FORWARDER magazine issue 86

PAYING DIVIDENDS...

CP Transport’s positive approach to container transport

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION helping to deal with the current global freight crisis

SUPPLY CHAIN CYBERSECURITY needs an urgent upgrade

FORWARDER DIRECTORY INTRODUCING...

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ISSUE86

CONTENTS

elcome to

AIR FREIGHT

2

SEA FREIGHT

6

ROAD FREIGHT

16

RAIL & INTERMODAL

28

PROJECT CARGO

34

PORTS & HUBS

38

TECH & DIGITALISATION

44

EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS

52

CUSTOMS & SECURITY

58

INDUSTRY SERVICES

68

CRISIS RESPONSE

78

TRAINING & RECRUITMENT

84

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

96

MEDIA & MARKETING

102

GIVING BACK

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ISSUE86

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THE SECTIONS AIR FREIGHT

If it flies and it's freight, we'll feature it.

SEA FREIGHT

If it floats and it's fr... you get the idea.

ROAD FREIGHT

By far the largest share of cargo transport in the USA.

RAIL FREIGHT

The second stalwart; road's right-hand man.

PROJECT CARGO

Oversized, heavy, high-value or mission-critical stuff.

PORTS & HUBS

Gateways to the wider world.

TECH & DIGITISATION

From data to drones. Welcome to the future.

EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS

CUSTOMS & SECURITY If only COVID had been subject to this...

INDUSTRY SERVICES

Everything from freight forwarding to insurance.

CRISIS RESPONSE

The latest emergency, from money to monkeypox.

RECRUITMENT & TRAINING Growing, perfecting, and certifiying your business.

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS The other way to grow your company.

MEDIA & MARKETING

This is a vital industry. Let's shout about it!

GIVING BACK

Environment. Fundraising. Charity. The feel-good stuff.

From promo to expo, don't risk FOMO.

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WELCOME TO FORWARDER...

A WORD FROM

W

THE TEAM

elcome to issue 86 of FORWARDER. We also hope we’re seeing you at the

in Leeds!

MEET THE TEAM

CRAIG EDITOR-IN-CHIEF craig@freightsolutions.com

If you couldn’t make it, get in touch with Paul for tickets

to the next one. The details will be on the FORWARDER.events

PAUL MEDIA/EVENTS MANAGER

website, so keep your eyes peeled.

paul@forwardermagazine.com +44 (0)117 248 2623

Tim, Designer, FORWARDER magazine

CP TRANSPORT’S POSITIVE APPROACH TO CONTAINER TRANSPORT FORWARDER events...THE YEAR IN REVIEW INTRODUCING... RAILX

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TRANSAID'S CHRISTMAS APPEAL

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EWALS CARGO CARE GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

MOVE IT LIKE... DIONNE REDPATH, COO, EUROPA WORLDWIDE MOVE IT LIKE... BILLY DAWSON, BUSINESS MANAGER, CNS MULTIMODAL MAGIC FEATURING... KERRY LOGISTICS

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� SUPPLY CHAIN SECURITY TRENDS

INTRODUCING... ROBERT NEL, PRINCIPLE CONSULTANT, HEADFORD GROUP EUROPE

ALL-ISLAND RAIL REVIEW

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UNLOCKING ASIAN MARKETS

MOVE IT LIKE... CHRISSY NICHOLS, DIRECTOR, ATLANTIC PACIFIC GROUP SEVEN WAYS TO OPTIMISE THE END-TO-END SUPPLY CHAIN WITH NNR, ALL ROADS LEAD TO EUROPE �� OCTOBER

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UKRAINE WAR'S IMPACT ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE

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MOHIT DIGITAL & SOCIAL

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MULTIMODAL ���� SLACK SEASON SHORT LIVED AS AIRLINES REACT TO FLAT DEMAND

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CORY BROS. ON THE LAST 180 YEARS

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FEATURING...PALL-EX GROUP

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ASIA MARKET UPDATE

RISE OF THE INTELLIGENT WAREHOUSE

HOW DOES THE INDUSTRY SEE REAL-TIME VISIBILITY?

MAERSK & MSC HALT RUSSIA BOOKINGS

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HEADFORD GROUP CELEBRATES 20 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY

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SLIGHT EASEMENT TO NEW CUSTOMS DEADLINE

FREIGHT MARKETS BEGIN TO NORMALISE

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HIGH-VALUE ELECTRONICS THEFT BY CARGO FRAUD

FACILITATING UK–INDIA TRADE

TONY SALES EXECUTIVE

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AIR FREIGHT

A system of transporting goods by aircraft.

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

Sponsored by

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ONE AIR WELCOMES A SECOND FREIGHTER 11 DECEMBER 2023 | Source: ONE AIR

TO ITS BOEING 747-400 FLEET

British all-cargo airline One Air has taken delivery of its second Boeing 747-400 freighter.

O

We have enjoyed a positive start to commercial operations and strong interest from the international cargo market, which reinforces our view of the long-term potential for a British all-cargo airline. We

ne Air commenced flight operations in July after receiving

are extremely proud to be operating the only Boeing 747 freighters

its Air Operators Certificate from the UK Civil Aviation

on the UK register and to be offering the aircraft’s outstanding cargo

Authority. The additional B747-400BDSF will support its

capacity. Our second aircraft has now entered service and increases our

current flying programme offering full charter services connecting Hong

capabilities further – and, subject to gaining the necessary regulatory

Kong and London Heathrow.

approvals, our aim is to add a third B747-400F in Q1 2024. We already have sufficient demand for a third aircraft, so our growth strategy at

The latest addition to the airline’s fleet, acquired on a long-term lease,

this stage is very much on track.

is a former Air Canada passenger aircraft which was later converted to

Paul Bennett,

a freighter for Air China. Prior to joining One Air, it was in operation

Chairman & CEO, One Air, and the airline’s major shareholder

with Aerotranscargo.

One Air, headquartered close to London Heathrow, has already built a Since the start of operations, One Air has also completed all-cargo flights

team of over 100 airline operations, flight crew, and cargo professionals

ex China and Europe, flying charters on behalf of freight forwarding and

with previous experience with Cathay Pacific, Emirates Airline,

charter broker customers. The extra aircraft is also expected to offer

CargoLogicAir, Norwegian Airlines, and other major carriers.

some further ad hoc capacity for global charter services in addition to the regular Hong Kong-London charter operations.

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AIR FREIGHT NEWS 9 JANUARY 2024 | Source: IATA

AIR CARGO DEMAND

UP 8.3% IN NOVEMBER

T

he International Air Transport Association (IATA) released

Some indicators to note include...

data for November 2023 global air cargo markets indicating

• Both the manufacturing output and new export order Purchasing

the strongest year-on-year growth in roughly two years. This

Managers Indexes (PMIs) – two leading indicators of global air cargo

is partly due to weakness in November 2022, but also reflects a fourth

demand—continued to hover just below the 50-mark in November

consecutive month of strengthening demand for air cargo.

with small positive movements indicating a deceleration of the economic slowdown.

Global demand for air cargo, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTKs), increased by 8.3% compared to November 2022. For international operations, demand growth was 8.1%.

• Global cross-border trade recorded growth for the third consecutive month in October, reversing its previous downward trend.

• Inflation in major advanced economies continued to soften in November as measured by the corresponding Consumer Price

Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTKs),

Index (CPI), centering around 3% year-on-year for the United

was up 13.7% compared to November 2022 (+11.6% for international

States, Japan, as well as the EU, in November. In the meantime,

operations). Most of the capacity growth continues to be attributable

China exhibited negative annual growth in its CPI for the second

to the increase in belly capacity as international passenger markets

time in a row.

• Air cargo yields (including surcharges) continued their significant

continue their post-COVID recovery.

upward trend (+8.9% since October). Rising yields are in line with Compared to November 2019 (pre-COVID-19), demand is down 2.5%

improving air cargo load factors over recent months. This could

while capacity is up 4.1%.

be tied in part to booming e-commerce deliveries from China to western markets.

November air cargo demand was up 8.3% on 2022—the strongest year-on-year growth in almost two years. That is a doubling of October’s 3.8% increase and a fourth month of positive market development. It is shaping up to be an encouraging year-end for air cargo despite the significant economic concerns that were present throughout 2023 and continue on the horizon.

Willie Walsh, Director General, IATA

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ISSUE86

S

ilk Way West Airlines, the leading cargo airline in the Caspian

This expansion also reflects Silk Way West Airlines’ commitment to

and Central Asian region, announces the expansion of its

minimizing its environmental footprint. The new aircraft are equipped

fleet with the addition of two Boeing 777 freighters. This

with advanced eco-friendly technologies, reducing carbon emissions

investment comes in response to the increasing demand for air cargo

and aligning with ongoing efforts to contribute to a greener aviation

services, and underscores the airline’s commitment to providing efficient

industry.

and reliable transportation solutions around the world.

We continue to reimagine the air cargo experience by adding these These twin-engine aircraft feature the latest innovations in technology

environmentally friendly aircraft to our fleet. This expansion is a pivotal

and fuel efficiency, enhancing Silk Way West Airlines’ capacity to

step in ongoing efforts to provide world-class cargo services, reflecting

deliver cargo with speed and reliability. The expanded fleet represents

our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of customers while

a substantial increase in cargo capacity, allowing the carrier to meet

maintaining a focus on sustainability and efficiency.

the growing needs of its customers across various industries, including

Wolfgang Meier, President, Silk Way West Airlines

e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. With the new additions, the airline further strengthens its position as one of leading global air cargo carrier, providing comprehensive coverage and efficient connections between key air cargo markets.

11 DECEMBER 2023 | Source: SILK WAY WEST AIRLINES

SILK WAY WEST AIRLINES

EXPANDS ITS FLEET & CARGO CAPACITY

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SEA FREIGHT

A system of transporting goods by ship.

Related topics Shipping lines Biofuels Ships' parts

Sponsored by

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9 JANUARY 2024 | Source: P&O FERRIES

P&O FERRIES STRENGTHENS NORTH SEA PRESENCE WITH

NEW LONDON –ROTTERDAM ROUTE

P

&O Ferries is delighted to announce the opening of a new

The route will be served by the existing P&O Ferries vessel Norbank,

RoRo freight route in the North Sea, between London (Tilbury

which until recently was serving on the Irish Sea, with a capacity of 125

2) and Rotterdam (Europoort), starting in March 2024. This

freight units. The Norbank will sail on a daily schedule with customer-

service will complement P&O Ferries’ existing Zeebrugge to London

focused sailing times including an early arrival in London, enabling on-

route together with strengthening its rail-connected hub in Rotterdam.

time local delivery.

The opening of our new route between London and Rotterdam gives

P&O Ferries operates services in the North Sea from three east coast

P&O Ferries a unique network in the North Sea. We now have five

UK ports – Hull, London and Teesport – and two ports in northern

hubs: Hull, Teesport, Tilbury, Zeebrugge and Europoort, connecting

Europe at Zeebrugge and Rotterdam.

the Northeast and South East of England with the Continent. We will offer our freight customers the earliest arrival on the Thames from Rotterdam, along with swift access to the M25 and terminal rail connections. The opening of the London–Rotterdam route will mark another significant step in our business transformation and further contribute to the end-to-end logistics service offered by our parent company, DP World.

Peter Hebblethwaite, CEO, P&O Ferries

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SEA FREIGHT NEWS 8 DECEMBER 2023 | Source: COSCO SHIPPING

COSCO SHIPPING ISSUES TH

100.000 ELECTRONIC BILL OF LADING

issued to a cross-border e-commerce customer in Shenzhen

DT Gold Award for GSBN at 2nd Global Digital Trade Expo

by COSCO SHIPPING Lines on 24th November

Additionally, at the recently concluded 2nd Global Digital Trade Expo,

The milestone blockchain-based electronic bill of lading was

O

GSBN won the Digital Trade Gold Award (DT Award) for its business n November 24, the 100,000th blockchain-based electronic

innovation of blockchain-based electronic bill of lading.

bill of lading from COSCO SHIPPING was issued to a cross-border e-commerce customer in Shenzhen by

COSCO SHIPPING Lines.

At the 1st China International Import Expo (CIIE) in 2018, COSCO SHIPPING Lines was one of the initiators and led the establishment of GSBN, aiming to combat industry fragmentation and create value for

Since the beginning of this year, COSCO SHIPPING has provided

all participants through extensive connections.

secure and efficient blockchain-based electronic bill of lading services to over 7,500 customers. These customers include bulk transportation

As of October 2023, nearly 30 companies, including airlines, ports,

and oil transportation customers with large volumes, as well as those

third-party issuers, finance, and insurance, have officially joined GSBN.

requiring diverse transportation services, and small, medium, and micro

Based on GSBN, COSCO SHIPPING has launched a blockchain-based

customers from various industries.

paperless cargo release product, deployed in major domestic hub ports, and promoted to a number of overseas countries, significantly reducing

COSCO SHIPPING connects upstream and downstream partners

import cargo release time from 1-2 days to less than 4 hours.

through the Global Shipping Business Network (GSBN) platform, establishing an efficient and trustworthy digital ecosystem. The company works closely with ecological partners, integrates industry boundaries using data, and builds a new digital trade ecology based on mutual trust, making trade easier through digital empowerment.

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Sea & Air Freight Inquiries ffd@atanak.com +44 (0)20 3978 5597

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SEA FREIGHT NEWS 18 JANUARY 2024 | Source: WALLEM GROUP

WALLEM GROUP IS THE PROUD PARTNER TO BYD FOR PROVIDING

COMMERCIAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES

W

allem Group is pleased to partner Chinese automaker

The PCTC vessel set sail from Yantai and Xiaomo ports in China, marking

BYD by providing commercial services for its first fully

the first addition to BYD’s ‘sea fleet’. Utilising LNG as the primary fuel

chartered PCTC vessel, MV BYD Explorer No. 1. The

for its main engine and generators, the vessel boasts environmentally

vessel has completed its first loading operations and is on its inaugural

friendly features, significantly reducing carbon, nitrogen, and sulphur

voyage to Europe.

oxides emissions.

Wallem Group is providing BYD with day-to-day support on vessel

We are proud to partner with BYD in providing commercial services

operations including cargo stowage, route and bunker planning, and is

for its inaugural vessel. Wallem’s Commercial Services aims to add

liaising between the vessel, owner, and charterer. In addition, Wallem

efficiency not only to vessel performance but also to the charterer’s

Group is working closely with BYD to explore possibilities to support

port, bunkering and cargo operations. We are also pleased to collaborate

the group on all other maritime functions such as cargo bookings and

with a partner who holds sustainability at the heart of their business.

vessel performance management.

Anurag Mathur, MD, Commercial Services, Wallem Group

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SEA FREIGHT NEWS 4 JANUARY 2024 | Source: CONTAINER XCHANGE

CONTAINER XCHANGE UNVEILS

JANUARY ’�� CONTAINER MARKET FORECASTER Global Trade Braces for Unprecedented Geopolitical

Key Highlights

Challenges in 2024

• Strategic Focus Areas: In response to geopolitical risks, shipping professionals are prioritizing 'risk assessment and scenario

The red sea situation is acute, but not chronic for shipping Christian Roeloffs, cofounder & CEO of Container xChange

planning,' 'diversification of routes and suppliers,' and 'regulatory compliance' in 2024.

• Rising Concerns: Survey findings reveal that the biggest concern

Shipping industry looking forward to up their game in ‘risk

stemming from geopolitical upheaval is the 'associated costs,'

assessment and scenario planning’, ‘diversification of routes

compounding the challenges posed by soaring operating costs.

and suppliers’ & ‘regulatory compliance’ in 2024 as a response

Many customers are worried about the rising costs resulting from

to geopolitical risks

the Red Sea situation like compliance charges, insurance premiums and war risk charges, etc. The operating costs have already been

Shipping professionals see ‘associated costs’ as biggest

rising soon after the rates crashed in 2022, and demand failed to

headache in ‘24 due to geopolitical unrest

recover. On top of the rising costs, these additional surcharges will only add to the worries of shippers and forwarders.

BRICS expansion to lead polarisation of global trade

C

• BRICS Expansion: The inclusion of new economies in the BRICS bloc, including Saudi, Iran, UAE, Egypt, and Ethiopia, sets the stage

ontainer xChange, a leading online container trading and

for potential polarization of global trade, impacting geopolitical

leasing platform, releases its New Year’s Edition Container

compliance.

Market Forecaster, shedding light on the escalating geopolitical

risks set to reshape the landscape of global trade in 2024.

• Technology Utilization: Despite challenges, 82% of industry professionals acknowledge the importance of technology for resilience in 2024, with predictive analysis and forecasting tools

In response to these geopolitical risks, majority of shipping professionals

taking center stage.

surveyed in the month of December 2023, by Container xChange,

• Sanctions Compliance: Amidst geopolitical developments, sanctions

are gearing up to enhance resilience through strategic initiatives like

compliance becomes critical for supply chain professionals, adding

‘risk assessment and scenario planning’, ‘diversification of routes’ and

another layer of complexity to global trade.

‘suppliers and regulatory compliance’. The biggest ‘headache’ resulting

• Fluctuating Freight Rates: freight rates will increase in the short to

from geopolitical upheaval is the ‘associated costs’ that they will have to

midterm, but not in the long run as demand and supply is still highly

bear on top of the rising operating costs that they have to already face.

imbalanced with no clear signs of a strong revival.

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The Red Sea is a vital artery for global trade which is currently blocked. Thankfully, there are ways to circumvent that artery and keep the global trade moving and therefore, the trade is not stopped.

Therefore, the red sea situation is acute but not chronic in the long term for the shipping industry.

Christian Roeloffs, Talking about the Red Sea situation There are still many geopolitical risks that have the potential to significantly impact shipping trade in 2024. We have the Israel – Hamas war, the related situation in the Red Sea, the Russia Ukraine war with no end in sight, tensions between China and Taiwan and an increasing enlargement of the BRICS block.

BRICS expansion What can have a far- reaching and long-term impact on the global supply chain is the BRICS inclusions of more economies, Roeloffs added.

There is a host of countries being added in the BRICS block, namely, Saudi, Iran, UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, while Argentina declined inclusion. BRICS has been viewed as a counterbalance to the Western-led world order.

If the block starts to increasingly align political decisions and geopolitical stances, then there could be added complexities to the global trade order with rising polarisation of global trade. Ultimately this might lead to a situation where one block is not allowed to trade with the other block and eventually, geopolitical compliance becomes more complex and difficult.

he added.

The expansion of BRICS will bring further interesting developments worth noting. Iran and Saudi are now in the same organisation despite a strained relationship. Egypt has close commercial ties with Russia and India but also with the US. India and China together account for ~2.5bn people and could heavily influence global policymaking if they are more aligned. And finally, Russia and Iran being able to jointly influence ‘trade’ policymaking within the BRICS group could lead to a ‘sharpening’ of trade rethink of US-allies vs BRICS. Amidst these developments, sanctions compliance will become critical for supply chain professionals for doing business.

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ROAD FREIGHT

A system of transporting goods by road.

Related topics Groupage Couriers Last mile

Sponsored by

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ADVERTORIAL 15 JANUARY 2024 | Source: CP TRANSPORT

IN FOCUS: CP TRANSPORT’S

POSITIVE APPROACH TO CONTAINER TRANSPORT IS PAYING DIVIDENDS

T

such a position as strong as CP Transport at the beginning of

A profile of the MD, Adam Searle

2024. With an infrastructure geared for scalable, sustained

If there was anyone destined

success and a strong vision for future development the outlook is

to le ad a cont ainer road

positive for the Felixstowe based container road haulage company.

transportation business it would

here are very few container transport haulage companies in

be CP Transport’s Managing

Spearheaded by Managing Director, Adam Searle, CP Transport has

Director, Adam Searle. Born and

evolved from humble beginnings in 2005 and built a commanding

raised in Felixstowe, Adam cut

reputation as one of the most stable and trusted container road haulage

his teeth in imports and exports

businesses in the UK.

before deciding to join his father’s haulage company, AM Searle

Nestled in the epicentre of the UK’s premier container port, Felixstowe,

Dock Shunting Service, at the age

CP Transport could not be better positioned to provide seamless road

of nineteen.

haulage solutions to customers across the length and breadth of the UK. After more than a decade of experience, during which time Adam Indeed, CP Transport has invested much time building relationships with

cultivated skills that would prove to be invaluable in his later career,

depots, ports, customs, and key operators across the transportation

including the importance of being flexible, yet firm, and a healthy dollop

sector. These relationships have only strengthened over decades thanks

of ambition and the determination to carve his own path in life, Adam

to the business’ commitment to delivering exemplary levels of service.

set up Searle Distribution Limited with a couple of friends. His goal being to solve the brick wall he faced at that time: lightweight vehicle peak

But there’s more. Unlike most other transportation businesses, CP

saturation point. The solution? To subcontract heavier vehicles to make

Transport owns 100% of their assets. This means that they are able to

up for the shortfall of AM Searles lightweight vehicles.

offer a stronger customer partnership, one that competing container transportation providers, both regionally and nationally, cannot match.

This was just the beginning of Adam’s ambitions. In 2005, he would launch himself into another venture, one that would combine a lifetime

The influence of Managing Director, Adam Searle in helping to drive

of experience operating in the road haulage sector, and prove to be his

the business towards new initiatives, innovations, and commercial

making, CP Transport.

prosperity cannot be understated.

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ROAD FREIGHT NEWS

Adam said,

I’m tremendously proud of what we have all achieved.

I’ve been in this industry for a long time, and endured a few bumps along the way, however, I’m proud that CP Transport has built a robust infrastructure that will help the business to thrive in a competitive market.

The birth and evolution of CP Transport Learning his lessons from the past, Adam set out to do things differently.

For starters, he chose not to lease trucks and trailers as this restricted his ability to flex with ever changing customer needs and invest the most modern fleet of fuel and driver friendly vehicles. But there was more. Adam built a strong infrastructure that has allowed him to scale the business, whilst controlling expenditure.

Moving to its present location of CP House, Orwell Logistics Park on

Then there’s the business ethos. CP Transport cultivates a collaborative

the outskirts of Felixstowe, in 2021, CP Transport has grown to over

and positive environment. One where everyone is supported and valued.

70 staff, 56 vehicles and over 100 trailers, and today offers bespoke

This ethos extends from the senior decision-makers to every member

container delivery services to a wide range of customers.

of staff and to the customers. Adam is big on customer service. As all successful businesspeople are. But it’s more than that. He wants the

Over the years, the business has diversified its portfolio of services,

customer service to be one of the first things mentioned when people

whilst remaining steadfast in its commitment to a lauded level of service.

talk about CP Transport.

Their core container deliver business service makes up 90% of their revenue. However, spotting the potential, CP Transport, has leveraged

Indeed, from humble beginnings of a home office and a handful of staff

market-leading technology and expanded on its service offering and

working from his house, CP Transport has evolved, and under Adam’s

today transport refrigerated cargo, hazardous materials, and tipper

leadership, the business is thriving. In fact, the best could be yet to

trailers and mega lifts making up the remaining 10% of their services.

come. In fact, as further proof of CP Transport’s success, the business has recently promoted two members of staff to director positions.

magazine Issue84 ISSUE86 18 FORWARDER magazine

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ADVERTORIAL But that is not all. Adam is also a keen proponent of biofuels, specifically HVO (or hydrogenated vegetable oil) which can fuel diesel vehicles without the need for costly modifications. HVO emits 80-90% less CO2 than diesel. However, he admits that for HVO to achieve widespread adoption, there needs to be a robust infrastructure in place, and this may well become a viable solution in the future.

Not only that, the Sizewell C nuclear scheme, located right on CP Transport’s doorstep, has the potential of making significant changes to the entire transport sector, something that CP Transport has already embraced.

Adam has said,

We have started running trials with HVO to ascertain

CO2 levels, with the intention of promoting this emerging technology to our customers. As a business, we want to showcase that we’re ahead of the curve in terms of how we operate, and we know that many companies will require this as part of their supply chains and ESG

A vision for a sustainable future

credentials in the future.

CP Transport has a vision for a sustainable future. And this is clear from the decisions taken by the business. Some, like being asset-rich,

If nothing else, these attributes demonstrate that CP Transport is a

we’ve already mentioned. However, Adam is keen to highlight his vision

business with one eye on the years ahead. CP Transport has shown

for the future of the business. With sustainability and innovation at the

that they are committed to reducing their own carbon footprint as

forefront of the company’s ethos.

much as possible.

All company cars are electric. There are six charging stations onsite.

A Bright Future on the Horizon

Moreover, there are solar panels galore and storage facilities for unused

There’s no doubting that CP Transport has a bright future on the horizon.

power generated, the head office has made great strides to achieving

The business’ progressive attitude to communication, collaboration,

carbon neutrality by only consuming what it generates.

and commitment to delivering above and beyond for customers aside, it is the infrastructure and future forecasting that is, arguably, most

Not putting all their eggs in one basket, CP Transport and Adam Searle

impressive about the business.

believe that hydrogen fuels are the future for heavy vehicles, an opinion that he is not alone on. Both Mercedes and Volvo are expected to

In a volatile market, one rife with economic insecurity and the looming

launch their first joint venture, hydrogen-powered truck on roads in

threat of high interest rates, CP Transport has weathered the storms,

2028. This is an interesting development. Especially when you know

even thrived, experiencing growth when many other businesses were

that hydrogen-powered trucks have a potential range of 500 miles,

contracting throughout and after the pandemic.

which is considerably more than an electric equivalent of 150 miles and a refuelling time running into the hours.

There is surely a bright future on the horizon, and we can’t wait to see the evolving influence that CP Transport will have on the sector in the months and years to come.

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19

ROAD FREIGHT NEWS

TIMELY NEW PARTNERSHIP 15 JANUARY 2024 | Source: EUROPA

WITH SWISS PARTNER Europa Road is kicking off 2024 by boosting its service for

As part of continued investment in its services, Europa Road ships goods

customers looking to transit goods to and from Switzerland,

to and from the UK and Switzerland, with door-to-door collection and

a country showing significant growth in trade with the UK

delivery within 48/72 hours, dependent on the location.

I

n November 2024, the Department for Business and Trade

Europa has invested in its operation to provide the best system available

reported a 40 per cent increase in trade of goods between the

today for distributing goods between the UK and Europe via part load,

UK and Switzerland in the four quarters to the end of Q2 2024,

full load or groupage.

compared to the same period in 2022. During this timeframe

Europa’s purpose-built transit hub

the UK‘s goods trade specifically

in Dartford provides more than 30

recorded a surplus of £13.9 billion

daily groupage services between

with Switzerland, compared to

the UK and the Continent.

£173 million in the four quarters

Known as the ‘1Hub,’ this £30m

to the end of Q2 2022.

state-of-the-art groupage depot is located close to the Dartford

Europa Road is the European

Crossing. Today a record 40,000

road freight division of Europa

consignments per month pass

Worldwide Group and provides

through the terminal seamlessly.

market leading road freight services, operating the UK’s

By working with Magsped we

largest European groupage in

can provide an improved seamless

Dartford. Its network of 17 sales branches (across the UK and the

service using our expert in-house customs clearance expertise.

Republic of Ireland) manage the shipments of goods into Dartford, from

Magsped’s excellent network coverage across prime locations allows

where freight connects daily with direct services to 36 continental hubs.

us to transport goods seamlessly. But most of all the aligned ambitions of our two companies to invest in a true daily structured service is

From 1st January, 2024, Europa Road will make a change to its

absolutely market leading and very exciting.

partnership arrangements in Switzerland, moving to leading Swiss

Dan Cook, Operations Director, Europa Worldwide Group

Operator, Magsped. The new agreement supports Europa’s continued ambition to reduce export and import lead times for customers shipping

We’re pleased to be supporting Europa’s customers with this new

to and from Switzerland, with the most exciting part of all, the launch of

service – where we can work together to provide the highest level of

a market leading DAILY service in both directions from 1st March 2024.

distribution, ensuring short and reliable transit times. We can guarantee a prompt delivery service to local UK customers.

Magsped provides quality, fast transit times and has excellent network

Beat Schweighauser, Managing Director, Magsped

coverage across the country including Basel, Zürich, Lucerne, Bern, Lausanne, and Geneva. magazine Issue85 ISSUE86 20 FORWARDER magazine

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Delivering the very best in customer service!

Contact us today to see how we could be helping you with your transport needs

Transport A. Plessas Transport is a family business that was formed in 2017 with a strong team that has a wealth of experience within the haulage industry.

Customers We are proud of our high customer service levels that we achieve through not only our good communication but a genuine care in what we do.

Growth We have had an exciting, steady growth and we attribute this to our excellent customer service, modern fleet and our highly trained drivers.

A.Plessas Transport provides container transport and haulage services around the UK, from three major ports: Felixstowe, London Gateway & Tilbury.

Felixstowe • Southampton • London Gateway • Immingham • Tilbury

A PLESSAS TRANSPORT LTD aplessastransport.co.uk Office: +44 (0)1473 954 090 • bookings@aplessastransport.co.uk

FORWARDER magazine Unit 2, Delta Terrace, West Road, Ipswich IP3 9FH

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21

ROAD FREIGHT NEWS 16 JANUARY 2024 | Source: CRANLEIGH FREIGHT SERVICES

CRANLEIGH FREIGHT SERVICES

EXPANDS FLEET WITH KRONE TRAILERS One of South-East England's leading logistics providers has

service, including full pan-European coverage, secure transit, on-site

invested in more Krone trailers as business continues to boom

support, reverse logistics and vehicle tracking.

C

ranleigh Freight Services (CFS) offers a full range of transport

The latest generation of the Krone Dry Liner has a sturdy chassis thanks

services to Europe. The company has added three Krone

to diagonal frame reinforcements and can easily cope with strong starts

Profi Liner curtainsiders to its fleet in order to meet growing

on the ramp. Robust and reliable, they feature keyhole plates inside as

demand for its UK and European general haulage operations.

standard and offer enhanced security for sensitive and valuable goods.

Will Porter, fleet manager at

CFS's Dry Liners are based on

Cranleigh Freight, said:

Krone

the Krone universal modular

trailers have a very good name for

chassis, featuring an optimised

being robust and reliable, their

welded assembly and robust

reputation precedes them. On

b u l k h e ad

top of that, Krone UK was able

increased stability in the event

to offer us competitive pricing and

of collision damage, the chassis is

good lead times. Their after-sales

equipped with a raised front rail

service has also been excellent. If

as standard, and protected lights

we need anything our workshop

are mounted on the diagonally

manager just pings an email to

reinforced, ramp-compatible

Krone UK, and we get the parts

rear. The trailers are made in

within a couple of days. They

Germany but sold and supported

haven't missed a beat.

by Krone Trailer UK.

co n n e c t io n .

For

The Profi Liners feature pre-galvanised components including the outer

The Dry Liners are ideal for transporting goods for events and tours.

frame and corner posts, plus side and underrun protection. Offset

The extra anchor points on the side raves are very useful for ensuring

curtain rollers in the external beam ensure smooth running of the sliding

loads are secure.

curtain, while the external beam is 30% stronger than the previous generation, significantly reducing risk of bending.

Krone offers a comprehensive range of trailers including container chassis, curtainsider, refrigerated semi, and dry freight box. Krone Trailer

This investment follows CFS purchasing two Krone Dry Liners last year,

UK provides sales, product support and aftersales care throughout

which it uses in its events division, providing time-sensitive logistics

Britain and Ireland. For further details, visit www.krone-trailer.com.

and safe transport throughout Europe. CFS provides a comprehensive

22 FORWARDER magazine

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Following the recent purchase of a Volvo FE Electric truck,

believes that while issues with regard to range remain, all-electric HGVs

Knowles Logistics’ new wheels are already proving to be a hot

such as Knowles’ Volvo FE are still well suited for short-drop deliveries.

choice for its driver, Ben Fox

Knowles has also recently invested in a 150kWh charging unit on its

H

Cambridgeshire-based site where the vehicle can be charged the vehicle

aving recently undergone a three-week trial to establish

in just two hours.

its suitability within Knowles’ operation, Ben Fox has responded positively to the all-electric vehicle, highlighting

Overall the driving experience of the Volvo FE has been positive.

its responsiveness, nimble handling and low noise output as the standout

Reduced noise pollution comparative to a combustion engine HGV

benefits when behind the wheel.

means that the truck is ideally suited for urban areas, especially for night-time operations and driving within quieter neighbourhoods. With

Knowles’ new Volvo FE Electric features twin electric motors producing

instant torque and a vibration-free operation the new all-electric truck

225kWh and 850Nm torque with a Volvo 2-speed gearbox. The total

provides a comfortable experience, which ultimately contributes to a

energy storage of the vehicle is 265kWh which helps the truck to maintain

smoother overall driving environment. This can be particularly handy

a 200km range. The truck is a 4x2 wheeled 23ft curtainside fitted with

when navigating during rush hour or handling especially heavy loads.

a tail lift to aid deliveries. Also featuring lane keeping assist and adaptive

While range still remains an ongoing concern when operating an all-

cruise control, the FE Electric equally provides a smooth ride for both

electric HGV, they can still be valuable asset as long as its limitations

occupants and cargo thanks to its front and rear air suspension setup.

are well-understood. Having recently operated it on a 3-week trial within the Cambridgeshire area, the vehicle presented no range issues

Having primarily used the vehicle for urban deliveries within the

whatsoever for collection and delivery routes as we were only travelling

Cambridgeshire area where Knowles Logistics is based, driver Ben

around 150km per day – which is well within its 200km capabilities.

HOT WHEELS: VOLVO FE ELECTRIC 23 JANUARY 2024 | Source: KNOWLES LOGISTICS

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ROAD FREIGHT NEWS 25 JANUARY 2024 | Source: JHS LOGISTICS

JHS LOGISTICS:

A FLEXIBLE & RELIABLE TRANSPORT SOLUTION

J

HS Logistics is a Southampton based logistics specialist that provides flexible and reliable road transport solutions for

A conversation between the team at FORWARDER and managing director Mohsen Hasham showed a real commitment to offering not

container haulage. The company has been operating since 2016

only first-class customer service, but a big push on sustainability. All

and has built an enviable reputation for customer care, service standards

office staff at JHS Logistics have electric cars, their heavy equipment

and environmental compliance.

in house is top of the range energy efficient and all their fleet is cradle to grave, running in the UK for seven years before being shipped

Specialist Container Haulage

to their sister company Hasham Logistics, in Kenya, for a few more

JHS Logistics can offer container haulage solutions from any of the major

years, before finally being stripped and melted down into steel.

UK ports, whether that be Southampton, London Gateway, Tilbury and

This way, JHS Logistics ensures that their vehicles have a minimal

Portsmouth. JHS Logistics can handle any type of container, from 20ft to

environmental impact and a maximum lifespan. Mohsen Hasham said:

45ft, high cube, flat rack, open top, reefer or tank. The company can also

We are proud to be a green company that cares about our planet

cater for specialist loads, such as out of gauge, ADR or perishable cargo.

and our customers. We believe that sustainability is not only good for the environment, but also good for business.

Technology Experts Utilizing the latest in telematics and transport management software

How to Contact JHS Logistics

JHS are always on hand to provide clear real-time data to their clients

JHS Logistics is based in Southampton, Hampshire, and operates from

through the power of cloud computing together with the teams

Monday to Friday, from 8am to 5pm. The company can be contacted by

decades of experience it culminates into a service that excels in client

phone, email or through their website.

communication, on time deliveries and instant proof that your cargo has been transported safely and professionally.

Why Choose JHS Logistics?

+44 (0)23 8086 6416 enquiries@jhsl.co.uk jhsl.co.uk

Providing a fresh approach to managing your haulage, JHS take their clients’ shipments personally, the team understand that supply time punctuality is

JHS Logistics is always happy to hear from new and existing customers

essential for any business and on any scale, which is why they are proud to

and to provide a free and no-obligation quote for their transport needs.

provide the most flexibility and seamless experience to all of their clientele, no matter the request, all of this combined with their rigorous compliance

JHS Logistics is a specialised container haulier that can deliver a friendly,

will give you the peace of mind that your cargo is in the best hands.

reliable and flexible road transport solution.

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TIME-CRITICAL EXPERTS FOR EUROPEAN LOGISTICS & EXPRESS FREIGHT FORWARDING

Eurgent Complete Logistic Solutions

Aerospace and automotive specialists 24/7 operational communication and support Air-ride, hazardous and temperature controlled Extensive coverage of all European destinations Comprehensive network of secure suppliers

Please contact us for immediate quotation: +44 (0)1656 656 535 | enq@eurgent.co.uk www.eurgent.co.uk

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25

ROAD FREIGHT NEWS 8 JANUARY 2024 | Source: PALL-EX GROUP

PALL-EX GROUP LOOKS AHEAD TO

A YEAR OF INNOVATION

A

s Pall-Ex Group closes the chapter on 2023, it's with a sense

Integral to this success is the role of artificial intelligence, which has

of accomplishment amidst the backdrop of a logistics industry

contributed to operational efficiencies. The innovative use of AI

that has weathered its fair share of turbulence. Navigating

technologies, in synergy with NexusETA, has proven instrumental in

through challenges, the company celebrates a year of resilience, growth,

delivering optimisation, decarbonisation and innovation to fleet operators.

and a commitment to excellence.

Decarbonisation will continue to be a focus for the company, an issue

Pall-Ex Group achieved a 20% increase in new shareholder members,

transcending the business and industry. The business will introduce

a testament to its dedication to fostering collaboration within the

an eco-friendly fleet, from hybrid company cars to hydrogen/electric-

logistics community. This achievement reflects not only the company's

fuelled forklifts in the warehouse.

strength but also its ability to forge partnerships in challenging times with shareholder status reaching 98% within the network.

We’ve experienced a challenging year across the industry in 2023, Pall-Ex continues to thrive despite difficult market conditions, focusing

With new shareholder members came an increase in the number of

on our commitment to members and delivering service excellence.

pallets shipped, everything from Bear and Lego sculptures to Santa’s

We look forward to 2024, a fresh year with fresh collaborations and

sleigh was delivered by shareholder members across the UK and beyond.

initiatives to look forward to.

Furthermore, they bolstered their workforce by welcoming 50+ new

Barry Byers, Group Managing Director - UK, Pall-Ex

staff members, introducing a mixture of experienced industry talent and new faces that bring knowledge from other sectors.

As the logistics industry evolves, Pall-Ex Group looks ahead to 2024 with anticipation and a proactive approach to meet new challenges. The

Looking ahead to the new year and continuing to embrace innovation,

introduction of key initiatives, including the evolution of NexusETA,

Pall-Ex Group will develop industry-leading technologies, notably the

the integration of sustainable practices, and the deployment of Pall-

NexusETA system. In 2024, they intend to deliver the latest update to

Ex Logistics and 3PL solutions to enhance our offering to members

the award-winning Nexus platform, which brings a suite of new features

and customers. This reflects the company's commitment to continuous

that will take customers' and members' experience to the next level.

improvement and meeting the dynamic needs of the market.

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Pall-Ex continues to strengthen its network with the addition

The haulier recently received a Diamond Excellence Award from Fortec

of Worcestershire-based haulier Superior Freight, now

as a result of maintaining 98% across targets through the month of

working across the Pall-Ex and Fortec pallet networks

September 2023, a testament to its high-quality service levels.

A

fter several successful years as a member of the Fortec

Being part of a shareholder network ensures that all members are

Distribution Network, the company made the decision to

striving to achieve the same performance levels. This means we can

join the Pall-Ex network in October 2023 to strengthen its

be confident that the quality of service we are known for at Superior

offering to more local businesses and support growth.

Freight is maintained throughout the entire Pall-Ex Group network. The main strength of our business and one of the keys to our success is the

By joining the Pall-Ex network, Superior Freight is gaining access

Superior Freight team. As a family run business, we are dedicated to

to a wider range of haulage firms across the UK, alongside strong

ensuring the best customer service possible and it’s clear that Pall-Ex

international partners, making distributing its freight more efficient

Group share the same values.

and streamlined. Superior Freight will cover postcodes throughout

Andrew Johns, Managing Director, Superior Freight

Gloucestershire for Pall-Ex Group.

We are thrilled to welcome Superior Freight to the Pall-Ex Since establishing the business six years ago, Superior Freight has continued

network. After seeing their success over the last few years working

to grow within the industry, expanding its fleet of HGV vehicles and

with Fortec it’s great to have them onboard and ready to grow within

widening the range of services offered to customers. Alongside palletised

the Pall-Ex network also.

freight delivery, it also offers general haulage, container devanning,

Ashley Diamond, Regional Director for the South West, Pall-Ex

warehousing and storage solutions in its 40,000sq ft site in Evesham.

30 JANUARY 2024 | Source: PALL-EX

LONG-SERVING FORTEC MEMBERS

SUPERIOR FREIGHT JOIN PALL-EX

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RAIL & INTERMODAL The use of railroads and trains to transport cargo, as opposed to human passengers.

Related topics Belt & Road Initiative HS2 Rail terminals and depots

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17 JANUARY 2024 | Source: CARGOBEAMER

FLEXAM INVEST SUPPORTS CARGOBEAMER’S EXPANSION THROUGH

FINANCING OF 40 RAILCARS

Transaction includes 24 railcars from CargoBeamer’s

CargoBeamer railcars are designed for the intermodal transport of

inhouse Erfurt assembly line

semi-trailers and various loading units. Featuring a steel frame and

C

loading pallet, they facilitate horizontal, parallel, and automated

argoBeamer, Europe's leading logistics service provider for

loading and unloading of units inside a CargoBeamer-Terminal.

the intermodal transport of non-craneable semi-trailers, has

With no need for modifications to clients' trailers CargoBeamer’s

successfully concluded an asset-based transaction regarding

technology significantly reduces carbon emissions by approximately

40 of its railcars structured with Flexam Invest Asset Management,

85% compared to road transport and allows road freight companies

a French private debt manager specialized in assets financing. A part

to achieve their environmental objectives. Additionally, the craneable

of the funded wagons comes from the first production batch of the

loading pallet enables easy handling of CargoBeamer trains in standard

Erfurt assembly line, which CargoBeamer opened in 2022. The patented

crane terminals or using Reachstacker vehicles, lifting both the pallet

railcars, designed by CargoBeamer, are now operated during day-to-

and transport unit off the train together.

day operations on its railway network of intermodal routes, notably in France between Calais and Perpignan.

We are very proud to partner with CargoBeamer for the financing of 40 wagons. With such an innovative solution to limit road traffic,

The financing we signed with Flexam Invest will support our company

pollution, congestion, and noise, Flexam contributes positively to the

in its growth strategy by strengthening its presence on its core network

dynamics of intermodal solutions and CO2 emissions reductions.

in Europe. CargoBeamer railcars are one of the key growth drivers in our

Fabrice Fraikin,

business, and we are looking to expand our fleet significantly in coming

Managing Partner & co-founder, Flexam Invest Asset Management

years, just like our network of intermodal terminals and routes.

Dr. Markus E. Fischer, Chief Financial Officer, CargoBeamer.

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RAIL & INTERMODAL NEWS 18 DECEMBER 2023 | Source: HS2

HS2 MARKS MAJOR EARTHWORKS MILESTONE AS PLANS FOR

NEW RAILWAY ‘NERVE CENTRE’ TAKE SHAPE

Work to prepare the ground for HS2’s new Network

The NICC, effectively the ‘nerve centre’ for the HS2 network, will

Integrated Control Centre (NICC) and train maintenance

accommodate around one hundred staff that will control the real time

depot in Washwood Heath, North Birmingham, took a

operation of the railway. The site also includes a stabling yard, with

giant leap forward this week, as the team passed a huge

14 tracks, a maintenance building for the preparation of HS2’s fleet of

earthworks milestone

trains, and facilities for staff who will drive and service the trains. Once operational, the site is expected to support around 550 jobs.

WATCH: Washwood Heath Site progress

B

In preparation for the works, BBV also diverted Wash Brook, which ran

alfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), HS2’s construction partner for the

north – south through the site. The brook, which connects to the River

region, led the operation to excavate over one million cubic

Tame, is just one of the environmental design features planned for the

metres of earth at the Washwood Heath site. As part of a cut

site to provide local wildlife habitats and enhance its aesthetic appeal.

and fill exercise, the recycled material has been cleaned and reused to level the ground, paving the way for detailed design and construction

The Washwood Heath site has a long-standing rail history, dating

of the new maintenance depot and control centre to start next year.

back to the early 1900s, when it was first used as a railway sidings and marshalling yard. Its heavy industrial use over the last century meant the ground was highly contaminated, and specialist contractors, including Coventry-based Duo Group, have led the intense programme of work to clean up the site ready for its new beginnings at the heart of the new high-speed network.

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We’re absolutely delighted with the progress made on site.

The earthworks and ground remediation programme for Washwood Heath is nearing completion, and we’re on track to handover to HS2’s Rail Systems team, who will lead the next stage in this exciting programme of work to bring this once-derelict site back to life.

Alvin Pedzai, HS2 Project Manager responsible for main works civils delivery at Washwood Heath Excavating one million cubic tonnes of earth is a great achievement, demonstrating the progress we’re making at Washwood Heath. Every effort has been made to recycle and reuse the material on this brownfield site, allowing us to repurpose part of Birmingham’s celebrated industrial history. This more efficient approach is good news for both the environment and nearby communities, drastically reducing the number of lorry movements on local roads.

Tim Cook, Project Manager, Balfour Beatty VINCI BBV’s recycle and reuse approach to the ground remediation and

BBV’s work at the 65-hectare Washwood Heath site – equivalent to

earthworks programme eliminated the need to import and export

the size of 100 football pitches – will now focus on completion of the

aggregate materials. Approximately 27,200 road wagons or 54,400

west tunnel portal in readiness for two tunnel boring machines breaking

vehicle movements are estimated to have been avoided to date,

through, as they complete their 3.5 mile journey linking Warwickshire

minimising the impact of HS2’s work on local communities.

and Birmingham.

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RAIL & INTERMODAL NEWS 24 NOVEMBER 2023 | Source: HS2

NEW IMAGES SHOW HUGE PROGRESS ON

HS2’S FIRST VIADUCT IN BIRMINGHAM Over 2,000 cubic metres of concrete poured on Curzon Viaduct’s first two deck spans Construction of 26 giant piers completed and four spans of the central Birmingham viaduct well underway

H

S2 has released new images showing construction progress as work ramps up on the 300 metre-long viaduct that will bring high-speed trains into Birmingham's Curzon Street Station.

Curzon Viaduct No.3 is part of a series of five connected viaducts between Washwood Heath and Curzon Street Station in central

Over 2,000 cubic metres of concrete have been poured to create the

Birmingham. On the approach to the station, the viaduct widens from

first two 90 metre viaduct deck structures, with construction of two

a single deck to four separate decks, spanning 65 metres at the wideset

further deck sections well advanced.

point, to carry seven tracks to the platforms. Work on Curzon Street Station will begin next year.

The concrete was delivered and poured during night-time operations to minimise impacts on local roads. In total over 11,000 cubic metres of concrete will need to be poured to complete the whole viaduct.

It’s fantastic to see this iconic viaduct taking shape in central Birmingham. This is one of our busiest construction sites, as we now reach peak construction on key HS2 structures across the Midlands,

A total of 26 piers, between five and six metres tall, have also been

with over 9,750 people in the region working on the project. The design

built to carry the viaduct, with 4 huge steel tripods currently under

of the viaduct is part of our vision to maximise social and economic

construction to support the viaduct over Digbeth Canal.

development opportunities around Curzon Street Station. Widening to four separate decks near the station will maximise daylight underneath the

Over the next few months, once the concrete has been poured on

viaduct, creating opportunities for a usable and flexible public space.

each section, the shuttering and scaffolding will be removed, the viaduct

David King, Senior Project Manager, HS2 Ltd

sections will receive precast parapets and other finishing works will start.

The viaduct is being built by HS2’s Midlands contractor Balfour Beatty Further sections of the viaduct will be built in the same way, and next

VINCI, with a team of more than 150 people including specially trained

summer, the span over the canal will be completed using jacks to slide

joiners, steel fixers and scaffolders from the local area, including five

34 temporary steel girders, each measuring 38 metres, below the four

apprentices. The steel tripods have been manufactured by steelwork

steel tripods to support the formwork and further deck construction.

specialists Severfield, based in Bolton.

The viaduct was designed by Balfour Beatty VINCI’s Design Joint Venture, made up of Mott MacDonald and SYSTRA (MMSDJV).

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Hundreds more HS2 contracts to be let next year

Forward planning is absolutely crucial for businesses, so we’ve worked closely with our stations and civils contractors to develop a simple

Opportunities for businesses of all sizes,

procurement pipeline setting out what we’ll need and when. There’s a

with contracts ranging from £1m - £500m+

huge variety of contracts on offer, from scaffolding and landscaping to structural steelworks and platform floors. We want more UK businesses

New procurement pipeline equates to over

to benefit and encourage those that haven’t already registered as an HS2

£1bn worth of work

supplier to take a look at what’s coming.

O

Robin Lapish, HS2’s supply chain lead

ver 3,200 companies are already delivering goods and materials to help build HS2, Britain’s new railway.

HS2’s procurement pipeline sets out the estimated contract value,

To enhance the prospect of even more local firms winning a

procurement start date and location for each package of work, so

share of the work, HS2 has published details of over 300 work packages

businesses can quickly gauge their interest months before procurement

its construction partners will procure in the next 18 months.

begins. Contact details for HS2’s six construction partners are also provided, and speculative conversations are encouraged to help

Completing the 140-mile HS2 network, complete with four new stations

prospective bidders understand the detailed requirements.

and two depots between London and Birmingham, is no small task and requires the expertise of businesses and suppliers from across the

Subcontract opportunities are posted on CompeteFor approximately

world. To date, UK businesses have secured over £17bn worth of work

two weeks before the procurement process begins.

on HS2 and 2024 promises even more opportunities to get involved.

Companies of all sizes, across the UK, can register their interest in The contract opportunities, collectively worth over £1bn, give a heads

winning work with HS2 and its contractors by registering their details

up to potential suppliers looking to boost their order books and grow

on CompeteFor. For information and advice about becoming an HS2

their business in the year ahead.

supplier, read HS2’s Supplier Guide.

HS2’S £1bn BOOST 7 DECEMBER 2024 | Source: HS2

FOR BRITISH BUSINESSES

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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

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2023 & NEW YEAR 2024 MOVES 4 JANUARY 2024 | Source: PROJECT CARGO NETWORK

BY WILHELMSEN PORT SERVICES Wilhelmsen Port Services UAE take their hats off to their

Simultaneously, they also seamlessly handled the import of 98 breakbulk

maritime logistics team for their unwavering dedication, even

packages (totalling 1,360 cbm) including cranes, multi-axles, trailers, as

amidst the holiday festivities!

well as accessories at Jebel Ali Port.

T

Challenges like site surveys, police permits, and customs clearances for such

Kudos to both teams for making magic during the year-end

heavyweight cargo were expertly navigated. They handled the entire process

hustle! You can always count on us for your heavy cargo needs –

perfectly from loading at site to transportation to the port of loading.

anytime, anywhere.

he team successfully exported two massive pressure vessels,

Their involvement spanned from receiving the cargo to port storage,

weighing 138 tons each, with accessories from the Sharjah

coordinating customs clearances, direct delivery units, and loading onto

Industrial Area to Dammam Port via Jebel Ali Port.

trailers - ensuring a smooth and efficient process at every turn.

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PROJECT CARGO NEWS 4 JANUARY 2024 | Source: PROJECT CARGO NETWORK

BEGINNING 2024 WITH

NEW PCN REPRESENTATION IN JAMAICA

W

e are delighted to begin 2024 by introducing new PCN members representing Jamaica with LTN Logistics International. They are a premium logistics and shipping

company with a wealth of experience in handling project cargo. The cooperative and prompt company have headquarters in Kingston with branch offices in St. Catherine and St. Elizabeth.

Since first opening our doors, we've been committed to providing services of the highest quality, paying particular attention to working efficiently while keeping clear and concise lines of communication with our partners and clients. With extensive transportation and logistics expertise, our team caters to each project's specific needs and delivers individual solutions to ensure excellence in the most demanding ocean, air and ground operations. We have the experience and skills necessary to tackle just about every type of project that comes our way with professionalism and efficiency. LTN Logistics International offers a full scope of integrated solutions in global project logistics, shipping, transportation and chartering services for a wide range of industries.

Lorraine Thomas-Harris, CEO, LTN Logistics A recent project handled by LTN Logistics International has included the delivery of diverters for newly constructed power plant.

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Transnetwork African Freight Deliver Abnormal Load from Durban Port

T

Though our vast infrastructure in central & southern Africa, we service all available road freight routes such as: Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Congo

ransnetwork African Freight are pleased to share news of a

Republic, DRC, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda,

recent oversized transport they conducted, which travelled

Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

through Africa to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Transnetwork African Freight manage their own fleet of trucks that can

The largest cargo measured 35 meters long and was received at Durban

carry loads from 8-ton rigids to 123-ton abnormal units. The company's

Port. It travelled over the course of ten days through Musina, Zimbabwe

fleet consists of dedicated vehicles, abnormal vehicles, flat-decks,

and Zambia before reaching its destination.

tankers, well decks, skeletal trailers, air ride units, crane truckers, hazardous parking, transport vehicles, heavy lift cranes, 35-ton reach stackers as well as car carriers.

1 DECEMBER 2023 | Source: PROJECT CARGO NETWORK

COLLETT TRANSPORT DELIVERS

WIND TURBINE COMPONENTS

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PORTS & HUBS

Any place where goods 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 | logistics hubs where goods are stored under ideal conditions, for onward distribution.

Related topics Cargo handling Container terminals Drayage Warehousing Pick ‘n’ pack

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13 DECEMBER 2023 | Source: EMIRATES BUILDING SYSTEMS

EMIRATES BUILDING SYSTEMS WINS

MAJOR AIRPORT PROJECT WORTH MORE THAN AED 34M IN ABU DHABI

This a fast-track project for Emirates Building Systems and we are making great progress in the engineering and fabrication of the steel structures. EBS is committed to delivering these hangars with precision and excellence, underscoring the Company's reputation as an industry leader in providing engineering and construction solutions to the aviation sector in the United Arab Emirates and beyond.

Joseph Chidiac, General Manager, Emirates Building Systems EBS well-known portfolio of projects like the Al Maktoum International 3000 tons of steel used for the fast-track project with the

Airport- Passenger and Cargo terminal in Dubai World Central (DWC)

scope inclusive of engineering and steel structure fabrication,

in Jebel Ali, Dubai international airport Passenger Terminal 2 Building

erection and application of fire-rated paint

and Departure Halls in Terminal 1, Tripoli International Airport in Libya

E

mirates Building Systems (EBS), a wholly owned subsidiary

and the New Ouagadougou- Donsin International Airport, Burkina Faso – West Africa highlight the Company’s expertise in airport projects.

of Dubai Investments, and one of the leading manufacturers of steel structures in the Middle East, has been awarded a

prestigious contract to deliver two aircraft hangars at Abu Dhabi

With the project expected to be complete by early 2024, EBS is making great progress in the engineering and fabrication of the steel structures.

Airport, worth more than AED 34 million, bolstering the Company's extensive track record of successfully executed airport projects throughout the region.

The awarded contract encompasses the construction of two aircraft hangars. The first hangar is an impressive structure with dimensions of 153 meters in width, 89 meters in length, and a towering height of 39 meters and the second hangar is equally remarkable, with dimensions of 90 meters in width, 97 meters in length, and an identical height of 39 meters.

Designed to meet the stringent aviation industry standards, with 3000 tons of steel, EBS's scope of work on this project is all-encompassing, including engineering, fabrication, supply, and the erection of steel structures in addition to application of fire-rated paint to ensure the

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highest level of safety and performance for these cutting-edge facilities.

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PORTS & HUBS NEWS

HOWARD TENENS ADDS BRIDGWATER 2 JANUARY 2024 | Source: HOWARD TENENS

TO THE GROUP’S LOGISTICS & PROPERTY PORTFOLIO

Howard Tenens has acquired a strategically

We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of the warehouse facility

located warehouse at Huntworth Business Park,

in Bridgwater, marking a significant milestone in our journey. This

close to Junction 24 of the M5

strategic move aligns seamlessly with our overarching goals of enhancing

T

operational excellence, underpinning connectivity, and delivering mutual

he property is to be extensively refurbished and will provide

value to our existing and new client base. As we continue to invest in

opportunities for Howard Tenens Logistics and/or future

cutting-edge infrastructure, this facility supports our commitment to

tenants of Howard Tenens Ltd, seeking a supply chain solution

sustained growth. Its strategic location, coupled with extensive features

to service the South West corridor.

and facilities, positions us to navigate the evolving landscape of logistics, setting new standards for innovation and adaptability. We are confident

Howard Tenens’ newest facility provides a pivotal distribution hub and

that this acquisition will not only meet but exceed the expectations of

reflects the company's dedication in providing customers with good

our clients and further solidify our position as leaders in the third-party

quality facilities with excellent access to key transportation routes.

logistics sector.

Karl Hodgkinson,

Encompassing over 120,000 square feet, with 14 dock levellers and

Group Development & Innovation Director, Howard Tenens

extensive yard space, the Bridgwater facility offers ample opportunity for growth in the Southwest region and is intrinsically linked to the wider Howard Tenens network, consisting of over 4.4m square feet of warehousing across the UK.

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PORTS & HUBS NEWS 7 DECEMBER 2024 | Source: RHENUS AIR & OCEAN UK

RHENUS ACHIEVES PRESTIGIOUS

IS0 13485 CERTIFICATION FOR MEDICAL DEVICE TRANSPORT Rhenus Air & Ocean UK has achieved the prestigious ISO

Located close to London Heathrow

13485 certification with 100 per cent compliance. The ISO

Airport, the Ashford, Middlesex

13485 certification is critical to the transportation and

facility specializes in Life Sciences and

handling of medical devices, including in-body equipment.

Healthcare. Launched in 2022, it is the

A

first warehouse of its kind in Europe n international standard, ISO 13485 details the requirements

for the Rhenus Group. The specialist

for a comprehensive quality management system, ensuring

facility is an all-inclusive solution for

that businesses working with the medical devices industry

import and export logistics, offering a

adhere and comply with the highest standards in the life sciences and

white glove service for temperature-

healthcare sector. The certification, a globally recognised hallmark

controlled storage and distribution

of excellence, demonstrates the company’s commitment to quality

from end to end.

management systems specific to the medical device industry.

The ISO 13485 certification not only demonstrates our commitment Receiving the ISO 13485 certification is a testament to our continuous

to quality but also positions us as a reliable partner in the medical device

commitment to delivering the highest levels of quality and safety in

industry. It is a recognition of our dedication to customer satisfaction,

the medical device industry, reflecting our dedication to meeting and

risk management, and international standards.

exceeding the expectations of our customers. We were also delighted

Stephan Duelk,

to achieve a perfect 100 per cent compliance score – a remarkable feat

Global Head of Life Sciences & Healthcare, Rhenus Air & Ocean

for a first-time certification.

Spencer Davern, Managing Director, Rhenus Air & Ocean UK

Reflecting its global commitment to delivering high quality services and products across its entire life sciences and healthcare network, the

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ISO 13485 certification is also held by Rhenus warehouses in several key locations including Strasbourg, Berlin, Eindhoven, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, and Tilburg.

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I

n November, the global logistics service provider GEODIS officially

With a temperature-controlled warehouse between 15 and 25 °C

put a new 700 square meter temperature-controlled location, with

and the additional cooling area with a temperature range between

an integrated cooling area in Rodgau, into operation. With this

2 and 8 °C, the new Pharma Cross Dock offers optimal conditions

opening, GEODIS is pursuing its strategy of expanding and strengthening

for the handling and interim storage of pharmaceutical products. The

its global pharmaceutical network.

new facility ensures continuous cooling along the entire transport and logistics chain. The direct connection to the A45 motorway and the proximity to Frankfurt Airport ensure good accessibility.

The transportation of vaccines and pharmaceuticals requires fast handling and a continuously temperature-controlled environment.

In addition to the CEIV certification1 of the Frankfurt site, Rodgau offers GDP-compliant solutions for quality assurance in pharmaceutical distribution and is therefore an integral part of the global expansion to strengthen the 27 CEIV-certified air freight locations.

In addition to the strategic acquisition of transport specialist trans-oflex at the beginning of the year, Rodgau is now our first Pharma Cross Dock in Germany to go into active operation. With this investment, we are creating an important basis for our further positioning in the German market, which is considered Europe’s most important exporter of pharmaceuticals, and is thus significantly strengthening our portfolio for sensitive and fast air freight in pharmaceutical logistics.

Antje Lochmann, Managing Director Germany, Geodis 1CEIV Pharma Certification is a globally consistent and recognized pharmaceutical product handling certification to ensure the international and national compliance to safeguard product integrity while addressing specific air cargo needs.

13 DECEMBER 2024 | Source: GEODIS

GEODIS LAUNCHES NEW

PHARMA CROSS DOCK FACILITY

IN RODGAU

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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

Join the first worldwide Sustainable Forwarding Community! www.ecconetworklog.com

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17 JANUARY 2024 | Source: WINGCOPTER

DRONE DELIVERIES:

LIEFERMICHEL NOW ALSO FLIES MEDICINES

F

or residents of the Michelstadt districts served as part of Wingcopter’s LieferMichel pilot project, the year begins with two good news at once: They can continue to have smaller

errands delivered conveniently and with zero emissions by delivery drone and cargo bike. In addition, the range will be expanded to include non-prescription medicines.

Delivering medicines is part of our DNA at Wingcopter. In many projects to date, we have delivered medicines to hospitals and collected laboratory samples from there. Now, for the first time, we are delivering

The extension of the project until the end of March makes it possible to

medicines directly to the end customer. This is an exciting learning

pursue the main project objectives over a longer period of time. These

experience and an important milestone in this project.

objectives include the implementation of safe drone flight operations in

Ansgar Kadura, co-founder & Chief Services Officer, Wingcopter.

unrestricted airspace, including over the winter months, and the analysis of demand for delivery services in rural areas.

The expansion of the range to include non-prescription medical supplies shows the attractiveness of the project and demonstrates the

The local Bären-Apotheke pharmacy is now providing a product category

demand for individual services in this sector too.

that many local residents have explicitly requested. The pharmacy is

Prof. Dr. Kai-Oliver Schocke,

integrated into the LieferMichel platform and offers a selection of non-

President, the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences.

prescription medicines. In addition, users have been able to choose from a wide range of goods from the local REWE center since the start

LieferMichel is a pilot project by Wingcopter and the Frankfurt University

of the project. Odenwaldbox, a provider of regional products, and SV

of Applied Sciences, which is being funded by the Federal Ministry for

Darmstadt 98 with a selection of fan merchandise have also been added

Digital and Transport (BMDV) as part of the "Innovative Air Mobility"

to the platform over the course of the project.

funding directive. The application-oriented research project makes it possible to test the use of new technologies in regular operations and

We are always looking for ways and means to offer our customers

gain important insights for future commercialization. Via the website

an even better shopping experience and improve local supply options.

www.liefermichel.de, residents of the Michelstadt districts of Würzberg

Here in rural areas, the long distances often make it difficult for sick

and Rehbach can order a wide range of products online from REWE,

people to get their medication quickly. We are therefore very pleased

Odenwaldbox, SV Darmstadt 98 and the local Bären pharmacy. These

to be gaining initial experience with drone-based deliveries as part of

are then flown by Wingcopter delivery drone to fixed landing points just

the LieferMichel project.

outside the villages within the selected delivery window, from where

Frank Buffleb, pharmacist & owner of Bären Apotheke in Erbach

they are transported the last few meters to the customer's front door by electric cargo bike - conveniently, quickly and emission-free. So far, more than flight 2,000 kilometers have been collected. Other project partners are Vodafone and Riese & Müller.

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TECH & DIGITALISATION NEWS

ADVERTORIAL

HOW DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION HELPS DEAL WITH THE

CURRENT GLOBAL FREIGHT CRISIS There was a brief moment when you could almost hear the entire shipping industry breathing a sigh of relief.

A

• These unprecedented figures suggest a $5,000-$8,000 rates range for major ex-Asia trade lanes, for example, a dramatic 2.5 to 4 times increase.

s the pandemic was fading out, supply chains have seemed to

• Dealing with uncertainty: Breaking geopolitical changes coupled

improve. But then came the Russia-Ukraine war, then the USA-

with unexpected and long-lasting events, sometimes cause shippers

China tensions, to be followed by the drought-driven cuts at the

to change their typical decision-making practices. What was once

Panama Canal and the recent attacks on freight carriers in the Red Sea.

true, no longer holds water (no pun intended) and a whole new reasoning is required.

Industry players are still puzzled by the situation, as the 2024’s Wall

• Taking chances in a rapidly changing world: Forwarders find

Street Journal reports. But as they try to take in the big picture,

themselves having to gamble sometimes when making decisions

eventually their task boils down to the “here and now”, namely handling

in response to changes in one or more of the freight variables.

their next shipment’s options. Amidst all of these challenges, logistics

Analysis of past decisions may not bode well when trying to

and freight companies try to find the best combinations of shipping

forecast what the best and safest next route would be.

• A physical and mental challenge: Forwarders trying to evaluate

routes, costs, and delivery times.

what their next moves should be, may feel disappointed once

Breaking down the challenges

the outcome of their decisions end up as a supply chain problem.

When making shipment decisions, when trying to figure out

Or they may feel, in hindsight, that their second-best option, the

what does it all mean for me?

, freight forwarders have to deal

one they abandoned in favor of the route chosen, was the better choice. Such a feeling may add mental strain to the shippers.

with several issues: • Balancing cost, efficiency, delivery times and routes: Calculating

From challenges to solutions

the best shipping combination, based on a variety of different

When having to integrate and calculate so many constantly-changing

parameters, calls for some careful considerations and sometimes

variables, and in the effort to reduce risks and have better control over

entails the least problematic solution.

the decision-making process, forwarders may consider new and more

• For example, as routes grow longer, resulting in costs increasing, sales teams face the challenge of suggesting cost-effective solutions

comprehensive digital tools. With an Ai ‘all-in-one-‫פ‬lace’ platform, they can improve their bottom-lines and save lots of headaches.

that still meet their clients’ needs. This calls for careful optimization and better strategic planning.

Adopting an AI platform brings about much-needed assistance

• Fees increase and new surcharges: Recent global freight prices took container fees, on some of the major trade lanes, to new heights.

46 FORWARDER magazine

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to shippers dealing with supply chain management challenges.

Among its features...

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to better monitor the status and location of their shipments in real time, ensuring enhanced visibility and control.

• A friendly and easy-to-use user interface- For better performance and much faster and smarter data management, an AI platform enables its users to easily navigate through its features and unlock the power of the data.

Operating through a friendly dashboard, following the sales • Fast-issued quotes- Conducting Single search using the quick quotes to generate the best prices at the most optimal routes, which

pipeline, creating forecasts and producing advanced analytics and a variety of reports are just some of the all-encompassing platforms.

enables turning inquiries into quotes in less than a minute. Every customer’s request is quickly processed and results in a custom-

Once all the data points are easy to access, and as their seamless

made, door-to-door quote. The sales team can then evaluate the

integration takes place, the user can better observe the overall picture,

quote, easily edit it and deliver it to the customer instantly.

make actionable insights, and take less-riskier decisions. Also, the system

• An effortless rate management system- A digital platform enables

allows users to compare the agent’s rates and choose the best one for

effortlessly connecting and managing data from all places, sources and

shipments while also Choosing the optimal agent in any shipment based

formats, thus making it easier to instantly process the information in

on their past performance.

an ‘all-in-one-place’ system. The platform enables the user to quickly notice and respond to any up-to-date price changes • Branded quotes- Land, air and sea real-time pricing data via API enables online carriers and platforms to better understand and

It is also much easier and faster to optimize efficiency, streamline all processes, optimize resources allocations, navigate disruptions, and deliver a great customer experience.

control their quotes’ situation. The information is pulled directly • Improving global connection- Global challenges call for global

Wisor.ai is at the forefront of the freight industry’s digital transformation

solutions, and an AI-based platform can leverage the data in a

As recent events show, the shipping crises in different parts of the world

manner that enables providers to better connect. Ease-of-use and

continue to present major challenges to the freight industry. But with

fast data processing enables forwarders to broaden the scope of

AI analysis and help, and the usage of a digital all-including platform,

their global provider network.

carriers and sales teams can handle such challenges better and easier.

from the Pricing Database, calculated, and injected into the quote.

• In addition, the digital platform provides a customer portal that shares the purchase progress, shipment status, and adds relevant

Using Wisor.ai’s technology can help freight forwarders achieve win

shipment information.

more shipments and increase margins. Book a demo with us and we’ll

• End-to-end better control of each and every shipment- Using an easy

show you how!

‘Track and Trace’ digital platform allows for Allow a single search for each route based on multiple data sources. This enables forwarders

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TECH & DIGITALISATION NEWS

GO-LIVE OF PASSIFY 12 JANUARY 2024 | Source: HHLA

FIRST TRUCK DRIVERS USE NEW APP INSTEAD OF TRUCKER CARD

H

amburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) took an important step towards making truck handling at its Hamburg container terminals safer and more efficient. With the passify app,

HHLA Next, innovation unit of HHLA, has developed a product that is gradually replacing the previous trucker card. HHLA has now started the transition to passify at Container Terminal Tollerort, meaning that the first truck drivers are now using the passify app exclusively for truck access. The system will be rolled out gradually.

We have already been running the first successful tests with passify

The introduction of passify at HHLA's container terminals has been

at our terminals in Hamburg since summer 2023. The first trucking

a great success. Together with the HHLA team as well as the drivers

companies have already been able to test the application and provide

and trucking companies, we have been able to make rapid progress with

their feedback. The switch to passify that has begun at CTT will

the introduction over the past few months. We look forward to making

significantly increase security at our facilities in Hamburg. Thanks to

truck handling at HHLA and other companies in the port easier, safer

passify, we are taking another important step towards the digitalisation

and more efficient in the future by using passify.

of our terminal handling.

Marcel Wiegand, Co-Founder, passify

Maren Baumgarten, responsible for the project at HHLA Following the successful launch at CTT, passify will also be rolled out One major advantage of the passify app is the security aspect: until now,

successively at HHLA's container terminals Altenwerder and Burchardkai

truck drivers have used a physical plastic trucker card to access the

over the next months. Trucking companies will then no longer need

terminals. With passify, drivers are clearly identified by authenticating

the conventional trucker card. HHLA and the passify team are actively

themselves via the app. passify guarantees the necessary standards in

supporting the companies during the process. To this end, HHLA has

terms of security and data protection and fulfils all the requirements of

created a comprehensive FAQ section on its website containing the

the globally valid ISPS code.

key questions and answers about passify. Trucking companies can also find instructions for registering and verifying individual truck drivers.

In addition, passify will be fully integrated into HHLA's gate processes, contributing to the further digitalisation of terminal processes. The system will accompany truck drivers through the entire handling process.

In the future, the app will offer drivers additional functionalities, such as a mobile self-service terminal, in a central application. It will provide drivers with all the information and documents they need to access the terminal centrally and in one place.

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S

ilk Way West Airlines, the leading cargo airline in the Caspian

The Logipad platform facilitates a shift towards digital documentation

and Central Asian region, announces its partnership with

and communication, reducing reliance on traditional paper-based

Logipad, an innovative logistics technology community. This

processes. Through this partnership, Silk Way West Airlines is

milestone is aligned with the company's sustainability strategy and

embracing this digital transformation to enhance operational efficiency

goals; joining this collaborative platform will not only enhance Silk

and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Way West Airlines’ global logistics solutions but will also contribute to environmental conservation through a new program designed to reduce

Wolfgang Meier, President of Silk Way West Airlines, highlighted

paper and wood consumption in its logistical processes.

the company's commitment to sustainability:

Joining the Logipad

community is a significant milestone in our journey towards a global Silk Way West Airlines recognizes the importance of sustainable

sustainable future. By introducing a paper and wood-saving program,

practices in the aviation industry. Joining the Logipad community is a

we not only streamline our logistics processes but also contribute

strategic step towards aligning the carrier’s corporate goals with eco-

to environmental conservation. Silk Way West Airlines is dedicated

friendly initiatives, reflecting the company's commitment to minimizing

to making responsible choices that benefit our planet and the

its environmental footprint.

communities we serve.

11 JANUARY 2024 | Source: SILK WAY WEST AIRLINES

SILK WAY WEST AIRLINES

JOINS THE LOGIPAD COMMUNITY

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TECH & DIGITALISATION EXPERTS

T

oday’s UK supply chain security is highly vulnerable to a

International ransomware risks

growing number of digital threats ranging from high-risk

Another rising trend connected to vendor vulnerabilities is an increase

vendors to state-sponsored hackers. Ensuring the safety and

in international cybersecurity threats, specifically with ransomware.

stability of the supply chain requires addressing these threats and taking

The National Cyber Security Centre has reported a growing number

steps to defend against them. What types of supply chain cyberattacks

of ransomware attacks originating from state-sponsored hackers,

are on the rise in the UK and how can businesses protect themselves?

particularly groups based in or near Russia. These state-sponsored hackers pose a unique threat since they often have more funding and

Increasing third-party vulnerabilities

resources than a typical hacking group.

An increasing number of data breaches and cyberattacks on large organisations are leveraging vendors, suppliers and other third parties.

Additionally, state-sponsored hackers often have unique motivations based

The hackers target smaller organisations with weaker security and use

on ideology or politics rather than money. As a result, they may be less

them as a launch pad to breach larger businesses.

likely to offer victims a ransom option and simply destroy or steal their data outright. In fact, the nation-states financially backing these hackers may hire

For example, in mid-2023, a hacker group successfully launched a cyber

them for the express purpose of exfiltrating sensitive data.

attack on payroll software developer Zellis. The hackers used the Zellis breach to access data from several much larger businesses including the

State-sponsored hackers are also more likely to target critical

BBC, British Airways, Boots and even the Metropolitan Police. This

infrastructure, including supply chain links. There are a few reasons for

is often known as a “downstream” attack, a hacking strategy that’s

this. First, taking critical infrastructure offline can easily cause confusion,

become one of the biggest risks to the UK supply chain.

disruption and even danger for the general public. Additionally, critical infrastructure organisations can have highly valuable data in their servers

Hackers have learned that vendors and software providers are often weak

that could be a risk to national security if compromised.

links in wealthy targets’ security systems. For instance, attempting to hack directly into the servers of Amazon’s UK headquarters would be difficult

Evolving threat landscape

for any cybercriminal, but hacking the network of a little-known logistics

Improving UK supply chain security is more important today than ever

provider is much easier. Hackers have learned to identify these easy, yet

before due in part to the rapidly advancing threat landscape. Over the

connected targets to get around sophisticated cybersecurity protections.

past few years, new technologies have significantly expanded what hackers at all levels are capable of, from amateurs working alone to

The landscape of supply chain cyber-attacks is shifting. While UK

large hacking groups.

businesses may have updated their in-house security, now they must address outward-facing weaknesses. Links with vendors are now a

AI in particular poses a serious threat to the supply chain. The

major vulnerability.

generative AI algorithms available to the general public are capable of an amazing range of tasks, but they can also be leveraged for cybercrime.

Businesses should take steps to verify the security of their supply chain

For example, hackers can now craft convincing phishing emails in any

partners and prevent hackers from moving “downstream” in the event

language, even if they do not speak it themselves.

of a breach. It doesn’t just apply to existing vendor relationships. In today’s threat landscape, cybersecurity audits should be part of planning

Hackers can use AI-generated content to infiltrate supply chain

the route to market, including selecting distributors and manufacturers

communications. For example, they could impersonate a supplier or

around the world.

vendor over email correspondence and gain access to a business’s data or employee information. Hackers can also leverage this tactic as part of a larger campaign, such as a downstream attack on a poorly secured vendor.

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Even without AI, hackers are finding new ways to infiltrate supply chain

Improving UK supply chain security

communications to compromise security. For instance, hackers can

Supply chain cyber attacks are on the rise all over the world, but the UK

breach legitimate websites and use remote access malware to distribute

is at particularly high risk. Today’s threat landscape includes vulnerable

more malware through that website. This is known as a “watering hole”

vendor security, state-sponsored hackers and ever-evolving technologies

attack. In the supply chain, attacks like these can target online vendor

like AI. Updating security protocols to defend against these risks is crucial

marketplaces, popular industry websites, logistics platforms and more.

for ensuring the safety and stability of the UK’s supply chain.

What is the solution?

Emily Newton, contributing writer, Revolutionized.com

Is there any way to curb the rising rates of supply chain cyber-attacks?

Addressing today’s complex threat landscape requires widespread change from UK supply chain businesses as well as government leaders. Focusing on a few main vulnerabilities can help businesses strengthen their defences.

Vendor security is arguably the most pressing issue in UK supply chain security today. Industry leaders have pointed out that many vendors force their customers to pay for maximum security, particularly for SaaS products.

This creates a situation where businesses are allowed to knowingly opt for weak security, potentially under the assumption that it is adequate.

Moving forward, supply chain businesses should be cautious about working with vendors that use this weak approach to security. Every partnership at any level of the supply chain should be considered a potential security risk and taken seriously. Securing systems like vendor portals and email accounts can help shore up vulnerabilities.

Additionally, supply chain businesses need to make ransomware defence a top priority. It has become the primary tool all types of hackers are using in supply chain cyber-attacks. Adopting a zero-trust security model and a robust, secure data backup system can help fortify organisations against ransomware.

WHY UK

SUPPLY CHAIN CYBERSECURITY

NEEDS AN URGENT UPGRADE

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EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS Opportunities to network and promote your services.

Related topics Conferences Expositions Networking

Sponsored by

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3 JANUARY 2024 | Source: MULTIMODAL

THE NEW YEAR STARTS THE COUNTDOWN...

MULTIMODAL ����

O

rganisers of Multimodal 2024 have welcomed the new

Those visiting will also benefit from numerous networking opportunities,

year with a surge in bookings for this year's exhibition and

including a drinks reception which is open to all attendees, with plenty of

Award’s event. Taking place from 11th - 13th June 2024 at

time available during the three days to meet the wide range of exhibitors

the NEC in Birmingham, registrations for free visitor places for the

that have a stand at the event.

show, which brings together the supply chain and logistics community under one roof, have been made earlier than ever before, coupled with

One of the highlights of the three days is the Multimodal Awards,

an increase in bookings made for the Awards ceremony.

which recognise outstanding industry-leading supply chain businesses and individuals, which are now open for nominations across a range of

With 150+ exhibitors already confirmed, including Freightliner, Maritime

categories. With spaces for the Awards already proving popular, visitors

Transport, MSC and Malcolm Logistics, visitors are promised an exciting

are now being urged to secure their spot for the 11th June evening

show featuring businesses from all corners of the industry.

ceremony as soon as possible. This year’s host is Multimodal favourite, football legend Kevin Keegan.

It’s an event that’s not to be missed, especially after last year’s success, which saw a sell-out exhibition, record visitor numbers and the most

Visitor spaces can be secured via

ever entries to its prestigious Awards. Over the three days of the show,

https://multimodal-2024.reg.buzz

320 exhibitors showcased their products and services to 12,267 visitors – an increase of 25% on the previous year. In addition, the coveted

Book seats at the Awards event via

awards ceremony received over 250 entries, beating previous figures.

https://multimodal-2024-awards.reg.buzz

By registering now for this year’s event, visitors can look forward to

To keep up to date with all news, sign up to the Multimodal newsletter

conference sessions across four theatres, which will include slots from

to stay informed.

Multimodal, Logistics UK, UKWA, BIFA, RFG, CILT, CCF, RHA and the IOE&IT, with the full programme being announced over the next few weeks.

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EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS NEWS 15 DECEMBER 2023 | Source: MULTIMODAL

SUPPLY CHAIN INDUSTRY GIVEN MORE CHANCE OF RECOGNITION AS

NOMINATIONS FOR MULTIMODAL 2024 AWARDS OPEN EARLY

F

ollowing the huge success of last year’s honours, nominations

There are three award categories, one of which is judged and awarded

for the Multimodal 2024 Awards have been opened early

by the Multimodal team.

by organisers. This means that ahead of the new year,

representatives across the Supply Chain industry can now nominate the

The Modal Awards are nominated and voted for by the attendees,

businesses, thought leaders and associations who are leading the sector.

exhibitors, visitors and newsletter readers and comprise of six categories: Air Freight Company of the Year

As votes are cast via the thousands of Multimodal newsletter

Road Freight Company of the Year

readers, past attendees, exhibitors and visitors, the Awards are

Rail Freight Company of the Year

independent endorsements for excellence in air, road, rail, maritime

Sea Freight Company of the Year

and freight, recognising outstanding industry-leading supply chain

Port Company of the Year

businesses and individuals.

3PL of the Year

This cements the Multimodal Awards as one of the fairest in the sector

Nominations close on the 29th March 2024, with the list of finalists

as it ensures all size of businesses are represented, supported by an

announced and voting opens on 9th April for the best in each sector

industry-leading voting system.

to be chosen.

Commenting on why nominations for the Awards are open earlier

In addition, there are seven Judged Awards that are entered via a written

than in previous years, Event Director Robert Jervis commented:

nomination and judged by an independent judging panel of industry

Multimodal has grown year on year and the Awards are no exception.

experts. The entry deadline for these is the 1st May, with the list of

Not only are they the highlight of the three-day event, but they also allow

Finalists being announced around the 6th May, before being judged by

the industry to come together and celebrate outstanding performance

the independent panel. The Awards span the following:

across several sectors. The Awards this year welcome three new

The Shipper/Partner of the Year Award

categories to make them as relevant as possible and open to more of

The Multimodal Sustainability Award

the industry. I’d urge people to enter as soon as we have already had a

The Young Logistics Professional of the Year Award

great deal of interest. We use an independent nomination and voting

Best Warehouse Operation of the Year Award (new)

system, so all those shortlisted can be assured that be placed is a true

Technology Company of the Year Award

independent endorsement of a company's or individual’s excellence.

Customs Technology Partner of the Year Award (new) Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Company of the Year Award (new)

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Finally, there are two Multimodal Judged Awards, selected by the

The Multimodal Exhibition takes place over three days from 11–13th

organisers. They are:

June 2024 at the NEC and brings together the supply chain and logistics

The Multimodal Exhibitor of the Year

community under one roof. Entry is free and tickets can be booked

The Multimodal Personality of the Year

now, with visitors able to look forward to conference sessions across four theatres, which will include slots from Multimodal, Logistics UK,

Winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony on 11th June,

UKWA, RFG, CILT, RHA and the IOE&IT.

which is after the first day of the Multimodal Exhibition. The Awards evening will be hosted by football legend and Multimodal favourite, Kevin Keegan. With tickets selling out in record time for the last two years, those looking to attend are being encouraged to book their seats as soon as possible. Tickets for the Awards include a drinks reception, beer and wine on the table and a three-course meal.

The headline sponsor of the Awards is Logistics UK, with each award then supported by a leading industry business. The full list can be viewed on the website.

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EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS NEWS 30 DECEMBER 2023 | Source: ACE

ACE 2023:

ENHANCING AIR CARGO LOGISTICS NETWORKING

B

reaking boundaries in the air cargo industry, ACE 2023 soared

With the ACE 1:1 scheduler allowing delegates to orchestrate

to new heights, transcending the conventional event landscape.

appointments, the pre-arranged one-on-one meetings fostered new

This unique gathering in Abu Dhabi seamlessly intertwined

partnerships and the social events strengthened them! Etihad Cargo, the

forward-thinkers from across the air cargo logistics spectrum - be it

host airline of ACE 2023, cordially invited its current and prospective

forwarders, consolidators airlines, or GSSAs – forging bonds in a setting

business associates to its exclusive hospitality suite, providing a discreet

that radiated freshness and class.

setting for confidential discussions.

The recent ACE Event in Abu Dhabi, hosted by Etihad Cargo, which

The ACE Gala Dinner hosted the first ACE Awards, where 4 amazing

unfolded over three days, December 4-6, saw 180 decision-makers

industry stars were celebrated for their achievements in demonstrating

immersed in an atmosphere of community and opportunity. This was

remarkable leadership and innovation. Leaders to Watch: Elodie Berthonneau

an event of knowledge-sharing, carefully curated one on one meetings,

and Charles E. Sarkis. Visionary Vanguard: Turgut Erkeskin, and the legendary

hi-class networking, and industry recognition.

Tushar Jani, recipient of the Life-time Achievement Award.

ACE 2023 delegates, including the heads of industry associations,

The fantastic four ACE Air Cargo Experts, each highlighting a unique

international freight forwarders, consolidators, time-critical experts,

aspect of their outstanding contributions. Read more

and decision-makers from major airlines and GSSAs, had intellectual exchange and meaningful interactions. More than 90% of the ACE 2023

ACE 2023 Conference was the first event to feature Turgut Erkeskin is his

delegates were holding the role of Founder, CEO, President, Managing

new role as President of FIATA, Yulia Celetaria is her new role as Head of

Director, Vice President, Chairperson demonstrating the high calibre

Logistics for the pharmaceutical shipper EarlyHealth Group and Mammen

of ACE participants.

Tharakan in his new role as Vice President, Investment & Partnerships of Riyadh King Salman Int’l Airport. Supported by the non-for-profit association

The format of the ACE event is quite unique mixing conference with

Women in Aviation & Logistics, WAL, ACE 2023 proudly featured 26% of

inspiring speakers, one-to-one scheduled business meetings and

female speakers, more than the (too low) industry average of 16%.

social luxury networking events from the Welcome Reception above the Formula 1 tracks on the first evening, to a sparkly Gala Dinner

Céline Hourcade, Founder and Managing Director of Change Horizon,

sponsored by Neutral Air Partner at the renowned beach club Café

and co-organizer of ACE, emphasized the event's role as a powerful

del Mar and ending with casual friendly goodbye drinks on the rooftop

business enabler for companies of all sizes. Looking ahead to ACE 2024,

of W hotel in Yas Island.

she promised an even more opulent affair, brimming with enhanced networking opportunities and a rejuvenated conference program.

The stage is set for December 2024, where ACE will once again redefine the industry narrative.

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Christos Spyrou, co-organizer behind ACE, shared his excitement

platforms, Webcargo by Freightos, CargoAI, cargo.one and Awery

about the event's format, combining high-level panel discussions with

Aviation Software were at ACE 2023, joined by other innovative digital

exclusive networking and pre-scheduled meetings.

players: Airblox, Aircon, Logi-sys, Hans Infomatics and Conex.

We craft a distinct

approach to our events, delivering a lavish business experience for our esteemed delegates.

With 17 GSSAs in the audience, the rather unique session dedicated to the future of GSSAs, "Critical times for GSSAs?", has been a key highlight

Abu Dhabi Airports’ Maureen Bannerman and hosting Airline Etihad

of the conference. The panellists discussed how the role of GSSA will

Airways’ Leonard Rodrigues delivered the opening keynotes, introducing

evolve in the digital age and what the future ready GSSA looks like.

the new Abu Dhabi state of the art Terminal 1 and welcoming a new era for the Middle East air cargo future.

On its last day, ACE 2023 focused on time-critical logistics and specificities and business opportunities offered by each verticals: pharma,

Air Cargo logistics visionaries Turgut Erkeskin, President FIATA,

perishables, live animals, aerospace, automotive, events, e-commerce.

and Glyn Hughes, Director General TIACA , transformed a fireside chat into a strategic industry foresight with their expert

The day was kicked-off by a panel of time-critical logistics experts

perspectives on the geopolitical challenges in 2024, the role of small

discussing new strategies and best practices when time is of essence:

& medium-sized forwarders, the impact of maritime on air cargo

meeting emergency demands, complexity, and capacity. From expedited

and the crucial role of sustainability.

products to air charter solutions, on-board courier, and expedited ground handling, panelists explained how they compete against time

‘Tomorrow’s Air Cargo’ panel discussion delved into key trends,

while ensuring quality and operational excellence.

challenges, and opportunities that will affect air cargo in the next decade.

Eye-opening statistics and demographics about emerging countries,

Then, delving into the intricate world of time-critical logistics across

shifting powers, and the growing potential for air cargo logistics, the

various verticals—donor hearts and CRISPR biotech, automotive mega-

sustainable practices in air cargo logistics and paving the way for a

production chips & parts, aerospace and AOG giga engines, exploding

greener future and the importance of SME forwarders, consolidators,

tulips, flying dolphin tanks, Maldives ultra-rich weddings, supply chain is

and shippers for the airlines and the industry.

stressful, invigorating, and funny when presented as a keynote!

The ‘Digitalization’ discussion couldn’t be missing from an air cargo

The last panel had the flashlights and focus on the Middle East market.

logistics conference.

The region is expected to witness a rapid increase in commercialization Is air cargo accelerating its performance in the digital booking era? Four

and industrialization, which would further boost the demand for air

innovative technology firms presented their concept and how they can

cargo products and logistics services. The panel discussed and explored

help air cargo logistics players and the industry. The four main booking

the endless potential of the Middle East air cargo logistics market.

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CUSTOMS & SECURITY

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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15 JANUARY 2024 | Source: S&S DISTRIBUTION

S&S DISTRIBUTION EXTENDS OFFERING TO INCLUDE

IMPORT & EXPORT FREIGHT & CUSTOMS CLEARANCE S&S Distribution (S&S) has extended its service offering by introducing UK customs and international freight transport services

T

he new services are spearheaded by Head of International Freight at S&S, Paul Black who has extensive experience in organisations within the international freight sector.

The new customs and international freight function handles all aspects of UK customs formalities and manages the international movement of freight from the ideally located site in Tonbridge, Kent.

With a network of partners in Asia, Europe and USA, BIFA and FIATA member S&S has the capability to move goods worldwide by sea, road and air to support customers importing and exporting goods. S&S provides container destuffing, palletisation and distribution throughout the UK. We

most notably foodstuffs, garments, machine parts, IT, and mechanical

are delighted to have kickstarted

equipment. These new services demonstrate our dedication to meeting

our dedicated UK customs and

the diverse needs of our customers in the ever-evolving logistics

international freight transport

landscape, and we very much look forward to helping organisations

services that provide a value-

to streamline their customs and international freight operations.

Paul Black commented:

added offering to both new and existing customers. With this range of new services, customers have a one-stop-shop at S&S Distribution, with extensive expertise in house to simplify the complexity of import and export transport and customs clearance – that delivers a seamless service catering to their specific international freight needs. It

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is exciting to see that we have already received extensive interest, from organisations importing and exporting a wide range of commodities,

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CUSTOMS & SECURITY NEWS

SAFETY & SECURITY CHANGES 11 JANUARY 2024

IN THE TRANSPORTATION OF GOODS BY SEA, ROAD & RAIL TO THE EU

T

he European Union’s new customs pre-arrival safety and

EU Member States will grant authorisation, upon request, to the affected

security system – Import Control System 2 (ICS2) – will

traders to gradually connect to ICS2 within a time-limited deployment

introduce a new process for entry of goods by maritime and

window. Member States can grant the deployment window anytime

inland waterways, road and rail in the EU as of 3 June 2024. This is

within the following timeframes: from 3 June 2024 to 4 December 2024

the third phase or release of the implementation of the new system

(maritime and inland waterway carriers); from 4 December 2024 to 1

that will extend safety and security data reporting requirements to all

April 2025 (maritime and inland waterway house level filers); and from

modes of transport. Similar requirements already went into force for

1 April 2025 to 1 September 2025 (road and rail carriers). If traders are

air transportation of goods.

not ready on time, and do not provide the data required under ICS2, goods will be stopped at the EU borders and will not be cleared by the

With this third release, maritime and inland waterways, road and rail

customs authorities.

carriers will also need to provide data on goods sent to or through the EU prior to their arrival, through a complete Entry Summary Declaration

The EU is a major player in international trade – it accounts for around

(ENS). This obligation also concerns postal and express carriers who

14 % of the world’s trade in goods. By collecting safety and security

transport goods using these modes of transport as well as other parties,

data, EU customs authorities will be able to detect risks earlier and to

such as logistics providers. In certain circumstances, final consignees

intervene at the most appropriate point in the supply chain to keep trade

established in the EU will also have to submit ENS data to ICS2.

safe for the EU and its citizens. ICS2 will simplify the movement of goods between customs offices at the first point of entry and final destination

Traders are strongly advised to prepare in advance for Release 3 to

in the EU. ICS2 will provide a single access point to communicate with

avoid the risk of delays and non-compliance. Affected businesses will

all EU Member States’ customs authorities for all EU operations instead

be required to make sure they collect accurate and complete data

of 27 national interfaces. For traders, ICS2 will also streamline requests

from their clients, update their IT systems and operational processes,

for additional information and pre-departure risk screening by customs

and provide adequate training to their staff. From 11 December 2023,

authorities, thus reducing administrative burdens for businesses.

traders will also need to successfully complete a self-conformance test before connecting to ICS2, to verify their ability to access and exchange messages with customs authorities.

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ICS2

Release 3: Technical Preparation

Under the third release of the European Union’s customs pre-arrival safety ICS2 Release 2,2from Marchgoods 2023, air cargotransported general consignments ICS2 in detail and security system – Import ControlWithSystem – 1 all also became subject to the PLACI filing and to the complete set of data ICS2 has been prepared in close collaboration between the European on maritime and inland waterways, roads, and railways, to or through the of the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) prior to their arrival.

Commission, Member States’ customs authorities and businesses. The 1 EU postal and system, isincluding being implemented in three releases that willexpress gradually replaceconsignments, will be subject to new Release 3 is the third phase and will include maritime and inland the existing import control system. requirements. waterways, rail and road modes of transport from 3 June 2024. Affected

With Release 1, from 15 March 2021, postal and express consignments

traders will need to be operationally ready for ICS2 within a time-limited

deployment Like Release 2, the dataand filing willsecurity be provided coming to or through the EU by air Operators became subject to a(EOs) subset of will Affected Economic havewindow. to send safety in one single complete ENS filing, if all the necessary data is available the Entry Summary Declaration (so called pre-loading advance cargo data to ICS2 through an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) and will need to to the party that files and assumes the responsibility for bringing the information – also known as PLACI) prior to their loading onto the connect tothethe goods into the EU customs territory. Alternatively, it can be done with aircraft bound for EU. system to do so. multiple filings, where more than one partial ENS filing is submitted by different actors in the supply chain. In case of multiple filings, each filer is

Who is directly affected?

responsible for ensuring that their own filings are submitted in a timely, accurate and complete way.

Who is directly affected?

Carriers operating in maritime and inland waterways, road and rail

Postal operators

1

Ultimate consignees (in maritime transport)

Freight forwarders

Express carriers

All EU Member States, as well as Norway, Switzerland, and Northern Ireland.

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CUSTOMS & SECURITY EXPERTS As we enter 2024, the threats posed by sophisticated cyberattacks are expected to continue affecting major industries across the globe. With common incidents like ransomware attacks surging by almost 145% during the first quarter of 2023, cyber threats have perhaps never been so prominent, causing many business leaders to rethink their security strategies.

A

2

The rising importance of DevSecOps While cybersecurity improvements might represent the foundation of many businesses’ efforts to strengthen supply

chain security, such improvements may only be truly effective when combined with appropriate organizational shifts. To ensure new cybersecurity tools are properly supported, staff must rethink their approach to the integration of security solutions.

ccording to recent reports, around 45% of c-suite executives expect the number and severity of cyber-attacks targeting their

Development, security and operations (DevSecOps) outlines a more

organization’s supply chains to increase in the coming year, with

sophisticated approach to the deployment of supply chain security

almost 35% experiencing one or more supply chain attacks during 2023.

solutions. Rather than viewing security as a facet to be considered towards the end of the development cycle, organizations that pursue a

To appropriately defend against these attacks, and to protect

DevSecOps approach consider potential security exploits through every

organizations from a rise in supply chain security threats, advanced

stage of the design process.

protective measures are being developed and adapted to better address novel risks. To explore these developments in greater detail, here are

By integrating security checks and ensuring professional insights are

4 supply chain security trends expected to impact operations in 2024.

considered continually, organizations can improve both cyber and

1

physical security capabilities across key departments. Shared knowledge

Increased investments in cybersecurity

helps to prevent information silos forming to reduce the risk of human

As the number and severity of sophisticated cyber-attacks

error, an element present in 74% of breaches, so it’s little surprise that

continues to rise, governments and regulatory bodies have been

DevSecOps adoption continues to grow.

In the three years since the unveiling of this order, organizations across the

3

US have increased investments in targeted cybersecurity spending, both in

security solutions, a significant issue begins to form.

forced to rethink outdated approaches to digital threat prevention. In 2021, the Biden administration issued an executive order intended to aid organizations in identifying and addressing novel threats, with the federal government committing significant resources to the development of new technologies and best practices.

Leveraging automation to improve processes It’s been long known that modern organizations spend a

lot of time performing repetitive manual processes. In fact, research suggests employees waste as much as 40% of their time performing such tasks. When this concept is applied to the reviewing of supply chain

terms of dedicated technological solutions and internal training programs.

According to data published in 2023, spending in both of these areas has

While modern commercial security systems may be more technologically

increased significantly, with investments in cybersecurity solutions rising

advanced than ever before, unforeseen problems can still occur. It’s for

by 62% and investments in staff training rising by almost 65%.

this reason that frequent assessments and tests must be conducted to ensure new exploits are not exposed. But as the size and complexity of

The same report goes on to detail additional areas in which

supply chain security solutions grows, diverting resources to this task

organizations have committed to ongoing cybersecurity improvements,

can become difficult.

namely through investments in external cybersecurity audits (40%) and preparations for organizational certifications (34%). As global

A potential solution may be found in the increased deployment

organizations push on with strengthening supply chain security during

of automated and AI-informed systems, enabling teams to ensure

2024, this trend is likely to continue.

security systems are regularly reviewed without placing strains on

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existing departments. This concept is already in operation within many organizations, with the adoption of automated security testing systems believed to have risen by 200% in recent years.

The deployment of automated systems can also help to improve supply chain management in additional ways. For example, production monitoring software enables teams to collect accurate production data continually, providing managers with real-time insights to improve visibility. With a clearer understanding of real-time production events, stakeholders can ensure related systems operate optimally to mitigate security vulnerabilities.

4

The importance of third-party risk management

Summary

For many organizations, the only realistic way to implement

As organizations across most major industries continue to pursue

supply chain security measures is to pursue third-party software

growth on a global scale, the importance of well-implemented supply

integrations. While it’s safe to assume such companies have plans in

chain security systems will remain a top priority. Investments in

place to prevent internal breaches, hackers often view third-party

cybersecurity solutions and training will likely continue to increase,

providers as primary targets.

with security, IT and development teams working together to ensure new tools remain secure.

As cybercriminals understand that successfully breaching popular providers will likely expose massive amounts of sensitive data, attacks

The frequent testing and assessment of active supply chain security

of this variety can be lucrative. This idea is reflected in the supply chain

systems will also need to be considered an essential practice. Though

attack suffered by SolarWinds, where hackers compromised a single

with both cyber and physical security systems becoming increasingly

system to steal data from over 30,000 organizations.

complicated, automation may be necessary to support overburdened internal departments.

While it may not be possible to completely eliminate this risk, organizations can reduce the likelihood of suffering similar attacks by

Finally, as cyber incidents targeting third-party vendors continue to

increasing their focus on third-party risk management. Strategies must

represent a significant threat, an increased focus must be placed on

be developed to ensure potential weaknesses in third-party systems

third-party risk management to improve supply chain security and

are identified, addressed and mitigated, with companies committing

better mitigate novel threats.

resources to these processes while continually reviewing active tools.

Mike Pedersen, contributing writer

4 SUPPLY CHAIN

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CUSTOMS & SECURITY NEWS 11 JANUARY 2024 | Source: TT CLUB

TT CLUB HIGHLIGHTS THE

FREIGHT CRIME SUPPLY CHAIN

S

urprisingly, this shadow supply chain uses all of the same

TT Club is endeavouring to pinpoint the warning signs, and the nature of

components as the legitimate one, from route planning to

due diligence that is essential in preventing such properties from being

warehousing, with stolen goods marketed and sold using

exploited by criminals. Such measures include:

legitimate platforms to unsuspecting buyers. Freight insurance provider TT Club is promoting awareness of this supply chain ‘Black hole.’

• Background checks to scrutinize the business operations, financial stability, and track record of potential tenants

Much freight crime is perpetrated by organised crime with profit, similar to commercial businesses as the ultimate aim. The process of storage, transport, distribution and marketing of stolen goods often shadow those of legitimate supply chains with criminals acquiring sophisticated

• Inspection of premises regularly to ensure they are being used for legitimate purposes • Monitoring tenant activity, employing modern monitoring technologies, such as security cameras and access control systems

logistics skills. Their knowledge assists them in targeting shipments

• Collaborating with law enforcement at a local level to share

at a multitude of points; from truck hijackings to pilfering items from

information and report any suspicious activity promptly

unsecured warehouses. Needless to say such theft not only results in

• Review lease agreements to include clauses specifying the

significant financial losses but also disrupts the flow of goods, leading to delayed deliveries and dissatisfied customers.

permissible uses of the property and outline the consequences for illegal activities • Engagement of professional services such as security experts

At TT we are striving to highlight the responsibility that landlords in

with experience in identifying and preventing criminal activities

particular have to properly vet tenants of storage facilities and how they can prevent their properties being used to warehouse stolen goods,

Increasing evidence from law enforcement agencies is confirming that

says Josh Finch.

a shadow supply chain operates alongside the legitimate transport of goods, using all of the same components from route planning to

In a recent operation, police in the UK discovered a warehouse, at a location in Bradford that held hundreds of pallets of stolen goods.

warehousing, with stolen goods marketed and sold using legitimate platforms to unsuspecting buyers.

With the assistance of the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) the goods found were linked to known cargo theft incidents

As TT helps operators to navigate the complex world of cargo theft

which spanned the previous six years and amounted to several million

and freight crime, it becomes increasingly clear that shedding light on this

pounds in value. The warehouse itself was an unassuming commercial

black hole requires a collective effort from all stakeholders in the supply

unit, which blended seamlessly with other legitimate businesses and

chain, from law enforcement agencies to warehouse landlords. Only

exemplifies the duty landlords have to ensure that the sites they own

through such collaboration can we hope to mitigate this ongoing threat

and lease are not being used by their tenants for illegal purposes.

and safeguard the integrity of the supply chain,

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The system is fully approved by HMRC for imports, exports and transhipments at temporary storage locations, and provides users with real-time visibility of unit and cargo status as cargo moves through the port environment.

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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

Sponsored by

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17 JANUARY 2024 | Source: MEDIENBÜRO AM REICHSTAG

AIR CARGO INDUSTRY RELIES ON

squAIR-TIMBER LIGHTWEIGHT

D

HL in Frankfurt and Paris, Kühne + Nagel as well as Lufthansa Cargo, Cargolux and Emirates SkyCargo are just some of the leading air freight players that trilatec supplies with its unique

squAIR-timber product. Wooden beams, which are required for the assembly of air freight pallets, can thus be replaced by 80 percent lighter elements made of cardboard fiber composite material. Today, squAIRtimber is an integral component in the assembly of many shipments and saves fuel costs and CO2 due to its lower weight.

The innovative lightweight construction elements from trilatec are made

squAIR-timber offers added value to leading companies in the air

of 100 percent recyclable paper and cold-glued joints, manufactured

cargo industry. Our product has proven to be a reliable alternative

according to the carbon principle. Despite considerable weight savings,

in their global networks. According to calculations, airlines such as

there is no need to compromise on load-bearing capacity. When loaded,

Cargolux can save around 1,200 tons of fuel per year by using our

one meter of the weatherproof material can carry up to 5 tons with

solutions – the equivalent of three fully loaded jumbo jets.

a dead weight of just 1.2 kilograms per meter. When using wood, the

Andreas Langemann, Managing Director, trilatec GmbH

dead weight is 3 to 4 kilograms per meter. Once the squAIR-timber has been used, it can be reused or returned to the recycling cycle. The cardboard fiber composite skids are certified for use in air freight and can be placed under all containers and pallets.

We use the lightweight squAIR-timber elements as a substructure for all pharmaceutical shipments and they are fully integrated into the processes. They have no disadvantages compared to wood, but their significantly lower weight brings many advantages and helps to save a considerable amount of CO2.

Johannes Bruijs, Sr. Vice-President Global Logistics, Cargolux The use of squAIR-timber also saves a lot of time during handling. Only one person and no forklift truck is required for assembling.

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INDUSTRY SERVICES NEWS

LASTING LABCRAFT LIGHT 10 JANUARY 2024 | Source: LABCRAFT

FOR INTERNATIONAL VAN RACKING SPECIALIST

S

ortimo, the global van racking specialist, is marking its 50th anniversary and 15 years collaboration with Labcraft – one of the foremost UK-based designers and manufacturers of LED

vehicle lighting.

With its UK base in Warrington and production headquarters in Bavaria, Germany, Sortimo is reported to be Europe's largest manufacturer and supplier of secure van racking equipment for light commercial vehicles.

Its network comprises nine branches, 24 offices and various installation

Furthermore, explains Fiona, Labcraft collaborates with the company in the

partners in Germany, as well as ten subsidiaries in Europe, a joint

creation of Sortimo -branded products, which are offered to all customers

venture in the USA and 24 importers worldwide.

with lighting requirements.

The lighting requires minimum work during

installation and the ordering process with Labcraft is simple and easy.

From design to delivery, we specialise in working with service companies, fleet managers, and manufacturers across the automotive

From a sustainability perspective, the two companies work in tandem to

and transport industries. Our customers world-wide expect us to supply

help Sortimo customers reduce the environmental impact of products and

the highest standard of external and internal vehicle lighting and as such,

transportation. To this end, Labcraft’s high intensity LED lighting requires

we have enjoyed a long and successful relationship with Labcraft.

low voltage, runs at a low temperature and achieves a long-life span.

Fiona Gurney, Internal UK Sales, Sortimo UK Labcraft’s Sales Manager, Matt Stubbs explains further:

Our LED

The name Sortimo, stands for ‘SORTIment MObil’ (meaning mobile

lights are energy-efficient, longer-lasting, and emit less heat. They use

assortment) and reflects the company’s diverse range of LCV equipment

up to 90% less energy than traditional bulbs, last much longer, and offer

solutions. Accordingly, says Sortimo, Labcraft’s comprehensive range of

better light output. The Labcraft lights are also versatile and suitable for

LED lighting chimes perfectly.

any space, making them an excellent choice for LCV operators seeking to save energy and improve lighting quality.

Quality, safety and innovation are Sortimo watchwords and no more so when it comes to vehicle lighting. We install Labcraft products at the

These factors, combined with purpose-built design and robust

same time as installing our racking solutions, and for many of our fleet

construction enable Labcraft, and Sortimo in turn, to offer long term

customers we include Labcraft products within our standard design

warranties with confidence. Added to this, customer service from

specification - and they are always well received.

Labcraft is always second to none.

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CTS: Navigate Risks, Steer with Confidence Manage uncertainty by re-focussing your strategies with our Global TEU Volume and Aggregated Price Indices reports

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INDUSTRY SERVICES NEWS 25 JANUARY 2024 | Source: EUROPA WAREHOUSE

INVESTMENT PAYS OFF WITH

‘CALMEST PEAK’ FOR 3PL

S

pecialist 3PL fulfilment provider Europa Warehouse has

We appreciate that our customers need to cost-effectively scale

reported increases of up to 45 per cent in orders picked

up and down at pace, while delivering an efficient service for their

during the 2023 peak season* at its 3PL sites.

customers. For brands operating on a shared-user automation system, peak season doesn’t need to feel like peak at all. During seasonal peaks,

Despite this increase, its facilities in Birmingham, Corby, and Dartford – which

e-commerce and retail brands face upsetting their own status quo: with

offer over one million sq. ft combined of dedicated warehouse and logistics

an inefficient, often-chaotic order fulfilment process, it’s the time of

space – operated without the usual stress and pressure associated with ‘peak.’

year businesses are more likely to experience costly mispicks, delays to dispatch and higher than normal return rates.

Notwithstanding continued economic challenges, there was a rise in consumer spending across the period which, supported by figures from

Europa Warehouse is the 3PL division of Europa Worldwide Group, and

Retail Economics, accounted for £202bn worth of global sales online

one of only a few operators in the UK offering a shared-user system.

and a 3.7 per cent increase in the UK.

Designed for products that are ‘toteable’, the system is ideal for clients who operate with a large SKU rate and need to scale up and down

While sales during the 2023 peak season in the UK might be modest in

operations at pace during seasonal peaks.

comparison to previous years, the increase in order volumes still puts a huge pressure on 3PL services.

Dionne explains:

With robust quality control processes to prevent

picking errors and reduce costs, a shared-user system can be quickly scaled Due to Europa’s £70m investment in its logistics operations over recent

up or down to meet fluctuating demand. In turn, this allows for accurate

years, including £11m in shared user automation this peak period was

financial modelling and drives a high level of predictability. For peak planning,

more delivered more efficiently than ever before.

this is crucial to ensure a seamless supply chain from start to finish.

Shopping habits are ever evolving, but we have invested heavily

In 2023, Europa’s portfolio of warehouses picked 78.8 million units through

to alleviate the strain on our e-commerce, retailers and wholesaler

its automated and manual lines – regularly scaling up to 280,000 individual

customers. As well as investing in new equipment and restructuring

picks in 24 hours with minimal additional resources. Shared-user automation

over the past 18 months we’ve changed our whole approach to be

contributed towards this, regularly scaling up from 40 to 100,000 picks

more customer centric. Our focus has been to support 3PL customers

every day. The system provides a low-cost, less time-intensive solution,

who may have struggled to meet sales targets or dealt with incorrectly

which can help ecommerce companies reap the benefits of automation.

fulfilled orders during seasonal peaks before, resulting in dispatch delays and a disproportionate strain on customer service.

The combination of Europa’s most recent investment in its systems

Dionne Redpath, Chief Operating Officer (COO) & Head of

and automated fulfilment technology and processes allows e-commerce

Warehouse, Europa Worldwide Group

brands to optimise resources, simplify operational models and capitalise on the sales and growth opportunities afforded by the peak season.

To make it easier for customers to scale up and achieve seamless fulfilment, Europa Warehouse identified the importance of implementing strategies to drive innovation in order fulfilment.

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* Figures taken from volume of orders picked in December 2023 (the height of Europa’s peak), compared to October 2023 (the month preceding peak season).

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INDUSTRY SERVICES NEWS DECEMBER 2023

THE ART OF

FINE ART CRATEMAKING

A

recent industry report has predicted that the market size

Dane Hall is based in Gander &

for wooden crates would hit $1.4 billion by 2030. In today’s

White’s LA facility and discussed

world of metals and synthetic materials, this may be a

his team’s intricate process of

surprise, but it speaks of the importance of bespoke casing for shipping

designing and crafting each crate.

objects. One field that is rarely talked about when it comes to wooden

Ever y crate requires a

crate construction is fine art logistics, where their use is a central part

cutsheet, which is formed from

of the industry. As the art world evolves and technology advances,

understanding the dimensions

the practice has transformed into a blend of traditional artisanal

and materials of an artwork,

craftsmanship and innovative techniques, catering to the unique needs

built from liaising with the gallery and often the artist themselves.

of transporting priceless pieces across the globe. This article delves into

This enables the team to lay out the form and structure of a crate,

the contemporary landscape of crate making for artworks, exploring its

considering elements such as the foam casing and crate sealing forms.

significance in the fusion of artistry and logistics.

Our experience gives us the knowledge to know when ‘etho’ foam is required for a painting and Esther foam for ceramics,

says Hall as

he provides an insight into the multivalent decision-making part and parcel of a build.

The feeling is echoed in New York, where Mark King manages the crate making teams at the Gander & White facilities in the global art market capital. He says,

contemporary artists are often specific about the

materials they are happy with being applied to their works, so we work with them to create a solution.

There is a clear continued need for

highly bespoke wooden crates made by artisans with the deep skill-level to carry out design and creation.

We live in a global art market, with crates needing to travel farther and used more widely than ever before. Hall points out that this necessitates Gander & White Shipping, a leading global fine art shipper with facilities

the development of a clear global language for crate use by technicians

in the UK, France and across the US, believes that crates have long been

and clients who may handle the cases. Clearly recognisable symbols

the unsung heroes of the art world, providing the necessary cocoon for

and maintaining a simple design, ensures anyone with some knowledge

fragile and valuable artworks. Operating from US-based wooden crate-

of a crate, from LA to Lapaz, Beijing to Barcelona, can easily utilise the

making facilities in New York and Los Angeles, the company’s crates are

crate. King says – ‘safe, secure and effective is the name of the game

expected to go beyond simply holding an artwork but ensure protection

when creating uniform crates to hold artworks. This minimises the risk

is matched with sustainability and adaptability.

of damage – always the top priority for any art shipper.

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There remains a case for b e s p o ke ,

wo o d e n

casing,

however, for a large proportion of artworks shipped globally.

The evolving landscape of wood alongside polycarbonate crates is a testament to the industry's commitment to preserving and transporting artistic treasures while embracing the global, fastmoving nature of the art world.

Rokbox certainly plays a part here. As the art world continues to evolve, so too will the craftsmanship of wooden crate making, navigating the delicate balance between protection and sustainability in the dynamic landscape of fine art logistics.

Paul Cannon, Managing Director, Gander & White US

We come from the school of thought that everything is priceless, says Hall; his team is committed to encasing an object in whatever is needed to get it from A to B, without issue. Hall’s team has given itself the ironic name of ‘The Woodchucks’ somewhat belying the intricacy, care and pride inherent in each crate project.

While crates with highly customisable structures will always be needed, Rokbox, a reusable, adjustable fine art shipping crate, is fast establishing itself as vital part of the casing process for two-dimensional works.

Here, the elegance is in the originality and adaptability of the Rokbox polycarbonate crate design – enabling a single casing to be transformed and used for works of different dimensions. Gander & White, a champion of Rokbox since launch, has worked with the company to found Rokbox Loop, a global crate rental scheme in which global shippers establish depots for Rokbox crates utilised by myriad clients.

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CRISIS RESPONSE

From money woes to monkeypox, from climate change to COVID, there's usually something going on that needs close monitoring.

Here we'll report your stories about emergency management.

Related topics COVID-19 Cost of living Global warming

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HOUTHI ATTACKS 9 JANUARY 2024 | Source: PROJECT44

DISRUPT GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS 257 vessels have been rerouted, with only 5 vessels

Vessels impacted by conflict

still drifting.

Vessels in the Red Sea are having to decide if they want to proceed with the increased risk, reroute around Africa, or anchor and wait until it is

Drifting vessels have decreased by 70% as carriers

safe to pass. As of January 9th, 2024, project44 is estimating 257 vessels

make the decision to reroute vessels.

rerouting around Africa so far. Some of the vessels that are rerouting have increased their speeds to help mitigate. This does translate to using

project44’s ETA analysis shows delays to ETAs

more fuel, so prices for ocean could increase.

between 7-20 days for the impacted vessels.

5 other vessels are opting to drift, meaning stay stationary and try to wait Vessel volume in the Suez Canal has fallen 61%

out the conflict. Although Operation Prosperity Guardian has been launched,

to an average of 5.8 vessels per day compared to volumes

these vessels are holding off passage suggesting shippers are not confident of

prior to the Houthi attacks on commercial vessels.

safety through the Red Sea. These vessels will be closely monitored as they make their next moves. operations in the Red Sea. It is likely we will see those

The median days that vessel schedules are trending late

vessels turn around after the weekend’s attack. p44’s AI-powered ETAs are

has increased as much as 310% on some lanes

showing that the majority of the impacted vessels will experience 7-20 day

H

increases in transit time depending on the speeds travelled.

outhi rebels in Yemen are targeting container vessels in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait through missile and drone attacks,

Below shows a map view of all 262 effected vessels on 9 January.

resulting in incidents involving Hapag-Lloyd, MSC, Inventor

Chemical Tankers, and Maersk vessels. To mitigate risks, a coalition comprising the US, UK, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and Seychelles, known as Operation Prosperity Guardian, initiated efforts to protect commercial vessels and global trade in the region.

Notably, the most recent attack was the Maersk Hangzhou, which occurred on December 30th –31st 2023 and led to the US sinking three Houthi ships. The situation has escalated with Iran sending a warship to the area, raising concerns about further escalation from Houthi allies.

In response, major carriers like Hapag-Lloyd, MSC, and Evergreen

Taking a closer look at the vessels that were initially drifting in the map

suspended Red Sea operations. Although Maersk briefly resumed, they

below, it is clear that most vessels that were initially hesitant to make

announced another pause after the recent attack on one of their vessels.

a decision ultimately decided on rerouting around the Cape of Good

BP has also halted operations in the Red Sea.

Hope. Only 5 vessels remain drifting (dark-blue dots)....

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CRISIS RESPONSE NEWS

Volume through the Suez Canal

The breakdown shown above labels the top lanes in terms of voyage

As attacks have continued and carriers are avoiding the Red Sea, this

counts that utilize the canal. Trade between Asia and the Europe/

has been reflected by the volume of vessels leveraging the Suez Canal.

Mediterranean Sea are the most impacted group, making up four out of

The weeks leading up to the attacks beginning on commercial vessels,

5 of the top lanes. Trade between North America (particularly the East

there was an average of 15 vessels per day using the canal. The week of

Coast) and Asia could be greater impacted given the ongoing struggles at

December 31st-January 7th averaged 5.8 vessels per day, which is 61%

the Panama Canal with the drought, as this is the most efficient reroute

fewer vessels daily.

option. While the lanes listed make up the highest volume of voyages through the canal, there are more than 33 additional trade lanes that regularly utilize the canal and will also be impacted by the conflict.

Historical trade through the Suez Canal The Suez Canal was opened in 1869 to connect the North Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean through the Mediterranean and Red Seas.

Since then, it has become an integral trade route for global supply chains and saves 7-20 days of travel that would be needed for vessels to go all the way around Africa. Interruptions to the flow of vessels can have major impacts to trade as demonstrated in 2021 when a stuck vessel halted operations for 6 days.

As ocean carriers announce plans to reroute vessels around the canals, trade lanes that leverage the Suez Canal should be prepared for major delays.

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Projected impact from the attacks includes...

While we haven’t seen the full impact of delays reflected in container

• Increased Transit Time

transit times, the changes in schedule reliability gives us an estimate

• Disruptions to Global Oil Supply

of what is coming. As of now, the changes carriers have made to their

• Downstream Inventory Issues

schedules for lanes impacted by the Red Sea show delays across all major

1

lanes. Southeast Asia to Europe went from a median of 2.8 days delayed

Increased Transit Times

the week of December 10th up to 11.5 days, which is a 310% increase.

The chart below outlines the median transit time for containers

China to Europe is seeing a 279% increase in median days late, while

typically routed through the Suez Canal.

Southeast Asia to the United States is seeing a 77% increase. While this does look specifically at how many days late vessels are trending rather than overall transit time, this is still an astounding increase to all lanes.

2

Disruptions to Oil Supply The Suez Canal sees all types of cargo and the impact will not be limited to any one industry, but the most concerning commodity

that comes from this region is oil. In 2022, the Middle East exported 15.4 million barrels of oil daily, so as conflict continues, major disruption to oil is anticipated. Despite trending away from fossil fuels, oil is still widely used globally, and this will likely cause a price increase. Road transportation is the largest user of oil globally, so expect higher transportation costs as well as higher prices on filling gas tanks on personal vehicles.

The week of December 31st-January 7th is seeing an uptick in overall container lead time. While this suggests that impacts of the rerouting

On December 18th, 2023: BP has announced a pause on all shipments

are starting to be seen in the data, this is also impacted by slower port

in the Red Sea, causing oil and gas prices to jump.

operations during the recent holiday season. China to Europe saw a 6.6% increase when compared to the week of December 24th, Southeast Asia to the United States East Coast only say a 3.6% increase, and Southeast Asia to Europe has seen the highest increase at 8.3%.

3

Downstream Inventory Issues Another potential impact is out of stock items. The additional lead time these shipments will take was not scheduled as

retailers were planning their inventory, and after the peak shopping

We are not seeing the full effects on transit times yet, but carrier schedule changes continue to show additional expected delays.

season through the holidays, it is possible that inventories will be depleted. It is important to note that this should not impact holiday shopping and would more likely be noticeable in February.

As tensions remain high in the area, project44 will continue to monitor

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the situation and provide updates and insights.

Concern for safety of front-line seafarers While project44 has made it a priority to provide frequent updates on the Red Sea crisis, the safety of the crew members on these ships remains top priority in these challenging times. They and their families are in our thoughts.

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RED SEA UPDATE 22 JANUARY 2024 | Source: CONTAINER XCHANGE

BY CONTAINER XCHANGE Red Sea Attacks impact market sentiment of shippers and exporters in Asia

A

Global Impact: European delays & varied effects across the East The Port of Eilat, Israel’s toehold on the Red Sea, has seen an 85% drop

gainst the backdrop of escalating tensions in Yemen,

in shipping activity, its chief executive told Reuters last month.

the Red Sea has become a focal point of concern for international trade.

The impact of disruptions in the Red Sea is reverberating in Europe, causing delays in shipments. Nevertheless, the persistent supply-demand

The Houthi attacks continue unabated. In the past week, we witnessed

imbalance has provided a cushion to the shockwaves so far and the rates

the most intricate series of attacks to date. Fortunately, the military

have not skyrocketed yet to the post COVID, pent up demand levels.

presence in the region, led by the Americans and the United Kingdom, has proven effective in preventing the missiles and drones from reaching their

The impact has been distributed across the Far East. The container

intended targets. Noted Christian Roeloffs, CEO of Container xChange.

prices are escalating at a staggering rate, rising by 750 USD in less than two weeks,

said a customer from China.

This is a nightmare situation for shippers and exporters as freight rates, container prices and insurance costs have escalated. The impact

The freight rates, for instance, from China to Europe are up by 282%

has been significantly deterrent for container vessels since last month,

from $1243 as on 1st December 2024 to $4757 in the week of 12 January

70-80% of container traffic has been rerouted, especially the larger

2023 (Source: Freightos).

carriers,

Roeloffs added.

Pre- and post-Chinese new year implications

Regional insights: India's uncertainty and China's market dynamics

As Chinese New Year approaches amid ongoing disruptions in the

There is a lot of uncertainty and lack of demand ex-India right now.

Red Sea, we anticipate a tightening of container availability and vessel

The effect of red sea is still to be determined in more tangible terms in

space in the pre-Chinese New Year phase. The rerouting via the Cape

the Indian market,

of Good Hope adds complexity to the situation. We expect freight rates

told Container xChange.

an exporter of containerised freight from India

to remain elevated, and supply chain managers will need to navigate ongoing schedule disruptions. Looking beyond Chinese New Year, we

Another customer of Container xChange, a containerised freight

project blank sailings and capacity reduction by carriers. The industry is

exporter from India said,

witnessing a focused effort on resetting networks, leading to tightening

is increasing drastically. Also, there is enough supply of containers in the

of container availability and vessel space. While high freight rates and

region and there is no shortage of SOCs (Shippers owned containers)

increased costs pose midterm challenges, our analysis indicates that

observed so far due to the Red Sea situation in this region. In the

these disruptions are not likely to be long-term. Rate reductions are

coming days, equipment shortages from main liners will start to reflect

anticipated on the horizon due to the structural overcapacity resulting

in market. All the big liners like the CMA CGM, MSC, Maersk and Hapag

from a severe market imbalance.

Lloyd have suspended operations through the Red Sea and hence, this

Ocean freight costs across the ISC region

will impact the SOC market positively. The pickup charges for shipper owned containers will start to increase in the coming weeks.

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While the effects in India have not yet prominently surfaced, the impact of the Red Sea situation is rather glaring in China.

Industry's way forward: overcapacity, Ever Given comparison, and potential challenges The freight rates are tripled since roughly a month ago, and the

The current situation in the container industry reflects a highly competitive and rapidly evolving market. Container factories are

container prices are also expected to rise further in the short to midterm. The anticipated impact is significant,

added Roeloffs.

operating at full capacity until March, with a surge in demand indicating the intensity of the current situation. The preference for brand new

However, it's crucial to remember that our supply chains currently

units highlights the market's anticipation of a prolonged scenario. The

hold a surplus capacity of over 6 million TEUs, accumulated over the

heightened demand has led to increased costs across leasing and trading,

last two years due to a demand deficit. This excess capacity acts as a

as suppliers seek quick returns by selling out their units. This has a

vital cushion to absorb potential shockwaves in the supply chain. The

cascading effect, with leasing suppliers adjusting prices due to rising

degree of impact hinges on the duration of the Red Sea crisis. Should

trading costs, resulting in an overall inflation of prices. The scarcity

it persist for an extended period, and the excess capacity continues

of units, particularly in the China to Russia and Europe routes, has

to be absorbed, we could potentially face serious challenges. Drawing

intensified, leading to exorbitant prices. For instance, some suppliers

a comparison to the Ever Given situation, where disruption occurred

are quoting $1600 USD for Ningbo to Moscow and over $1300 USD

during a period of extreme difficulty in securing capacity and historic

for China to Poland. While the US market has felt the impact, it's not as

peak demand, rates skyrocketed to 10 times pre-pandemic levels. While

pronounced. Intriguingly, entities focused on trading and supplying, such

we aren't currently at those historic highs, the recent rate surge is

as local depots and trading companies, are strategically limiting sales

noticeable when viewed in the short term.

quantities to 10 units per buyer. This approach stems from the belief that there is room for further price increases. Additionally, these depots

The ongoing attacks by Houthi rebels, utilizing advanced weaponry

face challenges in renewing their stock, as they are unable to obtain CW

is disrupting vital shipping routes, compelling shipping companies to

units from shipping lines. Consequently, stock levels are constrained.

reassess their operational strategies. The increased risk of hijackings and attacks not only endangers the safety of vessels and their crews but

The current landscape has also given rise to opportunistic sellers aiming to capitalize on the situation. Notably, sellers are prioritizing

also triggers a domino effect on trade, leading to rerouting, heightened insurance costs, and delays.

profits over traditional cost calculations, leading to uniform pricing in different locations. For instance, 40HC cargo-worthy unit prices remain same in Shanghai and Ningbo, deviating from the norm where Ningbo

ABOUT CONTAINER XCHANGE

typically commands a higher price due to lower unit releases by shipping

Container xChange serves as a global online platform facilitating

lines. Sellers are presently driven more by profit considerations than a

container leasing and trading, connecting container users with

comprehensive cost-benefit analysis, to benefit from the disruption,

owners. The platform streamlines the process of finding and

added the customer from China.

exchanging containers, optimizing fleet management, and fostering collaboration across the shipping industry. Currently, more than

WANT TO TALK ABOUT YOUR OWN ISSUES WITH BREXIT, COVID, RECESSIONS, ETC?

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1500+ vetted container logistics companies trust xChange with their business—and enjoy transparency through performance ratings and partner reviews. Unlike limited personal networks, excel sheets and emails that the industry generally relies upon, Container xChange gives its users countless options to book and manage containers, move faster with confidence, and increase profit margins.

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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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RECRUITMENT & TRAINING 15 JANUARY 2024 | Source: PALL-EX GROUP

LONG-SERVING EMPLOYEES AT PALL-EX MOTOR PAST A

COLLECTIVE 1,800 YEARS OF SERVICE

P

alletised freight distribution network, Pall-Ex Group, is celebrating

Among those who received the award was Ian Hooper who has been

a business milestone with 193 of its longest-serving employees

with the Pall-Ex Group team at Intercounty Distribution for 45 years.

collectively reaching 1,800 years of service. Each with continuous

Commenting on his achievement Ian said:

No two days are the same

employment spanning from three to 45 years, the employees have been

at Pall-Ex which has kept my role interesting and varied over the years.

celebrated in a new long-service initiative brought about by the company.

From being a teenage boy, all I ever wanted to do was drive a truck

An awards ceremony recognising

for a company that values me and

employees for their length of

that is what I have been doing

service is set to become an annual

nearly all my working life. I am

event, honouring their excellent

very proud to have worked for

dedication and commitment.

Intercounty Distribution as part of the Pall-Ex Group for over

Long-service recognition is given to

45 years. It has been my second

those employees that reach three,

home and I have learnt a lot along

five and ten years, then every five

the way, with far more training

years thereafter. Across Pall-Ex

and technology now in place to

Group, 14% of its employees have

assist me. I’d encourage anyone

reached their ten-year milestone,

looking for a first job or new job

with the longest serving achieving

to take a look at joining Pall-Ex as

an impressive 45 years’ service.

it has so much to offer.

Employees across the business are given a range of benefits in addition

We’d like to offer all those employees who have been recognised many

to continuous training and incentive schemes to boost performance and

congratulations on their achievement. We are incredibly thankful for

encourage development. Those now achieving a long-service milestone

the unwavering dedication and loyalty of all our long-serving employees.

are presented with a certificate and commemorative pin by Senior

Their commitment and passion continue to drive the business forward

Management, along with additional holidays and bonus payments ranging

as we strive for excellence, and we are incredibly grateful to them, and

from £100 to £1,500.

all staff, as part of our Pall-Ex Group family.

Barry Byers, UK Managing Director, Pall-Ex

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RECRUITMENT & TRAINING NEWS 13 JANUARY 2024 | Source: DRIVER HIRE

THE UK’S LARGEST HGV RECRUITER CELEBRATES

40 YEARS OF BUSINESS HGV Recruiters Driver Hire reflect on 2023, the year the

Richard says:

company turned 40 years old

extension of our business, and are now the UK’s largest single

We saw the move to providing training as a natural

provider of Driver CPC courses. We help new drivers into the The company deployed 16,000 candidates to cover half a

industry as well as helping current drivers keep up to date with

million shifts in 2023

their training, and gain new skills.

D

river Hire began in 1983, initially as a one-man-band. From these

Despite the natural challenges that any business experiences, Driver

humble beginnings, it has been built into a company which has

Hire have operated round the clock 365 days a year for 40 years,

stood the test of time as the UK’s largest specialist logistics

providing customers with staff when they needed cover during illness,

recruiter. Reflecting on this milestone and how the industry has changed

holidays or unpredictable demand. In 2023, the company supported

over the 40 years, Richard Owen-Hughes Group Marketing Director says:

4,500 companies across the UK, recruited 12,000 new candidates, and deployed 16,000 drivers to cover over half a million shifts to keep the

The logistics industry has changed massively over the past four

economy moving.

decades – driven by technology. The internet has completely changed the way that business is done of course, but it goes way beyond that.

The operating environment for the logistics industry has been

Trucks are smarter, cleaner, safer, easier to drive. Warehouses run at a

complicated in recent years, with Brexit, changes to laws, regulations

level of efficiency that would have been unimaginable back then. At the

and training requirements to contend with. In 2024, businesses like

centre of it all, though, are the people. They are still the beating heart

Driver Hire have to expect the unexpected, and be ready to adapt

of the logistics industry.

to best serve customers across the UK as quickly and efficiently as possible. With such a legacy behind this business, it’s no surprise to

Driver Hire expanded from recruitment into training, with the advent of

hear that they are up for the challenge.

Driver CPC a major source of growth for this side of the business, and now offers a large range of LGV and HGV training courses from Driver

It’s an honour to have helped businesses recruit drivers for 40 years,

CPC to new driver training, management training and even health and

and to be in a position to continue to aid the industry for 40 more

safety IOSH training. In 2023, the company delivered 52,000 Driver

years - and beyond. 2023 was another excellent year for Driver Hire,

CPC training days, as well as helping more than 500 people enter the

and we’re not slowing down going into 2024.

industry via licence acquisition training.

Chris Chidley, CEO, Driver Hire

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fast-growing Merseyside logistics specialist has invested more than £500,000 in a new warehouse and six forklift trucks (FLTs) in a move which has created 20 jobs.

SSO Logistics has opened a 40,000 sq. ft unit in Widnes after a £200,000 investment, complementing its existing sites in St Helens and Haydock.

It has also committed a further £350,000 on four EFL252 Lithium battery-powered FLTs for its Haydock site, along with two Calder Flexi FLTs for the new Widnes site.

The new warehouse, which has space for 4,000 pallets, will be used for

At the start of 2023, SSO’s Haydock site was awarded freeport status

redirecting shipments for several delivery postcodes SSO covers for the

by the government, meaning it was the city’s first customs site operator

Wolverhampton-based Pallet-Track network.

– an area within a freeport where certain tax and customs rules are suspended to support and encourage international trading.

This will save an estimated 32,000 miles annually from UK roads, which equates to cutting just under 24 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.

SSO, which is British Retail Consortium (BRC) accredited and has several customers in the FMCG sector, is hoping the new Widnes site

With a lot of our work with Pallet-Track, the trunks would come

will also be confirmed as a freeport in January 2024.

back to Haydock – now they can go direct to Widnes, which is quicker and has far less impact on the environment. As a business, we’re growing and planning for the future. I believe many major warehousing projects

It’s not just about us being a freeport – it’s about us selling to customers so they can be too,

added Peter.

are going to be shelved due to high interest rates, so we are securing space now and forward planning for our customers. With the new

For example, one of our customers imports from China, so pays no

vehicles, there is also an environmental and business benefit. The

duty on arrival. We manage that on our site, and we release the duty

Lithium truck can be charged in 15 minutes compared to an eight-hour

if they sell the product in the UK. There’s a cashflow benefit and a big

full charge for the older lead acid models, which would often run out

saving on high-duty goods. SSO’s growth since joining our network has

halfway through a shift.

been phenomenal, and this expansion and major investment is further

Peter Draper, Director, SSO Logistics

proof of that We look forward to another year partnering with SSO and continuing to grow together in 2024.

Lee Chambers, Chief Commercial Officer, Pallet-Track

MAJOR £550,000 INVESTMENT 12 JANUARY 2024 | Source: SSO LOGISTICS

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staff forwardingjobs is a global recruitment solution for the freight & logistics industry. » Specialist recruitment service for the freight industry » Dedicated talent consultant for your roles » Brand awareness on forwardingjobs.com

» +1 (646) 513 2733 » luke@forwardingjobs.com

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» Specialist job board for freight & logistics » A dedicated consultant to guide you in your career » Alerts to your inbox whenever a suitable role is available

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RECRUITMENT & TRAINING APPOINTMENTS WELCOMING TO

MATTHIAS KÖFLER

HELLMANN

IN THE POSITION OF

PRODUCT MANAGER RAIL EAST EUROPE

HELLMANN: MATTHIAS KÖFLER BECOMES PRODUCT MANAGER RAIL EAST EUROPE

The relocation of production from many industries to Eastern European countries has led to a massive increase in customer demand for intermodal transport

H

intermodal transport, especially between Southern and

possible support in this regard.

Eastern Europe. The appointment is a further strategic

Piotr Zaleski, Regional CEO East Europe, Hellmann

step by the global logistics service provider to develop

Worldwide Logistics

solutions and rail services between Western and Eastern

ellmann Worldwide Logistics has been able to

Europe in recent years. Thanks to the long-standing and,

recruit Matthias Köfler as Product Manager

above all, local expertise of our colleagues in Austria,

Rail East Europe. In this newly created position,

Hungary, Romania and Turkey, we at Hellmann are very

he is responsible for the further development of rail and

well positioned to provide our customers with the best

and establish rail transport within Europe as an important part of intermodal transport.

Having already brought Marijo Pesic on board as Director Product Management Rail Europe in September

The 33-year-old economist has many years of experience

2023, we are expanding our expertise with Matthias

in European combined transport. For the past ten years,

Köfler, enabling us to further increase our ability to offer

he has been working for the Austrian Federal Railways

our customers tailor-made, environmentally friendly

(ÖBB) in Vienna, where he was most recently responsible

intermodal products on an international scale. Shifting

for the Continental division of the ÖBB subsidiary Rail

transport to rail remains the biggest lever for sustainably

Cargo Group. At Hellmann, Matthias Köfler will use his in-

reducing CO2 emissions. Combined with the use of

depth knowledge of the industry to launch new intermodal

e-trucks we will be able to bring reliable CO2-neutral

products and to strategically develop the rail product,

transports to the market very quickly.

particularly in Eastern Europe. As a first step, Hellmann

Si Hellmann, Head of Rail Europe, Hellmann

plans to establish three block train connections between

Worldwide Logistics

Germany, Hungary, Turkey and Slovenia by 2026.

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WELCOMING TO

DON INGERSOLL

ROADONE

IN THE POSITION OF

COO

ROADONE APPOINTS DON INGERSOLL TO COO POSITION

E

Don joins RoadOne with extensive transportation and logistics knowledge and leadership experience at some of the largest companies in North America. Prior to joining

xecutive team expands to strengthen national

RoadOne, Don served as President of Roehl Transport,

scope of logistics and distribution services, and

a multi-modal carrier, leading the Truckload, Refrigerated

position RoadOne for further growth.

and Dedicated divisions. At XPO Logistics, a global logistics provider, he held the role of Vice President of

Randolph, Massachusetts, January 23, 2024 - RoadOne

Transportation overseeing operations of the intermodal and

IntermodaLogistics, a single source intermodal, warehouse,

drayage business units in North America. Don also spent

and logistics services company, announces the addition

14 years with J.B. Hunt Transport in a variety of leadership

of Don Ingersoll, as COO (Chief Operating Officer), to

positions in the Dedicated and Intermodal businesses.

expand the company’s executive management team.

We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Don to the In recent years, RoadOne has broadened its national

RoadOne family, and we’re confident that he will play a

footprint with over fourteen acquisitions and continues

pivotal role on our executive team. He’s been actively

to reinforce its position as a single source logistics and

engaging with our regional branch management, fostering

distribution services company. Don, with his vast industry

robust partnerships, and inspiring their entrepreneurial

knowledge and experience, will manage alongside founders

spirit. It’s an exciting time for us.

Ken Kellaway and David McLaughlin. RoadOne simplifies

Ken Kellaway, President & CEO, RoadOne

supply chain connections with its comprehensive portfolio

IntermodaLogistics

of services: drayage, fleet operations, transloading, depot and yard management, warehousing/DC and fulfillment

I’m excited to become part of the RoadOne team at

services. RoadOne is known for its personalized approach

this exciting time. The company is exceptionally well-

and strong business partnerships which serve to distinguish

positioned for growth. We offer a wide range of single-

them in the industry.

source solutions that empower shippers to streamline their supply chains. From transloading to dedicated

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fleets to store deliveries, we’ve got it all. What’s really stood out to me is the culture at RoadOne, which truly values people and fosters strong relationships within the industry and among our employees.

Don Ingersoll, COO at RoadOne

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RECRUITMENT & TRAINING VACANCIES UK

Powered by

EUROPE

OPERATIONS CO-ORDINATOR (AIR EXPORT) HEATHROW, UK

Salary: £25,000–£38,000

OTHERS

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER HEATHROW, UK

Salary: £60,000–£80,000 + commission & benefits

Position Summary

Position Summary

We invite a highly motivated and process-savvy individual to assume the role of Operations Coordinator for air export operations. This position offers the opportunity to play a pivotal part in our fast-moving air freight logistics framework, focusing on the execution of export operations, customs compliance, and customer satisfaction.

Key duties • Manage the end-to-end coordination of air export shipments, ensuring both freight and information flow with precision and punctuality.

• Collaborate with clients, carriers, and third-party entities to promote seamless operational execution and uphold client contentment.

• Prepare and oversee critical documentation, including bills of lading and hazardous materials paperwork, in compliance with regulatory standards.

• Adhere strictly to all relevant laws, regulations, and corporate policies pertaining to export activities.

• Conduct thorough customs clearance processes, staying abreast of and compliant with specific international requirements.

• Proactively monitor shipments, provide stakeholders with timely updates, and adeptly handle any issues that emerge during transit.

• Administer invoicing, billing, and other associated administrative functions for export shipments.

• Engage closely with sales and customer service teams to ensure customer requirements are met and service delivery is optimized.

• Deliver superior customer service through prompt inquiry responses and efficient problem-solving.

• Continuously seek and implement methods to enhance operational efficiency within the export process.

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ISSUE86

Headford Group invites you to join the ranks of high-flying sales professionals in the air or ocean freight forwarding industry at Heathrow. With an attractive salary, exceptional commission, and a full suite of benefits, your career is primed for takeoff.

Key duties • Drive robust sales growth for Air or Ocean freight services, leveraging your proven track record.

• Craft and deliver bespoke logistics solutions to a diverse UK and European clientele.

• Tackle complex sales challenges with finesse, backed by your deep understanding of the logistics sector.

CUSTOMS OPERATIVE CARDIFF, UK

Salary: £24,000–£30,000 p/a (DOE)

Position Summary

Our esteemed client in Cardiff is on the lookout for a motivated Customs Operative to enhance their Customs services. This is an ideal opportunity for someone eager to make a significant impact in a company that’s leading the charge in industry innovation and eco-friendly initiatives. Are you ready to advance your career in international logistics?

Key duties • Develop and refine our Customs service offerings.

• Provide support for international import activities.

• Liaise with shipping lines and airlines for Customs procedures.

• Maintain strong communication with customers and suppliers regarding Customs processes.

• Administer all aspects of customs bookings.

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VACANCIES OCEAN CO-ORDINATOR

OCEAN CO-ORDINATOR

Headford Group is delighted to partner with a leading logistics company in search of a dedicated and skilled Ocean Coordinator for their Hamburg location. This role is a critical component of our client’s expansion and is ideal for a logistics professional with a solid background in ocean import and export operations. If you excel at optimizing and managing shipments to meet customer expectations and enhance company success, we want to hear from you.

Key duties

HAMBURG, GERMANY SALARY: €46,000–€51,000

Key duties • Oversee the order lifecycle, from initiation to the coordination and oversight of ocean shipments.

• Communicate directly with clients, vendors, and international partners to ensure efficient shipment operations.

• Analyze transportation methods to select the most profitable and appropriate options for each shipment.

• Arrange necessary pre-carriage and on-carriage transport to fulfill client requirements.

• Manage all documentation for export, import, and customs clearance.

• Vigilantly track shipments to ensure correct routing and on-time delivery.

• Perform precise billing and cost reporting for invoicing and job costing in the Transport Management System (TMS).

• Collaborate with internal teams to quickly address any operational issues following company protocols.

• Meet or exceed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and maintain a minimum monthly job handling quota.

ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS SALARY: €46,000–€51,000

• Orchestrate the entire order process, ensuring efficient coordination and management of ocean freight operations.

• Sustain effective communication with a network of clients, suppliers, and global partners to ensure smooth shipment processes.

• Select the most suitable and profitable transportation methods in line with shipment specifications.

• Coordinate necessary arrangements for both pre-carriage and on-carriage transportation in compliance with client demands.

• Handle the compilation and control of all necessary documentation for export, import, and customs processes.

• Track shipments rigorously to safeguard accurate routing and prompt delivery.

• Execute accurate and timely billing, along with cost reporting for invoicing and job costing within the Transport Management System (TMS).

• Proactively work with internal departments to resolve any issues, adhering to established company protocols.

• Achieve established Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and uphold a minimum monthly job handling standard.

• Maintain consistent engagement with international offices and clients to prevent file losses and assist with monthly reporting requirements.

• Comply with all operational KPIs, including but not limited to Documentation Not Issued (DNI), Late Notice Report (LNR), and others.

• Participate in mandatory training sessions and complete e-learning modules as required by the company.

• Undertake additional responsibilities as directed.

FOR MORE INFORMATION & TO APPLY, PLEASE FIND THESE ROLES ON

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Fill your vacancies

Operations

Let us assist with your company's growth...

Finance

Sales Back office Management

UK +44 (0)117 370 6880 craig@headfordgroup.com

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Your strategic growth partner.

Executive Search • Branch Startups • Senior Appointments • Mergers & Acquisitions • Media

Considering a change?

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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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12 DECEMBER 2023 | Source: TRAXALL INTERNATIONAL

TRAXALL INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES

ACQUISITION OF FLEET LOGISTICS GROUP

T

raXall International announced today the acquisition of Fleet

We are thrilled to work with our new colleagues at TraXall

Logistics Group from its shareholders Volkswagen Financial

International on bringing a whole new level of innovation to fleet and

Services and TÜV SÜD for an undisclosed sum.

mobility management. I sense there is an overwhelming willingness to identify the best of both worlds and take it to the next level. This is what

The combination of the two groups will create Europe’s largest

the market is expecting from us and the whole Fleet Logistics team will

independent mobility & fleet management provider with around 400,000

embrace this opportunity.

contracts under management. Its client portfolio includes many of the

Steffen Schick, CEO, Fleet Logistics Group

most prestigious fleets in the industry, in both local and global markets.

The completion of the transaction is subject to approval by the relevant

Together, TraXall International and Fleet Logistics will be in a unique

regulatory authorities.

position to shape the future of outsourced mobility management by creating actionable insights on mobility offerings, launching innovative

We have long-standing respect

services, and keeping mobility costs under control.

and admiration for the Fleet Logistics business and its people, so we are delighted to be able to announce this deal today which will bring together the two market leaders. This is a ‘great news’

ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT BUYING OR SELLING A FREIGHT COMPANY?

Get in touch with Freight Mergers on craig@freightmergers.com

story for our combined people and our customers. While we remain independent businesses for now, we expect the future synergies, investment plans and increased global footprint from this deal will deliver even greater value and service for our customers wherever they are in the world. At a time when TCO is increasingly destabilised due to market dynamics, economic and geo-political issues, the strength of the unique controls and stability which both TraXall International and Fleet Logistics bring, will continue to drive efficiencies, and sustainably protect our customers’ cost bases and strategies.

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Ross Jackson, CEO, TraXall International

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MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS NEWS 8 JANUARY 2024 | Source: PREQUEL VENTURES

SUPPLY CHAIN FOCUS FUND PREQUEL VENTURES

ANNOUNCES FIRST CLOSING

P

requel Ventures, Europe's first independent pre-seed venture

Prequel Insights Plattform

capital fund focusing on pioneering supply chain technology

With Prequel Insights, the team has created its own platform for

start-ups, announces its first closing. Among the early investors

screening and monitoring supply chain tech start-ups and currently

are Gero Decker (Co-Founder and CEO of SAP Signavio), Prof. Dr.

has more than 480 start-ups on its radar. The network of companies,

Roland Fassauer (CODE University, CEO of aifinyo AG, Co-Founder

founders and consultants in the supply chain and logistics sector is

of l1r1.ai) and a number of supply chain experts.

growing continuously.

The fund focuses on supporting start-ups that develop transformative

The team has been publishing the Supply Chain Tech Report for several

solutions for the challenges in global supply chains in their earliest phase.

years, in which it takes an annual look at the supply chain and logistics

This includes technologies for optimising logistics processes, supply

start-up ecosystem in Europe.

chain management, decarbonisation and compliance, real-time tracking and data-driven decision making.

Prequel Ventures already participated in the first financing rounds during the founding phase and began to build up a portfolio of seven promising

We are thrilled with the confidence and support we have received

supply chain start-ups. For example, the fund was involved in the financing

through the successful first closing. Europe is home to a huge potential of

of the multi-modal transportation platform rouvia and the customs

innovative supply chain technologies and Prequel Ventures is determined

AI solution Traide from Berlin. Since the first closing, three further

to accompany and strengthen these start ups on their growth path.

investments have already been added – the topics range from medical

Mathias Bosse & Markus Börner,

drone logistics to the management of CO2 taxes in international trade.

General Partners, Prequel Ventures Through targeted investments, strategic partnerships and comprehensive In its first fund generation, Prequel is aiming for a volume of EUR 10

mentoring and networking support, Prequel Ventures helps accelerate

million and is positioning itself as a co-investor that creates added value

the development of these companies and pave their way to success.

beyond its investment, above all with a deep industry network.

With the successful first closing, Prequel Ventures is now well positioned The team is supported by an experienced advisory board consisting of

to continue investing in innovative technologies that are shaping the

industry executives and successful founders of supply chain scale-ups.

future of supply chain management.

Among them are Gregor Stühler (Scoutbee), Pierre Khoury (Shippeo) and Alex Leichter (Byrd) as well as Sabine Müller (CEO, DHL Consulting).

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F R E I G H T

Are you planning to buy or sell a freight forwarding company? enquiries@freightmergers.com +44 (0)7766 484848

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.

freightmergers.com

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MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS OPPORTUNITIES

ACQUISITION OPPORTUNITIES F R E I G H T

OVERVIEW

FINANCIALS

LOCATION

Based in Dover with staff working remotely.

Four staff local to Dover.

*Year End December

Dover, England

KEY POINTS • Established 20 years - owners looking to retire • 2 shareholders - married couple • 12 staff (9 permanent) • 1 office • Staff working remotely • Asset light • c. 580 clients appx 100 monthly business • Membership / Accreditation: BIFA

MODES

2023 (8 MONTHS) Turnover: £1,230,000 Gross Profit: £430,000 Net Profit: £88,000 2022 Turnover: £1,630,993 Gross Profit: £478,000 Net Profit: £66,000

2021 Turnover: £672,000 Gross Profit: £387,000 Net Profit: £172,000

• Road • Sea • DAN Waiver • NCTS Waiver

ACQUISITION OPPORTUNITY

REF: PROJECT CRYSTAL

AIMING TO BUY OR SELL A COMPANY IN THE FREIGHT INDUSTRY?

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CUSTOMS AGENCY, GENERAL FORWARDING & PROJECT LOGISTICS

POWERED BY

More information and opportunities such as these can be found at FreightMergers.com or on craig@freightmergers.com

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MODES (PRODUCT % SPLIT)

FINANCIALS

• Active plus 35 years, owned by 2 Shareholders • Service portfolio: Ocean Forwarding, Airfreight, Warehousing, Distribution, SCM • Approx. 400 employees • 100,000 sqm warehouse facilities leased plus Brisbane location owned • Strong partner for the future; continuation for employees and customers

• Air: 30% • Ocean: 45% • Others plus all NVO, FMC, IATA, Brokerage licenses: 20%

2022/23 Turnover: >$400m (AUD) EBIT: .>$15.4m (AUD) (Average)

LOCATION – 6 locations in Australia – 1 location in NZ

– 6 locations in China/HHG – 1 location in USA

ACQUISITION OPPORTUNITY

REF: PROJECT TERMINAL

OVERVIEW

FINANCIALS OF THE BUYER

LOCATION

Freight Mergers have been appointed by a large UK logistics provider who are part of a wider global group.

2021 Turnover: £232m Gross Profit: £41.9m Profit Before Tax: £28.2m Cash in Bank: £28m

UK based

Freight Mergers are looking source relevant acquisition targets that match their criteria.

This buyer is looking to facilitate a timely and smooth transaction within 2023, they are open to introductory meetings over the coming weeks and months. They feel they will be a suitable custodian for any business where the director(s)/ shareholder(s) are looking to retire or move on to their next chapter.

TRADE LANES THEY ARE INTESTED IN • Far East • Indian Subcontinent • US/Canada • Middle East • Turkey

CRITERIA • £25m+ Revenue • £5m+ GP per annum • Air freight focused • Head office: UK based • Strong Senior Management Team • Asset light (unless a warehouse is owned in the North West) • Flexible regarding the deal structure of the owner

ACQUISITION OPPORTUNITY

REF: PROJECT NORTH

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GLOBAL LOGISTICS PROVIDER LOOKING TO ACQUIRE UK-BASED FREIGHT FORWADERS

INTERNATIONAL AIR & OCEAN FREIGHT FORWARDER IN AUSTRALIA SEEKING BUYER

KEY POINTS

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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

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14 NOVEMBER 2023 | Source: GEBRÜDER WEISS

ABB RELEASES 2023 EDITION OF

GENERATIONS...

‘TRANSFORMING TOMORROW’

A

BB announces the release of the 2023 edition of Generations,

Articles in this year’s edition explore the value of generative AI in marine

which focuses on the experts, companies, and solutions

engineering, examine how open dialogue between technology suppliers

driving the maritime industry towards a more successful and

and classification societies facilitates technological advancement,

sustainable future.

and discuss the potential of the hydrogen-powered maritime future.

Generations 2023 also provides a deep dive into the rationale and

With this year’s theme, ‘Transforming Tomorrow’, Generations

technical development behind ABB Dynafin™ – a revolutionary high-

showcases the technological innovations, expertise, and concepts

efficiency propulsion concept unveiled earlier this year.

empowering change in shipping and beyond. It also highlights how ABB is drawing on its people, passion, and pedigree to support the

In addition, readers learn of the potential for retrofitting Azipod®

transformation the maritime industry needs to succeed in the years

propulsion, plus ABB’s role in the development of the visionary

and decades to come.

Aeolus vessel concept, which promises a compelling path to futureproof yachting. Among the solutions powering the Aeolus concept is ABB’s Onboard DC Grid™, whose ongoing contribution to vessel electrification, 10 years after its first installation, is also explored.

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MEDIA & MARKETING NEWS 15 DECEMBER 2023 | Source: GEBRÜDER WEISS

GEBRÜDER WEISS PEAK EVOLUTION TEAM’S

WORLD ALTITUDE RECORD FOR E-VEHICLES AT OJOS DEL SALADO, CHILE

Swiss developers drive solar-powered truck to 6,500m, proving the efficiency of alternative drive technologies / Gebrüder Weiss brings the record-breaking vehicle back to Switzerland

T

he Gebrüder Weiss Peak Evolution Team has set a new world altitude record for e-vehicles at 6,500 meters above sea level.

They drove up to the western ridge of Ojos del Salado – the

Logistics partner and main sponsor Gebrüder Weiss has been on board since

highest active volcano on earth – in their truck powered exclusively by

the very beginning. Not only did the company ensure the vehicle arrived safely

solar energy. Never has an e-vehicle been driven so high.

in South America, but it also co-financed the innovative venture.

This is a record not only for this technology, but for our years of

As the oldest transport and logistics company, we are committed

research work and for the very future of mobility. We hope that this

to the future of mobility. This success underlines our ongoing support

success will attract more attention to alternative drives and their use

for sustainable mobility projects and innovative technologies. We are

in mining and other demanding transport tasks.

delighted for the team and will now bring the record-breaking vehicle

Patrik Koller, CEO & developer, Peak Evolution

safely back to Switzerland.

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Frank Haas, Head of Corporate Brand Strategy & Communications,

Patrik Koller, CEO, and developer at Peak Evolution

Gebrüder Weiss The three adventurers reached the first milestone at the end of The impressive undertaking began two months ago: Gebrüder Weiss

November, breaking the record for e-vehicles by surpassing the

transported the e-truck from Switzerland via Rotterdam and then by

6,000-meter barrier. One week later, they reached 6,500 meters above

sea freight to Chile. Another overland transport took the solar truck to

sea level – the record height of their mission. They reached the western

the Atacama region. The Peak Evolution team started at the Maricunga

ridge of Ojos del Salado, the highest volcano on earth, using nothing

salt lake with the first exploratory tours and acclimatization on the

but solar power. With the world record in the bag, the Peak Evolution

mountain, at an elevation of 3,400 meters. The extreme terrain and

team is now heading back to Switzerland, with Gebrüder Weiss ensuring

environmental conditions of the world’s highest volcano not only put

that the record-breaking vehicle also makes it safely back to Europe.

the high-tech vehicle to the test, but also put the team under extreme physical and mental strain.

The logistics company will continue to support such forward-looking projects. January will see a dress rehearsal of the Austrian Space Forum’s

Despite these extreme conditions, our specially developed vehicle

Mars mission take place at the Gebrüder Weiss site in Maria Lanzendorf

managed to drive higher than any other e-vehicle – let alone a solar-

near Vienna. The company will also test an autonomous truck next year

powered one. We have been training for this moment for four years,

and send an international research team to Greenland to gain important

so giving up was never an option.

insights into climate change.

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Deep sector knowledge.

Digital expertise.

Professional & friendly service.

b e W n m g i o r s f es de T c i A r V e P + h 9 t 4 r 4 , fo 1 t £ h g i fre stry u d in ign t s n e men bd atio t We mis elop por i t v p p e u o s bd ine e& g c We n n ena ch e t r n a i a ting Se e m k , r ting ma a i d Hos me l a i Soc

+44 44 (0)117 248 2623 hello@freightwebsite.design

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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.

As a part of Freight Solutions Consulting we are unparalleled when it comes to social media and digital marketing, meaning maximum brand exposure for your business.

freightwebsite.design Content submission: editor@FORWARDERmagazine.com

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F R O M F O R W A R D E R M A G A Z I N E • P O W E R E D B Y F R E I G H TA B A S E

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GIVING BACK

We know you're a generous, caring bunch in the freight world.

Let us help you get your message out there...

Related topics Charity Fundraising Environment

Sponsored by

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21 DECEMBER 2023 | Source: RHENUS UK

RHENUS CONTINUES SUSTAINABLE GROWTH THROUGH NEW

SOLAR PANELS INSTALLATION

R

henus UK has announced the installation of over a hundred

This installation represents a significant investment that strengthens

solar panels on the roof of its Bradford warehouse, as part of its

the commitment from Rhenus Group on their journey to sustainability.

ongoing commitment to increasing sustainability in its operations.

In addition to these solar panels, we have also recently installed electric vehicle (EV) chargers at all our depots to promote EV usage and we

This adaptation of one of the road business’ key Rhenus locations

are changing our forklift truck (FLT) fleet to electric drive systems,

reinforces the company’s goal to deliver a sustainable infrastructure.

among other planned investments, to achieve a more sustainable

The bespoke installation of 103 panels will generate up to 49,047 kWh

future for everyone.

of renewable energy per year, saving 23 tonnes of carbon emissions

Michael Morris, Compliance Officer, Rhenus UK

annually and expecting to cover the demand of over 90 percent of the warehouse’s annual electricity demand. This huge reduction will be a significant step towards decarbonising the Bradford warehouse.

As a participant of the UN Global Compact, Rhenus contributes to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. All Rhenus UK depots achieve the

WANT TO TALK ABOUT YOUR OWN CHARITY & SUSTAINABILITY NEWS?

Get in touch with Freight Solutions on hello@freightsolutions.com or +44 (0)117 248 2623

international standard for environmental management ISO 14001:2015 - further promoting their commitment to delivering an effective and sustainable environmental policy.

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GIVING BACK NEWS 15 DECEMBER 2023 | Source: COSCO SHIPPING LINES

COSCO SHIPPING LINES DEBUTS

HI ECO SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING PRODUCT

Based on their utilization of the new green shipping product,

COSCO SHIPPING Lines has consistently been dedicated to assisting

the first green shipping certificate was presented to Volvo

customers in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and making positive

C

contributions to sustainable development. Hi ECO, a green shipping

OSCO SHIPPING Lines has presented the first green

product utilizing green biofuels, presents an ideal solution for customers

shipping certificate at Volvo’s Asia Pacific headquarters on 5th

to easily decrease the carbon footprint of their shipments by reducing

December, based on their utilization of COSCO SHIPPING

carbon emissions throughout the entire Well To WAKE life cycle. Through

Lines’ green shipping product Hi ECO.

this added service, customers can reserve climate-friendly freight to fulfill their requirements for environmentally friendly transportation.

In the context of global climate change, the green economy and sustainable development have emerged as the global development trend.

Volvo is the first customer to make an agreement with COSCO

As a result, COSCO SHIPPING Lines pioneered the bunkering of its

SHIPPING Lines for green shipping services, and COSCO SHIPPING

operating vessels with biofuel to achieve measurable carbon emission

Lines will provide intercontinental cargo transportation services for

reduction in 2022.

Volvo through its Hi ECO green service products, marking a significant milestone for both parties.

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DURATION: 4 DAYS CYCLING: 2 DAYS DISTANCE: 159 MILES CLIMB: 7,300FT REG FEE: £139 FUNDRAISING PLEDGE: £1,400

SCAN ME

UK Registered Charity No: 1072105 | Patron: HRH The Princess Royal

The ISO 50001 accreditationis testament to P&O Maritime

internationally recognised standard that provides a framework for

Logistics’ recently launched Decarbonisation Pathway which

organisations to establish, implement, maintain, and improve an energy

highlights the Company’s approach to sustainability

management system. This standard is designed to help organizations

D

follow a systematic approach in achieving continual improvement of

ubai, United Arab Emirates, 18th December 2023: Leading

energy performance, including energy efficiency, use, and consumption.

provider of marine solutions, P&O Maritime Logistics (a DP World Company), announced the receipt of the ISO 50001

The accreditation achieved by P&O Maritime Logistics marks a significant

accreditation from ABS QE - becoming one of the first companies

step in its commitment to sustainability, signaling a major advancement

in the maritime industry to attain this certification. ISO 50001 is an

in energy efficiency and consumption reduction.

18 DECEMBER 2023 | Source: P&O MARITIME LOGISTICS

P&O MARITIME LOGISTICS RECEIVES

ACCREDITATION FOR ENERGY MANAGEMENT

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THE LAST WORD...

THE TEAM...

CRAIG EDITOR-IN-CHIEF PAUL MEDIA/EVENTS MANAGER TONY SALES EXECUTIVE TIM DESIGNER MOHIT DIGITAL & SOCIAL

A FINAL WORD FROM

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T

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READ ALL ABOUT IT! CP TRANSPORT’S POSITIVE APPROACH TO CONTAINER TRANSPORT

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UKRAINE WAR'S IMPACT ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE

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BREEZE OPENS NEW OFFICE IN THE U.S. DECLINE IN SPOT FREIGHT RATES

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PROJECT CARGO � SOUTH: HOUSTON, TX � FREIGHTABASE

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Your strategic growth partner

The leading management consultancy for the freight industry and has a range of services to assist freight companies with their growth strategy.

Our aim is simple...

• Partner with our clients and agree a clear growth strategy • Provide the marketing platform to produce the right type of enquiries at the right pace

• Source market leading talent to ensure maximum conversion on all enquiries generated

• Present any suitable acquisition targets to ensure a higher level of guaranteed growth

• Offer a tax efficient, effective exit strategy for owners aiming to sell their freight business

Our mission

To be the globe’s leading strategic growth consultancy for the freight forwarding industry. Forming valuable partnerships with our clients and offering them an effective growth strategy at any stage of their journey.

Sourcing market-leading talent.

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