FORWARDER magazine issue 89

DOES IT AGAIN

REALM REALTIME & their rise in freight forwarding

MENTAL HEALTH IN FREIGHT

tackled head on at latest FORWARDER event

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE transformed by A.I. THIS TIME IN

THE SECTIONS

AIR FREIGHT

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

SEA FREIGHT

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

ROAD FREIGHT

By far the largest share of cargo transport.

RAIL FREIGHT

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

PROJECT CARGO

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

PORTS & HUBS

Gateways to the wider world.

TECH & DIGITISATION

From data to drones. Welcome to the future.

EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS

From promo to expo, don't risk FOMO.

CUSTOMS & SECURITY

If only COVID had been subject to this...

INDUSTRY SERVICES

Everything from freight forwarding to insurance.

CRISIS RESPONSE

The latest emergency, from money to monkeypox.

RECRUITMENT & TRAINING

Growing, perfecting, and certifiying your business.

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

The other way to grow your company.

MEDIA & MARKETING

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

GIVING BACK

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

elcome to issue 89 of FORWARDER. Our recent FORWARDER event in Birmingham went swimmingly. The next event in on 5 December, so get involved!

Please get in touch to get your stories told in the next issue, the 90-issue milestone. The pick of the bunch will also appear in the next issue of FORWARDER directory, due out in print at the end of the year. Tim, Designer, FORWARDER magazine

AIR FREIGHT

A system of transporting goods by aircraft.

Related topics

AOG (aircraft on ground)

OBC (on-board couriers)

Air charter

Sponsored by

ONE AIR ADDS A THIRD BOEING 747-400 FREIGHTER AS DEMAND RISES FOR ASIA-EUROPE CARGO CAPACITY

British cargo airline, One Air, has entered its second year of flight operations by adding a third Boeing 747 freighter to its fleet to meet strong demand for cargo capacity in Asia and Europe

The Boeing 747-400ERF has joined One Air on a five-year lease from AeroTransCargo FZE and completed its first flight for the airline today from Hong Kong to East Midlands Airport.

An original Boeing-built freighter, it is the first aircraft in One Air’s fleet to offer a nose door as well as a side door for loading and unloading. The -400ERF version also offers a higher payload capacity of up to 124,000kgs.

One Air commenced B747F flights in July 2023 after receiving its AOC certification from the UK Civil Aviation Authority and added a second 747-400 aircraft to its fleet in December to support its growing flying programme between China/Hong Kong and Europe.

The airline’s first 12 months of charter operations included flights from airports across the UK, including London Heathrow, London Stansted, East Midlands Airport, Birmingham, Doncaster/Sheffield, Glasgow Prestwick, and Cardiff. Supporting its growing client base of freight forwarders, logistics providers, and charter brokers, One Air’s 747s have also served points in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, notably Almaty, Amsterdam, Astana, Châteauroux, Hahn, Hong Kong, Jinan, Larnaca, Maastricht-Aachen, Muscat, Shannon, and Singapore.

Most recently, as well as ad hoc charter flights, One Air has been operating a contract for seven 747F flights a week ex Hong Kong into Europe carrying general cargo.

This strong demand also reflects the successful commercial activities of Air One Aviation, the airline’s launch global sales agency.

Our business case was always based on the high demand we saw for a British cargo airline, and this is being borne out by the volume of flights we are operating. The arrival of our third 747-400 and its increased capacity and capability will enable us to provide more availability to our growing client base. We are also pressing ahead with our future fleet plans and expect to add at least one more freighter in the first half of 2025 based on our current growth plan.

Paul Bennett , Chairman & CEO, One Air

In support of its third aircraft, One Air has recruited a further 27 flight crew and support staff, taking the total workforce at its UK headquarters to over 125 aviation and cargo professionals.

Earlier this year, One Air announced it was starting regular flights using East Midlands Airport (EMA) for UK flight operations. With its favourable slot availability and fewer restrictions for all-cargo aircraft, the central UK airport is now the destination point for One Air’s weekly flights from Hong Kong.

AMERICAN AIRLINES CARGO ENHANCES COLD-CHAIN NETWORK WITH EXPANSION OF CEIV PHARMA CERTIFICATION

The carrier announces new certified US stations, underscores commitment to quality in Life Sciences handling

American Airlines Cargo announces that John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) have joined its list of US stations certified by IATA’s Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics, or CEIV Pharma. The certifications underscore the carrier’s commitment to quality in Life Sciences handling, as the process evaluates safety, compliance, consistency, and training at each station to achieve certification.

The carrier also recently achieved re-certification of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), which were first certified in 2021, and still maintains certification of Miami International Airport (MIA) and its headquarters.

In addition to these major hubs, American also operates out of more than 30 CEIV- or GDP-certified locations around the world – most notably including Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), Dublin Airport (DUB), Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG), Rio de Janeiro Galeão International Airport (GIG) and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). This robust network ensures expert transport of pharmaceutical and temperature-controlled handling at a global scale, making American an integral player within air cargo pharmaceutical market.

The new CEIV certifications underscore our commitment to the safe and effective handling of pharmaceuticals and other Life Sciences commodities. We are committed to meeting our customers’ needs while ensuring compliance and excellence in the services we provide, and this is an example of that. We will continue to grow our cold-chain network and focus on how we can offer customers the best products and network for temperature-sensitive shipments.

Eric

Mathieu, Head of Customer Experience, American Airlines Cargo

To further support its cold-chain offering, the carrier currently has three master lease agreements for temperature-controlled containers, including the Releye® RLP and RAP active containers from Envirotainer, RKN, RAP, APS single and double units from CSafe, and the Pegasus ULD® passive container from Sonoco ThermoSafe – the world’s first FAA and EASA-approved advanced passive bulk temperature-controlled ULD container for pharmaceutical use. All containers are currently available for lease with American Airlines Cargo.

American Airlines Cargo currently provides cold-chain solutions, either passive or active, to over 180 markets. Learn more about the carrier’s temperature-controlled product and total list of stations served at ExpediteTC - American Airlines Cargo (aacargo.com).

Philippine Airlines partners with cargo.one to bring to life world class digital sales, ensuring a rapid boost in market presence and a seamless booking experience

cargo.one delivers freight forwarders another gateway to important Asia connectivity

Philippine Airlines (PAL), the national carrier airline of the Philippines, announced today that it will soon debut its capacity in the digital booking market, following a new partnership with cargo.one. cargo.one enables the airline to target thousands of freight forwarders in relevant markets, digitally around the clock, bolstering its brand presence, reducing its cost of sale, and gaining market responsive digital pricing. Freight forwarders are sure to benefit from Philippine Airlines’ renewed cargo service offers for the Philippines and across the region.

Respected as the very first commercial airline in Asia, Philippine Airlines extends its renowned attentive customer service levels to its air cargo services. The carrier is expanding its widebody fleet to facilitate an ambitious cargo growth strategy. Philippine Airlines offers freight forwarders a unique combination of 37 international destinations throughout South and East Asia, North America, Australia and the Middle East, and 32 destinations in the Philippines as well as favorable regional connectivity.

cargo.one soon brings Philippine Airlines directly to thousands of forwarders globally. Leading global logistics providers rely upon cargo. one to quote and book shipments faster and more efficiently 24/7. Philippine Airlines gains cargo.one’s customer-centric and seamless digital booking experience, guaranteed to every customer.

A key pillar of our digital transformation and continued growth is the ability to steer strategic digital sales. Gaining cargo.one’s technology and extensive experience means Philippine Airlines can build digital sales at speed and scale with low capital expenditure. Our teams are working closely to build a custom digital sales channel to maximize upon our many strengths.

Jason Siy, VP Cargo, Philippine Airlines (PAL)

We are excited to launch Philippine Airlines digital sales journey and strengthen its exciting growth plans. cargo.one continually brings the freight forwarding market new capacity options first, an important element in how our platform enables even the very largest forwarders to win shipments faster, grow their business and serve their customers better than ever.

Moritz Claussen, Founder & Co-CEO, cargo.one

In addition to the industry’s most user-friendly digital booking experience, cargo.one offers Philippines Airlines an unrivaled capability to boost visibility and continually optimize its booking offer quality. cargo.one also equips the carrier with the transformative ability to implement compliant data driven decisions about its market fit and sales opportunities. The carrier will benefit from better attuning its offers to better serve international forwarders.

From Autumn 2024, forwarders using cargo.one can discover, quote and book Philippine Airlines capacities for general cargo and perishables, connecting hubs in Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao with dozens of important cargo destinations worldwide.

12 SEPTEMBER 2024 | Source: SILK WAY AIRLINES

PHILIPPINE AIRLINES

TO SUPERCHARGE ITS FIRST DIGITAL SALES

IAG CARGO PARTNERS WITH GROUP CONCORDE AS GENERAL SALES AGENT IN EIGHT COUNTRIES

Group Concorde to Manage IAG Cargo Sales in Cambodia, Philippines, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Australia, and New Zealand

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG), has appointed Group Concorde as its General Sales Agent (GSA) across eight countries. This partnership signifies a major expansion for both companies, aiming to enhance cargo operations and customer service in Cambodia, the Philippines, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Australia, and New Zealand.

Over the next three months, Group Concorde will seamlessly assume responsibility for cargo sales operations in these key markets. Leveraging its extensive industry experience and robust network to drive growth and efficiency, Group Concorde will focus on driving growth and enhancing efficiency. This collaboration will amplify IAG Cargo’s market presence providing customers in these regions with streamlined access to IAG Cargo's expansive network and services.

CEO of Group Concorde, Prithviraj Chug, expressed excitement about the partnership: We are honoured to be appointed as IAG Cargo's General Sales Agent in these vibrant markets. This opportunity aligns perfectly with our mission to provide exceptional cargo solutions and enhance our global network. We look forward to working closely with IAG Cargo to deliver unparalleled service and support to our customers.

As a leader in the air cargo industry, IAG Cargo views this partnership as a pivotal step in strengthening its presence in the Asia-Pacific region and Oceania.

Partnering with Group Concorde as our GSA for eight key markets is a strategic move that will allow us to strengthen our presence and ensure we provide customers with the best possible service. We aim to offer the best possible service for businesses looking to transport cargo globally, and Group Concorde’s market knowledge and expertise makes them the ideal partner for us.

Camillo Garcia Cervera , Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, IAG Cargo

SEA FREIGHT

A system of transporting goods by ship.

Related topics

Shipping lines

Biofuels

Ships' parts

Sponsored by

42 NEW BULK CARRIERS COSCO SHIPPING DEVELOPMENT SETS NEW RECORD

The total ship order value exceeds 14.3 billion RMB, delivery from 2026 to 2027

COSCO SHIPPING Development has signed an investment, construction and leasing agreement for 42 bulk carriers on 30th August. This milestone marks the largest shipbuilding and leasing transaction since the company transformed into a shipping industry and finance operator in 2016.

According to the transaction, the company will entrust a subsidiary of COSCO SHIPPING Heavy Industry to invest in the construction of 20 bulk carriers and CSSC Chengxi to invest in the construction of 22 bulk carriers, including five 64,000-ton ships, two 82,000-ton ships and 35 80,000-ton ships, with a total ship order value of more than RMB 14.3 billion. These ships will be delivered in succession from 2026 to 2027 and will be leased to COSCO SHIPPING Bulk for a long term. The ships in this transaction are energy-saving and environmentally friendly green ships, some of which are methanol-ready environmentally friendly bulk carriers.

In the face of the ship leasing market with both challenges and opportunities in recent years, COSCO SHIPPING Development has actively seized the opportunity of the green and low-carbon transformation of the shipping industry, studied and explored the market potential in the sub-sectors, and accurately matched customer needs to provide solutions.

As an industry and finance operator focusing on the main line of the shipping and logistics industry, the company currently owns more than 140 ships and has layouts in multiple sub-sectors such as container ships, bulk carriers, and multi-purpose pulp ships. Through this transaction, the scale of the company's high-quality ship assets will leap forward significantly, after the company ordered bulk carriers and multi-purpose pulp ships in the early stage. The company invested in high-quality shipping capacity with newer ship types, green and environmentally friendly, reasonable configuration and strong versatility, laying the foundation for further consolidating the high-quality assets of the company's shipping leasing business, highlighting the strategic positioning of shipping industry and finance operators, and helping the company to accelerate its progress towards the goal of value-oriented industry and finance investors and innovative industry and finance service providers.

Source: PEEL PORTS GROUP

THE PORT OF LIVERPOOL WELCOMES THE UK’S LARGEST WHOLE MAIZE VESSEL

The Port of Liverpool, part of the Peel Ports Group, has welcomed the UK’s largest shipment of feed maize, reinforcing its crucial role in supporting the nation’s agricultural sector.

The bulk carrier, Lowlands Future, arrived from the East Coast of the United States, delivering 55,000 tonnes of maize. This record-breaking shipment is set to play a vital role in supplying animal feed to local farming communities, highlighting the port’s importance in the UK’s agricultural supply chain.

The importation was managed by ADM Agriculture, a global leader in animal nutrition. The maize will be stored in ADM's dedicated port-centric facilities at Liverpool before distribution to farms across the region.

This shipment demonstrates our port's capability to efficiently handle large-scale imports crucial to the nation's food supply chain. Our partnership with ADM Agriculture and our state-of-the-art facilities have enabled us to process this volume, reinforcing Liverpool's position as a key gateway for agricultural commodities. Continued investment, such as our new £28 million dry bulk facility at Alexandra Dock, highlights our ongoing commitment to enhancing the services we provide to the agriculture supply chain.

Phil

Hall, Mersey Port Director, Peel Ports Group

In a challenging year for UK domestic cereals with the UK wheat crop production around 25% lower vs the previous crop year, imported Feed Maize has featured very well into domestic rations across the Ruminant and Monogastric sectors. In light of such demand, ADM in partnership with Peel Ports have just undertaken the largest single discharge port execution for a feed maize vessel ever imported into the UK, with 55,000mt on board mv Lowlands Future into the port of Liverpool. A special thank you to both the teams of Peel Ports Group and ADM for facilitating this shipment.

Albert

Linney, Senior Trader, ADM Agriculture

The successful delivery by Lowlands Future last month represents a significant boost to the agricultural sector, supporting food security and the supply of essential raw materials across the UK.

The Port of Liverpool continues to play a pivotal role in the import and distribution of agricultural products, reinforcing its position as a critical hub for international trade.

Source: COSCO SHIPPING

CREWLESS SHIPS COSCO SHIPPING BUILDS TWELVE 14,000 TEU DUAL-FUEL METHANOL CONTAINER VESSELS

The new green-energy vessels feature state-of-the-art design and technology developed by COSCO SHIPPING and offer a large loading capacity especially for reefer containers

On 29th August 2024, COSCO SHIPPING Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. and COSCO SHIPPING Container Lines Co., Ltd signed a contract in Shanghai for the construction of twelve 14,000 TEU container ships with dual-fuel methanol propulsion. With the latest order, COSCO SHIPPING emphasises its efforts to implement the concept of green and low-carbon development and build an environmentally friendly fleet while reducing the impact of daily operations on the environment and ecology to achieve long-term sustainable development.

A new generation of vessels

The new ships belong to a new generation of ship types developed jointly by COSCO SHIPPING Lines, COSCO SHIPPING Heavy Industry and the China Shipbuilding and Ocean Engineering Design and Research Institute. With a length of 335.9 metres, a width of 51 metres and an invisible bulb bow and stern energy-saving device, the new vessels adopt innovative design and advanced technology. They offer a large loading capacity of 13,700 standard containers and a high loading capacity for reefer containers to provide high-quality, end-to-end cold chain services to customers worldwide.

Green technology to save emissions

The new vessels are equipped with the world’s most powerful permanent magnet shaft generator, a bow wind deflector, an air lubrication system for the hull and intelligent systems developed by COSCO SHIPPING that fulfil the third phase of EEDI energy efficiency indicators and the latest cyber security regulations. The dual-fuelled main engine and generator are both powered by methanol to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Accelerating the green transition

COSCO SHIPPING Holdings is currently focusing on a combination of building new ships and modernising existing vessels to accelerate the green and low-carbon transition of the company's fleet. The company has ordered twelve 24,000 TEU container ships with methanol dualfuel propulsion, signed contracts for the conversion of eight ships to methanol dual-fuel propulsion, while promoting environmentally friendly development practices such as all-electric ship operation and biofuel pilot projects, which has given the company strong momentum to compete on the new course.

In the future, COSCO SHIPPING Holdings will continue to focus on the new ways of ‘digital intelligence’ and ‘green and low-carbon’, strive for innovation and accelerate upgrades, and achieve joint success between high-quality development and global sustainable development, so as to open up a new era of development, create a new development momentum, provide better services to customers, and create more value for shareholders.

The ocean peak season marks a crucial annual event for companies preparing to import freight ahead of the holiday shopping period. Traditionally spanning from August to October, this period has, in recent years, begun as early as June. This shift results from several factors, including more advanced planning and ordering processes to smooth supply chains, past delays due to COVID19-related disruptions, and general increases in transit times due to ongoing tensions in the Red Sea. project44 diligently tracks emerging trends during this pivotal peak season.

Most Common Countries of Origin

The chart below shows the shifts in import volumes from certain countries to Europe during June and July of 2023 compared to 2024.

China remains a global manufacturing powerhouse, accounting for 44% of imports to Europe between June and July in both 2023 and 2024. However, the lack of increase in volume indicates that Europe is not increasing its manufacturing footprint in the country. Year-over-year import volumes have also decreased in India, Indonesia, South Africa, and Vietnam.

The largest increase in imports comes from the United States. In 2024, over 9% of all European import shipments observed by project44 for June and July originated from the U.S., marking a 3.5% increase compared to 2023. The "Other" category, comprising 24% of imports, also shows growth compared to 2023. While the listed countries represent the top 10 that project44 tracks, the increase in the "Other" category demonstrates that Europe is continuing to diversify its import sources.

Changes to Ports of Loading

The port of loading refers to the port where freight is loaded onto container vessels. The chart below illustrates trends in the top ports used for peak season volume in 2024 and how their share of peak volume has changed compared to 2023.

Overall, the top 15 ports have remained generally consistent, with Shanghai seeing the largest increase at 2% over 2023. Volumes from Houston, Norfolk, and Savannah have also risen, highlighting the primary ports utilized for the increasing U.S. imports. European shippers should note the potential for labor strikes starting in October, as negotiations with the union for East Coast and Gulf Coast ports are ongoing, with the current contract set to expire on September 30th, 2024. A failure to reach an agreement could cause significant disruptions to U.S. imports into Europe.

There has also been a 4% reduction in volume across all other ports. While this is not a large number given that it encompasses hundreds of ports, it underscores a strategic focus on working with specific ports rather than a larger number.

Changes to Ports of Discharge

The port of discharge refers to the port where freight is unloaded from container vessels. The chart below shows the trends in the top ports used for peak season volume in 2024 and how their share of peak volume has changed compared to 2023.

Overall, there have been no substantial year-over-year changes in the main ports of discharge for European imports. The Ports of Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, and Felixstowe continue to account for over 50% of all ports of discharge for imports into Europe.

Similar to the observations at ports of loading, the "Other" category has also decreased for ports of discharge. This reflects a trend where shippers build and develop supply chains around specific ports or regions, making it more cost-effective to consolidate shipments at fewer ports.

AUGUST 2024

Source: COSCO SHIPPING

FINNLINES TO LAUNCH A NEW FREIGHT SERVICE FROM FINLAND TO SHEERNESS UK

Finnlines is set to launch a new freight service from Finland to London Medway located in Sheerness, with further connections available to Belgium, Spain, and Ireland. The first arrival will take place on 23 September 2024. The new service is part of Finnlines’ strategy to improve service sustainability and route network, and it will be operated with three Finneco-class vessels calling at London Medway once a week. As part of its strategy to expand its route network, improve service reliability, and offer a sustainable alternative to its customers, the freight and passenger shipping company Finnlines is making a significant change to its services in the UK. Starting in September, Finnlines will launch a new freight service from Finland to London Medway, with further connections available to Belgium, Spain, and Ireland. The new connection will provide customers with shorter transit times and increased cargo capacity. Customers can access the entire Finnlines and the Grimaldi Group network via Zeebrügge and Antwerp, which provides expanded business opportunities.

London Medway is located on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent, with a short sea connection to the Continent. The infrastructure in the port is welldeveloped with a rail network and a direct access to the motorway. Its proximity to London, the UK’s largest commercial hub, makes it an ideal gateway for businesses seeking to expand in this critical region. The service will be operated by three Finneco-class hybrid ro-ro vessels, each with a cargo capacity of 5,800 lane metres, equivalent to around 400 trailers. The innovative vessel layout enables faster and more efficient loading and unloading operations besides enhanced flexibility to load any type of cargo, long, heavy up to a height of 7 metres.

To reduce emissions, the vessels are equipped with many advanced technologies such as air lubrication, a high-powered battery bank and solar panels.

Finnlines continues to strengthen its services by increasing cargo capacity for the UK service. Furthermore, the launch of our new service from Sheerness secures an important trade route between England and the Continent, further solidifying our position in the market. We are constantly improving our services to our customers and looking for new growth opportunities.

Merja Kallio-Mannila , Commercial Director, Finnlines

London Medway is managed by the Peel Ports Group, a leading port operator and full-service logistics provider. The terminal is equipped to handle a wide range of cargo types, including automotive, steel, wood, forestry, and project cargo, as well as offering facilities for ro-ro cargo.

Location is everything and as a port, London Medway’s proximity to the nation’s capital and distribution networks means it is perfectly placed to connect importers and exporters with their markets. We expect this new service will be popular with both established and emerging markets, which are seeing strong growth in the South-East of the UK, and in particular forest products which are in high demand. London Medway also handles a vast array of cargo including automotive, steel and roro, so we expect a wide variety of commodities to be transported on Finnlines’ versatile fleet, placing the port as a key interchange between Scandinavia and Iberian markets.

Richard Goffin, Port Director for Peel Ports Group, London Medway

Key highlights

• New freight service from Sheerness: Launching in September, this new connection will complement Finnlines’ route network and provide customers with shorter transit times, increased cargo capacity and loading capabilities

• Sustainable alternative: a new hybrid ro-ro vessel with a cargo capacity of 5,800 lane metres provides lower CO2 emissions per transported cargo unit

• Frequency: 1/7

• Southbound route: Helsinki / Kotka–Sheerness–Antwerp / Zeebrügge–Bilbao / Vigo

• Northbound route: Bilbao / Vigo–Zeebrügge / Antwerp–Hanko–Helsinki / Kotka

Finnlines specialises in freight transport, offering customers a regular and reliable route to the European market through its extensive line network, while also ensuring the import of goods crucial for security of supply. With the introduction of the new connection, Finnlines consolidates its position as the main maritime service provider between Finland, UK and Continental Europe.

ROAD FREIGHT

A system of transporting goods by road.

Related topics

Groupage

Couriers

Last mile

Sponsored by

HOOPER HAULAGE CELEBRATES FIFTH ANNIVERSARY

ALincolnshire haulage firm established by a husband-and-wife team just months before the Covid-19 pandemic struck is celebrating five years in business and a huge surge in growth.

Skegness-based Hooper Haulage Ltd was set up by Sam and Daniella Hooper in late 2019 and has overcome the challenges of multiple lockdowns to quadruple its volumes over the last 24 months.

The ambitious firm has thrived in the midst of a challenging operating environment, which has seen a vast increase in insolvencies in the haulage industry.

It has grown from running a single long-wheelbase van to a fleet of 15 vehicles and a team of 23 staff, operating four warehouses with 55,000 sq. ft of storage space.

Next up are plans to create a 12,000 sq. ft mini hub to expand capacity, with a further pair of new trailers set to join the fleet at the end of the year.

Sam and Daniella, both 32, live just half a mile from the company’s headquarters on the Burgh Road Trading Estate and put its success down to the quality service it provides – a reputation amplified by its shareholder membership of the Wolverhampton-based Pallet-Track network.

When we started with Pallet-Track in 2022, we were moving around 30 to 40 pallets a night. This has grown to the region of 150 to 200 a night and has also enabled us to put our own vehicles out on the road on groupage work. Being in Pallet-Track has been phenomenal for us. It’s done us the world of good.

As it grows, the company is continuing to immerse itself in the local community, sponsoring Skegness Carnival and three junior football teams at Swifts JFC.

It works with the Skegness branch of the Royal British Legion and proudly sports an Avro Lancaster livery on one of its vehicles in honour of Sam’s grandfather Frederick, who served in the RAF on Lancasters in the Second World War.

It also sponsors renowned motorsport outfit E3 Sport, which races in the Ginetta championships and is run by the Edwards family of racing drivers – Jim Snr, his son Jim Jnr and granddaughters Chloe and Jade – the latter a well-known British Touring Car Championship driver and pundit.

Being part of the community is hugely important to us as a company –they’ve supported us and we want to pay that back in any way we can, added Sam.

Stuart Godman, CEO of Pallet-Track, said: Sam, Danielle and the whole team at Hooper Haulage are a credit to themselves. They started their company at an incredibly challenging time but have thrived in business and as part of our network. Service is as important to them as it is to us, so we’re a perfect partnership. They are a fantastic shareholder member and we look forward to growing our relationship even further over the coming years.

Pallet-Track has a shareholder member network of more than 90 distribution specialists, which transport more than 3.9m pallets per year.

HOWARD TENENS LOGISTICS EXTENDS SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP WITH WILLIAMS ENHANCING EFFICIENCY & SUSTAINABILITY

Howard Tenens Logistics is delighted to announce the extension of its contract with Williams, a partnership that has thrived since its commencement in 2019. Over the past six years, this collaboration has significantly enhanced logistics operations and contributed to the continued growth of both companies.

Since the start of the partnership, Howard Tenens has transitioned Williams’ delivery service to an in-night model. This change ensures that customer products are ready precisely when needed, greatly enhancing operational efficiency. Furthermore, the collaboration has incorporated a lean collection and return system, ensuring inventory is optimally placed at the right time and location.

Howard Tenens has also invested in specialist handling equipment, to ensure the smooth delivery of all types of goods. Continuous investment in new trailers and tractor units has bolstered the reliability and quality of the service provided, reflecting our commitment to delivering mutual value.

A significant highlight of the partnership is the adoption of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as an alternative fuel on two key routes managed from Andover. This initiative has successfully reduced CO2 emissions by 90%.

Moreover, the distribution network has scaled efficiently, enabling the smooth onboarding of new trade counters and unlocking economies of scale. This expansion has allowed both companies to grow together, adapting to market demands and customer needs with agility and precision.

Williams has experienced significant growth, facilitated by the collaborative efforts with Howard Tenens. A statement from Williams reflects the success of this partnership:

Since the start of the agreement, Williams has grown considerably year on year. This has been made a success by working collaboratively with Howard Tenens, who have supported our new branch opening programme by providing through-the-night logistics. Since the start of the contract, we have grown the number of routes and the number of branches requiring a through-the-night service, on a closed-loop system. The return loop system also allows us to be fluid with our stock between locations and ensure we have the right product in the right place. This could not have happened without the advanced planning and traffic systems and the flexibility of Howard Tenens’ fleet capabilities. We have seen improvements in our customer service levels, a reduction in damages of products, and improved turnaround times. Numerous reviews of the routes have helped us save on fuel, contributing to a reduction in our carbon footprint, in line with the Howard Tenens sustainability plan. This flexibility, the levels of customer service, and business support in a partner is a key reason why we have further extended our relationship with Howard Tenens for a further year.

Howard Tenens Logistics is proud to continue supporting Williams and looks forward to a future of successful collaboration, driving innovation, efficiency, and delivering mutual value.

Transport

A. Plessas

Customers

Growth

HAULIER INVESTS £40,000 TO GET FLEET DVS-READY

Family-run Croydon haulier ELB Partners has invested £40,000 in safety equipment to ensure its fleet meets the minimum Direct Vision Standard (DVS) rating ahead of the law changing this month.

ELB has invested in equipment for 29 vehicles ahead of a regulation mandating that HGVs over 12 tonnes need a minimum three-star DVS rating to operate in Greater London from October 28.

Each vehicle has benefited from a £1,400 pound investment to ensure it clears the bar for the latest batch of regulations for operating in the capital, which also includes Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) compliance, operators holding Fleet Operation Recognition Scheme (FORS) accreditation and drivers being dangerous goods vehicle (ADR) trained.

The DVS measures how much an HGV driver can see directly through their cab windows and is ranked from one to five, based on the level of risk to road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.

Hauliers found to be in breach of this regulation are likely to receive a penalty charge notice (PCN).

Earlier this year, Pallet-Track member ELB achieved the remarkable milestone of a 10th consecutive FORS Gold award for its commitment to operator and public safety.

Safety is always at the forefront of our operations at ELB and we have invested across our fleet to ensure our vehicles meet the DVS standard well in advance of the law changing at the end of October. The list of regulations we must abide by to operate in London grows bigger by the year, but as always, we are ahead of the curve in meeting this latest law change to demonstrate our commitment to operating in a safe and professional manner at all times.

Peter Eason, Managing Director, ELB Partners

ELB was established in 1970 as a three-person partnership and Peter bought the business from his father George in 1985. It now employs around 60 staff and moved to a new 60,000 sq. ft headquarters in Beddington Farm Road in 2021.

Comprehensive

RAIL & INTERMODAL

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

Related topics

Belt & Road Initiative

HS2 Rail terminals and depots

23 SEPTEMBER 2024

GB RAILFREIGHT UNVEILS ITS NEW HYBRID CLASS 99 LOCOMOTIVE

GB Railfreight (GBRf), one of the UK’s largest transporters of consumer and business goods, will be unveiling its new hybrid Class 99 locomotive at InnoTrans in Berlin on Wednesday 25 September, signaling a significant leap forward in decarbonising the UK’s rail freight industry.

The new Class 99s are expected to reduce emissions by up to 58% per journey compared to the industry norm (the Class 66s) and are being offered exclusively to GBRf customers as a new solution for the sustainable movement of goods across the UK. These hybrid trains are the first heavy-haul freight locomotives capable of moving significant volume at mainline speeds on electrified and non-electrified sections of the rail network. The new trains will shorten journey times and drive efficiencies for customers across the UK’s transport infrastructure.

The UK moves c.£30bn worth of goods by rail each year. GBRf’s investment in the Class 99s aligns with the Government’s mission to become a clean energy superpower and will help reduce the environmental impact of transporting goods. This will empower businesses and consumers to make greener purchasing decisions.

Rail freight has long been the cleanest, safest and most efficient way of transporting goods and the Class 99s are a game-changing moment for the UK rail freight industry. These locomotives offer our customers the chance to run faster, wholly sustainable, heavy-haul services across length and breadth of the country.

John Smith, Chief Executive Officer, GB Railfreight

The Class 99 has been designed in collaboration with Beacon Rail and Stadler, who are manufacturing them at their Valencia factory. The first locomotive is expected to arrive in the UK in Spring 2025 and the full fleet is due to be operational by the end of 2026.

Along with our clients, GB Railfreight and Beacon Rail, we are delighted to be presenting this fantastic locomotive, which is testament to Stadler’s commitment to green technology. Set to be a game changer in UK rail freight, this environmentally-friendly, efficient and powerful vehicle will encourage modal shift from road to rail, helping the UK decarbonise the railway and supporting net zero targets.

Iñigo Parra , CEO, Stadler Valencia,

Beacon is proud to introduce the Class 99 to the market; this is the result of a collaborative approach with our long-standing customer GB Railfreight and manufacturer Stadler. The Class 99 order underlines Beacon's drive to support the UK's journey towards a greener and more efficient rail network.

Adam Cunliffe, Chief Executive Officer, Beacon Rail

3 SEPTEMBER 2024 | Source: ADLINK TECHNOLOGY

ADLINK UNVEILS NEXT-GENERATION RAILWAY TECHNOLOGY AT INNOTRANS 2024

Cutting-edge solutions deliver on ADLINK's commitment to advancing railway technology and revolutionizing railway operations worldwide.

ADLINK will introduce the Passenger Information Display System (PIDS) and CompactPCI Systems and Cards.

Visitors can experience the power of AI in railway applications with the AVA-series product family.

Mannheim, Germany, 3rd September 2024 - ADLINK Technology Inc., a global leader in edge computing, will showcase its latest innovations in railway technology at InnoTrans 2024. The booth will feature three main sections, each dedicated to highlighting a unique aspect of their cutting-edge solutions:

Passenger Information Display Systems (PIDS) experience

ADLINK's latest PIDS solutions, developed in collaboration with AUO, showcase the future of passenger information systems. Visitors to the stand can explore interactive displays with different sizes and see firsthand how this technology enhances passenger experiences through real-time updates and engaging visual content.

Railway AI-PC (AVA-Series)

Experience the transformative power of AI in railway applications with ADLINK's AVA-series product family. A live demo will feature the AVA7200 connected to a LiDAR system, showcasing advanced video analytics capabilities. Additionally, the AVA-1000 will be on display, offering a seamless bridge between moving trains and ground networks, ensuring that stationary, onboard, or wayside systems remain connected.

CompactPCI systems & cards

ADLINK's comprehensive range of CompactPCI systems and cards, designed to meet the rigorous demands of railway environments, will be available to view. These solutions are engineered for exceptional reliability and efficiency, providing you with the reassurance of quality in every aspect of rail operations, from high-performance computing to reliable data acquisition.

Driven by our successful experiences in both onboard and wayside applications, ADLINK's latest solutions address the diverse needs of the railway industry. From optimising operations to enhancing passenger experiences, AI has every facet of rail transportation. As the railway industry continues to evolve, ADLINK remains at the forefront of driving innovation and progress.

Ryan Chiu, VP, ADLINK DMS+ & Rugged Computing BU

LOGISTICS UK’S RESPONSE TO ORR PROPOSAL OF LOWER CHARGES FOR FREIGHT ST PANCRAS-CHANNEL TUNNEL

In response to the announcement of proposed lower charges for freight movements between London St Pancras and the Channel Tunnel by the ORR, Ellis Shelton, Senior Policy Advisor at Logistics UK, said:

Today’s proposal of lower charges for freight trains travelling from London St Pancras to the Channel Tunnel by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), as a result of the Draft Determination of HS1 Ltd’s spending plans, is encouraging news for those businesses moving goods to and from the continent. The use of rail freight on the HS1 route is a vital

element of the UK’s trade connectivity with Europe and a key factor in encouraging trade between the continent and the UK. Rail freight has a vital role to play in driving growth in the UK economy and this reduction in costs should encourage more businesses to take advantage of the cross-Channel service’s efficiency to maximise trading relationships with partners in continental Europe.

The ORR announcement can be read at https://www.orr.gov.uk/ search-news/pr24-hs1-draft-determination-press-release

STATEMENT FROM LOGISTICS UK ON ORR STATS

ON RAIL FREIGHT

News from the Office for Rail and Road, that the quantity of freight moved by rail increased by 7% year on year in the quarter April-June 2024, is a demonstration of the key role that rail can play in driving growth and increased productivity across the economy. As economic activity –particularly construction and manufacturing – starts to recover after the economic impact of the pandemic, rail freight’s ability to deliver large, heavy commodities on time will become increasingly valuable and will ensure that the country’s businesses can have access to the materials they need without having a significant impact on the environment. The

reliability of the sector, which saw cancellations and lateness at their lowest level for three years for the April-June period, will also ensure that other sectors of the economy can be certain of receiving deliveries on time, vital if delays and rising costs are to be prevented across other parts of the supply chain. We hope that more businesses across the economy will recognise the value that using rail can bring to keep the country moving in order to generate growth for all.

Ellis Shelton, Senior Policy Advisor, Logistics UK

PROJECT CARGO

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

Related topics

Heavy lift

Abnormal load

OOG (out of gauge)

Sponsored by

LOGISTICS POWERS THE GLOBAL EXPANSION OF GREAT BRITISH SPORTS CARS

Great British Sports Cars reports that its continuing logistics partnership with Davies Turner is helping to underpin its expansion into global markets.

That partnership has seen Davies Turner recently handle the shipment of two of the car manufacturer’s iconic Zero vehicles from the UK to the USA.

The Zero is a beefed-up version of Colin Chapman's Lotus Seven/ Caterham silhouette, that packs a serious dose of driving excitement . The two cars shipped recently were in kit form and had to be carefully packed in bespoke crating prior to shipment, to ensure they were in perfect condition on delivery and ready for final assembly.

Since their first collaboration in 2021, Davies Turner has become the go-to freight forwarder for GBS, efficiently managing both FCL and LCL shipments mainly to North America. With numerous shipments per year,

Davies Turner ensures that GBS's handcrafted sports cars, fully built, or in kit form, reach their destinations promptly and securely. The forwarder also expedites the urgent shipment of parts and spares via airfreight.

While GBS continues to captivate motoring enthusiasts with its versatile range of custom-built sports cars and customisable kits, Davies Turner provides seamless logistics support from the factory floor in the UK to the customer’s door.

Working with GBS has been a remarkable journey. Its dedication to craftsmanship and innovation in the automotive industry is inspiring. We are proud to support its expansion into the North American and other global markets and look forward to continuing our partnership as its business grows. GBS knows that no matter where its customers are, we can ship their car or kit via a logistics service that is tailored to meet their local regulations.

Derek Shepley, sales executive, Davies Turner

As GBS continues to expand, it is looking at new destination opportunities globally. The supply chain management expertise of Davies Turner, and its robust international logistics network supports our efforts to meet increasing international demand for our company’s sports cars.

Richard Hall, director, Great British Sports Cars

PROJECT CARGO NEWS

11 SEPTMBER 2024 | Source: EUROMAR

EUROMAR COMPLETES ROUND-TRIP AIR TRANSPORT OF AGUSTA BRUTALE MOTORBIKE

Euromar, the long-standing partner of the U-Freight Group, has successfully handled the import and re-export of an MV Agusta Brutale motorbike, a high-value luxury vehicle, between Kuwait City and Italy

The MV Agusta Brutale, valued at EUR40,000, was initially shipped by air from Kuwait City to Italy, enabling the client to utilise the motorbike to fulfil a dream of completing a weeklong journey through some of Italy’s most scenic regions. After the trip, Euromar efficiently handled the re-export of the motorbike to Kuwait City.

The MV Agusta Brutale was secured in custom-built packing to ensure maximum protection during transit, whilst state-of-the-art tracking technology provided real-time updates to the client ensuring complete transparency throughout the transportation process.

Trained logistics professionals managed the loading and unloading operations, ensuring the motorbike was handled with the utmost care.

We are delighted to have successfully managed the import and reexport of this exquisite MV Agusta Brutale. Transporting high-value items like this motorbike demands precision and expertise, and our team has demonstrated exceptional capability in ensuring the safe and timely delivery and return of the bike.

Jacopo Malaterra , managing partner, Euromar

Several other U-Freight partners offer a bespoke service for shipping motorbikes by air. Irish partner, EFL International’s bespoke Bike-onBoard operation has over 10 years’ experience in shipping motorbikes for clients across the world who wish to use their machine for touring the Emerald Ireland.

These operations show the commitment of the U-Freight Group to delivering value to niche sectors with tailored services that ensure peace of mind.

The Cargo Integrity Group is issuing an urgent reminder of the need for an emergency contact telephone number to be provided for shipments of dangerous goods, following recent experiences reported by its partner organizations.

Transport of dangerous goods is essential to the production and distribution of many products on a global scale. The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code1 is in force worldwide to ensure the safety and security of people, the environment and assets, and must be followed by all parties. Recommended industry practices have also been developed for the packing and securing of goods in cargo transport units, such as the CTU Code2.

The majority of dangerous goods shipments are carried and handled without incident. Nonetheless, should an incident occur despite all safety precautions, it is essential that the necessary steps to respond to the dangers can be taken swiftly and reliably by those attending the scene.

A requirement of many national dangerous goods regulations for transport by sea, in order to comply with international dangerous goods regulations, including the IMDG Code, is that a suitable 24-hour emergency response number be provided within shipping documentation, safety data sheets or other compliant means for each shipment of dangerous goods. The phone number must be answered by a person who is knowledgeable of the dangerous goods being shipped and has comprehensive emergency response and incident mitigation information for the product or products in the shipment, or has immediate access to a person who has that information. This phone number must not have a call-back function, such as the use of voicemail or pager, nor be a general answering service. The number must be current during the shipment and monitored 24 hours a day.

Shippers of dangerous goods must therefore take appropriate measures to establish access to an appropriate and knowledgeable person or persons and include their telephone contact number on the transport documents and safety data sheets, to ensure full compliance with this requirement.

The Cargo Integrity Group points out that the IMDG Code starts from the premise that the transport of dangerous goods is prohibited, unless they are shipped in accordance with the applicable regulatory provisions. Only when mandatory regulations and guidelines are followed can it be expected that such cargoes are able to be transported safely. Extreme diligence and accurate emergency response information is necessary to prevent minor incidents from becoming major casualties. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in shipments being refused for transport by terminals or shipping lines and parties may incur heavy fines and product liability risks in any legal actions.

References:

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, Amendment 4122, effective from 1 January 2024 (The IMDG Code) is published by the International Maritime Organization and specifies the standards to which packaged dangerous goods must be consigned, handled and carried for transport by sea.

The IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units, 2014 Edition. (The CTU Code) is published jointly by the sponsoring organizations and is a compendium of recommended practices to be followed by those packing or loading intermodal containers, road vehicles and railway wagons for international transport.

AN EFFICIENT & EXPERIENCED TEAM AT INTO AFRICA PROJECT LOGISTICS

We are pleased to welcome Into Africa Project Logistics as new members in South Africa. The experienced company are SAFF registered and come recommended by PCN members as reliable and efficient. They are experts in integrated project logistics and handling OOG and special cargo.

Our mission at Into Africa Project Logistics is simple - to provide highquality services in a timely manner. Our team caters to each project's specific needs to ensure excellence, paying particular attention to working efficiently while keeping the lines of communication clear and concise. Whether it be road, sea, rail, air or multimodal and regardless of how big or heavy, our in-house team of dedicated and experienced professionals are able to assist. We also offer project management, route surveys, packing & loading, warehousing and many other added services. Michelle Stuart , General Manager, Africa Project Logistics

SATS Ltd, one of the world’s largest providers of air cargo handling services, has signed a three-year agreement with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to expand the rollout and implementation of DG AutoCheck compliance solution for the safe handling and transportation of dangerous goods shipments at key stations across its international network

This follows SATS’ acquisition of Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a global leader in cargo handling, further strengthening its global footprint.

The expanded agreement will facilitate the adoption of DG AutoCheck at both existing and new stations across the combined SATS and WFS network, which now operates over 215 stations in 27 countries. This extensive network handles trade routes responsible for over 50% of global air cargo volume, enabling SATS to play a crucial role in ensuring the safe transportation of dangerous goods.

SATS is proud to have signed the first global agreement with IATA to implement DG AutoCheck across our network as part of our commitment to the highest standards of aviation safety and security. We commend IATA for this initiative which is helping to maximise safety and improve efficiency by ensuring clear compliance and visibility of dangerous goods shipments moving by air cargo.

Henry Low, SATS

DG AutoCheck is an automated compliance solution that optimises dangerous goods acceptance processes to ensure the highest level of safety. Developed in collaboration with airlines, ground handlers, and freight forwarders, it replaces manual cross-references of the Shipper’s

Declaration for Dangerous Goods (DGD) and IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) to help eradicate the chances of errors that may lead to shipment rejections, fines, and penalties for non-compliance.

We are pleased to support SATS and WFS in the expanded implementation of DG AutoCheck across their global network. This solution significantly enhances the safety, accuracy, and efficiency of dangerous goods handling, which is critical as air cargo volumes continue to grow. SATS’ commitment to adopting innovative safety measures sets a strong example for the entire industry.

David Wall, Director of Safety

and Cargo Compliance & Operations Solutions, IATA

The certificate handover from David Wall, Director Safety and Cargo Compliance & Operations Solutions at IATA to Henry Low, SATS’ Chief Operating Officer and CEO-designate Singapore Hub* happened on 27 September in Paris. Airlines, freight forwarders, and cargo handlers manage the transportation of over 1.25 million dangerous goods annually, and this is forecast to grow by a further 4.9% in the next 5 years, according to the Association.

Using DG AutoCheck, cargo operations teams can...

• Process a shipment in as little as 5 minutes

• Automatically generate a detailed report of compliance issues

• Calculate Q Value instantaneously

• Make physical inspections easier with the package preview that shows required marks, labels, and packaging requirements

• Display all applicable State or operator variations

• Get reliable business intelligence data and insights on processes to identify opportunities for improvement

• Be e-DGD ready (XSDG), and more.

SATS AGREEMENT WITH IATA TO IMPLEMENT DG AUTOCHECK FOR DANGEROUS CARGO

PORTS & HUBS

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

Related topics

Cargo handling

Container terminals

Drayage

Warehousing

Pick ‘n’ pack

24 SEPTEMBER 2024 | Source: LÖDIGE INDUSTRIES

LÖDIGE INDUSTRIES EXPANDS SAIGON CARGO SERVICE CORPORATION

AIR CARGO TERMINAL

Lödige Industries, a leading global supplier of material handling systems, has successfully completed the expansion of a cargo terminal of the Saigon Cargo Service Corporation (SCSC). With the integration of a second Elevating Transfer Vehicle (ETV) and an additional 150 storage positions, the handling capacity of the existing facility was doubled during ongoing operations.

Scalability is an important criterion in many construction projects, after all, you want to be optimally prepared for future growth. The development of a 20-foot elevating transfer vehicle and a 150-bay storage system by Lödige Industries at Saigon Cargo Service Corporation a few years ago was accompanied by a potential doubling of capacity, which was considered in the planning for the project, which was completed in 2010. This paid off just a few years later. Thanks in part to the stateof-the-art handling technology, SCSC was able to grow its business so much within a short space of time that it became necessary to expand the facility.

In 2022, the two project partners initiated a second - now successfully completed - project phase, another brand new ETV was integrated into the existing system. In addition, the storage system was expanded to include a third and fourth level which added a further 150 storage locations. The programmable logic controller (PLC) was also modernized during this recent project phase.

The project was designed for a possible expansion right from the start. That's why doubling the handling capacity during ongoing operations was particularly seamless here. Especially as we have extensive expertise in the expansion of existing cargo facilities.

Patrick Ho, Senior Project Manager, Lödige Industries

10 SEPTEMBER 2024 | Source: DRYDOCKS WORLD

DRYDOCKS WORLD SIGNS DEAL FOR THE LARGEST FLOATING SHEERLEG CRANE IN THE MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA, BOOSTING OFFSHORE HEAVY LIFT

Fabricated by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. (ZPMC), the new 5,000 tonne Floating Sheerleg Crane, will be the largest of its type in the Middle East and Africa

The crane allows heavy loads to be lifted as high as 120 meters above water, meeting the growing demand for large-scale offshore projects.

Drydocks World today signed a contract with Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. (ZPMC) to acquire a new generation 5,000 tonne Floating Sheerleg Crane, which will help meet the growing demand for large-scale offshore projects.

The signing ceremony took place in Dubai, attended by His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, Captain Rado Antolovic, PhD, CEO of Drydocks World, You Ruikai, the Chairman of ZPMC, and senior management from both companies.

The design, construction, testing, and commissioning phase is expected to take approximately 24 months, with completion scheduled in the second quarter of 2026.

Once operational, the crane will boost Drydocks World's heavylifting capabilities, allowing it to meet the growing demands of largescale projects, such as high-voltage offshore converter platforms and Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel topsides. The company’s latest investment will leverage its existing expertise,

exemplified by the successful execution of significant projects such as the conversion of Tango FLNG and Excalibur FSU vessels, the refurbishment and conversion of Firenze FPSO and the ongoing EPC project on UK Norfolk Vanguard Offshore Wind Platforms.

The crane features a 160-meter-long A-frame, allowing heavy loads of up to 5,000 tonnes to be lifted 120 meters above the water, and a 600-tonne fly jib that can extend its reach to 180 meters. This capability enables the installation of larger vessel modules constructed in the yard and lifted onto the vessel for assembly, both nearshore and offshore. The crane can accommodate up to 50 personnel offshore, thereby reducing the need for support vessels. Its versatility also makes it well-suited for the construction of offshore platforms, bridges, and marine developments.

Our investment in a such a significant piece of equipment marks a strategic milestone for Drydocks World, and demonstrates our commitment to enhancing our offerings to customers and achieving operational excellence worldwide. Once operational, this giant crane will strengthen our leadership in the maritime industry and boost our ability to support projects that drive regional economic growth.

H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman & CEO, DP World

Acquiring the Middle East and Africa's largest crane of this type is a transformative step for Drydocks World. As offshore vessels continue to grow in size, the need for advanced lifting solutions with features like angled booms has become increasingly important. This new sheerleg crane, with its ability to handle heavier modules and expedite project timelines, enables us to manage more extensive and complex projects, further solidifying our status as a global leader in the maritime and offshore energy industries. ZPMC's proven expertise in high-capacity crane manufacturing makes them the ideal partner to significantly enhance our lifting capabilities and ensure our success in mega-projects both regionally and internationally.

Captain Rado Antolovic, PhD, CEO, Drydocks World

Our partnership with Drydocks World builds on a history of successful projects with DP World and opens doors for future projects together. We are proud to collaborate on this project, delivering a stateof-the-art crane that combines power with cutting-edge technology for maximum efficiency and safety.

You Ruikai, Chairman, ZPMC

Constructed from high-strength steel, the crane boasts advanced safety technologies and a sophisticated integrated control system for enhanced operational efficiency. The automatic ballasting system guarantees stability, and the integration of a high-capacity ballast water treatment plant also highlights Drydocks World's dedication to environmental sustainability.

ARAMEX UK LAUNCHES NEW SCOTLAND BRANCH TO EXTEND PRESENCE ACROSS UK

Aramex UK, one of the UK’s leading global logistics providers, has opened a new branch in Aberdeen, Scotland, as part of its ongoing strategy to deepen its footprint across the UK and to better service customers within the region.

Recognising Aberdeen's strategic importance, Aramex UK has chosen the city as its hub where it will also invest in a new warehousing facility, primarily as a result of it being situated near the city’s world-class port.

The Port of Aberdeen, renowned for its international trade connections, acts as a critical gateway to over 40 countries, making it an ideal base for Aramex UK’s operations north of the border – ensuring that businesses receive end-to-end support tailored to their specific needs.

With Aramex UK boasting excellent links to the Middle East in particular, its new set-up will enable for smooth and seamless shipping services for businesses looking to export from Scotland to anywhere in the world.

The company, which is headquartered in Dubai, is also able to offer businesses unprecedented access to the Middle East. Boasting a global logistics network which spans across more than 600 offices, in over 70 countries, Aramex UK has the unique capability of leveraging the company’s international network to provide seamless, efficient, and reliable logistics solutions to large-scale organisations as well as to SMEs.

From its new facility, the international logistics specialist’s branch will offer a comprehensive range of logistics services to customers, including air, ocean, and road freight, as well as warehousing and courier solutions.

The newly formed branch will be led by Adam Demus, who steps into the role of Branch Manager with a wealth of experience in working within a wide range of sectors. Alongside a dedicated project team, he will focus on delivering tailored solutions that meet the diverse and complex needs of Aramex UK's customers, both new and existing.

Aramex UK National Freight Manager Haissam Badr has emphasised that the new facility will not only strengthen the company's presence in Scotland but also enhance its ability to provide localised and efficient logistics solutions to businesses in the region.

We are thrilled to expand our UK operations into Scotland with the opening of our new branch in Aberdeen, led by our newly appointed Branch Manager Adam Demus. Establishing our new branch and warehousing facility within the city was in many ways a no brainer once the opportunity presented itself, especially when factoring in its transportation and trade links. This strategic decision was driven by our commitment to better serve businesses north of the border with greater impact. Having a facility in this key region ultimately allows us to provide responsive and localised logistics solutions to businesses of all shapes and sizes, ensuring the smooth and efficient shipping from Scotland to anywhere in the world.

iiyama, one of the world’s leading international display solutions manufacturers, has awarded GEODIS Netherlands with a third multi-year contract, fortifying the longstanding collaboration between both companies

This agreement further cements the partnership that started in 2018, with GEODIS serving as iiyama’s global distribution center. Over the last five years, GEODIS has managed iiyama’s B2B distribution needs from single-piece orders to full truckloads.

iiyama is projecting consistent year-on-year growth in the upcoming period. GEODIS Netherlands will implement several key optimizations. These include enhanced storage solutions for odd-sized pallets, advanced backwards planning, and refined just-in-time order management. Additionally, the integration of state-of-the-art warehousing and transport management solutions will facilitate smooth communication, reduce lead times, and enhance system compatibility.

These innovations are designed to elevate service levels and operational efficiency. This new multiyear contract underscores the mutual trust and strategic alignment between GEODIS & iiyama.

Henk Gerards, Director Operations Contract Logistics, GEODIS Benelux

Sustainability is a top priority for both organizations. Moving forward, both companies are committed to reduce overall emissions. Renewing our partnership with GEODIS Netherlands highlights our shared values and the impressive outcomes we've accomplished together. We are excited to continue our journey towards operational excellence and sustainability.

Jeffry Pettinga , Sales Director, iiyama Europe

IIYAMA & GEODIS EXTEND

TECH & DIGITALISATION

Digitalisation: leveraging digitisation to improve business processes.

(Digitisation: converting information from a physical into a digital format. Digital Transformation: the use of new, fast and frequently changing digital technology to solve problems.)

Related topics

17 SEPTEMBER 2024 | Source: WEBFLEET

WEBFLEET INTRODUCES NEW AI ASSISTANT HELPING FLEET MANAGERS MORE EFFICIENTLY INTERACT WITH FLEET DATA

Webfleet is debuting its new AI Assistant at IAA Transportation 2024, leveraging GenAI technology

The new tool allows fleet managers to interact with data in an intuitive and easy way simply by typing questions

Introduced as a beta project, the Webfleet AI Assistant will first focus on the Webfleet OptiDrive solution providing tailored answers to driving behaviour challenges

Webfleet, Bridgestone’s globally trusted fleet management solution, is debuting its new AI Assistant at IAA Transportation 2024.

Leveraging GenAI technology, the tool is simplifying fleet management by allowing fleet managers to interact with their fleet data intuitively and easily.

We are happy to show the first demo of the Webfleet AI Assistant at IAA TRANSPORTATION 2024, which will be a game changer for fleet management. As fleet vehicles and assets are creating more and more connected data, our job is to provide actionable insights to fleet decision makers in an easy and fast way. Our new AI Assistant is doing that with the simplicity of an intuitive AI - by directly interacting with their data and asking questions, fleet customers can take data-driven actions faster and with more clarity to improve their operations.

Raghunath Banerjee, Vice President of Data Solutions, Bridgestone Mobility Solutions

The Webfleet AI Assistant is introduced as a beta project in collaborating with customers to further develop the solution. The beta project will first focus on the Webfleet OptiDrive solution to provide Webfleet customers with feedback based on precise answers to driving behaviour challenges.

The AI tool delivers real-time and historical data about key fleet performance indicators, including fuel and energy consumption, and driving events such as idling, speeding and harsh braking.

Fleet managers can type prompts asking for example ‘Give me the statistics for all driving time and total mileage for my drivers, aggregated for the last five months,’ or ‘What is the fuel consumption trend over the last three months?’ and get precise overviews in seconds. They can also access pre-defined prompts and suggested follow-up questions.

With data security as highest priority, the Webfleet fleet management software is ISO 27001 certified which means it fulfils the highest industry standard for data security, quality and availability. Data from the Webfleet AI Assistant on OptiDrive is kept within the Webfleet environment protecting sensitive fleet data.

& DIGITALISATION

AI & ROBOTS HELP RETAIN WAREHOUSE STAFF

Until recently, the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) and robots into the workplace was perceived as a threat to jobs. However, in the logistics sector, quite the opposite is happening. In the face of ongoing labour shortages and staff retention issues, these technologies are enriching people’s lives by opening new, more meaningful roles. Contrary to the expected narrative, man and machine are now forging collaborative, beneficial relationships that will come to define the warehouse of the future.

Dirk van Lammeren, CCO at Prime Vision, explores how its automation technologies are improving warehouse staff retention, and what is coming next.

The human factor becomes paramount

In a recent global survey of over 2,000 global supply chain professionals, it was found that 84% of organisations had issues with retaining staff. [1] This is because traditionally, warehouse work has been strenuous, monotonous and unfulfilling. Walking kilometres every day carrying parcels or standing at conveyers mindlessly sorting parcels into chutes does not appeal to many. This lack of enthusiasm, combined with unique market conditions like aging populations and the aftershocks of the pandemic have made finding and retaining employees difficult.

The manifestation of this is that many large logistics companies now have dedicated retention officers either appointed or reporting directly to the board. Having to continually retrain new employees due to high turnover is expensive and time consuming – so many of the big players are trying to make warehouse work more attractive. Programs to improve benefits and pay go a long way, but now companies are investing in new technologies to improve staff retention. The key aim? Make working in a warehouse fun.

Technology changes our attitudes

About 3 to 4 years ago, positioning automation as a solution to this conundrum would’ve been met with scepticism. People were inherently wary of AI and robotics as they were considered technologies to replace workers rather than assist them. However, in the context of a labour shortage and efforts to make warehouse work more engaging, attitudes are changing.

Research has illustrated this. When staff were asked if they excited about the possibilities of AI and robotics, 75% and 72% responded positively to each respective technology.[2] Why is this the case? After seeing the benefits in their day-to-day working lives, employees are supportive. These technologies are making warehouse work more engaging and meaningful – increasing the chances of people showing up to work the next day. As a specialist in both AI and robotics, Prime Vision has experienced this revolution first hand.

AI helps people diversify

Despite all the recent noise, AI has been around in one form or another since the 1960s. Terms like predictive models or big data illustrate the gradual evolution. Now, increases in computing power have made AI more proactive, predictive and helpful.

This has opened more strategic job roles in warehouse logistics. AI can now determine what packages are coming, the item diversity, predicted volumes, market trends, key destinations and the resulting effect on sorting operations. Many are using digital twins that accurately model real-world operations to experiment and plan for future scenarios.

This has two key benefits. First, warehouse personnel can now get involved in more fulfilling work using cutting-edge tools. Second, the contingencies generated from this modelling ensure that seasonal or peak demand can be met effectively and sustainably. Both serve to improve working conditions for employees.

Play hard, work hard

Using AI to track parcels moving through a warehouse also helps workers on the ground. Prime Vision’s Flow Projector takes package information from the wider warehouse data system and beams a number onto each package that correlates with its intended chute. Instead of having to laboriously read each label, scan it using a sweaty glove and determine the correct chute – employees can quickly and easily take packages to the right destination.

The Flow Projector has proven transformative. At one customer, it was discovered that employees would clock in five minutes early just to ensure they worked at a Flow Projector equipped chute. Many users gamified their work, choosing to only pick a certain projected number or entering friendly competition with coworkers. It was easier to train new employees too, especially those that spoke other languages. The performance of new starts and employees was also improved, with the customer reporting less mistakes and up to 40% more parcels processed daily.

The droids we’re looking for

Robots have liberated people from the strenuous work of moving parcels around the warehouse. For example, Prime Vision robots can carry up to a 2-metre square parcel weighing more than 30 kg. Fast, accurate, efficient and autonomous, robots have allowed all levels of consumer demand to be met without placing undue strain on warehouse employees. These capabilities have freed up workers to graduate from manual labour and take advantage of new and exciting career opportunities.

Prime Vision operates over 1000 robots across 53 sites in the US, as well as additional fleets in Europe. Other than the efficiency improvements, what is most striking about these facilities is the strong relationships between people and robots. Many customers name their robots, some even immortalising the employee of the month on the chassis. A team at one facility referred to the fleet as their ‘babies’.

This affection is because instead of walking kilometres with heavy parcels, warehouse workers are now engaging in the exciting field of managing the robot fleet. Carrying out cleaning, maintenance, planning, battery replacement and changeovers has ensured that employees have developed a duty of care towards them. Inarguably, this illustrates how robotics has enriched warehouse work, and that people are happy about it.

The future is an implementation game

Instead of AI and robotics rendering us obsolete, the future will instead involve coexisting with these technologies for more fulfilling work. The variation of goods and volumes in sectors such as e-commerce means that the dark warehouse is not yet attainable. However, to achieve successful future collaboration means sensitively implementing these technologies into the workplace.

The first step is the safe design of areas where AI, robots and humans can collaborate. This is very much at customer discretion and must be conducted within the boundaries of local legislation. Whether that is to create rules to allow safe intervention by humans, or segregating areas between humans and machines – either is a valid approach to make people feel comfortable. As familiarity grows and the efficiency benefits manifest, employees become more accepting of new technologies.

The future of warehouse logistics is likely be a symphony of autonomous forklifts, robots, drones and computer vision technologies conducted by AI and overseen by humans. Realising this will not be straightforward. Arguably the biggest challenge will be implementing these technologies within brownfield warehouse environments. Here, vendor agnostic automation experts like Prime Vision will be key to widespread adoption, seamlessly integrating solutions with existing sorting infrastructure to smoothen the transition.

Following the recent successes of AI and robotics in improving job satisfaction and staff retention rates, warehouse operators and employees both have reasons to stick around in future.

TECH & DIGITALISATION EXPERTS

Artificial intelligence can permanently change how managers approach freight vehicle maintenance. Whether they leverage AI in predictive maintenance or to interpret diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), AI fleet management will have a significant impact.

The need for AI-driven freight vehicle maintenance

Ageing fleets are prone to malfunctions and sudden failures. As fuel prices and delays rise, maintaining freight vehicles to lower operational costs becomes essential. Optimising isn’t just about efficiency and costeffectiveness — breakdowns also put drivers’ lives at risk.

On-road casualties are increasing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the country’s freight-related fatalities reached 5,582 in 2020, a 19.7% increase from 2015. While this figure has trended down historically, it has risen in recent years.

AI can transform fleet vehicle maintenance

AI fleet management transforms freight vehicle maintenance in several ways:

AI in Predictive Maintenance: Using AI in predictive maintenance lets fleet managers forecast breakdowns long before they occur. Identify subtle trends to forecast malfunctions, damage or equipment failure days or even weeks in advance.

Optimised Vehicle Operation: Additionally, AI can optimise route selection and driver pairing to shorten trips. These gains add up exponentially, reducing wear and fuel costs. AI can guide decision-making based on real-time data, helping managers decide when to order replacement parts and how to prioritise issues. It can also tell them when vehicles should be retired.

Driver Behaviour Intervention: A model can identify hazardous driver behaviour — like harsh braking or rapid acceleration — in real time, enabling immediate intervention. Using AI in predictive maintenance this way lets fleet managers determine employees’ risk levels.

How AI simplifies identifying and resolving DTCs

AI can automatically identify DTCs when a vehicle’s OBD system detects a problem. It can tell the technician what’s wrong leading to faster diagnostics.

A model can analyse connected systems in real time to determine whether a DTC is a fluke and then narrow down possible resolutions. Leveraging AI in predictive maintenance may prevent these issues altogether.

The benefits of utilising AI in predictive maintenance

Extracting information from physical documents is time-consuming and costly. However, it becomes relatively cost-effective with AI and optical character recognition. This technology simplifies aggregating data streams from vehicles, contractors and drivers.

With AI fleet management, companies can extend the life spans of their freight vehicles. Leveraging predictive analytics, synthetic data generation and autonomous decision-making increases reliability and reduces wear, maximizing operational efficiency for longer.

5 STEPS FOR ADOPTING AN A.I. FLEET MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

There are five steps decision-makers must follow to adopt an AI fleet management strategy:

1 Install aftermarket add-ons

Aftermarket add-ons, such as Internet of Things (IoT) sensors for data collection, enable fleet managers to deploy a telematics solution fit for their AI. This way, they can interpret onboard diagnostics in real time.

2 Source a data storage system

A data storage system aggregates information from vehicles, aftermarket add-ons, control systems and drivers. Ideally, this dataset should be shareable and remotely accessible to facilitate seamless collaboration.

3 Clean and transform data

Considering that 87% of AI users have data quality concerns, cleaning and transforming information should take priority. IT professionals should remove duplicates, fill in missing values and properly format fields to ensure high-quality insights.

4 Train the model on maintenance

Training a model on freight-specific data enables it to understand logistics processes and industry terminology. AI engineers must use relevant datasets and business-specific information for the best outcome.

5 Leverage AI at the edge

Edge technology — models and devices deployed at the network’s boundary — is becoming a must-have in logistics. It can enable submillisecond latency, which is critical during fast-paced, high-stakes situations.

Implementation considerations to take into account

Decision-makers should be mindful that investing in this technology will likely be expensive. Moreover, drivers may feel wary of being monitored on the road. Before finalising implementation, they should consider how these factors may impact their success.

DISCOVER HOW A.I. CAN TRANSFORM YOUR VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

Emily Newton, Editor in Chief, Revolutionized

TECH & DIGITALISATION NEWS

A NEW REALM: THE STORY OF REALM REALTIME & THEIR RISE IN FREIGHT FORWARDING

In today’s fast-paced world of logistics and freight forwarding, efficiency is everything. But for years, many freight forwarders struggled with outdated, and expensive legacy software solutions that made operations cumbersome. Enter Realm Realtime – a cloudbased, modular platform designed to revolutionize the freight forwarding industry by streamlining the entire process. But how did it all begin?

How it began

The seeds of Realm Realtime were sown in London, where Dan and Misty worked at a software house building modern platforms for enterprise clients. Meanwhile, Stuart, a freight forwarder with a rich background spanning from warehouse roles to Sales Manager, was facing his own set of challenges. He often vented to Misty about the inefficient systems freight companies used – complex, costly, and far from user-friendly. It was these discussions that sparked the idea for something new.

Dan and Misty quickly realized that there was a glaring gap in the market for a cost-effective, cloud-based solution tailored for freight forwarders. But it wasn’t just about modernizing old systems – they recognized that high staff turnover in roles such as operations meant excessive time and money were being spent on training employees to use these outdated tools.

With Stuart’s insider perspective and their expertise in software, they envisioned a platform that would be end-to-end, modular, and adaptable to the diverse setups freight forwarders use – whether they have their own warehouses, vehicles, or customs clearance services. After months of market research, it was confirmed: the industry desperately needed this modern solution. With that, the Trio left their jobs and took the brave step to set up their own company and take up the challenge.

Building the platform

The journey from concept to creation began with breaking down the workflow of a freight forwarder. Every step – from transport modes, quoting, invoicing, documentation, and credit notes – was analyzed and meticulously mapped out. With this groundwork in place, the team developed a beta version and released it to a design client for feedback. Over the next year, constant improvements were made, resulting in a streamlined, user-friendly system.

An essential feature of the platform was the integration of accounting software like Xero, Sage, and QuickBooks, allowing real-time delivery of finance information without the cumbersome upload/download processes. At the end of 2023, Realm Realtime’s commercial platform launched with four subscription tiers, including a free plan that provided accessibility to smaller operations.

Where they are now

Realm Realtime has experienced significant growth, with a rapidly expanding customer base and a platform that’s continuously improved through user feedback.

In 2024, a customs clearance module was added, enabling freight forwarders to manage customs jobs in-platform. Further enhancements are underway included a partnership with iCustoms, making it possible to process customs jobs without the need to re-enter information that is already available on the platform.

RealmAI, the platform’s smart assistant, brought innovative features such as smart paste and an intelligent business card scanner, further boosting efficiency. Bespoke systems are also part of the mix, including a soonto-launch warehousing platform, set to be completed in early 2025. This warehousing module will be a valuable addition to the core platform.

Moreover, the company has partnered with a major international Marine insurance provider to offer instant marine insurance directly through the platform – a feature that highlights Realm’s commitment to providing a truly comprehensive, all-in-one solution.

The future of Realm

The future is bright for Realm Realtime. In 2025, the platform is set to introduce a Transportation Management System (TMS) module, a gamechanging feature that will make Realm Realtime a complete, end-to-end solution for freight forwarders. From managing warehouses to booking shipments, Realm’s TMS will ensure forwarders have everything they need in one place.

New developments will also include a customer portal to enhance communication between forwarders and their clients and enable instant payment to be taken in multiple currencies.

RealmAI's capabilities will be expanding by automating processes such as manifest reading. Realm Realtime aims to reduce manual input and give freight companies more time to focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional service.

Partnerships will continue to grow, with Realm adding more integrations to build a marketplace of suppliers directly accessible through the platform. Additionally, a news feed partnership with Forwarder Magazine will ensure users are always up-to-date with industry developments.

Conclusion

From its humble beginnings in the conversations between Dan, Misty, and Stuart to its current position as a leading software solution for freight forwarders, Realm Realtime has proven itself as a gamechanger in logistics.

With a relentless focus on innovation and user experience, the platform’s future developments promise to solidify its place as an indispensable tool for freight forwarders worldwide.

The journey has just begun, but the impact is already undeniable – Realm Realtime is shaping the future of freight forwarding.

If you would like to find out more about Realm Realtime including a full feature list and subscription prices, visit realmrealtime.com

TECH & DIGITALISATION NEWS

ROBOTS BRINGING GLOBAL GROWTH TO BEAUTY BUSINESS

Active Ants, a highly automated e-fulfilment company, continues to transform the UK e-commerce industry with announcement of client collaboration with leading beauty brand

Active Ants, a fulfilment specialist for worldwide online stores, has announced its latest prestigious partnership with beauty brand Oriflame

Since the successful launch of its first ever e-fulfilment centre in the UK, where its revolutionary robots work alongside human co-workers, Active Ants UK continues to expand its global growth operations with new client collaborations covering an expansive sector of industries, including beauty, wellbeing, fashion and electronics.

The company, which specialises in e-fulfilment operations via its multiple robot-operated warehouses spanning Europe, announced news of the partnership between Active Ants UK and Oriflame, with the Swedish brand set to utilise Active Ants extensive services and site, situated in Northampton, to further boost the beauty business’ global growth.

Active Ants unique setup in the e-commerce industry continues to expand at pace as the company establishes commercial collaborations with a growing portfolio of clients supplying hundreds of thousands of products to consumers worldwide.

Active Ants, which has state-of-the-art robotised operations at all its warehouses, announced the Oriflame operations at its UK facility launched on August 22nd. The partnership will see the Active Ants robots handle 85% of the picking and packing processes across the beauty brand’s range of products, processing orders more accurately and 50% faster than traditional methods.

We are delighted to announce our latest professional partnership with Oriflame with the beauty brand joining our extensive portfolio of global clients utilising our cutting-edge, state-of-the-art automated facilities. This partnership perfectly demonstrates how using automation as a tool helps enhance our clients’ growth, and our flexibility and capabilities in scaling up for larger brands operating across numerous industries. Our proficient and highly efficient processes, which successfully and seamlessly bring together the work of humans and robots, combined with our 252,000 sqft UK warehouse, means every year we have the capacity to ship up to 10 million parcels. In the long term our UK facility, operating in full capacity, would see more than 250 people working alongside more than 400 robots, which would make our Northampton site the most sustainable and efficient in the UK.

Khalil

Ashong, Country Director UK, Active Ants

Technology-driven Active Ants’ groundbreaking approach allows the business to take over the logistics processes of e-commerce companies, operating in beauty, health, fashion, nutrition and small electronic products, allowing those brands to focus on business development and growth, which made the highly automated e-fulfillment company the perfect partner for Oriflame.

We are very excited about our partnership with Active Ants. This is a time of progress and expansion for the Oriflame brand, and it's fantastic to see our Swedish outlook on beauty and wellbeing travelling overseas. Providing world class service is key for us hence this decision for faster delivery and Active Ants’ advanced technology will enable our company to grow in a sustainable and prosperous way – I can’t wait to see what the future has in store!

Sofia Radomska, UK Managing Director, Oriflame

The Active Ants advanced setup sees storage, order picking, packing and sorting all automated with employees forming an efficient team working with robots. This robotisation leads to greater efficiency, higher quality and less CO2 emission.

Khalil added: Active Ants specialise in offering unique solutions which offer cost efficiencies and upscaling capabilities to our customers and help to streamline processes, while allowing brands to grow on a global scale.

Sustainability is a main focus for Active Ants and its pioneering AutoStore solution means the warehouse storage takes up six times less space than a traditional warehouse. Advanced automated packaging machines make bespoke boxes to fit products, eliminating any need for box filling, reducing space during last mile transport and significantly reducing waste. In addition to this the Northampton warehouse, which has more than 1,000 solar panels on its roof and is based in Brackmills Industrial Estate, has an A+ rating and an ‘outstanding’ BREEAM certification.

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GREGG WALLACE MBE TO HOST BIFA FREIGHT SERVICE AWARDS

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) has added a culinary touch to its annual Freight Service Awards event, as the deadline for entries this year is extended

BIFA’s director general Steve Parker has revealed that the celebrity host for the awards ceremony in January 2025 will be writer, media personality and former greengrocer. Gregg Wallace MBE.

I am often asked for the secret ingredients that constitute the recipe for success for any company looking to win one of our awards. So it seemed appropriate to invite someone who is probably best known for co-presenting MasterChef, Celebrity MasterChef and MasterChef: The Professionals, on BBC1. We ask for award submissions that detail a relevant service or project such as a specific case study, the development of a new service for a particular customer, or a more generic example of good practice. The ingredients should include examples of innovative ideas, or service enhancements as well as customer and company benefits. And, like the end result of any decent recipe we see on the programmes that Gregg hosts, presentation counts for a lot.

Now in their 36th year, BIFA’s Freight Service Awards is open to all members of the trade association, which represents UK companies engaged in managing the global movement of freight and international supply chains by all modes of transport.

They are an important part of BIFA’s mission to encourage its members in their pursuit of improved standards and excellence within the logistics and supply chain industry, as well as being a key element in the trade association’s engagement with its members.

Sponsored by a number of blue chip companies, each of the eleven award categories is recognised as very prestigious and winning an award has become more coveted year-on-year.

Coinciding with the announcement of the host, the deadline for entry to the nine business categories has been extended and is now Wednesday, 9, October 2024. Entry forms and guidelines to enter those categories are available to download from the BIFA website.

Finalists will be announced towards the end of this year. The winners will be revealed at the BIFA Freight Service Awards 2024 ceremony at The Brewery in central London on Thursday, 16 January 2025, an annual event on the industry’s agenda that’s not to be missed.

Parker added: Gregg Wallace MBE is a classic example of someone who has built a successful business from scratch and gone on to achieve even more successes. I would hope that any of the winners of our awards would see the same results. Nor is he a stranger to logistics, aspects of which he examined in the Supermarket Secrets programme, detailing the complexity and innovations of their supply chains.

EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS NEWS

Over 100 leaders and professionals from the forwarding and logistics sector recently attended the latest FORWARDER event in Birmingham

The theme of the event was mental health and was held at the Hilton Metropole, with leaders gathering for a day of networking, mastermind sessions around mental health and inspirational talks.

FORWARDER events have become famous in the industry for their unique speed networking, which guarantees numerous new business opportunities for the participants.

The event is the brainchild of Craig Headford – who has over twentyfive years’ experience in the industry – and Jolie Dixon. They also publish FORWARDER magazine and own the Headford Group, which has built an industry ecosystem that covers recruitment, mergers & acquisitions and marketing.

The Birmingham event was hosted by Jamie Breese and the day event was concluded with a keynote talk from Paralympic gold medallist Andy Lewis MBE, before a cocktail party took place which was sponsored by newly launched FORWARDER fx . More information about FORWARDER fx can be found at FORWARDER fx .com

Jolie Dixon comments: The theme of the event was mental health and the mastermind session was humbling as leaders talked openly about how they are handling this important subject in their businesses. Lots of good work is being done in our sector but even more needs to be done, which is why we were keen to tackle this subject head on and get people talking.

Craig Headford comments: This was a standout event for me, with high-calibre attendees able to do business together, make new connections and keep up to speed with the latest industry trends. There was a special vibe in the room…roll on the next one!

On 5 December, FORWARDER will come to Heathrow, and you can book your place at FORWARDER .events/tickets

Michael Tyers, a Director at Lynkpay, attended the event in Birmingham and comments: Lynkpay has now become a platinum member of FORWARDER network and every time we attend one of these events we make new business connections. There is nothing else of this quality serving the sector and we’re already signed up to attend the Heathrow event.

EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS NEWS

1 OCTOBER 2024 | Source: FIATA

2024 FIATA WORLD CONGRESS CONCLUDES SUCCESSFULLY, SETTING NEW MILESTONES FOR THE GLOBAL LOGISTICS INDUSTRY

The 2024 FIATA World Congress concluded last week, marking a resounding success as it brought together 878 leaders, experts, and stakeholders from the global logistics and freight forwarding industry from 85 territories. The event, hosted by Asociación Panameña de Agencias de Carga (APAC), in the vibrant city of Panama, served as a platform for addressing key challenges and opportunities facing global trade today.

Over the past few days, participants engaged in insightful discussions on various global logistics trends, with particular emphasis on digital transformation, sustainability, and the evolving regulatory environment. In the context of ongoing supply chain turmoil and uncertainties amid global tensions, the Congress highlighted the importance of innovation, resilience, and collaboration in navigating current and future disruptions in logistics.

The event magnificently opened by setting the tone for an engaging week, tackling global challenges such as geopolitical tensions, environmental concerns, and trade barriers. Keynote speeches featured notable figures, including the Panamanian Minister of Canal Affairs, José Ramon Icaza Clement, the Vice-Minister of Commerce and Industry, Carlos Hoyos Boyd, the WCO Secretary General, Ian Saunders, and online addresses from ICAO Secretary General, Juan Carlos Salazar, and ITF Secretary General at OECD, Dr Young Tae Kim, directed specifically to the FIATA World Congress audience. FIATA Director General, Dr Stéphane Graber, reaffirmed the Federation’s commitment to fostering collaboration and driving positive change, echoing the sentiment that only through collective action can the global logistics industry thrive in an ever-changing world.

Key moments from the Congress included the recognition of Laura Cristin Egerer, named the 2024 Young Logistics Professionals (YLP) Global Winner for her outstanding contribution to the industry through innovative approaches in sustainable logistics. Her victory symbolises the new generation's commitment to driving change and addressing the pressing environmental and technological challenges.

The selection of the Ethiopian Freight Forwarder and Shipping Agents Association (EFFSAA) to host the 2027 FIATA World Congress in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was another momentous highlight. EFFSAA President and FIATA Airfreight Institute (AFI) Chair, Dawit Woubishet reiterated the importance of this milestone not only for Ethiopia but for Africa.

The Congress also focused on pressing issues in the Region Americas, highlighting both the challenges and the growth potential of the region. From supply chain disruptions to advancing sustainability goals, stakeholders explored actionable strategies to optimise performance and enhance cross-border connectivity. As a platform for regional and international dialogue, the Congress represented the importance of policy alignment and collaboration to foster growth in global supply chains.

FIATA would like to extend its deepest thanks to the Panamanian Authorities, APAC Panama, high-level industry speakers, sponsors, partners, and attendees for facilitating such an impactful event.

The next FIATA World Congress will be held in Hanoi, Vietnam, 6-10 October 2025, where the focus will shift to continuing the dialogue on sustainability and digitalisation, ensuring that the logistics sector remains at the forefront of global economic recovery and growth.

26 SEPTEMBER 2024 | Source: FIATA

LAURA CRISTIN EGERER NAMED YLP GLOBAL WINNER AT 2024 FIATA WORLD CONGRESS

FIATA International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations, together with TT Club, a leading provider of insurance and risk management services for the international freight transport sector, is excited to announce the Global winner of this year's Young Logistics Professionals Award (YLP) at the 2024 FIATA World Congress held in Panama City, Panama.

We are delighted to announce Laura Cristin Egerer, the Region Europe Winner nominated by Bundesverband Spedition und Logistik (DSLV), whose remarkable achievements have earned her the title of this year’s global winner. Her dissertation, Reliable Logistics Solutions in an Unreliable Environment, explored the export of an oversized combustion chamber and the import of a dangerous goods sea freight shipment, which she presented in her live session in Panama. Her solution-oriented approach to these complex cargo movements demonstrates both her expertise and innovative thinking.

For over twenty years, FIATA and TT Club have been providing valuable training opportunities for the young rising stars of the industry by organising a yearly contest. The competition demonstrates the recognition by FIATA and TT Club of the need to develop skilled human resources in the freight forwarding and logistics sector and to acknowledge young talents. This award is a unique experience for young professionals, allowing them to gain more experience in the industry and connections throughout the competition. Congratulations to Laura and all the finalists for their contributions and for illustrating the bright future of our industry.

Turgut Erkeskin, President, FIATA

The 2024 FIATA World Congress, held in the strategically significant capital city of Panama, placed a spotlight on young talents with a dedicated full day of activities. As a global hub for logistics, Panama plays a central role in connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans,

making it a fitting location for an event celebrating innovation and youth engagement in the logistics industry. During the YLP day, the four global finalists shared their inspiring stories of dedication and the self-development journey they embarked on to reach this important milestone in their careers. Each winner reflected on the intensive preparation process and the support they received throughout their journey. This year’s Congress featured a YLP Talk Show, where attendees had the unique opportunity to actively participate by voting for their favourite contestant. This event showed FIATA’s and TT Club unwavering commitment to empowering young professionals and fostering the next generation of leaders in logistics.

As the logistics sector continues to evolve, FIATA and TT Club remain dedicated to making this competition more inclusive and encouraging for all young professionals. By fostering innovation and unlocking potential, we are helping to shape an industry where the brightest talents are at the forefront of progress and transformation.

Event transport specialist Event Ground Support (EGS) has cut costs and its carbon footprint with Krone’s new 11-metre Mega City Dry Liner trailer

The company typically moves cameras, screens, lighting and audio equipment to concerts, festivals, inner-city theatres and other entertainment locations. EGS operates a mixed fleet of vehicles from small vans to 15m trailers including Krone trailers, and also works with a number of contractors.

Managing director, Kevin Webb, was looking for a new vehicle to handle urban duties, where high volume and manoeuvrability are prerequisites, and so looked to Krone.

At the time, we were looking for an 18 Tonne rigid for urban areas or a 9-metre urban trailer. Krone’s area sales manager, Alan McKee, came along and said, ‘we have an 11-metre mega with the rear-steer lifting axle,’ and I thought, ‘that’s a big trailer to be getting into those places,’ so we tested it. What swung it was that we could get the City Liner into places where you wouldn’t dream of putting a trailer. A real test recently was a customer requested 26t Rigid to load from the rear entrance of The London Palladium. We felt this would be great test for the 11m urban. To gain access you have to dodge sleepers, flowerpots and posts. Our experienced driver drove the trailer in with ease and reversed to the rear doors. Leaving was a different situation and required a little more patience with the driver making few shunts and raising of trailer to clear the posts. Once in, one of the crew at the Palladium said, “how did you get that round there?”

The Mega City Dry Liner trailer offers greater degrees of flexibility, manoeuvrability and capacity than rigid vehicles. It is fitted with a front lifting axle and a rear-steer axle, rendering it capable of accessing areas that are out of bounds to both larger and smaller trucks.

At 11 metres, the body is two metres longer than those of conventional 18- or 26-tonne rigids and has a payload capacity of around 19 tonnes – roughly double that of a conventional rigid truck – and a gross vehicle weight of 30 tonnes.

The trailer’s greater capacity and flexibility have also allowed EGS to cut costs and emissions by putting fewer vehicles on the road, which also reduces loading times.

We have a show booked in where the client wants four 18-tonners. We’ve got it down to two 18-tonners and the Krone trailer, says Kevin, who plans to acquire another Mega City Dry Liner. The customer receives a better service as you are loading/unloading less vehicles, saving drivers, fuel and running costs, not forgetting the reduced emissions. We’re looking closely at the environmental side of things now and, from that point of view, it’s one less engine on the road. Your CO2 emissions and impact on the environment are much lower –and you’ve only got to load and unload one truck, not two. Because it has an 11-metre loading space – and 18-tonners are about eight metres – you add an extra three metres and being a Mega the volume gain is invaluable. You also go from 18-tonne to a 30-tonne GVW, so your actual capacity is much greater. It gives us so much more flexibility.

SHOW TRANSPORTER SAVES COSTS & CARBON WITH KRONE MEGA CITY TRAILER

INDUSTRY LEADER REPRESENTS SECTOR AT INTERNATIONAL TRADE ROUNDTABLE

The Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade recently hosted its 2024 International Trade Roundtable in the Southwest at the M Shed in Bristol

Craig Headford, who founded the Headford Group – a business that supports companies with recruitment, marketing and funding - was invited to the roundtable to give his views on the key trends impacting exporters and importers.

Craig represents hundreds of companies through his business and has a booming mergers and acquisitions division.

He was joined at the event by leaders from a cross section of businesses that included AMS Global, Boehringer Ingelheim and Wings International.

Paul Brooks, who is Head of UK Nations at the Institute, kicked off the discussion by asking Craig to give his views on the current climate for companies that trade globally.

Craig said the hangover from Brexit is still creating huge challenges for companies that import and export but also stressed that the entrepreneurial spirit from UK entrepreneurs is helping the industry to overcome these challenges.

The roundtable came on the day that the Labour government rolled out a raft of employment changes which many business groups say could harm the economy.

Craig stressed that companies that trade internationally tend to be high-growth and big job creators, but he worried the new legislation may see unemployment rise.

He comments: “It was an honour to be invited to this important discussion and provide a voice for the thousands of companies across the Southwest and beyond that are boosting UK plc by selling goods and services around the world. We’re doing well but the UK balance of payments still show that we import more than we export, so there is still much to do but government must help too by creating the conditions for success.”

Craig will soon be talking in Las Vegas at the Manifest conference which will be attended by thousands. He also has operations in India and the USA where he is supporting businesses with recruitment, funding and their growth plans.

To find out more about Craig and the Headford Group, visit headfordgroup.com

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PREPARE FOR GB SAFETY & SECURITY IMPORT CONTROLS TO AVOID SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTION

Cross-border road transport businesses need to be ready for the latest customs change for cargo coming from the EU or face significant delays and disruption according to Colin Robb, Head of Operations & Sales at Derry Bros. From 31 October 2024, Safety and Security (S&S) declarations will be required for all EU imports, so operators need to work closely with customers to ensure the processes are in place for the updated requirements.

These changes represent a significant shift in the import process, which is aimed at boosting the UK’s security while ensuring efficient trade flows. While the new rules add some complexity to importing from the EU, they also support a safer and more streamlined trading environment. By taking the necessary steps now, importers and their supply chain partners can mitigate potential risk and continue to operate smoothly.

The new S&S rule is part of the UK government’s plan to strengthen border controls and ensure that imported goods meet the country’s safety and security standards. Failure to comply with the declaration requirement will likely result in significant delays as well as potential penalties and rejection of goods at the border.

To avoid any issues, road transport operators need to familiarise themselves with the declaration process and ensure technology systems are set up to handle the sharing of required information with customers. If they have any concerns they should liaise with their internal customs team or engage with a third-party customs agent to gain valuable guidance on how best to streamline processes and ensure compliance.

Derry Bros has more than 60 years of experience in the freight and logistics industry, serving the UK, EU and beyond. With a comprehensive range of managed booking, customs and consultancy services, it is helping businesses to navigate some of the most complex challenges facing crossborder trade and transport. The company’s success and proven track record is underpinned by award-winning technology systems, developed in-house, including the all-in-one digital customs solution, Digicom.

5 SEPTEMBER 2024 | Source: CUSTOMS SUPPORT

CUSTOMS & SECURITY NEWS WILL ‘RE-SET’ RESOLVE BORDERLINE BUST-UPS ABOUT MIXED BTOM MESSAGING?

Dan Culverhouse, UK&I managing director of Customs Support, considers if the new government’s ‘re-set’ on Europe will reduce border confusion

In August, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told us he was in ‘re-set mode’ for the UK’s relationship with Europe when he met German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for the sixth time since taking office in July.

On the table for discussion was the fostering of better post-Brexit working arrangements, as UK businesses continue to endure long border delays more than four years after Britain exited the EU.

These delays, it has to be said, have not been helped by the much-hyped Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), which seem to have created more confusion and less resolution for cross border trade.

Bodies including the Fresh Produce Consortium and the Chartered Institute of Export and Trade (CIET) have both found their members at the sharp end of border delays because of the seemingly mixed ‘best practice’ messaging issued by Defra for goods leaving and entering the UK.

According to the CIET, following the introduction of inspections for medium-risk plants and animal products, Defra advised traders sending goods to consider their choice of border control post (BCP) by saying consignments need to enter GB ‘at a point of entry with an appropriately designated BCP.’

However, it also said traders need to send goods to the same BCP they nominated in the Common Health Entry Document (CHED) that accompanies medium-risk and high-risk goods.

Consequently, this caused costly confusion when traders selected a BCP not equipped to process their goods.

The Netherlands is the one of the world’s largest plant and flower exporters, while the UK is the second-biggest importers of cut flowers from that region, which is why another example of confusion is growing into a major issue for Anglo-Dutch relations. Lorry drivers from the Netherlands could refuse UK deliveries following a barrage of complaints about conditions and processes at the UK’s BCPs.

Transport en Logistiek Nederland (TLN), a trade body which represents roughly 5,000 transport companies, said its members reported average waits of four hours at facilities at Sevington, the government-run facility that serves the Port of Dover, with some delayed for as long as 20 hours.

In addition to concerns about the conditions for drivers, with Sevington’s waiting room containing nothing but a water cooler and nowhere to buy food, problems have also arisen with border processes.

One TLN member said a shipment of plants worth £34,000 had been rejected due to damage sustained during the BCP inspection process.

Other TLN members have called for private BCPs to be more up-front about the costs associated with inspections. Some reported receiving bills as high as £800 following a delivery, with no explanation as to which checks were carried out to generate such a high fee.

As a business specialising in seamless and automated cross-border resolutions aiming to optimise supply chain efficiency, our clients look to us to resolve these challenges so that they can focus on their core activity of growing their products and their businesses on both sides of the Channel.

Transparency is everything and businesses need expertise to optimise supply chains rather than the seemingly Kafkaesque opacity and bureaucratic processes they now face.

Overall, the government’s re-set is an opportunity to create better cross channel collaboration in a post-Brexit world – but four years on, the dayto-day reality is that the BTOMs of this world are bureaucracy-speak, a language which stands alone from any current European mother tongue.

It is expertise and specialism that will always create the right bilingual translation to trump the simple and performative posturing of European leaders.

For more information about Customs Support Group, visit www.customssupport.com

EXECUTIVE INSIGHTS:

ILA PORT STRIKE IMPACT ON LOGISTICS PROVIDERS

Our freight forwarder and customs broker customers are in the thick of it right now, looking for ways to reroute cargo already in transit. They’re not only dealing with new surcharges and rising rates on alternate routes, but they also have to re-submit Customs paperwork, adding to the workload, or, in some cases, even divert shipments via Canada or Mexico, which adds a whole

other layer of complexity to the mix. What does help them is having cloud-based technology in place that streamlines these extra logistics steps with automation and keeps their shipper customers proactively informed about the status of their shipments.

Martyn Verhaegen, Chief Technology Officer of

Magaya

23 SEPTEMBER 2024 | Source: DESCARTES SYSTEMS

THE EVER-CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF SANCTIONED OWNERSHIP

Staying ahead in an evolving regulatory environment

In May 2023, data obtained by Pinsent Masons revealed that 127 UK companies have voluntarily disclosed that they have breached financial sanctions against Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Due to opaque ownership structures, businesses lacking vigorous due diligence may inadvertently engage with sanctioned individuals in international trade. Here, Thomas Lobert, solutions consultant at Descartes Systems Group, explains how companies can stay ahead in an evolving regulatory environment and avoid trading with those owned by a sanctioned entity, to remain compliant.

Firstly, sanctioned lists are compilations of individuals, entities or countries that are subject to sanctions imposed by governments, international organisations or coalitions. These can vary depending on several factors, including geopolitical events, as we’ve seen many trade compliance changes in relation to war in Ukraine.

From this, we are currently seeing a change in sanctioned lists on a frequent basis, even as regularly as every day. These rapid changes, which can be additions and updates to trade compliance, make it difficult to track and verify the ownership structure of such sanctioned entities.

As a result, compliance teams face challenges in keeping up with daily changes to sanctioned lists. Be it through limited resources, or reduced capacity, it is becoming more difficult for these teams to verify ownership structures, increasing the risk of overlooking crucial amendments and potentially violating trade compliance regulations.

Transparency

To remain compliant, as well as staying ahead in this ever-evolving regulatory environment, transparency is required. This involves providing businesses with access to accurate and up-to-date corporate data, including information about ownership structures and financial transactions.

Having access to reliable data is crucial for compliance teams to make informed decisions and to ensure that the organisation is not inadvertently engaging in activities that could lead to sanctions.

For instance, understanding the control structures within an organisation allows companies to go merely beyond the name of the owner. Instead, beneficial ownership, corporate hierarchies and relationships among entities can all be identified for further scrutiny.

Understanding these structures is essential for mitigating the risk of potential sanctions. On the flip side, a lack of transparency can create an environment where hidden ownership or control structures may go unnoticed, leading to compliance failures.

In fact, this serves as one of the major red flags for compliance teams. What information is being hidden? Why is it being hidden? If information is not readily available, or if there are deliberate efforts to obscure ownership and control structures, it raises concerns about potential non-compliance.

Always remember — businesses that are transparent and proactive in providing necessary data demonstrate a commitment to compliance. Otherwise, opacity may be viewed as an attempt to hide noncompliant activities.

Indirect ownership

In terms of ownership, there are two types: direct and indirect.

As for the former, direct ownership occurs when an individual or entity has a clear and immediate legal right to control and benefit from an asset or an entity. Here, there are no intermediary entities or layers, as the owner has a visible and immediate connection to the owned asset or entity.

Indirect ownership, on the other hand, involves added complexity. This comes as an individual or entity holds an interest or control over another entity through intermediary ownership structures.

This is because there are one or more layers of ownership entities between the ultimate owner and the controlled entity, hence the more complex structure which may involve various legal entities.

In terms of compliance, this is of particular concern due to the need of understanding such web of ownership structure. Unlike direct ownership, where it’s a sole owner, indirect ownership requires transparency across affiliates and potentially additional entities.

Failure to identify this ownership structure increases the risk of engaging with sanctioned individuals and entities, leading to non-compliance and probable penalties.

Risk-based approach

To prioritise compliance efforts, a risk-based approach is essential. By prioritising efforts based on an assessment of potential risks associated with various aspects of business operations, this approach helps compliance teams to allocate resources efficiently.

In the first instance, focus must be on the high-risk areas. A thorough evaluation of potential risks associated with different elements of business operations, such as business relationships, financial transactions and engagement with specific jurisdictions, should be conducted.

Returning to our aforementioned example, in the context of geopolitical events, consider the risks associated with business dealings in countries like Russia and Ukraine, given the dynamic nature of their political and economic landscapes.

A way in which companies can implement such risk-based approach is by using software for continuous monitoring screening. Using a robust monitoring system, like our Denied Party Screening option, ensures regular screening on organisations, updates the constantly changing rules and provides information on an entities’ ownership structure in real time.

This comes as regulatory bodies, such as the European External Action Service (EEAS), that contributes to EU trade compliance by coordinating sanctions and policies, and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which administers economic sanctions in the United States, do not provide all the insights needed.

Regarding the latter, OFAC only publishes the names of sanctioned companies and does not state those that are owned by a sanctioned entity. In fact, its 50 Percent Rule states that if a blocked person owns 50 per cent or more of an entity, it is considered automatically blocked and may be added to OFAC's Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons list (SDN).

By not merely publishing the name of entities that are under the ownership of a sanctioned party, it is crucial that compliance teams rely on software to gain the information necessary to stay ahead in an evolving regulatory environment, to remain compliant.

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FOOD PRICES & PRODUCT SHORTAGES FROM NEW BORDER CONTROLS

New research by business group Logistics UK has raised the prospect of increased food prices and the potential for shortages in shops as a result of delays caused by the implementation of the new European Entry and Exit System (EES).

Working with independent modelling experts MDS Transmodal, Logistics UK’s exclusive insight examines the potential impact of delays on trade across the Channel Short Straits – the route between Dover and Calais – on the UK economy. And as Kevin Green, the business group’s policy director, explains, the introduction of the new EES could have a significant impact on the UK’s supply chain unless any potential delays can be mitigated or, at the very least, minimised:

Increasing the potential for border delays still further, the new EES is being implemented by the EU in parallel with regulatory changes on border control by the UK on EU imports. Following the introduction of documentary and risk-based identity and physical checks on goods in April 2024, Safety and Security Declarations will be required for imports into Great Britain from the EU from October 2024: these checks, alongside the EES biometric passport checks which will be needed for non-EU travellers, will multiply the risk of delays and congestion along entry routes to the Channel Ports, and put further pressure on the UK’s supply of fresh food and other commodities. Green continues:

The Short Straits is critical to the UK’s trade with the EU, handling more than half of all goods carried in trailers and containers. Goods travelling across this route range from exports of Scottish seafood, fresh meat and clothing to imports of fresh fruit and vegetables and even cocoa – it is a critical part of the UK’s supply chain, and one that both businesses and consumers rely on every day. With new border checks required as part of the new EES for all non-EU nationals entering the EU, including those travelling from GB, worst case scenarios set out to the European Scrutiny Committee in Westminster by Ashford Borough Council estimated delays of up to 14 hours for passengers. Any delay in the processing of passengers will have a knock-on impact in terms of disruption and delay to freight along this route, and we estimate that this would cost £1,100 per truck, a cost which would have to be passed on to the end customer or consumer. And even if delays were limited to 90 minutes for the 3.35 million HGVs that passed through the Short Straits in 2023, the cost to the economy would be £400 million pa. This is a cost that the logistics industry cannot just absorb, not least because our members already operate on incredibly narrow margins and are facing rising operating costs that are putting pressure on their ability to keep trading. There are two sides to any border, so delays to exports will also impact inbound goods. With the new system being implemented from October, at a time when the UK relies on imported fresh produce in particular, this could cause supply shortages and rising prices for British consumers – if the produce arrives at all. EU hauliers may well decide to bypass the potential for delays at the UK border altogether, opting to work with retailers on the European mainland instead, further reducing supply and pushing up prices for UK consumers.

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CARGO INTEGRITY GROUP CALLS ON GOVERNMENTS TO REPORT FINDINGS OF CONTAINER INSPECTIONS & ON IMO TO CONTINUE PUBLISHING THEM

The Cargo Integrity Group (CIG) is calling on national administrations to carry out and report the findings of their container inspection programmes, and for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to continue collating and publishing the results in a publicly accessible form, to support efforts to improve safety in the carriage of goods by sea.

Under resolutions adopted more than 20 years ago member governments of the IMO agreed to conduct routine inspections of freight containers and the cargoes packed in them in a consistent way1. The findings are to be submitted annually to IMO for collation and reporting so that a global picture of levels of compliance with international regulations and recommended practices can be obtained, and any appropriate safety improvements identified.

An analysis by partner organisations in the Cargo Integrity Group reveals that less than 5 per cent of 167 national administrations covered by the agreement are regularly submitting the results of their inspections to IMO in publicly available form. Whilst applauding the diligence of those governments making regular submissions, the Cargo Integrity Group is concerned at the overall low numbers of reports as this means that insufficient data is available for IMO or industry to draw reliable conclusions, fundamentally undermining efforts to improve the safety and sustainability of shipments by sea.

The Cargo Integrity Group understands that other states may be conducting inspections of containerized goods entering and leaving their countries but are not submitting the findings to IMO as agreed. Where such reports are not submitted to IMO there is no shared value.

CIG partners believe that common and consistent reporting of inspection findings is essential to help target communication and training programmes aimed at improving awareness of the requirements and recommended safe practices for the transport of goods in containers. These include the SOLAS Convention2, the CSC Convention3, the IMDG Code4, and the CTU Code5.

The dangers posed by poorly packed, mis-handled or mis-declared containerized shipments has been demonstrated again recently in a series of fires and explosions aboard container ships. Whilst the precise circumstances of these incidents remain under investigation, the Cargo Integrity Group is concerned that measures already in place to help identify possible weaknesses are not being fully implemented and that opportunities for improving compliance standards are being missed.

CIG partner organisations are also alarmed to learn that the IMO is considering discontinuing the collation and publication of these reports in a form that is easily accessible to Industry. The future of this essential function by the global maritime regulatory agency is being decided in meetings taking place this week.

The Cargo Integrity Group calls on national administrations to fully implement their agreed actions on submitting container inspection findings to IMO to help improve standards in the safe and compliant transport of goods by sea and to follow-up on material deficiencies that may be discovered. In addition, the Group calls on IMO to continue to publish the reported findings in a form that allows ready understanding of where efforts to improve awareness of, and compliance with, mandatory regulations need to be directed.

Business West are pleased to announce a major milestone in the development of the Digital/eATA Carnet process. Until recently, our customers could only trial Digital Carnets when departing from Heathrow. However, we are excited to share that Edinburgh Airport is now ready to process Digital Carnets as part of an ongoing test program!

This expansion is a significant step in making travel and trade even more seamless for our Carnet Holders. The UK Border Force is eager to see how Digital Carnets perform in real-world scenarios, and they are keen to process more test transactions. This is where you come in!

If you are a Carnet Holder departing from Edinburgh or Heathrow, we encourage you to trial a Digital Carnet alongside your traditional paperbased Carnet. This dual approach not only ensures smooth passage through customs but also contributes valuable feedback to help refine and perfect the digital process.

By participating in this pilot, you’ll be at the forefront of innovation, helping to shape the future of international trade and travel. Plus, you’ll experience firsthand the convenience and efficiency that Digital Carnets bring to the table. Ready to give it a try? Whether you’re flying out of Edinburgh or Heathrow, now is the perfect time to explore the benefits of Digital Carnets. Let’s work together to make the future of Carnets digital! For more information on how to participate in the pilot, contact the Business West Carnet team. Safe travels!

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23 SEPTEMBER 2024 | Source: MAXILOAD

MAXILOAD LAUNCHES LOAD RESTRAINT PRODUCTS IN THE UK

Portsmouth-based Maxiload is a new division of material handling equipment supplier, Austlift, headquartered in Australia, but the products are already established in other regions, including the U.S., Canada, and New Zealand.

Maxibinder and Swiftcore will be available across the UK through an extensive distributor network. The Maxibinder has been in the wider market for over 14 years, while the Swiftcore is a brand new, patented ratchet tie-down that has only been sold in Australia for 12 months.

The alloy steel Maxibinder is used for securing 8mm or 10mm heavy transport chain, normally over abrasive, heavy, and sharp items like steel, concrete, and logs, typically with large vehicle transportation. It is ergonomically designed but offers high pre-tensioning force. Key features include 1/8 chain link length adjustment and heat treatment for durability. It gives the user 305mm chain travel as standard versus a maximum of 170mm on a ratchet load binder.

The Maxibinder was the reason we looked at the UK market. We were approached by a large steel fabricator, who requested some samples. Maxibinder has evolved over the last 14 years and is now on version four, with extended user life and increased safety. The transporters and steel sites reported a 75% reduction in lashing-related injuries since they adopted the Maxibinder as their main system for chain lashing. Steve Parsons, UK/Europe operations manager, Maxiload

Swiftcore’s big impact

Swiftcore is a 50mm webbing ratchet tie-down with a redesigned and patented core. It is used with small to large vehicles, from the handy person to bigger transport outfits. Recent product developments include a smoother winding mechanism; reflective strips; magnetic hook retention; protective sleeves; and resistance against ultraviolet (UV) light or sunlight.

Swiftcore is already making a massive impact and getting good responses due to its improved usability and the way the unit works versus the older style ratchet tie-downs. Maxibinder and the Swiftcore ratchet are just the beginning of what we can offer. We have access to the full portfolio of Austlift products, which includes over 3,000 SKUs [stock keeping units], but we chose the Maxibinder and Swiftcore as these are two revolutionary products not yet introduced into the UK market.

Maxiload oversees all logistics and importation of both Maxibinder and Swiftcore products, ensuring they meet all regulatory standards and are readily available for resellers. It is actively building a network of distributors, providing them with the support and resources they need to effectively deliver the products to end users. A UK-based customer service team is available to assist with enquiries.

We conduct rigorous quality checks to ensure that all products meet the highest standards. By leveraging Austlift's expertise and the proven success of our products in other markets, Maxiload is committed to providing a seamless and efficient supply chain for our products. Our focus on quality, customer support, and strategic distribution ensures that both our resellers and end users benefit.

In Australia, Austlift has four facilities nationally, with a team of over 75 staff, and four large distribution warehouses. It has a distributor network in New Zealand, Fiji, and the Philippines, and has passed the rights to distribute the Maxibinder to a large distributor in the U.S. and Canada.

Austlift is a supporting partner at the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association’s (LEEA) LiftEx Gold Coast, which takes place 1213 September at The Star Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. Representatives of Maxiload will also visit LEEA’s flagship event, LiftEx, which takes place 16-17 October at London’s Olympia.

12 SEPTEMBER 2024 | Source: MOVU ROBOTICS

BRITISH BUSINESS UNITES IN CALL FOR LOWER THAMES CROSSING CONSENT

Businesses from across the UK have made a united call for the government to approve the Development Consent Order (DCO) for the Lower Thames Crossing which has been at the planning stage for over a decade

3 organisations nationwide have sent a letter to Secretary of State for Transport Louise Haigh outlining why the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project must go ahead. The deadline for the decision on the Lower Thames Crossing DCO application is 4 October 2024.

Representatives from organisations, including Asda; Landsec, the majority owner of Bluewater; British Chambers of Commerce and Port of Dover have signed a letter co-ordinated by business group Logistics UK which will be delivered to the Department for Transport, outlining the strategic importance of the new crossing and why the DCO needs to be granted.

The Short Straits crossings between England and France handle over half of all goods traded between Great Britain and mainland Europe and the proposed new road tunnel across the river Thames between Essex and Kent will link the north and Midlands with the south-east ports. It is expected that the nationally significant infrastructure will provide a boost of up to £40 billion to the UK economy and create high-quality jobs and home-grown skills, particularly for those in Kent and Essex. The ambition of the project is to create a more resilient road network and maintain connectivity across the Thames when incidents disrupt the Dartford Crossing, which is currently the only road crossing east of London.

The Dartford Crossing was designed to handle 135,000 vehicles a day but regularly exceeds 180,000 and congestion at the crossing costs the UK economy more than £200 million every year in lost productivity. 40% of journeys across the Dartford Crossing are freight vehicles carrying vital goods throughout the country and the Lower Thames Crossing would remove the financial burden of delays and congestion that is currently shouldered by businesses and consumers across the UK.

Once operational, the Lower Thames Crossing will double road capacity across the Thames east of London and help ease the chronic traffic congestion that occurs on the Dartford Crossing, which will drastically improve journeys for our HGV and delivery drivers in the area. Beyond our local stores, the Lower Thames Crossing will help improve Asda's overall operational efficiency by giving us another route through Kent and Essex, and it will allow us to better utilise our doubledecker HGV fleet, helping us reduce our transport emissions.

Chris Hall, Vice President, Asda Logistics Services

As a long-term investor in Kent and Essex, we know the Lower Thames Crossing would bring a significant boost to growth across our region, by making it easier and more energy efficient to travel between both counties. As well as communities and business across the region, Bluewater would see new opportunities created through a new route for customers and the relief of congestion, meaning a better experience for our guests.

James Waugh, Director, Bluewater Centre

The Lower Thames Crossing needs to be an integral part of the new government's industrial strategy and the logistics sector is ready to play

The Port of Dover is a critical freight and transport corridor, key to the UK supply chain. The Lower Thames Crossing is a vital piece of this jigsaw as half of the freight vehicles travelling through the Port are going beyond London to support economic activity in the Midlands and the North of the UK. Accompanied by essential supporting upgrades, such as the A2 Lydden-Dover dualling, Brenley Corner upgrades and other elements outlined in the Dover Access Improvements scheme, the Lower Thames Crossing will create a more resilient network providing the capacity needed to support the £144 billion in trade that travels

, Chief Executive, Port of Dover

CAPACITY & PROLOG

JOIN FORCES TO STRENGTHEN THIRD-PARTY LOGISTICS SERVICES IN THE UK & EUROPE

US ecommerce companies can now easily scale internationally

Capacity LLC, a third-party logistics provider offering enhanced product fulfillment, ecommerce solutions, pick & pack, and electronic data interchange (EDI) services, recently signed a partnership agreement with Prolog Fulfilment, a leading European fulfillment provider based in Nottingham, England.

Capacity’s clients’ products will be hosted at Prolog, making it easier to meet ecommerce delivery expectations among UK, EU, and panEuropean shoppers while simplifying the return process. Capacity’s clients will continue to use the same platforms from Capacity, without having to integrate any new software into their system; they will also benefit from being able to tap into Prolog’s existing infrastructure.

Brands looking for an efficient, effective way to scale in the United Kingdom and Europe now have an easy solution. Meeting consumers’ delivery expectations plays a huge role in satisfaction and loyalty, and now customers can get their products in less than a day, and neither the e-commerce providers nor their clients have to pay airfare for any returns.

Jeff Kaiden, CEO, Capacity

The Capacity-Prolog partnership makes it easy for U.S.-based ecommerce retailers to expand into global operations. UK shoppers are accustomed to getting their ecommerce orders within 24 hours, with inexpensive or free shipping. Waiting more than a week and paying $15 for shipping puts downward pressure on sales from US brands shipping from the USA. Now, Capacity’s brands have an inexpensive and effective way to reach the UK and European markets, on their own terms.

Capacity clients who are already sending more than 50 orders per day across the Atlantic will have significantly reduced shipping and returns costs. In addition, the brands benefit from streamlined operations and lower costs as they leverage the 3PLs’ expertise in international shipping regulations.

We structured this partnership with seamlessness in mind. When a Capacity client wants to expand into the United Kingdom and the EU, all they have to do is say so. Everything else happens almost automatically with no new processes or systems to learn.

James Coleman, Business Development Director, Prolog

Injecting sustainability into every aspect of operations, Capacity will be bundling its brands’ products and sending them to Prolog by container, reducing the carbon footprint as well as transportation costs.

It’s a win-win for brands and their existing and potential customers, concluded Mr. Kaiden. Now, anyone who seeks international growth can initiate it with a single phone call to Capacity.

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2 SEPTEMBER 2024 | Source: A-SAFE

A-SAFE ACCELERATES GLOBAL SAFETY REVOLUTION WITH STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP TRIO

Halifax, West Yorkshire: A-SAFE, a global leader in workplace efficiency and safety solutions, today announced three strategic leadership appointments to drive its international expansion and innovative digital transformation strategy.

In a year of significant growth that has already seen 174 new team members recruited and a further 100 roles currently open, these key appointments mark a pivotal moment for the Halifax-based firm. Coinciding with A-SAFE's 40th anniversary, this expansion reinforces the company's position in advancing industrial efficiency and safety solutions.

Chris Tickle returns to the business as product and marketing director. Previously serving as technical innovation director from 2019-2022, Tickle brings a wealth of experience in industrial design and new product development. His expertise will be crucial in accelerating A-SAFE's IoTdriven efficiency and safety solutions, building on his prior work with Fathom3, the multi-disciplinary innovation and development hub under the A-SAFE group umbrella.

Matt Lane joins A-SAFE as SBU Technology Sales Director, bringing decades of expertise in B2B business modelling and sales strategy. Lane will drive the global expansion of A-SAFE's innovative smart solutions, RackEye™️ and CONEK™️, revolutionising workplace efficiency and safety. This strategic appointment underscores A-SAFE's commitment to IoT integration in manufacturing, reinforcing its leadership in smart manufacturing innovation.

A-SAFE Canada welcomes Donald Redford as the new managing director. With a wealth of experience spanning over 25 years in industrial leadership, Redford is set to lead the charge in implementing

A-SAFE's go-to-market strategy and boosting revenue across Canada. Known for driving profitable sales growth in diverse markets and with a strong commitment to workplace efficiency and safety, Redford is well-positioned to steer A-SAFE’s Canadian operations toward continued success.

As industry 4.0 reshapes workplace efficiency and safety, these strategic hires represent our commitment to leading this revolution from the front. Chris, Matt, and Donald are the catalysts who will push forward our mission to enhance workplace innovation and protection for people and assets on a truly global scale.

James Smith, co-CEO, A-SAFE

The new leadership team will play a key role in advancing A-SAFE's latest innovations, including the award-winning RackEye™️ and CONEK™️ systems. These IoT devices, designed to integrate with A-SAFE's racking and barrier products, offer real-time monitoring and data-driven insights for warehouse operations.

Our accelerated hiring reflects the exciting growth phase we are in. We are not just filling positions – we're creating opportunities for passionate individuals to be part of a company that's shaping the future of workplace efficiency and safety. The chance to join A-SAFE and make a real impact in this field is truly exceptional.

Andy Rainforth, CCO, A-SAFE

As A-SAFE continues to expand its influence across more than 65 countries, these strategic appointments and ongoing recruitment will be a key driver for the company's growth and innovation in the years to come.

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18 SEPTEMBER 2024 | Source: DURITE

‘OUTSTANDING SERVICE’ HELPS AUTO ELECTRICAL SPECIALIST WIN MAJOR TRUCK FLEET DEAL

One of northern England’s oldest motor factors has praised Durite’s service and support for helping it secure a major truck fleet contract

G.E. Middleton & Co is a nationally recognised auto electrical specialist which is still owned and operated by the Middleton family. Based in Manchester, it works across the UK, supplying auto electrical parts to vehicles ranging from cars, vans and trucks to boats and ships.

The company recently won a significant contract with one of its biggest clients, to supply and install Durite power inverters on a haulage operator’s substantial fleet of HGVs.

This was a significant contract for 500 inverters to be fitted on brand new trucks purchased by one of our valued clients. Durite were incredibly supportive throughout the process. They provided a competitive package and always ensured that we received the stock at the right times to meet the customer’s installation roll-out. Bob Middleton, director, G.E Middleton

Durite offers a complete range of sine and modified wave voltage inverters, covering almost all automotive applications. Factors and fleets can choose from compact and heavy-duty models with power ratings ranging from 125W up to 3kW. Suitable for 12v and 24v vehicle systems, the fan-cooled inverters come with a quick charge USB 2.1 output, are CE-marked and R10 certified.

We pride ourselves on delivering a quality product and service to our customers. Pricing comes into it but the main criteria for us and for our clients is quality of product – and this is where Durite really stands out. In this instance the customer was very satisfied with the inverters.

This latest deal further strengthens a relationship between the two companies that stretches back to the end of the Second World War.

We have been working with Durite since 1945,” said Bob. “Back in those days they delivered the parts in old metal ammunition boxes and tea chests. We never had to buy tea because there was always some still left in the crates!

The relationship has lasted almost 80 years because of Durite’s focus on customer service.

The customer service is outstanding. Everyone from the sales team to the technical department is extremely helpful, nothing is too much trouble for them. We appreciate their attention to detail. The invoices are clear and easy to read, but best of all they have a great catalogue. It has a simple numbering system that makes it easy to find what you are looking for. Even in the digital age a lot of our clients still like a proper catalogue. Every year we receive a sizeable number of catalogues from Durite that we distribute to our customers or offer from our premises and they always bring in business.

Durite is the UK’s leading brand in vehicle safety, lighting and auto electrical parts for commercial vehicles and the general automotive aftermarket. For further details, visit www.durite.co.uk

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THE ROLE OF PALLET TRUCKS IN OVERCOMING SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTIONS

Supply chain disruptions have started to become something that businesses have to regularly deal with. From unexpected natural disasters to uncertain political tension, being able to withstand and adapt to challenges is crucial for any business’ long-term success. In this context, pallet trucks, often overlooked as simple pieces of equipment, play a critical role in ensuring the resilience and efficiency of supply chains.

Supply chain disruptions can have far-reaching consequences, including inventory shortages, increased costs, damage to reputation, and business interruption. When goods cannot be delivered or produced on time, businesses may experience stockouts and lost sales. Disruptions can also lead to higher transportation costs, expedited shipping fees, and potential penalties for missed delivery deadlines.

While pallet trucks may not be the first solution that comes to mind when addressing supply chain disruptions, they can play a crucial role in improving efficiency, enhancing flexibility, reducing costs, and strengthening resilience. Efficient pallet truck operations can help to minimise handling time and reduce the risk of damage, ensuring that goods are moved quickly and safely through the supply chain.

Pallet Truck Shop is a supplier of top-quality regular and electric pallet trucks and weighing-scale trucks and ship their products to a large network of customers across the UK and Europe. They believe that effective materials handling is a core component of business success, and that it could be a quick win for businesses to keep afloat during times of disruption.

It’s never been harder for businesses to succeed, with so many uncontrollable issues becoming the norm, people really need to be prepared to adapt and overcome supply chain disruptions. By investing in high-quality, efficient pallet trucks, we can help companies improve their resilience, reduce costs and enhance their overall operations.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director, Pallet Truck Shop

To find out more about the wide range of lift equipment available from Pallet Truck Shop, visit www.pallettruckshop.co.uk

IMPLICATIONS OF LOOMING

LABOUR STRIKES ON U.S. CONTAINER TRADE & SUPPLY CHAINS

September is traditionally one of the busiest months for U.S. containerized imports, driven by the peak shipping season as businesses prepare for the holiday rush.

However, this year presents an unprecedented combination of challenges that could heavily impact supply chains. Potential labor strikes, natural disasters, and tariff uncertainties are converging, creating a highly volatile environment for global trade. This also led to the pulling forward of orders by retailers, which led to strong inventories in the US.

In August 2024, U.S. container cargo imports surged by 12.9% yearover-year, with major ports handling nearly 2.5 million TEUs. While this reflects strong freight demand, it also intensifies concerns as labor strikes loom on October 1st.

The possibility of strikes in US East Coast and Gulf Coast Port adds uncertainty for container shipping professionals doing business in the US. Christian Roeloffs, co-founder & CEO, Container xChange

For container trading and leasing companies, these disruptions could lead to significant delays and port congestion, impacting equipment turnaround times.

Companies should anticipate short-term spikes in demand for leased containers as retailers rush to secure goods ahead of potential disruptions, particularly for seasonal inventory and industrial shipments. While the threat of strikes looms large, it’s important to note that U.S. inventories are currently strong due to the pulling forward of orders earlier this year to avoid existing disruptions. This stockpile will act as an essential buffer, mitigating the risk of container rates spiking dramatically due to the strikes. Additionally, with no significant signs of peak season demand strengthening, these strikes might not have as intense an impact as historically seen. However, the overall impact will largely depend on the duration of the strikes, with prolonged disruptions having the potential to intensify the implications for supply chains, leading to more pronounced bottlenecks and greater challenges in container availability.

Potential U.S. Strikes on October 1st

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), representing more than 85,000 dockworkers on the East and Gulf Coasts of the U.S., faces a contract expiration on September 30, 2024. As negotiations with the United States Maritime Alliance Ltd. (USMX) show signs of breaking down, a strike now appears increasingly likely, threatening to disrupt nearly half of the nation's ocean trade.

Maersk has already warned of severe disruptions, noting that even a brief strike could result in weeks of recovery due to accumulated backlogs. The uncertainty is compounded by the fact that the duration of these strikes is unclear—it could be resolved within weeks or drag on for months, as seen with the West Coast strike last year.

Leasing rates may rise sharply as importers seek to secure containers amid potential delays. In this environment, traders will need to diversify their partner networks, sourcing strategies, and explore alternative ports to mitigate container shortages.

A Volatile Market for Container Traders

September is usually crucial for U.S. containerized imports due to the approaching holiday season. However, this year presents compounded uncertainties.

Beyond U.S. port strikes, other challenges such as geopolitical instability, Houthi attacks in the Middle East, and the restructuring of global shipping alliances are contributing to market volatility.

Supply Chain Disruptions and Port Congestion

In the event of labor strikes, East and Gulf Coast ports will experience congestion, delaying container turnarounds. Traders could face increased demurrage and detention fees as containers remain stuck at the port. The backlog of cargo could create equipment shortages, raising leasing rates as demand spikes. Some businesses may be forced to reroute shipments through alternative ports, adding logistical complexities and costs.

These uncertainties will fuel market volatility for container trading companies, with unpredictable container prices and availability. Traders may have to adjust their sourcing strategies, while maintaining flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions.

Potential Impact on Customers

Container Trading Companies: Expect fluctuating demand and availability of containers as trade routes realign and U.S. port operations face potential delays. Having alternative strategies for equipment sourcing will prove essential to mitigate bottlenecks.

Container Leasing Companies: The expected surge in demand for container equipment during the peak season could drive leasing rates upward, especially in the event of prolonged labor strikes or stormrelated disruptions. Planning for repositioning and anticipating changes in demand across regions will be key to maintaining business continuity.

Preparing for Disruptions

As U.S. container trading and leasing companies navigate these disruptions, we encourage close monitoring of the evolving labor negotiations, weather risks, and global shipping alliance restructuring. We anticipate short-term demand spikes, potential container shortages, and fluctuating leasing rates as the market reacts to these external pressures.

Container xChange will continue to provide timely insights and solutions to help our customers navigate this complex landscape. Flexibility, diversification of supply chains, and maintaining agility in operations will be critical to mitigating the impact of these disruptions.

RECRUITMENT & TRAINING

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GENERATION LOGISTICS TAKES TO THE STREETS TO CHALLENGE PERCEPTIONS OF THE INDUSTRY

The ground-breaking awareness campaign Generation Logistics has continued to challenge perceptions of the sector this month, by taking its message directly to thousands of people in another first for the logistics sector.

Using mobile AdVans – the first time that such a medium has been used to promote roles within the sector – Generation Logistics’ messages about the opportunities available for those seeking a career in the industry were delivered directly to the campaign’s target audience in Leeds, Manchester and Nottingham over three days. And as the campaign’s Programme Director, Bethany Windsor explains, the tactic challenged people to reconsider their preconceptions about a career in logistics as they went about their daily lives;

We know from our research that young people, in particular, know little about careers in logistics, so we needed to shake up their thinking and make them reevaluate what our sector has to offer. Putting messages out on the streets, right under the noses of those we want to attract, was a bold move, but an opportunity we cannot afford to miss when the sector’s skills shortage represents a real opportunity for young people.

Using bold, eye-catching and futuristic designs, the AdVans were seen by almost 60,000 people during the three-day period, with research showing that consumers on the street spent 80% longer viewing the vans than they would traditional out of home advertising. And as Mrs Windsor continues, this is all part of the campaign’s strategy to be challenging and provoke discussions among its target audience:

We know that, as a sector, we are overlooked by many people who either don’t know or don’t care about what we do, despite the value that we bring to everyone’s life, every day. Using tactics like the AdVans means we can really explore the depth and breadth of the sector and encourage people to re-evaluate the opportunities that our sector can provide for lifelong careers. This attitude is already bearing fruit for our sponsors, with 40% of those applying for roles with them saying they are now aware of the campaign and its messages – but there is still much to do. Rome wasn’t built in a day, as the saying goes, and with so many other career paths competing for the attention of talented young recruits, it is vital that we keep communicating with our target audience, so that logistics remains front and centre in their career considerations. Otherwise, other, perhaps better-known, sectors will swoop in and grab the attention of our potential recruits. We hope that as many businesses as possible from right across the profession will come on board to make our third year of activity our biggest and best yet, allowing us to continue to innovate and challenge: is your organisation Generation Logistics?

RECRUITMENT & TRAINING NEWS

2024: NEW FEATURES, COURSES & NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES AWAIT

AntwerpXL (AXL) 2024 is poised to deliver fresh insights into the pressing issues within the breakbulk market while offering invaluable networking opportunities across the breakbulk, project cargo, heavy lift, and RoRo sectors. Hosted by the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, this year's event will take place from 8-10 October 2024 in Antwerp at the Antwerp Expo, in the heart of the breakbulk industry.The conference programme will address current challenges and explore future trends and innovations, with a focus on decarbonisation, emerging fuels, market updates, and strategies for attracting the next generation of professionals. Additionally, a range of new features will be introduced to enhance the attendee experience.

Margaret Dunn, Portfolio Director at AXL, highlighted the event's new offerings: AXL 2024 is not just an evolution of our past successes; it represents a significant step forward. From our new chartering course to an expanded focus on the RoRo market and extended networking opportunities, this year's event is tailored to meet the evolving needs of our industry. We're excited to offer more educational content and networking time than ever before.

There will also be a stronger emphasis on the RoRo market, featuring industry leaders such as Toyota Motor Europe and Associated British Ports among the keynote speakers. Exhibitors like Polaris Autoliners, GTT, and Sallaum Lines will showcase the latest innovations and solutions in this sector. The exhibition area will be further enriched with new exhibitors, including CMA CGM, DHL, Globe Group, and Africa Ports & Airports and Sarens ensuring comprehensive industry representation.

New chartering course and focus areas

A significant addition to AXL 2024 is the introduction of a specialised chartering course on 8 October. This course is designed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge, addressing the complex requirements of chartering within the breakbulk and heavy lift sectors.

New location for port tour

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges tour, a staple of the event, will be hosted at a new location this year: Katoen Natie. This facility offers a cuttingedge look at advanced logistics and warehousing operations, providing attendees with valuable insights into one of the most sophisticated logistics hubs in Europe.

Recruitment day with TL-Hub

A key feature of AXL 2024 is the Recruitment Day on 10 October, organised in collaboration with TL-Hub, Belgium's leading recruitment platform for the transport and logistics industry. This event will connect recruiters with skilled professionals through structured speed dating sessions, addressing the critical need for talent in the logistics sector.

Eliott Duckers, Managing Director of TL-Hub, commented on the collaboration: Our partnership with AXL reflects our commitment to supporting the logistics industry by connecting companies with the talent they need. The AXL Job Day offers a practical and efficient way for recruiters to meet potential candidates, further emphasising the event's role as a vital hub for professional development.

Extended networking hours and special events

AXL 2024 will feature extended opening hours to maximise networking opportunities for all attendees. The networking reception on day one will be extended, allowing more time for meaningful interactions. On day three, attendees can enjoy a special brunch at 10:30 in the exhibitor lounge, providing a relaxed environment to continue discussions. The event will conclude with a closing party from 13:30 to 15:30, offering a final chance to connect with peers and industry leaders.

Additionally, networking highlights include a Happy Hour and Oyster Party on 9 October at 17:00 in the networking lounge hosted by our official networking bar sponsor, North Sea Port. This Will be followed by the official Konecranes after-party in central Antwerp at Café Den Bengel.

And those feeling fit can join the Business Run on 8 October for a 4K or 9K run around Antwerp,which blends fitness, charity, and professional networking.

AXL rebrand to reflect global ambition

In line with its growing international focus, AntwerpXL has rebranded to AXL. This rebranding signifies the event's commitment to expanding its global reach, as reflected by the diverse international participation expected this year. With 95% of exhibition space already sold and significant interest from new exhibitors, AXL 2024 is poised to be a truly global event.

Margaret Dunn added, While AXL has always been forwardlooking, our rebranding reinforces our international focus. The industry faces numerous challenges, and AXL provides an essential forum for professionals worldwide to collaborate, share knowledge, and explore solutions that will drive the future of the sector.

AXL extends its sincere thanks to RBH Stevedoring this years Landyard sponsor and Konecranes, the official registration sponsor, for their valuable support in making this event possible.

10 SEPTEMBER 2024 | Source: PSP WORLDWIDE

BEN HASTE COMPLETES FREIGHT FORWARDING APPRENTICESHIP & JOINS MARINE TEAM

Ben Haste, a young and passionate professional in the freight forwarding industry, has successfully completed his apprenticeship programme and has moved on to join the marine team of PSP Worldwide Logistics

Ben, who has always been fascinated by the complexity of the shipping industry, has spent the past two years learning the ins and outs of freight forwarding, in particular airfreight and courier, whilst completing his apprenticeship at a PSP. The experience has prepared him well for his latest challenge, which is to learn about shipping yachts and motorboats all over the world.

“I am thrilled to have passed my apprenticeship and to be joining the marine team,” said Ben. “This is an exciting new chapter in my career, and I am eager to learn everything I can about shipping yachts to different parts of the world and the challenges we face when dealing with out-of-gauge freight. ”

In his role with the marine team, Ben will work alongside experienced professionals who specialise in handling the logistics of shipping spares, yachts and other luxury vessels. He will also get an opportunity to see and plan loadings and to visit boat shows. He will be responsible for assisting with the organisation of complex and delicate movements, liaising with customers and making sure that all operations run smoothly and efficiently.

Ben’s new role is a testament to his hard work and determination to succeed in the freight forwarding industry.

We are delighted that Ben has successfully completed his apprenticeship and has joined our marine team. We are confident that his skills and enthusiasm will be a valuable asset to our marine team, and we look forward to seeing him thrive in this new role.

Frank Dixie

, Managing Director, PSP Logistics

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RECRUITMENT & TRAINING APPOINTMENTS

IPP

NEIL COWLEY

HEAD OF NETWORK OPERATIONS TO WELCOMING IN THE POSITION OF

NEIL BRINGS WEALTH OF FMCG EXPERIENCE TO PALLET POOLER’S NETWORK

An experienced logistics professional has taken on a new role overseeing network operations at IPP, one of Europe’s leading pallet poolers.

Neil Cowley has taken on the new role of Head of Network Operations, bringing with him three decades of expertise within the supply chain of FMCG goods for B2C retailers.

In his role at IPP, based in Meriden, West Midlands, Neil is overseeing the company’s depot and quality teams, supporting nine staff in keeping IPP’s network moving efficiently.

The depot team liaise day-to-day with IPP’s 10 depots across the UK and Ireland, arranging for pallet volume requirements to be fulfilled to meet customer demand, while the quality team is focused on ensuring that the standards of IPP’s pallets within the network are of the high quality expected.

The depot team are focused on customer service and ensuring there is always capacity for the network to support customer demand, which is an ever-moving feast. The quality team’s focus is on ensuring that all products within our network are of the required standard. Both teams are working towards the goal of

getting the right product, at the right quality, to the customer at the right time. While I am a newcomer to the world of pallet pooling, this is an approach which I’ve been used to for decades in various roles which I’ve held across different sectors, including B2C, retail, logistics and supply chain. The teams I am working with at IPP are excellent at what they do, and my priority is to support them and to understand how we can further support the rest of the business.

Neil said that IPP’s focus on sustainability was a key factor in his decision to join the team.

I think that doing whatever we can to operate sustainably as individuals is important, and IPP’s sustainable business model – the concept of repairing and reusing the pallet, then getting it back into the supply chain – was appealing to me.

David Bage, operations director at IPP, said: “Neil brings a wealth of logistics experience to his new role, and we’re pleased to welcome him to the team.

His background and expertise in the FMCG supply chain means he is used to ensuring that the correct products are moving through the supply chain at pace, which is a huge asset to our team and network.

For more information on IPP, visit www.ipp-pooling.com or search for IPP Pooling on LinkedIn.

GOGGINS TRANSPORT

FIONA COOPER BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER TO WELCOMING IN THE POSITION OF

NEW APPOINTMENT AS GOGGINS TRANSPORT RAMPS UP OPERATIONS IN THE UK

Ireland and GB logistics specialist, Goggins Transport has appointed a new business development manager to look after new and existing customers in the UK, as the company prepares for further expansion of its long-established Ireland and UK operations.

Fiona Cooper has many years’ experience in the UK commercial vehicle industry, most recently as Sales Director for a leading supplier of vehicle safety systems for fleet and transport equipment operators.

With over 10 years in business development, Fiona has a proven track record of fostering strong client partnerships and expanding the market presence of individual businesses.

In her new role Fiona will be responsible for identifying new business opportunities, forging strategic alliances and enhancing the overall customer experience. Her experience in market analysis and strategic planning will be instrumental in driving the company’s growth objectives.

WANT TO TALK TO SOMEONE ABOUT YOUR RECRUITMENT NEEDS?

Get in touch with Headford Group on info@headfordgroup.com or +44 (0)117 248 2614 or at headfordUK.com

We shall soon be announcing some exciting news regarding our expansion plans for the UK, says Tony Goggins, and we’re delighted that Fiona will play a key role in the ongoing growth of the business.

Based in Dublin and Liverpool, Goggins Transport is a family-run freight company, first established in Galway in 1979. From its original roots as a ‘one-man’ haulier, the company has grown to be a leading logistics operator, with over 100 tractor units and in excess of 300 trailers, serving multiple industry sectors throughout Ireland and the UK.

ABOUT GOGGINS TRANSPORT

PROVIDING TRANSPORT + LOGISTIC SERVICES FOR OVER 40 YEARS BETWEEN IRELAND, THE UK + MAINLAND EUROPE

Goggins Transport (UK) Ltd are a Liverpool based Road Haulage company specialising in Container Deliveries/ Collection throughout the UK and Ireland (North & South) & General Haulage and Distribution using our own liveried Skeletal, Tautliner, Coil Carriers and Euroliner Trailers.

From our home base we operate 48 Articulated Trucks mainly Mercedes & Renault and 104 Trailers with a variety of spec.

We are a family company owned and managed by Mr Martin Goggins MD

RECRUITMENT & TRAINING

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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER - AIR & OCEAN LOGISTICS

LEEDS, FELIXSTOWE, HEATHROW

Salary: £40,000–£55,000 per annum + commission, benefits

Position Summary

Join our leading global freight forwarder as a Business Development Manager in Air & Ocean Logistics. Drive growth in key logistics sectors, engage with SMEs, and build strong client relationships. Remote and office-based work for flexibility and collaboration. Apply now to contribute to our global freight forwarding business in Leeds, Felixstowe, or Heathrow. Take your career to new heights with a competitive salary, lucrative commission structure, and comprehensive benefits. Join our thriving air and ocean logistics team and make an impact today!

ROAD EU FREIGHT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

LEEDS (HYBRID)

Position Summary

Join our client in Leeds as a Road EU Freight Business Development Manager and take your logistics career to new heights. Earn £50,000 - £75,000 per annum + bonuses and benefits. Drive revenue through strategic sales planning and relationship building. Proven business development experience in the road EU freight industry required. Excellent communication skills and knowledge of the Leeds and EU logistics landscape. Apply now and make an impact in a leading logistics company!

ROAD E.U. FREIGHT SALES MANAGER

LEEDS (HYBRID)

Position Summary

Join our client in Leeds as a Road EU Freight Sales Manager and propel your logistics career. Earn £50,000 - £70,000 per annum + bonuses and benefits. Drive revenue through international agent setups and new trade lanes. Proven experience in road EU freight sales management required. Excellent communication skills and knowledge of the Leeds and EU logistics landscape. Apply now and make an impact in a leading logistics company!

JOB OPPORTUNITY: BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER - SEA LOGISTICS

BRISTOL

Permanent

Salary: £40,000 - £55,000 per annum (dependent on experience) + commission and benefits

Position Summary

Join our global freight forwarder in Bristol as a Business Development Manager. This hybrid role offers a blend of remote and office-based work, providing flexibility and work-life balance. Drive the growth of our sea logistics business by engaging with SMEs, nurturing client relationships, and leveraging your industry knowledge. Take on responsibilities such as business development, market research, presentations, collaboration, market analysis, quotations, and CRM management. If you have a proven sales track record, excellent communication skills, and a target-driven mindset, apply now for this exciting opportunity. Join our supportive team and contribute to our global freight forwarding success in Bristol

VACANCIES

HR DIRECTOR

PLANO TX

Salary: up to $120,000

Responsibilities:

• Oversee human resources, legal, compliance, and administration functions.

• Manage all HR functions, including the recruiting process, job description creation, coordinating interviews with candidates and appropriate company employees, employee training, coaching, counseling, and handling sensitive internal HR issues, including terminations.

• Update required HR materials such as handbooks, policies, and procedures.

• Review all legal agreements.

• Ensure compliance with the Parent Company’s compliance programs and provide appropriate training.

• Participate in risk management reviews and coordinate issue resolution with the parent company’s insurance department and broker.

• Engage in insurance claims activity, including reporting to senior management and creating policies and procedures.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

REMOTE, USA

Salary: $Negotiable

Responsibilities:

• Forecasting and targeting sales goals on a monthly and annual basis

• Creating and presenting proposals for the ocean, air, import-export, and warehousing solutions

• Researching and prospecting for new customers through phone, email, cold call, and other channels

• Updating management on progress to sales goals

SALES EXECUTIVE

REMOTE, USA

Salary: $Negotiable

Responsibilities:

• Develop new business through research, prospecting and qualifying new opportunities. This will include customer visits & developing relationships within the defined geographical area.

• Increase market share within assigned territory and achieve assigned financial budget for volume, revenue, and profit.

• Successfully close new business and onboard new clients.

• Increase market share within existing client base.

• Maintain contact with all clients to ensure high levels of client satisfaction

OPERATIONS LEADER

MIAMI, FL

Salary: $60,000–$75,000

Responsibilities:

• Excellent command of English and Spanish, knowledgeable in TSA & Bonded, Excel, leadership ability to ensure optimal function and fulfillment of the operation.

• Lead Warehouse & Transport to ensure optimal management of the operations in charge and attention to corporate customer requirements.

• Lead strategies to ensure project profitability and compliance with Ebitda and cash flow requirements.

• Lead the design and implementation of logistics projects to meet business growth expectations.

• Propose initiatives that seek continuous improvement of processes, and lead optimization projects.

• Execute the logistic planning of the operations in charge.

• Ensure the supply of the necessary resources to fulfill the service promise to customers.

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WFS EXPANDS CAPACITY AT AMSTERDAM AIRPORT SCHIPHOL FOR NEXT STAGE OF GROWTH

Worldwide Flight Services Holland B.V. (WFS), a member of the SATS Group, is expanding its presence in Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), with the proposed acquisition of Menzies World Cargo (Amsterdam) B.V., Menzies Aviation’s general cargo handling operations at AMS, the main international airport in the Netherlands.

The proposed acquisition will increase the warehouse capacity and cargo handling capabilities for WFS in one of Europe’s busiest air cargo locations. The additional warehouse will provide incremental capacity for WFS which will enable it to capitalise on its strong local customer relations and service levels, and position itself for growth over the long-term.

WFS has served Amsterdam Airport Schiphol since 2000 and is now operating at close to maximum capacity. The station expansion at the Dutch ‘mainport’ for air cargo is an important strategic milestone which will give WFS the capacity and capability to deliver long-term value to our stakeholders. WFS operates in Europe’s five largest airports by cargo volume and we are excited to see WFS enlarge its footprint at a time of strong demand for its services. We are optimistic that the business pipeline will soon fill the newly acquired capacity and take WFS to the next stage of its growth. We look forward to welcoming new colleagues from Menzies to help build for the future together.

John Batten, Chief Executive Officer, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia (EMEAA), WFS

AMS has the largest cargo storage capacity among Dutch airports, operates more direct cargo flights to more destinations than any other airport in the Netherlands and is well- connected with international road, rail, and canal routes passing through the airport.

The proposed acquisition is subject to certain conditions including local works council consultation.

MESSE MÜNCHEN ACQUIRES MIAMI’S AIR CARGO AMERICAS CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION

Expanding Global Logistics Expertise in Partnership with World Trade Center Miami

Messe München, organizer of the globally popular transport logistic trade fairs, has acquired the renowned Air Cargo Americas Conference & Exhibition from the World Trade Center Miami, marking a significant expansion of its logistics portfolio. While Messe München is taking over the trade fair, the World Trade Center Miami will remain on board as a strategic partner for a further three editions and will also support the Munich team in operational matters. This will ensure the best possible synergies for the benefit of customers. This strategic acquisition strengthens the collaboration between two major forces in the trade show industry, paving the way for a comprehensive logistics platform that covers all modes of transport.

Since 1991, Air Cargo Americas has been a staple in Miami, firmly rooted in the Americas, and highly valued by the local logistics community. As one of the leading air freight exhibitions globally, it has long provided a platform for industry professionals to engage and innovate. As per Messe München CEOs Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer and Stefan Rummel:

We are delighted that Air Cargo Americas is joining our portfolio of trade fairs. For Messe München, this is an important step towards further expanding our activities in North and Latin America and tapping into one of the most attractive markets in the logistics industry. Air Cargo Americas is the ideal complement to transport logistic Americas, which we organized for the first time in Miami in 2022 and which was a great success thanks to the overwhelming response.

The first co-located event will take place at the Miami Beach Convention Center from November 11-13, 2025. This marks a significant milestone, as the World Trade Center Miami had originally planned to move Air Cargo Americas to this iconic venue, and now, with Messe München on board, the enhanced concept will be realized. This combined trade show promises to deliver unparalleled insights and networking opportunities, solidifying its place as the premier logistics event in the Americas. A free to attend conference will delve into every critical aspect of the logistics industry, curated with the expertise of leading publishers and associations, ensuring a top-tier agenda that meets the highest standards of quality and relevance. Both organizers are expecting over 6,000 participants and 350 exhibitors for the 2025 trade fair.

A Unified Platform for All Transport Modes

The unification of Air Cargo Americas with transport logistic Americas reflects the growing demand for a logistics event that spans all modes of transportation, including air, sea, road, and rail. As the logistics industry continues to evolve, the importance of a multimodal approach cannot be overstated. The combined event will offer exhibitors and attendees a unique opportunity to explore synergies between different transport modes, fostering innovation and efficiency across the supply chain.

The collaboration between Messe München and World Trade Center Miami brings together the best of both worlds—global reach and regional expertise—creating a platform where the future of supply chain can truly be shaped. As a leading Miami-based cargo airline, Amerijet looks forward to a new and expanded Air Cargo Americas & transport logistics Americas event that will convene the air cargo and logistics industries in our community.

Joe Mozzali, CEO, Amerijet International Airlines

DHL has been a dedicated and long-time participant of the air cargo Americas Show since its origins and particularly since 2001. DHL commends the move toward the strong logistics component that will form part of future editions of Air Cargo Americas & transport logistic Americas. These new synergies are certain to attract all transport modes deemed essential by industry leaders.

Xavier Cerruto, Director Business Development & ACS Strategy, & Carmen Goehrig, Business Support & Quality Manager

A Strategic Location

Miami’s strategic location makes it an ideal host for this expanded logistics platform. As a gateway to Latin America and a major hub for international trade, Miami provides unparalleled access to key markets across the Americas. The World Trade Center Miami’s deep-rooted connections within Florida and Latin America ensure that the event will attract a diverse range of participants, while Messe München's global network guarantees a strong international presence.

We are thrilled to be part of an event that not only brings together all aspects of logistics but also leverages Miami's unique position as a hub for global trade. This new partnership between Messe München and the World Trade Center Miami will foster greater collaboration and innovation in the air cargo and logistics industries, benefitting businesses and consumers alike.

Ralph Cutié, Director & CEO, Miami International Airport, the Western Hemisphere’s busiest international freight airport

According to Lorena Sandoval, Director of Cargo Sales at American Airlines Cargo, Air Cargo Americas has played an important role in our cargo growth strategies over the years. American Airlines is a top-tier cargo carrier in Miami, and the news of this show’s expansion to include logistics and supply chain components will secure Miami’s future as a nexus for global trade and logistics.

A Partnership Forged for Success

The partnership between World Trade Center Miami and Messe München is built on a shared vision of creating a world-class logistics event. Messe München's expertise in organizing international trade fairs, combined with World Trade Center Miami's deep understanding of the local market, ensures that this event will meet the highest standards of quality and relevance.

The cooperation between the World Trade Center Miami and Messe München marks a milestone for the logistics industry. We are both excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring for the future. The multimodal approach is exactly what the industry needs to address the challenges of today and tomorrow, and this event will be the ideal platform to showcase the latest innovations and solutions.

Ivan Barrios, President & CEO, the World Trade Center Miami, & Dr. Robert Schönberger, Global Industry Lead, Messe München

Looking Ahead

As the logistics industry faces increasing challenges and opportunities, the combined air cargo Americas & transport logistic Americas event is set to become the must-attend event for industry professionals. By bringing together key players from across all modes of transport, this event will foster collaboration, drive innovation, and shape the future of supply chain.

SOUTH EAST FREIGHT FORWARDER SEEKING BUYER

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11 SEPTEMBER 2024 | Source: BRIGADE

BRIGADE UNVEILS DYNAMIC

NEW BRAND IDENTITY

Revolutionising road safety with cutting-edge technology and a fresh look

Brigade, the global leader in commercial vehicle safety solutions, has announced an update to its brand visual identity. This rebranding effort reflects Brigade’s commitment to innovation and excellence, aligning its new look with the latest advancements in artificial intelligence and technology.

Founded in 1976 by Chris Hanson-Abbott OBE, Brigade Electronics introduced Europe to the first reversing alarm, setting a new standard in vehicle and plant safety. Over the decades, Brigade has pioneered groundbreaking products, developed and patented new technologies, and built a legacy of saving lives by reducing blind spots and preventing collisions.

Understanding the importance of maintaining customer loyalty and employee engagement, Brigade has undertaken comprehensive research to ensure a smooth transition. The findings revealed that while customers are comfortable with the current logo, the real value lies in the name 'Brigade'. The new branding aims to resonate more closely with both existing and potential customers by reflecting the company's innovative spirit.

New Logo, Same Commitment

The rebranding includes a modernised logo and refreshed visual identity, moving away from the familiar branding that has remained largely unchanged since the 1970s. The new look reflects Brigade's evolution from a hardware supplier to a technology-first company offering innovative solutions such as Fleet Management Services.

Rebranding can be challenging, but it also presents a unique opportunity to increase brand visibility and reinforce our dedication to technological advancement. Our new logo and visual identity signify our readiness for the next chapter in the technological revolution. Simon Collinson, Marketing Director, Brigade Electronics Group

Looking Ahead

As Brigade approaches its 50th anniversary, the rebranding sets the stage for future growth, aligning the company’s image with its cuttingedge AI-powered products and services. This strategic shift is designed to ensure that Brigade remains at the forefront of the industry, ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the next 50 years.

2 SEPTEMBER 2024 | Source: SWAIN GROUP

SWAIN GROUP UNVEILS NEW NAME FOR EXPRESS FREIGHT SERVICES BRAND

Swain Group is proud to announce a significant step in its ongoing journey to streamline and enhance its operations by rebranding the renowned Express Freight Services. This strategic move is part of a broader initiative aimed at creating a more cohesive and unified brand identity across the Group's diverse operations.

Express Freight Services, a respected UK-based container haulier, has been a trusted name in the industry for over 45 years. Acquired by Swain Group in 2018, it has built a strong reputation for reliability and efficiency. The decision to rename this well-established brand reflects Swain Group’s commitment to aligning its various divisions under a single, recognisable brand family, which will strengthen its position in the rapidly evolving container shipping industry.

The renaming of Express Freight Services is not just about a new name, but about unifying our operations under a single, strong brand that represents the values and quality our customers expect. This change marks a significant milestone in our strategy to enhance brand recognition and ensure that our customers can easily connect with the comprehensive services we offer across all our divisions.

Matthew Deer, Managing Director, Swain Group

In conjunction with this rebranding effort, Swain Group is also expanding its operational footprint. In addition to its established depots at London Gateway, Felixstowe, and Tilbury, the Group is set to significantly enhance its presence in the Southeast and along the South Coast with a new depot in Southampton, scheduled to go live in September 2024.

These developments underscore Swain Group’s dedication to growth and excellence in the container transport sector. With a focus on creating a more unified brand image and expanding its network of depots, Swain Group is well-positioned to maintain its leadership as a provider of reliable container transport solutions for years to come.

Swain Container Solutions – the new name for dependable and efficient container services.

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19 SEPTEMBER 2024 | Source: PALL-EX GROUP

PALL-EX GROUP ANNOUNCED AS VETERANS INTO LOGISTICS GOLD PATRON

Pall-Ex Group has received the Veterans into Logistics Gold Patron status in recognition of its commitment to encouraging and supporting veterans into the logistics industry. As Gold Patrons, Pall-Ex Group have committed to funding a minimum of three veterans to get their HGV licenses, in a bid to provide them with new opportunities in employment.

Veterans into Logistics is a Greater Manchester-based charity, founded to provide training and support to ex-forces personnel with the aim of creating routes into the logistics sector. By providing HGV training and employment opportunities to veterans, Veterans into Logistics hopes to offer those leaving the Armed Forces meaningful and successful employment when faced with civilian life.

The positive impact that the organisation has had on the Armed Forces community is notable, helping to successfully transform the lives of hundreds of veterans by offering HGV training, CPC licences and employment advice.

Pall-Ex Group have been long-standing supporters of the Armed Forces community, receiving the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence in recognition of its ongoing work to support veterans, reservists and their families. With a commitment to supporting those who serve, Pall-Ex Group has pledged to help veterans find new and rewarding careers outside of the Armed Forces.

Pall-Ex Group is proud to support several initiatives to encourage veterans into the logistics industry, in the hopes of reducing unemployment across the Armed Forces community and creating a solution to the ongoing HGV driver crisis faced by transport companies across the UK.

At Pall-Ex Group, we are committed to becoming the employer of choice for those leaving the military and being able to fund three veterans through their HGV training is a fantastic opportunity. Veterans make valuable additions to the logistics industry so being able to provide training and employment opportunities is beneficial to the network as a whole.

Kevin Buchanan, CEO, Pall-Ex Group

We're delighted to announce Pall-Ex Group as a Gold Patron supporting Veterans into Logistics, showing their commitment to the Armed Forces community. From our first meeting with Pall-Ex Group Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Buchanan and Group HR Director, Stephanie Durrant, we were impressed that the company already employs many ex-military, including as drivers, through to operations and as directors. We're excited by Pall-Ex Group's ambition to be the employer of choice for those leaving the military with opportunities for Veterans, Cadet Instructors, Reservists and their families. The company ethos certainly fits with our mission to prevent unemployment and homelessness in the military community with our fully-funded HGV driver training and access to employment within the logistics industry. Becoming a Veterans into Logistics GOLD Patron gives Pall-Ex Group access to Veterans Job Board UK, to post their latest employment vacancies and to recruit from the highly-skilled and hardworking veteran job pool. We look forward to working with Pall-Ex Group to support even more veterans into employment.

Darren Wright , Veterans into Logistics founder & former Royal Artillery Airborne Gunner

Pall-Ex Group are proud to offer extended leave for Reservists and Cadet Leaders and guarantee interviews for veterans who meet the minimum criteria for a role, ensuring that veterans are not disadvantaged in any way due to their service.

17 SEPTEMBER 2024 | Source: STOBART

RHENUS ANNOUNCED AS OFFICIAL LOGISTICS PARTNER FOR UN CLIMATE CONFERENCE IN AZERBAIJAN

Rhenus Group, a leading global logistics provider, has been selected to play a key role in the upcoming 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. As the Official Logistics Partner, Rhenus will leverage its expertise and resources, working alongside local partners to ensure the smooth running of this major event. Participants, including heads of state, negotiators, and industry leaders, will gather in Baku for COP29 to address the most pressing challenges of climate change.

To meet the specific demands of COP29, Rhenus will draw on its extensive experience in planning and executing complex logistics for large-scale events, while benefiting from the expertise of local partners. The company’s global network and expertise will be instrumental in ensuring seamless operations and efficient processes throughout the entire supply chain. With operations in over 70 countries, Rhenus is ideally positioned to take on the central role of organizing the event’s freight forwarding logistics. This includes everything from the intercontinental transport of goods using various modes of transport, customs clearance, warehousing, and last-mile delivery to logistics within the event venue itself. An on-site team of international logistics experts will also be present to assist participants with their end-to-end and local logistics needs, ensuring smooth coordination from international freight forwarding to venue delivery.

We are proud to bring our extensive experience to such an impactful event: COP29 plays a crucial role in becoming a climate-neutral society and thus in shaping the future of generations to come. With a strong global network as well as significant projects in the region and our ongoing commitment to strengthening supply chains in South Caucasus and Central Asia, a region that is vital for global trade, we

are dedicated to enhancing the stability and capacity of sustainable and efficient logistics solutions. At COP29, we look forward to utilising our strong presence in Azerbaijan and the whole region to contribute to the success of this important global event, while continuing to strengthen the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, a key trade route on the New Silk Way, extending from China to Europe across Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, and the Caucasus into Türkiye.

Tobias Bartz , CEO,

Rhenus Group

Rhenus recently demonstrated its capabilities as the Official Logistics Partner for the Olympic team Belgium at the Olympic Summer Games in Paris, successfully managing the international logistics of infrastructure and equipment across multiple-sports venues. This seamless coordination across multiple modes of transport, including road, air, rail, and ocean freight, highlights Rhenus' proficiency in handling the complex logistics of major international events like COP29. Another major events project was Rhenus' comprehensive logistics support for a global customer during the Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics, further reinforcing the company’s ability to handle high-profile international events. Additionally, Rhenus has been working with the United Nations for nearly two decades as the authorized agent for the UN World Food Programme, shipping over 700,000 tonnes of commodities.

Concrete Measures for a Climate-Friendly COP29

Organizing COP29 in Baku presents unique logistical considerations that Rhenus is dedicated to addressing while prioritizing sustainability. The company is actively committed to minimizing the environmental impact of COP29, focusing on reducing emissions through the use of electric warehouse vehicles within the logistics centres, which will contribute to a more environmentally friendly event.

Five Logistics UK employees completed an epic 225 mile bike ride from York Minster to Westminster Abbey on Saturday (7 September), and were able to sooth any saddle sores with the most satisfying relief treatment – the knowledge that they had raised almost £3,500 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The team left York Minster on Thursday 5 September and arrived at Westminster Abbey at noon on Saturday, 7 September after overnight stops at Newark and Flitwick.

Ian Dunn, Strategic Development Manager at Logistics UK said, “During our ride, we have had to contend with sore legs, punctures and, surprisingly for a British summer, sunburn, but our struggles pale into insignificance when you think about people suffering from cancer. The sad reality is that one in two people will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime so it has been an honour to raise some funds for Macmillan. Without contributions, Macmillan will not be able to provide the amazing support for cancer sufferers and their families that it does, and I would like to thank everyone who has made a donation.”

Dawsongroup Vans Ltd provided an electric van for the Logistics UK support team and Logistics UK Director of Operations, Chris Lipscomb said, We are so grateful for the use of such a fantastic vehicle to support our riders, and are really proud of the team and the effort they have put in. And I would like to thank everyone that we met en route for their words of encouragement, cheers and donations. We set out to surpass the £3,000 Logistics UK raised for Macmillan on a previous sponsored bike ride in 2022, so to raise almost £3,500 so far is incredible.

23 SEPTEMBER 2024 | Source: GEODIS

GEODIS LAUNCHES A TEST PHASE FOR THE OXYGEN URBAN ELECTRIC TRUCK DEVELOPED WITH RENAULT TRUCKS

GEODIS today announced the start of a trial phase for Oxygen, the urban electric truck developed in a partnership with Renault Trucks that began in 2022. This test phase, which aims to prove the effectiveness of this new solution, will take place in Paris and Lyon between September and December 2024.

Against the backdrop of rapid growth in urban logistics, GEODIS is contributing to the development of solutions adapted to the urban environment through its ongoing partnership with Renault Trucks, established in 2022. The goal of the project is to develop Oxygen, an urban electric truck featuring the latest technologies, including integrated screens, a connected driver station and the use of artificial intelligence to improve the safety of the driver and other city center users, while meeting the demands of freight transport and addressing environmental challenges.

A test phase in two French cities: Lyon and Paris

The test phase got under way on September 9 in the center of Lyon and will run until October 4, before moving on to Paris from October 21 to November 22. It consists of using this vehicle, developed specifically for downtown deliveries, in real-life conditions for an evaluation of its success and advantages.

This experiment will be followed by a phase of analysis of the vehicle’s on-board features, taking account of feedback from drivers (comfort of use, convenience, recharging, etc.) and fleet managers.

A long-term partnership dedicated to carbon-free urban logistics

Renault Trucks and GEODIS have for many years been pooling their industrial, logistics and engineering know-how to design this electric truck for urban logistics. A partnership was formally established in 2022, enabling this 16-tonne vehicle to come to be produced.

Addressing the urgent need to protect the environment and the booming volume of logistics flows, particularly in cities, GEODIS has been heavily committed to the decarbonization of transport for several years now. We are now proud to be stepping up our partnership with Renault Trucks with the launch of this test phase in Paris and Lyon. We hope that these tests will prove fruitful, so that we can continue to introduce other concrete solutions for sustainable urban logistics.

Sébastien Faivre, Technical & Performance Director of the Distribution & Express Line of Business, GEODIS

Real-life testing of a transport solution designed for the city alongside an expert in urban delivery like GEODIS will enable us to advance together in understanding this complex ecosystem and to provide solutions fully adapted to it.

Guillaume Fouré, Chief Project Manager Oxygen project, Renault Trucks

The development of this urban electric truck project forms part of a broader, ambitious decarbonization strategy undertaken by GEODIS. The Group has been committed for a long time to working alongside its customers and partners to measure and reduce its impact on customers. It has now completed the updating of its commitments in line with a Science Based Targets (SBT) approach covering its scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. In this context, GEODIS will be capable of using low-carbon solutions for deliveries in 100 French conurbations by the end of 2024. The Group currently operates a fleet of over 100 electric vehicles.

For more than 25 years, Transaid has supported people across sub-Saharan Africa to build the skills required to transform their lives - ith a focus on improving road safety and increasing access to healthcare.

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