Transport communications

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Archives for September 2016

VGM Period of Grace Ends on 1st October

The three-month settling-in period suggested by the IMO to its Member States in which competent authorities were urged to adopt a ‘practical and pragmatic’ approach to the enforcement of the SOLAS revision stipulating all packed containers have a verified gross mass (VGM) before being stowed aboard a ship comes to an end on 1st October.

29th September, 2016

Long-time champion of the cause of safer container transport and a leading insurer of the international freight industry, TT Club believes that, although reported levels of compliance since the introduction of VGM on 1st July have been encouraging, much still needs to be done to achieve accurate VGM certification and universal enforcement of the rules.

A recent declaration by the liner shipping association, the World Shipping Council (WSC), together with feedback from various container terminals, indicates that the current compliance rate is as high as 95%. The WSC told an IMO sub-committee meeting in early September that the requirement for shippers to produce a VGM for each packed container tendered to its member lines for shipment had been met “without any appreciable disruptions to international containerised supply chains”. In addition, it was noted that the compliance rate rose steadily from 1st July onwards, with the WSC confident that this rise will continue.

Speaking after accepting the Lloyd’s List Maritime Insurance Award for TT Club’s work on VGM, Risk Management Director, Peregrine Storrs-Fox commented, “This high degree of awareness of VGM requirements and the outward signs of compliance are indeed encouraging. However it remains to be seen whether the declared VGMs are accurate, representing the result of an actual weighing process, regardless which of the two permissible methods is adopted”, he said.

It is known that certain terminals and carriers have been engaging with shippers over the three-months since July where inaccuracies are apparent. Anecdotal evidence suggests that shippers are, in the main, simply adding the tare mass of the container to the previously declared weight of the cargo to arrive at a VGM. “While it is positive that shippers recognise the difference between bill of lading or customs declaration weights and VGM, it is insufficient just to add the container mass. The industry needs the comfort of authenticated VGMs comparing the actual mass of packed containers obtained by check-weighing in order to have a true picture of compliance,” said Storrs-Fox.

The WSC has also reported that some IT communication challenges have been, and remain significant. Concern has been raised that some terminals have yet to implement the recommended BAPLIE 2.2 EDIFACT message format, which fundamentally restricts their ability to communicate VGMs to carriers. Where this is the case, TT Club urges immediate action between the counterparties to resolve the situation, not least since it will hinder evidence of compliance being provided to the various port state control authorities.

Post the three-month IMO-recommended period of ‘light touch’ enforcement that ends on 1st October Storrs-Fox emphasised, “There will remain a need for regulators the world over to continue their work in arriving at a uniform standard of enforcement, including consistency in the degree of latitude given to non-compliant shippers. Even now, there would be value in providing national guidance on such matters, where it has yet to be given.”

Industry guidelines issued by TT Club, in partnership with WSC, the cargo handler’s association ICHCA and the Global Shippers Forum (GSF) in the form FAQs, together with further comprehensive information on the VGM regulation, are available here http://www.ttclub.com/loss-prevention/container-weighing

ENDS

Notes to editors

TT Club

TT Club is the international transport and logistics industry’s leading provider of insurance and related risk management services. Established in 1968, the Club’s membership comprises ship operators, ports and terminals, road, rail and airfreight operators, logistics companies and container lessors. As a mutual insurer, the 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.

TT Club is managed by Thomas Miller

www.ttclub.com

Thomas Miller

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
  • Managing general agents

www.thomasmiller.com

GEODIS to make its debut at MineExpo International, Las Vegas

GEODIS will be showcasing its Industrial Projects expertise at MINExpo International 2016. For the first time the global logistics player is exhibiting at this international industry event, taking place from 26 – 28 September in Las Vegas, USA.

MINExpo 2016 is held every four years and has become the focal point for managers and decision makers from the mining industry worldwide. This year’s leading theme of the exhibition is “Solutions. “ MINExpo provides a powerful platform for GEODIS to capture new products and service requirements of an industry that is highly impacted by rapidly changing market conditions for metals, minerals and energy resources”, says Ivan Souza, Global Segment Leader for Mining at GEODIS, “MINExpo gives us the opportunity to underline the great innovation potential of GEODIS as service provider and growth partner to this industry.”

MINExpo International 2016 will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, US from Monday, 26 to Wednesday, 28 September 2016.  For further details please click here

GEODIS – www.geodis.com

GEODIS is a Supply Chain Operator ranking among the top companies in its field in Europe and the World. GEODIS, which is part of SNCF Logistics, which in turn is a business line of the SNCF Group, is the number one Transport and Logistics operator in France and ranked number four in Europe. The international reach includes a direct presence in 67 countries and a global network spanning over 120 countries. With its five Lines of Business (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express and Road Transport), GEODIS manages its customers Supply Chain by providing end-to-end solutions enabled by over 39,500 employees, its infrastructure, its processes and systems. In 2015, GEODIS recorded €8 billion in revenue.

 

GEODIS to showcase at Automotive Logistics Global

SEPTEMBER 15, 2016 LEVALLOIS-PERRE

GEODIS, the international France based transport and logistics provider, will be a Silver Sponsor at the Automotive Logistics Global Conference in Detroit, USA, from 20 until 22 September 2016.

Automotive Logistics Global will host more than 300 senior executive participants from the industry. “This year’s conference theme – A time to decide: the technology, asset and sourcing choices which will define tomorrow’s winners – is of significant importance to the automotive industry and thereby to GEODIS as a provider and innovator in freight management and logistics solutions,” said Mark Ellis, Global Market Line Director for Automotive at GEODIS.

“When we create a custom solution, we offer tools, such as our IRIS platform, that provide visibility and maximize efficiencies along the supply chain,” Mark continues. “Naturally, we are excited to learn more about the challenges that our partners in the automotive sector are facing, as the industry looks beyond the US market and learns more about its consumers through – for example – the influx of big data.”

More information about the Automotive Logistics Global Conference can be found by clicking here.

 

GEODIS – www.geodis.com

GEODIS is a Supply Chain Operator ranking among the top companies in the field in Europe and the World.  GEODIS, owned by SNCF Logistics, which in turn is a business line of the SNCF Group, is ranked as the number four logistics provider in Europe and number seven at a worldwide level. GEODIS is also listed as a “Leader” in Gartner’s 2016 Magic Quadrant of Worldwide 3PLs. GEODIS’ reach includes a direct presence in 67 countries and a global network spanning over 120 countries. With its five Lines of Business (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport), GEODIS manages its customers’ Supply Chain by providing end to end solutions enabled by over 39,500 employees, its infrastructure, its processes and systems. In 2015, GEODIS recorded €8 billion in sales.

GEODIS is further expanding its Air & Ocean Freight Services for high-tech operator Asteelflash

14 September 2106

Following first successful operations in the USA, GEODIS is extending its freight forwarding services for the high-tech operator Asteelflash to Asia, Africa and Europe. The agreement encompasses transport management services including FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less Container Load) ocean freight shipments, as well as airfreight services and customs brokerage.

Veronique Danciu, Asteelflash’s Global Director of Transportation, outlines her company’s reasons for partnering with GEODIS: “the good service, in terms of reliability and visibility, is essential to us. Our markets are challenging both in the variety of product mix and in competitive pressure. Our supply chain management must therefore be resilient to change and innovative in the solutions it delivers. We find that strong personal relationships at all levels between partners are the key to successfully achieving these goals.”

Asteelflash is one of the two leading European Electro Medical System (EMS) companies and ranking among the top twenty global organizations in its sector. Asteelflash provides high quality and complex electronic products to a variety of industrial markets, including energy management, data processing, defense, aerospace, transportation and medical equipment.

“The fast-moving dynamics of such markets demand supply chain management that is capable of being both nimble and robust”, explains Vincent Duconge, Trade Lane Manager for USA and France at GEODIS. “This is what GEODIS has been providing to Asteelflash in the US, and now also in Germany, France, the UK, China and Tunisia.”

In order to provide transparency and shipment control to Asteelflash, GEODIS connected the customer to IRIS (Intelligent Real-Time Information Service). It offers online booking to Asteelflash, as well as track and trace, reporting and alerts, invoicing functionalities and other features.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com

GEODIS is a Supply Chain Operator ranking among the top companies in the field in Europe and the World.  GEODIS, owned by SNCF Logistics, which in turn is a business line of the SNCF Group, is ranked as the number four logistics provider in Europe and number seven at a worldwide level. GEODIS is also listed as a “Leader” in Gartner’s 2016 Magic Quadrant of Worldwide 3PLs. GEODIS’ reach includes a direct presence in 67 countries and a global network spanning over 120 countries. With its five Lines of Business (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport), GEODIS manages its customers’ Supply Chain by providing end to end solutions enabled by over 39,500 employees, its infrastructure, its processes and systems. In 2015, GEODIS recorded €8 billion in sales.

Evergreen Responds to Hanjin’s Rehabilitation With New E-Commerce Service and Substitute Service

12th September 2016

Evergreen Line has added new functions to its on-line e-commerce system in response to the unexpected service disruption caused by Hanjin Shipping, a CKYHE alliance member, which has entered rehabilitation proceedings. The service disruption has caused delay to Evergreen Line’s cargoes previously loaded on the Korean carrier’s vessels.

Evergreen’s new functions enable customers to update the status of their cargoes and Hanjin’s vessel positions, including information about anchorage at or sailing to a particular port.  Besides, Evergreen has developed detailed service plans within its own network as an effective substitute to cover the affected services operated by Hanjin.

For further information about Evergreen’s service update, please log onto Evergreen Line’s website at http://www.evergreen-line.com/, or contact the carrier’s sales representatives and customer service departments.

In addition to the e-commerce enhancement and substitute service solutions, Evergreen Line is conducting fleet adjustment to meet customers’ demand for reliable service.  Evergreen is also working with alliance partners, port authorities, terminal operators and other service providers in the transportation service chain to offer necessary assistance to the customers impacted and endeavor to complete onward carriage where possible.

“K” Line Continues to be Selected as an Index Component of the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia/Pacific Index

September 12, 2016

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” Line) has been selected again as an Asia/Pacific Index component company of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI), one of the leading global indices on Socially Responsible Investment (SRI)(*1). It has been selected for 6 consecutive years since 2011.

DJSI is a world’s leading SRI index jointly offered by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC of the United States and Robeco SAM AG of Switzerland, which only includes the top ranked companies among the large companies worldwide as a result of evaluation of their sustainability performance in terms of social, environmental and economic criteria. Launched in 1999, DSJI is one of the first global sustainability benchmarks for investors and fund managers who integrate sustainability consideration into their portfolios.

As an integrated logistics company group grown from shipping business, “K” Line group always strives to contribute to realize the better society and increase the corporate value.

*1 SRI (Socially Responsible Investment) describes an investment strategy which takes account of enterprises’ social, ethical and environmental aspects as well as financial performance.

GEODIS recognized as a Top 100 3PL Provider

SEPTEMBER 12, 2016 LEVALLOIS-PERRE

Global logistics provider GEODIS has been recognized as one of world’s Top 100 3PL companies by US publication Inbound Logistics.

The France based Transport and Logistics Group and its international logistics network was selected as a Top 100 3PL Provider because of its capacity to identify specific logistics challenges for different industries, the ability to structurally improve processes, and by the proven success of creating a ripple effect of efficiencies for customers across their value chain.

“Every year, leading third-party logistics providers of all shapes and sizes submit their credentials, hoping to match their solutions with our readers’ business logistics needs,” said Felecia Stratton, Editor, Inbound Logistics. “It remains an increasingly difficult task for the Inbound Logistics editorial team to narrow down the list to only 100 top 3PL providers. GEODIS was selected as a 2016 Top 100 3PL Provider because it is flexible and responsive, anticipating customers’ evolving needs with innovative solutions empowering logistics and supply chain excellence.”

We are delighted that GEODIS has been recognized by Inbound Logistics and has achieved the high standard required by the publication to be included in the Top 100 3PL Providers list for 2016,” said Marie-Christine Lombard, Chief Executive Officer of GEODIS. “We are focused on providing high-quality and innovative solutions to overcome our customers’ logistical constraints.”

GEODIS – www.geodis.com

GEODIS is a Supply Chain Operator ranking among the top companies in the field in Europe and the World.  GEODIS, owned by SNCF Logistics, which in turn is a business line of the SNCF Group, is ranked as the number four logistics provider in Europe and number seven at a worldwide level. GEODIS is also listed as a “Leader” in Gartner’s 2016 Magic Quadrant of Worldwide 3PLs. GEODIS’ reach includes a direct presence in 67 countries and a global network spanning over 120 countries. With its five Lines of Business (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport), GEODIS manages its customers’ Supply Chain by providing end to end solutions enabled by over 39,500 employees, its infrastructure, its processes and systems. In 2015, GEODIS recorded €8 billion in sales.

ABOUT INBOUND LOGISTICS

Inbound Logistics, the leading trade magazine, targeted toward business logistics and supply chain managers in the USA. The magazine’s editorial mission is to help companies of all sizes better manage corporate resources by speeding and reducing inventory and supporting infrastructure and better matching demand signals to supply lines. More information is available at www.inboundlogistics.com

TOP 100 SELECTION METHODOLOGY

Inbound Logistics’ Top 100 3PL Provider’s list serves as a qualitative assessment of service providers that are best equipped to meet and surpass the outsourcing needs of shippers reading Inbound Logistics. Entering the Top 100 list becomes increasingly difficult as more 3PLs enter the market and service providers from other functional areas develop value-added logistics capabilities. Each year, Inbound Logistics editors select the best logistics solutions providers by evaluating submitted information, conducting personal interviews and online research, and comparing publicly available data. The service providers selected are companies that offer the diverse operational capabilities and experience to meet shippers’ unique supply chain and logistics needs.

Dachser appoints Managing Director European Logistics Germany

alexander-tonn-1

Alexander Tonn, the new Managing Director of European Logistics Germany

Kempten, 13 September, 2016. Dachser has promoted its Head of Contract Logistics, Alexander Tonn, to become the new Managing Director of European Logistics Germany. The 43-year old Tonn will take up his new position on January 1, 2017 to oversee business development of the 38 German branch offices in the European Logistics business line (overland transport and contract logistics for industrial goods). He will report to Michael Schilling, COO Road Logistics and Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board, who will continue to be responsible for this position in addition to his duties until the end of the year.

Alexander Tonn graduated with a business management degree and has been with Dachser since 1999. After starting his career in Controlling, he went on to head up Contract Logistics at the company’s largest operations site worldwide, located in Memmingen (Allgäu). Later on, he additionally took on the position of Head of Freight Forwarding and Deputy Branch Manager. In 2014, Tonn moved to Head Office, where he was responsible for further developing the warehousing and value-added services business. Mr. Tonn will continue to hold this position as Corporate Director Contract Logistics.

“Dachser’s success is based on the entrepreneurship of our branch offices, combined with centralized network management that is designed for sustainable growth,” says Michael Schilling, COO Road Logistics at Dachser. “Alexander Tonn is familiar with every aspect of our business and has all the expertise and skills needed to purposefully advance the European Logistics Germany business unit and to generate growth in the German market. His position also involves particularly intensive cooperation with our Air & Sea Logistics organization in order to plan and implement integrated supply chains for small and medium-sized companies with a view to Dachser Interlocking.”

The Dachser Road Logistics business field, headed up by COO Michael Schilling, is divided into five business units that are led by the following managing directors (MD): European Logistics Germany (MD Alexander Tonn), Food Logistics (MD Alfred Miller), which is also heavily represented on the German market, European Logistics North Central Europe (MD Wolfgang Reinel), European Logistics France & Maghreb (MD Frédéric Dumort), European Logistics Iberia (MD Juan Quintana). The Road Logistics business field posted revenues of roughly EUR 4.2 billion in 2015, with about EUR 3.4 billion coming from the European Logistics business line.

ENDS

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 customer-specific 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 as well as industry-specific solutions round out the company’s products and services. A seamless transport network—both in Europe and overseas—and fully integrated information systems provide for intelligent logistics solutions worldwide.

With a staff of roughly 26,500 in 428 locations around the globe, Dachser generated revenue of EUR 5.64 billion in 2015. The logistics provider transported a total of 78.1 million shipments weighing 37.3 million tons. Dachser has its own country organizations in 43 countries.

For more information about Dachser, please visit www.dachser.de.

Evergreen Receives Environmental Protection Award from Los Angeles

Evergreen Line has been honored with an environmental protection award by the Port Authority of Los Angeles.  The award has been conferred in recognition of the carrier’s excellent performance in the 2015 Vessel Speed Reduction Program initiated by the largest port in North America.

The program rewards vessel operators’ compliance with a policy of reducing vessel speeds to 12 knots or less within 40 nautical miles of Point Fermin (near the entrance to the Los Angeles harbor). The aim is to minimize the emission of greenhouse gases and thus reduce their influence on air quality in the port community.

In 2015 Evergreen Line’s vessel fleet called 138 times at the port of Los Angeles. The carrier’s voluntary effort to reduce speed is estimated to have lowered emissions by : 4,657 tonnes of CO2; 156 tonnes of NOx; 87 tonnes of SOx and 8 tonnes of particulate matter.

Evergreen Line is committed to safeguarding the environment of marine ecosystem and of port communities within which it operates.  Over the years, the carrier has worked with government agencies, scientific research institutes, cargo owners and relevant parties in the supply chain on various environmental protection programs. Furthermore, Evergreen has incorporated this philosophy into its fleet renewal programs by adopting the latest shipbuilding technologies to build an eco-friendly fleet and to achieve sustainable transportation service provision

OHL is now GEODIS

SEPTEMBER 07, 2016 – LEVALLOIS-PERRET160907-dallas-blue-logo

GEODIS is pleased to announce to have taken the next step following its acquisition of OHL in the United States.  GEODIS is now one of the leading 3PL companies in the USA.

PARIS, Sept. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — GEODIS is recognized as its customers’ growth partner around the globe and as a leading 3PL in the North American Market.  With over 160 locations in North America spanning Freight Forwarding, Customs Brokerage, Contract Logistics, Transportation Management and Supply Chain Optimization, GEODIS supports customers seeking to grow and expand in North America.

In August of 2015, GEODIS announced the acquisition of OHL and completed the deal in November 2015.  The acquisition is an important step toward GEODIS’ “Ambition 2018” strategic plan – to be the preferred growth partner for our clients in supporting them with flawless logistics.  The acquisition adds to GEODIS’ portfolio of services and geographic scope, and enhances its position as a leading, global 3PL.

In 2015, GEODIS globally generated over €8 billion in consolidated annual turnover with more than 39,500 employees and 165,000 customers. With over 400 logistics facilities around the world, additional Freight Forwarding and Customs Brokerage capabilities, and enhanced e-fulfillment expertise, GEODIS provides a global footprint and platform to better serve its clients in a truly global manner.

“The acquisition, the integration and now rebranding of OHL is a critical step toward our plan to be the global growth partner for our clients,” states Marie-Christine Lombard, CEO of GEODIS. “Customers demand a market leading set of solutions on a global level.  As OHL is now GEODIS, we provide that global platform to serve our customers in EMEA, Americas and APAC.  With our broad portfolio of services – Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport – we are very excited about what we can do for our customers,” she added.

From the very beginning, the merger with GEODIS made a lot of sense,” said Randy Tucker, President of GEODIS Logistics LLC in the USA. “Many of our US customers have asked us in the past to expand our service capabilities to Europe and Asia.  Now as one company with expanded capabilities to leverage across the globe, we can quickly help our US customers expand into new markets.”   He added: “We’ve also seen a number of GEODIS customers in Europe engage with us in the US.”

In 2015, GEODIS unified its portfolio of businesses and services under one unique brand: GEODIS. “Integrating and rebranding OHL as GEODIS is a continuation of our investments in making our services more attractive and enhancing our value proposition,” said Marie-Christine Lombard.  “The unified portfolio and the one unique brand of GEODIS, is also an important reflection of our mission – to help our clients succeed by overcoming logistical constraints. Our vision is nothing short of acting as our customers global growth partner wherever they need us to be – EMEA, Americas, and APAC,” she added. 

ENDS

GEODIS – www.geodis.com

GEODIS is a Supply Chain Operator ranking among the top companies in the field in Europe and the World.  GEODIS, owned by SNCF Logistics, which in turn is a business line of the SNCF Group, is ranked as the number four logistics provider in Europe and number seven at a worldwide level.  GEODIS is also listed as a “Leader” in Gartner’s 2016 Magic Quadrant of Worldwide 3PLs. GEODIS’ reach includes a direct presence in 67 countries and a global network spanning over 120 countries. With its five Lines of Business (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport), GEODIS manages its customers’ Supply Chain by providing end to end solutions enabled by over 39,500 employees, its infrastructure, its processes and systems.  In 2015, GEODIS recorded €8 billion in sales.