FORWARDER magazine issue 77

FRESH PRODUCE SHORTAGES

Action, not words, is needed to deal with it

NEW ELECTRIC VEHICLE TRAINING COURSE

introduced by Logistics UK

CUSTOMS & SECURITY

Key new enhancements in 2023

SEVEN WAYS TO OPTIMISE THE END-TO-END

SUPPLY CHAIN

Our aim is simple...

WELCOME TO FORWARDER...

A WORD FROM

THE TEAM

Welcome to issue 77 of FORWARDER. We have some great content about the fresh-produce shortages, electric vehicles, optimising the end-to-end supply chain...many of the subjects we’re all hearing so much about right now.

We hope to see you at our next networking event on 27 April, with , in Manchester.

Tim, Designer, FORWARDER magazine

CRAIG EDITOR-IN-CHIEF craig@freightsolutions.com WILL CONTRIBUTING EDITOR editor@forwardermagazine.com

PAUL MEDIA /EVENTS MANAGER paul@forwardermagazine.com

+44 (0)1454 275 946

TONY SALES EXECUTIVE tony@forwardermagazine.com

+44 (0)1454 628 795

MARK SALES EXECUTIVE mark@freightsolutions.com

+44 (0)1454 628 775

DARREN SALES MANAGER d.glasspool@freightsolutions.com

TIM DESIGN & PRODUCTION tim@forwardermagazine.com

MOHIT DIGITAL & SOCIAL mohit@freightsolutions.com

...IBC

Transaid...BC

AIR FREIGHT

A system of transporting goods by aircraft.

Related topics

AOG (aircraft on ground)

OBC (on-board couriers)

Air charter

Sponsored by

AMERIFLIGHT AGREES TO BUY �� SABREWING AIR CARGO DRONES

North America’s largest non-scheduled cargo airline said the aircraft’s vertical take-off and landing capabilities to carry over a ton of cargo to off-airport alternative landing zones ‘will allow Ameriflight to aid customers in developing a faster and more efficient warehouse distribution network’

One of the largest cargo airlines in the US, Ameriflight, has signed a letter of intent to purchase 35 Rhaegal-A vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) air cargo drones from Sabrewing Aircraft Company, a US company designing and producing a new generation of regional cargo unpiloted aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Ameriflight, which is the largest ‘Part 135’ or non-scheduled cargo airline in the US, described the Rhaegal-A or ‘Alpha’aircraft, as “the world’s bestin-class, highest fuel and maintenance efficiency cargo UAV on the market” that “offers high-efficiency, all-weather operation with vertical landing and takeoff (VTOL) capabilities”. Ameriflight expects to take delivery following type certification of the aircraft, which will be able to carry over a ton of cargo. Sabrewing’s Rhaegal-A aircraft achieved its first hover flight in September 2022 while lifting a record-setting payload of 829 pounds. The company is in the process of initiating the aircraft’s production line, with first deliveries expected to take place in the first quarter of 2024.

Improved warehouse distribution network

Ameriflight said the Sabrewing partnership and Rhaegal-A purchase will enable Ameriflight to enter into new business opportunities in distribution center logistics. Using the VTOL capabilities to carry over a ton of cargo to off-airport alternative landing zones, the new cargo aircraft will allow Ameriflight to aid customers in developing a faster and more efficient warehouse distribution network. For Ameriflight, this will be a complementary service, not replacing their current flying operation, aircraft, or pilots. The company’s goal is to build diversified aviation services, and this fits well with that vision.

Ameriflight President and COO Alan Rusinowitz commented:

In looking to the future, adding this advanced aircraft to our portfolio will complement our fleet and increase our assortment of assets, allowing us to expand our service areas through the development of warehouse distribution operations. With a payload capability of 2,000+ pounds, the Rhaegal-A is perfectly suited for the medium lift category operation. Sabrewing’s record-setting technology guiding Rhaegal-A as the world’s first autonomous cargo aircraft capable of both vertical and conventional take-off is an incredible milestone, and we are excited to partner with them on this new fleet.

Ed De Reyes, CEO of Sabrewing, commented: We’re committed to developing advanced, versatile, and efficient air cargo solutions with our best-in-class Rhaegal aircraft that maximize on long range, payload capacity, and sustainable fuel efficiency to successfully deliver on a range of cargo missions. We’re excited to be at the forefront of autonomous innovation and to have Ameriflight at our side, with this new agreement marking the Alpha’s first American launch customer.

Innovation in design allows the Rhaegal-A aircraft the ability to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) reducing carbon emissions by up to 80%, while maintaining the efficiency to fly cargo between facilities four times faster than can be driven and land in locations other aircraft cannot, eliminating the added cost of airport transfer of cargo.

Expedited supply chain services

Ameriflight said the new fleet will be used to support Ameriflight’s new business opportunities, primarily for its expedited supply chain services.

This marks Ameriflight’s second agreement to purchase autonomous aircraft after having signed with Natilus just last month on the purchase of its Kona aircraft, a 3.8-ton payload, short-haul feeder uncrewed aerial vehicle. Ameriflight intends to use both fleet types in tandem with their current operation.

SILK WAY WEST AIRLINES ANNOUNCES REGULAR FLIGHTS TO DAMMAM &TASHKENT

Silk Way West Airlines is expanding its network in the Middle East and Central Asia through regular cargo flights twice a week to and from the Saudi Arabian city of Dammam, as well as to and from Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan.

These scheduled routes will enable freight to be delivered directly from Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport to Dammam King Fahd International Airport and Tashkent International Airport, both of which are among the most important international air cargo gateways in their respective regions.

Over the past decade, Silk Way West Airlines has served both destinations several times per year through charter services, shipping general cargo including textiles, cars, perishables and other goods.

With the launch of these routes to Dammam and Tashkent, the airline will enhance its role in the Middle Eastern and Asian continental freight network and improve the quality of air cargo transportation services for both local and international partners. These new routes will also enable Silk Way West Airlines to meet its strategic goals of serving increased international demand and significantly expanding its global network.

Underlining the strategic importance of these new services, Silk Way West Airlines Vice-President CIS and Central Asia Vugar Mammadov said: The demand for transportation to the Middle East and on the Middle Corridor route continues to rise. As a result, Azerbaijan is gaining increasing importance as a central logistics hub. We are pleased that now we can offer our customers regular flights from Baku to Dammam and Tashkent. We will continue to increase the number of flights we operate, as well as the destinations we serve, as Silk Way West Airlines continues to expand opportunities for its customers around the world.

Suid Cargo will commence non-scheduled cargo flights from its hub at Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport in the second quarter of 2023.

Suid Cargo will initially lease a Boeing 727-200 freighter from Astral Aviation, with plans to acquire additional freighters such as Embraer 190 Freighter and Airbus 320F or Boeing 737-800F in 2024.

Suid Cargo will operate to over 20 destinations to Mozambique, Madagascar, Malawi Mauritius, Zambia, Namibia, D R Congo, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Angola and Rwanda thus promoting exports from South Africa including transit shipments and ‘Sea Air’ Cargo from Durban and Cape Town Airports. It plans to transition to a Scheduled Carrier in 2024 and to operate on the domestic network.

Suid Cargo Airlines, South Africa’s newest Cargo Airline, will begin non scheduled flights from its hub at OR Tambo International Airport in the second quarter of 2023 utilising a leased Boeing 727-200F from Kenya’s Astral Aviation Ltd, in addition to Astral’s Boeing 747-400F, Boeing 767 and Boeing 757F on charter basis.

Making the announcement at the Air Cargo Africa 2023 event in Johannesburg, Thomas Honiball, Accountable Manager and CEO, states that it plans to acquire additional freighters in 2024 which will comprise of narrow body freighters such as the Airbus 320F or Boeing 737-800F in addition to the Embraer 190 Freighters in 2025.

We are honoured to support South Africa’s newest Cargo Airline, Suid Cargo Airlines, initially with our Boeing 727-200F and to offer our fleet of B747-400F, B767F and B757F on charter basis, which will enable the start up Cargo airline to scale its operations to cover Southern, West and East Africa including Asia, Middle East and Europe.

Sanjeev Gadhia , CEO, Astral Aviation

Kevin Moodley, Commercial Director of Suid Cargo Airlines, explains that the new airline will promote exports from South Africa in addition to transit shipments to over 20 African destinations, and will have a unique Sea-Air Cargo product from the Ports of Durban and Cape Town thus reducing transit time to the land locked regions in Africa.

Suid Cargo will enter into long term partnership with freight forwarders, consolidators, integrators, e-commerce retailers and shipping lines in addition to interlining with African and Foreign Airlines to promote the Johannesburg Hub with plans to transition to scheduled services in 2024 which will include operating a domestic network.

SEA FREIGHT

A system of transporting goods by ship.

Related topics

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Biofuels

Ships' parts

Sponsored by

MV DELPHINE RETURNS TO SERVICE WITH WIND PROPULSION SYSTEM FITTED

CLdN, the logistics specialist for sea, rail, and road, announced today that the MV Delphine has been successfully fitted with rotor sail wind propulsion system. She is the first vessel in the CLdN fleet to be fitted with the system and will return to service from Zeebrugge, Belgium, as from February 27. The rotor sails improve the ship’s fuel efficiency and generate further reductions in carbon emissions.

The MV Delphine is a vessel with a cargo capacity of over 8,000 lane meters and transits between the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe. She is the largest and one of the most fuel-efficient short sea roll-on / roll-off (ro-ro) vessel operating in the world today with 28 grammes of CO2 emitted per tonne of cargo shipped per km travelled. With two 35mx5m rotor sails deployed, the ship will emit even less greenhouse gas going forward thanks to an emission reduction saving of up to 10%. The rotor sails, which can be installed on new vessels or retrofitted on existing ships, incorporate a modernised version of the Flettner rotor, a spinning cylinder that uses the Magnus effect to harness wind power to add forward thrust to a ship. The solution is fully automated and detects whenever the wind is strong enough to deliver fuel and emission savings, at which point the sails start automatically. The sails are also tiltable, allowing the vessel to pass under bridges and maintaining operational flexibility.

CLdN will work with the Maritime Technology Division at Ghent University to study the performance of the sails on the MV Delphine in the coming months.

CLdN is the top performer amongst its ro-ro shipping peers in Northwest Europe, producing the lowest CO2 emissions per tonne of freight carried with its fleet of modern ships. By investing in technologically advanced ships and terminals, CLdN enables its customers to improve their carbon footprint and support them in making their supply chains more efficient and robust. The rotor sails will maximise our fuel and emissions savings on the MV Delphine and we will use this project to help determine how the technology could be deployed on the current CLdN fleet and our new-build vessels. Delphine’s redeployment to the fleet will help meet the current high levels of customer demand.

Gary Walker, Chief Operating Officer, CLdN RoRo

DRIVES DOWN OCEAN FREIGHT RATES

Container shipping vessel utilisation is now back to pre-pandemic levels on Transpacific and Asia-Europe trades, with a close link between supply, demand, and pricing, whereas on the Transatlantic trade ‘there is seemingly no clear correlation between utilisation and spot rate levels’, Sea-Intelligence observes

Container shipping vessel utilisation has returned to pre-pandemic levels on Transpacific and Asia-Europe trades, with a close link between supply, demand, and pricing, whereas on the Transatlantic trade there appears to be no clear correlation between utilisation and spot rate levels, according to analysis by consultancy Sea-Intelligence.

Alan Murphy, CEO of Sea-Intelligence, observed that during the pandemic period, a combination of high demand coupled with an unprecedented loss of capacity from vessel congestion, led to vessel utilisation rates spiking to record levels, which in turn led to a spike in spot rates, with both reaching a peak in February 2022.

Since then, however, vessel utilisation has dropped sharply; in the case of Transpacific, it is now back to the pre-pandemic levels, whereas in the case of Asia-Europe, it dropped below the pre-pandemic levels at first, but is now back to prepandemic levels. Interestingly, the dynamic between utilisation and spot rates varies depending on whether utilisation is increasing or decreasing. When utilisation was increasing on the Transpacific, spot rates remained relatively unchanged at a low level, until a trigger point of around 90% nominal vessel utilisation triggered a sharp increase in spot rates. When utilisation levels started to decrease since the peak in February 2022, we see a much more linear relationship between utilisation and spot rates, as illustrated in Figure 1 for the Transpacific trade. We see the same general pattern for Asia-Europe, although with more noise. Overall, the rate developments in the Transpacific and Asia-Europe trades match expectations very well, if the assumption is a market operating with a close link between supply, demand, and pricing. However, in the Transatlantic trade there is seemingly no clear correlation between utilisation and spot rate levels. Unlike the Transpacific and Asia-Europe trades, declining utilisation levels have thus far failed to have an impact on pricing in the trade, indicating that some other mechanism must also be at play, in determining rate levels on this specific trade.

CLdN, the logistics specialist for sea, rail and road, announced today that it will start new services from the European mainland to Teesport in the North East of England and expand its existing service to London (Purfleet).

The Teesside service will initially consist of four round trip sailings per week, three from Zeebrugge and one from Rotterdam and will start on 18 March 2023. This expansion is driven by customer demand to have direct and reliable access for freight units to the North East of England, thereby bringing cargo closer to its final destination and avoiding road mileage and unnecessary CO2 emissions. A long-term agreement with PD Ports, the owners of Teesport, enables CLdN to offer its customers a robust and stable service. Located close to the mouth of the river Tees, Teesport is the UK’s fifth largest port with a complementary onsite intermodal rail terminal enabling direct access to the UK’s national rail network, including two train departures to Scotland per day.

The expansion of CLdN’s Purfleet (London) service will consist of an additional three round trip sailings per week from Zeebrugge. The additional sailings will provide 30% more capacity and increase the frequency to three departures in both directions on peak days. Since 1991 the Purfleet service has been a core route in CLdN’s network and today’s capacity expansion is a further signal of CLdN’s commitment to continuously improve the service for its customers.

Following the expansion, customers will be able to place their cargo in one terminal hub in Zeebrugge and choose to ship to any one of CLdN’s terminals on the East coast of England: Purfleet, Killingholme (Humberside) and Teesport. The new Tees service will be priced in such a way as to assist customers in developing new cargo flows.

CLdN has invested heavily in recent years to grow its fleet with larger and more efficient RoRo vessels. CLdN’s extensive and modern fleet is ideally positioned to respond to the increased demand for unaccompanied freight across the North Sea and to do so with lower CO2 emissions than any of its competitors.

We are very pleased to start a new service to the North East of England and also significantly expand our Purfleet service. Thanks to CLdN’s continuous investment in terminal infrastructure and an efficient RoRo fleet, we have the capability to respond rapidly to customer demand. We are excited about today’s announcement and we see this expansion as the next step in the on-going structural growth of the CLdN network.

Florent Maes, CEO, CLdN

ASIA MARKET UPDATE

The current situation in the global shipping industry is complex, as container rates are experiencing a significant decline, with contract rates moving closer to spot rates. This trend is evident in different regions, such as China and Southeast Asia, despite the decline in container rates, the demand for shipping remains weak due to global inflation and restricted demand, leading to a significant drop in freight prices.

The long-term outlook for the shipping industry remains uncertain, as the low consumer demand in North Europe and the slow market pickup in China suggest that the shipping industry will continue to struggle. Container prices in major ports across Asia, such as Ningbo, Shanghai, and Singapore, have fallen sharply in the past year, indicating that the current situation may persist in the foreseeable future.

Furthermore, the decline in exports to the US and the EU in 2022, coupled with the increase in trade with Russia, may result in a shift in trade routes and patterns. Although China recorded a trade surplus in 2022, it was largely due to strong export growth in the first quarter of the year, which slowed down as the year progressed. The slow pace of exports and outbound container volumes is expected to continue into the first quarter of 2023, as forecasted by Container xChange.

Container trends are a crucial barometer of economic progress and global trade, and the current market outlook appears bleak. Container prices and leasing rates are plummeting, with the global shipping industry witnessing a freefall in container rates. The blank sailings have not been able to control the sliding prices, and the mid-term outlook for the industry indicates a slowdown in container trade on Asia to EU and Asia to America trade lane. However, contract rates are closer to spot rates, indicating the lack of demand for long-term commitments, which can be attributed to market uncertainty

Mr. Christian Roeloffs, CEO & Co-Founder, Container xChange

Intra-Asia trade is showing some resilience, with comparatively better demand for containers. Nonetheless, the mid-term outlook does not project demand to rise to the heightened levels witnessed in 2020 and 2021, except for a possible inventory replenishment cycle that may bring about some demand for containers. The falling rates and increased availability of containers in certain regions of the world are indicative of weak demand and slower economic growth, he added.

In summary, the global shipping industry is facing a complex situation, with a freefall in container rates, weak demand, and a shift in trade routes. While the shipping industry may witness a rebound in the future, the current outlook remains uncertain.

CHINA (NORTH-EAST ASIA)

China container trade market struggles with slow market pickup

Container volumes and rates remain low after Chinese New Year, signalling a shift in the shipping industry. By October 2022, an oversupply of containers had led to carriers wanting to offload their inventory. However, due to global inflation and restricted demand, spot rates, contract rates, and container prices have sharply fallen, with one major Asia-US route experiencing an 80% drop in freight prices.

Additionally, container rates remain low, with Asia-US West Coast rates in January 2023 being 11% lower than in January 2020 and Asia-US East Coast rates in January 2023 being 84% lower than in January 2022.

in addition to Asia-US shipping routes, consumer demand in North Europe is unlikely to improve soon. The average pick-up rates from China to ports in North Europe remain low, with 20ft container rates averaging $861 and 40ft HC rates averaging $823 until January. In January 2022, the average pickup charge for a 40HC on the same route was over $3,000.

After comparing the prices of a 20-foot cargo-worthy container in the top three ports of Asia - Ningbo, Shanghai, and Singapore - to their prices in January 2022, we observed a significant decline in all three ports. The average price in Ningbo decreased from $2,460 to $1,290, while in Shanghai it fell from $2,370 to $1,270, and in Singapore it went down from $2,410 to $1,240.

In January 2023, the average cost of a 20-foot container in Northeast Asia was $1,300, while it was $1,250 in Southeast Asia. The graph below indicates the average prices of 40-foot containers.

China's 2022 exports to US and EU weaken, trade with Russia hits record

Despite these challenges, China recorded a trade surplus in 2022, which grew by 29.7% from the previous year. However, this growth was largely due to the strong export growth in the first quarter of the year, which slowed down as the year progressed, particularly after central banks increased interest rates to tackle inflation.

Container xChange predicts that export growth and outbound container volumes will remain low in the first quarter of 2023.

While exports to the US and the EU declined in 2022, exports to Russia increased by 8.3%.

According to GAC, goods trade between China and Russia reached 1.28 trillion yuan ($190 billion) in 2022, a 30% rise from 2021, largely due to China's purchases of oil and coal from Russia. By November 2022, Russia had surpassed Saudi Arabia as China's top crude oil supplier.

On our leasing platform, we found that as of January 17, the average pick-up rate for leasing a container from Shanghai to Moscow was $832. It was $2,425 in January 2022.

In Shanghai, the price of the box itself (all types and conditions) has been steadily dropping. In January, the average price of a cargo worthy 40ft DC was $1,712. And the average price of the same in Moscow until December was $1,710.

SOUTH-EAST ASIA

Average container prices see a major slump of 32% Y-O-Y in South-east Asia

Average container prices in Southeast Asia sees a 32% Y-O-Y drop from $3,798 in January 2022 to 2,590 January 2023.

Pickup charges ex South-east Asia sees a dip of 78% from $311 in December 2022 to $67 in January 2023.

On the South-east Asia-US trade route, the average pickup charges dropped by a 6.38% in January 2023.

Central Asia saw a 36% rise in average container prices for trading, followed by a 5.25% increase in North-East Asia, whereas South-East Asia saw a 6.25% drop in January 2023.

ABOUT CONTAINER XCHANGE

Container xChange is the leading online platform for container logistics that brings together all relevant companies to book and manage shipping containers as well as to settle all related invoices and payments.

The neutral online platform...

1. Connects supply and demand of shipping containers and transportation services with full transparency on availability, pricing and reputation

2. Simplifies operations from pickup to drop-off of containers

3. Auto-settles payments in real-time for all your transactions to reduce invoice reconciliation efforts and payment costs

Currently, more than 1500+ vetted container logistics companies trust xChange with their business—and enjoy transparency through performance ratings and partner reviews. Unlike limited personal networks, excel sheets and emails you rely on, Container xChange gives its users countless options to book and manage containers, move faster with confidence and increase profit margins.

ROAD FREIGHT

A system of transporting goods by road.

Related topics

Groupage Couriers

Last mile

Sponsored by

LIVERPOOL HAULIER GOES THE EXTRA MILE TO SECURE NEW CONTRACT

ALiverpool logistics specialist has wrapped up a 12-month distribution deal with a packaging supply company after significantly reducing its damage rates.

SSO Logistics Ltd has secured a new contract with fellow St Helens company, Venturepak, which supplies injection moulded plastic containers and other packaging products to the food industry.

Venturepak turned to SSO Logistics for support having previously struggled to find a reliable logistics partner who would work on reducing its high damage rates.

Reducing damages was a major priority for the packaging supplier as it specialises in food safe containers, which cannot be used if damaged due to the risk of contamination.

SSO Logistics Ltd, which has sites in Haydock and St Helens, is transporting the goods through the Pallet-Track network.

As a member of the network, SSO Logistics works with other independent haulage companies to transport goods nationwide in an efficient way, while guaranteeing the same standards and service.

To mark the new partnership, SSO Logistics has rolled out new livery with Venturepak branding and, following the initial success of the partnership, the packaging supplier is now planning to expand its business.

I’ve worked in the packaging industry for many years and previously struggled to find a reliable logistics partner, as I encountered the same problems with every transport company. Due to the lightweight nature of the products we import and distribute, they are difficult to stack and

cause pallets to become top-heavy, which increases the risk of them going over and the products being damaged. This is a major issue as most of our customers operate within the food industry, so if products are damaged they pose a contamination risk and cannot be used. Any refused goods then must be sent back and replaced. The frequency of the damages was a significant cost to our business and eliminating the issue has been key to making our business more profitable. SSO Logistics has actively worked to reduce these issues and were our first choice of partner when setting up Venturepak. Customer service is very important to us, so we put a lot of time into finding a logistics partner who was willing to work with us to understand our products, the difficulties we face and transport our goods effectively enough to overcome these problems.

Martin Barber, Director, Venturepak

SSO Logistics director, Peter Draper, said: “We are pleased to have had such a positive impact on Venturepak’s overall business by working with Martin and the team to mitigate the risks associated with their freight.

For us to provide a tailored service, it was vital we fully understood the problems they were facing and introduce ETAs and rapid response times. As members of the Pallet-Track network, we can provide Venturepak with real-time tracking on their goods which is an additional benefit for its customers. The tracking technology can quickly flag any issues within the supply chain to Venturepak and ourselves, but I’m pleased to say that we have had no problems to date.

In January, SSO Logistics’ international arm, SSO International Forwarding, was awarded freeport status by the government to become Liverpool’s first customs site operator - an area within a freeport where certain tax and customs rules are suspended to support and encourage international trading.

EUROPEAN COMMISSION PROPOSES NEW

EURO 7 ROAD VEHICLE EMISSIONS STANDARDS

CONTINUED FUEL DUTY CUT WELCOMED BY LOGISTICS UK

In response to the Spring Budget, Logistics UK is delighted that – following multiple calls from the business group – the 5ppl fuel duty cut originally introduced in March 2022 is to be retained for a further 12 months.

ABOUT LOGISTICS UK

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s leading business 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. With decarbonisation, 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. Logistics UK 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. For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit logistics.org.uk

Logistics is the UK’s system for growth and today’s budget announcement was an opportunity for the Chancellor to ensure continued – and potentially increased – investment in green growth and fulfilling careers, while keeping prices down in the shops. Today’s announcement that the 5ppl cut in fuel duty is to be retained for a further 12 months is very welcome news for logistics businesses, particularly SMEs – who make up 99% of the industry, and traditionally operate on low margins. Logistics UK has consistently urged government to extend this cut, while maintaining revenue levels through VAT and other sources. Logistics is at the heart of every sector of the economy; this decision recognises the importance of managing logistics costs to avoid further inflationary pressures on business and consumers. This should help to ensure businesses have the funds to invest in productivity, growth and greener technologies, alongside the new policy for full capital expenditure announced as the successor to the superdeduction (providing it encourages the transition to a zero-carbon economy). However, Logistics UK is dismayed by the lack of support to help businesses with energy costs and our sector’s transition to a low carbon economy, something which the government has urged industry to commit to. This is a missed opportunity. Our members will also be concerned about proposals for a reformed HGV road user levy and together we will be seeking urgent clarification as to the detail involved. While we are also disappointed there was no reference to much-needed Apprenticeship Levy reform, it is encouraging that government is focused on supporting people into work, which will help to relieve the existing skills gaps in industry and the wider UK economy. Logistics UK will work with its members to scrutinise the detail and identify what these measures will entail, such as the announcement of skills bootcamps and Returnerships, and whether these will provide a credible pathway into logistics.

David Wells, Chief Executive, Logistics UK

The haulage price-per-mile has fallen nearly 2% year-on-year and 3% month-on-month, despite diesel prices rising 12% in the last year.

In February, the average price charged by haulage drivers and companies fell for the second consecutive month. The year-on-price was also down, despite meteoric rises in inflation and operational costs over the last year.

The latest data from the TEG Road Transport Price Index revealed that haulage prices in February were 3% lower than in January, and 2% down on last February’s figures. In fact, they were at their lowest level since March 2021.

The data shows that despite cost and workforce pressures, haulage companies are still holding back their prices. But with the Windsor Framework potentially signalling closer cooperation between the UK and EU, hauliers will be hoping for an economic upturn and higher profit margins in the near future.

Over the past year, courier prices have told a different story, rising by over 10% year-on-year. In February, however, courier prices also fell by 4% as consumer spending grows slowly and focuses more on services than material goods relying on haulage/courier services.

To survive in such a challenging business landscape, logistics companies will need to devote time to business development. But they also have to increase efficiency and lower costs. One way to do this is by becoming more sustainable.

Cleaner freight: obstacle or opportunity?

Demand for lower and zero-emission vehicles is growing as the entire sector prepares to make the transition, hastened by fuel price volatility and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

There are also seven clean air zones in the UK now, with Sheffield becoming the latest addition. Plus, the EU is calling for a 90% reduction in truck emissions by 2040, which will affect many UK-based companies, regardless of Brexit.

Truck manufacturers are already investing heavily to bring a range of electric, hydrogen and other new technology models to market. Those companies who can afford the initial investment in greener fleets will make significant savings on ongoing operational costs. But before they invest their capital in new vehicles, they might want to see higher profit margins.

A price drop in February is nothing new. We’ve seen exactly the same pattern in previous years, and we’d expect prices to rise gradually as we head into spring. However, this year is somewhat uncertain as the UK narrowly avoided a recession and inflation remains high. Businesses are still scaling back, encouraging haulage and courier companies to keep their prices down, even as they contend with high costs. But the future for freight is still looking promising. There are huge opportunities for development in new technology and sustainability – opportunities that the industry must grab.

Lyall Cresswell, CEO, Transport Exchange Group

HAULAGE COMPANIES ABSORBING RISING OPERATIONAL COSTS

RAIL FREIGHT

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

Related topics

Belt & Road Initiative

HS2

Rail terminals and depots

NEW UK RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS ECONOMIC VALUE OF RAIL FREIGHT

Study by Rail Partners indicates that trebling rail freight traffic by 2050 would deliver nearly £5.2bn in economic benefits every year and take 20 million HGV journeys off the roads

DB Cargo UK reiterates call for government to set an ambitious target for rail freight growth

DB Cargo UK has reiterated its call for the UK Government to set an ambitious target for rail freight growth, after new research further highlighted its economic benefits.

A study by Rail Partners claims that trebling rail freight traffic by 2050 would deliver nearly £5.2bn in economic benefits every year and take 20 million HGV journeys off the roads.

Welcoming the new analysis, CEO Andrea Rossi said it gave further weight to the company’s argument that ‘Freight Belongs on Rail.’

We’ve spent the last two years lobbying politicians and civil servants of the significant economic and environmental benefits of rail freight over road haulage. Freight Belongs On Rail. We know it. Our existing customers know it. The public knows it. We now need the UK Government to work with us to enable more of it to switch from road to rail. Setting a clear and ambitious target for rail freight growth, like already exists in Scotland, will give confidence in the sector, stimulate investment and unlock rail freight’s true potential.

Rossi said the latest research, commissioned by Rail Partners, showed the size of the economic and environmental benefits was increasing all the time, with freight operating companies now able to run longer and heavier trains.

He said DB Cargo UK’s pioneering use of hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO) to fuel its locomotive fleet was also helping to drive down carbon emissions even further.

This latest research shows that a single freight train can now carry the equivalent of 129 HGVs. If you then run that train on HVO, as opposed to diesel, the reduction in carbon emissions is even greater!

The report – Freight expectations: How rail freight can support Britain’s economy and environment – was commissioned by Rail Partners and includes independent analysis by Aether, the University of Hull’s Logistics Institute and Railfreight Consulting.

The report demonstrates rail freight’s continued environmental advantage over the road haulage sector. It also shows that, if the rail freight sector is supported by the right policy environment, it can flourish and help support a more prosperous, greener economy in the future.

When comparing road and rail flows today, Aether concluded a typical freight service produces 76% less CO2 per tonne than the equivalent movement by road. By operating longer and heavier freight services, freight operators are significantly improving productivity and growing the freight market. Analysis shows these innovative services ease road congestion by removing up to 129 HGVs from the road network per train, while further enhancing rail freight’s carbon and air quality performance, the study found.

If government sets an ambitious target to treble rail freight by 2050, the sector will deliver nearly £5.2bn in economic benefits as a minimum. It will also support road decongestion and improved air quality, with the sector forecast to remove the need for over 20 million HGV journeys annually, the authors said.

RAIL ELECTRIFICATION POSSIBLE FOR ��% OF UK FREIGHT TRAINS CILT RESEARCH REVEALS

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport – CILT(UK) – has released its electrification strategy research which reveals the significant opportunity of electrification across the UK’s rail network.

CILT has released a detailed map and strategy which demonstrates and details the opportunity in the UK to electrify 95% of rail freight operations by the mid-2040s. The research reveals that only 800 miles of additional electrification is needed in the UK to enable 95% of rail freight to be electrically hauled. The initial 60 miles of Infill electrification is estimated to cost c.£50m p.a. over two years – less than the cost of one road scheme - and represent a ‘no regrets’ way of decarbonising key parts of the UK logistics system.

Currently, a mere 10% of British freight trains are hauled by electric locomotives and the UK lags behind its European counterparts when it comes to rail freight electrification.

Furthermore, CILT suggests an electrification programme of 40 route miles per annum for 20 years, at a cost of £100 million per annum, is required to deliver this significant opportunity for the UK to meet its decarbonation and net-zero goals.

While decarbonising technology for other modes of transport is still emerging, and therefore sometimes challenging to introduce, electrified rail transport is a fully mature, proven green technology which has been in use for more than 60 years. CILT sees this opportunity as ‘lowhanging fruit’ when it comes to decarbonisation and reducing emissions from transport operations.

Based on detailed analysis of data on rail freight movements across the UK, the routes proposed for electrification lead from main container ports to inland distribution centres, which are key supply chain hubs, and from major quarries to urban areas that require large quantities of construction materials. Also included are routes serving other key rail freight customers such as the steel industry.

The research also specifies three priority areas in its electrification strategy:

• Electrification of the key cross-country route from Felixstowe to the Midlands and North avoiding London (the ‘F2MN’ route). This provides a direct link to the West Coast Main Line at Nuneaton for the North West and Scotland and, along with the line from Peterborough via Lincoln to Doncaster, a direct link to Yorkshire and the North East. It would allow zero-carbon electric trains to be used in place of diesel trunk HGVs on the A14, M6, and A1.

• The next phase would electrify the link from Britain’s third largest container port at Southampton to inland markets. The first stage involves electrification from Basingstoke to Reading and from Didcot, via East West Rail, to Bletchley on the West Coast Main Line. A second stage would see the route from Southampton to Basingstoke via Andover being electrified. Diesel trunk HGVs on the A34, A43 and M40 could be replaced by zero-carbon electric rail services.

• The third phase of the CILT electrification strategy involves routes from major quarries and cement works in the Peak District and the Mendips. This would allow electric haulage of millions of tonnes a year of heavy construction materials to Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and the South East. Roads such as the A6 and A38 in the Midlands and North, plus the A36, A303, M3 and M4 in the South, would be relieved of diesel HGVs.

The CILT electrification strategy would allow circa 95% of UK freight trains to be hauled by electric locomotives by the mid-2040s, saving considerable amounts of carbon every year. The strategy benefits passengers as well as freight customers. Almost all the routes involved carry passenger trains and the strategy would enable life-expired diesel trains to be replaced by modern electric units.

Julian Worth FCILT, Chair of CILT’s Rail Freight Forum and lead author of the strategy

CILT is committed to helping policy makers, industry and professionals play their part in the route to net-zero. Our policy groups have worked tirelessly on this research to demonstrate the opportunity electrifying our rail freight sector presents. The CILT electrification strategy also strongly supports other policy imperatives, notably levelling-up and union connectivity and sees rail freight electrification as a key part of the route to net zero.

Sharon Kindleysides FCILT, Chief Executive, CILT

PROJECT CARGO

The transportation of large, heavy, high-value or critical (to the project they are intended for) pieces of equipment.

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Heavy lift

Abnormal load

OOG (out of gauge)

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POLARIS SHIPPING COMPLETE PROJECTS IN JORDAN & UZBEKISTAN

Polaris Shipping Agencies, our members from the United Arab Emirates, are pleased to report on more successful deliveries that they recently completed.

One project involved moving construction equipment from Abu Dhabi to Amman, Jordan for their close clients with the Al Qatrana IPP 2 Combined Cycle Power Project.

Eighteen 40' special trailers and ten low beds were used to this end, with all shipments moved on temporary export so that they are returned on completion of the project.

This project was smoothly handled to the satisfaction of all involved.

Secondly, Polaris completed multiple critical shipments for the Under-20 Asia Cup which is to be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Polaris with its network of border agents at all exit/transit points are able to arrange seamless road freight to/from all GCC destinations irrespective of the type and size of cargo.

THREE URGENT AIR CHARTERS FROM ITALY TO SAUDI ARABIA

Rotterdam, the Netherlands, March 20, 2023 – deugro successfully delivered 13 plant components by three consecutive AN-124-100 air charter flights from Italy and Belgium to Saudi Arabia within just seven days.

The team of deugro Netherlands was approached by the client after a production line shutdown at a petrochemical plant in Saudi Arabia. In close cooperation with the teams of deugro Italy, deugro Saudi Arabia and deugro Air Chartering, the project was completed within this very short time span, to minimize extremely costly downtime.

The time-critical cargo units contained heat exchange equipment with a total volume of 811 cubic meters and a total weight of 252,216 kilograms, including convection modules with dimensions of 1,100 x 310 x 340 centimeters and weighing 54,500 kilograms.

While the heat exchanger modules, which were the main scope of the shipment, were picked up from a supplier in Italy near Milan, the plant operator requested on short notice another delivery of a fan casing from another supplier in the Netherlands as an additional scope, which was added during a stopover at Ostend-Bruges Airport in Belgium.

The first two flights from Italy to Saudi Arabia each contained three packages with a total weight of

86.81 and 71.50 metric tons respectively. The third flight contained three packages with a total weight of 67.50 metric tons, which were loaded in Milan, and an additional four packages weighing 26.41 metric tons, loaded at Ostend-Bruges Airport.

Due to the critical schedule, an air charter solution was selected to provide the shortest transit time. This allowed for choosing the airports of origin and destination as close as possible to the supplier locations and the plant site, and the schedule of the flights could be planned in accordance with the manufacturing schedules.

Joost Maranus, Senior Project Coordinator, deugro (Netherlands)

Due to the dimensions of the heat exchanger modules, they could only be transported with Antonov aircraft. However, after the start of the military conflict in Ukraine, which has dramatically impacted the heavy lift market and resulted in the loss of the AN-225 aircraft, the biggest challenge was to secure the required aircraft in time.

Thanks to deugro’s long-standing strategic relationship with the carriers, and despite the severe shortage of these aircraft in the view of the military conflict in Ukraine, we were able to successfully lock in the aircraft for the required dates of transportation.

Pavel Kuznetsov, Head of Air Chartering, deugro

Besides securing the aircraft, the deugro team successfully handled several technical challenges to ensure a safe transport. As the cargo hold of an AN-124-100 is not fully pressurized, the deugro team carefully checked with the suppliers’ engineers to ensure that the in-flight conditions in the cargo hold, including the temperature and pressure change rates, were suitable for the modules to be transported. Furthermore, several modules were too heavy to be lif ted with the on-board crane of the AN124-100, meaning the loading and offloading had to be executed using the carrier’s special loading ramps and external mobile cranes, which deugro arranged at the origin and destination airports on time.

Upon arrival at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, the individual flights were quickly unloaded, taking an average of three to five hours per aircraft . Through early and close coordination and cooperation with the plant operator, the airport authorities, and the appointed ground-handling agent, the local deugro Saudi Arabia team ensured a smooth and timely entry of the cranes and trailers into the airport upon arrival of all three charters. This avoided delays in unloading and ensured the subsequent 100-kilometer on-carriage and delivery of the cargo to the construction site according to the agreed schedule.

PORTS & HUBS

Any place where goods are allowed to pass, by water or land, into and out of a country and where customs officers are stationed to inspect or appraise imported goods | logistics hubs where goods are stored under ideal conditions, for onward distribution.

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Cargo handling

Container terminals

Drayage

Warehousing

Pick ‘n’ pack

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APM TERMINALS INTRODUCE PRIORITY FOR ELECTRIC TRUCKS AT THE PORT OF GOTHENBURG

As of 1 March, electric trucks are being granted priority passage and handling in the container terminal at the Port of Gothenburg. This initiative is being used by terminal operator APM Terminals to favour those haulage firms that have already started to convert their vehicle fleets, while at the same time giving an additional incentive to those considering investing in electrification. The new solution means that electric trucks will be fast-tracked through APM Terminals’ gate 4 via a reserved lane, and also enjoy prioritised handling within the terminal area. This creates efficiency gains and planning ability that is particularly important for electric trucks, as there are strict demands on optimisation given the limited range of electric vehicles. APM Terminals operates the container terminal in the Port of Gothenburg, the biggest in the Nordic region.

We’re seeing more and more haulage firms starting to electrify parts of their vehicle fleets, and we know that more are considering investing in a green transition of heavy goods traffic. We hope that supporting these initiatives by offering the fastest possible passage and handling will serve as an incentive and be one small step along the way. Our own container handling operation has been fossil-free for several years, and this solution is fully in line with APM Terminals’ work on sustainability, in which collaboration with our customers is an important key.

Brian Bitsch, Commercial Manager, APM Terminals Gothenburg

Breakthrough for electric trucks

Every year, around one million trucks pass through the Port of Gothenburg, with one third of them – or around 1,000 vehicles a day –pass via APM Terminals. So far, however, electric trucks only represent a fraction of vehicles passing through the port’s gates – but a broaderbased breakthrough is just around the corner.

On 3 March, the logistics company DFDS will be deploying 20 electric trucks in the flows in and around the port. Sweden’s biggest transporter of containers on the roads, Skaraslättens Transport, recently deployed three electric trucks in flows to and from the container terminal. The new priority for electric trucks has contributed to the haulage firm’s recent decision to invest in two more electric trucks, which will be put into service in May.

Electric trucks are a major investment, so the fact that we now have priority in the container terminal is really important to us. It means that we can perform more assignments every day, which benefits both us and our customers. It also means that we can recoup the investment more quickly.

Johan Söderström, Chief Commercial Officer, Skaraslättens Transport

Paving the way for the transition

Including APM Terminals’ priority measures, there are now three terminals that have a priority system in place for electric trucks. Between them, these terminals handle around 90% of the port’s total truck flows. The other two terminals are operated by Gothenburg Roro Terminal and Stena Line.

It’s a really important initiative by the terminal operators, which literally paves the way for the transition. With a priority system in place for the terminals that handle the most trucks, and the growing infrastructure for charging in the area around the port, the conditions for electric trucks are better here than at any other port. This is a development we’re incredibly proud of, but there’s still work to be done.

Martin Adeteg, Vice President Decarbonisation, Health and Safety, Gothenburg Port Authority

WFS PICKS FIIX MAINTENANCE SYSTEM TO OPTIMISE ITS CARGO EQUIPMENT PERFORMANCE IN EUROPE

Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), the world’s largest air cargo logistics provider and one of the leading suppliers of airline and airport ground handling and technical services is now using the Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) from software specialists Fiix to optimise the performance, reliability, and sustainability of its cargo handling, equipment, and facility assets.

WFS has piloted the CMMS solution, supported by the Fiix multilingual Implementation team, at its airport operations in Paris, Madrid, and London, and now plans to roll it out at other stations across Europe in 2023. Using CMMS, WFS is transitioning from reactive maintenance to preventive and predictive maintenance. Trials have confirmed the system’s ability to reduce equipment downtime, improve productivity, and reduce maintenance costs. In the UK alone, equipment breakdowns and maintenance call-outs were reduced from 60 in May of last year, before the trial started, to 12 in October.

WFS has a significant and diverse range of cargo handling equipment and facility assets which enables us to meet our customer service goals and helps to ensure safety and security across of our Cargo operating environment. This not only means having the right equipment in the right place at the right time, it also requires every piece of equipment to be operating efficiently to perform the tasks required. Using the Fiix CMMS system gives us full visibility of our equipment via a clear and precise dashboard. It will help us to maintain the highest levels of service, improve productivity, and reduce the downtime and cost pressures of failed or under-performing equipment.

Sebastien Burnier, Head of Operations & Transformation, WFS

When CMMS implementations span multiple countries and languages, it’s critical to have a highly engaged project champion and collaborative project team to stay on track. The WFS team globally have risen to the occasion and are now set up for future success.

Chris Lee, Project Lead, Fiix

By using CMMS, WFS is now able to:

• Register, create work orders and gather history against all assets to support WFS’ customer service, safety, and security focus.

• Track and measure equipment usage and performance in real time.

• Track and optimise asset performance – collating all equipment information in one place to keep the WFS’ cargo handling equipment and facility assets operational, safe, and productive.

• Create work requests with a few taps, by scanning a QR code on the equipment on their mobile device putting an end to time-consuming work orders, so maintenance projects can be completed faster.

• Receive maintenance requests from users in their preferred language, through the work request portal, which CMMS administrators can easily search, sort, and track them to prioritize workflows.

• Create scheduled maintenance routines based on operational priorities, date, time, meter, event, or condition-based triggers.

• Track and report on all maintenance work, including completion rates, repair dates, total costs, and follow-up tasks.

• Match the right schedule and tasks for each piece of equipment, establishing a complete view of the company’s assets, including status, repair history, SOPs, and failure codes

• Spot any operations causing equipment failure, work delays, and compliance issues using the CMMS analytics dashboard. WFS joins over 3,500 teams in 100+ countries using Fiix to digitise, optimise, and scale maintenance.

MCCARTHY REHABILITATES BARBOURS CUT

TERMINAL CONTAINER YARDS

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. has been awarded a $30.9M contract to upgrade the Barbours Cut Terminal Container Yards 4 and 5 for the Port Houston Authority (PHA). The project is part of a modernization program to increase cargo handling efficiency. McCarthy will complete rehabilitation of the existing sites in an accelerated 13-month schedule. Container Yard 4 broke ground in Oct. 2023 and it will be followed by Container Yard 5.

The project scope involves removing old underground utilities and installing new utilities including laying a total of 695 feet of reinforced concrete pipe, laying 3,300 linear feet of nearly four-foot trench drains, reworking roadways into the site, and putting in three and half feet of base before laying joint enforced pavement. McCarthy is self-performing the concreate paving. The combined sites total 82,720 square yards (or 630,000 square feet).

McCarthy completed the Barbours Cut Terminal Container Yard 3N in June 2022, in addition to 2N in 2017 and Container Yard 1N in 2014.

A NEW ‘GREENPRINT’ FOR SUSTAINABLE WAREHOUSING LAUNCHED

Leading material handling provider publishes new report on greening the intralogistics leg of the supply chain

Choosing the right warehouse location; proximity to a reliable electricity supply; engaging and educating logistics teams on the importance and impact of sustainable warehousing operations; careful consideration around the selection of forklifts; and the opportunity afforded by solar energy were highlighted as critical factors to support greener warehousing in the future in a report that has been produced by Linde Material Handling.

The report: A Greenprint for Sustainable Warehousing was based on contributions from industry leaders and experts. It reveals that:

• Proximity to road and rail freight networks, airports and sea terminals, access to labour and to a reliable electricity supply together provide an ideal starting point for greener intralogistics operations.

• There’s now a very big shift towards lithium-ion in electric forklifts away from acid-lead batteries, which is offering 20-30% increase in efficiency, energy savings and CO2 emission reductions.

• Hard questions need to be asked of suppliers and manufacturers about what to do with lithium-ion batteries. Whilst they have a long life in forklifts – five or seven years – a reuse market needs to be established.

• For manufacturers and outsourced logistics providers who cannot easily switch from internal combustion forklift vehicles, hydrotreated vegetable oil is very compatible with diesel trucks, offering greatly enhanced environmental performance.

• Reducing forklift speeds and limiting travel distances, as well as changing how and when vehicle batteries are recharged, all present sustainability and efficiency benefits.

• Smart planning through simulation of warehouse operations and innovative approaches to asset management support greater efficiency and better environmental performance.

• Solar energy offers significant opportunities to reduce the carbon footprint of warehouse operations through rooftop and ground-mounted installations as well as the introduction of solar carports on site.

• In the last year larger warehouse landlords have increasingly been introducing solar energy systems, given their potential, which opens up the opportunity of a renewable energy source to tenants on short leases.

• Engaging staff in sustainability is key to reducing the carbon footprint in the warehouse environment. Examples such as creating internal ESG ambassadors, offering sustainable travel to work opportunities, providing electric charging on site for employees who drive into work, and empowering operators to embrace telematics data that create opportunities for environmental performance improvements were cited as some of the ways to get personnel on board.

• Payback periods for solar now around 3 to 4 years when they were previously 5-6 years due to rising energy costs from the grid and lower solar technology costs which are a tenth of what they were ten years ago.

When we consider sustainability in logistics, our first thoughts turn to transportation. Yet according to the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA), warehousing in this country in 2021 accounted for some 566m sq ft of property – a rise of 32% over the previous six years.

Tracy Clarke, Business Solutions Manager, Linde Material Handling

Drayage solution paves way to becoming integrated logistics operator

CargoBeamer, the leading operator of rail connections for noncraneable semi-trailers in Europe, is expanding its portfolio by establishing a service for first- and last-mile transportation by road (‘drayage’). The concept serves as an optional add-on to CargoBeamer’s regular rail connections by providing a road traction solution for our clients’ semi-trailers. It will commence operations during the second quarter of 2023.

An integrated drayage solution makes intermodal more accessible for both existing and new customers who are working on shifting road transports to rail. Additionally, it allows transportation companies to assess the increasing shortage of truck drivers by optimizing their utilization. The drayage service is offered in the following regions: northern Italy, western Germany & Benelux, northern France, southern France & Northeastern Spain, and large parts of the UK plus Ireland. It will connect all terminals in the network of CargoBeamer to third-party locations, warehouses, and Ro-Ro ports of the region.

Enabling intermodality for all transportation companies

First test trials have already been completed on the Kaldenkirchen–Domodossola route, where the transport of semi-trailers in both directions was extended by road to the port of Genoa. Bookings of the new service will be made via the integrated “eLogistics” system of CargoBeamer. When ordering first or last mile transportation, clients can choose between a single or rotational model. All emissions caused by first & last mile transportation by road will be covered by the carbon neutrality program of CargoBeamer and therefore offset by using gold standard certificates.

CargoBeamer has always pursued the goal of making intermodal logistics more accessible to road transport companies across Europe. By adding this drayage service, we are lowering another important barrier that especially held back small and medium-sized freight forwarders from shifting semi-trailers to rail. An integrated trucking service for virtually all types of semi-trailers lowers the costs of organizing intermodal transport significantly and will allow companies with little or no road-to-rail experience to start using CargoBeamer for the first time. Our clients will also benefit from an increased throughput rate of units moved by truck drivers and a fully carbon-neutral supply chain when using CargoBeamer.

Boris Timm, Chief Operating Officer, CargoBeamer

16 MARCH 2023 | Source: COLEEGS

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.)

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FORWARD SOLUTIONS CELEBRATES & SUPPORTS WOMEN IN THE SOFTWARE SECTOR

Freight management software company, Forward Solutions, is showing its support for International Women’s Day by celebrating the talented women within its growing team.

The IT and Software sector has historically been dominated by men, and whilst over the years the number of women in the sector has increased, in 2022 only 26 per cent of the UK tech workforce were women.

One main reason for the lack of women in tech is due to little to no representation at many businesses, as the sector is usually run by men. As a result, many women find it impossible to break into these positions within the industry.

One way that has opened doors for women to enter into highly skilled and senior roles in tech and STEM, is flexible working. Prior to the huge increase in remote working thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was found that women often had to either give up work or move to part-time roles after giving birth. But with the option of flexi-hours and working remotely, women are now able to return to their previous roles and continue their careers.

Forward Solutions has embraced a hybrid working model, split between working from home and in the office. This is a result of positive employee feedback during the pandemic and is to ensure a good worklife balance, helping to increase efficiencies and time management, with the reduction of commuting time.

Whilst I’ve noticed that the sector can be quite maledominated, recently I’ve seen a lot more women applying for the technical roles, both at Forward Solutions and across the sector. People get stuck within stereotypes, and since IT has been seen as a ‘male industry’, women can feel discouraged to enter this type of career, so it is all of our jobs to be warmer and more welcoming to all types of people. Luckily, at Forward Solutions, our hybrid way of working allows many women like myself to balance being a parent and working a full-time job, and everyone is very understanding. More policies like this will encourage a fairer gender split within IT.

Yamilet Gonzalez , who works within the Software Support team

We always aim to be flexible and considerate of the lives of our employees, and are always encouraging more women to apply for roles here at Forward Solutions. There is always more that can be done, but we’re dedicated to making sure that anyone and everyone has equal opportunities here at Forward Solutions, and we want to encourage women who are thinking about a career in IT and tech to go for it, it’s an exciting and rewarding industry for everyone – not just males.

Richard Litchfield, Managing Director, Forward Solutions

Forward Solutions employs six women across a variety of roles including, software support, accounting and software development.

KALE & IPCSA COLLABORATE TO DRIVE ADOPTION OF MARITIME SINGLE WINDOW FOR DATA EXCHANGE

The pair release whitepaper to address uncertainty surrounding the soon-to-be mandatory platform and call for maritime industry to prioritise digitalisation to improve efficiency

Kale Logistics Solutions (Kale) and International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA) have released a joint whitepaper to drive uptake of the Maritime Single Window (MSW) concept, ahead of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) January 2024 mandate for digital data exchange.

Kale’s MSW is a platform that enables information and documentation to be transferred electronically between maritime and port stakeholders, in accordance with IMO standards.

The whitepaper sets out usage guidelines for MSW and a framework for the complete life cycle of the solution to accelerate digital maturity in worldwide maritime operations.

Some uncertainty remains about the need for and challenges regarding Maritime Single Window. This whitepaper plays a major role in clearing up the ambiguities regarding technology adoption and how MSW can seamlessly facilitate trade for the global maritime ecosystem.

Suneet Gupta , Global Head – Cargo Community Systems, Kale Logistics Solutions

A digitised five-step process flow of the Maritime Single Window defined in the report starts with submission of the Notice of Arrival by the ship owner/agent, followed by notification of vessel and cargo information to the port by the shipping line.

An import manifest file can then be created and integrated into the Customs system online, IMO Standard FAL forms and certificates can be uploaded, and vessel arrival clearance can be given to the ship owner.

In the final step, the ship owner can seek and receive departure clearance, digitally.

The full system enables MSW stakeholders to monitor a vessel's status in real time, ensuring information only needs to be inputted once and simplifying documentary procedures between all actors involved in sea-side operations.

Further benefits include enhanced crew and cargo safety, uninterrupted global supply chains, and data harmonisation, while also combatting illegal trade and malpractices associated with ship-shore interface.

Maritime Single Window is going to be the future of maritime trade, and now the whole world is looking forward to the first of January 2024 when it will become a mandatory norm. The whitepaper stresses the enormous benefits achieved by contactless and paperless operations, which began during the pandemic, and hence became an important point of discussion.

Nico De Cauwer, Lead of Standards & Technology of IPCSA

Amendments to the Facilitation (FAL) Convention by IMO’s Facilitation Committee will see the single window for data exchange become mandatory in ports around the world from 1st January 2024, marking a significant step in the acceleration of digitalisation in shipping.

Already discussed at the recent maritime symposium co-hosted by IMO, International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), and Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), the pair’s whitepaper is billed for further discussion at the upcoming FAL committee meeting later this year

Gross Fuchs, a leading freight forwarder network with members worldwide, has announced that it will be providing its members with access to the latest product from CargoAi, CargoWALLET.

CargoWALLET is a modern payment solution for air cargo with supply chain financing capabilities, allowing freight forwarders to make payments for their air cargo shipments directly within the CargoMART booking flow.

Developed by CargoAi, airfreight’s fastest growing digital enabler, CargoMART is a digital marketplace that simplifies air freight processes for freight forwarders of all sizes. Using CargoMART, freight forwarders are empowered to drive every stage of the air freight procurement process with greater efficiency and visibility - from planning, booking, monitoring shipments right through to monitoring their carbon emissions with Cargo2ZERO, CargoAi’s sustainability solution.

Integrated in the CargoMART booking flow, Cargo2ZERO provides CO2 visibility emission data on all CargoAi’s airline schedules, Routes and AWBs, calculated as per IATA RECOMMENDED PRACTICE 1678 STANDARD. With data provided from Cargo2ZERO, Gross Fuchs forwarders can report on their Scope 3 emissions and be fully aligned for environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting requirements. During each booking, they can take the further step to Optimize emissions for each shipment using Cargo2ZERO’s CO2 Efficiency Score as their industry benchmark by always selecting the route with least carbon emissions for their shipment. Gross Fuchs forwarders can also purchase Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) with Neste, the leading producer of SAF, as an ‘add-on’ to each booking to scale climate action rapidly from an individual level.

With CargoWALLET, Gross Fuchs members can additionally benefit from a seamless payment solution, all within one interface. One of the key benefits of CargoWALLET is its streamlined booking and payment process, which allows freight forwarders to search and book shipments instantly, without the need for IATA Cass Number, AWB stock, or bank guarantees. CargoWALLET also provides flexible finance options, such as extended payment terms (PayLater), which can help freight forwarders manage their cash flow more effectively. Additionally, CargoWALLET enables bookings to be made from any origin as well as the lowest exchange rates in over 30 currencies, increasing the global reach and business potential for Gros Fuchs members.

We are thrilled to offer the full scope CargoAi’s digital ecosystem to all our members. We believe that Cargo2ZERO and CargoWALLET will enhance the overall freight procurement process for all our members. Sustainability is a key focus for us and our members, and with the added advantages of flexible finance options and global reach, CargoMART is the perfect digital marketplace to our network of freight forwarders.

Viktor André Fuchs, COO, Gross Fuchs

We are delighted to see our solutions adopted by Gross Fuchs. By simplifying the procurement process, CargoMART empowers freight forwarders to focus on what they do best - moving goods around the world.

Matthieu Petot , CEO, CargoAi

AS BUSINESSES SEEK RESILIENT SUPPLY CHAINS DIGITALISATION IS KEY

The pressures on the supply chain right now are enormous. Three years after the global pandemic created a tsunami of backups and disruptions that are still reverberating through the supply chain today, brands and retailers are navigating a seemingly endless cavalcade of new threats ranging from inflationary pressures to trade wars and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Conditions seem unlikely to improve soon. In a new survey, 46% of CEOs report adjusting their supply chains in response to recent geopolitical conflict. These CEOs also report enormous worries about the impact of climate change, with 78% predicting climate risks will impact their supply chains within the next year.

As businesses work to build more resilient supplier networks in response to economic and political volatility, they must start by investing in a comprehensive digital transformation. Once seen as a competitive advantage, digitalisation has become an indisputable necessity as supply chains have grown more complex and more outsourced, with more brands and retailers relying on vast overseas networks to supply and manufacture their products as they’ve increasingly invested in their own private label lines.

After the pandemic wreaked havoc on their sourcing operations, it’s imperative that businesses don’t get caught flatfooted again.

78% of supply chain leaders reported accelerating their digital transformations in the wake of the pandemic, and those investments were long overdue. In truth, however, some of the systems they’ve implemented are too narrow and don’t integrate as frictionlessly as they need to. Brands and retailers that outsource their supply chain need to optimize their processes from end to end. That means implementing a multi-enterprise platform that can streamline workflows from sourcing, logistics and product development to vendor, order and quality management, all of which are integral for improving efficiencies that will enable cost decreases. Such a platform allows these processes to work together seamlessly as a complete unit while helping mitigate supply chain risks by creating guard rails and notifications.

A multi-enterprise platform helps businesses more efficiently identify, select and onboard suppliers, allowing companies to rapidly adjust their supply chain based on sudden pressure points such as raw material shortages and shipping bottlenecks. It also facilitates smarter, more cost-effective material procurement. The right platform can not only identify missed cost saving opportunities and show landing costs for different commodities based on countries of origin, but also help predict demand and identify alternate or future supply sources.

Digitalization creates visibility into prices, supply bases, and costs, enabling predictive sourcing and allowing buyers to negotiate more transparent agreements. When brands and retailers have visibility into sources and suppliers they weren’t already using, they’re better able to mix and match materials during the specification and procurement process. This visibility is key to sourcing competitively.

Comprehensive Systems Create Agility

The needs of supply chain departments are vast and varied. As port backups have become more pervasive, logistics departments require timelier, more reliable data. Sourcing managers need efficient systems for managing enormous global networks of suppliers, selecting and onboarding new vendors, and collecting and comparing quotes. Merchandisers also require smarter systems for confirming orders with suppliers and for getting status updates on orders after they’ve been issued. They need to ensure that any changes to those orders are received and approved by suppliers — which is often more difficult than it should be, since the industry’s reliance on spreadsheets means that parties are often working from inaccurate or outdated information. Too often key product details are siloed across disparate emails, Dropboxes, WeChat and WhatsApp messages.

Quality managers, meanwhile, need better systems for controlling risk and for viewing and auditing the historical performances of vendors. They also need a smarter way of managing inspection schedules and a system for quickly tracing the root cause of defects and for communicating between factories and third-party testing and inspection agencies, otherwise delays in the inspection process can slow a product’s time to market. And, of course, all departments need to know whether shipments are arriving on time, since too often teams only find out about delays after it’s too late to prevent them.

A digital transformation with the right multi-enterprise platform addresses all those problems. A connected supply chain management software suite can extend the data that businesses are already entering into their PLM and make it available to all stakeholders across all departments. This software serves as a central conductor of all supply chain operations, monitoring orders and suppliers and keeping departments on-track.

For compliance teams and supply chain sustainability managers, the benefits of digitalization with a multi-enterprise platform are especially profound. Due to recent regulations like the United States’ Uyghur Forced Protection Act and Germany’s Supply Chain Due Diligence law, large brands and retailers face more stringent requirements. To meet them, they need complete documentation of all their suppliers, from raw materials to finished goods, and they need to be able to document the full chain of custody of materials, including where they were shipped from and where they were made, including all transformations from raw materials to finished goods.

In the wake of these ESG laws, my company has seen a significant surge of interest from brands and retailers for our TradeBeyond platform’s supply chain mapping and traceability features, which help safeguard against heavy fines and lengthy detainments while enabling businesses to source to the highest standards of responsibility. It also enables businesses to more accurately back up the sustainability claims they make about their products, which is essential as regulations have pushed back against the excesses of greenwashing.

Brands and retailers that have started adopting standalone digital solutions have made an important first step. But to reap the full benefits of digitalization, they need to ensure their digital transformation covers their supply chain processes from end to end. It’s the surest way to prepare for the unknown and for businesses to set themselves up for success regardless of whatever pressures, disruptions, and surprises challenge the supply chain in the years to come.

Eric Linxwiler, Senior Vice President, TradeBeyond

Eric has over 30 years of experience in enterprise software and cloud-based service companies with a specialty in supply chain optimization and workflow management.

EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS

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LEADING SUPPLY CHAIN FIRMS RACE TO SECURE POLE POSITIONS AT MULTIMODAL ����

With the countdown to Multimodal 2023 well underway, organisers have today announced that a record 78% of last year’s exhibitors have already secured their place. Following the success of the 2022 event, overall bookings have also increased, with data released showing a rise of 13% compared to the same time last year.

The amount of square footage sold continues to surpass the total amount booked in 2022, and with three months to go before the event which takes place from 13th – 15th June, organisers are urging businesses who want to exhibit to secure their slot as soon as possible.

Held at Birmingham’s NEC, Multimodal brings together businesses, thought leaders and associations from across the supply chain industry, with the most outstanding firms and individuals recognised at its glittering Awards ceremony.

To help exhibitors get the most benefit from the event, organisers have this year introduced a raft of improvements to the dedicated exhibitor area of the website, which include templates to support the creation and design of announcements and updates to the profile area to help each business stand out.

Some of the returning exhibitors include Maritime Transport, Malcolm Logistics, Maersk, G&W, DP World, Peel Ports, CMA CGM, COSCO, MSC, CEVA, DSV, Kerry Logistics, Ocean Network Express, CCL, K+N, ABP, Swain, Forth Ports, Montgomery Transport, Samskip, Howard Tenens, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, IAG Cargo, Uniserve and Descartes.

They will be joined by a raft of first-time Multimodal exhibitors, including Nolan Transport, PwC, MG Invest, Calais Promotion, 3squared, ErgoPack, Miran Logistics, Ziegler Group, ICL and Payoneer.

We had some of the best feedback ever from the industry following last year’s event, so decided to make provision this year for a possible growth in exhibitors. The data shows that we have already surpassed the year-on-year booking numbers and expect that the final total number of bookings will beat all previous records.Multimodal is unique in bringing all sectors of the supply chain industry together, so facilitating additional space and giving more support to exhibitors has made a positive difference to this year’s event. The industry is keen to meet at in-person events following lockdown and wider covid restrictions, and the numbers of both exhibitors and those registering to visit are testament to this. We look forward to welcoming visitors, the huge number of businesses that will be returning, plus the large number of companies that have not attended before.

Robert Jervis, Event Director, Multimodal 2023

The Supply Chain industry can book exhibitor space by visiting www.multimodal.org.uk/exhibit/exhibitor-enquiry

Finally, nominations are now open for the Multimodal 2023 Awards for companies to select their best in sector, with ticket sales for the evening almost at sell out point. Bookings can be made at www.multimodal.org.uk/awards/info-book

MORE THAN 100 MEMBERS FROM CONQUEROR FREIGHT NETWORK MEET AT QATAR AFTER � YEARS

Conqueror's 9th Annual Meeting brought together freight forwarders from more than 50 countries to Doha who got the chance to mingle and network with their logistics partners and bag new business opportunities

Conqueror Freight Network, the largest exclusive network of freight forwarders worldwide, has successfully concluded its 9th Annual Meeting, which took place in Doha, Qatar, from 6th to 8th February 2023. The in-person freight forwarders conference that took place after a three years break because of the pandemic, allowed the network members to carry on constructive business discussions and do the groundwork for lucrative concerted projects.

Conqueror members gathered at the Intercontinental Hotel, Doha, for three days of back-to-back networking. The event started with a desert safari to the outskirts of Doha which allowed the delegates to strike the right chord with their future network partners before the commencement of the part of the conference. The following day, Antonio Torres, President and Founder of Conqueror freight Network, opened the inauguration with a welcoming speech, followed by a short presentation about the new updates of Conqueror’s exclusive TMS, given by Andrea Martin, FreightViewer Coordinator. Afterwards, the delegates participated in almost 3000 one-to-one meetings with their chosen partners to make way for collaborative business endeavours. The Gala Dinner party was yet another meeting highlight where the members had a fantastic time over food, drinks, and live music while strengthening the bonding with their partners.

In the last three years, Conqueror has grown considerably, and we have retained our position as the largest exclusive logistics network in the globe. Conqueror's 9th Annual Meeting allowed us to promote a sense of trust and bonding within our network, which will surely boost the collaborative endeavours of our members. Most importantly, our members were thoroughly satisfied with the meeting and are sure to return to their respective cities with plenty of new business prospects in hand.

Mr. Antonio Torres, Founder & CEO, Conqueror Freight Network

On the occasion of this meeting, Conqueror created a new web app that allowed the delegates to constantly stay updated with the meeting agenda. On logging in this application the delegates could access every meeting information and check all the required information about the everyday agenda of the meeting that greatly helped the agents.

As stated by one of the attending members, It was a very wellorganized and fruitful conference. I am looking forward to starting business projects with our fellow members with whom we have established a very promising relationship.

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AWARD LAUNCHED TO RECOGNISE TALENT IN SUPPLY CHAIN SECURITY

Specialist international freight transport insurer TT Club is teaming up with the Transported Asset Protection Association’s (TAPA) Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) region to encourage the next generation of supply chain security professionals to excel. Entries for the first ‘Young Supply Chain Resilience Professional of the Year’ award are now opened until 28 April 2023.

Both TT and TAPA EMEA are dedicated to bringing insight into the complex theft trends that exist within international supply chains. With the aim of increasing awareness of the challenges in combatting such crime, the organisations also promote where possible risk mitigation guidelines and activities. To these ends they are launching an annual award programme celebrating the successes of young supply chain security professionals and the next generation of leaders in supply chain resilience.

Explaining the motives behind the award, Mike Yarwood TT’s Managing Director, Loss Prevention said, We wish to identify, inspire and reward young talent in the industry, encouraging them to continue to innovate, communicate with their peers and strive for greater security throughout the supply chain sector.

The entry process starts on the 6 March and concludes on the 28 April. With judging taking place in May, the winner will be invited to receive their award at TAPA EMEA’s RESILIENCE@RISK Conference in Amsterdam on 14 & 15 June 2023.

Each award entrant is being asked to contribute up to a 1,500 word submission based on a supply chain security related project in which they have been involved, with particular attention to the complexity of the issue, the originality and innovative nature of the solution and successes achieved. The judges, comprised of the TAPA EMEA and TT leadership will develop an objective scoring matrix in order to determine the finalists and eventual award winner.

Thorsten Neumann, President & CEO of TAPA EMEA emphasises the possible multiple benefits resulting from the awards programme as a whole, In addition to the encouragement of young talent in our industry, we have aspirations of identifying good practice and innovative supply chain security solutions that we know proliferate internationally across the sector. Our award and the attention it will hopefully attract will have the effect of promoting such activities, sharing them on an industry-wide basis for the benefit of all.

CUSTOMS & SECURITY

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ASM INVESTS IN EXPANDING IT & CUSTOMER SERVICE TEAM TO TACKLE CUSTOMS CHALLENGES

The Customs software provider is set to deliver a smoother client experience with its newly bolstered team

London, UK, Wednesday 1st March 2023: Agency Sector Management (ASM) has undertaken a major recruitment drive as part of its strategy to prepare for anticipated challenges set to confront UK-based forwarders in the wake of recent Customs and BREXIT-related changes in regulations.

The scaled-up team across its customer service and tech departments is set to guide ASM customers through Customs procedural modifications, such as the migration of export declarations from the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system to Customs Declaration Service (CDS).

Last December, HMRC announced an extension for exporters to make the transition to CDS to 30th November 2023, coinciding with significant changes being introduced for transit.

We are acutely aware of the time-critical nature of our industry and, as such, the need for ASM customers to be fully supported by a wellstaffed team, with enquiries being responded to accurately, expertly, and in good time, with all our systems up and running efficiently. We hope ASM’s expanded team will provide much-needed resources to support our industry through the upcoming changes.

Peter MacSwiney, Chairman, ASM

The new hires will be fulfilling roles in administration, technical support, service management, and IT development.

ASM, which has been providing Customs software solutions for forwarders for nearly 30 years, is currently assisting more than 500 businesses that use Sequoia to migrate to CDS.

ASM will be exhibiting at Multimodal 2023, taking place at NEC Birmingham, on the 13th – 15th June, and will be sharing industry insight and the latest updates around NCTS-phase 5 and CDS exports.

You can find the ASM team on Stand 4052 (next to the BIFA village).

MULTIPLE THREATS FACED BY BONDED WAREHOUSES

Bonded warehouses play a crucial role in international trade by providing a secure storage facility for goods that have not yet been cleared through customs. However, the importance of security for these facilities cannot be overstated.

Firstly, bonded warehouses often contain high-value goods, such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and luxury items. These goods are frequently targeted by criminals, who see them as easy targets for theft. Without proper security measures in place, bonded warehouses are at risk of being targeted by thieves looking to steal these valuable items.

Secondly, bonded warehouses are subject to strict customs regulations. If goods are stolen or damaged while in storage, the warehouse owner may be held liable for any customs duties and taxes owed on those goods. This can lead to substantial financial losses and even legal action.

Thirdly, bonded warehouses are often located near ports or other transportation hubs, making them vulnerable to terrorist attacks or other forms of sabotage. An attack on a bonded warehouse could have far-reaching consequences for international trade and could even disrupt global supply chains.

Given these risks, it is essential for bonded warehouses to have strong security measures in place. This includes physical security measures such as access controls, perimeter fencing, and surveillance cameras, as well as cybersecurity measures to protect against cyberattacks and data breaches.

In addition to these measures, bonded warehouses should have strict policies and procedures in place for the handling and storage of goods. This includes ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to the warehouse, implementing strict inventory management procedures, and conducting regular audits to ensure compliance with customs regulations.

Furthermore, bonded warehouses should invest in staff training and development to ensure that all employees are aware of the risks and understand their roles and responsibilities in maintaining security. This includes training on how to identify suspicious activity, how to respond to security incidents, and how to report any security breaches.

In conclusion, security is of utmost importance for bonded warehouses. Without proper security measures in place, these facilities are vulnerable to criminal activity, customs liability, and even terrorist attacks. Strong physical and cybersecurity measures, along with strict policies and procedures for handling goods, are essential for mitigating these risks. Regular staff training and development can also help to ensure that all employees are equipped to maintain security in the bonded warehouse environment. By prioritizing security, bonded warehouses can continue to play a crucial role in international trade, providing a safe and secure storage facility for goods in transit.

In a bid to continuously monitor and maximise security for customers and employees, C4T are pleased to announce that they have received their ISO 27001:2017 and ISO 9001:2015 certification, the internationally recognised standard for security and compliance, specifying requirements for an organisation’s quality management system (QMS) and information security management system (ISMS). Receiving the ISO certifications demonstrates that C4T has invested in its people, processes, technology, and quality.

We are extremely proud of this achievement and committed to maintaining the highest available security standards to protect our customers and employees. Being accredited with the ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 certification is a vital step in this process and further validates our commitment to good governance and information security and quality, and we look forward to continuing to serve our clients and employees with the highest security and quality standards.

Rupert Spiegelberg, CEO, Customs4trade

ISO 9001 is a national standard that specifies requirements for a quality management system (QMS) to help businesses become more efficient to improve customer satisfaction.

ISO 27001 certification for information security and privacy best practices.

For more information on the ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 certification, please visit https://brandcompliance.com/diensten/iso-27001-certificering

ABOUT CUSTOMS4TRADE (C4T)

C4T has an unique team of customs experts and best-of-breed technology engineers and has developed CAS, a one-of-a-kind software solution for customs and trade compliance. Managed Customs Services have been added to this product offering, helping companies make the most of their software investment.

CAS is a collaborative hub, built on the Microsoft Azure platform and delivered as a service (SaaS). It is designed to manage regional and worldwide customs and trade compliance quickly and accurately, within one single platform. CAS provides customers with continual updates and feature enhancements, including the incorporation of any changes to legislation and compliance regulation—along with Azure’s signature accessibility, scalability, and security.

Forward-thinking companies are turning to C4T to help them navigate customs and trade with native-cloud software and managed services for their organisation’s highest strategic benefit.

For more information or to contact the company, please visit www.customs4trade.com

KEY NEW CUSTOMS & SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS IN 2023

New Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) requirements for aviation security purposes are coming into force in different nations this year. Freight forwarders need to prepare and adapt their business and operational processes to be compliant with stricter customs policies, FIATA highlights

To address security threats arising around the world, the World Customs Organization (WCO) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have come together to introduce ‘Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information’ (PLACI) guidelines to prevent future ‘bomb in the box’ scenarios as an extension to the Advanced Cargo Information (ACI) regime. This was given an added impetus by the transatlantic aircraft bomb terrorist incident in October 2010, when Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were concealed in computer printer cartridges and placed on a cargo aircraft.

The US has already successfully established the Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) regime, and now other nations are joining the US in adopting enhanced customs procedures at their territories. The European Union (EU), the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the United Kingdom, and Canada are developing stricter customs policies, some of which will be effective from this year onwards.

Upcoming changes in customs procedures:

1 EU – ICS2

The Import Control system (ICS), a pre-arrival security programme established by the EU in 2011, is being gradually replaced with a new customs pre-arrival security and safety programme called Import Control System 2 (ICS2). This new system will allow for the implementation of the new Union Customs Code (UCC) processes and procedures relating to the entry or transit of goods to/through the EU including Switzerland, Norway and Northern Ireland. For the first time, it will introduce the option of multiple filing, providing freight forwarders with the possibility of filing house level data themselves, without disclosing such data to the carrier.

The ICS2 Transition Plan foresees implementation in three operational releases. Release 1 has been effective since 15 March 2021 and involved postal operators and express carriers only. Release 2 will go live on 1 March 2023 and will be relevant to freight forwarders, who are new actors to this regulation, all postal operators, express and air carriers. Release 3 will take effect as of 1 March, 2024 and will impact maritime, road, and rail modes of transport.

If you are a freight forwarder, submitting data to ICS2 is an opportunity, but also a challenge. First of all, freight forwarders will need to decide when to:

• File the pre-loading and pre-arrival data directly with the customs authority themselves

• Make the necessary commercial documentation data (i.e., house level transport contract) available to your air carriers in advance, for them to file the necessary information to ICS2 within the legal time limit. The required data set, inter alia, encompasses a description of each article and corresponding six-digit HS code shipped under said HAWB.

Freight forwarders sending goods to or through the EU, Switzerland, Norway and Northern Ireland, and wishing to self-file themselves, need to get in touch with their air carriers and make the necessary contractual arrangements to carry out ICS2 data reporting requirements.

ICS2 regulations are new to all companies, and freight forwarders need to start their preparations in time, especially since new systems and procedures need to be implemented or adjusted.

Recently, the EU Directorate-General Taxation and Customs Union (TAXUD) provided a clarification on the phased deployment windows of ICS2 Release 2 for cargo transported by air:

• 1 March – 30 June 2023: Deployment for air carriers for the master level of filing (MAWB)

• 1 July – 2 October 2023: Deployment for self-filers, i.e. the freight forwarders who would choose to file house level (HAWB) themselves

FIATA is working actively to support its members on the implementation of self-filing with the support of the CAI-ABSS taskforce on Advanced Cargo Information. FIATA is also working on the development of FAQs on ICS2 for freight forwarders, which are expected to be published by the end of the year.

2 United Arab Emirates

The National Advance Information Center ‘NAIC’ is a UAE government body aiming to increase national security by obtaining advance information on cargo, and started developing its programme in 2020. Since ACI programmes are already implemented, they currently focus on the implementation of PLACI. Currently, release one of PLACI is completed and release two, which will include testing of all operational scenarios, will be launched in 2023.

3 United Kingdom

The United Kingdom adopted the Pre-Loading Data Informed Cargo Target (PreDICT) Programme, which was projected before Brexit and is using a similar format to the EU’s ICS2 system. The programme has been released in 4 stages, and instigating initial data provider connections are now being introduced to the system. Until now, participating in the four stages of the program has been voluntary, however, by the end of 2023, the participation in PReDICT will likely be mandatory.

4 . Canada

Canada has been involved in the PLACI initiative ever since WCO ICAO guidance was issued. It is currently in the pilot phase of its new regulatory security scheme, the Pre-Loading Air Cargo Targeting (PACT), for air freight filing. An initiative is operated by Transport Canada (TC) to identify and mitigate risks to aviation, the pilot project of which is currently ongoing and is expected to be mandated by the end of 2023.

The draft legislation is expected to become available by the end of this year with a 75-day comment period. The deployment window is expected to be from Spring 2023 until autumn/winter 2023. Transport Canada has noted that the codes and messages will be almost identical to ones used for the US ACAS. The PLACI programmes in Canada, the UK and the UAE do not currently allow for self-filing, which may be considered in the future. FIATA is closely following the development of these new regulations and supporting its members with the support of the CAI-ABSS taskforce on Advanced Cargo Information and input from the other transport modes as relevant.

Published courtesy of FIATA. This briefing was originally published in the FIATA Review, which presents a global outlook on transport and logistics developments, as well as the latest news from the FIATA secretariat and its members.

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UK FOOD CRISIS WILL GET WORSE UNLESS SUPPLY CHAIN GETS MORE CARE

The UK food supply chain is vulnerable to more shocks and lessons must be learned. The UK's shortage of tomato, cucumber and peppers could spiral into something even more serious. The causes are multiple, but it's important to understand there are both short-term direct causes and underlying problems which magnify the impact of these direct effects. In fact, you can liken the challenges to peeling an onion. A vegetable which isn't in short supply! At the outer layer, you have weather conditions in certain regions such as southern Spain, labour shortages in the UK and quite possibly a Brexit effect. Peel off that layer, and there is the policy of fixed pricing and small margins accruing to farmers. As Henry Dimbleby, advisor to the government on food strategy in England, said, a "weird supermarket culture" involving fixed pricing is a partial explanation. And, as a survey from Sustain found, UK farmers often only make a one per cent profit from the food they produce. But peel off that level, and the onion's core reveals an approach to managing the supply chain which puts insufficient emphasis on robustness and resilience. It is vital that food retailers not only thoroughly audit their supply chain, but take a holistic view and apply more robust risk assessment. Food supply must always be 100 per cent secure. A shortage of tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers is one thing, but insufficient resilience of the food supply chain could lead to wider food shortages, which would be disastrous. In short, the food supply chain needs more care, or food shortages will become an ever more common problem.

Oliver Chapman, CEO of supply chain specialists OCI

PELI BIOTHERMAL LAUNCHES FURTHER ADDITIONS TO COMPANY’S CRĒDO CUBE™ DRY ICE RANGE

Expansion of Crēdo™ product portfolio to include deep frozen applications optimised to minimise amount of dry ice required without sacrificing superior thermal performance

Peli BioThermal, the life science industry’s partner from discovery to distribution, announced an expansion of its renowned reusable Crēdo™ shipper range providing deep frozen payload protection.

The extensive Crēdo Cube™ Dry Ice portfolio will ease current dry ice shortages significantly impacting the pharmaceutical logistics industry. The additional products will help meet the growing demand to transport temperature-sensitive biologics and time-sensitive cell and gene therapies safely to patients.

Peli BioThermal’s comprehensive range of five new Crēdo Cube Dry Ice shippers deliver deep frozen payload protection for durations of up to and often exceeding 144 hours. The range of shippers offers payload volumes between 1.8 litres to 55 litres and a temperature of minus 80 degrees Celsius to minus 60 degrees Celsius.

By utilising the tried and tested VIP (Vacuum Insulation Panels) technology pioneered by Crēdo Cube shippers, dry ice sublimation will be minimised, while ensuring correct temperature control at all phases of distribution. Additionally, Crēdo Cube’s excellent payload to volume ratio means less dry ice is required, which helps lower operation and transport costs.

With dry ice shortages causing issues within the supply chain infrastructure, our Crēdo Cube Dry Ice range can help address this ongoing problem. The product’s highly efficient VIP insulation reduces and in some cases eliminates the need for in-transit topping up of dry ice, which reduces cost and the potential for temperature excursions. Together with the legendary high-performance, reliability and reusability of Crēdo Cube, users can feel confident that their high-value, life-saving pharmaceuticals and biologics will arrive at their destination in perfect condition.

Lee Stopher, Product Manager, Peli BioThermal

The new deep-frozen solutions are ideal for short-term vaccine storage, courier transport of vaccines from freezer farm hubs to immunisation locations and daily vaccine replenishment to remote and rural areas.

To learn more about Peli BioThermal and the company’s wide range of products and offerings, visit www.pelibiothermal.com.

SEVEN WAYS TO OPTIMISE THE END-TO-END SUPPLY CHAIN

Maximising efficiency and profitability across the supply chain is a moving target for supply chain managers.

Faced with ever-changing customer demands and economic influences, even the most sophisticated end-to-end supply chains will require continual improvements. Wouter Satijn, Sales Director, Joloda Hydraroll, says optimisation can be achieved by frequently revisiting these seven important questions:

1

Do I know my tier-2 suppliers?

Supply chain managers should always keep in mind the chain doesn’t begin with the company’s suppliers. Instead, it begins with their suppliers’ suppliers – the ones providing them with raw materials, components and possibly services. It’s essential to know who these suppliers are, their products, their costs, and their lead times, as this knowledge can be leveraged to negotiate volume pricing.

2 Could I negotiate supplier costs of goods?

A deal may have already been negotiated with suppliers, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be renegotiated if they have optimised their internal processes. Suppliers are constantly looking for ways to reduce their costs, so it should be possible for supply chain managers to renegotiate the year-over-year costs (to an order of 3-5%) built into the agreement with them.

3

Is demand information shared with all suppliers?

Suppliers will do their best to provide what’s needed, but they will do so by spending as little money as possible.

If a company and its suppliers aren’t sharing demand information, there’s a risk they might not have access to enough supplies. The opposite could also be true, and suppliers might be holding too much inventory. If that’s the case, they have overspent while trying to meet demand. As a result, whether it’s communicated or not, that cost will be passed on.

It’s important to understand the financial implications of both situations, which means knowing what to revise and cancel down. A supplier’s lead times should be checked frequently to ensure they can still react to any changes in the order.

4

How could customer demand planning be sharper?

Although customers seem to know what they want and when, correct customer demand planning can show otherwise. Customer forecasts are a good starting point, but their needs can be understood and planned for so much better with market analysis, a look at their history, seasonality, the competitive landscape and more. This robust type of planning can also help lower costs in the supply chain.

5

Are inventory records accurate?

Warehouse management systems are an excellent way to keep an accurate inventory record, but physical checks are still recommended. Regular, systematic cycle counts, and physical inventories are the only way to ensure complete accuracy. Without this, there’s a higher likelihood of shipping products to customers late or buying in stock that isn’t needed.

6 Could risk management improve?

Planning is crucial. A lot can go wrong in a supply chain, and that risk needs to be managed. That means having a standard plan, a backup plan, and even a backup plan for the backup plan. Being as prepared as possible by planning for any event will help keep things moving and stop the company from

losing money when things don’t go according to plan. To prepare for instances of extreme weather, for instance, it’s necessary to plan alternative routes or identify alternative carriers in advance.

7

In what ways could supply chain logistics be optimised?

Supply chain managers should frequently consider individual logistics processes and their impact on the overall efficiency of the supply chain. For example, could and should that process be automated? How could it affect productivity, efficiency, customer service and cost savings? It can sometimes surprise supply chain managers to hear, but automating the loading and unloading of trucks transporting their goods between the factories and warehouses rates very highly across these criteria. For one thing, automated handling of pallets drastically reduces the risk of delays in service, accidents, and damage during loading or unloading. It saves thousands of arduous man hours and eliminates the need for costly forklift trucks altogether. What’s more, with a faster and more reliable loading and unloading process, fewer trucks are needed to transport the required number of pallets per day. This results in less time lost to idling and more time gained for strategising, such as adapting routes to possible traffic restrictions, avoiding peak traffic hours, or adjusting the service schedule to the most productive internal workflows.

Demands on supply chains are constantly evolving, but keeping these seven questions front of mind can help ensure their continual optimisation. In doing so, supply chain managers could unlock huge savings from supplier costs, inefficient manual processes, inventory mismanagement and more.

CRISIS RESPONSE

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ACTION, NOT WORDS, TO DEAL WITH FRESH PRODUCE SHORTAGES

Precisely a year ago, we predicted ‘that the worst was yet to come’ appealing for urgent action to be taken to enable those involved in the food supply chain to deliver a seamless, timely service to maintain the supply of essential products. And even before that, in December 2021, PML issued a stark warning that the dire challenges facing businesses operating in the food and drink supply chain needed to be addressed if we didn’t want to see empty supermarket shelves, citing, This country is in for a very bumpy ride in the foreseeable future. Don’t believe the politicians who refer to a 24-point plan or strategize that research is underway to address the problems. The supply chain industry needs properly planned solutions, not knee-jerk reactions to every crisis.

And yet here we are. National newspapers are reporting on the fact that supermarkets are facing severe shortages of salad crops, especially tomatoes but also including cucumbers, lettuce and peppers, in addition to broccoli and citrus fruits, all grown overseas in countries such as Spain, Egypt, the Netherlands and Morocco.

There are myriad factors affecting the supply chain issue including unexpected weather conditions, rising energy bills influencing the volume of crops grown under glass, increased costs of transportation due to rocketing fuel and airport handling costs – and then there is of course the minor matter of Brexit. We are currently in Dubai at the Gulfood exhibition and the message that we are repeatedly hearing on the ground is that producers are simply not interested in shipping fresh produce to the UK because of the unacceptable cost of transportation, coupled with the unprecedented level of paperwork and well documented extensive delays associated with imported goods.

In November it was noted that the country was squaring up to a costof-living crisis with food prices increasing at the fastest rate since 1977 (in November, ONS reported a 16.4% hike in prices). The price of food being imported in from in and outside the EU is increasing twice as quickly as what the UK produces domestically, by more than a third over the last 12 months. While it is important to support UK growers, the reality is that the UK climate does not allow for year-round supply of certain fresh produce. And when supply is low, prices go up and quality can be compromised. So, consumers could be paying more for inferior goods, and that is when they can access them…

During the pandemic, the logistics firms responsible for ensuring the continued distribution of food and drink were hailed as heroes, gaining the well-earned recognition of other essential workers. Now the firms that worked tirelessly throughout the Covid restrictions, the companies that were landed with the nightmare task of helping clients navigate their way through the new Brexit related customs protocols are facing unrealistic, unfair and untenable trading conditions.

If the government wishes to maintain the transfer of fresh fruit and vegetables into the UK via air and road – the most viable option given the perishable nature of the consignment, a cap on charges made for handling fresh produce should be considered as a priority. Only then will consumers be able to access – and afford to pay - for the foods that are so pivotal to a healthy diet. And only then will the industry stand any chance of survival.

We want to see less meaningless whitewash from the government and more action. What else can we do to ensure our voice is heard? Go on strike as per those working in the public sector? Our commitment to our customers will not allow us to do that but seriously, when will the government pay heed to the warnings issued by those operating at the coalface?

By Mike Parr, PML (Perishable Movements Ltd)

CRISIS RESPONSE EXPERTS

UKRAINE’S 400,000 TRANSPORT WORKERS KEPT UKRAINE MOVING ...THEY DESERVE PEACE

Unions call for peace, urge Russia and Ukraine to reopen talks. Transport workers raised $0.6m to support refugees, children. Concern at attacks on workers’ rights.

At the one-year anniversary of the onset of Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, the world’s transport unions are urging Russia and Ukraine back to the negotiating table to broker a lasting peace.

Peace is urgently needed by Ukraine’s 400,000 transport workers. After a year of death, disruption, and despondence – Ukraine’s transport workers deserve peace. The ITF and ETF have stood steadfast in solidarity with the working people who have been drawn into this conflict. This is not their war.

Paddy Crumlin, President, the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF)

Even in times of war, our Ukrainian transport workers kept their country on the move, saving millions of their compatriots' lives by transporting them away from battle zones or by supplying essential goods. Hundreds of these workers lost their lives or lost their children to this war. Ukraine’s transport workers have sacrificed everything. We pay tribute to them.

Frank Moreels, President, European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF)

Tens of thousands of transport workers have volunteered for or been conscripted into the armed forces of both Ukraine and Russia. Local unions report 9,000 railway workers have enlisted in the Ukrainian military in last year, while a further 8,400 seafarers have counted amongst the country’s ranks at some time in the last year.

353 railway workers have been killed in the fighting or its crossfire so far, say Ukraine’s railway unions. 819 rail workers have been injured, 11 taken prisoner by Russian forces and a further 32 remain ‘missing’. Heartbreakingly, 200 children of railway workers are left without parents.

We mourn the loss of all transport workers taken by this horrific war and we pay our respects to their families, their communities and their unions. Peace must be restored so transport workers and the people of Ukraine can rebuild their lives and plan for the future. As long as war rages on, the toll taken on workers will only rise.

Stephen Cotton, General Secretary, ITF

One year ago, when the war began, the world was shocked. This conflict has changed the lives of Ukrainians forever. But its impact goes much further, affecting all working people throughout Europe, and transport workers especially. This war benefits no one, and the EU should further explore all avenues available to them to stop the war in Ukraine.

Livia Spera , General Secretary, ITF

Transport workers keep Ukraine moving

Even in the eye of the storm, amid this invasion with a big target on their back, transport workers have kept Ukraine moving.

ITF’s

Paddy Crumlin

In the last year railway workers have evacuated four million Ukrainians by rail, including getting over a million children to safety. Ukraine’s dockers have shipped vital grain supplies to feed the world and support Ukraine’s economy. Ukrainian seafarers, critical to the operation of global supply chains, have sent home much-needed funds to families and communities disrupted by war.

Ukraine’s ports, railway lines, and road supply routes: effectively the workplaces of transport workers, have been a consistent target of military forces.

Transport workers have been under particular threat during this conflict, said Crumlin. With confirmed and unconfirmed reports of civilian transport infrastructure being targeted by military intending to shut down or seizing control of these assets, he said.

Some docks have reopened, primarily in the south, and almost exclusively to handle grain. They do so under the protection of the United Nations’ Black Sea Grain Initiative. Russia’s shaky adherence to the trilateral agreement with Ukraine and neighbour Türkiye leaves dockers and crew aboard visiting ships mindful that their workplace could be a warzone at any moment.

Unions renewed calls for everything possible to be done to end the war in Ukraine.

The world is in chaos, but it’s not because of transport workers. We have kept our end of the social contract – it’s now for national leaders need to do their job and secure lasting peace, said ITF’s Cotton.

All parties, including Russia and Ukraine, as well as across Europe and the NATO States, must do all in their power to de-escalate tensions and seek a peaceful, diplomatic end to this crisis. The UN must play its part to brokering talks. There can be no peace without dialogue.

In the following 12 months, donations to the solidarity fund exceeded half a million US dollars (GBP £493,550, USD $592,129). ITF and ETF then worked alongside Ukrainian unions, coordinating the purchase and distribution of thousands of food parcels, hygiene products, first aid and burns kits, amongst transport workers’ families.

Affiliated unions in Ukraine are the Marine Transport Workers’ Trade Union of Ukraine (MTWTU), the Trade Union of Railwaymen and Transport Construction Workers of Ukraine (TURWTCU), and the Free Trade Union of Locomotive Engineers of Ukraine.

As winter approached in 2022, unions focused on supplying Ukrainians in need with diesel generators, stoves, waterproof socks, and heaters. Included in their shipments, unions have sent children’s books and toys for workers’ families. However, there remains concern as Ukraine’s rail unions warn thousands of displaced children are still yet to be homed.

ETF’s Livia Spera recalls the mood amongst unions at the time:

In times of need, there is no time for hesitation! We gathered fast and helped our Ukrainian transport workers and their families. A strong wave of solidarity spread rapidly across Europe, which enabled us to organise substantial humanitarian aid for Ukraine. We will continue to offer further support; we will double our efforts to raise more funds, focusing on long-term support, as requested by our Ukrainian comrades. We have not forgotten them, nor will we.

Workers around the world remain defiant in opposition to Russia’s invasion. They have repeatedly demonstrated their solidarity with the people of the Ukraine and contempt for Putin’s aggression, said Crumlin.

The outbreak of war in Europe has seen transport workers engaged in one of the greatest outpourings of solidarity in trade union history. Across the globe, millions of transport workers have come together to demand peace, to send support, to send supplies, to condemn violence, to renew friendships with our Ukrainian sisters and brothers.

ITF and ETF transport unions came together to establish a solidarity fund to coordinate relief efforts from their affiliates and provide transport workers from across the globe with a practical way they could help.

Workers’ rights must not become collateral damage

There can be no social justice for workers in Ukraine without peace, said ETF’s Moreels. Let us be clear: the sacrifice of Ukraine's transport workers should not be repaid by their government destroying their rights. We are putting Ukraine's decision-makers on notice that the international union movement is alive to the so-called 'reforms' and privatisation schemes being pursued under the political cover provided by this war, and we won't accept it. Ukrainian workers' rights must not become collateral damage in this war. Ukrainian transport workers deserve better. They deserve peace and justice. They deserve bread, and roses, too.

"Historic outpouring of solidarity" as unions raise $.6m to help

WARNINGS ON CLIMATE CHANGE EXTREMELY CONCERNING SAYS LOGISTICS UK

ABOUT LOGISTICS UK

Following warnings from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Michelle Gardner, Deputy Director of Policy at Logistics UK, comments:

Warnings from the IPCC that catastrophic environmental impacts are rapidly becoming inevitable are extremely concerning, as are their warnings that it is “now or never” to take drastic action to avoid disaster. The logistics industry is keen to play its part in ensuring it reaches net-zero targets, with decarbonisation a high priority for members across the sector. For many years the logistics industry has been working together to review possibilities for modal shift and to participate in trials, share new ideas and adopt greener technologies. However, further support is required from government, if industry is to meet these ambitious goals.

Figures released by the Department for Transport (DfT) showed that as of October 2022, the total number of public electric vehicle chargepoints across the UK was 34,637. This falls woefully short of the 300,000 target the DfT has set for 2030, and it is vital that the pace of public charging installation increases to ensure targets are met in time for the phase-out dates of diesel and petrol vans and cars. It is also crucial that commercial vehicles – which typically require larger bays, longer reaching cables and a rapid-charging ability – are considered throughout installation to ensure that the logistics industry can continue to efficiently deliver to every sector of the UK economy.

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s leading business 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. With decarbonisation, 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. Logistics UK 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.

For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit logistics.org.uk

There is also a current lack of clarity regarding the best transition method for heavier vehicles, including low carbon fuels (LCFs), overhead electric cables on key routes and hydrogen. While trials are underway, these will take time and as a result, the lack of certainty is making it harder for businesses to plan future investment, especially as significant infrastructure will be needed to support alternative fuels and technologies. Logistics UK will continue to work with its members, and government, to seek solutions.

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RECRUITMENT & TRAINING

Organisations and bodies that provide and train staff for the freight and logistics industries.

Related topics

Certification

Organic growth

Safety awareness

Sponsored by

UK INTRODUCES NEW ELECTRIC VEHICLE TRAINING COURSE

Logistics UK is delighted to announce its new portfolio of Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Training courses which cover safety awareness, preparing the vehicle for repairs and carrying out system repairs and component replacements. The safety awareness online course is now live on Logistics UK’s website and is designed to support members as the transition to electric and hybrid vehicles continues to accelerate.

The decarbonisation agenda remains a significant focus for operators, and it is imperative that their safety continues to take priority. The introductory half-day online safety awareness course is mapped to the IMI Level 1 Award in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle qualification content and will enable learners to continue to work safely within their role following the transition. This webinar will benefit professional drivers, fleet managers, vehicle sales/hire company personnel who operate Public Service Vehicles (PSVs), Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), Fleets or Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs).

The move to electric vehicles is well underway, and while much focus has been placed on ensuring the correct infrastructure is in place, it is also vital that safety is considered. Logistics UK is thrilled to offer these courses which will include expert advice and training conducted from highly qualified and quality-assured engineers.

With Logistics UK’s engineering technical training, your organisation will benefit from industry’s best by ensuring your vehicles remain safe and cost effective. These brand-new courses will introduce the knowledge of safe working practices, the dangers surrounding electric/hybrid vehicles, and the precautions required to avoid potential injury when near these types of vehicles. Logistics UK hopes that providing these courses will help reduce the safety risk when working with these vehicles.

David Jordan, Deputy Operations Director – Services, Logistics UK

LEADING LOGISTICS OPERATOR INVESTS IN TEAM

Skills shortages and an ageing workforce across the logistics sector mean that staff retention as well as recruitment are essential in maintaining good supply chains countrywide.

A recent report from Skills Dynamic found that 48 per cent of senior supply chain officials across the UK and US were most worried about the loss of critical skills in the industry. At the forefront of sector innovation, leading logistics operator Europa Worldwide Group has recently combined its internal Human Resources (HR) and Recruitment teams to make one new, dynamic team capable of supporting the expanding international firm.

With over five years of experience at Europa, Vanita Dass-Puri has been promoted to head up the expanded HR & Recruitment Team, bringing 15 years of experience to the role. As Head of HR & Recruitment, Vanita now leads a team of 25 professionals based at Europa’s Head Office in Dartford, as well as the Human Resources Business Partners (HRBP’s) based locally at Europa’s 26 sites in the UK, Europe and internationally.

These HRBPs seamlessly blend the overarching HR function into all operational teams; enabling better staff engagement and stronger business partnerships through facilitating, supporting, and empowering team members across Europa.

On the appointment, Tom Jenkins, Central Services Director, commented:

We are delighted that Vanita has been promoted to become our first Head of HR & Recruitment, ensuring a more seamless experience for new team members joining Europa Worldwide Group, as well as supporting existing staff. Vanita has been with Europa for over five years and has made a great impression during that time, from innovatively recruiting in the middle of Covid, to helping support our international growth and expansion. She has done a brilliant job of supporting business growth through her leadership and development of the recruitment team and ensuring all vacancies are filled by the inhouse team.

The change will join up and improve the Europa employee journey as Recruitment, HR, Payroll, Learning and Development will all be part of one structure and one team supporting employees from their very first interview through to their first annual appraisal and throughout the continuous career development that currently sees an employee promoted every week at the business.

As part of the restructure other promotions include: Dee Hayward to Recruitment Manager, Paige Humphris who promoted to HR Business Partner supporting the Southern Branch Region. In addition, Luke Stephens has been seconded to the Learning and Development (L&D) team, as Learning and Development Specialist and Yasmin Parris has joined the Europa team HR Operations Assistant.

Europa has also recently welcomed three new members in the team – Claire French, who has joined as Recruitment Partner, Tara Omed, who has joined as L&D Partner and Nicola Bush who joins as an HRBP.

Europa Worldwide Group is an ambitious independent logistics operator with three divisions, Europa Road, Europa Air & Sea, and Europa Warehouse, and has been featured in The Sunday Times Top Track 250 for three years. Europa has invested £5 million in its innovative market-leading product, Europa Flow, providing a frictionless flow of goods between the EU and the UK post Brexit. The group employs over 1,400 people with 26 offices in the UK, and the Republic of Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands and internationally in Hong Kong, China and the UAE. The global operator recently reported a record turnover of £316m for the last 12 months, as of August 2022, and remains on track with its ambitious investment programme.

Palletways member, Speed Welshpool, has invested more than £½million to expand its fleet to help reduce its impact on the environment and recruit and retain the best drivers in the industry.

The investment, which comes less than two years after it ploughed £1.1m into new equipment, has led Speed Welshpool to add four heavy-duty Scania trucks to its fleet, alongside the 26 HGV’s, 29 trailers and eight vans it already uses to deliver freight around the Mid-Wales/ Shropshire region.

Speed Welshpool’s managing director, George Edwards, said: This investment comes as we celebrate our biggest year yet as our turnover exceeded £8m and our operating profit totalled more than £1m for the first time. While our previous vehicles were just a couple of years old, they were starting to show their age. We trialled numerous vehicles and listened carefully to the feedback from our existing drivers before we chose the new models. Scania vehicles are ‘driver trucks’ and with the words ‘driver shortage’ continuing to be in the news, it was important to invest in state-of-the-art equipment to help attract and retain the best drivers in the area.

George added that anyone in the logistics industry has a duty to operate in an eco-friendlier way. He continued: As you’d expect, the majority of our CO2 emissions are caused by our fleet which is why we’re constantly

reviewing ours in a bid to help reduce our impact on the environment.

Scania has won the ‘Green Truck’ award for its industry leading efficiency and green credentials for six consecutive years. Our new models meet the toughest, latest emissions regulations, boast improved fuel economy yet are powerful enough to pull the heavier loads we predominantly carry such as FMCG products to supermarket shelves. I’m delighted to invest back into the business to ensure we have the best possible equipment for our drivers, customers and environment.

Speed Welshpool is one of over 120 independent transport providers that are part of the Palletways UK network, belonging to Imperial, a DP World company. They benefit from shared expertise and resources from within the group to deliver consignments of palletised freight to market faster and more cost-effectively than ever before. The Palletways Group, renowned for its industry-leading IT developments and operational systems, comprises 450+ depots and 20 hub operations, through which it provides collection and distribution services across 24 European countries, including the UK.

MARCH 2023 | Source: PALLETWAYS

PALLETWAYS MEMBERS’

£½M FLEET INVESTMENT TO REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT & RECRUIT DRIVERS

WOMEN IN AVIATION & LOGISTICS LAUNCHES SECOND MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME

Following the success of its first mentoring programme in 2022, WAL has relaunched its initiative that aims to support the career aspirations of women professionals and reduce the gender gap in aviation and logistics

Women in Aviation and Logistics (WAL) has launched its second mentorship programme today, bringing 51 industry professionals together for four months of experience sharing and learning.

The initiative, which brings together 27 mentor-mentee pairs, includes eight men and 43 women participants from diverse professional backgrounds, including airlines, airports, freight forwarders, IT solution providers, and trade associations.

The second WAL mentorship programme is made possible thanks to sponsorship support from Airblox, IBS Software, and Strike Aviation.

We are delighted to relaunch our successful mentoring programme, which delivered tremendous value to the participants last year. We are proud to see that among this year’s participants, we have a number of programme alumni who decided to rejoin, including three former mentees who grew stronger in their roles and are coming back as mentors, as well as nine returning mentors.

Céline Hourcade, co-Founder, WAL; Founder & Managing Director, Change Horizon

Key goals for the female mentees are accelerating professional development, defining a career strategy, and learning from industry leaders.

Mentors will share their knowledge and expertise, and the scheme will help improve gender diversity in the industry by empowering future air cargo leaders.

The WAL mentorship programme is a tangible example of how, by working together, we can initiate change.

Emma Murray, co-Founder, WAL; Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Meantime Communications.

“The programme is enabling people from across the globe and across different sectors in the industry to come together, learn from each other, and build lasting relationships to the benefit of our community.”

This year’s mentorship includes professionals with expertise in finance, pricing and revenue optimisation, sales, communication, and sustainable business strategies, to name just a few.

Last year’s mentorship programme proved valuable not only to the mentees, but a number of mentors also reported learning from their mentees through so-called reverse mentorship as well.

The relationships formed during the first mentoring programme have outlasted the initial scheme, showing the long-lasting value of networking and mentorship overall.

RECRUITMENT & TRAINING APPOINTMENTS

WELCOMING IN

GERAINT EVANS

TO

UK MAJOR PORTS GROUP

C.E.O.

POSITION OF UK MAJOR PORTS GROUP APPOINTS NEW C.E.O. GERAINT EVANS

The UK Major Ports Group (“UKMPG”), the trade association for the UK’s major port operators, has appointed former UK Government Special Adviser Geraint Evans as the organisation’s new Chief Executive Officer.

UKMPG is the trade body that speaks for the UK’s largest port operators who, between them provide the gateways for 75% of UK trade, and invest £500million per annum in UK ports and infrastructure. Evans will join the UKMPG in May from the global consulting firm, Stonehaven where he was a Partner. Prior to Stonehaven, Evans served as a Special Adviser under three consecutive prime ministers – David Cameron, Theresa May and latterly Boris Johnson.

Evans brings extensive experience of Whitehall departments and Parliament having been an early champion of the ‘Levelling Up’ agenda and arrives at the UKMPG having been at the centre of British politics during a historic period of three general elections and an EU referendum in five years.

Commenting on his appointment as CEO, Geraint Evans said: “It is a privilege to be joining the UK Major Ports Group as Chief Executive at such a crucial time for the UK’s economic outlook. Our major ports across the country are central to a growing and sustainable economy. As many key parts of our economy transition, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to support our major ports in helping the UK deliver sustainable economic growth across the country.”

“We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Geraint Evans as the CEO of UKMPG. Geraint has extensive experience of operating within Government at the highest levels and has a proven track record of developing and influencing policy. We look forward to welcoming Geraint to UKMPG, at this crucial time, when the role of ports is continuing to adapt to support the UK economy transition to a low carbon future.”

Charles Hammond, Chairman, OBE Major Ports Group

CONTAINERIZATION & INTERMODAL INSTITUTE

JAHAN BYRNE MEMBER OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CONTAINERIZATION & INTERMODAL INSTITUTE ELECTS

JAHAN BYRNE OF MATSON

LOGISTICS TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Containerization and Intermodal Institute (CII) announces that Jahan Byrne has been elected to CII’s Board of Directors. Byrne brings with him a wealth of supply chain leadership expertise built on a solid foundation in sales, business development, brand management and marketing.

As CII enters its 63rd year, we welcome Jahan as our newest board member with the full knowledge that he will bring new insights and energy that will elevate our mission of promoting and supporting the business of international trade and the intermodal container transportation community.

Steven

Blust

, President, CII

Byrne, who has over 28 years of industry experience, is the Director of Corporate Marketing at Matson Logistics, a top 25 3PL and supply chain solutions provider that is part of the Matson Group. He oversees the global branding and marketing operations for the business.

Based in San Francisco, Byrne has held various leadership positions in sales, marketing, and brand management for several maritime transportation and logistics firms, including American President Lines, Horizon Lines, National Shipping, and the Pasha Group. He was also in charge of the commercial development projects at the Port of Oakland.

From its inception in 1960, CII’s mission has been to promote and support international commerce and the intermodal container transportation sector as well as recognize supply chain and academic excellence. In fact, CII’s scholarship program which was established in 1992, has awarded nearly one million dollars to deserving students seeking careers in the sector, as well as institutions that are developing future leaders.

The CII leadership team includes: President, Steve Blust of Blust Intermodal Advisors; First Vice President, Chris Brooks of The Journal of Commerce; Second Vice President, Michael J. DiVirgilio of MJ DiVirgilio & Associates; Treasurer, Michael Mendoza of OEC Group; secretary, Cate Avolio of the International Longshoremen’s Association. Barbara Yeninas is Senior Advisor. Lisa Aurichio is Executive Director.

& TRAINING WELCOME

WELCOME TO THE TEAM

WELCOMING

HEADFORD UK

IN THE POSITION OF

SAID LAMRI RECRUITMENT CONSULTANT, NORTH UK

ABOUT ME

Iam a young, motivated individual with an entrepreneurial mindset. I have been in the sales industry for over 2 years starting my sales route doing door-to-door at 17 selling charities and gas and electric whilst in college then moving onto doing event sales and contacting fortune 500 senior executives where I was able to learn how to communicate formally with industry leading experts.

EXPERIENCE

Delegate Sales Executive/ Direct Marketing Brand Ambassador.

INTERESTS

Playing competative basketball games especially 1-on-1 games and I have a massive passion for travelling European countries.

ABOUT ME

Have some experience in IT

recruitment, play rugby and in to fitness. Relevant experience:

Studied digital marketing and have done recruitment before

INTERESTS

Rugby, Fitness, hiking

FAVOURITE ANIMAL

Barbary Lion

INTERESTING FACT

Vending machines are bigger threats to humanity than sharks You're twice as likely to be killed by a vending machine than a shark, according to the New England Aquarium. So when is Discovery Channel premiering their ‘Vending Machine Week?’

GET IN TOUCH...

+44 (0)1454 275 944 said@headfordgroup.com

CALLUM RANDALL

RECRUITMENT CONSULTANT, SOUTH UK

FAVOURITE ANIMAL dog

GET IN TOUCH...

+44 (0)1454 628 775 mark@forwarder.events

HEADFORD UK

The leading job board for the global freight industry

VACANCIES

A LITTLE ABOUT THE APPOINTMENT

I have been living in Bristol for six years. This city is amazing. The culture and sport are everywhere.

I love walking in the countryside and enjoying some time with my friends in the pub. Love fish 'n'

'Give to get' is my Motto. In my previous experience in sales, one of my customers was not happy at all because we hadn’t changed his phone number. I was new to a company and he started to shout a me. I made sure I changed everything he would like to change ASAP and he eventually became my

I have a sales background in France and in England. I have a passion for my job. I like to connect people and make sure they will get on well and do a great

Recruitment is an exciting sector. You learn every single day.

Frenchie

man. I like walking, running, visiting

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RECRUITMENT & TRAINING VACANCIES

FEATURED POSITION

WHAT WHERE

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

WHO

KERRY LOGISTICS

SCOTLAND, UK

Kerry Logistics are currently recruiting for a Commercial Director to work in a busy Freight Forwarding Kerry Logistics Office based in our Glasgow office.

HOURS

8:00am – 4:00pm Monday to Friday, 45min lunch 9:00am – 5:00pm Monday to Friday, 45min lunch 10:00am – 6:00pm Monday to Friday, 45min lunch

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

Reporting directly to the Managing Director for KLUK, the candidate must be able to demonstrate extensive experience and an excellent track record working within senior Management roles within a Freight Forwarding/Logistics environment. With an extensive knowledge of both Freight forwarding (Sea and Air) and Supply Chain Solutions, the candidate must have proven experience in developing new business opportunities through effective management of industry solutions and customer service teams across the UK.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS ROLE

• Developing and implementing commercial strategies according to company objectives and time frames aiming to accelerate growth

• Conducting market research and analysis to create detailed business plans on commercial opportunities

• Managing and developing National Supply Chain Solutions (SCS) Team

• Managing and developing National Customer Services Team.

• Development of a new business portfolio of Key Accounts

• Budgetary responsibility by setting realistic financial targets and objectives, monitoring performance on an ongoing basis and taking corrective actions where appropriate

• Retention and development of existing customers to maximise business opportunities and monitor customer satisfaction.

• Key Account Management for high profile/high volume accounts

• Tradelane development - engaging with overseas colleagues both in Asia and in areas where the network is expanding to develop relationships and secure new business opportunities

• Performance Development Reviews - to conduct PDR’s with specific staff and to monitor performance on an ongoing basis

REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS ROLE

• Proven experience as Commercial Director or other relevant role between 5-10+ years of experience

• >5-10+ years’ experience managing large teams, excelling in sales, and participating in business development initiatives

• Proven experience in sales and/or marketing and managing relationships with key clients

• In-depth understanding of market research methods and analysis

• Solid knowledge of performance reporting and financial processes

• Commercial awareness partnered with a strategic mindset

• Excellent organizational and leadership skills

• Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities

• Ability to demonstrate exemplary project management skills

• Analytic and problem-solving skills, which require a practical numbers-oriented mind

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Fulfil Companies strategic plans and objectives

• Improve GP through developing effective Supply Chain Solutions

• Achieve the annual GP and volume growth targets

• Improve customer retention

VACANCIES

FEATURED POSITION

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

KERRY LOGISTICS

SOUTH & MIDLANDS, UK

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Creating and implementing an annual business plan and to achieve your annual budget requirements, this will include implementation of strategy and identification of target markets to secure new business. Targets will be reviewed monthly with the New business GP report.

• Developing agreed markets and new products with the aim of increasing profitable turnover through diversification of services.

• Implementing processes for prospect management and customer follow-up to assure that all potential customers are handled in a manner conducive to maximizing the company’s goals for sales penetration, profitability, and customer loyalty.

• New business target of minimum x 3 salary, 8 appointments per week minimum.

• New Customer Transition: once a client has been successfully gained it is the responsibility of the sales representative to ensure that a new customer report (NCR) or SOP is completed outlining all of the customer’s key requirements as well as services and prices for each new client.

GENERAL

• Adhering to all policies outlined in the Employee Handbook

• Adhering to all HR and Health and Safety policies

• Performance Development Reviews – to participate in the PDR process and to identify specific training needs

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RECRUITMENT & TRAINING VACANCIES

FEATURED POSITION

WHAT WHERE

WHO

KERRY LOGISTICS

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR MANCHESTER, UK

The key objective is identifying new business opportunities. Cold calling prospective clients to make appointments for the sales representatives. Key responsibilities are maximized. Preparation of quotations, proposals, company literature, PowerPoint presentations and mail shot campaigns. Working as part of the sales team, to feedback market knowledge of rates, products as well as competitor analysis.

• Cold calling is essential on a daily basis to ensure that there are enough new prospects generated to identify any business opportunities.

• Assisting with quotations maybe requested by the sales executive, all quotes must be logged onto the sales database.

• Building a database of prospects by commodity to send out regular mail-shots.

• Appointments must be fully qualified with credit checks, company profile, directions to appointments and client overview form completed with appointment confirmed prior to call.

• Maintaining files of prospects and schedule calls for future opportunities in the sales database.

• Ensuring that all data in the Zoho system is entered correctly and progressed to conclusion.

• Creating a central holding point for all sales information where the sales team can access data, ie presentations, training guides etc.

REPORTING

• Weekly report in conjunction with the sales person outlining new prospects added, appointments secured and weekly overview of the strategy/market conditions etc.

• Pipeline updated with all new prospects and appointments made.

• Monthly report from internal sales meeting format to be developed.

TARGETS

• You will report to the UK Sales Director and will complete monthly sales meetings to report on new business gained.

• You will assist in the weekly sales reports of your sales executive and report your target appointments on a weekly basis.

• Targets will be 8 appointments per week meeting the “Ideal Client” criteria set up in the Sales procedure handbook.

GENERAL

• Adhering to all policies outlined in the Employee Handbook

• Adhering to all HR and Health and Safety policies

• Performance Development Reviews - to participate in the PDR process and to identify specific training needs.

TO APPLY FOR ANY OF THESE ROLES

Please contact Louis at louis@headfordgroup.com or +44 (0)1454 275 934

VACANCIES

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ASIA-BASED DIVERSE GROUP

Kerry Logistics is the master brand of Kerry Logistics Network Limited.

Kerry Logistics Network is an Asia-based, global 3PL with a highly diversified business portfolio and the strongest coverage in Asia. We offer a broad range of supply chain solutions from integrated logistics, international freight forwarding (air, ocean, road, rail and multimodal), e-commerce and express to industrial project logistics and infrastructure investment.

With a global presence across 59 countries and territories, Kerry Logistics Network has established a solid foothold in half of the world’s emerging markets. Our diverse infrastructure, extensive coverage in international gateways and local expertise span across the Mainland of China, India, Southeast Asia, the CIS, Middle East, LATAM and other locations.

Kerry Logistics Network generated a revenue of over HK$81 billion in 2021 and is the largest international logistics company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (Stock Code 0636.HK) as well as a constituent of the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Benchmark Index.

RECRUITMENT & TRAINING

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NATIONAL ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

HAMBURG, GERMANY

Salary: €80,000–€90,000

• Builds successful partnerships with key stakeholders at all levels of customers’ organizations to cultivate relationships and generate revenue opportunities across all FF product and service lines.

• Presents solutions to customers to gain approval of proposals and move forward with the sales process.

• Sells technology solutions (Flex Global View) to customers to secure their business, provide added value to proposals and satisfy business needs.

GATEWAY SERVICE SPECIALIST

FRANKFURT, GERMANY

Salary: €50,000–€64,000

Financial analyzes & action plans:

• Accounts payable control and coding

• CASS difference report

• Cost development analyzes

• Statistical reports for management

Drive Operational excellence:

• Process optimization (LOP/SOP adjustments)

• Quality Management (KPI performance)

• Compliance

• Performance reports

• Support to identify training needs and develop training plans

• Development of action plans

Customer Service:

• Coordination between gateway and service centers

• Support Implementation of new customers

• Handling of Customer Complaints

• Develop and promote use of CEP

MULTIMODAL OPERATOR

BIRMINGHAM, UK

• To provide shipping, transport and forwarding expertise across Ocean movements, to build and develop relationships with customers, understanding their needs and requirements. To provide service information, quotations, take bookings and champion the needs of the customer.

• To operate, provide service information, quotations, take bookings and champion the needs of the customer.

• To offer a high standard of customer service, by providing accurate and appropriate information and demonstrating a professional, helpful and positive manner.

PROJECT COORDINATOR

COLNBROOK, UK

• Assist in defining and creating process maps & standard operating procedures

• Update & manage controlled documents

• Carry out various ad hoc project related tasks

• Maintain & update project plans

• Issue & log non-conformance reports

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

MIDLANDS, UK

SALARY: £ 45 ,000

• This is a fantastic opportunity to join a company committed to providing quality, innovation, and value-added logistics services.

• Based at DSV Road Tamworth the successful candidate will cover a designated set of postal codes across either the East or West Midlands region of the UK

VACANCIES

FREIGHT FORWARDING AGENT –CONTROL TOWER KEY ACCOUNT

ATLANTA, GA

SALARY: CIRCA $45 ,000 - $55 ,000

• Provide accurate, timely, and proactive customer service to the Company’s customers as well as effectively communicating and coordinating with internal departments and third parties to meet customer requirements

• Process simple and complex freight forwarding services, while following all government regulations and abiding by company policies and procedures

• Maintains thorough understanding of regulations and laws affecting international transport of cargo

FREIGHT FORWARDING AGENT, REEFER

MIAMI, FL

SALARY: CIRCA $38, 400

• Obtain all necessary information from the customer including weight, dims, container size, temperature, etc. to plan the best and most efficient routing for the shipment via LCL of FCL

• Book the cargo with ocean carrier, trucking companies, warehouse companies, cold storage, etc. as needed for the shipment

• Capable of finding solutions for the customers to their satisfaction, while earning profit for the company

EXPORT MANAGER

REMOTE – EAST COAST/CENTRAL TIME ZONE

HOURS

SALARY: CIRCA $ 80,000 - $ 95 ,000

• Seek the most profitable mode of transportation while meeting the customer’s requirements for the movement of their cargo.

• Proactively identify gaps and contribute to the process of establishing controls resulting in zero compliance issues

• On-board new team members providing them with the proper resources including training on our SOP’s and software tools/systems

OPERATIONS MANAGER

TORONTO, ON

SALARY: CIRCA $55,000 - $65,000

• Leading the Domestic & International Ocean, Air, Inland Freight Forwarding services, you will have responsibility for managing all Ocean, Air and Inland operations and pricing activities. Operations Manager provides planning for, direction to, and controls available resources associated with the timely, damage-free movement of cargo.

• Work closely and support sales and pricing teams, customers and vendors to develop the freight forwarding products Ocean, Air, Inland.

• Monitor company’s or department’s performance, prepare periodically reports for senior management, ensuring compliance with the company’s partner/vendor/country/ government standards and regulations

FOR MORE INFORMATION & TO APPLY, PLEASE FIND THESE ROLES ON

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

The consolidation of companies or assets through various types of financial transactions.

Related topics

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Management buyouts

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Sponsored by F REIGHT

JANSSEN BUYS NORMAN GLOBAL LOGISTICS

Janssen Group of Companies enters the UK logistics market and expands its presence in Asia by the acquisition of Norman Global Logistics

Janssen Group of Companies (Janssen), a provider of logistics services headquartered in the Netherlands, has announced the acquisition of Norman Global Logistics, an air and ocean freight forwarding company based in the UK and Asia. It said the acquisition will enable both companies to leverage their strengths and service reach to enhance customer service and satisfaction.

Norman Global Logistics (Norman), with a team of 126 staff, has been providing air and ocean freight forwarding services for over five decades from its five locations in the UK and seven in Asia. The company has a proven track record of excellence in logistics, providing reliable and efficient services to clients across the UK and Asia , Janssen said, adding that the acquisition by Janssen will enable Norman Global Logistics to leverage Janssen's existing network and resources, providing additional support to its existing clients and extending its reach to new markets.

The European group added, The acquisition of Norman by Janssen brings significant benefits to customers of both companies. With Janssen's extensive experience in distribution, warehousing, fulfilment, air and ocean freight, parcel management and technical installation services, combined with Norman’s strong geographical network in air and ocean freight forwarding, both companies will be able to provide faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective logistics solutions, delivering value to their customers across the UK, Europe and Asia.

This acquisition marks the fifth transaction by Janssen in the past 10 months, reflecting the company's commitment to strategic expansion and growth. Janssen, with the backing of Waterland Private Equity Investments, continues to seek out new opportunities to further

expand its services. The acquisition of Norman represents a significant step forward in this strategy, as a first entry into the UK logistics market and a significant expansion in Asia.

We are excited to welcome Norman to the Janssen family. With this acquisition, we are expanding our geographical reach and enhancing our customer service capabilities. Norman Global Logistics has an excellent reputation in the logistics industry, and we are looking forward to working together to further improve our combined capabilities.

Rob Linders, CEO, Janssen Group of Companies

This is an exciting time for Norman Global Logistics. We are delighted to be joining Janssen Group of Companies and look forward to working together to offer a wider range of services to our clients. With the support of Janssen's network and resources, we are confident that we can continue to grow and provide the same excellent service that our clients expect.

Peter O’Brien, Martin Rue & Stefan Holmqvist, Managing Directors, Norman Global Logistics

Norman stressed that the operations, management and structure of Norman Global Logistics is unchanged and our 100% focus on service and customer commitment will remain at the core of everything we do for you. We look forward to supporting Janssen with our strong geographical network in air and ocean freight forwarding and leveraging their network and resources, to support existing clients and extend into new markets.

Janssen is a provider of logistics solutions, including distribution, warehousing, fulfilment, air and ocean freight, parcel management and technical installation services. From 15 offices at logistical key locations in The Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain and Vietnam, Janssen provides one-stop-shop logistics solutions to its clients.

Will Waters, contributing editor, FORWARDER magazine

GEODIS CONCLUDES THE ACQUISITION OF TRANS-O-FLEX IN GERMANY

GEODIS has announced the finalisation of the acquisition of trans-o-flex, following regulatory approval. trans-o-flex is a leading German network for temperature-controlled pharmaceutical goods and express premium delivery. This acquisition will establish GEODIS as one of the most prominent players in the key market of healthcare and will significantly enhance its delivery capabilities in Europe.

The acquisition of trans-o-flex, the largest temperature-controlled distribution network in Germany specializing in healthcare, accelerates our growth in a key market for GEODIS. We want to enable trans-oflex to consolidate its market position in Germany and expand it in the largest European countries. It forms part of our ambition to develop our global end-to-end logistics solutions in support of our customers’ growth and geographical expansion.

Marie- Christine Lombard, Chief Executive Officer, GEODIS

With this acquisition, GEODIS is adding a wide range of services for time-critical deliveries to its portfolio and offers a fast, reliable and time-definite delivery service in Germany, one of its key geographies.

The addition of trans-o-flex capabilities to the already existing Freight Forwarding and Contract Logistics businesses will strengthen GEODIS’ position in Germany, reaching close to €1,5 billion worth of revenue with more than 3,400 employees. Synergies for both companies will be created by leveraging all of trans-o-flex’s strengths and resources, including its strong brand and the expertise of its existing management team.

trans-o-flex will remain independent and will be run under the leadership of Wolfgang P. Albeck as CEO. The company will operate under a supervisory board chaired by Marie-Christine Lombard, with Christoph Schoeller as deputy chairman. Trans-o-flex will report to the Europe region under the leadership of Thomas Kraus. To ensure commercial synergies, Wolfgang P. Albeck will join the executive board of GEODIS’s Europe region.

We are pleased that trans-o-flex can now start a new, international growth phase. In order to ensure continuity, the entire trans-o-flex management will remain in office. Together we will continue to work on the success story of the Group.

Christoph Schoeller, deputy chairman, trans-o-flex

The focus of the express service, which was founded in 1971 and has established special logistics solutions for the cosmetics, consumer electronics and other sensitive goods sectors in addition to healthcare, is in Germany. Here and in Austria, the company employs almost 2,000 people at 77 network and warehouse locations. In both Austria and in Germany, the company has established its own nationwide network for actively temperature-controlled pharmaceutical transports at 2 to 8° C and 15 to 25° C.

MEDIA & MARKETING

The promotion and dissemination of knowledge and information about products and organisations both externally and internally.

Related topics

Website design

Social media

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Sponsored by

WALKER LOGISTICS BACK WOMEN’S SOCCER WITH SHIRT SPONSORSHIP DEAL

Online fulfilment and supply chain solutions specialist, Walker Logistics, has become the front-of-shirt sponsor for Swindon Town Women football team.

Walker Logistics is already our Player of the Month partner and we are delighted that the company has extended its links with us. Walker will play an important role in the continued growth of our women’s team.

James Watts, Commercial Manager, Swindon Town

Affiliated to Swindon Town FC, Swindon Town Women are members of the Football Association Women’s National League and, in 2023, celebrate the 30th anniversary of their formation.

With the success of the England Women – ‘the Lionesses’ – in last year’s European Championship tournament, women’s football is experiencing a huge surge in popularity and is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK. At Walker Logistics we like to support all sorts of sports so we are very pleased to partner with Swindon Town Women and intend to help the team wherever we can – not only this season, but beyond.

Freddie Gillespie-Walker, Customer Service & Marketing Executive, Walker Logistics

Berkshire-based Walker Logistics offer a range of warehousing, fulfilment and distribution solutions to a diverse client base. The company operates from a 250,000 sq ft multi-client facility close to junction14 of the M4 motorway and is currently in the process of adding a 125,000 sq ft extension to its existing unit to help keep pace with the growing demand for its range of services.

Source: WALKER LOGISTICS

DP WORLD & DELHI CAPITALS ANNOUNCE LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIP

DP World and Indian cricket team Delhi Capitals today announced a long-term partnership. DP World, a leading provider of smart end-to-end logistics, is now the Global Logistics Partner of the popular cricket franchise.

The new multi-year partnership, unveiled today at the Leela Palace Hotel in New Delhi, will see DP World featured prominently on the back of Delhi Capitals official match jerseys as well as training gear.

The partnership extends beyond logistics to a shared vision of highperformance premised on innovation. This vision also resonates well with the Indian capital, New Delhi, a multi-cultural city and a global hub, that like DP World, connects across borders.

Over the years, cricket has transformed itself, with ever evolving formats unlocking enormous potential for players across the world and making the game engaging and exciting for a diverse set of audiences. Similarly, DP World is relentlessly focused on innovation, constantly seeking out new opportunities to revolutionise global trade and open opportunities for our customers to grow. We are delighted to announce this partnership bringing together two leading organisations that are ready to go beyond conventional boundaries to change what’s possible for everyone.

Rizwan Soomar, CEO

& MD India Subcontinent & Sub-Saharan Africa, DP World

DP World, through its world-class multimodal logistics capabilities spread across more than 75 countries, ensures seamless movement of trade around the world, including India. The company plays a critical role in supporting the game of cricket across the world. From transporting the cork of cricket balls to moving the willow that is used for making bats, DP World’s agile, reliable, and transparent supply chain solutions are helping make cricket possible for players across the globe.

We are excited to sign a multi-year partnership with DP World. The organisation is a global leader in logistics and therefore it's a huge privilege for us to have DP World as our Global Logistics Partner. The organisation has a strong global presence, and it will certainly help us grow the Delhi Capitals brand.

Dhiraj Malhotra , CEO, Delhi Capitals

The 2022 T20 season was viewed by over 400 million fans across the globe, making it one of the largest sporting events in the world. Partnering with Delhi Capitals provides DP World with a vibrant platform to engage with customers, prospects, and stakeholders within India and beyond.

The new partnership is part of DP World’s growing global portfolio of cricket partnerships. The company is the title partner of the DP World ILT20 in the UAE, and the naming rights partner of the DP World Lions and the iconic DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. The company also became the title partner of the DP World Asia Cup, that took place in the UAE in 2022.

DP World will begin their exciting journey with Delhi Capitals with one of cricket’s most brilliant minds, Ricky Ponting guiding the team, against Lucknow Super Giants on 1 April 2023. The season will see Delhi Capitals returning home to the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium after 3 years.

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GLOBAL SHIPPERS & HAULIERS JOIN LATEST HGVZERO PROGRAMME TO DRIVE DECARBONISATION OF HGVS

As a founding member of HGVzero, we are excited to welcome new organisations to the group that will enable us to further accelerate our collective ambition to decarbonise fleet logistics. We look forward to exploring some of the detailed challenges facing us as a sector, such as transition fuels and long-term asset projects.

Following the success of HGVzero in 2022, industry leaders in shipping and haulage are meeting today to launch the next, highly anticipated cross-industry action group HGVzero 2023 (HGVzero23) focused on the decarbonisation of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) across the UK and Europe.

The HGVzero23 action group will bring together some of Europe’s leading organisations and founding members of the initial HGVzero cohort, including Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Tesco, XPO Logistics and Stobart, with new members including Diageo, Yusen Logistics, Clugstons, Gregory Distribution, Green 2 Delivery and more, to accelerate the decarbonisation of their collective fleets.

Within the first six months of the programme, HGVzero23 members will continue to address practical challenges, co-develop solutions with support from key industry collaborators and tackle the complex pinch points to progress successful low-carbon HGV rollouts. This will include:

Vehicle technology transition: to map market ready innovations, transition fuel options, maintenance and battery considerations, challenges of multi-modal

Infrastructure deployment: to support charging / Hydrogen infrastructure advancement; required stakeholder engagement, e.g., real estate, energy companies, DNOs

Building the business case: to unpack total cost of ownership, commercial model innovation, opportunities with OEM, hardware, software suppliers

Ian Anderton, Projects & Supply Chain Senior Manager, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners

Being part of this collaborative action group and working with other leading haulage and global shippers to accelerate decarbonisation of HGV transport has already provided immense value to us as an organisation. We are delighted to continue our partnership as a founding member of HGVzero to address critical challenges related to the transition, improve future HGV strategy and take collective action.

Dr Nicholas Head, Head of Sustainability, UK and Ireland for XPO Logistics

We are thrilled to join this challenge-focused action group to not only share our experiences and expertise on our net zero transition to date, but similarly learn from others addressing the same challenges as we are, with the aim of finding solutions that enable us, and the industry, to make practical progress in our collective decarbonisation journey.

Leo Pickford, Head of Business Change, Yusen Logistics

The urgent transition to zero emission HGVs is vital to meeting global climate targets and the organisations involved are looking to lead this shift through collaboration to solve one of the most complex logistics challenges.

HGVzero23 is running from Spring 2023, with the first group session on Wednesday 16 March. For organisations wanting to join the HGVzero23 programme contact us at hello@innovationgateway.com

MARITIME TRANSPORT: FUELS, EMISSIONS & SUSTAINABILITY

Ports can play a dual role in the decarbonisation of shipping, by reducing in-port greenhouse gas emissions and facilitating the reduction of at-sea GHG emissions – for example, offering incentives for environmentally friendly ships and provision to allow ships to use electricity power once docked, cutting both carbon and local air pollution, highlight Tunley Engineering’s Nathan Wood, Dr Robert Moorcroft and Dr Torill Bigg

In recent years, there have been a number of regulations and targets put in place to reduce the greenhouse gases (GHG) produced by the shipping industry. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set strict goals to reduce the carbon footprint of international shipping by at least 40% by 2030, compared to 2008 levels. By 2050, the 2021 EU Green Deal sets goals for port cities to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 90%. The EU has also openly stated the need to include shipping in its Emissions Trading System (ETS), which places annual limits on company emissions and imposes financial penalties on those who exceed the limits.

The current fuel of choice for the shipping industry is heavy fuel oil (HFO), making up 72% of the total fuel consumption. A central issue with HFO is the release of pollutants such COx, NOx and SOx and particulate matter (PM) when combusted. According to estimates, 13% of the world’s SOx emissions come from the shipping sector. Emissions of SOx and NOx are of particular concern to human health. SOx can often exist as PM2.5, particles small-enough to enter directly into the human bloodstream through the lungs, contributing to a variety of health concerns.

Alternative fuel options

International trade by sea has long been a key part of the world economy, with approximately 90% of traded commodities reliant on shipping. Once wind-propelled in the days of sail, the current generation of ships now rely on fossil fuels. Fossil fuel propulsion contributes to global warming with carbon emissions approximating 940 MtCO2e per year and also has health implications for communities surrounding ports through the release of air pollutants. The environmental impact of fossil-fuelled engines is further compounded by their use in port infrastructure and docking equipment.

With an assortment of potential fuel types available, the shipping industry is determinedly moving towards alternative fuels to decrease its environmental impact. Potential future fuels like hydrogen and liquid natural gas (LNG) are gaining popularity. Nevertheless, these decisions raise concerns about sustainability and reliance on fossil fuels. LNG now makes up approximately 2% of shipping fuel use. LNG produces significantly lower pollutants than fuel oils such as HFO. However, LNG is liquified methane, which has a global warming potential 28 times larger than CO2 and it may only marginally reduce the ship’s carbon footprint under optimistic assumptions about methane slip, the escape of uncombusted methane from ships engines. The manufacture of LNG ships also has a significantly higher capital cost than HFO-powered ships.

Hydrogen, as a fuel, is also discussed with great promise. When combusted, it burns very clean, only producing water as a product. However, the current production of hydrogen is reliant on fossil fuel reforming, with 96% of all hydrogen currently produced this way. Although technologies such as electrolysis exist which can produce hydrogen from water using renewable electricity, currently, reforming fossil fuels is more economically viable. Another key issue is the higher production of NOx emission compared to burning fossil fuels; however, this can be mitigated through the use of technologies such as catalytic converters.

Trialling low- & zero-emission technologies

Numerous ports across the world are now trialling low- and zeroemission technologies and fuels. The World Ports Action Climate Program (WPCAP) was formed in 2018 to work actively on realising the Paris Climate Agreement. Initiatives encompass Efficiency, Cooperation, Encouragement and Policy; Smart digital solutions optimise the approach and handling of vessels in ports; shorter turnaround times lead to fuel savings and emission reductions. Cooperation between member ports accelerates the introduction of shore-based power, leading to emissions reduction and improved air quality. Encouragement to use low-carbon and carbon-free fuels to reduce emissions, terminal equipment. Cooperation between port authorities with terminal operators for the introduction of new, emission-free storage and terminal equipment, such as container cranes; and Policy - Cooperation and exchange in fields such as incentive schemes to promote emission reductions in the maritime industry.

The voyage to decarbonisation of the shipping sector requires a transition away from traditional fossil fuels. Ports can reduce their emissions through the provision of ship to shore power, and the electrification of port-based activities (such as cranes and forklifts). Ship-based emissions can be reduced by using cleaner fuels or renewable power sources; financial objections to these might be addressed by the introduction of carbon taxes. Ports and government agencies can facilitate and incentivise improved fuel efficiency, which can be immediately implemented.

Ports can play a dual role in the decarbonisation of shipping, by reducing in-port greenhouse gas emissions, as well as facilitating the reduction of at-sea GHG emissions. To reduce sea-based emissions, ports can offer incentives for environmentally friendly ships. On-shore carbon reduction plans for port operations and incentivisation, with access and provision to allow ships to use electricity power once docked, will cut both carbon and local air pollution.

Nathan Wood, Dr Robert Moorcroft , Dr Torill Bigg

Nathan Wood, Dr Robert Moorcroft and Dr Torill Bigg are part of a team of carbon-reduction scientists and engineers at Tunley Engineering, consultants that work with companies worldwide to help them achieve their net zero aspirations, providing Carbon Reduction Assessments and Carbon Training courses

Our television screens and newspaper front pages are full of pictures and words from the intense and bloody conflict in Ukraine. We can all see that this conflict is threatening the lives and livelihoods of millions of civilians across the country. Thousands are fleeing. People have been injured. Many lives have been lost.

Readers of FORWARDER magazine may feel helpless in responding to this crisis. That is why staff at FORWARDER magazine have created a positive channel for financial support from our readership to get money right to those who need it most in this crisis. We are completely behind the by Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal because the civilian population in Ukraine needs our help like never before.

DEC charities and their local partners are in Ukraine and across the border in the neighbouring countries are working to meet the immediate needs of all people fleeing with food, water, medical assistance, protection and trauma care. Every pound donated by the UK public, including big-hearted FORWARDER magazine readers, will be matched by the UK Government up to £20 million. Readers of FORWARDER magazine who donate to DEC through our donation page, can be reassured that a sum of £30 could provide essential hygiene supplies for three people for one month, £50 could provide blankets for four families to keep them warm while £100 could provide emergency food for two families for one month.

Readers of FORWARDER magazine work in a globally-connected industry. The hurt that is being felt in Ukraine is being felt around the world by those whose business it is to move goods across the globe.

FORWARDER magazine IS RAISING MONEY FOR UKRAINE THE UKRAINE CRISIS

THE LAST WORD... THE TEAM...

CRAIG EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

WILL CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

PAUL MEDIA / EVENTS MANAGER

TONY SALES EXECUTIVE

MARK SALES EXECUTIVE

TIM DESIGNER

MOHIT DIGITAL & SOCIAL

A FINAL WORD FROM FORWARDER

Thanks for reading. Our next issue will be #78, which will be printed and presented at our next FORWARDER event on 27 April, at The Castlefield Rooms, Manchester M3 4LZ.

Please keep the great content flowing our way, and we’ll present it to the freight and logistics world, with love from FORWARDER.

Tim, Designer, FORWARDER

THE MAIN EVENT...

We're about to host our third industry event, on 27 April. It's being held in Manchester alongside Fr8 North's own event. Let us know if you would like to attend. Check it out using the QR code or at FORWARDER .events

NEXT MONTH...

We hope you like the new format and hopefully there will be a section that is of interest to you every month. Feel free to get involved! To re-iterate, the main sections are...

SEA FREIGHT

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MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

MEDIA & MARKETING

GIVING BACK

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