Shipping Search - Archive

European Union Set To Follow US, Canadian & Australian Claims

EUROPE – The long awaited results of the enquiry into price fixing by many major carriers are anticipated with relish by major freight forwarding groups and with fear and trepidation by the airlines involved.

MoU with Port of London will save half a million truck journeys across city

LONDON, UK – Managers for London’s new Crossrail project today announced that the more than five million tonnes of material projected to be removed by the scheme will be shipped by barge down the Thames so as to avoid the need for an estimated half a million lorry journeys through the heart of the capital.

Logistics Traffic Anticipated to Top $125 Billion by 2010

INDIA – A paper released by the Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) has stated that it believes that the Indian logistics industry is to increase its value by 17% in the next year to become a $125 billion industry.

(That’s London, Ohio, not London,England)

LONDON – The City of London, Ohio (pop. 8,771) was bought to a stand-still for two hours on Monday night when all seven of the railroad crossings in the city were blocked by a freight train that had broken down.

Partial Resumption of Services as Kestana Fades

HAINAN, CHINA – Tyhoon Kestana, now headed for Vietnam, had abated enough this morning for larger shipping to resume passage in the Qiongzhou Strait which passes between mainland China and Hainan Island. The storm caused over 100,000 people to be relocated on Hainan Island after it first struck on Monday.

New group formed to offer green energy management services

US / SPAIN - ProLogis, a leading global provider of distribution facilities, announced today it has formed a Global Renewable Energy Group to procure new business, manage installations and provide development management services for renewable energy projects globally.

M & S Transit Depot In Leicester to Close

UK –Confirmation today of more bad news for major logistics group DHL with information reaching us that they will close the Marks and Spencer sorting depot at Leicester with the loss of over 100 jobs.

Troubled German Shipping Line Gets a Nod From Government

GERMANY – Despite the fact that the matter will not be discussed until a formal meeting of the German State Budget Committee tomorrow (Wednesday), it looks as though Hapag-Lloyd will receive the €1.2 billion state guaranteed loan it claims to need to ensure its survival.

But European Commission Reduces Market Share Threshold

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – The conditional exemption currently enjoyed by shipping companies from the EU’s antitrust legislation was extended by the commission yesterday for a further five years. The regulation, used to restrict cooperation between ostensibly competing carriers, allows liner companies to enter into cooperation for the purpose of providing a joint service in transporting cargo (so-called "consortia"). The agreement, first introduced in 1995 and regularly extended since was due to expire next April.

China Uses up Her Stocks of Ore and Coal

LONDON – The latest news from the City is of a further fall in the Baltic Dry Index closing last night at 2192 indicating that the larger markets for this type of cargo were “drawing breath”.

Aim to improve Europe-Russia container traffic

EUROPE / RUSSIA – TransContainer, a subsidiary of Russian Railways (RZD), and DB Schenker have signed a set of agreements on cooperation in organising container transport between Europe and Russia, during the 18th plenary session of the Coordinating Council on Transsiberian Transportation (CCTT), which opened today in Munich.

New Sculpture Graces Piccadilly After Shipping From New Zealand

NEW ZEALAND - UK – The 15 metre high sculpture which currently graces the front courtyard of the London Royal Academy of Arts has been successfully installed thanks to the combined efforts of Cory Logistics in the UK and Oceanbridge in New Zealand.

Number of new appointments to management teams

EUROPE - Barloworld Logistics, the South African based supply chain management specialist, has announced a number of high profile appointments in Europe and the broadening of its UK Management team, which it says represents the company's commitment to the market and confidence in its redeveloped software and new managed services.

Overwhelming Public Support to Outlaw Computer Use

US – A federal bill to ban the use of text messages whilst drivers are in transit, has come under fire from the nation’s truckers. The American Trucking Association, whilst supporting the general principle that the industry does not agree with the practice, insists that the new technology used by its members is a safe form of communication.

Shares take a hammering

JAPAN - Mitsui O.S.K. Lines has reported that it expects to suffer an operating loss of 13 billion yen ($146 million) in the six months ended September. The losses have been attributed to container terminal charges and fuel costs being higher than expected in comparison to recoveries in freight rates.

Return of Conference Line Agreements Sought by Shipping Groups

CHINA – EUROPE - The much respected figure of Mr C C Tung, head of Orient Overseas International (OOIL), owners of OOCL has added his weight to the debate surrounding the parlous state of world wide container shipping.

Veolia Sale Indicates Possible Future of Rail Freight

EUROPE – After freeing up national rail freight systems in a wave of privatisation moves, the EU is seeing a rapid return toward what is effectively monopolisation, if not nationalisation, after a series of deals involving the Unions rail companies this month.

Liquidation “impossible” - Minister

TOKYO – Speaking on Sunday morning TV Japan’s minister for transport said that Japan Airlines (JAL), Asia's biggest airline, will not be forced into bankruptcy. Minister Seiji Maehara said that: 'we will not crush and liquidate (the airline),’ further adding that 'it's just impossible.'

Korean Order Postponed for up to Five Years

KOREA – Zim Integrated Shipping Services Ltd., the Israeli carrier, has now delayed receipt of a total of thirteen new container ships with the latest agreement with suppliers Hyundai to postpone receipt of four 10,000 TEU vessels due for delivery next year.

Standard laws on European operators to come into effect

EUROPE / UK – New European legislation designed to tighten up road operator licensing and harmonise the rules on cabotage - the movement of freight in one country by a vehicle registered in another - has been welcomed by the UK’s Freight Transport Association (FTA).

‘Optimistic’ - ATA

USA - The American truck haulage industry has recorded a second month in tonnage growth in August which has prompted industry watchers to predict that the worst of the recession has passed.

Dock Workers Vow To Close Piraeus And Await Election Result

GREECE – Reports today indicate that Greek dockers will hold a pair of 48 hour strikes beginning the 1st and 5th October in an effort to alter the terms under which two of Piraeus’ container quays are to be managed in future.

PD Ports and Teeside University collaborate on new degree

UK - PD Ports has joined forces with Teesside University to deliver a Foundation Degree specifically for those working within the Ports Industry. The qualification has now been approved by the University and last week saw the official signing ceremony take place at PD Ports’ headquarters in Middlesbrough.

Vessel subsequently rescued

MOGADISHU - Somali pirates have boarded a Panamanian-flagged ship heading for Mogadishu, killing its Syrian captain and injuring three crewmen.

First Reports Confused as to Casualties

NETHERLANDS – News in overnight that two freight trains collided overnight near Barendrecht in Holland. The crash is said to have occurred under a viaduct on the outskirts of Rotterdam.

Obama Appoints Truck Industry Lobbyist as Regulator

US – President Barack Obama has taken criticism from several quarters after appointing Ms Anne Ferro, long time CEO of the Maryland Motor Truck Association as the new chief of the troubled Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the body in part responsible for regulating the trucking industry.

Government initiative to assist with infrastructure costs

UK - British fleet operators can now access funding towards the installation of electric vehicle charging points and infrastructure required for other non traditional fuels such as hydrogen and natural gas/biogas stations.

Overhead Traveller Order for Finnish Manufacturer

CHINA – Konecranes, the heavy lift machinery specialists, have confirmed a further order for two of the company’s overhead travelling cranes destined for Sichuan Province in China. This time not for moving containers but meant for the Dongfang Electric Company, a major producer of generating equipment for hydro, thermal and nuclear power plants.

Will unify laws on ocean freight

THE NETHERLANDS – A new United Nations charter, which will replace all existing agreements, was signed on Wednesday in Rotterdam by fifteen nations. The new convention, referred to as ‘Rotterdam Rules’ is designed to clarify the international laws concerning sea freight, particularly in the area of liability. The new rules increase carriers' liability for damage to cargo and simplify claims procedures in case of damage.

CBFCA Announce Training Programme

AUSTRALIA – The Customs Brokers and Forwarders Council of Australia (CBFCA) have announced their intention to standardise the professional qualification awarded to Freight Forwarders in the Country.

Government Drive Disgruntles Some Businessmen

SOUTH KOREA – Major raids by anti corruption officials have caused a drop in share prices for certain companies. Korea Express, the Seoul based port terminal and logistics operator, are today at the centre of controversy after their Busan based operation saw computers and documents seized yesterday.

CSX line sale will improve both commuter and freight carriage

USA – Rail freight operator CSX has agreed to sell the Commonwealth of Massachusetts several sections of rail line and other facilities it owns in the state, which will then be used to improve commuter traffic in the Greater Boston region.

Rail Group Plans To Get It Right This Time

FRANCE – After last weeks announcement that SNCF, the state owned rail carrier, was to receive up to €12 billion in aid to modernise its services, the company have revealed their latest scheme to make the inefficient freight service work more effectively.

Firm toasts success

London City Bond, the UK’s largest dedicated wine and spirits logistics provider, has secured a multi-million pound contract to provide warehousing, distribution and added value services for fine wine importer Fells.

TPN growing despite recession

BIRMINGHAM, UK – The Pallet Network (TPN), the UK’s fourth largest pallet distribution service, is to move into a newly developed 314,700-square-foot distribution facility at the ProLogis Park Midpoint logistics park.

Traffic hoped to increase in future

LONDON – The Green Barge Company has removed the first three barge loads of filter cake, a by-product of soil decontamination, from the future Olympic Park site at Stratford. It is anticipated that the company’s barges will remove up to 3,000 tonnes of material per week as construction at the site steps up, passing via the Three Mills Lock into the Thames.

East Coast Slowed to a Crawl by Freak Weather

AUSTRALIA – In the worst storm of its kind in sixty years the port facilities at Sydney and Port Botany were forced to close, ferry services ceased and air traffic into Sydney and Brisbane was diverted or delayed, as visibility dropped to under 100 metres in places and particle pollution reached record levels.

Arguments Polarise over Freight & Passenger Single System

UK – Arguments are forming about both sides of the EU rail integration plans which would mean a single market with all equipment standardised to enable free transit throughout the entire community.

New aircraft offers better efficiency for carrier

USA - FedEx Express has taken delivery of its first 777 freighter from Boeing. The new aircraft promises to cut transit times from FedEx’s Memphis hub to its Asian depots by 1 to 3 hours, as well as offering greater payload and fuel efficiency.

“Sound Sabre” Used Against Pirate Gangs

SOMALIA – News that the Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) which has been aggressively marketed for the last few years, is now being used against the current wave of modern pirates.

Supply Chain Company wins two new contracts and award

AUSTRALIA / ITALY/ UK - Global supply chain management company CEVA Logistics have started this week with a bang. The company has been awarded two valuable logistics contracts and won an award for its innovation in improving its carbon footprint.

New board member will ‘bring extensive international experience’

DENMARK – Danish shipping giant A.P. Møller - Mærsk have announced that they are to appoint Mr. Trond Westlie to the position of the Groups Chief Financial Officer from the 1st of January, 2010

French Police evict residents of ‘the jungle’

FRANCE - French police moved into the notorious ‘jungle’ refugee camp outside Calais early this morning and began clearing the area. According to reports only 300 migrants are left in the camp, with over a thousand having already left.

Hyundai and Hanjin Announce Joint Venture

SOUTH KOREA – Hanjin Shipping and Hyundai Merchant Marine announced yesterday that they have agreed to share cargo slots on a trans Pacific loop on routes to which each carrier currently dedicates eight ships.

Airline assigns A$30 million for contingency

AUSTRALIA – In its annual report to shareholders yesterday Australian airline Qantas revealed that it is to allocate A$30 million to cover future costs arising from its illegal freight cartel activities around the globe. The company also warned that the amount may have to be increased in the future as investigations and court cases involving accusations of price fixing are ongoing at this time.

O'Neills move giant turbine up mountain

IRELAND - O’Neills Heavy Haulage of Hospital, Co. Limerick, have successfully completed haulage on behalf of Enercon Germany of a 20MW wind turbine up Mount Slievereagh in the county. The turbine, which once completed will stand 60 metres tall and weigh over 300 tonnes, will supply the power needs of all the houses in Tipperary, Mitchelstown and the surrounding areas.

Industry Needs to Adapt to Changing Market Conditions

WORLDWIDE – Latest figures demonstrate that the financial crisis has had a marked effect on global ship construction patterns. Firms such as Waertsilae Oyj, who supply about one third of ships engines world wide, have already moved significant parts of their operations East to take advantage of conditions more conducive to the industry.

STX Pan Ocean sees share price rise

SEOUL- Shares in South Korean dry bulk carrier STX Pan Ocean have risen by 14 percent on the news that the company is in negotiations with Brazilian mining company Vale over a long-term iron ore shipping contract.

Four Officials Suspended Pending Investigation

DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA – Four senior government officials have apparently been sent home on compulsory leave following reports that false claims were made regarding $9 million which the liquidated National Agencies Shipping Company (Nasaco) were said to owe the Mediterranean Shipping Company.

Ambitious upgrade for Kenya’s freight rail announced

KENYA - The Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) has announced it plans to build a brand-new high speed rail network so as to make the country much more competitive in exports. In an announcement last week the corporation began to advertise for a Transaction Advisor who would be responsible for the initial development work on the scheme.

All Eyes on IMO for Leadership

UK – With the forthcoming World Maritime Day scheduled this year for 24th September the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has a pair of proposals to discuss with an eye to limit emissions from seagoing vessels.

Impediment to greater rail use may soon be resolved

MEXICO – A twelve year feud between Mexican rail operators Ferromex and Kansas City Southern de Mexico (KCSM) could be about to be resolved amicably. If final details can be agreed then it opens the potential for a new-era in the country’s freight industry.

Port of Felixstowe announced Business of the Year

OXFORD, UK – The second year of the Rail Freight Group (RFG) awards saw the Port of Felixstowe taking top spot for their determination to promote rail access for all their customers to and from the port. The port now offers 28 daily services to 16 inland destinations including two new services introduced in 2009 by First GBRf to Hams Hall and Freightliner to Birch Coppice, despite the recession.

Part of European-wide port development scheme

IRELAND - The Dublin Port Company is to host two demonstration events for the European "Effective Operations in Ports (EFFORTS)" research and development programme. The events shall take place on the 2nd and 7/8th of October and focus on issues of noise abatement and staff education/training.

Commit 747 for HK-Belgium route

CHINA / EUROPE - TNT is enhancing its service capacity between China and Europe with the addition of a new dedicated B747-400ER freighter. Non-stop flights will operate between Hong Kong and TNT’s European air hub in Belgium and will link into the companies Europe-wide distribution network.

800 companies registered thus far

MUMBAI – Yesterday saw the official announcement of the first Indo-European fair for the transport industry. Euro India Transport Systems (E.I.T.S.) will take place in Metz, France between the 17th and 19th November (not as erroneously reported elsewhere in the freight press October).

Post Election Promises to Stabilise Currency

ALBANIA – The country’s trade is being badly affected by the decrease in the value of the Lek against the Euro. This is the belief of Prime Minister Sali Berisha who wishes to commence negotiations with the European Central Bank.

Mercury and Red Orange make alliance for transhipment service

US – DUBAI – KANDAHAR – Mercury Air Group Inc, the Los Angeles based privately owned aviation services company has joined forces with Red Orange, Dubai based specialists in transport to “awkward” global regions to institute a cargo service to be known as “Final-Mile Peace of Mind”.

Logistics Firms Awarded Contracts in Huge Natural Gas Deal

AUSTRALIA – Work is about to commence on the construction of the facilities required to service the new natural gas extraction, cooling and shipping terminals off the coast. The gigantic project is led by the Chevron Corporation with further backing from Exxon Mobil and Shell. The project will generate around 10,000 jobs and reimburse the Australian Government by about A$34 billion. This figure however pales besides the overall contract terms. The fields, with some 100 miles off the coast, are estimated to hold 40 trillion cubic feet of gas. The sites will pipe the gas to Barrow Island off the Western Australian shoreline where it will be processed and loaded to Liquefied Natural Gas carriers.

Diversity and Corporate Social Responsibility Head the Agenda

LONDON, UK – This week sees the annual conference of the Womens International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) at which a host of matters will no doubt be hotly discussed. There was little dispute as to the 2009 personality of the year award which has gone to Pamela C. Conover (pictured), head of Seabourn, the luxury cruise liner division of the Carnival Corporation. This is the third time Ms Conover has been president of a major line. Commenting on her award in a traditionally male dominated industry she said, “My experience has been that any gender bias has overstayed its welcome, and the smart operators have long since taken to recruiting talent wherever they find it.”

Manufacturer believes that market recovery starting

SWEDEN – Truck manufacturer Scania has revealed that they believe the world economic recession is levelling off and that they are stepping up production at their plants in the anticipation of an improvement in the financial climate and a subsequent improvement in their markets.

Long term loan for ambitious scheme

INDIA - The Indian government has announced that it plans to take a 177 billion rupees ($3.68 billion) loan from Japan to finance the construction of the first phase of its proposed rail freight corridor which will connect the north and western parts of the country.

Supermarket giant defends move

UK - Sainsbury, the nationwide supermarket chain, has come under fire from delivery drivers over their decision to limit their trucks to a top speed of 50mph. Airing their views to Handy Shipping Guide via the Professional Drivers Association, members of the forum concerning the issue have expressed uniformly negative views on the move.

Almost a Million Square Feet Leased in 7 Days

COLORADO,USA – A huge week of announcements even by the standards of ProLogis the Denver based global distribution facility provider. Press releases by the company in the last week show they have leased out 907,000 square feet (over 84,000 square metres) in four separate countries world wide.

Massive Investment To Update Logistics Infrastructure

FRANCE – SNCF France’s state owned railway will spend billions of Euros in the next five years to upgrade and improve its cargo carrying capability. The figures being bandied about vary wildly but, what is certain, is that a large share of the money earmarked for state investment by the Government last month, will be used to promote growth in the sector.

Weekly LCL Service Will Fit Current Cargo Service Profile

Copenhagen – Damco, the logistics arm of AP Moeller-Maersk, have announced a regular LCL service for freight in transit to the Baltic countries from any point in Asia routed through their Malaysian hub.

Calls for greater and longer-term infrastructure planning and investment

UK - A leading transport group has called on politicians not to shy away from infrastructure investment because of the recession. The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has said that, by building a more efficient transport network, politicians could help rebuild the UK economy and help meet Britain’s climate change ambitions.

New CPC qualification con running on net

UK – Skills for Logistics, the skills council for the UK's freight logistics industries, has issued a warning to British truck drivers of a new online scam involving the new driver CPC (DCPC) qualification that came into effect in the UK on the 10th of September.

Somali Raiders Literally “Bottled Out”

MALAYSIA – Molotov cocktails are now de rigeur in the defence of shipping after reports came in today of a North Korean freighter attacked on the 5th September whilst drifting off Mogadishu. The fuel filled bottles formed the basis of the crews defence as they came under fire from automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenades.

Last two years ‘worse than 9/11’

WORLDWIDE - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) yesterday announced that it was revising its global financial forecast for airline losses in 2009. The figure has been amended to an estimation of losses totalling US$11 billion this year. This is US$2 billion worse than the previously projected US$9 billion.

Australian Giant Awards Three Year Deal

AUSTRALIA – Kuehne and Nagel have been appointed logistics supplier of choice by Woolworths, the largest retailer of general consumer items in both Australia and New Zealand. For the next three years K & N will manage all freight emanating globally for the group who employ over 190,000 staff in a retail operation that numbers over 3000 stores.

Transnet CEO Appointment Squabble Continues

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – Accusations levelled at Transnet Freight Rail’s CEO, Siyabonga Innocent Gama, are dividing opinions and causing undoubted damage to the country’s freight capability. Mr Gama was shortlisted for his position after the incumbent Ms Maria Ramos gave up the position earlier this year.

Major Changes for Worlds Transport and Logistics Groups Expected

DALIAN, CHINA - The third annual meeting of the World Economic Forums’s “New Champions” ended on Saturday having established that the country’s affairs are having a revolutionary global impact on trade routes. Old markets are depressed whilst new ones arise as China steps into the economic void which has occurred due to financial problems in the West.

Konecranes to supply new Chennai Terminal

INDIA – Finnish handling equipment supplier Konecranes has announced it has received an order for two environmentally-friendly reach stackers from Maersk CFS, Chennai, India. The AP Moeller-Maersk owned subsidiary is currently equipping its new container freight terminal, its fourth such development in the country.

Trucking Groups See Themselves as Easy Targets for Tax

IRELAND – There is a growing groundswell of opinion amongst Irish truckers that they are to be made scapegoats in the Governments new plans to impose across the board taxes to rectify the country’s financial worries.

Cautious Optimism as Shares in Transport Companies Rise

US – It seems that freight and transport generally are now being viewed favourably by financial analysts on Wall Street. The view seems to be that the hand wringing and head shaking by logistics suppliers’ world wide have caused stock in the major carriers to be undervalued.

Toll Search Continues for Access to New Transport Markets

AUSTRALIA – The much hyped move by Toll Holdings Ltd., the freight and logistics specialists to take over Brambles Ltd., has apparently come to nothing. As detailed here before Toll have aspirations to expand their role as Australia’s second largest logistics group, to a pan Asian base.

18-month pilot program highly successful

USA - Con-way Truckload, a full truckload carrier and subsidiary of Con-way Inc., today announced the launch of Con-way Truckload Regional, designed to complement the company's existing long-haul services. The service is designed to specialise on routes of up to 600 miles.

Hampshire Transport Group To Use Single Brand

UK – Meachers Global Logistics will be the brand name in future for all operations formerly handled by disparate companies within the Meacher Group of companies. The move means that Oast Agencies, the integrated freight forwarding company which became part of Meachers twenty years ago, will now be absorbed together with Meachers Transport and Warehousing into the new format.

Firm wins new chilled logistics contract

UK - Swedish frozen bread product supplier Lantmännen Unibake UK has selected Norbert Dentressangle as its new chilled distribution provider to one of its major customers. Dentressangle will provide a daily collection service from Lantmännen Unibake UK’s manufacturing site in Milton Keynes as well as supplying 15,000 pallet spaces in its state-of-the-art cold store in Easton.

Consortium will purchase 3,000 electric vehicles by 2012

NETHERLANDS – Dutch global logistics carrier TNT has signed as part of a consortium of companies that have issued a joint tender for the purchase of 3000 electric vehicles between 2010 and 2012. The initiative plans to challenge the automotive industry to rise to the occasion by creating a large scale, continuous and substantial demand for electric vehicles.

Bangkok Show Again Cements Trade Relations

Handy Shipping Guide joined the throng of enthusiastic shipping and transport executives who gathered once again at this annual exhibition at BITEC

Fight for Home Market Consolidation Freight Hots Up

US – Several major trucking companies have commented on the oversupply of companies and vehicles in the less than full load haulage market in the country. There was open hostility by executives of several companies at a recent New York freight conference toward the inequality shown by lenders in a shrinking cargo market.

Latest Round of Price Adjustments by Major Container Shipper

HONG KONG – Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) announced this week that they will be instituting new rates schedules for services between Asia and Australia. The increases will be introduced from Tuesday (15th September) and will mean a US $300 rise per TEU on traffic bound for Australia from South East Asia. There will also be a $250 increase per TEU on cargo emanating from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea. These rates will apply from 21st September.

Country is determined to overcome current export problems

THAILAND – Shippers in the country feel China have been imposing extra conditions on a mutually agreed Free Trade Agreement which was signed by the deposed former Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra. The deal, concluded in 2004, was intended to open up a rich vein of trade for Thai exporters by offering zero duty rates and promising the country’s producers an opportunity to sell more of their agricultural produce to their near neighbour.

Could prove of immense benefit to South Asian and European trade

ISLAMABAD - According to news sources in Pakistan the country’s Ministry of Railways has been approached by their counterparts in India and Bangladesh with a proposal to launch a South Asian freight train service between the three countries.

Homeland Security Scheme Proceeds Apace – Compulsory from January

US – The Importers Security Filing Programme, in which all importers based in the US need to register details of most trading partners prior to their export from suppliers, seems to be working reasonably successfully thus far. The scheme is applicable to ocean freight vessel arrivals only.

Unconfirmed reports that cargo to be shifted to subsidiary

FRANCE – A union official has stated that Air France intends to shift the bulk of its freight operations onto its subsidiary Martinair, the low-cost Dutch carrier. In an interview with AFP Pascal Zadikian, a labour representative on Air France’s board, stated that the company had agreed the plan on September 4 and now “we can imagine that in two or three years, they will have transferred the (freight) operations.”

New legislation is expected to encourage careers in logistics.

EUROPE – Due to the institution of the new Drivers CPC qualification, the legal age a person can acquire an LGV (large goods vehicle) licence in the EU has been lowered from 21 to 18. The move is expected to open up a fresh pool of talent to freight and haulage firms by encouraging people to enter the industry at an earlier age.

Concerns that illegal immigrants may find Boulogne ‘easy’

UK / FRANCE - The UK Border Agency has withdrawn its search staff and immigration officers from Boulogne, stating a permanent presence is no longer necessary. A private company has been contracted to take responsibility for checking vehicles for stowaways

Aberdeen Based Company Gains New Contracts

SCOTLAND – ASCO, the specialist Oil and Gas logistics supplier, have signed four contracts to provide services to oil and gas operators: Mobil North Sea LLC, Total E&P UK Ltd, Chevron North Sea Limited, and Nippon Exploration and Production UK Ltd.

TEU’s Down 19% Throughout the Country

HONG KONG – China Merchants Holdings (International) Co. has reported falling container numbers passing through the terminals it runs throughout the country. The news came as the group reported an annual profits fall of 14%.

Dredging program will allow greater access

NIGERIA – The Nigerian government has implemented a program to dredge the Niger River so as to allow freight to be carried from the Atlantic Ocean into the interior of the country. The $233 million scheme will clear silt from a 355-mile stretch of the river between Baro and Warri and is expected to take between 6 to 8 months.

New design revealed for greener ships

JAPAN – Mitsui O.S.K. Lines yesterday announced that the company has formed the concept for its next-generation vessels, which will be technically practical in the near future, by building on and refining technologies it has already developed and adopted.

Provider awarded major paper contract

UK - Supply chain management specialist, TDG, is providing a complete export shipping management service for Europe's leading coloured and specialist paper manufacturer, James Cropper Speciality Papers (JCSP).

European Commission VP Speaks Out on Transatlantic Trade

BREMEN, GERMANY – Günter Verheugen, Vice President of the European Commission spoke today with regard to the ongoing problems of balancing container security against the necessity to continue and encourage trade between the US and Europe.

Five vessels in one go to Far East

UK - Specialist marine shipper Peters & May Ltd recently arranged what is believed to be the single largest shipment of luxury UK built motor yachts on Maersk Line's Rotterdam to Far East route. Five boats with a combined value of £10 million made up the consignment and are to be delivered to customers in Hong Kong and Singapore.

C Butt Will Fulfil Netto Foodstores Logistics Requirements

UK – Long established Northampton haulage firm C Butt Ltd have signed a contract with Netto Foodstores to handle the retailer’s distribution needs for the next five years.

Dissent After CMA CGM Boss Calls for State Aid

DENMARK – The Danish Shipowners’ Association, who represent the country’s major freight carriers, including AP Moeller-Maersk, have spoken out against an appeal last week from the chairman of CMA CGM for Governments to subsidise the industry.

Manifesto to Pressurise Government to Support Growth

UK - The Rail Freight Group and the Rail Freight Operators Association, a compendium of over 150 logistics, manufacturing and retailing companies, this week published their proposed manifesto for the growth and improvement of the industry.

Richmond Becomes First 100% Eco Friendly Carrier

RICHMOND, ENGLAND – Richmond Council have declared their green intentions by moving their entire fleet of trucks and vans onto a diet of – chip fat. In future all the Councils commercial vehicles will run on fuel made from recovered cooking oils. Other Councils around the UK have made the move to a biofuel/diesel mix but Richmond is the first to move their fleet over to a completely recycled fuel source.

MOU Means Increased Opportunities to Streamline Supply Chains

DENMARK – Damco, the leading logistics provider and subsidiary of AP Moeller-Maersk, have released details of a Memorandum of Understanding they have co-signed with Boeings International Support Systems group. Boeing is the largest exporter in the US and shipped in excess of $350 million in aerospace goods and services last year. Boeing employ 70,000 people globally.

All Italian Freight Traffic via Gotthard Road Tunnel Must Report

ERSTFELD, SWITZERLAND – A new modern facility at Ripshausen has opened to ensure no vehicles violate the strict Swiss vehicle laws. All trucks must henceforth report for checking vehicles and loads and to await clearance to enter the tunnel.

West Indies Specialists Increase Handling Capability

LONDON, UK – Jamaica Producers, the long established Caribbean specialist shippers are to increase their East End terminal facilities close to the 2012 Olympic Village to centralise all their UK based West Indies freight traffic.

New agreement solidifies relationship

SWITZERLAND - Panalpina has been formally awarded a contract to increase the logistical support it gives KCA DEUTAG. The new deal means Panalpina will increase the work it already does for the drilling company in Angola, Gabon, Libya, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan over the forthcoming 3 years.

Investment in Port Facilities Despite Decrease in Current Cargo Levels

MONTREAL, CANADA –Despite the recession, and shrinking cargo volumes through the Port of Montreal during the first half of this year, there will be an input of C$9 million of Federal money to improve entry and exit facilities within the Port. The fiscal stimulus will be matched by the equivalent amount of funds from the Montreal Port Authority to improve Port logistics and speed hauliers’ passage to and from loading and discharge points.

Heavy Models New to the Country to Become Available

INDIA – Mercedes Benz are to pursue an aggressive sales policy of their truck and bus models in the coming year, in part due to the downturn of luxury car sales worldwide. The company launched their Actros tipper into India in 2006 and sales have strengthened steadily. The Actros unit is the most successful of Mercedes heavy haulage units with a claimed 600,000 sold worldwide.

Industry Bosses Believe the Worst May Be Over

TORONTO, CANADA – After what all parties agreed was a disastrous year for the industry, rail bosses from around the US and Canada took part in a web conference to discuss the current situation and future prospects for their respective companies.

Horizon Add Port to Their Existing Service

Mr Chuck Raymond, CEO of Horizon Lines said in a statement, "We are excited to add this new dimension to our market-leading services for both the US Gulf and Florida customer base. We have teamed up with the Tampa Port Authority, Ports America, the terminal services provider, and the International Longshoremen's Association leadership to create an excellent new opportunity for Puerto Rico shippers in central Florida."

Shipping Lines Transit Times Cut To and From West Coast Ports

Maersk line have announced a new weekly feeder service between Vietnam and the West Coast US ports via Hong Kong

Signs of recovery for shippers in the region

"Job creation has turned a corner," Olivier Group director Robert Olivier said.

Huge Infrastructure Development Due For Container Carriage

NWS Holdings to partner with China’s Ministry of Railways, to develop and improve the parlous state of the nation’s rail freight system to enable the carriage of far more containers.

MEO to Confirm Agreement of Trade Investments

A Memorandum of Understanding will apparently be signed tomorrow that will allow the Chinese Government and the country’s private sector to invest in the states of Arizona and Nevada

Sole Major Transport Provision Group Reports Mixed Figures

Aboitiz Transport System (ATS) who claim to be the only integrated transport solutions provider in the Philippines, report strong growth

Weekly Feeder Service Increases Box Traffic

UK – Taiwanese container shipping line Evergreen have incorporated Teesport into their Feederlink sailing schedule with immediate effect. The service ties in with the weekly shipping schedules the company runs between the Far East and Rotterdam.

Separate Incidents Leave One Dead and Train Derailed

US – Two freight train crashes yesterday caused the death of one man, 18 year old Rick Cima of Plainfield, Connecticut and a serious derailment at Pueblo, Colorado. Mr Cima died after his truck was struck by a train belonging to the Providence and Worcester Railroad Company which is a regional freight rail carrier operating in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York.

New Project Will Allow High Cube Container Movements

SOUTHAMPTON, UK – Network Rail, the UK national rail company, has commenced a £71 million scheme to improve and update rail freight viability from the port of Southampton in Hampshire up through to Nuneaton, Warwickshire to meet with the West Coast main line.

Old Style Getaways on the Freight Ship of Your Choice

USA – News reaches us of an upsurge in a new version of the old “working your passage” break that was so common for hundreds of years. There was a time that an intrepid traveller, wanting pastures new, would sign on as crew just to get from port to port.

Jobs to go in economy drive

PARIS, FRANCE - Air France – KLM have announced that falling cargo revenues (coupled with reduced passenger numbers) means 1,500 to 3,000 jobs are to be cut in a programme beginning with voluntary redundancies. Talks with employees representatives commence next week to enable the group to formulate a scheme by October.

Will provide key hub for pan-European freight network

GERMANY - Dachser has opened one of the biggest logistics centres in northern Bavaria on a 105,000-square-metre site on the Nürnberg-Feucht-Wendelstein industrial estate. The facility was officially opened today in a ceremony that included the company’s managing director Gerhard Riester and Bavarian premier, Horst Seehofer.

New cranes ordered to cope with increased traffic

HALDIA, INDIA – Another good news story from the subcontinent as Liebherr delivered a further 6 mobile harbour cranes to the docks (pictured) to follow the 26 already delivered to Indian ports since they entered the market 5 years ago.

Logistics provider will run Russian operations

Russia - Benetton Italy, one of the world’s premier manufacturers of casual clothing, footwear and accessories, has chosen Kuehne + Nagel to provide integrated logistics services for its domestic retail operations in Russia.

Lamentable state of freight trade forces changes

HONG KONG, CHINA - Singamas Container Holdings Ltd the group holding company, which includes logistics management operators and numbering the world's second largest producer of sea containers amongst their companies, have proved good to their word and are branching out into more profitable markets in order to survive the ocean freight downturn of the past few months.

Good expectations sees stock rising

USA – Despite the fact that shipments carried by U.S. railroads fell just over 16 percent last week compared with a year earlier, the outlook for American rail freight is buoyant judging by yesterdays share dealing on Wall Street. With traffic at its highest level since March a number of traders are advising their clients to invest in rail stock.

MOL Announce Prices to Increase from October

ROTTERDAM, HOLLAND – MOL (Mitsui OSK Line) has declared a general rate increase for westbound cargo containers from Asia (including Japan) and the Indian Subcontinent bound for Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. The increase will apply to all commodities and equipment, including reefers, and equates to $250 per TEU.

The “Arctic Sea” story has more turns than a corkscrew

TURKEY – Yes, add another country to the list. The Maltese flagged, Finnish owned, Russian crewed, Algeria destined Arctic Sea, boarded by hooded figures supposedly Estonian off the coast of Sweden which ran up the English Channel until disappearing off France was actually hijacked by agents from Israel preventing arms reaching the Middle East – or not.

Things set to improve says UTi CEO

CALIFORNIA – UTi Worldwide the Long Beach based logistics and forwarding company reported a two thirds drop in net profit for the three months to the end of July 2009. Turnover was down by a third to just above $840 million but the nett profit figure fell from circa $34 million to under $12 million.

Harbour to be substantially deepened

AUSTRALIA - Fremantle Ports is about to embark on a major infrastructure project to deepen the Inner Harbour to cater for bigger ships. The project, estimated to cost about A$250million, will enable the port to accommodate the new generation of freight ships that are coming into service and continue the efficient handling Western Australia’s container trade.

Forwarder in Court for Massive Drug Operation

UK – An Essex-based haulier is up in court on charges of bringing a large quantity of cannabis into the UK. Derek Mercer, 70, is accused of using his haulage and warehousing firm in Grays to smuggle at least 1.8 tonnes of the drug into the country.

A brief synopsis of some industry facts from around the world

IRELAND – Research and Markets, the international market research organisation, announced the availability of the Worldwide Process, Distribution & Logistics Consulting Industry report, the annually published Barnes survey featuring industry statistics from and forecasts for the worlds 47 largest trading countries.

Qatari and Dutch Groups join to snap up bargains

QATAR – The largest Qatari investment bank, QInvest, has joined forces with Fortis Bank Nederland to construct a fund dedicated to purchasing deep sea vessel stocks during the current economic downturn.

24 Years for Turkish Skipper Delivering Fuel

ABKHAZIA – War threatened this week as the Georgian breakaway state of Abkhazia, only recognised internationally by Russia and Nicaragua, threatened to sink any Georgian vessels entering what they consider as their territorial waters.

CPC Requirement for All New Trainees to Eliminate “Cowboys”

UK – All companies in the industry will face further costs with the inception of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) which takes effect from 10th September.

On schedule for delivery in 2010

USA - Boeing continues to make progress on the assembly of the 747-8 Freighter, as mechanics completed the installation of the new GEnx-2B engines on the first aircraft which is in final assembly at their factory in Everett, Washington.

Another airline cited for price fixing

AUSTRALIA - The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) today instituted proceedings in the Federal Court against PT Garuda Indonesia Ltd. The airline is the tenth to be the subject of ACCC proceedings for alleged price fixing in the air cargo industry.

Sale will fund aggressive acquisition policy

COPENHAGEN - A.P. Moller-Maersk, the Danish Shipping and oil group, has reported that it plans to sell up to 250,340 of its own shares, about 5.7 percent of the total share capital, to boost its financial resources. The sale is expected to raise around $1.8 billion.

Gradual upturns noted in August figures

WORLDWIDE - Following on from yesterdays story on the increase in the tonnage carried by Russian Railways comes some other hopeful indications that the worldwide freight industry, suffering hard from the recession, is starting to see the ‘light at the end of the tunnel’.

Tonnage figures start to lift

RUSSIA - Russian Railways (RZD) has reported that its rail freight division has suffered a 12.3 percent decrease on tonnage carried in August when compared to the same month last year.

Decision hinges on night flights from Frankfurt

GERMANY – The Chief Executive of Lufthansa Cargo has told Reuters that the German airline could sell-off its fleet of cargo aircraft if night flights were banned from the company’s main hub at Frankfurt.

‘Companies simply cannot afford to carry on’

UK – Representatives of the UK freight industry have very vocally attacked the British governments increase on fuel tax which came into effect last night. With an extra 2.3p / litre on petrol and diesel the average cost across the UK for diesel is 108p per litre / £4.90 per gallon.

ProLogis and JLF agree joint venture

JAPAN / USA - ProLogis, a leading global provider of distribution facilities, announced yesterday that it has entered into an alliance with Japan Logistics Fund (JLF) related to the acquisition of properties from ProLogis' Japan development portfolio.

Current prices ‘unsustainable’

MEDITERRANEAN / NORTH AMERICA – Danish shipping giant Maersk Line has announced that it is to increase it’s rate per container by three hundred dollars on it’s shipments from the Mediterranean and North Africa to the US and Canada. The new rates will apply from the 1st of October