Transport communications

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Archives for July 2021

Record performance for GEODIS in the first half of 2021

July 31, 2021 by
  • In the first half of 2021, GEODIS achieved revenues of €4,865 million, up +21% compared to 2020 at constant exchange rates and scope of consolidation, resulting from sustained activity recorded in all the Group’s business lines and regions.
  • EBITDA of €458 million, up by more than 60%.
  • The amount of operating cash flow has enabled the Group to finance acquisitions while reducing net financial debt compared to June 2020 (-€123 million).
  • GEODIS is thus in line with the trajectory of its Ambition 2023 strategic plan, demonstrating the relevance of the strategic choices made over the past several years.

“In a still uncertain economic environment, GEODIS has confirmed its ability to generate profitable growth, with a revenue up 21% and EBITDA up 60%. These solid results support our ability to invest in growth while investing in the ecological transition of all our activities. Our good performance has enabled us to strengthen our investments in the company’s digital transformation and to self-finance our latest acquisition, PEKAES, a leading distribution network in Poland, a strategic country for GEODIS. These solid results are in line with the “Ambition 2023″ strategic plan, which aims to achieve growth for the Group at least equal to that of the global logistics market over the period, and to accelerate the conversion of this growth into earnings,” explains Marie-Christine Lombard, Chairman of GEODIS’ Executive Board.

Growth driven by e-commerce in the United States and Europe

The share of e-commerce activities has continued to grow, posting double-digit growth, and now accounts for more than €2 billion of the company’s €8.4 billion in sales. The health crisis has amplified a trend that now seems to be sustainable and has an impact mainly on two business lines of the company:

  • Last-mile delivery (Distribution & Express) with 23% of daily deliveries today destined for individuals versus 15% in 2019.
  • Contract Logistics with an increase in inventory management and order preparation activities on behalf of global marketplaces but also for many companies that have developed their own online merchant sites.

Faced with this growth in e-commerce, GEODIS has developed three new offers to better serve its customers:

  • GEODIS e-Logistics, an end-to-end logistics offer, the objective of which is to help brands offer the same customer experience online as in store. To do this, GEODIS leverages both its global network of logistic hubs and transportation services along with its new digital platform that allows a real-time overview of all inventory available in stores, warehouses, and/or on the move anywhere in the world.
  • GEODIS MyParcel, a direct-to-customer intercontinental delivery service that guarantees delivery in 4 to 6 days, at a lower price than express delivery, from the United States to 27 European countries and Canada. 
  • GEODIS Zipline, a mobile application developed in the United States, which enables private individuals, selected through a rigorous process, to provide an urban delivery service according to their daily route or to make several deliveries throughout the day.

Strong growth in intercontinental air, sea and rail transport

Despite the extreme tension in the sea and air freight market, GEODIS has been able to meet its customers’ demand by securing capacity and completing its offer:

  • Chartering of two vessels between Asia and Europe to alleviate the difficulty its customers were having to obtain capacity from regular carriers at a competitive rate. Other charters are planned for the 3rd and 4th quarter of 2021.
  • A new air transport offer, GEODIS AirDirect, with a route between Shanghai and Guadalajara constituting the only direct access to Mexico from northern and central China. Unique to the market, this charter service already exists between Europe, China and the United States.

Renewed customer trust

GEODIS’ agility and responsiveness throughout the health crisis have been praised by its customers. According to the Ipsos survey, which was launched in the first half of 2021, 89% of customers say they are satisfied with the services and solutions offered by GEODIS.

(Measurement of customer satisfaction by Ipsos, conducted in the first half of 2021).

Acquisitions to strengthen GEODIS’ activities in strategic areas and markets

  • The closing of the acquisition of PEKAES, one of the leading LTL (Less-than-TruckLoad) and FTL (Full-TruckLoad) transport networks in Poland. This acquisition allows GEODIS to strengthen its market position in Poland, which is one of the most important European logistics platforms.
  • The acquisition of CondiServices, a company located in the North of France, which completes GEODIS’ e-commerce offer and more specifically the management of returns. 
  • The acquisition of Velocity Freight Transport, Inc. in the United States, expanding GEODIS’ transportation offering in North America.
  • The signature in early July of an agreement to acquire GANDON Transports, a leading player in the transport of temperature-controlled pharmaceutical products in France, with the aim of continuing GEODIS’ development in the healthcare market.

The fight against climate change: a priority

The health crisis has not slowed GEODIS’ investments in the environmental field, its ambition being to reduce its CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030 compared to 2017 in part by:

  • Ordering 200 LNG vehicles that will be fueled with biogas for urban deliveries in France, with the ambition to deliver in a decarbonized manner to 37 French major cities by 2023. The decarbonization of freight transport will necessarily involve the greening of fleets.
  • The launch of a worldwide carbon offset program.

The Group obtained an A- rating by the CDP. Only 14% of the 5,800 companies assessed by the CDP worldwide in 2020 received an equivalent or higher rating. This result recognizes GEODIS’s approach to integrating its suppliers in efforts to reduce CO2 emissions as well as lobbying at the European Union level to define and impose stricter CO2 standards for vehicles.

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 2020, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.4 billion in sales.

Filed Under: GEODIS

Risk mitigation: it’s all about effective communication

July 28, 2021 by

Freight transport and logistics insurance provider, TT Club announces a suite of risk management advisories in a new format and a variety of languages to guide transport companies and their operatives on common safety and security issues, providing key alerts to avoid damage and loss.

As a mutual provider of insurance cover, TT Club’s primary mission is the reduction of risk in the international supply chain. Succinct communication on a broad spectrum of relevant safety and security matters is of foremost importance in achieving this aim in an industry which is multi-national and multi-cultural.

The latest communication device that TT has launched is TT Brief. These two-sided infographic-style advice sheets are aimed at specific risks, for example fraud and road safety, and also include guidance on general good practice to avoid loss, such as attention to due diligence. This easily digestible guidance also has the potential to be designed into poster form to ensure that guidance is always in plain sight. In addition, in regions where the insurer has identified spikes in particular types of incident, the Brief has been made available in the appropriate languages.

The fraud Brief, for example is in Turkish, as a spike in claims of this nature involving the sub-contracting of cargo movements to fictitious carriers was identified as a growing problem. More widespread concerns about road safety have prompted the relevant brief to be available in Arabic, Chinese (both simplified and traditional), Spanish, French, Portuguese and Turkish as well as English. An illustration is shown in the attached PDF and the full suite can be downloaded  HERE

Commenting on the TT Brief initiative and other forms of communication in its library of advice, Mike Yarwood TT’s Managing Director, Loss Prevention said, “When formulating our guidance on risk mitigation, we believe effective communication is paramount. We are always concerned with delivering relevant insight, based on the sort of incidents we see, and how best logistics operators can avoid the situations that bring them about. In order that our messages are digested by the appropriate people and are fully understood we have devised a broad range of written and spoken communication channels. TT Brief is the latest of these.”

Further channels through which TT communicates range from its long-standing monthly advisory newsletter TT Talk to the more in-depth StopLoss series. From mid-2020 the Club has also been producing podcast materials, under the banner of ‘TT Live’, with one series on contractual issues and a second on theft and fraud already, in addition to using this medium for the monthly TT Talk articles.  More recently, utilising online webinar capability, TT has continued various campaigns, such as raising the issues around container ship fires and encouraging increased adoption of the CTU Code.

“Appreciating the mobile nature of our audiences, we have been deliberately developing our TT Live Podcasts,” comments Yarwood. “This easily accessible resource, available to listeners at any time, covers such topics as supply chain security, abandoned cargo and the distinctions between liability and cargo insurance cover. Directed at all sectors of the global container and freight transport industry we continue to deliver insight into the prevention of loss.”

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

Filed Under: TT Club

“K” Line Continuously Selected as a Constituent of FTSE Blossom Japan Index

July 28, 2021 by

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” Line) has been selected again as a constituent of the FTSE Blossom Japan Index, one of the most recognized ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) index developed by FTSE Russell, wholly owned subsidiary of London Stock Exchange Group, for five years in a row since the index was launched in 2017.　

The FTSE Blossom Japan Index selects Japanese companies that demonstrate strong ESG practices, and as of June 2021, 229 companies have been selected as constituents from among the 1,391 Japanese companies that constitute the FTSE Japan All Cap Index. The index has been adopted as a benchmark of ESG investing by Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF) in Japan, the world’s largest public pension fund.

We have been addressing sustainability issues, mainly the environmental, and our initiatives are moving into full swing, with the reform of the organization and the promoting system to strengthen our sustainability management, with effect from April 1, 2021, so as to contribute to the solution of social issues, including climate change, thus to fulfill our mission as a lifeline that will support people’s lives and economies in the future.

Specifically, in March 2021, we have launched a next-generation environmentally friendly car carrier fueled by LNG (liquefied natural gas). Part of the construction funding for the vessel was procured through Climate Transition Loan as a first case in Japan.

Furthermore, earlier this month, we have signed a long-term consecutive voyage charter regarding the upcoming new built capesize bulk carrier (210,000 DWT), who will also be fueled by LNG and is scheduled to be delivered in 2024. The vessel aims to further reduce the environmental burden by installing an automated kite system, utilizing wind power, called “Seawing”.

Through our sustainability management, we will continue to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society, as well as strive to promote our own growth strategy and improve our corporate value.

Filed Under: "K" Line

Cargo Integrity Group calls for risk-based measures to prevent pest contamination

July 26, 2021 by

JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT

On behalf of Container Owners Association, Global Shippers Forum, ICHCA International, TT Club, World Shipping Council

The international freight transport organisations of the Cargo Integrity Group are calling for urgent action from actors in global supply chains to reduce the risk of pest transference through international cargo movements.

The five partners[i] in the Cargo Integrity Group, known as CIG, recognise the vital importance of focusing on the threat of invasive pests to natural resources across the world, and of the urgency in crafting risk reduction measures that address the situation. 

This call to action[ii] follows the intentions by pest control experts under the auspices of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC)[iii], to take all-encompassing, internationally imposed steps to mitigate such risks.  One measure under serious consideration is the mandatory certification of cleanliness for all containers prior to loading on board a ship, a measure that would have significant impact on global trade when it comes to both time and cost.

Lars Kjaer, Senior Vice President of the World Shipping Council (WSC), explains the CIG partners concerns around these very broad proposals: “We know that more serious risks occur among certain types of goods and from identified regions. The CIG recommendation centres on the need to provide proper risk assessments in defined trades and focus mandatory measures on these high-risk areas and cargoes.”

The partners in CIG are committed to ensuring that international trade is conducted in a safe, secure, and environmentally sustainable manner. They rigorously promote the use of the ‘Code of Practice for the Packing of Cargo Transport Units’ published by the IMO, the UNECE and the ILO (the CTU Code).

The serious issue of the transfer of invasive pests between different natural ecosystems is very much a part of this commitment. It is also crucial that the development of any such controls is undertaken in full consultation with other appropriate bodies, in particular the international agencies responsible for the governance of world trade and for the regulation of different modes of transport, as well as supply chain stakeholders and industry practitioners.

“There are identified risk areas and cargoes which must be addressed, and the CIG partners look forward to contributing essential industry expertise to the work of the IPPC to ensure an effective and efficient set of recommendations and best practices to stop the transfer of invasive species,” concludes James Hookham, Secretary General of Global Shippers Forum.

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS

[i] The five organisations co-operating in the Cargo integrity Group are:

Container Owners Association (COA)

Global Shippers Forum (GSF)

International Cargo Handling Co-ordination Association (ICHCA International)

TT Club

World Shipping Council (WSC)

[ii] The full CIG submission to the IPPC can be accessed here: https://www.worldshipping.org/statements/the-cargo-integrity-group-issue-statement-on-the-avoidance-of-pest-contamination

[iii] The IPPC is an international convention, signed by over 180 countries and governed by the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures, part of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).  Agreed amendments to the convention are enforceable by all national governments which are signatories.

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, with a mission to 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. 
https://www.ttclub.com/

Filed Under: TT Club

Continuous expansion and commitment to environmental care typify GEODIS’ 2020 activity

July 22, 2021 by

The publication of group’s annual Activity & CSR report confirms revenue growth, innovation and the pursuit of an environmental commitment.

More than a year after the start of the pandemic, the health crisis has not interrupted GEODIS’ growth and continuous expansion, notably with the acquisition of the Polish company PEKAES. The report details GEODIS’ management of the crisis, its contribution to the delivery of essential goods and personal protection for care-givers and populations, and also an acknowledgement of its strategic role as a leading global logistics provider.

“The Covid-19 crisis presented us with multiple challenges, as it did for all companies and individuals.  Our priority was to ensure the safety of our teams. At the same time, we worked to secure our customers’ supply chain,” said Marie-Christine Lombard, President of the GEODIS Board of Directors.

The pandemic highlighted GEODIS’ agility and ability to react with innovative solutions to ensure the reliability and resilience of supply chains. In 2020, amidst a disrupted maritime and air environment, GEODIS implemented more than 650 air charters to secure customer shipments worldwide.

In response to the acceleration of e-Commerce, GEODIS launched two new offerings: GEODIS eLogistics and GEODIS MyParcel, positioning he company as a preferred logistics partner for brands seeking to grow their online sales directly to consumers, and thereby retain control.  GEODIS e-Logistics provides a real-time overview of all available inventory and enables order management across all sales channels, as well as the determination of the most appropriate source of supply, delivery method and return options.  GEODIS MyParcel consists of a B2C delivery service from the U.S. to 27 European countries in 4-6 days guaranteed.

GEODIS also continued its actions to optimize the use of resources and reduce CO2 emissions, which have been part of its ongoing commitment for over 10 years. A leader in multimodal transport in Europe, at the end of 2020 GEODIS inaugurated a new platform in Dourges, France to facilitate cross-modal shipments. At this time it also set up a carbon offset program to offer to its customers.

The company experienced significant growth in 2020 (+4.5% increase in total revenues), a performance which supports the implementation of the ‘Ambition 2023’ strategic plan.

Among the non-fiscal indicators as well as external assessments, we note:

–           90% satisfied customers (87% in 2019),

–           84% satisfied employees,

–           Leader status in the Gartner Magic Quadrant report,

–           Gold level (score 68/100), awarded by EcoVadis,

–           A- rating from CDP, placing the Group in the category of companies that are leaders in controlling and reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.

The GEODIS 2020 Activity and CSR Report is available for download by clicking here.

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 2020, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.4 billion in sales.

Filed Under: GEODIS

“K” Line sign a Long-term Consecutive Voyage Charter for a LNG-fueled Capesize Bulk Carrier with JFE Steel Corporation

July 20, 2021 by

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) has signed a long-term consecutive voyage charter with JFE Steel Corporation regarding the upcoming new built capesize bulk carrier (210,000 DWT) fueled by liquified natural gas (LNG)

Image of cape size bulk carrier fueled by liquified natural gas

The construction of our first LNG-fueled bulk carrier will be ordered to NIHON SHIPYARD CO., LTD. and the vessel is scheduled to be delivered in 1st half of 2024.

The vessel is called a “next-generation vessel” coping with environmental issues. It will reduce the emissions of CO2, by 25 to 30 %, SOx by almost 100%, and NOx by around 85% with the use of LNG instead of conventional heavy fuel oil. Moreover, the vessel reaches more 40% of CO2 emission reduction in the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) which fully aligns with the reduction target of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). *1 　“K” LINE will also install “Seawing”*2, an automated kite system utilizing wind power supplied by Airseas, to increase the effects of decarbonization.

“K” LINE has been promoting a corporative policy of “sustainable management” in terms of environment, society, and economy to satisfy global needs concerning climate change and SDGs continuously now and future. The introduction of the next-generation vessel is one of the projects within this sustainable management approach. It will be a significant step for us to stimulate the well-being of society as an integrated logistics company.

With “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050*3, “K” LINE will flexibly and proactively listen to customer demands including environmental issues and find the best solution to contribute to the sustainable development of the society.

Outline of the Vessel

Dimension    ：   approx. LOA 299.99 meters x Breadth 50.00 meters x Depth 25.00 meters x Draft 18.40meters

D/W          ： approx.210,000 tons

G/T           ： approx.110,800

(*1)   EEDI and Regulations of SOx and NOx

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/csr/environment/regulation.html

(*2)   June 7, 2019 release:

Installation of “Seawing”, an automated kite system utilizing natural energy.

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/csr/csr7510328279625406497/main/0/link/190607EN%20.pdf

(*3)   “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050 “Blue Seas For the Future”

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/csr/environment/management.html#002

Filed Under: "K" Line

GEODIS in Germany receives gold status in this year’s “Investors in People” accreditation

July 19, 2021 by

The international certification organization “Investors in People” (IIP) has awarded the Freight Forwarding activity of GEODIS in Germany with the gold status. In the course of an audit, independent IIP experts assessed personnel management and development in GEODIS’s Freight Forwarding line of business in Germany and found it to be exemplary. The award highlights GEODIS’s strong commitment and high quality standards in the area of leadership and personnel management.

“Having already been awarded silver by ‘Investors in People’ in 2018, we are very proud to have achieved gold status this year.,” says Antje Lochmann, Managing Director of GEODIS’s Freight Forwarding activity in Germany. “Since our first IIP accreditation in 2014, we have jointly taken on many topics in order to improve the working conditions in our company systematically and continuously. The quality management system of ‘Investors in People’ is an important guideline for us to improve the qualifications of our leadership and employees in a structured way and in line with our goals.”

“Our employees are the basis for the success of our company”, says Thomas Kraus, GEODIS President & CEO North, East and Central Europe. “The continuous development of our employees is our top priority. At GEODIS, we just recently launched “Manage!”, a global program to support our managers worldwide. The gold status is another great success for our team in Germany.”

All management levels and departments of GEODIS’s Freight Forwarding‘s line of business  Germany are involved in the further development and integrated into the group work. All employees can make suggestions and contribute to these processes. One of the tasks of the IIP team within the working group is to prepare targeted measures on various topics and to drive implementation forward. An independent, external auditor of the IIP organization carries out the examination for the IIP accreditation. This person selects employees and managers from various departments and gains detailed insight into the work environment and personnel management during individual interviews.

“Investors in People” is an international quality standard for sustainable success in the area of corporate development and personnel management. The focus is on improving corporate performance brought about by employees. Among other things, training and further education, sustainability, work-life balance, and social responsibility are assessed. Re-accreditation takes place every three years. The independent organization “Investors in People” is headquartered in London and currently represented in 66 countries. Since it was founded in 1991, more than 50,000 companies and organizations have become accredited there, including public sector organizations, international corporations, as well as SMEs and charities. Only 17 percent of the organizations have been awarded gold status.

For more information, please visit: www.investorsinpeople.com

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 2020, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.4 billion in sales.

Filed Under: GEODIS

EAGLE OCEAN MARINE CELEBRATES TEN YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE MARITIME COMMUNITY

July 14, 2021 by

FIRST DECADE OF OPERATIONS MARKED BY STEADY GROWTH AND SOLID PROFITABILITY

SUSTAINABLE APPROACH TO BUSINESS AUGURS WELL FOR CONTINUING SUCCESS

NEW YORK, JULY 14, 2021:  Eagle Ocean Marine (EOM), the American Club’s facility providing fixed premium protection and indemnity (P&I) and freight, demurrage and defense (FD&D) cover to the operators of smaller vessels in regional trades outside the US, recently celebrated ten years of service to the maritime community.

EOM began operating as an American Club underwriting facility on July 1, 2011.  It has just completed its first decade of operations on a high note, having enjoyed steady growth and solid profitability over recent years.  The commencement of EOM’s eleventh year has also been marked by the successful renewal of its reinsurance arrangements, supported by the continuing commitment of first-class security at Lloyd’s and elsewhere, a reflection of EOM’s excellent track record and the sustainability of its business model.

Over the forthcoming months, EOM’s gross premium income since inception is projected to surpass $100 million, with revenue over the last three years in particular having seen a compound annual growth rate of approximately 17%.  Total premium earned for the most recent year of account is expected to be about $17.6 million, compared with just over $15 million for the immediately preceding twelve months.

As EOM continues to gain traction throughout the world as a gold-standard insurer in a changing fixed premium P&I landscape, there are grounds for optimism that its market footprint will continue to expand.  Moreover, notwithstanding chronic rating softness in the marine liability insurance sector, EOM has had success in obtaining sustainable levels of pricing for the cover it provides, a token of the respect with which the quality of its service is viewed within the industry.

As to its underwriting results, EOM has continued to perform well over the recent past.  The facility’s historic combined ratio since inception remains at about 75%, with an even better result over the last three years.  Most importantly, EOM continues to contribute positively to the American Club’s mutual membership, whose overarching interests animate EOM’s prudent approach to risk selection and premium pricing.

The distribution of EOM’s insured tonnage by reference to domicile of management and vessel type is broadly based, and has remained relatively constant over recent years.  With 1,700 vessels with an average unit size of 1,700 gross tons, EOM’s business derives from the major centers of maritime enterprise across the globe, with a strong representation from the Asia-Pacific region.  As to vessel type, the dry cargo and small craft sectors make up the preponderance of tonnage at 50% and 33% respectively, with tankers (at 14%) accounting for most of the remainder.

Commenting on Eagle Ocean Marine’s first ten years, Joe Hughes, Chairman and CEO of Eagle Ocean Agencies, Inc., which manages the facility on behalf of the American Club, said:  “My colleagues and I take great pleasure in celebrating the first ten years of EOM service to the maritime community.  The steady growth of EOM’s market footprint and premium revenue, coupled with its continuingly profitable contribution to the American Club’s mutuality, are testament to its prudent approach to risk selection and premium pricing, as well as the respect of the market for the quality of its services.  In an uncertain landscape, EOM remains the gold standard for fixed premium P&I insurance.  We have every reason to view the commencement of EOM’s second decade of operations with great optimism for the sustainability of its business model.”

ENDS

NOTE:

Eagle Ocean Agencies, Inc., is a member of the New York-based Eagle Ocean Group of companies – North America’s leading provider of mutual management, underwriting, adjusting, claims handling, surveying and loss consultancy services to the international shipping and insurance communities.

Filed Under: The American Club

GEODIS announces a project to acquire GANDON Transports to enhance its healthcare offering

July 12, 2021 by

GEODIS has signed an agreement to acquire GANDON Transports, a leading player in the transport of temperature-controlled pharmaceutical products. Already very active in the healthcare market, GEODIS will now be able to expand its capabilities and pursue its development in this market segment.

“This acquisition will consolidate GEODIS’ status as a key player in the healthcare market.  From inventory planning to temperature-controlled storage and transport to the final recipient, we want to offer our customers a complete and reliable solution throughout the supply chain,” explains Marie-Christine Lombard, Chief Executive Officer of GEODIS.

With its  recognized expertise in the transport of pharmaceutical products at controlled temperatures (2/8°C and 15/25°C), benefiting from a portfolio of loyal customers, GANDON Transports has an extensive network that will strengthen the capacity of GEODIS to distribute to pharmacies, hospitals and wholesalers throughout France.

“This operation will meet our customers’ growing demand for temperature-controlled transport of the healthcare products.  This new resource will enable us to offer our current and future customers a transport service for heat-sensitive products, anywhere in France. ” says Stéphane Cassagne, Executive Vice President of GEODIS’s Distribution & Express Line of Business.

“By joining the GEODIS group, a world leader in transport and logistics, we will be able to offer greater opportunities to our customers and employees.  At the heart of this alliance are the strong and shared values of customer service and employee satisfaction” says Joël GANDON, President of GANDON Transports.

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 2020, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.4 billion in sales.

Filed Under: GEODIS

GEODIS Announces Acquisition of Velocity Transport, Expanding Freight Brokerage Capacity

July 6, 2021 by

GEODIS, a global supply chain operator, has reached an agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Velocity Freight Transport, Inc., a leading freight brokerage company based in Plano, Texas, from McLane Company, Inc., a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway.

“With the acquisition of Velocity, we are welcoming an exceptionally talented team of freight brokerage experts who have a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities of today’s dynamic logistics and supply chain environment,” said Mike Honious, President & CEO of GEODIS in Americas. “For many reasons, they are an ideal fit for GEODIS. None greater than our common cultures—authentic, passionate teammates who are relentlessly dedicated to exceeding client expectations. This acquisition will expand our current freight brokerage capabilities and enable us to continue to aggressively grow our capacity solutions service for clients at a pivotal moment.”

The acquisition expands GEODIS’ Capacity Solutions offering in North America at a critical time as the industry continues to face ongoing driver and truck shortages. The acquisition of Velocity will help meet the increased customer demand for more transportation alternatives to ensure their supply chains remain agile and effective. Velocity provides freight brokerage services that include refrigerated and temperature-controlled freight, flatbed and less-than-load (LTL) trucking, intermodal, van, and specialty options. Velocity’s team will remain in Plano, expanding GEODIS’ operation in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area where it currently employs up to 3,500 teammates.

“Velocity began with the vision of becoming the first choice in freight brokerage with a reputation built on our principled approach and quality of service,” said John Lower, Vice President at Velocity. “This new chapter with GEODIS will allow us to build upon our success and enable further growth opportunities. By combining our resources with GEODIS’ truly expansive reach, we will ultimately be able to provide our clients a broader range of services across the Americas and globe.”

With its Americas region headquartered in Brentwood, Tenn., GEODIS operates a full-service managed transportation line of business in the U.S. Additionally, GEODIS operates more than 150 warehouse facilities for its clients with over 47 million square feet of warehousing space in the U.S. alone. GEODIS now has more than 15,000 employees across North America.

The transaction closed June 30, 2021. Terms of the transaction will not be disclosed.

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 2020, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.4 billion in sales.

Filed Under: GEODIS
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