FORWARDER magazine issue 61

THE BREXIT SITUATION CAN A.I. FREE FORWARDERS from the log jam of international trade?

HOW HAS BREXIT AFFECTED LOGISTICS and handling services?

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elcome to

CONTENTS

BREXIT NEW BRIEFING SECTION

19 IDCOVOVERY K RECUNCING BAC

2

BO

AIR FREIGHT

22

SEA FREIGHT

30

ROAD FREIGHT

40

RAIL FREIGHT NEW SECTION

46

PROJECT CARGO

50

AIR & SEA PORTS

54

TECH & DIGITALISATION

64

EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS

74

CUSTOMS CLEARANCE

80

INDUSTRY SERVICES

84

TRAINING & NEW RECRUITMENT CONTENT

96

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

116

MEDIA & MARKETING

124 FORWARDER magazine

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3

OPERATIONS

ACCOUNTS

making information flow…

4 FORWARDER magazine boxtop.net

ISSUE61

CRM

BOXTRAX

WAREHOUSING

WEB API’S

PO MANAGEMENT

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MEET THE TEAM

W

e hope you enjoyed our five-year landmark issue last

CRAIG EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

month. If you are reading this online and would like a hard copy sent to you, please get in touch with us.

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ALAN EDITOR

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editor@forwardermagazine.com

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BREXIT BRIEFING

We delve into the opportunities (and the challenges) presented by Britain’s departure from the EU. Related topics Global trade agreements Border control Import/export balance

Sponsored by

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ISSUE61

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

BUDGET 2021...

24 FEBRUARY 2021

Further information can be found at menzies.co.uk

CHANCELLOR MUST USE NEW POST-BREXIT FREEDOMS TO SUPPORT THE TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS SECTOR

N

o longer bound by EU state aid rules, Chancellor Rishi Sunak

The Government has already agreed to extend the £1m Annual

must use the Government’s Brexit freedoms to make fiscal

Investment Allowance limit to 1 January 2022, which will be helpful

changes that will support businesses in the hard-hit transport

for businesses incurring capital expenditure. However, they could

& logistics sector on the road to recovery and protect jobs.

go further by increasing the limit or broadening the scope of capital expenditure that might qualify, to include more structural costs.

With speculation mounting that the Chancellor might be preparing to introduce tax hikes to help pay for the pandemic, tax experts at

Andrew adds:

This Budget is the Chancellor’s first opportunity to

accountancy firm, Menzies LLP, are concerned that doing so could force

assert the UK’s independence from the EU. Enhancing tax reliefs in a way

more freight forwarders and other transport operators, which have been

that would target support for struggling businesses could deliver a much-

impacted by the current chaos at UK/EU borders, closer to insolvency.

needed economic boost and protect jobs. Specifically, help is needed to address the skills shortage in the sector and with unemployment

Instead, the Chancellor should be using his first post-Brexit Budget to

rising, tax incentives could be introduced to provide opportunities for

establish a tax regime that incentivises innovation and capital investment,

people who want to re-train. As well as providing more HGV drivers,

while helping to position the UK as a place that companies in the sector

incentives in this area could encourage more people to train as customs

will want to stay, invest and grow.

clearance specialists and warehouse operatives.

Now is definitely not the time to increase corporate taxes or reduce incentives for innovation and capital investment, as this will do nothing

ABOUT MENZIES

to help struggling transport operators to repair their business models

MENZIES is a top 25 accountancy firm in the UK. The

and prepare for a post-pandemic bounce back. There will be a time to

firm’s accountants, finance and business, and private client

recoup some of the cost of the pandemic, but promoting economic

advisors operate out of a network of offices across Surrey,

stability must come first. The Chancellor could for example change

Hampshire, London and Cardiff, providing our clients with easy

current corporate tax loss relief rules to allow losses incurred in the

access and local knowledge. Described as the ‘best performing

pandemic to be carried back for a longer period, in a similar way to

firm outside of the top 10’ by Accountancy Magazine, MENZIES

companies being able to reclaim tax in the 2008 recession. Alternatively,

has over 400 employees and an annual turnover of more than

he could be more creative still and allow loss-making businesses to offset

£40m. Menzies are members of HLB International, a global

losses against last year’s PAYE liability. Such changes would allow some

advisory and accounting network. HLB is ranked in the top 12

of the hardest-hit businesses to access a tax refund to support them

international accounting networks. It is a fast-growing, dynamic

on the road to recovery.

network of worldwide accounting firms and business advisors,

Andrew Galliers, Audit Director, Menzies LLP

servicing clients through its member firms in over 150 countries.

FORWARDER magazine

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3

BREXIT BRIEFING NEWS 15 FEBRUARY 2021

NEW GOVERNMENT FIGURES SHOW

35% OF UK IMPORTERS ARE STRUGGLING AT THE BORDERS

T

he latest ONS economy report highlights soaring problems

Customs duties

at Customs and a crisis developing in Northern Ireland trade,

• 26% of businesses experienced exporting challenges because of

warns the international delivery expert ParcelHero.

customs duties or levies, a big jump from the 16% of exporters reporting issues in the previous two-week period.

The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) economy figures show

• Likewise, 26% experienced importing challenges because of

businesses are reporting spiralling Brexit challenges. Doubt has also

customs fees in the fortnight between 25 January–7 February,

been cast on the viability of the Northern Ireland protocol, says the

compared to 16% in the preceding two weeks.

international delivery expert ParcelHero. Transport costs, border disruption and customs duties problems soared in the two-week period

Perhaps even more concerning, in terms of both trade and politics,

between 24 January and 7 February.

are the escalating problems experienced by those shipping goods to Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Protocol is in danger of

ParcelHero’s Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks MILT, says

unraveling entirely if these trends continue.

the new figures highlight the full impact of Brexit on businesses: The ONS report, UK exporters and importers increasingly likely to face

A massive 44% of retailers and wholesalers reported the volume of goods

challenges, shows a sharp escalation in Brexit problems. They increased

they shipped to Northern Ireland decreased in the latest two-week period,

markedly in the two weeks from 25 January to 7 February compared to

compared to the previous fortnight. 31.5% of manufacturers reported their

the preceding fortnight, 11–24 January:

export volumes to Northern Ireland fell during the latest period. Of all businesses who had sent, or intended to send, goods from Great Britain to

Border disruption

Northern Ireland in the last two weeks, 38% reported sending fewer goods.

• 35% of businesses experienced importing challenges because of disruption at the UK borders. That’s up dramatically from the 25%

These problems will only escalate as a waiver on customs declarations

of importers reporting challenges in the previous two weeks.

on parcels sent from the rest of the United Kingdom to Northern

• Similarly, 25% of exporters recorded disruption at borders, compared to just 19% reporting disruption in the preceding fortnight.

Transport costs

Ireland runs out on 31 March, and certification requirements ramp-up on supermarket goods in April. The Government urgently needs to renegotiate these deadlines with the EU.

• 34% of businesses experienced exporting challenges because of a rise in transportation costs. That’s up significantly from the 25%

It’s not as if these issues were unpredictable. As long ago as 2016, our

experiencing transport cost issues in the previous two-week period.

pre-referendum report, Delivering Brexit: The true cost of leaving

• 30% experienced importing challenges because of a change in

the EU, predicted SMEs would face Brexit costs of around £163k in the

transport costs. Again, this is up significantly from the previous two

first year and a typical rise of 30% on the price of items purchased in the

weeks’ figure of 28%.

EU that had components originating outside Europe.

4

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ISSUE61

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at unitedseaways.com

A

new direct shipping route, which will connect the UK and

levels, skilled workforce and ample operational space, the Port of Poole is

Morocco, is to be launched shortly. The route, which has

ideally set up to receive both accompanied and unaccompanied freight. To

been established by maritime and transport specialist, United

avoid unnecessary disruptions, we work closely with UK Border Control,

Seaways, will link Poole in Dorset to Tangier, Morocco.

Port Health, and the Animal & Plant Health Agency to ensure that all the necessary checks are carried out as efficiently as possible right here on

The new line has been in planning for over two years and will help

the port estate. We are the ‘can-do’ port and look forward to supporting

bypass post-Brexit traffic congestion and additional import procedures

the future growth of the UK import and export market.

on goods arriving via Europe. It will also significantly reduce emissions

Captain Brian Murphy,

compared to current logistic chains by road.

Marine & Port Director, Poole Harbour Commissioners

The route will run once per week and cut journey times on Moroccan

Our aim is to support businesses with post-Brexit, supply chain

goods to fewer than three days, compared to more than six days via road.

challenges and opportunities. This service will create a sustainable and environmental alternative when launched in the coming months. The

The route currently includes two ferry crossings - one from Morocco

speed and efficiency of the vessel ensures a longer shelf life for fresh

to Spain and one from North Europe to UK - but the new link will avoid

products whilst reducing road congestion, tolls and additional import

the associated bureaucratic Brexit procedures and the time delays the

procedures that have arisen since Brexit.

other crossings face. It will also be used to encourage British importers

Zeyd Fassi Fehri, MD United Seaways

to source fresh produce and other products directly from Morocco and Africa, promoting southbound trade and scaleup exchanges between the two kingdoms, which have a long-standing history of over 800 years.

The Kingdom of Morocco and the United Kingdom have close friendship and a connection which is over 800 years old. We welcome the new line to Tangier Med Port and know that its success will scale

We are very excited to be hosting United Seaways’ brand-new rollon-roll-off ferry service. It will reduce the time taken for goods to arrive

up the trade between Morocco and the UK. Mostafa Benhima, Senior Consultant with the Moroccan Team

by half and will see significant environmental benefits by reducing road freight. This is an exciting opportunity for UK, Moroccan and African

It’s fantastic to be part of a visionary organisation which thinks out

importers and exporters, who are looking to develop existing and establish

of the box. Whilst the project has been some years in the making, the

new business relationships. We will work closely with United Seaways to

timing of the start of the service could not be better.

ensure this service is a huge success. With our high customer satisfaction

Colin McMurray, Non-Exec Director 5 MARCH 2021

UNITED SEAWAYS LAUNCHES A

‘BREXIT BUSTER’ ROUTE FROM MOROCCO TO UK FORWARDER magazine

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5

BREXIT BRIEFING NEWS 12 MARCH 2021

STATEMENT FROM LOGISTICS UK ON

O.N.S. FIGURES REGARDING UK TRADE IN JANUARY 2021

The underlying trade in goods deficit widened by £4.0 billion in the three months to January 2021 (Table 2). While January 2021 saw falls in imports and exports these were offset by increasing imports and exports in November and December 2020.

Goods imports increased £4.9billion while £0.8 The underlying The underlying trade in trade goods in goods deficit deficit widened widened by £4.0 byby billion £4.0 inbillion the three in(4.4%), the months three months togoods January toexports January 2021increased (Table 2021 (Table 2). by While 2). While billion insaw the three to January January January 2021(1.1%) saw 2021falls infalls imports in months imports and exports and exports these2021. were theseoffset were by offset increasing by increasing imports imports and exports and exports in November in November and December and December 2020. 2020.

GoodsGoods imports imports increased increased by £4.9 bybillion £4.9 billion (4.4%),(4.4%), while goods while goods exports exports increased increased by £0.8 by £0.8 billion billion (1.1%)(1.1%) in the three in the months three months to January to January 2021. 2021.

Increases in trade in goods imports were largely seen in machinery and transport equipment and chemicals.

There was evidence of stockpiling for these commodities at the end of 2020, ahead of the end of the EU exit transition period, and the falls seenlargely in the largely month ofmachinery January 2021 likely because of and tradechemicals. being brought Increases Increases in trade in in trade goods in goods imports imports were were seen inseen in machinery and are transport and transport equipment equipment and chemicals. about the byfor ONS today (12 March also restrictions, but there have been improvements since forward.

Imports of goods from EU were stockpiled in at November and December 2020, with decreases in Therepeaking There was evidence was evidence offigures stockpiling of published stockpiling for the these commodities these commodities at the end the ofCOVID-19 end 2020, of 2020, ahead ahead of the of end the ofend the of EU the exit EU exit imports in January 2021 being consistent with an unwinding of stockpiling. transition transition period, period, and the and falls the seen falls in seen the month in the month of January of January 2021 are 2021 likely are because likely because of trade of being trade brought being brought 2021), Alex Veitch, Logistics UK’s General Manager of Public then in the flow of goods across the UK’s border. Following yesterday’s forward. forward.

Imports Imports of goods of goods from the from EUthe were EUstockpiled were stockpiled in November in November and December and December 2020, 2020, with decreases with decreases in in Policy, said: announcement imports imports in January in January 2021 being 2021 consistent being consistent with anwith unwinding an unwinding of stockpiling. of stockpiling. of an extension on the grace periods for checks on The trade in services surplus narrowed £2.7 billion in the three months January 2021, as exports fell £5.1 imports, it istoimperative that both government and industry use the billion (8.3%) and imports by a lesser £2.4 billion (7.0%). Falls in exports and imports were largely seen in travel, Today’s announcement of UK export levels atbillion the start extra time provided to ensure the entire supply chain is ready for the transportation, and other business services.

The trade The in trade services in services surplus surplus narrowed narrowed £2.7 £2.7 billion in theofthree inthe the months three months to January to January 2021, 2021, as exports as exports fell £5.1 fell £5.1 billion billion (8.3%) (8.3%) and imports and imports by a lesser by a lesser £2.4 billion £2.4 billion (7.0%).

(7.0%).

Falls in Falls exports in exports and imports and imports were largely were largely seen in seen travel, in year by ONS are broadly in line with the survey evidence we have introduction of further border controls. This willtravel, minimise delays in transportation, transportation, and other and business other business services. services. gathered from our3: member companies about the impact ofprecious Brexit onmetals, the supply chaininand to keep business and industry Figure The total trade deficit, excluding widened thehelp three months to January 2021stocked with their work in early 2021. The figures show that there were issues in the materials and products they need. balances, excluding non-monetary gold and other precious metals, on three-months, to FigureUK Figure 3:trade The3: total Thetrade total deficit, trade deficit, excluding excluding precious precious metals, metals, widened widened inthree-months the in three the months three months to January toJanuary January 20212019 2021 January, perhaps caused by the implementation of new processes but January 2021

S

UK trade UKbalances, trade balances, excluding excluding non-monetary non-monetary gold and gold other andprecious other precious metals,metals, three-months three-months on three-months, on three-months, January January 2019 to2019 to January January 2021 2021

6

FORWARDER magazine

ISSUE61

Source: Office for National Statistics – UK trade statistics

Source:Source: Office for Office National for National Statistics Statistics – UK trade – UKstatistics trade statistics

L

ogistics UK, the business group representing more than 18,000

Logistics is the lifeblood of UK PLC – it is vital to all elements

businesses across the UK’s logistics sector, has been invited to

of trade and the economy, particularly as the nation looks to

join the government’s Brexit Business Taskforce.

build new trading relationships after the UK’s departure from the EU. We are delighted that the importance of the sector has

The invitation, made by Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael

been recognised at the highest levels of government and look

Gove MP, is in recognition of the group’s work helping government

forward to continuing our constructive dialogue with them to

to keep Britain trading throughout the Brexit process. And, as David

achieve the best possible outcomes for our members and the

Wells, Logistics UK’s Chief Executive explains, the move acknowledges

wider business community.

the vital role which the industry plays in keeping all parts of the economy functioning:

The Brexit Business Taskforce was established by Cabinet Office in November 2020 to help businesses address the challenges

ABOUT LOGISTICS UK

posed by new trading arrangements with the EU from 1 January

Logistics UK (formerly FTA) is one of the UK’s leading business

time ‘an important forum for frequent dialogue and problem

groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to

solving.’ Other members of the group include the CBI, Institute

keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people

of Directors, MAKE UK, Chambers of Commerce and the

directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods.

Federation of Small Business.

2021, and was designed to provide, as Mr Gove said at the

With COVID-19, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders

Throughout the Brexit process, and particularly during

and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more

the COVID-19 pandemic, Logistics UK has established

important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands

a reputation for providing evidence-based advice and

up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group

pragmatic solutions to problems for government,

which represents the whole industry, with members from

said Mr Wells.

the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of

Gove and the wider taskforce team to continue this work and

freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose

reinforce the reputation of logistics as a key sector within the

businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. For

British economy among politicians, business leaders and the wider

more information about the organisation and its work, including

population.

I look forward to working closely with Mr

its ground-breaking research into the impacts of COVID-19 on the whole supply chain, please visit logistics.org.uk

18 JANUARY 2021

LOGISTICS UK INVITED TO JOIN

KEY GOVERNMENT BREXIT TASK FORCE FORWARDER magazine

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7

BREXIT BRIEFING NEWS

BECOME ACCUSTOMED TO CUSTOMS 2 MARCH 2021

SAYS ESPACE

A

t 11pm, 31st December 2020, we left the Single Market and

The lack of competent UK and EU customs agents is a real worry.

the EU customs union enabling us to cut our own trade deals

There were rumours that the Customs Intermediary Grant programme

and make Great Britain a global trading power like no other.

was running out of funds at a time when we need to encourage more companies to offer customs services.

Well, that was the idea, but the opposite has happened. UK exporters and European logistics companies have been exposed to a system

Freight rates are soaring as availability of equipment is at an all-time

not fit for purpose, causing massive delays at ports and warehouses

low. EU hauliers have little appetite to send their drivers to the UK as

full of shipments with missing or incomplete customs paperwork.

many face days trying to exit the UK due to problems with customs

EU customers have been forced to wait days to get their stock as UK

paperwork / inability to get a T1 document. Some EU hauliers now are

traders struggle to access transit guarantees, find a customs agent and

charging their EU customers for an empty return leg from the UK as

navigate their way through the new customs requirements.

empty trailers returning to the EU do not need any customs paperwork.

It is therefore becoming harder and harder to find driver-accompanied

We are receiving a barrage of calls and emails from UK exporters as

trailers to got to Europe from the UK.

well as UK and EU hauliers to complete customs documents for them.

Many people have been let down by their preferred agent as they simply

Major confusion over EIDR (Entry in Declarants Records) deferred

cannot cope with the workloads they are being presented with.

declaration scheme with EU hauliers and logistics companies. Many continue to ask for a Simplified Frontier Declaration number so they

The main issue is transit guarantees. If a driver with a full load for Italy

can ship to the UK. This is not necessary if the UK importer is running

enters the EU at Calais, he will need a T1 document to be able to exit

EIDR. With the import simplifications coming to an end on 30th June,

the UK. This allows for the suspension of the EU VAT until the driver

we foresee more problems getting EU goods into the UK as it is unlikely

arrives at an EU customs office in the country for the delivery. There is

that we will have enough customs agents in place by then with the

very little appetite amongst UK customs agents to issue these T1s. They

relevant CFSP authorisations.

are reliant on the driver to follow the correct procedure to discharge the T1 or the liability for the EU VAT could fall back onto them. There

We and many in our industry foresaw all these problems. We can be

are simply not enough companies offering this customs procedure to

part of the solution if the Government listens to us. I have written to

service the huge demand for it. Also, the system used to issue and

Boris Johnson, Michael Gove and Grant Shapps to point out the major

control the transit movement is experiencing high volumes of entries

problems around the issuing of T1 documents. I have also started a

and is slow to respond with acceptances. Physical infrastructure too

Government petition Listen to the U.K European logistics industry

is lacking to start transit. The Government Inland Customs office in

to stop the current carnage. We need 10,000 signatures to get it

Ashford where the T1s are issued and started, had to close for a day

delivered to the Prime Minister.

due to ‘issues.’ All drivers needing T1s were sent to Manston Airport to wait until the site re-opened.

The best way out of the mess we are in is to ask the people sorting the mess day in, day out.

8

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ISSUE61

– and vSMART, our agile partner interface. To ensure all bookings were compliant at both ends, NNR designed a bespoke online booking form to be

C

completed by all suppliers for each order with highlighted mandatory fields and attachment capability in order for the booking to be accepted. Once

asting our mind back to what seems like a lifetime ago, January

accepted the booking data populates all the required information into our

2020 to be exact, the NNR team began engaging with our

Tracking platform, to enable full visibility for our import team and supporting

customers regarding the seemingly inevitable truck-crash that

the population of data for the customs entry. Each milestone is recorded from

would be January 1st 2021. Lead by our resident experts, our Brexit

the moment the shipment is booked, departed, arrived, customs cleared and

Team began preparing and accumulating knowledge to prepare, best we

ultimately delivered to the customer, all visible in the same platform. This is

could, for the two possible outcomes: ‘Deal or No deal.’

enhanced for easy viewing by our simple ‘traffic light’ system based upon date and process map position:

Either way, our best advice was to prepare well, prepare early and ensure sufficient stock was available to endure the inevitable delays that hundreds

• Red for all shipments which are yet to be submitted to UK customs

of thousands of newly-required customs declarations would surely incur. Of

• Amber for customs declared but awaiting customs clearance

course, at that moment we could not envisage a pandemic and the short-

• Green customs cleared and delivery en-route

supply of products that would follow. Naturally, companies understanding and planning for Brexit also suffered from the impact of the Coronavirus

In addition, all the supplier’s commercial invoices, packing lists and any

pandemic where resources were stretched thinly and focus switched to

paperwork required are available to download. The available downloads

health and safety planning whilst adapting to new working environments.

also latterly include the UK customs entries, providing full visibility of any charges paid to HRMC and NNR’s invoice for the processing of

Meanwhile, one major household name, a major food brand and

each shipment – all indexed by the customer’s PO references. This

importer into the UK, were deep in discussion with NNR regarding

information can be downloaded into a variety of formats or transmitted

how best to simplify the process and anticipated controls required.

directly into our customer’s own ERP system.

They subsequently announced NNR as their newly-appointed exclusive partner for the customs clearance of food products into the UK from

To date, all shipments have moved seamlessly from the start of Brexit

the EU post-Brexit. Impressed with our high-level of expertise, forward

and we expect this to continue. With our pragmatic and risk-based

planning and regular information updates on Brexit, NNR were assigned

outlook, we are always looking ahead for any potential changes to

to automate the sharing of data to ensure fluidity for all stakeholders.

legislation or regulation to facilitate swift change. This is an integral part of our ‘KAIZEN’ continuous improvement programme which is in

Our Brexit teams, complemented by our Account management team,

the DNA of NNR Global Logistics.

worked closely with the customer and their suppliers to provide a suitable IT solution; combining our unique vNEXT operating platform 18 JANUARY 2021

NNR...

EASY-TO-DIGEST FOOD TRANSPORT SOLUTIONS FORWARDER magazine

ISSUE61

9

BREXIT BRIEFING Q&A

THE BREXIT SITUATION FEBRUARY 2021

AS SEEN BY MICHAEL JONES, ILG UK

C

an you describe actual

Have you encountered any personnel issues

stories of how you

with EU staff leaving?

have been affected as

No, quite the opposite infact. This has allowed us to send employed

a business by Brexit?

staff to our European Warehouse either for relocation closer to home

I was about to sit down with my family on

or on a secondment basis. Having ILG people in our European facility

Christmas Eve when I received a call from

from day 1 is going to be crucial to the success of our newest venture.

a colleague asking me if I had popped the Champagne cork to celebrate a trade deal. Far from it I said, as I did not

In truth, is it COVID-19 or the end of Brexit

see that the trade deal was going to help us from 1st January, especially this

transition that has kept you awake at night?

close to the deadline and knowing a lot of clients and suppliers’ key personnel

COVID-19 was something that gave us sleepless nights at the start of

were on holiday for the festive period. I put the phone down with a degree

the first lockdown but ILG’s growth in 2020 can be attributed to largely

of uncertainty trying to picture day 1 back in the office outside of the single

because of COVID-19. This gave us sleepless nights for the right reasons

market. On reflection to seeing our Prime Minister pat himself on the back

as we started to smash records month on month and allowed us the

in front of the nation, I did not know what to expect but I had a sense of

time prior to our peak season to plan based on the peak volumes we

confidence knowing that whatever the industry had thrown at us in previous

were seeing at the time. Brexit has given us different challenges but it

years, ILG had always come through it relatively unscathed. Coming back

has seemed like a much longer road to success with it and at the time

to work in January I had an element of excitement going into an unknown

of writing, we are still having to make changes to systems in order to

situation but that soon vanished with what I can only describe as the worst

keep up with developments. COVID-19 opened our eyes to volumes we

time in logistics I have known in my 10 years. The Brexit fallout has given me

could only dream of but Brexit has delivered different challenges that

and countless colleagues sleepless nights and an untold amount of stress. The

we have had to overcome in record time.

topic engulfed my day from 7am through to 11pm on some nights as uncertainty, confusion and a general lack of understanding from both our suppliers and

Have you encountered any issue with sending goods

clients meant nothing else was possible for at least a month into the new year.

to Northern Ireland or have you held back to see how it all unfolds?

What opportunities have you spotted for your business

Our clients have largely held back but we are now preparing for the

in the coming months and years following Brexit?

fallout as we approach 1st April. By not selling these products it pushes

ILG were preparing for Brexit well in advance and set our intentions out

us to look at different solutions for a range of clients but from the

very early on with commitment to a European warehouse in 2021. The

outside looking in, the advice seems fairly lacking and the subject seems

Brexit deal only confirmed what a good decision this was. One of key

to have been untouched for some time. It would not surprise me if the

USP’s is our purchasing power and our courier services are extremely

extension is granted that allows further preparation time but this has

cost effective for any return on investment and we soon had enquiries

been an area we have largely left alone

from European companies who were struggling to access their UK market without additional fees and delays. We are in the process of launching

Will you expand your UK sales activity post-Brexit?

a cross dock product for businesses in Europe to take advantage of

Yes, ILG are a solutions provider and we will continue to increase sales

providing any product that is sent to ILG to forward is pre sold.

within the UK at every opportunity.

10

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How prepared were you for the end of the transition?

ILG were as prepared as we could be but a large part of our business is dependant on our suppliers and their capabilities. There were a lot of changes made to IT & API routes that were finalised very close to the deadline and there was never going to be enough time or resource for these

In the end, will your business be more or less

to be tested to the degree we would have liked to. Anything ILG could

with EU customers in a year’s time?

plan for was done well in advance, we kept our clients up to date with any

I truly believe this will be more, we are due to open our first European

changes and enhancements but as the product was not ours to sell, we

facility in Poland and this will only drive business from existing clients

were limited and relied heavily on our clients to be ready as well as ILG.

and new prospects. We have other benefits to use that will increase business for our clients who ship to the EU and this will only continue

Have you found enough British government advice

to drive growth for ILG and our clients.

or support for the ending of the transition period?

The advice is there but it is the sort of advice you need to read once,

If you are continuing to do business to or from

twice maybe five times to make sense of it all and decipher what is

the EU, which mode would you use – air, rail, road,

relevant to your business and clients and what is not. A large number

short sea, or a combination of these?

of clients had a lot of trouble looking for the right information and leant

It largely depends on a few factors. For ILG to make suggestions for our

on ILG for our advice and recommendations.

clients we look at their target market, the product and its value, what levels of cost absorption (DDP Fees etc) does the client want to handle and

Are you operating in a sector

then make a decision based on this. For now the most cost efficient route

that actually had much business with the EU?

to the EU is via road shipping, there are lower carrier surcharges to take

A lot of our Ecommerce clients have very unique and niche products meaning

into account and not all export charges and additional costs are the same

their target market has expanded over the years. The challenge they now face

with each carrier. This has changed behaviour in our clients and the routes

in shipping to their EU market has changed overnight, some have continued

they take to the EU and I have no doubt that if this route continues to

along the same path and have taken the option to absorb DDP charges to

work for them then they would not hesitate to remain how they are. We

keep serving their clients but others have stopped shipping altogether. Our

are having to manage expectations across the board as to how dramatically

European shipping profile has changed dramatically from one month to the

the service levels and speed of delivery has changed from one service to

next, nearly all shipments are being sent on cheaper slower services due to

the other. Clients of ours still have an expectation that sending express air

additional charges for our suppliers and it is a very different outlook for a lot

will achieve next day delivery from the UK to most EU destinations but

of our clients now than it was when we were in the single market.

the reality is hugely different, especially with the additional information at receiver and product level that are now required. If the main integrators

Have you found the paperwork now associated

who service Air Express want to retain or gain business back then sooner

with export to or import from the EU impossible

or later they are going to have to look at what they feel is acceptable to

to complete or actually not a problem?

charge on top of the courier costs. DHL Express for example have chosen

ILG do not tend to get involved with the paperwork side of things as this is

to charge an additional £0.25 per KG with a minimum charge of £4.50.

covered within the courier services we purchase but we have seen delays

Considering most Ecommerce business falls into the lower weight scale at

due to incomplete data, missing or inaccurate information and have had to

around 2KG-3KG, you are adding a considerable amount more to a service

deal with many more parcel exceptions in one month than were dealt with

that at the time of writing is no better than sending via a road service. I

in Q4 2020. Each supplier we work with has a different way of working

sincerely hope they realise how much this has put a lot of exporters off

but we are seeing that basic information such as contact name, email

shipping to the EU but it does seem that this will come back to haunt them

address and phone number are huge contributors to these exceptions.

the longer they intend to charge these fees.

FORWARDER magazine

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11

BREXIT BRIEFING EXPERTS

A

s UK businesses continue to adjust to the new Brexit

The Brexit burden

arrangements, the freight forwarding industry is battling its

Fears of wastage are particularly prevalent right now. Indeed, UK

way through a blizzard of paperwork.

Government ministers have admitted that up to 142,000 tonnes of food could be wasted over the first six months of 2021 because of

Employing an army of people to manage the additional administration is

Brexit border disruption. The boss of DH Foods recently admitted

only half of the challenge. The other half is updating manual processes

that incorrectly prepared documents led to five containers full of pork

which remains stuck in the dark ages and involve an enormous volume

being left to rot at a port in the Netherlands, while seafood wholesaler

of documents and unsorted data.

The Stickleback Fish Company has been forced to discard thousands of pounds’ worth of fish each week due to post-Brexit paperwork.

The Bill of Lading, for example, dates as far back as the late 1300s, and yet is still widely used in transporting freight worldwide today. This is in

Tackling the problem

addition to the commercial invoices, airway bills, certificates of origin,

What’s clear is that, if left unchecked, the increased paperwork will

packing lists, arrival notices, customs declarations and export health

severely impact companies’ long-term operations and thwart growth.

certificates that are required for processing cross-border transactions.

It’s no wonder outdated and cumbersome paperwork has been blamed

To put it into perspective, a fish merchant exporting just one lorry

for the recent delays and disruption in our supply chains.

of fish into the EU is now required to provide 71 pages of paperwork which includes catch certificates, export health certificates (in both

It’s the little things

English and French), the statement of value and 22 invoices. In total,

Understanding and actioning vast swathes of freight paperwork demands

it is estimated that freight forwarders will need to process an extra

hundreds – if not thousands – of employee-hours to manually check and

200 million customs declarations every year, compared with roughly

input the data into each forwarder’s systems.

55 million before Brexit.

Even a straightforward screening process such as checking the consistency

Without some sort of further, extensive trade agreement, the problem

of a consignment number across multiple pages of documents can be

isn’t going to go away, which is why the freight forwarding industry needs

incredibly painful and time-consuming. And it’s just one of the many

to change the way it processes paperwork.

monotonous tasks that dominate the day-to-day activity of account handlers who could be spending their time on other more valuable

One solution is to hire more staff, if there’s budget, which could be a

activities like delivering great customer service and driving growth.

good thing as the world continues to battle the economic damage of the pandemic. Another is to work towards the introduction of a global

Freight forwarders that rely solely on manpower to process paperwork

standard that is required for all documents. Yet, in a highly fragmented

also leave themselves, and their customers, open to errors that may cost

market, no single party holds the power or permission to dictate a new,

time and money. For example, incorrectly inputting a weight or date can

singular digital standard, so this idea seems unlikely, to say the least.

trigger a communication back to the supplier to seek correction, causing a delay to the item being shipped. If one small sub-shipment is wrong, it

Instead we must look to technology to help freight forwarders make

can hold up an entire shipment at customs. It’s perhaps no surprise to

customs transactions run as smoothly as possible. In fact, the UN

learn that, post-Brexit, the industry is already encountering increased

estimates that, by digitising trade paperwork processing, companies

storage costs, late delivery penalties and, in the case of perishable

could cut costs by 31% and time by 44%. And this is before we add

goods, more wastage.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) to the mix.

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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at vector.ai

The latest AI technology has the power to extract complex

Of course, every cross-border transaction is still going to be

and unstructured data found in paperwork and turn it into

subject to a huge amount of paperwork – this is something

ordered digital form. It’s also able to capture the nuances in

that forwarders simply have to get used to in the post-

customs and freight documents as well as recognise diverse

Brexit world. However, thanks to AI, paperwork needn’t

layouts, handwriting and tables. And, because modern AI

been slow, error-prone and expensive. By bringing these

approaches have a feedback loop which learns over time,

processes into the modern day, it is possible for forwarders

they’re more robust and dynamic than the often template-

to free the log jam of international trade and get on with

driven off-the shelf Optical Character Recognition (OCR)-

business once more.

only approaches.

James Coombes, CEO & co-founder of vector.ai Arguably, then, AI could be the silver bullet that freight forwarders so desperately need. With one freight forwarder we recently worked with, its first transaction using AI reduced a typically 40 minute-long task down to just four minutes. With another, it’s making up to 75% costs savings on the processing of every shipment.

CAN A.I. FREE FORWARDERS FROM THE LOG JAM OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE? FORWARDER magazine

ISSUE61

13

BREXIT BRIEFING EXPERTS

HOW HAS BREXIT AFFECTED LOGISTICS & HANDLING SERVICES?

S

ince the new year, the impact of Brexit has had a clear effect

The effect on suppliers

on every stage of the logistics process, from transport fees

The Brexit deal left SME’s within FMCG specifically unprepared and

and new limitations to restrictions on imported goods.

in a state of loss moving forwards due to associating logistics costs,

According to new research, 50% of UK business decision makers felt

with many forced to cut off sales to the EU which in turn hinders

that Brexit uncertainty had negatively impacted their supply chain in

businesses ability to scale on an international level, meaning bottom

the last five years , with this only set to increase as the full effect of

lines will also decrease. Logistics providers are still working their

Brexit becomes clear. As the difficulties of Brexit continue to hinder

way around the new regulations and pricings to be able to offer

many logistical businesses at every turn, flexible logistics platform

transport packages into the EU, which is anticipated to become

Trident Worldwide has assessed the impact across the industry.

smoother once the transition period is over.

What are the biggest effects?

In addition, suppliers in the UK have stockpiled prior to Brexit

UK logistics companies have had to adapt to huge

on medications and other emergency items, with three insulin

changes, including:

suppliers for Diabetes UK already assuring the charity that they will

1

be holding insulin stock to ensure continuous supply of at least four Custom changes have been introduced as we saw the end of free

months2 . However, this was not an option for some other sectors,

trade between Britain and the EU. This means more paperwork and

such as FMCGs, as a lack of warehousing facilities and a short shelf

meeting new product standards which are stricter, particularly when

life made this seemingly impossible.

trading restricted goods and livestock to name a few.

There have been disruptions to the medical supply-chain more so Supply-chain disruption has seen huge delays in custom checks

than ever as deliveries are stopped at the borders due to a lack of

at British ports causing a backlog of demand to major supply chains

customs clearance. This has led to a shortage in medication supplies.

including grocery and manufacturing industries, however this is

This has been an ongoing issue pre-Brexit but has pushed the need

anticipated to ease after the adjustment period.

to streamline the supply-chain more than ever to ensure patients have the medication they need.

Regulation changes have altered UK trading standards away

Beth Hawley,

from European standards when it comes to workers’ rights and

Healthcare & Pharmaceutical Account Manager, Trident Worldwide

consumer protection.

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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at trident-ww.com

Transportation

Manufacturers I've spoken to at the start of this year have

Road haulage, air freight and maritime transport

explained that their main issue was of course the changes in

has all been affected:

documentation and how not providing the correct information causes huge delays, and in some cases, penalties from customs which

Road haulage is the most dominant mode of transport in the UK,

is affecting businesses massively. This has caused them to change

with most goods imported to and exported from the UK by road

their shipping Incoterms more to X-works and FCA in order for

are handled by overseas hauliers. UK hauliers account for 8% of

the financial and timing responsibilities to be placed more on their

total haulage activity in the EU , meaning negative implications in

customers rather than themselves.

the UK and EU as new administration hurdles, delays at ports, and

Will Annand, Manufacturing Account Manager, Trident Worldwide

3

mandatory border checks come into play.

1 https://www.sourcetoday.com/supply-chain/article/21867492

However, air freight cargo services have soared due to ocean

/how-is-brexit-disrupting-the-worlds-supply-chains

congestion and sea freight supply chain issues and additional

2 https://ifa-forwarding.net/blog/news/impact-of-brexit-on-logistics-

hurdles, with a growth of 200% in January compared to January

companies-and-suppliers/

2020 , making air capacity stretched to the maximum as logistics

3 https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/uk/Documents/

businesses attempt to find the quickest and most effective solutions.

international-markets/deloitte-uk-brexit-industry-insights-logistics.pdf

4

4 https://www.lloydsloadinglist.com/freight-directory/news /Air-freight-charter-volumes-soar-due-to-ocean-congestion-PPE-surge -and-Brexit/78483.htm#.YC_VwOj7SUk

FORWARDER magazine

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15

COVID-19 RECOVERY

Hopefully the most short-lived section of FORWARDER, we'll bring you word on how the industry is recovering from this crisis and focus on positive stories about a world bouncing back.

Related topics SARS-CoV-19 coronavirus Government measures Industry reactions

16 16 FORWARDER magazine

ISSUE61

28 JANUARY 2021

DP WORLD & UNICEF ANNOUNCE

GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP TO SUPPORT COVID-19 VACCINATION

D

P World and UNICEF have announced a wide-ranging partnership to support the global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and related immunisation supplies in low- and lower-

middle-income countries.

The new partnership - with a multi-million dollar value - is the largest to date to support UNICEF's lead role in procuring and supplying 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines and auxiliary vaccination supplies on behalf of the COVAX Facility. DP World and UNICEF will also collaborate on other global programs in support of education, health, women's empowerment and water and sanitation.

Distributing COVID-19 vaccines is humanity's biggest logistics DP World, a leader in global end-to-end supply chain logistics, will

challenge since the end of the Second World War. We offer our

provide UNICEF with logistics solutions and supply-chain expertise.

infrastructure and expertise to support this effort because everyone

By using DP World's warehouse facilities in Dubai, UNICEF will

should have access to vaccines, especially the most vulnerable in our

have optimized access to many countries. In addition, DP World has

society. Unless the vaccine is available to all, the pandemic will not

committed to leveraging its global logistics infrastructure and services

end for anyone.

on a pro-bono basis in support of COVID-19 vaccine logistics needs,

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem

including transport, port and storage requirements in countries where DP World is present. Dubai is currently used by UNICEF as a strategic

The pandemic has turned children's world upside down, disrupting

hub for pre-positioning auxiliary materials needed for the COVID-19

their education, health and protection. Vaccines will be a big step

vaccine campaigns, such as syringes and safety boxes.

towards putting children's lives back on track. This new partnership will support our collective efforts to ensure equitable, affordable and

The partnership was signed by Henrietta Fore, UNICEF Executive

sustainable access to COVID-19 vaccines.

Director, and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP

Henrietta Fore, Executive Director, UNICEF

World. It arose from UNICEF's collaboration with the World Economic Forum's Supply Chain and Transport Community, of which DP World is

Under this partnership, DP World and UNICEF will also collaborate

a member and explores how the community collectively could support

to address logistical bottlenecks hindering children and their families'

an equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccines globally.

access to essential supplies through advocacy and sharing of knowledge and expertise.

FORWARDER magazine

ISSUE61

17

COVID-19 RECOVERY NEWS 3 MARCH 2021

BUDGET SETS A

STRONG FOUNDATION FOR ECONOMIC RECOVERYSAYS LOGISTICS UK

M

easures included in the Budget provide a strong foundation

great news for businesses in the logistics industry which rely on sectors

for economic recovery, according to Logistics UK, one of

of the economy like retail and hospitality which are yet to reopen.

the UK’s biggest business groups. But while there are many

Today’s announcement will provide reassurance for those employed

positive decisions – including a freeze in fuel duty and extension to the

across the sector, and ensure that logistics businesses can maintain their

furloughing scheme – we need to see greater investment in training

workforce, ready to go as soon as the economy reopens.

programmes to help fill the growing vacancies in the industry.

Responding to the announcement of a rise in corporation tax in 2023, Funding to train new entrants to the logistics sector is particularly

and the extension of the business rates holiday until June 2021 before

welcome at a time when the industry is suffering significant skills gaps and

a discounted rate is introduced, Mr Veitch adds:

Many logistics

the loss of EU workers, and a more flexible approach to apprenticeships

businesses are still to recover fully from the impact of COVID-19, with a

will also assist the sector in recruiting the next generation of logistics

large proportion of the industry still in limbo as a result of the continued

employees. However, the industry needs new recruits now, and a more

closure of sectors such as entertainment and hospitality. It is vital that

flexible method of providing direct support to those looking to retrain

business is not penalised by additional taxation at this crucial time in the

and reskill into vital operational roles like HGV drivers and transport

economic recovery, particularly as the logistics sector is the one which

managers would help that transition. The average cost for a 12-month

drives all other sectors, delivering the raw materials and finished goods

apprenticeship training and license acquisition is £7,000 – Logistics UK

needed to boost trade and competitiveness.

would like to see more immediate government support, in the form of interest-free loans or grants, to be made available now to help switch

On the news of the infrastructure bank launch, Mr Veitch comments:

those affected by the pandemic into the vacancies which are open now,

Today’s commitment to a multibillion-pound investment into

and help with the economic recovery from COVID-19.

infrastructure is welcome news for the logistics industry. Efficient and

Alex Veitch, General Manager of Public Policy, Logistics UK

effective transport infrastructure is vital for logistics to be able to support the needs of UK businesses; the importance of a strong and

On the announcement that fuel duty will be frozen, Mr Veitch

resilient network to economic recovery must not be underestimated.

comments:

As the economy starts to recover from the impact of

Logistics UK also welcomes the government's commitment to a Freeport

the COVID-19 pandemic, Logistics UK and its member businesses are

programme, with the confirmation of eight successful Freeport bids. We

grateful for the news of a continued fuel duty freeze. At a time when

are confident these will support business and industry in these locations

many businesses are yet to open up fully, or to see the first signs of

and urge the government considers expanding the programme.

recovery, another charge to already fragile balance sheets could have been catastrophic for the organisations which are at the heart of every element of the economy. The continuation of the furlough scheme is

18

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ISSUE61

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

L

eeds-based auto engineering and vehicle safety specialist SM UK has invested £200,000 to develop a fleet Covid-safe vehicles

Further information can be found at smuk.co.uk

designed to provide workers with a secure and virus-free

environment to eat and keep clean while working on remote sites. The first vehicles of their kind to be produced in Yorkshire, each welfare

As well as developing its own fleet, SM UK is also offering conversions

van is equipped with bespoke features such as sanitising stations, toilet

for businesses with their own vans. Mr MacDonald said:

facilities, a kitchen area and seating.

into bespoke van conversions a few years ago, offering customisable

We expanded

solutions from a single van to a nationwide fleet. Now, with the There is a growing demand for welfare vans as a result of Covid

addition of the welfare features, we can install racking, lighting, safety

and this will help us reach new markets, as well as expand our offering

equipment and more while taking into account the van’s uses, allowing

to existing clients. Safety is always at the forefront of everything we

us to transform it into exactly what the company needs for business.

do, from our crash-tested seats to hand-sanitising stations. Many of our customers are in the construction industry and these vehicles are

Established in 2000, SM UK works with some of the UK’s largest fleets

valuable assets for sites. They provide a great, Covid-secure base for

to ensure their drivers have improved visibility of blind spots, reducing

anyone working in highway maintenance, rail, utilities, remote locations,

accidents and making roads safer. The firm, which employs 60 people

or for teams working across different sites.

across its Leeds head office and workshops in Leeds and Tamworth,

Steve MacDonald, Managing Director, SM UK

expects to create ten new engineering and office-based roles in 2021.

Alongside welfare areas, the new vans will be equipped with SM UK’s roof-mounted solar panel, a unique feature which helps reduce emissions, oil use and engine wear. Each vehicle will also be fitted with the firm’s innovative Scene Lighting system, which improves safety by brightly illuminating the surrounding area.

8 FEBRUARY 2021

LEEDS ENGINEER INVESTS £200,000 TO PRODUCE

YORKSHIRE’S FIRST COVID-SAFE WELFARE VEHICLES FORWARDER magazine

ISSUE61

19

COVID-19 RECOVERY NEWS 25 FEBRAURY 2021

BUDGET SETS A

STRONG FOUNDATION FOR ECONOMIC RECOVERYSAYS LOGISTICS UK

M

easures included in the Budget provide a strong foundation

great news for businesses in the logistics industry which rely on sectors

for economic recovery, according to Logistics UK, one of

of the economy like retail and hospitality which are yet to reopen.

the UK’s biggest business groups. But while there are many

Today’s announcement will provide reassurance for those employed

positive decisions – including a freeze in fuel duty and extension to the

across the sector, and ensure that logistics businesses can maintain their

furloughing scheme – we need to see greater investment in training

workforce, ready to go as soon as the economy reopens.

programmes to help fill the growing vacancies in the industry.

Responding to the announcement of a rise in corporation tax in 2023, Funding to train new entrants to the logistics sector is particularly

and the extension of the business rates holiday until June 2021 before

welcome at a time when the industry is suffering significant skills gaps and

a discounted rate is introduced, Mr Veitch adds:

Many logistics

the loss of EU workers, and a more flexible approach to apprenticeships

businesses are still to recover fully from the impact of COVID-19, with a

will also assist the sector in recruiting the next generation of logistics

large proportion of the industry still in limbo as a result of the continued

employees. However, the industry needs new recruits now, and a more

closure of sectors such as entertainment and hospitality. It is vital that

flexible method of providing direct support to those looking to retrain

business is not penalised by additional taxation at this crucial time in the

and reskill into vital operational roles like HGV drivers and transport

economic recovery, particularly as the logistics sector is the one which

managers would help that transition. The average cost for a 12-month

drives all other sectors, delivering the raw materials and finished goods

apprenticeship training and license acquisition is £7,000 – Logistics UK

needed to boost trade and competitiveness.

would like to see more immediate government support, in the form of interest-free loans or grants, to be made available now to help switch

On the news of the infrastructure bank launch, Mr Veitch comments:

those affected by the pandemic into the vacancies which are open now,

Today’s commitment to a multibillion-pound investment into

and help with the economic recovery from COVID-19.

infrastructure is welcome news for the logistics industry. Efficient and

Alex Veitch, General Manager of Public Policy, Logistics UK

effective transport infrastructure is vital for logistics to be able to support the needs of UK businesses; the importance of a strong and

On the announcement that fuel duty will be frozen, Mr Veitch

resilient network to economic recovery must not be underestimated.

comments:

As the economy starts to recover from the impact of

Logistics UK also welcomes the government's commitment to a Freeport

the COVID-19 pandemic, Logistics UK and its member businesses are

programme, with the confirmation of eight successful Freeport bids. We

grateful for the news of a continued fuel duty freeze. At a time when

are confident these will support business and industry in these locations

many businesses are yet to open up fully, or to see the first signs of

and urge the government considers expanding the programme.

recovery, another charge to already fragile balance sheets could have been catastrophic for the organisations which are at the heart of every element of the economy. The continuation of the furlough scheme is

20

FORWARDER magazine

ISSUE61

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

I

AG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG) and Iberia, today celebrates the two-year anniversary of its

Further information can be found at iagcargo.com

pharmaceutical centre in Madrid, which is dedicated to its Constant

Climate product for transporting temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products. The Centre has played a key role in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and recently dispatched its 30th COVID-19 vaccine shipment.

The opening of our pharmaceutical centre in Madrid was a landmark moment for IAG Cargo - supporting our world-leading Constant Climate product. The decision to invest in this state-of-the-art facility

Since opening in 2019, the IAG Cargo pharmaceutical centre in

reflects our long-term commitment to drive quality across our network,

Madrid has processed over 20,000 consignments of pharmaceutical

whilst increasing capacity for our customers who rely on us to transport

cargo, including life-saving vaccines to support global immunisation

pharmaceuticals and life-saving medicines across the world every day.

programmes for diseases such as polio, diphtheria, and measles. The

Our Madrid pharmaceutical facility is the largest in Southern Europe and

most prominent markets and routes which the Centre serves are Latin

with its strategic location it will continue to play a key part in the global

America, the USA and Europe.

roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines alongside our two other GDP certified hubs in Dublin and London Heathrow.

Most recently the Madrid Centre has played a vital role in IAG Cargo’s

Fernando Terol Armas, Director of Spanish Hub & Operations, IAG Cargo

work to transport the COVID-19 vaccines across the world, reflecting its status as a key global hub in the IAG Cargo Constant Climate

In the past two years Iberia and IAG Cargo have achieved much

infrastructure. To date, the Centre’s state of the art facilities have been

together, delivering life-saving vaccines and medicines via IAG Cargo’s

used in the transportation of COVID-19 vaccines to the Canary and

specialist pharmaceutical centre in Madrid. Iberia provides a network

Balearic Islands, Dominican Republic and El Salvador, for shipments IAG

of flights, connecting Southern Europe with the rest of the world,

Cargo has operated with its partner airline Iberia.

whilst IAG Cargo provides the cargo expertise to ensure these delicate temperature-sensitive products are expertly handled.

With two dedicated temperature-controlled chambers totalling over 900m2,

Mª Jesús López Solás, Commercial Director of Iberia, IAG Cargo

the Madrid Centre joins London Heathrow and Dublin as one of IAG Cargo’s three Good Distribution Practice (GDP) certified facilities. The hubs connect

In the past 12 months, IAG Cargo has played an important role in

to a network of 100 specialist stations worldwide and are staffed by IAG

supporting the fight against COVID-19, transporting thousands of

Cargo and Iberia teams specially trained in handling sensitive pharmaceutical

tonnes of PPE, medical equipment, testing kits and medicines working

goods. It also benefits from a specialist fleet of refrigerated trucks.

in collaboration with its sister airlines.

25 FEBRUARY 2021

IAG CARGO CELEBRATES TWO-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF

MULTI-MILLION EURO PHARMACEUTICAL CENTRE IN MADRID FORWARDER magazine

ISSUE61

21

AIR FREIGHT

A system of transporting goods by aircraft.

Related topics AOG (aircraft on ground) OBC (on-board couriers) Air charter

Sponsored by

22 22 FORWARDER magazine

ISSUE61

CHARTERSYNC SEES RAPID GROWTH 22 FEBRUARY 2021

AS UK AIR CARGO OPERATORS GRAPPLE WITH EU PERMIT PROCESS

C

harterSync, the air cargo charter platform, has seen significant

We have recently added the first of three Airbus A321 freighters to

growth since 1st January as UK air cargo operators have

our fleet and its first booking was through CharterSync. We have since

struggled to cope with the challenge of securing post-Brexit

performed a number of successful CharterSync flights using the A321F

UK-EU flight permits.

and Boeing 737-300F. These flights have come at a challenging time, as the current requirement to obtain permissions to fly between the UK

CharterSync, which connects freight forwarders with cargo and executive

and EU is slowing time-critical cargo movements, which is damaging to

jet operators, handled 183 flights and 750 tonnes of cargo across Europe

our business and our customers’ businesses. Urgent work is needed to

in January 2021, a 33% increase on volumes in December 2020.

simplify this process.

Alastair Willson, Managing Director, Titan Airways

Air cargo charter has never been more vital to European supply chains, given the pandemic and new border friction. Ironically, however,

Our new Saab 340B freighter is the largest aircraft in our fleet.

life has become much more difficult for UK cargo airlines because of the

Putting it on CharterSync’s platform was a quick and obvious commercial

lack of reciprocal flight permit agreements with the EU. We’ve been able

decision for us and it was no surprise that our first ad-hoc charter with

to help airlines manage their extra workload, both through our efficient

the aircraft was booked via CharterSync. We are a versatile, flexible

end-to-end booking technology and by our operations teams helping

business and CharterSync supports our aim to get the most from this

with permit applications. In one 48-hour period last month we booked

aircraft at a time when urgent cargo charters are of such vital support

27 flights, which was a new record.

to the UK’s pharmaceutical and automotive sectors.

Ed Gillett, Co-Founder & Director of CharterSync

David Lacy, Head of Commercial, RVL Group

In addition to its existing popularity with automotive customers, CharterSync has seen rising demand from the pharmaceutical sector, with time-critical bookings for Covid-19 vaccines, syringes and PPE. The

ABOUT CHARTERSYNC

company handled bookings across 21 different aircraft types in January,

CharterSync is the fastest way to book air cargo charters.

from executive jets up to regional freighter aircraft.

Its online platform enables freight forwarders and air cargo operators to transact directly, saving time, improving efficiency

Our growth partly reflects the breadth of aircraft joining the

and dramatically increasing transparency and communication

CharterSync platform, including some of the newest and most sought-

between parties. With its groundbreaking technology,

after aircraft types. We’re already offering the new Saab 340 freighter

CharterSync is bringing overdue disruption to the traditional air

from RVL Group and were the first company to offer ad-hoc charter on

cargo market. For more information, visit chartersync.com

Titan Airways’ newly delivered A321 freighter last month.

FORWARDER magazine

ISSUE61

23

AIR FREIGHT NEWS 26 FEBRUARY 2021

IAG CARGO’S

2020 FINANCIAL RESULTS

I

AG Cargo has announced its 2020 full year results, reporting

solutions for customers and governments. During the year we operated

commercial revenues of €1,306 million over the period from

over 1,000 charters and removed the seats from five passenger aircraft to

January 1 to December 31 2020, an increase of 18.5 per cent on

create even more capacity for our customers. The business saw a very strong

2019 at constant currency. Overall yields for the year were up 94.6 per

end to the year with Q4 commercial revenues of €389 million up 36.6 per

cent on the same time last year at constant currency. Sold tonnes were

cent at constant currency. Q4 saw higher demand leading up to Christmas,

down 34.9 per cent. According to Lynne Embleton, CEO, IAG Cargo...

benefitting from e-commerce, pharmaceuticals and automotive shipments.

With the international focus on fighting COVID-19, we moved over 20,000

In 2020, the IAG Cargo team delivered exceptional results amid a

tonnes of PPE in 2020 and large quantities of sanitiser, ventilators and

challenging economic and capacity environment. Our top priority

COVID-19 testing kits alongside our regular movements of food, medicines,

was to maintain a broad network and product proposition for cargo

high tech and parts for industry. Constant Climate, our cold chain service

customers despite the pandemic. Without a freighter fleet, we adapted

for transporting temperature sensitive pharmaceutical products, performed

our operations and quickly established a comprehensive network

particularly well with revenue increasing by more than 10 per cent on 2019

of scheduled cargo-only flying using the group’s passenger aircraft.

and December saw us fly our first doses of COVID-19 vaccines. Looking

We identified markets most in need of air cargo supply, where the demand

ahead into 2021, with world-class cold-chain facilities including our new

could support the yields required to cover the costs of cargo-only-services.

pharmaceutical centre in Madrid, IAG Cargo is well placed to continue to

In March we assembled a charter team to develop dedicated capacity

play a leading role in the global distribution of Covid-19 vaccines.

18 FEBRUARY 2021

SUNCLASS AIRLINES EXTENDS

J

PARTNERSHIP WITH JETTAINER

ettainer is set to provide Sunclass Airlines with unit load device

The trust that Sunclass Airlines has placed in us is recognition of our

(ULD) management services for another five years. The global

work and motivates us to continue providing the best service in the

leader in outsourced ULD management has already managed

future, too. We are confident that we can keep supporting Sunclass

and maintained the Danish airline’s ULD fleet for several years.

on its path towards growth through our efficient ULD management services and look forward to continuing our long-term relationship.

Sunclass Airlines currently operates a fleet of eight Airbus 321 and

Thorsten Riekert, Chief Sales Officer, Jettainer

two Airbus 330 airplanes. The charter airline serves destinations in the Mediterranean region, the Canary Islands, Africa and Thailand from its

In the current situation, it is more important than ever for us to manage

eight bases in Denmark, Norway, Finland and Sweden. Ad-hoc charter

all aspects of our company efficiently. The partnership with Jettainer puts us

flights are also part of its portfolio. Jettainer manages and maintains

the best possible position when it comes to ULDs. In our eyes, this makes the

Sunclass Airlines’ entire fleet of containers and pallets.

ULD specialist an ideal partner that we want to grow with in the long term, Bent Erlandsen, Director Operations, Sunclass Airlines

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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at cevalogistics.com

Logistics improvements using LEAN principles Within the scope of the new contract, CEVA will initiate and implement logistics improvements and projects, using LEAN principles to further

I

increase efficiency within the facilities.

n a major expansion of its international aerospace business, CEVA Logistics has been awarded a contract to manage production supply for

CEVA’s successful management of a spare parts and components

Airbus at the aircraft manufacturer's assembly site in Hamburg, Germany.

contract for Airbus awarded in 2020 was key to the awarding of this new contract.

CEVA will operate the production supply logistics on behalf of Airbus at multiple locations with a total area of 58,631 m². Among the services

CEVA's capabilities and commitment in aerospace logistics have once

that will be provided are inbound, put away/storage, pick and prepare,

again been recognised by Airbus with the awarding of this new contract.

marketplace, internal transport, delivery to point of use, returns,

Our two companies have successfully worked together previously on

empties handling and external dispatch.

other projects, most recently in Hamburg on the spare parts and components contract. The depth of CEVA's specialist knowledge in this industry, combined with its innovative operational and delivery solutions, have been key to securing this new business.

Mathieu Friedberg, CEO, CEVA CEVA has taken on existing staff at the Hamburg sites under Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment (TUPE) regulations.

Credit: AirBus

CEVA LOGISTICS WINS AIRBUS PRODUCTION SUPPLY CONTRACT 23 FEBRUARY 2021

IN HAMBURG, GERMANY FORWARDER magazine

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AIR FREIGHT NEWS 25 FEBRUARY 2021

U-FREIGHT IS READY FOR

FINAL PHASE OF AIR CARGO SECURITY SCREENING IN H.K.

I

n Hong Kong, the enhancement of international standards on

The U-Freight Group fully supports the ICAO aviation security

air cargo security announced by the International Civil Aviation

requirements and has worked closely with CAD, Hong Kong Airport

Organization (ICAO) commenced on January 1. 2020 and, the

Authority, Cargo Terminal Operator and HAFFA in making the necessary

fourth and final stage starts on March 1st 2021, for which U-Freight is

preparations to make sure that we enhance our air cargo security regime

fully prepared.

to meet international aviation security requirements. The establishment of off-airport screening facilities in Hong Kong enables air cargoes to be

The final phase demands that all consignors of air cargo must

screened at the existing warehouses or similar premises of the air cargo

be approved by the appropriate authority as a “validated” Known

industry before such cargoes are transported to the airport for loading

Consignor (KC), with any consignee not validated becoming an "unknown

onto aircraft. We were very keen to capitalise on this opportunity, and

consignor” with all their cargo subject to 100% security screening prior

were very pleased to become one of the first freight forwarders and

to being loaded on to a commercial aircraft, to meet the ICAO deadline

logistics companies to have been accredited by CAD, which enabled us

of 100% screening of non-known consignee cargo by June 30th 2021.

to prepare to play our part in the new ICAO regime.

Simon Wong, Chief Executive Officer, UFL In Hong Kong, since January 2020, a transitional arrangement has been set up that has required the RACSF to gradually increase the percentage of air cargo being screened.

Over two years ago, the U-Freight Group installed an X-ray machine at its Golden Bear Industrial Centre in Hong Kong, giving staff adequate time to gain experience in the scanning process, as well as helping to identify prohibited/suspect products inside the ever-increasing number of e-commerce parcels it handles.

A second enhanced X-ray machine was installed in July 2019, which can scan consignments up to pallet size. The company modified its export operations warehouse to accommodate the existing X-ray machine, as well as the newly purchased one.

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The ultimate in blue-sky thinking We’ve been developing our air freight experience for decades and we’re now proud to announce the launch of Allair - our dedicated air freight services division.

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Logistics specialists working across: • Automotive • Aerospace • Ornamental Aquatic • Military • Projects

For exceptional air freight service:

Call: 0333 988 4848 www.allairglobal.com

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27

AIR FREIGHT EXPERTS

P

revious predictions in pharmaceutical transportation

With far fewer passengers flying in a pandemic world, the

trends, highlighting declining air passenger numbers and air

travel downturn has ramped up decisions to park planes, some

freight demand increasing, have been pandemic propelled.

permanently, further impacting the already dwindling resource of

Coronavirus continues causing worldwide disruption and it is anticipated

global air freight capacity.

its industry impact will continue throughout 2021 and beyond.

Sea change in modes of transport

Pandemic response – preighters take off

There will be ongoing developments in the sea freight sector, which

Pre-pandemic passenger numbers were already on the downturn,

has an estimated 17 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit)

however the COVID-19 crisis significantly accelerated that trend.

serviceable globally, of which six million containers are routinely

The crisis capacity crunch came as the number of passenger flights

turning and carrying freight.

plummeted and the ensuing scramble to transport pandemic payloads saw the deployment of hundreds of passenger planes as

Uncertainty in sea freight and air freight availability saw pharma

freighters, known as preighters.

companies initially ship everything they could, by any mode of transport available, to get it out to the markets.

Despite the sector seeing the grounding of hundreds of passenger planes, earlier than had been initially forecast, which led to a reduction

Following months of disruption passenger airlines eventually started

in the availability of cargo space in the bellies of these passenger

flying passenger air craft with cargo in the lower decks and loose

aircraft, we’ve seen more planes undergo conversions to freighters.

load cargo on the upper decks.

The preighters’ prevalence looks set to continue throughout

I think there will be exacerbated sea freight and sea container

2021 and beyond. Although the air cargo industry faces continuing

availability issues throughout the first half of 2021.

challenges, IATA predicts an anticipated 25% rise in freight tonnekilometres this year. However, the ongoing drastic downturn in

Given the sea freight situation we will continue to see the utilisation

travel means the loss of a lot of capacity in passenger aircraft, and

of air freight to transport pandemic payloads. When it comes to

while freighter aircraft are still present and working hard, fleet

economics, without the passengers on the main deck is a much

growth takes time, so there will be a slower response to replacing

more expensive operational option. However, pharma customers

some of the capacity lost from the passenger side of the industry.

are prepared to pay those premiums to move their product.

Large widebody aircraft – grounded or retired

The volumetric efficiency on aircraft is critical at the moment

Before COVID-19, it was predicted airlines would start cutting

because it is such a scarce resource we need to ensure the best use is

flights from schedules, mothball larger aircraft, decline production

made of it. With air freight capacity a dwindling resource, it is even

options and look to utilise smaller, more efficient aircraft in the

more important to have the efficient packing density of temperature

future for environmental and economic reasons. All of those

controlled product on such limited airfreight resources.

decisions have been massively accelerated.

Vaccines vs. virus – rapid response Increasingly airlines are globally grounding their A380s in favour of

As the development of successful COVID-19 vaccines continues at a rapid

more modern, smaller jets, which can fly more efficiently than their

rate, the world’s first approved vaccines are already being administered

four-engine aviation counterparts.

as part of ongoing mass vaccination programmes worldwide.

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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at pelibiothermal.com

Temperature-controlled packaging manufacturers continue to play a pivotal part in the global deployment of these approved vital vaccines. Suppliers stepped up to meet the vaccine temperature requirements by adapting existing shipping solutions.

Beyond all of the current vaccines being approved there will be the need to provide boosters. It is going to create a recurring step up in the volume of vaccines being shipped, alongside the flu vaccines being transported and other pharmaceutical payloads every year.

There will not be a continuous crisis; it will be a continuing trend of smaller aircraft, with reduced air freight capacities, moving pharmaceutical products at temperatures that sea freight cannot do. It really can only fly.

However, there’s not going to be a modal shift from air to sea because sea cannot meet the temperature requirements necessary for these shipments. You get a displacement, whereby COVID-19 shipments, whether vaccines, test kits and reagents

AIR CARGO TRENDS

IN A PANDEMIC WORLD

or some of the therapies which help with recuperation, like Remdesivir, are flying at almost any cost on a dwindling resource.

The pharmaceuticals, which have more normal temperature shipping requirements, like 2–8oC or 15–25oC, get displaced and in that situation, when the air freight rates get so high, sea freight would normally be seen as a shipping solution. Sea freight will improve in the first six months of 2021 so some of that displacement can take place more efficiently. But aircraft will still be full of the COVID-19 related products.

2021 will see the industry learning to operate in the new norm with everyone getting used to that new norm. Next year we might start to see some improvements and efficiencies but I think this year is about adjusting our planning, our capacities and our operations around this spike in demand and the gradually improving capacity picture. Almost like wearing in a new pair of shoes.

Dominic Hyde, VP Crēdo™ On Demand, Peli BioThermal

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SEA FREIGHT

A system of transporting goods by ship.

Related topics Shipping lines Biofuels Ships' parts

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9 MARCH 2021

AAL EXPANDS ITS FLEET WITH TWO ADDITIONAL

‘G-CLASS’ MULTIPURPOSE HEAVY-LIFT VESSELS

A

AL Shipping (AAL) is taking delivery of two additional ‘G-Class’

multipurpose heavy lift vessels, expanding its core fleet to 720,200 total deadweight (DWT). The Pacific Action and

AAL Gladstone have both served in the AAL fleet in the past and rejoin later this month – the former renamed this week, ‘AAL Gibraltar’.

These versatile and relatively young vessels feature a total cargo intake of 35,705 cubic meters, four large cargo holds, three tweendecks and a maximum lift capacity of 240 tonnes – ideal for trading all manner of project heavy lift, breakbulk, steel and dry bulk commodities. They join one of the sector’s largest and youngest fleets that already consists of two sister vessels, AAL Genoa and Pacific Alert (TBN AAL Galveston) and will operate worldwide in support of AAL’s well established monthly liner services, regular trade routes and tailormade tramp chartering solutions.

We are delighted to have secured these vessels. Large heavy lift

The G-Class are large 25,800 DWT MPVs, that complement our fleet

multipurpose ships of this calibre and lifting capability represent a small

profile. Global trading is only now emerging from the negative impact of

fraction of the global MPP fleet and AAL is uniquely well experienced

COVID and also important multipurpose cargo sectors like oil and gas

in optimising their operations and harnessing their strengths in order

are still pressured. However, there is growing optimism and the recent

to generate value for our customers’ global trading demands. They

surges in the container and commodity markets have demonstrated

will add much needed capacity to a portfolio of multipurpose shipping

the importance of being flexible and ready to serve cargo demand and

services that have grown exponentially over the past 12 months. Since

from wherever it may come. We are seeing market economies begin to

February 2020, we have built a scheduled monthly liner service between

strengthen and rebuild in confidence across Europe, Middle East, Asia

Europe, Middle East and Asia, a regular monthly tramp service between

and the Americas and trade war machinations of 2020 resolve. Energy,

Asia and the Americas and frequent sailings from Asia to Europe – all

steel, infrastructure, bulk and general cargoes are all trading worldwide.

this in addition to our Asia-Australia Liner Services and global Tramp

Carriers like AAL, that have the expertise, trade route infrastructure

Chartering operations. It has been an extremely busy and sustained

and fleet capability to parcel these big and small cargoes on the same

period of growth for AAL and these new ladies will help to drive that

sailings and deliver worldwide will be in a position to offer shippers

momentum forward.

timely solutions and highly competitive economies of scale.

Kyriacos Panayides, Managing Director, AAL

Marc Willim, General Manager, AAL’s Chartering Team

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SEA FREIGHT NEWS 26 JANUARY 2021

NIPPON PAINT MARINE WINS

PRESTIGIOUS KOREA EXPORT AWARD

N

ippon Paint Marine (Korea) has won a prestigious ‘Export

Commenting on the award win,

Tower’ trophy during South Korea’s Trade Day ceremony, an

Mr. J.H Lee, the President of

annual event celebrating those companies to have collectively

Nippon Paint Korea, paid tribute

contributed US$500bn to the country’s economy.

to his colleagues:

I must take

this opportunity to thank our

Winning a Gold Export Tower in the US$10 million export category

customers and colleagues, all of whom have contributed to making this

marks the second year running the coatings manufacture has taken

award possible. We achieved the silver trophy for our efforts in 2019, but

home an award. In 2019, Nippon Paint Marine came runner up, winning

now we have our hands on the top prize. Winning a 2020 Gold Export

a silver tower.

Tower, especially given the difficulties faced during the Covid crisis, is a huge accolade for which we should all be very proud. The high export

Last year’s event, held in December at the COEX Artium in Samseong-

volume is indicative of increased market demand for marine coatings

dong, South Korea, was attended by South Korea President Moon

capable of reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Coatings with a

Jae-in, Sung Yun-mo, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, and Kim

high solids content and low volatile organic compounds are key factors in

Young-joo, Chairman of the Korea International Trade Association.

helping ship operators reduce the impact of their operations on the ocean environment. We aim to continue our efforts to support demand for high

President Moon said:

This year has been hard for everyone.

performing, environmentally friendly coatings across our segments.

International commodity traders have also suffered many difficulties under unprecedented circumstances. However, the Republic of Korea’s

Nippon Paint Marine (Korea) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Japan’s

trade has demonstrated its potential once again. We have turned our

Nippon Paint Marine Coatings.

exports back into positive territory faster than other countries. The miraculous resilience of our exports – currently ranked 7th in the world – together with Korea’s successful response to COVID-19, has served as

ABOUT NIPPON PAINT MARINE

a driving force for our economic rebound beginning in the third quarter.

Nippon Paint Marine is a subsidiary of Nippon Paint Holdings, a

Celebrating the 57th Trade Day, I am truly grateful to our international

top four global paint supplier.

traders for their hard work. My congratulations also go to all those honourees who received awards today.

Nippon Paint has been producing marine coatings in Japan since the 1880s and has been the leader in the development

Some 1505 companies were awarded Trade Towers and 599 individuals

of all kind of marine paint technology but especially antifouling

received awards for their important contribution to exports.

paints. Nippon Paint developed and launched the world’s first self-polishing (SPC) tin-free antifouling paint (Ecoloflex) in the 1990s and followed that by the launch of the world’s first fuel saving SPC (LF-Sea) in 2006.

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AAL’s fleet comprises various sizes of heavy lift MPP vessels, that offer cargo intake of up to 40,000 cubic metres and heavy lift of 700 tonnes max. With two thirds of its vessels in the ‘mega size’ MPV segment

S

(30,000+ DWT), AAL’s ability to parcel-up big and small cargoes of any

ingapore, Thursday 18th February 2021 – AAL Shipping (AAL)

type on frequent monthly sailings, as with the Asia – Americas Trade

is capitalising on the frequency of sailings it has operated in the

Route offers significant economies of scale to all customers.

past 12 months between Asia and the Americas, to commit

tonnage and resources to strengthening the trade lane going forward into

AAL foresees that President Biden's Administration will continue a strict

2021. With the recent experience of carrying a much broader portfolio

line on trade with China but anticipates a more constructive dialogue

of cargoes into Central America, United States Gulf of Mexico (USG),

that will lead to increased trade volumes between the two superpowers.

and the United States East Coast (USEC) and having gained the trust of a

The carrier also forecasts increased cargo volumes to South America.

growing customer base within the USA, South East Asia (SEA), and China, it is committing to one sailing a month and employing multiple vessel types from its young specialist multipurpose vessel (MPV) fleet.

As our service from Asia enters through the Panama Canal, we are seeing increased inquiries to the North of South America and Central America. The deviation to discharge in these ports is not necessarily

Our service connects South East Asia, the Far East, USG and the

big, so we can be competitive when there are cargoes suitable. There

USEC and we are well placed to service cargoes and parcels of any size.

are signs of investment in oil and gas, infrastructure, and renewables,

A lot of the smaller cargoes tend to be booked at origin in Asia, whereas

so we are in the perfect position to increase our fleet deployment into

project cargo is often booked from within the USA, like renewables into

the region given the right opportunity.

the USG and Energy and liquid natural gas (LNG) sector projects. This view is simplified but holds true in terms of a trend. We are however noticing a slow shift towards more project cargo influence from Asia.

Despite a lot of experience on this trade lane, building the market to justify regular monthly multipurpose (MPP) tramp sailings has taken time and hard work. Looking back a few years, volumes could not be relied on and we saw long-standing players pull out. We do not take our recent success for granted and are pleased with how well the market has taken to our service integrity. Our local market knowledge and presence – both in the USA and Asia – coupled with a fleet well-suited for the trade allows for continued commitment and optimism.

Michael Morland, General Manager, AAL Americas

18 FEBRUARY 2021

AAL COMMITS TO

LONG-TERM MONTHLY TRAMP SAILINGS

ON ITS ASIA – AMERICAS TRADE ROUTE AMID GROWING OPTIMISM FOR TRADE VOLUMES FORWARDER magazine

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daygard.com

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SEA FREIGHT NEWS

TRADE AGREEMENT & TREND FOR NEAR-SHORE SOURCING 22 JANUARY 2021

BOOSTS DAVIES TURNER’S TURKISH BUSINESS

T

ariff-free arrangements, which support the trading relationship

The COVID-19 pandemic has also created unprecedented volatility

between the UK and Turkey, is bringing benefits to UK

in consumer buying patterns, with locked-down shoppers turning to

importers and exporters, as well as the freight forwarding

online channels in huge numbers, and this also favours countries that

and logistics companies that manage their supply chains.

can provide a fast response.

That’s the opinion of Alan Williams, director of leading UK freight and

Turkey is a major cotton grower and moreover produces large numbers

logistics company Davies Turner, which operates the most frequent

of clothing items such as T-shirts. Williams adds that the lockdown and

overland trailer services to the UK from Turkey.

working from home has had another, somewhat unexpected, effect on the market for fashion goods:

The move to a more casual at home

The tariff-free trading agreement signed recently, along with the

look has seen volumes for our larger clients in some cases treble as

problems in UK and European deep sea ports, which have prompted

production has moved from Asia to Turkey. Added to this is the massive

traders to turn to Turkey as an alternative source of supply to countries

increase in ocean rates from China, so we expect our clients’ volumes

in Asia, is having an impact on the trade, he adds.

in this trade to continue to increase for the remainder of 2021.

Suppliers in Turkey can offer rapid response times for goods while

With reports of containers being stranded on the Continent for weeks

freight costs are significantly lower, especially now that container rates

or even months, Turkey can offer a much more consistent journey

in the Far East to Europe trade have soared to record high.

time. Davies Turner says it can sidestep any border delays on Turkey’s road frontier by using the ferry service from Istanbul to Trieste in Italy

He adds that the cost of trailer operations from Turkey has also been

operated by its partner Ekol Logistics, with rail links on to Northern

mitigated by the increased use of ultra-high-capacity double deck trailers.

Europe and by truck for the final leg into the UK.

As the market leader in overland trailer services between Turkey

Since the end of the Transition Period on December 31st, Davies Turner

and the UK, Davies Turner works in a long-standing partnership with

has also been looking to make more use of regional ports as entry points

Istanbul- based Ekol Logistics, and finds that it can offer a far faster,

into the UK, adds Williams:

much more responsive service than shipping from the Far East.

little less and moving to regional options such as Tilbury and Hull. This

This sees us using the Channel ports a

means we can clear on entry as well as adding a drop and swap option Moreover, exchange rates currently favour exports from Turkey to the

for larger clients, allowing a much more flexible service to our clients

UK, which has also helped to offset the country’s somewhat higher

and helping us combat the lack of HGV 1 drivers in Europe.

labour costs compared with Asia.

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WANT TO KNOW MORE?

ABOUT GEODIS

Further information can be found at geodis.com

G

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,

EODIS, a leading global supply chain operator, provides its

Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with

customers with guaranteed space in an ultra-tight sea freight

the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence

market from China to Europe.

in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #6 in Europe

The first 1,000TEU capacity vessel, operated exclusively by GEODIS,

and #7 worldwide. In 2019, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000

is scheduled to arrive in Hamburg on 28 February. This ship is carrying

employees globally and generated €8.2 billion in sales.

a total of 435 forty-foot containers for customers who have found it increasingly difficult to secure space with regular carriers at a viable rate. The next vessel sailing is scheduled to leave Shanghai around 10

These market forces have created variable and unforeseen spikes

February. Depending on demand, GEODIS will plan additional sailings

in demand for Asian goods. Our primary aim is to offer multi-modal

over the coming weeks.

solutions to our existing customers to enable them to ship on time and in a reasonably economic manner. As an adaptable and innovative

We understand the current market challenges resulting from

service provider, GEODIS is permanently looking for alternatives

unprecedented customer demand and the limitations of ocean

including rail, ocean and air products that fulfil this aim for shippers on

carrier capacity and sailings from China and other parts of Asia. We

the increasingly volatile Far East West Bound (FEWB) trade lane.

are working hard to find solutions for our customers. Hence, this exclusive vessel charter to supplement fixed long-term agreements

Onno Boots, Regional President & CEO for Asia Pacific, GEODIS

we have with core carriers. We strive to deliver certainty to our customers amid the unstable market.

Matthias Hansen, Senior Vice President Global Ocean Freight, GEODIS

10 FEBRUARY 2021

GEODIS CHARTERS TONNAGE TO

ALLEVIATE CONTAINER CAPACITY SHORTAGE

ON ASIA-EUROPE TRADE FORWARDER magazine

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Ocean freight visibility at its best

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39

ROAD FREIGHT

A system of transporting goods by road.

Related topics Groupage Couriers Last mile

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DIAMOND LOGISTICS OFFERS EXTENDED NETWORK TO ONLINE RETAILERS 15 FEBRUARY 2021

FOR SAME-DAY DELIVERY IN THE UK

D

iamond Logistics is offering online retailers greater access to the UK market following the recruitment of three new network partners in 2021.

Newtown Powys family business – 2nd Generation Logistics, a subsidiary of Station Couriers – has joined the diamond logistics network to grow its eCommerce client base and serve customers in the mid-Wales area.

The local business, operated by a parent and daughter team, has grown from a taxi service – Station Taxis – to a successful carrier business, which acquired its own 40,000 sq ft service centre in 2016. Now, having

Kate Lester, CEO and founder of diamond logistics, says that reliable UK

outgrown that facility, the operation is set to extend and expand as a

storage and fulfilment is essential in 2021, highlighted by recent delays

diamond logistics Network Partner.

caused by Brexit and France’s closure of borders over Christmas which challenged the Just-in-Time (JIT) supply chain philosophy.

Wigan operator – Scorpion Couriers – has also joined the network to serve customers in Greater Manchester. Just a week later, Cardiff operator Elite Couriers, launched as a diamond partner, set to deliver

Stocking locally, in micro-fulfilment centres – especially if Europe is part of your supply chain – looks like a smart move right now.

across South Wales.

Kate advises businesses to hold more stock if suppliers are EU based Diamond Logistics offers express, same day courier service, overnight

to safe-proof against future delays and recommends using a logistics

or international delivery plus storage and fulfilment for online businesses

provider with multiple carriers to distribute goods, so if one fails or

across its network of logistics partners.

stops/reduces services, there are multiple alternative choices.

We look forward to welcoming more Network Partners in 2021, and plugging them into our despatchlab technology to help them manage delivery processes and head off any curve balls the year may bring.

FORWARDER magazine

ISSUE61

41

ROAD FREIGHT NEWS 24 FEBRUARY 2021

ARVATO SUPPLY CHAIN SOLUTIONS CARRIER AWARDS...

EURODIS MEMBERS WIN 2/5 CATEGORIES

F

or the first time Arvato Supply Chain Solutions, a subsidiary

of German Bertelsmann group and a leading international supply chain and e-commerce provider, has honored the best

performance of its transport partners. Five different companies have been awarded with the Arvato Supply Chain Solutions Carrier Award 2020 in five categories. The price for highest delivery reliability (Best On Time Performance) went to PostNL from the Netherlands. The award in the category Special Performance went to German trans-o-flex. Both carriers are member of EURODIS, the international transport network for parcels and pallets in 36 European countries.

We congratulate both of our members on their great success and are very proud that through this, EURODIS is the only network with

PostNL won in the category Best On Time Performance scoring

two winners at the Arvato Carrier Awards. Congratulations also to

‘for consistently high performance and high network stability in all

all other winners, second and third places, among which there are also

phases of 2020.’ Evaluation criteria for example included delivery

EURODIS members as for example the Austrian Post.

performance, status data quality and delivery stability per week. Arvato

Jens Reibold, Managing Director, EURODIS GmbH

further stated that keeping to the promised delivery time is immensely important.

After all, high delivery reliability always reduces follow-

The company, based in Weinheim, Germany, is steering the European

up costs. Experience shows that the faster the goods are delivered, the

network which brings together the strengths of leading national carriers.

lower the return rate

According to Arvato the basis of the Carrier Awards is an evaluation of

For 2020 the Special Award was given to trans-o-flex in respect

the full-year performance and comparable data of each service provider.

of the company’s information behaviour in the first Corona phase.

For example the Bertelsmann subsidiary analysed data from more than

The topic of this category is going to change every year and is designed to

100 million shipments with more than 800 million data points from its

recognise a critical topic for logistics as well as for society in the respective

system. In a statement to the media Berthold Reinke, Vice President

year. ‘Performance parameters for this included the type and quality of

Transport Management at Arvato Supply Chain Solutions, explained:

communication, updates per week and number of service increments’,

Using this data, we can quickly see who is performing well in which

Arvato stated. The company trans-o-flex, ‘which provided daily unsolicited

areas and who still needs to improve. And it also shows that large

information on the status of the network during the Corona pandemic,

service providers are not always automatically set, but that smaller niche

which countries had which last-mile restrictions and which challenges

providers can also be ahead in certain areas.

were encountered by recipients, stood out as exemplary.’

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ISSUE61

, underlined Reinke.

N

aveo Commerce, a unique end-to-end eCommerce, OMS and

Additionally, Naveo OMS will streamline Truckman’s IT and warehouse

fulfilment technology provider, is pleased to announce that

processes, which will save the company significant time and effort. The

Truckman, the UK’s leading supplier of 4x4 pick-up accessories

fully web-based solution will enable enhanced integration with couriers,

and hardtops for Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen, has

handheld devices and printing processes used by warehouse staff to

implemented Naveo’s end-to-end solution made up of its cloud-based

manage customer orders, as well as allowing the team to keep better

Order Management System v10 and the Magento 2 eCommerce platform.

track of stock movements and enhance location control.

The driver for Truckman to improve its solution was the challenge of

Truckman will also benefit from Naveo Commerce’s order management

running multiple websites to cater for Direct to Consumer (D2C) and

cloud capabilities, which removes the reliance on physical servers,

B2B markets and the duplication of effort this required due to integration

improves flexibility and agility by allowing staff to log into the system from

complexities in regard to inventory, price and availability information.

anywhere and provides a platform from which to manage future growth.

The Naveo solution is uniquely positioned to enable Truckman to

This project, despite the restrictions and limitations due to Covid,

seamlessly integrate its B2B and D2C online sales, which had previously

was delivered on time, and to budget. The team at Naveo have gone

been executed on two different websites. The solution will ensure that

the extra mile to ensure that the go live went smoothly. We are excited

the supplier can more effectively meet the D2C customer demand,

by the opportunities the new cloud-based Naveo OMS and Magento

which has risen exponentially throughout the pandemic, and improve

2 platforms will bring to our business, as they will provide us with

the overall customer buying experience regardless of channel. The

the capabilities to drive significant growth and competitive edge. At

tight integration between Naveo OMS and the Magento eCommerce

Truckman, we have always prided ourselves on being at the forefront of

platform is poised to boost the customer experience by ensuring rules,

technology, which is why we are delighted to be partnering with Naveo.

discounts and special prices will be replicated on the new eCommerce

Simply put, working with any other solution is unthinkable.

sites, instantaneously and without any duplication of effort.

Richard Langman, Managing Director, Truckman

According to Truckman, the best of breed combination of Naveo OMS

We are thrilled to be a part of the next stage of Truckman’s

and Magento 2 will enable it to bring products and new ranges to market

eCommerce journey, especially at such a critical time for online retail

much faster by cutting down the steps required to get its products

and business growth. We are excited to see what Truckman will achieve

online. The Magento 2 platform has also provided new marketing

with Naveo and its new Magento 2-based B2B and D2C eCommerce

capabilities; by linking OMS insights with B2B and D2C customer

sites going forwards.

profiles, Truckman can offer them more tailored deals and discounts

Moris Chemtov, CEO, Naveo Commerce

according to what they have previously ordered.

4 MARCH 2021

NAVEO COMMERCE POWERS

TRUCKMAN’S OMNICHANNEL B2B & D2C BUSINESS GROWTH FORWARDER magazine

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43

ROAD FREIGHT NEWS 3 MARCH 2021

UK’S ROAD TRANSPORTERS SHOULD BE READY FOR

VEHICLE SAFETY CHANGES IN FRANCE

U

K businesses transporting goods by road through France are

being warned that new safety regulations introduced on 1st January should be adhered to or they could face fines.

The new legislation applies to all vehicles in France weighing more than 3.5 tonnes, whether they are used for goods or passenger transport.

Vehicles need to have stickers clearly displayed on both the sides and rear informing others of the vehicle’s blind spots. Additionally, motor vehicles

These kits, which come in two different types (one for rigid vehicles and

should be constructed or fitted with one or more indirect vision safety

one for articulated vehicles), comprise side cameras, ultrasonic sensors

system, such as mirrors, with a field of view that does not include a blind

for the near side of the vehicle and a warning alarm which is activated

spot likely to obscure a vehicle about to pass it. Controls for such devices

when the vehicle is turning. Both kits are compliant with London’s

should also be easily accessible to the driver while the vehicle is in motion.

Direct Vision Standard as well as all relevant regional laws across the EU, meaning fleet operators can be confident that the systems will meet

Road safety campaigners and experts have welcomed the updates.

all necessary legal requirements.

However, they are warning fleet operators that mirrors alone are not enough to eliminate blind spots.

One company which has benefited from fitting vehicle safety systems to its fleet of concrete mixing trucks is Lafarge. With road incidents

Emily Hardy, from Brigade Electronics UK – a market-leading provider

being a significant concern for the construction industry, the company

of commercial vehicle safety systems, said:

took progressive action to ensure its cement mixers were fitted with cutting edge vehicle safety technology to prevent road and site incidents.

This legislation is a welcome change. However, it is important for operators to understand that mirrors alone do not eliminate blind

As well as Brigade’s bbs-tek® White Sound reversing alarm, Lafarge

spots. Therefore, they could still be fined according to the legislation’s

also installed Brigade’s Backeye®360 - an intelligent camera monitoring

requirements. We recommend fitting a range of vehicle safety

system that eliminates blind spots by providing a complete surround

technology, such as Brigade’s DVS Safe System kits, to ensure operators

view of all four sides of a vehicle.

comply with legislation across Europe and that drivers have full visibility of their vehicle’s surroundings.

Othmane Jennane, Président of Trans Route Béton, which installed Brigade’s technology onto Lafarge’s vehicles, said:

With just one

look, drivers have a complete surround view of the vehicle without any blind spots and the added peace of mind that pedestrians will also be warned by the white sound alarm. It provides absolute safety.

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ISSUE61

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at fortec-distribution.com

F

ortec Distribution Network has put its members in the driving seat by introducing a shareholder model for its pallet network.

our mutual commitment will support our collective growth within new

To date, over 50% of its independent hauliers have become

markets. We have opportunities for new members to join our network

shareholder members, each gaining an equal say in how the business is run.

and support Fortec in key regional areas, including Scotland, while growing and diversifying their own haulage operation. Despite the challenges our

Longstanding Fortec member Devereux Transport, in the north east,

industry has faced during the Covid-19 pandemic, we are delighted so

is now a shareholder in the Watford Gap network, alongside leading

many members have purchased shares with additional enquiries coming in

Welsh hauliers’ Grand Prix Express and Celtic Couriers, and Channel

each week! This demonstrates the strength of our membership and the

Seaways, which specialises in pallet delivery to the Channel Islands.

collective optimism about the future of our pallet network.

Kevin Buchanan, Group CEO, Pall-Ex Group

Other established members to invest in the shareholder model include Northern Ireland’s Allen Logistics, Bridgetime Transport of South

As a longstanding member of Fortec, we were excited by the new

Wales, East Midlands-based B Taylor and Sons, and LHT Logistics, which

shareholder model and how it encourages every member to work

operates out of London.

towards a common goal – creating a sector-leading network.

Ben Ruby, Managing Director at LHT Logistics

The shareholder model has been introduced following Fortec Distribution Network’s acquisition by Pall-Ex Group in 2020.

Fortec is a valuable network to be part of and being an official

The network that delivers more is putting its shareholder members on

shareholder underlines our commitment. Our position as a transport

the road to growth by providing easy access to the European market

company is strengthened by our shareholder membership, as we are even

and improved tracking and visibility for palletised distribution.

more invested in the day-to-day running of Fortec and in its future.

Robbie Evans, Founder & Managing Director at Bridgetime Transport

The technology is enabling Fortec shareholders to tap into the growing demand for B2C (business-to-consumer) pallet delivery, which has

Fortec Distribution Network, based in Northamptonshire, is one of the UK’s

increased since the first coronavirus lockdown.

leading palletised freight distribution networks. A wholly owned subsidiary of Pall-Ex Group, it forms the largest overall collection of members within the

This is an exciting time for our members, who now have an equal voice in

UK. Fortec distributes thousands of consignments every day, through its 70+

how the Fortec Distribution Network operates and its strategy for future

network members, from a range of industries around the UK and utilising the

growth. Our shareholders are longstanding members of our network and

Pall-Ex Connect service also distributes throughout the globe.

11 MARCH 2021

SHAREHOLDER MODEL PUTS

FORTEC MEMBERS IN THE DRIVING SEAT FORWARDER magazine

ISSUE61

45

RAIL FREIGHT

The use of railroads and trains to transport cargo, as opposed to human passengers.

Related topics Belt & Road Initiative HS2 Rail terminals and depots

Sponsored by

46 46 FORWARDER magazine

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19 FEBRUARY 2021

RAIL SUBSIDIARY METRANS TO

EXPAND NETWORK THROUGH INVESTMENT IN HUNGARY

T

he HHLA intermodal company Metrans is building another rail

The foundations will be laid in autumn of this year after the necessary

terminal in Hungary in order to expand its transport services

legal framework has been created. The first section of the facility shall

along the Adriatic Corridor and towards Southern and South-

go into operation as early as 2023. The total

Eastern Europe. A corresponding agreement has been signed between the subsidiary of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) and the

investment of over € 40 million includes a grant from Hungarian

Hungarian government. The hub terminal will be built in Zalaegerszeg,

institutions amounting to approx. € 11 million. Metrans expects that

which is located on the transport axis to the Adriatic ports of Trieste,

approximately 120 new jobs will be created in Zalaegerszeg.

Koper and Rijeka.

The volume of containers transported by rail in Hungary has grown Angela Titzrath, Chairwoman of HHLA’s Executive Board, emphasises

steadily in recent years. Metrans has benefited from this, especially

the strategic importance of the project to the logistics company:

through the hub terminal in Budapest which opened in 2017. In the first

We are investing in Hungary because we see significant potential

year, approximately 250,000 standard containers (TEU) were handled

there for the rail transportation of the future. The Adriatic Corridor

at the facility, and this increased to 425,000 TEU in 2019. Despite the

is developing into an extremely important European transport axis.

restrictions in place as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the number

That is why we also recently acquired a port terminal in the Italian city

of containers handled in 2020 has remained stable overall.

of Trieste. And Hungary, with its location at the heart of Europe, is of key significance to the expansion of the Metrans network towards

Regular block trains operated by Metrans connect Hungary, via Budapest

Southern and South-Eastern Europe as well. I would like to thank the

and the Slovakian city of Dunajska Streda, to the North Sea ports of

Hungarian ministries and the relevant authorities in the region for the

Hamburg, Bremerhaven and Rotterdam as well as to Duisburg, and the

good co-operation.

Adriatic ports of Trieste and Koper. The entire European intermodal network of Metrans now comprises 17 of its own and other associated

Peter Kiss, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Metrans Group,

terminals. This network, and specifically the Budapest terminal, are also

has announced investments of over € 40 million to construct and equip

a key component in the New Silk Road.

the new terminal.

This major financial investment demonstrates

how important Hungary is to the further development of Metrans. We want to grow in Hungary and with the Hungarian people. The planned terminal will help to give the country a further boost towards becoming one of the most efficient logistical hubs in Europe.

FORWARDER magazine

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47

RAIL FREIGHT NEWS 8 MARCH 2021

DAVIES TURNER REDUCES RATES ON

EXPRESS CHINA RAIL FREIGHT SERVICE TO UK & REINTRODUCES FCL OPTION

A

softening of buying rates post Chinese New Year has enabled

Davies Turner launched its own direct weekly fixed-day rail consol

Davies Turner to reduce the rates for its Express China

import service from China to the UK in November 2018 and has seen

rail freight service, which is the only direct weekly fixed-day

it go from strength to strength. Bookings have increased continually.

intermodal service between China and UK. On departure from Wuhan, China, the rail service heads direct to

Furthermore, as a result of new rail services being launched in China,

Duisburg in Germany. Containers are then trucked under bond to the

the UK’s leading independent freight forwarding and logistics company is

nearby port of Rotterdam for transport by ferry to Purfleet, then on-

also recommencing its FCL service, which has proven popular in the past.

carried by truck (still secure in the same container) to Davies Turner’s regional distribution centres across the UK, where they are discharged,

Our weekly LCL volumes on the overland rail freight service have

customs cleared and delivered to final destination.

increased from just two High Cube 40-foot consol containers per week when we started the service in 2018, to six or seven, 40-foot HC

Cole concludes:

With a transit time of around 24 days from China

consols per week now. The new rate of USD300.00 per 500 kg / 1

to the UK, our direct weekly Express China Rail service for consol

CBM will become applicable from mid-March and delivers a reduction of

and FCL traffic continues to offer a reliable and much faster service

USD70 per 500 kg / 1 CBM on LCL shipments compared to the current

versus the all-ocean alternative from ports on China’s North Eastern

rate. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on air freight capacity and

and Eastern coasts.

the well-documented, ongoing problems in the deep sea/ocean freight market have seen more and more shippers, traders and co-loading freight forwarders taking advantage of the cost and time savings, as well as the greater reliability of our intermodal overland option.

Tony Cole, Head of Ocean, Davies Turner

PLEASE GET IN TOUCH & SEND US YOUR NEWS editor@forwardermagazine.com

48

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ISSUE61

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at ???

Door to door with precision

Air freight

Aerospace

Automotive

Ocean freight

Food & drink

Road freight

Pharmaceutical

Technology

Customs

Retail

‘ We will go the extra mile to provide solutions, products and service that maybe other forwarders will not.’

angelfreight.co.uk +44 (0)20 4531 7722 • sales@angelfreight.co.uk Angel Freight Ltd • Centurion House • London Road • Staines-upon-Thames • Surrey • TW18 4AX

FORWARDER magazine

ISSUE61

49

PROJECT CARGO

The transportation of large, heavy, high-value or critical (to the project they are intended for) pieces of equipment.

Related topics Heavy lift Abnormal load OOG (out of gauge)

Sponsored by

50 50 FORWARDER magazine

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WANT TO KNOW MORE?

17 FEBRUARY 2021

C.H. ROBINSON TRANSPORTS

PROJECT CARGO FOR POWER PLANT

T

Further information can be found at chrprojectlogistics.com

he project logistics experts at C.H. Robinson recently

The C.H. Robinson team secured ocean transports, organised trucking

undertook a project to transport equipment from Bulgaria

to and from the ports, arranged necessary cranes, secured permits &

and Ireland to California for a power plant company.

road escorts, attended to the required customs brokerage and ensured all necessary paperwork was in order. The project went off without a

In Bulgaria, the gasifier and stairs were divided into nine breakbulk

hitch and in a safe and timely manner thanks to the experts at C.H.

pieces which were then loaded onto an ocean vessel for the 48-day

Robinson and their suite of services.

journey across the water to California. The largest piece measured 12.55 x 3.29 x 3.45m and weighed 11.9mtn. Once on land, the cargo was loaded onto trucks and transported 460km to the company's plant.

Meanwhile in Ireland, machine parts were loaded onto 11 x flat-racks, 7 x open-tops, and 4 x high-cubes and shipped across the ocean. A total of 265.6mtn and 990cbm was transported from Ireland and arrived 40 days later.

EZ LINK & CENTRAL OCEANS JOIN FORCES 19 FEBRUARY 2021

P

FOR TIME-SENSITIVE SHIPMENT

CN members, EZ Link in Taiwan and Central Oceans in

Their solid relationships with

Thailand recently joined forces for a time sensitive shipment.

shipping

Willie Tseng at EZ Link explains:

To meet our USA client's

professional teams of EZ Link

request to urgently ship 3 x 40'OT, stuffed with steel equipment for

Taiwan and Central Ocean Thailand

construction, from Rayong in Thailand to Los Angeles, we joined forces

working together were able to get

with Central Ocean Thailand and were completely successful in handling

the vessel space with a guarantee

the time-sensitive project. Facing the Covid-19 pandemic, tight space

of no roll-over, perform the quick

with shipping carriers and serious roll-over cargo at some hub ports,

stuffing of the cargo at the job site,

EZ Link's client in the USA was deeply worried about their supplier in

deliver the cargo by inland haulage

Thailand being able to smoothly book space in mid-Jan as the urgent

to the port and load it on board the

cargo must arrive in Los Angeles no later than mid-Feb.

vessel in good time.

carriers

and

the

FORWARDER magazine

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51

PROJECT CARGO NEWS 2 MARCH 2021

POLARIS UAE HANDLE

DIFFICULT CHILLING PLANT PROJECT

I

n one of their recent project logistics operations, Polaris Shipping Agencies

were called upon to perform the de-commissioning of a chilling plant in Spain which needed to be shipped to the UAE for refurbishment at their

Jebel Ali Free Zone customs bonded facility and then subsequently shipped to an African destination. Despite Covid-19 lockdowns, they managed to act promptly with their associates for the dismantling and sea-worthy packaging for shipping on MAFIs, 40' open-tops and high-cubes.

The main machinery part, which had shipping dimensions of 12.66 x 2.65 x 2.70m and weight of 49mtn, had to be carefully stowed on MAFIs on purpose built supports due to the awkward nature of cargo and for the safe transport with the accessories shipped in containers. The entire operation was carried out under a nominated quality controller's supervision and documented to the satisfaction of all concerned.

26 FEBRUARY 2021

STAR SHIPPING CO-ORDINATES

S

PETROLEUM PROJECT CARGO AT PORT QASIM

tar Shipping Pakistan have been involved in various projects

M. Kamran at Star Shipping comments;

so far in 2021 and their latest job has kept them busy at Port

under the same influence as contract logistics with today's global

Qasim, coordinating the unloading and road transport of

marketplace characterised by complex challenges and driven by

heavy and over-dimensional petroleum cargo.

Supply chain solutions are

dramatic seasonal fluctuations in market demand. From precise planning to seamless execution, our dedicated transportation professionals are

• Commodity: petroleum project cargo

fully engaged at every step to provide customer-oriented solutions that

• Measurements: 4 x 50tn plus accessories; 18.22 x 6.09 x 6.09m

ensure a seamless flow of freight, drive continuous improvement and

• Loading: Vietnam

deliver flexible capacity options.

• Unloading: Port Qasim, Pakistan • Scope of work: full co-ordination of cargo including unloading

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5 MARCH 2021

M-STAR PROJECTS HANDLE

ANOTHER SHIPMENT OF GAS MODULES

M

-Star Projects have handled another shipment as part of

The scope of services handled by M-Star included:

the Perenco Southern Hub Area Rationalisation Project

• Transportation from the suppliers by SPMTs - 2 x 12-axles

(SHARP). This time, 3 types of oversized gas modules from

• Port handlings & shipment on heavy lift vessel

the supplier in Jebel Ali to delivery to the site at Flushing Port, Holland.

• Receiving & handling at Port of Discharge • Delivery to site, placing next to oil platform, on SPMTs again

The 3 gas modules have specifications as follows:

• Full documentation, removal of road obstacles, road permits & escorts

• 260tn / 17.7 x 11.0 x 18.0m

• Pre-surveys, cargo inspections, calculations for stabilisation, rigging

• 236tn / 15.4 x 12.0 x 16.0m

and sea fastening plans for the vessel

• 165.5tn / 15.2 x 13.7 x 11.0m

3 MARCH 2021

WIRTZ SHIPPING REPORT THEIR

W

LATEST SHIPMENT

irtz Shipping are pleased to report on their latest project shipment from Antwerp to Taiwan for Coek Engineering.

The shipment consisted of 2 pieces weighing 220tn each

plus accessories. The vessel left Antwerp last Saturday.

Wirtz Shipping have been esteemed PCN members in Belgium since 2010.

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53

AIR & SEA PORTS

Any place where persons and merchandise are allowed to pass, by water or land, into and out of a country and where customs officers are stationed to inspect or appraise imported goods.

Related topics Cargo handling Container terminals Drayage

Sponsored by

54 54 FORWARDER magazine

ISSUE61

23 FEBRUARY 2021

OUTSTANDING INFRASTRUCTURE & FAST TURNAROUND TIMES...

PROJECT CARGO FOR POWER PLANT

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at viennaairport.com

Despite the crisis, the airport's logistics and handling facilities were able to maintain their function as a hub to Eastern Europe for goods from the electronics and automotive industries. There was growth in important aid goods such as masks, coronavirus tests and protective suits as well as in production goods, urgently needed pharmaceutical products and in the e-commerce sector.

In the current very dynamic market environment with rapidly increasing freight volumes in Europe, Vienna International Airport is well-positioned with its existing capacities. Although there is a decline in belly cargo due

T

to the lack of passenger aircraft, we have been recording increases of up to 30 percent for months, especially in unloads/import cargo.

he COVID-19 crisis is putting Vienna Airport to the test, just

Michael Zach, Vice President Sales & Finance,

like the entire aviation industry. Vienna Airport is functioning

Ground Handling & Cargo Operations, Vienna Airport

as a reliable airfreight center for Central and Eastern Europe

during the crisis thanks to years of investment into its logistic centre.

Vienna Airport offers its customers fast turnaround times and is

well prepared for current and upcoming challenges due to years of

Vienna Airport offers advantages as a European freight hub for road transport, too: the catchment area of the dense road feeder network for air freight extends far beyond neighbouring countries and the major European hubs to the Balkans, Ukraine and Poland.

investment in airport infrastructure, its excellent geographical location and its 24-hour operating licence.

Julian Jäger, Member of the Management Board, Flughafen Wien AG With the ability to handle all types of aircraft, Flughafen Wien AG employees proved their adaptability during the Corona crisis. One example is the handling of 'preighters' – passenger aircraft used solely for air cargo. Flexibility is also provided to airline customers by 24-hour operations of all facilities, such as customs, border control, and health authorities. With its Pharma Handling Center built in 2018, Vienna Airport is ideally equipped for time and temperature-critical transports of medical goods.

FORWARDER magazine

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AIR & SEA PORTS NEWS 25 FEBRUARY 2021

CONSEQUENCES OF COVID PANDEMIC AFFECT

PORT OF HAMBURG’S 2020 THROUGHPUT

S

better than expected in the fourth quarter of 2020. The

Seaborne cargo handling in the Port of Hamburg in 2020

upward trend has been noticeable since the third quarter.

In 2020 as a whole, 126.3 million tonnes of seaborne cargo were loaded

Seaborne cargo throughput in the fourth quarter was even around three

or discharged at terminals in the Port of Hamburg. That represents a

percent higher than in the same quarter the year before. Container

7.6 percent downturn from the previous year’s excellent total. Both

throughput was just 1.2 percent lower year over year. However, total

general cargo, down 7.9 percent at 87.8 million tonnes, and bulk cargo,

throughput in 2020 amounted to 126.3 million tonnes, 7.6 percent below

6.7 percent lower at 38.5 million tonnes, were affected. In container

the high total of 136.6 million tonnes reached in the previous year.

handling, the 2020 total of 8.5 million TEU (20-ft standard containers)

eaborne cargo throughput in the Port of Hamburg performed

was 7.9 percent below the previous year’s volume.

It is interesting

The coronavirus pandemic was felt worldwide and had particularly

that in Hamburg on the whole, imports, 7.8 percent lower at 4.4 million

serious effects on the Port of Hamburg in the first half of 2020.

TEU, and exports, down 8.2 percent at 4.2 million TEU, showed similar

The first six months were notable for reduced activity in many areas

developments. The sharp decline in imports from Asia in the first half

of the economy, weaker consumer demand, and a reduction in liner

of the year was one reason for this. The very stable trend in landside

service sailings. In Hamburg, this caused a double-digit downturn in

hinterland traffic is also notable, decreasing only 5.8 percent. At 11.6

throughput. We are delighted that the second half brought a turnaround,

percent, the downturn in transhipment handling was steeper,

with the total throughput in 2020 showing only a single-digit minus.

Mattern said.

Axel Mattern, Joint CEO, Port of Hamburg Marketing (HHM) Within the bulk cargo segment, agribulk developed positively, totalling For Ingo Egloff, Axel Mattern’s Executive Board colleague, 2020 represented

7.5 million tonnes and increasing by 19.7 percent. Grain export was the

a special challenge for the entire port:

A tremendous combined effort

main factor behind this growth. Up 198.6 percent to 2.2 million tonnes,

enabled the port together with its terminals, logistics and service providers,

this contributed to excellent overall results in agribulk. Another factor

and its transport connections with the hinterland to remain fully operational

was the 6.8 percent growth in oilseed imports, which accounted for

over the whole period. My thanks go to all those who, despite difficult

3.2 million tonnes of cargo.

conditions, perform their work with great commitment 24/7 in the Port of Hamburg and along the worldwide transport chains. Ship’s crews, skilled

Decreases in steel output and coal-fired power generation led to

staff in the handling and logistics sector, pilots, and all others employed in

downturns in imports of coal/coke, 35 percent lower at 4.7 million

the companies, public sector, and other organizations involved in the port

tonnes, and ore, 4.4 percent lower at 9.5 million tons. All in all, 19.4

industry make a valuable contribution to securing supplies for the people

million tonnes of grabber cargo were handled in Hamburg, representing

and the economy every day.

a 13.2 percent drop.

Throughput of liquid bulk cargo in 2020 was 8.4 percent lower at 11.6 million tonnes, mostly due to lower imports of oil products and other liquids. A 15.7 percent growth rate for exports in the category ‘other liquid

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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at hafen-hamburg.de

Investments and advantageous regulations provide good prospects for the port Axel Mattern pointed out that both the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and companies in the port made use of the year to expand

Differing trends among Hamburg’s Top Ten trade regions

and modernize infrastructure and handling facilities further and to

Developments in container shipping with the Port of Hamburg’s ten

and EUROGATE, for example, invested in additional container gantry

most important trading partners varied a great deal in 2020. Particularly

cranes for their Waltershof handling facilities. Hamburg’s container

the 8.2 percent decline in seaborne container throughput for China,

terminals are thus ideally equipped to handle the mega-containerships,

Hamburg’s top trading partner by far, could not be offset by positive

which can now reach the port more easily.

development in trade with other regions. Furthermore, along with

fairway adjustment, which is crucial for Hamburg, has cleared the final

China some other countries also showed significant losses. Throughput

hurdle. The trend towards larger vessels is continuing, as discussions

for Russia decreased by 12.7 percent, for Sweden 8.6 percent, for South

with shipping lines have confirmed, and the now completed passing

Korea 10.4 percent, and for Brazil 11.1 percent, while throughput with

box in the channel slightly before Hamburg now permits mega-ships to

Poland was 7.3 percent lower.

pass on the Elbe. That is an excellent signal for our port customers,

equip them with the latest technology. Terminal operators HHLA

Late, but not too late, the

says Jens Meier, CEO of HPA. Among the Port of Hamburg’s Top Ten trading partners for container traffic that achieved growth were the USA (up 1.8 percent), Singapore

The HHM board also views other higher-level measures, such as the

(up 5.3 percent), the United Kingdom (up 28.2 percent), and Malaysia (up

suspension of transit dues for the Kiel Canal and the first land-based

6.0 percent). The USA ranks second for container traffic in Hamburg and

power supply for containerships in a European port, subsidized by the

reached a new record of 591,000 TEU in 2020.

The ongoing positive

German government, as very positive signs. In Mattern’s view, such

trend in container shipping to and from the USA is surprising, particularly

measures help to make the port fit for the future and to achieve climate

against the background of the negative effects of the coronavirus on

protection goals. He is also convinced that inland waterway and port

economic output and the falling demand there. The positive trend in

shipping will profit from the expansion of shore-side power supply. In

container shipping for the United Kingdom, reaching a new record of

addition, importers benefit from a new legal regulation since December

266,000 TEU, is due to an upturn in shipments for the German market

2020.

and increased deliveries to the UK pre-Brexit,

tax is also among the positive wider measures. This arises from the

Ingo Egloff explained.

As we see it, the liquidity effect of changes in import turnover

deferment of the payment date for Import VAT and makes channelling

The Hamburg Port Railway achieves its secondbest results ever

imports via German ports more attractive. That is an important step in the right direction,

said Mattern.

In 2020 Hamburg’s seaport-hinterland transport by rail accounted for a volume of 46.6 million tonnes and 2.6 million TEU, remaining fairly

Prospects for 2021

stable. The 4.4 percent decrease in containers transported by rail was

The Port of Hamburg’s marketing organisation anticipates a generally

considerably smaller than the drop in container throughput as a whole.

more stable trend in seaborne cargo throughput in 2021. With the

In terms of volume, 2020 was the third-best year, and in terms of

resumption of suspended liner sailings and additional new services,

the number of containers carried it was the second-best year in the

throughput of 130 million tons and 8.7 million TEU should be attainable

history of the Hamburg Port Railway,

in what we hope will be an improving global situation.

Mattern said. The railway was

even able to increase its share of the modal split in seaport-hinterland traffic by 1.3 percent to 50.7 percent.

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AIR & SEA PORTS NEWS

CORY BROTHERS 9 MARCH 2021

...ADAPTATION IS KEY FOR THE KEY WORKERS

O

ne hundred and seventy-nine years of continuous trading

With offices throughout the UK, USA, Singapore and a worldwide

doesn’t come easy. To remain successful for so long requires

network, Cory Brothers Shipping Agency has great reach. Catering

careful stewardship, good people, and the ability to adapt

for ALL types of vessel with ALL types of cargo and providing service

fast, and you have to be very good at what you do.

around the clock, the future facing business doesn’t just rely on its vast experience and expertise. Cutting edge digital platforms that provide

With four divisions within Cory Brothers Shipping Agency it’s the

essential information in real time; complete visibility and fast answers

‘Shipping Agency’ that resides in the full title name as the core part of

is vital to its customer service.

the business. Group Managing Director Peter Wilson started as junior boarding clerk within the Ships Agency division over 20 years ago; it’s

Neil Flower, Cory’s Shipping

fair to say that he knows this division extremely well.

Agency Director interjects, All our customers have

Remaining successful takes hard

different requirements; the

work and dedication. Peter

ships are different, each port is

highlights a few key areas that

different and so we have to be

Cor y Ships Agency focuses

solution facilitators. Our service is

on to stay on top:

Acting as

sometimes like being a concierge;

an extension of our customer

our customers can make some

ensures we are in the right

unusual requests; but, from

mindset, we always provide

requesting a taxi to take a crew

personal service, tailored to each

member to another port, through

customer. Our ethos is based on

to sourcing a car part, we look after

teamwork, with honesty at the

our customers and want them to

heart of everything we do and

know they can rely on us.

this honest and open approach to advising our clients has resulted in

Customers quickly recognise expertise in the day-to-day aspects:

long term partnerships.

co-ordinating STS operations, general husbandry matters whilst the operation takes place, such as crew changes, provisions and ships spares.

Even managing the marine department's freshwater, vessel refuelling, garbage and oil or sludge disposal.

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Like all key workers, Cory Brothers Shipping Agency adapted quickly at

Cultivating future talent is also a key factor for Cory Brothers Ships

the onset of the Covid pandemic; maintaining the highest of standards of

Agency and the company has invested heavily to attract new recruits

service to ensure their customers could still rely on them. Peter states,

into the sector. Neil, who sits on the federation council of the ICS

we stayed in very close and regular contact with all stakeholders

(Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers) advises,

As well as sponsoring a

at each port and in every country; with port authorities, stevedores,

graduate programme for the ICS, we’re helping to build the apprentice

operations divisions and marine departments. The day to day can

scheme which will help the next generation of ships agency staff step

present some challenges but we always find a solution: from sourcing

up into our essential sector. Training new talent is incredibly important

hotel accommodation (not easy during the initial days of lockdown),

for us and our most recent apprentice, who joined the business a

cost effective transport and at short notice for crew moves, completing

few weeks ago, is already gathering important skills that will be used

immigration formalities, booking local doctors, dentists and opticians.

throughout their career.

All these essential services are very important.

As the largest ships agency, Cory Brothers is always looking at new As a business, Cory Brothers always strives for improvement, to provide

ways to grow and develop, with an experienced and passionate

more value and a wider service provision. Over recent years this has

leadership team the business is in good hands and looks set to go

included a growing variety of marine activity such as offshore support

from strength to strength.

vessels and survey vessels, as well as the mobilisation and demobilisation of vessels, platforms and rigs.

For more information please contact: agency@corybrothers.com

Peter goes on to state,

Please follow our social media platforms for regular news and updates

I’m immensely proud of our ships agency

division; throughout the last 12 months, they have had to carry on as usual – dealing with the initial fear, the unknown and as always, every

Find us on

day, around the clock.

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AIR & SEA PORTS NEWS

PORT-CENTRIC INTERNATIONAL FULFILMENT & LOGISTICS MARCH 2021

WITH LFLS

E

ven before the seismic shock experienced by the logistics industry

The full range of services available at the giant 750,000 sq ft FMDC

stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit, global supply

would fill an article in its own right. Understandably however, given the

chain management best practice was evolving and diversifying

chronic lack of UK space availability, the FMDC’s wet and dry bonded

at an almost exponential rate. It has had to in order to meet consumer

storage (including bonded container storage) capacity is proving of

expectations and buying behaviours in the digital age – expectations that

particular interest to customer supply chain professionals.

rise relentlessly and do not forgive fulfilment delays or a poor customer experience. Businesses unable to adapt are getting left behind and ultimately

The primary benefit to bonded storage, of course, is that the payment

consigned to history. In short, supply chain professionals have never had to

of duties / taxes on imported goods can be deferred or avoided. These

face tougher trading conditions in peacetime.

payments only become due once the goods are released for sale in the UK. This is massive in terms a business’ ability to successfully manage its

Companies are under immense pressure to ensure rapid fulfilment of

cash-flow. Additionally, those goods liable for taxes / duties that are set

product orders across large, complex international supply chains. Even

for re-export to international markets from the UK can be stored under

a decade ago the idea of ordering an item one evening and expecting it

bond at the FMDC without being subject to duty payments here. Again,

to arrive the next day would have been unimaginable. Now it’s relatively

this ‘international cross-docking’ represents a huge cost saving in terms

commonplace.” Our industry’s phenomenal ability to meet customer

of taxes but also in terms of port-to-DC transit costs. Furthermore,

expectations actually serves to keep these expectations on an upward

the Felixstowe facility’s location next door to the UK’s largest container

trajectory. Keeping pace with this relentless evolution requires innovation,

port provides its users with unrivalled convenience and simplicity for

investment, technology and, of course, strategically located warehousing.

managing exports from this country to international markets.

Which is why new developments such as Uniserve’s Felixstowe Mega Distribution Centre (FMDC) are so welcome. Its range of services, its

And of course, the scale of Uniserve’s facility in Felixstowe means

scale and its strategic location are an absolute godsend for businesses

it has the capacity to handle large-scale bonded storage providing

seeking to drive simplicity, speed and reduced cost into their supply chains.

greater control of inventories to manage peak seasons, thereby avoiding

Imagine importing your goods from, say, Southern China directly into a

customer order delays.

purpose-built bonded fulfilment centre located a stone’s throw from the Port of Felixstowe. From there you can service your UK businesses and consumers, while simultaneously enjoying the option to re-export to your customers internationally from the same location. The removal of costs, complexity and the improvement of lead times to the end user (wherever they are in the world) will deliver real commercial advantage to its users when the FMDC opens its door this summer.

Les Flanagan, MD, Les Flanagan Logistics Services Ltd (LFLS)

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Credit: Uniserve Group

Indeed, the specifications of the new facility are impressive: • 400,000 sq ft marshalling and narrow/wide aisle pallet racking

ABOUT LES FLANAGAN & LFLS:

• 200,000 sq ft purpose built efulfilment zone

Les Flanagan of Northamptonshire-based Les Flanagan Logistics

• 100,000 sq ft cold store

Services Ltd (LFLS) started in the logistics industry in the 1970s.

• 80,000 ambient pallet spaces

This longevity has given the industry veteran an enviable contact

• 50,000 sq ft offices and staff facilities

book and a wealth of experience that he can call upon for the

• 18,000 pallet spaces of frozen storage

largest or smallest customer.

• 10 levels of racking • 4 mezzanine floors

Over the decades, he has developed a familiarity with the practises of supply chain management, logistics, warehousing and 3PLs,

Additionally, the FMDC will be BRC food grade accredited and will

which has led to long-standing relationships with wholesalers,

offer consolidation services for goods in transit.

freight forwarders, manufacturers and blue-chip retailers.

All of which means

maximum capacity, capability and flexibility for businesses of all sectors moving cargo through the Port of Felixstowe. For the first time port-

From business strategy review to project management and

centric logistics at scale will be a reality for the UK’s largest container

operational implementation, LFLS covers a broad range of

port. It’s a true game-changer,

services and provides advice and support on all aspects of the

concludes Flanagan.

supply chain across many market sectors from grocery logistics For more information on how you can benefit from this exciting new

through to home delivery.

initiative and how we can support the development of your supply chain activities, please get in touch at fxs@ugroup.co.uk FORWARDER magazine

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AIR & SEA PORTS EXPERTS

T

he Greater Bay Area (GBA) – is a region in Southern

in Hong Kong, Macao and Guangdong to strengthen communication

China that comprises two Special Administrative Regions

and cooperation with each other and promoting the idea of cross-

and nine municipalities in Guangdong Province covering a

border collaboration. Hong Kong, Macao, Shenzhen and Guangzhou

total area of 56,000 km2 with approx. 70 million population and an

would be the key cities and core engines in GBA to lead regional

aggregate GDP of US$1.5 trillion at the end of 2017 – is an initiative

development and reform as well as the driving forces for innovation.

that have great significance in China’s development blueprint.

The Greater Bay Area consists of the two Special Administrative The GBA blueprint was revealed in February 2019 details the

Regions of Hong Kong and Macao, and the nine municipalities

concepts of how to transform the eleven cities into a global economic

of Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Huizhou, Dongguan,

powerhouse. The blueprint touches upon encouraging governments

Zhongshan, Jiangmen and Zhaoqing in Guangdong Province.

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Guangzhou. As trusted advisors, they can assist your enterprise or business to set foot in the GBA via Hong Kong as a gateway to the Chinese market and conversely help Chinese companies

Your GBA Start Up Partners

in the GBA to go global with our extensive mainland China and

CW CPA & Hewlett Rand International have partnered together

international partnership network. With a multidisciplinary team

to support foreign businesses looking to enter the GBA market,

of multinational, multilingual and experienced professionals with

having cultivated good relationship with government entities

accounting advisory and management consulting capability, they

in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Zhuhai as well as

offer practical insights to help businesses make informed decisions

collaborating with foreign chambers of commerce. They work

with their investment and expansion plan. With the ever-changing

closely with strategic partners across the GBA and international

and complicated regulatory environment in China, our strategic

markets to enable a ‘soft landing’ service. Together they have

partnerships provide a one-stop solution to our clients and

developed a strong GBA presence with our headquarter in Hong

foreign enterprises planning to capture the tremendous growth

Kong and China offices strategically located in Shenzhen and

opportunities introduced by the GBA.

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

CHINA’S GREATER BAY AREA

EXPANDING YOUR OPERATION FOR GROWTH FORWARDER magazine

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TECH & DIGITALISATION Digitalisation: leveraging digitisation to improve business processes.

(Digitisation: converting information from a physical into a digital format. Digital Transformation: the use of new, fast and frequently changing digital technology to solve problems.)

Related topics Robotics Drone technology Cloud data

Sponsored by

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WANT TO KNOW MORE?

THE STATE OF THE FREIGHT 10 MARCH 2021

Further information can be found at centersource.io

2021

A

survey of over 300 supply chain professionals conducted

Finding, for example, that 88.2 percent of shippers either had or were

by supply-chain automation platform Centersource and

planning to diversify suppliers, the report helps industry watchers

logistics media consultancy Charlie Pesti details a scramble

understand how that process is playing out on the ground, including

for inventory and visibility, while showing how technology, and vertical

what technology and business practices are leading the way.

and horizontal collaboration are helping companies adjust to a complex and turbulent new normal.

On the collaboration front, the survey found that 89.8 percent of respondents already were, or were likely to increase their collaboration

The report, The State of The Freight 2021, breaks its findings into three

with other supply chain stakeholders. The report finds firms moving

categories – sourcing, visibility, vertical and horizontal collaboration.

towards both vertical and horizontal across the supply chain, forming

Viewing recent challenges and transformation through these three

interconnected networks of logistics partners – including cargo owners,

lenses, the report shows how unprepared many industry stakeholders

ocean carriers, freight forwarders, ports and terminals, customs

were when trade wars and then COVID-19 shook global supply chains.

authorities, amongst others.

As conventional sourcing practices failed to produce results, the survey

The State of The Freight 2021 is the first such report to categorize

asked how and where shippers and logistics companies identified weak

and detail the seismic shifts that are taking place in response to global

links, what factors motivated them to seek out new technology and

volatility. The report is an industry must-read and an important catalyst

innovate, and how they strategized more robust practices.

for ongoing conversations about innovation and adaptation in the face of massive challenges.

Amir Rashad, CEO & Founder, Centersource

ABOUT CENTERSOURCE TECHNOLOGIES Centersource is an independent digital marketplace and supplychain automation platform. Their mission is to digitalize the global timber supply-chain, enhance cross-border collaboration, and automate the most time-consuming process facing companies today, including export/import, logistics, documentation, analytics, compliance, accountability, transparency and visibility.

FORWARDER magazine

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TECH & DIGITALISATION NEWS

deugro ROLLS OUT CARGOWISE 11 MARCH 2021

TO SUPPORT THEIR GLOBAL DIGITALIZATION

d

eugro, a company of the deugro group and the industry-leading

CargoWise will be rolled out across the deugro network of more than

project freight forwarder specialized in turnkey projects,

900 users in 70 offices spanning 40 countries in a staged process, with

announced today the go-live of their rollout of WiseTech

completion across their global offices expected by the end of 2022.

Global’s integrated logistics execution platform, CargoWise.

We are pleased to support deugro’s commitment to improving supply

Starting with deugro’s branch in Madrid, Spain, the CargoWise rollout

chain efficiencies through their global digitalization strategy and with

will continue across all branches worldwide and represents an integral

their decision to roll out CargoWise. The powerful functionalities of

milestone in deugro group’s global digital transformation strategy,

our platform, and our deep productivity and automation capabilities,

known as the UNITED Strategy. deugro’s UNITED Strategy is designed

will provide the business with the tools needed to execute complex

to streamline and optimize processes and increase efficiencies across

transactions with greater efficiency, manageability and visibility and will

the organization, providing greater value to clients.

play an integral role in accelerating their global digitalization strategy.

Richard White, Founder & CEO, WiseTech Global

We needed a solution that would complement and support our global digitalization strategy, transform the client experience and take our

Licensed across 160 countries, CargoWise enables logistics service

operational excellence to the next level. After conducting a thorough

providers to execute highly complex transactions in areas such as freight

analysis of the systems available in the market, CargoWise was our

forwarding, customs clearance, warehousing, shipping, tracking, land

choice, as it is the most comprehensive platform. Its global transparency

transport, ecommerce, and cross-border compliance, allowing them

and real-time visibility across the supply chain will enable us to increase

to manage their operations on one database across multiple users,

efficiencies and allow us to further deliver consistently high-quality

functions, countries, languages, and currencies.

services to our clients. In addition to the quick implementation period, the key benefits for us were CargoWise’s deep integrations and powerful functionality, particularly the one-file global database and

ABOUT WISETECH GLOBAL

upfront data verification tool, which we hadn’t previously seen in the

WiseTech Global is a leading developer and provider of software

market. Just as the world rotates on its axis, the new TMS will be the

solutions to the logistics execution industry globally. Our

center of all operational activities. Therefore, we named our new TMS

customers include over 17,000 of the world’s logistics companies

Axis, connecting our best minds with technology across our global

across 160 countries, including 41 of the top 50 global third-

network. It will be at the heart of all activities, while also being part of

party logistics providers and all of the 25 largest global freight

the deugro group DNA.

forwarders worldwide1. Our flagship platform, CargoWise, forms

Thomas Fuchs,

an integral link in the global supply chain and executes over 60

Corporate Vice President Business Processes & IT, deugro group

billion data transactions annually. Our mission is to change the world by creating breakthrough products that empower those that own, enable and operate the supply chains of the world.

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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at hermes-cargo.com

HLT has a range of NG Apps as part of the Hermes NG Ecosystem including, NG Business Intelligence, and Datalakes, and NG Track&Trace, designed to maximise a GHA’s profit by giving access to

C

data and supply chain visibility.

argo Management Systems (CMS) provider Hermes Logistics Technologies (HLT) has teamed up with data sharing and

The NG Ecosystem product range enables GHAs to provide superior

connected cargo community specialist Nallian to empower

service through data sharing and tools to manage exception handling.

Ground Handling Agents (GHA)s with an end-to-end solution to digitalise and streamline their landside management processes.

Nallian offers a suite of collaborative applications on top of its Open Data Sharing Platform that empowers both cargo communities and

Nallian’s landside management applications will complement Hermes New

individual cargo actors, such as GHAs, to easily connect and share

Generation (NG) Ecosystem solutions, offering GHAs a paperless approach

relevant data with their stakeholders, achieving unparalleled levels of

that provides end-to-end visibility and control across their supply chain.

efficiency and visibility in cross-company processes.

We are empowering the ground handler by joining our ecosystems

Our collaboration will help ground handlers to enjoy the benefits

together to give them better control and increased efficiency through

of digitisation in their extended processes, enabling them to do more

better customer experience and superior functionality. Nallian’s

with the same infrastructure. Our apps have been built with and for air

complementary offering leant itself to a partnership with Hermes

cargo stakeholders and this collaboration perfectly fits Nallian’s open

and our collaboration will ensure a best-in-breed process with the

approach, which aims at giving as many cargo actors as possible access

technology to work for our customers.

to best-in-class solutions and the benefits of digitisation.

Yuval Baruch, Chief Executive Officer, HLT

Jean Verheyen, Chief Executive Officer, Nallian

HLT customers will benefit from additional services including...

With data sharing being a key element to the collaboration, HLT has been

• A Slot Booking App, which connects handlers, freight forwarders,

working on projects to use its Datalake infrastructure that captures and

and trucking companies to coordinate pick-ups and drop-offs,

stores Hermes NG Business Intelligence events, including developing

eliminating waiting times and flattening peaks and idle times.

predictive business analytics with artificial intelligence algorithms.

• A mobile Acceptance and Delivery App, which gives truck drivers easy access to the booked slots assigned to them, enabling the realtime registration of all actions during the pick-up or drop-off process.

3 MARCH 2021

HERMES LOGISTICS TECHNOLOGIES & NALLIAN COLLABORATE TO EMPOWER GROUND HANDLERS WITH A

DATA-DRIVEN LANDSIDE MANAGEMENT SUITE FORWARDER magazine

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...YOUR DIGITAL SALES EXECUTIVE 24/7 ‘AT DESK’ 365 DAYS A YEAR NEVER SICK NEVER ON HOLIDAY ONLY ON WHEN YOU NEED IT WON’T JOIN YOUR COMPETITOR NO CONTRACT NECESSARY DOWNLOAD THE FREE APP TODAY

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TECH & DIGITALISATION NEWS 9 FEBRUARY 2021

NEW REPORT REVEALS THE

UK WAREHOUSING INDUSTRIES READY TO ADOPT ROBOTICS

A

recent report looking at the state of automation in UK

The report explains why these sectors should be turning to large-scale

warehousing published by OW Robotics, supplier of flexible

automation to boost picking rates and picking accuracy and to save

automated warehouse solutions, has identified Retail and 3PL

valuable square feet in the warehouse to create space for more stock.

as the two sectors that could see strong potential gains from the robot

All to keep-up with the ever-growing trend to ecommerce.

revolution - in both the short and long-term.

David Hallam, Chief Executive Officer at OW Robotics says the report

The UK Warehouse Robotics Readiness Report, pulls together research

highlights how labour gaps, space shortages, and the impact of Brexit

and insights from across the UKs warehousing sector, analysing the

and Covid-19, have created the perfect conditions for robotics adoption

current state of robotics, the barriers and challenges to implementation

across UK warehousing, he says...

and examples of those businesses already setting the pace in warehouse robotics. It focuses on analysis of four of the UK’s key industries which

Although the report highlighted opportunities for retail, 3PL, pharma

rely heavily on warehousing including, retail and ecommerce, 3PL,

and grocery businesses, it’s clear that most businesses in the UK which

pharmaceuticals and grocers.

rely on warehousing could benefit from robotics to an extent, whether that’s short-term gains, long-term ROI or both. A number of key factors affecting UK warehouse operators have all seemingly come together in the past year, which have highlighted how important robotics and automated solutions in the warehouse could be for the future. It’s well documented that warehouse space is sparse, driving up costs for space that is available.

Brexit is having an impact on access to and the pool of warehouse operatives available, and Covid-19 has brought forwards the drive to online by a number of years, transforming many people’s buying habits. All this means the warehouse operation is becoming central to success and therefore picking rates and throughput has become even more integral to meeting customer demand for products. There are of course challenges for any business to adopt robotics, but it is clear, the robotics revolution is only going to gather pace over the coming years. Those who adapt quickly have an opportunity to significantly grow their market share, those who don’t, may find their business model obsolete. Manual processes are illsuited to the high order volumes of ecommerce and grocery retail, and with the precision demanded by the likes of pharmaceuticals, it is only a matter of time before they are phased out completely.

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Forwarding

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www.HDFORWARDING.co.uk Congleton • DONCASTER • Bristol FORWARDER magazine

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Building apps for the freight industry

We create tailor-made apps for freight and logistics companies, so you can communicate better with your customers and clients.

Increase your visibility to your clients and customers

Increase customer loyalty and engagement

Take bookings and orders directly from your app

Market your company more directly, saving money

Provide your customers with a social platform

Maximise your value to your customers

Build brand recognition

Stand out from the crowd

Some of the benefits of FreightApp 72

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Some of the functions Company profile Easy access to your company overview.

Employee directory Showcase the brains behind your business and have a searchable directory with profiles for each of your staff members.

Quote request

Allow your customers to request a quotation directly from the app.

Enquiries

A simple and user-friendly contact form to handle any customer enquiries.

Company news

The perfect feature for keeping your customers updated with latest news and posts.

Services

Air freight? Sea freight?

Include all your company services.

Get in touch with the team today...

Track & trace

Track your shipment’s location and delivery with your chosen third-party platform intergrated with your app.

Capacity & return loads

List your capacity / return loads with real-time notifications directly to your customer mobile devices.

Job section

Recruitment platform on which companies can post their latest vacancies. Candidates can apply directly from the app.

Booking form

Make it easy for clients to get in touch with their requirements directly from the app.

Push notifications

Schedule your notifications to be sent at specific times or send geofenced notifications to your clients based on their location.

+44 (0)1454 628 777 hello@freightapp.design FORWARDER magazine FreightApp.design

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EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS Opportunities to network and promote your services.

Related topics Conferences Expositions Networking

Sponsored by

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B&H WORLDWIDE WINS BIFA AWARD 2020 2 MARCH 2021

FOR SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

The B&H Worldwide team made this project a success due to the dedication and well-co-ordinated approach of the teams to ensure that all shipments were delivered on time. At B&H Worldwide, we have a dedicated customs clearance department who dedicated their time to this project to ensure that all the correct procedures were adhered to meaning we eliminated any delays in the project.

Multiple vendors that were part of the supply chain process were coordinated by B&H Worldwide using its unique cloud-based FirstTrac system. FirstTrac provides real-time visibility of all in transit consignments throughout the globe, 24/7. It gave the teams the ability to

B

track the assets and gave 100% visibility of all shipments and upcoming orders which included a proactive approach to the project timeline.

&H Worldwide, the leading global provider of aerospace time critical logistics solutions, is celebrating winning the 2020 British International Freight Association (BIFA) Freight Service

award for Supply Chain Management.

Now in its 32nd year, the BIFA Freight Services Awards encourages and rewards high standards and professionalism, representing the ultimate recognition of special achievements in different sectors of the industry.

The BIFA panel which determines the winners cited B&H's involvement in every aspect of the Supply Chain and its ability to integrate partners

B&H Worldwide plays a vital role within the aerospace community

and vendors worldwide as key factors in the company winning the Supply

boasting a proven track-record of delivering high-quality AOG,

Chain Management award. It also made mention of the efficiencies and

critical and routine logistics services. Operating across the globe from

cost savings that B&H was able to deliver to the customer.

strategically located hubs and supported by our specialised AOG Centres, B&H Worldwide has become the recognised independent market-leader.

All our teams around the world should take the credit for B&H Worldwide achieving this award. Aerospace logistics is a highly specialist business which needs dedicated individuals to provide service standards

The judges recognised the unique services that B&H Worldwide

which other companies can only dream of in order to keep the supply

provided to their customer during the maintenance of their aircraft,

chain running. We are very proud to have won this award in a year which

providing them with a complex global supply chain solution.

has been very challenging for the industry as a whole.

Gary Wilson, Group Managing Director, B&H Worldwide FORWARDER magazine

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EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS NEWS

LOGISTICS HALL OF FAME 1 MARCH 2021

STARTS THE PROPOSAL PHASE 2021

T

he proposal portal of the Logistics Hall of Fame is open again

Proposals or applications for both awards can be submitted free

and anyone can suggest personalities and groups of people

of charge in German or English until May 14, 2021 only online at

for induction into the worldwide Hall of Fame or submit an

www.logisticshalloffame.net. The newly elected member and the

application. The achievement can be technical, strategic, scientific,

‘TRATON Logistics Leader of the Year’ will be honoured at the annual

managerial or entrepreneurial. The decisive factor is that it is not only

Logistics Hall of Fame reception, which traditionally takes place in the

beneficial for an individual company, but has a positive impact on logistics

historic Erich Klausener Hall of the Federal Ministry of Transport in

as a whole. The achievement must therefore have been formative for

Berlin. The Logistics Hall of Fame is supported by politics, associations,

logistics, theoretical concepts are not enough.

media, business and science. The patron is the German Federal Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer.

In the first round of voting, the Logistics Hall of Fame Council nominates the candidates from which the international jury of experts chooses

The Hall of Fame can be accessed free of charge at any time at

the new member.

www.logisticshalloffame.net and offers information about the logistics milestones and their creators.

In addition, the Logistics Hall of Fame will once again elect the ‘TRATON Logistics Leader of the Year.’ Proposals for this can also be submitted

Background

now. ‘Logistics leaders prove themselves in times of crisis and stand

The Logistics Hall of Fame was founded in 2003 and honours leading

out from the crowd. They are the future makers and trendsetters of

figures who have made outstanding efforts to promote the further

the industry,’ explains jury chairwoman Anita Würmser. The decisive

development of logistics and supply chain management. This eternal

factor for the award is that logistics entrepreneurs or managers have

pantheon is also designed to remind future generations of the

been particularly successful in promoting their companies or have set a

achievements of these individuals in the service of logistics. The aim of

trend-setting impulse. The focus is on topicality and the benefits for the

the Logistics Hall of Fame is to act as a worldwide platform to publicise

company as well as innovative strength, sustainability and entrepreneurial

the performance capability of logistics and its importance for society.

change. With this honour, the Logistics Hall of Fame wants to document

The Logistics Hall of Fame is a non-profit initiative supported by the

current top performances in logistics and supply chain management in

world of politics, associations, the logistics industry and logistics science.

addition to its preservation function. The Logistics Hall of Fame wants

The patron is Andreas Scheuer, Federal Minister of Transport and

to bring the efficiency and innovative strength of the industry even more

Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) in Germany.

into the public eye. The donator is the VW subsidiary TRATON SE with its brands MAN, Scania, Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus and RIO.

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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at logisticshalloffame.net

Supporters of the Logistics Hall of Fame ADAC Truckservice

Associations (FIATA)

Arbeitsgemeinschaft Logistik-Initiativen Deutschlands

International Road Transport Union (IRU)

Bundesministerium für Verkehr und digitale Infrastruktur (BMVI)

Kögel Trailer

Bundesverband Güterkraftverkehr Logistik und Entsorgung (BGL)

Lebensmittel Zeitung

Bundesverband Materialwirtschaft, Einkauf und Logistik (BME)

LIS

Bundesverband Paket und Expresslogistik (BIEK)

LOGISTIK-Kurier

Bundesverband Spedition und Logistik (DSLV)

LTG - Landauer Transportgesellschaft Doll

Bundesverband Wirtschaft Verkehr und Logistik (BWVL)

LT-manager

Bundesvereinigung Logistik (BVL)

Panattoni

Business+Logistic CHEP

PSI Logistics

Deutsches Verkehrsforum (DVF)

PTV Group

Duisburger Hafen (duisport)

Schnellecke Logistics

GARBE Industrial Real Estate

Seifert Logistics STILL

Gebr. Heinemann

TGW Logistics Group

Gebrüder Weiss

trans aktuell

GROUP7

TRATON Group (Donator)

impact media projects

UniCarriers

International Federation of Freight Forwarders

Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA) FORWARDER magazine

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EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS NEWS 5 MARCH 2021

IPAF SUMMIT FOCUS ON

SUSTAINABILITY, DIGITISATION & POSTCOVID OPPORTUNITIES

T

his year’s Summit of the International Powered Access

performance management and site bio-security and trends in market

Federation (IPAF), which will be hosted for the first time

demand for cleaner, greener powered access operations.

ever as a virtual event along with a digital prize-giving for

the International Awards for Powered Access (IAPAs) on 18 March

Each of the keynote presentations and discussions will be interspersed

2021, from 3pm GMT, will focus on sustainability, digitisation and the

by announcements of the category winners of the 2020-21 IAPAs, as well

challenges and opportunities the industry is faced with as the world

as video presentations from the sponsors and a closing virtual delegate

emerges from the coronavirus pandemic.

networking session. There will also be a video presentation about how IPAF member firms have supported their clients, communities or

The theme of the IPAF Summit will consider the wider question of

charitable causes during the pandemic.

sustainability in powered access, the challenges of operating safely and effectively in the post-Covid-19 era, and the opportunities of digital and

As in previous years, there will be simultaneous translations available

technological innovation for safer work at height and quality training.

of all presentations, with event speakers translated into Chinese

The confirmed line-up for the event includes:

(Mandarin), French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish.

Suzannah Nichol, CEO, Build UK, who will look at the opportunities

The whole event will be hosted by Mark Durden Smith, TV presenter

and challenges facing major contractors in maintiaining safe and

of rugby union coverage in the UK. Thanks to the support of event

sustainable worksites, and how enhanced accident reporting, digital

sponsors, registration for the event is free to all those wishing to join

innovation and working closely with partner organisations such as IPAF

but anyone wishing to do so must register beforehand via the website at

will play a key part in achieving shared objectives.

iapa-summit.info/booking

Søren Brogaard, the new CEO of Trackunit, will present along with

We have been forced to change the way we do things with this year’s

Peter Douglas, CEO & MD of IPAF, about the organisations’ collaboration

Summit & IAPAs, but I have to say the opportunities afforded by an all-

in producing the new ePAL app for mobile devices, which is set to

digital programme have proved quite exciting, and we are very pleased

revolutionise the way operators and supervisors store and share training

to have been able to put together an engaging if condensed conference

certification – via digital PAL Cards – and log equipment time.

programme. Despite ongoing restrictions on international travel, this means that attendees from all round the world will still be able to benefit from a

Karel Huijser (JLG), Pierre Boels (Boels) and Norty Turner (United

high-quality series of speakers and to participate in the celebrations as we

Rentals) will join a virtual round-table discussion moderated by Murray

announce the IAPAs winners. We do hope you will be able to join us. I’d like

Pollok, Managing Editor of Access International, which will cover all

to take this opportunity to thank sponsors CMC, Trackunit, ZTR, Hinowa,

aspects of sustainability and digitisation, including new innovation in

Alimak and Sinoboom for their support in making this event happen.

green power sources, the possibilities in new technology for enhanced

Peter Douglas, CEO of IPAF

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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at pallex.co.uk

P

all-Ex Group has celebrated the logistics industry’s keyworkers at its annual awards event. Network members from over 170 independent UK hauliers, International partners and internal

team members joined Pall-Ex Group to celebrate successfully steering their way through a challenging year, while maintaining high standards of service and increasing freight volume.

Other successes include Twenty47 Logistics, which picked up the Fortec Growth Award, and W L Vallance, which drove away with the Marsh

The logistics giant’s virtual event was a double celebration, bringing

Commercial Quality Award.

together the Pall-Ex and Fortec Distribution Network awards for the first time, following the Group’s acquisition of Fortec in August 2020.

Winners across both networks were selected for compliance, quality distribution, service excellence and communication throughout 2020.

Winners include Ilkeston-based PMB Pallet Express Limited, who picked up the coveted Pall-Ex Depot of the Year award, as voted for by

Pall-Ex and Fortec Stars were also awarded to internal staff members

members of the network, while Stanton Logistics, of Rotherham, took

across both networks, nominated by members.

home the Fortec Depot of the Year trophy.

We’re proud to celebrate the successes of our shareholder members Pall-Ex regional winners were also celebrated, with ADD Express

around the country and champion their efforts to keep the country

winning for Scotland and the North, Severn Transport Services

moving during a difficult 12 months. The contribution of every network

winning for the Midlands, South Link for the South East and Bridgetime

member and International partner is highly valued and we deeply

Transport for the South West. Advanced Delivery Services, Matthews

appreciate the long hours and hard work that have gone into supporting

Haulage and K2 Transport were all rewarded for being the Highest KPI

our customers at this time, while continuing to deliver on our promises

Performer in their respective categories.

of service excellence and high standards. While we believe that every member is deserving of an accolade, our winners have been selected due

Additional winners include Manchester’s Harbour Freight for the Pall-

to their outstanding performance and exceptional service throughout

Ex Business Growth Award, Tigers Global Logistics for New Member

the last year. Our members have faced some real challenges, but we have

of the Year, Pall-Ex Italia for European Network of the Year and John

all worked together to overcome these difficulties to collectively grow

Dinham Transport, who received the Marsh Commercial Quality

our network, which would not have been possible without the working

Award. Fortec regional winners include Freightport Logistics Ltd for

together, winning together ethos that runs throughout the entire Pall-

the North, Bridgetime Transport for the Midlands and Stanton Logistics

Ex Group. We have big plans for 2021 as both networks celebrate their

for the South, while F&G Transport and Team C took home awards for

25th anniversary and we look forward to the year ahead.

being the Highest KPI Performers within the Fortec network.

Kevin Buchanan, Group CEO, Pall-Ex Group

PALL-EX GROUP AWARDS 11 FEBRUARY 2021

CELEBRATE KEYWORKERS FORWARDER magazine

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CUSTOMS CLEARANCE

Documented permission to pass that a national customs authority grants to imported/exported goods so that they can enter/leave the country.

Related topics Bonded warehousing Customs brokerage Duties & taxes

Sponsored by

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REVISED IMPORT TIMETABLE...

11 MARCH 2021

Further information can be found at logistics.org.uk

GOVERNMENT & INDUSTRY MUST MAKE GOOD USE OF EXTRA TIME, SAYS LOGISTICS UK

T

he government’s extension of the deadline for the introduction

Initially, the UK Government intended to phase in new sanitary and

of checks and customs declarations on imports to the UK

phytosanitary import formalities for a large number of products of

from the EU has been welcomed by Logistics UK, the business

animal origin on 1 April. Full customs declarations for all imports

group representing the sector. New checks (known as sanitary and

without any deferment option were to be required from 1 July, as would

phytosanitary checks) on products of animal origin, as well as full

physical checks at border control posts on so called agrifood products.

customs declarations at the point of importation for goods coming

As Ms Laouadi concludes,

from the EU are to be postponed by six to nine months, as announced by

businesses have an extra six to nine months - depending on products -

Michael Gove MP in parliament today. And, as Sarah Laouadi, European

to prepare for these two deadlines while fast-moving Covid-19-related

policy manager explains, this delay will ease the administrative burden

rules hopefully stabilise and are phased out.

Today’s announcement will mean that

on logistics organisations currently working to supply the UK through COVID-19 lockdowns, according to Logistics UK.

ABOUT LOGISTICS UK

Alleviating pressures on the supply chain caused by the current

Logistics UK (formerly FTA) is one of the UK’s leading business

pandemic remains the priority for our sector. Today’s announcement

groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to

acknowledges the challenges and mounting compliance pressure created

keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people

by multiple Covid-19 lockdowns and regulations across different European

directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods.

nations. By moving the deadline for the introduction of extra import

With COVID-19, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive

formalities on goods coming to the UK, the government is providing

forces driving change in the way goods move across borders

more time for businesses and authorities to adapt to the upcoming extra

and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more

requirements, for example by training staff, designing robust business

important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands

processes to interact with new IT systems and agreeing a new allocation

up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group

of roles and responsibilities with their supply chain partners. This will

which represents the whole industry, with members from

protect the UK’s highly interconnected supply chain to keep the nation

the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of

supplied with the goods and services it needs. It is imperative that

freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose

governments and industry now work hand in hand to make the best

businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. For

possible use of this extra time, to raise the level of readiness for checks

more information about the organisation and its work, including

both in the UK and in the EU. In particular, Logistics UK is pushing the UK

its ground-breaking research into the impacts of COVID-19 on

government for a much bigger focus on end-to-end provision of guidance

the whole supply chain, please visit logistics.org.uk

to ease the import process and enhanced engagement with traders, but also hauliers, on both sides of the UK’s border.

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CUSTOMS CLEARANCE NEWS

EXTENSION OF BORDER OPERATING MODEL DEADLINES NO SURPRISE 11 MARCH 2021

SAYS BIFA

I

t’s no surprise that the Government has extended the deadline for

2022, just adds to the real danger of non-compliance. The news that

the introduction of checks and customs declarations on imports

government will continue to engage extensively with businesses to

to the UK from the EU.

support them to adjust to the new requirements already in place and to prepare for the new requirements to come is also welcome. But,

The experience of our members since January 1st 2021 has clearly

actions speak louder than words, and of late, other than departments

shown that large sectors of the trading community have not been

that BIFA deals with on mainly operational matters, Government has

prepared for the changes in processes brought in by phase one of

not been talking to trade and we are not aware of any recent meetings

the Border Operating Model. As the trade association that truly

of the Border Protocol Delivery Group. Today’s announcement is

represents the UK’s freight forwarding businesses that manage a

clear evidence that political decisions have been made previously that,

large proportion of that trade, we have expressed significant concerns

as we have repeatedly stated, have paid no regard to how visible

regarding phases two and three of the Border Operating Model;

international trade and the frontier works and what can actually be

and various Government departments have been unable to provide

controlled. It is also proof that the uncertainty caused is of no use to

satisfactory answers to many of these. One of the most significant

anyone involved in managing the UK’s visible international trade. It was

unresolved problems to date relates to Delayed Declarations”, adds

no surprise to hear that Government was considering the unilateral

Keen, “something that BIFA has repeatedly warned is a regime that

application of grace periods by the UK on EU to GB trade, so today’s

invites non-compliance. Extending the option to use the deferred

announcement is welcome, but equally, not surprising.

declaration scheme, including submitting supplementary declarations up to six months after the goods have been imported, to January 1st

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Robert Keen, Director General, BIFA

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INDUSTRY SERVICES

Organisations and bodies that provide essential support to the freight and logistics industries.

Related topics Warehousing Insurance & legal Vehicles & equipment

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A LOGISTICS MATURITY SCORE 11 MARCH 2021

FOR BRANDS AIMING FOR E-COMMERCE GROWTH

I

n order to help brands assess their e-Commerce logistics

Challenges vary in

capabilities, leading global logistics provider GEODIS, in

accordance with

collaboration with professional services consultancy Accenture, has

the level of maturity:

devised a methodological approach to measure the level of e-Commerce

Brands at the

readiness. Called ‘Maturity Score.’ it determines challenges brands have

more mature end of the spectrum tend to struggle with flexible shipping

to face to rapidly adapt their logistics infrastructure to changing retail

options and, at times poor inventory management, while at the lower end

purchasing habits.

brands are challenged by integration of their stores with e-Commerce networks resulting in operational inefficiencies,

says Nath.

In their recent, original research study of brands developing their e-Commerce sales channels1, GEODIS and Accenture Interactive had

GEODIS offers brands to assess their own level of maturity along with an

identified five key logistics’ capabilities needed to build and maintain

e-Commerce expert. The White Paper entitled Getting e-Commerce

flourishing ecommerce operations.

Logistics Right: Faster, Leaner, Scalable is available for download on the GEODIS site

On this basis, they have devised a methodology that evaluates each e-logistics capability and converts companies’ practices into scores.

The average score across the 200 companies involved in the research are

ABOUT GEODIS

a middling 58; one third of brands earned ‘high maturity’ scores of 67 or

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized

greater; one third achieved ‘average maturity’ with scores of 51 to 66

for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical

and the remaining third recorded ‘low maturity’ scores of 50 or lower.

constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics,

These key capabilities are skilled inventory management, agile distribution

Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with

networks, flexibility of transport options, IT and software optimization

the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence

and, most crucially of all, the quality of the customer experience.

in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #6 in Europe

The level of the Maturity Score is a strong indicator of a brand’s

and #7 worldwide. In 2020, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000

preparedness for significant e-Commerce sales growth. Few brands

employees globally and generated €8.3 billion in sales.

excel at any of the 5 key logistics capabilities and even fewer excel at all of them.

1

Ashwani Nath, VP & global head of e-Channel solutions, GEODIS

involved phone and online interviews with 200 companies, which achieve sales

Getting e-Commerce Logistics Right: Faster, Leaner, Scalable. The study

revenues between $100 million and $20 billion across Europe and the US and covered a variety of sectors including electronics, fashion, home care and furnishings among others.

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INDUSTRY SERVICES NEWS

MAJOR NEW WAREHOUSE AT LONDON GATEWAY’S LOGISTICS PARK 2 MARCH 2021

FAST-TRACKED FOR COMPLETION IN RESPONSE TO SURGING DEMAN

D

P WORLD in the UK today announces that London Gateway’s

We aim to provide supply chain integration and our park is the largest

Logistics Park will fast-track the delivery of a speculative

facility of its kind in Europe. From this location, our customers can

146,000 sq ft green warehouse facility before the end of 2021

reduce transport costs, gain access to international supply chains and

to meet the rapidly growing demand for premium warehousing space in

markets, and benefit directly from port-centric logistics. In conjunction

the South East of England. This follows the letting upon completion of

with the nearby Port of Tilbury, London Gateway is also bidding for

LG231, a 230,000 sq ft warehouse facility, to P&O Ferrymasters last year.

Freeports status which would further enhance the attractiveness of this location for companies looking to expand.

DP World, the leading global provider of smart logistics, has commissioned the new LG146 facility to create the space needed by

London Gateway has almost 10 million sq. ft. of land with planning

businesses who want to take advantage of the logistics park being

consent. Tapping into the rapidly expanding demand for warehousing

adjacent to London Gateway’s deep-water port and outstanding road

to support e-commerce, DP World can work with customers on their

and rail connections to the capital, Europe’s largest consumer market.

building requirements of up to 1.2 million sq. ft. and deliver bespoke

Increasingly, retailers are expanding their operations at London Gateway

solutions via a unique 28 day planning agreement with the local council.

to satisfy surging demand for online goods.

The new facility will be completed and ready in December.

The new facility will be ready for occupancy in the last quarter of the year and will be one of the most sustainable warehouses yet built, with a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ classification, EPC Rating A and Planet Mark Accredited. We are using the latest sustainable technologies to drive down both the use of raw materials and carbon emissions to the minimum possible levels.

Oliver Treneman, Park Development Director, DP World

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Kam Freight Services is a leading, independent logistics provider with over 35 years’ experience in the shipping and forwarding industry. Located close to Heathrow airport we are able to offer our clients an efficient and bespoke service with a truly global reach.

AIR FREIGHT • Express next-flight-out service • Daily consolidation service • Door-to-door service, all incoterms covered • Export packing • Temperature-controlled & dangerous goods • Personal effects / excess baggage • All export documentation & customs taken care of

SEA FREIGHT • FCL (full container load) • LCL (less than container load) • RO-RO (roll on, roll off ) & vehicle shipping • Competitive rates & fast transit times • Out-of-gauge & project cargo • Marine insurance • Cross-trade movement

ROAD FREIGHT • Full or part trailers • UK & European pallet delivery • Abnormal loads • Services to all major European cities • Same-day / next-day UK transport

WAREHOUSING • 24/7 secured warehouse & yard • The latest technology in CCTV & surveillance • Competitive rates for storage • Racking facility for easy inspection and call out • Strategically located for efficient distribution

T +44 (0) 208 573 2522 • F +44 (0) 208 848 7922 • E info@kamfreight.co.uk Unit 1 Swallowfield Way, Hayes, UB3 1DQ

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INDUSTRY SERVICES NEWS

OPEN LETTER TO S. KHAN 9 MARCH 2021

MAYOR OF LONDON

D

ear Sadiq Khan. As the Mayor of London and head of the

of Brexit and its impact on our industry has been shambolic. We’ve

executive of the Greater London Authority, you’ve taken the

had to employ teams of people to try and keep up to speed with the

decision to extend the Low Emissions Zone (LEZ) emissions

constant changes, which were still being modified as late as the first

standards from 1st March 2021 to making it tougher for heavier vehicles

week of January. Despite this, we’ve managed to adapt our operations

to drive within the Greater London area. This includes Heathrow

yet again and have successfully helped our clients understand the new

as per your guidance on www.tfl.govuk: ‘All roads within Greater

protocols to ensure perishable food supplies successfully reach their

London, those at Heathrow and parts of the M1 and M4 are included.’

intended destination on time.

The charges are payable 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Two major blows to the industry which could potentially have destroyed The charges range from £100 to £300 per day with penalty charges at

an established British business. But we survived.

£500 or £250 if paid within 14 days.

A business that employs around 100 members of staff. A business that has As a company which is involved in the transfer of perishable – mainly

invested heavily in helping the post-Brexit UK transport infrastructure by

essential food – cargo both into and out of the UK this move is crippling

creating an approved Border Control Post and ERT (bonded warehouse)

our business. We have daily consignments of food departing from

facility away from the ports at Spalding to enable the continued speedy

Heathrow and coming in from Heathrow which we handle on behalf of

movement of produce. A business that is expanding and generating new

our customers to ensure a seamless onward journey. We also receive

jobs. A business that supported UK manufacturing to the tune of £500,000

daily consignments of European produce to our packhouse, which is then

by investing in a new fleet of state-of-the-art trucks. A business that is

packed and loaded, ready for distribution to the UK’s major food retailers.

closely aligned with Britain’s plans to ensure Heathrow can compete with other major European airports.

While our own fleet of trucks is Euro VI compliant, many of the European hauliers that we work with to deliver food are not and are now refusing

And how are we repaid? At a time when you are trying to assert

to come to Heathrow because of the unacceptably high charges.

Heathrow as an equal to Paris CDG and Amsterdam in terms of airfreight the introduction of this tax has effectively made this mission

During the pandemic, we have worked tirelessly to maintain our

impossible. And with it you have also made our plans to extend our

operations despite the challenging conditions, so that the supply chain to

operations in Heathrow untenable. This will lead to people losing their

the UK’s supermarkets and key retailers could remain intact. We’ve also

jobs as we will be forced to relocate; the business will have to spend

been responsible for the safe transfer of essential PPE. Our employees

thousand of pounds in re-training new staff and those staff that are able

are classed as Essential Workers because of the important role they play

to move to a new location will ironically be adding to the cost of fuel

in keeping supermarkets stocked with vital food supplies.

emissions by generating more traffic on the roads as they are forced to make longer journeys to work.

Having survived the difficult trading conditions associated with the pandemic we were then faced with the incredibly stressful fallout of

So much for supporting Britain’s essential workforce...

Britain’s departure from the EU. To say there has been a distinct lack of clarity from senior decision makers is an understatement. The handling

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Mike Parr, Managing Director, PML (Perishable Movements Ltd)

PROFESSIONAL UK WAREHOUSING SOLUTIONS n Advertise space n Find space n Extensive UK

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INDUSTRY SERVICES NEWS 3 MARCH 2021

LOGISTICS UK RESPONSE TO

NI GRACE PERIODS EXTENSION

I

n response to the news today (3 March 2021) that the UK

Extending the current grace periods for the movement of SPS goods

government will extend the grace periods relating to border checks

from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is vital to protect supply chains;

on some agri-food goods – also known as sanitary and phytosanitary

we are pleased the government listened to the advice we shared with

(SPS) goods – which were set to expire after 31 March 2021, Logistics

Rt Hon Michael Gove MP and European Commission Vice President

UK’s Policy Manager for Northern Ireland, Seamus Leheny, comments:

Maroš Šefčovič at a recent roundtable meeting. Today’s decision will ensure logistics businesses in the agri-food sector will not face significant administrative burden come 1 April 2021 and will allow time to plan

3 MARCH 2021

FREIGHT ASSOCIATION COMMENTS ON

UK BUDGET

T

and deliver a permanent scheme that will reduce friction on SPS goods, such as a Trusted Trader Scheme. And, with this being unilateral action, Logistics UK is urging the UK and EU to work together on a solution that protects NI’s supply chains in the long-term.

he trade association that truly represents the UK international

In regards to the news that eight freeports would be introduced in

freight services industry says that it welcomes some of the

East Midlands Airport, Felixstowe and Harwich, Humber, Liverpool

macro economic announcements in today’s UK Budget that

City Region, Plymouth, Solent, Thames and Teesside, Keen added:

will offer ongoing support to businesses in the freight and logistics

To date, BIFA has been indifferent to this proposed development, and

sector that have been hit hard by the double-edged sword of EU Exit

queries whether freeports will provide new advantages compared to

and the COVID-19 pandemic.

the existing Customs Special Procedures, which from 1 January 2021 no longer need a guarantee to operate. The additional £126 million

Commenting on announcements with specific relevance to the freight and

announced for apprenticeships and the raising of the cash incentive for

logistics sector, Robert Keen, Director General of the British International

employers to £3,000 may help BIFA’s campaign to encourage companies

Freight Association (BIFA) said,

Our members will welcome the news

to consider recruiting youngsters and enrolling them on the International

that the freeze in fuel duty will remain. However, they would have

Freight Forwarding specialist apprenticeship, which BIFA helped to create

preferred to see an outright cut, the introduction of an essential user

in 2018. However, there was no mention of the issues facing the aviation

rebate and some form of fuel duty stabilisation mechanism.

sector in either the announcement of the roadmap out of recovery, nor the Budget. This is a concern because a recovery in the passenger sector with an increasing number of flights carrying belly hold cargo will be necessary to allow the air cargo sector to fully recover.

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eli BioThermal, the global name in temperature controlled

Founded in 2000, Sharkmed Oy specialises in supplying essential

packaging, announces additional distributor partnerships

equipment to Emergency Medical Services, particularly Tactical

expanding the company’s growing global network. Peli

Combat Casualty Care, alongside providing training in personal and

BioThermal continues to expand its worldwide dist§§ributor base

fire safety. Based in Hyvinkaa, southern Finland, the company is also a

providing comprehensive customer convenience with the announcement

long established distributor of high-performing cases provided by Peli

of commercial collaborations with Sharkmed Oy in Finland and Corena

BioThermal’s corporate parent, Peli Products.

Pharmaceutical Wholesaler located in Turkey.

Established in 1998 with its own robust service network, Corena We are delighted to be working with our new distributors who

Pharmaceutical Wholesaler supplies to 86 countries on six continents.

are operating in these key European locations. These additions further

The company is based in Turkey’s capital Ankara and specialises in the

enhance Peli BioThermal’s growing global footprint, providing customers

provision of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies internationally.

greater access to our full portfolio of high-performing products, including our deep frozen product range, which was recently expanded

For more information about Peli BioThermal’s global network

to support the ongoing response to the global pandemic.

go to pelibiothermal.com/about-us/global-network or visit

Paul Terry, Director of Sales EMEA, Peli BioThermal

pelibiothermal.com to learn more about the wide range of Peli BioThermal products and offerings.

Sharkmed Oy sharkmed.fi and Corena Pharmaceutical Wholesaler corena.com.tr will both offer customers access to Peli BioThermal’s

Peli BioThermal is a division of Peli Products, S.L.U., which is the European arm

comprehensive range of products.

of Pelican Products, Inc., which is a portfolio company of Behrman Capital, a private equity investment firm based in New York and San Francisco.

23 FEBRUARY 2021

PELI BIOTHERMAL ANNOUNCES

LATEST DISTRIBUTOR PARTNERSHIPS FORWARDER magazine

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INDUSTRY SERVICES NEWS 1 MARCH 2021

HIMATSINGKA APPOINTS IMPORT SERVICES

LOGISTICS PARTNER FOR THE UK REGION

H

imatsingka is pleased to appoint Import Services as its logistics partner in the UK to provide retail supply chain services across their distribution network.

The partnership enables Himatsingka to take full advantage of Import Services’ new Container Port facility at Southampton Container Port, UK. This location expands by another 30,000 pallets in June this year, providing a real edge in terms of speed to market from a bonded portcentric location, for both UK and European supply chains.

Our search for a UK based logistics partner had two key objectives: We wanted a partner with an established retail logistics network, who also had competent IT systems that would provide real time access to our business activities. This would enable us to make informed decisions and speedy delivery to our customers.

Ashutosh Halbe, President & CFO, Operations, Himatsingka America Inc This partnership is in line with our strategy of building robust logistics network globally. Import Services has the experience and know-how to service the UK market well.

Akanksha Himatsingka, CEO EMEA and Asia Pacific, Himatsingka America Inc

ABOUT IMPORT SERVICES Import Services is the leading port centric logistics company

We are thrilled that Himatsingka has selected Import Services

in the UK, operating from Southampton, linking intelligent

as logistics partner. Our bonded, AEO accredited and purpose-

networks of supply chain services, with global real time

built facilities at Southampton container port, offers quayside order

information, to meet the new world of retailing.

processing and speed to market, with the capacity to support Himatsingka’s planned growth. Himatsingka is a forward-thinking and innovative company, which will complement our expanding portfolio of like-minded clients at Import Services.

Mike Thomas, Client Services Director at Import Services

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24 FEBRUARY 2021

LOGISTICS UK RESPONSE TO

DFT ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGE ANNOUNCEMENT

W

elcoming the Department for Transport’s (DfT’s)

who take their vehicles home, provided they have access rights to off-

announcement of a £50 million boost for electric vehicle

street parking. The expansion of the Workplace Charging Scheme, which

(EV) chargepoints for those in leasehold and rented

provides funding for up to 40 chargepoints per premises, to small and

accommodation, as well as the expansion of the Workplace Charging Scheme,

medium enterprises should be sufficient to cover operators, fleets,

Denise Beedell, Logistics UK’s Policy Manager for Vans and Urban, comments:

staff and visitors for companies of this size. However, sufficient power infrastructure must also be in place to meet this increased demand for

This announcement is a positive step forward in the government's drive

electricity before any chargepoints are installed; Logistics UK is calling

to decarbonise light commercial vehicle (LCV) operations. Respondents

for a fair and equitable way of apportioning costs for such energy supply

to a Logistics UK EV survey noted that access to overnight chargepoints

upgrades at commercial premises. And, to lead to a greater uptake of EVs

is a key barrier to uptake so we are pleased these concerns have been

among LCV operators, we continue to push for greater electric van model

considered and that additional funding is now available for van operators

grants, especially for heavier vans over 2.5 tonnes.

NORTHERN IRELAND PROTOCOL NEEDS WORK 23 FEBRUARY 2021

...LOGISTICS UK MEETS WITH GOVERNMENTS

A

fter issues have occurred moving goods between GB and

governments but there is much work still to be done to smooth trade flows

Northern Ireland since the start of the year, business group

– industry needs to be given clarity, certainty and simplifications in the weeks

Logistics UK has raised the concerns of the sector concerning

and months ahead. Logistics UK laid out three key asks: firstly, we want to see

the implementation of the Northern Ireland protocol with representatives

the development of a Retail Movement Scheme to govern the transportation

of both the EU and UK governments. Seamus Leheny, Policy Manager for

of agri-food goods, plants and animals between GB and NI. The checks on

Northern Ireland at Logistics UK, attended a government roundtable on

these items – known as sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) checks – must be

18 February 2021 – chaired by the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP and European

proportionate to the low risk these items present to health to prevent any

Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič – and comments:

unnecessary administration and delays. Secondly, industry needs to see the introduction of a Trusted Trader status for parcel operators to reduce expensive

Several formalities under the Northern Ireland Protocol are causing

administrative burdens on placed on business to consumer consignments.

difficulties to logistics businesses; we need the right processes in place if

And finally, to enable the successful delivery of these schemes, the grace

the Protocol is to be successful in supporting trade flows. The roundtable

periods currently in place under the Protocol must be extended sufficiently

opened a vital new dialogue between the business community and EU-UK

to enable longer term simplifications to be agreed and implemented.

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RECRUITMENT & TRAINING Organisations and bodies that provide and train staff for the freight and logistics industries.

Related topics Certification Organic growth Safety awareness

Sponsored by

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8 MARCH 2021

CHANGE HORIZON & MEANTIME COMMUNICATIONS LAUNCH THE

WOMEN IN AVIATION & LOGISTICS PLEDGE

TO ADVANCE GENDER BALANCE IN AIR CARGO

C

hange Horizon and Meantime Communications are calling on

Programme objectives:

businesses, trade associations and individual professionals to

• Raising awareness of women air cargo professionals by celebrating

sign the Women in Aviation and Logistics Pledge to promote

gender equality in the airfreight industry.

The Pledge will serve as a vehicle to mobilise the industry to advocate for change and define concrete targets and an action plan to achieve gender equality in air cargo.

and promoting their great achievements in the industry • Launching a public database of female speakers in aviation and logistics • Setting-up forums at global, local, or company levels to share best practices and actionable advice among industry peers • Establishing a knowledge centre with industry facts and figures to raise awareness on current gender gaps within air cargo, including the gender pay gap and other inequalities, and open public debates

Although the debate on improving gender balance in air cargo has been

to challenge the status quo

going on for many years now, there are still too few women in decision-

• Increasing gender balance in senior management and leadership roles

making roles, speaking at, or even attending, industry events.

• Pushing for progress in broader diversity and inclusion metrics

Céline Hourcade, Founder & Managing Director, Change Horizon.

across the industry

We have outstanding female professionals in this industry and their

At Change Horizon, sustainability and gender equality have been

distinct expert voices must be elevated through gender parity. We have

at the core of our values since the moment I started the company in

been talking about this for far too long, it is time to take action. We want

September 2019. The benefits of having gender-balanced teams span far

the Pledge to kick-start a movement for change, which will benefit us all,

beyond making a company more competitive, innovative and profitable.

transforming air cargo into the diverse industry it should already be, and

A year in a global pandemic has proven that the air cargo industry needs

encouraging and attracting the next generation of air cargo leaders.

to transform and there is no better time and more urgency to bring the

Emma Murray, Founder & CEO, Meantime Communications.

voice of women to make this industry more resilient,

said Céline.

Sustainability is in Meantime’s DNA, and I believe we all have a duty of care to this industry, which has given me so many opportunities, and to the young talent ready to join, to make it the best it can be. There is no excuse for standing by, we can achieve this by working together,

said Emma.

All the companies, associations, and individuals who will sign the pledge or support the cause will be invited to join the program, which will kick off with an introductory session at the end of March 2021.

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RECRUITMENT & TRAINING NEWS 16 JANUARY 2021

THE NUMBER OF

FURLOUGHED TRANSPORT WORKERS IS ON THE RISE

T

here has been a significant rise in the number of workers

The transport industry has been advised by the government to

furloughed in the transport and logistics sector this year, with

continue operating as normal, with the necessary COVID-secure

187,600 people on furlough at the end of January.

measures in place. For workers who cannot return to their job role or who are not currently needed because of reduced demand, the

With the furlough scheme now extended until September, new HMRC data

furlough scheme has kept them employed and meant they are not

shows an 18% increase in headcount for furloughed transport employees. In

adding to rising unemployment in the UK. We are expecting for the

comparison to the 159,400 furloughed in December 2020, the third national

furlough scheme to be extended today with the announcement of the

lockdown has meant a steep increase in figures for the transport industry.

chancellor’s budget. For transport and logistics firms, this will help to ease the anxiety and uncertainty over the next few months and

The data, analysed by Employment Lawyers at Richard Nelson LLP, found

allow for companies to plan better for the future. We predict that

over one-third (39%) of transport employers used the furlough scheme

as lockdown continues to ease, these figures will begin to decline as

in January 2021, up from 335 in December last year. When comparing

more workers are needed back in at their posts.

the transport sector to other industries, Richard Nelson LLP found

Jayne Harrison, Head of Employment Law, Richard Nelson LLP

the percentage of furloughed employees in the retail and construction industries had increased more than the transport sector this year.

1 MARCH 2021

LOGISTICS UK EXPANDS

F

TRANSPORT MANAGER CPC CAPACITY

ollowing OCR’s withdrawal from the Transport Manager CPC market,

Despite the upcoming changes in exam provision, it is essential

Logistics UK – in association with City & Guilds – has expanded

that operators and their transport managers achieve, and continue

capacity for its market leading Transport Manager CPC qualification.

to demonstrate, professional competence. Logistics UK is one of the biggest business groups in the UK with unparalleled compliance

This will enable applicants and holders of standard goods vehicle

knowledge, quality and reputation. We are proud to be working with

operator licenses, together with their transport managers, to continue

City & Guilds to expand our capacity and ensure we meet the increased

to meet ‘professional competence’ requirements. Offering a clear,

demand that will follow OCR’s final CPC examination registration

relevant, and practical syllabus – supported by strong exam preparation

in March. We anticipate high numbers of bookings and recommend

methods – Logistics UK’s Transport Manager CPC Training is available

enrolling now to avoid disappointment.

as classroom-based, online or blended learning.

Chris Lipscomb, Director of Operations, Logistics UK

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H

aving set the goal of 25% female fulfilment of its leadership roles by 2023, leading global logistics provider GEODIS has established an employee Mentor Program as part of its drive

towards diversity. To mark International Women’s Day on 8th March, GEODIS reports on the progress of the Programs.

Only 13% of senior leaders in the logistics industry as a whole are women.

This is despite females scoring higher in leadership competencies than men, according to a Novosensus survey[1] in 2020.

numbers of participants across the US, expanding into the Latin American organization for this year’s schedule starting in April. In 2021, there will

The logistics industry urgently needs a greater degree of gender diversity

be a total of 218 teammates involved, both mentors and mentees.

and inclusion to recognize, reward and profit from the talents of its female workforce and to improve its record of attracting women of superior

Gerri Commodore, Senior Vice President New Business and GEODIS

ability. The industry’s image is one of traditional male leadership, lack of

Women’s Network America’s Chairperson comments on the

upward mobility for women and unattractive to aspiring young females.

development of the Program:

Mario Ceccon, Group HR director, GEODIS

in our 2019 Program, we made significant changes last year. Our mentors

Based on feedback from those involved

and mentees wanted more structure and tools to help them. So, we GEODIS is committed to contributing positively to gender equality and

partnered with Impacting Leaders, a leadership consulting company and

increase the number of women in leadership positions. Its own progress

introduced the Style of Influence (SOI) assessment. This measure focuses

in this regard has seen levels of 13% in 2017 grow to 18% currently and

on the natural way people would influence others.

the drive to 25% by 2023 will continue.

mentors and mentees based on these changes, was overwhelming praise

The response from

for the program and an increase in applications to participate this year.

Through its GEODIS Women’s Network (GWN), mentor Programs have been evolving in regions across the globe over the past four

This year we are employing a new format to complement the original.

years. The GWN has three pillars that support its activities: career

This entails 29 of the mentees working in small groups. Each will focus

development and mentorship; inclusive leadership and connecting

on practical applications of our ‘5 Core Competencies of a Leader’ in

people. The Mentor Program builds on the first of these pillars.

order to further develop their natural leadership style,

adds Gerri.

Each mentee has a mentor from within the company assigned to them for the duration of the Program. They engage over a series of informal

In the Asia-Pacific (APAC), GEODIS Australia-New Zealand (ANZ)

and more formalized sessions during which inter-action is consistent

team launched their Program in September last year, with a schedule of

in being constructive, confidential, respectful, open-minded and frank.

activity set through to July. With the benefit of lessons learned as the Program develops, it is planned to roll it out across the GEODIS APAC

In the Americas region a pilot was established in 2018 to trial a Mentor Program in partnership with the professional development experts at Dale Carnegie. The Program has evolved in content and has grown in

region over the balance of the year.

DIVERSITY...

1 MARCH 2021

GEODIS REPORTS ON ITS MENTOR PROGRAMMES IN ASIA-PACIFIC & AMERICAS FORWARDER magazine

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RECRUITMENT & TRAINING APPOINTMENTS WELCOMING TO

BRIAN DEVINE

PALL-EX LONDON

IN THE POSITION OF

GENERAL MANAGER

P

all-Ex London has welcomed an industry expert

Following a challenging 2020 because of the Covid-19

to lead the business forward following the

pandemic, Pall-Ex London is looking to see growth this

challenges of the last 12 months.

year, with Brian at the helm.

The Basildon-based logistics firm, which services large

On this, he comments:

parts of Essex is an Owned Operation of Pall-Ex (UK)

business model to ensure we continue to succeed. I’m

We need to diversify the

Ltd, and is now being headed up by Brian Devine, who

looking forward to driving our standards upwards to

brings with him a wealth of logistics industry experience.

deliver excellence across the board.

Having spent over 20 years working in a variety of roles

As an Owned Operation of Pall-Ex (UK) Ltd, Pall-Ex

within the sector, including General and Regional Manager

London works closely with the head office, located in

positions with an array of industry giants, including DPD,

Ellistown, Leicestershire.

Hermes and City Link, he has the industry knowledge and experience to drive the company forward in 2021.

Colin Hawkins, Director of Owned Operations at Pall-Ex explains why Brian was the right choice for Pall-Ex London.

Brian’s appointment is the second high-profile arrival in recent months for the business, after Jackie Marks

He comments:

We have every confidence that Brian’s

joined as the Business Development Manager in the

extensive experience and industry knowledge are what

latter stages of 2020.

Pall-Ex London needs to progress the business to the next level. As Pall-Ex London continues to grow, in-spite

Speaking about what he hopes to bring to his new role,

of external forces, I look forward to working with Brian

Brian comments:

and the rest of the team in Basildon as we drive towards

After carrying out a regional role

for the last four years, I was looking to get back into

achieving excellence together.

a depot management and team environment. Pall-Ex London offers a fantastic opportunity to develop existing

For more information about Pall-Ex London and the

business and expand into new areas too. I spent some time

range of palletised freight services it can offer, please

away from the industry a few years ago and I missed the buzz

visit: www.pallexlondon.co.uk

and the unpredictability. There is nowhere else I would rather be. No two days are the same in this sector and I am great believer that you never stop learning, which is a mentality I try to instill in the team too.

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WELCOMING TO

JOLIE COSMAN

deugro USA

IN THE POSITION OF

SENIOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

I

n her new role at deugro, Jolie Cosman will contribute

About deugro

her exceptional knowledge of logistics and her

deugro is a highly specialized freight forwarder with a

experience in the industry to the team. She worked

strong focus on turnkey logistics solutions f or industrial

in operational, commercial and management roles before

projects. We have a proven track record in successfully

running her own freight forwarding and Letter of Credit

executing projects of any magnitude, even under the

consultancy business as The LC Whisperer for the past

most challenging conditions and requirements.

14 years. She is now making a pivotal change in her career and has decided to join deugro’s global organization.

deugro focuses wholly on identifying and solving clients’ specific needs with unique tailor-made solutions that f ulf

Jolie Cosman is a true front-line professional with a lot

ill all requirements. To deliver the best in both cost and

of energy, who is able to support and lead a wide range

performance, deugro serves as an extension of its clients in

of customer solutions for deugro USA. We look forward

their respective supply chains. It provides ocean and inland

to welcoming her to the team.

waterway freight services, road and rail transportation as

Tobias M. Schultz,

well as airfreight to almost any destination.

Executive Vice President, deugro group Thanks to a vast network of more than 70 companyBorn in Uruguay, Jolie Cosman continues to have strong

owned offices in over 40 countries, deugro leverages

ties to South America. The deugro teams in Brazil, Peru,

comprehensive and in-depth expertise around the world

Chile and Uruguay are looking forward to working with

to deliver on its promise. Clients benefit f rom global

Jolie Cosman, as is deugro worldwide. In addition to

coverage and local expertise at every major industrial hub.

her work in logistics, Jolie Cosman has been a certified member of the Houston District Export Council since

deugro was f ounded in 1924 in Frankf urt am Main,

2010 and is a former President of the International

Germany and is a family-owned enterprise in its third

Transportation Management Association (ITMA).

generation, with nearly a century of experience in the logistics industry. Today, deugro is an independent

I’m delighted to be part of such a global organization

company of the deugro group, which is comprised of

with contacts all over the world. I can’t wait to contribute

several companies focusing on project freight forwarding,

my industry experience and to work with the teams in

ocean transportation of heavy lif t and project cargo,

developing the business.

transport and marine engineering as well as specialized

Jolie Cosman,

transportation assets.

Senior Business Development Manager, deugro USA

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RECRUITMENT & TRAINING APPOINTMENTS WELCOMING TO

DR TOBIAS BURGER & RALPH RIEHL

DACHSER AIR & SEA LOGISTICS

IN THE POSITION OF

MANAGING DIRECTOR, ASL EMEA & MANAGING DIRECTOR ASL AMERICAS

D

achser Air & Sea Logistics (ASL) has

We would like to thank Thomas Krüger and Guido

reorganised management within its business

Gries for their many years of dedicated work in the

units in Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA)

business development and integration of our air and sea

and Americas regions.

freight network, and we wish them all the best for their professional and personal future. Dr Tobias Burger and

The position of Managing Director, ASL EMEA has been

Ralph Riehl will provide new impetus for the sustainable

assumed by Dr Tobias Burger, who is already responsible

and profitable development of Dachser Air & Sea Logistics

for the strategic development of the business field Air &

in their regions through their optimal combination of

Sea Logistics as Deputy Director ASL. Before moving to

in-house and external expertise. As a result, they will

the air and sea freight business, the 43-year-old was head

consistently drive the development of globally integrated,

of Corporate Governance & CEO Office at Dachser. Dr

value-added solutions for our customers.

Burger succeeds Thomas Krüger, who has led the air

Edoardo Podestà, COO Air & Sea Logistics at Dachser

and sea freight business in the EMEA region since 2016.

About Dachser With immediate effect, Dachser Air & Sea Logistics has

Dachser, a family-owned company headquartered

assigned responsibility for the ASL Americas business unit

in Kempten, Germany, provides transport logistics,

to Ralph Riehl. Before joining Dachser, the experienced

warehousing, and customised services in two business

manager worked for the logistics group Panalpina, now

fields: Dachser Air & Sea Logistics and Dachser Road

DSV Panalpina, for over 30 years, holding management

Logistics. The latter consists of two business lines:

positions in France, Singapore, and the United States.

Dachser European Logistics and Dachser Food Logistics.

Most recently, Riehl was Senior Vice President of Sales, responsible for all DSV Panalpina sales in North and

Comprehensive contract logistics services and industry-

Latin America. Riehl assumes the position of Managing

specific solutions round out the company’s range.

Director ASL Americas from Guido Gries, who has led

A seamless shipping network – both in Europe and

Dachser’s business in the region since 2012.

overseas – and fully integrated IT systems ensure intelligent logistics solutions worldwide. Thanks to 31,000 employees at 393 locations across the globe, Dachser generated consolidated net revenue of approximately EUR 5.7 billion in 2019. That same year, the logistics provider handled a total of 80.6 million shipments weighing 41.0 million metric tons. Country organisations represent Dachser in 44 countries.

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WELCOMING TO

MARK GALLAGHER

FLEET OPERATIONS

IN THE POSITION OF

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

F

leet Operations, the UK’s leading independent

Mark has a wealth of business development and fleet

provider of outsourced fleet management and

experience and will prove a fantastic addition to the

mobility services, has appointed Mark Gallagher

team. Having successfully implemented award-winning

as Business Development Manager to support the

green solutions in his previous roles, we are confident he

company’s ambitious growth plans.

will be a huge asset to Fleet Operations, helping deliver on our strategic goals.

Bringing more than 20 years’ experience in the fleet

Jayne Pett, Sales & Marketing Director, Fleet Operations

industry, Mark previously spearheaded and developed award-winning solutions to aid businesses in making the

Fleet Operations’ outsourced fleet management services

transition to electrification.

include strategic consultancy, multi-bid leasing, pay as you go maintenance, dedicated hire provision, EV transition

In his new role, Mark will explore new opportunities to

as well as supply chain management, policy creation and

accelerate the growth of Fleet Operations’ client base.

risk management.

As the fleet industry readies itself for recovery in the

About Fleet Operations

wake of the pandemic, companies will be looking at how

Fleet Operations is the UK’s leading independent fleet

they can best reduce costs and drive greater levels of

management company, providing either fully outsourced

efficiency. Fleet Operations has a proven track record in

fleet management services or partial support for large

consulting with clients to achieve these goals, and I look

or small fleets in the UK and helping companies make

forward to building on this success. The company has an

significant long-term cost savings on their vehicle

enviable reputation in the industry and I am delighted

portfolios. Formed in 2002, the company was one of the

to be joining such a forward-thinking and dynamic

first proponents of multi-bid leasing.

organisation. Having spent many years involved with both leasing and fleet management, I aim to utilise my career

Part of Traxall International, Fleet Operations can

expertise to propel the business forward,

provide the same range of services to multi-country

he said.

businesses who need support for a global strategy whilst benefiting from a high level of local service delivery: Local Management, Global View.

The company is based in Newcastle-under-Lyme and employs over 60 staff.

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RECRUITMENT & TRAINING

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The leading job board for the global freight industry

Reimagined.

Redesigned.

Relaunched.

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RECRUITMENT & TRAINING VACANCIES

FEATURED POSITION WHAT WHO

TELESALES EXECUTIVE

FREIGHT SOLUTIONS CONSULTING

WHERE

BRISTOL WHAT’S ON OFFER? • Competitive Salary (up to £25K) • Excellent commission structure • Flexible working hours • Company pension • 20 days holiday plus Bank holidays

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES • Making outgoing/incoming customer calls and processing new sales • Following up business leads and actively selling our products

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Delivering a consultative selling approach

Are you looking for an exciting new role, working with like-minded

• Display a positive and professional attitude

hungry sales professionals? If your answer is yes, don’t let this amazing

• Up-selling value within our product range

Telesales Executive opportunity pass you by.

• Updates CRM system

• Maintain sales pipeline and build customer relationships

• Develops product knowledge and services sold Working within a vibrant office, the successful Telesales Executive can expect an excellent working environment, first-class management

• Contributes to the team performance by sharing and implementing best practice ideas

support and a clear career path.

Experience within a similar Telesales role would be preferred, however,

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

with the correct blend of ambition, drive and passion, you will receive

• Previous experience in a fast-paced Telesales role

all the training needed to be successful!

• Able to build and develop lasting customer relationships • Able to work closely within a team and cross-department functions • Excellent communication skills • Target-driven • Always looking to train and develop your skills to help you succeed

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PRODUCTS IN OUR PORTFOLIO Our portfolio of products combines digital and print media with industry-leading communication and engagement. A complete marketing consultancy for the Freight and Logistics industry.

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freightwebsite.design

Industry-leading digital/printed

We develop and create

magazine: market intelligence

websites to maximise

for the freight forwarding industry.

engagement with customers.

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Freightabase

A digital directory for the

A digital price comparison

freight and logistics industry.

website that generates hundreds of warm leads every month.

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Freightapp.design

A leading website with up to

We create App’s to develop

date information and news on

communication within the

the industry’s hot topics.

freight and logistics industry.

If this Telesales career is of interest and you want to be successful, learn and develop your sales knowledge then this role is for you. Please email your CV to luke@freightsolutions.com

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RECRUITMENT & TRAINING VACANCIES

DG INTERNATIONAL

D

G international was established in 2009 to provide high

DG’s competitive pricing, customer service obsession and global

levels of customer service to a range of clients importing

network of highly respected and experienced partners allow us to

into the UK from Asia via sea and air. The company has

consistently deliver cost-effective, efficient solutions that exceed

grown rapidly since then and now offers a range of logistics services

expectations and add value to any supply chain.

across diverse industry sectors.

DG is poised for significant growth, with a strategy to grow to double in

DG’s growth has been underpinned by a commitment to a set of shared

size over next three years. The leadership team is experienced, dynamic

values that creates a high performance culture. We have employed

and client-centric, and the focus for growth is around new technology

self-motivated people who are empowered to make decisions to

offerings that compliment current services and additional market share

accelerate our growth.

from emerging markets.

PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST

REMOTE WORKING OR BILLERICAY, UK £COMPETITIVE

The role

Your role as Procurement Specialist, will be both strategic and hands-on. You will lead and support procurement projects by developing sound sourcing strategies informed by commercial knowledge. You will use your knowledge and experience to negotiate competitive pricing around shipping contracts for freight forwarders.

Responsibilities • Act as a commercial lead for freight forward shipping contacts by way of sourcing and negotiating the most competitive prices available • Negotiate best fit solutions to meet business needs • Negotiate with 3PLs and be prepared to challenge, when necessary

Requirements • Significant experience of working within the Logistics’ and supply chain industry • Be able to develop a robust supply base and ensure the ongoing efficiency • Experience gained in a fast moving company culture where you have had to build procurement process • A track record of delivering savings and service targets • Flexibility to think strategically but have a hands-on, pragmatic approach

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Personal attributes • A strong understanding of end to end procurement • Significant experience in the Logistics industry (Essential) • Strong negotiation and influencing skills • Highly developed communication skills and a proven track record of managing and collaborating with senior stakeholder relationships internally and externally

What you’ll get in Return • In return, you can expect to be given considerable responsibility for implementation, and work closely with a small leadership team where your efforts and success will be noticed.

• We offer a competitive remuneration package, including free gym membership, private medical care and an employer pension contribution of 5% (based on the employee contributing 5%).

We are an equal opportunities employment business and agency working on behalf of our clients and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. john@forwardingjobs.com • +44 (0)1394 337 263

VACANCIES Featuring...

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CUSTOMS CO-ORDINATOR

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Responsibilities • Claiming UCN’s for Customs Entries • Completing Customs Entries • Sending Clearance instruction Requests where applicable • Send out reports to customers • Data entering on spreadsheets • Interacting with customers, colleagues and visitors alike

Responsibilities • Generate leads and cold call prospective customers

BASILDON, UK £COMPETITIVE

in a positive and quality service manner

• Working as a sole player and/or team player as and when required

• Any other ad hoc tasks as and when required and instructed by the Line Manager and/or Managing Director etc.

What you’ll need to succeed

To achieve all of that, you will be able to demonstrate and show evidence of...

• Previous experience as a Customs Co-Ordinator (Essential) • A solid understanding of UK Trade Tariff Import/Export • Experience of using customs software (Essential) • Previous experience in Customs Documentation (Essential) • Intermediate understanding of the law and regulations surrounding customs clearance requirements

• Experience in road transport, logistics or haulage (Desirable) The role also involves being able to manage deadlines and sometimes difficult situations, therefore an element of negotiation is required to be able to meet timescales.

Personal abilities/skills

This role would suit someone who is looking for a customs entry role in a fast-paced, agile environment.

• A customer centric work ethic • Excellent telephone manner • Strong communication skills • A keen eye for detail • Motivational: focused & self-motivated, task completion/

tenacity, close supervision not required • Confident negotiation skills to manage difficult situations and timescales • Intermediate Microsoft skills both Word and Excel.

BILLERICAY, UK £COMPETITIVE

(create a sales pipeline)

• Generate custom from said pipeline.

• Meet with customers/clients face to face or over the phone • Build / develop relationships with customers/clients • Understand the needs of your customers and be able to respond effectively with a plan of how to meet these

• have a good understanding of the businesses’ services and be able to advise others about them

What You’ll need to Succeed

To achieve all of that, you will be able to demonstrate and show evidence of:

• An excellent telephone manner for making initial contact and for ongoing communication with customers and business associates • Interpersonal skills for building and developing relationships with clients • Written and verbal communication skills – needed for communicating with a range of people, both internally and externally, as well as presentation skills • IT skills, including the use of spreadsheets • Decision-making skills • A flexible approach to work with the ability to adapt to a fast-paced, ever-changing environment • Initiative and the confidence to start things from scratch.

Personal abilities/skills • Tenacity and drive to seek new business and meet or exceed targets

• Teamworking skills and a collaborative approach to work • The ability to multitask and prioritise your workload • The ability to motivate yourself and set your own goals john@forwardingjobs.com • +44 (0)1394 337 263

john@forwardingjobs.com • +44 (0)1394 337 263

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RECRUITMENT & TRAINING VACANCIES

ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT

CUSTOMS IMPORT MANAGER

Overview

Overview

HARWICH, UK £ COMPETITIVE

This is a fantastic opportunity to join DSV as a Tax Accounting Assistant based in Harwich, this is an opportunity to join a company committed to providing quality, innovative value, and logistics services.

The role • Tax Assistants provide support to an organisation’s tax or accounting department.

• Their role is a combination of administrative assistance and accounting support.

FELIXSTOWE, UK £ COMPETITIVE

The Import Customs Manager will be expected to lead the Customs team to deliver department objectives and KPIs. A self-starter who is able to convey and implement their own vision to drive the team. Be able to create a culture that focuses on employees’ strengths through training and development. Have full responsibility for UK Customs processes and declarations. john@forwardingjobs.com • +44 (0)1394 337 263

john@forwardingjobs.com • +44 (0)1394 337 263

EXPORT CUSTOMS CLERK EXPORT TRANSPORT PLANNER PURFLEET, UK £ COMPETITIVE

PUFLEET, UK £ COMPETITIVE

The role • Work with FCL (Full Container Loads) and LCL (Less Container Loads)

Overview

The main part of the job is to plan groupage, part loads and full load consignments from the UK to Central Europe.

This include sourcing haulage and negotiating prices, cooperating with DSV offices abroad and colleagues within the UK whilst identifying and exploiting opportunities to increase both profitability and turnover and above all possess a ‘can do’ attitude. john@forwardingjobs.com • +44 (0)1394 337 263

• Complete customs procedures and work with appointed routed agents and company operated services

• Prepare and provide documents to customers in accordance with the terms of shipment

• Carrying out all relevant administration in relation to the Export of products

• Completing all administration in relation to the export documentation, such as, invoices, packing documents, certificates, and other specific documents in relation to the product and export regulations for both UK and the receiving country.

• Sending out order acknowledgements for all orders and providing customers with order updates and delivery scheduling. john@forwardingjobs.com • +44 (0)1394 337 263

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VACANCIES Featuring...

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SENIOR CUSTOMS SPECIALIST PURFLEET, UK £ COMPETITIVE

Overview

Reporting to the Director, Customs & Security, the main purpose of the role is to support compliance in customs & security activities across the companies, safeguarding the company’s assets, as well as ensuring a safe and secure environment for employees and visitors and for customers’ freight john@forwardingjobs.com • +44 (0)1394 337 263

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER PURFLEET, UK £ COMPETITIVE

Overview

To win new business and work to agreed budget targets.

To strengthen market position by locating, developing, defining, promoting, negotiating, and securing new business by closing the sale.

You will develop and maintain DSV Air & Sea services to existing and potential clients ensuring a profitable return for the company in accordance with company procedures, operational procedures and statutory requirements, including Health & Safety to the satisfaction of clients and ensuring the profit of the company john@forwardingjobs.com • +44 (0)1394 337 263

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RECRUITMENT & TRAINING VACANCIES

LOGISTICS CUSTOMER SPECIALIST

TRANSPORT ADMINISTRATOR (FTC)

Job Overview

Your Role

KUEHNE + NAGEL UK NOTTINGHAM, UK £COMPETITIVE

We are looking for a Customer Care Specialist to join our road logistics operations. Do you have experience in providing first class customer service to customers and want to work for a global organisation with excellent career opportunities then this could be the role for you.

Your Role We are currently recruiting for a Logistics Customer Care Specialist to join our road logistics division at our site at East Midlands Gateway. As part of the role of the Customer Care Specialist you will be responsible for liaising with customers and relevant parties to ensure that customer expectations are met during the movement of cargo as well ensuring that we can maximise revenue on each market through co-ordinating the efficient operation and administration and building relationships with customers

Your Responsibilities • Process all bookings received from overseas partners and efficiently and accurately input them onto the internal computer system.

• Process import and export bookings received from customers and branches and coordinate these consignments with our partners.

• Build relationships with customers ensuring a steady flow of information and confirmation regarding imports especially.

• Liaise with the Transport department to organize collections from the ports and to establish when the cargo is expected back • Book in deliveries of all consignments with UK customers, where relevant.

• Provide the Warehouse and Transport departments with a manifest for each consignment giving clear loading and unloading instructions. michaela@headfordgroup.com • +44 (0)1454 628 779

KUEHNE + NAGEL UK DERBYSHIRE, UK £COMPETITIVE

We are currently recruiting for a Transport Co-ordinator to work within our Road Logistics team on a FTC until June 2021. You will be responsible for the day to day planning and execution of the domestic collection and delivery operation. As part of your role as a Transport Co-ordinator you will be required to plan and execute work with the fleet as well as allocating work within the partner network

Your Responsibilities • Constant communication via face to face, telephone and through messaging devices with drivers and other internal colleagues • Pre brief and de-brief drivers on their daily runs.

• Liaise with drivers on the road over collection and delivery issues.

• Record collection/delivery status and discrepancies in systems and escalate where appropriate.

• Move freight between runs to ensure failed collections are minimised.

• Allocate Collection and Delivery work to our Domestic Partners in accordance with their specific Service Level Agreements.

• Liaise with the Nottingham / Dagenham Warehouses and Trailer Operations when required.

• Respond to operational and financial KPI’s in order to drive efficiency in the Domestic Operation.

About Kuehne + Nagel

With over employees at some 1,300 locations in over 100 countries, the Kuehne + Nagel Group is one of the world’s leading logistics companies.

As an employer, Kuehne + Nagel stands for equal opportunity and we are committed to diversity in our teams with regard to people with disabilities. We believe that you can make a valuable contribution to Kuehne + Nagel and look forward to receiving your application. michaela@headfordgroup.com • +44 (0)1454 628 779

UK

UK

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VACANCIES Featuring...

IMPORT CO-ORDINATOR HULL & FELIXSTOWE, UK £COMPETITIVE

The company

The John Good Group is one of the UK’s leading independent family owned shipping, logistics and corporate travel providers. A key player in the shipping and travel industries since 1833, John Good is the third-party logistics (3PL) and corporate travel provider of choice to the SME sector. The John Good family remains actively involved in the business ensuring that the family heritage, values and history sit firmly at the heart of everything we do.

The role

Working within the freight forwarding division of 3PL provider John Good Logistics, as part of a team dealing predominantly with Import shipments to UK from across the world, predominantly Far East, India, Turkey, Europe.

Responsibilities • Carry out booking procedures accurately, with a ‘right first time’ attitude, to ensure customers receive a high-quality service.

• Handling of Import processes and have confidence to offer guidance to clients accordingly.

• Where appropriate, collect payment from clients without credit terms in place.

• Obtaining, checking, and preparing documentation to meet customs requirements

Skills • Previous experience within an Import Forwarding role, preferably including Customs experience.

• IT literacy with a good working knowledge of a variety of software applications, including Microsoft Office.

• Adaptable to new working practices and embracing of Company Operating Systems and procedures.

• Confident communicator with good organisational skills • Experience of Cargowise One (CW1) preferred Benefits • Company Pension Scheme • 25 days Holiday excluding Bank Holidays

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FREIGHT FORWARDING BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER / OUTSIDE SALES HEATHROW, UK FULL-TIME, CONTRACT & PERMANENT £40–65k BASIC, IN LINE WITH YOUR HISTORY

Details • 10% commission • Car or car allowance • Pension / Healthcare / Childcare benefits • 25 days holiday plus bank holidays The company

Are you a commercially-minded Freight Forwarding Business Development / Outside Sales professional, with proven sales success? My client wants to talk to you today!

My client is a global Freight Forwarder with a number of operational centres across the globe, in the USA, Europe, Asia, and Middle East.

They have a proven successful history of providing excellent operational and customer support to their clients, giving you the perfect opportunity to go out and sell with confidence.

They are now looking for a new BDM / Sales Executive / Outside Sales / Sales Manager candidate with proven experience and consistent billings above £500k per annum.

You will need to be able to bring some business with you, and work independently, although a seat will be open for you at the office in London Heathrow.

This is a real and very tangible opportunity for the right caliber of candidate – with strong Freight background, excellent commercial awareness, brilliant client relationships and the self-belief to confidently build a territory and develop a customer base. michaela@headfordgroup.com • +44 (0)1454 628 779

UK

michaela@headfordgroup.com • +44 (0)1454 628 779

UK

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Fill your vacancies

Sales

Let us assist with your company's growth...

Back office

Europe +44 (0)1454 628 779 michaela@headfordgroup.com

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Operations Finance Management

USA Sourcing market-leading talent.

www.headfordgroup.com

Your strategic growth partner.

Executive Search • Branch Startups • Senior Appointments • Mergers & Acquisitions • Media

Considering a change?

More responsibility?

Fairer pay?

Better commission?

Send us your CV today...

Asia +1 (646) 933 1264 jeremy@headfordgroup.com

Middle East +971 (0) 45 015 675 simon@headford.ae

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UAE

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MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS The consolidation of companies or assets through various types of financial transactions.

Related topics Contracted partnerships Management buyouts Valuation

Sponsored by F R E I G H T

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VERTOM AGENCIES GROUP & CORY BROTHERS 9 MARCH 2021

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at vertomcory.com

FORM A JOINT-VENTURE BUSINESS.

V

The intent is for both parties to be strategic partners and shareholders

ABOUT VERTOM

committed to the partnership. This new development comes after

Established in 1974, Vertom as a group has built a strong

nearly a decade of successful cooperation between the two companies.

reputation as ship owner, charterer and agency business.

ertom Agencies Group B.V. and Cory Brothers Shipping Agency Ltd are proud to announce they have signed heads of agreement with the intention of forming a joint venture

‘VertomCory’ which will formally complete in the coming months.

Vertom is an experienced and reliable partner for all companies Both Vertom Group and Cory have built strong brands, with professional

who require professional services and support for maritime

and personal dedication to their customers and are industry-leading in

transport. For 47 years, Vertom has built a strong record

their own territories. Sharing complementary cultures and values, this

of accomplishment in the maritime sector. Our extensive

alignment will create a broader platform with USA, Singapore and pan

international network enables us to provide tailor-made

European coverage, allowing stronger organic and acquisitional growth.

maritime solutions that completely match the specific needs of our customers, regardless whether you require a reliable

Fundamental to its success is both companies’ commitment to delivering

shipping agent, the right ship for your cargo or a liner service.

excellent customer service, digital technology, structured compliance,

Vertom continuously remain future focussed and apply the latest

and a healthy and safe working environment.

technology to anticipate the changing needs of our clients.

We have built our business on excellent service, reliability and strong, lasting partnerships. I'm looking forward to expanding our business together with Cory Brothers.

ABOUT CORY BROTHERS

Maurice Lelieveld, MD, Vertom Agencies Group

Established in 1842, Cory is a leading logistics and maritime service provider, offering ships agency, ships liner and HUB

This is a substantial development for Cory Brothers: a natural

agency services plus logistics (Freight Forwarding). With offices

alignment of two like-minded, well suited and forward-thinking

based in the UK, USA & Singapore, the company has seen solid,

companies. VertomCory will offer top-class services to our customers

continuous growth, based on service expertise and experience

in all segments of today's shipping industry.

developed across three centuries; constantly planning, investing

Peter Wilson, MD, Cory Brothers Group

and adapting to ensure its market leading position.

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MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS NEWS 10 FEBRUARY 2021

S.F. HOLDING & KERRY LOGISTICS NETWORK ANNOUNCE

STRATEGIC INVESTMENT & CO-OPERATION

S

.F. Holding Co., Ltd. (‘S.F. Holding’; Stock Code 002352.

The Partial Offer is subject to fulfilment of certain pre-conditions

SZ) and Kerry Logistics Network Limited (‘Kerry Logistics

including, amongst others, the disposal of the Hong Kong warehouse

Network’ or ‘the Company’; Stock Code 0636.HK) are

assets, and the disposal of the Taiwan business becoming unconditional

pleased to announce the proposed strategic investment and cooperation

under their respective sale agreements, and upon independent

between the two companies.

shareholders’ approvals being obtained at a Special General Meeting and the relevant regulatory approvals in various jurisdictions in connection

Subject to satisfaction of certain pre-conditions, the Offeror, being an

with the Partial Offer being obtained.

indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of S.F. Holding, will make a Partial Offer to obtain 931,209,117 ordinary shares of Kerry Logistics Network, representing

The cooperation will bring together the core competencies of S.F. Holding

approximately a 51.5% stake (on a fully-diluted basis) of the Company at a cash

and Kerry Logistics Network across multiple verticals to create a leading

offer price of HK$18.80 per share (the ‘Partial Offer’). In conjunction with

Asia-based global logistics platform to meet ever-changing demands.

the Partial Offer, Kerry Logistics Network’s warehouse assets in Hong Kong will be disposed of to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kerry Holdings Limited

Under the strategic cooperation, Kerry Logistics Network will be

to unlock its shareholder value, and for the Company to operate under

positioned as S.F. Holding’s platform for international business. S.F.

an asset-lighter model comparable to international industry peers. Subject

Holding and the Company will also collaborate with each other in

to the completion of the warehouses sale, substantially all of the proceeds

Greater China to better align their respective businesses. By tapping into

from the warehouses sale will be distributed to all those shareholders of the

different customer segments, S.F. Holding and Kerry Logistics Network

Company who are shareholders of record on the record date as a special

will coexist as separate entities in Mainland China, Hong Kong and

dividend of HK$7.28 per share. The total amount of offer price plus special

Macau. The Company will continue to grow its logistics businesses, both

dividend to be received by a shareholder of the Company for every share that

in terms of scale and coverage. The partnership is expected to create

the shareholder tenders and is accepted under the Partial Offer would be

significant synergies to boost both companies’ growth and leadership

HK$26.08, comprising the offer price of HK$18.80 per share and the special

in the logistics sector with clear business focuses and complementary

dividend of HK$7.28 per share.

strengths to bring value to investors.

To facilitate the transaction, the Company’s business in Taiwan, including

Subsequent to the completion of the proposed transaction, Kerry

the interest in Kerry TJ Logistics Company Limited, which is listed on

Logistics Network’s listed status on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange

the Taiwan Stock Exchange (‘Kerry TJ Logistics’; Stock Code 2608.TW),

will remain unchanged. The Kerry Group of companies will still hold

will also be sold to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kerry Holdings Limited

a significant interest in the Company, which will continue to operate

in compliance with the laws and regulations in Taiwan. The proceeds

under the ‘Kerry’ names with a clear brand identity and be managed by

from the Taiwan business sale will be retained by the Company for its

its current core leadership team across all markets.

ongoing growth and developments.

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WANT TO KNOW MORE?

B

ullet Express, the Glasgow-based international logistics, transport and storage company, announces the expansion of

Further information can be found at bulletexpress.co.uk

the business through the acquisition of a new, 30,000 sq.ft.

storage logistics facility in the city.

Bullet Express is investing in high-capacity racking, with narrow aisle

The new logistics centre, located on London Road, Glasgow, will add

configuration and semi-automated picking utilising man-up fork-lifts.

a further 5,000 pallets to Bullet Express’s storage capacity, expanding its pallet storage capability by nearly 25% to 26,000 pallets. The facility,

There is a shortage of quality logistics storage facilities across the

which is 300 yards from the M74 motorway, also has a further 25,000

UK and this investment provides Bullet Express with further scale in

sq.ft. of yard for vehicle access. The new facility will result in the creation

this growing sector. We’re installing the latest technology to maximise

of up to 10 new jobs initially.

the capacity that it provides and ensuring we can locate and access our customers’ products faster and more efficiently than ever before in

The move, which represents a significant, seven figure investment,

order to provide the just-in-time delivery service they need.

comes following a surge in demand from both existing and new

John McKail, Managing Director, Bullet Express

customers for storage services in response to tighter consumer delivery demand, following a 40% rise in online shopping as a result of Covid-19 lockdowns.

We’re building a Scottish logistics force to be reckoned with at Bullet Express. This new facility increases our storage capacity by nearly 25% and positions us better than ever before to respond to our customers’ needs. Connectivity is fundamentally important to our customers now and this location, right next to the M74, means we can get their products moving faster than ever before.

David McCutcheon, co-founder & joint CEO, Bullet Express The building’s height, at of over 12.5 metres, will enable racked storage, 6 pallets high.

2 MARCH 2021

BULLET EXPRESS STORAGE FACILITY ACQUISITION CREATES

SCOTTISH LOGISTICS FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH FORWARDER magazine

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MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS NEWS 5 MARCH 2021

HAULAGE SPECIALIST CARTWRIGHT BROTHERS COLLECTS

£151,000 IN R&D TAX INCENTIVES

A

haulage specialist that improved the safety of its forklift trucks

The company wanted to make forklift truck driving safer for staff and

using hi-tech, on-board camera installations has received

the goods in its care because visibility for drivers of forklifts was not

£151,000 in R&D tax incentives from the government,

ideal. The firm resolved to develop a remote camera array that fitted

despite being previously told it would not qualify.

to the trucks’ masts, which had numerous advantages.

Cartwright Brothers spent hundreds of thousands of pounds on

The camera array was designed to display a 360o view on a screen inside

qualifying projects — including forklift innovations that boosted visibility

the cab to help drivers negotiate obstacles and look out for hazards.

for drivers — but the firm was resigned to the fact that it would not be

It also records footage for playback if required, and sends real-time

able to access the R&D tax credit scheme.

video to smart devices and screens in a control room so activity in the warehouse can be monitored live.o

This all changed when it consulted experts at R&D tax specialist Catax and the company has now successfully collected £150,850 in tax relief

The most challenging aspect of the project involved working out how

for multiple projects that qualified under HMRC’s criteria.

to ensure the system could transmit all the necessary data inside a metal warehouse that was prone to signal interference. In addition,

It came as a complete surprise that we were entitled to claim tax

Cartwright Bros experimented with ways of transmitting the signals

relief for these projects. We knew they were innovative but we had

offsite for longer term storage and had to develop protective housing to

been told previously that they did not qualify. To think we could have

defend the equipment from the rigours of the warehouse environment.

missed out on such a large sum had we not claimed in time is extremely irritating, and there’s no doubt in my mind that many other haulage

We’re incredibly grateful to Catax. They left no stone unturned and

industry firms will be in that precise situation right now.

our improved knowledge of the scheme will inform which projects we

Jamie Cartwright, Director, Cartwright Brothers

undertake in the future. We got back a huge sum of money and it has made a real difference to the business, as we were able to reinvest it in

The haulage and warehousing specialist, based in Lincoln, Lincolnshire,

the company’s assets.

has a fleet of 60 vehicles and over 200,000 square feet of heated warehousing spread across three sites.

R&D tax credits were introduced by the government in 2000 to incentivise innovation, and result in either a reduction in a limited

The firm has taken on a series of innovative projects in recent years.

company’s corporation tax bill or a cash lump sum.

These have included improvements to suspended load restraint systems and specialist trailer modifications. However, the bulk of its innovations

Many firms don’t realise the work they do qualifies as R&D, which is

have focused on technical advances to the CCTV systems fitted to the

defined as any work that seeks to resolve a scientific or technological

firm’s fleet of forklift trucks.

uncertainty, whether that’s a new process, product or service. Crucially,

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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at catax.com

We frequently come across companies who are entitled to make valuable claims despite having been told, in the past, that their work does not qualify. R&D tax credits are a complex tax area and that’s why not all tax advisers and accountants understand enough about the scheme

R&D work does not need to have been successful to qualify and claims

to accurately identify which clients, and what specific pieces of work, fall

can be made up to two years beyond the end of the tax year in which the

under HMRC’s definition of qualifying work. Cartwright Bros have now

work took place. Lack of awareness or expertise are the main reasons

received a significant tax benefit and it is well deserved given their sterling

logistics sector firms miss out on R&D tax credits, according to Richard

efforts to lead from the front and improve industry best practice.

Armstrong, Partnerships Director at Catax....

Richard Armstrong can be reached at richard.armstrong@catax.com

ABOUT CATAX

tax relief for its clients in the areas of Research &

Catax is the UK’s leading expert in specialist tax relief.

Development, Capital Allowances, the Patent Box

Since launch, it has recovered more than £350m of

and the Remediation of Contaminated Land.

Uncover your hidden value We are the trusted specialists for thousands of clients across the UK, offering a consultative approach to maximising your return on investment. So far, we have helped our clients uncover over a quarter of a billion pounds.

“From first introduction to completion, the entire process was managed very well providing us with a healthy claim.”

Geoff Hill, Rase Distribution Ltd @Catax_Group Catax Group

www.catax.com

Contact Richard today on: t: 0797 970 0003 e: richard.armstrong@catax.com FORWARDER magazine

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M&A for the global freight & logistics industry enquiries@freightmergers.com +44 (0)1454 628 771 Freight Mergers are specialists in selling owner-managed freight forwarding, transportation and logistics businesses. For most company owners, selling their business is the most important financial transaction of their life. Therefore, we tailor our services to each individual client’s needs, utilising our mastered, proactive approach to selling businesses that connects strategic buyers with sellers who are aiming to realise the value of their business.

We have over ten years of experience in the sector and, due to our specialist approach and unparalleled network, we can put you in touch with international and domestic trade buyers.

www.freightmergers.com 122

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F R E I G H T

Are you planning to buy or sell a freight forwarding company?

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MEDIA & MARKETING

The promotion and dissemination of knowledge and information about products and organisations both externally and internally.

Related topics Website design Social media Promotional techniques

Sponsored by

124 124 FORWARDER magazine

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11 FEBRUARY 2021

NEW RESEARCH REVEALS WHAT IT TAKES TO

HAVE A LOVED TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS BRAND

L

ove for a transport and logistics brand has a massive impact

of two mistakes from even an ordinary brand before being compelled to

on customer loyalty and recommendations according to a new

shop around. This passivity could be enabling a lot of inferior customer

study. People who love a brand are three times more likely

service to go unpunished. The flip side is that once such passive customers

to recommend it to others and will tolerate it making twice as many

are eventually lost, winning them back will be incredibly difficult.

mistakes as any other, before taking their custom elsewhere. Indeed, according to the Brand Love report, such a brand can mess up almost

Brand Love also identifies a ‘recommender gene’ which some people

five times and people will still stay loyal to it.

simply do or don’t have, and which will overrule how they feel about a brand; for instance, even among the consumers who love a brand, 10

The research, which was carried out by Energy PR among over 100 top

percent will still not recommend it (or any other). Contrarily 30 percent

marketers, identifies what it takes to create a great brand and what more

of people who are not that committed to any brand will still happily

is needed if it’s to be loved. According to the marketing experts, contrary

recommend brands to others.

to popular opinion, being original isn’t that important when it comes to greatness. Despite the success of brands in other industries such as Apple

When it comes to the most common mistakes brands make on the path

and Tesla, only 17 percent of marketers think that uniqueness is important,

to greatness and love, these centre around neglecting the feelings of

and just 1 in 10 (11 percent) believe a brand’s greatness is determined

customers by focussing solely on new customers (58 percent), forgetting

by its level of innovation. Instead, they argue the key ingredients for

current customers (54 percent), being inconsistent with messaging (28

greatness are trust (60 percent) and how a brand makes a consumer feel

percent), failing to understand customers properly (28 percent) and not

(58 percent). These out-perform even practical considerations such as

being authentic (27 percent).

customer support (34 percent) and value for money (33 percent).

Transport and logistics brands can learn plenty from our research. A Even if a brand achieves greatness, this is no guarantee that it will be

key take away is that the best brands aren’t necessarily great innovators,

loved according to the Brand Love report. To be loved involves a

but, if you read between the lines, they are all great communicators.

greater level of intimacy; over half of the marketers studied suggest a

Without communications you will struggle to demonstrate your values

loved brand is aligned to the customer’s values (55 percent), with over

or become part of someone’s life and identity. Communications are an

a third (38 percent) adding that such a brand needs to be closely tied

effective way to show customers you ‘get them’, you care and to make

with the customer’s identity.

them feel good. And once the customer loves you, those communications are still crucial. As our research shows, a consumer may tolerate a brand

The Brand Love report also identifies intriguing quirks of consumer

they love messing up, but they won’t tolerate it neglecting them in favour

behaviour which transportation and logistics brands must consider. Firstly,

of new customers. That’s a massive betrayal of that all-important trust.

many could be mistaking apathy for loyalty as according to the study on

That’s why great communications remain key.

average consumers are incredibly apathetic – willing to tolerate an average

Louise Findlay-Wilson, Managing Director, Energy PR FORWARDER magazine

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MEDIA & MARKETING COVER FEATURE

W

e help freight businesses grow by perfecting their online presence. From website design to SEO, content management to social, we showcase your company's

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touch to discuss your needs with one of the team.

Who we are We are a team of web design experts with decades of experience in the freight industry. Combining our sector knowledge with dedicated research into your company means we will design an attractive website that demonstrates your expertise. If you’d like a website which gives you an online presence and ahead of your competition, get in touch today.

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We have unrivalled experience in web design, web development and SEO, along with web hosting, support and maintenance, giving you ultimate peace of mind.

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Freight Solutions is an outsourced marketing solution for the freight industry.

Traditional marketing

Digital marketing

App design

Print is not dead. Nor is the postal

The average adult spends most of their

The ultimate in customer engagement.

system. Both work perfectly well, so

day looking at a screen. Checking their

Mobile usage now outweighs desktop,

let‘s use them. In fact, in this digital

news feed, in front of their computer,

so give your audience a focused, useful

age, high-end print actually stands out

on social media, online shopping,

portal where you control the content

more than it used to.

watching TV. Be on those screens.

and they remain interested.

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THE LAST WORD...

THE TEAM...

CRAIG EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ALAN EDITOR TIM DESIGNER MOHIT SOCIAL MEDIA LUKE SALES MANAGER DOM ADVERTISING

THE BREXIT SITUATION

A FINAL WORD FROM

FORWARDER

T

hank you for reading, and we hope the Brexit and COVID messages aren’t getting you down. We’re trying to bring both sides of things to you, rather than whitewash the issue.

The unfortunate fact is that people are often more vocal about the negative than the positive, which tends to skew the overall picture.

So, socio-phychoanalysis over, let’s just crack on – one thing is certain to make both situations worse: a negative outlook.

Please keep the great content flowing our way, and we’ll present it to the freight and logistics world, with love from FORWARDER. Tim, Designer, FORWARDER

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