FORWARDER magazine issue 52

LET’S KEEP ON TRUCKIN’ COV WATID-19 CH NEW SEC

TIO

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COVID-19 WATCH

How the industry is working together in reaction to this crisis

DON’T KEEP CUSTOMERS WAITING ...how route-planning software can help

IF IT AIN’T BROKE…

The case for modern Time & Attendance systems

ZENCARGO & DHL WITH

#MASKS4 NHSHEROES ISSUE52

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

We’ve built great relationships with international air carriers around the world offering a full, market-leading logistics package. All delivered by industry experts and supported by transparent, leading-edge information management. We make logistics simple, no matter what the challenges.

For exceptional air freight service:

Call: 0333 988 4848 www.allairglobal.com 2 FORWARDER magazine ISSUE52

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

WFORWARDER magazine

ISSUE52

elcome to

CONTENTS

AIR FREIGHT

2

COV WA ID-19 TCH NEW S EC T IO

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SEA FREIGHT ROAD FREIGHT

PROJECT CARGO

AIR & SEA PORTS

46 NEWURE UCT R T S FOR 0 202

TECH & DIGITALISATION

56

70 78 84

EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS

106

CUSTOMS CLEARANCE

110

INDUSTRY SERVICES

118

TRAINING & RECRUITMENT

136

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

152

MEDIA & MARKETING

160 FORWARDER magazine

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We’re one of the UK’s leading independent shipping and logistics providers.

Trusted since 1833 by some of the world’s leading companies, we provide liner and port agency services, freight forwarding by sea, air and road, warehousing & distribution services and end to end supply chain management.

FREIGHT FORWARDING

WAREHOUSING & DISTRIBUTION

LINER & PORT AGENCY

EXPERTS IN

SHIPPING, TRAVEL & LOGISTICS SINCE 1833

FORWARDER magazine ISSUE52 4 Hull | Immingham | Manchester

T: +44 (0) 161 834 6444 E: sales@johngood.co.uk www.johngood.co.uk | London | Felixstowe | Liverpool | Plymouth | Bradford

WELCOME TO FORWARDER...

A WORD FROM

A

FORWARDER

MEET THE TEAM

s we seemingly inch towards the end of this lockdown,

CRAIG EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

or at least the first phase of it, we hope you've been

craig@freightsolutions.com

keeping safe and that your business or employer has been

RICHARD ADVERTISING

weathering the storm with some success.

richard@freightsolutions.com +44 (0)1454 275 952

As we did last month, we start with our new COVID-19 Watch

DOM ADVERTISING

section, celebrating the various ways in which our industry has been

dom@freightsolutions.com +44 (0)1454 628 794

working together to see us through. Competitors have become allies, and at the very least everyone's acknowledging that we're all

NICK ADVERTISING

in the same boat here. Or truck or plane, of course.

nick@freightsolutions.com +44 (0)1454 275 931

We always welcome feedback about FORWARDER magazine from

MOHIT SOCIAL MEDIA

please send them over to team@forwardermagazine.com

TIM GRAPHIC DESIGNER

mohit@freightsolutions.com

our readers, so if you have any comments, requests or suggestions,

tim@forwardermagazine.com Tim Headford, Graphic Designer, FORWARDER

Issue52 Issue51

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COVID-19 WATCH

Hopefully the most short-lived section of FORWARDER, we'll bring you word on how the industry is reacting to this crisis and how we're all working together to get through it.

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

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COVID-19 WATCH

NEWS

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

14 APRIL 2020

ZENCARGO, DHL JOIN FORCES WITH CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN TO SOURCE & DELIVER

MILLIONS OF POUNDS’ WORTH OF ESSENTIAL PPE Z •• Traditional NHS supply chains are under intense pressure from

encargo and DHL have announced a collaboration with

the spread of COVID-19. Logistics businesses are collaborating

doctor-founded crowdfunding campaign Masks for NHS

with philanthropic initiatives to ensure that essential medical equipment reaches those in need.

Heroes, creating a brand new supply chain for procuring life-

saving Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for frontline NHS staff.

•• Crowdfunder campaign, Masks For NHS Heroes, raised £1.5m in just

As the NHS attempts to deal with the spread of COVID-19, their

over one week to source much needed PPE for frontline NHS staff.

supply chains are under more pressure than ever before. As is the case in many countries, the UK is suffering a critical shortage of

•• This has included notable celebrity donations, including

PPE, including face masks, visors, surgical gowns and gloves. These

£275,000 from actor James McAvoy, who has been sharing

tools are essential for limiting the risk of contracting COVID-19

video updates on the campaign across his social media.

while working in close contact with infected patients. In order to support the Government and the NHS, a Crowdfunder campaign

•• The initial order of PPE is for 100,000 protective eye-shields which have now been successfully delivered to London hospitals.

called Masks for NHS Heroes, set up by a group of doctors, is finding alternative ways to respond to the shortage of PPE through suppliers in China. In just over one week ‘Masks for NHS Heroes’

•• Zencargo, the digital freight forwarder, has coordinated the

has raised over £1.5million, including notable celebrity donations,

clearance and transport of the PPE from China; while global

such as £275,000 from James McAvoy, who has been sharing video

logistics experts D HL have managed the distribution of PPE

updates on the campaign across his social media. The money raised

to a large number of hospitals over Easter weekend. Both

has been used to secure an initial order of 100,000 medical-grade

companies are working pro bono.

protective eye-shields from accredited manufacturers in China.

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Creating a new supply chain

•• Guys & St Thomas NHS Foundation

The procurement of PPE has become especially challenging in

•• Northwick Park

recent weeks due to an unprecedented global demand. This has

•• William Harvey Hospital

been exacerbated by lockdowns in India, a major producer of PPE,

•• Kings College Hospital

and strict quality control processes recently implemented in China,

•• Princess Royal University Hospital

aimed at preventing the export of non-medical grade equipment.

•• Nightingale Hospital

Working directly with teams on the ground in China, including the British

In this uncertain time, supply chains are more important than ever,

Consulate, Zencargo was able to rapidly arrange key customs clearances

especially when it comes to those risking their health on the front line

and quality control assurances, in addition to securing exemptions from

in the fight against this disease. We’re proud to be doing our part to

duties, in order to ensure the fastest UK delivery possible. Due to severe

support our NHS, and help ‘Masks For NHS Heroes’ continue their

shortages of air freight capacity, the goods needed to be transported on

incredible work. As we move forward, it’s incumbent on logistics and

three different flights from China to London.

supply chain businesses to use their skills and networks to open doors for these essential goods and do what they can to keep people safe.

Expert Logistics company, DHL, will then assume control of the

Alex Hersham, CEO, Zencargo

distribution of the PPE once it lands in London. Using their vast distribution network, they will navigate all of the challenges in

How you can help

delivering PPE to a large number of hospitals over Easter weekend

While this campaign has made huge progress, the requirement for

during the COVID-19 lockdown. These included:

PPE by NHS staff will go on for months, and there is so much more

•• Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

we can do to help get it to them on the front line. You can be a part

•• St George University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

of this international effort to support those who are risking their

•• Barts Health NHS Trust

lives to keep us all safe at this time. Please donate to the Masks for

•• Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust

NHS Heroes fundraiser here and make a difference today.

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COVID-19 WATCH

NEWS

24 APRIL 2020

EDDIE STOBART IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THE NHS WITH A NEWLY BRANDED

RAINBOW TRUCK TO RAISE MONEY FOR NHS CHARITIES TOGETHER T o support NHS Charities Together, Eddie Stobart has branded one of its trailers with a rainbow and the NHS logo. All revenue

that the truck earns over the next three months will be donated

to NHS Charities Together.

The last few weeks for every industry has been turbulent and

challenging. Eddie Stobart are at the forefront of the supply chain making over 40,000 deliveries each week for some of the UK’s leading grocery retailers and food processing suppliers. This has only been possible by the sheer professionalism of our key workers, drivers, management and our back-office support colleagues, all of whom help keep the nation moving. We are all extremely proud to support the NHS through these unprecedented times.

William Stobart, Executive Chairman, Eddie Stobart I’m hugely proud and privileged to be asked to pull the rainbow trailer, which clearly shows our appreciation for the NHS, and those on the front line.

Jack Leight, the driver of the NHS trailer

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

EDDIE STOBART IN COLLABORATION WITH TESCO Eddie Stobart in collaboration with Tesco have branded four trailers in support of the NHS. The trailers are working seven days a week out of Tesco Chilled Distribution Centre in Widnes, Cheshire.

These trailers are carrying fresh produce to the Tesco stores in the North West of England.

ABOUT EDDIE STOBART •• Eddie Stobart will be 50 years’ old this November •• Over 2,500 trucks in the UK and Europe •• 6 trains running 7 days per week •• Our trucks travel the equivalent of over 500 times to the moon and the back in a year •• We deliver over 40,000 full truck loads per week •• We also deliver over 90,000 individual full pallets through The Pallet Network per week •• We pick, pack and dispatch over 240,000 items online per day •• We have over 9 million sq. ft. of warehousing •• Employing over 8,000 people

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COVID-19 WATCH

NEWS

1 APRIL 2020

DAVIES TURNER OFFERS INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS TO

MANAGE SUPPLY CHAINS HIT BY COVID-19 T he UK’s largest independent freight forwarding company

We are also reconfiguring some of our logistics warehouses

that offers multimodal services for the storage and

to increase capacity and make available a greater number of pallet

international distribution of freight is working hard to keep

positions for customers with stock that has been imported, but

supply chains running, despite the global cargo capacity crunches in

is not required by end-users at the moment. For example, this

both air and ocean freight.

has created several thousand more pallet slots at our Dartford Distribution Centre for anyone with an urgent requirement for

Davies Turner Chairman, Philip Stephenson says that Davies Turner

additional storage in their supply chain. This is replicated in varying

Ltd, the group's surface freight subsidiary, continues to operate

degrees at our other main hubs across the country.

services and logistics operations as near to normal as possible.

As a member of the Pall-Ex network since 2005, covering Dartford He says:

Innovative thinking has been central to Davies Turner's

and adjacent postcodes in Kent as well as south-east London, we are

150-year existence. In the face of the disruption caused by the

putting our domestic distribution fleet at the government’s disposal

Covid-19 virus, and given the fact that the regional trade restrictions

for the express distribution of critical emergency, medical and food

and freight capacity are under such pressure, now is the time for that

supplies.

innovative thinking to continue.

We have already handled products such as medicines, hospital Davies Turner is continuing with that pioneering tradition and despite

equipment and testing kits.

the disruption caused by the Covid-19 virus, we have now recommenced our direct Express China Rail Service, which offers a door-to-door

But innovation is typical of the group's history. In the 1870s,

transit time of between 20 and 24 days, and is the only direct rail service

Alfred Davies, co-founder of the company, pioneered innovative

for groupage as well as full loads into the UK. We anticipate the arrival

groupage services which consolidated small shipments from different

of the first container into our Dartford hub in early April.

customers onto one bill of lading. This enabled them to overcome

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

the high minimum charges being raised by most shipping lines at the

There will be more innovations to come as we seek to help clients

time, which were becoming excessive for shippers with small and

old and new with the management of their supply chains in combatting

even medium-sized consignments.

Covid 19 whilst maintaining preparedness for eventual Brexit.

This led to Davies Turner taking on its own depot and becoming the front-runner in introducing standard reusable lift-vans, a precursor to unitisation, containers and modern logistics services.

At the dawn of the 20th century, we became one of the first companies to switch from horse-drawn carts to motorised goods vehicles and, mid-century, launched our cutting-edge TIR (customssealed) trailer services to continental Europe.

In 2008, Davies Turner became one of the first freight forwarders within the UK to achieve and retain AEO accreditation from HMRC. We were due to celebrate our 150th anniversary in June with a great staff party, but that has fallen victim to the effect of the virus, so the pleasure will be deferred into next year. We still have the photos of our 60th anniversary celebration, which was fortunately held early just before the Western economies crashed in 1929.

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COVID-19 WATCH

NEWS

FTA LAUNCHES FORUM TO SUPPORT INDUSTRY 7 APRIL 2020

THROUGH COVID-19

F

TA, the only business group representing the entire logistics

COVID-19 period; the second forum, Related resource required, is

sector, has this week launched an online member-to-member

for members to share and discuss the resource they require.

platform to support businesses across the industry through

the COVID-19 outbreak. This resource will provide members of the

For more information and to get involved, please visit

organisation with the chance to link businesses in need of logistics

fta.co.uk/coronavirus/member-discussion-forum. The forum is for

staff or fleet resources with available workers or vehicle capacity.

FTA members, but FTA will be waiving its joining fee until 30 April 2020, for more information please visit fta.co.uk/membership or call

Following the runaway success of FTA’s #LogisticsHelpsLogistics

03717 11 22 22.

campaign – which used the hashtag to link businesses in need of logistics personnel or fleet resource with available workers or vehicle capacity via social media – we wanted to make it as simple as possible

ABOUT FTA

for our members to take these conversations forward, in addition to

Efficient logistics is vital to keep the UK trading, directly having

sparking new connections. With the social media campaign reaching

an impact on more than seven million people employed in

more than 1.3 million logistics workers within just five days, we are

the making, selling and moving of goods. With Brexit, new

confident the launch of FTA’s dedicated member portal will make

technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the

a significant difference in helping to keep goods moving across the

way goods move across borders and through the supply chain,

UK during the outbreak. If you have personnel or fleet resources

logistics has never been more important to UK plc. FTA is one

available for hire, or alternatively you are looking to fill a shortage

of the biggest business groups in the UK, supporting, shaping

of workers or vehicles, we urge you to visit the online member

and standing up for safe and efficient logistics. We are the only

platforms and connect with your industry peers.

business group in the UK that represents all of logistics, with

Kevin Green, Director of Marketing & Communications, FTA

members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers

The first forum, Related resource available, is for FTA members to share and discuss availability of their fleet or personnel during the

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ISSUE52

whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods

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

A

AL is offering cargo transport, free of freight charge, to

2020 is our 25th anniversary year and we unanimously agreed to

registered charities worldwide needing to transport vital

harness this milestone to give something back to the communities

goods and equipment internationally and suffering the

that we serve. 'Get Onboard!' is open to any registered charity

financial effects of the Covid-19 global pandemic

– children's, environmental, health & disability, welfare & hunger/ poverty, community service, educational, animal protection, etc.

Singapore, Wednesday 8th April 2020 : In the wake of the Covid-19

We have a fleet of multipurpose heavy lift ships operating nonstop

global pandemic and mounting economic pressure on charities to

and carrying cargo between large and small ports in key markets

maintain their vital support of worthy causes, AAL – celebrating its

across the world – Oceania, Asia, India, Middle East, Europe, Africa,

25th anniversary this year – is offering these organisations cargo

and the Americas. Subject to terms and conditions being met, we

transport on its global fleet to and from any port on its scheduled

will carry containerised (shipper owned container) cargo free of

sailings, free of freight charge.

freight charge no matter how long the journey. It’s our privilege to try and help.

AAL’s ‘Get Onboard!’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative is being launched today for an indefinite period and will consider any

'Get Onboard!' is being officially launched today and AAL will

registered charity worldwide regardless of the chosen cause.

be circulating details and terms and conditions to registered charitable organisation databases and promoting the initiative

The virus pandemic has taken its toll on not just the shipping sector,

online via social media.

but businesses and organisations everywhere – devastating supply chains and pressuring financial performance. This is especially true

It is also harnessing the group email aal@aalshipping.com, through

of charities, who rely on the goodwill of individual and institutional

which interested charities can obtain more information and be

donors to get help. Unfortunately, widespread job losses, social

guided through the process.

distancing regulations, and the global economic downturn means they are losing much needed support and revenue. This, in turn, hurts the beneficiaries of their work the most.

AAL LAUNCHES ‘GET ONBOARD!’

Kyriacos Panayides, Managing Director, AAL

8 APRIL 2020

TO OFFER CHARITIES WORLDWIDE FREE CARRIAGE FORWARDER magazine

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COVID-19 WATCH

NEWS

8 APRIL 2020

GOSHIP.COM HELPS SMALL BUSINESSES & INDIVIDUALS WHILST

DONATING ALL PROFITS FOR TWO MONTHS TO THE CDC FOUNDATION

G

oShip.com, a digital shipping platform, is donating 100%

We’re fortunate to be classified as an essential business and to

of its profits from April and May to help the response

be in a position to help others. GoShip has continued to experience

to COVID-19. GoShip will be donating the profits to

recordsetting volumes throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and we

the CDC Foundation’s Emergency Response Fund, which provides

are pleased to be able to give back to the medical community.

support to rapidly emerging response needs related to COVID-19.

Ramesh Chalapalli, Director of Product, GoShip.com

As a 24/7 digital shipping platform, GoShip is open all the time and

GoShip.com is a digital shipping platform that allows shippers of

requires no face-to-face contact – which is particularly relevant

all sizes to electronically book fulltruckload (FTL) and less-than-

with social distancing and stay-at-home orders throughout the

truckload (LTL) shipments at the press of a button, while enjoying

United States. Featuring a user-friendly interface, customers can

highly competitive rates that are unavailable to most non-Fortune

conveniently place orders anytime and anywhere in just a few minutes

500 shippers.

while saving up to 30% over some of the better-known shipping options. GoShip has relationships with more than 50,000 freight

For more information, visit GoShip.com. To download the GoShip.

carriers, providing shippers of all sizes the most cost-competitive

com app, visit the Apple Store or Google Play on your Apple or

shipping solutions.

Android device.

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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at ???

Are you a hiring manager working from

The Headford Group is offering the option

home trying to fill a vacancy or wary of

of pre-screening and live-video interviews

inviting people to your office in the midst

to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

of this new virus outbreak?

We all need to take this threat seriously and at Headford we want to do our bit to help.

To find out more, please contact (preferably not physically) one of our recruitment consultants for a free demonstration.

+44 (0)1454 275 957

info@headfordgroup.com FORWARDER magazine

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COVID-19 WATCH

NEWS

POSTPONEMENT OF DVS & LEZ 9 APRIL 2020

VITAL TO LONDON PANDEMIC EFFORT, SAYS FTA

I

n response to today’s announcement by the Mayor of London,

trucks are already being disrupted and more effects are expected.

Sadiq Khan, (9 April 2020) that Transport for London is

Delaying enforcement will allow businesses to focus their efforts

postponing the enforcement of the Direct Vision Standard (DVS)

on ensuring the population of London continue to receive the

and the tightening of the London-wide Low Emission Zone (LEZ)

food, hygiene products and other basic items required to see

for at least four months until the end of February 2021, Natalie

them through this pandemic. Whilst the announced delay will

Chapman, Head of Urban Policy at FTA comments:

give welcome relief to logistics operators, a longer period is likely to be needed for businesses to adjust and FTA will continue to

Logistics businesses are having to give their complete attention to

work collaboratively with TfL on the details and the timetable.

the urgent task of keeping goods moving across London throughout

Many operators had already started replacing vehicles and fitting

the Covid-19 outbreak; there is simply no time, resource or funding

additional safety equipment in preparation for the original October

for them to undertake the significant work needed to prepare

deadline, so in many cases compliance with these schemes will be

their fleets for the arrival of DVS and the tightening of the LEZ. As

realised even sooner than the original October deadline.

such, we are relieved the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, listened to the concerns shared by FTA’s Chief Executive, David Wells,

Efficient logistics is vital to keep the UK trading, directly having

in his letter dated 20 March 2020 and has agreed to delay the

an impact on more than seven million people employed in the

enforcement of both schemes for at least four months until the end

making, selling and moving of goods. With Brexit, new technology

of February 2021. FTA and its members support fully the Mayor

and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move

of London’s ambition to improve road safety and air quality across

across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never

the capital but dealing with the immediate crisis of Covid-19 – a

been more important to UK plc. FTA is one of the biggest business

situation unprecedented in our times – must for now take priority.

groups in the UK, supporting, shaping and standing up for safe and

Logistics operators are already facing significant disruption to their

efficient logistics. We are the only business group in the UK that

operations as members of their workforce fall ill and/or enter into

represents all of logistics, with members from the road, rail, sea

self-isolation. Achieving compliance with DVS will require many

and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such

goods vehicles over 12 tonnes to have additional cameras, sensors

as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the

and alarms fitted. However, supplies of technology, equipment and

efficient movement of goods.

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

T

he team at Ligentia have already provided free storage

I believe that at this difficult time we all have a responsibility

options to many organisations to help manage increased

to support each other to the best of our ability. When Ligentia

inventory in China. Now they have stepped up again,

was approached by Shield Aerosol to transport the new DRs INK

offering logistic support to an organisation that has designed and

Shields, the decision was very easy in offering them a free service to

built new personal protective equipment (PPE).

support their first shipment arriving this week.

Dan Gill, Group CCO, Ligentia

Following discussions last week with Shield Aerosol, Ligentia will be moving the first shipment into the UK of their new DR’s INK Shield

The next stage of the project will see the team deploy the solution

free of charge.

as quickly as possible to the front line of COVID-19 care and Ligentia has been quick to respond to their supply chain requirements.

The disposable Resuscitation, Intubation and Nebulisation Kit Shield – or DRs INK Shield – is a compact device to cover the patient’s head, neck and shoulder area while treatments for COVID-19 are administered.

Created as a protective barrier between patients and healthcare professionals, the shield has been designed by experts at the University of Birmingham. The project, which has rapidly moved from conception through to product development, will offer an additional form of PPE that can be quickly assembled during emergency situations.

9 APRIL 2020

LIGENTIA SUPPORTS

NEW SHIELD DISTRIBUTION FORWARDER magazine

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COVID-19 WATCH

NEWS

9 APRIL 2020

AMERICAN AIRLINES TRANSPORTS

CRITICAL SUPPLIES TO US & BEYOND WITH MORE CARGO-ONLY FLIGHTS

A

t American Airlines, caring for people extends beyond

In March, the airline began operating its first cargo-only flights since

the airplane. In times of need, American is there to care

1984 between Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and Frankfurt (FRA),

for the communities we serve. The airline is expanding its

transporting more than 350,000 pounds of medical supplies, mail for

cargo-only operation this month to provide more than 5.5 million

active U.S. military, telecommunications equipment and electronics

pounds of capacity to transport critical goods each week between

to support communities impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19)

the U.S. and Europe, Asia and Latin America.

health crisis around the globe.

These flights will help transport life-saving medical supplies and

In the coming week, American will expand its cargo-only service

materials to the U.S., including personal protective equipment

to multiple destinations with the addition of flights from DFW to

and pharmaceuticals. Other essential goods on these flights will

Dublin (DUB) and Hong Kong (HKG); between New York (JFK) and

include manufacturing and automotive equipment, fresh fruits and

London Heathrow (LHR); and between Miami (MIA) and Buenos

vegetables, fish, mail and electronics.

Aires (EZE). The airline is also working toward adding cargo-only service to Shanghai (PVG) and Seoul (ICN) by the end of the month.

The air cargo industry plays a critical role in pulling the world together in times of crisis, and it takes all of us to get the job done.

In addition to this service, American continues to carry cargo on all

With the expansion of American’s cargo-only flights, we have more

of its passenger flights. Internationally, the airline’s widebody aircraft

capacity to bring critical medical supplies and protective gear to

operate 17 weekly flights, with the capacity to move almost 2 million

the areas that need it most. We also play a key role in transporting

pounds of cargo per week. Passenger flights on widebody aircraft

essential goods to keep the world’s economy moving. I take immense

include daily service between DFW and LHR, MIA and LHR and

pride in all the ways our airline and our industry are responding to

three weekly flights between DFW and Tokyo Narita (NRT).

make a difference when the world needs us most.

Rick Elieson, President of Cargo & Vice President of International Operations, American Airlines

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

I

AG Cargo is operating a global network of cargo-only flights to

•• The first round-trip on the Shanghai - Madrid ‘medical air-corridor’

keep vital medical supplies moving across the world to support

included 3 million face masks. In total, IAG Cargo has now

the fight against COVID-19.

transported over 10 million masks on the Iberia network alone.

•• Since 2 April, 60 tonnes of PPE have been carried in several

It is leading on co-ordinating efforts across International Airlines

flights between Mexico City and Madrid.

Group (IAG) airlines including Aer Lingus, British Airways and Iberia, to

•• 23 respirators from Brussels and Munich transported by Iberia

transport critical goods like personal protective equipment (PPE), hand

to supplement intensive care units in five Madrid hospitals. The

sanitiser and ventilators as health authorities seek fast, reliable delivery.

airline has also brought medical supplies from Tokyo.

•• Additional consignments have included: 3.5 tonnes of sanitary

Since March, IAG Cargo and its sister airlines are operating charter

suits from Seoul to Dublin; 1.2 tonnes of face masks from

and cargo-only flights on passenger aircraft with shipments including:

New Delhi to Newark, USA; 4 tonnes of medical parts and accessories from JFK to Shannon and 2 tonnes of lab

•• Hand sanitiser supplies from China, India and the Middle East to

instrumentation and medical supplies from Boston to Milan.

London Heathrow destined for the NHS. The largest shipment booked to date has been a single charter on a British Airways

The events of recent weeks have put our adaptiveness and agility as

aircraft carrying 55 tonnes. More than 100 tonnes of sanitiser

a business to the test. We have provided new services through charters

have been shipped since March.

and cargo-only flights and established new routes to put freight capacity

•• A large consignment of PPE for the NHS, carried on British Airways B777-300 aircraft.

where it is needed. The whole IAG Cargo team is proud to be providing these key services to maintain the flow of food and essentials and to

•• Aer Lingus and IAG Cargo are operating up to five flights per

support the unprecedented demand for medical items. We are working

day from Beijing to Dublin to transport PPE. This is set to run

closely with airlines, governments, health authorities and industry

for two months in a critical supply operation for the Irish Health

partners to keep these vital supplies moving.

Service Executive (HSE).

Lynne Embleton, Chief Executive, IAG Cargo

•• Iberia carried 90 tonnes of medical supplies and protective materials from Shanghai to Madrid, on three return flights from 31 March to 1 April.

9 APRIL 2020

IAG CARGO TRANSPORTS

OVER 1,000t OF MEDICAL EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES

FORWARDER magazine

ISSUE52

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COVID-19 WATCH

NEWS

ETIHAD EXPANDS PASSENGER FREIGHT COVERAGE 9 APRIL 2020

CONTINUING TO DELIVER ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES TO UAE & THE WORLD

F

ollowing its recent launch of passenger freighter flights to

Etihad Cargo has also operated a series of special charters to carry

10 destinations, complementing its Boeing 777 freighter

urgent consignments of medical supplies from mainland China

operations, Etihad Cargo is pleased to announce five

and Hong Kong to destinations in Europe and the Americas. As

additional routes using Etihad Airways passenger aircraft to increase

the national airline of the UAE, Etihad is working closely with

the flow of essential supplies into the United Arab Emirates and

government authorities to provide such consignments having

provide further east-west connectivity between major markets.

recently concluded dedicated cargo charters to Serbia, Greece, Chad, Malaysia, Kazakhstan and Italy.

Using bellyhold capacity on a mix of Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft, Etihad Cargo is introducing services between Abu Dhabi and

In accordance with the mandate from our country’s leadership

Melbourne, Chennai, Kerala, Karachi, and Amsterdam, in addition to

to preserve the wellbeing and safety of the citizens and residents in

passenger freighters already operating scheduled cargo-only flights

the UAE, Etihad Cargo is pleased to play a leading role in continuing

to Seoul, Beijing, Bangkok, Singapore, Manila, Jakarta, Mumbai, Delhi,

to deliver essential supplies to the UAE, in this unprecedented

Bangalore and Riyadh.

environment. We are also playing our part in supporting international requirements for essential freight, carrying significant consignments

The new routes will further ensure continuity of fresh imports to

of goods between other nations.

the UAE including meat, fish and seafood, fruits, and vegetables,

Abdulla Mohamed Shadid,

in addition to pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, as the nation

Managing Director Cargo & Logistics, Etihad Aviation Group

continues to take responsible measures to ensure food security and national health as part of its response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

With these additional flights Etihad Cargo will now operate over 90 turnaround flights a week to 29 destinations in 5 continents using the combined fleet of dedicated Boeing 777 freighters and Boeing 787 passenger aircrafts.

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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at etihad.ae

ABOUT ETIHAD CARGO Etihad Cargo is the cargo and logistics arm of the Etihad Aviation Group. Since its establishment in 2004, Etihad Cargo has grown rapidly to become one of the leading air cargo carriers in the world, offering customers a range of cargo products and services to five major continents. Our hub in Abu Dhabi is strategically located at the centre of the worlds’ busiest trade lanes, providing an integral link between Asia, Europe, North America, Australia and Africa.

With a modern fleet of 102 passenger aircraft including Boeing 787, 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft serving 83 destinations across the world, Etihad Cargo also operates a fleet of five Boeing 777 freighter aircraft, providing the perfect complement to the passenger bellyhold cargo capacity, as well as an extensive road feeder trucking network linking major air gateways in North America, Europe, GCC, Asia and Australia. Through our market leading online booking portal at www.etihadcargo.com, customers can instantly book their cargo and follow the status of their shipments using our advanced track and trace capability.

FORWARDER magazine

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COVID-19 WATCH

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UNITY: A KEY FACTOR IN AVIATION INDUSTRY RECOVERY 10 APRIL 2020

FROM COVID-19 CRISIS

A

strong international unity was emerging at the ICAO

TIACA reiterated – and several other organisations agreed – that

Council meeting that took place on Thursday 09 April

pressure on resources is intense and government financial assistance is

2020. The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA)

necessary both immediately and at a later date to support the industry’s

along with high-level representatives from ACI, CANSO, ICCAIA

recovery. The international alliance focused in particular on protecting

and IATA[1] were invited to the informal briefing of the Council

resources and staff, as well as the need for strict prioritisation.

which was held as a video conference. The objective of the briefing was to present to the Council views of the international aviation community on the main measures that States should take to provide

Unity among the international community and its stakeholders is essential,

said Zubkov.

immediate support to the aviation industry and, at a later date, to support its recovery. The central theme of the meeting was ‘work

In his summary the ICAO President, Salvatore Sciacchitano,

together and in unison.’

emphasized the importance of a strong international alliance to help the aviation industry emerge from this crisis.

TIACA, the sole organization dedicated exclusively to representing air freight, defended its members’ interests before the Council.

The ICAO Council will take practical measures and industry representatives will continue to work together at Coronavirus

I gave to the Council a background on our association, its mission and main objectives, as well as some examples of the successful

(COVID-19) Outbreak Technical Meetings, organised each week by ICAO with TIACA as a fully-fledged member.

collaborative work in the last seven years with ICAO. But of course, the main presentation was on the measures that TIACA and its members are recommending to alleviate effects of this crisis to

ABOUT TIACA

maintain orderly business activity.

The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA), launched

Vladimir Zubkov, General Secretary, TIACA

in the early 1990s, is the only organization that represents all segments of the air cargo supply chain.

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ISSUE52

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

T

o support what is now a massive humanitarian and logistical

Microlise already works with the vast majority of UK supermarkets,

effort and for as long as the crisis continues, Microlise is

as well as with other hauliers that support these businesses, with

providing asset tracking and communication solutions free

its telematics, journey management and proof of delivery solutions

of charge to frontline public sector and not-for-profit organisations.

proving to be valuable business tools in the current climate.

A solution from Microlise has already been deployed at speed to support

Our customers are depending on our mission-critical solutions like

the Nottingham City GP Alliance which is performing home visits to

never before. We are doing all we can to support their efforts and are

test suspected Covid-19 patients. A Microlise mobile App, which is

delighted to offer that same support to public sector and not-for-profits

available for both Android and iOS devices, provides full location and

– whether that’s frontline NHS workers, pharmaceutical suppliers, local

tracking information for a team of doctors, allowing their administrative

authorities delivering essential food parcels or other organisations who

team to pinpoint the nearest doctor to a patient’s address.

are keeping the country going during these difficult times. Microlise will endeavour to support community effort in any way we can. If the capacity

Access to 2-way messaging means that patient addresses can be

to track the location of your resources, optimise routes and communicate

sent to doctors which also feeds location information into Google

with personnel in real-time would be beneficial, please get in touch.

maps. Doctors simply log in, via a secure sign-in, and log off when

Nadeem Raza, CEO, Microlise

they come to the end of their shift.

Microlise provides telematics, planning & optimisation, journey For organisations who are working across the supply chain, Microlise

management and proof of delivery solutions to many of the UK’s

solutions manage planning & optimisation, tracking and delivery,

HGV fleet operators, including 14 of the top 15 retailers. If you are

real-time communication capability, task allocation, workflow

working for a public sector, not-for-profit, or private organisation

management and proof of delivery information. This is particularly

that is supporting critical supply chains or working to combat

useful in cases where organisations are scaling-up operations at

Covid-19 and believe that Microlise’s tracking and task management

speed, and are relying on third-party contractors or agency workers

solutions could help, please visit www.microlise.com/coronavirusto

and need to manage them as efficiently as possible.

find out more and to submit your details.

14 APRIL 2020

MICROLISE PROVIDES

FREE TRACKING, OPTIMISATION & COMMS SOLUTIONS FORWARDER magazine

ISSUE52

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COVID-19 WATCH

NEWS

10 APRIL 2020

BIFA ENCOURAGES SIGN UP FOR ITS

ONLINE CUSTOMS DECLARATION TRAINING

WITH GRANT FUNDING STILL AVAILABLE FROM GOVERNMENT

T

he British International Freight Association (BIFA) has

BIFA’s online eLearning course was introduced in March 2019. It

reminded its members and any company involved in

has 11 modules in total. These include: The Export processes, The

international trade that its online training course that

Import process and entry completion rules, Customs Procedure

focuses on Customs declarations is still available, with grant funding

Codes (CPCs) and Customs Simplified Procedures; and BIFA says it

available from the Government.

should not take more than around five hours to complete.

The Covid-19 crisis has kicked the transition period off the front

Keen adds that HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has extended

pages, and our members are rightly focusing their efforts on their

the deadline for businesses to apply for customs support funding

ongoing management of international supply chains that are under

to 31 January 2021.

severe strain. However, with trade discussions between the UK

employees, ongoing work for the company is not allowed.

and the EU stalled, and no sign of a request for an extension to

However, training is still permissible. Hence I am encouraging

the transition period, Customs declarations remain a huge issue,

any of our members, which have furloughed employees, to think

if no trade deal has been reached by the end of this year. At some

about the business opportunities that will most likely arise as

point, we will emerge from the current crisis and I would urge

a result of the extra demand for customs brokerage services

members and anyone involved in international trade to consider

associated with the UK’s departure from the EU, and consider

how they can obtain a better understanding of Customs regimes

whether our online Customs declaration elearning course would

and how to complete a Customs declaration when some sense of

be appropriate for those employees. Grants are still available

normality returns to international trade, whenever that might be,

to cover the costs involved and we understand that most grant

and whatever it looks like.

applications are successful but full details, including costs are on

Robert Keen, Director General, BIFA

the BIFA website: www.bifa.org

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Under the government’s rules on furloughed

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

B

erlin, 6 April 2020 – As of now, InstaFreight offers their

As freight forwarder it is our role in such times to be pragmatic

customers stable overland transport for the supply

and to find solutions to problems such as the current stagnant flow

chains from China to Europe and conversely, which both

of goods from China to Europe. Our digital product as well as the

have been strongly affected by the Coronavirus. With this newly

agile structures help us realize such solutions with an adequate

added service, InstaFreight upholds the supply chain and ensures

promptness. For systemically relevant goods, every day counts.

that important commodities quickly make their way to Europe.

Philipp Ortwein, Founder & Managing Director, InstaFreight

InstaFreight is thus expanding its service portfolio for the period of crisis and is supplementing the succinct air and rail transports on this relation with trucks.

With the expansion of our service offering we stabilize the supply chain in a phase of resumed Chinese industrial production and offer a very reasonable alternative to the at the moment very cost-intensive

InstaFreight acts as a freight forwarder and operates a partner

air and rail transports. Due to the backlog of airfreight shipments

network of over 12,000 transport companies in the Eurasian region

destined for Europe at the Chinese airports, on average we have

via its digital platform solution, some of which are also active on

almost the same overall runtime on the road as in the air.

the Silk Road. The duration of transports amounts to 20-22 days,

Maximilian Schaefer, Founder & Managing Director

depending on the pickup and unloading location. With a surcharge, double driver-lineups can also be booked, which can once more

New and existing customers can send their transport request to the

shorten the duration by several days. The multilingual team of

Berlin-based road freight forwarding company directly via email (info@

InstaFreight is already working in multi-shift operation in order to

instafreight.com). The InstaFreight team will reply promptly with a

carry out the transports safely despite the current difficult situation.

transport offer which will then also be bookable via the digital platform.

This includes for example vehicle changes at the Chinese borders,

The prices for door-to-door delivery are calculated individually, but only

which are required given the present entry and exit regulations.

amount to a fraction of the current air freight rates.

14 APRIL 2020

IN TIMES OF CORONA CRISIS, INSTAFREIGHT OFFERS

FAST CHINAEUROPE OVERLAND TRANSPORTS FORWARDER magazine

ISSUE52

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COVID-19 WATCH

NEWS

6 APRIL 2020

TO SUPPORT THE INDUSTRY,

TRANSFOLLOW & TRANSPORT PORTAL ARE NOW FREE! T he entire Viaservice team wishes to express its gratitude to

To help you to better organize your transports during the

all truck drivers, planners, warehouse workers and other

coronavirus outbreak we offer you the free usage of the TransFollow

professionals in the transport sector for their dedication

and Transport Portal platforms.

and hard work shown every day especially in these extremely difficult days.

For all current active users and all new users of the TransFollow platform, the creation and issuance of the digital consignment notes

In these turbulent times Viaservice will be offering free usage of its

from your technical environment or from the Transport Portal will

eCMRs through the TransFollow and Transport Portal platforms.

be free of charge until 31st of May 2020.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus transport companies

The Transport Portal is a web-based solution to create and issue the

have been working around the clock to ensure that supermarkets

digital consignment notes and transfers such consignment notes to the

and other retail outlets are supplied in time and to keep pace with

TransFollow platform. The creator of the digital consignment note can

the unforeseen rate of inventory turnaround. It could already be

indicate all required information (carriers, consignor, consignee, goods

noted that other businesses such as the horticultural business and

details ‌) and issue eCMR documents to all supply chain actors. The

the construction material supply business are struggling with the

driver would then be able to access the consignment note, review,

rapidly decreasing demand.

modify and sign it upon pickup and delivery.

As the situation becomes more and more complex and different

Amongst the many benefits of managing this process digitally, the

measures are taken across Europe and even change quite frequently,

TransFollow solution will also contribute to ensure full and more

we fully realize that the organization of your transport business

efficient compliance with the currently required safety measures

becomes even more challenging. Such challenging times call for

for drivers to ensure that drivers keep recommended distances

improvisation, flexibility and hard work from all of us. For this

between themselves allowing them to remain in the truck whilst

reason, Viaservice has decided to also contribute to support the

still being able to sign the eCMR without the need of contact.

transport industry.

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ISSUE52

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

S

upporting the UK Government’s initiative to bring all

Guy’s and St Thomas’ is among the UK’s busiest NHS Foundation

UK healthcare distribution under one umbrella during

Trusts and one of the largest in the country. Its supply chain team

the COVID-19 crisis, CEVA Logistics has today brought

operate the largest hospital inventory system in Europe with a track

in shipments bound for the NHS (National Health Service) on a

record for innovation and service improvement. The Trust has an

specialist flight from Shanghai to London. Supporting the work

annual turnover of £1.5 billion and employs over 16,200 staff. Over

of the charitable Virgin Foundation, a Virgin Atlantic B787-9 fully

the last year CEVA has worked to build a trusting relationship with

loaded with PPE (Personal Protection Equipment), virus testing

GSTT, through which it not only develops a robust healthcare supply

tubes, goggles and ventilator parts landed at Heathrow Airport on

chain, but also supports GSTT focus on improving patient outcomes.

Friday evening, bringing the much-needed supplies to UK frontline healthcare workers.

Special UK CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) permission had to be obtained by Virgin Atlantic to carry part of the shipment on the

Aprons, goggles, visors, scrubs, vital ventilator parts

seats of its passenger cabin, with the rest of the cargo in the belly

Worldwide shortages of specialist medical equipment and personal

of the aircraft.

protective wear have resulted in huge demand for multiple items.

In just seven days from receiving the first phone call to arriving at

Emergency supplies urgently needed

destination, CEVA’s teams in the UK and Shanghai worked together

These medical supplies and PPE equipment are urgently required

to bring almost 1,100 cartons of supplies on the special flight.

to support the work that NHS teams are providing up and down the

Altogether there were 12,600 medical isolation goggles, 500 body

country during the COVID-19 crisis. Our CEVA teams at both ends

bags, 30,000 filters for ventilators, 100,000 aprons, 10,000 sets of

of the supply chain, alongside the Virgin team providing the uplift and

scrubs and 7,500 samples tubes for virus testing onboard.

the Virgin Foundation, have worked together tirelessly to make this become a reality in an incredibly short time frame.

Once unloaded from the 12-hour flight, the cargo transferred

Mathieu Friedberg, CEO, CEVA

onto CEVA Logistics trucks, headed for its specialist healthcare facility in Dartford. From there the supplies will be distributed to NHS hospitals, surgeries and other facilities including, Guys and St Thomas’ Hospitals Trust in London.

6 APRIL 2020

CEVA LOGISTICS SUPPORTS

HUGE SHIPMENT FOR THE UK’S NHS FORWARDER magazine

ISSUE52

25

COVID-19 WATCH

NEWS

6 APRIL 2020

BUSINESS CHIEFS LAUNCH STRATEGY TO SERVE

1 MILLION MEALS TO NHS FRONTLINE O ne of Britain’s best-known businessmen, Ron Dennis

groups with its state-of-the-art kitchen in Bicester, Oxfordshire,

CBE, has launched a major not-for-profit initiative to

while logistic support is being provided by Yodel, the leading parcel

feed thousands of critical NHS workers with high quality

delivery service. Tesco will donate all the food and ingredients for

meals over the next three months, enabling them to focus on saving

the one million meals.

lives and fighting COVID-19.

The group is also co-ordinating with NHS Charities Together, the official

The nutritious and ready to eat meals will be made available free

umbrella organisation for all the NHS charities around the country.

of charge to ICU teams, anaesthetic teams and A&E staff, who are

Other campaign partners include Team Rubicon UK, the disaster

unable to leave their clinical areas during their 12 hour shifts, which

response unit staffed by former British Army volunteers, bespoke

is the protocol being adopted by all COVID-19 designated hospitals.

packaging company Leeways, law firm Withers, creative consultancy

This service enables them to stay close to wards at all times without

Hunter Design, communications firm Maitland/AMO, and appliance

having to change out of protective clothing.

service provider Domestic & General, which is providing a professional and secure process to handle new donations and commitments. These

Delivering the initiative, called SalutetheNHS.org, has brought

organisations are all working on a pro-bono basis.

together a group of leading food, logistics, packaging and other specialists, and has mobilised a largescale, professional operation.

SalutetheNHS.org plans to begin delivering the free meals from

The goal is to serve 1 million meals to key frontline NHS workers

tomorrow, Monday 6th April, starting at the John Radcliffe Hospital

over the next three months, both those working in hospitals and

in Oxford. The following week deliveries will start at Great Ormond

others who are infected and self-isolating at home.

Street, the London children’s hospital, and from there the programme will roll out to Government targeted locations across the country.

The Dennis family is donating £1 million to seed fund the initiative through their Dreamchasing Foundation, which is a charity, alongside

The meals will be made using food and ingredients supplied by Tesco

£500,000 in match-funding. The Taylor Family Foundation has been

and prepared by Absolute Taste, which is lending a significant part of

the first to contribute to the match-fund with £50,000. They have

its food production capacity to this effort. The meals will comprise

been supported by Absolute Taste, one of Britain’s largest catering

of a series of ‘Boost Packs’ intended for critical frontline NHS

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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at SalutetheNHS.org

staff to eat either during their shift or to take home at the end of

Scientists will find the vaccine for Covid-19, I have no doubt.

a long day. There are also Home Packs, which will be delivered to

The frontline NHS medical teams need to treat their patients, and

vital NHS frontline staff who are infected and self-isolating at home.

to do that they need medicines, beds, ventilators, PPE, and they

Example meals include Keralan veggie curry with wholegrain rice and

themselves need what every human needs to function: water, sleep,

lean beef chilli with veggie rice.

support and food. That’s where we can help in the war against Covid-19. We can make sure they get quality, nutritious and balanced

SalutetheNHS.org is now calling for other supporters to donate

food over a sustained period. So they can do what they do. This is

or make a specific contribution as production grows, and is asking

what SalutetheNHS.org has been set up to do.

people to call the dedicated hotline on 0800 497 0797 or to visit the

Nigel Harris, owner, Absolute Taste; co-founder, SalutetheNHS.org

campaign’s Just Giving page.

We’re doing everything we can to keep the country moving This is a time when all of us, individuals and businesses alike, need

during this unprecedented time and our colleagues across the

to stand up and be counted in the effort to combat COVID-19. We’re

business feel honoured to be able to support such a worthy cause.

all in this together. I am delighted to be leading this initiative to help

We are tremendously grateful for everything that the NHS is doing,

ensure that vital NHS workers have nutritious meals while they work

and it is a privilege to be able to support workers. Producing and

every hour in this fight. It means they have one less thing to worry

distributing meals to the NHS frontline will require careful planning

about. We have called this SalutetheNHS.org because I think we are

and a collaborative effort from all the partners involved, and we’re

all in awe of the work they are doing to save lives. I would like to

confident we have the right team in place to do it.

thank Tesco, Absolute Taste, Yodel, Leeways, Domestic & General,

Mike Hancox, Chief Executive, Yodel

Team Rubicon, Hunter Design, Withers and Maitland/AMO, for the enormous support they are giving. This is a huge logistical effort

Fuelling our NHS staff with nutritious, practical and tasty food

to build a major, professional food delivery operation almost from

packs during the COVID-19 crisis is of upmost importance. NHS

scratch in a week. I have been so impressed by the fantastic things

staff and volunteers are doing an amazing job on the frontline

we have achieved together so far, but we need support from others,

working day and night in the face of this virus. These NHS heroes

as well as ongoing donations to keep this whole operation going.

prioritise their valued patients, therefore it is so important that we

Ron Dennis CBE, co-founder, SalutetheNHS.org

support these esteemed professionals as they are combating the Covid-19 pandemic. NHS Charities Together is pleased to work

Ensuring families have access to the shopping essentials they need,

with Ron, Nigel, and the other teams, to support and endorse

safely, has been our priority over the last few weeks, and so we’re

SalutetheNHS.org. It is our joint aim to prioritise the well-being

pleased to now be able to help front line NHS workers by donating

of our NHS workforce in their mission to give the very best care

food and ingredients to provide them with one million meals through

to patients and victory over COVID-19. We thank them for this

SalutetheNHS.org. Covid-19 has reminded the country of the critical

highly dedicated and organised solution and we particularly love the

role of essential workers, and on behalf of Tesco colleagues, we

thank you notes in each food pack demonstrating to NHS staff how

would like to sincerely thank NHS staff for all they are doing.

grateful we all are.

Dave Lewis, CEO, Tesco Group

Ellie Orton, Chief Executive, NHS Charities Together FORWARDER magazine

ISSUE52

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COVID-19 WATCH

NEWS

6 APRIL 2020

CARGOGUIDE RAMPS UP SUPPORT FOR AIR CARGO SECTOR

FREE USER LICENCES OFFERED T he head of Cargoguide, a leading independent air cargo

Last month Cargoguide began offering free user licences to help

rate management platform, is urging everyone in the sector

home-based freight forwarders, who are currently adapting to their

to do what they can to support each other during the

new way of working, and is now asking carriers to share their rates

Covid-19 pandemic. The company recently started extending free

as widely as possible to increase transparency.

user licences to freight forwarders, while warning that a lot more

needs to be done to combat the "growing uncertainty" brought about by the current situation

We announced free user licences because we recognised very

quickly that companies needed all the support they could get during this uncertain time. We hoped this would go some small way to help

Covid-19 continues to impact the day-to-day operations of

and we've seen a very positive take-up, but it's clear more can be done

everyone in the air cargo sector, from general sales agents (GSAs)

from within the sector. We are now urging carriers, that maybe don't

and forwarders to carriers and shippers alike. As reported in the

use independent platforms, to share their rates as widely as possible.

media, there has been a reduction in bellyhold capacity and demand

Platforms like Cargoguide allow forwarders to access the latest freight

for freighter space is currently going through the roof, particularly

rates from anywhere with internet access, so they can play a significant

on transatlantic, Europe-China and intra-Asia routes. Recently, we

role in helping those employees now faced with working remotely.

heard that some larger forwarders are declaring force majeure in

Carriers are facing unprecedented challenges and we want to help

these extreme circumstances. It is getting increasingly tough for

further. We are asking those who aren't yet sharing their rates with us

everyone and companies have needed to adapt quickly during these

to get in touch. This will really help create greater transparency across

uncertain times. This has particularly been the case with rapidly

the sector and level the playing field. It also enables platforms such as

setting up remote working while maintaining functional operations

Cargoguide to maintain the accuracy of service options and the most

and communications with customers.

up-to-date price information. This will significantly help forwarders get

Jorre Cobelens, Managing Director, Cargoguide International

goods where they are needed most as quickly and cheaply as possible.

It is clear that we are all still trying to understand the full impact of Covid-19, but by working more closely together, everyone in the sector can better support each other during this challenging time.

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ISSUE52

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at bifa.org

T

he British International Freight Association (BIFA)

Keen added,

welcomes the additional support that the Department for

waive import taxes on medical equipment crucial to the fight against

International Trade (DIT) is making available to 160,000

coronavirus, much of which is shipped by BIFA members. If UK

exporters and international investors.

This follows the news that the government will

exporters are protected, that should have a knock on effect on the freight forwarders that many exporters rely upon to provide

We understand that UK businesses are now eligible to secure

logistics services.

export insurance cover to major international markets, in addition to export finance, to keep trading during the coronavirus outbreak.

We also understand that DIT is ready to provide assistance with

ABOUT BIFA

customs authorities to ensure smooth clearance of businesses’

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) is the

products, and to offer advice on intellectual property and other

trade association for UK-registered companies engaged in

issues with business continuity. These are the sort of initiatives

international movement of freight by all modes of transport,

that can support international exports and are welcome news for

air, road, rail and sea. BIFA has around 1500 corporate

BIFA members, which as freight forwarders, are responsible for the

members, known generally as freight forwarders, who offer

logistics services that underpin much of Britain’s visible domestic

a wide range of services within these various modes.

and international trade.

Robert Keen, Director General, BIFA

BIFA represents over 1500 UK companies in the logistics and supply chain management sector. Members of BIFA are

The DIT says that UK businesses will now be eligible to secure

organisations engaged in the movement of freight to/from the

export insurance cover to markets including the EU, US, Japan,

UK by all modes of transport: air, road, sea and rail. Some

Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland

members are also involved in providing customs clearance

with immediate effect, following UK Export Finance expanding the

and other cross border controls.

scope of its Export Insurance Policy (EXIP).

6 APRIL 2020

FREIGHT ASSOCIATION WELCOMES

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR EXPORTERS FORWARDER magazine

ISSUE52

29

COVID-19 WATCH

NEWS

16 APRIL 2020

NIPPON PAINT & CORNING INC DEVELOP

ANTIVIRUS SURFACE COATING

N

ippon Paint and Corning Inc, the US-based technology

Nippon Paint and Corning Inc have donated RMB 5 million worth

company, have developed a special coating to protect

of Nippon Paint Antivirus Kids Paint to four hospitals in China’s

workers from picking up viruses from painted surfaces.

Hubei Province.

Nippon Paint's Antivirus Kids Paint, developed specifically

The coronavirus outbreak has prompted us once again to be

for frontline hospital use, incorporates Corning Guardiant™

highly innovative, and we are happy to work jointly with Corning

Antimicrobial Particles – a nascent technology designed to safeguard

at this particular time to complete the development, tests and

against viruses from adhering to hospital surfaces.

production of the antivirus coating. We hope this will give frontline

Experts estimate that viruses can remain viable on some surfaces for

Eric Chung, President, Nippon Paint China

healthcare professionals valuable support as they fight the virus. several days, depending on environmental conditions.

We believe the paint created by Nippon Paint using Corning Nippon Paint and Corning believe antiviral coatings applied to

Guardiant™ Antimicrobial Particles can offer an additional layer of

surfaces can provide frontline healthcare workers with an additional

protection by reducing the risk of infection from viruses on the

layer of protection against viruses.

painted surfaces of hospitals and medical centres.

Dr Joydeep Lahiri, Division Vice President & Program Director,

Nippon Paint's Antivirus Kids Paint was tested by Microchem

Specialty Surfaces, Corning Incorporated

Laboratory in the USA in January 2020, with results showing that the coating inactivates over 99.9% of the Feline Calicivirus. Feline

While the coating was developed specifically for hospitals and

Calicivirushas been approved by the US Environmental Protection

healthcare environments, Dimitris Dalakouras, Managing Director,

Agency as a suitable replacement for detecting human norovirus.

Conbulk Ship Management Corporation commented:

With the

safety of crew members being our prime concern, the coating could The new coating also kills harmful bacteria, including Staphylococcus

eventually find application across the maritime industry. Hospital

aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

ships are an obvious beneficiary, but the coating could also be used to protect surfaces in cruiseships, passenger ferries as well as other types of commercial vessels.

30

FORWARDER magazine

ISSUE52

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at gefco.net

G

lobal logistics provider, GEFCO, has transported 30

Supporting with urgent global deliveries is in our DNA, and

tonnes of medical equipment for a multinational healthcare

we have long offered time critical solutions to help those in need

provider, including COVID-19 testing kits, from France to

during unexpected events. This crisis has seen our team reach even

destinations in Algeria, Tunisia and the Antilles to support hospitals

greater heights in their ability to adapt, collaborate and work in

and private laboratories with increased demand.

very close partnership with our customers to overcome all manner of challenges. We’re proud to support our customers’ crucial work

GEFCO’s Air & Sea team has been managing the shipments on a

while ensuring that the safety of our own employees is maintained

week-by-week basis throughout the critical pandemic period. This

and respected.

has required a number of challenges to be navigated including the

Paul-Henri Freret, Executive Vice President, GEFCO Air & Sea

closure of Paris Orly Airport, which required the team to transfer all activity to Charles de Gaulle Airport.

ABOUT GEFCO

All shipments have been completed within incredibly tight timescales

GEFCO is a world leader in multimodal supply-chain solutions

to deliver the key materials securely, efficiently and meeting all

and the European leader in automotive logistics. Building on 70

compliance requirements. The customer will be using the equipment

years of expertise and the unique expertise of its 15,000-strong

to support with new screening tests for COVID-19.

workforce, GEFCO designs smart, flexible solutions to meet the most complex supply-chain challenges in every industry

This project is one of several recent time-critical shipments in the

sector. Present in 47 countries, with an integrated global

pharmaceuticals space for GEFCO, including delivery of a large

network, GEFCO serves 300 destinations worldwide. In 2019,

shipment of medical supplies on special charter flights from Shanghai

the Group generated revenues of €4.7 billion.

to Bratislava to help PENTA tackle COVID-19 in Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

GEFCO SUPPORTS MAJOR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER 21 APRIL 2020

WITH TIME-CRITICAL SHIPMENTS FOR COVID-19 TESTING FORWARDER magazine

ISSUE52

31

COVID-19 WATCH

NEWS

EXPRESS FINAL MILE DELIVERY OF VENTILATORS TO IRELAND'S HOSPITALS ...CRANE'S COVID-19 RESPONSE

T

he COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic has changed the way

Our Solution

in which many services operate as the challenge to provide

As Ireland began to lock down under the guidance of the Irish

medical supplies around the world becomes a focus for many

government, the critical infrastructure workers in our warehouse

responsible manufacturers and service providers. Wisetek, is a global

and operations in Ireland continued to focus on the important

solution provider for IT Asset Disposition, Reuse & Manufacturing

work of distribution and transportation of medical supplies to

Services and a valuable client & partner to Crane Worldwide in Ireland.

ensure medical supplies were reaching hospitals on a timely basis.

Recently, Wisetek handled a shipment of ventilators from China and

Our dedicated drivers and operations team worked with a sense of

managed the complete assembly process of parts to complete the finished

urgency to ensure that deliveries were made as soon as the product

product in Ireland. Hospitals were in urgent need of the ventilators to

was fully assembled.

support the increased number of victims of the Coronavirus.

The Result The Challenge

Providing a flexible and reliable service with a keen sense of urgency

Around the world, Crane Worldwide Logistics is supporting the

to Wisetek, Crane Worldwide successfully distributed the first

Coronavirus pandemic to support medical equipment supply chains.

deliveries of the assembled ventilators directly to the hospital wards.

As soon as the ventilators were fully assembled, Wisetek needed a partner to deliver the product with a sense of urgency to the

As critical infrastructure workers, we are proud to keep supply

hospitals throughout Ireland that were lacking essential equipment.

chains moving and support our clients with urgent freight requests.

As a one stop shop solution for manufacturing, fulfilment and

We will do all that is possible to help you achieve your logistics goals

lifecycle management services, Wisetek approached our Ireland

in these uncertain times.

team to partner with them in the final mile delivery of the ventilators as they needed a responsive and flexible partner to ensure deliveries

At Crane Worldwide, we believe in trust, collaboration

were made on time.

and teamwork.

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

T

he Astros Foundation, in partnership with Crane Worldwide,

Today, Crane Worldwide delivered the first shipment of 100,000

will be providing funding, logistics and transportation

test swabs to several hospitals. In the next 10 days, critical PPE,

support for much-needed medical equipment to serve

including masks, forehead thermometers, more test swabs and other

those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in Houston.

key items, will be delivered.

The team has been working to ensure fast and safe delivery of critical

We are grateful for the healthcare workers and everything that

medical supplies and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from

the healthcare industry is doing at this crucial time. Critical supplies

across the globe to the Houston hospitals within the Texas Medical

needed to save lives have been in short supply and difficult to source

Center. Additionally, the Astros Foundation will donate $400,000

quickly and safely. We are glad to provide funding and important

to support the hospitals within the Texas Medical Center.

resources needed for our hospitals to continue to serve those in need. The Astros and the Astros Foundation will continue to step up and serve our Houston community. If we all work together, we will get through this together.

Jim Crane, Owner & Chairman, Astros

ASTROS PARTNERS WITH CRANE & THE TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER 2 APRIL 2020

TO HELP SAVE LIVES

PLEASE GET IN TOUCH & SEND US YOUR NEWS

FORWARDER magazine editor@forwardermagazine.com

ISSUE52

33

COVID-19 WATCH

NEWS

27 APRIL 2020

PORT WORKERS PLEDGE TO

VIRTUALLY TRAVEL FROM NEWCASTLE, UK TO NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA IN AID OF NHS CHARITIES TOGETHER

E

mployees at the Port of Tyne, in North East England, have

Staff members are being encouraged to log the number of daily

pledged to virtually ‘travel’ from Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

miles completed by them and their families via the Port’s employee

to Newcastle, Australia – a grand total of 10,437 miles – in

app, and anything goes – walking, cycling, running, scooting and even

aid of NHS Charities Together.

toddling, it all counts towards the journey Down Under.

All employees, from board members to boat crew, and their families

The Port of Tyne Lockdown Challenge, in aid of NHS staff and

have been invited to take part in the Port of Tyne Lockdown

volunteers caring for COVID-19 patients, is now live. Anyone

Challenge, showing support for NHS front line workers, as well as

wishing to donate can do so via the Port’s dedicated JustGiving

helping Port staff to stay positive, connected and healthy.

page: justgiving.com/fundraising/port-of-tyne1

There’s no question that these are tough times and, whilst I’m extremely proud of what our key workers at the Port of Tyne are doing on behalf of our customers and the general public across the nation, we really wanted to show our support for the amazing NHS staff on the front line. We’ve set up a dedicated JustGiving page in aid of NHS Charities Together, and we would really appreciate any support towards our £5,000 target.

Matt Beeton, Chief Executive, Port of Tyne

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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at frenni.co.uk

F

renni Transport has launched a campaign making high-

patients. Everyone is pulling together in this emergency situation and

quality protective masks for the local community during

it is important that we all play our part too. We have been blown

the Covid-19 crisis.

away with the support we have received. The original funding was seeded by Frenni Transport and Mansel Davies & Son. The local Fire

The Crymych-based company has so far raised more than £16,000

Brigade team have helped pack along with other volunteers but the

to fund the efforts. They have donated the equipment to local

support that we have received from the public has been amazing.

healthcare workers, pharmacies and shop staff. More than 12,000

With a top up from local celebrity Rhod Gilbert we have managed

masks have been manufactured and distributed by the company

to hit a £17,000 total this week through our GoFundMe account

and a further 26,000 health shields have been delivered to local

Mathew Parry, director, Frenni Transport

care homes.

We have been overwhelmed by the response from the local community to support our campaign. As a company with more than 40 years of working in the local community, it was important that we did our bit to help protect those still at work in shops and pharmacies, serving the public. Members of the local community have volunteered their time to help make and pack the protective equipment to support local people on the front line. As a local transport company, we can see the pressure on our local health workers. We have delivered to the new Swansea Bay Hospital and to the Bluestone Resort along with the regular but larger deliveries to all of our main hospitals in South and West Wales. Recently, we have transported protective screens to Morriston Hospital in Swansea made by local businesses, to help protect healthcare workers and 22 APRIL 2020

PEMBROKESHIRE LOGISTICS COMPANY RAISES >£17,000 TO MANUFACTURE

PPE FOR FRONTLINE WORKERS FORWARDER magazine

ISSUE52

35

AIR FREIGHT

A system of transporting goods by aircraft.

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

36

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37

AIR FREIGHT

NEWS

AIR CARGO DEMAND SLUMPED IN FEBRUARY 1 APRIL 2020

AS COVID-19 TOOK HOLD

T

he International Air Transport Association (IATA) released

Cargo capacity, measured in available cargo tonne kilometers

February 2020 data for global air freight markets showing

(ACTKs), dropped by 4.4% year-on-year in February 2020. This

that demand, measured in cargo tonne kilometers (CTKs*),

is subject to the same distortions as the non-seasonally adjusted

decreased by 1.4% compared to the same period in 2019. Adjusting

demand numbers.

the comparison for the impact of the Lunar New Year, which fell in February in 2019, and the leap year in 2020, which meant an

The spread of COVID-19 intensified over the month of February,

additional day of activity, seasonally-adjusted demand was down 9.1%

and with it, the impact on air cargo. Adjusted demand for air cargo

month-on-month in February.

fell by 9.1%. Asia-Pacific carriers were the most affected with a seasonally-adjusted drop of 15.5%. What has unfolded since is a story

By February, the negative impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on air

of two halves. The disruption of global supply chains led to a fall in

cargo demand were becoming visible. The month witnessed several

demand. But the dramatic disruption in passenger traffic resulted in

significant developments:

even deeper cuts to cargo capacity. And the industry is struggling to serve remaining demand with the limited capacity available. We

•• Manufacturing production in China, one of the world’s largest

only got a first glimpse of this in February. Among all the uncertainty

air cargo markets, dropped sharply due to widespread factory

in this crisis, one thing is clear—air cargo is vital. It is delivering

closures and travel restrictions.

lifesaving drugs and medical equipment. And it is supporting global

•• Global export orders fell to a historically low level. The global

supply chains. That’s why it is critical for governments to remove

Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) is in contraction territory,

any blockers as the industry does all it can to keep the global air

with all major trading nations reporting falling orders.

cargo network functioning in the crisis and ready for the recovery.

•• Significant cargo capacity was lost as a result of airlines reducing passenger operations in response to government travel restrictions due to COVID-19, severely impacting global supply chains.

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ISSUE52

Alexandre de Juniac, Director General & CEO, IATA

WANT TO KNOW MORE? demand with the limited capacity available. We only got a Further first glimpse of this in February. Among all information the uncertainty in this crisis, one thing is clear—air cargo is vital. It is delivering lifesaving drugs and can be found at medical equipment. And it is supporting global supply chains. That’s why it is critical for governments iata.org to remove any blockers as the industry does all it can to keep the global air cargo network functioning in the crisis and ready for the recovery,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO. February 2020 (% year-on-year)

World share1

CTK

ACTK

CLF (%-pt)2

CLF (level)3

Total Market

100.0%

-1.4%

-4.4%

1.5%

46.4%

Africa

1.8%

6.2%

3.0%

1.1%

36.8%

Asia Pacific

34.6%

-2.2%

-17.7%

8.6%

54.3%

Europe

23.6%

-4.1%

-3.8%

-0.2%

53.1%

Latin America

2.8%

1.8%

-2.6%

1.5%

34.2%

Middle East

13.0%

4.3%

6.0%

-0.7%

46.1%

North America

24.3%

-1.8%

4.1%

-2.2%

37.2%

1 % of industry CTKs in 2019 2 Year-on-year change in load factor 3 Load factor level

Regional Performance

Regional PerformanceAirlines in Europe suffered a sizeable decline in year-on-year contributing tototal theair drop involumes demandin in February. The Within Europe growth in cargo whilein North American and Asia-Pacificmarket carriers decreased experiencedby more moderate falls.

Airlines in Europe suffered aFebruary sizeable2020, decline year-on-year growth 7.8% year-on-year.

This suggests that the region Middle East, Latin America and Africa were the only regions to record growth in air freight demand

in total air cargo volumes incompared February 2020, while to February 2019.North American

was affected by global supply chain disruptions and early COVID-19

and Asia-Pacific carriers experienced more moderate falls. Middle

containment measures – notably in Northern Italy, an important

Asia-Pacific airlines saw demand for air cargo contract by 2.2%

2020 compared to the year-ago period. Capacity increased by 6.0%.

·

Asia-Pacific airlines saw demand for air cargo contract by 2.2% in February 2020, compared East, Latin America and Africatowere the onlyperiod. regions to record cargo manufacturing region. decreased by 3.8% year-on-year. the year-earlier Seasonally-adjusted demand fell by 15.5% Capacity compared to January 2020, to levels last seen in early 2014. The drop in demand was largely due to the growth in air freight demand compared to February 2019. impact of COVID-19. Capacity decreased 17.7% - the largest fall since early 2013. Cargo capacity in China dropped sharply in February, driven in large part by the collapse of belly-hold Middle Eastern airlines’ cargo demand increased 4.3% in February capacity.

American airlines sawSeasonallydemand decreaseHowever, by 1.8% ingiven February compared the in February 2020, compared· to North the year-earlier period. the2020, Middle East’s to position connecting trade between same period a year earlier. Capacity increased by 4.1%. Cargo traffic on the Asia-North

adjusted cargo demand fell by 15.5% compared Januaryby2020, Chinaasand the rest of the world, the region’s carriers have significant America trade lanesto decreased 2.4% to year-on-year a result of factory closures in Asia due to COVID-19. levels last seen in early 2014. The drop in demand was largely due

exposure to the impact of COVID-19 in the period ahead.

to the impact of COVID-19.· Capacity decreased 17.7%a -4.1% the decrease largest in cargo demand in February 2020 compared to European airlines posted

the same period a year earlier. European carriers were among the first to cancel flights to and fall since early 2013. Cargo capacity in China dropped sharply in Latin American airlines experienced an increase in freight demand from Asia, contributing to the drop in demand in February. The Within Europe market decreased

February, driven in large part bybythe collapse of belly-hold capacity. in February 2020 of 1.8%.

Capacity 7.8% year-on-year.

This suggests that the region was affected by global supply chain decreased by 2.6% year-on-year. disruptions and early COVID-19 containment measures – notably in Northern Italy, an important The region was relatively unaffected by manufacturing region. Capacity decreased by 3.8% year-on-year.

North American airlines saw demand decrease by 1.8% in ·

the COVID‑19 outbreak

in February. However, disrupted global supply chains and a fragile

Middle Eastern airlines’ cargo demand increased 4.3% in February 2020 compared to the February 2020, compared to theyear-ago same period year earlier.

Capacity economic in some countries period.aCapacity increased by 6.0%. However, givenbackdrop the Middle East’s position connecting trade between China and the rest of the world, the region’s carriers have significant increased by 4.1%. Cargo traffic on the Asia-North America trade create headwinds for air cargo. exposure to the impact of COVID-19 in the period ahead.

in the region continue to

lanes decreased by 2.4% year-on-year as a result of factory closures in Asia due to COVID-19. ·

Latin American airlines experienced an increase in freight demand in February 2020 of 1.8%.

African carriers posted the fastest growth of any region for the 12th Capacity decreased by 2.6% year-on-year. The region was relatively unaffected by the consecutive month February COVID‑19 outbreak in February. However, disrupted global supply chainsinand a fragile 2020, with an increase in demand economic backdrop in some countries in the region continue to create headwinds for air cargo.

European airlines posted a 4.1% decrease in cargo demand in

of 6.2% compared to the same period a year earlier. Capacity grew

Africanperiod carriers posted the fastest growth of any region for the 12th consecutive month in February 2020 compared to ·the same a year earlier.

European 3.0% year-on-year.

The Africa-Asia

and Africa-Middle East trade

February 2020, with an increase in demand of 6.2% compared to the same period a year

carriers were among the first to cancel flights to and from Asia, lanes continue to bring robust growth to the region. earlier. Capacity grew 3.0% year-on-year. The Africa-Asia and Africa-Middle East trade lanes FORWARDER magazine

ISSUE52

39

AIR FREIGHT

NEWS

COVID-19 DRIVES AIR FREIGHT DEMAND 7 APRIL 2020

FOR PROJECT CARGO

I

n today’s challenging situation, global logistics is experiencing a

Due to size and weight restrictions, not all types of cargo can be

growing deficit in freight capacity across all modes of transportation.

transported by air. In the current situation, it has become essential

Air freight, in particular, is in high demand within the project logistics

to combine what is currently available, and to undertake 360-

sector. deugro, a company of deugro group, is satisfying this demand

degree planning across all capacity and transportation modes.

with an increasing number of air charters for critical equipment.

Besides utilizing empty ferry legs, combining scheduled and charter services or using a mix of several aircraft types, air transportation

The coronavirus pandemic is affecting schedules, available freight capacity

combinations with ocean, road and rail is a highly viable solution.

and freight rates of shipping lines, airlines, haulers and rail companies all over the world. Because complex process chains and a considerable amount

With almost 100 years of expertise in all modes of transportation,

of investments are affected, the projects logistics business, above all, is

and due to decades of close relationships with all relevant airlines,

facing a host of challenges. Out-of-gauge and heavy lift project shipments

shipping lines, haulers and rail companies, we are well positioned

require special transportation equipment and engineering work, which

here. We are not only able to provide the operational service; we are

limits the number of options for transportation and alternative solutions.

also able to provide renegotiation between all parties if necessary, including local authorities, to find the best possible solution for

In light of this, deugro’s head of air chartering, Pavel Kuznetsov, sees

everyone,

adds Kuznetsov.

rising demand for air freight, especially on the full/part-chartering sector: The air freight division of deugro is currently arranging a growing

A good example of how such projects can be executed is the

number of air charters for the transportation of critical equipment

shipment of 140 metric tons of time- critical industrial equipment

in order to minimize delays and disruptions in the supply chain.

from Houston, US to the north of Mozambique by a combination

Our team, which includes in-house transport engineers, is busy and

of AN- 124 and B-747F aircraft, deugro handled earlier this year.

in close contact with clients and airlines to design solutions for transportation of oversized and heavy weight equipment by air.

After detailed feasibility studies, all the equipment was flown directly to Nacala Airport, whereby an AN-124 ramp aircraft was used to

deugro has long-time relationship with all the relevant airlines, which

carry 100 metric tons of equipment from Houston into Nacala and

gives the company access to several hundred aircraft of different

the remaining 40 metrics tons were flown by a more economic B-747

types. These range from small B-737 freighter versions to massive

freighter to Johannesburg, where it was repacked and then safely

Antonov-225 capable of carrying up to 250 metric tons of cargo.

flown by the same AN-124 to Nacala.

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FORWARDER magazine

ISSUE52

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at ecsgroup.aero

E

CS Group pays tribute to the remarkable work of the

Airlines are doing everything they can to offer more capacity:

teams at Global Services Handling (GSH), a French air

increasing the number of all-cargo flights, converting passenger flights

cargo handling company based at Roissy Charles de Gaulle

into freighters, demonstrating greater flexibility, and more – which

(CDG) airport in France. Despite the difficulties GSH is facing in

makes handling agents vital players in ensuring the continuity of the

this period of unprecedented crisis, ECS Group is highlighting the

supply chain. Without them, it would be impossible to receive and load

essential nature of handling and handling teams, without whom air

cargo, which in turn would also make air freight forwarding impossible.

freight forwarding would quite simply be impossible.

In addition to the increased risks and greater workload as a result of As in all sectors, we need to reorganize the way we work because

reduced staffing levels, GSH’s agents also have to tackle the unpredictable

of the crisis, with one further difficulty: remote working isn’t possible

nature of flight scheduling. Flight schedules fluctuate from day to day.

with goods handling. Our staff levels are down by around 25% but we

With extra flights being operated and others postponed, cancelled or

are continuing to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are 100%

delayed for regular flights and even more so for repatriation and all-

operational thanks to our extremely hard-working employees. Our

cargo flights, flexibility and versatility are essential.

priority is still to make sure that cargo leaves and arrives in total safety, Pierre Perez, Managing Director, GSH

But Pierre Perez describes 'an amazing sense of team spirit, togetherness and solidarity' among his colleagues.

We’re all

ABOUT ECS GROUP

pulling together – we know that our work is essential in order to

ECS Group is the world leader in GSSA business, serving

Helping to save lives by transporting medical products is also a real

airlines. Representing hundreds of companies in over 50

source of motivation.

transport goods and keep the local and global economy running.

countries through its 153 offices, ECS Group knows it can count on its 1,114 employees around the world to offer high-

This remarkable work not only plays a crucial role in transporting

quality service tailored to each of its partners. Thanks to this

goods, it also ensures the continuity of the supply chain and

ever-increasing network, this year ECS Group has carried

maintains the air freight ecosystem on which all stakeholders are

over 1,183,000 tons on behalf of the airlines it represents

totally interdependent.

and, in this way, contributes to their growth and development on the international stage in the air cargo sector. ECS Group has received many awards from its peers and is the favoured partner and go-to GSSA in the cargo industry.

HANDLING AGENTS 7 APRIL 2020

...THE CORNERSTONE OF AIR CARGO FORWARDER magazine

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41

AIR FREIGHT

NEWS

9 APRIL 2020

KLM & PHILIPS ESTABLISH

SPECIAL CARGO AIR BETWEEN AMSTERDAM/CHINA T he loss of around 90% of flights between Europe and

The KLM/Martinair Full Freighters will continue to be deployed on

Asia has resulted in a major shortage of cargo capacity.

North Atlantic routes, which Philips will use as an air bridge between

Meanwhile, the corona crisis has prompted an enormous

Amsterdam and distribution points in the United States.

need for the rapid transportation of medical equipment and other supplies between the United States, Europe and China. KLM Royal

The Full Freighters will also continue to operate on South Atlantic

Dutch Airlines has now joined hands with Royal Philips and the

routes and to destinations in Africa. In view of the 90% decline in

Dutch government to create a special cargo air bridge between

flights and anticipated future capacity, KLM previously decided in

the Netherlands and China. In addition to these parties, many

early March that it would phase out its remaining Boeing 747s in

others are seeking additional capacity. The air bridge to Asia will

April 2020, instead of in the summer of 2021. For the benefit of

be launched on 13 April.

this air bridge, however, KLM will now redeploy two Boeing 747 Combi aircraft to be used specifically on these two routes during

To maintain this vital cargo air bridge for the coming six to eight

the designated period.

weeks, KLM will specially redeploy Boeing 747 Combi equipment for the service between the Netherlands and China. This air

I believe it is incredibly important that KLM can be of service

bridge will ensure continuous availability of special cargo capacity,

to broader Dutch society in this time of crisis, by way of our

with two weekly flights to Beijing and three weekly flights to

flexibility, creativity and cooperation with partners. This is perfectly

Shanghai. This will ensure around 250 tonnes of extra cargo

exemplified by the initiative from Philips to join hands with KLM in

capacity each way per week.

seeking a solution for freeing up cargo capacity between Europe and China for essential medical supplies. I am very proud that the

The flights will supplement the current 'skeleton schedule' that

professional and dedicated staff of both companies have managed to

took effect on 29 March, with two weekly flights to Beijing and two

realise this initiative at such short notice.

weekly flights to Shanghai, operated with Boeing 787s and 777s.

Pieter Elbers, President & CEO, KLM

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ISSUE52

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at bifa.org

T

he head of the UK’s trade association that represents

Every participant in international supply chains is suffering from

freight forwarders and logistics companies says its members

the same financial and operational issues that ground handlers face,

are querying whether surcharges being introduced by air

as they attempt to mitigate the effects of Covid-19. Circumstances

cargo ground handling service providers are justifiable in the current

like shelter-in-place regulations are causing strain on all companies

economic circumstances.

in those supply chains, which are all having to implement painful measures to cope with the pandemic, with a huge financial impact on their businesses. BIFA members are now faced with the task of explaining the surcharges to their customers, which are also struggling, without understanding, nor necessarily agreeing with, the rationale behind them. They deserve a full explanation of why and how the surcharges were decided upon, and evidence that ground handlers are not just using the opportunities presented by the difficulties to increase charges for services already provided. As the ground handling companies made their announcements, which are remarkably similar in content and value, around the same date, BIFA is left wondering whether the proposed surcharges might be of interest to the relevant competition authorities.

Robert Keen, Director General, BIFA

20 APRIL 2020

FREIGHT FORWARDERS ASK

GROUND HANDLERS TO FULLY JUSTIFY SURCHARGES FORWARDER magazine

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43

AIR FREIGHT

NEWS

19 APRIL 2020

DAVIES TURNER OFFERS

AIR FREIGHT PRICING OPTION FOR RAIL FREIGHT SERVICE D avies Turner has added an air freight pricing mechanism

Tony Cole, head of supply chain services at the UK’s leading

for its direct, fixed-day, weekly Express China Rail

independent freight and logistics company says:

service from Xi’an to the UK, such is the growing

the service in 2016, we have used the standard overland freight

interest in the service from importers and shippers that have

industry pricing technique, which is USD per cubic metre. To make

traditionally used air freight.

pricing more comprehensible for the air freight sector, we are now

Since we launched

additionally quoting per kilo rates, which is the language that air freight

importers are more used to dealing with. It makes a comparison between the relative costs of the intermodal rail service and air freight more immediately obvious. At the current rate of just USD0.24 per kilo or 2,000 cu cm (with a minimum cost of USD120), it is no surprise that our direct Express China Rail service is becoming of great interest to the air freight sector, which is facing sky high air freight rates out of China, with costs of USD10 to USD15 per kilo now being seen.

Importers that traditionally move freight by air only need to factor in the slightly longer lead times for delivery by rail, to see what a massive cost saving they can benefit from by using our direct rail alternative.

Importers that are able to remodel their supply chains to use the rail freight option may do so on a permanent basis.

Davies Turner says that to date the rail freight service from China to Europe has been around 70 percent cheaper than air freight.

But that price differential has rocketed as air freight rates reach record levels.

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ISSUE52

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at tiaca.org

T

he International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) has raised

According to Mr Gadhia, a concrete example is the drop in capacity

its concern on the air-cargo sector in Africa which has

has resulted in a capacity crisis in Nairobi for its perishables exports

experienced a significant drop in capacity to Europe by

to Europe from 5,000 tons to 1,800 tons per week, which will have

70% compared to 2019 according to CLIVE Data Services. Despite

disastrous effects on the agriculture sector in Kenya, which is yet

the vital role this activity plays in providing people with basic

to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

necessities and essential medical equipment, the situation is very concerning on the continent. TIACA is calling on all stakeholders

TIACA calls on the Air Cargo Community in Africa to rise up to the

– institutional and private alike – to take action without delay to

challenge by formulating a Recovery Plan that will enable it to sustain

contain this phenomenon.

the shocks of the Pandemic which will require a collaborative strategy between the Airlines, Airports, Handlers, Forwarders and Shippers.

We are encouraging African airlines to respond to capacity requirements immediately, in particular by putting Passenger

TIACA also calls on African governments and on civil aviation

Freighter systems in place, such as those implemented by airlines

authorities (CAAs) to take immediate measures to support the

including Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, SAA and Rwandair.

Aviation sector and the economy, by cushioning them against the

Collaboration and cooperation between African airlines across

impact of the Pandemic and in particular:

their respective fleets and networks are both essential so we can overcome the challenges we are facing.

•• Airport closures due to lockdown, closure or curfew measures;

Sanjeev Gadhia, Vice Chairman & CEO of Astral Aviation, TIACA

•• Quarantining of crews in certain African airports and the need to standardize crew quarantine requirements, including by providing dedicated rest areas

ABOUT TIACA

•• Lifting the night bans affecting the move of ground staff

The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA), launched

•• Restrictions on cargo flights in certain African countries

in the early 1990s, is the only organization that represents

•• Simplifying procedures and easing the clearance for goods like

all segments of the air cargo supply chain. A not-for-profit association, TIACA supports, informs, and connects companies

pharma and food •• Fumigation requirements in multiple African countries

and organizations of all sizes with the aim of developing an efficient, modern, and united air cargo industry worldwide.

28 APRIL 2020

TIACA URGES

ACTION FOR AIR CARGO IN AFRICA FORWARDER magazine

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45

SEA FREIGHT

A system of transporting goods by ship.

Related topics Shipping lines Biofuels Ships' parts

46

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NEWS

OMAN OPERATES 200 DIRECT WEEKLY SERVICES 1 APRIL 2020

FROM OMAN TO 86 COMMERCIAL PORTS ACROSS MORE THAN 40 COUNTRIES

T

he Middle East’s comprehensive logistics provider, ASYAD,

Al Na'abi added that direct shipping routes operating from Omani

has announced that Oman runs 200 weekly maritime

ports serve several ports in Africa, the Mediterranean and the Red

services to 86 commercial ports across more than 40

Sea including; Port Said and Damietta in Egypt, ports in Djibouti,

countries. Supported by enhanced technological capabilities,

Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar and Sudan in addition to Morocco and

world-class clearance procedures and strong safety measures,

Beirut. The direct shipping lines schedule also includes 60 services

the services enable the direct import and export of a variety of

to GCC ports.

goods, commodities, vegetables, fruits and meat globally - linking the Sultanate's ports to other key Gulf, regional and international ports.

In line with Oman Government’s strategy of building a global logistics hub in the Sultanate, ASYAD continues to establish new alliances

We invite all traders and importers to take advantage of our direct services, which support an increasing number of merchants and

with international shipping companies to harness the full potential of Oman’s ports and provide trusted global shipping solutions.

importers in bringing goods to Oman. They avail of our excellent Ports’ facilities and benefit from reduced shipping, handling and unloading

Customer experience has been positive with a number of importers,

charges. Oman has direct services to key international shipping routes

such as Transworld Shipping and Vega Shipping, complementing

that include 14 weekly services to nine ports in the US, three in the

existing direct line services provided by Oman, which offer their

UK, three in the Netherlands, five in Germany, and further European

companies imports from India and Saudi Arabia with faster and

ports in Italy, Spain, France, Turkey, Belgium, Malta, Romania, Ukraine,

better services.

and Russia. Across Asia, Oman has a wide network of direct routes, including 29 weekly routes to eight commercial ports in China, 21

Using Oman’s vast network of direct routes saves time. Voltmap

weekly routes to Indian ports, and services to ports in South Korea,

Energy SAOG of India, who import 80% of their raw materials via

Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Sohar port, make a 50% time saving through direct routing compared

Bader Al Na'abi, Global Markets & Bus. Dev. Director, ASYAD

to an indirect routing time of 7-10 days.

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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at asyad.om

Omani ports continue to provide importers with highly efficient

ABOUT ASYAD

customs clearance. Importers benefit from concessions on handling,

ASYAD is Oman’s ambition to reclaim its 2,000-year-old

shipping and unloading fees and extended free storage periods for

trade leadership. Benefitting from an initial $50 billion in

goods destined for local markets. Furthering their commitment to

Government infrastructure spending and situated directly on

their customers, alongside the Oman Chamber of Commerce and

the main east-west trade route, ASYAD offers faster access

Industry, ASYAD recently launched a call center for all customer

to regional and global markets than all GCC competitors

inquiries and requests.

with 2 billion consumers within just 5 day’s journey by sea and 3 hours by air.

ASYAD Group brings together 16 government logistics companies and JVs under one entity – demonstrably improving performance, creating efficiencies and offering economies of scale.

ASYAD’s assets include three deep-water ports and three free zones, all connected to a new $3 billion network of five airports, a USD 8 billion integrated road network, a planned 2,135km rail link to the entire GCC and an international shipping line expanding to over 70 vessels.

FORWARDER magazine

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NEWS

ECU WORLDWIDE ADDS NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 2 APRIL 2020

AS THE NEWEST INLAND CFS DESTINATION ON THE XLERATE MAP

G

lobal, 2nd April 2020: After receiving an incredible

Customers are no longer are required to clear US Customs in Los

response to its new XLERATE express LCL service from

Angeles but are able to clear US Customs at final destination CFS

Shanghai via Los Angeles to 8 Inland USS , ECU Worldwide,

. Through XLERATE, ECU Worldwide now offers fixed day inland

the global leader in LCL consolidation, has added Newark, New

CFS arrival schedules to 9 designated locations in mainland US and a

Jersey as the newest inland CFS destination to the XLERATE map

simplified per kilo rate. The rate is all-inclusive from the origin port

owing to the high volume of customer requests for this new express

to pick up from the final destination CFS in the US.

Shanghai CFS-CFS LCL service.

Being among the top logistics industry players and the global XLERATE will now offer express IPI services from Los Angeles to

leader in LCL consolidation, we take pride in expanding our inland

Newark and in additional to the original 8 Inland CFS locations in the

CFS route to Newark, New Jersey. Within a few weeks of launching

US. Xlerate combines Speed, Reliability and Schedule Integrity in mind,

XLERATE, through our decision to add Newark to our existing

ECU Worldwide has combined industry leaders in Ocean with Matson

service offerings, we have reiterated our commitment to provide

Navigation and leaders in domestic Line Haul to form a unique express

customers with a unique and unmatched express LCL service for

LCL service from Shanghai to key inland CFS locations in the US.

their cargo needs. With various features like fixed day arrival, reduced CY time, amongst others, we’re allowing customers to

ECU Worldwide has partnered with Matson Navigation on their

control their last-mile deliveries. Similarly, with our simplified and

CLX service to offer CY / CY 10 days on the Shanghai to Los Angeles

industry best rate format, we aim to provide a seamless cargo

route with total transit time thru to Newark from Shanghai of 16

transportation experience to our customers.

days, the fastest LCL transit time in the market. Matson’s vessels

Tim Tudor, Chief Executive Officer, ECU Worldwide

would arrive at Los Angeles on a Sunday and express container devanning on Monday morning with same day express IPI departure that same Monday evening.

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C

ontainer ports all over the world, with the exception

However, the effects of COVID-19 have dramatically affected

of China, are faced with imminent congestion when a

consumer demand in the US and Europe. Buyers have begun to

multitude of boxes sent for shipment from factories in

cancel orders as most of these countries are now in a severe

Asia arrive at their import destinations. As the infection rate of

lockdown situation and warehouse capacity is being maxed out.

the COVID-19 in China declined and production resumed, a large

The incoming containers are most likely causing congestion, and

number of containers which had piled up in China have finally sailed

incurring storage and demurrage charges at, for instance, the Port

to Europe and North America.

of Los Angeles or the Port of Hamburg. With CAx values of 0.38 (20DCs) and 0.57 (40HCs) for Hamburg and values of 0.82 (40DCs)

With Container Availability Index (CAx) values of 0.17 (20DCs)

and 0.3 (40HCs) for Los Angeles, the Container Availability Index

and 0.33 (40DCs), it seems like the Port of Shanghai is back at full

also forecasts increasing equipment volumes in these ports. The

productivity. In the past couple weeks, containers had piled up

forecast takes millions of containers tracked through Container

- CAx values of greater than 0.6 indicate a surplus of equipment -

xChange into account, helping shipping companies make container

due to multitudinous blank sailings, something that would normally

sale, lease or repositioning decisions.

not happen often. Being able to forecast the development of the next 3 weeks, the CAx values for Shanghai will decrease from

The next couple of weeks will tell us if the COVID-19 situation eases

0.41 for 20DCS in week 14, indicating that equipment will become

in the western world. To remain competitive, especially European

more scarce again

freight forwarders and shippers are expected to increase their usage of SOC containers in order to avoid demurrage charges.

CONTAINER AVAILABILITY 1 APRIL 2020

...FROM SHORTAGE TO CONGESTION? FORWARDER magazine

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NEWS

Further information can be found at shipparts.com

1 APRIL 2020

SHIPPARTS PARTNERS NANYANG POLYTECHNIC & ABS

IN 3D METAL PRINTING PROJECT S hipParts.com, an online procurement leader in marine

A key aspect of the project is to optimise the parameters for the

equipment, has signed a research collaboration agreement

printed part that post-machining is minimised and it can be used

with Singapore’s Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP), and the

ideally ‘hot off the oven’. The qualification will form the bedrock for

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).

future certification of critical components for marine use.

Roy Yap, Chief Growth Officer, ShipParts.com

The agreement aims to prove standards for the certification of

metallic components produced by NYP’s Additive Manufacturing

NYP’s Additive Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMiC) will develop

Innovation Centre (AMIC) for maritime application.

the metal printing test plan, procedures and processes, facilitate testing and analysis. ShipParts.com will provide the design criteria

The SGD$350,000 project – partly subsidised by the National

for parts produced by 3D metal printing licensed via its consortium

Additive Manufacturing Innovation Cluster (NAMIC) – will qualify

of manufacturing partners, while ABS will develop new testing and

the 3D printed metal part of an end-user component using a

qualification standards and audit the manufacturing process.

Selective Laser Melting 3D printing machine. The SLM technology can print complex parts in a variety of materials including stainless

We are excited to be part of this project as it has the potential

steel SS316L, which is widely applied across the industry owing to

to place Singapore at the forefront of the maritime industry’s 3D

the corrosive nature of the maritime environment.

printing hub. With NYP’s vast expertise in Additive Manufacturing, we are well-placed to ensure that the quality and reliability of the

In the first phase of the ten-month project, beginning April 2020, the

parts produced are consistent and meet qualification standards.

research teams will develop metal part printing procedures and carry

Desmond Tan, Centre Director, NYP’s AMiC

out tensile, chemical and microstructure tests of the printing medium against ABS rules and standards governing weld and material strength.

Once the project is completed, ShipParts.com will promote the commercialisation of the technology to provide 3D printed parts

Phase two will include the 3D printing of a metal component – a

to end users on their platform with NYP manufacturing and

pump impeller – and evaluate the performance of the part in standard

ABS certification.

equipment. The project is expected to complete in January next year.

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24 APRIL 2020

FORWARDERS' CAUTIOUS WELCOME TO

FERRY INDUSTRY SUPPORT MEASURES

T

he British International Freight Association (BIFA) has given

importance of ferry services to the European trailer services operated

a cautious welcome to the UK Government’s announcement

by freight forwarders that belong to the association, we hope the

today of a broad package of support measures for ferry

package of undefined measures on 26 routes between Britain, France,

routes between the UK and Northern Ireland; as well as between

Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Norway and

the UK and mainland Europe.

Sweden, including Eurotunnel, is enough to ensure the cross channel freight sector is able to provide sufficient capacity and resilience over

Robert Keen, director general of the trade association that represents

the coming days and weeks. It is also good to hear the government

UK freight forwarding companies said:

We welcome the government

acknowledging that the ferry operators are facing challenges. Hopefully

support on these key ferry routes to ensure essential goods, food

it shows that the government is listening to those on the front line of

and medical supplies keep flowing into the country. Given the critical

international supply chains.

24 APRIL 2020

GOVERNMENT FUNDING

A LIFELINE FOR GB-NI SEA FREIGHT

I

n response to the news that the government is to provide £17

the Covid-19 outbreak. Ferries are an essential tool in making

million in funding to safeguard Northern Ireland-Great Britain

sure supplies of critical goods keep moving but like many other

ferry routes during the Covid-19 pandemic, Seamus Leheny,

sectors, have been hit hard by the outbreak. Today’s recognition of

Policy Manager for Northern Ireland at FTA, comments:

the crucial importance of sea freight to the NI and GB economies cannot be underestimated and the desperately needed funding will

The government’s decision to provide financial support to

reinforce these key ferry routes. At FTA we are also pleased to

safeguard key GB-NI ferry routes is key to securing the future of sea

see the government subsequently announced a broader package of

freight on the Irish Sea, and provides welcome reassurance for GB-

support measures for routes between the UK and mainland Europe

NI supply chains, so that they can remain fully functional throughout

to help protect the nation’s supply chains during this pandemic.

FORWARDER magazine

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FOR THE BIG AND THE COMPLEX MOVES, ALLSEAS GLOBAL LOGISTICS ARE EXPERTS IN OUTSIDE THE BOX THINKING.

Allseas Global’s logistical expertise covers every area of project forwarding across land, sea and air.

Including breakbulk & out of gauge to heavy lift & chartering. Their award-winning project management team have the necessary technical skills and experience to carry out your end-to-end project challenges.

Two recent successful out-of-gauge projects delivered by the Allseas Global Logistics team:

777D Mining Rock Trucks

The Sierra Queen Catamaran

64 mTonnes / 9.7m metres

140 mTonnes / 38 metres

With fine size margins due to the height of the trucks and dimensions measuring 9.7m x 5.5m x 4.8m and 64,296kgs each, absolute precision planning was required for the loading phase, with only a few centimetres to spare as the trucks were loaded onto the vessel.

The Sierra Queen is a large capacity craft built in 1986 and has sailed thousands of tourists and locals in the Freetown area of Sierra Leone for many years. Allseas Global Logistics were asked to manage the move of this 140 mTonnes vessel from Sierra Leone to its new home in Rhodes.

The Allseas Global team sourced the best and most appropriate transport mode of choice for this project – the RORO vessel, perfect for this kind of cargo. With careful planning to ensure the ramps and vessel door were suitable for the huge size and weight of the trucks, the team ensured a very successful shipment from Southampton, to Thailand.

The Allseas Global Logistics team worked with the client and partners to keep close lines of communication between all parties, managing the process at every stage of the move.

This included the Port Agents and the Shipper to arrange the required Tug vessel to perfectly position the Sierra Queen for loading to the Mother Vessel.

For more information regarding how Allseas Global Logistics can help with your complex shipment challenges email:

FORWARDER magazine ISSUE52 54 bryn.atherton@allseasglobal.com or call 0330 555 5555.

We rise to the complicated, unconventional logistics challenges. So you get a simpler, smoother logistics experience.

We’re whatever it takes.

www.allseasglobal.com

FORWARDER magazine

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ROAD FREIGHT

A system of transporting goods by road.

Related topics Groupage Couriers Last mile

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VAN EXCELLENCE CELEBRATES 10 YEARS 6 APRIL 2020

IN OPERATION

M

ore vans than ever before are now being operated to the

In 2019, FTA also launched a Vans Policy Working Group; comprised

highest standards of safety, compliance and efficiency,

of 41 leaders within the sector, the group provides a vital mouthpiece

thanks to Van Excellence, a scheme administered by

for the industry with government, regulators and other stakeholders

FTA. Celebrating the scheme’s ten-year anniversary, FTA is pleased

and a platform to communicate and debate the issues the market

to announce 2019 was another successful year with 105 companies

is facing.

achieving Van Excellence recognition.

Van Excellence is supported by the Gold Partners; The AA, Bott Ltd, The Van Excellence scheme provides operators with the opportunity

Brigade Electronics, Hertz UK Ltd, Lex Autolease, Quartix and TVL.

to demonstrate their commitment to safer, more efficient and sustainable van fleets by passing a series of tests.

For more information on Van Excellence please visit www.vanexcellence.co.uk, email info@vanexcellence.co.uk or call

Van Excellence was launched in 2010 with the aim of

03717 11 22 22.

professionalising van driving; ten years later – and with more than 100 certified companies in operation – it is fair to say we have made great strides in improving the image of the market. The scheme

ABOUT VAN EXCELLENCE

continues to go from strength to strength; this year, we welcomed

Administered by FTA, the leading organisation in UK logistics,

on board household brands Waitrose and Wayfair, which together

Van Excellence was created in 2010 to promote the safe

operate hundreds of vans in their fleets. But whether a business is

operation of vans, represent the interests of the sector,

operating a fleet of a 100 or a small fleet of one or two, the need

and celebrate operators demonstrating excellent standards.

for safety remains the same and must not be overlooked. I would

Central to the scheme is the Van Excellence Code, a set of

also like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors for their

minimum best practice standards all van operators should

support over the years; the success of the scheme would not have

aspire to achieve, covering safety, efficiency and sustainability.

been possible without their unwavering dedication.

Sharon Mitchell, Head of Audits & Standards, FTA

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I

n response to news today (6 April 2020) that the government is

Once the immediacy of the coronavirus crisis comes to an end,

postponing the introduction of all Clean Air Zone (CAZs) until

FTA will continue to work with Defra and cities including Birmingham

2021, Natalie Chapman, Head of Urban Policy at FTA comments:

and Leeds, whose zones were due to come into force this year, to ensure the detail of the schemes take into account the needs of

As the business organisation representing the logistics sector,

businesses whilst delivering improvements to air quality.

FTA has been urging government to delay the introduction of CAZs urgently to allow businesses to focus their efforts on keeping goods moving throughout the Covid-19 outbreak, so we are so pleased to receive a letter today from Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

ABOUT FTA

Minister, Rebecca Pow MP, to confirm the implementation of the

Efficient logistics is vital to keep the UK trading, directly

schemes will indeed be postponed until at least January 2021.

having an impact on more than seven million people employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With Brexit, new

While FTA and its members support fully the government’s

technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the

ambition to improve air quality across the UK, to achieve compliance

way goods move across borders and through the supply chain,

with the scheme businesses would have to undertake significant work

logistics has never been more important to UK plc. FTA is

and planning. With the industry focusing all its attention on ensuring

one of the biggest business groups in the UK, supporting,

the public, supermarkets and other retailers continue to receive the

shaping and standing up for safe and efficient logistics. We

essential items they need during the pandemic, logistics businesses

are the only business group in the UK that represents all

simply do not have the resources to dedicate to preparing for the

of logistics, with members from the road, rail, sea and air

imminent introduction of CAZs. In addition, supplies of technology,

industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as

equipment and trucks are being disrupted by the pandemic, making

retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the

it harder for businesses to upgrade their fleets to meet the emission

efficient movement of goods.

standards required of the schemes.

CLEAN AIR ZONE POSTPONEMENT 6 APRIL 2020

A LIFELINE FOR BUSINESSES FORWARDER magazine

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NEWS

CEVA LOGISTICS & MONDADORI GROUP RENEW PARTNERSHIP 9 APRIL 2020

FOR A FURTHER FIVE YEARS

C

EVA Logistics has further extended its market-leading position as a book logistics provider in Italy through the renewal of its contract with Mondadori Group, the pre-

eminent Italian publishing house for books and magazines.

Five year extension of existing partnership The new contract between Mondadori Group and CEVA Logistics extends a partnership begun in May 2017, for further five years.

Logistics activities under CEVA’s management will be concentrated between Stradella 4 and Verona.

CEVA will be in charge of distributing around 65 million items per

ABOUT CEVA LOGISTICS

year on behalf of Mondadori and move around 340,000 different titles.

CEVA Logistics, a global asset-light third-party logistics company which designs and operates industry leading

Exceptional teamwork and common goal

supply-chain solutions for large and medium-size national and

We are very proud to have achieved the renewal of Mondadori

multinational companies. Its integrated network in Freight

contract and would like to thank Ernesto Mauri, CEO of Mondadori

Management and Contract Logistics spans more than 160

Group, for this operation. This is a concrete proof that CEVA, is a

countries. Approximately 78,000 employees are dedicated

major player in Italian logistics.

to delivering effective solutions across a variety of industry

Christophe Boustouller, Managing Director Italy, CEVA Logistics

sectors where CEVA applies its operational expertise to provide best-in-class services. CEVA is a subsidiary of the CMA CGM Group.

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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at fta.co.uk

H

eel-dragging at the top of government has meant that

renew their driving licence because they can’t get a medical. FTA

some HGV drivers critical to Britain’s response to the

has been pressing the point with government as a matter of urgency

Covid 19 crisis have been forced to stop work altogether,

and we were advised that a solution to the problem was agreed at

according to the UK’s leading business organisation representing

Cabinet level last Tuesday. The situation is now critical: operators

the logistics industry.

are having to stand down experienced and well-trained drivers just because somewhere high up in government the announcement is not

FTA, the biggest association in the sector, says that ever since GP

being given “a slot on the grid” - the communications management

practices have restricted the patients they can see, truck drivers

process in No10 which coordinates all Government announcements.

requiring a health certificate have been being turned away from

Bureaucracy should not be hindering the ability of logistics businesses

surgeries. This is preventing drivers from submitting their driving

to carry out their daily tasks, delivering for their customers right

licence renewal applications and thus making them ineligible to drive

across the country.

at the time when the nation is in greatest need of their services

Elizabeth de Jong, Policy Director, FTA

to move food to supermarkets and medicines and critical PPE to hospitals, pharmacies and, of course, GP surgeries.

FTA advises that one in three calls to its member advice line is now from operators who have drivers who cannot drive or soon will

We know that a workaround for the issue of driver medicals has been devised by the Department for Transport and the Driver and

not be able to, because they cannot get a medical to support their licence renewal.

Vehicle Licensing Agency, and that that proposal was agreed by a committee of the Cabinet over a week ago. But for some reason

Government needs to prioritise this announcement for

government is not making the announcement and this is leaving

the health of the nation’s supply chain and the wider economy.

drivers and businesses unable to deliver for their customers and

Seemingly, the only thing stopping it is red tape, something which

the wider economy. From the day GP surgeries started restricting

government could easily cut.

who could attend – which was before the national lockdown – HGV operators have been telling us that they have drivers who can’t 17 APRIL 2020

NUMBER TEN DELAYS MEAN

CRITICAL DRIVERS FORCED TO STOP

SAYS FTA

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9 APRIL 2020

CSS DELIVERS

ANOTHER LOAD OF OVER-DIMENSIONAL CARGO IN BAHRAIN

C

onsolidated Shipping Services (CSS) are pleased to share

the successful handling and transport of another vessel of

over-dimensional and general cargo from Bahrain KBSP

to the site of a power and desalination plant. The shipment is part of an ongoing project being handled by CSS for the Electricity and Water Authority in Bahrain.

The scope of work included receiving the cargo under hooks at Bahrain KBSP, movement to port storage area & storage on stools, customs clearance & inspection of cargo and transportation to site.

A total volume of 2,529.59ftn was handled and photos of the cargo can be viewed in the gallery below.

The challenges faced included acquiring the necessary permissions due to the current COVID-19 situation and roadworks on the route whilst transporting the overlength pieces to the site.

ABOUT PROJECT CARGO NETWORK Project Cargo Network is an ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified organisation established in 2010 to provide heavy lift and project cargo specialists access to a trusted, worldwide network of agents who handle their specialist shipments, whilst working professionally and safely under a strict Code of Conduct. Today, PCN has an international presence that extends to over 250 specialist members in more than 110 countries.

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H

iab UK is resuming operations at its four installation sites

There is no change to the Service Centres which have always

next week after services were temporarily suspended as

remained open as normal and the Service Vans and field service

a result of the Covid-19 outbreak.

engineers who continue to work.

From Monday 27 April centres in Ellesmere, Dudley, North Allerton

Thank you to our customers for their patience and understanding

and Cumbernauld, Scotland will been carrying out installation jobs

while we have had to adapt to the situation and change our usual

under revised health and safety protocols.

opening times. Our teams remain flexibile and we’re committed to supporting our customers to keep operations moving.

Ian Mitchell, managing director for Hiab UK and Ireland said that the decision to re-open the four sites after a month had been carefully considered We are really pleased to be starting up installation operations again at our four key sites from Monday 27 April. This means that we can commence installation activities as normal, under revised health and safety protocols. At Hiab we continue to take the situation very seriously and keeping our customers and our staff safe at work still remains our top priority. As a result, we have implemented additional health and safety protocols across all our centres which include a pre-booking system for all external visitors, additional cleaning and sanitising of workspaces and equipment, our staff all have PPE and a strict 2m distancing policy is in place at all times. Task teams at all Hiab sites ensure we follow government guidelines and uphold the enhanced health and safety protocols to manage infection control.

TEMPORARY COVID CLOSURE LIFTED 23 APRIL 2020

AT HIAB INSTALLATION SITES FORWARDER magazine

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DAVIES TURNER STRENGTHENS GERMAN PRESENCE 22 APRIL 2020

WITH NEW PARTNER

T

he new exclusive partnership with Freiburg-based, Streck

Experience during our 150-year existence really has taught us

Transport is important for Davies Turner as it further increases

to hope for the best and prepare for the worst, whilst ensuring

the leading independent UK freight forwarder's already sizeable

the company always has strong financial reserves. Partnering with a

portfolio of scheduled overland trailer services with Germany.

company that shares that philosophy gives us confidence that in the medium and long term future on this particular trade lane there will

Davies Turner beat off strong competition from a number of other

more opportunities for expansion. Freight flows are already viable

forwarding companies based in the UK to secure the exclusive freight

and despite the current difficult trading conditions we continue to

forwarding cooperation agreement with Streck, which had been left

maintain a full, nationwide collection and distribution service for our

without a British partner following the ending of its relationship with

customers and overseas partners.

its former associate.

Erich Paul, Head of International Road Department at Streck The two companies now operate daily overland trailer services

Transport adds:

between the state of Baden-WĂźrttemberg in South West Germany

for overland trailer services, so being able to secure a partnership

The UK is one of our most important trade lanes

and the UK, initially direct into Davies Turner's regional distribution

with a company that is widely recognised as being one the country's

hubs at Dartford and Coleshill. Streck Transport is a privately-owned

freight forwarding pioneers, since it was created in 1870, is very

well-established forwarding and logistics group founded in 1946,

reassuring. We share Davies Turner's commitment to offering

employing 1,200 staff and with a network across Europe's largest

effective, high quality services backed by integrated IT systems,

economy. Its international trailer services are primarily focussed on

financial stability and professional personnel.

the south west of the country.

Both Davies Turner and Streck Transport are members of System Philip Stephenson, chairman of Davies Turner says that whilst the

Alliance Europe, as are two of Davies Turner's other three partners

European road freight market has been hit hard by the coronavirus

in Germany.

pandemic, overall market forecasts mask significant variations across geographies and regions.

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A

West Yorkshire haulier is spreading the ‘Stay at Home’

ADD, along with the entire Pall-Ex network have joined over 700

message far and wide thanks to new livery on its lorries.

logistics businesses to put their combined fleet of 23,500 vehicles at the government’s disposal. Supporting the movement of any urgent

ADD Express, based in Elland, has added the important

message to the backdoors of its trucks to support the NHS’s plea to

medical equipment or supplies on a non-profit basis to help tackle the crisis and get essential goods to frontline workers.

stay at home in order to save lives during the coronavirus pandemic.

The move, headed by the Association of Pallet Networks (APN), As keyworkers and part of the Pall-Ex network of hauliers, ADD

has brought the companies together to support the distribution of

Express are keeping vital supplies on the move, with Managing

critical emergency and food supplies.

Director, Dave Fairbrother, and Operations Director, Mark Dunne, both getting behind the wheel to deliver essential goods.

Between them they have 30,000 employees, over 750 depots, and offer 100 per cent national coverage by postcode.

While we are keeping the wheels of industry turning, we thought we would get the message out there at the same time. We’re out on the road around the clock, so it’s an easy way for us to show our support. We’re a key link in the UK supply chain and we’re all proud to be playing our part. It’s an incredibly challenging time, but it remains a proper team effort here at ADD Express. Along with our incredible drivers, I’ve been out trucking, delivering food supplies and Mark has been out in the van delivering essential goods. We owe GQ Signs Ltd a thank you for their support with getting this completed and on the road so quickly.

Dave Fairbrother, Managing Director, ADD Express 29 APRIL 2020

WEST YORKSHIRE HAULIER

TAKES STAY HOME MESSAGE ON THE ROAD FORWARDER magazine

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GLOBAL LOGISTICS SERVICES Integrated logistics services that provide value to your supply chain.

Air freight forwarding

Ocean freight forwarding

Customs brokerage

WHAT MAKES US...US

Warehousing & storage

Transport & distribution

OUR COMPETITIVE EDGE

• No request too small or shipment too big for us to help you with.

• IT solutions and EDI booking interface.

• Professional advice from start to finish.

• Experienced project cargo handlers for demand and OOG consignments.

• Current market updates and trends to help support your logistics planning.

• MEC portal tracking...on-the-go live time update!

• 24/7 coverage and support care...logistics never sleeps.

• Dedicated account manager on hand for any quotes or questions.

• Dedicated team offering first-class customer service experience.

• Accurate quotation to billing with PO referencing.

• Global network of Morrison Express Corp offices.

• Competitive rates with professional service.

• HMRC Customs & HS code advice.

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‘The UK’s Morrison Express are doing an excellent job for Garmin Europe Limited based out of Southampton.

The Morrison team is flexible and will quickly resolve issues that occur. Even though the UK Morrison Express team is small in numbers they always make sure Garmin are kept informed at all times.’

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Garmin Europe

The power to move. The passion to deliver.

SUPPLY CHAIN SOLUTIONS Streamlined solutions that deliver competitive advantage wherever you operate around the world.

Supply chain visibility

Order management

Vendor-managed inventory

Regional hub network

Value-added services

morrisonexpress.com Global Headquarters

European Headquarters

US Headquarters

7f, 360 Rueiguang Road Taipei 114, Taiwan, R.O.C. Tel: +886 (2) 8752-6688

T435-439 Cargo Center Luxair L-1360 Luxembourg Tel: +352 (346) 43 9350

2000 South Hughes Way El Segundo, CA 90245 Tel: +1 (310) 322-8999

‘As you are aware, apart from the import services that you commendably provide MSI Worldwide, it’s our valuable and sensitive cargo to which our appreciation is directed. Morrison’s speed of information and updates reassures us that our clients here in the UK and those worldwide are in safe hands. In this day and age this is PRICELESS!’ MSI Worldwide

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Is your freight big, long or bulky?

Whatever the shape or size trust Tuffnells to deliver!

0800 138 8343

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Why choose Tuffnells?

Specialist in large, heavy parcels & freight Simple & easy to use Dedicated friendly local service with over 100 years’ heritage 37 local depots Ship internationally to over 167 countries

View our services

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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)

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PROJECT CARGO

NEWS

30 MARCH 2020

GOODRICH WITH

TRANSPORTATION OF LIEBHERR EXCAVATOR & BULLDOZERS

G

oodrich has been involved in the transportation of

a Leibherr excavator and two bulldozers from Russia to Kazakhstan.

The two bulldozers were moved by rail from St. Petersburg in Russia to Ekibastuz in Kazakhstan. Each one measured 7.80 x 2.85 x 3.94m and weighed 45mt. The Liebherr hydraulic excavator (R9250-437), complete with working attachments and accessories, was moved by 9 trucks with the biggest unit measuring 7.67 x 4.12 x 3.30m and weighed 100mt.

ABOUT PROJECT CARGO NETWORK Project Cargo Network is an ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified organisation established in 2010 to provide heavy lift and project cargo specialists access to a trusted, worldwide network of agents who handle their specialist shipments, whilst working professionally and safely under a strict Code of Conduct. Today, PCN has an international presence that extends to over 250 specialist members in more than 110 countries.

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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information: search for... projectcargonetwork

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PROJECT CARGO

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

NEWS

Further information can be found at sealandltd.com

1 APRIL 2020

SEALAND ARE FOCUSED ON

PROJECT LOGISTICS IN WEST AFRICA W e are pleased to introduce Sealand Logistics & Faso

The gallery below shows a recent project handled by Sealand

Transit as new members in Burkina Faso! Located in

involving the handling, transportation to port and loading of 64 risers

Ouagadougou, the company are experts in project

after the completion of their drilling operations.

logistics, haulage, rig mobilisation & demobilisation and vessel agency.

Richard Gaisie (Managing Director) says they are joining PCN because,

...our focus on project logistics, especially in oil and gas, is

aligned with the objectives of PCN and its specialised members and we can support the network with our team's 30+ years of combined experience in projects.

Richard continues by introducing the company: Sealand is dedicated to the West African Region, specialising in project cargo and global transport solutions and delivering complex logistics solutions. We focus on the three D's: Define, Design and Deliver for quality solutions compliant to international regulations including global HSSE and quality management requirements. At Sealand, you will find a strong partner who believes in creating customised solutions to any logistics challenges in the global energy or any other industry. With our primary focus on industries related to oil and gas, energy, power generation, industrial projects, mining and infrastructure, we bring the expertise of our team to ensure projects are handled professionally and safely. We offer a seamless portfolio of support services from the initial planning and budgetary phase to the final delivery and start-up.

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M

egalift has recently handled the transfer and lifting of a locomotive and wagon for the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Railway Project in Malaysia.

The MRT Line-2 will be the country's twelfth rail transit line and the fourth fully-automated and driverless rail system in the Klang Valley Area. It is part of the larger rail transport system in Kuala Lumpur known as Greater KL & Klang Valley Integrated Transit System. The rail has 37 stations spanning 52.2km in length, of which 11 stations (13.5km) are underground.

Megalift has been involved in the construction of the MRT Line-2 in various aspects. The latest movement was to transfer the locomotive and wagon from the MRT depot to the construction sites.

At the construction sites, Megalift handled the lifting of the locomotive and wagon from the ground to the elevated railway platform at a height of approximately 17m. They will be used to transport equipment for electrical and signalling works along the elevated line.

31 MARCH 2020

MEGALIFT DELIVER FOR

MRT RAILWAY PROJECT IN MALAYSIA FORWARDER magazine

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PROJECT CARGO

NEWS

UNITED HEAVY LIFT APPOINTS INTERMARINE 27 APRIL 2020

AS COMMERCIAL AGENT

U

nited Heavy Lift (UHL), a leader in effective, innovative,

Intermarine Director of Chartering, Rene Pedersen will lead the

and tailor-made heavylift transport solutions continues

commercial efforts with a focus on multi-purpose and heavylift

to expand its global commercial network by appointing

tonnage, including UHL’s newly acquired fleet of nine F900 Ecolift

Intermarine as its exclusive commercial agent in North America.

vessels. Pedersen has nearly 20 years of chartering and logistics experience, including many years working alongside UHL’s Bonnesen.

Two successful players in the heavylift market are aligning their goals.

Together we are stronger and together we will move forward.

The years of working experience between personnel in the two organizations will provide trusted and seamless service to customers.

Lars Bonnesen, CEO United Heavy Lift We are extremely happy to work with Intermarine and Rene Intermarine, a leading provider of ocean freight services to the oil

Pedersen again; Intermarine has a solid history in the North

and gas, mining, power, and infrastructure industries, will promote

American market and has built a strong network over the years,

the commercial maritime business of UHL for cargoes controlled

said Bonnesen.

in North America. Together, Intermarine and UHL will provide

forces with Mr. Pedersen again. In fact, I have known Mr. Pedersen

customers with the quality service, performance, and reliability for

and worked with him for nearly 20 years. He started his career in

which each company has a long-standing reputation.

shipping working for me as a trainee. He has my complete trust. I

In addition, I am also personally happy to join

know how capable he is.

We are excited to represent UHL commercially, leveraging our strong network and expertise in the region. We are confident that this relationship will benefit our mutual customers with an even

ABOUT UNITED HEAVY LIFT

wider scope of services and cargo logistics solutions.

The United Group, headquartered in Hamburg, consists of

Richard Seeg, CEO, Intermarine

four closely linked companies: United Heavy Lift (UHL), United Wind Logistics (UWL), United Engineering Solutions (UES) and our newest company United Heavy Transport (UHT).

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

C

entralog (Project Cargo Network members in Slovenia)

Centralog are specialised in the overseas transportation and handling

are pleased to share some photos of a recent operation

of OOG and large breakbulk shipments. Over the years they have

they have handled.

managed several high-value projects by offering their partners and customers world class services and at the same time lowering

They were handling a shipment of transformers with a maximum

total transport costs by analysing alternative transport routes and

unit weight of 122tns and at the same time discharging a 24m yacht

thinking outside the box.

directly into the sea.

ABOUT PROJECT CARGO NETWORK Project Cargo Network is an ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified organisation established in 2010 to provide heavy lift and project cargo specialists access to a trusted, worldwide network of agents who handle their specialist shipments, whilst working professionally and safely under a strict Code of Conduct. Today, PCN has an international presence that extends to over 250 specialist members in more than 110 countries.

27 APRIL 2020

CENTRALOG’S

CHALLENGING OPERATION FORWARDER magazine

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AIR & SEA PORTS

Any place where persons and merchandise are allowed to pass, by water or land, into and out of a country and where customs officers are stationed to inspect or appraise imported goods.

Related topics Cargo handling Container terminals Drayage

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AIR & SEA PORTS

NEWS

CONTAINER SHIPPING INTO THE HINTERLAND 9 APRIL 2020

ON A GOOD TRACK

T

he transport of containers by barge from and to the Port of

Container transport by barge plays an important role in the modal

Hamburg is picking up speed. Contrary to the nationwide

split of the modes of transport for the port of Hamburg in seaport

result with a decline of 4.1 percent, the Port of Hamburg

hinterland traffic and port transhipment. The barge is also of great

recorded an increase of 13 percent in container transport by inland

importance for the transport of particularly heavy and bulky cargo as

waterway vessel with 145,078 TEU in 2019.

well as for all types of bulk commodities. The barge can compensate changes in the loading mix very well.

This figure does not include the increased intra-port transhipment

Ingo Egloff, Executive Board Member, Port of Hamburg Marketing

by barges in the Port of Hamburg. In 2019 that was more than 170,000 TEU. These container transports within the port replaced

Implementation of Elbe River maintenance concept

a total of around 120,000 truck transports and are a good example

The very good water levels on the Upper Elbe at the beginning of

of a successful modal shift in freight transport in the Hanseatic city.

2020 have shown what the barge is capable of when transporting even large and heavy cargo.

HVCC also controls barges In addition to the good development of the cargo handling for the

It is therefore time that the Elbe River maintenance concept

hinterland of the Port of Hamburg, the improved integration of inland

(Unterhaltungskonzept Elbe), which was approved by the Bundestag

navigation into the port processes also played a role in the positive

in the last legislative period, is finally implemented by the Federal

development. The Hamburg Vessel Coordination Center (HVCC) is

Ministry of Transport,

also increasingly controlling the port rotations of barges in order to

in replacing the Scharnebeck ship lift.

demands Egloff. He already sees progress

better coordinate them with the terminal procedures in Hamburg.

The establishment of a barge platform opens further opportunities for coordinated action by all players involved in the port.

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But we need both, Elbe Lateral Canal and implementation of the measures on the Elbe River.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at abports.co.uk

A

ssociated British Ports (ABP) has announced an agreement with

Due to its location as the UK’s most eastern port, Lowestoft

Suffolk County Council (SCC) in relation to Lake Lothing Third

has a long history of servicing offshore energy projects and offers

Crossing (LLTC). This agreement addresses ABP’s concerns

highly-skilled teams equipped to safely and efficiently handle a wide

about the impacts of the project on port operations and marine safety.

range of cargoes.

As a result, ABP has written to the Secretary of State for Transport

The Port of Lowestoft, together with ABP's other two East Anglian

formally withdrawing its objections to the project.

ports, King’s Lynn and Ipswich, contributes £360 million to the economy and supports thousands of jobs.

We have successfully worked together to come to this agreement.

The removal of ABP’s statutory objection to the LLTC proposal is a positive development for the project.

Councillor Matthew Hicks, leader of Suffolk County Council We are pleased that we have reached agreement with Suffolk County Council which addresses the impact that the LLTC would have on Port operations upstream of the LLTC. ABP’s focus will now turn to planning for further development of the Port, focussing on the Outer Harbour, so that we can continue to work with our partners to pursue Lowestoft’s considerable development potential, especially in the exciting offshore energy sector, thereby continuing to create jobs and fuel the local economy.

Andrew Harston, Regional Director for Wales & Short Sea Ports, ABP 21 APRIL 2020

ABP & SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL REACH

LAKE LOTHING THIRD CROSSING AGREEMENT FORWARDER magazine

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AIR & SEA PORTS

NEWS

NEW SHANDONGEUROPE EXPRESS 30 APRIL 2020

LINKS CHINA & HAMBURG

C

hina is the Port of Hamburg’s most important trade

Hamburg is not only a hub for ocean shipping with China, but also

partner. Hamburg serves as the gateway to Europe for

an important junction for rail traffic between Europe and China on

Chinese goods. Along with handling ocean shipping, the

the New Silk Road.

port city is also an important railway hub for transports to and from

Axel Mattern,

China. The new Shandong-Europe Express train from Jinan arrived

Executive Board Member, Port of Hamburg Marketing

in Hamburg’s Billwerder Terminal for the first time today. It carries valuable and time-sensitive cargo from China to Europe along the New Silk Road.

I’m very pleased to see that we are able to improve the connections between Hamburg and China even further. Landside connections, particularly transport by rail, provide the Port of Hamburg with great

On April 10, the 'Shandong-Europe Express' set out from Jinan, the

opportunities and are one of its strengths: 12 percent of German

capital of Shandong Province, on its way to Hamburg. The train is

rail cargo transport arrives at or departs from the Port of Hamburg.

loaded with 41 40-foot containers (FEU) filled with wind turbine

This puts us in an excellent starting position to make good use of

parts, LEDs, tools, and medical supplies. Currently, the train only

this strength in a sustainable way on the Silk Road in the future.

operates from China to Europe. Carriage in the other direction is

Michael Westhagemann, Hamburg’s Senator for Economics

not being offered at this time. The next departures from Jinan are scheduled for May 16 and 30. The freight train is operated by the

The Province of Shandong is located on the east coast of China, with

Shandong Hi-Speed Group as part of their Qilu Europe-Asia freight

the Shandong peninsula forming the southern coast of the Bohai

traffic service.

Gulf. According to its gross domestic product (GDP), Shandong is economically the third most important province of China. Industries

The Shandong Express arrived today in Hamburg in the midst of

in the areas of electronics, machinery, chemicals, textiles, and food

the coronavirus crisis. It is a powerful sign in trying times for all of

processing are located there. The Port of Qingdao provides the

us. We can only overcome the coronavirus by working together. We

province with ocean connections to the Port of Hamburg.

can only meet the challenges during and after the crisis by working together. We can only manage it together,

Chinese Consul

General DU Xiaohui emphasized at the train’s arrival.

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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at hafen-hamburg.de

The new rail service between Jinan and Hamburg further improves

There are three modes of transport to choose from when shipping

the already extensive supply of train connections between Hamburg.

goods to or from China: ships, trains, or airplanes. Costs and time

Last year, 204 train connections per week were marketed and run

are important factors in this decision. Airfreight is obviously the

between the Port of Hamburg and 20 destinations in China. Beijing,

fastest. It can move import and export cargo between Asia and

Changchun, Changsha, Chengdu, Chonqing, Dalina, Ganzhou,

Europe in one to two days. However, it is also very costly. Ocean

Harbin, Hefei, Qingdao, Shenyang, Shenzhen, Shilong, Suzhou,

shipping between the continents is very inexpensive, but it can take

Tianjin, Wuhan, Yiamen, Xi’an, Yiwu, and Zhengzhou were regularly

up to eight weeks for the goods to reach their destination. The

linked with Hamburg via the New Silk Road. In 2019, around 100,000

third possibility, shipping by rail, closes the gap between airplanes

standard containers (TEU) were transported by rail.

and ships. Trains take two to three weeks for the route between Europe and Asia. In terms of costs, rail cargo is also in between air

The Port of Hamburg has a throughput of about 2.6 million TEU of

and sea transport.

seaborne containers for China annually. Almost every third container handled on the quays there is coming from or headed to China.

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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

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TECH & DIGITALISATION

NEWS

2 APRIL 2020

FAILURE TO ADOPT NEW TECHNOLOGY

COSTS FLEET MANAGERS TWO DAYS A WEEK R esearch released today by Verizon Connect reveals that

though the average fleet loses nine working days each year due to

fleet managers could save as much as 14 hours a week – the

accidents or unscheduled maintenance. Furthermore, just less than

equivalent of nearly two full working days – by adopting

half (49 percent) use technology to monitor driver behaviour to help

technology that helps them automate tasks.

improve safety, despite driver safety and behaviour being cited as a top safety concern by 44 percent of respondents. The lack of investment

The new study of fleet managers across the UK found that two

in technology means fleet managers are also missing a sizeable

fifths (40 percent) spend the majority of their time doing general

opportunity to reduce fuel costs. The study found that the increasing

administrative tasks, which means they aren’t able to focus on getting

cost of fuel is one of the top three issues keeping fleet managers

on with their day job. Less than half (47 percent) of fleet managers

awake at night, with 23 percent citing it as a key concern; however, 53

currently use technology to assist them in their daily tasks, including

percent of fleet managers fail to use technology to monitor fuel usage.

automating routing, scheduling, and compliance, highlighting the significant untapped productivity gains across British fleets.

We know time is critical for fleet managers and many are tasked with trying to juggle lots of different tasks at once. The introduction

Fleet managers that don’t use technology spend the most time on

of a few simple technology tools can really make their life easier and

managing routing and scheduling. On average, these individuals spend

help improve business efficiency. Technology provides an enormous

two hours per week on the task, which can easily be automated,

opportunity to unlock the potential of fleet-based businesses, but it

but one in six (16 percent) invest more than four hours each week

still seems many fleet managers simply aren’t taking advantage. With

completing it manually. For larger fleets (101 – 250 vehicles), the

just the tap of a few buttons, they can access data from across their

average fleet manager spends 3.9 hours per week on managing

business, and use this to both help improve performance of all their

routing and scheduling without technology.

employees and monitor situations in near real-time. Nearly half of fleet managers spend most of their time bogged down by admin, and

The research also highlights the scope for technology to enhance

this is time they could recover if they can use technology to help

operations across the fleet industry. Over half (54 percent) of fleet

them to do their job more efficiently and effectively.

managers don’t use technology to monitor vehicle incidents, even

Derek Bryan, Vice President EMEA, Verizon Connect

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

I

vanti Supply Chain today announced the addition of Rapid Voice

Rapid Migration. Ivanti Velocity makes it easy for partners to

to the Ivanti® Rapid Platform. With the complete Rapid Platform

deploy next-generation mobile devices by migrating existing telnet

toolset, Ivanti enables its partners to leverage proven processes

or web-based connections to Android and Windows 10, while

and technologies to speed the deployment of next-generation

maintaining a same or better user experience.

mobile devices within their customers’ supply chain and warehousing operations. The addition of Rapid Voice, leveraging Ivanti Speakeasy,

Rapid Modernisation. Enables partners to help their customers

helps these same organisations take their operations to the next

increase worker productivity by transforming green screens into an

level by delivering improved productivity and accuracy, while

HTML experience that dramatically reduces or eliminates training time.

reducing training time.

Rapid Web. Provides partners with the ability to rapidly migrate Modernising the warehouse is no easy task. Ensuring the

their customers’ SAP, Oracle or other telnet or web-based

same or higher levels of productivity during this transition

connections to the latest generation Android and Windows 10

period is of significant concern for warehousing and supply chain

rugged mobile computers using Ivanti Velocity.

organisations, and for many, the move to Android or Windows 10 means starting over again. With the Ivanti Rapid Platform toolset,

Rapid Management. When partners leverage Ivanti Avalanche

and Rapid Voice, our partners are able to help their customers

they are able to help their customers significantly reduce the

migrate their existing mobile devices in a matter of minutes – all

time it takes to deploy mobile devices within the supply chain and

with technologies that are built for a lifetime and that have been

warehouse – from days to minutes.

proven to deliver ROI at scale.

Brandon Black, Vice President & General Manager, Supply Chain

The complete Rapid Platform toolset is now available to Ivanti

Business Unit, Ivanti

partners free of charge to help them enable their supply chain and warehousing customers to enhance the user experience

In addition to Rapid Voice, other key capabilities of Rapid Platform

by modernising, voice-enabling and managing assets. For more

include the following:

information, visit https://rapid.ivanti.com.

2 APRIL 2020

IVANTI SUPPLY CHAIN

ADDS VOICE FUNCTIONALITY TO RAPID PLATFORM TOOLSET FORWARDER magazine

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TECH & DIGITALISATION

NEWS

2 APRIL 2020

OPTIMAL UTILISATION OF VEHICLES, PRESERVATION OF RESOURCES & INCREASING SAFETY:

THIS IS HOW YOU MASTER EVERY SITUATION T he COVID crisis poses

means of status information on vehicle utilisation such as volume,

extreme challenges

weight or store places, the driver's remaining driving time and mixed

for everyone in the

loading prohibitions. Tours are planned in an efficient and time-

logistics and transport sector:

saving way with the help of mathematical processes. Especially in

whilst some companies face

the current situation, the automatic creation and fully-automated

an extreme decline in orders,

dispatch of transport documents, invoices and accompanying

some (for example food

transport documents is an advantage of our software. Here, CarLo

logistics service providers)

can make a positive contribution to reducing the need for personal

are barely able to meet the

contact to a minimum.

increased demand. A transport management system such as

Many employees are working from home office more frequently.

Soloplan's CarLo suppor ts

CarLo's terminal capability means that the daily tasks can also be

logistics in both situations.

efficiently mastered from the home office. Thanks to the web-based logistics platform CarLo exCHANGE, full, mobile access to data

Every company is affected. Absences due to illness or quarantine

facilitates communication with subcontractors. The platform has

have already become daily fare, and the logistics sector in particular

many compelling functions including Direct Order, evaluations or

is struggling to cope. It has therefore become more important than

the connection to telematics systems.

ever to make efficient use of the available resources. The transport management system CarLo has numerous assistants and restriction tests for that purpose, which support the dispatcher immensely by

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

Currently, an especially important task is the protection of your

Whether in times of crisis or in normal day-to-day business, a flexible

drivers. In the telematics system CarLo inTOUCH, which is fully

transport management system like CarLo supports you at all times in

integrated into CarLo, communication with the driver takes place

efficient planning, managing and monitoring of all transports. CarLo is

via chat; orders are transmitted electronically and processed directly

used daily in more than 24 countries worldwide and in 13 languages.

within the app. CarLo inTouch also has an integrated scanning function which works via image recognition in the camera. Especially at a time

Soloplan is a reliable partner with more than 250 employees,

when day-to-day work is to be mastered with as little contact as

specialising exclusively in logistics software – with more than 25

possible, those functions are becoming more and more important for

years of experience.

the protection of the health of each individual to the best of our ability.

Furthermore, drivers can use the app to transmit unplanned waiting

You would like to learn more about the logistics software

times to their dispatchers to enable the quickest possible response.

CarLo? Then you are welcome to contact us via e-mail at vertrieb@soloplan.de or call us on +49 831 57407 300 or use the

The economy is in shock and many dread the future; but government

LIVE chat on our homepage: www.soloplan.com. We will gladly

aid is planned. It is therefore recommended that all burdens arising

arrange an online presentation appointment with you.

from the COVID-19 pandemic be documented in detail, as such an overview is important for later applications for government aid.

The extensive evaluations and statistics of the logistics software CarLo as well as the flexible data visualisation support you in the analysis of various areas. Subscribe to the most important statistics and easily export the desired data to Excel.

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TECH & DIGITALISATION

NEWS

7 APRIL 2020

SIXFOLD INCREASES PRESENCE IN STRATEGIC EUROPEAN REGIONS TO PROVIDE

REAL-TIME VISIBILITY TO LOGISTICS SERVICE PROVIDERS I n a strategic move to better serve European companies with

Christian Wicht fronts the Düsseldorf location and will focus on serving

visibility services, Sixfold today announces that it is strengthening

logistics services providers. He has served in various sales positions over

its presence in Central and Eastern Europe.

the years, notably with Transporeon and BluJay solutions. Sixfold is the exclusive real-time visibility provider for the Transporeon supply chain

The past weeks of the Coronavirus pandemic have shown how

network. Marek Siuda takes responsibility for Eastern Europe. He joins

significant disruptions can affect supply chains. Factors such as the

Sixfold after various sales roles over the past 15 years including selling

volatile situation at the borders, government interventions such as

telematics systems from Qualcomm, Visirun and Webfleet Solutions

relaxing drivers’ hours regulation, and decreased transport capacity is

(TomTom Business Solutions) and will be based in Warsaw, Poland.

impacting our supply chains. Real-time visibility of shipments has become more important than ever before to react faster to daily challenges.

Wolfgang Wörner, CEO, Sixfold

ABOUT SIXFOLD Sixfold is one of Europe’s leading real-time logistics visibility

Increasing our presence demonstrates Sixfold’s position of being the

platforms for the supply chain. Shippers and carriers

visibility platform-of-choice in European transportation markets and

seamlessly integrate their transport management systems

having a local presence wherever possible supports that position.

with the Sixfold visibility platform to know where their

Volkert Gasche, Head of Sales, Sixfold

shipments are and when they will arrive with minimal manual work from either of the parties. The platform aggregates

Luc Hegeman will manage Benelux countries. His professional career

data from all telematics systems into one data stream giving

spans sales and business development roles in the transport and

true end-to-end visibility of shipments. Visit sixfold.com

logistics industry.

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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at go2tigers.com

G

lobal logistics and transportation company Tigers has

At the same time, we are noticing that demand for outdoor

released new updates for its SmartHub:Connect freight

leisurewear, while not increasing, is holding steady, and we believe we

and e-commerce portal, which are designed to help

can reasonably expect a surge as people are more likely to take holidays

customers during current disruption caused by the Covid-19

nearer to home; certainly, interest is there. With the e-commerce and

pandemic and to support them in the aftermath of the crisis.

logistics landscape changing so rapidly as these examples demonstrate, Tigers has been working on new SmartHub:Connect features designed

SmartHub:Connect has seen a spike in logins and has been supporting

to help people get through the crisis and its aftermath.

increased e-commerce volumes since the beginning of March.

Tigers plans to release real-time alerts for delayed sailings or flights, The new features, which will help manage rapidly changing customer

and is further developing its SmartHub:Connect app as part of the

demands, include streamlined Purchase Order functions, online

ongoing improvements.

notification to the customer or operations if a booking needs attention, and bulk upload of order exceptions.

Tigers last week organised the safe transportation of over 1.38 million masks and 53 large ventilators on a charter flight from

In the last month, we have continued to see an upsurge in healthrelated products and some of the more essential e-commerce items,

Shanghai, China, to Rome, Italy to support the Italian Government’s fight against Covid-19.

with conversely B2B and luxury clothing items seeing a dip.

Mark Gatenby, Chief Information Officer, Tigers

The medical supplies travelled in the bellyhold and on the passenger deck of a Boeing 777-200 from Shanghai Pudong Airport, to Fiumicino Airport.

A total of 1,385,000 masks, 53 large ventilators, and a consignment of ventilator accessories were delivered to hospitals across the Italian capital, with more flights expected over the coming weeks.

8 APRIL 2020

TIGERS RELEASES BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE UPDATES FOR ITS

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TECH & DIGITALISATION

NEWS

CONSOLFREIGHT & CENTRIFUGE INTEGRATE DAI 21 APRIL 2020

TO TRANSFORM LOGISTICS ACCESS TO LIQUIDITY VIABLOCKCHAIN SOLUTION

C

onsolFreight announced a revolutionary pilot powered by

Dai was created to provide a better way for everybody to

technology developed by Centrifuge, that will endow the

participate in the global economy, regardless of size, industry or

logistics industry with the possibility of accessing liquidity

geographic location,

said Gustav Arentoft, Maker Foundation

through collateralized assets as an initial step to transform digital

business development leader for Europe. Working with ConsolFreight

economies. The project will allow traditional freight forwarders

to provide small and medium logistics businesses with better access

to use their receivables to improve their working capital, enabling

to liquidity through unlocking the value in their collateralized assets

growth and better payment terms for their customers.

creates an opportunity to drive growth for organizations that are currently underserved by traditional financial solutions.

The project, which combines ConsolFreight's community of freight forwarders and Dai, the decentralized stablecoin from MakerDAO, is

This new groundbreaking cooperation permits logistics liquidity and

powered by Tinlake, a protocol created by Centrifuge to unlock the

allows the origination, qualification, management, and payment of

value of your real-world assets in the decentralized finance ecosystem.

freight invoices. It is particularly advantageous to translate otherwise tedious processes into real use cases to be leveraged in the logistics

We are creating a sleek and simple process that reduces the friction

industry.

between humans and Blockchain technology to provide liquidity to logistics providers by working with the most innovative solutions to

ConsolFreight brings trade finance to the freight industry by

transform digital economies. Our commitment is to eliminate the

bringing these assets on-chain to tap into the liquidity DeFi provides.

burden from difficult processes and make them available as ready-

By using Tinlake, Consolfreight turns these illiquid non-fungible assets

to-use solutions that will help the logistics industry to become more

liquid and provides a novel finance product to their shippers.

efficient in allowing international trade transactions.

Lucas Vogelsang, CEO, & Cofounder of Centrifuge.

Ernesto Vila, CEO, ConsolFreight

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

P

ayCargo has launched a dedicated Canadian Dollar online

The pandemic has also highlighted how unsuitable using cash,

freight payment platform in Canada. Payers now have

checks, vouchers, and traditional POS terminals are, and the value

the flexibility to pay in either Canadian or US dollars

of digital payments.

for the first time.

Among the companies already registered to start using the service

The Canada launch, part of ongoing growth and development

are DHL Global Forwarding, DSV, Air-City, Airtime Express, Cargo

plans by the Fintech company, was fast-tracked to help customers

Airport Services Canada, COSCO Shipping Lines, ECU Worldwide

across the supply chain overcome payment challenges related to the

Canada, Menzies Aviation, OOCL, Overseas Container Forwarding,

Covid-19 outbreak.

Overseas Container Logistics, Thompson Ahern & Co, Total Express, Shipco Transport, Vanguard Logistics Services, and Yang Ming Shipping.

We have been planning a phased expansion into Canada, and this launch at a challenging time for the industry, completes our

Users already registered in the PayCargo system and currently

move into this vitally important market. We believe this is the first

processing USD payments in Canada have to register separately to

dedicated online CAD freight payment platform in Canada and that

use this new CAD service.

it will provide significant benefits for Canadian industry stakeholders, from the small-to-medium enterprises right up to the big players.

Lionel van der Walt, President & CEO, Americas, PayCargo

ABOUT PAYCARGO PayCargo’s online solution allows you to move cargo faster

Online payments have become particularly critical during the

and reduce payment costs more than any other platform. Our

Covid-19 outbreak, as the global supply chain has had to alter how

patented technology effortlessly registers your company so

business is conducted, as workforces adapt to homeworking and

that you can start making payments to your freight Vendors.

social distancing has become standard policy.

23 APRIL 2020

PAYCARGO LAUNCHES FIRST DEDICATED ONLINE FREIGHT PAYMENT SERVICE

SUPPORTING CANADIAN DOLLAR TRANSACTIONS IN CANADA FORWARDER magazine

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TECH & DIGITALISATION

NEWS

SMART TECH COMPANY’S SWEET SOLUTION 29 APRIL 2020

FOR FOOD & BEVERAGE GIANT NESTLÉ

S

mart tech firm Sauce has launched an innovative solution

Previously, lorry drivers coming to the York site would drop their

to enhance operational efficiency for one of the world’s

trailer off at the warehouse to be unloaded, then remain in a

biggest food and beverage companies.

waiting area until it was ready, or collect a previously loaded trailer.

Communication was via two-way radio or walkie talkies and the

The technology developed by Sauce is aimed at solving complex

recording system was largely paper-based.

yard management challenges for confectionery and beverage manufacturer Nestlé. The unique system is being used to track

Under the new system, all delivery drivers now input their details

and manage all trailer movements at the firm’s York factory, where

digitally upon arrival at security, including their name, vehicle and

products such as KitKat and Yorkie are manufactured; and at its

trailer numbers. They then wait in a designated area where they

Regional Distribution Centre, where products such Nescafé and

can view a 'flight board' – similar to an airport or train station

Smarties are dispatched.

information screen – enabling them to monitor the status of their load. When it has been loaded or unloaded, they can return to their

After being successfully introduced at the York site, the solution

vehicle and leave the site.

will now be applied to a revolutionary new distribution centre in the East Midlands, known as the Digital Distribution Operation of

Shunter drivers, who manoeuvre delivery trailers on and off-

the Future. The multilingual system could then be rolled out to

loading bays at the warehouse and factories, also access the live

other Nestlé operations internationally – the business operates

information via a tablet in their cab, meaning they are fully aware of

more than 400 factories in over 80 countries.

all movements on site.

Sauce, which is based at the Centre for Digital Innovation (C4DI) tech

To have a company the size of Nestlé put their trust in us to

hub, in Hull, was approached by Nestlé to develop a bespoke yard

deliver this system is huge for us and we are incredibly proud to

management system to monitor and manage trailer movements. The

work with them. They have an amazing logistics operation and

system is used to improve the visibility and tracking of movements

we’re delighted that we have been able to provide a further digital

of drivers, vehicles and trailers.

dimension to it. We have been able to provide Nestlé with the

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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at sauce.dev

enhanced level of visibility they wanted as part of scalable solution

curve. Other major Sauce clients include home heating provider

that can be applied to any of their sites. Nestlé had looked at various

Ideal Boilers and wind power global leader Siemens Gamesa.

off-the-shelf shelf yard management systems, but none suited their requirements. That’s where we came in. We worked closely with

York is the home of Nestlé’s UK confectionery business, incorporating

Nestlé to understand exactly what they needed and to create a

factory and warehouse operations, as well as a leading research and

completely bespoke solution.

development centre for confectionery. Around 500 trailers leave the

Matt Weldon, Chief Executive, Sauce

site every week, transporting goods to major supermarket chains.

Sauce has created five programs to meet Nestlé’s requirements – a

Following its launch in York, the system developed by Sauce will now be

booking system; a traffic management system; a warehouse tracking

implemented by Nestlé and its strategic logistics partner, XPO Logistics,

system; a shunter tablet app; and a live flight board – which work

at the pioneering Digital Distribution Operation of the Future.

seamlessly together.

The futuristic distribution centre, at the East Midlands Gateway The system can be accessed currently in 16 different languages, with

development, near Castle Donington, in Leicestershire, is billed as

contract drivers of many different nationalities visiting the York site

one of the most advanced buildings of its kind in the world, with its

daily, and more can be added as required.

digital ecosystem integrating predictive data and robotics. The digital yard management system created by Sauce will now be a key element

We have effectively created a suite of applications which can be

of operations at the flagship centre, which is due to open next month.

turned on or off as necessary, based on the particular needs of a given factory or warehouse. This scalability means it can be used at

Chris Pickles, Own Fleet and Delivery Operations Manager at Nestlé’s

any of Nestlé’s sites. The system has evolved over time as we have

York centre, which operates 24/7 for 364 days of the year, said:

developed the software, using our agile methodology. A key point

This site is one of the most complex of Nestlé’s operations

is that, throughout the process, we have worked really closely with

because we have both factory and warehouse functions on the same

Nestlé, and will continue to do so, to ensure the technology we

site – usually it is one or the other. This will solve key issues for the

create meets their needs exactly.

York site, which means it will also work for other operations. If any

Joe Axon, Lead Developer, Sauce

other Nestlé factory or warehouse wants an advanced, digital yard management system, we now have it and can configure it to their

Founded by three friends just four years ago, Sauce has grown rapidly

requirements within days.

to become an award-winning team of 30, who are currently working seamlessly from home as they continue to support clients through

David Walker, Nestlé’s Logistics Transformation Projects Manager

the coronavirus crisis.

at York, said:

The Sauce team’s approach has been fantastic and

they have been really easy to work with. They have built a bespoke The Sauce team specialises in working with large, traditional

solution from scratch to tackle the challenges we faced and it is in

companies as their digital partners, creating solutions to key business

operation within 12 months of our first discussion, which we think

challenges and enabling corporates to keep ahead of the technology

is incredible.

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EXPERTS

t’s a challenging time for the global economy. Covid-19 has

Has there been a better time

seen sales numbers plummet, sending businesses of all sizes

to invest in automation technology?

into survival mode. With tighter cost controls in place,

With many companies freezing IT programs with hefty financial

businesses across the logistics industry are freezing long term

commitments, project resources are available to spearhead change.

IT programs, leaving project resources sitting idle while we ride

Unlike many IT transformation initiatives, Shipamax’s document

out these turbulent times.

automation solution is a light touch - we offer a fully packaged, predictable implementation programme that’s managed by our

It’s clear that the number one priority is keeping business healthy,

Customer Success team. We’ve found end users can get up to

and now more than ever, the spotlight is ensuring efficient work

speed in less than 30 minutes - a relief for implementation managers

practices are a top priority. As a result, we’re seeing businesses

responsible for driving new initiatives during this remote period.

use this time to take a step back to review dated systems and internal technologies as they look for new ways to save money

It’s no secret that document automation technology can

and mitigate risk.

address back office inefficiencies. In the current climate, driving efficiencies is more important than ever, and will ultimately help

Automation technology is more relevant than ever

freight forwarders set up for future success.

Before Covid-19 shook the world, automation was already a fast growing trend throughout the logistics industry. In a recent

What is Shipamax doing to help businesses

survey of business leaders by EY, 41% of respondents said they

in the current market?

were investing in accelerating automation as businesses prepared

Shipamax is committed to helping global logistics companies

for a post-crisis world.

generate efficiencies during these uncertain times. We’ve made some changes to our commercial offering that we believe will

Despite uncertain market conditions, it’s clear many businesses

allow new customers to invest in technology without a big budget.

still have one eye on the future, with the objective of emerging from the current crisis in a stronger position. Interestingly,

Consumption based pricing model

what we’re seeing is that businesses are still willing to sign off

Our consumption based pricing model can be scaled up and down

technology purchases that help to deliver quick and quantifiable

depending on your business needs. So during these uncertain

ROI. Document automation fits this mould.

times, your software costs will be matched to your demand.

No implementation fees Our out-of-the box integrations with popular systems such as CargoWise and Microsoft Outlook mean you won’t have to stump up for hefty implementation fees before you see a return on your investment.

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Flexibility on terms We’re working closely with new customers to set out terms that

If you’re considering different options, such as OCR, you can

work for all parties. We understand that market conditions are

learn more about some of the differences between OCR, RPA

unique, and we want to make sure that as a solution provider,

at Shipamax.com . We'd love to talk

we’re giving our customers the opportunity to generate maximum value from our technology. If you have budget freezes, or resource

Shipamax helps to free logistics companies from manual admin

uncertainties, let us know & we’ll make sure our agreement

using plug and play automation. If you're a logistics company and

ensures you’re not taking on unnecessary commitments.

you’d like to learn more about back office document automation, we would love to hear from you.

Is the time right to invest in document automation technology?

Jenna Brown, Co-Founder & CEO, Shipamax

These are unprecedented and uncertain times for businesses, but there is an opportunity to emerge in a position of strength.

If you have idle project resources that need to be utilised, and are looking for a project with minimal risk and high ROI, that will help generate efficiencies in a crisis, perhaps now is the ideal time to invest in automation technology.

INVESTING IN TECHNOLOGY DURING TIMES OF UNCERTAINTY? ...THE TIME IS RIGHT

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T

EXPERTS

he biggest problem facing any industry that is required to

There are a few different methods, and even some software that

go to the customers location, is that people are becoming

can help in measuring customer satisfaction, which in the end can

increasingly impatient. A survey sponsored by Interparcel

create a better product and overall experience for the customer.

out of the UK, found that 50% of Brits admitted to becoming more

The most common method though, is a simple survey. Software such

impatient in the past 5 years. While it’s no surprise that patience

as SurveryMonkey and Client Heartbeat make it easier to facilitate

is waning in our society, there are ways to monitor and measure

surveys that can help pinpoint the some of the successful aspects of

customer satisfaction, and also improve the accuracy of your daily

your business as well as those areas requiring some improvement.

schedules.

Creating routes and schedules that are both efficient and accurate When you are a delivery company or a field service provider, you

is nearly impossible when done by hand. However OptimoRoute™

promise both to provide a quality service, but to also arrive in a

helps you easily plan accurate routes and schedules so you can provide

timely fashion. The only thing worse than being late, is to not show

a predictable and reliable service to your customers. You can further

up at all. According to business.com, failure to deliver goods or

improve your service by providing customers with a selection of

failure to perform the service are among the top 10 complaints for

time windows – specific time slots which best suits your customers.

retails sales and service companies.

These time windows can then be imported into OptimoRoute™ and will be adhered to during planning. OptimoRoute™’s planner not

Being able to measure customer satisfaction gives you insight into

only simplifies the planning process, but results in the best possible

trends, and your current performance amongst those people who

routes being created.

are paying for your service. To a certain extent most customers are understanding that not everything can be perfect every single

Spend that time where it matters most, maintaining a quality product

time. But as Warren Buffett once said,

and looking after your customers.

It takes 20 years to build

a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.

(Time) One mistake can create a ripple effect

that can stifle growth and hinder marketing.

The bad news is that 95% of customers will tell at least one other person about a bad experience with a company. Worse news is that 54% of customers will tell more than five people. While marketing and customer acquisition is difficult, the cheapest and most beneficial remedy lies in the good news. That is, that 70% of customers will continue to do business with a company if an issue is resolved in their favour. (MarketingCharts)

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This article originally appeared on optimoroute.com

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EXPERTS

f it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, goes the well-worn saying. Monitoring

Top Features of Interest

employees working hours using traditional clocking in/out systems

Time & Attendance system have been around for a while but there

that are recorded manually to a spreadsheet is a case in point.

are many new features and functionality being added all the time.

It seemingly works well, so why go to the expense and upheaval of

Rather than detail them all, here’s the latest features that are proving

implementing a Time & Attendance software based system? Well, the

most popular with users in the logistics sector.

cost of a Time & Attendance system is low and return on investment (ROI) fast; there’s really no upheaval involved if you pick your system

Mobile app: remote workers, including drivers, aren’t able to clock

and supplier well; plus, you get a host of added benefits.

in/out through an onsite reader, so extending the Time & Attendance system to them through a mobile app has been hugely popular.

What is a Time & Attendance System?

Employees can not only enter in their times but also their exact

Time & Attendance systems automatically calculate employees’

location and any tasks they are carrying out. Depending on the

attendance hours, overtime, holidays and absences - all exportable

sophistication of the app, they can also request holidays and perform

to payroll in minutes - and provide evidence in proof of compliancy

other functions quick and simply.

with working time regulations.

Cost centring: for companies that require job costs to be allocated A basic system will include a terminal/readers and software.

to a specific project or budget, or to be invoiced out, a Time &

The terminal/readers are used to capture the individual employee’s

Attendance system is now almost essential as it provides details of

clocking in/out data and are available in card or fob and biometric

the true cost and not just to the nearest hour or so (plus there’s

formats, depending on your requirements and the nature of the site

evidence to verify it). This has proven especially popular in logistics.

and activities. The software, which makes all the relevant calculations, is either placed on your computers or can be browser-based.

Presence Indicator Panel: this shows in real-time who is currently present and who’s not, which is ideal for fire role call.

It Pays to be Accurate By far the greatest benefit of moving to a modern Time & Attendance

Automatic Payroll reporting: as well as calculating employee hours in

system is accuracy. Individual employee data is monitored and

real-time, Time & Attendance systems also come with full reporting

calculated in real time down to the second, including hours worked,

and exporting features, enabling you to interface with your external

breaks, overtime, absences and allowances. Every type of work

payroll service provider.

pattern and schedule can be recorded, including flexi-time.

Cost Concerns In logistics, drivers frequently work outside of office hours. You either

When taking into account the improved accuracy and the time, and

have to take their word for when their shift ended or you need to

subsequent cost, saved from manual entry, we estimate that ROI is

give them access to a clocking off facility inside the building, which

around ten times the cost of the system. We provide an easy to use

compromises your security and is inconvenient all round. Employing

calculator on our website - www.stanleysecurity.co.uk/resources/

a modern Time & Attendance system enables the driver to clock out

savings-calculator - if you want to check to see what the ROI could

through an external electronic reader; quick, simple, accurate!

be for your business.

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A further option is to finance your system through a rental scheme,

Time & Attendance systems may not be new, but the increased

such as our own STANLEY Assure. Rather than purchase the

functionality that has been added to them over recent years has been

system outright, you rent the system, which is good for cash

a real driving factor in their uptake. A manual approach to Time &

flow and removes the need to justify and raise capital outlay in a

Attendance is like being on a winding country lane – it’s nice, but takes

depreciating asset.

a while to get to your destination - when your business could be on the highway to arrive in half the time and without any wrong turns!

ABOUT STANLEY SECURITY

James Evans, Senior Account Manager at STANLEY Security

STANLEY Security is a market leader in the provision, installation, finance and maintenance of integrated Time & Attendance, access control, payroll, job costing and HR solutions to all sizes of business. www.stanleysecurity.co.uk/ services/time-attendance

IF IT AIN’T BROKE…

THE CASE FOR MODERN TIME & ATTENDANCE SYSTEMS FORWARDER magazine

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Sound data for smart decisions

How you benefit from supply chain visibility Do you realize what strategic and financial benefits you can gain from improved supply chain visibility? Our container visibility solutions – Container Track & Trace and Container Sailing Schedules – connect carrier information with actual vessel positions so you enjoy real-time information on the status of your container cargo.

That way, you can take action before things go wrong in your logistics supply chain, as well as enjoying benefits such as: Greater customer satisfaction

Enhanced operational efficiency

Inventory optimization

Lower detention & demurrage charges

Timely crisis intervention

Profitable carrier contract negotiations

www.ocean-insights.com

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Contact us for a free trial and see how you can save time, money and resources! getintouch@ocean-insights.com

Container Track & Trace Full overview of all your containers with quick access to all details Automatic event notifications and alerts so you can take action Immediate response to predicted delays to adjust supply-chain logistics and reduce D&D charges

Container Sailing Schedules Transparency in the sailing schedules of all major shipping lines and alliances World’s most accurate and comprehensive data to enable informed decisions, e.g. most suitable service from A to B or performance comparisons

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Introducing...

A new service for the freight industry, bringing the power and convenience of mobile apps to transport and logistics companies

Company profiles

Track & trace link

Employee profiles

Corporate media

Quote request General contacts Company news

Job section Booking form Push notifications

freightapp.design ...by freight professionals...for freight professionals

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EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS Opportunities to network and promote your services.

Related topics Conferences Expositions Networking

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EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS NEWS

27 APRIL 2020

EXTENDED CHANCE TO BE NOMINATED AS ONE OF

BREAKBULK’S 40 UNDER 40 B reakbulk professionals have extra time to nominate

Entrants will be judged by a panel of industry experts

themselves or a colleague for the Antwerp XL 40 Under

looking for young professionals who, thanks to their

40. Antwerp XL’s search for the breakbulk industry’s

excellence and commitment, are making a real difference

40 most dynamic and influential professionals under the age of

to their organisation and / or the wider breakbulk industry.

40 is being extended after the show was rescheduled due to the

The official 40 Under 40 will comprise those with the greatest

coronavirus pandemic.

potential to become industry leaders in the future and those who have achieved greatness already.

The deadline for the initiative is now 31 July, giving breakbulk professionals more time to nominate themselves or a colleague for

The successful XL 40 Under 40 will be celebrated at the

the accolade.

new Autumn edition of Antwerp XL on 15 – 17 September, the world’s only event dedicated exclusively to maritime

Attracting and retaining the next generation of talent is absolutely

breakbulk, with a dedicated gallery on the Antwerp XL

critical to the long-term success of the breakbulk industry. It’s where

website and a special drinks reception held in their honour

the industry’s future ideas, innovation, inspiration and leaders will

at the event itself.

all come from. That’s why we launched our 40 Under 40 initiative.

We want to identify and celebrate those younger players within the

The selected 40 will also receive VIP passes for Antwerp XL,

industry and showcase their contribution so far. The response to 40

giving them access to the event’s conference programme and

Under 40 has been amazing so far, but with more time to nominate

exclusive zones including the VIP lounge. They will also be

we hope that everyone has a chance to get involved. So, if you know

invited, as guests of honour, to a special Next Gen debate

someone who merits being recognised, or you are that person, visit

taking place during the show and have access to other

the website to nominate now.

exclusive events in the year after Antwerp XL.

Mark Rimmer, Divisional Director, Antwerp XL Entries close 31 July. To find out more about Antwerp XL or to nominate yourself or a colleague, visit antwerpxl.com/40Under40

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SH AP

IN O GT F H BR E EA FU KB TU U RE LK

TW A N ER T W P X L GET YOUR TICKETS NOW > WWW.ANTWERPXL.COM

Host sponsor

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CUSTOMS CLEARANCE

Documented permission to pass that a national customs authority grants to imported/exported goods so that they can enter/leave the country.

Related topics Bonded warehousing Customs brokerage Duties & taxes

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CUSTOMS CLEARANCE

NEWS

8 APRIL 2020

FREIGHT FORWARDERS SAY H.M.R.C. IS ACTING PRAGMATICALLY OVER

NEW CUSTOMS DECLARATIONS SYSTEM T he British International Freight Association (BIFA) has

BIFA is also pleased with the volume and quality of information

welcomed the latest announcement by HM Revenue and

contained in the HMRC announcement, which provides advice on

Customs (HMRC) of an extension to the implementation

what business should now be doing to prepare.

timetable of the new computer system that will replace an existing system used for processing Customs declarations.

With the UK now outside the EU, and the transitional period

underway, the development of the new core Customs Declaration

In 2019, when HMRC announced its proposed plan for

System is only one part of what is now a much bigger jigsaw regarding

completing delivery of the new Customs Declaration System

Customs. Comprehensive and high quality information and guidance

(CDS) and migrating traders from CHIEF to the new platform, we

is what we have also been asking for on behalf of our members and

expressed the view that the timetable would be challenging. Having

HMRC has delivered on that request.

made further representations via the programme board seeking clarifications on behalf of our members, we are reassured to hear that it is HMRC’s intention to extend the migration timeline.

ABOUT BIFA

That means that traders will not need to move from CHIEF to

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) represents

CDS by the end of September 2020 as originally scheduled and

UK companies engaged in the international movement of freight

dual-running of both systems will continue with CHIEF remaining

by all modes of transport. A not-for-profit organisation, BIFA

operational beyond 2020. Keeping dual-running in place until there

is funded by subscription and run by its members for members.

is confidence that the new system is fully developed, stable and

It operates with a full-time Secretariat, which administers and

tested is a pragmatic approach that shows HMRC has been listening

manages the Association’s affairs. BIFA provides an effective

to BIFA’s ongoing representation on the subject.

and proactive organisation dedicated to improving standards

Robert Keen, Director General, BIFA

of professionalism within the logistics and supply chain industry.

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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at bifa.org

A

s the stalled negotiations between the UK and EU started

He adds that whether or not a free-trade agreement is concluded

again this week, the head of the British International Freight

this year, there will still be major changes to the UK’s trading

Association has described the UK government’s insistence that it

relationship at the start of 2021, such as new customs documentation

will not ask to extend the 11-month transition period as a very risky move.

and procedures.

In light of the huge issues involved with a sharp change in trading

Even before the pandemic, there were concerns among BIFA

conditions at the start of 2021, particularly if that were to coincide

members, which are responsible for managing the movement of a

with another Covid-19 outbreak, we think an extension looks

large proportion of the UK’s visible international trade, that the

increasingly likely. Our understanding is that there has been very

11-month transition wouldn’t leave enough time to prepare for

little progress to date on key negotiating points. There has been little

a potential no deal. Now, having had their businesses knocked

meaningful consultation with UK trade regarding the policies and

sideways by the virus, many of our members have furloughed

procedures required in order to ensure that trade with the EU can

staff whilst they work out how they can keep their businesses

continue relatively uninterrupted post December 31st 2020. Trade

afloat. It is unlikely that their companies and the clients they serve

deals are typically multi-year exercises, but in this case, the UK and

will have the capacity to increase readiness for a sharp change

EU realistically have until October to agree on terms, allowing time

in trading conditions in 2021. In light of those things and with

for ratification. And while formal talks are continuing, many of the civil

very little information from government on when restrictions

service resources previously assigned to support negotiations have

on key sectors of the economy are likely to be lifted, and the as

been reallocated to deal with the coronavirus emergency response.

yet unknown economic damage done to the sector and wider

Robert Keen, Director General, BIFA

economy, BIFA members are in no position to respond to a second massive shock if there is significant change in the terms of

Keen argues that the transition period wasn’t just designed to

trade with the EU at the end of the year, because the government

facilitate negotiations, it was also there to give businesses time to

has stuck to its guns over the transition period.

prepare for the future relationship.

22 APRIL 2020

FREIGHT ASSOCIATION BELIEVES

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NEWS

28 APRIL 2020

BUSINESSES WILL SEE GOVERNMENT’S

TRANSITION PERIOD STANCE AS IRRESPONSIBLE A n international logistics expert has said he believes British

Mr Johnson said:

businesses will see government statements that it will not

deal with the EU in place by the transition period’s conclusion.

seek to extend the UK’s post-Brexit transition period,

This would avoid import taxes, or tariffs, on goods traded

despite the covid-19 crisis, as irresponsible.

The government is trying to put a free trade

between the parties and eliminate the alternative of a no-deal exit, the worst possible outcome for British businesses. But a free

Adam Johnson, director of Leeds-based Tudor International Freight,

trade agreement would still introduce significant new regulation,

was reacting to comments in recent days by trade secretary Liz

bureaucracy, delays and costs for British companies - already

Truss, chief Brexit negotiator David Frost and an officially unnamed

grappling with the severe damage caused by covid-19 - which

Downing Street spokesperson, whom journalists have speculated

could be delayed through an extension.

widely may have been Dominic Cummings, the prime minister’s chief adviser.

He said the government’s own estimates predicted a free trade deal would mean UK gross domestic product (GDP), the national wealth,

The spokesperson said:

We will not extend the transition period

growing by 6.7 per cent less over 15 years than it would have, had

and if the EU asks, we will say ‘no’. Extending the transition period

the country remained in the EU. The equivalent figure for exiting the

will simply prolong the negotiations, prolong business uncertainty,

transition period without an agreement was 9.3 per cent.

and delay the moment of control of our borders. It would also keep us bound by EU legislation at a point where we need legislative

Mr Johnson said:

flexibility to manage the response to the coronavirus pandemic.

current economic and business carnage to this future damage. We’ve

The coronavirus crisis has now added general

already seen companies cease operations and furlough or release This speaker was referring to EU statements that the UK’s 11-month

staff in droves, with over 950,000 people applying for Universal

standstill transition period, which began when it left the bloc on 31

Credit in the second half of March alone and household retail names,

January, could be extended by one or two years, provided it requests

such as Debenhams, Oasis, Warehouse and Laura Ashley, entering

this by the end of June.

administration. In addition, government spending watchdog the

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Office for Budget Responsibility has projected that if the current

Mr Johnson added that this timetable had come to seem even

lockdown lasts three months, results could include a UK fiscal deficit

more daunting lately, as it was now clear – especially after the

of £273bn, the largest since world war two, national debt exceeding

second round of talks, which ended on 24 April – that the

100 per cent of GDP, which could fall by 35 per cent, and up to 2.1

UK and EU were far apart on several key issues.

million people losing their jobs.

He said:

A free trade agreement, though far from the best

Mr Johnson said consultancy the Centre for Economics and Business

option for the future commercial relationship between British

Research had also predicted British households would see their

businesses and the EU, would be preferable to a no-deal exit

disposable incomes fall by an average of well over £500 per month

from the transition period. For all these reasons, it’s now likely

between April and June, a drop of 17 per cent.

to be better still if delayed a few months. The government should therefore think again and change course.

He said:

These figures indicate the huge pressures companies,

including those attempting to trade with the EU, by far the UK’s largest commercial partner, are already facing. Against this backdrop, we believe British businesses will see the government’s stance on extending the transition period as irresponsible.

Seeking an extension has been recommended by groups such as the

ABOUT TUDOR FREIGHT

International Monetary Fund and Sir David Lidington, formerly de

Founded in 1991, Tudor International Freight Limited

facto deputy Prime Minister in a Conservative government, has said

provides a full range of import and export services for

such a course is “inevitable”. Opinion poll evidence also indicates

businesses. The company says its independent status

about two-thirds of Britons overall, and nearly half of leave voters,

enables it to provide impartial, expert advice aimed at

now favour this option.

helping customers reduce costs significantly and maximise supply chain efficiency. Handling jobs ranging from single

Mr Johnson said:

Other reasons for extending include that UK and

envelopes to machine parts weighing hundreds of tonnes

EU officials are preoccupied with covid-19, which has already caused

and considering no job too large or small, Tudor - which

negotiating rounds to be cancelled and is complicating the talks, as

has strong relationships with the world’s leading airlines and

limited numbers of representatives try to overcome the difficulties of

shipping companies - prides itself on delivering tailor-made

bargaining via video conferencing. In addition, the chances of finalising

services in a friendly and expert manner.

a comprehensive and considered free trade agreement by December looked slim even before the pandemic, as that timeframe implies the deal being negotiated between March and the early autumn, a huge task.

This speed would be necessary to allow the agreement’s ratification by both sides and for the UK to have a realistic chance of implementing essential legal and regulatory changes by the year-end.

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How businesses can profit from a dedicated Customs specialist

Thomas Holton, Customs Director at Gerlach UK outlines the top 5 benefits for working with a customs service provider and shares helpful insights.

The recent attention around Brexit has brought Customs to the fore front of everyone’s mind and as the head of Gerlach Customs Services in the UK I have been inundated with Customs support requests from small single traders to billion pound multinational companies. These conversations always start with a discussion around Brexit and how they minimise logistical delays of product to keep the supply chain moving.

At Gerlach, I think we perhaps handle such requests in a different way to most. As we are the largest neutral Customs service provider in Europe and because of our span and coverage we do not just offer to mitigate Brexit risk in the UK but are able to offer a single solution to mitigate a company’s Brexit risk for all of their trade in all of the European countries.

Our ability to offer a one stop solution for Customs for Brexit has raised some questions from our Customers around capability and capacity “if you can do this for Brexit can you do it for our rest of world imports/exports?” and our simple answer to this, is yes.

So what are the benefits of using one Customs broker to handle all imports and exports, why should you look to use a dedicated Customs specialist?

There are many benefits of having one single Customs broker and I think although not an exhaustive list some of the most important ones are: 1. You have a single point of contact to understand the status of all of your shipments regardless of who is carrying them, the benefit being audits are made easier to track.

2. By reducing the amount of companies completing entries you reduce the possibility of variance in your process which reduces risk (different companies complete formalities in different ways with different systems). It also means that the broker will become more familiar with your products and processes and can therefore identify anomalies more easily.

3. You are able to negotiate a more competitive rate for clearance; increased volume normally means decreased rates. With this in mind you will also only receive one set of invoices for your Customs formalities, which is beneficial for accounts but also in understanding your TCO (total cost of ownership).

4. You only need one set of SOP’s (standard Operating Procedures) and one set of KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators).

5. Integrating with your systems, should you currently or at any point in the future want any data interfaced (either way); this would only need to be done once.

FORWARDER magazine ISSUE52 116 gerlach-customs.com

27 countries

170 offices

750 customs experts

What do I see as the benefits of using a dedicated and specialist Customs Broker?

• One of the main benefits is the knowledge and experience; a specialist Customs brokerage firm will employee highly experienced people and is able to call on their experience and skills to help improve both internal and customer processes.

• Another significant benefit is the impartiality; a specialised Customs brokerage focuses solely on Compliance and Customs regulations. They ensure that your goods are free to move when you need them. They do not get involved with your company’s decision on who and how you want to move your product, only that it is done in a compliant way.

• Specialist brokers, tend to have large teams so this means that your goods are never held up in the event of absence or in holiday season.

Where does Gerlach stand out against all others offering Customs services?

The Gerlach brand is synonymous with quality and Customs compliance. The company was founded over 100 years ago and has continued to go from strength to strength. Gerlach has grown to in excess of 750 Customs experts, specialising in Brokerage and Consultancy. We pride ourselves on employing only the highest calibre of staff who are able to help you improve compliance, reduce risk and where possible cost in your processes. We have a very strong and established Customs brokerage network and we are now growing it even further and developing capabilities to support with wider Customs Consultancy.

This year alone we have supported businesses with internal awareness trainings, process creation and documentation and have guided multiple companies through the challenges and changes required to gain AEO accreditation as well as various other authorisations.

Customs. Simply cleared.

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INDUSTRY SERVICES

Organisations and bodies that provide essential support to the freight and logistics industries.

Related topics Warehousing Insurance & legal Vehicles & equipment

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Sponsored by

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INDUSTRY SERVICES

NEWS

FTA STRENGTHENS MEMBER ADVICE TEAM 14 APRIL 2020

WITH NEW TRANSPORT ADVISOR

F

TA has announced the appointment of Becky Martin as

Senior Transport Advisor within its Member Advice Centre (MAC) to assist the team in supporting logistics businesses

through the Covid-19 outbreak.

A unique membership benefit, FTA’s MAC provides expert advice and answers to member questions on legal, technical and operational matters, on topics such as Brexit, Covid-19, drivers' hours, through to vehicle maintenance standards. Ms Martin has 12 years’ experience within retail, distribution and transport, having previously worked in advisory roles to John Lewis Partnership and M&S. The FTA MAC has established itself as the authority on all aspects of logistics. With so many conditions changing in the market on a daily

I am so excited to be joining FTA; the MAC team are well-known

basis at the moment, it is unsurprising that we are experiencing record

in the industry for their unrivalled knowledge of the legal, technical

numbers of calls to support members during the Covid-19 outbreak.

and operational matters pertaining to logistics and I’m delighted to

With Becky’s in-depth understanding of transport and logistics – in

be joining such a knowledgeable group of advisers. Working together,

addition to her exceptional customer service skills – we are thrilled

we will be able to help our members through the challenges of

to have her join the team to help us assist businesses through the

Covid-19, along with many other issues.

challenging times ahead, from Covid-19, Brexit and beyond – her

Becky Martin, Senior Transport Advisor, FTA

arrival in the team couldn’t have come at a better time.

Robert Saunders, Manager, FTA MAC

For more information on the Member Advice Centre please visit: https://fta.co.uk/membership/member-information-services/ member-advice-centre

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International UK Ltd

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TT CLUB CONTINUES GUIDANCE TO THE FREIGHT INDUSTRY 1 APRIL 2020

AMID COVID-19 CRISIS

O

ver the coming weeks there will be considerable

As we have advised in the past, fundamentally there is a need

uncertainty for stakeholders through the entire transport

to communicate; to have an open dialogue with customers and

industry as the global economy slows, governments

suppliers and a good understanding of fast-changing controls

prioritise specific supplies, consumer spending decreases and

and regulations imposed by local, national and even international

personnel shortages become more prevalent. However, the need

authorities. The physical movement of cargo is understandably

for the supply chain of essentials – foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals

experiencing delays due to cancelled ship sailings, shortage of air

and medical equipment – to remain robust and efficient will be

freight capacity and land border checks and these disruptions to

more critical than ever. The demand to maintain reliability, and

the norm will cause friction between the various links in the chain.

continued flexibility of the services provided, will be acute for many

An understanding of ‘what is going on’ by participants in the chain

stakeholders, faced with the common three business imperatives

will serve to ease such friction.

during the current crisis of staff, customers and cash.

Peregrine Storrs-Fox, Risk Management Director, TT Club

In this unusual, indeed unprecedented environment, TT Club points

Those involved in the global transport industry are by their nature

out that all sectors of the industry will be put under pressure by

experienced problem solvers often employing innovative solutions.

customers and suppliers to help mitigate potential issues, losses

Where contractual relationships are in place, the supplier is generally

and liabilities. The scenarios faced will be many, various and

obligated to explore all reasonable options to mitigate a potential

complex, affecting port, terminal and warehouse operators as well

loss arising in circumstances such as presented by this coronavirus

as carriers across all modes, forwarders and logistics companies.

outbreak. As Storrs-Fox comments,

TT Club aims therefore to continue providing an advisory service

event of a future dispute to rely on a ‘force majeure’ defence may

that is supportive and alive to the additional and unfamiliar risks

well face the burden of evidencing that they took all reasonable steps

and liabilities being presented.

to mitigate the loss.

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Any party seeking in the

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

Depending on the individual stakeholder responsibilities, there

strain of responding to the immediate crisis, however, the Club urges

are a number of proactive risk mitigation strategies that may be

stakeholders to maintain as much normal rigour as possible in their

considered. Clearly, keeping well informed and maintaining open

internal systems and processes, in sound safety practices and in

channels of communication with the national or local authorities

robust physical and cyber security.

relevant to the business obligations will be key, both to compliance with additional requirements and service to customers – even

As Storrs-Fox concludes,

recognising that such obligations may be in another part of the world

lasting significance, alongside the much heightened health hygiene to

and possibly managed through a partner.

which we are all responding.

Many established ‘crisis management’ plans will be relevant for the

Such standard business ‘hygiene’ retains

circumstances faced, even if the scale and scope of the current

ABOUT TT CLUB

disruption was not envisaged. Such frameworks will, however,

TT Club is the established market-leading independent

assist in identifying vulnerabilities that may impact the ability to

provider of mutual insurance and related risk management

fulfil usual obligations or carry out standard business requirements.

services to the international transport and logistics industry.

The specifics of this virus – such as exposure through contact with

TT Club’s primary objective is to help make the industry safer

surfaces – necessitates consideration of additional protections and

and more secure. Founded in 1968, the Club has more than

training for staff and will almost certainly make usual personnel and

1100 Members, spanning container owners and operators,

site security procedures more complex.

ports and terminals, and logistics companies, working across maritime, road, rail, and air. TT Club is renowned for its high-

While TT Club looks to provide supportive and relevant

quality service, in-depth industry knowledge and enduring

advice, it is also building a dedicated page of available materials

Member loyalty. It retains more than 93% of its Members

(ttclub.com/resources/coronavirus-guidance/) in order to share

with a third of its entire membership having chosen to insure

good practice findings from around the globe. In amongst all the

with the Club for 20 years or more.

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NEWS

6 APRIL 2020

80% OF UK, US & CHINESE FIRMS CONSIDER

SWITCHING TO ALTERNATIVE FINANCE PROVIDERS FOR TRADE FINANCING IN 2020

O

ver 8 in 10 (83%) UK, US and Chinese firms are

With the announcement that coronavirus is now a global pandemic

considering switching to alternative finance providers

and having widespread implications, businesses are looking to banks

over traditional banks for trade finance this year, which

and alternative finance providers for more loans to ensure liquidity

can provide access to faster and more agile funding to help navigate

in an unstable economy.

the effects of COVID-19.

However, not all businesses will be able to unlock further support

The research of over 700 senior executives at medium-large sized

from banks and governments. Despite Rishi Sunak’s £330bn

businesses in the UK, US and China, by Stenn Group, revealed that

coronavirus rescue fund and both the Bank of England and US

even before the coronavirus outbreak, around a third (32%) of those

Federal Reserve dropping rates to rock-bottom levels, it’s unlikely

considering switching to alternative finance providers estimate they

that large companies, particularly those already indebted, will

will finance between $5m-$10m each with these sources in 2020,

be granted further loans as there was a line of credit that was

one in five (22%) estimate $10m-$20m, and over a tenth (12%)

reached prior to the trade war. In the UK, firms need to match an

estimate over $20m. This could unlock billions of capital in the

investment-grade short term credit rating from one of the big three

global supply chain and given the COVID-19 pandemic, provide even

ratings agencies, Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s, or Fitch, to be able

greater support for businesses struggling with the coronavirus.

to access the government’s flagship Covid-19 commercial financing facility (CCFF), potentially locking out thousands of large businesses with a poor credit rating.

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The International Chamber of Commerce also estimates that there

The need for businesses to access fast and flexible financing is

is a long-existing $1.5 trillion trade finance gap, largely caused by

more important now than ever before. Even before the coronavirus

the unmet need for global trade financing, so far not satisfied by

crisis, businesses were looking to diversify their finance, and this will

traditional avenues.

be felt even stronger now. Companies are struggling to stay afloat and as well as the widespread economic impact of the virus, there’s

In the UK alone, over three quarters (77%) of medium-large sized

a production chasm about to open up, driven by entire workforces

businesses are considering switching to alternative finance providers,

in the UK, Europe and US being on lockdown. One of the most

providing faster and more agile financing in 2020. Within this, a

pressing issue companies around the world are facing right now is

quarter (26%) estimate they will finance between $5m-$10m each

demand shock. Factory employees in China are returning to work,

with these sources in 2020, one in five (20%) estimate between

but companies around the world aren’t making orders because the

$10m-$20m, and one in ten (10%) estimate over $20m each this year.

stores are closed and existing orders have been cancelled. Central banks around the world have lowered interest rates to historic lows

In the US, 80% are considering switching to alternative finance

and relaxed restrictions around lending to firms. Governments have

providers for trade financing. Within this, almost a quarter (23%)

also worked hard to unlock billions to help support businesses in

estimate they will finance between $5m–$10m each, a further

need. But for some medium and large sized firms it still might not

quarter (23%) estimate $10m–$20m, and just under one in 10 (9%)

be enough to support. In the UK we’ve already seen the collapses

estimate over $20m each in 2020.

of Laura Ashley and Flybe, driven in part by the virus. In China we know only 10% of businesses feel they could hold out six months or

In China, the majority of medium-large sized firms (93%) are

longer. For us, the plunge in oil coupled with the economic damage

considering switching to alternative finance providers for faster and

of Covid-19 marked the beginning of a global recession. Once the

more agile financing. Just under half (47%) estimate they will spend

worst is over we anticipate a backlog in demand for finance which

$5m-$10m financing with these sources in 2020, just over one in

only can be funded by alternative finance providers. Businesses need

five (22%) estimate $10m-$20m, and just under one in five (18%)

to be supported more now more than ever before.

estimate they’ll finance over $20m each this year.

Dr. Kerstin Braun, President, Stenn Group

ABOUT STENN Stenn International Ltd. is a UK-based, non-bank trade finance provider specialising in cross-border trade. Stenn’s trade finance solutions are comprehensive and can be combined to cover the entire supply chain from purchase order to delivery of goods.

Innovative practices allow Stenn to finance in sectors and geographic regions currently underserved in global trade. The company operates globally with offices in Buenos Aires, Los Angeles, Dallas, New York, Miami, London, Amsterdam, Brussels,Dusseldorf, Berlin, Mumbai, Chennai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Shanghai and Qingdao.

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NEWS

8 APRIL 2020

ADLER & ALLAN

PROUD TO KEEP BRITAIN MOVING E nvironmental risk reduction specialist Adler and Allan says

Our teams across the country continue to respond to pollution

it is proud to be supporting the national effort by helping

incidents to ensure that our environment is kept safe and businesses

organisations to keep Britain moving safely and compliantly

can resume operations after an incident.

during the current COVID-19 crisis.

The safety of our colleagues and customers is of paramount

Adler and Allan’s core purpose is to help public and private sector

importance and we rigorously follow all HSE and Government

businesses understand and manage their environmental risks,

advice on any work we carry out. Adler and Allan is proud to

reducing the impact to the environment, their operation and their

support many infrastructure projects that are critical to the

reputation.

nation’s efforts to deal with the current coronavirus crisis. We are supporting our clients by providing maintenance of critical assets

In this time of national crisis, it has modified its procedures to

and response services to organisations across emergency services,

safeguard its employees and customers health, and strictly follows

military, supermarket, utilities, data centres, local authorities,

the guidelines for essential services published by the government.

forecourts, highways and rail operations. Our 24/7 UK-wide response services for incidents involving a range of oil, chemicals

Teams from Adler and Allan are supporting the effort to feed

and other contaminants together with treatment of hazardous

the nation by providing fuel deliveries, fleet fuel infrastructure

waste are also critical for keeping people safe and protecting the

maintenance and temporary expansion for supermarkets and other

environment. As such, many of our colleagues are defined as key

logistics organisations as well as emergency services.

workers under the latest government announcement.

Bob Contreras, Executive Chairman, Alder & Allan

Ensuring continuity of power is of critical importance at this challenging time. Modern biodiesels risk that continuity as they

For more information on Adler and Allan’s critical work during the

attract water, causing microbial contamination in tanks and exposing

pandemic please visit www.adlerandallan.co.uk

hospitals and other critical services to considerable operational risk.

Adler and Allan is providing regular tank testing and maintenance as well as fuel polishing to ensure the nations generators will provide power when required.

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METHODOLOGY

KEY FACTS

Adler and Allan provide market leading environmental risk

•• Over 20 depots across the whole of the UK

reduction through preventative and responsive solutions,

•• UK's largest response group with over 500

offering an expert 24-7 service to its customers. Adler and Allan’s customers include multinational blue-chip organisations across a wide range of sectors both private and public including defence, utility, marine, fuel, forecourt and facilities management.

Adler and Allan give its customers peace of mind in detecting and identifying the environmental risks posed to their business.

Its broad range of risk mitigation products and services keep businesses strong, reducing the prospect of litigation, costly fines and bad publicity, as well as reducing the threat to the

trained operating staff •• Attended over 10,000 emergency pollution callouts each year for the last five years •• 250+ UK organisations have emergency response contracts with Adler and Allan •• Adler and Allan maintain over 100 million litres of fuel at client facilities annually •• Completed 32,500 on-site tasks for clients during the last 5 years

environment. In a world where the environment and legislation are in constant flux, Adler and Allan also provides emergency response in a variety of settings.

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NEWS

TRAXENS SMART CONTAINER OFFER 20 APRIL 2020

TO HELP GLOBAL ECOSYSTEM PARTNERS WEATHER COVID-19 PANDEMIC

T

raxens, providing high-value data and services for the supply

Traxens believes that if everyone across the supply chain has access

chain industry, announces today that it has introduced the

to these vital insights, the industry will be better placed to return

new pricing to help global partners manage the challenges

to normal once the pandemic has been brought under control.

presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. The company now offers

That’s why Traxens now provides customers with this special offer

a price of $35 per smart dry container trip – in a move aimed at

until the end of 2020. Existing customers will automatically benefit

bolstering the supply chain industry.

from the new price of $35 per smart dry container trip; this huge saving is also available to new customers, who will have access to

The COVID-19 pandemic is currently affecting supply chains across

real-time visibility and renewed confidence in data-driven decisions.

the globe. In a volatile market, supply chains must be resilient and able

Traxens’ IoT solutions give clients increased peace of mind and added

to adjust quickly and efficiently. Changes to global trade agreements

resiliance at a time when the shipping industry is suffering badly from

and other factors always create some degree of uncertainty in

disruption of shipments due to COVID-19.

supply chains. This year however, COVID-19 has taken supply chain uncertainty to a whole new level.

At a time of crisis, Traxens has a societal commitment to all stakeholders and end-customers, that’s why we have dramatically

However, out of uncertainty stronger partnerships and collaborations

cut the cost of our IoT solutions. Traxens smart container services

can emerge. Traxens smart container solutions provide real-time

will enable supply chain stakeholders to collaborate effectively, with

visibility into global shipments. Its smart containers and data

round the clock visibility into container information as the world

services give customers key data insights about when, where and

strives to resume full operational capacity. With the industry facing

why disruptions or delays occur. With accurate insights at their

extended delivery deadlines, increased dwell times, the need for 24/7

fingertips, customers can take quick decisions and collaborate with

access to container activity and increased visibility of containers held

partners and customers to minimize costs, delays and backlogs,

at transhipment ports, border control and customs, Traxens wants

which is particularly important in the current climate.

to step up and help. When this pandemic has passed, our hope is that we will all be better placed and more resilient, ready to support renewed demand with agility and efficiency.

Jacques Delort, Managing Director, Traxens

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

G

lobal, sector-focused law firm assisted Abu Dhabi Ports on

It represents the full spectrum of those involved in the industry,

its purchase of bulk carrier Mv NIKI. HFW also provided

including shipowners and char terers, P&I Clubs, banks,

completion services to all parties on the transaction,

international agencies, shipyards, marine insurance underwriters,

which was closed remotely via video conference due to Covid-19.

governments and brokers across the entire shipping life cycle, from design to recycling.

Participants logged in from 11 different locations in Greece and Abu Dhabi, and all documents were signed electronically, presented and exchanged by video and email. The HFW team was led in Piraeus by Kalliopi Karaiskaki and included Anna Papadopoulou, Ben Partridge and Lila Zerva.

ABOUT HFW HFW is a leading global law firm in the aerospace,

HFW was recently named by Lloyd's List as the world's leading

commodities, construction, energy and resources, insurance,

shipping and maritime law firm, and has been serving clients in the

and shipping sectors. The firm has more than 600 lawyers,

industry for more than 135 years.

including 185 partners, based in offices across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. HFW prides itself

The firm has over 200 shipping lawyers and Master Mariners across

on its deep industry expertise and its entrepreneurial,

the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, specialising in

creative and collaborative culture.

dry shipping, admiralty and crisis management, and transactional work.

16 APRIL 2020

HFW ASSISTS ABU DHABI PORTS ON SHIP PURCHASE WITH

REMOTE CLOSING BY VIDEO CONFERENCE PLEASE GET IN TOUCH & SEND US YOUR NEWS

FORWARDER magazine editor@forwardermagazine.com

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NEWS

21 APRIL 2020

COVID-19: FTA MEMBER ADVICE CENTRE RECEIVES

RECORD NUMBER OF ENQUIRIES E nquiries into FTA’s Member Advice Centre (MAC) have

Mr Saunders continues:

FTA’s policy team have been working

more than doubled since the start of the Covid-19 outbreak

closely with government to help it solve challenges arising from

as the dedicated team seek to help logistics professionals

the pandemic – such as the need for delivery hours to be extended

with pressing legal, technical and operational matters pertaining to

to help keep supermarkets and other retailers stocked during this

the pandemic.

period of high demand – and this has assisted logistics businesses endlessly. With thanks to them, we are seeing growing confidence

Since the start of the Covid-19 outbreak, member questions into the MAC have more than doubled; our team are working tirelessly

from our members, but we are still needed to help answer pressing questions as the pandemic continues.

to ensure logistics businesses are armed with the insights they need to keep goods moving across the UK throughout the pandemic.

Common questions relate to the furloughing of drivers; medical

The advice team are some of most knowledgeable and experienced

certificates due to expire; relaxation of drivers’ hours rules; and

professionals in the industry, with each bringing their own specialism

calibration of tachographs.

into the mix; we are determined to help logistics professionals through this difficult time as much as possible.

For more information on the Member Advice Centre please visit:

Robert Saunders, Manager, MAC

fta.co.uk/membership/member-information-services/ member-advice-centre

Answering 28,000 questions from FTA’s members per year on average, the MAC provides expert advice and answers to questions on legal, technical and operational matters relating to logistics, on

ABOUT FTA

topics such as Brexit, Covid-19, drivers' hours, through to vehicle

We are the only business group in the UK that represents

maintenance standards.

all of logistics, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods.

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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at fta.co.uk

F

TA, the business group which represents the logistics

defer loan repayments to banks, to keep their finances as robust as

industry, has welcomed announcements from the Treasury

possible as they take on the challenges posed by the pandemic as well

expanding financial support for the industry, but called for

as rebuilding once the situation returns to normal. Excessive charges

further support for the sector to ensure that goods and services

could see business placed under even more stress which could have

continue to move freely in such unprecedented circumstances.

a knock on effect on an economy weakened by the pressures caused

by COVID-19.

Elizabeth de Jong, Director of Policy at FTA, comments: Finally, our members need a Track Access Charge holiday for rail Job security is vital to logistics workers hit by furloughing or

freight, to enable large loads to be moved swiftly and efficiently

uncertain trading conditions, and FTA’s members are keen to see

across the rail network while passenger transport is significantly

government deliver and extend the Coronavirus Job Retention

reduced.

Scheme to provide certainty of employment.

As a sector, logistics is always poised to adapt and adjust to new In our view it is also paramount that a Supply Chain Continuation

or difficult trading conditions, and over the past few weeks has

Fund is created, to give particular help and support to specific areas

kept the economy moving thanks to fast thinking and support from

and sectors hardest hit by the economic slow-down, including key

government. While all industry needs the help of government, no

infrastructure points – so the goods keep moving.

other affects every single facet of life in the UK, both commercial and domestic, and we are confident that government will appreciate

While the extension of the Corona Business Interruption Loan

the need to give further support to keep the country’s vital goods

Scheme (CBILS) announced today will provide welcome relief for

and services moving at such a difficult time.

those unable to secure regular commercial financing, we will be requesting a sympathetic repayment plan, dependent on profits having returned first. Businesses need to be able to restructure or

LOGISTICS NEEDS FURTHER FINANCIAL TO KEEP BRITAIN’S SUPPORT ECONOMY MOVING 3 APRIL 2020

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INDUSTRY SERVICES

NEWS

22 APRIL 2020

FREIGHT ASSOCIATION BELIEVES

EXTENSION OF BREXIT TRANSITION SEEMS LIKELY A s the stalled negotiations between the UK and EU started

He adds that whether or not a free-trade agreement is concluded

again this week, the head of the British International

this year, there will still be major changes to the UK’s trading

Freight Association has described the UK government’s

relationship at the start of 2021, such as new customs documentation

insistence that it will not ask to extend the 11-month transition

and procedures.

period as a very risky move.

Even before the pandemic, there were concerns among BIFA

In light of the huge issues involved with a sharp change in trading

members, which are responsible for managing the movement of a large

conditions at the start of 2021, particularly if that were to coincide

proportion of the UK’s visible international trade, that the 11-month

with another Covid-19 outbreak, we think an extension looks

transition wouldn’t leave enough time to prepare for a potential no

increasingly likely. Our understanding is that there has been very

deal. Now, having had their businesses knocked sideways by the virus,

little progress to date on key negotiating points. There has been

many of our members have furloughed staff whilst they work out how

little meaningful consultation with UK trade regarding the policies and

they can keep their businesses afloat. It is unlikely that their companies

procedures required in order to ensure that trade with the EU can

and the clients they serve will have the capacity to increase readiness

continue relatively uninterrupted post December 31st 2020. Trade

for a sharp change in trading conditions in 2021. In light of those things

deals are typically multi-year exercises, but in this case, the UK and

and with very little information from government on when restrictions

EU realistically have until October to agree on terms, allowing time

on key sectors of the economy are likely to be lifted, and the as yet

for ratification. And while formal talks are continuing, many of the civil

unknown economic damage done to the sector and wider economy,

service resources previously assigned to support negotiations have

BIFA members are in no position to respond to a second massive shock

been reallocated to deal with the coronavirus emergency response.

if there is significant change in the terms of trade with the EU at the

Robert Keen, Director General, BIFA

end of the year, because the government has stuck to its guns over the transition period. We believe that refusing to even consider extending

Keen argues that the transition period wasn’t just designed to

the transition period is very risky and together with a growing chorus

facilitate negotiations, it was also there to give businesses time to

of Brexit commentators, think an extension to the transition period

prepare for the future relationship.

remains likely, and it is really only a question of when.

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Related topics Certification Organic growth Safety awareness

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RECRUITMENT & TRAINING NEWS

APPRENTICESHIP LEVY SHOULD BE PAUSED 3 APRIL 2020

DURING COVID-19, SAYS FTA

T

he Apprenticeship Levy should be paused throughout the

The Apprenticeship Levy is a tax on employers which is used to

COVID-19 outbreak to prevent businesses paying tax

fund apprenticeship training. It is payable by all employers with an

towards a funding programme they are unable to draw

annual pay bill of more than £3 million at a rate of 0.5% of their

down from, according to FTA. With logistics businesses unable to

total pay bill.

recruit new apprentices due to social distancing rules, and with no new training programmes getting under way at this time, the business group is urging government to review the continued use of the Levy during the pandemic.

ABOUT FTA Efficient logistics is vital to keep the UK trading, directly

As the business organisation representing the logistics sector, FTA

having an impact on more than seven million people employed

is urging government to pause the Apprenticeship Levy programme;

in the making, selling and moving of goods. With Brexit, new

due to social distancing rules and restrictions on training, most

technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the

businesses are now unable to recruit new apprentices. Logistics

way goods move across borders and through the supply chain,

businesses are already under intense financial pressure – our recent

logistics has never been more important to UK plc. FTA is

survey identified 76% of respondents as having experienced a

one of the biggest business groups in the UK, supporting,

downturn in business since the COVID-19 outbreak – and to expect

shaping and standing up for safe and efficient logistics. We

them to continue to pay into a funding programme they can no

are the only business group in the UK that represents all

longer access is unfair to the industry charged with keeping the UK

of logistics, with members from the road, rail, sea and air

trading. Add to this the fact that the Treasury continues to reclaim

industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as

any unused funding – despite the fact most businesses are unable to

retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the

hire new apprentices – and it seems that the logistics sector is being

efficient movement of goods.

taxed unfairly while under extreme stress. FTA is urging government to rethink its approach as a matter of urgency.

Christopher Snelling, Head of UK Policy, FTA

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F

TA, the only business group representing all of the logistics

FTA's e-DCPC course is approved by JAUPT (Joint Approvals Unit

sector, has launched e-DCPC, an online version of the

for Periodic Training) as a suitable remote-delivery alternative to

Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC)

classroom-based DCPC courses.

course to ensure heavy goods vehicle (HGV) and public service vehicle (PSV) drivers can continue to undertake essential compliance

The e-DCPC forms one of seven training courses now available

training throughout the COVID-19 outbreak.

to access online: electronic Operator Licence Awareness Training Course (e-OLAT); General Security Awareness Training

While FTA has temporarily suspended all face-to-face training

(GSAT); Introduction to dangerous goods by air, road and sea –

events under COVID-19 government guidance, we are committed to

overview for management; Operator licence compliance; Shipping

ensuring logistics workers can continue to receive the vital training

dangerous goods by sea; and Transport Manager CPC options.

they require to keep operations safe, efficient and compliant. By launching e-DCPC – an online version of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence – we can help to ensure logistics businesses remain as operational as possible throughout the pandemic. With

8 APRIL 2020

FTA TRAINING LAUNCHES

ONLINE DRIVER CPC COURSE

the government permitting individuals to undertake training while on furlough, businesses could use this time to upskill their workforce;

enrolling their furloughed drivers on the e-DCPC course to keep them up to date with mandatory training requirements.

Keith Gray, General Manager of Training, Audits & Standards, FTA

PLEASE GET IN TOUCH & SEND US YOUR NEWS editor@forwardermagazine.com

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RECRUITMENT & TRAINING NEWS

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at imdge-learning.com

7 APRIL 2020

PORT OF ANTWERP CERTIFIES EXIS TECHNOLOGIES’

IMDG CODE eLEARNING COURSES E xis Technologies is pleased to announce that the Port

IMDG Code e-learning was developed ten years ago in collaboration

of Antwerp has certified their IMDG Code e-learning

with the International Maritime Organization for shore side staff

courses for use by companies working within the port.

involved in the handling and transport of dangerous goods by

The Antwerp Port Regulations (article 4.2.4.1) include mandatory

sea. Multimodal general awareness, job-related function specific,

training provisions for everybody engaged in making dangerous

advanced and refresher training courses are available. The courses

goods notifications for handling dangerous cargoes in the port.

are used by every link in the sea transport chain including 6 of the

The mandatory training consists of 2 modules – ‘IMDG Code

top 10 container lines for their global training programs. IMDG

training’ and ‘Antwerp Port Regulations for Dangerous Cargoes

Code e-learning is certified by Det Norske Veritas and has also

training’. The ‘IMDG Code training’ module has to be certified by

been certified for use by several competent authorities globally. Exis

the Harbour Master.

is offering a 10% discount on all IMDG Code e-learning web courses until 30 June 2020 to help people to train globally while working at

Exis has been added to the Port of Antwerp website under

home during the Covid-10 pandemic.

their list of certified trainers: https://www.portofantwerp.com/ en/certified-imdg-code-training. Existing Exis customers who have taken courses since 1 January 2020 and any new customers

ABOUT EXIS TECHNOLOGIES

moving forward can use their training certificate as a valid IMDG-

Exis Technologies, headquartered in Darlington, UK, is the

certificate in the Port of Antwerp information system to register

leading supplier of Hazcheck Systems for the management of

themselves as a 'dangerous goods notifier.'

dangerous goods in sea transport and e-learning courses for the transport industry. For over 30 years major container shipping lines, ports and shippers have been relying on Hazcheck Systems for regulatory compliance, efficiency and safety in their global operations. Exis is the software division of the National Cargo Bureau (NCB) based in New York and together their not for profit mission is the Safety of Life and Cargo at Sea.

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RECRUITMENT & TRAINING

VACANCIES

SEAFREIGHT SUPPLY CHAIN SPECIALIST

•• Ensure customer communication is precise and received

BIRMINGHAM, UK FIXED-TERM CONTRACT GB11644

•• Maximise profitability on all shipment files, keeping

info@forwardingjobs.com | +44 (0)1454 275 937

Job Overview Are you looking for a career in a freight forwarding and want to work for the world’s number 1 sea freight forwarder then we have an excellent opportunity at our Birmingham Branch to join our International Supply Chain team.

Your role We are currently recruiting for a Seafreight Customer Care Specialist on an initial 6 month contract to join our International Supply chain management department who will be responsible for providing best in class customer service to our customers managed by the supply chain team every day.

As part of your role as a Customer Care Specialist you will be liaise daily with internal and external customer ensuring this is carried out in a timely and professional fashion.

Your responsibilities •• Provide excellent customer service all day, every day to our

customer base.

•• Seeking ways to add value to their business and communicate these effectively to the relevant parties to change processes for the better •• Build a close and robust relationship with our customers to guarantee that they will turn to us when they require help and will trust us with potential other business opportunities •• To ensure that all shipments are undertaken to meet, as a minimum, or exceed the customer’s expectations in terms of the standard of service provided, cost agreed and specified time frames •• Communicate effectively with all overseas offices to arrange importation of freight based on customer-specific requirements. This includes but is not limited to Customs clearance, deliveries and import documentation control.

•• Utilise our customer solutions teams to put relevant and informative reporting in place to show important value added areas for improvement •• Monitor and report on shipments and communicate any updates /or non-conformances to the affected parties, i.e. customer, customs team or Intermodal team

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in a timely manner. Damage/claim reporting, TIP reporting.

operational errors to a minimum and alerting management to potential problems.

•• Be responsible for accurate accounting across your customer base and conforming to the current •• To attend customer/supplier visits where required and ensure that all reporting must be accurate and delivered according to agreed deadlines

Your skills and experiences •• Previous experience in customer facing/service role ideally

in a logistics/supply chain environment would be advantageous •• Excellent written and oral skills and confident liaising with customers and colleagues •• Previous Seafreight experience is advantageous •• Ability to work to deadlines, and under pressure in some situations.

•• Good organisation skills and able to work on own initiative and as part of a team.

•• Proficient use of Microsoft Office – specifically Word, Excel and Outlook.

Good reasons to join If you would like to become a valued member of our team then we will also make sure that you’re rewarded for your commitment and expertise. We are offering a competitive salary and 23 days holiday plus bank holidays and life assurance.

You will also have the opportunity to join the contributory Kuehne+Nagel pension plan and benefit from our Route 2 Rewards scheme which offers discounts and savings on a wide range of high street or internet goods and services.

About Kuehne+Nagel With over 82,000 employees at some 1,300 locations in over 100 countries, the Kuehne + Nagel Group is one of the world’s leading logistics companies. As an employer, Kuehne + Nagel stands for equal opportunity and we are committed to diversity in our teams with regard to people with disabilities. We believe that you can make a valuable contribution to Kuehne + Nagel and look forward to receiving your application.

VACANCIES UNITED KINGDOM

OPERATIONS MANAGER CHESTER

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

CHESTER, UK GB11467

MANCHESTER, UK UP TO £65K BASIC, PLUS BONUS, PLUS CAR matt@headfordgroup.com | +44 (0)1454 628 787

info@forwardingjobs.com | +44 (0)1454 275 937

Your role This role will be accountable for all departmental activity including Health & Safety, achievement of business KPIs, labour, training, team development and engagement, quality, environment and security.

Your responsibilities •• Responsible for managing cost performance in line with

forecast / budget ensuring appropriate measures are in place to manage variation •• Devise and implement operational and financial KPI targets to ensure business and customer requirements are achieved •• Develop strong relationships with internal and external customers to better understand key business drivers and devise tactical improvement plans to support continued growth / success •• Promote a culture of Continuous Improvement by capturing and leading CI initiatives / projects and developing support structures through CI training workshops •• Identify resource requirements for each department based on forecast activity and devise tactical plans to manage shortages / surplus •• Interrogation and approval of departmental spreadsheets / reports as required to ensure the integrity of KPI data •• Operate and interrogate Warehouse Management Systems (WMS, GRIP) to identify potential improvements •• Conduct regular customer and supplier reviews

Your skills and experiences •• Strong PC skills including Microsoft Office applications •• Good knowledge of creating and interrogating spreadsheets

•• Ability of interpreting data •• Experience of managing large teams •• Managing costs against a budget •• Development and understanding of KPIs •• Health & Safety legislation •• Appraisals and disciplinary

•• Global freight forwarder •• Outside sales / BDM role, working in and around Manchester and the North West •• MUST have experience in freight forwarding, with provable GP of at least £100k p.a.

•• Car, bonus / commission, pension, life assurance, health insurance

INSIDE SALES ANTWERP, BELGIUM TO £50K, PLUS BONUS & AMAZING BENEFITS PACKAGE matt@headfordgroup.com | +44 (0)1454 628 787

•• Freight forwarding inside sales •• Warm desk worth €300.000 per annum •• Financially secure global freight forwarder, 900+ staff •• Smart offices, great team atmosphere, healthy business

EXPORT AIRFREIGHT OPERATIONS CLERK COLNBROOK, UK £COMPETITIVE, D.O.E., HOLIDAY: 22 DAYS MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9AM TO 5PM (SOME EVENING & WEEKEND WORK, OVERTIME PAID) vac@headfordgroup.com | +44 (0)1454 275 951

Working in a team of 3, the successful applicant will be responsible for day-to-day operations of export airfreight department based in Colnbrook, working within the AOG department.

Must have minimum 5 years' operational experience working within airfreight exports. Experience with aerospace and ships' spares would be an advantage but not essential.

RECRUITMENT & TRAINING

VACANCIES

EXPORT MANAGER, FREIGHT FORWARDING COLNBROOK/HEATHROW, UK FULL TIME: MON TO FRI 9AM–5.30PM SALARY: £38,000–£43,000 BASIC D.O.E. PROFIT SHARE COMPANY CAR FOR CLIENTS VISITS vac@headfordgroup.com | +44 (0)1454 275 951

We are working on behalf of a freight forwarder who requires an export manager in a full-time role based in Colnbrook/Slough.

Job Description The focus of the job entails that objectives are established for the storage and/or distribution of products to maintain product safety, quality and legality in accordance with the quality policies of the BRC Standard.

•• To manage the export department and staff •• To arrange the export of cargo by air, and ocean •• Liaise with airlines •• Liaise with HMRC, Port & Plant Health and other

government bodies •• Organise export clearances, and correct documentation relating to the movement of cargo •• Create export documentation required for the shipping of cargo •• Provide a high level of customer service •• Liaise with overseas offices, partners and agents •• Strong Administration skills •• To sort, filter and distribute documentation, and create and maintain job files in an accurate and timely manner.

•• Arrange the X-ray screening of cargo in line with CAA/DFT regulations •• Arrange bookings with airlines, shipping lines and transporters

Compliance duties •• Control and maintenance of quality management system and procedures •• Management of internal audit program •• Undertake warehouse hygiene inspections

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OCEAN IMPORT OPERATOR LEEDS, UK £COMPETITIVE matt@headfordgroup.com | +44 (0)1454 628 787

I am recruiting for a well known, local and independent freight forwarder looking to add to their expanding team in Leeds.

This has client has been operating for over 30 years assisting their clients with their logistics requirements from a wide range of industries including aerospace, manufacturing, engineering, events and exhibitions, chemicals and oil and gas.

The position is for an experienced Air and Sea Operator with customs experience.

Responsibilities •• Liaising with clients / overseas partners / agents.

•• Speaking with customers and clients on a regular basis, negotiating rates and providing quotations.

•• Contacting clients, making sure all information

and paperwork has been received for the shipment.

•• Working on key accounts and general imports (LCL/FCL) from global destinations.

•• Dealing with import documentation from start to finish including customs entries.

•• Making sure all documentation is processed and input into the system.

Export duties •• Management of export operations •• Administration of warehouse systems (WIRES) •• Management of internal controls •• Forward planning of resources to ensure effective delivery of products and services

•• Assisting with BRC documentation •• Ensuring compliance with relevant EU legislation •• Member of Food Safety / HACCP team

VACANCIES UNITED KINGDOM

NETWORK CONTROL GROUP SUPERVISOR – TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT

COLNBROOK/HEATHROW, UK SALARY £29,000 BASIC + £4,000 SHIFT ALLOWANCE SUNDAY TO THURSDAY, 7:30PM TO 4:30AM 22 DAYS ANNUAL LEAVE, RISING TO 26 IN TIME ACCESS TO COMPANY BENEFITS PORTAL STAKEHOLDER PENSION EXCELLENT PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES ACCELERATED DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES vac@headfordgroup.com | +44 (0)1454 275 951

We have an opportunity for a Network Control Group Supervisor with one of the biggest freight forwarders in the world.

This is a Management role, based at the Southern Distribution Centre in Colnbrook. Managing 6 direct reports of varying experience levels, we are seeking a proven manager with experience in transport management and analysis of technical data. The NCG team are responsible for monitoring all fleet vehicles to ensure timely delivery of shipments and customs clearance of shipments in the air to ensure our time definite delivery services can be achieved.

We are seeking a candidate who has experience working with Customs systems, transport or warehouse management systems, technical ability is key for this role and proven experience working with and training staff on complex IT systems is a necessity.

Role

•• To implement and support departmental strategies. To assist in managing the day to day operation and staff within the NCG, in order to effectively monitor all elements required for successful network operations. Reporting any detriments to service, highlighting root cause and analysis with short/long term solutions. To monitor and communicate all departure and arrival times within the SDC/ Customer Collections/Deliveries.

•• The Network Control Supervisor is responsible for the performance of his shift or function within the network group.

He/she must ensure that all operational problems are resolved/ or escalated to direct report, so that customer expectations are achieved and resources optimised, within operational cost performance, agreed budgets.

•• Must be able to lead, manage, motivate and communicate effectively to all areas and levels of operations staff within the team.

•• Key focus on achieving service excellence within agreed cost parameters while maintaining a strong customer facing position and driving improvement in customer satisfaction.

•• •• Must be organised and facilitate staff Rosta coverage as well as holiday/Overtime approvals.

•• Successful candidate will be required to work flexible hours around the operation to ensure departmental needs are satisfied.

•• Successful candidate must be committed to travel away on management training courses and events.

•• Skill/Experience required •• Minimum 3 to 5 years of man-management experience within or a similar industry.

•• Higher level of education with additional qualifications specific to this role.

•• High level of Microsoft office knowledge/experience.

•• Dangerous Goods by road and by air •• Health and safety •• Man management •• Knowledge of the UK Road Maps would be an advantage

RECRUITMENT & TRAINING

VACANCIES

FTL PRODUCT MANAGER LOS ANGELES/DFW/CHICAGO, USA FULL-TIME POSITION, SALARY $75K TO $100K BASIC D.O.E. & BOOK OF BUSINESS. COMMISSION SCHEME COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE, PAID HOLIDAYS & VACATION, MEDICAL matt@headfordgroup.com | +44 (0)1454 628 787

Job Overview Over 5 year’s working experience in freight sales in air, ocean, and road.

With offices across the country, my client offers a full range of domestic and international solutions—including air, ocean, ground and international transportation The Regional Account Manager will report directly to the National Sales Manager.

The RAM is accountable for developing and securing incremental revenue and market share through promotion and sales of all services and products to establish and target accounts.

We have openings within various locations in the US.

Duties include but are not limited to: •• Models and acts in accordance with our guiding principles and core values.

•• Identify business opportunities and generate profitable sales

in both new and existing accounts to meet and exceed new business revenue goals, within an assigned geographical territory consisting of a major metro area and pertinent secondary markets.

•• Assist in the development and implementation of sales plans that support increased sales.

•• Build strategic relationships with key contacts within customer organizations to understand opportunities for creating value.

•• Capitalize on value creation opportunities by working closely with the sales and operations management team to develop creative workable solutions to customer needs.

•• Cross-sell the company’s suite of products and services in a global team environment.

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•• Monitor and review customer sales activity and make

strategy adjustments as needed. Facilitate regular meetings with clients and relevant operations staff to evaluate performance and receive updates from clients on challenges and future plans.

•• Work collaboratively with the operational staff at multiple sites and locations to ensure customers’ needs and expectations are met.

•• Assist in development and reporting of competitive market analysis.

•• Administrative functions in a timely manner.

•• Maintain a high level of expertise and knowledge of products and services.

•• Maintain minimum sales levels set as expectations for this role as laid out in the sales plan.

•• Support and promote company core values.

•• Comply with Company C-TPAT and TSA security procedures.

•• Regular attendance is required.

•• Perform other duties as assigned.

Other requirements: •• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) and a

minimum of five years of sales experience to include two years of domestic and international freight forwarding experience. However, a combination of experience and/or education will be taken into consideration. Ability to read and interpret complex business and/or technical documents.

•• Ability to write comprehensive reports and detailed business correspondence.

•• Ability to work with managers or directors

Please contact me if you have the relevant sales experience for the above position

VACANCIES USA

GERMANY

FRANCE

INTERNATIONAL

FREIGHT FORWARDING SENIOR OPS

OCEAN IMPORT OPERATOR

HAMBURG €70.000

LE HAVRE, FRANCE £COMPETITIVE

matt@headfordgroup.com | +44 (0)1454 628 787

matt@headfordgroup.com | +44 (0)1454 628 787

Key info •• Ambitious candidates required to help build small team

Seeking an ambitious station manager to join an international logistics organisation in Le Havre, France.

to Country Manager role

•• 80% Sea, 20% Air •• Should be 'hands-on' operations with commercial mindset •• Support from global organisation to grow the territory

The company A well-established, international logistics organisation with expertise in specific fields. They pride themselves on providing a high-quality service. Customer service and satisfaction are at the core of all they do.

Originating in Germany, the company has grown quickly, having a presence in France since 2015.

OCEAN EXPORT SPECIALIST ATLANTA, GA charlie@headfordgroup.com | +1 (470) 558 2953

Key info •• $40k-$50k •• Minimum of 2 years in ocean export role •• Full documentation A-Z

AIR EXPORT MANAGER CHICAGO, IL charlie@headfordgroup.com | +1 (470) 558 2953

Key info •• Salary based on experience •• 5+ years managerial experience •• Working for a top 25 global freight forwarder

The role •• As Station Manager you will have management

responsibility for two employees, with the possibly of more in the future. We are seeking an experienced individual with proven skills in international sea freight export and import.

•• You must have experience in a forwarding agency and a solid operational background.

•• Longevity as a sea freight import/export clerk at a forwarding agency is a must, as well as logistics knowhow.

•• Sales contacts would be desirable, but plays a subordinate role.

•• This role does not require a senior manager with longevity in management but an experienced clerk with some leadership skills and ambition to be a future managing director of a small branch.

•• The main task of the new person would be the operative running of the office and communication with the higher management in head office.

•• A driving licence and very good English is a must; German is beneficial but not essential.

Benefits and Package •• A salary package will depend on the person but is competitive.

•• 35 hours per week •• 30 days of holiday per year

Fill your vacancies

Back oďŹƒce

Let us assist with your company's growth...

Finance

Europe +44 01454 275 932 john@headfordgroup.com

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Operations Sales Management

USA Sourcing market-leading talent.

www.headfordgroup.com

Your strategic growth partner.

Executive Search • Branch Startups • Senior Appointments • Mergers & Acquisitions • Media

Considering a change?

More responsibility?

Fairer pay?

Better commission?

Send us your CV today...

Asia +44 01454 628 778 charlie@headfordgroup.com

Middle East +971 (0) 45 015 675 simon@headford.ae

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UAE

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MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS The consolidation of companies or assets through various types of financial transactions.

Related topics Contracted partnerships Management buyouts Valuation

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MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

NEWS

FITZMARK ACQUIRES LOGISTICS MADE SIMPLE 1 APRIL 2020

& EXPANDS TO THREE LOCATIONS

F

itzMark, Inc., a nationwide leader in freight management

Logistics Made Simple, headquartered in Chattanooga with a

and solutions, announced its recent acquisition of Logistics

second location in Birmingham, experienced steady growth since

Made Simple, a flatbed-focused logistics firm headquartered

its inception in 2009, ultimately reaching more than $50 million in

in Chattanooga, TN. This is FitzMark’s second acquisition in two

revenue in 2019.

years and is a strategic move that further augments its carrier network and amplifies its service offering within the transportation and logistics industry.

We’re beyond excited to become a part of FitzMark. The fit couldn’t be a better one from a core value, culture, and portfolio standpoint.

Our customers will benefit from the resources that will be added to

FitzMark, an Indianapolis-based transportation firm, has provided

an already incredible customer service experience. The knowledge

industry-leading service in logistics for more than a decade. Over

we will be able to share will be a key differentiator for FitzMark.

that period, FitzMark drove strong organic growth and completed

JD Davis, President, Logistics Made Simple

two strategic acquisitions: Reliable Source Logistics in early 2019 and Logistics Made Simple in 2020, expanding its workforce and

The acquisition adds 80 employees and two offices to the FitzMark

service capabilities.

roster. As of April 1, 2020, both Logistics Made Simple locations will henceforth operate under the name FitzMark.

Combining forces with Logistics Made Simple adds a significant vertical to our platform of services. Their knowledge and experience

Our aim has always been to become one of the most respected

in flatbed transportation coupled with our expertise in the dry van

companies in the transportation industry,” said Fitzgerald. “Adding

and reefer division set FitzMark up to outpace our competitors by

Logistics Made Simple to the team advances us toward that goal, and

adding significant depth to our arsenal of transportation solutions.

we’re always considering other acquisition opportunities to help us

Scott Fitzgerald, Owner & President, FitzMark

attain that goal.

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

P

rairie Capital Advisors, Inc. is pleased to announce that

Our acquisition of Rotra is a strategic opportunity for Delmar

Rotra, LLC and Rotra Brokerage Services, Inc. have been

to both increase our substance in the ever-important U.S. Midwest

acquired by Delmar International. Prairie acted as exclusive

market and to further grow our presence in European markets,

financial advisor in this transaction to Rotra and its shareholders and

Robert Cutler, CEO, Delmar International

was led by Anthony Dolan and Tim Witt of Prairie. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The Prairie team was terrific in helping us understand our options and finding the right partner that was best for our unique

Rotra, headquartered in Wood Dale, IL and established in 1984, is a

situation,” said CFO and shareholder, Peter Livorsi. “The Prairie

leading international freight forwarding and logistics company serving

team understood what was important to the shareholders of Rotra

transpacific and transatlantic markets, focused on American and

and effectively managed the complete transaction,” added President

European middle-market customers. Rotra offers international air

and COO, Joerg Frede. “We are pleased to have advised Rotra on

and freight import and export, fast ocean freight, customs clearance,

this transaction. We believe that the cultural fit, added capabilities

warehousing, and custom packaging services.

and geographic presence of Rotra will enable Delmar International to continue its growth as a leading global supply chain solutions

Delmar International is a privately-held Canadian-based, leading global

provider,” said Anthony Dolan, Director at Prairie. “This transaction

supply chain solutions provider with 1,500 employees worldwide.

represents another successful assignment completed by Prairie’s

Delmar’s core product offering includes international freight forwarding,

Investment Banking group as we continue our dedication to serving

customs services, warehousing and distribution, technology solutions,

middle-market family and founder-owned businesses.

supply chain management, and trade consulting services.

Tim Witt, Managing Director, Prairie

ABOUT PRAIRIE CAPITAL ADVISORS Prairie offers investment banking, ESOP advisory, valuation advisory and financial reporting valuations to support the growth and ownership transition strategies of middle-market companies. Headquartered in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, the company is a leading advisor to closely-held companies nationwide. Prairie was named the 2020 Valuations & Fairness Opinions Advisor of the Year by M&A Atlas.

DELMAR ACQUIRES ROTRA FORWARDER magazine

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MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

OPPORTUNITY

TYPE OF OPPORTUNITY

OVERVIEW

Buyer seeking an acquisition

A leading global supply chain business looking to acquire an established customs broker / clearance company in Benelux.

LOCATION/S

The ideal company will have a warehousing / cross dock

Belgium, Germany or the Netherlands

documentation.

facility and be experienced in Fiscal procedures and

It would also be a distinct advantage if the directors

OPERATIONS

were either looking to remain or have a clear succession plan for exit.

Customs clearance Warehousing

KEY FEATURES SOUGHT

Distribution

• Customs clearance • Brokerage Fiscal documentation warehousing facility • Established & profitable • Directors looking to remain or for clear succession plan

For further information, please get in touch...

156 152

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craig@freightmergers.com • 01454 628 771

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M&A for the global freight & logistics industry enquiries@freightmergers.com +44 (0)1454 628 771 Freight Mergers are specialists in selling owner-managed freight forwarding, transportation and logistics businesses. For most company owners, selling their business is the most important financial transaction of their life. Therefore, we tailor our services to each individual client’s needs, utilising our mastered, proactive approach to selling businesses that connects strategic buyers with sellers who are aiming to realise the value of their business.

We have over ten years of experience in the sector and, due to our specialist approach and unparalleled network, we can put you in touch with international and domestic trade buyers.

www.freightmergers.com 158

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F R E I G H T

Are you planning to buy or sell a freight forwarding company?

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MEDIA & MARKETING

The promotion and dissemination of knowledge and information about products and organisations both externally and internally.

Related topics Website design Social media Promotional techniques

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Deep sector knowledge.

Digital expertise.

Professional & friendly service.

b e W n g i s de e h t for ht g i e fr stry u d in

+44 (0)1454 628777 hello@freightwebsite.design FORWARDERmagazine magazine 162 FORWARDER 160

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m o r f es c i r P VAT

+ 9 4 9 ÂŁ

ign s e ent d tion m b a p e s i o ort l W m e p i t v p p su b de gine o & e e W en anc n h e c t r ain ting Sea e m k , r ting ma a i d Hos me l a i Soc

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.

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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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WHAT’S COMING UP...

#43

N

#45

UK DISTRIBUTION & NETWORKS

#47

WAREHOUSING & STORAGE

South West Middle East

Heathrow & London Eastern Europe

#49

OCEAN FREIGHT & SHIPPING LINES Essex, Kent & Sussex Iberia

#51

2020 RELAUNCH

Solutions

HAZARDOUS & DANGEROUS GOODS

Northern Ireland Africa

AIR FREIGHT & AIRLINES Solent Scandinavia

UK & INTERNATIONAL COURIER Midlands Mediterranean

CUSTOMS CLEARANCE & BONDED WAREHOUSING Felixstowe & Ipswich Western Europe Celebrating...

20 years for RTS

2

#44

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#48

#50

#52

2

= printed issue

#53

#55

#57

#59

2021

#54

#56

#58

#60

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THE LAST WORD...

THE TEAM...

CRAIG EDITOR-IN-CHIEF RICHARD ADVERTISING DOM ADVERTISING NICK ADVERTISING TIM DESIGNER MOHIT SOCIAL MEDIA

A FINAL WORD FROM

FORWARDER

A

gain, good work and thanks for keeping the content coming in. It's been great to see people and businesses doing their best to keep things moving during this unprecedented

global crisis. And it's not just the big players like Amazon – who have said they're hiring an extra hundred-thousand staff in the US alone in order to cope with the surge in demand. Not everyone has that option; they make a difference through hard work and empathy.

And it permeates every level of logistics. This month I ordered a tree from The Palm Centre in Richmond, their website stating a ten-day lead time due to the pandemic. I emailed to say that it was for an landmark birthday and could they do anything to help.

I received the tree less than 48 hours later...in Wales.

Tim Headford, Graphic Designer, FORWARDER

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NEXT MONTH...

We hope you like the new format and hopefully there will be a section that is of interest to you every month. Feel free to get involved!

To re-iterate, the main sections are...

AIR FREIGHT SEA FREIGHT ROAD FREIGHT PROJECT CARGO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE AIR & SEA PORTS TECH & DIGITISATION EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS RECRUITMENT & TRAINING MEDIA & MARKETING INDUSTRY SERVICES ...with some of the usual subjects as subheadings:

NEWS ASK THE EXPERTS REGIONAL FOCUS ECO FOCUS, etc.

I

f you would like your editorial to feature in next month’s magazine, please contact our editor Rachel using the contact details to the right. If you would like to advertise in FORWARDER magazine,

full details of our rates and technical specifications can be found in our media pack. Please email us for a copy.

Unit 8 Apex Court, Almondsbury Business Park, Bristol BS32 4JT

twitter.com/ForwarderMag ForwarderMag facebook.com/forwardermagazine linkedin.com/company/forwarder-magazine www.FORWARDERmagazine.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Craig Headford craig@freightsolutions.com • +44 (0)1454 275 946 EDITOR

editor@forwardermagazine.com ADVERTISING

Richard Booth richard@freightsolutions.com • +44 (0)1454 275 952 Dom Roberts dom@freightsolutions.com • +44 (0)1454 628 794 Nick Pratt nick@freightsolutions.com • +44 (0)1454 275 931 DIGITAL MARKETING

Darren Glasspool d.glasspool@freightsolutions.com GRAPHIC DESIGN

Tim Headford tim@forwardermagazine.com SUBSCRIBE

subscriptions@forwardermagazine.com

FORWARDER magazine is free in the UK. Please email for a subscription form.

Please visit us online at

When you’re finished with this magazine,

forwardermagazine.com

please recycle it.

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READ ALL ABOUT IT! Issue52

Issue51

FORWARDER magazine FORWARDER magazine

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

We’ve built great relationships with international air carriers around the world offering a full, market-leading logistics package. All delivered by industry experts and supported by transparent, leading-edge information management. We make logistics simple, no matter what the challenges.

For exceptional air freight service:

Call: 0333 988 4848 www.allairglobal.com 170 FORWARDER magazine ISSUE52

Logistics specialists working across: We're into our fifth year now and all of our issues are available on

• Automotive

ISSUU.com – just search 'Forwarder'. Of course, you can always

• Aerospace

read the latest issue on our website, at...

• Ornamental Aquatic

• Military FORWARDER • Projects MAGAZINE.COM /READ-FORWARDER

FORWARDER FEATURES

WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT AND WHEN

NEW IN2020

We’ve restructured the magazine to give it universal monthly appeal.

The topics below will have their own section in every issue.

AIR FREIGHT SEA FREIGHT ROAD FREIGHT PROJECT CARGO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE AIR & SEA PORTS

TECH & DIGITISATION EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS RECRUITMENT & TRAINING MEDIA & MARKETING INDUSTRY SERVICES

January

February

March

April

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ISSUE50

ISSUE51

ISSUE52

May

June

July

August

ISSUE53

ISSUE54

ISSUE55

ISSUE56

September

October

November

December

ISSUE57

ISSUE58

ISSUE59

ISSUE60

‘Relaunch’

‘Multimodal’

= printed issue. N.B. this plan and content is subject to change and we will do our best to inform you of any alterations made.

SOMETHING TO TELL?

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO INCLUDE A PRESS RELEASE IN THE MAGAZINE OR TEACH THE INDUSTRY SOMETHING ABOUT ONE OF THE ABOVE TOPICS, THIS IS THE PLACE TO DO IT

editor@forwardermagazine.com

SOMETHING TO SELL?

WE CAN DESIGN AN ADVERT RELATING TO THE MONTHLY TOPIC OR REGION, OR YOU MAY ALREADY HAVE ONE READY TO GO, FOR TARGETED MARKETING TO THE RIGHT AUDIENCE

team@forwardermagazine.com

www.FORWARDERmagazine.com

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