appeal which was announced last week (May 15).

Scottish Company Has Trebled in Size in Past Few Years

UK – A company which prides itself on service, TOM Vehicle Rental has announced that it plans to add over 2,500 light commercial vehicles, 700 road haulage trucks and 500 trailers to its nationwide rental fleet for 2015 with an investment worth over £130 million. From its Scottish Airdrie base the company has grown over the past 25 years from an MOT station and with the acquisition last year of the commercial vehicle only Charthire business, has now over the past few years trebled in size incorporating four (soon to be five) of its own DVSA Test facilities, 100 mobile support vehicles and recovery trucks.

Pentalver and Forth Ports Invest in Automated Box Depot

UK – The Port of Tilbury, owned by Forth Ports, and Pentalver, a company rapidly gaining ground as the go to place for anything to do with shipping containers, from logistics and road haulage to bespoke conversions, have announced a significant investment in Pentalver's current inland freight container operations facility at the port. Pentalver, which has had a depot at the port of Tilbury for seven years, has this month relocated into a new purpose built facility, built for it by the port.

(but Three Lines Already Fined $46 Million for US - Puerto Rico Cartel)

US – Thomas Farmer, former Vice President of Price and Yield Management at Crowley Liner Services, has been acquitted of a conspiracy to fix freight rates and shipping surcharges between the continental US and Puerto Rico, closing a case bought forward by the Department of Justice's Antitrust Division which involved some of the biggest names in the provision of logistics in the US coastal water freight industry.

Gibraltar Register Ties Up With Software Supplier

GIBRALTAR – WORLDWIDE – The ‘Manila Amendments’ to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (the STCW Convention) came into force on 1 January 2012, with a five-year transitional period until 1 January 2017, and were instigated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) due to the rapid advancement of technology with regard to ship design and the need to man vessels with crews suitably trained and capable of managing them.

160 Year Old Group Protests Its Innocence of Oil Contamination at Sea and Witness Tampering

US – In a case similar to several reported recently involving the illegal discharge of oil contaminated water from tankers and cargo vessels, Norwegian based ocean freight firm Det Stavangerske Dampskibsselskab AS (DSD Shipping) and four of its employees have pleaded not guilty to all criminal charges accusing them of violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS), conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering, filed by the US Department of Justice in Mobile, Alabama. Protesting its innocence, DSD Shipping, which in February of this year celebrated its 160 year anniversary, said:

Cyclone, Earthquake or Just Injured Children - the Shipping Industry Stands Up As Usual

VANUATU – NEPAL – PARAGUAY – It can be a continuing source of pride to the shipping industry that so many companies associated with the freight and logistics sector seem always willing to step up when others need help. Perhaps it is the international nature of the business, or maybe just because their day job is delivering whatever, wherever as quickly as possible but those involved in the movement of goods seem always the first to travel as far as needs be to help those less fortunate.

Three Box Carriers Sign Up to Yet Another VSA

SWITZERLAND – DENMARK – JAPAN – ASIA – SOUTH AMERICA – Three of the world’s leading container shipping lines have signed up to yet another Vessel Sharing Agreement (VSA), this one to operate between Asia and East Coast South America. Under the new VSA twenty two vessels belonging to the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), Maersk Line and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) will carry box freight on two new loops, offering extensive coverage on the following routes:

IMO Policy Prompts Decisions on Fuel Change or Cleaning Up Ones Act

EUROPE – WORLDWIDE – The International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations which came into effect on January 1 restricting the permissible discharge of sulphur from ships travelling within the new Emission Control Areas (ECAs) in the English Channel, the North Sea and the Baltic have, as we have reported previously, had varied results. Whilst some companies have complained of the increase in costs and a downturn in business, others, perhaps having been better prepared, have reacted more philosophically. One company which has had to adapt due to the nature of the areas it habitually trades in, is the Netherlands headquartered RoRo freight, container shipping and logistics group, Transfennica.

Low Cost Airline Takes a Share of World Wide Network

SPAIN – WORLDWIDE – Under a deal negotiated through its subsidiary, Iberia, this month sees the International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG), owners of British Airways, start to use the services of Spanish low cost carrier Vueling (another IAG subsidiary) in an attempt to increase freight capacity to and from Western Europe, particularly Germany, whilst opening up the parent group’s international cargo network to shippers.

Walkers and Cyclists Can Watch the Latest Progress Amongst Art and Nature Trail

UK – Ports come in two types, brand new multi million pound investments such as DP World’s London Gateway container port development, and those which have grown organically over time, places steeped in oft forgotten history such as the Port of Hull. Seaborne trade has flowed through the site since at least the 13th century and this week saw another phase in the evolution of one of Britain’s oldest ports with the opening of a new footpath and cycle route that will give members of the public the opportunity to see the latest developments on Hull’s Alexandra Dock.

Marine Insurers and Shipping Body Strive to Improve Safety Standards with Fun to Enter Idea

WORLDWIDE – In an initiative to raise awareness of potential hazards at sea, mutual insurance association The Standard Club, and the organisation representing ship owners International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), have joined forces to launch a ‘Spot the Hazard’ competition open to any seafarer worldwide. With US$10,000 of prize money, the competition has been designed to help those working at sea identify hazards and to promote the critical importance of accident prevention.

Just When You Thought it Was Safe They Wouldn't Go Back on the Water.......

UK – FRANCE – The last time a France versus England conflict ran this long it might well have been the Hundred Year’s War. The continuing story of seafaring folk took another fresh turn today as the ex SeaFrance employee collective which helps run Eurotunnel’s MyFerryLink cross channel RoRo freight and passenger services, Société Coopérative de Production de SeaFrance S.A. (SCOP), won a stunning, last gasp victory in the UK Court of Appeal to potentially enable the service to continue.

Simply Supersize Your Cranes!

SPAIN – The ever increasing size of container ships over the past few years has left more than one port manager scratching heads or possibly even wringing hands as to how to attract these behemoths to locations which are simply not capable of giving them optimum service. The cost of new dockside ship to shore cranes can be imagined, so the solution found by Grup TCB for its Terminal de Contenidors de Barcelona (TCB) would seem both inspired and cost effective.

Belfast Box Facilities to Consolidate in One Place

IRELAND – UK – Figures out this week for the Irish Continental Group (ICG) reveal, not only, financial details for the first four months of the year, i.e. 1 January to 30 April, but also give statistics for freight and passenger levels up to May 9. What is also confirmed is the group has been awarded the Services Concession for the operation of a combined container terminal at Victoria Terminal 3 (VT3) in Belfast Harbour for a period of 5 years with a further 3 year option.

Freeing Up of Relations Leads to Several Licence to Trade Applications

US – CUBA – After the US Government's recent decision to ease the sanctions of the 1960 trade embargo on Cuba, a number of passenger and freight ferry operators have applied for licences, of which many have been granted, to start a new service between the two countries. Though only authorised travellers from the US will, so far, be allowed to go to Cuba as the general ban on tourism remains in effect, more restrictions are likely to be lifted as the countries look to repair relations and as Cuba looks to increase its presence as a major international logistics hub following the recent agreement with CMA CGM.

Established Partnership Open New Route

CANADA – FRANCE – NVOCC outfit CaroTrans which provides FCL and cargo consolidation services, has announced it is commencing a new LCL service from Montreal to Le Havre, France with a 14 day transit time. The company says goods can originate from as far west as Vancouver due to the multiple container freight stations it utilises throughout Canada. The areas in and around Montreal, and across the whole Quebec province, are of course French speaking regions with close, historical ties to that country, which account for the robust intercontinental trade between the two.

Outpouring of Sympathy - and Practical Assistance

NEPAL – Once again, in the face of horrendous natural disaster, many in the freight and logistics community have been quick to stand up and be counted when the question of sending aid to a stricken region arose. This time it is the two severe earthquakes in Nepal which have left thousands dead and many millions homeless, often in remote mountain communities effectively now cut off from civilisation and possible help.

Announcements of Who Goes Where This Month

WORLDWIDE – Sanjiv Edward, Head of Cargo Business at Delhi International Airport has been named as the next Chairman of The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA), with Sebastiaan Scholte, CEO of Jan de Rijk Logistics, named Vice Chairman. TIACA represents all sectors of the air freight and logistics industry, from airlines and forwarders to shippers and customs brokers. The pair will formally take over from Oliver Evans and Enno Osinga for the beginning of their two year term, at TIACA’s AGM on May 21.

GAC Opens Two Netherlands Branches

NETHERLANDS – Freight forwarding and logistics group GAC is expanding its range of services from its operations in the Netherlands with the opening of two new branches to offer air freight solutions at one of northern Europe’s key airports, and dedicated support for the North Sea oil & gas sector.

Project Cargo Outfit Serves Refreshments at Break Bulk Europe Expo

BELGIUM – WORLDWIDE – As the great and the good of the freight forwarding and shipping communities gather for the annual trip to the Break Bulk Europe exhibition, which runs from 18 to 21 May at the Antwerp Expo for the tenth successive year, the good news for those who run out of steam by Wednesday May 20 there is the opportunity for some free refreshment.

Damaged Racking Can Now Be Repaired in Situ

UK – Anyone who has worked for any time in a racked out warehouse, particularly a freight operation with high volumes constantly on the move, will be familiar with ‘lower leg’ damage. Every time a fork lift truck sweeps past there is a risk that the slight brush, or heavier collision, with the lower portion of the racking framework, will cause damage which for obvious Health and Safety reasons, requires prompt attention.

Troubles in the Southern Hemisphere in the Sights for the ITF this Month

WORLDWIDE – AUSTRALIA – NEW ZEALAND – The work never stops for those at the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) with a varied menu this month of items in urgent need of discussion. First on the agenda is a health issue where an ITF survey on HIV/AIDS and wellbeing in general among seafarers, has revealed an astounding level of ignorance. Despite all the work that has gone into education about HIV/AIDS, many myths about its transmission remain, including in one labour supplying country where only 17% of respondents believed condoms are effective in preventing it, and 46% believe it can be spread in food and drink.

New 50/50 Joint Venture Will Control Vessels

CYPRUS – Greek based dry bulk freight specialist Diana Shipping and Malaysian headquartered Wilhelmsen Ship Management (WSM) have established a new 50/50 ship management joint venture named Diana Wilhelmsen Management Limited (DWM), which will be run from Limassol, Cyprus. The new company will initially provide management services to a limited number of vessels of Diana Shipping’s fleet when the joint venture commences operations in the second quarter of this year, and may in the future provide management services to unaffiliated third party vessel operators. Vice President of WSM Europe and the Americas, Håkon Lenz, stated:

Continuity is Essential Says BIFA Boss

UK – With the appointment of the newly elected government’s cabinet this week every sector of industry has kept a watching brief on how the make-up will affect it. As far as logistics is concerned the retention of Patrick McLoughlin as Transport Secretary certainly seems to have pleased those representing the country’s freight forwarding concerns with Robert Keen, Director General of the British International Freight Association (BIFA) saying:

Bangkok Hosts This Year's Event

THAILAND – WORLDWIDE – Bangkok played host this year to the 4th annual meeting of the Conqueror Freight Network, a global alliance of freight forwarders which saw 113 member agents from 57 countries come together for a chance to meet and talk with an eye to developing business. With a combined turnover of over $2 billion and 19,000 employees the 2,500+ one to one meetings on offer gave ample opportunity to catch up with old associates whilst developing new friendships. Founder Antonio Torres commented:

First Myanmar Call for Chinese Port Loop Rotation

MYANMAR – ASIA – A milestone this week for the Myanmar International Terminals Thilawa (MITT) with the arrival of the MV Frisia Alster, a vessel of Singapore based MCC Transport and the first container feeder for the company deployed between China and Myanmar as the ASEAN/Chinese freight trade develops. This new weekly service is deployed on the Intra-Asia 5 (IA5) loop with a port rotation of Shanghai-Ningbo-Yangon.

Fascinating Animation Demonstrates How Technology Enables Fitting of Giant Pieces

NETHERLANDS – WORLDWIDE – The Dutch firm of Conquest Offshore which has assisted recently in such projects as the salvage of the Costa Concordia and the construction of London’s new super port at London Gateway, also specialises in assisting in constructions for the burgeoning wind turbine industry, working alongside project freight forwarding outfit Deugro to help with the logistics required to locate the giant pieces accurately on the seabed. Conquest has now released a set of animated videos to demonstrate just what is involved, something which turns out to be a lot more interesting to view than might be expected.

As Tensions Lessen International Companies Move into the Island

CUBA – FRANCE – No lesser person than Msieu. François Hollande, the President of the French Republic, was present at the signing on May 11 of an historic agreement between container shipping line CMA CGM and the Cuban authorities to develop and operate a logistics platform on the island, the first ever such agreement for an international group. Cuba is considered to be a potentially rich growth area for trade and CMA CGM has been present in Cuba since 2000 and is one of the only three shipping companies to currently call at the country.

South West Location Enables Increase to Port Services Portfolio

UK – Things are moving fast for bulk freight and project cargo specialist DAN Shipping & Chartering, the independent ships agent which through its port services handles both cargo and administrative duties. Having recently moved to a new head office in East Yorkshire the company has now expanded South West and last month opened its own Bristol office.

RHA and FTA Press on with their Manifestos

UK – Hardly had the polling booths been packed away for another lustrum when the UK’s two leading logistics associations announced their requirements of the new Tory government. Both the Road Haulage (RHA) and the Freight Transport Association (FTA) reiterated their positions regarding the future of the industry with statements aimed at the new administration.

Rail Borne Cargo Increasingly Important

UK – With the growing influence of DP World’s Thames side container port London Gateway, the Port of Felixstowe took another step last week to retaining its title as the busiest box port in the UK and the sixth busiest in Europe. Felixstowe, owned by Hutchison Port Holdings, has commissioned two new Rail Mounted Gantry cranes (RMGs) at the port's North Rail Terminal. In the battle for intermodal trade, rail borne freight is playing an increasingly important role in Britain’s distribution needs.

Cargo Policies Never Taken Out as Fraudster Pocketed Premiums

US – A former Insurance Broker has pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to defraud nearly 800 road haulage operators. John Paul Kill, who owned the insurance brokerage firm, Appeal Insurance Agency of Norcross, Georgia, collected over $3.7 million from freight trucking companies nationwide, as a result of fraudulent goods in transit cargo insurance policies which left the businesses legally and financially vulnerable. Acting US Attorney John Horn said:

Buoyant Local Market Spurs Investment

SOUTHEAST ASIA – In light of the increasing capacity demand, Taiwan’s largest container shipping firm, Evergreen Line will launch a new service dedicated to the Southeast Asia freight trade. In addition to providing efficient transportation services within its port coverage, the Vietnam-Singapore-Malaysia service (VSM) will also connect to Evergreen's global freight service network via its transhipment hubs in Singapore and Tanjung Pelepas.

Cargo Carriage Unlikely but US Sees a Potentially Valuable Monitoring Tool

US – We have written before regarding the pros and cons of associating drones with cargo operations, with fairly uncomplimentary assessments of their usefulness. There are however certain tasks associated with the freight and logistics industry where unmanned aerial vehicles have a place, besides their potentially life-saving use in the everyday world, as we have also reported.

St Louis Airport Sees Multimodal Cargo Development

US – MEXICO – A new venture is to construct a major cargo handling facility at Lambert St. Louis International Airport with the initial intention of promoting trade between Mexico and the US. The Bi-National Gateway Terminal is a newly launched logistics group which has taken a 20-year lease on a 49-acre site on the edge of one of the airport’s four runways to serve multimodal cargo needs and will be equipped to handle perishables, live animals, high value shipments, express and general freight.

Correct Choice of the Humble Pallet is Often More Hygienic and Less Costly

UK – One of the best aspects of freight and logistics exhibitions such as Multimodal is that they provide an opportunity for those in the industry to examine products which offer them something out of the ordinary or more technically advanced. Effective cargo and goods handling comprises many different elements, up to date IT systems, efficient mechanical handling equipment etc. Sometimes however it is the simpler items which can be overlooked and one company at this year’s show was keen to inform the attendees of the benefits of metal pallets.

Long Awaited Infrastructure Development Boost hope for Future Trade

INDIA – UK – The subcontinent has often proved to be a place of broken dreams when it comes to the development of transport infrastructure. Time and again we have seen the signing of memoranda of intent, only to hear no more of projects which promised much but delivered little or nothing, often tinged with self-interest from local politicians. The fact is however that there can be no stopping a country with a fast growing population, and an economy to match, and one UK freight forwarding and shipping outfit means to establish more trade links in the region.

Detention Linked to Mistaken Identity Due to Name

IRAN – The Maersk Tigris, the Marshall Islands flagged container ship seized by Iranian authorities on April 28 should be released within the next 48 hours according to sources in that country. Considering the 'facts' which have thus far emerged from the Iranians on this matter, don't hold your breath. The 5,466 TEU vessel was stopped and detained by four Iranian patrol boats whilst transiting the Straits of Hormuz.

Appointments and Departures of Shipping and Forwarding and Associated Trades Personnel

GERMANY – Roger Crook has resigned from his position of Chief Executive Officer of DHL Global Forwarding, Freight, and as a Member of the Management Board of the parent company Deutsche Post DHL. Frank Appel, CEO of DP DHL, has taken up the responsibilities from Crook until a suitable replacement can be found. For the operational management of the Global Forwarding business, Renato Chiavi, has been named interim CEO. Chiavi already led successfully the Ocean and Air freight business for former DHL Danzas between 1995 and 2006. Amadou Diallo remains CEO Freight, responsible for Road and Rail Transport services.

If Project Approved Cargo Transit Times Could be Cut from Copenhagen to Hamburg

DENMARK – GERMANY – The Danish Parliament has adopted the proposed Construction Act for a direct road and rail link between Scandinavia and Central Europe, which is expected to create new opportunities for international freight transport and save rail cargo carriers approximately 2.5 hours when travelling between Copenhagen and Hamburg. Dubbed the Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link, the planned 18 kilometre undersea tunnel that will connect Puttgarden on the German island of Fehmarn with Rødbyhavn on the Danish island of Lolland, is a step closer to being realised almost seven years after the initial agreement was signed.

Driverless Vehicle Permitted on US Open Roads for First Time

US – WORLDWIDE – For some time we have seen the testing of various forms of driverless transport but a move in the US this month has seen the reality of an autonomously driven truck and trailer travelling the roads of Nevada. State law permits the issuing of a licence to utilise such a road haulage vehicle and now truck manufacturer Freightliner, a Daimler subsidiary, has been granted permission to test the technology on the public highway. The move has enormous ramifications for the freight and logistics industry as well as the general public.

Recall of Vehicles Prompts Emergency Replacement Plan

UK – JAPAN – As with project freight forwarding, time critical logistics can be one of the most stressful, yet rewarding, sides of the transport industry. When automotive manufacturer Suzuki launched its Celerio model in February 2015 all initially went well. When however the vehicle failed a brake test during an emergency stop at 80 mph under controlled conditions, someone had to step in and resolve the situation.

Annual Transport Awards Try to Encourage More Female Staff to Enter the Industry

UK – The finalists for the 2015 FTA everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards have been announced, and with the freight and logistics industry facing an ever increasing skills gap, everywoman hopes that by championing women already excelling in the sector, more will be encouraged to join an industry which employs 10% of the UK workforce, yet only 22-25% of which are women.

More Visitors Result in Early Bookings for 2016

UK – IRELAND – As the dust settles on Multimodal 2015 comes time to review what has become the number one show for the freight and logistics community for Ireland and the UK. This year’s event, once more at Birmingham’s NEC, attracted over 8,500 visitors to view the 300 stands, attend the transport seminars and network with customers and colleagues.

May the Fourth Be With You

JAPAN – WORLDWIDE – A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY – Looks like R2-D2 got a huge new upgrade ahead of the new series of movies, after All Nippon Airways (ANA) announced last month (which as you can see from the headline we think was the wrong date) it is introducing Star Wars livery, with the iconic little droid on its newest aircraft 787-9 Dreamliner to mark the beginning of a five-year ANA Star Wars™ Project and agreement with The Walt Disney Company (Japan) Ltd. This marks the first time a Star Wars character will appear on the exterior of a passenger or freight commercial airliner.

New Rebrand Seen as a Mistake by Many in Europe

US – FRANCE – Freight brokerage firm XPO Logistics, is set to acquire a majority stake in French headquartered road haulage, forwarding and logistics group Norbert Dentressangle, in a deal worth approximately €3.24 billion ($3.53 billion), subject to clearances from the US and European antitrust regulators. Expected to close in the second quarter of 2015, XPO intends to use the acquired transport and logistics operations as a platform to grow its business in Europe, in an attempt to become a top ten worldwide logistics company and leading European outsourced e-fulfilment provider. Many in Europe will see a forthcoming change to the company’s iconic name as a mistake however.

Group Records Growth Across the Board but RoRo Ferry Traffic Will End Shortly

FRANCE – UK – Overall the consolidated revenues for the Eurotunnel Group for both passenger and freight related traffic grew for the first quarter of 2015 and reached €304.9 million, an increase of 10% compared to 2014 (€276.9 million restated at the exchange rate for the first quarter of 2015). Revenues from the core activity, transporting trucks and passenger vehicles on board shuttles, grew by 10% to €124.6 million due, not only to a growth in volumes, but also to an increase in yield.

Video Gives an Idea of the Immense Project as Last Pacific Gate Goes In

PANAMA – The Panama Canal Expansion project has literally reached a huge, key milestone in its aim to meet the expected demand in traffic growth and keep up with the requirements of the international freight and shipping community, with the installation of the sixteenth and final gate for the new locks on the Pacific side of the Canal. Weighing in at 4,232 tonnes and measuring a truly outstanding 33 metres high, 57.6 metres long and 10 metres wide, this final gate is one of the heaviest.