Shipping Search - Archive

Hactl However Gains Another Client Whilst Cargolux Resumes Normal Service to Ecuador

WORLDWIDE – In air freight news this week IATA released global traffic results for air freight in July, which showed demand fall due to the lack of trade growth, whilst Hactl and Air Astana revealed their new partnership and freight only operator Cargolux announced that it has resumed twice weekly flights serving Latacunga, Ecuador (instead of Quito) with immediate effect following the completion of renovations at Latacunga’s airport.

Heinz Settles for Just One Variety

WORLDWIDE - Supply chain group Ceva Logistics has pulled off something of a coup this week with the announcement that it has landed what it describes as a 'groundbreaking' exclusive contract to handle all H.J. Heinz ocean freight requirements for the next five years. The global food group is currently shipping an annual total of around 60,000 containers (TEU's) and Ceva say this is the first time any company with that level of trade has allowed exclusive management by a sole freight forwarder.

Target Express Closes with Loss of 400 Jobs

IRELAND - UK - Earlier this week it was announced that almost 400 jobs at Irish haulage firm Target Express are to go, according to reports as a result of the actions of the Irish Revenue Commissioners, which having frozen the firms' bank accounts on the 23rd August, forced operations to cease as no funds were available to pay workers wages. The company is now being placed into liquidation in the Republic and placed in administration in Northern Ireland. Target Express was the haulage subsidiary of College Freight which is the company named in the closure actions.

Sometimes America Just Does Things That Much Bigger

US – Occasionally a snippet of news reaches us which for a moment makes one consider just how big the freight industry actually is. This week’s announcement from Schneider Logistics, Inc., part of the Schneider National enterprise, told of the company’s 10th annual Carrier Recognition Conference in Green Bay, Wisconsin and reading between the lines one could begin to grasp the scope of the American road haulage industry.

SMM Hamburg Witnesses New Technology

GERMANY - WORLDWIDE - Next week sees the opening of the 25th SMM trade fair, the opportunity for the Shipbuilding, Machinery and Marine Technology sectors of commercial shipping to demonstrate their wares with 2,000 exhibitors revealing a host of new products to the 50,000 anticipated visitors from around the globe. Safety is often at the forefront of SMM and this year is no exception with various companies anxious to show the advances they have made to preserve life and health for the freight and passenger services which cross the world's oceans.

Anglo Spanish Logistics Trade Boost Means Less Truck Kilometres

UK – Spain – The eyes of the ocean freight community are firmly on Essex at the moment with the ongoing development at DP World’s London Gateway River Thames container port well under way and earlier this month the neighbouring Port of Tilbury received a boost when it announced jointly with the Port of Bilbao that it has been awarded a ‘Motorways of the Sea’ grant by the European Commission for the IBUK – Intermodal Corridor project. Working closely together since 2011 to submit a funding application to the EU for the grant, the two ports aim to reduce congestion between the Iberian Peninsula and the UK by removing trucks from the roads of Western and Southern Europe and onto a more efficient multimodal logistics corridor. The application is also based on the development of short sea shipping between Spain and the Britain and the increased efficiency and volume of freight from the Iberian Peninsula to the UK.

RHA and SNP in Harmony as France Cuts Diesel Cost

UK - FRANCE - Yesterdays news that the French Government has struck a deal with fuel producers and distributors to cut the cost of fuel by 6 eurocents per litre for three months has produced an immediate response from freight industry representatives encouraging a similar response. The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has been quick to support the stance of the Scottish National Party in its call for decisive action to address the issue of an immediate cut in fuel duty as a sure-fire method of boosting the economy.

Irish Continental Sells off Subsidiary and Announce First Half Results

IRELAND – EUROPE – Irish Continental Group (ICG), owners of Irish Ferries have released first half figures and they show mixed results. The most notable part of their press release is the revelation that yesterday ICG announced an agreement to sell off subsidiary Feederlink Shipping and Trading b.v. for a consideration of up to €29 million. Overall to 30th June revenue was up 0.4% to €127.1 million against the same period in 2011. Whilst passenger numbers increased by under 1% all other sectors fell; RoRo freight down 4.7%, container shipping (by TEU) 7% and port lifts by 5%. Car traffic also fell 1.9% and operating profit was down 21.5% to €5.1 million.

New Laredo Development for GAC

US - GAC Energy and Marine Services LLC (GEMS) announced this month that it has opened its latest warehouse in Laredo, Texas, to meet the growing demands of oil and gas clients who require daily import and export to Mexico. The new facility offers a full range of oil and gas-specific logistics solutions including Mexican customs brokerage, cross border transportation management, freight forwarding, warehousing, intermodal and LTL consolidation and even a case packing carpentry service. GEMS’ President Carlos Arrieta believes that its specialised oil and gas focus at this facility enables the company to stand out from the other providers in Laredo who primarily handle commercial logistics and supply chain solutions for general freight. Mr Arrieta said:

'Logical Strategic Move' for Priority

UK - Just a day after our article warning of the dangers of transgressing the UK's Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment (TUPE) legislation comes the story of a freight forwarding acquisition which managed to comply with all the regulations in which the Heathrow forwarding arm of AWLI Group Inc. has been acquired by Dover headquartered Priority Freight in what appears to be a painless transition.

New French Law Explained and Kits Available On Line

FRANCE – Under the new laws passed in March ALL road vehicles, including cars, motorcycles (excluding mopeds), freight trucks, engaged in international haulage or otherwise must carry their own Government approved breathalysers from the 1st November 2012 whilst driving in the country. If you are found not to have at least one unused breathalyser kit with you when stopped by police you will be subject to a minimum penalty of a fine of €11. The rule is the latest measure in the French Government’s battle to make the country’s roads safer and estimates as many as 500 lives a year might be saved by the new legislation.

LaHood Answers Critics with New Initiative

US – Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood last week announced the launch of the Freight Policy Council which will focus on improving the condition and performance of the national freight network to better ensure the ability of the United States to compete in today’s global economy. The council will develop a national, intermodal plan for improving logistics connections and the efficiency of freight movement and will work with individual states to encourage development of a forward looking state freight strategy.

Can You Guess Whose it is Yet?

US – WORLDWIDE - Regular readers know that we at the Guide like stories involving big projects, from global freight forwarding movements to transporting giant oil rigs but often only something like a time lapse video can really give an idea of how these things develop, Thanks to the people at Boeing we are able to include a film demonstrating just how those giant cargo freighters produced at the company’s Everett factory get that individual identity that reinforces the air carriers brand as it crosses the world.

Several High Profile Cases Illustrate the Complexity of Transfer of Employment and Maritime Law

UK – AUSTRALIA – WORLDWIDE - As with so many points of law interpretation is often the key to final resolution and, as an industry, logistics it seems is cursed as a sector destined to suffer from one particular set of anomalies. The common practice of dedicating staff to one particular cargo handling contract or even the act of chartering a bulk carrier should be looked at closely by all freight forwarding groups and others in the trade, in fact anyone who acts as a contractor or subcontractor in the supply chain. Recently several high profile, and one imagines correspondingly expensive, cases have wended their way to resolution via the various responsible authorities and the conclusions drawn are potentially worrying for employers and employees alike.

Major Orders for Liebherr and Konecranes

RUSSIA – BRAZIL – SOUTH KOREA – IRELAND – FINLAND – SWITZERLAND – Two of the world’s leading suppliers of dockside cargo moving cranes and heavy lift equipment have reported this week on the progress of orders to the BRICS group of countries. There is a certain irony that the giant Goliath gantry crane, with a single lift capability of 2000 tonnes which arrived in Brazil last week from suppliers Konecranes, was in part manufactured by the Finnish company’s facilities in South Korea. The ‘freight’ this gargantuan piece of machinery is destined to lift will initially be the huge pieces required to assemble eight hulls of Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) ships that will be used for offshore oil production projects.

Lloyds Brokers Offers IFLN Members 'Competitive' Rates

US - UK - WORLDWIDE - Over the past couple of decades there has been a rise in the number of medium sized freight forwarders who have decided that strength lies in numbers and the best way to compete against the mega logistics groups is to join an associated network in which they have control over their own geographic area with fellow members as trusted partners in other parts of the world. One such worldwide network of independent freight forwarding companies, IFLN, tells us it has recently finalized a deal with London Market Insurance Brokers (LMIB), a Lloyds of London brokerage, to offer its members competitive rates for both Cargo and Error and Omissions/Liability insurance.

Vessel with Seven Tonne Complement Survives Sixty Metre Fall

WORLDWIDE - One of the most obvious essentials on any vessel whether luxury liner or container ship, yet taken for granted by most seafarers, are the obligatory life saving aids which one bypasses every day when walking the decks. When the word 'lifeboat' comes up thoughts turn to stowaways peeping from under tarpaulins or the Titanic sinking beneath the waves, but what guarantees are there to ensure maximum chance of survival when such a craft has to be launched from the side of an oil rig in a raging gale? The answer lies in the rigorous testing all such safety equipment must go through before receiving certification and this week Umoe Schat-Harding, which claims to be the world leader in marine safety equipment is able to make a unique boast for one of its products having laid claim to a very unusual world's record.

With a Redesigned Website and a Driver Friendly App TIP Upgrades its Services

EUROPE – One of the most recognisable names on the European road haulage scene, trailer hire and sales specialist TIP Trailer Services, recently announced the launch of its new customer friendly website. The site has been significantly redesigned and now incorporates a brighter display, user-friendly interface and is now available in English, French, German and Dutch. The homepage welcomes visitors with easy to follow menu options and is strongly customer-oriented throughout, with a wide range of big names in the transport industry sharing their experiences of TIP's products and services. Customers will also find a regularly featured ‘Deal of the week’, with a variety of offers ranging from trailer rental and services to used asset deals.

As Cobelfret Withdraw from One Route Stena Line Reduces Service on Another

UK - NETHERLANDS - Last Friday saw the final freight ferry service between Ipswich and Rotterdam. The RoRo service operated by CLdN, part of the logistics group Cobelfret decided to axe the service, blaming the current economic situation, just five months after the second of two new purpose-built vessel was allocated to the route. The end of this service means the loss of around twenty jobs, including drivers plus managerial and supervisory staff who now face redundancy.

Heavy Lift and Break Bulk Cargoes Rarely Run Exactly to Plan

JAPAN - MEXICO - UK - For many project freight forwarding companies the shipping of materials supporting the energy sector is 'the new black' as the saying goes. At a time when tonnages can be uncertain the heavy lift and break bulk cargoes have provided a more stable income for many logistics companies within departments that hitherto were often regarded as the icing on the financial cake rather than the daily breadwinners.

War of Words Escalates as South Africa Acts

ISRAEL - EUROPE - SOUTH AFRICA - Pressure is mounting on the state of Israel with further news of sanctions being imposed on goods emanating from disputed territories and areas of conflict. Today the South African Ambassador has been summoned to attend Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to explain his Government's decision to require special labelling for goods emanating from Israeli settlements. Freight forwarders should take care over the coming weeks that they familiarise themselves with the changing attitudes between not only South Africa, but also the EU, with regard to goods coming from the region.

Agreement Details Being Thrashed Out

UK - The proposed strike by toll booth operators at the Severn Bridges due to commence tomorrow and timed to cause maximum disruption coming at the start of a Bank Holiday weekend has been called off. Yesterday road haulage representatives were still warning of possible chaos to freight and passenger vehicles alike but last night news came of a breakthrough in negotiations.

Early Alerts in Anticipation of Tropical Storm

US - CARIBBEAN - With the Hurricane season at its mid point, the season is generally accepted to run between June and November, warnings to merchant shipping and travellers in the region are going out as meteorologists track the uncertain path of Tropical Storm Isaac.

Two Giant Box Carriers Berth Simultaneously

UK - Whilst many eyes are fixed on DP World's latest investment in a container port, the strategically placed London Gateway project emerging from the River Thames itself, the company still presents a formidable presence with the UK's only South Coast container freight terminal, DP World Southampton which as the second largest such deep sea shipping facility in the UK reinforced its position on Monday with the tandem berthing of two of the world's newest and largest box carriers.

Austerity Doesn't Work in the Climb from a Bear Market Say Leaders in Different Logistics Sectors

UK – WORLDWIDE – At a time when the arguments over global government fiscal policies rage seemingly endlessly the decision to invest with a view to increased growth in the future or put up the shutters against the prevailing economic cold winds is also a subject which causes debate amongst companies in every sector of the freight and logistics fields. With the dearth of cargo following the boom years only showing slow signs of recovery, and some sectors both geographic and modal suffering more than others, be they road haulage in the UK or energy shipping across the globe, it seems that for some the investment option is the only logical choice, provided it is targeted very specifically.

New Title Better Represents the Size of Ship Owners Lobby Group

UK-PHILIPPINES - WORLDWIDE - The International Maritime Employers' Council (IMEC) is a body which argues the employers points of view when negotiating wage and conditions of work agreements with the union representatives of seafarers such as the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) and the organisation, based in London and Manila, has formally announced today that its name change from International Maritime Employers' Committee is now complete. IMEC represents over 150 global companies operating 9,000+ vessels and employing over 190,000 seafarers of all nationalities. The members are individual shipping companies, both owners and managers, large and small, operating all types of ships, including dry bulk, container, cruise liners, livestock carriers, reefers and tankers with the ships they operate registered in more than 40 different countries.

EFL Pioneers New Instant Stress Reduced Access Scheme for Imported Animals

IRELAND - EUROPE – WORLDWIDE - Following hard on the heels of our recent 'Mugly Dog' story it seems everybody is keen to promote their own pet shipping credentials and, as anyone who has had to import an animal from overseas will tell you, the process of shipping one's own beloved darling creature can be more than a little stressful. Now freight and logistics outfit EFL International Distribution tells us it has become the first company in the Irish Republic to become an approved carrier under the Irish Government’s ‘Pet Passport System’.

Global Convention Intended to Standardise Shipping Working Practices

WORLDWIDE - When ship owners and representatives of seafaring workers met in 2001 they unanimously agreed that shipping is the first truly global industry and, as such, a set of rules to ensure minimum standards applicable on a global scale. With the support of many Governments it was decided to create a major new Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) under the auspices of the International Labour Organization (ILO), to come into force when ratified by a minimum of thirty member states together holding a share of at least one third of the world’s vessel tonnage. With around 90% of all global trade carried by ocean freight the intention was to consolidate dozens of varying standards evolved over the previous eight decades worldwide.

Virgin Atlantic Goes to the Dogs - Again

UK – US – The shipping of pets to a foreign land can be a stressful time for both animal and doting owner, even when either (or both) is famous. When Bev Nicholson from Peterborough decided to take Mugly, her 8-year-old Chinese Crested rescue dog to America to contest the ‘Ugliest Dog in the World’ title she chose Virgin Atlantic Cargo’s pet travel service to help another potential British world champion.

Mystery Still Surrounds What Happened to Polish Truck Driver

UK – Earlier this month, a court in Birmingham ordered the seizure of £1.33 million found hidden in the home of 56 year old Phillip Harthill by officers investigating the death of HGV driver Bogdan Bartczak following a robbery of his truck containing LG televisions with an estimated value of £250,000. The seizure is the biggest ever forfeiture through the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) after it was agreed that the money found should be considered to be the proceeds of haulage theft. DS Jonathan Jones from the Economic Crime Unit, who led the seizure application, said:

Fire Sale of Memorabilia and Domain Names of Company Formed in 1730

UK – WORLDWIDE - It may seem somewhat ghoulish but the chance to purchase an item of memorabilia for what was reputedly Britain’s oldest shipping company may prove irresistible to many in the freight trade, particularly those with long memories. Just the other day, we wrote of the demise of Stephenson Clarke Shipping, the short sea bulk cargo ship operator, which has foundered on the latest economic reef having survived in one guise or another for two hundred and seventy plus years.

On Site Hazardous Goods Training Supplied by Novadata

UK – As road haulage and other logistics organisations find themselves subject to more and more regulations the importance of ensuring staff are not just experienced but hold all the up to date qualifications necessary to ensure they work in a safe and professional manner has become paramount. Training for specific roles and hazards has never been so important but what happens when off site training by a suitably invested company is not practical for geographical reasons? Transport training specialists Novadata announced earlier this year that it has arranged to deliver a set of *ADR Courses to drivers of freight forwarding company Condor Logistics in the Channel Islands.

California Takes the Lead Again in Fight Against Pollution

US –The battle cry of the rail lobby has always been the reduced levels of pollution for freight carried on the tracks when compared to the road haulage of cargo. Now the Union Pacific Railroad is investing $20 million to test new technology designed to reduce emissions from diesel powered freight locomotives in California. A series of twenty five experimental locomotives will be based in two Union Pacific rail yards in California as part of a rigorous test of emissions-reducing technologies. The investment represents Union Pacific's latest effort to further reduce emissions and move closer to America’s EPA's Tier 4 emission standards for new locomotives due to commence in 2015. The experimental engines are intermediate line-haul units, with an operating range of approximately 200 miles, and will be used exclusively in California. Mike Iden, Union Pacific general director, car and locomotive engineering said:

Schiphol Tonnages Down but Compare Well with Rest of Sector

NETHERLANDS – Amsterdam’s Schiphol announced freight throughput figures this week and, despite an overall drop, management executives say these are a clear demonstration that policies at Europe’s third largest cargo airport are paying dividends as compared with the competition in a difficult market. In the first six months of 2012, at a time many were desperately seeking to avoid major falls on poor traffic levels, Schiphol managed a marginal increase of 0.5% to 7,636 freighter flights.

Toyota Honours Application of Lean Management

US – Less than truckload (LTL) carrier and subsidiary of Con-way Inc, Con-way Freight announced this week that it has been named by Toyota Motor Sales (North American Parts Operations) as its 2012 Air freight / less than truckload (LTL) Carrier of the Year. Toyota presented the award to Con-way Freight at its annual logistics partners meeting in Southern California, where the company evaluates performance of its partners, discusses industry issues and shares best practices. The program honours top performers in six categories of transportation/logistics service providers. Neil Swartz, Corporate Manager for National Field Operations, Toyota Motor Sales, USA said:

Twin Annual Events Promote Better Practices

US – Sometimes the most light hearted of events can have a serious purpose and preceding the so called “Super Bowl of Safety”, a four day event devoted to finding the best professional truck drivers working in the country’s road haulage industry there is a lesser known, but fiercely competitive, challenge for another group of trucking industry professionals who play literally a life and death role when it comes to keeping the highways safer.

$6.45 Million Two Year Charter Started This Week

GREECE – Shipping transport services providers Diana Shipping Inc., announced this week that one of its unnamed wholly owned subsidiary companies has taken delivery of a 98,697 dead weight tonne newly built Post-Panamax dry bulk carrier, m/v Amphitrite. This new freighter adds to the company’s fleet of twenty nine dry bulk carriers and two new-build Ice Class Panamax vessels which are expected to be delivered during the fourth quarter of 2013.

Quentin Willson to Speak for RHA

UK – Motoring journalist Quentin Willson will be a keynote speaker at the Road Haulage Association’s (RHA’s) annual lunch, which will be held on Tuesday 2nd of October at the Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Quentin spent over a decade presenting BBC’s ‘Top Gear’ alongside Jeremy Clarkson and was largely responsible for bringing the once scandalously high price of new cars in the UK down to the same level as the rest of Europe

Two Weeks Left to Take That Special Picture

WORLDWIDE –There are just two weeks left to photograph the giant Antonov 124 ‘Ruslan’ freighter aircraft to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the first flight of the freighter and win the chance to continue working with the Volga-Dnepr Group. Photographers can also enter photographs into the contest of Volga-Dnepr Airlines’ Ilyushin IL-76TD aircraft and the Boeing 747 all-cargo planes operated by the Group’s scheduled cargo airline, AirBridgeCargo. The international competition, launched by Volga-Dnepr, is open to both professional and amateur aviation photographers with prizes for first second and third in three categories. In addition, the audience choice prize will be awarded in each nomination category based on the results of internet voting and the Grand Prix prize will be a backpack camera bag.

Association Hosts Awards Prior to In Depth Industry Analysis

UK – The RFG AGM and Annual Policy Meeting will be held on 12th September 2012, at The Oxford Centre, Oxford. This meeting provides an opportunity to discuss some of the main issues for rail freight development over the coming year whilst helping to shape the Rail Freight Group’s (RFG’s) policy in these areas. This year, with the focus very much on the Periodic Review 2013, Chris Carr who leads the Department of Transport's Freight Team will give an update on Government's perspectives on rail freight, and the recently published High Level Output Specification. Cathryn Ross, Director of Markets and Economics at the Office of Rail Regulations will also present on the progress of the periodic review, and the crucial next steps in determining freight charges.

Lloyds Register Extended Beyond Traditional Classification Role

UK – CHINA – EUROPE – With the evolving developments required to construct vessels of all types to comply with ever more stringent environmental regulation Lloyd’s Register, the most traditional of organisations, has found itself developing new skills with the design and construction of two new bulk freight carriers contracted in 2010 and launching this year.

Boeing Partnership Cooking Up a Full Fat Diet for the Future

CHINA – Passenger aircraft manufacturers, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) and Boeing this week opened the Boeing-COMAC Aviation Energy Conservation and Emissions Reductions Technology Centre, a collaborative effort to support commercial freight and passenger aviation industry growth. The two companies also announced that the Centre's first research project will explore opportunities to refine waste cooking oil into sustainable aviation biofuel by identifying contaminants in the oil create processes that may treat and clean it for use as jet fuel. Shi Jianzhong, vice president of COMAC said:

Baltic Dry Index Still in Doldrums

UK- ITALY – WORLDWIDE- The brief respite we witnessed in May, when we were able to report the minor recovery for the Baltic Dry Index proved to be short lived and after another ray of hope in July the freight index has continued to bump along in the lower reaches. Whilst container shipping companies fight to increase rates across the globe the dry bulk sector continue to suffer from the overcapacity produced by the gleeful investment in a bubbling market witnessing the Index peaking at over 11,000. The disparity between how both markets are priced was covered in our article about the World Shipping Council in June.

US Military Enlist Company's Help to Prevent Another New Orleans Disaster

US - Trelleborg is a name more usually associated with the nuts and bolts of the shipping business, producing as it does items such as the fender systems which protect the quays and wharves of some of the world’s largest container and bulk freight terminals. Recently however the Swedish headquartered company, Trelleborg Marine Systems, part of Trelleborg Engineered Systems, was able to rapidly supply materials for the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal (IHNC) Surge Barrier project. The nearly two-mile-long surge barrier is a key component in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ ‘Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System’, designed to better protect the greater New Orleans area.

Panalpina Extend Cool Chain Facilities

SWITZERLAND –WORLDWIDE - In the first half of 2012, 20% of freight forwarder and logistics group Panalpina’s air cargo, which was moved on its Luxembourg-Huntsville route, was temperature sensitive and each temperature-controlled shipment was equipped with radio-frequency identification (RFID) sensors. Demand for such shipments is rising and as a consequence, Panalpina is extending its cool chain network with this SmartView technology to ensure seamless monitoring, control and documentation and the feature is also being integrated into the company’s IT platform.

Geodis Support V Ships Charity Cycle Event

UK – Freight forwarder Geodis Wilson has responded to the heightened sporting spirit generated by the London 2012 Olympics with its move to back the sterling cycling efforts of five employees from one of its group partners, ship management company V Ships. The intrepid five, inspired no doubt by British biking hero Bradley Wiggins’ historic win in the Tour de France last month, will set off from London today on the road to the French capital, finishing the 500 kilometres trip in the shadow of the Paris Eiffel Tower five days later.

Official Opening of Auckland Cargo Hub

NEW ZEALAND – Following the extension of its Australian LCL services in March, supply chain management company CEVA Logistics, today officially opened its new multi-user warehouse complex in Auckland, as part of the company’s commitment to strengthen its international air freight, ocean freight and contract logistics operations in New Zealand. The 16,500 square metre complex is located within the Auckland Airport Business District, the largest transport hub in New Zealand, ensuring close proximity to business activity and air service connectivity throughout the country as well as overseas. The district also provides easy access to the Auckland region and is within 35 kilometres of both the Auckland CBD and Port of Auckland.

Light Commercial Vehicle Haulage and PSV Certification from the FTA

UK – The Freight Transport Association (FTA) is offering two brand new training courses for van operators, the Certificate of Excellence for Van Operators who carry general cargoes and the Certificate of Excellence for Passenger Van Operators. The courses are based on the guidelines contained in the association’s Van Excellence Code, which was written with advice and support from many of the UK’s best van fleets and represents an ideal basis for the safe and legal operation of vans and light commercial vehicles.

Freightex Upgrades Mobile Phone Service

EUROPE – Full trailer load freight exchange provider Freightex has launched a new app that its registered hauliers can use to help them identify loads and reduce empty running. Freightex’s new mobile phone compatible website allows its network of hauliers, whom the company says always meet their approved quality standards, to use their mobile devices to enter their location and destination and then search for available loads in the vicinity. Freightex Chief Executive Tim Phillips said:

Extremist Muslim Groups Attacked on Land Whilst International Navies Maintain Pressure at Sea

SOMALIA – With the seizure of bulk freight and container shipping vessels much reduced in recent months due to the inclement weather, the adoption of Best Management Practices, the vigilance of an increased and more collaborative multinational naval presence and the siting of armed security personnel on merchant ships, there has been far less pirate activity to report of late but this hardly means the country, and the surrounding waters, are not still in turmoil.

Transoil Reinforces its Position with Freight One Purchase

RUSSIA – Private rail freight operator, Freight One has approved the sale of 10,000 used tank wagons, for carrying crude oil and oil products, to rail cargo transport and logistics providers Transoil LLC. Sold for an undisclosed price, market analysts have estimated the deal to be around RUB 10 to 12 billion ($375 million) and according to Freight One, the tank cars are being sold at a market price that has been determined by the companies and takes into account a report by an independent appraiser. Freight One, in a statement, said:

Thirty Day Cooling Off Period for Mediation

GUATEMALA – As the country basks in the glory of its first ever Olympic medal win following Erick Barrondo’s silver in the twenty kilometre walk comes news that the troubled state has seen the military withdraw from the Port of Puerto Quetzal as a result of an agreement between the government and the port workers’ union STEPQ (Sindicato de Trabajadores de Empresa Portuaria Quetzal). Secret talks between the container shipping terminal and the authorities to privatise the docks out raged the union which had just last month signed up to a new labour contract.

It's Worse Than That - We're Sold Captain

AUSTRALIA – Excruciatingly named road haulage outfit Star Track Express are boldly going where they have never been before after Qantas announced they were to shed their 50% stake in the express freight group and their equal partners in the venture, Australia Post, are the likely purchasers.

Giant Aircraft Flies in Patrol Boats for Security Support

RUSSIA – To Volga-Dnepr Airlines it doesn’t seem at all ironic when a customer wishes to send large nautical craft by way of its heavy lift project forwarding services, the freight group has after all carried boats, yachts, submarines and submersibles all over the world during its 20-year history so when Russian security agencies needed a specialist in handling oversized cargo to deliver Mangust patrol boats from Moscow to Vladivostok to help maintain security during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation(APEC) summit next month Volga-Dnepr was the obvious choice.

MOL First Quarter Figures are However as Expected

JAPAN - Following our story last December telling of the excellent assistance freely donated by container carrier and ocean bulk freight provider Mitsui O.S.K Lines (MOL) Ltd after the nightmare which was the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in April last year, when the shipping company received an award for the sterling work by the officers and crew of the cruise ship Fuji Maru which delivered aid and support to areas stricken by the disaster, comes news of a further honour for the group. The company was directly affected when one of their ships was irradiated by the meltdown of the Fukushima No.1 Nuclear Power Plant in the wake of the event.

Kuehne + Nagel Maintains Its Long Term Relationship with Bavarian Group

GERMANY – Earlier this month, logistics providers Kuehne + Nagel announced that it is expanding BMW logistics centre in Wörth, Bavaria, by adding 50,000 square metres of space which will bring the total area of the freight hub to 95,000 square metres. The logistics centre supplies BMW plants in Dingolfing, Landshut and Leipzig with K+N organising the transportation services between the supply centre and the BMW production sites. The supply centre will also be used as a cross-dock, where goods from suppliers will be received, handled and distributed to all Bavarian BMW plants.

Ram Raid Thieves Lower Their Sights in Failed Cash Robbery

FRANCE – As anyone who studies the French News knows robberies feature heavily in the headlines most days of the week. The latest tale emerging from the South of the country is a little more bizarre than usual with the story of a smash and grab gone wrong when several armed men attempted to rob a cargo plane as it discharged its cargo of freight.

Logwin Latest to Expand into Fuzhou

CHINA –Air and ocean freight and logistics company, Logwin, has opened a new sales office in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, to strengthen its market presence across South China joining other industry notables such as container shipping line Mitsui OSK, Kuehne + Nagel etc. The city is at the centre of a growing cross straits trade with Taiwan and is home to many leading brand name companies who are investing in the manufacturing sector. As a result, Logwin is expanding its presence and service offering providing a comprehensive range of logistics services, with a focus on electronics, automotive, textiles and light goods. Jimmy Chow, Country Director for Southern China and Hong Kong at Logwin said:

A Renewed Road Haulage, Customs Clearance and Warehousing Deal Helps However

WORLDWIDE–UK - Non-asset based supply chain management company, CEVA Logistics, recently posted their first half and second quarter results whilst announcing the renewal of a valuable freight contract. The group announced an increase of 5.5% in revenue, to €1,808 million in the second quarter which was led by growth in ocean freight. Also in the Q2 EBITDA declined 13.6% to €70 million against €81 million the previous year with improvements in Asia offset by weakness in Southern Europe and the Americas and solid progress in individual geographies was also offset by economic conditions generally. CEO John Pattullo said:

Dualling of the A5 will Prevent More Tragedies

UK - The Freight Transport Association (FTA) this week welcomed the £330 million go ahead for a dual carriageway project on two stretches of the A5 Western Transport Corridor in Northern Ireland. The green-light to proceed with the construction of the road was recently announced by Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy. The two areas of the route to be affected by the planned work are between New Buildings Londonderry, to north of Strabane and from south of Omagh to Ballygawley to Aughnacloy. The improvements will also help boost industry and commerce, as the road is vital to the Northern Ireland economy, forming part of the strategic road network linking towns, cities, and seaports. Tom Wilson, FTA’s General Manager, Ireland said:

Where are the Industry's Superwomen - and Why Aren't there More of Them?

UK – Back in June attendees at this year’s everywoman in Transport and Logistics Leadership Academy, held in partnership with the Freight Transport Association and the National Skills Academy for Logistics, represented a cross section of the industry from a wide range of companies including MAN Truck & Bus, Asda and Wincanton. Women working in the industry shared what they think is standing between them and their career goals in a survey conducted during the event.

Potential for 'Don't Drown' System to Save Lives Worldwide

TANZANIA – US - WORLDWIDE - Regular readers will know that we at Handy Shipping Guide take the bête noir of ferry disasters very seriously, including those in Tanzania, and lambast the global authorities and operators who regularly risk the lives of thousands of others with a casual attitude to maritime safety. Twenty five years ago we in the UK witnessed the distressing sight of a RoRo freight and passenger ferry foundering due to incompetence with the loss of nearly 200 lives but this disaster pales into insignificance in the face of the wanton slaughter of innocents seen in foreign waters.

Global Vehicle Group in Partnership Venture Whilst Testing Innovative Inter Vehicle Communications

CHINA – The Ford Motor Co. announced yesterday it was to venture into the country’s heavy haulage market when its long term collaborator Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC) issued the news it is to buy 100% of the Taiyuan Changan Heavy Truck Company. Ford says it is part of its continued aggressive policy of expansion in Asia which it sees as potentially the world’s richest market for its products. China is the world’s largest heavy truck market, with more sold last year than Europe, North America and South America combined.

TruckWeek Gives Hauliers the Chance to Demonstrate Their Value and Reward Their Staff

AUSTRALIA – The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has launched the second ever TruckWeek in which the road haulage industry will strive to show Australia how ‘trucking delivers’. Running between the 19th and 25th August, the biennial event intends to showcase what trucking can do as well as promoting road safety and praising and rewarding the dedication of its faithful protaganists during a week of trucking industry events. Road freight operators can visit the TruckWeek website to find various information and resources, and register their own event. Chairman of the Australian Trucking Association, David Simon commented:

EU Trading Scheme Plans Dismissed by Other Governments

US – WORLDWIDE – The plans for the future of aviation were discussed last week in Washington by seventeen of the world’s largest aviation powers which convened to debate constructive steps towards a global deal under the auspices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to address the emissions produced by both passenger and cargo airlines. Last month in Saint Petersburg the ICAO’s Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP) unanimously agreed on a CO2 metric system which characterizes the CO2 emissions for aircraft types with varying technologies.

Union Organisation Appeals for Intervention in Turkish Airline Row

UK - SPAIN - TURKEY - The ongoing dispute regarding 305 workers dismissed by Turkish Airlines and covered in our previous articles took a new turn today when the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) wrote to two of the most famous names in football, Manchester United and FC Barcelona, both sponsored by the airline, in a bid to have them persuade the passenger and cargo carrier to change tack over the sackings. The two clubs are due to play a friendly today in Gotenborg.

Safmarine Box Provides Sports Facilities for 100 Children

SOUTH AFRICA – We have extolled the virtues before of the ubiquitous shipping container, used variously over the years for things as diverse as medical centres to giant aquaria and now an unused Safmarine shipping container, converted into a colourful, multi-purpose sports centre in the Western Cape town of Piketberg, has been chosen as one of 12 finalists in the 2011/2012 AfriSam/SAIA Award for Sustainable Architecture. The Award, a joint undertaking between South African cement and aggregates producer AfriSam and the South African Institute for Architects (SAIA), is a biennial event which recognises outstanding achievement in sustainable architecture and aims to create public awareness and debate on architectural issues.

Cannes Festival Prompts Dedicated Sailing from Southampton

UK – FRANCE – Whilst we at the Handy Shipping Guide try to maintain our focus on news stories relevant to the freight and logistics industry sometimes it gives us the excuse to include something a little more exotic as our brief is such a wide one. Thus we bring you the news that Peters and May, Hampshire headquartered and the worlds only ISO accredited boat transporter have space on their next sailing to one of the most prestigious, not to say glamorous, events.

State Competition for Business Whilst YRC Issue Q2 Figures (and a Wry Smile)

US – With the current situation it is to be expected that protagonists in different sectors of logistics will battle for supremacy but it seems turf wars are not confined to individual companies and corporations. Behind the standard press releases emanating from Kansas this week are a couple of interesting background stories concerning the biggest online 3PL and one of the country’s largest trucking and road freight haulage groups.

Freight by Water and Scottish Supply Chain Events in September

UK - The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has announced details of two events which will be of interest to anyone involved in the supply chain. The FTA has confirmed details of the forthcoming Freight by Water free one day conference on the 7th September focusing on sea freight services full place reservation details of which are available in our previous article, or simply fax through the FTA’s Booking Form. The second event, which takes place on the 27th of September, is the FTA’s Scottish Supply Chain Conference, which provides freight, logistics and supply chain organisations an opportunity to discuss the requirements of exporters, importers and retailers.

Liebherr Back in Oz After 35 Year Absence

AUSTRALIA – Liebherr Container Cranes Ltd recently secured an order from DP World Melbourne for the supply of one ship-to-shore container crane to the Port of Melbourne, Australia. The crane has a waterside outreach of 50 metres a span of 25.3 metres and a landside backreach of 20 metres. The safe working load of the crane is 65 tonnes under twin lift spreader with a lift height of 38 metre under spreader. Hoist speeds are 70-180 metres per minute, trolley speed is 240 metres per minute and crane travel speed is 50 metres per minute. Crane drives are Liebherr A.C. Speaking about the award of the contract, Liebherr Container Cranes Managing Director, Pat O’Leary commented:

Myanmar and Sri Lanka Witness Development of Network

HONG KONG - MYANMAR - SRI LANKA - Kerry Logistics, already a formidable presence on the Asian freight and supply chain scene, has announced it is to open two new offices on the island state of Sri Lanka and in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, as both countries open up to trade following traumatic periods in both their histories. The new offices are part of its strategy of building a presence and network in emerging markets across the region. Kerry Logistics already have an established freight network in Vietnam, Thailand, India and Bangladesh. Kenneth Ko, Executive Director, International Freight Forwarding, Kerry Logistics said:

Revenues Jump in Most Markets Despite Uncertainty

UK – WORLDWIDE - Virgin Atlantic Cargo yesterday reported an increase in revenue for the 2011/12 financial year despite difficult trading conditions. A 7% year-on-year growth to £239.6 million represents the best financial performance of the air carriers cargo division in its twenty eight year history. The result was driven by an increase in yield of 12%, with overall tonnage down by 5% year-on-year. Performance was strong both in the Europe, Middle East and Africa and the Americas regions, each reporting increases in revenue of 13% and 15% respectively over the twelve months. However, given the challenging conditions of the freight market and lack of a traditional peak season in some Far East locations, revenues from the Asia-Pacific region declined by 7% in 2011/12 compared to the previous year.

Second Major Rail Incident in a Month

US - Less than a month after the last serious accident involving a freight train carrying chemicals, when wagons with a cargo including ethanol left the tracks and exploded causing a fire visible ten miles distant, another, virtually identical accident has occurred in a relatively sparsely populated area of eastern Montana, fortunately without loss of life, in another chilling reminder of the inherent dangers of transporting unstable inflammable materials by any haulage method.

When Does Freedom Fighting Become Extortion and Murder?

NIGERIA –It has been confirmed there has been another attack on merchant shipping in the Niger Delta, this time a vessel or vessels belonging to the Dutch-based, offshore oil and gas company, Sea Trucks Group (STG). The accommodation barge, Jascon 33, was attacked outside the mouth of the Bonny River which flows down from the refineries at Port Harcourt. Twenty seven people were reportedly on the barge, of which seven were expatriate workers. STG confirmed that four nationals from Indonesia, Iran, Thailand and Malaysia on its staff had been kidnapped and that two security guards were wounded in the attack whilst two Nigerian sailors were killed.

Commercial Battle of Sheik versus Sultan in a Modern Day Quest for Primacy

MIDDLE EAST – Whilst much of the world peers anxiously out from beneath clouds of economic gloom the Middle East continues to modernise and nowhere more than the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which is set to spend a reported $60 billion on infrastructure improvements including freight and passenger development. Much of the funding here and elsewhere is being raised using the Islamic bonds or Sukuk’s which encourage private investment throughout the region whilst conforming to religious protocols. The fight to be atop the logistics tree is a fierce one and large sums have been, and are being spent, to secure the title.

(and with the Equipment to handle Heavy Weights)

UK – Freight and Logistics specialists Redhead International recently announced formally opened its new depot in Mallusk, Northern Ireland. The 33,000 square foot terminal features a twenty tonne overhead crane for lifting heavy cargoes, the availability of new office space for third party occupation and up-to-date warehousing and order fulfilment capabilities. The opening ceremony was performed by Northern Ireland’s executive minister for regional development, Mr Danny Kennedy MLA, with attendance from finance minister Sammy Wilson MP MLA, justice minister David Ford MLA along with a number of other leading politicians, many chief executives from Northern Ireland’s business community, customers and suppliers from across Ireland and Great Britain.

Lessons Must be Learned Before Future Disruption

INDIA – The three days of power outages across the country are feared by many to be a portent of things to come, and not only for India. The power grid failure which blacked out large parts of the northern, eastern and north-eastern areas of the country have not been fully explained but to many the cause is obvious, too little generation caused by insufficient infrastructure linking ports to coal fired power stations and excessive draw down due to reduced monsoon conditions leading to wholesale irrigation using pumps and water bowsers delivering to outlying areas. What was interesting was the way the freight industry was affected by the crisis.

BDZ Suffering Under Weight of Credit Agreements

BULGARIA - The parlous state of Bulgaria’s state railway system was illustrated yesterday with comments made by Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov following his meeting with Hans Heinrich Driftmann, Chairperson of the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce, currently in the country following a Presidential invitation. The freight arm of BDZ is its only profitable subsidiary having as it does around three quarters of the country’s rail cargo market.

Investment in New Logistics Facility is Paying Off Says Gebruder Weiss

ROMANIA – Global freight and logistics company Gebrüder Weiss continues to be ‘on the rise’ in Romania despite what it sees as an overall stagnating of the market environment. Over the past three years, the Austrian company has invested approximately €22 million to build a large logistics terminal in Bucharest, establish several locations and acquire building sites for future projects thus becoming one of the top five companies in the country’s cargo sector.

Dachser Invest and Increase Service Schedules

UK - POLAND – Freight and logistics provider Dachser UK has added to its network of services with a regular direct pallet service to its Strykow branch in Poland, from where consignments are delivered across the whole of the country. This new direct Polish service adds to the existing departures via the Dachser hub and spoke network and the company claims it ‘polishes up’ its service offering by further optimising transit times to the Polish market. Nick Lowe, Dachser’s UK Managing Director, comments:

NSW Ready to Sell 99 Year Leases

AUSTRALIA - Plans announced last month by the New South Wales State Government planning to privatise the bulk and container freight handling terminals at Port Kembla and Port Botany have met with opposition from some quarters. The objective is to raise infrastructure investment throughout the state and will wrest control of Botany from the Sydney Ports Corporation who will retain responsibility for safety and security matters with shipping throughput left in the hands of the new owners. Kembla has had much public money spent on improvements of late and is currently run by the state owned port corporation.

Emission Controls Begin, Land Borne Shipments Up and Unions Win Lawsuit

US – In a big week for the American freight trucking and shipping community there are several stories worthy of mention. Firstly the 1st August saw the inception of the North America Emission Control Area (ECA). The area of the North American ECA includes waters adjacent to the Pacific coast, the Atlantic/Gulf coast and the eight main Hawaiian Islands under US jurisdiction. It extends up to 200 nautical miles from coasts of the United States, Canada and the French territories. The second phase begins in 2015 and from 2016 Nitrous Oxide post treatment requirements become applicable.

Sometimes the Smallest Things Can Save Expense for Terminal Operators

UK – Hertfordshire-based Industrial chain manufacturers and suppliers, FB Chain Ltd has announced the launch of a new brand of leaf chain, specifically designed for the type of heavy-capacity forklift trucks, reach stackers and container handlers used in and around ports, harbours and other freight terminals. SEB SuperEndurance chain, which controls a truck’s essential hydraulic mast functions, has been developed to ensure the highest levels of handling equipment uptime while minimising the requirement for routine chain maintenance. Managing Director of FB Chain Peter Church said:

Logistics Centres Dedicated to Growth in the Sector

BRAZIL – DHL Global Forwarding, the air and ocean freight specialist within DHL has opened a new Automotive Competence Centre in São Paulo, Brazil. With nearly 2,000 shipments per month, the centre bundles all the automotive activities of DHL for the local market, which has become of major importance for the original equipment manufacturers and first-tier suppliers.

Box Carrier Suffers Engine Failure and Calls on the Royal Navy

The latest pirate story to emerge from the Gulf of Aden has revealed a detailed picture of British Naval forces deployment in the region, despite the press concentration on the military reserves being held back to protect Olympic interests. With the inclement seasonal weather inhibiting pirate attacks in the Indian Ocean the criminal forces tend to concentrate in the more sheltered waters of the Gulf, or ‘Pirate Alley’ as it is often referred to, threatening merchant shipping. When a 40,000 tonne container vessel, the MV New Delhi Express, suffered engine failure on the 27th July the Royal Navy responded immediately.