Transport communications

Portcare International is the press relations consultancy for the shipping and logistics industry. Formed by transport people for transport people. We can truly claim to understand our clients’ needs and ‘talk the same language’. Portcare provide effective, value for money PR to some of the industry’s best-known names.

Archives for November 2020

Truckers Get More Help on Safe Parking

Motorway Buddy, the app to assist road hauliers and drivers to accurately plan their overnight parking, has been enhanced with UK police-sourced theft and vehicle interference data to identify safer parking options.

London, 24 November 2020

The upgrade to the app, which has already been downloaded 130,000 times and used over three million times, has been made possible by a unique partnership between Motorway Buddy, freight industry insurer TT Club and NaVCIS Freight, part of the  National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service, a UK National police unit.

Police theft and incident data is used by NaVCIS Freight to produce a “heat map” illustrating vulnerable parking locations that is overlaid onto Motorway Buddy’s existing search engine for overnight parking. In addition to crimes reported to the police, the app’s new functionality also allows drivers to upload reports of suspicious incidents that do not necessarily warrant police action at the time, this information will be disseminated via subsequent updates.

Chris Holloway, ex-trucker and Motorway Buddy pioneer, remarks, “I am particularly pleased that with the support of TT Club and the cooperation of NaVCIS the app can become even more valuable in helping not just drivers but also the haulage companies identify safer overnight stops and pay charges online.  The heat map is dynamic and updated on a regular basis.  The locator tool and zoom-in facility are easily used and provide flexibility in the case of traffic congestion and other delays.”

The screenshot below illustrates the overlaid map and more detail can be accessed here https://motorwaybuddy.com/

Speaking on behalf of TT Club, Mike Yarwood Managing Director Loss Prevention said, “As a mutual insurer specialising in the international freight business we are committed to supporting efforts to minimise risk, loss and damage to freight and cargo carrying assets.  The latest additional functionality of the Motorway Buddy App helps hauliers lower their risk profile. Fuel syphoning can be a particular problem.  It represents a financial loss to the haulier, which is often unrecoverable as the value is below the excess stipulated on many insurance policies.  The cumulative cost of these occurrences along with other less serious damage to vehicles can become significant.”

In addition to information on over 300 truck stops, frequently used lay-bys and other informal parking sites are covered by the app and the newly installed ‘heat map’.  The latest NaVCIS data emphasises the risks of utilising these informal, unsecured areas.  So far this year, of the 3,200+ cases handled by the unit 51% occurred in such locations.  The diagram below provides more detail of these cases, the cargo value of which amounted to nearly £74 million.  Further anecdotal evidence points to an even greater proportion of the more minor, currently unreported incidents, also taking place in these areas.

“Our goal,” concludes Holloway, “is to encourage a far bigger use of truck stops; for these facilities to be even better secured and patrolled than they are at the moment and for more locations to be developed.  Our app will better inform drivers and haulage companies in their decision-making, heighten demand for more secure locations and to reduce crime both officially logged and currently unreported.”

About TT Club

TT Club is the established market-leading independent provider of mutual insurance and related risk management services to the international transport and logistics industry. TT Club’s primary objective is to help make the industry safer and more secure. Founded in 1968, the Club has more than 1100 Members, spanning container owners and operators, ports and terminals, and logistics companies, working across maritime, road, rail, and air. TT Club is renowned for its high-quality service, in-depth industry knowledge and enduring Member loyalty. It retains more than 93% of its Members with a third of its entire membership having chosen to insure with the Club for 20 years or more.

www.ttclub.com

About Motorway Buddy (MWB) App

The Motorway Buddy smart phone App is an established suite of products recognised by UK government and trade organisations as the go-to truck-stop locator for UK and European drivers. The App was developed in 2011 by a former HGV driver, as a driver friendly compliance and safety management tool. The App provides the location of over 300 recognised truck stop facilities across the United Kingdom. The App is currently available in English, Romanian and Polish.

https://motorwaybuddy.com/

For more information on how to support the work of the NaVCIS’ Freight Unit and to help mitigate the risk of cargo theft, please contact freight@navcis.pnn.police.uk

GEODIS pledges a firm commitment to Gender Diversity

On the occasion of the Global Women’s forum, GEODIS announces an agreement with Bureau Veritas to recognize its commitment to gender equality in the workplace. The aim is to achieve a recognized standard across 12 countries over the next 3 years.

By obtaining the GEEIS (Gender Equality European & International Standard) designation, GEODIS would establish common gender equality and diversity in the workplace standards within its various lines of business. These standards include pay, the advancement of women, skills development and diversity.

Under the agreement with Bureau Veritas, which is expected to be signed before the end of the year, GEODIS will have its practices audited for a 3-month period across 12 of the countries in which the Group operates, starting in 2021 with France, England, Germany and Italy. GEODIS will continue this process in 2022 in Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, Australia and then Morocco, the United States, Poland and Singapore in 2023.

Management, the Human Resources department and staff representatives within each country will be interviewed in order to evaluate the effectiveness of gender equality initiatives.

Once obtained, the label will remain valid for 4 years. It comprises 5 levels, one of which will be assigned based on the best practices and readiness of each country. Going forward, the latter will work in close collaboration with Group headquarters and the Arborus association[1] to take ownership of the GEEIS standard.  This is comprised of multiple criteria (there are 10 for level 1) related to sensitivity and training, local initiatives undertaken by the country’s Human Resources department and senior management and application of the Group’s policy.

“This label is a way to create a common culture with regard to gender equality in the workplace internationally, and to deploy best practices on a large scale.  Among other goals, it is aimed at seeing more women in management positions,” says Mario Ceccon, Executive Vice President, Human Resources of GEODIS.

GEODIS has also signed the G20 EMPOWER Alliance pledge, supporting the advancement of women in the private sector. EMPOWER (Private Sector Alliance for the Empowerment and Progression of Women’s Economic Representation) was launched at the 2019 G20 summit in Osaka to advocate the advancement of women in the private sector, foster a supportive, inclusive culture and create more leadership opportunities for women.

[1] https://arborus.org/en/qui-sommes-nous/

GEODIS – www.geodis.com 

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #6 in Europe and #7 worldwide. In 2019, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.2 billion in sales.

“K” Line Listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia Pacific Index, a Leading Index for ESG Investment, for 10 consecutive years

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” Line) has been selected again as an Asia Pacific Index component of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI), one of the leading global indices for ESG investing, for the 10th consecutive year since 2011.

DJSI, the index provided by S&P Dow Jones Indices, measures the performance of companies in terms of economic, environmental and social criteria, through a corporate sustainability assessment, and only includes companies with remarkable performance. Among those indices, Asia Pacific Index selects 158 companies in the Asia-Pacific developed region (including 82 Japanese companies) as components, as a result of sustainability assessment of 606 largest companies in the region. Launched in 1999, DSJI is one of the first global sustainability benchmarks for investors which integrate sustainability consideration into their portfolios.

We have defined initiatives towards sustainability as an important management issue. We will continue striving to fulfill our social responsibility through our business activities and contribute to sustainable progress of the society.

“K” Line : Certified for Cyber Security Management System in also Singapore

“K” Line Ship Management (Singapore) Pte Ltd (KLSM SGP), a group company of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd (“K” Line), was certified by ClassNK for Cyber Security Management System (CSMS) recently after CSMS acquisition of “K” Line Energy Ship Management Co., Ltd.,Tokyo. (Note 1)

The ship management companies in “K” Line group are not only targeting to acquire the CSMS certification but have been working on the development of practical measures and guide to safely protect ships from Cyber Security threats as first priority. KLSM SGP has been incorporated Cyber Security Management into Safety Management System (SMS) manual and developed Cyber Security Management Plan (CSMP) and its guide (CSMG) as supplementary volume, and KLSM SGP and container ship “ONE HAMBURG” managed by KLSM SGP acquired CSMS certification.

Certificate presentation ceremony on board the ship

KLSM SGP prepared under the various restrictions imposed by COVID-19, and the certification process by ClassNK was completed on October 15, 2020. All vessels under the management of KLSM SGP will be equipped with required IT equipment and arrangements for Cyber Security measures in accordance withy the certified guide in the same manner as “ONE HAMBURG”.

We will provide the safer and best maritime transport service by strengthening protection against cyber risks on both shore and ships.

GEODIS appoints a New Regional Customs Brokerage Director in Asia-Pacific Region

Dr Kian Chuan Chang joins GEODIS to take over as Regional Customs Brokerage Director

Dr Kian Chuan Chang,
Regional Customs Brokerage Director

Dr Chang has extensive experience within the express transportation sector. Skilled in Logistics Management, Transportation, Customs Brokerage Management and Third-Party Logistics (3PL), he has a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Imperial College, London and a Professional Doctorate from Central Queensland University. He replaces Alan Miu, who is retiring.

In welcoming Dr Chang, GEODIS APAC Regional President and CEO, Onno Boots said, “With the constant evolution of our customers’ supply chains featuring the establishment or expansion of manufacturing bases in ASEAN markets such as Indonesia and Vietnam, or selling into more countries riding on the ecommerce boom, our customs brokerage team works alongside our customers, guiding their businesses through the different regulatory requirements for trade. Dr. Chang’s expertise will lead us to become an even more valuable partner to our customers.”

Customs brokerage services must, of necessity be based on a local presence in key locations within APAC. There is a requirement for up-to-date knowledge that is specific to industry verticals; hi-tech, automotive, FMCG or retail. New Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and new customs procedures recently introduced by different governments underline the value of trusted customs brokerage advice. 

Therefore Dr Chang observed, “With an increase in global challenges due to regulatory changes as well as customers’ expectations, we will work to offer a full suite of innovative customs brokerage solutions that focuses on adopting new technologies to deliver accurate customs and trade compliance.”

GEODIS – www.geodis.com

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #6 in Europe and #7 worldwide.

In 2019, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.2 billion in sales.

GEODIS commits long-term airfreight capacity between Europe and USA

GEODIS, a global logistics provider, has announced the continuation of its scheduled Own Controlled Network (OCN) service linking Europe and the USA.  The current service, providing three full rotations each week, has been confirmed throughout 2021.

With transatlantic air freight capacity continuing to be tight and forecasted to remain so well into 2021, GEODIS is contracting freighters to operate within its OCN as part of its global AirDirect service offering. The 2021 schedule is confirmed between Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) and Chicago O’Hare (ORD) with 3 departures and 3 return flights a week.

Eric Martin-Neuville, Executive Vice President, Freight Forwarding of GEODIS said, “Our customers on both sides of the Atlantic have been suffering from a severe shortage of regular, guaranteed air freight options.  We foresee this situation remaining for some time and so have committed resources to provide stability and assure the continuity of our service through the full year of 2021. As a critical element of our OCN program, we can ensure seamless end-to-end delivery through consistent monitoring and control of all shipments, including pharmaceuticals and medical equipment as well as vaccine delivery as it becomes available.”

Through its AirDirect product, GEODIS will offer capacity wherever the market demand requires.  Additionally, GEODIS AirDirect services operate a weekly fixed day schedule between Hong Kong (HKG) and Guadalajara, Mexico (GDL) as well as Shanghai-Amsterdam-Shanghai (AMS-PVG-AMS).

GEODIS – www.geodis.com 

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #6 in Europe and #7 worldwide. In 2019, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.2 billion in sales.

“K” Line Financial Highlights for 2nd quarter FY2020

5th November 2020

Please be advised “K” Line Tokyo Head Office, published the following press release today.

Please click the following addresses to read our reports.

・Financial Highlights for 2nd quarter FY2020

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/ir/ir7459471588023720853/main/0/link/2020_2_report_e.pdf

・Notice on Revised Forecast of Financial Results for Fiscal Year ending March 2021

and Dividend policy (No Interim Dividend)

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/ir/auto_20201104414965/pdfFile.pdf

This is also available on the website :

http://www.kline.co.jp/en/

NCB Group joins ICHCA to strengthen ties with global cargo handling community

London, 28 October 2020

National Cargo Bureau, the New York based cargo inspection company and Exis Technologies, global leaders in IT solutions for shipping dangerous goods by sea are pleased to announce that they have joined the International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA) under a group corporate membership. Exis Technologies, which has been part of the NCB Group since April 2018, had previously been an individual member of ICHCA for over 10 years.

Exis Technologies and ICHCA have worked together on many joint projects over the past decade, including, with sponsorship from the TT Club, the CTU pack e-learning courses for those involved in container packing job roles and IMDG Code e-learning courses for shore side staff handling and transporting dangerous goods by sea.

As part of the membership Captain Eric Rounds, Chief Surveyor NCB will join the ICHCA Technical Panel alongside Will Bartle, Compliance and Regulations Manager at Exis Technologies. The Panel provides technical advice and publications on a wide range of practical cargo handling issues and will allow NCB and Exis to be involved in the improvement of knowledge and best practice across the global cargo chain.

Richard Brough OBE, Head of ICHCA commented, “We are delighted that the NCB Group have decided to join us under a group corporate membership. Together the companies bring a wealth of container and dangerous goods shipping experience. We have worked with Exis for many years on initiatives to improve cargo handling. We look forward to building on our relationship with Exis and NCB to develop more solutions for our members and the wider shipping community.”

Ian Lennard, President of NCB, commented, “ICHCA is an important part of the global cargo handling community. Like us, they are a not-for-profit organisation, and their focus is on improving the safety and security of our global supply chains. We are pleased to be able to join them alongside Exis in our mission to improve the Safety of Life and Cargo at Sea.”

– Ends –

About National Cargo Bureau

The National Cargo Bureau was incorporated as a non-profit organization in May 1952 with a mission of “Safety of Life and Cargo at Sea”. The Bureau was created to render assistance to the United States Coast Guard in discharging its responsibilities under the 1948 International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea which addressed the carriage of Dangerous Goods and Grain cargos for the first time. NCB operates in 18 offices throughout the United States. These locations are supplemented globally by a network of vetted and approved marine surveyors. Exis Technologies, headquartered in Darlington, UK, has been part of the NCB Group since April 2018. Together their not-for-profit mission is the Safety of Life and Cargo at Sea. http://www.natcargo.org

About Exis Technologies

Exis, part of the NCB Group, has been a leading supplier of IT compliance systems for the management of dangerous goods in sea transport for over 30 years. Major container shipping lines, ports and shippers have been relying on Hazcheck Systems for regulatory compliance, efficiency and safety in their global operations. In recent years, Exis has developed new solutions with NCB including a portal for sharing operator, vessel and port restrictions among ports and operators; a web-based database and access portal for inspection companies to plan and enter details of cargo inspections; and a cargo screening service to identify misdeclared and undeclared dangerous goods. www.existec.com

About ICHCA

The International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA), founded in 1952, is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the safety, security, sustainability, productivity and efficiency of cargo handling and goods movement by all modes and through all phases of national and international supply chains.

ICHCA International’s privileged non-government organisation (NGO) status enables it to represent its members, and the cargo handling industry at large, in front of national and international agencies and regulatory bodies. Its Expert Panel provides technical advice and publications on a wide range of practical cargo handling issues.

ICHCA International operates through a series of autonomous national and regional chapters – including ICHCA Australia, ICHCA Japan and ICHCA Canarias/Africa (CARC) – plus Correspondence and Working Groups to provide a focal point for informing, educating, networking, shaping and sharing industry views to improve knowledge and best practice across the global cargo chain www.ichca.com