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Archives for August 2015

DACHSER opens two new branch offices in Greater Paris

August 25, 2015 by

DA_WB_Quelle Dachser

Kempten, August 25, 2015. International logistics provider DACHSER is repositioning itself in Greater Paris with two new locations in Wissous and Pantin. Paris Wissous, located near Paris-Orly International Airport, serves as a transshipment point for industrial goods. The new Pantin location, northeast of the French capital, is in charge of supply to downtown Paris.

“With our new Wissous and Pantin locations, we are integrating Greater Paris into our seamless network in an ideal way, and at the same time putting ourselves in the most strategic position for city logistics,” explains Michael Schilling, COO Road Logistics at DACHSER.  DACHSER already has a presence in the region through branch offices in Cergy-Pontoise, Villeparisis, and Vemars at the edge of the city. In addition, there are three warehouses and a branch office of the Air & Sea Logistics Business Field at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Gateway to European markets

A 7,000-square-meter, 70-dock transit terminal and 1,500 square meters of office space have been available in Paris Wissous since June. With approximately 100 employees, the terminal is located near several long-distance transit axes that head south or are near the Paris Ring highway. Approximately 170 tons of goods enter the DACHSER network every day from Wissous. In the medium term, the volume is expected to rise to 280 tons, with a strong focus on goods export. The new branch office is replacing the former Vitry-sur-Seine location, which had reached the limits of its capacity.

In Greater Paris equipped for the future

The new branch office in Pantin lies in direct proximity to the city’s “boulevard périphérique” freeway. The company now has a 5,800-square-meter, 39-dock transit terminal there with 542 square meters of office space. The Pantin site is taking over supply to all of downtown Paris, and replaces the former Paris-based Aulnay/Unic and Sentier locations. Pantin employs a staff of 45 workers.

DACHSER operates in France with a total of 72 locations and has approximately 3,000 employees. In 2014, revenues from DACHSER France totaled approximately EUR 793 million.

About DACHSER

DACHSER, a family-owned company headquartered in Kempten, Germany, is one of the leading logistics providers.

DACHSER provides comprehensive transport logistics, warehousing, and customized services in two business fields: DACHSER Air & Sea Logistics and DACHSER Road Logistics. The latter is divided into two business lines, DACHSER European Logistics and DACHSER Food Logistics. Comprehensive contract logistics services and industry-specific solutions round out the company’s offerings. A seamless shipping network—both in Europe and overseas—and fully integrated IT systems provide for intelligent logistics solutions worldwide.

With a staff of around 25,000 employees at 437 locations all over the globe, DACHSER generated revenue of EUR 5.3 billion in 2014. The logistics provider moved a total of 73.7 million shipments weighing 35.4 million tons. DACHSER is now represented in 42 countries with its own country organizations.

For more information about DACHSER, please visit www.DACHSER.de

Filed Under: Dachser UK

Geodis acquires OHL (Ozburn-Hessey Logistics) and enhances its Freight Forwarding and Contract Logistics offering in the US

August 19, 2015 by

17 August 2015

Levallois-Perret, France

Nashville, Tennessee, USA

GEODIS, the number 4 European supply chain operator – 100% owned by SNCF Logistics – has entered into an agreement to acquire OHL (Ozburn-Hessey Logistics) for an undisclosed amount.

Founded in 1951, OHL is one of the leading 3PL companies in the world, operating more than 120 value-added distribution centers in North America with over 36 million square feet of flexible warehouse space, and providing integrated global supply chain management solutions including transportation, warehousing, customs brokerage, freight forwarding, and import and export consulting services.

“We are proud to welcome the customers and employees of OHL to GEODIS and to provide our global customers with OHL’s expertise and presence in the North American market” says Marie-Christine Lombard, CEO of GEODIS. “Likewise GEODIS offers a second to none Global footprint for North American corporations and the clients of OHL seeking to grow internationally.”

GEODIS is recognized as its clients’ growth partner, offering tailor-made solutions in over 67 countries through its five lines of business: Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express and Road Transport. With over 120,000 customers and 30,000 employees, GEODIS’s annual revenue amounts to €6.8 billion.

Earlier this year, GEODIS has unified its offering under one unique brand: GEODIS. In time, OHL will also be rebranded GEODIS.

“We are excited to join forces with GEODIS and look forward to the extended reach of a worldwide Group” says Randy Curran, CEO of OHL. “Both organizations have a long tradition of finding world class supply chain solutions for customers in pursuit of the superior customer experience.”

Employing over 8,000 transportation and fulfillment professionals, OHL has unparalleled experience in direct-to-consumer fulfillment, serving a wide range of business sectors from specialty retail to manufacturing. OHL specializes in the sectors of apparel, electronics, healthcare, food and beverage, and consumer packaged goods. OHL’s annual revenue is reported at €1.2 billion.

“Bringing together the complimentary customer portfolios and capabilities, combined with the great cultural fit of both companies makes outstanding strategic sense for GEODIS”, according to Marie-Christine Lombard. “We look forward to our enhanced offer to even better serve our clients as their growth partner.”

OHL is currently owned by private equity firm Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe (WCAS). WCAS focuses its investment activity in two target industries: information & business services and healthcare. Since its founding in 1979, WCAS has organized 16 limited partnerships with total capital of over $22 billion.

The closing of this deal will be effective after completion of the usual regulatory approvals. The transaction will be financed with available cash resources and through existing and new debt arrangements.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com

Filed Under: GEODIS

“K” Line Provides Aid for Promotional Events in the US in support of Tohoku region, Japan

August 12, 2015 by

August 12, 2015

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” Line) has announced that it has provided free ocean transportation of festival decorations that will be used at sightseeing and product promotion events in California, United States, which will be held by six prefectural capitals in Tohoku region, Japan.

These events will be held with the aim of attracting tourism from foreign countries and expanding markets for local products of Tohoku, which was seriously affected by the great east Japan earthquake in 2011,. “K” Line has decided to provide free ocean transportation for the events as part of its support for the reconstruction of the region.

The festival decorations will be used at two events being held in Los Angeles County. One is the 75th NISEI WEEK JAPANESE FESTIVAL on 15 – 16 August in Little Tokyo, and the other is the 2nd RISING TOHOKU FOOD FAIR IN L.A from 20 – 23 August in Torrance.  “K” Line hopes the success of these events will result in improved awareness and tourism for the Tohoku region and interest and demand for its local produce.

Filed Under: "K" Line

Evergreen Orders Ten 2,800 TEU Class Vessels

August 10, 2015 by
150810 Evergreen Orders Ten 2,800 TEU Class Vessels

Signing representatives and witnesses posed for a photo in the newbuilding signing ceremony, from left to right: Mr. Bronson Hsieh, Second Vice Group Chairman of Evergreen Group, Mr. Anchor Chang, Chairman of Evergreen Marine Corporation, CSBC Chairman Mr. Sun-Quae Lai, CSBC President Mr. Lie-Lin Chen

August 10, 2015 – Evergreen Group today signed an agreement with CSBC Corporation, Taiwan to build ten 2,800 TEU class B-type vessels. Witnessed by Evergreen Group’s Second Vice Group Chairman Mr. Bronson Hsieh, the contracts were signed by EMC Chairman Mr. Anchor Chang and CSBC Chairman Mr. Sun-Quae Lai. The first ship is planned to be delivered during the second half of 2017 with the completion of the series due by the first half of 2018. The vessels are planned to be deployed in the intra-Asia trade.

Mr. Bronson Hsieh said, “After the negotiations of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) are concluded, the ASEAN countries, Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand are expected to remove trade barriers, enhancing bilateral trades and thereby boosting  regional cargo growth.  Our decision to invest in these newbuildings is aimed at providing for the growth potential brought about by this free trade development.”

Evergreen’s B-type vessels will be 211 meters in length, 32.8 meters wide, and have a design draft of 10 meters with a capacity of about 2,800 TEU.  The ships are designed to load 13 rows of containers on deck, which is within the span of existing gantry cranes in the major ports of intra-Asian trade.    The hull design of the vessels is wider in comparison to ships of a similar capacity. Such design enables the ships to navigate in shallower ports encountered in the intra-Asia trade and to enhance their cargo carrying capability.

In line with the stringent eco-friendly criteria that Evergreen has imposed on its own operation, the ships will be equipped with CSBC’s innovative Sea-Sword Bow (SSB) technology. This energy-saving device enables the ships to maintain optimum performance in various navigational conditions and to reduce fuel consumption by around 10% compared to traditional bow designs.

The ships are also to be equipped with an electronic-controlled fuel injection engine, which meets the IMO Tier II standards for NOx emission and can reduce the emissions by around 20%. In line with IMO’s requirements of Energy Efficiency Design Index  (EEDI), the ships can cruise at a speeds up to 21.8 knots, enhancing their on-time performance and competitiveness.

To provide shippers with superior transport service, Evergreen is committed to innovative planning and adopts the most advanced shipbuilding technologies to introduce more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly ships.  The programme will rejuvenate its operating fleet thereby enhancing the quality of service offered to customers and reinforcing the line’s competitiveness in the marketplace.

 

Filed Under: Evergreen Line

“K” Line Receives Awards for Vessel Speed Reduction Program from both the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach

August 10, 2015 by

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” Line) received awards for achievement of high compliance rate for their vessel speed reduction programs from both the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach in 2014.

The Port Authorities have implemented the vessel speed reduction programs asking vessels to comply with the speed limit of 12 knots within the designated coastal sea area in order to reduce emissions of exhaust gas when arriving to or sailing from the ports. “K” Line is commended for their voluntary participation in both programs as a shipping company whose vessels call at both ports.  We were awarded by these programs as one of the top performers, based on our total of 170 ships, representing 323 qualifying legs within 40 nautical miles (about 74 kilometers) during 2014 in both ports.

This year, we were awarded the “Vessel Speed Reduction Program” from the Port of Los Angeles for the 7th consecutive year, and “Green Flag Program” from the Port of Long Beach the for the 10th consecutive year, both since the Programs commencement.

The “K” Line Group is making every possible effort to successfully implement its own environmental program, as well as cooperate with any other environmental preservation objectives being introduced by other parties, and will continue to actively contribute to protection of the global environment.

Filed Under: "K" Line

TT Club warns of liability issues due to Calais crisis

August 6, 2015 by

6 August 2015

As the political and humanitarian situation in Calais continues to unfold, the specialist freight transport insurer, TT Club provides a perspective on the implications for the freight and haulage industry and steps which operators can take to avoid heavy penalties from being caught carrying illegal immigrants. While focused on the current situation in Calais, the precautionary measures recommended are generally relevant.

The problem of illegal immigrants entering Western Europe has been a geopolitical issue for several years. Thus far in 2015 it is widely reported that there have been in excess of 37,000 attempts by immigrants to cross from France to England, the vast majority via Calais.

The commercial reality of the situation is highly damaging both for the local economies and the freight industry, the use of which unfortunately appears to be the preferred means of cross border movement. Substantial delays and property damage have ensued; the FTA (UK’s Freight Transport Association) estimates the cost to the industry to be £750,000 per day.

Are these costs to be augmented by operator’s liability for loss and damage to cargo? The action of breaking a cargo unit’s seal immediately brings into question the integrity of the cargo, but even minor human ingress will physically damage cargo. There have been reports of up to 30 people entering a single freight container. When cargo is intended for human consumption the result frequently is that the receiver will simply reject the entire cargo exposing the freight operator to significant claims as well as the costs of destruction and disposal. Furthermore, there are fines of £2,000 per immigrant discovered, which, subject to an appeal process, will be imposed on the driver and freight operator.

As far as cargo claims are concerned most shipments by road into the UK are subject to the Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road 1965 (CMR). The Convention foresees such ‘unpreventable’ cases with the provision that protects the operator ‘in circumstances which the carrier could not avoid and the consequences of which he was unable to prevent’. However, successful defence of a claim is dependent on the circumstances and differing jurisdictional approaches.

So how can operators take preventative steps to help defend such claims and avoid fines?

It is essential not only to have a system in place but also to demonstrate that it is effective.

  • Provide written procedures and instructions to all drivers, highlighting the risks.
  • Provide robust security measures and devices to secure the vehicle, trailer and cargo.
  • Provide all drivers with a security check list
  • Provide training to all drivers on the above
  • Closely monitor all drivers to ensure compliance.
  • Regular checks of the vehicle, trailer and cargo, creating an audit trail.

The UK Border Force has published a document outlying 10 steps to avoiding a fine which can be found in several languages at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-for-hauliers-on-preventing-clandestine-entrants

Applying sound practice, adequate training, use of security devices and regular checking procedures will help reduce exposures. Where an incident has occurred, however decisive early action to involve insurers and experts could result in mitigating the potential cargo claim and saving a portion of the cargo.

A fuller account of TT Club’s advice to cross-channel freight operators can be found on its website  Click here

ENDS

Notes to editors:

TT Club is the international transport and logistics industry’s leading provider of insurance and related risk management services.  As a mutual insurer, 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 on a smaller scale but whose operations face similar risks. TT Club specialises in the insurance of Intermodal Operators, NVOCs, Freight Forwarders, Logistics Operators, Marine Terminals, Stevedores, Port Authorities and Ship Operators. TT Club is managed by Thomas Miller.

www.ttclub.com

Thomas Miller is an independent and international provider of insurance, professional and investment services.

Founded in 1885, Thomas Miller’s origins are in the provision of management services to mutual organisations, particularly in the international transport and professional indemnity sectors; where today they manage a large percentage of the foremost insurance mutuals. Thomas Miller also manages insurance facilities for all the self-employed barristers in England & Wales, as well as trustees of pension schemes, patent agents and housing associations.

Principal activities include:

  • Management services for transport and professional indemnity insurance mutuals
  • Investment management for institutions and private clients
  • Professional services
  • Building defects insurance

www.thomasmiller.com

Filed Under: TT Club

DACHSER UK has been granted full Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status

August 5, 2015 by

Northampton, 5th August 2015

On 21st July 2015, Dachser Ltd was granted AEO(F) status by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). The full certification (Type F) recognises that the company’s organisation and processes are secure, and its customs controls and procedures are efficient and compliant.

The introduction of the Authorised Economic Operator is a key element in the EU security concept which facilitates trade whilst making supply chains more secure and controlled from origin right through to final destination. AEO is also part of a world-wide initiative to secure international supply chains and benefits from mutual recognition with other countries such as the USA.

Nick Lowe, Managing Director, DACHSER UK

Nick Lowe, Managing Director, DACHSER

In order to obtain AEO(F) status, a series of stringent audits are conducted to demonstrate a company’s ability to handle customs goods competently, safely and securely. These include compliance with customs requirements, reliability, financial solvency and fulfilment of the relevant legal and safety regulations.

Authorised Economic Operators enjoy a number of privileges and the AEO certificate also leads to indirect benefits due to improvements in safety and security standards within the company.

Benefits of AEO status include:

  • greater access to customs simplifications
  • priority clearance
  • reduced administration
  • higher transparency through internal control systems: traceability of flows of goods, increased transport security, fewer delays in despatch; improved security between supply chain partners.

Nick Lowe, Dachser’s UK Managing Director, is very enthusiastic about the company’s AEO accreditation. ‘Our successful completion of the very stringent audit process by HM Revenue & Customs is a great achievement and very motivational for the whole team. For our customers, our AEO(F) status provides a clear endorsement of our credentials as secure and reliable logistics partner in respect of international trade.’

ENDS 

ABOUT DACHSER UK

DACHSER UK is part of the Dachser group, a major international logistics provider which on 31 December 2014 generated total sales worth EUR 5.3 billion. 24,988 staff working in 437 locations worldwide handled 73.7 million consignments comprising 35.4 million tonnes. Dachser is now represented in 42 countries.

For more information, please visit  www.dachser.co.uk

 

Filed Under: Dachser UK

Menlo Logistics Wins National Business Success Award

August 3, 2015 by

SAN FRANCISCO and AMSTERDAM — August 3, 2015 — Menlo Logistics (Menlo), the global logistics and supply chain management unit of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW), has won the 2015 National Business Success Award for Logistics, presented by the Dutch Nationale Business Succes Award Instituut in Rotterdam.

This accolade is part of the largest annual business awards in the Netherlands, which are also the only awards with their own weekly television program featuring the winners. An award nomination designates a company as one attaining the highest professional standards, and an award winner is distinguished even further in terms of business success.

Menlo secured this year’s award in the Logistics Service Providers category, with the nomination committee commenting, “We see Menlo Logistics as a stable, progressive company that is expected to achieve many more successes in its market sector in the future.”

Menlo impressed the judging committee with the breadth of its services, including storage/warehousing, value-added logistics services, transport management, product logistics, 4PL and supply chain engineering. In particular, the company excelled in its innovative approach to continuous improvement. This stems from the embracing and adoption of the Lean philosophy that underpins Menlo’s corporate culture and that has the full commitment of all Menlo employees.

Customers benefit significantly from this inclusive, “whole value chain” approach to identifying improvements and savings. Menlo continually asks the question “Why do we do it this way?” thereby determining which act in any supply chain process fails to add value.

Many customers have benefited from Menlo’s Lean expertise, including global corporations such as New Era Cap, Physio-Control and Fox Head, as well as small to midsize manufacturers and retailers seeking to expand their market reach.

In accepting the award, Tony Gunn, managing director of Menlo in Europe, said, “We are delighted to receive this award and thank the Instituut for the honour. This award acknowledges the dedication of our staff throughout Europe. Menlo prides itself on being a proactive partner for its customers. We think and work with them to tackle the challenges presented by their dynamic and ever-changing marketplaces. We have formulated clear values ​​and carry out our activities in a way that always assumes our responsibility towards the environment and the community in which we operate.”

ENDS

About Menlo Logistics Europe

In Europe, Menlo Logistics maintains 20 dedicated or multi-client Logistics Centres and Transportation Control Towers located in the Netherlands, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Hungary and the United Kingdom. This warehouse and transportation network can serve as a pan-European distribution solution, using one or several facilities.

4PL supply chain and transport management solutions, as well as 3PL warehousing, VAS and distribution services, are offered to a variety of vertical industry sectors, including retail and consumer, e-fulfillment, health care, e-returns, manufacturing support, data centre logistics, spare parts and aftermarket supply, and high-tech logistics. The European headquarters is at the multi-client Amsterdam Distribution Centre in the Netherlands. www.menlologistics.com/europe

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

Menlo Logistics images are available at www.conway.com/en/about_con_way/newsroom.

About Menlo Logistics

Menlo 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, California-based Menlo 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 fulfillment and light assembly, through a strategic network of multi-client and dedicated facilities.

With nearly 20 million square feet of dedicated warehouse space in North America, the Asia Pacific, Europe and Latin America and industry-leading technologies, Menlo Logistics creates effective, integrated solutions for the transportation and distribution needs of leading businesses around the world. Menlo Logistics, LLC, is a subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW), a US$5.8 billion diversified freight transportation and logistics company.

Filed Under: Menlo Logistics