September 2017
International
Transp rt News
New EU legislation for heavy duty vehicles
Pushing the Boat Out Spliethoff, established in 1921, manages a fleet of 50 multipurpose, geared, tweendeck vessels, ranging from 12,000 to 23,000 DWT which all fly the Dutch flag. We interviewed the firm’s S Schuurman to find out more about the history of the firm, their stance on safety and the environment plus the array of cargo types they transport.
INTERNATIONAL
Heathrow, Best international Airport UK 2017 Awarded by Air Transports Awards 2017
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Welcome to the June 2017 edition of International Transport News. Operated by Finavia, Helsinki Airport is the best-connected airport in Northern Europe. In the ACI Europe report, ranked highest are airports who are offering excellent links with other well connected airports. Flying in at 12th in Europe is Helsinki Airport, a clear first in Northern Europe. Enabling global importers and suppliers to connect electronically with their supply chain partners worldwide, TradeLink Technologies has add-ed over 300 international importers and brands to its customer portfolio. Over the last 17 years, TradeLink has grown organically and profitably, as we discover when speaking with Dan Entac from the firm. I truly hope you enjoy reading this edition. Jess Daykin, Editor
Contents... 4. 6. 12. 14. 16. 20. 24. 26.
News Pushing the Boat Out New EU Legislation Best Pet Transport Company Spain 2017 Forward-Thinking Software Providers A Vital Link in the Chain Promoting a Winning Spirit What Baseball Can Teach Us about Improving Fleet Performance
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Bombardier to Supply 83 Additional Regio 2N Double-Deck Trains to Ile-De-France
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KLM to Optimise Flight Simulator Capacity with Quintiq Quintiq, a Dassault Systèmes brand and global leader in supply chain planning and optimisation (SCP&O), announced on June 27th its partnership extension with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) to optimise the airline’s flight simulator capacity.
KLM’s eight state-of-the-art flight simulators in Amsterdam are dedicated to the ground training of pilots and other crew members. Because the eight simulators afford approximately 15,000 training sessions each year, it is critical that the airline fully utilise this capacity. To do this, KLM needs full visibility of capacity to minimise idle time, identify extra capacity that may be rented out to other airlines and better manage the maintenance of the simulators, most of which takes place overnight. The airline’s current planning methods are a combination of manual planning and a legacy system modelled after flight operations from the early 90s. While the system’s simple algorithm automatically allocates simulator slots, it cannot incorporate collective labour agreement (CLA) rules, templates for transition training and differing session durations for external parties. It also poses many challenges for KLM’s planners. KLM’s search for a solution leads it back to Quintiq ― the partnership that, in 2014, resulted in the successful rollout of a pilot transition planning solution for the airline. This extension will now see Quintiq implement a simulator planning solution that fully aligns with its previous solution, thus ensuring that training demand information is up-to-date always and conflicts are immediately spotted and resolved. “We are impressed with what Quintiq can do,” said Robert Kunen, VP Cockpit Crew Services at KLM. “The combination of our crew planning system and this new simulator capacity optimiser, both developed by Quintiq,
will enable us to maximise the use of our simulator capacity. We can better match supply and demand, and predict constraints and opportunities on the longer term. As a result, we can facilitate crew training more efficiently, resulting in well-trained cockpit crew that will continue to deliver the safe, reliable service KLM is known for.” With Quintiq’s simulator planning solution, KLM planners can look forward to working more efficiently across all time horizons ― they will not only be able to plan up to several years in advance, but also easily make adjustments to optimised long-term plans as demand changes over time. “Quintiq is proud to support KLM with an intelligent planning solution that meets its unique needs,” said Markus Malinen, vice president EMEA-Russia at Quintiq. “We look forward to this partnership that will enable KLM to achieve its vision and elevate its business to greater heights.” www.quintiq.com
c2c Returns to the Top of the Performance League Table The award-winning train operator that runs services between London Fenchurch Street and Shoeburyness achieved more than 96% in the Public Performance Measure (PPM) figures, the latest set of which have just been published by Network Rail. The award-winning train operator that runs services between London Fenchurch Street and Shoeburyness achieved more than 96% in the Public Performance Measure (PPM) figures, the latest set of which have just been published by Network Rail. That makes c2c the best performing out of the 23 train operating companies in the UK – a position it last held in March 2016. The PPM is the measure of punctuality that shows the percentage of trains which arrive at their destination station within 4 minutes 59 seconds of advertised time. It combines figures for punctuality and reliability into a single performance measure, and is the industry standard measurement of performance. The national PPM is 91.2%. c2c Managing Director Julian Drury said: “We’re very pleased that we have regained our position as the most punctual rail operator in the UK. Since March 2016 we’ve worked hard to get back in the top spot, and we’d like to thank all our staff who have helped us achieve this great result. We now aim to maintain and build on these figures month on month, to bring c2c customers the very best rail services.” Ernesto Sicilia, Managing Director of Trenitalia UK said: “I’m delighted by the result achieved by all c2c staff to regain the leadership as the most punctual operator in the market. Since our entrance into the UK market we put all the effort to perform a better service to our customers. Together with the focus on punctuality we are also constantly working to improve the entire quality of all our services.” Further information about c2c, please see www.c2c-online.co.uk
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Pushing the Boat Out Spliethoff, established in 1921, manages a fleet of 50 multipurpose, geared, tweendeck vessels, ranging from 12,000 to 23,000 DWT which all fly the Dutch flag. We interviewed the firm’s S Schuurman to find out more about the history of the firm, their stance on safety and the environment plus the array of cargo types they transport. Spliethoff’s Bevrachtingskantoor B.V. was established in 1921 by Johan Frederik Spliethoff, as a shipbroker, specialising in forest products from the Baltic. In 1946 the first new vessel, the MV Keizersgracht was delivered. The ship was named after the Amsterdam canal where the company had its offices. Ever since, the vessels have borne the names of canals (Gracht) and this has become the trademark of the company over the years.
“The Dutch Spliethoff quality of service was also very much appreciated outside of Europe and within a short time span, they became well-known, with their ships sailing all over the world. Through the years, Spliethoff has built on its quality reputation by constantly keeping the fleet up-to-date, manning it with highly qualified crews and by tailoring its ships to the market, in close consultation with the customer.”
The firm’s S Schuurman begins by giving some fascinating background to the firm’s work.
Still an independent company, Spliethoff today manages a fleet of 50 multipurpose, geared, tweendeck vessels, ranging from 12,000 to 23,000 DWT which all fly the Dutch flag. Being the founding father, Spliethoff can call upon the assistance of the members of the Spliethoff Group: BigLift Shipping, one of the leading operators in the worldwide heavy lift market; Ro-Ro operator Transfennica, Finland’s leading provider of logistic services for the forestry industry, shortsea specialist Wijnne Barends and Ro-Ro tonnage provider Bore. In total, about 100 vessels are operated by the group.
“The delivery of the MV Keizersgracht marked the start of a successful shipping company. The fleet grew steadily from two ships in 1946 with a total DWT of 1,360 tonnes to 20 ships in the sixties containing a total DWT of around 20,000 tonnes. During this time, the ships mainly transported timber from ports in Russia or in countries around the Baltic Sea to ports in Northwest Europe. On the return legs, all manner of cargo was transported. However, the growth of the fleet also changed the field of firm’s work. “In addition to the traditional transport of timber and timber products, many other cargoes were shipped around Europe. In 1975, Spliethoff ordered the construction of its first series of vessels in Japan. The delivery of these six ships led to a further change. Now the company was operating worldwide. Over 40 ships have been built at the same yard. This long-lasting relationship is typical of those that Spliethoff aims to maintain with its clients.
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The Spliethoff Group is one of the largest ship management companies in the Netherlands. S Schuurman is keen to expand this point in his own words. “With nearly a century of maritime experience, the Amsterdam headquartered group has a broad portfolio of specialised services in sectors including dry cargo, breakbulk and project cargo (SpliethoffTM), project and heavy lifts (BigLift ShippingTM), container and Ro-Ro cargo and door-to-door services (TransfennicaTM and Transfennica LogisticsTM), shortsea (Wijnne BarendsTM), yacht transport (Sevenstar Yacht Transport®) and Ro-Ro tonnage provider (Bore TM).
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Company: Spliethoff Name: S Schuurman Email: s.schuurman@sevenstar.nl Web Address: www.spliethoff.com Address: Radarweg 36 1042 AA Amsterdam Telephone: +31 20 4488 400
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“Drawing on Spliethoff’s in-house engineering and logistic capabilities, the group companies work closely together to arrive at safe, integrated and cost-effective solutions. “The Spliethoff Group operates a large and modern fleet of more than 100 vessels ranging from 2,100 to 23,000 tonnes. This versatile fleet includes multipurpose, geared tweendeckers, heavy lift vessels, semi-submersibles, shortsea and Ro-Ro vessels. The company is used to operating in challenging conditions, with almost all the vessels having Ice Class Swedish/Finnish 1A certification and some even Super 1A.”
“Our QHSSE Department ensures that all the vessels comply with or are ahead of the latest quality, health, safety, security and environmental regulations. In co-operation with the crewing and technical departments, they increase the crew’s awareness of safety and environment by means of information and instructions. For instance - a purpose build cargo crane simulator is used to provide additional training and certification for ships staff, exceeding STCW and other national and international requirements. In-house training for office staff is provided to understand the risk factors for all ship operations.”
Spliethoff endeavours to maintain the highest level for quality, health, safety and environment for all its operations. Therefore, the following core safety and environmental values have been identified: • Highest standards in safety management, constantly striving for a zero incident/ accident working environment; • An Integrated Safety Management system, based on the International Safety Management Code meeting or exceeding clients’ expectations; • An exchange of lessons learned via their company magazine, to raise awareness and elimination of recurrence; • Vessels fly the Netherlands quality flag, and all vessels are classed by high standard IACS classification societies; • High standards for design, maintenance and operation of the vessels and training of its crew. • Focus on environmental responsibility; • Operates vessels worldwide, including in Emission Control Areas and through sensitive marine environments, in strict compliance with applicable legislation; • Limiting ship’s emissions of SOx, NOx, soot (fine particles) and CO-2; • Cleaning waste and ballast water and following strict waste management plans and; • The company and ships are certified in accordance with international standards ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISM (International Safety Management) Code, ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security) Code and the Maritime Labour Convention.
Environment - reducing the carbon footprint The crew, technical and operational departments endeavour to minimise fuel consumption, and subsequently, less air emissions (sulphur, nitrogen, CO-2). S Schuurman reveals more about how the firm endeavours to minimise their impact on the environment as far as possible.
S Schuurman turns our attention to the firm’s excellent track record in safety and training. “Spliethoff is constantly striving for a zero incident/accident working environment. Spliethoff continuously and proactively identifies risks on board and provides for specific training programmes on various risk matters. A reporting and monitoring system is in place for risk analysis and management. In-house developed IT systems ensure smooth cooperation between fleet and office, and provide the basis for full compliance. TRANSPORT NEWS JUNE 2017
“The technical department here is continuously searches for new ways to optimise the efficiency of vessels’ propulsion systems and to facilitate economic sailing. Behavioural change and technical measures aim to reduce the electricity and fuel consumption on board. For example, vessels are equipped with a waste heat recovery system. “New ships have been constructed with highly efficient engines, advanced energy efficient rudders and their hull have modern coatings to minimise resistance. Special attention is given to trim and speed optimisation. Vessels use weather routing systems to track and avoid bad weather, and optimise voyage conditions. “Spliethoff strives to reduction of the fleet’s SOx and soot (PM) emissions. S-type classed vessels are almost all equipped with scrubbers of Alfa Laval Aalborg. The scrubber (exhaust gas cleaning system) is a device that washes sulphur and other substances out of the engines exhaust gases.” Less emissions to the water Spliethoff also continuously works on reducing the vessels’ emissions to the water. Waste water for example is cleaned before discharge. Where and when possible, mineral based lubrication oil is replaced with bio-degradable lubricants (EAL). Furthermore, the vessels exchange ballast water on a regular basis to prevent the transport of alien species. New vessels are already equipped with a certified ballast water treatment system and their technical department is reviewing the possibilities for installing ballast water treatment systems on the older vessels, as well prior to the mandatory IMO regulation (Ballast Water Convention).
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Cargo Being established almost 100 years ago and with a diverse fleet, Spliethoff has become a leading dry cargo specialist in worldwide ocean transport. Loading and discharging of non-containerised cargo is a complex operation S Schuurman explains, before developing this point in his own words. “Our specialists know that proper communication between all parties, is critical to the success of any such cargo operation. To ensure all parties are fully informed of the cargo requirements and to have full control over all port operations, we employ our own cargo superintendents. “Our cargo superintendents are experts in cargo and port operations. They liaise between the cargo owners, the vessel and the chartering department and take care, together with the master and his crew, of the planning of a voyage and cargo operations from beginning to end. “The expertise of the crew and the cargo superintendent is vital in the pre-planning phase, which is carried out in a professional and efficient manner, thus saving time and avoiding complications on the day cargo is loaded or discharged. Apart from preparing the stowage plans, the cargo superintendents also attend the vessel during cargo operations to coordinate and supervise loading and discharging operations.” Forest products Spliethoff has been shipping forest and paper products from the very beginning of its existence. S Schuurman tells us more. “The company manages 14 dedicated ‘S-type’ vessels, which were designed in close collaboration with the industry. The vessels boast many special features such as a side loading system, dehumidifying systems in the holds, removable tweendecks and box-shaped holds. “Cargo Superintendent are supervising operations in the loading ports. The design and special features of the vessels, in combination with experienced crews and expert supervision, guarantee swift handling even in adverse weather conditions. This results in Spliethoff having one of the lowest damage ratios in the industry.”
S-type vessels embody many special features including: • A side door system which guarantees swift, damage free handling of paper, even in adverse weather conditions; • Five side loaders of 16 tonnes SWL each; • Dehumidifying system in hold; • Box-shaped holds; • Removable tween decks and; • Up to 18 knots service speed. Steel and general cargo Due to the vessels’ box-shaped holds with no under stow, they are ideal for all types of steel. Using the drop-stow method, vessels can be loaded quickly and efficiently. Spliethoff has very strict rules in place for loading, lashing and securing steel, which means we can ensure that the cargo is handled very carefully. Spliethoff vessels are equipped with de-humidifying equipment reducing the risk of rust developing during the voyage. Bulk Cargo Spliethoff is highly experienced in handling all types of bulk cargo from concentrates and mineral sands to foodstuffs like wheat, barley and cocoa. All vessels are fitted with movable bulkheads and can load up to seven different grades, separated in the various compartments. To ensure there is no leakage and/ or cross contamination between the grades, Spliethoff has developed a unique, patented bulkhead closing system. Project Cargo Spliethoff has a solid track record and decades of experience in the offshore sector and frequently handles project cargo shipments for mining facilities plus power generation plants, as well as for petrochemical plants and oil refineries. S Schuurman turns the conversation towards the firm’s impressive project cargo services. “The fleet is deployed in supporting construction operations, for highly technical heavy lift manoeuvres and for sensitive cargo. Spliethoff is also deployed in offshore pipe laying support by supplying pipes to other vessels at sea, barges and quays. “Any project – large or small – requires a vast amount of planning, coordination and expertise. By getting involved in the planning process as early as possible, Spliethoff provides its clients with detailed, workable solutions and adds value to projects. Finally, it’s worth underlining that the firm has a solid track record and years of experience in the oil & gas market with: vessels suited for offshore operations; safety management as an integral factor in any operation plus of course a high level of reliable in terms of getting the job done in line with the requirements of the customer.
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New EU Legislation New EU legislation on vehicle weights and how it affects truck manufacturers. Owners of all heavy goods vehicles that are used within the European Union, must comply with rules that surround their weight, height, width and length. The new legislation is aimed at making roads safer, improving efficiency and making road transport greener. Currently these vehicles have to regularly spend time being weighed at a weighbridge, which is time consuming and disruptive, yet it is a legal requirement. However, there is now a simple and easy solution that allows truck manufacturers and business owners to accurately weigh their vehicle, quickly with minimal disruption and in real time. The solution is Datum Electronics bolt-on sensors, which offer a simple fix that can help to maximize profits, minimize overload and reduce damage, as well as many safety benefits. Datum offer a design service to implement the adition of strain sensors to a particular vehicle type, to ensure that operators can run a tighter schedule, knowing that their vehicles meet all weight restrictions and regulations, at all times. Where can they be used? Datum’s bolt-on sensors are versatile and cost effective, which is a great benefit for heavy vehicle manufacturers. Usually mounted on each group of a vehicle’s bridge or an axle, these strain gauge bolt-on sensors make it possible for data to be accurately and continuously monitored, so that weights and load bearing vehicles are correctly implemented and used. Heavy vehicles such as forklift trucks (which transport packages of varying weights), articulated, dump trucks and agricultural trailers already benefit from having the ability to gain real-time weight measurements. For heavy vehicle manufacturers, the new legislation highlights importance of incorporating bolt- on sensors into the design and manufacturing process. They also create potential benefits from minimum production and tooling processes, which result in increased efficiency and reduced costs. TRANSPORT NEWS JUNE 2017
The benefits The bolt-on sensors offer complete flexibility for both manufacturers and vehicle owners. They can be installed quickly, easily and efficiently and because they are bolted on, they can actually be removed and replaced very easily. They are cost effective because of their ability to provide on-demand and accurate data that removes the need for drivers to take the vehicle to a weighbridge. The on-board system measures loads directly from the vehicle or equipment, which means that operators can reduce their downtime and remove the need to travel and stop at a weighbridge. - - - - - - -
Simple installation on the line Continuous, simple real-time data Reduced haulage costs Lower maintenance costs Reduced wear and tear due to optimum weigh load Improved productivity Improved operational performance
Why should you choose us? Our bolt-on sensors can be relied on and that counts for a lot in the transport industry, where time is money and margins can be tight. As they are simple to use and install, they will instantly become a tool that benefits your business by increasing productivity and profits. Backed by our experience of designing and producing heavy vehicles sensors for over 25 years, we design using cutting edge components, ensuring that our bolt-on sensors are designed to be reliable, temperature compensated (optional) and easily installed in any environment. Working in partnership with established truck manufacturers, Datum Electronics is able to offer flexible terms that are associated with prototyping, that helps to reduce the costs of development from the initial stage onto full production supply in high volumes for OEMs.
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Name: Datum Electronics Ltd Email: web@datum-electronics.co.uk Web Address: www.datum-electronics.co.uk Address: Trinity Wharf, East Cowes, United Kingdom, PO32 6RF Telephone: +44 (0) 01983 282834
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Best Pet Transport Company Spain 2017 Premier Pet Travel is an international pet travel specialist based in Málaga and has recently been awarded Best Pet Transport Company Spain 2017. We recently invited Industrial Designer, Jarret King to tell us more. With more than 20 years’ experience in pet care and travel Premier Pet Travel offers an unrivalled personal and customized service that takes away the worry and strain of moving pets so customers can enjoy their move and await their arrival, as Jarrett explains. “We have handled the export and import of animals for many years to and from the UK, Europe, USA, Australia, South Africa, the Far East and South America. We handle all their pets’ veterinary requirements allowing them to travel anywhere in the world.” Premier Pet Travel was founded in 2008 by Lucy and James – both animal lovers who make pet welfare their priority. Lucy gained years of experience in the pet travel industry as former owner of Doggies and Moggies and VIPet Travel Services. As for what makes them successful, James notes on how they’ve discovered what makes them unique. “We have successfully found our niche in the pet transport market thanks to our extremely high standards which makes us stand apart from our competition. In addition, we offer a high quality, personalised service which provide customers not only with value for money but peace of mind. “Our objective is to run a friendly, reliable, and safe transport service for customers’ pets. Our operations priority is efficiency and animal welfare. We work to develop and maintain strong relationships – with customers, vets, and transport authorities – which enables us to operate worldwide. Customer satisfaction is a key driver for our business and our client base has grown thanks to matching our customers’ high expectations.”
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Every successful business has a strong work force supporting them and that’s true for Premier Pet Travel as James praises the dedicated staff. “As for our employees’, dedication and expertise is our major strength and has allowed us to build our excellent reputation. We reinvest much of our capital back into our business and facilities to continually improve the quality of our service and the agility of our organisation. “The success of animal transportation operators depends decisively on the quality and qualifications of its employees. This prerequisite will increase in the future so hiring more qualified personnel will be a determining factor for our success.” Looking ahead, James reflects on just some of the accomplishments the company have achieved thus far and how they will continue to grow as a successful business. “By evaluating our business on a regular basis, we consistently find ways to improve our service and expand our business. We have recently gained Accreditation as IATA Cargo Agents and aim to remain competitive in this ever-growing market sector.”
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Contact: James Parsons Email: james@premierpettravel.com Company: PREMIER PET TRAVEL, Alhaurin El Grande Malaga, 29120, Spain, 00952 112 504 Web: www.premierpettravel.com
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Forward-Thinking Software Providers Transwide provide a platform through the cloud that enables shippers to communicate and collaborate with all the logistics partners. We recently invited director, sales and marketing Elie Hiller to tell us more about the company. Since their inception in 2000, Transwide are based globally in areas such as Brazil, New York, Belgium and Shanghai China. Transwide provides a platform that allows shippers to communicate and collaborate with all logistics partners, such as; customers, carriers, freight brokers, freight forwarders, anyone who is moving a product to or moving it from, as Elie expands. “It is important to look at them as logistics partners, as you count on them to collaborate and provide information back. If you can provide them with visibility, it’s perfectly normal to expect them to provide it back, it should be a win-win for all partners.
“When we talk about transportation management solution, which is ultimately what we are, transportation management isn’t always only between you and your carriers. You may want your customers to have visibility when a load is picked up, they do not have to contact your customer department to know whether the load is on its way. The broader our customers are willing and able to view their logistics universe and who are their partners beyond just carriers, the more valuable our solutions become.” When the company started in 2000, Elie is keen to tell us how Transwide deployed their solution directly to the cloud. Making them forward-thinking software providers. Realising that the transportation management lends itself well to leveraging the internet, the web and the cloud, as Elie explains. “With so much of transportation, other than the actual movement of goods, is based on communication. I want to know what type of trucks you’ll have and are your drivers available? Can you be here on Friday or can you deliver to my customer on Tuesday? What time are you going to arrive once you’ve accepted my load? Let me know when you have delivered or if you have had any problems? Send me my invoice or my invoice is incorrect? These are all communications processes, that are normally done through phone tracking and emails, that can all be eliminated. The first value that we recognise of the cloud is it allows for instant collaboration and doesn’t involve us having software on any ones’ computer. As long as you have internet access, a browser and login credentials – you are ready for business.” As for what sets Transwide apart from competitors, Elie notes on how the company have such a global footprint.
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Contact Name: Elie Hiler Email: elie.hiller@wolterskluwer.com Company: Transwide Contact Number: +1(973) 731-3802 Website: www.transwide.com/en-nafta
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“In addition to being able to say that they can deploy their software anywhere but also support it. The first step is being able to support it globally with multiple languages, not only for the application but for the support and implementation.
ding, take the baseline information from the previous years’ transportation management activities and use that to perform analytics. This is to determine if I did the following with the following carries, what would that do for my business? It might provide better service.
“Currently we’ve got customers who have been deployed on six different continents, over 80 countries and in 15 different languages. Day to day we can support them on multi-lingual capabilities.
Looking ahead to what the future holds for Transwide, Elie reflects on the challenges that lie ahead but also highlights the opportunities for the company.
“The second differentiator is that we have been doing this for a long time. Our knowledge of the software and the transportation, logistics industry, practices and processes is very strong. We have deep domain expertise in a lot of the industries that are not very glamourous but have very real and large transportation logistics needs. This is what we refer to as primary material industries, think of them as chemicals, minerals, metals agriculture, heavy equipment fast moving consumer goods(food/beverage).” When discussing trends and issues in the transport sector, Elie highlights just a few he has noticed. “A lot of companies are now looking to take transportation management and extend it from not only from execution but also into planning. That would be cross-mode optimisation or trying to figure out how to handle multiple orders of a multi load truck shipment. “Another big one, is the globalisation of the transportation management software deployment. It’s not only good enough in the US or Europe, in your larger economic zones but trying to push it out to all regions. The ability to do this in a nice way, with making it easier for some of those carriers for some of those carriers who may not have as much technological resources to come on board, use the software and provide value back to our customers very quickly. Being able to deploy, implement and train in the required language, that is important. As globalisation increases, the software solutions need to globalise as well. “The third area of interest that we are seeing is people are interested in taking the data as being captured in transportation management and leveraging or recycling the data, to perform better sourcing exercises. Which means taking the loads that you have done over the course of a year or six months and analysing the characteristics and being able to include that information. I try to source new carriers, so that I can better responses from my carriers because they know exactly what they are getting on. Being able to provide the tool to do that, so I can streamline the amount of work that needs to be done. I can take the data, meaning the pricing data that they are bidTRANSPORT NEWS JUNE 2017
“As people start adopting transportation management software, and begin to expand breadth of functionality that they are using with transportation management. I think there are challenges to try and get more information and faster, but also to leverage that information more proactively. Once you get used to having data at your fingertips, you want more and more immediately. A lot of the challenges that we will see in the upcoming years are getting information from the carriers quicker – that might be integrating or partnering with what we call ‘data aggregator’. People who are collecting information from mobile devices. Which we see as not necessarily a challenge but an area of growth. Starting to increase the use of mobility tools to collect this information much more immediately. “Since we are collecting this vast amount of information about every load that goes out, being able to take that and drill down the information to make better decisions on a day to day basis, strategically or tactically. Strategically on choosing the best carriers to continue working with. On a tactical basis, having the information at your fingertips to make on the spot decisions about re-routing loads. Or notifying customers in advance if there is an incident. “As for our future plans, we are looking to expand our procurement and sourcing opportunities that we have available. We are looking to expand the amount of data we are collecting on a transactional level. Finally, we are always on the search at new ways of integrating or allowing logistics partners (carriers, brokers, etc.) to integrate with us, making it easier, less expensive and much quicker to market. As a whole we are always looking and building and partnering for new tools like that.”
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A Vital Link in the Chain TradeLink Technologies enables global importers, suppliers, and 3PL companies to connect electronically with their supply chain partners worldwide. The primary industries they serve are apparel, footwear, accessories and retail. The importers in these industries are dynamic in nature, constantly changing their supply chain sourcing and logistics providers. We spoke to Dan Entac to learn more about the firm and who they serve. TradeLink customers’ primary goal is to achieve a more connected supply chain (SC), one that affords real-time supply chain visibility, order fulfilment maximisation and distribution flexibility. These goals are met with IT solutions that feature easy to use decision-making tools and analytics to support future trends in SC. TradeLink is a privately held company, which has grown organically and profitably over the last 17 years. Since inception, TradeLink has added over 300 international importers and brands to its customer portfolio - indeed 7,000 customers in 70 countries have utilised TradeLink solutions - and many of these have reported to save hundreds of millions of dollars. TradeLink spends less than 1% of its budget on sales and marketing and relies primarily on customer references for its new business. An important point is that TradeLink is often asked by customers to do more projects. Dan Entac explains the type of solution they provide for their customers.
Most importantly, these solutions can be customised to the customers’ requirements and deployed in a matter of weeks. Summary of SC Solutions PackOne, TradeLink’s primary supplier solution, is a locally-installed thin client server application that offers scan and pack capabilities along with other customisable packing, loading and data-transmitting functionalities. Dan goes on to explain how the solution works. “PackOne receives a buyer purchase order over the internet - in XML standard from a Cloud based portal called TradeLinkOne - and makes it available to the supplier to create shipment documentation and statuses through the packing method of choice. The application then facilitates the production of electronic versions of the advanced shipment notice (ASN) or packing list, invoices, and all necessary production and statuses, sending these back to the TradeLinkOne portal to be reviewed by all parties involved.
“To help our customers achieve a more automated, efficient supply chain, TradeLink provides the necessary platform and solution-set for EDI-type compliance and ‘paperless’ trade documents, meaning purchase orders, advance ship notices, invoices, production statuses, shipment statuses, and other important shipment documents can be sent securely via the Internet by all TradeLink’s supply chain customers and their providers.
“ShipOne, a logistics provider solution, can be paired with PackOne (and the TradeLinkOne portal) to maximise an importer’s supply chain visibility and maximise order fulfilment benefits. ShipOne can be deployed at origin or destination locations, or both. At origin, ShipOne users scan-receive uniquely bar-coded cartons (the ones coded at the factory via PackOne), containerise these shipments and forward all information back to the importer or logistics provider.
“This type of secure, electronic communication lays the groundwork for forward thinking logistics processes such as direct to customer shipments, shipment visibility event statuses and reports and SC trade finance.
“ShipOne also allows for the deconsolidation of larger containerised shipments, into smaller shipments at destination and thereby facilitates the hand-over to ground transportation for delivery, whether that is made direct-to-store or
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Company: TradeLink Technologies Ltd. Name: Dan Entac Email: dan.entac@tradelinkone.com Web Address: www.tradelinkone.com Address: Suite 1607 -09, 16th Floor, World Commerce Centre, Harbour City, Kowloon, Hong Kong Telephone: +852 2970 2168
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direct-to-customer at destination. It is important to note that all logistics customer messages can be handled via ShipOne. In addition, TradeLink can produce the ground parcel package labels for FedEx, UPS and DHL at origin. These are only two of TradeLink’s SC solutions. Other solutions are available and can tackle the inefficiencies found from WIP to shipment-level processes. To clarify, all the firm’s solutions are always coupled with their cloud based TradeLinkOne portal, which serves as an interactive, internet-based platform and interface for receiving and forwarding shipment-related documents. Dan then provides some interesting background to the company and tell us what sets the business apart from their competitors. “TradeLink has been in business for 17 years. It started with several TradeLink principals, that worked with helping different parties along the supply chain maximise revenue by providing shipment visibility, maximising order fulfilment and minimising costs via advanced technology. Several of these parties convinced these principals to start the company and continue to grow the SC best practices vision. TradeLink is now an international firm with two headquarters, one in Hong Kong and another one in the Charlotte, NC. US. We have over 22 offices worldwide to serve our customers locally in their own time zone and language. “Our solution set is readily customisable to meet our customer’s requirements, allowing them to gain a competitive edge in their industry. Simply stated, we seek to deploy a customer’s tailored solution in a matter of weeks and at a very affordable price. Our solution set is primarily cloud based and utilises adaptive technology such as 2D bar codes, RFID, QR, etc. This allows TradeLink to mesh its solutions with its customers’ systems that are already inplace, whether at the buyer or supplier levels. “In terms of SC flexibility, simplicity and the speed of installation are the key traits customers look for in a supply chain solution. To satisfy this, TradeLink offers various ways for how vital information is transmitted – indeed this is an important detail when considering the complexity of the most proficient, cost-effective supply chains. Buyers can send and receive documents in the format most convenient for them, while they can implement a variety of controls and packing tools at the supplier level to ensure data is entered per their firm’s compliance measures. Also, bar codes with unique license plate numbers, ensure that the data is not only accurate but quickly identifiable.” TradeLink’s solution-set can be adapted to meet the needs of customers in all business environments, including countries that lack common infrastructure and resources. Dan is keen to reveal more about this aspect of the firm’s business in his own words. TRANSPORT NEWS JUNE 2017
“Imagine deploying a best practice automation tool in many of the lesser developed countries. Many of our customers in the apparel industry choose a ‘best practice’ of scan and pack – a packing method proven to reduce packing errors and inefficiencies to ensure item accuracy. “Every time the vendor scans a bar-coded item into a carton, this item and carton is registered electronically and made available in the locally-installed software as well as the cloud-based portal, allowing all parties to track and monitor shipment progress and vendor compliance. “Using this registered information, users can send ASNs and other important shipment documentation. Lastly, we like to believe we offer reliable, responsive support after the sale. The supply chain is 24 x 7 and so are we.” Dan then moves the discussion to the firm’s client base and how their products and services are perceived. “Our clients are diverse in their nature – indeed we support some of the largest wellknown brands in the world such as Michael Kors, Coach, Ralph Lauren down to the smallest suppliers in the world in places like Africa. For logistics, we work also with some of the biggest companies such as FedEx Trade, DHL Global Forwarding down to some of the smallest forwarders. “TradeLink’s ability to customise and scale its solutions for the customer has been a key factor for TradeLink’s success. Their comments generally highlight the cost-savings they can achieve through enhanced visibility, shipment accuracy, and efficient data interchange.” In closing, Dan proceeds to discuss the crucial role that staff play in TradeLink Technologies and the exciting plans they have in store for the future. “TradeLink’s staff recognises that its customers’ supply chains share similarities, yet each one is still unique. This observation - combined with TradeLink’s industry and SC experience - enables us to quickly tailor a supply chain solution that achieves and many times exceeds the customer’s supply chain objectives. “We’re always looking to improve the current solution-set by adding more benefits such as cloud based reporting, metrics, and analytics; new offerings and services, such as Trade Finance or enhanced WIP visibility, are two areas TradeLink are actively pursuing. “We’re fortunate that many of our current customers are also demanding more when it comes to their supply chains. This allows TradeLink to play an active role in some of the most effective, forward-thinking global supply chains found today.”
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Promoting a Winning Spirit As a part of the Land Transport Awards 2017, the lucky recipient of the Best Global Electronic Chemicals Distribution Company award was KMG Chemicals. To celebrate this, we profiled the firm’s history, work and approach. KMG’s history dates to the 1980’s, when the company acquired its first pentachlorophenol (penta) distribution business. Over the subsequent years, KMG pursued a methodical strategy to consolidate two niche segments of the industrial wood treating chemicals market: penta and creosote. These businesses represented KMG’s original growth platform – Wood Treating Chemicals – that was fundamental to our early growth and success. High purity process chemicals In 2008, KMG expanded into a new market – high purity process chemicals (HPPC) for the semiconductor manufacturing industry – with the acquisition of the HPPC business from Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. This transformative acquisition established KMG as one of the leading suppliers of high purity electronic chemicals in the U.S. and as an important supplier in Europe. In 2010, we further consolidated the HPPC market with the purchase of Electronic Chemicals assets from U.S.-based General Chemical. In 2013, KMG acquired the Ultra Pure Chemicals business from OM Group, making KMG the first global supplier of HPPC to semiconductor manufacturers worldwide. To further expand and strengthen our electronic chemicals business in Asia, KMG acquired Singapore-based Nagase FineChem in 2016. Performance materials In May 2015, KMG established a new growth platform with the acquisition of Val-Tex, a manufacturer of industrial valve lubricants and sealants. KMG broadened its presence and customer reach in this market with the February 2017 acquisition of Sealweld, a premier supplier of high-performance products and services to global pipeline operators. In June 2017, we further expanded and strengthened our capabilities and product offering in the global pipeline segment with the acquisition of Flowchem, a leading manufacturer of drag-reducing agents. Through these three key acquisitions, KMG is established as a leading global provider of pipeline performance products and services for improving pipeline operations and optimising pipeline throughput. Now in our fourth decade of operations, KMG remains true to our original corporate strategy: “We acquire businesses in mature, TRANSPORT NEWS JUNE 2017
niche markets where we can establish leading market positions through consolidation and organic growth, and we seek to maximise economic returns through a consistent focus on execution and the realisation of operational and commercial synergies.” Our core values always point us in the right direction We strive to be a growing, financially sound company recognised for excellence, passion and sustainability. We are a company where talented people thrive; customers benefit from our excellent service and value-added solutions; and our neighbours respect our good stewardship of the environment. We are a growth-driven organisation dedicated to operational excellence through a consistent focus on execution and efficiencies. Although our customers value us for our products and superior service, and investors judge us on the success of the strategies we employ, we are defined by a set of core values that permeates all that we are and everything that we do. Our core values are: Passion for excellence • We are committed to our internal and external customers, consistently providing superior service and products; • We are a learning organisation, taking every opportunity to continually improve and; • We have a positive attitude and promote a winning spirit. Value our people • We develop our people to their fullest potential; • We set clear goals and expectations in alignment with our corporate strategy and objectives and; • We recognise and reward achievements. Character counts • We are ethical and act with integrity in all our dealings; • We treat our colleagues, customers, suppliers and stakeholders with respect and; • We are trustworthy. Work as a team • We empower our people; • We are as committed to each other as we are to ourselves and;
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We are transparent and open in all our interactions.
Core strengths Our core strengths are the baseline for continued success of any enterprise. At KMG, our core strengths are: • Maximising free cash flow; • Identifying and closing on accretive acquisitions and; • Rapidly integrating acquisitions. This three-step process represents the foundation of our corporate growth strategy. It is a seemingly simple formula, but one that requires focus, discipline and foresight to achieve. From our core strengths, KMG is established as a preferred supplier to our customers, a first-class organisation for our employees and an attractive investment for our shareholders. Since we embarked on our unique Acquisition Growth Strategy in 1996, we have remained steadfast in our goal to manage our operations as smartly and efficiently as possible, maximising cash flow and pursuing only those acquisitions that make financial and strategic sense over the long term. This strategic framework has been the basis for our past growth and success, and will remain so in the future. Our disciplined approach to growth Our growth strategy is to focus on mature, niche segments of larger markets where we can establish leading market positions through consolidation and organic growth. We seek to acquire unique businesses that meet our stringent set of strategic and financial criteria and we aim to maximise economic returns through operational and commercial synergies. While rigorous and time-consuming, our disciplined approach helps ensure that each acquisition we make has the highest possible chance of success and will generate long-term value for shareholders. Since the 1980’s, we have completed more than fifteen acquisitions, gaining invaluable experience and wisdom in all phases of the acquisition and integration process. We know from experience what it takes to acquire and optimise businesses and we become that much better with each acquisition we complete.
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Company: KMG Chemicals Name: David Roe Email: droe@kmgchemicals.com Web Address: kmgchemicals.com Address: Amber Business Centre, Riddings, Alfreton DE55 4DA UK Telephone: +44 (0)1773 844 200
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What Baseball Can Teach Us about Improving Fleet Performance John Molamphy, vice-president of engineering at Fleetmatics reveals what baseball can teach us about improving fleet performance in this insightful guest article.
The year 2016 was an extraordinary one in sport. Leicester City won the Premier League against all odds and the Chicago Cubs claimed their first Major League Baseball title in 108 years. Both teams’ successes were built through excellent performances on the field, and through sophisticated data analysis off the field – providing a lesson for businesses great and small. Using data, statistics and analysis has been really championed by ‘America’s pastime’: baseball. The sport has a statistic for everything – it even has its own term for statistical analysis, sabernomics, which was made famous through Moneyball, a film starring Brad Pitt. Now, Moneyball is used to describe the use of data analysis and a marginal gains philosophy to give an organisation a competitive advantage. It enables organisations to identify trends and new ways to create value that others have overlooked. These small gains, over a period of time add up to make a significant difference. In the film, a Moneyball approach helped the Oakland Athletics, a Northern California-based Major League Baseball team with one of the smallest budgets in the league, compete against the teams with the biggest. But there are lessons in Moneyball for all businesses. Moneyballing your business Most companies use data analysis to help make sound business decisions – particularly when it comes to financial management and expenditure. A Moneyball approach involves a
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deeper dive into data collection and analysis. It involves constantly looking for new insights and metrics to measure. In the Moneyball world, there are no limits to what can be measured and analysed to make improvements. For businesses with workers out in the field, this approach can be particularly beneficial. It doesn’t matter if a business has one or two people out in the field or if it runs an entire fleet, telematics can help an organisation play Moneyball to create new ways to analyse performance, save costs and improve productivity. Gain unprecedented visibility Telematics solutions include location-based technologies that give business owners or managers visibility of where their vehicles are at any given moment. Employees constantly worry when they send employees out to the field – is that person where they need to be? Are they doing what the customer needs them to? Rather than relying on timesheets or reports from a driver at the end of a day, these technologies allow managers to gain real-time updates on job status and give data that can be used to improve performance and keep customers happy. For example, telematics will help managers identify if a driver is stuck in traffic so they can then call ahead to and let the customer know, defusing a potentially volatile situation. But telematics is not simply about monitoring workers – it has many other uses. Telematics allows employers to analyse how time is spent
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Company: Fleetmatics Name: John Molamphy, vice-president of engineering For more information, please contact: Name: Rory Tolson Telephone: +44 (0)20 7592 1200 Web Address: www.brands2life.com
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each day to look for improvements or efficiencies. Managers can more effectively plan routes to account for traffic, how they schedule jobs to avoid peak periods and better manage workloads. This data-driven approach could even help to schedule more jobs per day. It may not sound like much, but over the course of a year and across several vehicles, it could be a huge boost to a bottom line. It can also help to keep employees happy and engaged – research from PWC reveals that 26 percent of people who call in sick do so because they were bored with their job. A full workload helps days pass quickly, improve employee morale and reduce absenteeism. Even one day saved through absenteeism can have a noticeable impact on profits. Reduce costs through improved driver behaviour Driver behaviour has a big impact on profitability. Speeding, harsh braking, acceleration, weight of load, and engine idling can all be measured using telematics. Having visibility on, and then taking action against these metrics can change a business. For example, a vehicle idling for just 10 minutes per working day, averaged over a year can cost a business almost £60. That’s essentially a free tank of fuel for every vehicle in a business. Similarly, with speeding, every five-mph driven over 65 mph represents a seven percent decreases in fuel efficiency. Telematics helps managers see which of their drivers are accelerating too harshly or speeding, and enable them to address the issue. Managers can also be alerted to inefficient routes or deviations from schedules. The impact this has on the fuel consumption, efficiency and safety is significant. Rolled out across all vehicles, the effect on the bottom line of a business is vast. And these savings can be invested elsewhere in the organisation. Simply put, Moneyball is a modern take on the old adage – take care of the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves. Technology allows businesses to collect and measure data on almost anything. Using data and analysis creates small savings and improvements on a day-to-day level, which have a big impact yearon-year. Savvy businesses are applying this philosophy across their business to turn a well-run operation into a championship winning team.
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Bombardier to Supply 83 Additional Regio 2N Double-Deck Trains to Ile-De-France Rail technology leader Bombardier Transportation has received an order for 83 Regio 2N train sets from the French National Railway Corporation, Societe nationale des chemins de fer francais (SNCF) on behalf of the Paris public transport authority, Syndicat des Transports d’Ile-de-France (STIF).
This call off is valued at approximately €867 million ($968 million) and includes price escalations based on best faith assessment of assumptions. These new trains, entirely financed by the STIF, are planned to enter service at the end of 2019 on Line N leaving from Paris Montparnasse Station as well as on portions of the RER D line. Valerie Pecresse, President of the Ile-de-France Region, announced her intention to order additional Regio 2N when visiting Bombardier’s Crespin site in February. During the site tour, she was introduced to the train’s colorful interior design as well as the train’s specific features tailored to meet the needs of Paris’ suburban network: accessibility at all stations, uncluttered onboard access platforms enhancing passenger flow to seating areas, air conditioning, a dynamic travel information system and power plugs to recharge passengers’ mobile devices. “Based on our successful BOMBARDIER OMNEO double deck platform, each Regio 2N offers space for 1,000 passengers, translating into more comfort and seating capacity for the busy commuter lines in the Ile-de-France Region. It also represents a great benefit to Crespin site, the Hauts-de-France Region and the French rail industry”, stated Laurent Bouyer, President of Bombardier Transport France.
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With this order for these 83 additional Regio 2N and the previous order of 42 Regio 2N for the line R placed in December 2014, the STIF will have a substantial fleet of 125 Regio 2N and will benefit fully from the operating and maintenance cost optimisation of the OMNEO platform. To date, ten French regions have ordered a total of 341 OMNEO/Regio 2N trains under a contract signed in 2010 with SNCF on behalf of the regions for a maximum of 860 trains. The OMNEO platform offers trains for suburban, regional and intercity services. Orders per region are as follows: 40 OMNEO Premium intercity trains for Normandy and 301 Regio 2N for Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes (40), Brittany (26), Centre-Val de Loire (14), Hauts-de-France (25), Ile-de-France (125), Nouvelle Aquitaine (24), Occitanie (18), Pays-de-la-Loire (13), ProvenceAlpes-Cote d’Azur (16). www.bombardier.com
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Yes, it’s possible!
Greencarrier is one of the Nordic region’s largest privately owned companies specialising in global transport solutions. Today we are a team of 800 employees in 14 countries with offices in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, the UK, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and China. freightservices.greencarrier.com