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Archives for May 2013

Standards of container packing must be improved

London and Darlington, UK, 28 May 2013

It is no surprise that the correct packing of containers is high on the agenda for industry bodies, regulators and insurers, as the consequences of unsafe and badly secured cargo are serious. In fact of all freight transport insurer TT Club’s claims, some 65% feature cargo loss or damage and of these over one-third result from poor packing.  Higher levels of training to maintain and improve the expertise of those employed by shippers, consolidators, warehouses and depots to pack containers is now a primary objective of a number of current industry initiatives.

It is timely therefore that TT Club and Exis Technologies have come together to develop CTUpack e-learning™, an online training tool for those involved in the loading and unloading of containers or Cargo Transport Units.  By exhibiting at TOC Europe in Rotterdam (25th–27th June) both organisations hope to further focus industry attention on the significant and dangerous implications of bad packing and the training required to address the problem.

Designed and produced by Exis Technologies on the initiative of TT Club, and with its financial investment, the CTUpack e-learning™ course is aligned with IMO/ILO/UN ECE* guidelines for packing containers.  Beginning with the foundation course, which will be launched later this year, it will comprise modules that include topics such as cargo or transport and elements that are the equivalent of lessons, covering areas like forces and stresses.

In the future the course will evolve to reflect developments and updates to the ILO guidelines and there is a capacity for additional modules to incorporate cargo specific and more advanced training elements.

The CTUpack e-learning™ foundation course will be available for the web or intranet, in both cases providing administrator functions for setting up and monitoring students’ records. There will also be a SCORM** compliant version for use within standard learning management systems.

Peregrine Storrs-Fox, TT Club’s Risk Management Director, commented “CTUpack e-learning™ follows the well established IMDG Code e-learning training course from Exis, which is also sponsored by TT Club.  Both courses are relevant to the risk management approach that the Club has always fostered within the global freight transport community.   As in other operational sectors of the industry, training is clearly the number one loss prevention measure and, if adopted as a core feature of an operator’s culture, can greatly reduce the number of claims that we see each year”.

* International Labour Organisation/International Maritime Organisation/United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

**The internationally recognised collection of standards and specifications for web-based e-learning

– Ends – 

 

Note for TOC Europe Attendees:

 

‘Challenge Your Skills’ at Stand #E100 

There will be a intriguing and educational challenge at TT Club/Exis Technoloies stand at TOC Europe.  The Container Packing Challenge – 16 pieces including drums and blocks with technical twists such as ‘fragile’ or ‘this way up’ and weights applied to every block.

A prize will be available every day of TOC for the fastest correctly packed container!

www.tocevents-europe.com

About TT Club:

The TT Club is the international transport and logistics industry’s leading provider of insurance and related risk management services.  As a mutual insurer, the TT Club exists to provide its policyholders with benefits, which include specialist underwriting expertise, a world-wide office network providing claims management services, and first class risk management and loss prevention advice.

Customers include some of the world’s largest shipping lines, busiest ports, biggest freight forwarders and cargo handling terminals, to companies operating a handful of vehicles.  TT Club specialises in the insurance of Intermodal Operators, NVOCs, Freight Forwarders, Logistics Operators, Marine Terminals, Stevedores, Port Authorities and Ship Operators.

www.ttclub.com 

About Exis Technologies:

Exis Technologies, headquartered in Darlington, UK, is the leading supplier of computerized systems for the management of dangerous goods in sea transport.  For over 25 years major container shipping lines, ports and shippers have been relying on Hazcheck Systems for regulatory compliance, efficiency and safety in their global operations. They serve 80% of the top container lines.

Exis Technologies also develops e-learning courses.  IMDG Code e-learning is a cost-effective training solution for shore side staff that has been implemented by half of the top 20 container lines as well as shippers and logistics operations worldwide. CTUpack e-learning is the latest addition to their training courses.

www.existec.com/solutions.aspx

TT Club positive trading performance for 2012 confirmed by AM Best

16 May 2013, London:

Specialist liability insurer for the international transport and logistics industry, TT Club has announced another good performance for the year ended 31 December 2012, with further increased gross written premiums, and the Club now maintaining its A- (Excellent) rating for the past eight years.

In a statement today, US rating agency, A M Best has re-affirmed the financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and the issuer credit ratings of “a-” of Through Transport Mutual Insurance Association Limited (TTB) (Bermuda) and its subsidiary, TT Club Mutual Insurance Limited (TTI) (United Kingdom) collectively trading as TT Club.

“The outlook for both ratings remains stable. The ratings of TTI reflect the integral part it plays in TT Club’s strategy, as well as the extensive reinsurance protection provided by TTB, which is expected to maintain excellent consolidated risk-adjusted capitalisation in 2013,” the agency said.

A M Best also noted in its statement on the TT Club:

“Its business profile is supported by a superior service standard, which underpins a high policyholder retention rate of roughly 95%, and by its active involvement in loss prevention and risk management within the industry.”

The TT Club’s gross written premium for 2012 increased to US$182.3M and the Club’s combined ratio – the key measure of the health of its operating performance – reduced to 96.3%.

Knud Pontoppidan, Chairman of the TT Club

Knud Pontoppidan, Chairman of the TT Club, commented:

“We are becoming used to very low or decreasing growth levels across the world and that is impacting global trade and as a result all our businesses. Unfortunately 2013 does not appear likely to break this pattern. In spite of these challenging global economic conditions the Club has maintained a stable financial platform in 2012 from which to deliver our core product and value adding services.”

The A M Best statement also noted that, “in 2013 TTB is expected to produce a combined ratio of roughly 100%. Investment income is likely to be modest but positive, reflecting a conservative investment portfolio and the low interest rate environment.”

“As a mutual, the club is not pressured to generate high returns, however, TTB is expected to continue to produce small pre-tax profits in most years, in line with its performance record since 2008,” the agency concluded.

The key highlights for the TT Club during 2012 were as follows:

* Combined ratio (total claims and expenses divided by net earned premiums) improved to 96.3% from 99.6% in 2011.

* Member retention remains high confirming the continuing strong service ethos within the Club

* Investment return is up to 1.5% from 0.8% in 2011. The Club’s investment portfolio remains low risk, being primarily invested in cash and short term bonds, and it is over 10 years since the Club made a realised investment loss.

* Net result is a surplus of US$4.2M, a 238% increase on 2011.

* Surplus and reserves increased by 2.9% to US$149.7M.

* Very strong capital position, equivalent at A++, the highest rating on the A M Best capital adequacy model.

Charles Fenton, Chief Executive of the TT Club

Charles Fenton, Chief Executive of the TT Club, commented on the results and the A M Best statement:

“As we approach our 45th year of trading next month, we have recently formalised a new brand positioning of “established expertise” and I am delighted that our results and the A M Best ratings fully reflect and support the position we have reached over the years, with continuing positive results in 2012 demonstrated by increased gross written premiums, high policyholder retention, reduced combined ratio and a stronger capital position.”

“The TT Club has always sought to deliver expert insurance solutions and assistance to its Members and supporting brokers through superior underwriting, claims, risk management and loss prevention services, and it is pleasing that an independent and well respected rating agency continues to recognise the stable financial position and performance that underpins all our aspirations,” he added.

The TT Club suffered two major losses during 2012, Superstorm Sandy and the fire and explosions on ‘MSC Flaminia’, whilst these claims are significant they have not impacted negatively on the results for the year, with the performance of the overall claims book remaining within expectations.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

TT Club’s detailed financial results for the year-end 31 December 2012 are available on the TT Club website – www.ttclub.com

TT Club financial year on year figures: 2012 (2011)

· Gross written premium: US$182.3M (US$181.7M)

· Combined ratio: 96.3% (99.6%)

· Investment return: 1.5% (0.8%)

· Net result: US$4.2M (US$1.2M)

· Total surplus and reserves: US$149.7M (US$145.4M)

About TT Club

The TT Club is the international transport and logistics industry’s leading provider of insurance and related risk management services.  As a mutual insurer, the TT Club exists to provide its policyholders with benefits, which include specialist underwriting expertise, a world-wide office network providing claims management services, and first class risk management and loss prevention advice.

Customers include some of the world’s largest shipping lines, busiest ports, biggest freight forwarders and cargo handling terminals, to companies operating a handful of vehicles.  TT Club specialises in the insurance of Intermodal Operators, NVOCs, Freight Forwarders, Logistics Operators, Marine Terminals, Stevedores, Port Authorities and Ship Operators.

Chairman’s Review

The full statement from the Chairman is available from TT Club’s website.  www.ttclub.com

Menlo Completes Registered Agent Certification for Dutch Facilities

Amsterdam, 16th May, 2013

Menlo Worldwide Logistics (Menlo), the global logistics subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW) has recently completed the certification process for its Rotterdam facility and can now confirm that all four of its operating sites in the Netherlands are certified as ‘Regulated Agent’ Airfreight.

The audit was carried out by the Dutch Government agency, the Royal Marechaussee and means that Menlo’s establishments at Amsterdam, Eersel and Maastricht as well as Rotterdam are registered on the European Union database.

The certificate, which is valid for five years, allows Menlo facilities a waiver from all additional physical security inspections of airfreight shipments as well as any additional contextual inspections of airfreight documentation.  These advantages will in turn deliver lower administration costs for customers and avoid potential delays in processing airfreight shipments.

In welcoming the announcement, Tony Gunn, Menlo’s MD in Europe said, “The certification process and audit have been achieved through dedicated teamwork.  Specific subject matter expertise and a commitment to excellence have been required in order to meet the operational conditions and security requirements of the legislation.  I would like to thank the team and, in particular Jos Giele, our Director of Corporate Security for their hard work in attaining this significant certification.  It adds further to the superior level of service that Menlo can offer its customers in Europe.

ENDS

About Menlo Worldwide Logistics Europe

In Europe Menlo Worldwide Logistics maintains seventeen dedicated and multi-client logistics centres located in the Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany and the United Kingdom. This warehouse network can serve as pan-European distribution solution using one or several facilities.

Supply chain and transport management solutions as well as 3PL, warehousing and distribution services are offered to a variety of vertical industry sectors including: fashion & apparel; healthcare and medical equipment; hi-tech electronic and data network equipment; automotive; defence and government services and retail e-fulfilment.

The European headquarters is at the multi-client Amsterdam Distribution Centre in the Netherlands.

About Menlo Worldwide Logistics
Menlo Worldwide Logistics, LLC, is a US$1.7 billion global provider of logistics, transportation management and supply chain services with operations in five continents, including North America. As a third-party logistics provider, San Francisco-based Menlo Worldwide Logistics’ services range from dedicated contract logistics to warehouse and distribution management, transportation management, supply chain reengineering and other value-added services including packaging, kitting, order fulfilment and light assembly through a strategic network of multi-client and dedicated facilities. With more than 17 million square feet of dedicated warehouse space in North America, the Asia Pacific, Europe and Latin America, and industry-leading technologies, Menlo Worldwide Logistics creates effective, integrated solutions for the transportation and distribution needs of leading businesses around the world.

Menlo Worldwide Logistics, LLC, is a subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE:CNW), a $5.6 billion diversified freight transportation and logistics company. For more information, please visit us on the Web at www.con-way.com.

Follow Menlo Worldwide Logistics on Twitter: http://twitter.com/MenloLogistics

Geodis Wilson Honours its Innovators

Paris, 15th May 2013

Geodis Wilson has once more honoured its employees who have shown particular creative prowess, as the Company announces the winners of its annual “Innovation Masters Award” recognising outstanding internal innovative initiatives throughout the logistic service provider’s global network.

The Innovation Masters Award (IMA) is Geodis Wilson’s internal competition designed to stimulate innovative thinking and to improve the performance, processes and products of the Company. The programme was initiated in 2011 in order to enhance Geodis Wilson’s aim of becoming the most innovative trendsetter in global freight management.

This year the award was presented to two teams of innovators and two individuals. The winners, who received their awards at the IMA Presentation Ceremony in Dubai, are:

  • From The Netherlands Cynthia Liauw, Erik Goosens and Rutger Jonker for their Milestone Scan Events project which is about linking the milestones automatically to Geodis Wilson´s track and trace system.
  • Johan Karlsson, Martin Henriksen and Peter Riis Rasmussen from Sweden and Denmark who proposed the development of Package Scanner APP that can be used via smartphones.
  • The Hong Kong office’s Steven Pike for his initiative, the Next Gen & Axapta Reporting Department that should centralize and standardise reporting.
  • From India Raj Kiran Pant’s 24×7 Customer Care idea for an increased customer satisfaction received the fourth award.

“The IMA-program is a product of Geodis Wilson’s corporate philosophy, which contains a commitment to become the innovation leader in the freight forwarding industry”, says Kim Pedersen. “Employee engagement is crucial to the success of this aim and we are justly proud of the standard of entries for the Award and of our dedicated employees, award-winners or not, they are the pivotal factor in delivering top-class customer service.”

The entry and subsequent selection process began in September 2012 and included over 250 submissions. These were whittled down by the regional judging panels to a shortlist of fifteen finalists before the ultimate winners were chosen by the executive board members and previous IMA winners.

ENDS

Photo Caption: (l-r) Pierre Blayau, CEO SNCF Geodis & Chairman of Geodis; Rutger Jonker (Team Netherlands); Martin Henriksen (Team Nordic); Steven Pike (Hong Kong); Raj Kiran Pant (India); Kim Pedersen, Executive Vice President, Geodis Wilson.

About Geodis Wilson and the Geodis Group

Geodis Wilson is a leading global freight management company. With 7.700 employees in more than 50 countries the company delivers tailor-made, integrated logistics solutions to customers enabling them to operate as ‘best in class.’ Geodis Wilson is the freight-forwarding arm of Geodis Group which became part of the French rail and freight group SNCF in 2008. With its 47.600 employees in 120 countries ‘SNCF GEODIS’ ranks among the top 7 companies in its field in the world.

For more information about Geodis Wilson go to – www.geodiswilson.com


Evergreen named Best Trans-Pacific Shipping Line

May 13, 2013

Global ocean carrier Evergreen Line has been awarded Best Ocean Carrier—Transpacific by Cargonews Asia in the 27st Annual Asian Freight & Supply Chain Awards (AFSCA) sponsored by the publication. The award was presented on 9 May, 2013 at a ceremony taking place at Conrad Beijing. Evergreen Line emerged as top choice out of 11 container carriers entered in the competition.

The criteria for the award are maintenance of schedule integrity, effective and easy to use IT systems backed by efficient and professional customer service systems, and comprehensive ports of call on the specific trade.

Evergreen Line operates 14 transpacific services, offering comprehensive port coverage in Asia and North America.  The carrier has been recognized for excellence in many competitions, most recently for its top rankings in “overall performance” and “consultation on schedule changes” categories of CI’s Asian Shipper Sentiment Survey published this February.

The AFSCA awards are designed to honor the respective winning organizations for demonstrating leadership as well as consistency in service quality, innovation, customer relationship management and reliability. The accolade is particularly significant because it signifies a vote of confidence in the carrier’s efforts to provide shippers with quality service.

Priority Freight Enhances its Presence at AP&M Europe

Priority Freight, the award winning global lead logistics provider of time-critical freight transport services is exhibiting for the second year at ‘ap&m europe 2013’ Europe’s leading networking event for the Commercial Aviation MRO & Aftermarket. The exhibition is being held in Olympia Grand Hall, London from the 7th to 9th of May.

“The aviation, aerospace and AOG sectors remain areas where a particular type of specialised logistics services such as ours are often called for to deliver parts for both construction and maintenance in a time-critical and reliable manner.” comments Priority Freight’s Group Managing Director Neal Williams.  “Attending ‘ap&m’ last year my colleagues and I were impressed by the quantity and calibre of airlines, manufacturers, parts suppliers and maintenance companies that were gathered there.  We certainly want to be part of that dynamic community.”

Priority Freight will be showcasing its expedited freight services that have been honed to the height of efficiency by years of experience in the demanding aviation and automotive sector on Stand F54 at the exhibition this year.  The company has an experienced multilingual staff that operates from nine offices located in seven European countries. It provides emergency freight solutions to time-critical transport problems 24/7, 365 days a year around the world.

‘ap&m europe’ is proud of the place it holds in the airline supply chain, facilitating business exchanges and contacts between airlines and their technical supply base. Covering the full range of MRO and related services, exhibitors, delegates and visitors between them represent the full spectrum of activities which go into keeping airlines flying.

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

About Priority Freight: Established in 1996, Priority Freight’s reliability and competitiveness have allowed it to progress rapidly. Now with over 90 employees, the family-run business continues to take pride in maintaining its core values of trustworthiness and value for money. Priority Freight is one of Europe’s leading time-critical freight specialists, helping clients to meet complex and urgent international delivery challenges worldwide. Priority Freight has offices throughout Europe and members of its experienced staff are available 24/7, 365 days a year, meeting its customers’ time-critical transport needs and often beating seemingly impossible deadlines. www.priorityfreight.com

Priority Freight Representatives attending ‘ap&m Europe’ include:

Andrew Austin, CEO

Neal Williams, Group Managing Director

Angela Lynch, Business Development Manager

Stuart Jones, Business Development Manager

Mike Spellman, Managing Director – Heathrow

Arek Kowalewski, Managing Director – Poland