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.

CON-WAY Inc. Reports 2012 Second Quarter Results

ANN ARBOR, Mich. —JULY 31, 2012—Con-way Inc. (NYSE:CNW) today reported 2012 second-quarter net income of $41.8 million, or 74 cents per diluted share. The results compare to second-quarter 2011 net income of $29.4 million, or 52 cents per diluted share.

On a non-GAAP basis, earnings per diluted share were 66 cents in the 2012 second quarter compared to 50 cents in last year’s second quarter. (Non-GAAP items, consisting of gains on facility sales and tax-related adjustments for both years, are detailed in the attached reconciliation.)

Operating income in the 2012 second quarter was $80.1 million, a 33.2 percent increase from the $60.2 million earned in the second quarter a year ago.  Revenue for the 2012 second quarter was $1.45 billion, a 7.2 percent increase from last year’s second-quarter revenue of $1.35 billion.

“Our strategy continues to deliver improved results,” said Douglas W. Stotlar, Con-way’s president and chief executive officer. “Our second quarter performance reflected disciplined operations which increased profit levels at all business units.”

Con-way Freight, the company’s less-than-truckload (LTL) operation, benefited from effective cost management and higher yield during the quarter. “These results enabled Con-way Freight to successfully expand margins over last year,” Stotlar said. “Our LTL company’s employees are doing a great job executing our strategy and driving improvements in the business.”

Menlo Worldwide Logistics, the company’s global logistics and supply chain management operation, saw improved revenues and profits from both international and U.S.-based operations during the quarter.  “New business revenues coupled with growth in existing warehousing and transportation management accounts supported Menlo’s improved results over last year,” Stotlar noted. “Our logistics company continues to create efficiencies for customers through its proven lean practices and superior operational execution.”

Con-way Truckload, the company’s full-truckload transportation operation, maintained its momentum. “We continued to increase efficiencies and asset utilization during the quarter,” Stotlar said. “Reduced empty miles and higher revenue per loaded mile contributed to an improved operating ratio.  We remain focused on operational excellence and premium service as our foundation for further margin expansion.”

The second-quarter effective tax rate was 35.4 percent in 2012, compared to 35.3 percent in 2011. Both years included discrete tax adjustments that affected the effective tax rate (detailed in the attached reconciliation).  Excluding the discrete tax adjustments, the second-quarter effective tax rate would have been 38.9 percent in 2012 and 37.7 percent in 2011.

Segment results in the second quarter for Con-way’s principal operations were as follows:

FREIGHT

For the second quarter of 2012, Con-way Freight reported:

  • Revenue of $878.5 million, a 4.6 percent increase over last year’s second-quarter revenue of $839.8 million.
  • Operating income of $53.4 million, up 36.5 percent compared to $39.2 million earned in the year-ago period.  The current-period results reflected continued price improvement, operating efficiency and cost control, and included $3.9 million of gains from the sale of excess properties.
  • Yield increased 3.2 percent from the previous-year second quarter.  Excluding the fuel surcharge, yield also rose 3.2 percent.
  • Tonnage per day increased 0.9 percent compared to the 2011 second quarter.
  • Operating ratio was 93.9 in the 2012 second quarter compared to 95.3 in the previous-year period.   Excluding the gain from the sale of excess properties, the operating ratio in the 2012 second quarter was 94.4.

LOGISTICS

For the second quarter of 2012, Menlo Worldwide Logistics reported:

  • Revenue of $448.0 million, an increase of 13.7 percent from the prior year second-quarter revenue of $394.0 million. New business revenues, increased freight brokerage volumes and gains from warehousing and transportation management services contributed to the higher revenues.
  • Net revenue (revenue less purchased transportation) of $161.8 million, a 10.1 percent increase from $147.0 million in the previous year second quarter.
  • Operating income of $12.7 million, a 4.9 percent increase over last year’s second quarter operating income of $12.1 million.  The higher operating income was attributable primarily to improved operating profit from transportation management services including increased profit contribution from international operations.

TRUCKLOAD

For the second quarter of 2012, Con-way Truckload reported:

  • Revenue of $162.9 million, a 4.8 percent increase over last year’s second-quarter revenue of $155.5 million. Revenue per loaded mile, excluding fuel surcharge, was up 3.0 percent from the second quarter of 2011.
  • Operating income of $14.6 million, a 41.6 percent increase over operating income of $10.3 million in the previous-year period.   Improved fuel surcharge recovery, price increases and higher asset utilization contributed to the increased operating income.
  • Operating ratio exclusive of fuel surcharges was 88.3, compared to 91.3 in the second quarter of 2011.
  • Loaded miles increased 2.4 percent compared to the 2011 second quarter.
  • Empty miles decreased to 9.2 percent from 9.4 percent in the previous-year second quarter.

CON-WAY OTHER

Con-way Other includes the company’s Road Systems, Inc. trailer manufacturing unit as well as other corporate activities. These activities produced an operating loss of $0.6 million in the second quarter of 2012 compared to an operating loss of $1.4 million in the second quarter of 2011.

INVESTOR CONFERENCE CALL

Con-way will host a conference call for the investment community tomorrow, Wednesday, August 1, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (5:30 a.m. Pacific).

The call can be accessed by dialing (866) 264-3634 or (706) 643-3632 (for international callers) and is expected to last approximately one hour.  The call will also be available through a live internet webcast at www.con-way.com, in the investors section.

An audio replay will be available for two weeks following the call by dialing (855) 859-2056 or (404) 537-3406 (for international callers) and using access code 96775665.  An Internet replay and podcast of the presentation will also be available at www.con-way.com.

About Con-way Inc. — Con-way Inc. (NYSE:CNW) is a $5.3 billion freight transportation and logistics services company headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich. Con-way delivers industry-leading services through its primary operating companies of Con-way Freight, Con-way Truckload and Menlo Worldwide Logistics. These operating units provide high-performance, day-definite less-than-truckload (LTL), full truckload and multimodal freight transportation, as well as logistics, warehousing and supply chain management services. Con-way also operates Road Systems Inc., a trailer refurbishing and manufacturing company which supplies trailing equipment to the company’s trucking fleets.  Con-way Inc. and its subsidiaries operate from more than 500 locations across North America and in 20 countries.  For more information about Con-way, visit www.con-way.com.

DACHSER UK Announce Direct Pallet Service to Poland

Northampton, 26 July 2012

Dachser’s logistics services for UK exporters include a daily door-to-door freight service utilising its three depots in the UK and over 150 branches throughout Europe, via a hub and spoke system.  The latest addition to Dachser’s network of services is a regular direct line-haul link to its Strykow branch in Poland, from where consignments are delivered across the whole of the country. This new direct Polish service complements the existing departures via the Dachser network and further optimises transit times to the Polish market.

UK exporters to Poland are assured of the high levels of service quality, reliability and in-transit track-and-trace visibility for which Dachser is renowned.

Nick Lowe, Dachser’s UK Managing Director, comments: ‘Despite  a slight strengthening  of Sterling against the Euro a few months ago,  the prevailing exchange rate conditions still favour UK exporters and assists them to be competitive in European markets.  Of course, the tailing off in demand across almost all economies makes trading conditions very difficult, but UK exporters certainly have an opportunity to gain market share.  Dachser’s aim is always to assist UK exporters by providing fast and reliable delivery services into Europe’.

‘We hear regular calls for Britain to concentrate on export markets, and the importance of strengthening our manufacturing sector.  The UK is already the seventh largest manufacturer in the world by output value, so there is certainly a basis on which to build, and we are seeing the effects of this’.

Indeed, Dachser UK has experienced an increase of 35% in export volumes over the past year, and is responding to its customers needs in a number of ways. Direct services into Europe from its north-west branch in Rochdale have been introduced and new investments in trucks and trailers have been made.  The number of direct line-haul connections has been increased, with the current development for Poland being a good example.  Information technology applied to efficient data processing through EDI and track-and-trace functionality, already an integral part of Dachser’s  service offering, has undergone a series of further investments and enhancements.

Lowe adds, ‘We continue to experience demand from all sizes of UK companies for single and multiple pallet consignments to destinations throughout Europe.  We appreciate that it is critical for all exporters, and especially new ones breaking into the market, who are often reacting to short notice demand from their customers, to have a high quality distribution service. It’s our mission to provide the ‘On Time, In Full’ service which they need. ’

ENDS

ABOUT DACHSER UK

DACHSER UK is part of the Dachser group, a major international logistics provider which in 2011 generated total sales worth EUR 4.3 Billion. 21,000 staff working in 315 locations worldwide handled 49.3 million consignments comprising 37.1 million tonnes.

For more information, please visit us on the Web at www.dachser.co.uk

Menlo Logistics Strengthens Management Team in Europe

Amsterdam, 25th July, 2012

Menlo Worldwide Logistics (Menlo), the global logistics subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW), announced several key executive appointments that strengthen its management team in Europe and further develop its quality service to customers throughout the region.

Joining Menlo and reporting to Director of Operations Europe, Marco van Walraven are three new General Managers, who will take responsibility for Menlo’s European operations.

Key objectives will be the continuation of operational excellence for existing European customers, support and expansion of Lean philosophy and practices within the operations and driving further growth in Europe.

Robert Schaap

Robert Schaap will take over the responsibility for Menlo’s Multi User sites located in Maastricht and  Eersel, The Netherlands.  With a combined total of 58,000 square metres of warehouse space, these distribution centres provide a wide range of services to multiple customers in different industries, such as apparel, footwear, healthcare and high-tech.

Robert’s career includes management positions in both logistics service provider and end-user companies with significant experience of establishing new-site operations.  He has worked for Cisco Systems and Diebold, the global supplier of security and self-service systems.

Jeroen Tempels will take charge of Menlo’s operations in Central Europe (Czech and Hungary), Germany and a high-tech site at the port of Rotterdam.

Jeroen Tempels

These sites provide a wide range of value added services across a number of industry sectors.

Jeroen has over twelve years of experience in supply chain activities including both project and line management roles.  Most of this experience he gained in various positions within the DHL operation from designing and implementing supply chain solutions at Greenfield sites to restructuring transport networks.

Joel van Tergouw

Joel van Tergouw, based in Amsterdam, will be responsible for a number of locations across Benelux, the UK and Ireland, specifically having focus in the high-tech industry sector.  With a career stretching over ten years in various capacities including third-party transportation and warehousing operations, Joel was a logistics manager at Texas Instruments and more recently a global Program Manager in the Customer Solutions division of DHL.

Marco van Walraven commented, “The appointment of these three GMs supports Menlo’s mission to drive value for customers through solid operational execution, while at the same time providing tactical and strategic focus on customer account development and growth into longer term strategic partnerships.”

Menlo’s Managing Director in Europe, Tony Gunn concluded, “With continued growth in the region these appointments will further strengthen our management team.  All three GMs bring a wealth of experience in logistics, quality management and Lean methodologies.  We will continue to strengthen our organisation in the commitment to driving continuous improvement and value to our customers.”

ENDS

About Menlo Worldwide Logistics Europe

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

3PL warehousing and distribution services, as well as 4PL supply chain and LLP transport management solutions are offered to a variety of vertical industry sectors including: fashion & apparel; healthcare and medical equipment; hi-tech electronic and data network equipment; automotive & heavy industry; defence and government services and retail e-fulfilment.

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

About Menlo Worldwide Logistics
Menlo Worldwide Logistics, LLC, is a US$1.6 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 Mateo, Calif.-based Menlo Worldwide Logistics’ services range from dedicated contract logistics to warehouse and distribution management, transportation management, supply chain reengineering and other value-added services including packaging, kitting, order fulfillment and light assembly through a strategic network of multi-client and dedicated facilities. With more than 17 million square feet of dedicated warehouse space in North America, the Asia Pacific, Europe and Latin America, and industry-leading technologies, Menlo Worldwide Logistics creates effective, integrated solutions for the transportation and distribution needs of leading businesses around the world.

Menlo Worldwide Logistics, LLC, is a subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW), a $5.3 billion diversified freight transportation and logistics company. For more information, please visit us on the Web at www.con-way.com.

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

# # #

Photo Note:

High resolution digital images of Robert Schaap, Jeroen Tempels  and Joel van Tergouw are available on request from info@isiscomms.com or to download from the ISIS Communications Press Room at www.isiscomms.com

Contacts:

Menlo

Peter Owen

ISIS Communications

Tel:          +44 (0) 1737 248300

Mobile:   +44 (0) 7710 991531

Email: peter@isiscomms.com

Distributed by ISIS Communications

An archive of all Menlo Worldwide Logistics news releases and photographs is available from the ISIS Communications Press Room at www.isiscomms.com

Geodis Wilson Italia undertakes exceptional deliveries for Shah Gas

Milan, 19 July 2012

Geodis Wilson Italia, part of one of the world’s leading freight management companies, Geodis Group has begun the delivery of four Absorber reactors to the Abu Dhabi Gas Development Company Ltd (AI Husn Gas) Shah Project Site, a new facility 250 km south of Abu Dhabi in the UAE, where one of the biggest natural gas extraction and processing plant is to be built.

The first of four reactors leaving Ortona Port, in Abruzzo, Italy

The first of four reactors – weighing 1400 tons each and measuring 60 meters in length and 10 meters in diameter, all constructed in Italy – has left Ortona, in Abruzzo, and it was immediately followed by two more from Monfalcone and Marghera.  The reactors are due to arrive at their final destination in the middle of the Emarati desert by mid-July.

The whole operation will last around 18 months.  The reactors will be joined by around 200 special components originating mainly from South Korea, China and Italy, which will be used to construct specific parts of the Shah Gas plant. The total volume of goods transported will reach an impressive 300,000 cubic meters: the equivalent of some 15 cargo ships loaded to the brim.

“The success of an exceptional delivery like this one depends on the effectiveness of upstream high-engineering activities” comments Biagio Oro, Industrial Project Director at Geodis Wilson Italia. “This means planning all the transport operations in precise detail. Such precision tasks include: the chartering of the best suited cargo vessels; stipulating exact dimensions in contracts with ship owners; carrying out feasibility studies to identify the best routes; supervising the loading of the materials; overseeing unloading operations at the destination port and the arrangement of transport and logistics service for final delivery to the construction site”.

Once off-loaded at the port of Mussafah in the UAE and customs clearance has been affected, the reactors are to be transported on special Self Propelled Modular Trailers (SPMT) for around 250 km across the rugged terrain of the Middle Eastern desert, utilising un-tarmaced off-road tracks.  Each exceptional load will arrive at its final destination having spent nearly a month in the desert, travelling at speeds of 7 to 8 kilometers per hour, before being handed over to the managers of the Shah Gas plant.

Notes to Editor:

About Geodis Wilson Italia

Geodis Wilson Italia is the division of Geodis Group, a global logistic provider wholly owned subsidiary of SNCF Group, with a turnover of 6.9 billion euros in 2011, a workforce of over 30,000 employees and a sales network present in around 120 countries.

Geodis Wilson Italia’s innovative approach for vertical markets provides customers with a “best in class” services and performances for their businesses, using skills and expertise to monitor developments in the field of reference of the customer and working directly with him to help him develop the business providing tailored solutions through reliable, trained and dedicated teams.

For further information about Geodis Wilson Italia’s innovative approach, please visit www.geodiswilson.it

Menlo Secure with TAPA Certification Confirmed Once More

Amsterdam 18th July, 2012

Menlo Worldwide Logistics’ (Menlo) European operation has completed a successful audit by the international classification and certification bureau, Germanischer Lloyd and has been awarded renewed certification as fulfilling the Technology Asset Protection Association’s (TAPA) Freight Security Requirements (FSR).

Menlo, the global logistics subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW) provides logistics, transport management and supply chain management services as well as an expanding e-fulfilment offering across all five continents.  In Europe the company has nine multi-client warehouse and distribution centres providing flexible, multi-functional supply chain services.

Tony Gunn, Menlo’s Managing Director, Europe, emphasised the importance of strict security protocols that have been independently audited and validated. “The integrity of our customer’s freight at all times is our top priority.  The value of the TAPA audit process is that it ensures our policies and practices adhere to the highest standards. This is crucial to the overall reliability and peace of mind our customers enjoy from our services.”

The recent certification is the third time the security measures of Menlo’s European operations have been validated by this rigorous audit process, which is administered by Germanischer Lloyd (GL) Systems Certification.  The certification bureau’s personnel visited Menlo’s Eersel facility in the Netherlands and carried out a further combined TAPA FSR (A) and ISO 9001 audit at the Schiphol-Rijk location near Amsterdam.

Roland Brück, Lead Auditor and Senior Surveyor of GL Systems Certification said, “Menlo’s processes and specifications for secure supply chain management have been verified. The company demonstrated its concern and commitment in servicing customers’ security expectations. The security of the warehousing and handling operations has exceeded the requirements. Menlo Worldwide Logistics is a good example of how the implementation of quality control and benchmarking has improved over all operations.”

Added Jos Giele, the Amsterdam-based director of corporate security for parent company Con-way, who directed Menlo’s certification process and audit engagement with GL Systems Certification: “The successful audit results validate Menlo’s Europe operations as best-in-class with respect to security protocols and performance. It provides business advantage for our customers and clearly differentiates Menlo’s professionalism and process-driven approach to security and risk management as a valued asset.”

ENDS

About Menlo Worldwide Logistics Europe

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

3PL warehousing and distribution services, as well as 4PL supply chain and LLP transport management solutions are offered to a variety of vertical industry sectors including: fashion & apparel; healthcare and medical equipment; hi-tech electronic and data network equipment; automotive & heavy industry; defence and government services and retail e-fulfilment.

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

About Menlo Worldwide Logistics

Menlo Worldwide Logistics, LLC, is a US$1.4 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 Mateo, Calif.-based Menlo Worldwide Logistics’ services range from dedicated contract logistics to warehouse and distribution management, transportation management, supply chain reengineering and other value-added services including packaging, kitting, order fulfillment and light assembly through a strategic network of multi-client and dedicated facilities. With more than 16 million square feet of dedicated warehouse space in North America, the Asia Pacific, Europe and Latin America, and industry-leading technologies, Menlo Worldwide Logistics creates effective, integrated solutions for the transportation and distribution needs of leading businesses around the world.

Menlo Worldwide Logistics, LLC, is a subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW), a $5.0 billion diversified freight transportation and logistics company. For more information, please visit us on the Web at www.con-way.com.

TT Club Supports FIATA’s Young Freight Forwarder Award as Regional Winners are Announced

16th July 2012

International transport insurance provider, TT Club has sponsored the FIATA Young International Freight Forwarder of the Year Award since its inception in 1999 and believes the programme provides suitable recognition of the young talent that exists in the industry.

Four regional finalists representing the future of freight forwarding will travel to Los Angeles in October for the FIATA World Congress, where one of the four from Germany, Australia, Canada and South Africa, will be selected to receive the overall International Award.  Part of the winner’s prize will include a weeks training at one of TT Club’s regional centres in London, Hong Kong or New Jersey.

This year, the Steering Group of the Award was very pleased to receive fourteen outstanding papers from candidates across the four regions.  The subject matter covered key import and export issues pertaining to various major cargo commodities.  Members of the Group commented on the high standard of the entries, which made selection of the regional winners a very challenging task.

As Chairman of the Steering Committee, Andrew Kemp, TT Club’s European Regional Director commented, “TT Club is firmly committed to encouraging best practice in all aspects of freight transport.  Our risk management and loss prevention resources are continually aimed at informing forwarders, carriers, cargo handlers and transport operators of best practise in stowage, documentation, safety, security and many other aspects of the business.  In the same vein the Club promotes professional training at every opportunity.  We are proud to support FIATA’s initiative in this respect.”

In addition to the week’s training the overall winner will attend the Thomas Miller “Insight into Transport Law and Insurance” course in London, of which TT Club are part of, and also receive a subscription to two of the industry’s leading media information sources, International Transport Journal (ITJ/ITZ) and Lloyd’s Loading List.

The 2012 Regional Winners are:

Africa/Middle East: Mr  Daniel Terbille, South Africa

Americas: Mr  Salman Ali, Canada

Asia/Pacific: Mr  Christopher Yabsley, Australia

Europe: Ms Nadine Baumgartner, Germany

Documentation for the 2013 Award will be distributed to FIATA Association members towards the end of August 2012 with the usual deadline for nominating candidates of 15 January 2013.
ENDS

Note to Editors:

The 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.

For further information please contact:

Emma Chalmers, Marketing Director, TT Club
Tel: +44 (0)20 7204 2635
E-mail: emma.chalmers@thomasmiller.com www.ttclub.com

Menlo Extends its e-Fulfilment Service by Signing-up Dutch Wine Retailer

Amsterdam, 11th July 2012

Dutch wine merchants WijnWagentje, has employed Menlo Worldwide Logistics (Menlo) to supply order fulfilment services for its internet sales operation.  Menlo will maintain all aspects of the e-commerce function, including order processing, warehousing, packaging, inventory control and distribution from its facility at Eersel in the southern part of the Netherlands.  The scope of the operation covers all parts of the Netherlands and includes the whole range of the Italian wine specialist’s online inventory; available at www.wijnwagentje.nl

Menlo is the global logistics subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW) and provides logistics, transport management and supply chain management services as well as its expanding e-fulfilment offering across all five continents.  In Europe it has nine multi-client warehouse and distribution centres providing multi-functional and flexible supply chain services.

In making its decision, WijnWagentje management was impressed with Menlo’s personal approach, its flexibility, the efficiency of its proposed start-up methodology and the logistics company’s ability to assist with potential business development plans into other regional markets in the near future.

Wicher van den Bosch, the co-Founder of WijnWagentje comments, “To enhance our service to the consumer and to further optimise the logistics behind our online web shop, we chose Menlo as our new fulfilment partner, primary because of their willingness to work closely with us on every detail of our requirements and their potential to help us expand our markets in the future.”

As a new e-commerce/e-fulfillment customer WijnWagentje’s operation went live in mid-May.  Menlo currently dispatch daily, direct to consumer addresses via parcel carrier across the Netherlands.  Customers ordering via www.WijnWagentje.nl purchase cases of wine (6 bottles in each) with the option of mixed cases.  Menlo handles the entire fulfillment process from receipt of order to final delivery.

In welcoming WijnWagentje as a new customer, Tony Gunn Menlo’s Managing Director in Europe stated, “With the current trend of growth in internet retailing rapidly increasing the emphasis on e-commerce as a consumer outlet, our e-fulfilment services are in greater demand.  Menlo is delighted to assist a start-up venture in the Dutch market and is well-paced to service this customer’s expansion plans into other European markets.”

ENDS

About WijnWagentje

WijnWagentje (“Wine Cart”) runs an easily accessed web shop selling “quality wines for nicer prices” to wine lovers in the Netherlands. The company was founded in 2009 by two Dutch friends living and working in Italy; hence the current specialisation in Italian wines. Growth plans foresee the addition of quality wines from other regions in due course.   The concept remains lean and mean: you pay a realistic price for the quality you buy, but all other costs are minimised.

Web shop:  http://wijnwagentje.nl

More info:  info@wijnwagentje.nl

About Menlo Worldwide Logistics Europe

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

3PL warehousing and distribution services, as well as 4PL supply chain and LLP transport management solutions are offered to a variety of vertical industry sectors including: fashion & apparel; healthcare and medical equipment; hi-tech electronic and data network equipment; automotive & heavy industry; defence and government services and retail e-fulfilment.

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

About Menlo Worldwide Logistics
Menlo Worldwide Logistics, LLC, is a US$1.6 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 Mateo, Calif.-based Menlo Worldwide Logistics’ services range from dedicated contract logistics to warehouse and distribution management, transportation management, supply chain reengineering and other value-added services including packaging, kitting, order fulfillment and light assembly through a strategic network of multi-client and dedicated facilities. With more than 17 million square feet of dedicated warehouse space in North America, the Asia Pacific, Europe and Latin America, and industry-leading technologies, Menlo Worldwide Logistics creates effective, integrated solutions for the transportation and distribution needs of leading businesses around the world.

Menlo Worldwide Logistics, LLC, is a subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW), a $5.3 billion diversified freight transportation and logistics company. For more information, please visit us on the Web at www.con-way.com.

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

Geodis Wilson announces a new recruit for their Marine Logistics Vertical

Miami, Florida – 25 June 2012

Geodis Wilson is pleased to announce the appointment of Sergio Herrero as the new Vertical Market Director of their Marine Logistics division. Based in Miami, Florida, Sergio will spearhead this emerging industry segment of Geodis Wilson, and will have global responsibility for its development.

Sergio Herrero joins Geodis Wilson with 30 years of experience in the freight forwarding industry, the last 5 years of which he has spent with the Marine Logistics sector at UTI USA, where he was Director of Client Solutions within the Cruise sector.

Geodis Wilson runs a global network of teams dedicated to the marine industry along the entire breadth of international routes. “Marine Logistics is an important vertical market for us where we see large potential of growth, development and solution design in all regions within our network.” said Martin Svantesson, Global Director Vertical Markets, “Sergio´s experiences will ensure us taking this vertical market to the next level.

ENDS

About Geodis Wilson and the Geodis Group

Geodis Wilson is a leading global freight management company. With 7,300 employees in more than 50 countries the company delivers tailor-made, integrated logistics solutions to customers enabling them to operate as ‘best in class.’ Geodis Wilson is the freight forwarding arm of Geodis Group which became part of the French rail and freight group SNCF in 2008. With its 46.000 employees in 120 countries ‘SNCF GEODIS’ ranks among the top 7 companies in its field in the world.

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

Sergio Herrero

Sergio Herrero will be based in Miami, Florida and can be contacted as follows:

Email: Sergio.Herrero@us.geodiswilson.com

Tel: + 305-718-9442

Cell: +1 786 210 4916

For further information, please contact:

Press Contacts

Michael Zuchold

Communications Manager

Geodis Wilson                  

Tel.: + 49 174 909 8788                                     

E-Mail:michael.zuchold@hq.geodiswilson.com

Cristal e-College Receives Approval from Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Japan under new Certification Program

20th June 2012

Cristal e-College1 (hereafter called CeC) which is in cooperation with “K” Line Group for the education of seafarers received approval from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Japan (hereafter called MLIT) under new certification program for seafarers, that is the same as Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA).

Under this certification program, it is possible for the graduates from an approved college located in a country where the Japanese government recognized Certificate of Competency2 to work on Japanese flagged vessels as Officers without taking designated examination.

MLIT examined CeC’s curriculum regarding the courses for operating vessels and engines to confirm that the college is providing adequate education in mid – March 2012 before the approval. This new certification program will be applied from 1st batch of “K” Line class who graduated from the college in April 2012.

“K” Line will strive for further improvement in safe and high-quality transportation by strengthening education of seafarers.

1 Cristal e-College (CeC) :

Merchant Marine College, located on Bohol Island in middle of the Philippines, opened in 2008.

“K” Line gives examinations to recruit high-achieving students. The students take lectures at the college for 3 years and onboard training for one year. The students are provided with “K” Line’s own curriculum in addition to the college curriculum, and onboard training on vessels managed by in-house ship management companies in accordance with “K” Line’s own Cadet Training Program, “K” Line’s aim being to develop them into efficient senior officers. 1st batch of “K” Line class graduated from the college in April 2012.

2 Certificate of Competency:

The license issued to Officers in accordance with international regulations to work onboard.

For further information, please contact:

Captain Gakuro Hosomi

Manager of Seafarers Policy Team, Marine Human Resources Group

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd

TEL: 81-3-3595-5654   FAX: 81-3-3595-5151

Member Growth and Financial Security Underpin 2012 Results from Shipowners’ Club

The Shipowners’ Club, the specialist P&I insurer serving the global, smaller and specialist vessel sectors, announces its results for the year ended 20th February 2012, which feature a healthy overall surplus, increased premium revenues and growth in both tonnage and Member numbers.

London, Luxembourg, Singapore & Vancouver, 14th June, 2012

The most positive aspect of a very strong set of results was the increased gross written premiums at US$ 209.7 million, up 6.5% on last year.  Growth was certainly the underlying theme, with the total number  of Members up by 5.3% to 5,922; vessels entered increasing by 8.1% to 31,341 and total gross tonnage  rising to 19.8 million, an up-lift of 11.2%.  Shipowners’ financial security was also reinforced by a growth in free reserves to US$234.5 million resulting in total funds of US$ 502 million, an increase of 16.5% on the position at the previous year end.

In commenting on the results, Charles Hume, Chief Executive said, “We believe that our further growth last year is indicative of the continued strength and stability which our Members find in the Club during uncertain and volatile times.”

Given the difficult trading conditions in all markets over the twelve-month operating period, Shipowners was also pleased with its strong technical performance.  The overall surplus of US$ 46.5 million consisted of an underwriting surplus, up 13% on last year at US$ 28.6 million and an investment return of US$ 18.9 million before taxation.  The underwriting result represents a combined ratio of 84.9%, in line with the previous year and the investment result is a 4.8% return on capital.

“Our technical result confirms our determination to underwrite to a modest surplus and is reflected in our average combined ratio over a ten-year period of 97.1%.  Our Members appreciate that we have no additional or release calls and the Club’s ‘what you see is what you get’ approach.  We look forward to working together with our Members in continuing to enhance the financial security and service that we provide.” said Hume.

Shipowners’ steady growth has been founded on a superior service to its Members, including loss prevention advice, claims handling expertise and responsive underwriting.  Recently, additional investment in staff has been significant, strengthening the Club’s resource in all three of its operational offices in London, Singapore and Vancouver. New product development is also key to Shipowners’ growth strategy and a commitment to policy wording simplification in certain vessel categories, notably yachts last year. With fishing and passenger vessels to come, this has met with an encouraging degree of success.

ENDS

Financial Highlights as at 20th February 2012 (vs 2011)

  • Net result:  Overall surplus of US$46.5 million (US$52.9 million)
  • Gross premiums earned: US$209.7 million (US$196.8 million)
  • Claims incurred, net of reinsurance:  US$115.4 million (US$106.3 million)
  • Combined ratio:  84.9% (85.0%)
  • Operating expenses: US$43.0 million (US$40.5 million)
  • Investment return:  US$18.9 million gain (US$27.6 million  gain)
  • Free reserves: US$234.5 million (US$187.9 million)

A pdf of the full Annual Report 2012 is available for download at www.shipownersclub.com

Notes for Editors:

The Shipowners’ Club is a mutual marine liability insurer, providing Protection & Indemnity insurance to smaller and specialist vessels since 1855. The Club currently insures over 31,000 vessels from 5,922 Members worldwide and is a member of the International Group of P&I Clubs.

The Club has offices located in London, Luxembourg, Singapore and Vancouver.