TUI AG has announced it will further reduce its stake in Hapag-Lloyd, subject to approval by the shareholders of the Albert Ballin consortium. The two companies will also terminate the shared hybrid financing scheme. As a result, TUI will receive a cash inflow of €700m by June 30, 2012. In order to completely exit the container shipping business, TUI will obtain the right to call for an initial public offering (IPO) with priority placement of the shares held by TUI any time as of the end of June 2012. TUI also remains entitled to sell its remaining Hapag-Lloyd shares to third-party investors. By June 29, 2012, Albert Ballin will acquire a 17.4% stake in Hapag-Lloyd from TUI for a purchase price of €475m. TUI's stake in Hapag-Lloyd will thus decline to around 22%. Subject to the terms and conditions of the bonds issued by Hapag-Lloyd in 2010, Hapag-Lloyd will also submit a buyback offer to TUI in April 2013 to repurchase further Hapag-Lloyd shares worth €37.5m in total, so that TUI's stake in Hapag-Lloyd will decline further. A company statement from TUI said: "The cash inflow is to be used to further reduce debt and hence enhances the scope in our core business of tourism." Quelle:...

MSC and Zim have announced a new cooperation on the South America East Coast – US trade lane in an effort to enhance their established routes. A statement by ZIM said, "The new joint service offers comprehensive ports' coverage to partners' hubs, and a wider scope of direct links, connecting South America East Coast and the US, responding to customers' needs and improving services." The cooperation, set to commence in the last week of March 2012, is comprised of two main loops:     US Gulf - South America East Coast Service with the following port rotation: Houston, New Orleans, Kingston, Caucedo, Suape, Salvador, Vitoria, Paranagua, Navegantes, Santos, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Pecem, Cristobal, Kingston     US East Coast - South America East Coast with the following rotation: Charleston, Norfolk, New York, Baltimore, Savannah, Freeport, Caucedo, Santos, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Rio Grande, Navegantes , Santos, Rio de Janeiro, Suape, Caucedo, Freeport, Charleston. Quelle: eyefortransport Portal: www.logistik-express.com  

In January, demand for new cars dropped by 7.1% in the EU, compared to the same month a year earlier. In total, 968,769 new registrations were recorded in the region, with on average one more working day than in January 2011 (see Ti Dashboard – Car Registrations: Europe). Registrations varied per market: in Germany and the UK demand for new cars remained stable at -0.4% and 0.0% respectively. In France and Italy registrations fell by -20.7% and -16.9%. The biggest contraction was noted in Portugal (-47.4%) and the largest increase in Romania (+86.4%). For the full year 2011, the number of new registrations totalled 13,111,209 units, a 1.7% decline compared with 2010. Quelle: eyefortransport Portal: www.logistik-express.com

Logistics company Torque, is pleased to announce Paul Boland has been appointed to Head of Freight. Boland’s career with Torque spans over 10 years and this latest move will see him take responsibility for all business communication with imports, exports, air/sea and courier services. Whilst managing the current customer base, Boland will also take charge of the architecture and implementation of Torque’s unique shipment/purchase order management system, which will be rolled out across Europe, Asia and ISC later in the year. Over the last 10 years, Boland has worked across all aspects of imports for a wider and varied account base including Cotton Traders and George at Asda, whilst also expanding the client base of the company and taking the department from a port to port operation to true supply chain management capabilities. Paul Boland, commented: “I am absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity. I am looking forward to the challenge of driving Torque’s freight function into the future.” Quelle: eyefortransport Portal: www.logistik-express.com

UPS looks to capitalise on the booming e-commerce market in 2012. The 1990s introduced the world to the likes of Amazon, AOL and EBay. Companies scrambled to build a presence on the internet and then when the dot com bubble burst in the early 2000s, a sense of reality set in for the business world. Now, thanks to the increasing use of smart phones and social media, the internet market is taking off again. As such, the rise in e-commerce has many companies renewing their interest in this market, including those within the logistics and transportation industry. After reporting an impressive holiday peak season thanks to strong e-commerce sales, UPS unveiled part of its strategy to penetrate the e-commerce market by acquiring privately owned Belgian company, Kiala. Launched in 2001, Kiala operates in Belgium, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Spain. According to Norman Black, UPS spokesperson, "We're devising and looking for new answers in this space," Black said of e-commerce. "We need to be a leader in supporting this type of economic growth." Through proprietary software, Kiala has integrated with more than 450 e-tailers through a network of over 6,500 collection point retail shops. This...

Tata Global Beverages has awarded a three-year contract to Norbert Dentressangle for the UK storage and distribution of its Tetley teas product range. Tata Global Beverages is the world's second largest producer of tea by retail sales. Under the new contract, Norbert Dentressangle will re-locate warehousing from the current Tetley warehouse at Newton Aycliffe, to its own Merlin warehousing facility in Manchester, which will be shared with existing occupant, Kellogg's. In addition to product from Tetley and Kellogg's, Norbert Dentressangle's Manchester site will also consolidate product from Kimberly-Clark's Northern distribution centre in nearby Chorley, prior to delivery to retail and wholesale customers throughout the UK. Norbert Dentressangle will also be responsible for the line-haul of raw tea from Port of Tyne into Tata Global Beverages' Eaglescliffe manufacturing plant in Stockton-on Tees and will operate around 14 shuttles per day – each carrying around 4m teabags - to transport finished product from Eaglescliffe to Manchester. Norbert Dentressangle has invested in the region of £150,000 at the Merlin warehouse which will accommodate around 10,000 pallets of Tetley product. The distribution...

Ron Widdows, the former CEO of Neptune Orient Lines (NOL), has been announced as the new CEO of the Rickmers Group. After ten years with the Rickmers Group and especially, with Rickmers-Linie, Jan B. Steffens is to step down from the twin positions of CEO of Rickmers Holding and of Rickmers-Linie, although he will continue to serve on the Rickmers Group advisory board. Ron Widdows is to become the new CEO of Rickmers Holding and Rickmers-Linie as of April 1, 2012. Rickmers' Chief Financial Officer Ignace Van Meenen will act as his deputy. Announcing this change, Bertram R. C. Rickmers, Chairman of Rickmers Holding, said: "I am pleased to announce that Jan B. Steffens, who asked for this change of role, will continue to be with us on the advisory board and take care of special projects associated with the Rickmers Group." "I am very happy to welcome Ron Widdows to the Rickmers Group. Widdows has over 40 years' experience in the shipping industry, the last 31 years of which were with APL and Neptune Orient Lines where he held the position of Group President and CEO." Rickmers continued: "Ron brings a wealth of experience in container shipping and deep relationships within the industry, with...

Automotive manufacturer Mazda has announced the opening of its new Chicago Parts Distribution Center (PDS) for its Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). The new center, located in Aurora, Illinois, is the last of four that MNAO has opened across the US over the last year. The facility will supply Mazda automotive parts to more than 125 dealers across the Midwest and Canada. "Mazda is thrilled to expand our presence in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs with this new Parts Distribution Center," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. "Once fully operational, this distribution center will enable us to fulfill orders quickly and efficiently to enhance customer service and satisfaction levels throughout the Midwest. We look to this facility to also reduce our carbon footprint through more efficient delivery planning and tracking, all of which are important Mazda commitments." The 250,000 sq ft Aurora facility will supply more than $18m in parts inventory to more than 125 dealers in the region and will serve as Mazda's distribution center for domestically sourced parts. The facility is managed by Caterpillar Logistics, a subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc. The launch of the Chicago PDC is the last...

MIQ Logistics has announced that through a new partnership with its agent INCI Lojistik, it can provide enhanced capabilities for LCL consolidations from Istanbul, Turkey to New York. Partnering with its agent INCI Lojistik, MIQ Logistics collects LCL shipments from any point in Turkey and many points in Eastern Europe, consolidates the freight in Istanbul and transports directly to New York for deconsolidation and final delivery. "Utilizing weekly direct sailings from Istanbul, customers can count on fast, reliable ocean transit times all while leveraging FCL shipping pricing," says Michael Collins, MIQ Logistics Senior Vice President of Global Operations. The company announced that the service can be utilized independently or as a comprehensive end-to-end solution along with warehousing, customs brokerage, global trade management and transportation to the final destination. Quelle: eyefortransport Portal: www.logistik-express.com

As part of the 10th 3PL Summit & 3rd Chief Supply Chain Officer Forum, EFT will be holding a charity silent auction in Chicago on June 19th. The Charity Auction, offering prizes from iPads and Kindles, to wine tastings and holidays, will take place at the fantastic Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel. The proceeds from the auction will be split between The American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) and Chicago Children’s Charities. CEO of eyefortransport, Chris Saynor, hopes that including the Charity Auction in the event will enable the logistics industry to come together to give back, even in these tough times. On the choice of charities, Chris commented: “Natural disasters are a constant threat to both North America and the rest of the World. 2011 was a particularly bad year, but no recent year has escaped the terrible destruction and loss of life, homes and livelihoods that these events cause. The logistics industry is in a unique position to be able to offer practical and fast assistance in times of emergency, and the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) was formed to help coordinate the humanitarian relief efforts from the logistics community. It is for these reasons that we are delighted to support such a great...

Freightways Limited has announced revenues of $192m for the half year ended December 31, 2011. The result is a 9% increase compared to 2010, with EBITDA up 8% year-on-year to $36m. Consolidated net profit after tax of $18.3m was 16% higher over the comparative period of 2010. Managing Director Dean Bracewell said Freightways delivered a strong half year operating result that "is above the prior period in all respects, again demonstrating the resilience of the Group, the positive features of the market it operates in and the high quality of its subsidiary businesses." Revenue from its core express package & business mail division was $149m, an increase of 6% compared to the same period of 2010. The division contributes approximately 80% of Freightways' revenue and earnings through its brands of New Zealand Couriers, Post Haste, Castle Parcels, NOW Couriers, SUB60, Security Express, Kiwi Express and DX Mail. Revenue from its information management division was $44m for the half year, a 19% increase compared to the half year period in 2010. Bracewell added that the highlights of the half year "include the very positive financial performance of the Group, the completion of two acquisitions, one in...

After five years of working together through a joint subsidiary, CMA CGM Group and IBM have announced a new strategic partnership. Under the terms of the five-year agreement, IBM will provide industry-specific expertise in new technologies, such as cloud computing and analytics, and support CMA CGM's growth by delivering information technology services that will help CMA CGM  significantly reduce costs. The IT teams from the two companies will be merged into a new subsidiary, CMA Systems, which will have an equally represented governance structure and report directly to Jacques R. Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CMA CGM. The new services and technologies developed by the new subsidiary, along with its unified organisation, will enable CMA CGM to generate substantial savings in 2012, CMA CGM officials said. Jacques R. Saade said, "Innovative technologies from IBM will help CMA CGM to further improve our customer service. The creation of this new partnership with a global market leader is strategic for the group. This partnership will enable us to offer our customers innovative, purpose-designed IT solutions, while improving our cost discipline." Quelle: eyefortransport Portal:...

Engagement Between Fruit and Vegetable Producer and Transportation Sourcing Expert Continues to Yield Improved Service and Market Competitive Costs Transplace, a leading provider of transportation management services and logistics technology solutions, today announced that Dole Food Company, Inc. successfully completed their third domestic sourcing in which Transplace facilitates Dole’s strategic transportation services for their over-the-road North American freight network. Dole Food is the world's largest producer and marketer of high-quality fresh fruit and vegetables, and is a market leader in packaged foods and frozen fruit. For several years, Dole has employed Transplace's industry-leading transportation sourcing methodology, powered by CombineNet’s proprietary sourcing technology solution. “The partnership Dole Food has with Transplace has proven to work very well and has assisted in our efforts  of contracting for cost competitive, service-minded and capacity committed transportation services to move our North American over the road motor carrier freight network,” said Ulises J. Carrillo, vice president, global logistics, Dole Food. “As Dole continues to focus on the best...

Kerry Logistics has broken ground on the expansion of its multi-purpose Kerry Siam Seaport (KSSP) in Laem Chabang, Thailand. Construction has started on the third phase of the facility and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2012. Growing demand at KSSP bulk and container terminals triggered the expansion with the installation of two new container rotation systems and 31 system boxes for bulk loading. KSSP will also add two 150 m long berths which are expected to be completed by September 2012. Once completed KSSP will have ten operational berths with a total length of 1,500 m. "The expansion has been driven by growing demand across the bulk and box trades and the new berths will help us increase capacity and efficiency across our terminals," said Kledchai Benjaathonsirikul, Executive Director, Thailand, Kerry Logistics. KSSP has been operating since 1995, starting with four conventional berths with a combined length of 720 m. In 2011, throughput reached 6m tonnes of bulk cargo and 160,000 TEUs. The total annual throughput at KSSP is targeted to exceed 7m tonnes in 2012. Quelle: eyefortransport Portal: www.logistik-express.com

Wincanton has issued an Interim Management Statement for the period from October 2011 to February 2012. The statement said that that the company has "continued to trade in line with its expectations" during the period. The company announced it has secured a major contract with retailer Asda and new contracts with SuperGroup, Premier Foods, Chevron, B&Q and Thames Water. Wincanton also announced contract renewals with WHSmith, Husqvarna and Procter & Gamble. During the period Wincanton completed the last disposal in the strategic withdrawal from its Mainland European businesses which "will allow Wincanton to focus on developing its leading position in the UK & Ireland markets." In addition, Wincanton announced the refinancing of its main bank facility in January, following the completion of the disposal of its Mainland European business. Quelle: eyefortransport Portal: www.logistik-express.com

Pantos Logistics has opened a new logistics centre in Laem Chabang, Thailand, with an expectation for bolstering its local warehousing and distribution business. The newly opened 10,000 sq m logistics centre was built on a 45,000 sq m site in an area close to Laem Chabang Port, the largest container terminal in Thailand. With it, Pantos Logistics expects to be able to handle up to 200,000 cu m of cargo a year. The company hopes to attract trade from local customers and businesses in nearby areas including automotive manufacturers, electronics goods manufactures and their subcontractors based locally. In addition to the opening of the Laem Chabang logistics centre, Pantos Logistics plans to expand its inland transportation in Thailand. The company also announced plans to open a logistics centre in Indonesia. Commenting on the opening of its new logistics centre in Thailand, a Pantos Logistics official said, "We are doing our best to enhance our inland transportation service capabilities through the supplementation of local logistics centres and the relevant infrastructure, in addition to port-to-port logistics operations, with the aim of providing first-rate logistics services to business customers."...

FedEx Trade Networks, the freight forwarding arm of FedEx Corp., has announced that it has established operations in Lyon, France, as part of its ongoing expansion initiative. The new office in Lyon, which is located outside of the city at the Lyon Saint Exupery Airport, is the third FedEx Trade Networks office to open in France. The company also has air and ocean freight forwarding offices in Paris and Le Havre. The company has chosen to launch its new operation in Lyon due, in part, to the performance of Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport. Handling more than 300,000 tons of cargo per year, Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport is an important transport facility for the entire Rhone-Alpes region. The city is also home to the Port de Lyon Edouard Herriot, which is the largest inland container port in France for all modes of transport. The area is further served by a dense network of roads and railways, which provides easy access to the whole of Europe. "Lyon is an important cargo hub that is strategically positioned in the heart of Europe," said Pascal Raye, country manager of France. "With our new operations in Lyon, we will be able to provide our customers in the region with the local support they need, while providing...

Members of the G6 Alliance have announced that their cooperation in Asia-Europe container shipping will begin operation in the first week of March – one month ahead of schedule. "We are eager to roll out our competitive products to benefit customers by offering a comprehensive and increased coverage of 40 ports in the Asia-Europe market with more sailing frequency," the members said in a statement. "Customer response to the G6 Alliance is strong, the latest economic condition in the trade supports the timing of the launch, and we are ready to meet the market's expectations." The G6 Alliance, serving the Asia-to-Europe-and-Mediterranean market was announced last December. The G6 Alliance members are the carriers in the Grand Alliance and New World Alliance: APL, Hapag-Lloyd AG, Hyundai Merchant Marine, Mitsui O.S.K Lines, Nippon Yusen Kaisha and Orient Overseas Container Line. The G6 Alliance will launch six services between Asia and North Europe in the first week of March.  Those serving Japanese ports will commence after completion of consultations with the Japan Harbor Transportation Association and labour unions. A seventh service will follow when it can be supported by sustainable...

Ti is pleased to announce that Ken Lyon, a respected expert in the supply chain technology sector, is to join its Global Advisory Board with immediate effect. Ken has a track record spanning over 30 years in this area with experience that includes developing global technology strategies through to analysis and advice regarding existing IT capabilities. Ken's expertise will enable Ti to offer customers an expanded range of research and consultancy services to those which it presently provides to the supply chain and logistics industry. According to Ken, over the past two decades, technology capabilities have become a critical competitive factor for service suppliers and operators. In parallel, technology itself has transformed at a staggering rate and as a result, has also transformed the way we live. "The global transportation giants have had the resources to make enormous investments in technology and continue to do so," he commented. "But most other companies without access to similar levels of capital have had to make smaller, wiser investments, hoping they have made the correct choices. Consequently, more than ever there is a need for opinion, guidance and strategic advice." John...

ProLogis European Properties (PEPR) has announced that it has sold ten UK logistics assets for a total of €180.3m. The disposal comprises 231,650 sq m in ten fully-leased buildings located in the Midlands and North-East of the UK. Peter Cassells, chief executive officer of PEPR, commented: "We are pleased to have owned the bulk of these assets since our formative years. During that time, we have successfully created value through refurbishment and subsequent letting activity. This disposition is in line with our objectives to actively manage the portfolio to optimise value, through focusing on core assets and locations where we have critical mass." This transaction is part of the wider UK portfolio disposition agreed between Prologis, Inc. and Blackstone, a global investment and advisory company. Quelle: eyefortransport Portal: www.logistik-express.com

Agility has announced it has acquired ISO 9001:2008 certification in Chile. The certification applies to Agility Chile's central and airport office locations in Santiago. Obtaining ISO 9001:2008 certification in Chile was a priority for Agility, as the company (in partnership with Transport Intelligence) recently recognized Chile as one of the top ten emerging markets for logistics in the 2012 Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index. "Chile's shipping connectivity, airport and customs efficiency, infrastructure strength and trade agreements with foreign markets make the country one of the world's top emerging markets," said Michael Bible, Agility's CEO for the Americas Region. "Our ISO 9001:2008 certification ensures that Agility's customers can continue to leverage their Chile logistics operations to compete internationally." Quelle: eyefortransport Portal: www.logistik-express.com

Tom France, Director of Global Transportation for Caterpillar gives us an insight into upcoming technologies, and his role at Caterpillar, in preparation for this year’s eyefortransport Supply Chain Technology Forum. Haley Garner, Research Director and Director of the Supply Chain Technology Forum conducted a Q&A with Tom France, Director of Global Transportation for Caterpillar. Haley Garner: Is technology always for the better? (ie. how are you able to balance technology’s upside with Supply Chain Strategy) Tom France: No not always better - it is an enabler once you have the right people and the correct robust process defined. If you have not defined a robust process with knowledgeable people to implement the technology, it is at risk of becoming a green screen typing portal. HG: What role do you play in your company’s purchasing of supply chain technologies? TF: I am the decision maker. HG: What would be your dream supply chain technology solution? TF: My dream supply chain technology solution would be a closed loop procurement-to-pay process with visibility, pre-booking, matching shipment data to order data to need in plant with disruption management and supplier management capability....

Maersk Inc., a subsidiary of the A.P. Moller-Maersk Group, has agreed to sell its subsidiary Maersk Equipment Services Company, Inc. (doing business as Direct ChassisLink Inc) to the private investment firm, Littlejohn & Co. The transaction is expected to be completed in March of 2012, subject to regulatory approvals and satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Direct ChassisLink Inc (DCLI) rents and leases chassis to drayage companies and steamship lines in the US. The company owns or leases approximately 66,000 chassis through a network of 129 locations strategically located on or near key ports and other intermodal hubs in the US. "The A.P. Moller-Maersk Group's strategy is to build on its strong presence in shipping, energy and related activities. We have been pleased with the business levels, the profitability and the quality of management at DCLI. It is, however, a provider of chassis, and it does not fit in our long-term strategic focus. The sale will allow the Group to reallocate resources to the strategic focus areas within shipping, energy and related activities," stated J. Russell Bruner, Chairman and CEO of Maersk Inc. Littlejohn & Co. is a Greenwich, Connecticut-based private...

Norbert Dentressangle has won a new three-year contract with car manufacturer Mazda's UK subsidiary Mazda Motors UK Ltd. The Japanese company has appointed Norbert Dentressangle to provide distribution of automotive parts and accessories to its franchised dealerships across the UK. Norbert Dentressangle makes collections from Mazda's parts distribution centre in Staplehurst, Kent, and delivers consignments via its national shared-user night network to approximately 170 dealers per night. Up to 3,200 modules including parcels, roll cages and large cartons are delivered every week before 8:00am the next day. Mazda's Parts and Accessories Sales Manager, David Elphick commented: "With Norbert Dentressangle's automotive night network we can react quickly to orders of any size from our dealers. The parts are guaranteed to reach dealerships before 8:00am the next day, which in turn enables them to deliver a high level of service to their customers." In addition, Mazda utilises Norbert Dentressangle's bespoke SHARP (Shipment Handling and Reporting Programme) technology, which allows the company to process orders electronically. Quelle: eyefortransport Portal: www.logistik-express.com

DB Schenker Logistics has announced the appointment of Helgi Ingolfsson as its new UK Managing Director with immediate effect. Replacing Jochen Muller who has moved back to Germany to a position within Schenker Deutschland AG, Ingolfsson joins Schenker Limited from the group's Swedish operation. Ingolfsson was most recently DB Schenker Logistics' Director of Air and Ocean Freight for Scandinavia and has experience of all aspects of the freight and logistics business. "This is an exciting opportunity to join the UK organisation at a pivotal point in its development. It has a really stable foundation on which we can now build upon and I am looking forward to the challenge," said Helgi Ingolfsson. "Our move to the new premises at Heathrow later this year will mark a major milestone in the company's UK history and allow us to focus on the growth of all market segments particularly in land freight and contract logistics while in air and ocean we will be concentrating on the vertical markets which my new team are so good at specialising in" added Ingolfsson. Quelle: eyefortransport Portal: www.logistik-express.com

The losses announced by Hanjin Shipping last week demonstrate the possibility that a period of severe loss for the container operators has begun. Over 2011, the company's container business lost KW550bn (€375m) as compared to a profit of KW635bn (€434m) in 2010. This was despite a fall in revenue of just 2.6% and a 12.4% increase in container volumes, driven by higher intra-Asian trade. The trio of Japanese carriers also announced both depressed results and a more pessimistic forecast for the full year. NYK, the largest of the three, saw its container shipping business fall into an operating loss of ¥13.4bn (€133m) for the third quarter ended December 31, 2011. The company revised its forecast for the whole year downwards, seeing a near doubling of operating losses for the entire Group. The performance at MOL OSK Lines was similar, with the third quarter seeing losses (ordinary income) increase to ¥12bn (€119m), in contrast to the same period last year which saw a profit of ¥8bn (€80m). K Line, which reported its numbers in terms of nine monthly figures, also saw a loss of ¥31bn (€308m), although here revenue fell by a more substantial 12%. Overall the demand for...

Ryder's latest earnings depict strong growth for the company during 2011. Taking advantage of acquisitions it made within the past year, the company reported fourth quarter revenue of $1.54bn, a 17% increase and for 2011, total revenue of $6.05bn, an 18% increase over 2010. Although its Fleet Management segment comprises almost 70% of total revenue, the greatest percentage growth came from Ryder's Supply Chain Solutions (SCS) and Dedicated Contract Carriage (DCC) segments. The Fleet Management segment reported fourth quarter revenues of $1.07bn, a 13% increase thanks to fuel services revenue growth of 18% and the ability of passing through higher fuel prices to its customers. For the year, the segment increased revenues by 10%. More impressive were the results from the SCS and DCC segments. Ryder's SCS segment, representing almost 27% of Ryder's total revenue, reported fourth quarter earnings increased 26% to $408.7m. For the year, the segment increased revenues 28% to $1.6bn. Organic growth and its acquisition of Total Logistics Control (TLC) in late 2010 were the key drivers of this growth. DCC, which contributes about 10% of Ryder's total revenue, reported quarterly revenue of $156.6m, an increase of 29%. For...

OOCL has announced it is to increase its rates for westbound trade on the Asia-Europe route. With effect from March 1, 2012, the freight rate for traffic on this route will be increased by USD 800 per TEU. The freight rate increase covers shipments from the Far East (except Japan) to North Europe, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. A company statement said: "The ocean freight rate for the Asia Europe Trade continues to be below the required level to cover basic operating costs. Considering that the current level is unsustainable for the long term, we are announcing a revenue restoration program in order to maintain a viable service level." Quelle: eyefortransport Portal: www.logistik-express.com

Lehnkering has announced a strategic realignment following its acquisition by Imperial Logistics. To optimise the divisions of the company, a number of structural changes will be implemented at Lehnkering. Lehnkering Shipping Logistics & Services (SLS) and Imperial Reederei have been combined into one operating unit in the Imperial Shipping Group. It is hoped this will provide more extensive offerings and a broader service portfolio. However, the Rhein‐Fracht and Lehnkering brands are to be retained for chemical, mineral and gas tanker shipping and joined in the new Liquid Cargo Services division. The Lehnkering locations in Mannheim and Hamburg, Germany continue to operate. Its Dry Shipping division has been integrated into the Dry Bulk Services division of the Imperial Shipping Group. In addition, Bernd Müller has been appointed the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Lehnkering's Chemical Manufacturing Services (CMS) division and Managing Director of Lehnkering Holding at the same time. The CMS division is in charge of the business activities of Lehnkering subsidiary Schirm GmbH. Müller has been responsible for Schirm within the Group for many years. Furthermore, the responsibilities...

Lynden International announced the opening of a new service center in Brussels, Belgium, operating under a new company, Lynden International (BE). The new location adds a key strategic link to Lynden's extensive global network and will help meet the increasing demand for transportation and logistics services in Belgium's medical, pharmaceutical and other growth industries. "We are very excited about this opportunity to introduce the Lynden International name and brand to the Western European market," says Lynden International President David Richardson. "We have had an agent presence in Belgium for years and understand the local demographics and business needs, but now we are offering customers the added benefits and capabilities of Lynden's worldwide forwarding and logistics network with its trademark customer service, advanced technologies and solutions-based business approach. This service center will give new customers greater opportunities and improve service to our existing customers." The Lynden International service center will offer added capabilities to serve the medical and pharmaceutical industries with temperature-controlled shipping and single-point entry departure in and out of...

To better serve customers shipping to Puerto Rico from the U.S. Gulf, Crowley Maritime Corp. will launch a new weekly express less-than-container load (LCL) service from Houston. This service will begin in early February, and will get shippers' cargo to Puerto Rico in only 11 days. Additionally, any cargo needing to be shipped into the Caribbean from Puerto Rico can be relayed to surrounding islands – including Antigua, St. Kitts/Nevis, Anguilla, St. Eustatius, St. Bart's, Montserrat and Saba –via Crowley vessels. Once cargo arrives in Puerto Rico, Crowley's logistics professionals can provide door deliveries from its warehouse using the company's dedicated island trucking services. Crowley also provides additional logistics services, including customs brokerage, warehousing and distribution, cross docking, pick-and-pack, air-freight consolidations, on-island residential deliveries, cargo insurance services and more. "To make this unique weekly service possible, Crowley's logistics team has teamed up with Crowley subsidiary Jarvis International Freight," said Crowley's Ken Black, director of logistics and engineering. "Together we are pleased to offer the fastest services between Houston...

The JAL Group (JAL) reported financial results for the reporting period of April 1 to December 31, 2011, the first three quarters of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012. JAL continued to review aircraft scheduling on each route and enforced measures to increase revenues while examining every cost category to achieve greater cost reduction, such as in fuel costs.  As a result of these efforts, JAL was able to achieve a net income of 146bn yen based on operating revenue of 909.1bn yen, operating expense of 747.4bn yen and operating income of 161.6bn yen. For international passengers, capacity declined year-on-year by 21.2% when measured in available-seat-kilometer (ASK), and demand declined year-on-year by 27.5% in terms of revenue-passenger-kilometer (RPK). Revenue from international passenger operations for the first three quarters of the fiscal year was 288.9bn yen, representing 31.8% of total revenue. In cargo sales, JAL promoted its expertise in carrying temperature-controlled, high added-value goods, such as pharmaceuticals through Haneda airport. As a result of the suspension of freighters and large capacity cuts, many of which took effect in October 2010, the comparative volume of international cargo...

Report shows that container shipping is used to transport weapons. Container shipping is regularly used to channel weapons by Iran and other countries embargoed by the United Nations, as well as 'non-state actors', according to a report just published by the Swedish research institute the 'Stockholm International Peace Research Institute' (SIPRI). The study was based on substantial data collected by SIPRI which is supported by the Swedish Government. The report found that states such Iran and North Korea have learnt from the methods used by drug smugglers to move large quantities of illegal cargo at low cost and with a fairly low chance of being caught. The report states that, "Arms proliferation networks are increasingly adopting techniques pioneered by drug trafficking organizations that integrate their logistics operations within the global supply chain through the use of sealed shipping containers, which are carried aboard vessels that are owned by mainstream shipping companies and engaged in licit trade". This method of moving weapons around the world is also being used by a variety of terrorist organisations. Admittedly, the report found that the largest single means of movement of such cargoes was the...

House of Fraser has appointed Norbert Dentressangle as its multi-channel fulfilment partner. The new contract recognises Norbert Dentressangle's multi-channel retail experience and capabilities, along with its ability to support House of Fraser's ambitious growth plans over the next five years. Norbert Dentressangle will be responsible for the management of House of Fraser's 510,000 sq ft e-fulfilment site in Milton Keynes, including the receipt of goods from House of Fraser's National Distribution Centre, Concession suppliers and inter-store transfers, order picking,  packing, dispatch and returns management. The operation currently involves the handling of more than 140,000 SKUs and several million items ordered per annum. The company will also be responsible for the collating, picking and packing of orders for House of Fraser's growing wedding gift list service. The 24/7/364 operation employs a core workforce in excess of 200 colleagues. In addition to its proven track record in multi-channel fulfilment operations, other key factors in House of Fraser's decision included Norbert Dentressangle's proposals to improve both the processes and culture within the warehouse in line with House of Fraser's aspirations...

The Commercial Court of Nanterre has put Sernam Services Company into receivership. The same judgment appointed Selarl C. Low, represented by Mr. Christophe Basse, as legal representative, and Selarl FHB, represented by Mrs. Hélène Bourbouloux, as official receiver with the mission of assistance. The observation period has been fixed to 6 months. The receivership, at the request of Sernam, will enable the company to carry on its activities in a secure legal framework. Sernam will continue to daily take care, to sort out, to transport and to deliver its customers' shipments in France and in Europe with the usual service quality. Sernam's future now lies on industrial backing. Since November 2011, the company and its shareholder, Butler Capital Partners (BCP), have been looking for potential buyers. The management of Sernam has informed its customers that "several potential buyers, French and foreign ones, are interested in taking over Sernam. With two of them, negotiations are already in an advanced stage". Despite an unfavourable economic environment, Sernam has major advantages. With more than 13,000 customers, Sernam has shown again in 2011 its ability to innovate. It pursued its business...

CEVA Logistics signed a five year contract with Intermas Nets, S.A., a manufacturer of extruded plastic nets. Within its multi-customer warehouse located near Barcelona, CEVA will manage Intermas' inbound logistics, warehousing activities, order preparation and outbound logistics for 2,500 garden products, which will be then distributed to 1,500 stores across Iberia. CEVA will also support Intermas using its Matrix Warehouse Management System (WMS), which allows CEVA to guarantee control and visibility of the customer's products and inventory. Quelle: eyefortransport Portal: www.logistik-express.com

GEFCO will provide vehicle distribution service for automotive manufacturer Chevrolet. Under the new arrangement, GEFCO will provide finished vehicle logistics for onward distribution of Chevrolet products to approximately 33 dealers across the North of England, Scotland, South West England and Northern Ireland. An estimated 5,500 new Chevrolet vehicles per annum will be collected by GEFCO from their recently upgraded facility at Royal Portbury Docks, with the capacity to increase volumes in line with Chevrolet's business requirements. Delivery includes fleet locations in all regions, as well as fleet deliveries and distribution of North American produced vehicles such as Cadillac, Corvette and Camaro. This new partnership builds on GEFCO existing work with Chevrolet in other European countries. Currently GEFCO provides finished vehicle distribution across Russia and Northern Portugal, as well as distribution of North American vehicles from Antwerp into France. Quelle: eyefortransport Portal: www.logistik-express.com  

Panalpina has opened a new logistics center focused on high-value cargo near Moscow. The facility has 6,000 sq m of storage area with 2,500 sq m dedicated to cross-docking activities and about 1,500 sq m to Value-Added Logistics Services (VAS). The logistics center lies within the fenced Krekshino logistics park with controlled entry and exit gates and is within a 70 kilometer radius of three major airports. Within the facility there are 15 inbound and outbound docks. The mezzanine offers an additional 1,500 sq m for spare parts management and reverse logistics or VAS such as fulfillment, postponement, re-packing or kitting. Panalpina expects the logistics center to be fully certified for the highest security standard (TAPA "A") by the end of 2012. By that time the company also expects certifications for occupational health and safety (OHSAS 18001) and environment (ISO 14001) Quelle: eyefortransport Portal: www.logistik-express.com  

DB Schenker has introduced a new intermodal service. The company will now provide semi-trailers to travel along the Antwerp-Novara route via intermodal transport. A new group of up to four well cars will now be coupled or decoupled in Domodossola, Italy, on the Swiss border. Schenker Italiana S.p.A., the Italian DB Schenker company, is responsible for terminal activities in Domodossola. The main leg between Basel and Aachen is under the responsibility of the Market Unit Intermodal at DB Schenker Rail. Specialists at the Swiss headquarters of DB SCHENKERhangartner will also load their own semi-trailers in collaboration with national companies in Belgium, the Netherlands and Italy. The journey from Belgium to northern Italy takes two days door-to-door. The train previously traveled only between Antwerp and Novara. Thanks to the new solution, with up to five weekly departures and eight parking docks, an additional 2,000 full loads can be transported annually in each direction. Quelle: eyefortransport Portal: www.logistik-express.com

Agility announced its recent ISO 14001:2004 and OHSAS 18001:2007 certifications in Italy. The certifications were presented to Agility by Certiquality, a member of the International Certification Network, in recognition of its quality management standards and efforts to implement, maintain and improve its environmental and safety management systems. The certifications apply to all Italian sites and products, including all administrative functions. These achievements follow the ISO 9001:2008, AEOF - Authorized Economic Operator (Full) and SQAS (a safety and quality assessment for companies working with chemicals and dangerous goods) certifications the company has received over the past few years. Quelle: eyefortransport Portal: www.logistik-express.com

Apple has had a good month and a bad month... On the good side, its recent results have made it the largest company in the world in terms of capitalisation, overtaking Exxon. On the not so good side, it has been at the centre of a scandal about working conditions at the company to whom it outsources the assembly of its iPhones and iPads. In a report of a conversation between the late Steve Jobs and Barack Obama, the founder of Apple replied to the question, "What would it take to make iPhones in the United States?" by stating that it could never happen because the US lacked the engineers and the motivation to manufacture the products. iPhones and other Apple products are largely made by a Taiwanese contract manufacturing company which operates under the brand of 'Foxconn' and which bases its huge factory complexes mainly in China. A New York Times story last week reported that the working conditions in these outsourced plants broke the supplier code of conduct between it and Apple, with assembly-line staff often working over 60 hours on assembly lines. In his conversation with Barack Obama, Steve Jobs' explanation for the attraction of these Chinese plants was their flexibility. He cited their willingness to adapt...

Canadian Pacific (CP) Railway Limited has announced an agreement with Canadian Tire Corporation Limited. This agreement extends to early 2017 and awards the railway with the vast majority of Canadian Tire's domestic container traffic. "We're delighted to renew our longstanding partnership with CP," said Pat Sinnott, Executive Vice-President, Supply Chain and Technology, Canadian Tire Corporation. "We rely on rail extensively to get our goods to market. Rail is the most efficient and sustainable way to move our products and CP is a trusted partner that will enable us to continue to deliver products reliably to over 1,700 Canadian Tire, Mark's and FGL Sports retail locations across the country." The agreement builds on the shared successes the companies have had in servicing Canadian Tire's dealers and corporate stores. Recent rail network enhancements completed at CP, and the work already underway to further maximize efficiencies through a facility co-location strategy, will allow the companies to continue to develop and deliver supply chain solutions for Canadian Tire's growing retail business. Quelle: eyefortransport Portal: www.logistik-express.com  

FedEx has announced it is expanding the availability of its SenseAware(SM) service which provides customers with near real-time tracking and increased visibility into their shipments. First announced in November 2009, the information service was initially available to customers in the healthcare and life sciences industries. Now it is available to customers in all industries--such as aerospace, the arts, financial institutions and more--who can benefit from this added level of visibility and monitoring. SenseAware(SM) is a tracking service that provides near real-time data about customer shipments and the ability to share that information collaboratively with business partners. A multi-sensor device enables customers to stay connected to their shipments. Quelle: eyefortransport Portal: www.logistik-express.com  

GPR Logistics (GPR) has announced the acquisition of the East Coast facilities and operations of The Gilbert Company from Maersk Inc., the US land-based component of container shipping company, Maersk Line. GPR now owns The Gilbert Company's East Coast facilities and operations, as well as the rights to The Gilbert Company name and website. The Gilbert Company has been an established warehouse, distribution and transportation services provider to the retail industry for more than 25 years. The company serves customers nationwide across three market segments — big-box, specialty apparel retailers, and their vendors — out of a 300,000 sq ft multi-client warehouse located in Keasbey, New Jersey. The 87 dock-door facility sits on 20 acres and features 280,000 sq ft of warehouse and distribution space and 20,000 sq ft of office space. "Across the board, shippers are challenged by supply chains that are growing longer and more complex, and capacity that's only going to get tighter," said Gregg Prisco, president and CEO of The Gilbert Company. "The Gilbert Company differentiates itself from its competitors by maintaining a customer-centric business model. Our mission is to offer more than just the...

Stolt-Nielsen has reported its unaudited results for the fourth quarter and full year ended November 30, 2011. Net profit attributable to shareholders in the fourth quarter was $22.2m, with revenue of $512.9m, compared with $22.4m and $529.8m, respectively, in the third quarter of 2011. Net profit attributable to shareholders for the full year was $108.2m, with revenue of $2,029.4m, compared with $106.1m and $1,793.7m, respectively, in 2010. A highlight for the company in fourth quarter of 2011, compared with the third quarter of 2011, was Stolthaven Terminals which reported an operating profit of $18.0m, up from $15.8m, reflecting the impact of the company's acquisition of Marstel Terminals and the opening of its new terminal in Singapore. Commenting on the company's results, Niels G. Stolt-Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of SNL, said: "Operating results at Stolt Tankers continued to be held down by an oversupply of tonnage and continued soft market conditions. In contrast, Stolthaven Terminals and Stolt Tank Containers both reported strong operating results for the quarter and the year. Stolt Sea Farm had a good year overall, though it ended on a weak note due to falling turbot prices toward the end of the...

Meet the following Leaders of European Retail Supply Chain in Dusseldorf Global Customer Supply Chain Director, Unilever Corporate Vice President Supply Chain, Henkel Head of Supply Chain, World Duty Free Vice President of Logistics, Coty Head of Supply: Retail Operations and Supply, Boots Head of Logistics Strategy and PMO, Adidas Group The 2nd Retail & FMCG Supply Chain Summit provides an unrivalled opportunity for you to network with top supply chain peers. In addition learn from the most innovative projects that are taking place in the retail & FMCG industries today. You can see a full list of speakers and attendees here.   The agenda is split into three simultaneous sessions: Supplier-Retailer Collaboration Inventory & Forecasting Multi-Channel Delivery This means that you can choose to attend the sessions that are of most relevance or interest to you. Complimentary passes including one night’s accommodation are available for executives working in a senior supply chain role for a Retailer or FMCG. Find out more about the summit and how you can be involved directly here.   Dusseldorf, Germany April 12th-13th 2012

In the run up to the World Economic Forum meeting at Davos, John Manners-Bell, Ti's CEO spoke at the Horasis Annual Meeting in Zurich, Switzerland. The meeting was entitled 'Thriving on Risk' and addressed the salient political and economic risk factors affecting the OECD, BRIC and New Frontier economies. In his address, Manners-Bell warned that although global supply chains had created mutual benefits for developed and emerging markets alike, these same supply chains had increased risk to the entire global economy. Reliance on production in markets such as China and the rest of Asia Pacific has put Western economies at the mercy of inflationary pressures, including labour costs, oil price rises and shipping. Production in remote locations has also brought with it increased exposure to natural disasters, such as the tsunami in Japan and the floods in Thailand. These events brought massive disruption to automotive and high tech supply chains, but both could have been much worse. In addition to this, transport bottlenecks such as the Suez Canal and the Malacca Straits are exposed to terrorism and the seas off Somalia and Nigeria are vulnerable to piracy. However, it is shipping costs which may prove to be the major factor in...

Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates, has bolstered its operations on the Africa trade route. Supporting the trade between Africa and the rest of the world, its weekly cargo capacity into and out of the continent will be over 6,000 tonnes after the launch of flights to Lusaka and Harare on February 1, 2012. The addition of flights to the capitals of Zambia and Zimbabwe comes less than three months after the launch of a dedicated weekly freighter to Accra and Lome and means Emirates SkyCargo now has a total annual capacity of more than 300,000 tonnes to and from the continent. The two new gateways mean Emirates SkyCargo can connect businesses in 22 countries across Africa to its network of more than 100 destinations, while also providing increased opportunities for key trading partners such as China and Japan. "While many regions are experiencing challenging economic conditions, Africa – with a population in excess of one billion and rich in natural resources - is one of the few areas to record growth and the long-term outlook is very positive," said Ram Menen, Emirates' Divisional Senior Vice President Cargo. "We expect demand to be strong for a variety of commodities going into and out...

Panalpina has announced the launch of six new direct Less than Container Load (LCL) services through its in-house carrier Pantainer Express Line. The new guaranteed weekly services all run out of Shanghai (China), separately connecting to Keelung (Taiwan), Manila (Philippines), Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore and Jakarta (Indonesia). The new services meet increased customer demand for reliable LCL solutions on the Intra Asia trade. The company said the six new guaranteed weekly services have been launched to meet increased customer demand especially in the consumer, high-tech and telecom industry and to strengthen Panalpina's position in the LCL market on the Intra Asia trade. The services to Bangkok and Singapore have already existed, but have now been upgraded to two and three sailings respectively per week. The new LCL services are part of Panalpina's long term strategy to grow business on key Asia trade lanes, especially on the Far East Westbound, Transpacific Eastbound, Intra Asia, Asia to Latin America and Asia to Middle East trade. "Intra Asia plays a pivotal role in our global LCL network and in the Group's growth strategy and we are committed to delivering new solutions that meet our...

To support its growing business in Russia, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL) has opened a new office in Moscow, in addition to its current presence in St Petersburg. Moscow is the central vehicle logistics hub in Russia, a market that, after a short set-back in 2009, has seen rapid growth in the automotive and rolling equipment sector over the past years. The Moscow office, located close to Leningradskiy railway station, will be run by Boris Kaportsev, Corporate Account Manager for Rolling equipment customers, and Dmitri Vostrikov, Corporate Account Manager for Auto customers. "Automotive and rolling equipment importers as well as foreign companies building up local production have their main offices in Moscow , and we want to be close in order to support their logistics needs in the best possible way," says Søren Tousgaard Jensen, Managing Director for WWL Russia. The St. Petersburg office will continue to be the WWL head office in Russia. St. Petersburg with its port is the primary location for import and export, and home base for many of the companies' breakbulk and project cargo customers and forwarders. WWL has been operating in Russia since 2003, establishing a fully owned branch office in St....