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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
MAURICE WARD GROUP’S RESPONSE 19 AUGUST 2020
TO COVID-19
T
he spread of COVID-19 over the past months continues
Giving back
to affect everyone. Even as progress is made and offices
MWG were committed in playing a role in helping the global response
are reopened in some countries, in other part of the
to COVID-19. As such, for example MWG team in Plzeň, Czech
world people asked to work from home, reminding us that this
Republic, in the cooperation with their partner PILSCO s.r.o. and
is an ever-changing global issue that we all need to address and
other volunteers, created a COVID-19 relief team and supported
overcome together.
the emergency services in Plzeň by donating masks KN95, protective clothing and glasses, free trucking and thousands of litres of disinfectant.
At the Maurice Ward Group (MWG) people work hard to supply
30 volunteer seamstresses from MWG made masks from the provided
essential goods around the world during this critical time. Over the
materials. This way they were able to distribute about 15,000 pieces
past months, they have been amazed at the dedication MWG teams
to hospitals, emergency services and other medical institutes.
have shown to inform their partners and customers and ensure that their operations run as smoothly as possible. While they were
MWG Technical teams put their 3D printing machines to work
pleasantly surprised, they were not shocked because they have seen
making shields for the firemen. Moreover, MWG also bought 70,000
MWG teams work together and deliver to many of their customers
KN95 Respirators and donated them to hospitals and medical
in many difficult situations. At the end of the day it is the people
professionals in Czech Republic, Ireland and Sweden. Their company
who are the key to finding solutions to these new challenges. Putting
also bought 10 sets of respiratory ventilators and oxygen generation
people first has always been a core value at the Maurice Ward
sets. These were donated to various facilities in Europe with 5 sets
Group, whether it is their employees, partners, customers or their
going to www.crosscause.ie. These machines will be deployed in
communities. With that idea guiding their decisions, they wanted to
Romania and West Africa to give essential health care to those who
inform you of the steps MWG has taken to serve all those people.
simply do not have access to health care. Their support – both large and small – is mainly focused on the real need and where their own Maurice Ward Group teams are close and able to support. They will hereby continue using their resources to address the urgent needs of those working to combat the threat and impact of COVID-19.
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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at mauriceward.com
Focus on MWG customers and partners As the demand for remote work increases, they see teams being creative about how to quickly support clients around the world who are changing their work practices and prioritizing clients who are at the forefront of dealing with the coronavirus situation. In challenging times like this, it helps to remember that everyone wants the same thing: keeping the people they care about healthy, reducing the impact of the virus, wanting the treatments to be developed, and life to become as before again. That shared sense of hope and purpose can encourage everyone during this difficult time and help meet the challenges. Stay strong. Together we will get through this crisis and keep the world connected!
ABOUT MAURICE WARD GROUP Established in 1968, the Maurice Ward Group is an independent global freight- forwarding and logistics organization with 40+ owned offices in 25+ European countries. With the 50+ years of logistics experience, expertise in trade and customs compliance and their network of world class agents, the Maurice Ward Group continues to offer quality service, flexible, reliable and cost-effective solutions.
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COVID-19 WATCH
NEWS
LOCKDOWN SPIKE IN D.I.Y. ACTIVITY: 25 AUGUST 2020
THE LOGISTICS SECTOR RESPONDS
T
he UK’s Office of National Statistics (ONS) figures show
Dachser in the UK and across Europe has a DIY-Logistics service
that in April this year, 30% of retail sales in the UK were
to help this particular sector overcome these challenges, providing
conducted online. This figure compares with just 18% in the
individually tailored logistics services for customers in the garden
same month last year and 21% at the Black Friday/Christmas peak in
and DIY sector. Established twenty-two years ago, Dachser DIY-
2019. By the end of April online sales across Europe, within the home
Logistics currently has an annual shipment volume of 7.5 million.
and leisure sector, in which Dachser DIY-Logistics covers, were at
These figures indicate the significance of this sector-specific logistics
a level more than double than experienced at the start of last year.
solution. The service came under the control of Jens Wollmann earlier this year. He emphasises,
The demands placed on the
The COVID-19 pandemic and enforced lockdown has changed
DIY suppliers and retailers by consumers are changing dynamically,
consumer buying behaviour dramatically and has accelerated the
now more than ever. Those DIY suppliers and retailers that are
trend of growth in online shopping and the e-commerce economy.
embracing e-commerce sales are having to apply an omnichannel
In fashion, home and leisure, sport and hobbies, the effect of online
approach to inventory and order processing. This means using
sales growth will become permanent once virus restrictions are lifted.
more efficient sourcing, warehouse management, transport and delivery tools, tracking both orders, stock and selecting the best
A recent global study by management consultants Accenture of
distribution options for each shipment. Furthermore, speed and
previously infrequent e-commerce consumers found that their DIY
reliability become even more critical in their supply chain solutions.
tools and materials’ purchases jumped from 6% up to 14% during
Suppliers also experience other challenges brought about by the
the crisis and are predicted to stabilise at a 16% level post-crisis.
characteristics of an online market place. This can include irregular
To whatever degree online becomes the chosen sales channel for
demand spikes, requiring sudden changes in supply capacity. These
Europe’s DIY product consumers in the future, it is clear retailers
unpredictable order sizes can make managing the distribution difficult,
that have not positioned themselves for an e-commerce future will
for instance, direct delivery, holding inventory in intermediary hubs,
face particularly severe challenges.
last-mile delivery, proof of receipt and handling product returns. As a consequence, Dachser is focusing on a range of tailored eLogistics services to adapt to the continuing digitalisation of its customers’ order processes and supply chains.
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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at dachser.co.uk
ABOUT DACHSER UK Dachser UK is part of the Dachser group, a major international logistics provider which on 31 December 2019 generated total sales worth EUR 5.7 billion. 31,000 staff working in This provides access to all relevant data concerning customer
393 locations worldwide handled 80.6 million consignments
shipments, and this system has a direct connection with Dachser’s
comprising 41.0 million metric tonnes. Dachser has been
transport and warehouse management systems. eLogistics provides
established in the UK since 1975, and now has four locations
quick and easy information about all processes along the supply
which include a new logistics centre in Northampton as well
chain. There are numerous functions available for handling, control
as branch offices in Rochdale, Dartford and Bristol.
and transparency. Crucially in circumstances where online sales demands are immediate and fluctuating, there is the ability to track
Dachser aims to be the supplier of choice for European
in-depth process sequences both in transit and in the warehouse
logistics and value-added services. A fully-integrated European
when necessary.
distribution network provides a comprehensive, high-quality service of total freight solutions supported by the latest
Maximum transparency of the product supply chain, with whatever
technology. Core services in the United Kingdom comprise
variations in routing, volumes, delivery criteria and unexpected
European export, import and UK pallet distribution, as well
disruptions that may occur, is vital in a DIY supplier's competitive
as contract logistics, value-added services and international
advantage within the future of the online sales.
sea and air freight forwarding.
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COVID-19 WATCH
NEWS
SOFTBOX DONATES THERMAL COVERS 26 AUGUST 2020
FOR SAFE DELIVERY OF VITAL MEDICINES TO THE D.R.C.
S
oftbox, a leading global innovator and provider of
We do our best to ensure all products reach their destination
temperature control packaging systems and thermal covers
in the same condition we’d expect in the UK’s pharmacies. The
for the life science and logistics industries, has helped
medicines must be kept below 25 degrees Celsius, and SilverSkin™
protect temperature-sensitive shipments of essential medicines to
thermal covers help enable us to do that. When cargo changes
the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in partnership with
planes or is unloaded, pallets might be left on the tarmac in the hot
the charity International Health Partners (IHP).
sun. Softbox® Silverskin™ thermal covers reflect the heat and make sure the medicines don’t get too hot. With uncertainties unleashed
To help maintain the temperature integrity of the shipped medicines,
by COVID-19, such as scarcer flights and more complex logistics,
Softbox donated its Silverskin™ thermally insulating pallet covers,
such protection has been vital.
which were used by IHP to protect shipments of medicines to the
Colleen Harrisson-Dodds, Director of Logistics, IHP
DRC. The transport of these medicines was especially challenging because of logistical challenges caused by COVID-19. Shipments
Panzi Hospital in Bukavu is one of two in DRC chosen to treat
contained Essential Health Packs, each pack including around 800
COVID-19 patients, and the shipment medicines have treated more
donated treatments of antibiotics, painkillers and other basic primary
than 1,500 patients there. The medicines sent to Goma are helping
health medicines.
those fighting the latest Ebola outbreak.
The first shipment of 24 packs went to IHP’s partner International
In regular times it is difficult for us get the medicines we need, but
Medical Corps in Goma, and the second, with 18 packs, went to the
during COVID-19, with border closures and the decrease in flights,
Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, established by Nobel Peace Prize winner
all supplies in Eastern Congo – from medical supplies to regular food
Dr Denis Mukwege to treat survivors of sexual violence.
– are significantly diminished. These packs have allowed us to keep our pharmacy pretty well stocked during this time. Marissa Pledger, Project Manager, Panzi Hospital & Foundations
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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at softboxsystems.com
Since the start of this year, IHP has sent more than four million treatments from the UK to vulnerable people without access to healthcare. In 2019, Softbox donated temperature-control packaging systems to IHP for them to send temperature sensitive chemotherapy medicines to children with cancer in Tanzania. It’s a pleasure to be working with IHP again to provide the safe transportation of life-saving medicines. COVID-19 is making international shipments of this nature much more challenging but also more vital than ever before. We’re proud to have been able to support the delivery of these medicines to those that need it most. Clive Bryant, Product & Marketing Director, Softbox
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL HEALTH PARTNERS
ABOUT SOFTBOX
IHP works with a network of healthcare and logistics partners
innovator that has been designing and producing high
to source, organise, co-ordinate and move donations of
performance passive temperature control packaging solutions
essential medicines and health supplies. It works closely with
for over 20 years. We offer consistent quality to our clients
its NGO partners to identify needs and supply donations in
from our strategically located global manufacturing sites
an effective, safe and responsible way.
throughout Europe, North America, Latin America, India
Softbox is an award-winning temperature control packaging
and Asia Pacific. These donations facilitate humanitarian work in some of the world’s poorest and most challenging places, including Gaza,
We have formed long standing partnerships with the world’s
Haiti, Iraq, Myanmar, Sierra Leone, South Sudan and Yemen,
leading pharmaceutical, clinical research, biotech and logistics
where people lack access to basic healthcare.
companies, and apply innovative thinking to overcome the challenges that our clients face in managing the Cold Chain when shipping temperature sensitive clinical trial and commercialised products.
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COVID-19 WATCH
NEWS
27 AUGUST 2020
LOGISTICS UK LAUNCHES
COVID-19 PERFORMANCE TRACKER B usiness confidence across the logistics industry has
The results of the August survey reveal that, while the level of
plummeted since January 2020, according to the results of
disruption across the industry has fallen significantly from May
Logistics UK’s most recent Logistics Performance Tracker,
2020, nearly 11% are still reporting severe or extreme disruption
although there are signs of recovery in some areas. To identify
to overall freight volumes. To enable their company to continue or
where support is needed most for businesses across the industry
resume trading effectively, over a third of respondents state that
as coronavirus restrictions ease, Logistics UK has today announced
an extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) to
the creation of its Logistics Industry Panel. This Panel comprises
2021 is needed, and around half would seek relief to business rates
a significant group of businesses of all sizes dedicated to providing
or VAT/NI/Corporation rate tax payments deferred.
feedback on their operations to help inform the organisation’s discussions with government.
Members of Logistics UK have been invited to join the Panel, where – in exchange for sharing valuable feedback on their operations – they will
Elizabeth de Jong, Director of Policy at Logistics UK, comments:
be part of an exclusive group given access to detailed survey report
“While the future shape of the economy and the ongoing economic
findings. For more information, please visit logistics.org.uk/lpt
impact of COVID-19 is still unclear, it is critical that Logistics UK ensures government understands the effect of its policies and the support businesses require. Our Logistics Performance Tracker
ABOUT LOGISTICS UK
provides an evidence-based, quantitative insight into how logistics
Logistics UK (formerly FTA) is one of the UK’s leading business
businesses continue to be affected by the pandemic and signposts
groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping
where government support is most needed. The Panel provides a
the UK trading, and more than seven-million people directly
unique insight into the challenges faced by our industry.
employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With COVID-19, Brexit, new tech and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc.
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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at logistics.org.uk
B
usiness group Logistics UK is warning the government it
future prosperity of our nation and does not tally with the expected
needs to do more to stimulate economic activity and restore
‘bounce back’ or ‘recovery’ we have been told is under way. Logistics
consumer confidence after the COVID-19 pandemic, after
businesses of all types are finding it increasingly difficult to remain
the group’s own research indicated that the nation’s businesses
solvent, with the end of the furloughing scheme fast approaching and
are stagnating, after two months’ of cautious re-opening. As David
it will become more expensive for those who remain in the scheme.
Wells, the group’s Chief Executive explains, consumer caution and
At the same time, faltering growth is delivering little or no uplift in
an unclear path back to ‘business as normal’ is hindering companies
revenues to meet government demands for repayment of deferred
in all sectors from opening up completely, and government needs to
taxes and increased staff costs. Forget the credit crunch – without
step in decisively to avoid massive redundancies and further damage
a strong, consistent recovery in economic activity, businesses are
to the long term prospects of UK PLC:
now facing a cash crunch and their survival is in doubt. Either we need a strategy to stimulate demand, and generate growth, or a
Logistics is a perfect barometer of economic activity because
strategy for containing infection, which will require a significant
it is at the heart of every industry in the country, delivering raw
support package for the long term right across the economy - at
materials and finished items to factories, offices, hospitals, schools,
the moment, we have neither. Because of the risk of a second
shops and homes. Through some of the critical services we supply
wave of the pandemic, government might well be apprehensive about
to industry, and our ongoing research, we have access to tens of
opening up the economy further. But if the strategy is to slow or
thousands of data points on levels of activity in the economy every
reverse growth in order to stem infections, then urgent action
day, and what the numbers tell us is increasingly worrying. While
is needed to protect struggling businesses to avoid an avalanche
the rate of growth was encouraging as the country came out of
of redundancies and insolvencies. Currently, business is caught
lockdown, driven by the reopening of some sectors of the economy,
in the middle without a plan for either strategy, and a vacuum of
that pace of expansion has now slowed to a crawl. While our larger
government policy, advice and action, and that’s the most dangerous
operators are holding steady, SMEs across the sector are finding
place to be. Without urgent action and a clear strategy to re-start
things increasingly tough, with less subcontracted work, squeezed
or re-stop the recovery, the recent flurry of redundancies from big
rates and fewer jobs of their own to sustain the recovery. This is
brands like Marks & Spencer and Harrods will only be the tip of a
bad news for the economy, for employees and for the longer-term
fast-approaching iceberg. 26 AUGUST 2020
GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO PROVIDE
CLEAR ROADMAP TO RECOVERY FORWARDER magazine
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COVID-19 WATCH
EXPERTS
T
he UK’s economy, like the economy of almost every
During the build-up to the referendum in June 2016, the Leave
other developed nation on Earth, has suffered
side repeatedly touted the potential for prosperous cross-
significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Figures
border trade the UK could enjoy outside the European Union.
from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that the
Now that the date in which the UK formally exits the Common
economy shrank by 24.5% between February and June 2020, an
Market (1st January 2021) is fast approaching, it is vital that
almost unprecedented drop.
government officials ensure the UK retains the same access to low-tariff trade it currently enjoys as a member of the
There are, however, still reasons to be hopeful. The ONS’s latest
European Single Market.
statistics also showed that the economy is growing once again – expanding by 1.8% in May; implying that the worst of COVID-
Thankfully, 10 Downing street has recognised this and is already
19’s economic damage may already be behind us.
acting accordingly. In early July, sources close to the Prime Minister revealed that the UK would soon be announcing the
If the UK managed to make progress in this post-COVID
details of its new, ambitious, wide-ranging trade strategy – the
economic recovery in May, then the figures from June are likely
country’s first fully independent trade policy since entering
to make for even more cheerful reading. As lockdown measures
the EU in 1973.
are lifted and numerous industries – including hospitality, leisure, and domestic tourism – are jolted back to life, this recovery will
New trading policies will come into force in January 2021 and
surely be accelerated in recent months.
these reports describe the plan to lobby for low tariff access to trade and greater powers for the World Trade Organisation
Government efforts to provide further impetus for this recovery
(WTO); indicating that global trade will soon once again receive
are also welcomed. Initiatives such as the nine-month stamp duty
the attention it deserves from central government.
holiday are already succeeding in boosting consumer confidence and market activity.
International trade must be front and centre It is inescapable that global trade will play a gigantic part of the UK’s
More important, though, is that ministers are now once again
planned post-pandemic and post-Brexit economic resurgence.
turning their attention towards global trade; which will become an integral part of the UK’s economic recovery moving forward.
When looking at how important global trade has previously been for the UK economy, this becomes even more obvious. In 2019,
After COVID and Brexit
the UK’s exports of goods and services totalled £700 billion,
If you cast your mind back to before anyone had ever heard of
with exports totalling £724 billion – according the Government’s
COVID-19, you may remember just how omnipresent Brexit was
own data. Trade with the EU accounted for 43% of these exports
in the minds of commentators and consumers alike. For many
and 51% of the imports.
businesses, this remains the case.
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If no deal is agreed upon with the EU to allow this trade to
For the UK economy to succeed, British businesses must be
continue, British firms risk not having the same level of access
able to expand their operations without being burdened by
to European consumers that they’ve enjoyed previously. In fact,
unnecessary restrictions. If they are able to do so, we can all
if no new free trade agreements or mutually beneficial trade
enjoy the increased investment and tax receipts as a result of
deals are signed in the months ahead, the UK will have to learn
prosperous, UK-based trade with the wider world.
to deal with higher tariffs, more stringent custom checks and greater restrictions on trade generally.
I, personally, am confident that the UK Government will succeed in lowering these restrictions to the benefit of British firms
So, it is imperative that Westminster officials act soon.
nationwide – or else we risk our post-COVID recovery being
Agreements such as the EU – Mercosur FTA, which facilitates
hampered by companies deciding that the possible post-Brexit
easy trade between EU and South American nations, was only
difficulties involved in global trade are simply too much to bear.
finalised after two decades of negotiations. If the UK is serious about instigating this post-Brexit resurgence after the post-
Atul Bhakta, CEO, One World Express
COVID recovery, it should attempt to replicate agreements such as this before the UK leaves the single market and can no longer
Atul is the CEO of One World Express, a position he has held for
take advantage of these agreements as a European Economic
over 20 years. He also holds senior titles for other retail companies,
Area (EEA) member.
underlining his vast experience and expertise in the world of eCommerce, trade and business management.
IMPORTANCE OF GLOBAL TRADE
TO THE UK’S ECONOMIC RECOVERY FORWARDER magazine
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COVID-19 WATCH
EXPERTS
T
he COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on supply
in both the road and air markets. It is likely that demand will be
chains across the globe, particularly the ISO-tank market
slow to recover and if working from home and a reduction in long
which uses specialist equipment and relies on a balance of
distance business travel continues in the long term, these industries
flows. The impact of 'lockdowns' initially hit the manufacturers of
may never return to pre-coronavirus levels.
product at the beginning of the supply chain, starting in China and then progressively impacting Europe and the Americas. A fall in supply side
There was also a near instant shutdown of large scale manufacturing
demand came shortly after, again cycling from Asia to the Americas.
such as car plants, white goods, aircraft, and parts, many of which
This disruption led to erratic volumes and delays in discharging tanks,
use chemicals directly, or use plastics which are made from
which in turn lead to tank shortages in some areas.
chemicals. Some of these plants have restarted limited production, but again, recovery will be slow against a background of increased
The manufacturing and usage of chemicals has not been impacted
unemployment and reduced economic activity, meaning it could take
as heavily as some other sectors: demand for some products has
years to recover to former levels of output.
increased, while others have remained stable and some have seen significant reductions. We saw an initial surge in demand for industrial
During the outbreak of the pandemic, Suttons’ first priority was the
alcohols and solvents, both used in cleaning and sanitising products,
health and safety of our staff, both from a welfare perspective and on
which were in high demand at the beginning of the outbreak to
business level because without healthy staff we would be unable to meet
support with the immediate attempt to keep economies operating
our customers’ needs. As a global business we had an early test of our
and preventing the need to lockdown. This initial rise in demand has
business continuity plans with the lockdown in China, which impacted
abated somewhat, but it is likely that demand for these products
us in late January. This tested our ability to maintain our International
will remain higher than normal until a vaccine is available, and
operation with remote working and allowed us to iron out any minor
may continue permanently with raised awareness of the need for
issues. As it became clear that COVID-19 was going to spread globally
improved hygiene to reduce the spread of other viruses.
we introduced social distancing and hygiene measures, as well as providing PPE to allow staff to continue to work safely, while providing support for
Many sectors have seen a continuation of normal levels of demand,
those who needed to shield due to age or for medical reasons.
for example, chemicals used in the water treatment industry and foodstuffs. Other sectors have seen a severe decrease in volume,
We quickly adapted our operations to ensure that we could maintain
many of which are related directly or indirectly with the transport
the standards of safety and quality that our customers expect from
sectors and manufacturing. As the nation adapted to working from
us and to respond to changing demand patterns for certain products
home the demand for petrol, diesel and fuel additives fell significantly
as already discussed. This included pro-actively marketing our
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capability to sectors where demand was increasing, or where new
As we navigate through the pandemic, we are constantly
entrants were supporting the national effort to combat the ever-
reviewing the way in which we have managed the business and
evolving pandemic. An example of this was our support to William
our operation, as well as how we have supported our employees
Grant & Sons Distillery who switched from producing whisky to
and customers. Our existing business continuity plans worked
distilling alcohol sanitising applications.
well and allowed us to operate safely and maintain an excellent level of customer service, all while managing our cash flow.
Like many businesses, unsurprisingly, we had to react quickly at a
However, we are noticing areas where we could have done
corporate level to ensure that we had access to sufficient cash to support
better or where additional investment in equipment, software,
the business and to fund any investment required to meet our changing
and training could improve our reaction to either a second
operational needs. The initial problem was trying to model what the
wave of COVID-19 or some similar challenge in the future.
impact on the businesses turnover and cash flow might be, in a situation that no one had ever lived through before. Our two biggest concerns
It is crucial for all businesses, including Suttons, to constantly
were that we did not know how far demand would fall and whether or
assess the medium to long-term impact of the pandemic on
not some of our customers would be unable to pay us. We were also
customers and competitors in the post COVID-19 world. It is
initially unaware of the level of support that governments would provide.
certain that the economy will take a significant time to recover from the shock of lockdown. Where coronavirus has had a
We moved quickly to preserve cash. Capital expenditure plans were
negative impact, companies like ours must respond quickly to
reviewed and some projects that were deemed non-essential were
reshape their business processes, asset base and workforce to
deferred or re-scheduled to ensure we balanced operational needs
ensure that the are in the best possible shape to survive and
with cash management.
prosper in this economy. Equally, where the pandemic generates opportunities businesses must react swiftly to capitalise on them.
THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 Keith Broom, Finance Director, Suttons Group
ON SUPPLY CHAINS & LOGISTICS BUSINESSES
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COVID-19 WATCH
EXPERTS
T
he Coronavirus pandemic has exposed the fragility
Re-thinking Sourcing
of the modern supply chain, as companies struggle
With the global supply chain often more complex than many
to acquire the products and raw materials needed to
comprehend, very few organisations can trace their supply
keep revenue flowing. With many businesses relying heavily on
chain beyond their Tier 1 suppliers, and many are uncertain of
a limited number of trading partners, many located in hard-hit
the location of their second and third-tier suppliers. To fully
areas like China, the scale of the supply chain disruption has
understand supply-side risk, Deloitte notes that advanced digital
been a wake-up call.
solutions are “generally required to trace supply networks reliably across the multiple tiers of suppliers.� Indeed, manufacturers,
Pummeling the Bottom Line
retailers, and distributors are in uncharted waters as they race
COVID-19 shockwaves are being felt around the globe, with one
to identify new supply sources.
in six companies adjusting revenue targets downward. Figures from the Office of National Statistics revealed that 72% of
Global Trade Insights Guide the Way
businesses in the UK reported that they are exporting less than
With the daunting task of navigating the rapidly changing
normal, and 59% of reported that they are importing less than
global trade landscape, where should your organisation begin?
normal due to the impact of Coronavirus.
Actionable global trade data is your lifeline for supply chain resilience. In the face of COVID-19 disruptions, global trade
According to a survey by the Institute for Supply Management
intelligence solutions can help businesses swiftly find alternative
(ISM), nearly 75% of companies reported supply chain disruptions
suppliers in a concise three-step process:
due to the COVID-19 outbreak, with lead times doubling and
of tools to find alternative supply sources has increased by 21%.
1
Given the sheer scale of the disruption, many different types of
market dynamics, revealing the impact of both the Coronavirus
businesses are unlikely to have a plan in place to address supply
and recent tariff changes on specific commodity imports and
disruption from China and other countries.
exports by mapping the global flow of shipments and identifying
delays compounded by a shortage of air and ocean freight options. A recent survey of Descartes customers also found that 31% are looking for alternative suppliers, and their usage
Identify potential sources... know the market to make better sourcing decisions
A sophisticated global trade intelligence solution can assess
recent volume shifts. Previous shipment volumes reveal which suppliers have capacity for your sourcing demands, while bill of lading (BOL) data helps you easily identify names, addresses, and contact details for each supplier.
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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at descartes.com
2
Analyse costs...
With a global trade intelligence solution, businesses can quickly
how much will it cost to do business?
screen potential suppliers to determine if the country or vendor are subject to any restrictions or sanctions from the government.
Given the slowdown many companies are facing during the
Compliance vetting is crucial for avoiding fines and penalties but
pandemic, curtailing costs is top of mind. Global trade data
also ensures your company brand remains untarnished.
technology can analyse potential suppliers to calculate the total landed cost of doing business with them, including duty spend,
Beyond COVID-19
variable and fixed taxes, shipping costs, and insurance costs.
Access to actionable trade insight is critical to developing
With international trade insight, businesses can also identify
a proactive supply chain response to the coronavirus and
favourable Free Trade Agreements (FTA) or other preferential
emerging from this pandemic as intact and profitable as possible.
mechanisms to help maximise margins.
Sophisticated global trade intelligence solutions use shipment
3
data from across the world to model trade flows globally, Vet potential trading partners...
helping companies rapidly identify, analyse, and vet new sourcing
limit liability and brand damage
locations. With the right approach, businesses can mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on supply chains and also strengthen and
The vetting process is vital for avoiding exposure to sanctioned
add resiliency to their logistics operations going forward.
parties but, given the fluidity and sheer size of restricted party lists and the rabbit hole of shell companies, obtaining an accurate
Mark Segner, VP Global Sales, Descartes
view can be extremely challenging.
THE VALUE OF GLOBAL TRADE INSIGHTS IN NAVIGATING COVID-19 SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTIONS FORWARDER magazine
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COVID-19 WATCH
EXPERTS
T
here’s no denying that these last few months have been
Office-based work will never be the same again. We can’t go back
tough for the economy. Lockdowns and social distancing
to how it was before. Both employees and business owners have had
have left many businesses battered and bruised, and many
a taste of what working remotely is really like. My team are happier,
good employees in search of new jobs.
more efficient and more focused working from home. You’ll see no perspex here! We’ll continue to work from home until it’s safe to
As businesses start to reopen, staff come out of furlough and the cogs
go back into the workplace, and once we do return it will be with
of the British economy slowly start turning again, it’s understandable
the idea that every team member can choose whether they work
that people are keen to get back to normal.
from home or come into the office. Chadd Blunt, CEO, Millennium Cargo
But what is normal in this post-covid world? Perspex barriers, staggered breaks & no more birthday cakes
When asked about how this 'taste of working remotely' will influence businesses on a wider scale, Chadd replied:
As we edge carefully out of lockdown, the Government have advised that we keep certain health and safety measures in place. Distancing
I think flexible, remote working is here to stay. Businesses may
needs to be maintained where possible and stricter hygiene policies
have to be more flexible in their expectations, offering the option of
implemented to prevent a second wave of infection.
remote work at least a few days week for those who want it. Flexible working hours and locations were already becoming a priority in
Some businesses are bringing staff in on staggered hours, others have
the younger generations, now they’ve had a real taste of freedom it
erected perspex shields to prevent employees breathing, coughing
might be hard to convince them back into an office full time. Meaning
or sneezing on each other. People are to avoid congregating in small
businesses may miss out on ideal candidates because they prefer to
spaces, such as break rooms, and everyone should provide their own
work for someone else who’s willing to offer remote working.
food – so no more office birthday cakes! Whether you’re looking forward to getting back into the office or Not all businesses are planning
dreading dragging yourself back to work, one thing is for certain;
to rush back into the office
there’s light at the end of the tunnel! We’re one step closer to
The freight industry was one of the first to be hit by Covid-19,
getting British business moving again and creating a new kind of
affecting imports and exports all over the world as it swept
normal in the workplace - whatever that normal turns out to be.
through China as far back as November 2019. But despite battling with industry disruptions for more than seven months, Millennium Cargo in Birmingham is in no rush to bring the team back into the office. They believe that working from home is the future – whether business owners like it or not.
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HOW COVID-19 IS
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF OFFICE ENVIRONMENTS FORWARDER magazine
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COVID-19 WATCH
EXPERTS
T
he COVID-19 pandemic has affected the logistics sector in a
lockdown period provide a good template for any businesses looking to
variety of ways, with no two organisations having an identical
restart or expand their operations, especially when adding the specific
experience; while many companies have experienced a
guidelines recently issued by the UK government.
downturn in business, others have seen unprecedented spikes in demand. In this article, FTA Supply Chain Consultants provide an
Driver self-isolation is down to 4-5% from 12-16% at start of the
overview of the developments affecting the sector throughout the
survey period in March. Warehouse staff isolation levels have taken
lockdown period and explore how the industry has managed to
longer to decrease, but recently have come into line with transport.
adapt to the new challenges posed by the pandemic; our views are based on the results of FTA’s weekly Coronavirus Logistics Impact
More recent impacts reported in FTA’s survey include delayed payment
Survey and our own research within the trade.
of invoices by customers. This and the overall downturn in revenue has driven operators to look for financial support in the form of government
The most significant business impact on the logistics industry we
backed loans, accessing the furlough scheme and attempts to renegotiate
have seen has been the overall downturn of volumes and the number
vehicle leases and rent or mortgage terms. However, these are not
of businesses closing. However, there are strong variations to what
long-term solutions for a sector that traditionally operates on relatively
extent individual businesses are affected. Grocery retail has stabilised
narrow margins and only a recovery in economic activity levels across
after an unprecedented spike in demand at the start of the crisis.
the board can provide sustainable income for the logistics industry.
Meanwhile, e-commerce & home delivery have seen a sustained
The shape of the economy of the future is bound to alter as changes in
uplift. Notable examples of where volumes have declined include
consumer behaviour and ways of working drive changes in purchasing
the drinks on-trade, events, non-food retail and construction. Some
behaviours, for example increased levels of and reliance on e-commerce.
of these are starting to see a recovery in volumes, while others are anticipating relaxations of the lockdown expected for June and July
More recent supply issues include difficulties in sourcing new vehicles,
which, it is hoped, will revive demand.
parts and machinery. This is likely to be a reflection of the stoppages in manufacturing and the reduced levels of international freight.; a lack of
The reduced workload for the industry has resulted in businesses
available vehicles may well affect the rate at which businesses bounce back.
furloughing staff. Although 75% of respondents to FTA’s Coronavirus Logistics Impact Survey have taken advantage of the government’s
In conclusion, logistics operators have been quick to put in place
scheme, the overall level is 10-15% of headcount. This appears to
COVID-19 prevention measures. There has been a significant downturn
align with the proportion of HGVs that are not in use andSORNed
in business volumes, with individual businesses being impacted to
(Statutory Off Road Notification) due to the pandemic and the
different extents. To reduce dependency on financial support and
resulting reduction in freight.
ensure a sustainable business environment, volumes need to recover. The temporary stoppage of supplies, especially in parts and vehicles, will
The key COVID-19 prevention measures in place across logistics
be an additional challenge to ramp up logistics efforts. As the economy
businesses can be split between hygiene procedures and avoiding
slowly comes back to life, businesses will need to be sure they have the
personal contact. Most hygiene procedures were implemented by more
right measures in place to ensure safe and efficient operations.
than 95% of respondents by early April, showing an industry that is quick to adapt. The operations that continued to operate throughout the
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Eddy de Jong, Supply Chain Consultant, FTA
WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at fta.co.uk
ABOUT FTA: FTA is one of the UK’s leading business groups, representing the logistics industry, which is vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With Covid-19, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. FTA supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, 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.
HOW THE INDUSTRY HAS ADAPTED
THROUGHOUT THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWN PERIOD FORWARDER magazine
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COVID-19 WATCH
EXPERTS
B
efore COVID-19, the World Economic Forum estimated
Such innovative and easily adopted technologies can significantly
that approximately 40% of global air cargo was transported
mitigate dangers posed by the pandemic.
in the hold of passenger planes, and the remainder carried
available to transport goods, and freight rates have risen. Also, goods
What are the longer-term trends you’re anticipating post Covid-19?
take a much longer time to reach destinations not on major trade
No one can tell how the logistics industry will change exactly. We
routes, since cargo operators primarily use hubs.
do expect that the heightened emphasis on safety will continue even
by specialist aircraft. Since the pandemic there are far fewer planes
after the pandemic’s initial impact. We also expect that sustaining There are some upsides to the situation, though; jet fuel and gasoline
environmentally friendly transportation will continue being a priority.
prices have dropped and digital payments have surged. Working with partners to roll our out Contactless solutions has given us
Fortunately, the most effective safety measures – such as frequent
an enhanced understanding of the inner workings of their supply
handwashing and PPE – are generally cheap and simple to install.
chains. Everyone now recognises the importance of safeguarding
Decarbonising or going fully green may be trickier, but we’re noticed
their staff and customers. They can see why automated reporting
a skyrocketing demand for digital technology. Logistics providers
and paperless documentation are critical to seamless operations.
are seeking technological solutions to optimise their supply chains while addressing environmental challenges and the COVID-19
Should customers be concerned about the risk of Covid-19 transmission from contaminated packaging?
transmission risk. A common assertion is that technologies able
Since the pandemic started, we've closely monitored and assessed the
emissions and other negativities. An example is our GeoEngine,
scientific guidance on packaging’s transmission risks. Numerous studies,
which uses natural language processing across 65 languages and more
such as in The Lancet and The New England Journal of Medicine
than two billion addresses to reduce average re-deliveries by more
have indicated that COVID-19 particles can survive for prolonged
than 80%. Another is our LogisticsEngine, which increases average
periods on common packaging materials. Postal workers, travelling from
distance utilisation by more than 40%. Such technologies provide a
household to household, can spread Covid-19 just by doing their job.
win-win. Reducing vehicle congestion brings down costs, emissions,
to achieve this are just pipedreams or solutions for the future. The truth is that we do currently have active technologies to reduce
contact risks, and COVID-19 transmissions. The onus is on us to keep the supply chain COVID-free. This protects our logistics workers and the people they interact with.
Jonathan Savoir, Co-founder & CEO, Quincus
Our specialised Contactless solutions were designed specifically to
Katherina Lacey, Co-founder & CPO, Quincus
limit person-to-person contact and reduce social contact at dropoff centres and parcel touchpoints. The beauty of our digitalised solutions is that they also reduce bottlenecking and sequencing time, and underpin paperless exchange to reduce infection risks. Our Contactless solutions also support effective contact-tracing to track a suspected parcel’s entire journey, and which hubs and personnel were in contact with it.
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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at quincus.com
COVID’S IMPACT ON LOGISTICS
FROM QUINCUS’ PERSPECTIVE FORWARDER magazine
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COVID-19 WATCH
EXPERTS
WILL COVID-19 CATALYSE A
NEW GLOBAL FREIGHT STRATEGY
BY ENCOURAGING A SHIFT IN MODES OF TRANSPORT & NETWORK EFFICIENCY?
C
OVID-19 has generated unprecedented disruption
In the UK, for example, this has resulted in a 30% reduction
in the global logistics and freight industries, severely
of freight movements across all modes, including maritime,
impacting operations and delivery activities. However,
rail and HGV. As we move into the recovery phase following
could these current challenges ultimately pave the way for a
COVID-19, we need to understand if these changes to the supply
more streamlined, efficient and environmentally-friendly future?
chain configuration will be temporary, or if the way in which we operate and plan the logistics network will be transformed from
Demand for essential goods, such as produce, medical supplies and
this point on.
Personal Protective Equipment, has significantly increased, while manufacturing capacity has decreased due to various lockdown
Beyond economic stimulation, the need for a more resilient
restrictions. In the short term, hauliers, international gateways
supply chain to mitigate potential disruptions from future
and retailers are facing a climate of uncertainty, as we experience:
similar events could see producers and distributors looking to local manufacturers rather than international suppliers. These
• Disruption to points of supply and quantities of freight available
manufacturers would ideally be located near to where the key supplies are required.
• Disruption to freight handling across international borders • Reduced number of vessels, vehicles and personnel available across the supply chain, affecting routes taken
The current situation provides an opportunity to consider strategic locations where local manufacturing and production
• Changing demand patterns as consumer/business needs change
hubs could be key in providing this resilience while acting as an
• Population re-locations from urban to rural areas.
economic booster to those regions.
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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at ghd.com
ABOUT GHD: GHD is one of the world’s leading professional services companies operating in the global markets of water, energy & resources, environment, property & buildings and transportation. Fully employee-owned, GHD delivers engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services to public and private sector clients across five continents and the Pacific region. Committed to creating lasting community benefit, GHD connects the knowledge, skill and experience of its 10,000 people with
The reconfiguration of the supply chain and modal shift is an
innovative practices, technical capabilities and robust
idea that has been mooted previously, with the intention that
systems. GHD has over 200 offices around the world,
these modifications would help us achieve particular industry
serving a client base of over 14,000.
goals, such as the net zero targets. In 2017, the UK Government issued the Freight Carbon Review, which identified options for making more effective use of current capacity on the rail, water
This strategy would...
and road networks. The report notes that a significant reduction of Greenhouse Gas emissions could be achieved through increased use of rail freight, deployment of longer semi-trailers and improved logistical efficiency by means of more widespread industry collaboration. The report also recognised the constraints around network capacity due to passenger demand, however, it is anticipated that more people will elect to work from home following COVID-19, resulting in an estimated 20% reduction in passenger train movements on the rail network. If similar impacts are experienced across the overall transport network, additional capacity for freight paths may become available, where it previously did not exist.
A clearly defined strategy will provide confidence around resilience for current and future disruptions by addressing
Therefore, the pandemic may have just provided the industry
existing and potential policy and regulation amendments. This
with a window of opportunity to accelerate modal shift while
in turn will inform decisions to optimise the supply chain to
configuring the network to provide more efficient distribution.
achieve cost efficiencies (supply to demand ratio) and reduce the environmental footprint.
The industry can proactively plan to respond to these changes and grasp this opportunity by collaboratively developing a holistic
Matt East, Senior Advisor, Logistics & Infrastructure Policy
strategy for the movement of freight across and within countries.
for the UK, Europe & Middle East, GHD
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AIR FREIGHT
A system of transporting goods by aircraft. Related topics AOG (aircraft on ground) OBC (on-board couriers) Air charter
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AIR FREIGHT
NEWS
NEUTRAL AIR PARTNER & BRIDGES WORLDWIDE 27 AUGUST 2020
PROVIDE INTERNATIONAL EXPRESS & COURIER LINEHAUL SOLUTIONS
H
ong Kong based Neutral Air Partner (NAP) , the premier
global network of air cargo architects and aviation specialists,
ABOUT NEUTRAL AIR PARTNER
and Bridges Worldwide PLC, have entered into a strategic
Neutral Air Partner (NAP) is the premier global network of
partnership aiming to provide NAP members with a platform of
leading air cargo architects and aviation specialists, dedicated
neutral linehaul solutions & BSAs on scheduled freighter services and
to providing innovative air cargo solutions to the global
commercial airlines for express and time-critical freight movements.
supply chain and the logistics & aviation community.
We are delighted to appoint Bridges Worldwide PLC as our global
The organization was founded in Hong Kong in 2016, which
express linehaul solutions partner. Our collaboration will enable NAP
is home to the world’s largest cargo airport, aiming to inject
partners to enhance their expedited freight and courier products on
a greater degree of advanced air cargo expertise into the
a global scale, utilizing a dynamic freighter network and blocked space
logistics industry, revive specialization, and to drive airfreight
agreements, to create a unique and competitive global advantage.
and express buying power across the air cargo supply chain.
Christos Spyrou, CEO, NAP Bridges Worldwide is delighted to partner with Neutral Air Partners and provide its members with an unrivalled global network
ABOUT BRIDGES WORLDWIDE
for their express linehaul utilising a combination of commercial airlines
Bridges Worldwide PLC is a leading provider of neutral
and regional freighters. We remain well positioned as a neutral supplier
network solutions to the international logistics, courier, and
to offer bespoke services to the NAP members that will benefit them
express industry. Formed by Guy Bridges in 1989 we remain
and their customers. It is an exciting opportunity and we look forward
independent and flexible to changing Customer requirements
to working closely with Christos and the NAP team.
on a global basis.
Paul Brady, Managing Director, Bridges Worldwide PLC
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The ultimate in blue-sky thinking We’ve been developing our air freight experience for decades and we’re now proud to announce the launch of Allair - our dedicated air freight services division. 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.
Logistics specialists working across: • Automotive • Aerospace • Ornamental Aquatic • Military • Projects
For exceptional air freight service:
Call: 0333 988 4848 www.allairglobal.com
FORWARDER magazine
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AIR FREIGHT
NEWS
18 AUGUST 2020
DACHSER USA ANNOUNCES
WEEKLY TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT SERVICE D achser USA announces a new dedicated weekly Frankfurt-
The transatlantic service is scheduled to be in rotation every
Chicago-Frankfurt flight service, which launched on July
weekend as customers benefit from fixed transit times allowing
26th in response to ongoing demand for increased air
for reliable planning. Utilizing specially chartered Boeing 747-400
freight capacity between Europe and the US.
freighters, the weekly flight schedule is as follows:
This new dedicated weekly transatlantic flight service offers
a solution to the current air freight capacity challenges that our customers are facing. They called upon us to provide a timely, efficient transportation option to move their cargo between the U.S. and Europe in a way that allows them to properly plan and meet their deadlines. Andy Frommenwiler, Vice President, Air Freight, Dachser USA
In response to ongoing air freight capacity shortages, Dachser has continuously expanded its flight service offerings by introducing
Dachser USA’s weekly flight service connects its U.S. customers
several charter services with direct routes to and from Europe,
to the entire European market through its comprehensive land
Asia and Latin America.
transport network from Frankfurt. Through Dachser’s road transport network, the service connects Germany, Austria,
Dachser’s dedicated flight service program ensures that volume
Switzerland, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Czech
capacities are available to customers regardless of unpredictable
Republic, Poland, and Slovakia. For European customers, Dachser
market conditions. In fact, various product categories including
USA’s dedicated trucking service in the U.S enables prompt door-
large-format goods, hazardous goods such as batteries as well as
to-door deliveries within the 48 contiguous states.
temperature-controlled products for life-sciences and healthcare sectors can continue to be sourced thanks to Dachser’s flight service program enabling supply chain fluidity.
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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at dachser.us
Today, the marketplace demands reliability and agility. As an customers and stay one step ahead by offering timely, innovative, and
ABOUT DACHSER USA AIR & SEA LOGISTICS
adaptable solutions. We plan to offer and expand our premium air
Founded in 1974, Dachser USA Air & Sea Logistics Inc. is
service routes as our customer requirements continue to grow.
the U.S. subsidiary of German-headquartered Dachser SE.
industry leader, Dachser aims to proactively foresee the needs of our
Thanks to some 31,000 employees at 393 locations all over Customers interested in reserving their shipment on Dachser USA’s
the globe, Dachser generated consolidated net revenue of
upcoming dedicated weekly flight service, can contact their local
approximately EUR 5.7 billion in 2019. That same year, the
Dachser USA representative or via email at sales.usa-asl@dachser.
logistics provider handled a total of 80.6 million shipments
com for further information.
weighing 41.0 million metric tons. Dachser USA Air & Sea Logistics is headquartered in Atlanta with several locations across the country. Dachser USA Air & Sea Logistics offers optimal access to international markets and ensures seamless integration of all import and export activities via air or ocean to and from Europe, Asia and South America. Country organizations represent Dachser in 44 countries.
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AIR FREIGHT
NEWS
IAG CARGO & LEVEL RETURN TO SKIES 28 AUGUST 2020
WITH BARCELONA - NEW YORK SERVICE
I
AG Cargo, the leading aviation cargo business, and LEVEL, a
To welcome back LEVEL’s operation out of Barcelona, IAG Cargo
long-haul, low-cost airline in the IAG Group, have announced
is offering customers who are members of their FORWARD.
a return to the skies for the Barcelona – New York route for
REWARDS loyalty programme the opportunity to earn double
passengers and cargo.
rewards points for cargo booked on the route between 28th August and 28th September.
The route provides an important trade and passenger connection between the Americas and Southern Europe.
Since the start of the pandemic, IAG Cargo has established a network of over 340 scheduled cargo-only flights per week and has
There will be a weekly Barcelona – New York rotation utilising
reconfigured aircraft to maximised cargo capacity for its customers.
LEVEL’s A330-200 aircraft. BCN – JFK commences on the 11th
These services will still be provided alongside cargo capacity on
September and JFK – BCN on the 13th September.
passenger flights as passenger traffic increases.
We are delighted that LEVEL has been able to resume operations and get passengers back in the skies. Increased passenger flights mean
ABOUT IAG CARGO
more options for IAG Cargo customers. We look forward to supplying
IAG Cargo is the single business created following the merger
these important markets with much needed air cargo capacity.
of British Airways World Cargo and Iberia Cargo in April
John Cheetham, Chief Commercial Officer, IAG Cargo
2011. Following the integration of additional airlines into the business, including Aer Lingus, Vueling and bmi, IAG Cargo
We at LEVEL are pleased to announce that we are restarting our
now covers a global network of over 350 destinations.
operations for passengers and cargo from Barcelona, contributing to
In 2019 IAG Cargo had a commercial revenue of €1,117 million.
IAG Cargo’s extensive freight traffic network made possible thanks
It has a combined workforce of more than 2,470 people.
to the group’s synergies. This is good news not only for the sector but also for the long-haul connectivity of the city of Barcelona.
Its parent company, International Airlines Group, is one of
Lucía Adrover, Chief Commercial Officer, LEVEL
the world's largest airline groups with 548 aircraft at 30th June 2020. It is the third largest group in Europe and the sixth largest in the world, based on revenue.
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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at afklcargo.com
O
ver 5500 cargo-only flights since the start of the corona
AMS hubs, but also have partnerships with GHAs at all relevant pharma
crisis, Air France KLM Martinair Cargo strives to offer a
destinations, providing state-of-the-art pharma handling services. Our
global airfreight network to help keep supply chains running.
investment in pharma logistics is paying off and our share in the pharma
This has always been essential, but even more so since the outbreak
segment has grown significantly in recent years and months.
of the Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring that healthcare facilities as well as private citizens have access to medicines, medical equipment and
Shipping pharma and other medical-related goods is one of our
personal protective equipment (PPE). Since the start of the crisis, we
core activities and a strategic priority. From the start, we prioritised
have gradually rebuilt our network mainly for relief-related shipments.
pharma commercially and operationally. At AFKLMP Cargo, we
In recent months, we have constantly added new destinations and flights
have a department that is fully dedicated to pharma and healthcare
to our network, mainly operating on a cargo-only basis. We have been
solutions. With this in mind, Air France and KLM were among the
using our passenger aircraft for cargo charter purposes and have fully
first airlines to obtain IATA CEIV certification.
utilized our full-freighter fleet. Since the start of the pandemic, we have
GertJan Roelands, SVP of Sales & Distribution, AFKLMP Cargo
operated more than 5500 cargo-only flights. AFKLMP Cargo currently offers a network spanning more than 95 long-haul destinations.
Ready to transport COVID-19 vaccines Recently, we have formed a taskforce to define what steps need
Shipping pharma and healthcare products
to be taken to help ship Covid-19 vaccines. Working in close
is a core activity for AFKLMP Cargo
consultation with the pharma industry and related forwarders, we
In recent years, we have continuously improved our pharma and
have assessed specific requirements for shipping Covid-19 vaccines.
healthcare-related services by improving processes, training staff and
We subsequently adapted our operation in terms of equipment and
forming dedicated service teams for pharma customers. We have invested
dedicated monitoring & service, as well as the capacity we offer.
in infrastructure at both of our hubs, Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), and we have fully merged our booking and
AFKLMP Cargo is ready to play a key role in the distribution of
service options via our digital portal myCargo, offering the transparency
Covid-19 vaccines, thereby helping to ensure that as many people
customers need. Because we realise how important it is to guarantee the
as possible around the globe will have access to vaccines in these
required quality, reliability and connectivity throughout supply chains, we
challenging times.
not only offer all required infrastructure and capabilities at our CDG and
Enrica Calonghi, Global Head Pharma Logistics, AFKLMP Cargo 27 AUGUST 2020
AIR FRANCE KLM MARTINAIR CARGO
READY FOR COVID-19 VACCINES FORWARDER magazine
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AIR FREIGHT
EXPERTS
T
he International Air Transport Association (IATA)
Major stimulus from governments combined with
released new analysis showing that the damage to air
liquidity injections by central banks will boost the
travel from COVID-19 extends into the medium-term,
economic recovery once the pandemic is under control.
with long-haul / international travel being the most severely
But rebuilding passenger confidence will take longer. And
impacted. Quarantine measures on arrival would further damage
even then, individual and corporate travellers are likely to
confidence in air travel. A risk-based layered approach of globally
carefully manage travel spend and stay closer to home,
harmonized biosecurity measures is critical for the restart.
Alexandre de Juniac, Director General & CEO, IATA
Air travel scenarios
Long-haul travel impact will be longer lasting
IATA and Tourism Economics modeled two air travel scenarios:
When the recovery begins, it is expected to be led by domestic travel.
Baseline scenario • This is contingent on domestic markets opening in Q3, with a
• An IATA survey of recent air travelers conducted in April
much slower phased opening of international markets. This would
2020 found that 58% are somewhat or very likely to restrict
limit the air travel recovery, despite most forecasts pointing
their initial travel to domestic journeys.
toward a strong economic rebound late this year and during 2021. • In 2021 we expect global passenger demand (measured in revenue passenger kilometers, RPKs) to be 24% below
• Domestic Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPKs) will only recover to 2019 levels by 2022. International RPKs are only expected to return to 2019 levels in 2024.
2019 levels and 32% lower than IATA’s October 2019 Air Passenger forecast for 2021.
The impacts of the crisis on long-haul travel will be much
• We don’t expect 2019 levels to be exceeded until 2023.
more severe and of a longer duration than what is expected in
• As international markets open and economies recover, there
domestic markets. This makes globally agreed and implemented
will be further growth in air travel from the 2020 low point.
biosecurity standards for the travel process all the more
But even by 2025 we would expect global RPKs to be 10%
critical. We have a small window to avoid the consequences of
lower than the previous forecast.
uncoordinated unilateral measures that marked the post-9.11 period. We must act fast.
Pessimistic scenario • This is based on a slower opening of economies and
IATA strongly urges governments to find alternatives to
into Q3, possibly due to a second wave of the virus. This
maintaining or introducing arrival quarantine measures as part of
would further delay the recovery of air travel.
post-pandemic travel restrictions. IATA’s April survey of recent
• In this case, global RPKs in 2021 could be 34% lower than 2019 levels and 41% below our previous forecast for 2021.
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Avoid Quarantine Measures
relaxation of travel restrictions, with lockdowns extending
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air travelers showed that.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at iata.org
• 86% of travelers were somewhat or very concerned about being quarantined while traveling, and • 69% of recent travellers would not consider travelling if it
IATA’s proposal for a temporary risk-based layered approach to provide governments with the confidence to open their border without quarantining arrivals includes:
involved a 14-day quarantine period. • Preventing travel by those who are symptomatic with Even in the best of circumstances this crisis will cost many
temperature screening and other measures
jobs and rob the economy of years of aviation-stimulated
• Addressing the risks of asymptomatic travelers with
growth. To protect aviation’s ability to be a catalyst for the
governments managing a robust system of health
economic recovery, we must not make that prognosis worse
declarations and vigorous contact tracing.
by making travel impracticable with quarantine measures. We need a solution for safe travel that addresses two challenges.
The mutual recognition of agreed measures is critical for the
It must give passengers confidence to travel safely and without
resumption of international travel. This is a key deliverable of
undue hassle. And it must give governments confidence that they
the COVID-19 Aviation Recovery Task Force (CART) of the
are protected from importing the virus. Our proposal is for a
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
layering of temporary non-quarantine measures until we have a vaccine, immunity passports or nearly instant COVID-19 testing available at scale.
CART has a very big job to do with little time to waste. It must find an agreement among states on the measures needed to control COVID-19 as aviation re-starts. And it must build confidence among governments that borders can be opened to travelers because a layered approach of measures has been properly implemented globally. IATA and the whole industry support this critical work.
DON’T MAKE A SLOW RECOVERY MORE DIFFICULT WITH QUARANTINE MEASURES FORWARDER magazine
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SEA FREIGHT
A system of transporting goods by ship. Related topics Shipping lines Biofuels Ships' parts
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Sponsored by
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SEA FREIGHT
NEWS
LINER SHIPPING’S MOVE TO WATER LUBRICATION 11 AUGUST 2020
GATHERS PACE WITH X-PRESS DELIVERIES
T
Sam Williams, Thordon Bearings’ Regional Manager for Asia and
CY Engineering, Thordon’s distributor in China, has now completed
Greece said that X-Press Feeders, the world’s largest independent
the installation and commissioning of the Thordon scope of supply
common carrier with a fleet of more than 110 Panamax vessels,
aboard X-Press Mekong (Hull Number CHB085) and X-Press Pearl
specified the Thordon system after operating a COMPAC-installed
(Hull Number CHB084).
vessel acquired two years ago under a Sale & Purchase agreement.
he two Super Eco 2700 containerships China’s
Zhoushan Changhong Shipyard is building for Singaporeheadquartered X-Press Feeders have launched with a
complete water lubricated propeller shaft arrangement supplied by Thordon Bearings.
Both MARIC-designed, DNV GL-classed vessels feature Thordon’s
Based on their experience with the system installed aboard the
award-winning COMPAC propeller shaft bearings, bronze shaft liners,
2018-built X-Press Kabru [formerly Washington Trader], which is
a Water Quality Package, ThorShield shaft protection coating and the
based on the same Super Eco 2700 design, the owner specifically
company’s proprietary bearing condition monitoring system (BCM).
wanted the arrangement for its newbuilds. This is a testament not only to the success of the MARIC design, but also to the
Due for delivery later this year, the vessels were ordered in 2018
environmental performance and cost-saving benefits of a water
with options for an additional two plus two.
lubricated system. Indeed, a key factor in the shipowner’s decision to specify the arrangement was to further enhance a design already optimised for 'clean shipping.'
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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at thordonbearings.com
Commenting on the vessels’ green credentials, Williams said:
Shipyard delivered the final vessel in a series of two newbuild
With a hull form designed for maximum fuel-efficiency and
containerships to a Greek owner. All three of these vessels are based
reduced emissions, the move away from an oil-lubricated shaft
on the Super Eco 2700 design incorporating a COMPAC shaft line.
to a more environmentally acceptable solution was a significant motivation. The experience the owner had with X-Press Kabru
Commenting on the bearing systems’ popularity amongst Chinese
proved the COMPAC system’s operational and environmental
shipbuilders, Alex Li, Managing Director, CY Engineering, said:
performance but also showed that long-term operational savings
The Zhoushan Changhong Shipyard is well equipped to install
can be achieved with water lubricated tailshaft bearings. A very
water-lubricated systems. The Thordon system is one of a number
cost-effective alternative.
of environmentally sustainable solutions now widely adopted across Chinese yards to meet environmental sustainability goals. About 40
X-Press Mekong and X-Press Pearl are the 4th and 5th ships to be
shipyards are experienced with the arrangement and are enthusiastic
built based on the Super Eco 2700 design to use Thordon's proven
about the COMPAC system.
water lubricated system. All the vessels in this series have been designed to meet DNV GL’s stringent tailshaft monitoring notation TMON, which means a water-lubricated shaft has the same extended shaft withdrawal inspection periods as an oil-lubricated system. X-Press Feeders has a clearly defined set of environmental sustainability standards, so we are delighted it has incorporated COMPAC into the design and build of these super eco-friendly newbuilds. The first COMPAC newbuilds in the X-Press fleet is a further indication of the container shipping segment’s commitment to improving the ocean environment. Terry McGowan, President & CEO, Thordon Bearings
ABOUT THORDON BEARINGS Thordon Bearings designs and manufactures a complete
It does appear that liner shipping companies, in particular, are
range of journal bearing and seal systems for marine, clean
avoiding oil-lubricated propeller shaft bearings in favour of a
power generation, pump and other industrial markets. These
seawater-lubricated system.
products are built using Thordon proprietary non-metallic polymer materials that are lubricated with water eliminating
In 2015, Thordon inked a milestone agreement to supply the water
oil or grease usage, meaning ZERO risk of oil pollution to our
lubricated bearing system to two 3600 TEU Jones Act boxships. And
rivers, lakes and oceans. Thordon systems and bearings are
in 2019 the COMPAC-operating Log-In Polaris was delivered to a
available worldwide through over 75 agents and distributors.
Brazilian shipowner. That same year China’s Guangzhou Wenchong FORWARDER magazine
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SEA FREIGHT
ADVERTORIAL
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SAVE TIME WITH
WIRELESS TEMPERATURE LOGGERS FORWARDER magazine
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SEA FREIGHT
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
NEWS
Further information can be found at cargostore.com
11 AUGUST 2020
BLIZZARDSTORE ADDED TO CARGOSTORE’S GROWING
REFRIGERATED CONTAINER RANGE C ontinuing in their goal to offer unique and innovative
There are several benefits to this compared with a permanent
products to better serve their clients, Cargostore
built solution. The BlizzardStore is energy efficient, requiring
Worldwide announces the launch of the BlizzardStore to
fewer generators or electricity to power the units and therefore
their refrigerated range of products.
more cost-effective. It is fast to construct or relocate. Its unique design is flexible; easily upscaled or downscaled as necessary, and
The BlizzardStore boasts an expandable and adaptable design to fit
it can be customised with additional features such as shelving, or
any sized requirement, whereby any number of the individual units
lighting as required.
can be secured together to form a large temperature-controlled storage solution.
The BlizzardStore enhances our Refrigerated Storage Range. Cargostore is known for its specialized units including our Dual Temperature Reefers and we are pleased to be able to offer our client base this flexible, cost efficient, long term refrigerated storage solution. Kevin Cudby, Intermodal Sales Director, Cargostore Worldwide
ABOUT CARGOSTORE WORLDWIDE Cargostore Worldwide is one of the world’s fastest growing suppliers of ISO shipping containers and DNV 2.7-1 certified CCUs for on and offshore projects. With offices in London, Abu Dhabi, Holland and depots across the globe we pride ourselves on providing a seamless and fast service with the flexibility to meet any client requirement.
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Felixstowe
Istanbul
Izmir
Weekly direct consol service TURKEY to UK
The best route to get your cargo to UK shores We offer weekly, direct container groupage services from Turkey to UK. This service has fantastic USP’s versus traditional part load trailer services ex Turkey:
PORT OF LOADING ISTANBUL IZMIR
TRANSIT TIME 9 DAYS 10 DAYS
FREQUENCY WEEKLY WEEKLY
Advantages Saving
25-30% on average
Savings on Cost
Speed & Reliability
Fixed Schedules
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Cargo Safety
Avoid Potential Brexit Delays at Dover
E: turkey@johngood.co.uk www.johngood.co.uk
FORWARDER magazine
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Hull | Manchester | London | Felixstowe | Liverpool | Plymouth | Bradford | Istanbul | Izmir
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SEA FREIGHT
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
NEWS
Further information can be found at cargostore.com
KERRY APEX RANKED #1 NVOCC FROM ASIA TO US 18 AUGUST 2020
FOR THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 2020
K
erry Logistics Network Limited (‘Kerry Logistics’; Stock
We are gratified to see that the efforts of our team in Southeast
Code 0636.HK) is pleased to announce that Kerry Apex,
Asia and the relationships we have built with our partners have
its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, was the number one
paid off. While the protracted US-China trade war and the as-yet-
non-vessel operating common carrier (‘NVOCC’) from Asia to the
uncontained COVID-19 pandemic are clouding the horizon, we are
US from January through July 2020, supported by a well-positioned
confident that we will maintain our leading position in ocean freight
team in Southeast Asia to capture the export volume shift from
for the rest of 2020.
China to Asia.
Vicky Cheung, Executive Director of Kerry Logistics Network
Kerry Apex was the third largest NVOCC in terms of volume from Asia to the US in 2019. In the first seven months of 2020, Kerry
ABOUT KERRY LOGISTICS NETWORK
Apex outperformed the market by recording a 6% growth in volume
Kerry Logistics is an Asia-based, global 3PL with the
against the market trend of a 7% contraction in the same period.
strongest network in Asia. Its core competency is providing highly customised solutions to multinational corporations
Kerry Apex shot to the top spot through capturing the volume shift
and international brands to enhance their supply chain
from China to Southeast Asia by a strong regional team perfectly
efficiency, reduce overall costs and improve response time to
situated to handle the volume surge, earning additional origin-
market. Kerry Logistics has a network covering 57 countries
controlled shipments and winning new customers, on top of the
and territories, and is managing 75 million sq ft of land and
increased demand from existing customers who restocked their
logistics facilities worldwide, providing customers with high
inventory. Kerry Apex was also able to build on its long standing
reliability and flexibility to support their expansion and long-
relationships with ocean-carrier partners who helped it to secure
term growth. Kerry Logistics Network Limited is listed on
the space needed to move its customers’ freight from Asia to the US.
the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and is a
Kerry Apex’s achievement was made possible by the tremendous
selected Member of the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability
support from within Kerry Logistics’ global network both in origin
Index Series 2019-2020.
and destination.
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OUR FAVOURITE
CUSTOMERS ARE THE REALLY
AWKWARD
ONES CAUTION
WIDE LOAD Who wants to just fit in, like everyone else? Bring us your misfits, your non-standard, your oversized, out-of-gauge freight. It’s where our passion for problem solving comes into its own.
We’ll find a way www.allseasglobal.com
FORWARDER magazine
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SEA FREIGHT
NEWS
1 SEPTEMBER 2020
BLOCKCHAIN TRANSACTION CAPACITY &
SPEED BOOST FOR SHIPPERS
AS SHIPCHAIN’S ‘MAINNET’ GOES LIVE
C
omplete supply chain transparency, unprecedented
Adding on to that solid foundation, the launch of ShipChain Mainnet,
security, and the transactional capacity to serve the needs
a public delegated Proof of Stake sidechain of the Ethereum network,
of even the largest Fortune 500 and Global 500 companies
means that ShipChain’s blockchain system is now fully developed
are all now possible following the launch of ShipChain Mainnet.
and deployed, with blockchain transactions now being broadcast, verified, and recorded with full transparency.
This launch is a significant milestone toward achieving a modular system across the entire supply chain. With all the uncertainties in
ShipChain Mainnet vastly increases our transaction capacity,
the world today, it gives supply chain decision-makers the incentive
which is essential in an industry such as transportation and logistics.
to move from considering how blockchain might be used in global
This means ShipChain can now support the supply chain tracking and
supply chains to realizing its evident promise across transport modes
transaction needs of the largest Fortune 500 and Global 500 level
and continents.
enterprises in the world, with capabilities that significantly exceed other alternatives. And this is supported by our Track and Trace
Put simply, we can now fully deliver on blockchain's promise to enable those in the business of trade and logistics to do business
blockchain-based system, which brings complete transparency and visibility to the supply chain.
with anyone or anything in the world at any transaction size and without an intermediary.
ShipChain Mainnet reduces costs by avoiding the congestion and
John Monarch, CEO, ShipChain.
higher pricing users encounter when using the Ethereum mainnet. It also moves the cost of deployment and contract use away from end-
U.S.-based ShipChain has long been established as a world-class provider of a trustless end-to- end logistics platform that delivers full visibility to the global supply chain via the blockchain platform, Ethereum, with a sidechain built on Loom for scalability.
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users, simplifying and improving the blockchain user experience.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at shipchain.io
ShipChain Mainnet also uses a public blockchain rather than a private blockchain.
ShipChain Inc. is constantly developing new partnerships, pilots,
The lack of trust across companies and actors in
and customers. We’ve had a steady flow of new partners, and we
shipping today partly stems from a fractured environment - there
hope to be able to announce more soon, including an upcoming deal
are no unified systems to truly bring the industry together on one
with a significant Global 500 company, which will significantly expand
independent platform without competitive risk. We believe a public
our modular capabilities even further. We are very excited to begin
blockchain is safer than operating on a private network controlled
this next chapter and watch the logistics industry fully embrace the
by competitors. ShipChain Mainnet provides a protected, permanent
public blockchain.
ledger of transactions that everyone has their eyes on all at once. That doesn’t mean everyone knows exactly what you’re doing corporations can still preserve privacy on public blockchains very easily. It just increases trust between your company, suppliers, vendors, and even regulatory bodies if needed. ShipChain’s public blockchain ecosystem also removes the risk of antitrust legal threats, as well as creating a level playing field for all involved. Another noteworthy benefit of ShipChain’s Mainnet launch is the opportunity it gives to developers to build on top of the ShipChain platform rather than directly on the Ethereum blockchain. This opens up new possibilities for digital freight marketplaces using smart contracts, tokenized inventory management, and robust document management. ShipChain, Inc. will continue to develop for and enhance the offerings on the Mainnet and encourages others to develop and work collaboratively to make it better and more secure every day. ShipChain already has key partnerships with industry leaders, including ScanLog, CaseStack, Zinnovate, ParcelLive, KeepTruckin, DistiChain, GTX Corp, and the World Economic Forum. More key partners will shortly be announced, said Monarch.
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EXPERTS
T
urkey has always been a strong partner for UK business
John Good Logistics have been operating in Turkey since 2005
with trade in 2018 estimated at around $18.5 billion,
when they opened their first office having seen the opportunities
with Ankara exporting $11.1 billion to the UK and
for growth. Trading as John Good Denizcilik the group now has
receiving $7.4 billion in imports. This represented an increase on
2 offices located in Istanbul & Izmir and employs 12 staff across
imports of 13.7% and 15.7% on exports against the previous year.
the sites.
English is increasingly used for business and Turkey has adopted European business ethics and modern management practices.
As well as general forwarding & logistics activities including, Sea, Air & Road, John Good Logistics has been successful in
In fact Turkey was already ranked in the top 30 countries in
developing a weekly, direct Sea Freight consol service between
terms of ease of doing business by World Bank and has a rapidly
Turkey & the UK. The service has been in operation for 13 years,
developing and increasingly sophisticated market, with a growing
originally operating from Istanbul but in recent years the service
middle class and young population estimated to hit 87 million by
has developed, to now include Izmir.
2023. There are estimated to be around 400,000 Turkish people living in the UK today so the synergies for trade are clear to see.
It has been a great success story for the group but we are not sitting still. We are anticipating further growth on this trade
As Brexit looms ever closer talks have been ongoing as the UK
post COVID. Not only are relations strong and negotiations in
& Turkey have worked hard to protect their relationship and
advance stages in terms of the FTA, there is also consideration
business interests when the UK leaves the European Union on
in terms of lead time and turn around. We fully expect
the 31st December this year.
businesses to re address their supply chains and reduce their reliance on China & the Far East in general following the massive
Updates circulated in the Financial Times early this month have
disruptions many businesses experienced through COVID.
suggested a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is very close to being
We feel Turkey presents the ideal opportunity. Competitively
signed. Ankara has believed to have set a post – Brexit bilateral
priced with significant time saving in terms of door to door
trade target of $20 billion which will be well received particularly
moves, on average you would be looking at 3-4 week saving
by the Turkish manufacturers of cars, textiles & white goods,
on transit, dependant on origin points which means importers
along with the 2,500+ UK companies already operating in
can see massive efficiency gains from order through to delivery.
Turkey, the likes of Vodafone, GlaxoSmithKline, BP, Marks &
Another advantage is the reduction in carbon footprint, we
Spencer, HSBC, Unilever & BAE Systems.
know this is increasingly part of planning particularly for the bigger companies and again Turkey fairs well when making the
Of course as Turkey are part of the EU customs union any FTA could only be implemented once the UK has reached agreement itself with the EU which hopefully will be a trade deal in the coming weeks.
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comparison against the Far East.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at johngood.co.uk
Brexit
Other key advantages include...
One of the key routes into the UK from Turkey has always been road however there are fears of widespread disruption post
• Cost Savings
Brexit with dover handling around 10,000 trailers per day and
• Reliable & Fixed Transit Times to UK
facing potential disruption due to increased customs controls.
• Cargo Safety
Some recent estimates have suggesting queues of 15-20 miles
• Environmentally Friendly
at Dover / Calais based on additional 2 minutes dwell time per
• Fixed Schedules: ability to pre-book delivery slots
truck at the border.
over a week in advance
John Good Logistics sea freight services from Istanbul and Izmir
With a dedicated team of experienced professionals in Turkey
offer fast transit times of around eight days, shipping by sea from
& the UK including Turkish speaking staff, we offer in-depth,
Turkey is usually suitable for most needs and offers an excellent
specialist knowledge of the market, including business practice,
alternative to road transport coupled with significant reductions
and are fully informed about the latest developments which may
in freight costs for dense cargo in particular and again reduced
influence trade & development.
carbon footprint compared with the traditional 3000 kilometre journey by road.
Paul Ferguson, Sales Director, John Good Logistics
GET IN TOUCH... As a UK shipping agency with two dedicated offices in Turkey
TURKEY HAS ALWAYS BEEN A STRONG PARTNER FOR THE UK
(John Good Denizcilik), we are perfectly placed to handle all your shipping requirements from the region. Please get in touch with us at turkey@johngood.co.uk
FORWARDER magazine
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49
Ocean freight visibility at its best
Track all of your containers in real-time 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
Improve your visibility with our solutions 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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Sponsored by
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ROAD FREIGHT
NEWS
7 AUGUST 2020
THE PALLET NETWORK SIGNS NEW-TO-NETWORKS
SLOUGH-BASED KPI TRANSPORT S lough-based Keith Perry International Transport, which
Burke says that TPN’s enhanced international distribution service,
trades as KPI Transport, came into new ownership in June
TPN XPort appealed to him because it will give KPI greater flexibility
2020. KPI director Ray Burke says he is looking to expand
over how it conducts its international work in the future.
its fleet, its customer base and its range of services – and TPN membership is the key.
We are currently busy working with the TPN team to get the operation
ready to go live. We are very pleased with how it’s going so far.
Traditionally KPI has consolidated loads into Ireland, as well as offering general haulage, ADR and international transport. It runs a
TPN has a first-rate on-boarding service which is designed to set
modern, versatile fleet, and has warehousing and storage facilities
new Members up for success from day one. The TPN team ensures
to complement its other activities.
that all systems, protocols, training and marketing support is in place and they work alongside staff on the ground until they are
Being part of a pallet network can give us new clients and a
comfortable with the new service.
diversified range of services. We chose TPN because its membership offer was the best and I think it will be the best path for us to
TPN celebrated its 20th anniversary this year, and coincidentally hit
grow the business. The other networks we interviewed were more
its projection of 20,000 pallets a night. Its Hub, which is capable of
concerned with what they wanted than what we needed. However,
loading/unloading 40 trailers simultaneously, has been extended to
TPN could provide what we needed to grow,
now handle another 17 trailers an hour.
TPN MD Mark Duggan says:
says Burke.
We are very pleased to welcome
We have a highly analytical Hub strategy which stays ahead
KPI to the network. KPI is not alone in noticing that TPN prioritised
of volume growth so that our service standards never slip. This
the Member’s needs as a business. Our business model is predicated
includes moving to artificial intelligence to manage Hub movements.
on making our Members successful. If individual Members thrive, we
Other networks still use the old matrix-driven models, but we are
thrive as a network. This is an auspicious time to be joining TPN
discovering whole new levels of efficiency. We are constantly evolving
because we’ve got exciting developments planned. We’re in a time
to ensure that we provide the best commercial and operational
of growth and evolution for the whole network.
environment for our Members,
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says Duggan.
A
driver from Gist has been hailed as a hero in the Microlise
hurtling towards John from underneath the vehicle. John made a
Driver of The Year Awards 2020. With nomination-
split-second decision. He knew he couldn’t move to the left or to the
based awards receiving more entries than ever before and
right and braced himself for a collision while releasing and reapplying
telematics-based categories containing an initial eligible pool of over
the brake to reduce impact. After the crash, John immediately
225,000 drivers, the 2020 winners are leading lights in the industry,
realised that the object that hit him was a car. He immediately called
having triumphed after a process of rigorous data analysis, corroboration
the emergency services, and waited until the passengers were freed.
by employers and assessment by an independent judging panel. Dash cam footage later revealed that the lorry in front of John The Microlise Driver of the Year HGV Hero Award recognises drivers
started to pull out into the middle lane hitting a car which was in its
who have gone above and beyond to respond safely, professionally
blind spot, causing it to spin in front of the truck, along its nearside
and with great community spirit when faced with potential human
to then be crushed by the tractor unit. Despite injuries, the couple
tragedy on our roads.
driving the car have recovered thanks to John’s swift and controlled action. Most driver’s instinctive reaction would have been to turn sharply left or right when an incident such as this occurred but it is widely believed that John’s action of staying in lane and keeping his vehicle under control prevented many fatalities. According to Chief Executive of Microlise Nadeem Raza, the independent judges found it inspiring to read stories such as this. The Microlise Driver of the Year Awards highlight drivers who act with great courage and presence of mind when faced with challenges on the road. Our winner has clearly shown how lives can be saved through
John Bushby’s story is an inspiring one that featured on the BBC’s Caught
sheer bravery as well as through experience, knowledge and training.
On Camera programme. As a seasoned driver of forty-four years – with 26 years of service with Gist, all of John’s experience was called into play
Driven by safety to provide industry-leading, integrated fleet
in March 2019 when he helped to avert a major catastrophe on the M1.
technology, Microlise is the UK market leader across HGV telematics, with a current installed base of over 500,000 global assets. The
John was in the nearside lane immediately behind a European left-
company works with many of the transport industry’s leading
hand-drive lorry with cruise control set. Suddenly this trailer started
operators, including 14 of the UK’s largest retailers and with industry
reacting very violently and, at the same time, a large object came
heavyweights such as MAN Truck & Bus, Knorr-Bremse and JCB.
CELEBRATING A HERO 11 AUGUST 2020
IN THE MICROLISE DRIVER OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2020 FORWARDER magazine
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ROAD FREIGHT
NEWS
12 AUGUST 2020
NEW-LOOK OFFICE &
EXPANSION FOR BAXTER FREIGHT B axter Freight, the customer service driven logistics company expand their Nottingham office by 15,000sq ft and carry out a full two-storey refurbishment.
The new-look office transforms the Baxter Freight headquarters into a stylish and creative hub where employees can work, socialise and
relax. With newly designed zones, every aspect has been carefully created to not only optimise the entire space, but to reflect the vibrant Baxter Freight brand and culture. The refurbishment project, managed by Pinfold Projects, also boasts The brand-new coffee house makes for an impactful welcome area,
a fresh new look to existing meeting rooms and large open plan
with barista-quality coffee and a striking, custom-made pavilion, all
office. New meeting rooms and offices have been created and the
adding to the fresh and modern Scandinavian design.
entire ground floor has been transformed into a dedicated sales floor which can seat up 90 members of the Account Manager, Key
The new lounge area brings luxury and serenity. Employees can take
Account and Business Development Manager team.
a break or catch up with colleagues in a more relaxed environment. With sliding partitions, the area can be opened up to make a great
Acquiring the space was also well-timed in light of Baxter Freight’s
space to hold large-scale meetings.
Covid-secure return to work plan. The entire Baxter Freight team, consisting of 80 employees, can now gradually return to work
A huge table and vibrant stool configuration is the star feature in the
with an abundance of extra space to accommodate for new social
collaboration zone. This is the place for the team to come together
distancing measures.
to share ideas, innovate and spark their creativity. This expansion is key in helping Baxter Freight achieve their The newly refurbished kitchen is equally as funky with an industrial
ambitious growth plans to reach 150 members of staff and turnover
edge including a black and grey colour scheme, a brick-effect wall
ÂŁ30m in the coming years. It also demonstrates their commitment
and quirky lighting. The reimagining of the space creates more space
to investing in their staff by creating an inspiring and modern
to seat their growing team.
working environment.
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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at baxterfreight.com
We believe working that in a vibrant and fantastic looking environment will go a long way in helping our team be the best they can be. By continually reinvesting in our business, whether that be by expanding our premises, training or mentoring, we are attracting and keeping some of the best people in the freight industry – the very people who enable us to continue delivering the market-leading customer service we are known for. The completed refurbishment project marks the next stage of our journey as we look to take our business to the next level and ultimately deliver more for our customers, suppliers and our staff. Peter Isler, Managing Director & co-founder, Baxter Freight FORWARDER magazine
ISSUE56
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NEWS
1 AUGUST 2020
NNR
EXPANDS & ENHANCES LOGISTICS SERVICES A fter challenging times and delays, both due to the
NNR Wellingborough provides the location, size and modern
Coronavirus, NNR Global Logistics UK opened its new
characteristics demanded by our business. Energy efficient design
state-of-the-art distribution centre at the end of July
and central location help us minimise Carbon Footprint and
2020, in Wellingborough, UK.
reduce the final mile delivery time and cost. With flexible pallet height storage and customized pick-faces, together with available
After 2 years of meticulous planning, NNR’s 130,000 sqft, 15-metre-
office space for our customers and congestion-busting parking for
tall facility is ready and fully furnished to deliver solutions now and
hundreds of vehicles, there’s no better choice than NNR.
the future. Boasting 20,000 pallet positions and full E-Commerce capability, the latest investment from the Japanese owned ‘Award
Capable of serving all sectors, with special focus on ‘Big Brand’
Winning’ global logistics provider is the UK flagship.
FMCG customers and E-commerce fulfilment, NNR satisfies both Business-to-Business and Business-to-Consumer solutions. Both
Head of Contract Logistics, Tim Dabbs, explained why the
operations run simultaneously through NNR’s flexible warehouse
big investment:
management system, providing ‘plug & play’ Application Programming Interfaces for smooth systems integration which facilitates swift and
The investment in the Wellingborough facility was to meet the
inexpensive integration.
increasing demand, in-line with our organic growth strategy. The site was commissioned 2 years ahead of schedule; testament to our
Delivering efficiency and optimization by combining the latest
success. The rapid expansion is due to NNR’s flexibility, attention
flexible software, the ideal facilities, and the best people to provide
to detail and impeccable customer service.
true end-to-end solutions, remains the recipe for NNR and their customers’ continued success.
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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at nnrglobal.com
NNR UK Managing Director, Lee Griffiths, further explained: The investment in additional network locations and complementary solutions are part of NNR’s clearly defined growth strategy that will lead the group to further success. It’s been a productive time for NNR in EMEA who have recently expanded our network coverage with additional locations in France, Netherlands, Czech Republic and Dubai plus expanded Contract Logistics and Warehousing operations in Rotterdam, Warsaw and Budapest. During that time, NNR has also upgraded its cloud-based global operating platform and enhanced our online customer-facing tools. These achievements, whilst successfully navigating the Coronavirus pandemic without any business interruption, is testimony to the focus and diligence of our team to execute to a plan. How can we help YOU?
FORWARDER magazine
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COVER FEATURE
PHIL DENTON DGSA MD, ITAL LOGISTICS 60
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FACT FILE FOUNDED
Founded 10 August 2000 TURNOVER
Turnover last year (as yet unfiled due to Covid-19):
MAIN TRADE LANES
Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Malta, France, Gibraltar, Andorra, Balearics & Canary Islands MODES
Road 95%, Sea 4%, air 1%
£15.6m. This was up on 2018 by 10% from £14.2m
MILESTONES & AWARDS
(which was also up on 2017 by 9% from £13.3m).
BIFA awards entered for four years only and as
SPECIALISMS
a minimum were finalists on every occasions:
We ship freight of all kinds but have a
• 2002 winners of European category
specialisation in the carriage of dangerous goods,
• 2007 winners of European category
which constituted 24.3% of our business in 2019
• 2012 finalists in European category
EMPLOYEES
• 2015 finalists in European category, finalists in
31 SITES
Extra Mile award, and James Mears was finalist in Young Freight forwarder of the Year award
Just the one in Heywood, but with 3rd-party facilities in the South
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ROAD FREIGHT
COVER FEATURE
Tell us about how you got into the freight industry I initially wanted to be in the banking sector, but when I went for a day visit to NatWest bank, courtesy of my commerce teacher (business studies now) they asked me how I would fair with my O-levels in English and maths. I answered that I’d have no problem with maths, but doubted I’d get a good grade in English. They said I needed English so that was that! (I wonder, had they focused on maths, would 2008 ever have happened…?). So, as it had to be a desk job, three weeks straight from school I went for two interviews with freight forwarders. Had no idea what that was, but I got them both anyway and chose Tower Express in Trafford Park. There I met my first boss: Jim Woodward. The nicest person you could ever imagine and a good teacher. I often refer to
didn’t know it then) a turning point in my career path. In 1993
him as my mentor. I started doing customs entries (C273s,
I decided to leave as there was nowhere I could go in the
as they were then) and then moved onto operating Maltese
company. But I must have made an impact on the personnel at
and Canadian container groupage.
their Italian partner – Tritrans in Varese. Several months later I was approached by M&S Europe (later to become IS Logistics,
62
What’s your background in shipping?
part of the Italsempione group) to join them as Italian Route
Between 1978 and 1983 I had a few jobs in freight forwarding.
Andreas from Tritrans had moved to Italsempione Como and
Salford docks was closing as a commercial port so many
recommended me. It was there that I ended up meeting the
companies were moving their operations to Liverpool.
people in Italsempione who would, in 1998, form ITX Cargo
I didn’t drive, so I ended up with a few redundancies along
and become our partners in Italy. In 1998 I parted company
the way. In these six years, though, I learned quite a lot.
with IS Logistics and with the assistance of ITX cargo started
One redundancy too many, I then worked for three years as a
an Italian service from scratch, with a small forwarder/export
musician (I’d previously been semi-professional) until in 1986 when
packer in Burnley. After two years' toil, we had turned over
I wanted to get on the mortgage ladder. The bank manager asked
£2m and in a conversation one evening with Brain Hay
my profession and when I told him, he wasn’t overly convinced!
(Cardinal Maritime) I was asked whether I had ever thought
At that point I thought I would have to go back to freight
of forming my own company. Well, I had, but…big steps.
forwarding. Went for an interview, got the job and after two
Anyway, after a few months, Ital Logistics was founded as a
moves ended up at TFS Cargo Services in Manchester around
partnership between me, the then three directors of Cardinal
1988. They started an Italian service and asked me to look after
Maritime and a small minority shareholding from the CEO of
it. This was the best thing that happened as it was (although I
ITX Cargo. We were on our way. That was 20 years ago.
FORWARDER magazine
ISSUE56
Development Manager. The introduction came around because
PHIL SAYS... 24.3% of our business in 2019 was related to dangerous goods.
Tell us a little more about your specialisms
Why was it important for you to introduce air and sea services?
Ital Logistics specialises in the carriage of dangerous goods.
Sea/air – many customers were asking if we could do more
But, we don’t just do dangerous goods: 24.3% of our business
for them as they liked the service they received. We did some
in 2019 was related to DG but we move a whole lot more.
sea/air work but decided to employ an ocean development
We don’t do ‘anywhere and everywhere’ but focus on
manager to ‘do it properly.’ This has grown quite well for us
several key markets, which we do well. Yes, we do offer a
and we have two people involved in maritime now, and we
full service to our clients and will act as full freight forwarder,
are aiming to further this in due course.
but we have our niches.
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ROAD FREIGHT
COVER FEATURE
What do you think you offer as a company that sets you apart from your competitors?
stronger, internally. The comradeship of our people has been
What do we do that sets us apart? Our company mantra is...
have, like many, had a setback, but we’ve been through other
'The aim of Ital Logistics is to provide a quality, reliable and
challenging times before.
second to none and this will hold us in good stead. Yes, we
personalised service with openness, honesty and integrity We care about what we do. Since we started, just
What's your biggest achievement?
me and one other person in the back of a warehouse
When I look around the office and see a company that I
in Rochdale, it has always had a ‘family’ feel to the
started flourish, support people's families and indirectly other
company. It still has the same feeling, even with 31 of us.
families of our suppliers, one cannot help but feel proud.
I don’t have ‘staff’, I have colleagues. It’s all about respect.
Yes, I couldn’t have done it without them, but nevertheless,
I have always rewarded my team and I’d like to think
it does feel good. One day some of them will take the reins
that their salary and benefits handsomely reflect that.
and continue the legacy. Watching and guiding them to make
The fact that people rarely leave Ital Logistics says something,
further success of the company will then be icing on the cake.
and to always perform to the very best of our abilities.'
and that is echoed by our client retention.
What has been your biggest challenge?
How would you define your company culture? Comradeship, dedication, family-feel, no holds barred.
That would have to be COVID-19. 64% of our business revolves we were looking at heavy losses, to the tune of £175-200k over
How do you get the best out of your team?
three-to-four months. But it hasn’t happened. We have continued
I am always around to nit-pick. Yes, it bugs them at times,
to service all of our core markets and from April onwards have
but it is this that makes them want to keep improving, even
traded at between 30% and 15% below normal levels – and what
if just to get back at me! We simply get on with it together.
is more, with a reduced team. This is certainly a testament to
My door is always open. I am not always right and am happy
our people and is vindication of our business ethic. Brexit is,
to take ideas and comments from anyone.
around Italy and Spain, so when they were hit hard, I thought
simply, what it is. I’ve set thoughts of this aside slightly whilst we navigate the COVID-19 storm, although in previous Brexit cliffedge moments, preparatory measures have been made with our software to enable us to issue documentation to our customs brokers. I have no immediate intention of bringing customs in house, apart from sea freight export entries under NES. We specialise in moving freight, whilst customs brokers specialise in customs as their staple diet. So focus on specialisms: we do our bit, let them do theirs. We will come out of COVID-19
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PHIL SAYS... ...our current plans are to get past COVID-19 and then the 2021 Brexit formalities
What’s the most important thing you are working on right now and how are you making it happen?
How do you decide which new business to go after?
At this precise moment it is riding the storm of COVID-19;
long as we are confident of being paid and can make a profit!
No real answer to this. We will ship anything and everything as
keeping close control and a tight rein on ensuring that we spent 20 years growing in an organic way and every effort is
What are your expansion plans over the next 12/24 months?
being made to ensure continuity. We will come through this,
One has to say that our current plans are to get past
and probably stronger than before. Just with gentle, careful,
COVID-19 and then the 2021 Brexit formalities. Beyond
measured steps.
that‌? We are always looking to keep growing and take
come through this period as unscathed as possible. We have
opportunities as they arise. Prior to this pandemic we had
What are some of the common challenges you face?
targets of 10% growth year on year. So there is nothing
Life and other people!
services and modes.
in particular, except that we aim to grow all of our core
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ROAD FREIGHT
NEWS
6 AUGUST 2020
EAST MIDLANDS GATEWAY
NEW VEHICLES T o support the continued growth of our Overland business
The new 7 x 26 tonne and 6 x 18 tonne rigid vehicles will be used
we have upgraded our East Midlands Gateway (EMG)
for local deliveries and collections and the trailers will be part of
based fleet by purchasing 13 new rigid vehicles and 50 new
our Overland fleet departing daily to 32 European countries. Our
double-deck box trailers.
double-deck trailers are equipped with a double deck bar system to ensure load safety and maximise the capacity of the trailer,
This investment comes only one year after we opened our new
allowing us to consolidate cargo from different clients to the same
state-of-the-art facility at EMG, located in the heart of the Golden
destinations and help to reduce their supply chain costs.
Triangle, where we provide groupage, part load and full load services to a wide range of clients. We are committed to providing our
We are delighted with our fleet modernisation which is a part of
customers with environmentally-friendly, sustainable and innovative
our on-going investment in our Overland infrastructure , we are
supply chain solutions that will reduce our collective CO2 footprint
very proud to invest in equipment which is built to support our
and help them achieve their environmental targets.
Carbon Neutral commitment and at the same time will add value to the supply chains of our customers.
All of the new vehicles conform to the latest European standards
Jim Hedderwick, UK Overland Director, Kuehne+Nagel
on emissions and are fitted with sophisticated telemetry systems to enable monitoring of vehicle and driver performance. This helps to improve driving styles, which in turn will bring important safety,
ABOUT KUEHNE+NAGEL
fuel efficiency and emission reduction benefits helping us reach our
With over 80,000 employees at 1,400 locations in over 100
commitment to offer CO2-neutral transport from 2020 onwards.
countries, the Kuehne+Nagel Group is one of the world's leading logistics companies. Its strong market position lies in sea logistics, air logistics, road logistics and contract logistics, with a clear focus on integrated logistics solutions.
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ITALY
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SPAIN
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BALEARICS
PORTUGAL �
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CANARIES
GREECE �
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FRANCE
MOROCCO
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GIBRALTAR
TUNISIA
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MALTA
CAPE VERDE
European Road Freight Specialists Dangerous goods experts Daily groupage services Freight forwarding worldwide Deep sea & air freight Express freight & Cross trades
For rates and bookings call 01706 248 001 email sales@ital-logistics.com visit www.ital-logistics.com
Ital Logistics Limited Unit 1, Birch Business Park, Whittle Lane FORWARDER magazine ISSUE56 Heywood, Lancashire, OL1067 2SX
ROAD FREIGHT
R
EXPERTS
ecent weeks have proved to many of us that adaptability
Eco-friendly Technologies
is key. The impact of the coronavirus is likely to be lasting
The FTA has announced that they’ll be launching sustainable
and every industry is considering their traditional working
infrastructure initiatives in Northern Ireland moving forward and it’s
methods – including those in the logistics sector. Industry clients
likely that this will be the case for the entirety of the UK in the near
require hauliers across the UK to deliver bespoke, efficient and
future. For construction logistics, in particular, a major challenge will
reliable haulage solutions that meet their ever-changing needs
arise in how to best adapt methodology and adopt environmentally-
seamlessly, and as we move toward an uncertain future, versatility
friendly procedures. Indeed, it’s no secret that the sector doesn’t
and innovation will be integral.
have the best track record when it comes to carbon emissions.
In this article, we will explore how the haulage sector could evolve in
That said, we are witnessing hauliers become more eco-conscious and
the years to come – more specifically, how construction logistics will
taking collective steps toward positive change. A prominent transition
adapt to suit the demands of a developing world. These services can
for many arises with Low Emission Zone compliant fleets, which are
be some of the most demanding within the industry, often providing
moving goods in and out of London to support UK supply chains whilst
tailored transport services through major cities and thus anticipating
limiting their impact on the city’s air quality and carbon footprint.
some major changes. So, whilst nothing is set in stone, there are a
However, as you would likely expect, there is still much to be done.
number of changes that we might expect to see! The future of construction logistics has its sights set on innovation and mass production. It’s likely that we will see the development of new technologies that prioritise sustainability and subvert expectations. The introduction of electric and carbon-neutral vehicles are suggested to be the front runners – massively reducing
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HOW CONSTRUCTION LOGISTICS WILL ADAPT IN A POST-PANDEMIC WORLD
the environmental impact of long-haul journeys. Of course, one of
A Change in Timings
the notable drawbacks to wide-spread implementation of this sort
A slight roadblock for haulage companies is the London Lorry
of technology is that it currently doesn’t have the range or power to
Control Scheme which prevents heavy-weight vehicles from making
be effective – especially for making long haulage journeys. However,
journeys in certain residential areas from 9:00 pm to 7:00 am. Whilst
as technology advances and demand grows, this is something we
it’s doubtful that this scheme would be axed altogether, we may find
might expect to be implemented in the future.
that if electric vehicles come to fruition then certain acceptances will be made. The scheme itself is to minimise any noise pollution
A Change in Supply Chains
that may disturb the public, a noteworthy concern, but as electric
The expansion of consolidation centres has been in the minds’
vehicles are much quieter, we could expect a change. What’s more,
of many for some time now, but following this unusual period,
this will also decrease carbon emissions in certain circumstances as
there’s no reason that hauliers will not approach new challenges
vehicles will be able to make the preferred, shorter routes within
with a rejuvenated spirit. These expansions will allow regional
controlled hours.
distribution centres to become a thing of the past for construction logistics and instead make way for new centres that are tailored
Our current environment makes it almost impossible to have a clear
to the servicing of densely populated areas with intricate and
idea of what the future will bring, but together as an industry, there
time-dependent consignments.
is no reason that we may not overcome this challenge with a fresh and improved outlook.
Whilst now just a convenient stop-gap for forwarders to process their deliveries, it’s expected that these centres are set to become
Abbey, Content Producer, Forest Freight
more – adding another link to the supply chain whilst improving communication between forwarders and clients. FORWARDER magazine
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ROAD FREIGHT
EXPERTS
T
he shipping industry faced an uncertain future heading
the industry must rely on every aspect of the supply chain, from
into 2020, but there were more challenges to come. The
harvesting and production to shipping and logistics.
sudden onset of the coronavirus pandemic has further
fueled uneasiness within an already rocky industry. Every aspect
Interestingly, hemp has many additional applications beyond
of the national supply chain, from shipping to logistics and beyond,
CBD. The adaptable plant is used to make textiles, paper,
must now adapt quickly in the face of unprecedented change.
biofuel, insect repellent, and various food products, including baked goods and non-dairy beverages. What’s more, hemp rope
In this respect, legal considerations are just as important as
is sturdy and versatile and was used by Viking sailors as well as
keeping a fleet of reliable vehicles on hand. For instance, a truck
early American colonists.
driver found himself taken into custody in Idaho in 2019, charged with felony trafficking of marijuana, but the driver, 36-year-old
In 1619, Jamestown settlers were even ordered to grow hemp plants
Denis Palamarchuck, was actually hauling a load of industrial
on their land for export to England. Clearly, the history of hemp
hemp which is federally legal according to the Farm Bill of 2018.
and America are intrinsically intertwined, yet that didn’t prevent Palamarchuck’s unjust arrest for transporting a federally legal plant.
Passed by the Trump Administration in order to provide a boost
The entire supply chain should take note and advocate for more
to the fledgling agriculture industry, the Farm Bill allows for the
consistent standards regarding CBD and industrial hemp products.
transport and manufacture of hemp and hemp-based products throughout the U.S. Unfortunately for Palamarchuck, CBD
Opportunity and growth in shipping and logistics
remains illegal in Nebraska, South Dakota, and Idaho as does
Interestingly, however, it seems as though the pendulum may
industrial hemp. In the realm of logistics, planning a shipping
have swung in favor of continued growth within the shipping and
route for the transportation of CBD products must account for
logistics industries. Online ordering has become the go-to method
varying location-specific classifications of the compound.
in the U.S. and throughout the world, and will continue to be into the foreseeable future. The CBD and hemp industries will
CBD by the numbers
account for countless products ordered, tracked, and shipped in
To the untrained eye, hemp is visually similar to marijuana,
our post-coronavirus world, and when it comes to the transport
leading to false identification of the plant, but hemp lacks the
of products containing CBD and hemp, supply chain management
psychoactive component found in marijuana, THC, and cannot
must do its part to protect drivers from legal repercussions.
legally contain more than 0.3% of the compound. Rather than THC, hemp produces CBD, a non-euphoric cannabidiol used to
Of course, adapting to change is nothing new in the realm of
promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
shipping and logistics. Widespread digitization and advancements in technology throughout the 21st century have ushered in a new
Make no mistake — CBD products are a big business throughout
age of supply chain management. High-profile security breaches
the nation. Experts claim that the hemp and CBD market is on
have led to enhanced protection measures, for example, and
track to reach $22 billion in revenue by 2022. To do so, however,
sustainable logistics have become the norm.
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That’s great news for hemp advocates since sustainability is all in
The hemp plant is an integral part of American history and continues
a day’s work for the robust plant. Hemp requires one-third less
to provide benefits to the modern consumer, but even in 2020,
water to grow than cotton, the world’s most popular natural
hemp lives in the shadow of its psychoactive cousin, marijuana.
textile source. Furthermore, hemp is the ultimate space saver of the plant kingdom. Under optimal conditions, one acre of
The unfortunate reality is that not every state government
farmland can yield up to 8.7 tons of industrial hemp.
recognizes the healing and environmental benefits of hemp, as Denis Palamarchuck discovered first hand. Palamarchuck, an
Advocating for change and consistency
essential worker according to the parameters of COVID-19,
It’s easy to see why the popularity of hemp and hemp-derived
spent four days in jail for doing his job, simply because it
products including CBD oil continues to grow. For many people,
involved hemp. To avoid similar incidents, greater consistency
daily life post-coronavirus may involve the use of hemp or CBD
in the labeling and classification of hemp and CBD is needed
products, safely shipped rather than purchased at a retail store.
at the federal level.
Those individuals may not put much thought into the logistical factors of shipping hemp-based products, but overlooking those crucial
Key takeaway
steps would be detrimental to a supply chain management level.
The threat of COVID-19 exposure notwithstanding, all of America’s harvested hemp needs to be shipped somewhere, and
Until shelter in place orders and social distancing mandates are
the plant’s legal status can vary from state to state. Therefore,
significantly relaxed, it’s up to the shipping industry to keep the
understanding pertinent rules and shipping regulations regarding
nation up and running. That includes the shipping of industrial
CBD and hemp is of paramount importance for managers and
hemp and products made from the highly adaptable plant.
workers across the supply chain.
SHIPPING & LOGISTICS FACTORS OF THE
CBD & HEMP INDUSTRIES 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.’ FORWARDER magazine
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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
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Regional hub network
Value-added services
morrisonexpress.com Global Headquarters
European Headquarters
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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
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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
PROFESSIONAL & RELIABLE SERVICES 10 AUGUST 2020
FROM ALPHATRANS UKRAINE
W
e are pleased to approve Alphatrans Ltd as new
Dmitriy Balaban (Managing Director) introduces the company:
members in Ukraine! Located in Odessa, the
Alphatrans is an international freight forwarding company
company come recommended by current members
established in 2001 in Odessa with the goal of providing a full range
and are registered with FIATA and the Ukrainian Association of
of services for the delivery, forwarding and customs clearance
International Freight Forwarders as well as ISO 9001 certified.
of cargo on a door-to-door basis by sea, road, rail and air. Our competitive advantage is a professional, reliable and personalized service, provided regardless of the size or type of project and customer. With a trained and highly dedicated team, we are ready to provide efficient and cost-effective logistics solutions. We have great experience in handling different types of project and OOG cargo including oil & gas equipment, steel, machinery, pipes, vehicles and other industrial shipments. Our specialist services for OOG cargo include the development of optimal routes of delivery, preparation of loading plans, reloading of cargo from trucks and rail wagons onto containers, lashing and securing and cargo protection using tailor made crates etc.
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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at centraloceans.com
C
entral Oceans have assisted with several shipments of
The new design will not require elaborate pumping stations thanks
tunnelling machinery for a Deep Tunnel Sewerage System
to an appropriately planned gradient with the sewage in the tunnels
being built underground in Singapore and another set of
flowing to the destination by itself. Central Oceans are very proud
two machines were loaded this week. The machines will assist in
to be part of this great project in Singapore and look forward to
making tunnels that serve to feed the sewage from the South and
seeing the tunnels in action.
West into the new Tuas Water Reclamation Plant.
CENTRAL OCEANS ASSIST WITH SMART SEWAGE SYSTEMS 10 AUGUST 2020
IN SINGAPORE FORWARDER magazine
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PROJECT CARGO
NEWS
20 AUGUST 2020
COST-EFFECTIVE LOGISTICS SOLUTION FROM DIMERCO
SAVES FEES ON HEAVY CARGO SHIPMENT I nternational freight forwarding and transportation specialist
Dimerco has leveraged its global network and long-standing strategic partnerships to manage the transportation of heavy
equipment from Germany to Shenzhen in China, via Hong Kong, without incurring high storage fees or delay.
Dimerco’s cost-effective solution was to unload and hold the first partial shipment on a truck overnight, arranging for the considerably
The shipment including 17 cases of PCB (printed circuit board)
lower Pressure Fare to be applied instead, saving the customer
manufacturing machines, which weighed nearly 70 tons, was dispatched
substantial storage costs.
from Hirschhorn in Germany with the support of Dimerco’s German JV company, who worked with the local partners to ensure seamless
Further potential costs were saved by efficient control of the delivery
shipment within a week, coordinating split flights, facilitating customs
schedule. Dimerco organized both shipments to be delivered same
clearance and timely delivery to final destination by flatbed truck.
day from Hong Kong to Shenzhen on 7 flatbed trucks, which had been booked 3 days in advance, so avoiding a delayed loading fee of
A spokesperson for Dimerco explained,
Our partnership with the
airlines enabled us to book space for this significantly oversized cargo,
50%, despite the second partial shipment arriving two days later than the first.
and Dimerco followed the flight loading time closely to avoid any delay in pick up, as this would have incurred a penalty. We continued to monitor
A hold up in Customs Clearance was also averted by quick action
the status of the cargo throughout the process as it was split into
from Dimerco. Despite the over-3% discrepancy in the customer’s
two shipments on separate flights, which were scheduled to arrive on
declared cargo weight and the actual weight, Dimerco’s rapid
different days, and advised our customer on the most effective course
response in revising and submitting the necessary paperwork
to avoid the high Airport Storage fees that potentially could be applied
allowed all of the cargo to cleared on the same day, rather than the
to the first partial shipment pending the arrival of the second.
usual additional day to check and release.
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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at goodrich.co
G
oodrich Central Asia and Afriguide Logistics were recently involved in moving 4 motors, each weighing 37mt with dimensions of 6.3 x 3.2 x 3.0m from South Africa to Kazakhstan.
The motors were a challenge as they were packed in crates but
Afriguide managed to work around this with ease. Access holes were cut at the shippers premises to facilitate the lashing on the trucks and on arrival at Durban, the holes were sealed off with a tarpaulin flap. After lashing, the tarpaulin was then securely stapled to the crate, ensuring it would not lift and expose the opening. We used the existing holes to access the lifting and lashing points on the motors and a small access hole was also cut in the base of the crate which enabled us to reach the lashing points on the flat-racks. We ensured that these holes did not compromise the safely of the motor at all. The access hole requires a perfectly vertical lift which is something that can be achieved by stevedores on a BBK vessel, but not at a CFS. However, Afriguide did exceptional work with a H-shaped spreader. A similar process was carried out in Klaipeda once the units arrived before destuffing from the flat-racks, re-loading onto 4 railway platforms and further delivery to Kazakhstan. Sanju K. Mani, Goodrich This is the first lot for this project from South Africa to Kazakhstan with the entire shipment made easy for the client thanks to the professionalism and expertise of Goodrich Central Asia and Afriguide Logistics. 20 AUGUST 2020
GOODRICH & AFRIGUIDE LOGISTICS
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UNTIL THERE’S A CONTAINER FOR EVERY COMPLEX CARGO THERE’S ALWAYS ALLSEAS
Bring us your misfits, your non-standard, your oversized cargo. It’s where our passion for problem solving comes into its own.
We’ll find a way
Call: 0161 272 8989 www.allseasglobal.com 82
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PROJECT LOGISTICS I GLOBAL FREIGHT SOLUTIONS I SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT I SHIPPING LINE AGENCY
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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
PORT OF TYNE AWARDED ROSPA GOLD MEDAL 25 AUGUST 2020
FOR THIRD YEAR RUNNING
P
ort of Tyne, one of the UK’s major deep-sea ports, has
The RoSPA Awards scheme is the longest-running of its kind in
been awarded a prestigious Gold Medal in recognition of
the UK, but it receives entries from organisations around the world,
its practices and achievements in helping everyone who
making it one of the most sought-after global accolades in health and
works at the Port to get home safely at the end of the working day.
safety. RoSPA wants every employee, wherever they are, to work safe in the knowledge that they will be going home unharmed and healthy
Port of Tyne has achieved a Gold Medal for the third year running
at the end of every day. The RoSPA Award winners are vital to help
in the internationally-renowned Royal Society for the Prevention of
achieve this goal, as by entering they are driving up standards and
Accidents (RoSPA) Health and Safety Awards.
setting new benchmarks for organisations everywhere. Currently, around 7 million people are directly impacted by the RoSPA Awards,
The RoSPA Awards scheme, which receives entries from organisations
but the scheme’s influence is even wider.
around the world, recognises achievement in health and safety
Julia Small, Head of Qualifications, Awards & Events, RoSPA
management systems, including practices such as leadership and workforce involvement, and is the longest-running industry awards scheme in the UK.
The awards mark achievement at merit, bronze, silver and gold levels. Gold Medals are presented to organisations sustaining the
We are delighted to have been recognised, once again, for our health and safety practices here at the Port. Ensuring our staff, customers and contractors get home safe is our top priority, and we have a number of initiatives in place, including awareness campaigns, safety training and performance reviews, as we work towards our Tyne 2050 aim of Achieving Zero Harm by 2022. It is testament to the Port’s commitment that we have achieved seven consecutive Gold Awards, and three consecutive Gold Medals in these highlyregarded annual awards. Steven Clapperton, Maritime Director & Harbour Master, Port of Tyne
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high standards of the gold level over consecutive years.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at importservices.co.uk
A
key milestone has now been reached in constructing
The new £23M extension, will be joined to the existing quayside
the current extension to Import Services’ quayside
warehouse operation, adding 200,000sqft and doubling bonded
warehouse, which is expanding alongside the container
storage capacity to 60,000 pallets at Southampton container port.
port. The first, above ground infrastructure of a steel frame section, was erected by Construction Partner, Midas. The full skeletal frame
The warehouse has been designed to BREEAM ‘excellent’ sustainability
will take circa six weeks to complete.
standard, in close collaboration with port owner ABP and once complete will also feature a further £2.5million roof mounted solar
This is a significant step in the expansion of our Southampton
array investment from ABP. This solar panel installation on its own,
Container Port development. Hearty thanks to our construction
will more than double the existing solar power generated on the port,
partners and their great groundwork teams who have continued
a positive, green contribution in the drive to cut time, cost and carbon
working on the build right through COVID-19. We are all so excited
from international supply chains.
by this purpose-built quayside facility which epitomises our portcentric model and we therefore look forward to operations comingon stream for our Clients in April next year. Mike Thomas, Client Services Director, Import Services
25 AUGUST 2020
KEY MILESTONE REACHED IN
SOUTHAMPTON DOCKS DEVELOPMENT! FORWARDER magazine
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AIR & SEA PORTS
NEWS
WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at mauriceward.com
MWG NEW ANTWERP OFFICE 18 AUGUST 2020
IS OPEN
T
o better respond to current and future customers’ needs,
the Maurice Ward Group has opened a new office in Belgium, Antwerp, an important step in the development
of their business that they are proud of. They happily welcome the infectiously enthusiastic Nancy Verstraeten, Antwerp office’s Branch Manager, to MWG team! As a Branch Manager with more than 20 years of experience in the Antwerp forwarding field, we see Belgium as the ideal hub for supporting the other Maurice Ward agencies in Europe and of course also the international agents. Belgium may be a small country but Antwerp has a strategic location in Europe at the intersection of major traffic and trade flows. The port of Antwerp is the second largest in Europe and for certain goods even the largest in turnover. With its own regional airport and a dense network of rail traffic & the international airport of Zaventem being only half an hour away, we are crucial for the smooth, safe and rapid movement of goods by ocean, road, air and rail. One of the main highlights of our port is
ABOUT MAURICE WARD GROUP
The Kieldrecht Lock (Dutch: Kieldrechtsluis), the largest dock lock
Established in 1968, the Maurice Ward Group is an independent
in the world, which offers a perfect answer to the ever-increasing
global freight- forwarding and logistics organization with
shipping traffic,
40+ owned offices in 25+ European countries. With the
Said Nancy.
50+ years of logistics experience, expertise in trade and Contact Belgium’s team to find out more details of MWG new Antwerp
customs compliance and their network of world class agents,
office by emailing to belgium@mauriceward.com. Nancy is looking
the Maurice Ward Group continues to offer quality service,
forward to meeting existing and new partners in Belgium and across
flexible, reliable and cost-effective solutions.
the Benelux region and working closely to further MWG presence.
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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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AIR & SEA PORTS
N
EXPERTS
ow, more than ever, port operators need to account
The growing list of potential risks for ports includes:
for isolated, disruptive events that have the potential
• Extreme weather events and climate change
to impact not only their operations but also their
• Economic disruption and market turbulence
profitability, as supply chains across the world are affected.
• System failures and disruptive technological advances • Aging assets
World trade increasingly relies on longer, larger and more
• Strikes and similar action
complex port facilities and systems, with maritime transportation
• Civil emergencies
a vital trade backbone. As such, when ports experience failures
• Compliance failures
or disruption, it’s big news.
• Pandemic and terrorism threats • Supply chain failures
For example, in June 2018, the rollout of a new terminal operating system at the Port of Felixstowe, one of the largest ports in the
At the same time, ports are facing increasing pressure to reform;
world and the busiest in the UK, caused significant disruption
if they haven’t already done so, many ports will need to evolve
and decline in productivity issues that reportedly took more
rapidly from being traditional land and sea interfaces to providers
than a month to fix. Five years earlier, the NotPetya cyber-attack
of complete logistics networks.
that hit Danish shipping giant Maersk cost the company more than USD 200 million and led to a temporary shutdown of the
Without effective risk management and business continuity
largest cargo terminal in the Port of Los Angeles.
procedures, the disruptions or shutdowns resulting from such events, and in turn the negative impacts these have, can
These are just two examples of the increasing risks and challenges
potentially cause significant short and long-term financial and
facing ports around the world, and the pressure to prepare for,
reputational damage to the broader business. The outcome
and respond promptly to, threats beyond ‘business as usual’
could also expose the Board and management team to legal
conditions is mounting.
action and possible prosecution.
The most common maritime risk management issues have
How can you achieve effective contingency
traditionally been relatively consistent, if not predictable: natural
planning and resilience?
disasters, mechanical failures and human error. Now, however,
The simple ‘plan, do, check, act’ approach to contingency
the incredible growth of international trade, the impact of
planning is a universal concept that has been successfully
climate change and the introduction of new technologies mean
applied around the globe but, like any system, it has to be
the threats are broader and constantly evolving.
managed and maintained. The first step to developing an effective contingency plan is to assess the existing business operations to identify the inputs, decision points, processes, information and connections
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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at ghd.com
that produce the outputs and outcomes. In many cases, system
A mock test is particularly important, given that some of the
weaknesses stem from gaps or discontinuities within these areas.
scenarios being planned for may only occur once within our
Another common problem is having a hierarchy structure in
lifetime. However, we must be confident that the intended
place that does not operate effectively during disruption –
response will be effective and achieve the goals.
for instance, one that doesn’t allow for rapid decisions to be made in order to achieve an effective outcome.
In many examples, it is more beneficial to take preventative steps to avoid loss of business operations than to take
Importantly, the contingency plan should aim to identify a
corrective steps following failure. It will depend on the nature
process that can be followed to manage a return to normal
of the failures and the extent of the impact, with a balance
operations, rather than identifying individual mitigations to
between the ongoing cost of prevention and what might be the
known operational risks.
one-off cost of recovery.
This process should include the identification of...
Having a well-defined strategy in place will enable the business
• Who has been delegated what authority
to proactively respond to a disruptive event. The strategy will
• The criticality ranking of each business operation so that
also provide confidence to clients and the local community the
priorities can be established
business serves that there is a coordinated and tested approach,
• The stakeholders who need to be contacted
which will minimise the length of the disruption and its impact
• The responsibilities of individual depts across the business
during and after an unforeseen event.
The system must incorporate a testing and monitoring process
Matt East, Senior Advisor - Logistics & Infrastructure Policy
that can identify the effectiveness of the continuity strategy,
for the UK, Europe & Middle East, GHD
which may include a mock run-through of an emergency event.
Keith Brown, Executive Advisor - Asset Management, GHD
RETHINKING RESILIENCY
FOR PORT OPERATIONS FORWARDER magazine
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TECH & DIGITALISATION Digitalisation: leveraging digitisation to improve business processes.
(Digitisation: converting information from a physical into a digital format. Digital Transformation: the use of new, fast and frequently changing digital technology to solve problems.)
Related topics Robotics Drone technology Cloud data
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TECH & DIGITALISATION
NEWS
FIRSTPOINT LOGISTICS APPOINTS AMDARIS TO DRIVE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
F
irstPoint Logistics, a logistics business based in the South
Digital transformation is
West, is employing digital transformation technology to help
critical to the growth of our
it expand beyond its Portishead roots and has appointed
business. We see technology as a
nearshore software development business, Amdaris, to deliver the
key growth driver for us enabling
first phase of its digital transformation.
us to deliver the best customer experience in the industry and
Through digital transformation, FirstPoint Logistics aims to become
helps us live up to our promise
a state-of-the-art logistics operation meeting UK and international
that once you’ve given your
logistics customers’ with just a single customer contact each time.
parcel to us it’s done. Chris Standeven,
By replacing existing legacy systems with bespoke software FirstPoint
Logistics Director, FirstPoint
Logistics aims to deliver the best customer service in the market. We are committed to using Offering a single conversation
technology to create a real
for all a business’s logistics needs
competitive advantage for our
The logistics industry typically offers specialist services (air, sea,
clients and FirstPoint Logistics
urgent, high value) but fails to connect up those services leaving the
has a vision that off-the-shelf
customer to manage the connections between each service making
solutions were just not going
complicated logistics even more demanding and time-consuming.
to meet. Vlad Nanu, Co-CEO, Amdaris
FirstPoint Logistics offers customers a single conversation to cover all the variables they face when shipping goods across the world – air, sea or land, same day or next day, high-value or perishable.
ABOUT AMDARIS Amdaris is a nearshore software development business headquartered in Bristol with offices in Moldova, Romania, and Dubai. It is run by Co-CEOs Andy Rogers and Vlad Nanu and recently closed a £6m investment from BGF.
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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at existec.com
E
xis Technologies, global leaders in IT solutions for the
One of the white paper recommendations is the incorporation of
management of dangerous goods in sea transport, and
integrated digital tools that automate critical compliance functions,
their parent company National Cargo Bureau (NCB), the
like Hazcheck Detect.
New York based cargo inspection company have launched Hazcheck Detect, a cargo screening tool to detect misdeclared and undeclared
Hazcheck Detect focuses on...
dangerous goods in containerised shipments. Maersk are the first customer signed to the Hazcheck Detect solution.
Undeclared dangerous goods Looks for cargo that is not declared as DG, looking for suspicious
In a white paper published by NCB in July this year they reported
items that should be declared as DG.
that a recent Container Inspection Safety Initiative they had carried out revealed an alarming number of containers carried by sea include
Misdeclared dangerous goods
misdeclared dangerous cargoes that represent a serious safety
Looks for cargo which is declared as DG, but may not have been
risk to crew, vessel and the environment. The inspection initiative
declared as the correct DG.
showed that 55% of containers were non-compliant with 43% failing to secure dangerous goods correctly within the container itself.
It scans all booking details for keywords, validates against rules
Approximately 6.5% of containers carrying dangerous cargoes had
and highlights suspicious bookings to identify misdeclared and
been misdeclared. The white paper is calling for industry to adopt
undeclared dangerous goods (DG). Container lines that sign up to
a comprehensive, holistic and coordinated approach to address this
use the service will be able to screen their bookings and bills of
worrying trend with 12 recommendations ranging from embracing a
lading using the same keywords and rules to try to find mis and/or
safety culture for dangerous goods compliance to practical measures
undeclared dangerous goods, thereby helping to ensure the safety of
for container and vessel inspections and monitoring.
the crew, ships and cargo. In the future there is also scope to apply the tool for use in other global screening applications not related to dangerous goods, for example, the illegal shipping of wildlife or other compliance cargo. Currently, the system has around 4,500 mis-declared rules and 10,000 undeclared rules available. 1 SEPTEMBER 2020
EXIS TECHNOLOGIES LAUNCHES
SCREENING TOOL
FOR MISDECLARED & UNDECLARED DANGEROUS GOODS FORWARDER magazine
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TECH & DIGITALISATION
A
EXPERTS
n increasing number of containership incidents
The growing spread of undeclared and misdeclared DG
are being caused by poorly stowed, undeclared
Last year, NCB conducted 32,387 DG container (dry and tank)
or misdeclared dangerous cargoes. Nine major
inspections in the USA and found that 7.9% of these units (equating to
containership fires were reported in 2019 resulting in tragic loss
2,569 containers) were noncompliant due to poor stowage/securing;
of life, significant damage to vessels and cargoes, and a range
misdeclared cargo or other related issues. NCB recently spearheaded
of other associated consequences. The increasing number of
a Container Inspection Safety Initiative (CISI) involving the inspection
containers being carried coupled with the trend for larger
of 500 containers from participating carriers. These inspections
containerships is exacerbating and concentrating this risk.
included DG and non-DG import loads from Latin America, Europe, Asia and Middle East as well as export loads involving shippers that
The Ultra Large Container Carrier (ULCC) Maersk Honam with
had not previously been exposed to container inspections. The
a capacity of 15,266 TEU caught fire on 6 March 2018. 27 crew
objective of this initiative was to quantify the level of danger that
were on board and 7,860 containers were stowed. Tragically, five
exists on every voyage caused by misdeclared or insufficiently secured
crew members lost their lives. The cause of the fire has not been
cargoes. It is intended that this will act as a catalyst for increased
determined, but it is suspected that undeclared or misdeclared
container inspections globally, increased safety awareness and
DG cargo was involved. According to TT Club data on average
regulatory compliance of shippers, freight consolidators and export
a containership is involved in a major fire every 60 days.
container packers; and ultimately a reduction in shipboard incidents due to non-compliance with DG regulations
Reasons are varied and include the difficulty of supply chain stakeholders complying with a myriad of regulations; a poor
55% of inspected containers failed to comply including 43% for
understanding of what constitutes a dangerous cargo and what
poor securing of cargo within the container. Approximately
is required to transport it; the increasing complexity of multi-
6.5% of the DG containers contained DG cargoes that had been
modal supply chains; carriers and ports restricting or refusing
misdeclared. Interestingly, for DG containers exported from the
to move or receive certain dangerous cargoes; varied internal
USA, the failure rate was 38% which, when compared to the
company challenges; and the continuing threat of bad actors.
annual average of 7.9% for regular inspections, may be a strong indication that shippers and consolidators are more likely to
A White Paper from the National Cargo Bureau is calling for
comply with applicable regulations if there is a reasonable chance
urgent reform and offers a way forward for enhancing industry-
their shipment will be inspected
wide compliance and safety. It recommends a comprehensive, holistic dangerous goods programme that sets a high, minimum
Startlingly, 2.5% of inspected imported DG containers were
bar for achieving regulatory compliance requiring a robust
found to include misdeclared cargoes that represented a serious
internal safety culture with strong management backing.
risk to crew, vessel and the environment. When extrapolated to the 5.4million2 DG containers shipped annually, the potential risk to life, vessel, cargo and the environment is unacceptably high and hard to ignore.
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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at existec.com
Recommendations
Establish a compliant DG training programme
NCB recognize that container vessel operators bear a
IMDG Code e-learning (39-18) is online training, developed in
disproportionate level of the risk associated with the carriage
collaboration with the International Maritime Organization,
of non-compliant dangerous goods and have developed a list of
for all shore side staff involved in the shipment of dangerous
12 recommendations to assist shipping lines with this issue. Exis
goods by sea. We offer several levels of training including
Technologies, part of the NCB Group, has been working closely
general awareness, function specific and advanced. The
with NCB to help to develop tools that address several of NCB’s
courses are used by 6 of the top 10 container lines and
recommendations.
are approved by several competent authorities worldwide www.imdge-learning.com. We also offer Container packing
Incorporate integrated digital tools that automate
www.ctupack.com and Tank Container www.tankcontainer-
critical compliance functions
elearning.com e-learning courses.
Hazcheck Detect is a new cargo scanning tool that scans all booking details for keywords, validates against rules and highlights
For further information on National Cargo Bureau’s holistic
suspicious bookings to identify misdeclared and undeclared
approach, including their 12 recommendations and potential
dangerous goods (DG). Currently, the system has around 4,500
solutions to assist in the development of a robust DG programme
mis-declared rules and 10,000 undeclared rules available. The
can be found here: www.natcargo.org/Holistic_Approach
rules are continually enhanced and will evolve using machine learning and AI techniques. Maersk are the first customer signed to the Hazcheck Detect solution. https://hazcheck.existec.com/ hazcheck-systems/hazcheck-detect.aspx
A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO SAFETY
ADDRESSING THE CARRIAGE OF NON-COMPLIANT DANGEROUS GOODS FORWARDER magazine
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TECH & DIGITALISATION
I
EXPERTS
magine a future in which hunger and thirst around the world
Using AI, logistics professionals and data scientists can anticipate
are no longer life-threatening problems for anyone. Impossible,
all kinds of consumer needs. In a world in which inequality in food
right? Well, with improvements in shipping and logistics tech, we
supply runs rampant, such an understanding of needs has incredible
are edging ever closer to that reality.
implications.
Artificial intelligence powers data analytics and decision making
Blockchain Systems
processes that are changing industries. The data can be used as a
Blockchain systems have been gaining popularity in a variety of
tool for transportation and communication and makes for a better
industries. This technology was invented for and popularized by the
system. This allows us to ensure all needs are being met.
cryptocurrency Bitcoin. Made up of linked cryptographic hashes in data modules called blocks, blockchains operate at an enhanced level
It will most likely be a long time before we can completely end world
of security and data mobility.
hunger. However, with the use of data technology to alter shipping and logistics we can work to close this gap. Here, we’ll explore
For the world of shipping and freight management, blockchain offers
how new tools are changing freight and logistics, as well as how this
a lot of benefits. Cogoport Europe and Milvum, for example, are
change can address global inequalities.
teaming up to make a blockchain logistics platform. They want to ensure their products and ingredients are ethically sourced. As tech
Tech Improvements Changing Shipping and Logistics
like theirs becomes more popular, more consumers than ever will
The modern world is a fast-changing landscape of incredible
be able to access a network of sustainable, ethical food sources.
technologies. Many of these new trends have much to offer shipping and logistics. Everything from data analysis to manual processes like
Robotics
loading freight could potentially transform.
With the help of automation, freight and shipping businesses have had a boost in productivity and safety among workers.
Below, we’ve listed some of the ways shipping and logistics tech are always being improved for business solutions that can help the larger world.
Robotics make for faster times in finding, sorting, and loading product, all while keeping employees safe. They are saving companies
Artificial Intelligence Tools
time and money, reducing costs for the consumer in turn.
AI, once a pipedream of science fiction, powers much of the new technology in freight and logistics. With the power of AI to scan
There has been a global trend in recent years towards more
and analyze a lot of data that no human could process, it’s clear why
automation. The use of robotics gives us the possibility of delivery
these tools are being used within the industry.
drones and autonomous vehicles. This would make transporting food and water across the globe much more efficient. Robotics are
AI can track consumer information as well as key performance
already here in the shipping industry—a key element of Amazon’s
indicators. This brings comprehensive insight into every aspect of a
success—and will continue to grow.
business. This is invaluable when navigating a messy web of suppliers, destinations, and inventory.
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Transportation Management Systems
Sources of sustainable water are a real threat to millions of lives.
This software, usually located on a secure network, acts as a
Approximately 10% of the world’s population lacks access to basic
platform for all the information in a transportation system. A TMS
drinking water. However, with the help of AI analytical tools, we
can optimize route scheduling, process payments, or even conduct
could potentially see a shift in this massive inequality.
freight auditing. Monitration devices can maintain water resource data in real-time. Such a system can help manage everything from fleets to rail systems,
Additionally, predictive analytics can provide informed indications of
like Sweden’s newly implemented collaboration to enhance food
when a shortage may occur. Then, with the help of drones or even
transportation. Across supply chains, comprehensive dashboards for
autonomous vehicles, shipments of water can be dispersed where
data and communication lead to better values and reduced waste
they are needed most.
in the food industry. This can translate to lower costs and broader accessibility of resources in communities that need them most.
The ability of technology to aid in the disbursement of food in underserved communities improves all the time. Constant analysis
New technology solutions are constantly emerging, changing the
provides insight into communities in need. Meanwhile, automated
face of shipping and logistics. These are but a small sampling of the
shipping devices make for faster deliveries. With the future of global
innovations driving a more efficient system of goods transportation.
food systems integrated with AI and data tools, sustainable and
With every improvement, the ability to produce more accessible and
resource-efficient consumption can occur on a global scale.
cheaper food and water for the world increases. Final Thoughts Fighting Global Inequalities with Tech
Though we are still a long way off from a world free of hunger and
Perhaps the biggest issues to face the world in the years to come will
thirst, the tools to get there are improving all the time. With AI
be access to food and water in certain communities. The disparities
and data technology that enable predictive analysis and automated
are already there and growing. However, technology enables
solutions, we could legitimately see global inequalities fought through
solutions through logistics and shipping that may prove useful.
effective resource management. However, the question remains: who would be responsible for shipping and logistics at this scale? Indiana Lee, contributing writer
HOW IMPROVEMENTS IN SHIPPING & LOGISTICS TECH CAN
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olin Abrey of Nextivity outlines the importance
For those of us that do venture out for some retail therapy,
of reliable 4G coverage in distribution centres,
safety measures, such as the non-touching of merchandise unless
warehouses and behind the scene stock rooms
there is an intent to purchase, hand sanitizers at shop entrances/ exits, obligatory mask wearing, reduced changing room capacity,
Seamless mobile connectivity and high-speed internet access
etc will do little to boost our confidence, further driving demand
have been our saving grace for the last few months, and not just
and pushing the customer service expectations of online retail.
from a commercial perspective. Digital communications have allowed those shielding to remain in contact with family/friends/
Central to these new purchasing trends is a slick and effective supply
colleagues, thus providing some semblance of normality. It has
chain process, from order placement right through to despatch, and
also allowed the rest of us to get our “shopping fix” by serving
seamless mobile coverage plays a fundamental role in this process.
as the enabler behind the online purchasing of what are now termed as “non-essential items.”
Mobile only business strategies are the new normal More and more companies are pushing mobile-only strategies
The country is now slowly returning back to normal, with
for infrastructure and operational reasons, and seamless mobile
retailers and other businesses adapting their respective facilities
coverage is no longer limited to smartphones; t’s the driving
to entice us out of our homes and onto the high street. However,
force behind many smart building features, including lights,
according to the Office for National Statistics, only 36% of
access control, sensors and CCTV. The levels of efficiency that
people in England actually feel happy about leaving their homes.
modern businesses are seeking cannot be achieved by a Wi-
Furthermore, one in five have stated they would never enter
Fi only strategy. Implementing quality mobile phone coverage
clothes shops again, which means that home-shopping, along
enables a single device to become a specific point of contact for
with homeworking, home schooling, etc is likely to continue to
the user, irrespective of location. Only by delivering effective
be “the new normal” for the foreseeable future.
mobile phone coverage can a business deliver the quality of service (QoS) needed for voice calls (essential to profitability
Innovation and flexibility are the key to survival
and customer satisfaction) as well as driving process application.
As a result of the crisis, businesses across the board have had to be increasingly innovative and flexible. They’ve been forced to
Distribution centres have patchy mobile coverage
rethink their business models simply to retain the bottom line. In
In paradox, most large warehouses and distribution centres are
retail this has meant free delivery, free collections and extended
blighted by inconsistent mobile coverage because of the building
return periods. These changes have had a dramatic impact on
materials used. Concurrently, facility managers are often limiting
customer expectations, taking the concept of these free services
investment in solutions to overcome this to certain parts of the
past the point of no return.
building, such as rest areas, canteen facilities and administration offices. This leaves the large storage areas, along with goods in and out handling areas, with no mobile phone signals because of the perceived high costs involved.
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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at cel-fi.com
Not only does inadequate mobile connectivity impact supply chain
However, this is no longer the case. Thanks to a relaxation in
efficiency, ubiquitous mobile coverage is a basic health and safety
the mobile repeater rules by the telecoms regulator, facilities
requirement that facility managers should be fulfilling. However, many
managers can now take action to improve their mobile signal
are failing on that score because of the sheer magnitude of these
quality using readily available signal boosting equipment. The only
facilities. More importantly, the provision of uninterrupted mobile
limiting factor is that said equipment must satisfy Ofcom’s mobile
connectivity will soon be fundamental to safety critical communications
repeater licence exemption specification and not many do. Cel-
inside buildings as the UK’s public safety communications networks
Fi by Nextivity is an example of Ofcom licence-exemption
transition from Tetra to 4G. What this will mean in practical terms
compliant solutions.
is that without a reliable 4G signal, first responders and blue light services will be unable to effectively manage an incident and staff will
As the UK emerges from Covid-19, warehouse and facilities
be unable to dial 999 from anywhere within the building. Not only
managers will have a pivotal role to play in fulfilling sales orders.
could this potentially put lives at risk, it poses the question of who
This in turn will help boost both the economy and consumer
would be held to account?
confidence. Reliable indoor mobile coverage is central to this and the use of supplementary equipment to ensure this is achieved
Providing in-building 4G coverage is not complicated
can no longer be regarded as the last consideration or worse,
Most large warehouse facilities and distribution centres have
not considered at all. Connectivity drives productivity and
already invested and implemented sophisticated tracking
creates new opportunities. Facility and supply chain process
technologies to improve supply chain management. With ever-
managers that are slow to realise this could find their respective
diminishing profit margins as a result of market expectations for
businesses losing out to the competition.
'free' everything, 'rip and replace' tactics to enable seamless mobile connectivity are not always feasible. Implementing supplementary technologies like mobile signal boosters hasn’t always been plain sailing either because, until recently, their deployment was illegal.
COMMUNICATION IS KEY
TO SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT SUCCESS FORWARDER magazine
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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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nternational Workers’ Day goes back to the year 1886. In the
transmitted via stationary terminals. This is prone to errors,
USA, a strike that lasted several days began on 1 May with
interrupts the process and costs time. In addition, the data is
the aim of enforcing the eight-hour day, which is still in force
not recorded in real time, which can lead to recommendations
in most companies today. But work is changing. Digitalisation is
for action and protective mechanisms taking effect too late or
often equated with robotics and artificial intelligence, and many
possibly not at all.
employees are increasingly concerned that in the future they will no longer play a role in production processes. But humans will
In order to upgrade production and logistics to Industry 4.0
continue to play an important role in industry. The aim is to plan
standards, it is essential that employees understand the benefits
the production environment in such a way that employees and
of wearables and integrate them into their everyday work. One
machines can integrate seamlessly into processes, work together
of the most important criteria for the acceptance of smart
and communicate with each other. For this to succeed, people
systems is ergonomics. Wearables should offer tangible added
must be equipped accordingly with the right tools.
value. For example, in terms of weight or freedom of movement. Ideally, they do not distract the employee's attention during
Industry 4.0 has long ceased to be just a dream of the future.
work processes but integrate themselves almost naturally. In
It has become firmly integrated into production facilities in
industrial environments, wearables should have the appropriate
recent years. Pioneers in this segment include the automotive
robustness to ensure long service life. In addition, users should
industry and aviation – and trade followed their example. The
make sure that the systems are easy to install and commission.
aim of Industry 4.0 is to use networking and automation to
A simple solution is offered by systems that follow a plug-and-
make production more efficient and above all more flexible. The
play approach.
systems are based upon data being generated and evaluated in order to derive recommendations for action on this basis, which
Smart Glasses: Additional information
are essential for increasing efficiency, redistributing resources and
and recognition of objects
occupational safety. Robots and machines can already generate
Data glasses can be used in production and logistics in many
this data or be upgraded with appropriate applications. This
different ways. Smart Glasses are used to support and guide
capability is also available for humans in the form of industrial
employees with information via the glasses and to check the
wearables, such as smart glasses, portable audio systems or even
quality. This includes the storage location of the parts, quantity
smart barcode scanners via the use of smart gloves.
or price information. For example, it is possible for the glasses to detect which parts are missing or in short supply and
Industrial wearables often pursue one goal: the employee should
automatically trigger the ordering process. Augmented Reality
have his hands free. But they also allow for decentralised data
(AR) provides the employee with computer-generated additional
and information approaches to be followed. This is particularly
information or virtual objects. In this way, fitters can have the
important in the interaction between man, machine and
next work step displayed directly in their field of vision or call
automated processes. Currently, data is often still entered and
up additional information to provide assistance.
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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at proglove.com
Audio systems: Interactive headsets for clear
glove come with distinct advantages: the device fits naturally
work instructions and communication
into human movements and workflows and, with a weight of
Another useful wearable feature is interactive "pick by voice"
40 grams, often weighs only a fifth of what ordinary scanners
audio systems, which are mainly used in picking. Using a headset,
weigh. This weight reduction can quickly lead to savings of up to
the employee receives clear work instructions and can answer or
1.5 tons per day and can be particularly effective for employees
request additional information via the integrated microphone. In
in high-frequency scanning areas. Wearable barcode scanners
this way several orders can be processed in just one operation.
that also feature a display provide additional information such as
However, operational capability should be tested in advance. Not
storage location, notification of deliveries or security warnings.
all audio systems are suitable for high pick density, as they scatter too much information and thus require additional concentration
Production 2025: a combination of wearables
from the employee during the execution of the task.
In the logistics and supply chain environment, smart gloves, glasses and audio systems are increasingly becoming a part of
Smart barcode scanners: Ergonomic working
the standard repertoire. But in many cases, the networking
and additional information at hand
of systems and the necessary flexibility can still be expanded.
In numerous industries, data acquisition via barcodes is widely
Some manufacturers are therefore deliberately entering into
used. It is fast, secure and any amount of information can be
cooperative ventures in order to coordinate wearables and their
stored in the barcode. Stationary barcode scanners offer
data flows and to store and process the information collected in a
too little flexibility. Conventional pistol scanners often cause
central system. The goal over the next five years will be to create
ergonomic problems in addition to unnecessary gripping times,
a complete network between humans and digitalised production
they break down quickly or are inadvertently sent in a package.
by intelligently combining different wearables in order to ensure
Barcode scanners that are integrated directly into the work
efficient process flows with maximum occupational safety.
WILL INTERNATIONAL WORKERS’ DAY 2025 BE
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O
about – whether it’s purchasing groceries, pet supplies, or meal kits. But,
2
how do you take that first step towards moving your business online?
steps to your planning process:
How do you let your existing customers know that you’re open for
• Determine your optimal delivery strategy
rdering goods and having them delivered to your home is second nature to most consumers. It’s one of the biggest changes to shopping habits that the digital age has brought
Set up a delivery workflow
To begin with deliveries, consider setting up some of the following
deliveries? Where do you get your drivers and delivery vehicles?
» Work out the cut-off time for ensuring same-day deliveries
How do you keep track of all your deliveries and make sure your
» Or, only offer next day delivery:
drivers get to where they are going, and on time?
GO FROM ON-PREMISE TO ONLINE IN 3 STEPS Here are three easy steps you can take today to successfully transition your business from on-premise to online.
1
Let customers know you’re open for delivery
◊ Your routes will be more packed with orders ◊ Meaning fewer drivers, less driving, fatter margins » Make weekly deliveries available for bulk orders ◊ Scheduling several days in advance vastly improves the number of orders a single driver can serve. This is doubly true if you use powerful route optimization software like OptimoRoute • Bag items ahead of time » Disposable cutlery in delivery bags » The most popular grocery items » Offer ready-made ‘essential groceries’ packs • Organize delivery personnel
• Start with Facebook business page and/or Instagram business page » Publish your price list and post it » Include delivery information with each post • Use Wix, Squarespace, Shopify to make a landing page at a later stage
» Use existing staff » Hire drivers • Keep customer data organized in a list » Phone numbers, emails, and delivery addresses
» Add an online ordering form
» Previous orders, favorite meals, etc.
» You can also use Google forms to start
» Use an Excel spreadsheet to keep things organized
• Open communication channels with clients » Direct messages over social media » A dedicated phone number
• Arrange deliveries based on vehicle size » Use bikes or motorcycles for small packages » For big orders and rush deliveries, use cars and trucks
• Establish a maximum service distance from your store
» Text messages
or restaurant
• Advertise delivery with a poster in your store window • Delight customers with accurate and timely delivery » Notify customers with exact time of day or day of the week delivery windows
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Once everything is ready to be delivered, learn how to manage delivery routes and keep efficiency high.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at optimoroute.com
3
Taking payment from customers
There are many payment methods available, the following are some best-case practices across different businesses: • Use a POS (Point of Sales) system • Or online payment platforms like Amazon Pay, Checkout, 2Checkout or PayPal • Ask for credit card information over the phone • If you’re using cash – make sure your drivers have enough change This article originally appeared on optimoroute.com.
STEPS TO MOVING YOUR BUSINESS ONLINE & STARTING A DELIVERY SERVICE TODAY
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s the government prepares to reveal its strategy
There’s also the added cost and inconvenience for consumers
to start lifting lockdown measures within the
buying on the high street: travel, parking etc.. But with consumers
UK to enable people to go back to work and the
becoming increasingly more cost-conscious – especially those that
economy to click back into gear, online retailers, brands
may be furloughed or made redundant – they will try to save money
and ecommerce businesses will continue to see a huge
any way they can. And if they can purchase the same products
surge in demand. So, what factors do businesses need to
online, at a lower cost and get them delivered cost effectively when
consider now in order to cope with the rise in ecommerce
and where they want – why wouldn’t they shop online?
and home delivery? And how can they remain competitive within an increasingly crowded online marketplace? Jonathan Bellwood, VP at Descartes, explains...
HUMAN & AUTOMATION COLLABORATION
AN IRREVERSIBLE SHIFT
So how can online retailers become more efficient to cope with the
The imposed lockdown restrictions initiated an irreversible shift
workforce numbers. The impact from Coronavirus has meant that
towards ecommerce as high street stores shut and people had no
huge numbers of staff from the travel, hospitality and retail industries
choice but to turn to online ordering. Online retail was booming
have been left without employment and will be willing and needing
before the crisis, but the impact of Coronavirus has caused many
to work once they are permitted. There will, therefore, be a large
to change their shopping habits – probably for good.
talent pool of potential recruits available to fill up warehouses to
potential surges in demand? One crucial element will be boosting
support ecommerce companies with peaks in demand. Online grocery shopping is expected to increase by 33% during 2020. The uptake may have started with Coronavirus, but one
Some large retailers, particularly in the groceries industry, rely
reason it will continue is that even once lockdown ends, people
on automation and robotics to meet demand. But the reality is
will still remain risk-averse and want to continue social distancing
that automation is programmed to produce a consistent output
to remain as safe as possible. They will see going to stores as
and has a threshold of how much it can push out; it’s not as
an unnecessary risk, especially when they could easily have the
simple as telling the machines to produce or pick more products,
items they need delivered to their home.
faster. Automation certainly has its place, but not for processes that need to scale on a regular basis.
In addition, with some businesses unable to survive the fallout of Coronavirus, once lockdown ends, the high street may no
For warehouses that have adopted a semi-automated process,
longer be bustling with stores and shoppers. The experience of
the collaboration with human workers means that in times of
the high street is no longer what it once was, and is certainly
peak demand, they can quickly employ more staff that can be
not what consumers are looking for anymore. Retail has become
trained up to accurately pick customer orders and send them
more transactional, with consumers only buying what they need
out. Those businesses that have an optimised Warehouse
rather than spending time browsing.
Management System (WMS) can rapidly increase usage on
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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at descartes.com
the system and bring in employees to operate it – humans
Consumer preference and priorities have now dramatically
can upscale and downscale very quickly to adapt to changing
shifted and companies like Amazon have set the standard for
demands and economic conditions. But you can’t just bring in
the ecommerce experience. Consumers don’t want or need to
more staff without a WMS in place.
visit the high street for their shopping needs – people are time poor and will pay for the convenience of having what they need,
Those without a WMS that are clinging on to paper pick lists,
delivered where and when they want it. Customer experience still
manual processes and other unscalable warehouse practices will
reigns supreme, but the emphasis has changed to convenience.
not have benefitted from the surge in online orders so far because they weren’t in a position to cope. In the hyper competitive online
This is why in the modern retail landscape, fulfilment delivery is
retail ecosystem, failing to meet customer expectations with slow
now a key differentiator for ecommerce businesses – especially
or inaccurate order fulfilment means losing a customer for life. But
for those that rely on third party logistics providers. Loyalty is vital
despite the volume of information an e-commerce WMS handles,
for all businesses and the impact of a poor delivery experience can
both in set-up and use, implementation is far from complex. With
significantly alter consumer perception of the brand, potentially
rapid turnaround remote solutions, warehouse management
causing them to shop elsewhere in the future. The use of technology
software can be deployed without having to physically visit a site
to optimise delivery efficiency has never been more important.
to get up and running. If warehouse facilities are available, a logistics platform can be rolled out in a matter of weeks, not months.
CATALYST FOR CHANGE
DEATH OF THE HIGH STREET
One of the few positives to come out of the crisis is that
The decline of the high street has been well publicised for many
adoption to the new vision of retail. Any businesses holding
years, with footfall decreasing and retailers shutting down
on to old ways of working and more traditional systems are
increasingly year on year. The Covid-19 crisis has now accelerated
unlikely to survive through the pandemic. We may still be living
that decline, so with stores having no option but to close their
in an economic climate that is changing day by day, but there is
doors and consumer habits changing for good, we could be
a clear trajectory for retail that is well underway – businesses
witnessing the death of the high street sooner than we thought.
need to adapt now or risk failure.
it will be the undeniable catalyst for businesses to embrace
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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…
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27 AUGUST 2020
LOGISTICS UK LAUNCHES
VIRTUAL FUTURE LOGISTICS 2020 F rom zero-emission vehicles to self-driving trucks, 5G
Mark Griffin, CEO of ITT Hub, is excited by the prospect of the
to smart cities, the shape of logistics in the UK is set to
new event:
transform dramatically in the coming decades. To give
of the COVID-19 pandemic, meant we were unable to share the huge
delegates an opportunity to hear from thought leaders and experts
flagship industry conference programme we had planned. However, this
on some of these critical topics, before the main ITT Hub event and
new event will give our audience the opportunity to gain insights from
conference next year, the organisation is launching Future Logistics
leading names across the industry, and should whet appetites for the
2020, a virtual conference and exhibition which is free to attend for
rescheduled ITT Hub show and full Future Logistics Conference which
all, sponsored by Brigade Electronics.
we have rescheduled for May next year at Farnborough International
The postponement of ITT Hub in May this year, as a result
Exhibition and Conference centre. With so much innovation happening To be held on 13 November 2020 on a state of the art, immersive
every day across transport and logistics, Future Logistics 2020 will
live events platform, the one-day event will feature leading voices
showcase some of the developments and thinking which sets our sector
from across the logistics and transport sectors, who will explore
apart from the rest. It’s one not to be missed.
the forces set to shape the industry of tomorrow, covering topics as wide ranging as data, vehicles, fuels, Brexit, communities and business
Future Logistics will also offer delegates the opportunity to engage
strategies. As with a physical event, there will also be an extensive
with leading logistics industry suppliers online in the Exhibition Hall.
exhibition space for attendees to visit as well as opportunities for
Visitors will be able to download brochures, thought leadership
1-1 networking with other delegates, sponsors and exhibitors. The
content and whitepapers showcasing the latest technical innovations;
event is also sponsored by the AA and Bott Ltd.
they are also free to ask exhibitors questions via text or video chat.
The COVID-19 pandemic has not slowed the tide of technology. Self-
ITT Hub, an industry led event showcasing the best in transport
driving trucks, zero-emission vehicles, smart cities, and drone technology
innovation and technology, has been postponed to 12 and 13 May
are all evolving fast and logistics professionals must be prepared to adapt
2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on the
to this new landscape. And, with the uncertainties of the UK’s future
event, due to be held at the Farnborough International Exhibition &
trading relationship with the EU – along with the long-term implications of
Conference Centre, please visit www.itthub.co.uk
COVID-19 – this important event will help logistics businesses understand what lies in store for logistics in the coming months and years.
To book your place at Future Logistics 2020 please visit
David Wells, Chief Executive, Logistics UK
logistics.org.uk/future-logistics
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EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS NEWS
24 AUGUST 2020
FREIGHT ASSOCIATION
YOUNG FORWARDER NETWORK SHORTLISTED FOR AWARD
T
he British International Freight Association's (BIFA) Young
From the lockdown caused by Covid-19, the YFN was re-launched
Forwarder Network has been named as a finalist in this
online and holds virtual events every two weeks for one hour. In June,
year’s Talent in Logistics Awards in the Collaboration in
it had a record attendance at any YFN event, live or digital, with 71
People Development category.
attending a virtual port tour of DP World London Gateway. When we launched the YFN, there were no professional networking groups for
We are absolutely delighted that we made the finalists’ shortlist,
young people within the freight forwarding sector. The judges recognised
although we face some strong competition from some blue-chip
that the YFN enables participants to build-up their own professional
freight industry brands that have entered this category.
network and develop their skill sets in many ways, whilst participating
Carl Hobbis, Training Development Manager, BIFA
in events that are fresh, interactive, engaging and sociable.
BIFA’s Young Forwarder Network (YFN) was launched in March 2019
YFN members have an influence on its direction , with local committees
to provide a platform for those new to the industry to develop their
helping to organise events both in advance and on the day. This experience
knowledge and professional skills, within a sociable environment.
enables them to develop many skills at an early stage within their careers.
The YFN enables participants to enhance their career prospects by
Within the structure of the YFN, employer governors are appointed in
providing opportunities to support their professional development
each region, to provide support and guidance. One of them, Ian Mallon,
through access to exclusive events, boosting knowledge, sharing
managing director of Neon Freight said:
skills, advice and experiences from industry professionals and
initiative for the future talent of the freight and logistics industry. For
providing visits to places of industry interest.
years, the industry has perhaps suffered from an inconsistent funnel
The YFN is a fantastic
of future recruits, and this helps to ensure new starters are given In the first year, the YFN held more than 20 events, which have
opportunities to learn new skills, and try out networking for the first
carried on in a virtual format since the lockdown commenced, and
time. I am proud that this initiative has been recognised by the judges of
welcomed over 400 individual participants.
the Talent in Logistics awards and hope that it will be named winner of the category when the winners are revealed at the annual awards event, which will take place online on the evening of October 1, 2020.
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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at logistics.org.uk
I
nspecting and maintaining vehicles and trailers effectively in
Vehicle technologies in logistics are evolving constantly with
a today’s increasingly technological world is becoming more
an increasing number of new applications and different vehicle
challenging for commercial vehicle engineers. To help those
configurations making fleet management a more complex engineering
responsible for the maintenance of fleets of all sizes, Logistics UK
task. With these technological developments coming in thick and fast,
will be holding its first virtual Fleet Engineer Conference on 21
it can be challenging to stay ahead of the game. Logistics UK’s Fleet
October 2020.
Engineer Conference 2020 will focus on how engineers can inspect and maintain vehicles & trailers effectively – embracing new and evolving
Using a cutting edge, immersive conference and networking platform,
technologies, but without losing sight of the basic, most essential
the one-day event will provide delegates with exclusive opportunities
practices. And, thanks to cutting-edge virtual conference technology,
to hear about the very latest developments in commercial vehicle
delegates can enjoy the event from the comfort of home or work.
technology, maintenance legislation changes and best practice advice
Phil Lloyd, Head of Engineering Policy, Logistics UK
from leading names from across the sector. Sponsored by Brigade Electronics, Clarios, Continental Tyres, ExxonMobil, Logistics UK
Continental Tyres is delighted to sponsor the inaugural Logistics
Recovery and Schmitz Cargobull, the event will be ideal for those
UK Fleet Engineer virtual event. These are challenging times for
with responsibility for specifying commercial vehicles, ensuring
the road transport industry, and this event offers Continental the
roadworthiness, compliance and maintaining vehicles.
opportunity to meet and engage with industry colleagues, to provide the tools and solutions fleets need to help, now and in the future.
ABOUT LOGISTICS UK
We look forward to exploring how the latest tyre technology can
Logistics UK (formerly FTA) is one of the UK’s leading business
Mat Wilkinson, Commercial Director, Continental Tyres
serve fleets, to drive down emissions, and maximise efficiency.
groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods.
LOGISTICS UK’S FLEET ENGINEER CONFERENCE 24 AUGUST 2020
IS BACK FOR 2020 FORWARDER magazine
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CUSTOMS CLEARANCE
Documented permission to pass that a national customs authority grants to imported/exported goods so that they can enter/leave the country. Related topics Bonded warehousing Customs brokerage Duties & taxes
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CUSTOMS CLEARANCE
NEWS
21 AUGUST 2020
GIVE US TIME TO ADAPT TO THE
NEW SMART FREIGHT SYSTEM ASKS UK LOGISTICS SECTOR
I
n response to the government’s consultation on Operation
Logistics UK is urging the government to provide the logistics industry
Brock enforcement, which closes Sunday and relates to road
with visibility of its Smart Freight System as an urgent priority; user
usage at Channel Ports, particularly across Kent, after the end
confidence in the platform is vital to ensure it is successful in keeping
of the EU transition period, Logistics UK raised several concerns...
traffic moving through Kent. Our members are ready and willing to make a success of the new border arrangements for freight, but –
Whilst it is sensible to have a contingency measure in place to minimise
as with any new technology – we need time to trial, test and adapt
disruption on the road network in Kent, Operation Brock will not,
to the new system. With the immense pressure of the Christmas
itself, remove friction from the border crossing. Furthermore,
planning period approaching – in addition to existing strains on
government must also make sure the system, while trying to manage
capacity due to the pandemic – we need concrete reassurance that
international traffic, will not create extra disruptions for hauliers
logistics businesses will be given enough time for testing ahead of
making local deliveries.
the implementation date of January 2021.
The Smart Freight System, which will complement Brock to remove
When it is fully operational, the new Smart Freight System will be
pressure from Kent, will be one of the many systems hauliers will
the mechanism international bound operators will need to use to
have to interact with. In total, international transport operators may
know if they are considered ‘border ready’ and able to access the
have to use no less than eight different systems. This is a tall order
channel ports, which should help keep traffic moving through Kent
and the least they can expect is to be given appropriate support and
by preventing trucks that are not ‘border ready’ from accessing the
sufficient time to get familiar with these platforms.
county’s road network. However, in itself it will not stop friction at the borders. This can only be achieved through measures such as reaching a free trade agreement and coordination between authorities on both sides of the border; we will continue pressing the government to secure a deal. Chris Yarsley, Policy Manager for Road Infrastructure, Logistics UK
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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at descartes.com
D
escartes Systems Group (Nasdaq: DSGX) (TSX:DSG),
Ensuring that our day-to-to logistics business remains accurate
the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in
and efficient for our customers is top priority, so it was absolutely
commerce, provides worldwide logistics service provider;
crucial to find a solution that could enable us to cope with the huge
KLG Europe, with its e-Customs solution to support with the
extra volume of customs declarations that will be required post
impending compulsory customs declarations processes post Brexit.
Brexit. The customs declaration process is complex, and so the added value of Descartes’ training and knowledge on this has been
Freight forwarder KLG Europe’s operations have been predominantly
paramount since deploying the e-Customs solution. Additionally,
conducted within the EU, meaning that prior to Brexit, customs
it has the capability to integrate with our other current systems,
declarations have not been necessary for the organisation.
eliminating duplication of work. While many Brexit deadlines have
And for its 5% of import and exports to non-EU countries, the
come and gone, we’re now confident we will be ready to deal with
customs declarations were previously outsourced to agents. With
the 100% increase in customs declarations that will be required from
the impending deadline of Brexit, and the reality of EU customs
us from 1st January 2021.
declarations increasing from none to an estimated 28,000 per year,
Jamie Wood, General Manager, KLG Europe Bradford Ltd.
it became commercially clear that KLG Europe needed a solution to successfully manage this volume of customs declarations in-house.
For businesses like KLG Europe, that are going from processing
Ensuring its business remains efficient and compliant is critical for its
zero customs declarations to tens of thousands, and in some cases,
clients. After seeking advice from Descartes and with the help of the
hundreds of thousands overnight, the complex process of managing
Government’s Customs Grant Scheme, KLG Europe has been able
in-house customs declarations may not seem appealing. But, as KLG
to deploy Descartes' e-Customs solution and has undergone training
Europe realised, it made more sense for their operation to develop
with Descartes – ensuring the complicated customs declarations
inhouse expertise. Deploying Descartes’ e-Customs solution along
process will be as straightforward as possible, once the Brexit
with expert training helps to simplify the customs process and
deadline passes.
ensure businesses remain both compliant and efficient. Pol Sweeney, VP Sales & Business Manager UK, Descartes
13 AUGUST 2020
KLG EUROPE DEPLOYS
DESCARTES’ E-CUSTOMS SYSTEM IN PREPARATION FOR BREXIT FORWARDER magazine
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We take care of your Customs business! Gerlach is the leading neutral provider of Customs services in Europe.
Customs Services We take care of all your Customs clearance matters to ensure smooth border crossing, so that you can focus on your core business. Our Services • Import • Export • Transit • Fiscal Representation
Customs Consultancy We will be happy to advise you on any questions you may have regarding the complex subject of Customs compliance and to support your logistics processes in order to optimise your Customs activities. Our Services • AEO Application • Customs Trainings • General Customs Consultancy • Compliance Audits
Customs Specialties We will support you with our industry leading experts, who have an extensive understanding of UK and international Customs law. Our Services • Control Tower • Intrastat • VAT Services • Excise Duty Handling
FORWARDER magazine ISSUE56 126gerlach-customs.com
Gerlach has the right solution for your Customs clearance The global business environment is ever changing and the risks for companies with international transactions is ever increasing. Our experts are always on hand to support you and your business with any challenges that you face in your day to day business.
Your advantages with the Customs services from Gerlach: • • • • • • • •
We develop tailor-made concepts and solutions for your industry specific requirements. You can concentrate on your core business and we can reduce your administrative expenses. You can make use of our geographic coverage and global network. Our employees have excellent specialist knowledge and work 100% legally compliant. We ensure fast processing without delays and daily operational support from a single source. You can rely on us as a professional, service oriented partner with strong relationships to all Customs authorities. You do not have to make any investments for your own guarantees and secure liquidity. We offer the advantage of advance payment of import taxes by Gerlach. Permanent improvement of your processes and Customs structures as well as cost savings through the realisation of optimisation potential.
Contact our Sales Team! We are looking forward to hearing from you! E-mail: sales.uk@gerlach-customs.com Contact: +44 844 248 0892 Website: www.gerlach-customs.com
27 countries
170 offices
750 customs experts127
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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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INDUSTRY SERVICES
NEWS
POSITIVE OUTCOMES 31 AUGUST 2020
IN SPITE OF NATIONAL LOCKDOWN
I
t’s not all doom and gloom as Tony Farley, Director of Sales at
Logistics and distribution companies were the backbone of UK
temporary building manufacturer and installer Lauralu leads the
industry helping businesses to continue to operate and deliver goods
post lockdown positive news stories.
to customers and stores throughout lockdown, so we are thrilled to be able to supply the temporary buildings and canopies that will
We’re not here to rub salt into the wounds of companies that haven’t
help them to cope with demand in 2020 and beyond.
had such positive outcomes but myself and the team here in the UK have been pleasantly surprised by the robustness of the marketplace.
Long-term 375sqm loading bay canopy
It’s not a pat on the back to ourselves but more a great reflection of the UK’s keep calm and carry on attitude. Additionally its testament to the desire of these businesses to maximise opportunities expand. Since we returned to full operational capacity back in June we have worked on the site of two growing UK based hauliers as well as a third party logistics company based in the Midlands and North West to install 2500qm of additional loading and storage space. Fast installation times; on-site build; short-, mediumand long-term rental available
ABOUT LAURALU Lauralu is a leading designer, manufacturer and installer of temporary buildings with hubs in the UK, France and Spain. If you need more space but are worried about the risk involved in building larger premises talk to Lauralu about their hire and lease packages. Email enquiries@lauraluindustry.co.uk or call one Long-term 375sqm storage warehouse at Midlands-based depot
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of their professional team on 01827 215 217 – alternatively you can download an information brochure at lauraluindustry.co.uk
Fast, Cost Effective, Temporary Buildings to Rent or Buy
Lauralu is a leading designer, manufacturer and installer of temporary buildings and canopies to rent or buy. Lauralu offer bespoke designed building solutions, with flexible hire or buy options and flexible payment plans. With locations across Europe, we cover the whole of the continent and we pride ourselves on our speedy installation. What our clients use our buildings for:
Warehousing & Storage | Warehouse Extensions | Workshops | Manufacturing Facilities Loading Bays | Passenger & Freight Airport Buildings | Logistics and Transports Hubs.
Contact Lauralu UK on 01827 215217 Lauralu - Offices in UK | France | Spain E: enquiries@lauraluindustry.co.uk www.lauraluindustry.co.uk
FORWARDER magazine
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INDUSTRY SERVICES
NEWS
3PL & SOCIAL CHAIN 6 AUGUST 2020
ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP
3
PL, has been appointed by Social Chain to provide
We are thrilled to announce our partnership with 3PL as we expand
ecommerce order fulfilment solutions as the Manchester-
our offering into the European market. Their experience in delivering fully
based company continues to scale globally.
integrated, end-to-end fulfilment solutions, coupled with their in-house data platform, made 3PL the perfect fit for Social Chain. 3PL provides each
The partnership with the Wigan-based logistics provider will see
of our brands with a unique and tailored fulfilment solution, facilitating
3PL provide ecommerce order fulfilment and incorporate inbound
Social Chain's ambitious growth goals in 2020 and beyond.
receiving, storage, handling and delivery for a number of brands
Anna Graham, Ecommerce Director, Social Chain
recently acquired by Social Chain. The first brands to be rolled out under the partnership are
ABOUT SOCIAL CHAIN
Hempamed, one of the largest cannabidiol brands in German-
The first integrated social media company The Social Chain
speaking regions and viralProtect, a new personal protective
AG combines social media and social commerce. Social Chain
equipment brand.
is a pioneer in the creation, development and scaling of social media brands. The company's headquarters are in Berlin with
3PL will store products, pack and ship orders and handle returns for
offices in Manchester, London, New York and Munich. The
all UK and European orders from its 75,000 sq. ft fulfilment centre
company has a total of around 500 employees. The Social
in Wigan.
Chain AG shares are traded on XETRA and several German stock exchanges. Learn more by visiting www.socialchain.de
The announcement comes as 3PL continues to grow rapidly in the UK, with Social Chain joining a growing list of companies based in the North West that have agreed order fulfilment partnerships in
ABOUT 3PL
recent months.
Based in Wigan, 3PL offers multichannel ecommerce fulfilment and logistics for growing brands. As an end-to-end fulfilment
We are delighted to welcome Social Chain on board at 3PL. As a
solution, 3PL operates from over 250,000 sq. ft of shared user
dynamic and ambitious company and fast-growing leader in their field
warehousing in the UK, supported by access to a network of
with a global outreach, they are an ideal fit for us. We look forward
International warehouses to support global expansion for its
tremendously to providing quality fulfilment and logistics services
clients. Its fast-moving operations house over 16 million items
to Social Chain and their expanding portfolio of exciting brands.
of stock, and dispatch across some 32,000 product lines. Learn
John Scully, Business Development Manager, 3PL
more by visiting 3p-logistics.co.uk
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INDUSTRY SERVICES
NEWS
10 AUGUST 2020
LABELMASTER LAUNCHES
DANGEROUS GOODS INDUSTRY’S FIRST DIGITAL COMMUNITY L abelmaster, the leading provider of products, services
What You Will Find in the Community
and technology for the safe and compliant transport of
The DG Exchange provides a range of opportunities for members
dangerous goods (DG) and hazardous materials (hazmat),
to engage, learn and connect around the key trends and challenges
today announced the launch of the DG Exchange—the dangerous
impacting the dangerous goods industry.
goods industry’s first digital community. The DG Exchange brings together supply chain and business professionals to share ideas,
• Groups: Discover resources, members, events and
learn and collaborate in order to navigate dangerous goods issues,
conversations centered on key dangerous goods topics—
challenges and trends—empowering them to positively impact their
regulations, training, lithium batteries, technology in the supply
businesses. The community offers a wide range of opportunities to:
chain and supply chain management. • Events: Attend live virtual events throughout the year or view
• Access insightful content and share resources • Attend educational events and training sessions • Engage with peers through open forums and other networking opportunities
on-demand webinars on a wide range of supply chain topics. • Resources: Access articles, blog posts, infographics, podcasts and more to stay up-to-date on the latest DG issues, trends and best practices. • Forums: Engage with other members by asking questions and
Shipping Dangerous Goods is complex and high risk, leaving professionals at various levels of organizations looking for
participating in ongoing discussions about specific hazmatrelated topics.
information, searching to find answers to questions or simply
• Member Directory: Find and connect with community members
trying to stay on top of the latest trends, challenges and regulatory
located in specific regions of the world, who have specific areas
changes. The DG Exchange is a one of a kind place where the entire
of expertise or similar job roles or focus areas.
supply chain can exchange ideas and information related to hazmat in order to improve supply chain performance, compliance, safety and profitability. Robert Finn, VP Marketing & Product Management, Labelmaster
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To learn more, visit www.labelmaster.com
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FORWARDER magazine
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INDUSTRY SERVICES
EXPERTS
A
s the consequences of the near-worldwide Covid-19
What many don’t realise is that the forwarding company or
lockdown retain their relentless grip on global and local
logistics service provider is often the party that has performed
supply chains, some South African parastatal companies
its part of the agreement and paid for freight, duties, VAT
are invoking 'force majeure' as a provision for not being able to
and other statutory land-side charges on behalf of the client,
fulfil client-service provider agreements. This, in turn, is further
regardless of where the goods are currently sitting, and this just
constricting the ability of local supply-chain and logistics firms to
compounds our difficulty to operate at capacity.
deliver, with challenges and detrimental impacts mounting. Some are questioning the boundaries of an obligation to fulfil Force majeure is a common clause in contracts that covers
payment terms during force majeure, and Erasmus emphasises
extraordinary events or circumstances beyond the control of
that force majeure comes into effect only when it is objectively
either client or service provider, such as a war, a strike, an 'act
impossible, not just difficult, burdensome or economically
of God' (a natural hazard, such as an earthquake or tsunami) or,
onerous, for either party of the agreement to fulfil their
indeed, an epidemic, which make it impossible for either to fulfil
obligations –
their contractual obligations.
a direct link to the pandemic and explain why it is or was
And the party needs to prove this by providing
impossible to fulfill their obligations. We’re seeing disruption across various stages of the supplychain process because of lockdown restrictions. Harbours and
When assessing whether to invoke force majeure or not,
and their functionaries, for instance, are battling to operate
Erasmus notes that this will depend largely on the interpretation
because certain goods are prohibited from moving because of
of the client-service provider agreement.
regulations. The same applies to ground transport: it might
as it’s your roadmap between you and the other party for the
be illegal, again because of regulations, to move goods, so
transaction in question.
Always refer to it,
delivery is interrupted. Advocate Christo Erasmus,
In some instances, where the force majeure clause isn’t specified
head of legal, Bidvest International Logistics
in an agreement, a party may be able to rely on the common-law principle of 'supervening impossibility of performance.'
And, despite a very slow easing of restrictions, the challenges seem to be mounting. With harbours not performing properly,
But, again, the same applies: you need to prove that it is or
the movement of certain goods has ground to a halt, or slowed
was impossible to fulfil your obligations by providing a direct
to a snail’s pace, while unnecessary extra demurrage costs are
link to Covid-19 and why it prohibited your ability to fulfil
increasing. Airports are running out of space as clients are unable
your obligations.
to distribute goods, making warehouse storage and physical space a real problem. At the same time, supply-chain/logistics firms’ warehouses are filling up as goods remain undelivered.
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WHAT IS ‘FORCE MAJEURE’
& WHEN DOES IT APPLY? In establishing whether force majeure applies to your
How long after the pandemic parties can continue to invoke force
circumstances, Erasmus advises looking at four aspects. First,
majeure remains to be seen, Erasmus says.
ask yourself if it is objectively impossible (not just difficult)
over, and we’re allowed to go back to normal, whatever normal
to perform your duties. Then try to establish to what extent
may be, Covid-19 will no longer prevent a party from performing
the impossibility can be attributed to Covid-19. Then look at
its obligations. But the question then should be, if Covid-19 is
how long your inability to perform will last, and at short-term
over, but as a result of its impact on a party’s business, the party
solutions such as a repayment plan, amended obligations or an
is unable to perform its obligations, will force majeure still apply?
extended performance timeline. And, finally, work out if there
There’s no blanket approach, and this is something that will have
are any other avenues available to mitigate your or the other
to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Once Covid-19 is
contracting party’s loss. Erasmus stresses the fact that a party’s obligations may change through the various stages as the country moves from level 4 to level 1. In some stages, performance might be illegal and impossible, while in others it may not be, so continual re-evaluation is needed to assess whether force majeure can be invoked.
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RECRUITMENT & TRAINING Organisations and bodies that provide and train staff for the freight and logistics industries. Related topics Certification Organic growth Safety awareness
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RECRUITMENT & TRAINING NEWS
11 AUGUST 2020
MANTRA LEARNING PROVIDES
COVID-SECURE FORKLIFT TRAINING WITH ETRUCK UK
M
antra Learning is now delivering Novice Lift Truck
Through an engaging and memorable training experience, eTruck
Operator theory training online thanks to a new tool
increases training effectiveness, helping learners to retain information
from RTITB. eTruck UK is an eLearning tool that
and become better prepared for the workplace,
explains Laura Nelson,
ensures Instructors and Operators are safe, with Covid-secure
Managing Director for RTITB, the UK’s leading workplace transport
theory courses that do not need to take place in a classroom.
training accrediting body.
For novice operators, eTruck can also reduce
training time. It can typically reduce what would be a 5-day operator
As an RTITB Accredited Partner, when the Covid-19 pandemic
training course down to just 3 days, freeing up Instructors’ time.
lockdown began, Mantra was able to quickly acquire training licenses for eTruck UK from RTITB, so that disruption to Novice Lift Truck
As learners could prepare for practical training online, time required
Operator training was minimised.
on site at Mantra’s training centres can be significantly reduced overall. During Covid-19, this was important for improving candidate
By using eTruck, Mantra was able to continue to deliver Lift Truck
safety. Mantra’s Instructors also had extra capacity to deliver
theory training, but with no risk of infection or social distancing
practical lift truck training. This helped training delivery from falling
challenges to overcome. This was important as Novice Lift Truck
too far behind schedule, even though courses could initially only be
Operator training accounts for around 30% of the Mantra Learning’s
delivered on a 1:1 basis for safety reasons.
training business, usually in a classroom. Mantra’s team of 10 Instructors all completed eTruck themselves as eTruck, which is available in the UK and Ireland only from RTITB,
refresher training, as well as to experience the benefits first-hand.
is a completely unique digital storytelling tool for forklift theory
Further guidance was available from RTITB over the phone wherever
training. Candidates learn online by following a story that tackles
needed. The eTruck system is also designed to support Instructors,
real issues relating to lift truck operation and safety and is designed
providing detailed progress and performance information for
to create real behaviour change, looking at the reasons behind
each candidate, ensuring they can cater to trainees’ strengths and
operator behaviour as well as the relevant theory. With eTruck,
weaknesses in practical training.
learners can complete the training at their own pace, anywhere Find out more at www.rtitb.com/etruck-uk
and anytime they can get online.
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Your strategic growth partner
The leading management consultancy for the freight industry and has a range of services to assist freight companies with their growth strategy.
Our aim is simple... • Partner with our clients and agree a clear growth strategy • Provide the marketing platform to produce the right type of enquiries at the right pace
• Source market leading talent to ensure maximum conversion on all enquiries generated
• Present any suitable acquisition targets to ensure a higher level of guaranteed growth
• Offer a tax efficient, effective exit strategy for owners aiming to sell their freight business
Our mission
To be the globe’s leading strategic growth consultancy for the freight forwarding industry. Forming valuable partnerships with our clients and offering them an effective growth strategy at any stage of their journey.
Sourcing market-leading talent.
www.headfordgroup.com
Please get in touch today +44 (0)1454 628771 • +44 (0)7760 484848 FORWARDER magazine ISSUE56 143 craig@headfordgroup.com
RECRUITMENT & TRAINING
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The leading job board for the global freight industry
Reimagined. Redesigned. Relaunched.
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RECRUITMENT & TRAINING
VACANCIES
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
FREIGHT & LOGISTICS OPERATIONS OPPORTUNITIES CALIFORNIA, USA jason@headfordgroup.com | +1 (657) 352 3915
Freight & Logistics Operations Opportunities: Headford Group are a freight specialist recruitment consultancy who partner with companies internationally to deliver first class talent sourcing services. We are currently working with exceptional companies across the United States who are keen to speak with experienced operations professionals.
Headford have a high client demand in the following opportunities: • Air/Ocean Import Operators • Air/Ocean Co-ordinators • Inside Sales (Operations) • Import/Export Specialists • Logistics Co-ordinators Required Experience • Import & export experience • Multimodal freight • 3+ years industry experience • Knowledge of freight, shipping, logistics & supply chain Potential Salary and benefit expectations • Salaries between $40,000 and £$70,000 • Car or car allowance
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
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OCEAN IMPORT OPERATOR LE HAVRE, FRANCE £COMPETITIVE matt@headfordgroup.com | +44 (0)1454 628 787
Seeking an ambitious station manager to join an international logistics organisation in Le Havre, France.
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.
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
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VACANCIES USA
GERMANY
FRANCE
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.
INTERNATIONAL
• 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
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
7 AUGUST 2020
LOGISTICS UK & CBW TO UNVEIL RESULTS OF
COVID-19 M&A SURVEY A re you a logistics professional interested in understanding
Mr Wells will be joined on the webinar by Philip Bird, Head of
how the COVID-19 pandemic will impact M&A activity
Logistics and Corporate Finance at the accountancy firm CBW,
over the coming months and years? If so, make sure you
and Kevin Appleton, Strategy Advisor & Executive Chair of global
attend Logistics UK’s webinar on 10 September 2020, M&A Logistics
logistics provider, Yusen Logistics (UK) Ltd.
Survey Results 2020, where the business group, in partnership with accountancy firm CBW, will share the exclusive results of its survey
The webinar, which is free for Logistics UK members to attend, will take
and present the outlook for M&A activity across the sector, with
place at 2pm on 10 September 2020. For more information, including
the support of expert panel speakers.
how to sign up, please visit logistics.org.uk/events/cbw-webinar
Throughout summer 2020, Logistics UK, in conjunction with CBW and Analytiqa, surveyed senior logistics professionals from across the sector
ABOUT LOGISTICS UK
to identify the economic impact of COVID-19, the main difficulties faced
Logistics UK (formerly FTA) is one of the UK’s leading
by logistics companies, and the changes their senior managers intend to
business groups, representing logistics businesses which
make to their business models as they plan for the future. The survey
are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven
will also offer insights into the industry’s behaviour following the UK’s
million people directly employed in the making, selling and
recent departure from the EU and the possible effects this will have on
moving of goods. With COVID-19, Brexit, new technology
valuations and transactions moving into 2021 and beyond.
and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics
Between the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty
has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK
surrounding the UK’s future relationship with the EU, the M&A landscape
supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics,
is set to change rapidly over the next 12 months. Using insights from this
and is the only business group which represents the whole
ground-breaking research, we will arm attendees with the knowledge
industry, with members from the road, rail, sea and air
they need to review their current and future M&A strategies effectively,
industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as
while gaining a greater insight into wider industry behaviour.
retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the
David Wells, CEO, Logistics UK
efficient movement of goods.
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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further information can be found at dpworld.com
D
P World, a global infrastructure-led supply chain solutions
global trade and cultivating the business environments closest to their
provider, and Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec
operations. Alongside CDPQ, a steadfast partner whose long-term vision
(CDPQ), a global institutional investor, have announced
we share, we look forward to working together on new investments that
the expansion of their ports and terminals investment through a new
will connect key international trade locations worldwide.
commitment of US$4.5 billion (CA$6 billion), that will increase the total
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman & CEO, DP World
size of the platform to US$8.2 billion (CA$ 10.6 billion). DP World holds 55% share of the platform, and CDPQ the remaining 45%.
Building on the success of the first collaboration with our strategic partner, DP World, a world-class leader in ports and marine terminals,
Since its launch in December 2016, the platform has invested in 10
the enhanced platform will seek investments in high-quality port and
port terminals globally and across various stages of the asset life cycle.
terminal infrastructure assets that will help design the future of smart
The enhanced platform will continue to target assets globally, but with
trade and logistics. As we take the next step in our partnership, we
an increased scope to broaden its footprint in existing geographies, as
will further diversify our geographic reach and look to seize new
well as new regions such as Europe and Asia Pacific. The investment
opportunities in a sector that, even during a uniquely challenging
platform will pursue its deployment and diversification objectives by
period, is driven by long-term fundamental trends.
expanding across a wider part of the integrated marine supply chain,
Emmanuel Jaclot, Executive VP & Head of Infrastructure, CDPQ
such as logistics services linked to terminals. Despite the impacts of COVID-19 and shifts in the global supply The partnership between DP World and CDPQ has been very
chain landscape, the ports sector has demonstrated a fair degree
successful, and we have benefited from each other’s expertise. The
of resilience. Through recent strategic investments in automation
opportunity for the port and logistics industry is significant and the
and digital technology, DP World has strengthened its logistics
outlook remains positive as consumer demand triggers major shifts
capabilities, combined with their maritime services operations and
across the global supply chain. Best-in-class, well connected ports and
worldwide network of ports and terminals, to provide a full suite
efficient supply chains will continue to play an active role in advancing
of end-to-end smart supply chain solutions. As such, DP World is well positioned to face the current challenges experienced by the industry and to continue to provide innovative solutions to their customers worldwide.
3 SEPTEMBER 2020
DP WORLD & CDPQ EXPAND INVESTMENT PLATFORM TO
US$8.2 BILLION 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...
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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.
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F R E I G H T
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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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MEDIA & MARKETING
A
WITH
s digital life accelerates, with entire industries learning
Owning the digital shelf
to adapt to our new virtual world – and screens
What this means for brands
become a fundamental access point worldwide –
development of how we experience brands and businesses
The following five key areas integrate and influence digital
through e-commerce has become essential.
culture, maximising brand presence on the digital shelf:
now making 54% of their purchases online (Source: UPS),
1
the influence of digitally native Millennials and Gen Zers are
purposes and formats. There is now greater expectation being
continuing to increase.
placed on brands to innovate and open up new levels of interaction,
The real opportunity lies in brands not just starting their digital journey, with a digital-first mindset, but truly focusing on understanding their consumers’ lifestyles. With Millennials
ADAPTED PACKAGING How is digital culture affecting the pack?
Packaging in e-commerce must keep evolving to meet new
personalisation and streamlining of the digital experience within With 11,250 US stores going dark in 2019 and last year being dubbed
our digital and physical worlds and touchpoints.
as a retail apocalypse in both the USA and UK, the start of 2020 had a lot to prove. The systemic effect of the global pandemic will be
Good Pair Days is a personalised monthly wine club. With a
felt by brands and businesses for years to come with more previous
deliberately pared back website that does the heavy lifting of
buoyant sectors being affected and well-known names being forced
communication and tone of voice, the brand seamlessly offers
to close their doors on a temporary or permanent basis. Ad spends
a more tailored experience by introducing customers to the
alone are now reported to have hit their lowest since the 2009
perfect wines for their palates. Demystifying the complex world
crash (Source: The Drum).
of wine, it provides a very intuitive and encompassing way to match its brand ethos of opening up the world of wine discovery
Brands will inevitably have to work even harder to keep pace with
to everyone.
change and ensure their relevance within this rapidly evolving
our laptops but are thinking about the role of mobiles and
2
smart assistants as fundamental aspects of how brands behave
most valuable and dynamic assets. It is critical that brands look
on the digital shelf. The impact and uptake will be dependent
for ways to free their previous static and singular identities -
on an optimised user experience precipitated through intuitive,
through new and unique expressions, creating more adaptable
streamlined systems and differentiating design languages.
brand equities to develop flexible and animated systems.
commerce landscape. However, continued developments in VR, AR and AI – and especially the dissemination of 5G – are supercharging the digital space. We are no longer limited to
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FLEXIBLE IDENTITIES How can digital design challenge static identities?
Brands now need to consider digital presence as one of their
innovative and immersive digital expression which explores each
5
state and associated feeling through rich and reactive patterns.
to accommodate and adorn our digital life. Today, brands
3
have the opportunity to reimagine their role in the virtual
Genesis, in Beijing, is a space dedicated to exploring different states of mind. It comes to life as an inspiring museum, work-hub and fitness destination, aiming to enrich day-to-day life conveyed through an
PLAYFUL NAVIGATION How can we find new forms of digital storytelling?
DIGITAL POSSESSIONS How can brands expand their products virtually?
A new generation of products and experiences are beginning
marketplace as our work, lifestyles, and entertainment all increasingly shift online, and we begin to invest more of our time in virtual experiences.
The digital shopping experience enables a higher level of functionality and simplification. However, it also now needs to be
Puma’s latest video campaign is promoting sustainability in
regarded as a place to celebrate experimentation, revelation and
the fashion industry through the use of digital design. Having
imagination with brands embracing sensorial elements, sound
collaborated with The Fabricant – a Dutch fashion house
technologies, high definition screens and, ultimately, the limitless
specialising in digital-only fashion that can be used and traded
freedom of the digital world.
in virtual realities – Puma showcases its status as a progressive and sustainable brand of the future with a vision to significantly
One of Burger King’s most audacious, but also most successful,
reduce manufacturing and travel costs.
campaigns was its 2019 Whopper Detour promotion. Using geofencing technology, the promotion unlocked to offer
The opportunity
discounted Whoppers when users came within 600 feet of a
The digital shelf is an increasingly fast-moving and essential
McDonald’s restaurant.
platform for brands. It challenges them to expand their
4
horizons, maximise their offering and find innovative ways to
PREDICTIVE PURCHASES What is the opportunity for seamless shopping?
reach potential consumers. Digital experiences also open up an exciting world to new collaborations and partnerships, allowing brands to tap into broader, more holistic lifestyle aspirations
Algorithms have given brands the ability to create targeted and
with an opportunity to resonate across a variety of different
customised wish-lists, available with increasing levels of ease and
brand touchpoints.
convenience that make constant suggestions. Ultimately enabling us to instantly acquire products as we scroll and connect in real-time.
Above all, digital presence is changing the fundamental notion of a brand’s route to its consumer and needs to unlock potential,
Building on the success of Amazon Go, Amazon has introduced
effectiveness and the freedom of exploration and imagination. The
it’s ‘Just Walk Out’ system, keeping track of purchases in a
successful brands of the future need to fully realise the evolving
virtual cart with credit cards charged on leaving, increasing the
potential of their digital presence, ensuring their digital engagement
scope of Amazon’s reach and meeting the increasing need for
seamlessly integrates their brand world into their consumers’ lives.
convenience in a time-pressured world.
Pearlfisher
THE DIGITAL SHELF
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