Shipping Search - Archive

Kuehne + Nagel Specialist Market Drive in Two Different Fields

INDIA – Pune (formerly known as Poona) in Central Western India, has been referred to as the ‘Detroit of the East’ on occasion given the proclivity of automotive companies to set up operations there. With its history of engineering and industry the town has now become the latest place to attract freight and logistics group Kuehne + Nagel’s attention and the company has now opened a dedicated automotive logistics centre to manage local demand.

More Scholarships Awarded by Crowley

US – In June we wrote in some detail of the exploits of Crowley Maritime Corporation's involvement in supporting Alaska’s energy industry and the vital service it offers to that state’s widespread communities to whom fuel distribution is vital – no matter how tricky the logistics. With a storage capacity of more than 39 million gallons, Crowley plays an essential and major part in Alaska’s social infrastructure.

Global Views of All Vessel Stakeholders Sought

WORLDWIDE – Back in December of last year we told in some detail the history of one of the lesser known and used documents which form the bedrock of the shipping industry. Some, like Bills of Lading and Cargo Manifests are in daily use in the transfer of global freight and familiar to all but, as our previous piece stated, the industry’s most widely used standard contract for the sale and purchase of second hand ships, SALEFORM 93, has been the subject of a revision process by the Norwegian Shipbrokers Association (NSA) and the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO).

German Lines Phone Tracking is 'Appless'

GERMANY – WORLDWIDE – This month sees an advance in track and trace technology for smartphone users normally expected to download an app for every individual freight provider in order to access their services. Hamburg Süd is offering its customers a new website, specially adapted for smartphones, to enable anyone to access vital information simply by going online and entering the web address.

New Intra Asian Route from Panalpina

ASIA – Just a few days after introducing extensions to its LCL (less than container load) services between Europe and Asia, Panalpina has now come up with an intra continental road haulage option designed to compete with air and ocean freight regional services. The trucking operation will connect China (including Western China) with Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

DHL Set Up Specialist Logistics Operation

CHINA –NETHERLANDS – EUROPE – In yet another energy related story DHL has announced it has opened a dedicated European distribution centre for solar panels manufactured in China situated in Moerdijk, the Netherlands and will supply all the logistics necessary to provide a seamless end to end supply chain for a developing market. The DHL teams in The Netherlands work closely together with their Chinese colleagues with Piak-hwee Tan, Vice President Marketing & Sales DHL Global Forwarding China commenting:

Mixed Results from Irish Ferries

IRELAND – WORLDWIDE - In common with most of the other shipping groups reporting over the past month or so the half year figures from RoRo and container feeder line company Irish Ferries vary according to the type of business undertaken. Although primarily thought of as a passenger carrying service the company has its fingers in several freight associated pies and these appear to have fared better than the core business.

Another Major Logistics Contract Completed by Fairmont

NORWAY – WORLDWIDE – Any one involved in freight forwarding knows the glamour attached to some of the logistics involved in moving a major global project. The burgeoning energy industry habitually produces shipments that break barriers in terms of scale and efficiency and Fairmont Marine, the Rotterdam based ocean towage and heavy lift transportation group,and no strangers to the heavy end of the shipping industry, advise us their latest venture is one such movement.

Danish Company Cuts to the Core

DENMARK – WORLDWIDE – This week saw freight and energy giant AP Moller Maersk produce half year figures and the group are quick to point out the way the business is being developed. Container shipping and terminal handling facilities are said to be the main focus for investment within the seven shipping sectors that the group undertakes with others, such as tankers, logistics and towing and salvage, taking a back seat and relying on the influence of trade fluctuations, as opposed to leading the market.

Fuel Costs Contribute to Six Month Drop

CHINA – The owners of the country’s leading shipping conglomerate and container freight carrier has posted first half results this week and has done worse than expected, despite a struggle to renegotiate contract rates with owners whose vessels it has under charter over recent weeks.

New Destinations plus a New Aircraft for Togo Based Company

WEST AFRICA - Togo-based Africa West Cargo recently reinforced its fleet with the leasing of a second DC9 Freighter, adding to the company’s list of aircraft currently serving various destinations in West and Central Africa. The cargo airline has also recently added two new destinations to its network – Freetown and Monrovia, which brings the total of scheduled destinations serving freight customers across West Africa to ten, with a number of additional destinations served on request. Additionally, Africa West has a dedicated 1800sqm warehouse in Lome to provide reliable, secure and efficient transfers to onward destinations.

Central American and Europe - West African Services Revised

WORLDWIDE – Two of the world’s leading container shipping lines have made revisions to their freight routes this week and both tell us that customers will receive an enhanced service level as a result. There will be changes to the West Coast Central American service with Hamburg Süd joining with APL in a two loop service concept (WECA). Meanwhile Safmarine has reshuffled a number of its existing West Africa shipping services and introduced three new services - the WAF11, WAF12 and WAF13 – as part of its revised West Africa service portfolio.

Suzuki Sign Up for Another Three Years

UK – As any member of the sales team working in the supply chain industry knows obtaining a freight contract can be difficult, but without the right operational staff, keeping it can be even harder. CEVA Logistics were therefore grateful to be awarded a follow on three year contract worth € 7.9 million from Japanese giant Suzuki to manage Suzuki’s nationwide distribution of aftermarket vehicle and marine parts. The contract means CEVA will continue to deliver over two million parts per year on Suzuki’s behalf.

Investment Continues to Open Asian Borders

RUSSIA – NORTH KOREA - To many businesses in the West just the mention of North Korea is enough to ensure a deaf ear, the Communist state is considered an anathema to any free market supporter. However all countries need the lifeblood of trade and freight must cross borders regardless of politics thus the Free Trade enclave that is the Rajin-Sonbong Economic Special Zone was established by Kim Jong-il’s government to stimulate income through import and export trade

Teardrops Make Drinks That Much Greener

UK – Tradeteam, the specialist drinks delivery arm of DHL’s freight related activities, says it is the first brewery logistics company to invest in ‘Teardrop’ designed trailers to enhance the efficiency of its fleet. The investment in sixty of the new streamlined trailers follows the addition last year of one hundred and thirteen teardrop trailers to Tradeteam’s Primary Distribution fleet, as part of its company-wide Go Green commitment.

Integrated Shipping Services Provider Releases Half Year Figures

WORLDWIDE- UK - Clarkson plc, whose status has historically proved an accurate indicator of certain sectors of the industry, has produced unaudited interim first half year figures this week. Clarkson are the leading brokers acting between ship owners and charterers in the various ocean sectors including oil tankers, bulk dry freight and container sectors.

Claim that Metrics and Standards Rules are Slanted Against Them

US- An interesting case came before the District of Columbia Court last week when Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, found himself on the wrong end of a lawsuit brought by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) as the rail freight carriers’ representatives accused the Federal Government, in league with passenger carriers Amtrak, of colluding to present regulations detrimental to their business at a time when the battle for cargo with road haulage truck groups is at its fiercest.

Supply Chain Consultancy Launched After Bulk of Cash Recovered

UK – Not many businesses could stand the theft of £1 million but Kent headquartered freight forwarder SBS Worldwide have recovered sufficiently from the trauma of having such an amount taken by their former Financial Director to launch a new venture, a supply chain consultancy, having strengthened the management team and redefined the company’s business focus over the past year.

Paper Giant Select Their Chosen Carrier

AUSTRALIA – ASIA – The network of NVOCC, logistics and forwarding concerns that make up the Famous Pacific Shipping (FPS) group announced a major coup this week when the Victoria branch announced a new contract with Huyck.Wangner Australia to handle worldwide freight shipments, including all import and export traffic for Australia, for the next two years.

FTA Survey Shows Hauliers Will Avoid LEZ Where Possible

UK – As part of the Freight Transport Association’s (FTA) quarterly survey it was revealed by respondents that haulage companies who have fleets of lorries and vans operating from centres outside the capital are likely to redistribute vehicles countrywide rather than update or replace them to comply with London’s new Low Emission Zone (LEZ) requirements which come into force shortly.

FedEx Step Up to (and with) the Plate Again

AFRICA – US – Following our earlier story regarding the assistance sent by the air freight and logistics community in Luxembourg to the famine stricken Horn of Africa comes news of another supply chain and express freight delivery group supporting the cause. Yesterday FedEx Express delivered approximately 91 metric tonnes of high-nutrient food to Nairobi, Kenya. The charitable initiative was organized in collaboration with UNICEF with the aim of offering life-saving assistance to severely malnourished children in south and central Somalia.

Airports Closing Whilst Vessels Should Avoid the Area

US – CARIBBEAN - Hurricane warnings are in place for parts of the Caribbean and the US as Hurricane Irene approaches. The storm is expected to hit the Turk and Caicos Island first and airports there are scheduled to close fro 21:00 hours on the 22nd August. Experts predict the storm will alight on the Florida coastline on the 25th August and freight and other vessels in the area should monitor her progress via the US National Hurricane Centre website and local reports.

Northern Firm Takes on Spanish Based Packaging Deal

EUROPE - Bibby Distribution, the supply chain and logistics arm of the Liverpool headquartered 200 year old Bibby Line Group, has expanded its interest in the paper and packaging logistics sector by securing a deal worth in excess of £40m by signing a contract with Spanish manufacturer and supplier of packaging solutions, SAICA.

Airlines Caught Between Authorities and Customers

WORLDWIDE – With the news in the past week that Saudi Arabian Airlines are prepared to pay $14 million to freight purchasers in reparation for fixing the price of shipping cargo in collusion with competitors, the stories of collusion and corruption rumble on and on. This latest settlement of the class action against the carriers comes despite Saudi denials that they were guilty of anti trust activity in the US from the start of the decade up to 2006.

Petition Aims to Hold Government to Account

UK – GERMANY – WORLDWIDE - Following the recent launch of an e petition to abolish charges for all users of the M25 Dartford Crossing, the only practical route for fording the River Thames for many freight haulage drivers as well as private motorists, comes news of a Meeting and Exhibition in Berlin next month which perhaps those who control ‘pay as you go’ road transport in the UK should attend.

Agent Appointed to Distribute Products

US – UK – The safety and security of cargo stowage when carrying freight is of the utmost importance with haulage drivers shortly to need formal qualifications in the UK before getting behind the wheel. Now a range of the best known American cargo securing products are to be made available to British hauliers with the news that a UK agent has been appointed to act as sales agent for the Kinedyne Corporation’s truck and van securing systems.

Proposed Court Ruling May Damage Business

GERMANY – Lufthansa, the largest of the country’s air freight carriers, is currently celebrating 100 years of German air cargo services and company officials have taken the opportunity to speak out against the proposed ban on night flights. Lufthansa Cargo Chairman & CEO Karl Ulrich Garnadt said in a statement:

Book a CPC Course Now or You Stand Lose Your Job!

UK – IRELAND – News today that FTA Ireland (FTAI), associate of the UK Freight Transport Association (FTA), has been officially approved by the Road Safety Authority to deliver Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) training in Ireland. The Driver CPC was introduced across the EU in 2008 for professional bus drivers and in 2009 for professional truck drivers to set and maintain high standards of road safety, health and safety and driving among haulage professionals.

PD Ports Install New Gantry Cranes

UK – Despite a mood of austerity in many sectors of the freight and logistics market there are still signs of investment if one casts an eye about. Although development of the Northern Gateway expansion scheme has probably not moved at the pace it would have wished two years ago PD Ports has continued to increase trade in Teesport as a short search of our news archive will reveal. Today the company has taken delivery of four new RTG (rubber-tyred gantry) cranes to increase the throughput of containers at the port.

RHA Annoyed by Inequalities

UK – For the second time this week the Road Haulage Association (RHA) has spoken out at the iniquity of private shoppers receiving substantial discounts on fuel whilst freight and other truck operators are forced to pay a premium price. The RHA is incensed that the 12% drop in oil prices is being transferred to supermarket customers in the form of a two pence per litre reduction whilst hard pressed haulage operators cannot take advantage.

Girls Shatter Shipping's Glass Ceiling

UK – Regular readers will be aware that we like to promote the cause of women in the logistics industry making our small contribution to destroying the glass ceiling which has long existed within the freight industry. Even here however it was a surprise to us to note that the shortlist for the Young Manager of the Year award in this year’s Annual Awards for Excellence from The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) was, for the first time ever, an all female affair.

DSV Set Up UK Commercial Academy

UK – Having already written this week about the efficiency of German freight and logistics providers training suitable staff in overseas markets comes a note from Danish supply chain group DSV who are following their own similar policies. DSV Road and DSV Solutions in the UK have just completed their first recruitment programme aimed at graduates. They were so impressed with the calibre of the candidates that they have selected 12 graduates, increasing the local sales team by 40%. Ten of the graduates were taken on by DSV Road with the other two joining DSV Solutions.

Biggest Ever Freighter to be Re-launched

UKRAINE – RUSSIA - The Antonov AN-124 ‘Ruslan’ is a legend amongst the project freight forwarding community and many have openly wondered how certain consignments will be delivered in the future as the gigantic plane reaches its 29th Birthday this year. Now the Ukrainian Antonov Company are to join with the world’s largest commercial operator of AN-124-100 freighters, Volga-Dnepr Airlines in an ambitious scheme intended to re-launch serial production of the iconic cargo carrier.

Logistics Specialist Introduces New Routes

NETHERLANDS – ASIA – Swiss freight forwarding and logistics group Panalpina has announced a service extension this week of its LCL (Less than Container Load) services between Asia and Europe by introducing three new own operated direct options which will run between Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore to Rotterdam reducing the company’s transit times for these routes from between two to four days with an appropriate cut in CO2 emissions of up to 6.5%.

Freight Carriage Up but Rates Under Pressure

DENMARK – WORLDWIDE – Whilst other container shipping companies produce figures which can best be described as OK and at worst gloomy the biggest boy in the gang, freight carrier Maersk Line remains somewhat sheltered by its presence within the AP Moller Maersk Empire which issued half year figures today, profits depending heavily on the group’s oil related revenues. Although TEU volumes were up 6% the average freight rates, including bunker surcharges, were 3% lower than in the same period last year.

Cargo Levels and Turnover Both Up for Russian Railways

RUSSIA – Russian Railways (RzD) has released its latest freight statistics showing total traffic exceeding 105 million tonnes in July representing an increase of 2.4% from the same period of last year whilst turnover increased by 4.5%. Freight haulage in the first seven months of 2011 totalled 713.7 million tonnes, up 3.7% from the same period of 2010, and included 11.5 million tonnes of containerised cargo, a 14.4% increase.

French Freight Company Chooses Kingston

JAMAICA – FRANCE – French container shipping group CMA CGM have announced their intentions regarding future development of their freight services in the Caribbean region by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Port of Kingston. The decision was arrived at after CMA CGM had fully studied the ramifications of the ongoing widening of the Panama Canal.

Another German Forwarder Looks East to the Future

TAIWAN – GERMANY – Once again a logistics company based in Germany has shown its commitment to ensuring continuity and excellence in its ocean and airfreight operations by continuing a policy to educate suitable candidates in a developing overseas market. In 2008 freight forwarding associate group Weiss Röhlig launched their graduate recruitment program in Taiwan in collaboration with the China University of Science and Technology in Taipei.

Con-way Make it a Hat Trick of Champions

US – The results of the 2011 Bendix National Truck Driving Championships which we wrote of last week are in and, once again, a Con-way Freight driver has been named the National Grand Champion. Paul Phillips, of Coarsegold, California won the coveted trophy against fierce opposition making it the third consecutive year, and the fourth time in five years, that one of that company’s employees has lifted the title.

Annual Energy Saving Trust Competition for Those Who Have Made the Effort

UK – Regular readers will know how keen we at the Handy Shipping Guide are when it comes to promoting cleaner, safer freight transport and one of the ways to do so is recognising companies and individuals who have made special efforts to cut their, or their customers, fuel consumption and emissions using whatever technology or systems are available to them.

New Legislation Swings Into Action

US – Following last weeks story regarding the 2014-2018 fuel efficiency standards for trucks which President Obama introduced, comes the news that funding has been put in place to advance the cause of efficient road freight movement with both Volvo and their subsidiary Mack announcing they have received total grants of $19 million to fund the production of a new standard of class 8 trucks they have modestly dubbed ‘the Super Truck’.

Used Commercials Prove Ideal for JRM

UK – EUROPE - Few would guess it given their immaculate appearance but four Mercedes-Benz Actros MegaSpace tractor units had all clocked-up more than half a million kilometres when local dealer Rossetts Commercials delivered them to JRM racing’s headquarters in Rye. The East Sussex-based outfit uses the trucks to freight its four mighty Nissan GT-Rs along with tyres, spares and equipment, and a hospitality rig. Now in its second season, the FIA GT1 World Championship brings together 20 teams and five manufacturers in a series that represents the pinnacle of sports car racing – JRM competes with two teams: JR Motorsports and Sumo Power GT.

India Selected as First Overseas Market to Receive German System

INDIA – GERMANY - DHL Smart Truck is an "intelligent" pick-up and delivery vehicle that combines a number of innovative technologies including a route planner. Launched in Germany in 2010, DHL Smart Truck reduced number of miles travelled by 15 per cent and length of average route by 8 per cent during its pilot stage, reducing both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Using the system the ‘intelligent’ pick-up and delivery vehicles compute delivery deadlines to calculate the ideal sequence for freight shipments, and use real-time GPS to avoid jams and optimise routings, thereby enabling flexibility and last-minute pick-ups.

OfT Report Dropped

UK - ISLE OF MAN – Management at the Ro/Ro ferry operator, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, are looking forward to a more secure future after the Office of Fair Trading dropped the proposed publication of its report into the running of the shipping company and its position in the market. As with so many smaller ferry routes worldwide controversy is never far away and things started looking up for the company when the additional rival container freight service started last October by Mezeron fell by the wayside in February this year due to low traffic volumes.

Dubai Conference Will Address the Problems

DUBAI – WORLDWIDE – The risk posed by foreign object debris (FOD) and bird strikes represents one of the largest economic and cost-reduction opportunities available to the aviation industry. Ironically, they are also among the least understood and least discussed risks. According to Boeing, the damage caused to an aircraft engine caused by the entry of a foreign object can exceed $1 million, as well as putting lives at risks and leading to delays in passenger and cargo schedules. Both freight and civilian aircraft are regularly involved in incidents of this nature and now the first “Emerging Markets FOD, Bird Strike Prevention and Runway Safety Conference 2011”, supported by the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) and UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), will be held on 26th & 27th October, 2011 at Aviation Club in Dubai.

EU Navfor Recruiting a Somali Cultural Adviser

SOMALIA – EUROPE – Any regular readers will know the scale of the pirate problem affecting merchant vessels in the Gulf of Aden as more and more bulk freight and container ships are subjected to attacks by gangs’ intent on collecting a ransom.

US Container Feeder Service Expands to Carry Extra Freight Tonnages AFL Agrees to New Build Purchases

US Container Feeder Service Expands to Carry Extra Freight Tonnages AFL Agrees to New Build Purchases.

Cathay Spend a Cool $3 Billion

Cathay Pacific announced this week it is to take delivery of a further eight Boeing 777 Freighters and four 777-300ER (extended range) airplanes.

Luxembourg Companies Unite to Help the Starving

LUXEMBOURG - Recognizing the need for quick and efficient help for the famine and drought victims in the Horn of Africa, a group of Luxembourg-based companies including airfreight and logistics groups Cargolux, LuxairCARGO, CFL plus the ArcelorMittal Foundation, Enovos, Paul Wurth and SES have teamed up to respond to an aid appeal by the Luxembourg Committee for UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s fund.

At Last an Attempt to Assess and Cure the Problem

WORLDWIDE – The loss of a shipping container whilst at sea always presents a problem. As losses do not tend to be generally in single figures the difficulties presented are manifold and complex. Containers can float, sometimes for years, just sub surface offering a real danger to other shipping, chemicals often leak from them causing untold damage to the marine environment. In human terms there are sometimes more tragic results than simply the loss of freight consignments or endless insurance wrangles.

Annual Figures Also Show Revenue Jumps in All Regions

UK – SINGAPORE – WORLDWIDE - Virgin Atlantic Cargo, jointly owned by Richard Branson’s Virgin Group (51%) and Singapore Airlines (49%) have reported growth in both tonnage and freight revenues in today’s release of revenues for the 2010/2011 financial year. Strong performance across its network saw tonnage carried on the Virgin Atlantic and V Australia networks climb to nearly 227,000 tonnes, a 17% increase on the previous year. Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Asia Pacific and the Americas reported tonnage increases in 2010/11 of 19%, 13% and 16% respectively.

Weekly Shanghai Indices Show Slight Increase

CHINA – WORLDWIDE – Figures compiled from data supplied by some of the shipping industry’s largest container freight carriers show that cargo export totals from China for the end of July were slightly up and freight rates generally followed the same trend. On July 29th, the China Containerized Freight Index issued by Shanghai Shipping Exchange was 980.78 points, up 0.5% from the previous week, while the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index came out at 1013.06 points, up 0.4%.

Measures to Cut Pollution and Lower Fuel Costs

US – Over the past weeks we have had to listen to bickering between Republicans and Democrats which many, overseas observers at least, consider fiddling whilst Rome burns. The economic situation and the downgrading by a single agency of America’s credit rating means the net result is probably unsatisfactory to both parties. Fortunately in the world of US freight trucking some of the politicians responsible in part for the supply chain have managed to get along a little better, despite political differences.

Novel Innovation to Educate Industry Users

NETHERLANDS – WORLDWIDE – Finally hard pressed freight forwarding and logistics staff have a chance to play computer games at work – without incurring the bosses ire. ‘Smartgate - The Game’ shows players how the supply chain works, and illustrates the advantages of using SmartGate Cargo. Smartgate is a joint initiative of Schiphol Cargo, Air Cargo Netherlands and Dutch Customs.

2011 Driving Championships Begin Today

US - The 2011 National Truck Driving & National Step Van Driving Championships start today in the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida sponsored as usual by the American Trucking Associations (ATA). The NTDC and NSVDC contestants are state champions from all 50 states. States send winners from each class of competition – from 18-wheeled five-axle sleepers to tank trucks to twin trailers to straight trucks – eight competing classes in all with an affiliated competition for step vans. The 19th annual North American Inspectors Championship will again take place alongside the Championships in Orlando which will doubtless be attended by freight and road haulage interests from all over the country, the events annually attract over 2,000 cheering friends, family, colleagues and spectators.

France Line Continues to Grow Despite a Difficult Market

UK – FRANCE – There are many factors which are required of anybody aspiring to run a successful freight and logistics based operation in the current economic climate. Determination, attention to detail, an ability to convey the correct attitude to whosoever you happen to be dealing with at the precise moment in time including switching from scolding a truck driver to soothing a client at a moments notice.

FOODSERVICE distributor 3663 is operating the UK's first electric truck with a refrigerated body

The 12-tonne Smith Newton all-electric truck is running out of 3663’s Battersea depot in South London, as part of its long-term commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

WFS Snap up Rival Group

CANADA – Expansion through acquisition and economies of scale are the watchword of many industries these days and the freight and logistics sector is no exception. With their purchase of the assets of Excel Cargo at both Montreal’s Dorval and Mirabel airports international group Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) says it has become the largest cargo handler in Montreal adding to the cargo handling facilities the company already runs in Halifax, Ottawa, Vancouver and Toronto.

Agreement Means Expansion Into Russia and CIS

RUSSIA – EUROPE – Logistics and supply chain specialists P&O Ferrymasters, these days part of the Dubai World Empire, say they are poised for growth in Russia and the CIS after reaching a cooperation agreement with Moscow-based Sovtransavto, a major holding group for more than 20 freight transport and logistics companies involved in both international and domestic cargo trades.

Major Carrier to Up Tariffs from Next Month

US – Today FedEx Freight announced a 6.75% general freight rate increase for cargo carried under their FXF1000 and FXF501 series base rates and additional changes will include absolute minimum charges and accessorial rates and charges. The rates are applicable to all freight within the North American mainland including Canadian and Mexican shipments with increase only applicable to the US carriage leg of Mexican consignments.

New Index Analyses Condition of UK Trade

UK – Today saw the launch of a new measure of the export status of the country with the first quarterly issue of the DHL/BCC Trade Confidence Index which concludes that despite weak UK GDP growth in Q2 2011, export levels continue to grow albeit at a slower rate than earlier this year. On the negative side the report gives a confirmation that all sectors of the British export freight industry are reluctant to both recruit and invest in what they consider a bleak economic outlook.

$55 Million to Develop Curtis Island Facilities

AUSTRALIA – SINGAPORE – The gigantic Gorgon project to extract and freight vast quantities of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Northwestern Australian area is not the only site of such activity and one of the principal suppliers to Gorgon, offshore logistics support group Ezion Holdings today announced it has secured another major LNG project, this time in the East, off the coast of Queensland. The contract is for support and freight haulage services for the development of LNG facilities on Curtis Island. The LNG project secured by the Group, which is among the first of the eight proposed LNG facilities in Queensland, is expected to have an initial capacity of 7.6 million tonnes per annum.

OOIL Interim Results Announced

HONG KONG – As is usual at this time of year interim results continue to flood in and the latest figures from container shipping giants Orient Overseas (International) Ltd (OOIL) follow a trend set over the past couple of weeks for that sector of the freight and logistics market. Net profit collapsed by over 86% but principally as a result of factors shown in last years results.

Two Substantial Carriers Offer Different Snapshots

US – Further financial results were published this week and seem to illustrate differing fortunes in the logistics sectors. Bulk freight carriers Eagle Shipping and road haulage contractors Con Way Incorporated have both produced second quarter figures which, as is usual with modern interim fiscal results, really need close analysis to derive a true picture of the state of their individual market positions

Traffic Levels May Demand Regular Rotation

US – CENTRAL AMERICA – CARIBBEAN - Crowley Maritime Corporation has announced plans to make its inaugural port call to Tampa, Florida next month as part of its Central American RoRo service which accommodates breakbulk and project cargoes as well as Roll-on/Roll-off traffic. The company hopes that freight tonnage levels will be such that additional sailings from the port may be as frequent as every three weeks.

Extraordinary Cargo Even for FedEx

CHILE – US – CANADA - GERMANY – Every freight forwarder with a few years under their belt knows that just occasionally one is asked to arrange the transport of a special item very precious to someone. It may be a work of art, an important scientific instrument or even an organ for transplant. Rarer than all these however is a consignment which is literally a cultural icon, and currently logistics group FedEx are involved in a project to transport just such a shipment.

Growing Use of Magnets Targeted by VOSA

UK – In May we pointed out the growing problem of truck drivers, particularly those in charge visiting foreign freight delivery vehicles, cheating hours of service regulations by using magnets to distort the readings from digital tachographs. As we indicated at the time, the penalties for driving in a manner more likely to cause a serious accident are woefully inadequate, often a comparatively small fine for inadequate record keeping.

Cooperation is the Key to Successful Logistics

MONGOLIA – RUSSIA – CHINA – The future of environmentally acceptable, sustainable and economically viable freight transport between Russia and China lies firmly in the court of carriage of cargo by rail. The vast, often featureless distances which make up Mongolia as the world’s seventh largest country means logistics inevitably turns principally to container carriage on the tracks, and the news emanating from Ulan Bator Railways (UBR)this week has a positive note.

Hauliers Say Time to Act on Broken Promises - You Can Vote NOW with Two Clicks

UK – The growing anger amongst haulage operators and the public at the excessive rises in charges to use the Dartford crossing, despite successive government promises to ensure free passage through the twin tunnels and across the Queen Elizabeth ll bridge, has resulted in a petition being launched on the government e-petition website yesterday calling for the abolition of tolls for all drivers, including freight delivery trucks.

First Orders Scheduled for Delivery on Time

US – The continuing story of the development of Boeing’s new 747-8 Freighter aircraft took a major step forward this week with the successful landing at Paine Field in Everett, Washington of two of the aircraft following completion of the planes’ certification flight test program. Flight test airplane RC522 completed testing of the flight management computer and RC523 completed function & reliability testing, meaning the first of the giant cargo carriers is on schedule for its delivery to specialist freight airline Cargolux in September, after certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Old Established Shipping Outfit Extend Operations

UK - Bibby Distribution, part of the 200 year old family owned Bibby Line Group which with its traditional freight and ocean shipping interests turns over in excess of £1 billion annually, has acquired Atchison Topeka a specialist logistics provider for the food manufacturing industry. Bibby believe the purchase will add £26 million to group turnover working in another niche market.

Two Major Industry Players Involved in Short Sea Car Carrier

BELGIUM – JAPAN – NORWAY - Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) (Tokyo) and Höegh Autoliners AS (Oslo) have set up a 50/50 joint venture in Europe, integrating the existing European short sea and logistics activities of both shareholders and of Euro Marine Carrier BV. The new venture, named Euro Marine Logistics NV (EML), was registered in March 2011 and has its offices in Meise (Brussels), Belgium and will specialise short sea freight movements, specifically cars.

Losses Reduced at Diana Containerships

GREECE – Marshall Islands registered Diana Containerships, 14.5% of which is owned by Diana Shipping Incorporated, has reported net loss of $0.6 million for the second quarter of 2011 compared to a net loss of $1.7 million for the same period of 2010. Net loss to Diana Containerships Inc., for the six months ended June 30, 2011 amounted to $0.4 million, compared to net loss of $1.9 million for the period from January 7, 2010, its inception date, to June 30, 2010.

Surface Transportation Up Almost 16%

US – The Department of Transportation advises us that surface freight transportation between the United States and its North American neighbours, Canada and Mexico, was 15.7 percent higher in May 2011 than in May 2010, totalling $77.3 billion. The figures are calculated by the Governments Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration.

Courses Over Three Months Should Suit Every Serious Company

UK – The Freight Transport Association has announced details of this year’s sponsors for their ‘Transport Manager’ series of instructive courses designed to keep all involved in the logistics sector in the loop with regard to current regulation of the industry. Road haulage particularly is evolving rapidly and with this years theme of ‘be prepared’ managers must face the multiple challenges of high fuel prices, extreme winter weather and some big changes to Operator Licensing and CPC training.

Guide to Stock Control for the Befuddled and Bewildered

US – Anyone who has attempted to rationalise a warehouse stock control system will have run up against the bewildering array of possible options. Controlling the throughput of hundreds or thousands of freight consignments can leave the most level headed of warehouse managers in a flat spin as they pore over reading and writing systems, label materials, RFID scanners etc.

Film Yourself and Appear on the ATA Website

US – The American Trucking Associations advise us that, for the third year, it will sponsor a video contest designed to illustrate and celebrate the lives of professional freight truck drivers and explain why they are so essential to our society. The ATA is seeking amateur video submissions from professional truck drivers, driver’s families, shippers, suppliers, allied companies or community members, with the emphasis on creativity and message, rather than production values and using simple cell phone, flip video or home video camera technology with a deadline on submissions of 21st September.

Logistics Operator Samskip Make Duisburg Their Hub

EUROPE – Short sea and multimodal shipping specialist and subsidiary company Van Dieren have signed a long-term agreement with Duisport to make the newly combined KV-Terminal Hohenbudberg at the Port of Duisburg their new base. Samskip has used the the DeCeTe terminal in the port of Duisburg for some time for its container sea freight operations and now Van Dieren will operate its rail-based cargo services via the intermodal hub of Duisport.

Mixed Bag of Figures for German Giant Prompts Optimistic Outlook

WORLDWIDE – Whilst some sectors of the freight industry, notably bulk and container shipping are cutting back profit forecasts Deutsche Post DHL has today announced improved second quarter profits leading it to predict increased full year earnings for 2011. During the second quarter, the Group's revenues totalled € 12.8 billion, an increase year on year of € 700 million after allowances. The DHL divisions alone produced € 471 million of the Group's operating earnings in the second quarter, nearly four times more than in the € 122 million in the same period last year.

US State Laws and Regulations Now Visible to All

US – Driving overseas can be a worrying experience, even for the most experienced freight truck driver, different laws and attitudes can produce uncertainty and, in extreme circumstances, lead to accidents. In a country like the USA laws can vary between neighbouring states producing a confused picture for natives, let alone an alien abroad.

CSAV and CMA CGM Launch New Service

FAR EAST – AFRICA - Shipping groups CMA CGM and CSAV have announced the launch of a new jointly operated direct freight container service linking Asia to West Africa commencing the 3rd August. Named WAX II, this new service will deploy 10 vessels from 2,500 TEU’s up to 3,100 TEU’s (5 CMA CGM vessels, 5 CSAV vessels). It will serve China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Nigeria, Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Cameroon.

Safety the Watchword at PDA Bash

UK - The Professional Drivers Association held their annual PDA Training Day last Saturday at Brett’s Transport Ltd at Guyhirn. Once again members of the public were shown the skills needed when operating a large freight carrying vehicle whilst in a safe environment in a bid to demonstrate the hazards faced by countless truck drivers.

Rear Admiral Potts Charged with Safe Passage of Aid

SOMALIA – Today (1st August) Major General Buster Howes OBE handed over the responsibility of Operation Commander of the European Union Naval Force Somalia, Operation Atalanta to Rear Admiral Duncan Potts. Rear Admiral Potts has extensive operational experience across the Joint Environment within both the United Kingdom and multi-national defence organizations, particularly in the Middle East Region and his new role involves the safe delivery of freight consignments of aid to the stricken region and dealing with increasing piracy of all types of vessel.

Kerry Extends Its Empire in Both East and West

CHINA – UK - WORLDWIDE – Having recently obtained a controlling interest in two groups of companies in China; Shanghai Wisdom Group and Shanghai Huicheng Logistics (HCL), Hong Kong based Asian specialists Kerry Logistics has acquired two freight forwarding companies in the UK; Bergen Freight Forwarding Limited, based in Manchester and Regency Forwarding Limited headquartered in Yorkshire.

Forecasts Slashed as Profits Fall

JAPAN – WORLDWIDE – Rates for all types of cargo are liable to be forced lower as competition mounts in a time of falling traffic levels according to analysts viewing recent reports from the big Japanese carriers. Despite spreading the risk by offering a wide range of cargo services, ocean shipping companies like Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) expect a drop in demand for car carrying, bulk tanker tonnage and particularly container freight over the coming months.

Sponsorship Deals Raise Stena Lines Profile

UK – Stena Line have launched a campaign to raise awareness of their latest freight and passenger services with the announcement of deals in Liverpool and Belfast. The RoRo ferry company obtained permission from the Competition Commission to add the Belfast to Liverpool (Birkenhead) and Belfast to Heysham routes to its four existing Irish sea routes earlier this month and the Swedish managed group are looking forward to the opening of their new port, Loch Ryan in Cairnryan with new service offerings in November.