FORWARDER USA issue 4

BREEZE OPENS NEW OFFICE in the U.S.

SHIPPERS URGED TO MAKE PEACE WITH LINES to restore order to supply chains

WORLD’S LARGEST DINOSAUR transported from argentina to the UK by IAG Cargo

SOME MARKETS WEAKEN, BUT

US–EUROPE AIR STRENGTHENS

VIETNAM

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We speak fluent cargo! Whether it is general cargo, safe or most other commodities; at Qatar Airways Cargo, we are trained to give your shipments the attention they deserve. 33 Qatar Airways Cargo specialists in Vietnam and 1,500 tonnes of capacity/week are at your disposal

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Welcome to issue 4 of FORWARDER magazine USA

We have a three-part air freight briefing from FIATA, the Airforwarders Association and the Global Shippers Forum. On a (metaphorically) lighter note, IAG Cargo transports the world's largest dinosaur from Argentina to the UK.

Tim, Designer, FORWARDER magazine

AIR FREIGHT

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ROAD FREIGHT

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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 CLEARANCE

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.

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Growing, perfecting, and certifiying your business.

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

The other way to grow your company.

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GIVING BACK

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CRAIG EDITOR-IN-CHIEF craig@freightsolutions.com

WILL CONTRIBUTING EDITOR editor@forwardermagazine.us

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FROM CRISIS MANAGEMENT TO SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

Data and technology will be key to overcoming the supply chain challenges of 2023, says Flexport’s Mathijs Slangen, as most logistics managers have moved out of survival mode and are able to look forward again

The start of 2023 has been calmer in comparison to the turmoil of the last few years, which has brought port strikes, demand fluctuations, equipment shortages and factory closures. As a result, the past two and a half years have been focused on damage control and crisis management. Reducing delays and agreeing a freight rate that companies and consumers can absorb, as well as acting on the most urgent supply chain issues, have taken focus away from making long-term improvements.

In 2023, based on conversations with customers, most supply chain and logistics managers have moved out of survival mode and are now able to look forward again. For example, this month saw the time taken for complete ocean voyages on the Transpacific East Bound route at their lowest since late December 2020. While I predict that typical supply chain challenges around rates and inventory management will persist in 2023, we will also likely see a desire to find more structural solutions to the most pressing bottlenecks before they strike again.

Finance executives are also putting more pressure on supply chain and logistics managers as the rise in costs and have increased awareness of each and every business’s supply chain. However, considering the current economic downturn, demand has shifted considerably, and the favourable supply chain conditions are now in contrast with worsening economic ones. Therefore, convincing all stakeholders in the organisation to reform may be challenging. Still, for organisations that succeed, it is likely to create a competitive advantage, particularly as the potential of facing similar situations in 2024 and beyond must be considered.

With that in mind, what are the key supply chain trends for 2023 –and how should organisations prepare?

Increased automation and use of technology

The integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning and other technologies into supply chain operations is expected to increase in 2023, leading to greater efficiency, speed and accuracy. Not only do AI and machine learning have a role to play in automation, freeing up human workers from repetitive tasks such as data entry and warehouse stock management, it can also be used to analyse vast amounts of data to identify patterns and make predictions about future events.

In the context of supply chain management, AI in particular can be used to predict demand and forecast inventory levels, as well as optimise routes and schedules. Data analytics can be used to monitor supply chain operations in real-time, enabling companies to quickly identify and respond to any issues that arise. This can help to improve delivery times, increase efficiency, and reduce costs.

Improved visibility will be the key to optimising processes and reducing costs, and by monitoring supply chain operations in realtime, organisations will be equipped to make better decisions and respond more quickly and effectively to changing market conditions and customer demands.

Defining the role of sustainability in the supply chain

In addition to making economic gains, companies are increasingly prioritising end-to-end supply chain visibility, to better understand where their products come from and how they are being produced. As the global net-zero target looms and governments tighten the sustainability obligations for private companies, the origin of raw materials and the manufacturing processes used to produce them are becoming important to assess, to ensure that supply chains are ethical and sustainable, as well as free from human rights abuses and environmental degradation.

This year and beyond, companies will need to work together to build more sustainable supply chains. This should involve collaborating with suppliers, customers and other stakeholders to reduce waste and optimise logistics, as well as utilising data analytics, to promote sustainable practices throughout the supply chain by. New technologies such as renewable energy and electric vehicles will also help to reduce supply chain impact in the long-run, and we’re likely to see investments in green logistics and transportation become even more of a priority.

Meeting evolving customer expectations

The evolving customer expectations for speed, convenience and sustainability are the driving force behind changes in supply chain practices and strategies. Companies that invest in the technologies and practices that enable them to meet these changing customer demands are likely to gain a competitive advantage, build stronger relationships with their customers and improve overall customer satisfaction. For example, ensuring end-to-end supply chain visibility can help companies monitor the quality of their products and minimise the risk of defects and recalls. It also has the potential to reduce costs for customers by identify improving inventory management, which in turn leads to improved profitability.

How to use technology to respond to supply chain challenges

As organisations move towards recovery and plan for future events, a digital supply chain will enable organisations to better control their inventory, suppliers and labour to fulfil customer demands. This is where advancements in AI and machine learning can help, to allow for more automated, data-driven decision-making, powered by utilising dashboards, analytics and control towers.

Achieving this, however, will come down to interconnectedness and data. Data quality must be accurate, granular and consistent so that companies can take action – but to enable this, all members of an organisation must have visibility of goods and their whereabouts.

Though 2023 will hopefully see a reduction in the supply chain challenges of the past few years, there will inevitably, and always, be hurdles that will need overcoming. Therefore, the companies that invest in technology and make greater use of data in 2023 will gain a competitive advantage and stand to benefit from improved decision-making, increased efficiencies, reduced costs and the minimisation of supply chains risks.

Mathijs Slangen, Vice President for Sales & Marketing, Flexport www.flexport.com

SPECIAL REPORT: GLOBAL CONTRACT LOGISTICS

GLOBAL CONTRACT LOGISTICS MARKET ���� FORECAST GROWTH TO SLOW TO 3.1%

Asia Pacific region is expected to drive market expansion, while Europe and North America are set for more pronounced slowdowns and growth below the global average, Ti analysis indicates

In 2023, Ti’s interim projections indicate that the contract logistics market is expected to grow at a slighter slower pace than in 2022 as the economy enters a pronounced slowdown and market moderation seen in the second half of 2022 spills over into 2023. The market is projected to grow by 3.1% y-o-y (down from 3.4% in 2022) and is expected to reach a value of €253.6 billion.

Slowdowns will be more pronounced in Europe and North America, which are expected to see much weaker growth below the global average.

North America is expected to grow by 2% y-o-y, whilst Europe is expected to grow by just 0.6% in 2023. The market will be driven by the Asia Pacific region (5.7% y-o-y), which is expected see strong GDP, manufacturing, and retail industry growth in the coming year. As described by the IMF in its October 2022 update, Asia remains a [relatively] bright spot in an increasingly lethargic global economy.

When commenting on the outlook for 2023, several major global contract logistics providers have outlined that although macroeconomic factors will slow growth, they are unlikely to negatively affect the market to the same extent that might be seen in the container industry, for example, which is more vulnerable to boom-and-bust cycles. In its latest earnings call, Robert Sanchez, CEO of Ryder, commented that,

On the supply chain side, these are contractual businesses where we have long-term contracts with our customers. So, even when there’s some volatility in the market, really the margins hold up very well... if you look historically.

Similarly, Malcolm Wilson, CEO of GXO, highlighted that although top lines are likely to slow alongside the economy, the company expects that bottom lines will remain resilient due to the long-term nature of contractual wins. GXO also highlighted that one of the most prominent challenges it is likely to face into next year is foreign currency headwinds. As such, the company expects to see a more moderate level of growth throughout 2023.

The continued backlog in automotive production is expected to drive volumes in the coming year. Following the post-lockdown normalisation of the B2C sector, e-commerce volumes are also expected to grow from a higher base level in comparison to pre-COVID.

Overview of regional performance

Asia Pacific is therefore expected to be the fastest-growing market in 2023 and is forecast to remain the largest regional contract logistics market. Aside from Russia, Caucasus, and Central Asia, the Europe region is expected to witness the slowest growth in the coming year. This is due to a forecast decline in economic growth; Europe’s real GDP growth is expected to decline from 1.9% to 0.3% in 2023 according to the IMF.

Asia Pacific, the Middle East & North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa are expected to outpace global growth (3.1%).

Global economic growth

Total Contract Logistics Market Growth Forecast by Region 2022 v 2023

Ti’s interim projections indicate that North America, Asia Pacific, and Sub-Saharan Africa are the only three regions expected to grow at a quicker pace in 2023 than in 2022. Strong growth in retail and manufacturing is expected to offset lower GDP growth in North America through 2023. Asia Pacific meanwhile expects to see slightly stronger GDP growth in 2023, as well as strong retail and manufacturing growth. All other regions, including Europe, are expected to grow at a slower pace year-on-year.

Five out of seven regions should expect to see positive single-digit growth in 2023 in their respective contract logistics markets: Asia Pacific (5.7%), Middle East & North Africa (5.4%), Sub-Saharan Africa (3.9%), North America (2.0%), South America (1.8%). Europe is forecasted to grow by less than 1 percent (0.6%). Russia, Caucasus, and Central Asia region is forecast to see negative growth in 2023 (-1.5%).

Global economic activity is experiencing a broad-based and sharperthan-expected slowdown, with inflation higher than seen in several decades. This pronounced slowdown is influenced by several factors: tightening global financial conditions in most regions, associated with expectations of steeper interest rate hikes by major central banks to fight inflation, a sharper slowdown in China due to extended lockdowns and the worsening property market crisis, and spill over effects from the war in Ukraine with gas supplies from Russia to Europe tightening.

As such, the IMF forecasts that global growth is going to slow from 6% in 2021 to 3.2% in 2022. The IMF reported that the slowdown began in the second quarter of 2022, with global real GDP contracting ‘modestly’. Growth is expected to moderate further in 2023 (2.7%). This prognosis for the global economy is far below average: global economic growth averaged 3.6% during 2000–21 (and the same during 1970– 2021). For most economies, the outlook is significantly weaker than projected six months ago in the April 2022 WEO. Forecasts are weaker than expected for 143 economies (accounting for 92% of world GDP) for 2023. The forecast for 2023 is the weakest since the 2.5% growth rate seen during the global slowdown of 2001—with the exception of those during the global financial and COVID-19 crises.

Global inflation is forecast to rise from 4.7% in 2021 to 8.8% in 2022. However, as of its October 2022 release, the IMF predicts that inflation will decline to 6.5% in 2023 and to 4.1% by 2024 as major economies introduce monetary and fiscal policy to fight against inflation.

SPECIAL REPORT: GLOBAL CONTRACT LOGISTICS

With moderate growth in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa, the world economy is expected to avoid a downturn, but growth will likely be minimal.

Manufacturing output weakening

According to research by Interact Analysis, the total output of the manufacturing industry is expected to grow by 3.9% in 2022, before declining by $0.2tn in 2023 because of the unprecedently wide range of pressures on the economy, including inflation and the war in Ukraine. Europe will be particularly slow, with a growth projection for manufacturing of 3.7%.

Contract Logistics Market Growth by Region 2023 (f)

A contraction in real GDP lasting for at least two consecutive quarters (which some economists refer to as a “technical recession”) is expected to be seen at some point during 2022-23 in about 43% of economies with quarterly data forecasts (31 out of 72 economies), amounting to more than one-third of world GDP.

According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, economies in Asia Pacific will dominate global growth in the upcoming year, whilst North America and Europe are likely to fall into a recession. S&P predicts the region will achieve a real growth of roughly 3.5% in 2023, whilst the IMF expects the region’s real GDP to grow by 4.2% in 2023, up from 4.0% in 2022.

Both Europe and North America meanwhile are expected to witness the impact of softening demand and tightening financial conditions, with exceptionally high inflation draining purchasing power and leading to declines in consumer spending. As such, real GDP growth in Europe is expected to drop to 0.3% in 2023, from 1.9% in 2022, according to the IMF. Real GDP growth in North America is expected to decrease to 1.0% in 2023, from 1.8% in 2022.

The manufacturing machinery forecast is far less optimistic than the previous quarter, with eight of the top 10 sectors experiencing a downward revision of their forecast for 2022. Semiconductor and electronics machinery bucked the trend, and it is forecast for 6.2% growth in the year. However, such growth is likely to be unsustainable in the context of the boom-bust market for semiconductors, and so a major downturn is projected for 2023.

Shanghai lockdowns are expected to have an impact on the manufacturing industry, particularly because the city hosts a port that handles over 25% of all Chinese freight traffic. Although Shanghai is primarily a finance centre, if the Chinese government were to implement similar measures in one of its major manufacturing hubs, it may hasten the global economies downward trend, since China accounts for 44.4% of total global production output.

The automotive industry is also expected to continue to suffer in the coming year. The industries outlook has been worsened by the Ukraine war for several reasons; Russia provides the majority of the world’s palladium which is used to produce catalytic converters and is now inaccessible. Furthermore, Ukraine is a key manufacturer of components for western Europe’s automotive industry, particularly wire harnesses, supplies of which are now intermittent.

World events are playing an outsized role in terms of their impact on manufacturing. Inflation has caused severe problems by increasing input costs for energy, raw materials, and components. In the US, a strong dollar is damaging the competitiveness of manufacturing exporters. Meanwhile, China is far less badly impacted by inflation, with a rate of just under 3% (compared to 9% in the US). The topic of reshoring or near-shoring of manufacturing is much discussed in the global business press. One clear present-day move in this direction is the US’s CHIPS Act, which is investing $52 billion in US semiconductor manufacturing. The Chinese response is not yet clear, but the CHIPS Act is likely to prove effective in its primary goal of reducing US dependence on China since of the top 10 semiconductor companies, six are US and none are Chinese. The likely result is a significant shift of semiconductor manufacturing to the US in the mid to long-term.

Tim Dawson, Senior Research Director at Interact Analysis

Retail momentum fading

According to Deloitte, double-digit sales growth is expected for apparel, catered food, and department stores over 2022 (compared with locked down 2021), driving a healthy real retail sales performance of 5.5% growth over 2022.

However, the cost-of-living squeeze, higher interest rates and preference for spending on services is expected to lead to a slowdown in retail momentum through the second half of 2022, which may then result in real per capita spending on retail falling over 2023 and 2024 as consumers face economic uncertainty.

According to ING, a strong dollar has led to more expensive cross-border shopping in China. The European picture shows similarities, as European consumer confidence has tested new lows amid the energy crisis. While consumer spending in the US held up relatively well in 2022, ING expects it to fall in 2023 due to rising interest rates resulting in ever-tighter credit conditions and rising unemployment, further weighing on demand.

Global air cargo volume – known as an early indicator for consumer products demand – has also slumped since early 2022, showing a 5% decline after an initial strong recovery in 2020 and 2021.

According to Deloitte, due to pressures on prices the majority of retail turnover growth for H2 2022 and into 2023 and 2024 will be driven by prices rather than sales volumes. Retail sales volume growth may average only 1.1% over 2023 to 2025, compared to 1.9% per annum for retail price growth.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS Europe

Given the prevailing economic mood and less than encouraging projections from leading financial organizations, Ti’s interim projections anticipate that 2023 will be a story of significantly reduced growth for most European countries. The European market is forecast to reach €74 billion in 2023, with a projected slowing growth rate of 0.6%, as economic conditions continue to tighten.

Some major economies in Europe will see contract logistics market growth slow to less than 1% in 2023, and others will experience slowing growth from previously quite high rates. Whilst there are conflicting forecasts about retail growth in 2023, manufacturing in the UK is expected to decline in 2023. For Europe, the region’s real GDP growth is expected to decline markedly from 1.9% to 0.3% in 2023 according to the IMF.

North America

According to Ti’s interim projections, contract logistics growth rates will grow moderately in 2023 for the Canadian and US markets, mainly due to a stronger retail and manufacturing forecast for 2023. The North American contract logistics market is expected to grow by 2% y-o-y in 2023, to a value of €59 billion.

Asia Pacific

Ti’s 2023 interim projections indicate that, in broad terms, growth rates in Asia Pacific countries are stronger than in Europe. Average growth in Asia Pacific in 2023 is expected to be 5.7%, compared to 0.6% in Europe. Countries in the Asia Pacific region will continue to see positive contract logistics market growth in 2023 and for some countries, there will be market size growth of over 10%.

Nia Hudson, research team leader, Ti Paul Chapman, senior editor, Ti

AIR FREIGHT

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AMERIFLIGHT AGREES TO BUY �� SABREWING AIR CARGO DRONES

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

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

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

Improved warehouse distribution network

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

Ameriflight President and COO Alan Rusinowitz commented:

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

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

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

Expedited supply chain services

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

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

EUROPE-US AIR FREIGHT STRENGTHENS WHILST OTHER MARKETS WEAKEN

Westbound transatlantic air cargo demand up 6% in January, but global uncertainty remains

Despite high inflation and falling US retail sales, westbound air cargo volumes between Europe and North America rose 6% year-on-year in January but overall global air cargo demand continued to fall, down -8%, as an earlier Chinese New Year and economic headwinds subdued other major lanes, according to the latest weekly market intelligence from CLIVE Data Services, part of Xeneta.

The Europe to North America corridor stood out in terms of growth in January, although its average spot rate of USD 3.09 per kg edged down 4% from last month. However, compared to the shrinking volume on ex APAC and inbound Europe trades, transatlantic westbound demand remained buoyant. But growth has decelerated dramatically from the three-digit growth in rates of +124% in April 2021 when compared to the pre-pandemic level.

The signs of resilience in westbound transatlantic volumes goes against the continuing economic pressures facing consumers in the US. For instance, US inflation rose above target again in December 2022 (2%) for a 21st consecutive month. It stood at 6.5%, down 2.6% points from its peak in June last year. Although growth had decelerated since July, the impact on inflation persists. The US Census Bureau reported US retail sales have been slowing since July last year, pushing the November inventories-to-sales ratio to the highest level in nearly 2 years.

As the air cargo market tends to be more sensitive to economic cycles than the general market, air volume decline led the decline of retail sales by 2 months, and the market outlook remains uncertain. The total inbound US air cargo market registered its first negative growth in May 2022 and stayed in negative territory for five out of the seven remaining months of last year. In January 2023, global air cargo volumes into the US continued to fall, down 2% from a year ago.

Looking at its major competitive mode, the transatlantic eastbound ocean freight spot rate increased 230% to USD 6148 per 40DC in January compared to the 2019 level. In comparison, the January air spot rate was only 41% above pre-pandemic levels, which was also 14% points below the ratio for the global average air spot rate.

The average spot rates on the APAC to North America corridor slid 13% from last month to USD 4.74 per kg in January, 48% above prepandemic levels. For ex Southeast Asia trades, average spot rates fell more noticeably, -17% to USD 4.06 per kg, only 24% above prepandemic levels.

The economic headwinds blew even harder on the European market. Due to the knock-on effects of the Ukraine war, inflation rates have seen double-digit growth since August 2022. Although European inflation rates might have reached their peak, they remain highly elevated (+10.4%) compared to the immediate pre-pandemic periods. Both retail sales and general air cargo volumes were hit hard by this. Inbound Europe chargeable weight fell for a 13th consecutive month year-on-year in the first month of 2023, with January air cargo volumes down 9% from one year ago.

Overall global air cargo growth continued to slow last month. The -8% fall in demand, down 10% on the same month in pre-Covid 2019, contributed to the -37% decline in the global airfreight spot rate to USD 2.89 per kg, narrowing the gap to the pre-pandemic level to +55%. Global air cargo capacity restored a noticeable 11% year-on-year, 2% below the 2019 level.

The global average dynamic load factor, measuring cargo load factor by considering both volume and weight perspectives of cargo flown and capacity available, stood at 54% in the first month of 2023. With the capacity increase and the volume decrease, this resulted in a load factor decline of -7% pts compared to a stronger New Year in January 2022. Compared to 2019, it was also down 5% pts as the demand/supply balance started to lean towards oversupply.

Given the earlier Lunar New Year in 2023, January is not the best month to judge APAC market performance. While the average spot rate from APAC to Europe dropped 11% month-over-month to USD 4.18 per kg, it remained 72% above pre-pandemic levels, partly due to the rate impact of rising operating costs caused by the Ukraine war.

The early Chinese New Year might be causing some noise in the January air cargo data with factories there closing ahead of the New Year, contributing further to a weak global market producing load factors at a level we haven’t seen for some time. So, there is still a high level of uncertainty but, if rates haven’t yet reached the 2019 level in value in the current climate, and with an expectation that inventory levels will need restocking at the end of Q2 and Q3, then it’s unlikely we will see spot rates return to the pre-pandemic level unless this happens soon. But this, of course, partly depends on consumers spending in a similar fashion as we have seen recently.

Niall van de Wouw, Chief Airfreight Officer, Xeneta

Elsewhere, although Latin America to North America airfreight volume was down 7% year-on-year in January, this was 29% higher than the 2019 level. Its average spot airfreight rate of USD 1.43 per kg in January also dipped 7% on the previous month, leaving the January 2023 air spot rate only 13% above the pre-pandemic level, the lowest among all corridors after having been one of the high-growth trade lanes evolving from the pandemic. Capacity on this lane in January rose 36%.

BUILDING RESILIENCE IN AIR FREIGHT FORWARDING

Key issues in 2023 will include capacity and infrastructure to handle growing demand for e-commerce, keeping professionals’ skills up to date, and conformity with new safety and security regulations, says Dawit Woubishet, chair of FIATA’s Air Freight Institute

Key trends for the global air freight community in 2023 will include an increasing focus on capacity and infrastructure to handle the growing demand for e-commerce, keeping handling and transportation professionals’ skills up to date, fair and open competition, as well as conformity with the new safety and security regulations.

E-commerce is expected to reach $5.7 trillion this year and $7.3 trillion in 2025, and the air freight industry needs to focus on increasing capacity and infrastructure to handle the continued growing demand for e-commerce and express delivery services, as e-commerce demand will continue to present a source of growth for air cargo providers in 2023.

Fostering safety and security

2023 will bring new Pre-Loading Advanced Cargo (PLACI) Information Requirements for aviation security purposes, which are set to come into force in various countries shortly. This year, we will face the “go live” of the European Union’s new customs advance cargo information system (ICS-2 Release2), which will impact the air freight industry around the world in respect of goods entering or transiting the European Union. FIATA welcomes the multiple filing option in the ICS-2 Release 2 and other PLACI programmes, which allow freight forwarders as the bearer of first important information, to file data directly with the authorities. This requires guidance and capacity building, and FIATA is working to support freight forwarders and the industry at large in the implementation of these new requirements.

Last year, FIATA established a taskforce to focus on the implementation of Advanced Cargo Information requirements, which under the lead of FIATA’s Customs Affairs Institute (CAI) and Advisory Body on Safety and Security (ABSS) has contributed to capacity building, raising awareness among the freight forwarding industry, and ensuring a continuous dialogue with the Airfreight Institute to better understand the needs and challenges of the industry.

Developing a global program

FIATA represents over 40,000 freight forwarders operating across all transport modes in over 110 countries. In the past, freight forwarders often operated as agents of the airlines. Today, however, freight forwarders are no longer agents, but rather, customers of airlines, as buyers of air cargo services. Despite this, the IATA Cargo Agency Programme continues to be the main framework governing air cargo, which was established at a time when agency relationships were the norm. There is therefore an urgent need to modernise the air cargo framework to develop a global programme that is fit-for-purpose to respond to the needs of the global industry and reflect commercial realities, homogeneously around the world. This is important to ensure a balanced commercial relationship and improve service levels to accommodate new markets and overcome new challenges.

FIATA continues to work towards the development of a global programme that can benefit all regions around the world. This has included collaboration with IATA and relevant industry stakeholders, and seeking the feedback and expertise of its members from all regions to ensure a relevant and fit-for-purpose programme. The further development and roll-out of the future Global Programme will be discussed during the upcoming FIATA HQ Meeting in March 2023 in Geneva.

New talents for the industry

For many years, the air freight industry has been facing difficulty in recruiting staff, which is becoming an increasingly serious and widespread issue that could exacerbate issues in the supply chain. At the same time, the airfreight industry is changing and becoming more complex, requiring new skills and adaptation from the new and existing workforce. Some good solutions could include designing and setting up fresh new apprenticeship programmes, and promoting digital learning and training, to modernise and elevate the new generation of leadership with the necessary competencies.

FIATA is well-placed to promote logistics careers and support its members to equip the industry with the skills for the future. FIATA acts as the bridge between successful and recognised freight forwarders and young promising talents, and in 2023 it will stay as one of the top priorities on FIATA’s agenda. Through the FIATA Young Logistics Professionals (YLP) Award and in collaboration with the IATA Future Air Cargo Executives (Faces) program, we are giving more visibility to young people – the next generation of workers – as well as showing that this industry can be attractive and innovative. The annual FIATA World Congress is a good example of this. In 2022, FIATA dedicated a day to the YLP during FIATA World Congress in Busan to attract and promote young people in the freight forwarding industry, and we can look forward to the same at the FIATA World Congress in Brussels in 2023.

Air cargo is a crucial component of multimodal logistics. As such, it is key that we ensure it functions well, and that it is able to fulfil its vital role in the supply chain – as if issues arise in air cargo, it will endanger the entire supply chain.

Dawit Woubishet , Air Freight Institute chair, FIATA fiata.org

A MORE FAVORABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR US SHIPPERS IN 2023

Despite adjusting volumes, demand for air freight services remains strong among Airforwarders Association members, says AfA executive director Brandon Fried – who expects an uptick after the first half of 2023, as warehouse inventories deplete amid sustained consumer demand, especially in e-commerce

What are your expectations about how the market will develop in 2023?

While the freight shipping industry is seeing less volume compared with this time last year, 44% of Airforwarders Association members say that their business is up significantly or that they’re seeing an increase. Despite adjusting volumes, demand for our industry’s services remains strong. We still see our shippers and consignees making solid plans, especially in charters and booked space commitments, despite the normalising of trade flows. E-commerce has been the trend for the past several years, and we don’t expect this to change.

We expect capacity, especially out of Asia to the United States, to increase as passenger flights resume in the wake of discontinuing China Covid lockdowns. The increased cargo space should result in a favorable rate environment for shippers.

Our expectation is for an uptick in volumes after the first half of 2023, as current full warehouse inventories deplete amid sustained consumer demand, especially in e-commerce. The reliance on “on-demand” ordering of goods, especially in the consumer products arena, continues at a strong rate, still creating air cargo demand. Unless last-mile delivery costs increase considerably, and consumers no longer wish to pay for that convenience, that shouldn’t change significantly.

What challenges and opportunities do you anticipate, and how do you plan to respond to these?

Our most significant challenge is finding suitable talent to work in our offices and freight facilities. The pandemic idled many workers, who have yet to re-enter the workforce, so staffing continues to be a struggle for many of our member companies.

Of course, we remain concerned about recent flight interruptions, especially because of the FAA’s technology failure a few weeks ago. Our members and their customers depend on reliable and efficient flight scheduling, so we hope the U.S. federal government avoids a recurrence of that recent incident. Fortunately, the freight forwarding business model allows for elasticity since most of our members do not own the planes used to fly their freight. As world events unfold, including the war in Ukraine, and economic uncertainty prevails, this flexibility will help us to quickly respond to changing shipper needs.

Unfortunately, infrastructure in the US remains challenging, with outdated and often cramped facilities in and around airports. Our Airport Congestion Committee has taken on that topic and is aggressively following this issue and advocating for solutions. We worked with our legislative partners to ensure that this issue (not only airports, but their surrounding infrastructure) was understood and addressed. The resulting Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that Congress passed, and the President signed last year, will go a long way toward improving this challenge for all of us.

What role will new and emerging technologies play?

Airforwarders Association members continue to invest in technology and process automation at unsurpassed levels. We expect this trend to continue as shippers now demand ease of use, shipment transparency, and access to status information in managing their supply chains.

How can stakeholders in the air freight supply chain work more effectively in 2023 (and beyond) to streamline cargo operational processes and improve cooperation across the air logistics chain?

Our industry continues to rely on strong partnerships with the airline, ocean carrier, trucking, and rail industries. These relationships are built on solid communication and connectivity of automation systems. However, there are instances where this conductivity can be a struggle.

We are, therefore, delighted to see more development in the Artificial Intelligence space, allowing these hurdles to subside and different technology platforms to communicate more effectively. Hopefully, we will see this cooperation continue in the future.

Brandon Fried, Executive Director, the Airforwarders Association www.airforwarders.org

VIEW FROM THE SHIPPER’S DESK

With supply chain managers still trying to empty warehouses of goods imported ‘just in case’ during 2022, there is currently no pressure to replenish inventories quickly, notes James Hookham, secretary general of the Global Shippers Forum. Other challenges this year include the implementation of the EU’s ICS2 scheme for pre-notification and clearance of EU air cargo imports from March

There was some optimism from Central Banks at the beginning of February that the trend of worsening inflation and raised interest rates could be over by mid-year. But with supply chain managers still trying to empty warehouses of goods imported during 2022 – ‘just-in-case’ they could be sold, rather than ‘just-in-time’ to meet a firm order – there is currently no pressure on them to replenish inventories quickly. Indeed, some shipping lines were using this as an excuse to slow ships down last year to save on fuel.

Forecasting the future of logistics is fraught with difficulty, even for the near-term. It’s a hands-on, day-to-day sector, running 24/7/365, fully exposed to the impulses and shortcomings of politics, economics, society and technology, not to mention the forces of nature. The past three years have been testament to that!

Making things even more tricky at the beginning of 2023 is the uncertainty about the single biggest influencer of the sector’s fortunes: the state of the world economy. Especially the uncertainty of outlook for the consuming economies in Europe and North America, currently poised on the knife-edge between recovery from pandemic-induced inflation and a recession due to lack of demand and by high interest rates. It will be the speed and timing of any recovery in consumer spending on goods that will dictate the pace at which logistics markets generally, and the air cargo sector in particular, picks up from its current lull.

Whenever the upturn in demand for air cargo does arrive there will be no shortage of capacity to carry it. Assuming another Northern Hemisphere spring and summer free of Covid-restrictions sustains the recovery in passenger numbers, then these flights alone will bring more belly-hold capacity into play for established carriers. That will be supplemented by the arrival of new dedicated freighter aircraft and conversion capacity ordered before the downturn last year.

Then there are the newest and most unexpected suppliers of air freight services: the deep-sea container shipping lines. Although their capacity is currently tiny compared to incumbents, these experienced asset managers and operators will be out to leverage their existing customer base to turn the logic of this move, plus their other recent acquisitions in warehousing, forwarding and last-mile distribution, into a seamless shipper experience. However, real growth in demand will be needed for these services to thrive – otherwise a price war or rapid exit may beckon.

Environmental factors

Ask a shipper what the biggest barrier is to them using more air freight, other than cost, and they will probably list carbon footprint and environmental impacts. This is not some personal angst on the part of the individual shipper. Greenhouse gas emission inventories are now an embedded reporting metric in listed businesses as part of Boardlevel commitments to reach a Net Zero emissions target by 2050, or earlier. Many shippers have strategic objectives to make meaningful contributions to carbon savings from their operations, starting now.

Therefore, one prediction that can be made with some confidence is that the drive to reduce aircraft emissions will continue through 2023. And following the adoption of IATA’s own Net Zero commitment by world governments at ICAO last September, these aspirations need to move off the drawing board and into production in short order. Recently reported moves by global branded shippers and airlines to lock in the costs and carbon benefits of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) are small but powerful steps forward as they demonstrate how to turn green rhetoric into bankable credits, to the benefit of the fledgling SAF producers and the Scope 3 carbon inventories of major shippers.

EU’s ICS2 scheme

Another known event this year is the implementation of the EU’s ICS2 scheme for pre-notification and clearance of EU air cargo imports from 1 March. (The other modes follow over the next three years). Whilst this task will mainly fall to forwarders to perform, it will further stimulate a more general trend of shippers and forwarders wanting to maintain visibility of their shipments.

Industry-level agreement is close on the approval and acceptance procedures for shipments containing smart trackers – which are capable of recording and reporting cargo temperature, orientation, shock impacts, as well as location in real time to a mobile phone app – which should allow path-finding enhancement to customer service, with huge potential in other modes, to finally reach the market this year.

James Hookham, Secretary General, the Global Shippers Forum globalshippersforum.com

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US BOX IMPORTS DROP BELOW 2M TEU AS PANDEMIC-DRIVEN SURGE ENDS

Volumes at the nation’s major container ports fell below 2 million TEU in November for the first time since February 2021 and are expected remain there through most of this spring, according to January’s Global Port Tracker report

With the pandemic-driven surge in US container imports finally over, monthly import cargo volumes at the nation’s major container ports have fallen below 2 million TEU for the first time since February 2021 and are expected remain there through most of this spring, according to the January Global Port Tracker report from the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates.

Ports have been stretched to their limits and beyond but are getting a break as consumer demand moderates amid continued inflation and high interest rates. Consumers are still spending and volumes remain high, but we’re not seeing the congestion at the docks and ships waiting to unload that were widespread this time a year ago. It’s good to escape some of the pressure, but it’s important to use this time to address supply chain challenges that still need to be resolved like finalizing the West Coast port labor contract.

Jonathan Gold, Vice President for Supply Chain & Customs Policy, NRF

Imports plummeted to a four-year low of 1.37 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units – one 20-foot container or its equivalent – in March 2020 as COVID-19 prompted the temporary shutdown of much of the nation’s economy. But cargo soared after the shutdowns ended and pentup consumer demand was unleashed that Summer, topping 2 million TEU by that August and staying there all but one month until this winter.

After nearly three years of COVID-19’s impact on global trade and consumer demand, import patterns appear to be returning to what was normal prior to 2020. Nonetheless, as inflation eases and consumer spending returns, we project that growth will slowly return going into the second half of the year.

Ben Hackett , Founder, Hackett Associates

US ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 1.78 million TEU this November, the latest month for which final numbers are available. That was down 11.3% from October and down 15.8% from November 2021. It was the lowest total since 1.87 million TEU in February 2021, which had been the only month in over two years to fall below 2 million TEU.

January is forecast at 1.91 million TEU, down 11.5% year over year. February is forecast at 1.63 million TEU, the lowest since 1.61 million TEU in June 2020 and a 23% drop from last year, when backed-up cargo kept congested ports busy. March is forecast at 1.75 million TEU, down 25.5% year over year; April at 1.94 million, down 14.5%, and May at 2 million TEU, down 16.2%.

Global Port Tracker, which is produced for NRF by Hackett Associates, provides historical data and forecasts for the US ports of Los Angeles/ Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle and Tacoma on the West Coast; New York/New Jersey, Port of Virginia, Charleston, Savannah, Port Everglades, Miami and Jacksonville on the East Coast, and Houston on the Gulf Coast. The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association and advocates for the the largest private-sector employer sector in the US, where retail contributes $3.9 trillion to annual GDP and supports an estimated one in four US jobs.

Will Waters, contributing editor, FORWARDER magazine

DAVIES TURNER ADDS DIRECT OCEAN FREIGHT LCL SERVICE FROM UK TO INDIA

Consolidation of cargo in the UK is undertaken at one of Davies Turner’s regional distribution centres at Birmingham, Bristol, Cumbernauld, Dartford, or Manchester, for the weekly ocean freight service that departs from London Gateway port.

With the weak pound providing opportunities for UK exporters currently, Davies Turner is delivering a further boost to its ocean freight services between the UK and the Indian sub-continent with the launch of a direct weekly LCL service to Nhava Sheva.

Davies Turner’s previous service to Nhava Sheva was via transhipment in Jebel Ali, but by going direct, the UK freight forwarding and logistics company can offer a fast 25 day transit time port to port.

India’s population of 1.4 billion people and a domestic market that is growing year on year, means there is large demand for imported goods from Europe. Our latest service improvement will help to support clients who want to use Nhava Sheva as a gateway by providing a quicker, efficient and cost effective service option.

John Adams, Head of Trade - Middle East, ISC & South Africa, Davies Turner

The dedicated weekly service to Nhava Sheva also has direct links to the following inland container depots (ICDs) – Ahmedabad, Garhiharsaru, Ludihana and Patparganj (New Delhi).

The new direct ocean freight LCL operation adds to other similar direct services that Davies Turner offers to gateways in Asia, Middle East, South Africa and USA including Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, Durban and New York, as well as services to other areas of India that are offered via transshipment at Singapore.

SHIPPERS URGED TO MAKE PEACE WITH LINES TO RESTORE ORDER TO SUPPLY CHAINS

The relationships between ‘arrogant’ container lines and their retailer, manufacturer and other shipper customers must be repaired if supply chain efficiency is to be restored after the chaos of the Covid years, according to leading freight and shipping experts.

Speaking on episode 2 of The Freight Buyers’ Club podcast, produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group, Jensen told host Mike King that shippers must work closely with container lines if they want to deliver on their own promises to customers and avoid further disruption in the future.

Bjorn Vang Jensen, Executive Director, International Transport at Cummins, and formerly Global Head of Logistics at Electrolux and VP Advisory Services at Sea-Intelligence consultancy, said logistics and freight procurement officers would, understandably, find it difficult to “forget and move on.”

But he urged them to do exactly that, despite “the mind-blowing arrogance that almost every single carrier displayed toward shippers as they broke their promises” over the last two years when BCOs (Beneficial Cargo Owners) suffered a perfect storm of historically high freight rates, rolled cargo, customer service failures and the worst global liner schedule reliability ever seen.

As an operator, yes, you're tasked with saving money, but you are mostly tasked with generating or creating supply chain systems and networks and platforms that can stand the test of time. We're in an industry with short cycles and long memories. Never forget there will come a time when you're no longer in the driver's seat. Get that PTSD, and that vengeance, and that thirst for revenge out of the system, and then move on and revert to being reasonable. It will stand you in good stead.

Jon Gold, VP for Supply Chain and Customs Policy at the National Retail Federation, also called on shippers to be measured in their approach to container lines. One of the biggest lessons coming out of the pandemic is the need for better collaboration and better partnerships.

He called on retailers and other shippers intent on setting up more resilient chains or diversifying sourcing of product away from China to explain their new strategies to carriers to enable them to plan ahead.

This is where you’ve got to have the carrier talking to their clients to understand what these new [trade] patterns are, he added.

Advice on ocean contract negotiations

Jensen advised shippers negotiating contracts with container lines that, while no size fits all, a mix of contract lengths and multiple ocean freight partners was a prudent strategy as freight rates fell.

If you're an SME or a medium or small shipper, I think you would do well to have a good mix of forwarder and direct carrier contracts right now. That was not a strategy that I have ever pursued [before], but I am pursuing it now. Rather than going back to a carrier every month going, ‘The rate just dropped by another 50%, can I have it?’ you can achieve that by having monthly rate adjustments with a forwarder for part of the volume, and then with the carrier you can have different rate adjustments.

Suitable options, he suggested, might include using an index-linked contract or reviewing terms every three months.

Shippers, beware what you wish for

After Maersk and MSC announced they would dissolve the 2M Alliance, Jensen also scotched talk that a break-up of the alliance system could deliver lower costs and more competition for shippers.

He said the make-up of alliances had evolved many times previously and would do so again. They “will not go away”, he added, because operating a full network is very difficult for any single carrier and the alliance system enables lines to optimise capacity, which also works to the advantage of shippers.

I've never understood those shippers who feel like alliances are evil and, market manipulating and all the other nonsense. If people really want to see trouble in the global supply chain, by all means, get rid of the alliances. And by the way, your rates are going to go north swiftly as well, for obvious economic reasons.

CONTAINER DATA POINTS TO EXPECTATIONS OF DEMAND REVIVAL AS CHINA REOPENS & RATES STABILIZE

CAx (Container Availability Index) January readings show greater congestion at ports in China as compared to last three years; indicating more containers available in China

Operators expect demand revival post Lunar New Year, average one-way leasing pickup rates for second-hand containers increase by max 40% on China to Europe & China to US trade lane

As China reopens after three long years of Zero-covid policy, early Lunar New Year and COVID infections kept the overall market bearish, but the January month’s global container trading and leasing data from Container xChange, an online container logistics platform, indicates that the container traders and operators expect a demand rebound into the month of February.

Early indicators already show container operators expecting a demand bounce back—as the pickup charges from China to Europe Med for 40 ft High cube containers have increased by 9.7% from $513 in week 1 to $563 in week 5.

Source: xChange Insights (a subscription-only real-time data tool for container logistics companies)

Similarly, average prices for 40 ft high cube containers increased from $3662 in week 1 in China, and increased by 3.6% to $3794 in week 5. Though the increase is not significant, the fact that the downward trajectory has reversed is a good sign for many in the industry.

Source: xChange Insights

As we progress into the new year, according to the latest Container xChange data, the container prices in China show signs of stabilization— though still elevated than 2020 peak shipping and demand boom.

Usually, the rise in inbound containers at this time of the year is because of the seasonal repositioning of containers back to China to balance out after peak season.

Long term view of Average Container prices at key ports in China (40HC cargo worthy), Source: xChange Insights

Another key development is the increased availability of containers in China. The CAx readings stay elevated as compared to last three years across the ports of Shanghai, Ningbo, Tianjin and more. This indicates more inbound containers and few outbound containers which corroborates well with the current situation of factory closures in China and labour shortage there because of the infections.

The CAx (Container availability index) measures the ratio of inbound to outbound containers port-wise—and a reading above 0.5 suggest more inbound than outbound containers at the ports in China.

The strategy of repositioning containers back to Asia after the peak season gains strength from the clearance strategy in the US and in Europe. This effectively takes the capacity out of the market, and we see that this has been top priority this year for carriers. The situation further helps in stabilising the prices which has been the need of the hour for the current situation of supply chain globally. The rebound of trade in China, and hence the container trade rebound, will depend on the pace of the reopening in China, that is, how quickly do production volumes return to normal there. It is going to be interesting to see what happens when inventory stock levels in import countries have been rebalanced and there is a need to reorder. Effectively the question is whether importers are still wary of supply chain disruptions that will influence them to buy early or will they return to ‘just-in-time' model. In any case, we do expect to see a demand uptick—also because recent GDP figures make a recession in Europe less likely. However, because demand really plummeted a lot, we will not see demand reviving to precovid levels or even the ‘during covid’ levels too quickly.

Christian Roeloffs, cofounder & CEO, Container xChange

China’s official manufacturing PMI came in at 50.1 for January, up from 47 in December.

Shanghai CAx 2021-23

For more near real-time insights and commentary into the market developments, please visit and subscribe to Daily Dose of Insights with Christian, our cofounder and CEO, on YouTube.

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PERFORMANCE TEAM ADVANCES U.S. GULF COLD CHAINS WITH NEW HOUSTON COLD STORAGE FACILITY

New site is part of national expansion targeting cold chains with more capacity and specialized services to address lack of infrastructure

Performance Team introduced its newest cold chain storage facility, hosting a ribbon cutting customer reception in Houston to launch the U.S. Gulf’s newest cold chain infrastructure.

The Houston market is a high growth logistics center in need of more cold storage capacity for frozen foods and perishables that will be wellserved by the company’s supply chain integrator strategy.

We have been exploring the U.S. Gulf market for cold chain opportunities – and this Houston location opportunity stood out in a strong way - for a number of reasons. The U.S. Gulf is a growing economic region– with Houston as the largest market. We can see a tremendous amount of opportunity here – where we can enhance our current business presence through our supply chain integration with Maersk, Hamburg Sud and Sealand.

Mike Meierkort , Head of Logistics & Services

Within a one day drive – customers can reach the markets of San Antonio, Dallas, Laredo, McAllen, New Orleans and Mobile. The facility with serve as a catalyst for new cold chains from America’s heartland which is a particular advantage for Central and South American imports and exports.

We want to introduce more cold chain capacity and services to make supply chains flow better. Customers are looking for more options in the frozen segment – which is primarily poultry, meat and seafood cargoes here in Houston. We are also targeting imports and exports of fresh produce/flowers, vegetables, dairy and perishables with onsite USDA inspection available.

Charles Van Der Steene, Head of Sales

The facility was designed using customer feedback, introducing a special 90’ refrigerated loading dock section for trucks to handle the loading and unloading of refrigerated cargoes faster, safer and at optimal temperature. Drivers can also use on-site truck parking spots with 58 refrigeration plugs available while waiting to unload.

Performance Team is investing in adding new cold chain infrastructure nationwide to serve the growing demand. In addition to this facility, the company will open a Dayton, New Jersey location this month - and construction has begun in other new sites in Charleston, South Carolina and Wilmington, North Carolina.

MAERSK NORTH AMERICA SHARES BEST PRACTICES TO HELP CUSTOMERS PREPARE FOR ELECTRIC FUTURE

Customers are looking for sustainable growth in their supply chains

Electrical vehicles will play a key role

Speaking at a Zero Emission Fleet Workshop in Phoenix, Arizona on January 25th, 2023, Maersk executives outlined what’s important in the Electrical Vehicle (EV) journey for customers to know as they plan for sustainable supply chains.

The first requirement is management commitment to the decarbonization goal of net zero and the long-term investment in its multi-year effort. In 2018, Maersk committed to Net Zero Green House Gas emissions by 2050. Last year, that date was accelerated by 10 years to 2040 across all modes and businesses as part of a comprehensive Environmental, Social Governance (ESG) plan. In March 2022, Maersk North America ordered 436 Electrical vehicles (Class 8 trucks) to replace diesel trucks. Decarbonizing inland transportation through heavy duty, electric trucks and the creation of charging station infrastructure benefits supply chains and communities, and is central to Maersk’s inland transportation ESG plans.

By using Class 8 electric trucks, we will be reducing traffic noise and emissions in the communities we serve to fully comply with upcoming regulations. Our goal in the near future is for Maersk North America to be charging our entire fleet with 100 percent renewable electricity to offer our customers an environmentally-friendly alternative for short-haul trucking.

Carlo Bertani, North America Environmental Manager, Maersk

The second requirement in EV operations is the ability to scale and look for partners. Maersk partnered with TEC Equipment – a Volvo Trucks’ Certified EV Dealership, who helped identify the ideal truck configurations needed to operate daily freight routes. This partnership allowed Maersk to leverage Volvo Trucks’ Electric Performance Generator (EPG) tool, which simulates real-world routes and determines which ones are best suited based on environmental factors such as route details, traffic patterns, speed, payload, terrain and ambient temperature. The EPG also considers if an opportunity charge (the optimal location for charging infrastructure) would be required. Volvo Trucks turnkey solution is used for the first six years of ownership that provides 24/7 support, scheduled and preventative maintenance, towing and vehicle repair (including the energy storage unit and the complete electromobility system) to ensure peak vehicle uptime, performance and productivity.

Both Volvo Trucks and TEC Equipment continue to go above and beyond to support our growing battery-electric fleet operations. One example is the ongoing training they are providing to help our drivers optimize the range of the Volvo VNR Electric, including how to leverage regenerative braking benefits to add power back to the battery.

Michael Gallagher, Head of Indirect Sourcing, North America, Maersk North America

One of the challenges with the operation of Class 8 EVs is the lack of charging infrastructure. To mitigate this, Maersk is working cooperatively with public utilities and local officials to ensure that charging infrastructure is built in strategically-placed locations to maximize the efficiency of trucking operations. The company also worked with their warehouse leasing partner’s mobility unit, Prologis Mobility, to combine electric charging infrastructure into existing warehouse facilities to optimize truck deployment.

To comply with future regulations, Federal, State and Local funding incentives are aimed at accelerating scalability of EVs. EVs and battery performance are still in the early years of adoption and do not come without challenges. The cost of an electric vehicle is 2-3x more than a diesel vehicle and while battery performance will evolve to improve in duration and weight reduction, the reality is that early adopters of the technology are working to determine the best path forward. For example, current battery technology averages 275 miles on a full charge and a battery can add >6000 lbs. of extra weight to a truck. Charging time depends on the battery’s state of charge, the charging rate of the dispenser and the truck’s ability to accept a certain rate of charge. Initial charging times are approximately 75 minutes but are improving over time.

Regulatory compliance with climate change goals in California and New York are bringing new mandates for all new trucks to be zero emissions by 2045. The State of California has a target of 100 percent of passenger and lightduty truck sales to be zero emissions by 2035, medium and heavy-duty trucks by 2045.

POSITIVE SIGNS FOR US TRUCKING DEMAND

For-hire truck tonnages appear to have stabilized and may be on the rise again after softening in the second half of last year, although the truckload market overall remains in an oversupply phase

US for-hire truck tonnages appear to have stabilised and may be on the rise again after softening in the second half of last year, although the US truckload market overall remains in an oversupply phase, with plentiful capacity and prices below their levels last year and the five-year average.

The American Trucking Associations’ (ATA’s) advanced seasonally adjusted (SA) For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index rose 0.7% in January after increasing 1% in December. In January, the index – which is dominated by contract freight as opposed to spot market freight – equaled 117.1 (2015 = 100) compared with 116.2 in December.

Tonnage has increased nicely in the last couple of months. I suspect that some of the gain is attributable to capacity coming out of the network, especially those carriers that primarily operate in the spot market and/or bought expensive used equipment in the last couple of years. This would push more freight to contract carriers, which dominate this index.

Bob Costello, Chief Economist, ATA

It could also be that freight bottomed and is coming up a little too. So, the gain is likely a little higher demand and a little less supply, Costello noted. Despite the increases in December and January, tonnage is still off 1.4% from its recent high in September, Costello said.

Compared with January 2022, the SA index increased 1.5%, which was the seventeenth straight year-over-year gain. In December, the index was up 0.9% from a year earlier. In 2022, compared with the average in 2021, tonnage was up 3.5%.

The ‘not seasonally adjusted’ index, which represents the change in tonnage actually hauled by the fleets before any seasonal adjustment, equaled 112.7 in January, 0.4% below the December level (113.2). In calculating the index, 100 represents 2015.

Tonnage rose 3.4% in 2022

ATA had previously reported that the index had shown a slight rise in December after decreasing 2.5% in November and declining overall during the final quarter in 2022. In December, the index equaled 115.2 (2015=100) versus 114.8 in November.

Despite the small gain in December, for-hire truck tonnage clearly decelerated during the final quarter in 2022. In fact, tonnage outperformed some other key metrics that drive truck freight, like housing starts and factory output during the final month of the year. This is probably because contract truckload freight is still outperforming the spot market and less-than-truckload freight after underperforming both of those sectors in 2021.

For all of 2022, tonnage was up 3.4%, which was the best annual gain since 2018.

Despite weakening in the second half, 2022 overall was a solid year for truck freight tonnage. The index’s yearly gains were primarily driven by strength in the first half of 2022, so despite a marked slowdown as the year ended, for the year as a whole, tonnage posted a very solid year overall.

Plentiful capacity options

In its mid-February Transportation Market Overview and Freight Trends report, freight forwarding and freight brokerage specialist C. H. Robinson reported that, the for-hire truckload market currently offers rather plentiful capacity options and improved pricing from early 2022. The market correction of late Q1 2022 that continued through last year has persisted and perhaps will for much of 2023.

It said truckload supply continues to be bolstered by strong Class 8 tractor manufacturing and retail sales, with carriers taking delivery of new equipment that they struggled to get during the pandemic, helping to reduce the average age of tractors in fleets.

In its February forecast, ACT Research reported the Class 8 tractor fleet might expand another 2.6% in 2023 after a 4% expansion in 2022, C. H. Robinson noted, adding: An increasingly common question asked recently is if the market has started to shift to the early phase of the new cycle, ‘balance recovery’. But it may be too early to call an end to the oversupply phase just yet.

The US forwarder said the market is certainly moving through the oversupply phase and shows some early signs that might suggest the market is in the latter period of this phase. Signs of this include new tractor orders slowing since October 2022, with early figures on January again down month over month (M/M); net revocations of trucking company operating authority have been increasing; net fleet size has contracted four months running.

C. H. Robinson continued:

On their own, these early indicators don’t confirm a material market shift, but they do offer some context into how the carrier community may be viewing today’s truckload markets. New Class 8 orders are still 9.5 months lead time to delivery, so carriers have a lot of backlogged orders yet to be produced and delivered.

Based on FTR reports, the reduction in active trucking companies might suggest some contraction, C. H. Robinson said, but noting that in January, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported growth in trucking jobs. This could be the continued migration of talent and assets from owner-operators to fleet employed. This migration is a shift where capacity resides rather than a market capacity net loss or gain.

Mixed forecasts

Because analysts are offering a rather wide range of freight volume forecasts, there is a lack of agreement in the forecast for demand expansion, C. H. Robinson said, noting: Across various forms of truckload modes, freight volume forecasts for 2023 range from -4% to 1.7% according to FTR, ACT, and Cass. Dry van is flat or even a few points negative in Y/Y volume growth. The sub-mode forecasts from these analysts suggest that refrigerated freight volumes may have the greatest opportunity. The forecasts for temperature controlled volumes from FTR show a 1.7% year over year (Y/Y) increase.

Price rises unlikely in first half of 2023

As to when the market shift will to a recovering market balance of supply and demand, the forwarder said: Both freight creation and how the carrier community responds to an oversupplied market will determine the answer. It is currently unlikely that cost per mile for the truckload spot market, a leading indicator of balance recovery, will show a pattern of increase in the first half of 2023.

ATA believes trucking serves as a barometer of the US economy, representing 72.2% of tonnage carried by all modes of domestic freight transportation, including manufactured and retail goods. Trucks hauled an estimated 11 billion tons of freight in 2021, with motor carriers collecting around $875 billion, or 80% of total revenue earned by all transport modes, ATA calculates.

Pricing discipline continues for LTL carriers

On the less-than-truckload (LTL) side, C. H. Robinson noted that carriers have experienced dramatic tonnage swings similar to the broader freight market through the pandemic, adding: While LTL tonnage is continuing to decline Y/Y against difficult comparisons, pricing is holding. ACT Research estimates that LTL rates appear to have risen among the publicly traded LTL carriers by 7.1% Y/Y in Q4 2022. It’s important to remember that as these dramatic variances occur, the crossdock terminal capacity is virtually unchanged. Even with the recent decline in tonnage, LTL volumes continue to press upon the limits of LTL capacity. Where the truckload capacity displayed an ability to create capacity during the pandemic period, LTL capacity at best grew 1-2% in 2021 and 2022. With that foundation of capacity limitation to available freight volumes, carriers continue to display pricing disciplines against their published general rate increases (GRI).

Will Waters, contributing editor, FORWARDER magazine

Con-Tra America Corp. is an established freight forwarding, logistics, and consultancy company based in Somerset, New Jersey. Alongside being versed in maritime transport, Con-Tra America Corp. specializes in road and rail freight. Bringing you constantly creative, cost-effective solutions for any sort of road block. Let us be your chassis, we’ll carry your weight so you don’t have to.

• Road and rail drayage throughout North America utilizing both FCL & LCL. Using intermodal solutions to navigate issues such as port congestion, delays, and price increases to help cut costs, save time, and create a more reliable route. We often advise using 53’ rail containers seeing that assests associated with them are more readily available.

• Transportation: Final Mile delivery, FTL & LTL, and groupage services allow us to ship anything for you whether it is 100 pallets or just 1, even if you need multiple destinations.

• Storage and distribution from and to any of our 3PL warehousing locations. This can involve frozen, temperature controlled, and ambient storage and transport all over the North American territory.

95 Commerce Dr Somerset, NJ 08873

(541)300 6977

sales@contraamerica.com

C CC C

RAIL FREIGHT

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

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Belt & Road Initiative

HS2

Rail terminals and depots

US RAIL FREIGHT SAFETY IS SET FOR A MAJOR OVERHAUL

Several high-profile accidents in recent months have raised fears about other and potentially more devastating incidents, with particular concerns around the transport of dangerous goods

US rail freight safety is set for a major overhaul following several high-profile accidents and derailments in recent months that have raised fears about other and potentially more devastating incidents, with particular concerns around the transport of dangerous goods.

On 8 March, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced a plan to conduct a 60-day supplemental safety assessment of Norfolk Southern Railway following multiple safety incidents, including the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, on February 3, which led to significant pollution of the local area. Several railcars burned for more than two days after 38 cars of a Norfolk Southern freight train carrying hazardous materials derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, United States, with emergency crews then conducting a controlled burn of several railcars at the request of state officials, which reportedly released hydrogen chloride and phosgene into the air.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is investigating the derailment, said the early indications suggested that a faulty wheel bearing on one rail car may have caused the derailment.

FRA said its in-depth assessment of Norfolk Southern was in addition to a number of actions taken by the US Department of Transportation over the past several weeks to improve freight rail safety and accountability to protect workers and communities.

Series of derailments

After a series of derailments and the death of one of its workers, we are initiating this further supplemental safety review of Norfolk Southern, while also calling on Norfolk Southern to act urgently to improve its focus on safety so the company can begin earning back the trust of the public and its employees. This comes as USDOT continues its own urgent actions to further improve freight rail safety and accountability.

Pete Buttigieg, US Transportation Secretary

FRA’s safety team will review the findings and recommendations of the 2022 Norfolk Southern system audit and revisit FRA’s recommendations and the scope of the railroad’s responses. In addition, FRA said it will assess the following operational elements:

• Track, signal, rolling stock maintenance, inspection, and repair practices

• Protection for employees working on rail infrastructure, locomotives, and rail cars

• Communication between transportation departments and mechanical and engineering staff

• Operation control center procedures and dispatcher training;

• Compliance with federal Hours of Service regulations

• Evaluating results of operational testing of employees’ execution and comprehension of all applicable operating rules and federal regulations

• Training and qualification programs available to all railroad employees, including engineer and conductor training and certification

• Maintenance, inspection, and calibration policies and procedures for wayside defect detectors

• Procedures related to all wayside defect detector alerts

• Measures implemented to prevent employee fatigue, including the development and implementation of fatigue management programs required as part of FRA’s Risk Reduction Program (RRP) rule

• Current status of the hazard and risk analysis required by the RRP rule

It said information collected through the supplemental safety assessment will exceed the scope of existing FRA audits, providing a more expansive look at Norfolk Southern’s overall safety culture and operations. The information gathered will be used to target specific areas for FRA’s oversight and enforcement efforts and help identify risks beyond the reach of current federal regulations. Finally, FRA will use the information collected to push the Norfolk Southern to develop measures to mitigate risks while identifying appropriate enforcement actions.

Freight railroads announce new safety measures

With the imposition of tighter safety rules now seen as inevitable, US rail freight industry representatives on 8 March announced an initial set of steps it is taking in its drive toward a future with zero incidents and zero injuries — one where what happened in East Palestine never happens again.

Concurrently, the US Department of Transportation is calling on Norfolk Southern to engage its employees and management around safety in order to protect workers and communities following Norfolk Southern incidents in Reed, PA, Bessemer, AL, Sandusky, OH, East Palestine, OH, Springfield, OH, and Cleveland, OH.

Restoring public confidence, especially in the communities in which Norfolk Southern operates, requires action beyond the six-point safety plan introduced on March 6. Given recent events, Norfolk Southern and all major freight railroads must be taking immediate steps to prioritize safety training and culture along with operational actions that match the severity of recent incidents. Norfolk Southern must prioritize the safety and well-being of its workers as well as the millions of individuals living near routes on which they operate.

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) said: The industry believes that the February 3 derailment and its aftermath require railroads and freight shippers alike to lead with actions that restore trust and that will make a difference in the march toward zero.

Healthy railroads are essential to the U.S. economy, and consistently and reliably safe operations are essential to healthy railroads. Our long history of voluntarily employing safety measures that go above and beyond federal requirements proves our belief in that principle. While we will continue to follow the National Transportation Safety Board’s ongoing investigation in Ohio closely and recognize its deliberate, methodical, and fact-based approach, railroads are committed to taking appropriate steps now.

Ian Jefferies, President & CEO, AAR

Last week AAR released data that it claimed showed that railroads are very safe and getting safer. This is especially true for hazardous material transportation, where the accident rate is down 78% since 2000. Mainline accidents are down 44% in that same period and reached an all-time low in 2022.

Jefferies added: Rail is indisputably the safest way to move dangerous commodities. Yet we fully appreciate that these data do not comfort the residents of East Palestine and that public trust must be restored through action. Until we achieve our goal of zero, we will maintain our fierce commitment to getting there. While participating in public policy discussions, railroads encourage policymakers to take an objective, data-driven approach. Policy actions taken reflexively that are not likely to achieve meaningful safety benefits could have a wide range of unintended economic and environmental consequences and a negative impact on the safe movement of all goods, including hazmat.

Will Waters, contributing editor, FORWARDER magazine

Content submission: editor@ FORWARDER magazine.us

PROJECT CARGO

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

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Heavy lift

Abnormal load

OOG (out of gauge)

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IAG CARGO TRANSPORTS WORLD’S LARGEST DINOSAUR FROM ARGENTINA TO THE UK

Skeleton cast of the world’s largest known dinosaur transported from Argentina to the UK by IAG Cargo arrives on British soil for the first time

IAG Cargo transports the most complete giant dinosaur ever discovered on British Airways flights from Buenos Aires to London Heathrow ahead of the Natural History Museum’s new exhibition, Titanosaur: Life as the biggest dinosaur

The Natural History Museum and IAG Cargo partner to deliver the full cast of the titanosaur, Patagotitan mayorum, to its European debut in London

The exhibition will run from Friday 31st March 2023 to Sunday 7th January 2024, and will take visitors on a journey through the life of a titanosaur exploring how a creature of this size could have survived on Earth. At over three times heavier than Dippy the Diplodocus, this gigantic creature is a must-see

The cast was stored into 32 crates and transported in the belly capacity of two British Airways B787-9 aircrafts, alongside 4 crates of real fossils including a real femur bone measuring more than two metres

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group, has safely delivered one of the largest dinosaurs to walk the Earth on a shipment from Buenos Aires to London Heathrow. The titanosaur Patagotitan mayorum is around the same length as a British Airways’ Airbus A320 aircraft or four double decker buses.

The Natural History Museum confirmed IAG Cargo as its official exhibition logistics partner for its upcoming exhibition Titanosaur: Life as the biggest dinosaur back in November 2022. Now on UK soil, this will be the first time the magnificent titanosaur will be displayed in Europe.

The dinosaur’s journey started in Trelow, Argentina, from where the cast travelled to Buenos Aires before it moved onto London. In Trelow, Argentina, Patagotitan was dismantled into more than 40 crates – to be flown in the bellyhold of two British Airways B787-9 passenger aircrafts. Upon landing at London Heathrow, the unique freight was transported to a special facility ahead of its journey to the Natural History Museum where it will be re-assembled ready for public display in March.

IAG Cargo has many years of experience in transporting high-value, unique and precious consignments via its dedicated ‘Secure’ product, ensuring total peace of mind when it comes to moving cargo like the awe-inspiring titanosaur.

It is a privilege to partner with the Natural History Museum as the custodian of some of the world’s most important scientific artefacts. I want to thank our teams in Argentina and the UK who made this colossal task of transporting a 37-metre dinosaur a reality.

John Cheetham, Chief Commercial Officer, IAG Cargo

We’re pleased to have IAG Cargo as our exhibition logistics partner on this exhibition. As one of the largest dinosaurs to ever roam the Earth, it is so important that we are able to showcase this cast to the public, connecting our visitors with nature and inspiring them to care for the large animals we share the planet with today.

Alex Burch, Director of Public Programmes, Natural History Museum

ABOUT THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

The Natural History Museum is both a world-leading science research centre and the most-visited indoor attraction in the UK. With a vision of a future in which both people and the planet thrive, it is uniquely positioned to be a powerful champion for balancing humanity’s needs with those of the natural world.

It is custodian of one of the world’s most important scientific collections comprising over 80 million specimens accessed by researchers from all over the world both in person and via over 30

ABOUT IAG CARGO

IAG Cargo is the single business created following the merger of British Airways World Cargo and Iberia Cargo in April 2011. Following the integration of additional airlines into the business, including Aer Lingus, Vueling and bmi, IAG Cargo now covers a global network.

In 2021, IAG argo had a commercial revenue of €1,673 million. It has a combined workforce of more than 2,250 people. Its parent company, International Airlines Group, is one of the world's largest airline groups with 531 aircraft at 31st December 2021. It is the third largest group in Europe and the sixth largest in the world, based on revenue.

I and the entire team felt honoured and privileged to fly this unique artefact from Argentina to the UK, and it was really very special to have been able to carry this precious cargo on a British Airways’ aircraft. Working with our sister company IAG Cargo, we’re delighted to have been able to play our part in its safe onward journey.

Captain Simon Boswell, British Airways

billion digital data downloads to date. The Museum’s 350 scientists are finding solutions to the planetary emergency from biodiversity loss through to the sustainable extraction of natural resources.

The Museum uses its global reach and influence to meet its mission to create advocates for the planet - to inform, inspire and empower everyone to make a difference for nature. We welcome millions of visitors through our doors each year, our website has had 17 million visits in the last year and our touring exhibitions have been seen by around 20 million people in the last 10 years.

PORTS & HUBS

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

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Cargo handling

Container terminals

Drayage

Warehousing

Pick ‘n’ pack

MAERSK NORTH AMERICA & ASHDOD PORT COMPANY SIGN AGREEMENT TO COLLABORATE ON LOGISTICS & SUPPLY CHAIN INNOVATION

Ashdod Port Company has signed an agreement with Maersk North America - to collaborate on innovation opportunities in supply chain logistics.

The agreement enables Israeli startups that are participating in Ashdod Port’s Blue Ocean for Startups technology incubator to be considered for pilot projects in North America to test the proposed technologies in landside operations.

The agreement was signed at the Manifest conference in Las Vegas, one of the largest logistics conferences in the world. Over 3,000 visitors from 50 countries participate in the conference, along with 1,000 startups and investors and 250 CEOs from leading companies such as Schneider, DHL, and Siemens.

Chairman of the Board Orna Hozman Bechor and Chief Innovation Officer Roy Avrahami represented Ashdod Port at the signing. Maersk was represented by Erez Agmoni, Senior Vice President of Innovation and Strategic Growth.

The Board of Directors and the management of Ashdod Port are continuing their efforts to expand Ashdod Port’s collaboration around the world, as we promote new technologies and innovation in the logistics industry. This type of collaboration is critical, so we can upgrade the entire supply chain, the source of the modern global economy, and make it more efficient. We are excited to collaborate with Maersk in North America.

Orna Hozman Bechor, Chairman of the Board, Ashdod Port

constantly improve. This new partnership enables us to accelerate and test technology and new ideas in our operational processes using Ashdod Port’s tech incubator.

Erez Agmoni, Senior Vice President of Innovation & Strategic Growth, Maersk North America

Today’s announcement builds on an earlier innovation agreement Maersk signed in 2021 with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Center for Transportation & Logistics. An agreement that takes advantage of MIT’s world-renowned engineering expertise and data scientist teams to research new ways of improving Maersk North America’s logistics and data processes.

The agreement taps Ashdod Port’s tech incubator

The pandemic highlighted the importance of supply chains to

CMA CGM TO ACQUIRE FLAGSHIP TERMINALS IN THE PORT OF NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY

France-headquartered global player in sea, land, air and logistics solutions has signed a binding agreement to acquire GCT Bayonne and New York terminals, currently held by Global Container Terminals Inc (GCT)

The CMA CGM Group, a global player in sea, land, air and logistics solutions, has signed a binding agreement to acquire GCT Bayonne and New York terminals, currently held by Global Container Terminals Inc (GCT).

The Port of New York and New Jersey is a key entry point serving the Northeastern US supply chain areas and represents CMA CGM’s largest gateway on the US East and Gulf Coasts. The Bayonne and New York terminals, with an existing combined capacity of 2 million TEUs per year, have a potential for further expansion, up to almost double capacity, CMA CGM believes.

While Bayonne terminal has the highest level of automation, the fastest truck turn time in the harbor, the closest ocean access, and an ability to service vessels of up to 18,000 TEUs, New York Terminal benefits from a highly productive labor force in the Port of New York and New Jersey and connects the dense New York hinterland with direct trucking and intermodal access, CMA CGM highlighted.

A strategic investment for the US market

After closing, the CMA CGM Group will operate the two strategic facilities as multi-user terminals under the leadership of the current management team and will continue focusing on improving its service quality to satisfy US customers’ expectations. Investment in the infrastructure will be undertaken to meet both CMA CGM and local communities’ environment protection targets, the Franceheadquartered group said.

CMA CGM said it intends to further develop its shipping line calls in the New York area for which the terminals will provide future capacity. The Group will significantly accelerate investments in the development of the Bayonne and New York terminals, with an objective to increase the combined capacity by up to 80 % in the coming years. This major acquisition will make it possible for CMA CGM Group to support U.S. East Coast supply chain growth and improve efficiency to and from the world.

Global port terminal operator

This major investment is consistent with CMA CGM Group’s strategy of developing its terminal business while supporting the growth and efficiency of its shipping lines and guaranteeing service quality for its clients. With this acquisition, CMA CGM is bolstering its position as a leading global port terminal operator. Currently, the Group has investments in 52 port terminals in 28 countries, through CMA Terminals and its Terminal Link joint venture. The CMA CGM Group stressed that it has a long commitment to the U.S. economy and a strong presence through its port terminals portfolio and operational relationships with U.S. customers, including the U.S. government.

CMA CGM began its operations in the country in the late 1980’s and opened its US headquarters in Norfolk in 2005. The Group currently employs more than 15,000 people in the US.

The closing of this transaction remains subject to the approval of the competent regulatory authorities.

Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group, said:

The acquisition of GCT Bayonne and GCT New York terminals is a strategic investment for the CMA CGM Group. It reinforces the services we provide to U.S. customers and their supply chain efficiency. It further consolidates our positions in the United States, a major market among the fastestgrowing worldwide, and will help us continue our development.

CPG demonstrates commitment to growth, bolstering national network

ContainerPort Group (CPG®), a national drayage provider built on an asset-first model and offering coast-to-coast capacity, announced the opening of a new terminal in Jacksonville, Florida. This new terminal demonstrates CPG’s commitment to growth in strategic markets and expands the company’s existing footprint in the southeast region.

The Jacksonville Port Authority (JaxPort) continues to invest in their facility, and several of our commercial partners already utilize the port for both imports and exports, making now the perfect time for us to plant our flag in this market. We are confident that we will swiftly establish ourselves as the premier trucking outfit in the Jacksonville market, strengthening our position in the southeast and furthering our vision of covering every port and every rail across the US.

Joey Palmer, President, CPG

Jacksonville provides an ideal geographic location to capture additional market share in the Southeast region. Its recently completed harbor deepening project provides a 47 foot channel depth, which can accommodate newer and larger post-Panamax vessels. And with three major highways, three major railroads, and 152 million square feet of distribution and warehousing space near the port, CPG and its customers can be assured that their freight will move quickly to and from the port.

CPG intends to expand its fleet by contracting drivers who are certified to handle hazardous materials and tankers, in order to provide diverse solutions to its customers. To facilitate the rapid growth of the CPG fleet in the market, the Jacksonville terminal will have a fleet of private chassis on site, elevating driver efficiency in and out of ports and terminals. Drivers can also utilize DrayPal, CPG’s custom mobile app, to help streamline their day-to-day operations and improve the efficiency of their business.

We are already seeing a spike in driver applications as word of our new terminal spreads and they hear about the experience and tools we provide to help them succeed, like DrayPal, private chassis, our family-like atmosphere, and more. Our expansion plans include helping NVO and BCO partners who need a drayage provider with nationwide network strength that is properly equipped to handle all of customers' dray business. Ultimately, our goal is to leverage this terminal to move more volume throughout the entire Southeast region.

Dawn Cline, Terminal Manager, CPG

Investing in its new Jacksonville terminal highlights CPG's commitment to delivering coast-to-coast drayage services to customers and expanding driving opportunities for independent contractors in the region. Recently, CPG has reinforced its commitment to designing custom solutions for customers with the introduction of Dedicated Services, providing reliable capacity and delivering exceptional intermodal services.

TECH & DIGITALISATION

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

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Sponsored by

BREEZE OPENS NEW OFFICE IN THE U.S.

Insurtech start-up Breeze has opened a new office in the US as part of ongoing global expansion plans after a successful scale-up in the UK market.

Breeze’s free-to-use online platform, specifically built for freight forwarders, provides instant shipper-interest, all-risk, cargo cover in a way that is fully embedded in forwarders’ existing operational workflows.

If there is a claim, Breeze’s platform also provides automated end-toend claims processing technology that ensures shippers are properly taken care of with full transparency and constant communication.

Current estimates are that around 70% of global trade is either under insured or not insured. With the growing number of risks affecting supply chains, it is more important than ever that cargo is properly covered. In many cases shippers are not even aware that they are not insured by their forwarder. With Breeze, forwarders can offer shippers the coverage they need.

Matthew Phillips, Chief Commercial Officer, Breeze

Breeze’s digital insurance solution is fully automated and integrates directly with existing systems and workflows, so forwarders can seamlessly help shippers better protect their cargo, while also generating more revenue.

There are no implementation costs to setting up Breeze’s platform, and it can take minutes to be up and running.

Technology, AI and data are revolutionising businesses across the supply chain and insurance is no different. We are leveraging innovative technology and data to provide better pricing, instant policies, and swift claim settlements. Breeze is disrupting the traditional cargo insurance market with an industry-first technology and data platform, which allows forwarders to focus on their core business, whilst adding value for their customers and generating more revenues.

The Breeze platform includes a dashboard that shows key insurance and financial insights such as number of policies, the amount of premiums generated, and relevant claims data.

It can also show the forwarder their overall risk profile, including, for example, exposure to unsafe vessels and ports, allowing for constant operational improvements and better risk management.

Breeze was set up in 2021 by an executive team with extensive experience in the fields of data, engineering, risk management, commercial underwriting, and insurance.

Breeze has successfully rolled out its insurance solution in the UK market and is now set on expansion in the Americas, with its first US office opening earlier this year.

In a very short time we were able to work with a number of market-leading forwarders in the US, and we are excited about bringing our new vision for insurance to the dynamic US freight market.

For more information visit breezeai.com or contact matthew@breezeai.com

SECURES

$12m FUNDING ROUND TO POWER DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION FOR FORWARDERS

Freightify said it empowers freight forwarders by providing rate automation solutions to digitize their rate procurement, rate management and quotation processes with ease. The platform allows any forwarder to create a digital storefront to serve their customers better. In addition to this, it includes track and trace solutions that help freight forwarders in getting the live location of vessels and automated milestones within seconds. Freightify’s platform allows freight forwarders to procure, manage and quote freight prices (including all possible ancillary charges) in less than 2 minutes.

Customer numbers and revenues have tripled in the last 12 months, with the freight rate management platform now used by over 200 freight forwarding companies providing global logistics services across 45 countries

Freight rate management platform Freightify has secured a US$12 million Series A funding round, to help accelerate its growth and “power digital transformation of freight forwarders” through the technology group’s suite of products.

Freightify’s platform, with rate management and quoting capabilities, is now used by over 200 freight forwarding companies providing global logistics services across 45 countries, empowering freight forwarders to procure, manage and quote freight prices in less than 2 minutes. Customer numbers and revenues have tripled in the last 12 months, with the company expanding its customer base in Europe and North America.

It highlighted that global freight forwarding is a $300 billion industry that facilitates the movement of cargo from one place to another through a series of manual and legacy processes. Freightify’s freight rate management platform is solving the complex challenges facing freight forwarders and helping them to do more business faster at lower costs.

New functionalities

Freightify had previously announced a $2.5m seed round in July 2021, and the US $12 million raised in its latest funding round, will help launch new functionalities and deliver on a strong and expanded product roadmap, expand the sales presence globally, build channel partnerships, strengthen their marketing to drive growth and increase their brand awareness globally as they expand into new geographies and segments, the company said.

The round was led by Sequoia Capital India with participation from TMV and Alteria Capital. The round also includes returning investors Nordic Eye Venture Capital and Motion Ventures.

Founded in 2016 and based in Singapore, Freightify initially started as a marketplace for freight forwarders to conveniently search, book and track freight. This experience in automating sea-freight paved the way to a SaaS pivot.

Today, Freightify’s platform, with rate management and quoting capabilities, is able to empower freight forwarders to procure, manage and quote freight prices – including all possible ancillary charges – in less than 2 minutes. These customers have reported reducing processing time by more than 70% and a substantial cost saving in doing business.

Increase in retained business

The company said some customers deploy a Freightify white-label platform and have reported an increase in win ratio by more than 20% and a very noticeable increase in retained business. This success has seen revenues at Freightify triple in the last year as they have attracted large numbers of the top 100 freight forwarders around the world.

It stressed that the company’s founder and CEO, Raghavendran Viswanathan has deep experience working in logistics, supply chain and freight management with companies including DHL and Panalpina. The company’s management and senior staff come from backgrounds including SaaS startups like Freshworks and GoFrugal, logistics tech startups like Fourkites and Trimble, shipping lines like Maersk and MSC, Large forwarders and logistics companies like CON-LINQ ApS, Dachser Denmark and Wiz as well as Big 4 consulting firms like BCG.

Less time on manual tasks

He added: Freight forwarders using Freightify save more than 70% of the time spent on manual tasks and legacy processes, while halving the operational costs to do business.

Mayank Porwal, VP of Sequoia India, said the freight forwarding industry is a cornerstone of the global trade economy and despite the massive size, much of the industry remains constrained by manual processes and runs on paper, excel sheets and phone calls. Freightify, a vertical SaaS platform, is solving this problem by helping freight forwarders automate rate management and make every day operational workflows fast and efficient so that they can focus on serving their customers and growing their business. We are glad to be a part of this journey with Raghav and the team at Freightify.

Viswanathan added: Various marketplaces around the world are attempting to become the Amazon of services for freight forwarders, which will help. We believe in empowering the freight forwarders and are taking the Shopify route by selling a SaaS product to enable them to manage and create their own communities.

Expanding rapidly

Looking ahead, Viswanathan added: We have been expanding rapidly across Europe, Australia and key regions in Asia pacific, and are currently expanding in North America. We have a highly skilled product and engineering team that can deliver on a strong product roadmap. Sales people on the field with deep experience in the freight industry. We are building out a strong marketing function that can drive growth.

For too long, freight forwarders have been restricted to spreadsheets and legacy processes to do business. We set up Freightify to remove the heavy lifting of manually providing quotations, accepting email/telephonic bookings, managing documentation, coordinating and tracking shipments. Freightify solves these challenges by giving them and their customers a live pricing platform like the ones used by travelers to compare airfares, showing real-time rates on a single screen. Freight forwarders are like the travel agents for global trade, however, air travel is not as complicated as global trade. Supply chains require experts to manage cargo throughout the entire lifecycle and freight forwarders play a vital role in greasing the wheels.

Raghavendran Viswanathan, CEO, Freightify

Existing investor at Freightify, Nordic Eye’s Investment Partner and Manager, Ib Drachmann added: We have been impressed by the common vision of the company to democratize technology for the freight forwarding ecosystem. We are happy to see the scale at which Freightify has been growing, adding new logos globally and strengthening their product capabilities. Hence, we are doubling down on backing Freightify.

Freightify was established in 2016 with the vision to enable digital transformation of freight forwarders of any size”. It has a team of 200+ logistics professionals from Europe, the USA, and India that aim to empower freight forwarders to go digital by providing plug-and-play technologies and services for the entire logistics value chain.

ORACLE DELIVERS NEW LOGISTICS CAPABILITIES TO GET GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS MOVING

New features help customers reduce costs, improve accuracy, automate regulatory compliance, and enhance flexibility

To help organizations increase the efficiency of global supply chains, Oracle is introducing new logistics capabilities within Oracle Fusion Cloud Supply Chain & Manufacturing (SCM). The updates to Oracle Transportation Management (OTM) and Oracle Global Trade Management (GTM), part of Oracle Cloud SCM, help customers reduce costs, improve accuracy, automate regulatory compliance, and enhance logistics flexibility.

Logistics leaders are overwhelmed with a recent buildup of port and shipping delays, fluctuating fuel costs, and evolving trade regulations while also being at the forefront of efforts to reduce carbon emissions of goods in transit. Organizations that don’t have flexible and responsive logistics processes in place often end up passing these delays and costs onto their customers.

The last few years tested the flexibility of global logistics operations and many organizations have struggled to keep pace with the changing market. With Oracle Transportation Management and Oracle Global Trade Management, organizations can rapidly adapt to changes in their supply chain and logistics network. Oracle’s self-updating platform gives customers access to continuous innovation, as new features are added every 90 days without business disruption.

Derek Gittoes, Vice President of Supply Chain Management Product Strategy, Oracle

The new capabilities within Oracle Transportation Management and Oracle Global Trade Management include:

Automated Trade Agreement Qualification: Helps customers validate Certificate of Origin, reduce tariffs, and enter new markets. With a deep view into the bill of materials, Trade Agreement Qualification enables customers to comply with labor regulations and prove where goods were produced via auditable records.

New Oracle Logistics Digital Assistant Capabilities: Allow users to gain insight into the status of their shipments with simple voice commands. With the embedded Logistics Digital Assistant, users can quickly find answers to their questions.

Enhanced Workbenches: Allow users to combine data from multiple sources into a single view to streamline operations and enhance decision making. New templates for driver management, dock scheduling, work assignments, shipment, spot bids, and restricted party screening enable users to manage specific logistics processes more efficiently.

New Oracle Transportation Management Mobile App: Enables customers to send assignments to drivers, capture arrival and departure events, and communicate in-transit status and location information. The highly configurable and intuitive app synchronizes offline app data and allows users to execute tasks efficiently no matter where they are.

ETA Predictions with Machine Learning: Provide real-time updates and shipment tracking to create accurate predictions for arrival times based on a customer’s unique business operations. With more accurate ETA predictions, customers can take quick action to reroute shipments to enhance operational efficiency.

Oracle Cloud SCM helps organizations seamlessly connect supply chain processes and quickly respond to changing demand, supply, and market conditions. With features added every quarter, Oracle Cloud SCM helps create a resilient supply network and processes that outpace change.

SALVATORI CODE RED

We have all had the dreaded situation when we just can't find that important electronic document, right? Heart racing, stomach churning, anxiety overdrive. Keying every possible label or folder name, still nothing?

Company director Remi Martysz of Salvatori Leaders in Logistics experienced this, after a problem locating some transport compliance paperwork, so he decided to take action. He knew staff must also be frustrated, especially in multiple depts all with their own organisational systems. Sick & tired of trawling through a maze of word docs, excel spreadsheets & emails, also the high cost & limitations of commercial systems on offer. He set to work creating an inhouse digital platform to take control of all companywide records.

Not letting his busy role as a Transport Director, overseeing logistics, haulage & freight forwarding put him off, he built a portal for the first time. With a basic personal interest in coding, using programming resources he was familiar with & self-taught elements. He used the following technologies to create the platform. Build: using WordPress mainly PHP. Runs: by MySQL database. Additional configuration: using HTML, CSS, JavaScript and Ajax. Cloud technology on dedicated VPS for the hosting & CDN for more efficient bandwidth. Run under https for security. Firewall & Mail Servers run by third parties.

To date, it has over 500 users, produced 78,000 reports & has had over 150,000 entries. It has become a fundamental operational tool & expanded to not only record vast data across all organisational sectors of the Salvatori company but has facilitated a new customs clearance business.

Remi Martysz , Transport Director, Salvatori

customs business is fully digitised seeing external customers accessing the portal directly. proving to be invaluable during Covid-19 for health & safety recording. Paperless, a reduction admin time for all staff, flowing better staff mental wellbeing & efficiency. Better communication, especially with HGV drivers who are on the road at all hrs. Drivers can submit paperwork & sign off on HR, with remote management 24hrs a day.

Time to get organised? Fancy learning a bit of coding? You can build your own platform easily. There are tutorials on Youtube & free coding forums online, or even a local coding course? What problems will you solve, making your life easier. Who knows, You might even create a new business off the back of it like Remi!

Global shipping leader is improving shipment visibility and making more informed scheduling decisions with DDC Sync

Global shipping leader GLS will be providing all drivers with DDC Syncmobile optical character recognition (OCR) technology to instantly capture bill of lading (BOL) data in the cab of the truck. The intuitive data capture system is provided by DDC FPO, a leading global provider of front and back office outsourcing services for the transportation and logistics industries.

Having instant shipment data with DDC Sync allows us to make better advanced scheduling decisions, often resulting in cutting hours out of our linehaul schedule. We are continually looking for innovative solutions so we can provide our customers with the highest quality service. Capturing BOL information with DDC Sync the minute it’s in the drivers’ hands is a clear example of an innovative tool that is not only good for us but for our customers as well.

Joe Bartone, COO, GLS-US

Unlike other BOL data capture products that simply take an image of the freight bill, which then needs to be scanned or entered manually for recordkeeping, DDC Sync is a native Android app that transmits the data to the carrier’s terminal immediately. By allowing for better route, load, and workforce decision-making with DDC Sync, GLS will no longer need to wait until the driver arrives at the destination to get important shipment information. Additionally, the real-time visibility in DDC Sync equips carriers with streamlined logistics planning capabilities while also expediting accounts receivables processing.

In addition to providing smart, mobile OCR for freight data, DDC Sync can be used for:

• Direct driver-to-terminal communication

• Driver incident logging

• GPS tracking for more efficient routing and forecasting

• Real-time visibility and instant alerts

• BOL inventory management for timely payment authorizations

• Secure company news feeds

• Gamification and rewards programs

Our carrier partners asked us to create a product that would solve their BOL image quality issues, provide immediate visibility to shipment data, and communicate with their drivers in order to provide their customers with best-in-class transportation service. DDC Sync is the resulting product and we’re happy an innovative leader and partner like GLS is realizing its benefits.

Chad Crotty, Vice President of Sales, DDC FPO

Customer satisfaction has never been more important. I have been working with DDC for years, and I know I can trust them with this piece of my business.

Joe Bartone, Vice President of Solutions at GLS-US

TECH & DIGITALISATION EXPERTS

LogTech firms and digital forwarders may not be perfect, but they can help bring change and attract valuable industry talent that may not otherwise view freight as a sector worth joining, argues Ethan Buchman, CMO of Freightos Group

Let’s get contrarian. With so much schadenfreude around logistics tech layoffs lately, and particularly changes at digital forwarders, here’s an alternative view (or four of them).

But first, two disclaimers...

1 Tech companies aren’t perfect. The “we can do this better” approach that frequently comes with the territory is admittedly grating. Most companies move beyond this, especially those that depend on maintaining relationships with the very industry they are trying to improve.

2VC funding as a model is not the problem. Whether for whaling, semiconductors or SaaS, venture capital is an investment to build something enormous that – in the long-term – is viable. It’s risky, requires shooting for the stars, and frequently fails. It’s also frustrating for the existing ecosystem actors who are contending with unviable cost structures. That doesn’t mean it’s broken, just that it should be wielded with care.

Four positives about LogTech firms

So setting aside the literally billion dollar question of whether any one LogTech company is a winner or not, here’s four reasons to appreciate them:

2LogTech companies attract industry talent. Supply chain isn’t sexy. Sure, there are some people (ahem) who would do terrible things for a pair of blue and white Maersk shoes… but most won’t. Logistics tech companies – with outside funding – help. And those employees are then more likely to double down on logistics. LinkedIn shows 217 people who used to work at Amazon, mostly in logistics roles,…who now work at Maersk. That doesn’t just happen.

3LogTech companies shine a light on differentiators. Brand matters. Many logtech companies got their start with a vision and a powerful brand that procurement professionals wanted to be affiliated with. I can list at least a handful of midsize forwarders who have an incredible logistics tech stack but haven’t taken off because they walk the walk but don’t talk the talk.

4LogTech companies help drive change (maybe?). It may be too early for this, but tech is scattered with companies that started with one use case and pivoted to another. Slack, for example, started as an internal communication tool for a gaming development company. More companies working on logistics tech means more potential for "accidental" innovation in logistics or for taking valuable tech developed to use internally and turning it into software for other companies.

I believe that we will continue to see huge wins from some, but certainly not all, logtech companies. For example, at Freightos we saw a 2.5x growth in bookings during 2022, which continued into Q4 despite a slowing market. This is made more complex due to the current macro environment

1

LogTech companies motivate. I would put down money that nearly every major logistics company has at least one LogTech company’s logo in their annual strategy meetings, marked as a potential threat. They may have pooh poohed the company while presenting the slide, but it also served as a source of motivation; writing off a competitor as being just about a good UX/UI likely encouraged companies to double down on UX/UI.

The price of money is rising, making VC-backed companies focus on shorter paths to profitability. And, of course, freight price volatility (in the last year, all in the downward direction) means that traditional logistics companies have also required a certain degree of reckoning.

Criticism is healthy. But it’s also healthy to give credit where credit's due.

LOGTECH UPDATE – OVERVIEW

Starting in mid-2022, with interest rates climbing, inflation high and the prospect of recession looming, many tech stocks and valuations started to come down from the heights of the previous year. As part of this shift, venture capital funding became harder to come by for startups across industries too.

Logistics technology was no exception. In addition to some highprofile downsizing, there has also been a significant decrease in VC logtech investments. Through Q3 of last year, logistics startups raised only about half of 2021’s record total of $59B.

But 2022’s VC investments in logistics tech will still be at least 5% higher than in 2019, suggesting that – like freight rates and ocean volumes – investment activity is normalizing back toward the pre-pandemic trend, as opposed to cratering.

With this normalization we’ll see – and are already seeing – more caution from investors, more focus among logtech companies (including some pull backs), but also continuity in terms of big developments and indications that major investors and players still see opportunities in logistics.

...whose WebCargo booking and payment solutions help thousands of forwarders and carriers make global trade smoother with better pricing, quoting and booking www.freightos.com www.webcargo.co

LOGISTICS TECH COMPANIES

IN DEFENSE OF

Ethan Buchman, CMO, Freightos Group

Building apps for the freight industry

Some of the functions

Company profile

Easy access to your company overview.

Employee directory

Showcase the brains behind your business and have a searchable directory with profiles for each of your staff members.

Quote request

Allow your customers to request a quotation directly from the app.

Enquiries

A simple and user-friendly contact form to handle any customer enquiries.

Company news

The perfect feature for keeping your customers updated with latest news and posts.

Services

Air freight? Sea freight? Include all your company services.

Track & trace

Track your shipment’s location and delivery with your chosen third-party platform intergrated with your app.

Capacity & return loads

List your capacity / return loads with real-time notifi cations directly to your customer mobile devices.

Job section

Recruitment platform on which companies can post their latest vacancies. Candidates can apply directly from the app.

Booking form

Make it easy for clients to get in touch with their requirements directly from the app.

Push notifications

Schedule your notifi cations to be sent at specifi c times or send geofenced notifi cations to your clients based on their location.

EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS

Opportunities to network and promote your services.

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U.S. & CANADIAN PAVILIONS TO DEBUT AT IMDEX ASIA 2023

Kallman Worldwide to lead North American Campaign

IMDEX Asia has selected Kallman Worldwide, 60-year experts in international trade, to coordinate the U.S. and Canadian participation at IMDEX Asia 2023. Now in its 12th edition, IMDEX Asia 2023 will open its doors to over 10,000 trade visitors from May 3-5, 2023, at the Singapore Changi Exhibition Centre.

When last held in 2019, IMDEX Asia hosted 67 official delegations from 42 countries and attracted senior naval officers and government official from every Asia-Pacific country.

The security needs throughout Southeast Asia are so vast, the qualityproven innovative products and services offered by U.S. and Canadian firms are in high demand. IMDEX Asia has proven to be an important portal to regional opportunities, and we look forward to contributing to the success through our U.S. and Canadian Pavilions. Presented in collaboration with

U.S. and Canadian government agencies and offices, the North American presence at IMDEX Asia reflects the depth and breadth of the strong relations that exists between those partner countries.

Tom Kallman, President & CEO, Kallman Worldwide

With Asia-Pacific countries increasing defense spending over the next five years, the timing of IMDEX Asia 2023 is ideal for international firms, particularly U.S. and Canadian, to present their products and solutions to an audience of elite decision makers, buyers and officials from navies, agencies and maritime companies worldwide.

Leck Chet Lam, Managing Director, Experia; organizer, IMDEX Asia 2023

For additional information on the USA Partnership Pavilion or Canada Pavilion at IMDEX Asia 2023, contact Mr. Kevin Tighe, Kallman Worldwide at kevint@kallman.com or visit https://kallman.com/shows/ imdex-asia-2023-usa-partnership-pavilion.

and Canadian Pavilions to debut

U.S.

at IMDEX Asia 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Robert Jervis, Event Director, Multimodal 2023

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

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

FORWARD SOLUTIONS RETURNING TO MULTIMODAL FOR ����

Freight management software company, Forward Solutions, will once again be attending industry-leading trade show, Multimodal

With customers across the UK, Europe, Asia and the US, Forward Solutions is delighted to announce a return to the show for the third straight year. The event gives the team an opportunity to meet clients and partners face-to-face, as well as introductions to new contacts who are keen to revamp their end-to-end solutions software and showcasing technological updates.

Since its inaugural exhibition in 2008, each year Multimodal attracts a range of supply chain management and logistics industry professionals, with over 10,000 visitors passing through the doors of the NEC, Birmingham.

This year, Forward’s team are looking to highlight new developments open to organisations, that will continue to help improve efficiencies and cut unnecessary costs. The 2023 stand will see a brand-new UI (user interface) being demoed, giving visitors the chance to see the future of freight management software. Forward Solutions have been providing IT systems for leading multimodal players across air freight, sea freight, road freight and rail freight since 1986.

The company has experienced huge growth across the last 12 months, with both staff and customer numbers rising. Multimodal has been a fantastic venue for Forward Solutions to meet prospective clients, with introductions at the show typically leading to prosperous relationships for both parties.

On returning to Multimodal 2023, Forward Solutions Managing Director Richard Litchfield, said: “We’re excited to be returning to Multimodal for the third year. Each year, we see so many faces, both old and new, and the event itself is one of the first we book into our diaries as soon as the dates are announced.

Over the last 12 months we’ve continued to develop our customer offering, as we strive to help improve the efficiency of companies through the use of technology and our end-to-end solutions. We will be showcasing all of our products throughout the three days and our knowledgeable team will be on-hand to provide industry-leading advice that will help tackle the needs of businesses.

Sustainability is a key trend for 2023, and, as Richard explains, is an area that Forward Solutions are prioritising: “Obviously, we are keen to ensure that our end-to-end solutions are as sustainable for the environment as possible.

Each and every business has its own commitment to getting greener and more environmentally friendly and we are keen to help them achieve their goals. We have a unique appreciation of the many challenges operators face every day and are using this understanding to bring a different perspective to the market.

Forward Solutions is part of the Freight Software Group, alongside BoxTop Technologies. The duo share an eye-catching stand, number 2070, at Multimodal and together have a portfolio of over 300 customers.

As well as organisations exhibiting their offerings, Multimodal also features conference sessions, networking and an awards ceremony, between 13-15 June 2023.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ROCK-IT GLOBAL SCOOPS FAVOURITE FREIGHT COMPANY

AT TPI AWARDS ON THE BACK OF POLLSTAR AWARDS WIN

The time-critical logistics specialist is recognized for its unmatched service to the live entertainment industry, winning its second global award in a week

Rock-it Global, a GCL (Global Critical Logistics) company, has been awarded Favourite Freight Company at the TPi Awards held at Evolution London, Battersea, UK, on Monday 27th February.

Rock-it Global was one of six contenders for the prestigious title, which recognizes companies providing transportation or logistics services to the live touring sector across 2022.

We are extremely honoured to receive this award which serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication demanded of our teams to fulfil the sector’s post-Covid appetite. We would like to extend a huge ‘thank you’ to the voters who have put their trust in Rock-it Global and we will continue to work hard to ensure our continued position as the best in live entertainment logistics.

Paul J. Martins, CEO & President, Global Critical Logistics

Last Thursday, Rock-it also picked up the award for Transportation Company of the Year at the 34th Annual Pollstar Awards held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, California, USA.

The annual Pollstar Awards have been recognizing and supporting the live entertainment business’ most innovative companies, venues, artists, tours, and executives for the past 34 years.

In line with the resurgence of live events, this year’s Pollstar Awards received the highest number of entries in its history, with Rock-it winning against more than twice the number of competitors compared with previous years.

The Pollstar accolade is the third that Rock-it Global has collected since 2020, having won Transportation Company of the Year in 2020 and 2022, respectively.

CUSTOMS & SECURITY

Documented permission to pass that a national customs authority grants to imported/exported goods so that they can enter/leave the country.

Related topics

Bonded warehousing

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COMPANIES FLOCK TO eB/L SPARKED BY SPIKE IN USERS OF CARGOX PLATFORM

Domestic and cross-border shipping in 2023 promises to be faster and more efficient with electronic bills of lading (eB/L)

CargoX, the leading document transfer solutions provider, today reported a massive increase in the number of users of the CargoX platform to simplify and expedite electronic trade documents and facilitate Advance Cargo Information (ACI) processes in global supply chains.

CargoX reports that its platform has processed 3,478,124 electronic trade documents. Over 99% of those documents were shipping documents, showing the need for progress of both eB/L and blockchain trade documents between parties using different eB/L platforms, unleashing powerful velocity and efficiency for global trade and the entire shipping industry.

The number of companies using CargoX’s blockchain technology for document transfer has grown exponentially since 2018, with January 2023 numbers indicating 100,148 registered companies with 124,848 users.

McKinsey and Company recently completed a study on trade digitalization, concluding that eB/L could save $6.5 billion in direct costs while allowing $40 billion in global trade by streamlining trade documentation, a paper-intensive and resource-consuming process.

The start of the spike follows an unprecedented global trade event that concluded on October 25, 2022, when proof of concept (POC) interoperability between two eB/L platforms was successfully achieved between CargoX and edoxOnline – two competing eB/L solutions. The end-to-end digital transfer process was completed in 6 minutes –not the traditional hours or days.

An electronic bill of lading is a digital version of a traditional paper bill of lading, a document used in shipping goods by sea, air, or land. An eB/L

typically contains the same information as a paper bill of lading, including details about the shipper, the consignee, the goods being transported, and the terms and conditions of the shipment. The main difference between an eB/L and a paper bill of lading is that the former is created and stored electronically, using computer systems and networks, rather than printed on paper. That leads to faster, more secure and cost efficient shipping and trade document transactions. To support various digital maturity leves and jurisdictions, eBL on CargoX can at any time be converted to a paper BL.

We are proud to lead this eB/L initiative of a distributed global eB/L solution built using standards published by DCSA. Distributed global computing solutions have emerged as an alternative to centralized systems. Logically, eB/L platforms provide interoperability to avoid centralization and market manipulation. We support standards-driven interoperability, and we firmly believe this is good for all economic operators and governmental entities participating in global trade.

Stefan Kukman, founder & CEO, CargoX

DCSA (Digital Container Shipping Association) is a nonprofit, independent organization established in 2019 by several of the largest container shipping companies. DCSA’s mission is to be the de facto standards body for the industry, setting the technological foundation for interoperable IT solutions. Together with member carriers, DCSA creates vendor-neutral, technology-agnostic standards for IT and noncompetitive business practices. DCSA colaborated with CargoX to test standards that comply with industry best practices.

CargoX is the world’s easiest to use and most reliable document transfer platform. It is the world’s easiest-to-use, most reliable document transfer platform. The solution allows companies to upload shipping, trade or finance documents with military-grade encryption- and perform a highly secure, instant and indisputable ownership transaction. The solution supports more than 65 types of documents.

KEY NEW CUSTOMS & SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS IN 2023

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

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

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

Upcoming changes in customs procedures:

1 EU – ICS2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2 United Arab Emirates

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

3 United Kingdom

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

4 . Canada

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

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

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

CHAMP CARGOSYSTEMS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES CONFORMANCE TESTING FOR NEW EU-ICS2 REGULATION

CHAMP Cargosystems has successfully completed its Conformance Testing in preparation of the new EU-ICS2 (Import Control System 2) regulation coming into play in March 2023. This means CHAMP's Traxon Global Customs (TGC) and Traxon Global Security (TGS) products are now AS4 certified and ICS2 compliant.

Every economic operator directly affected needs to align its business processes with the regulatory requirements implemented via the new system. To ensure smooth processing of freight and avoid shipments being blocked at the EU customs border, economic operators must be ready by March 2023 or require relevant deployment windows.

ICS2 is the new customs regulation that requires customs data for goods entering the EU prior to their arrival. The program is one of the main contributors towards establishing an integrated EU approach to reinforce customs risk management under the common risk management framework (CRMF). Economic Operators (EOs) will have to declare safety and security data to ICS2, through the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS). Advance cargo information and risk analysis will enable early identification of threats and help customs authorities to intervene at the most appropriate point in the supply chain.

ICS2 is one of the most significant Customs & Security programs introduced in recent years. Through diligent research and testing, CHAMP is ready to support its customers as new changes come into play, reducing any potential risks or delays through conformance and diligence.

Nicholas Xenocostas, Chief Commercial Officer, CHAMP Cargosystems

CHAMP is in constant touch with regulatory authorities and will implement any further changes to its products to remain compliant with ICS2 rulings.

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

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

Rupert Spiegelberg, CEO, Customs4trade

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

ISO 27001 certification for information security and privacy best practices.

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

ABOUT CUSTOMS4TRADE (C4T)

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

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

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

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

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88% OF SUPPLY CHAIN LEADERS FEAR INFLATION & RECESSION WILL BE THE FACTORS THAT WILL IMPACT BUSINESSES MOST IN 2023

Container xChange has released the Container LogTech predictions report for 2023 which highlights important global trends that the shipping and supply chain industry will witness in 2023. The report draws attention to some of the most pertinent issues that industry will witness this year thereby helping professionals to prepare better for navigation.

The overall outlook for the year 2023 remains gloomy. Europe is hit hard with an all-time high inflation; China struggles to cope with the virus and the US continues to witness hinterland transportation challenges and labour unrest. Most of these challenges will stay in 2023. Consumer confidence will pick up, but it really depends on whether we witness more disruptions in the coming times.

Christian Roeloffs, cofounder & CEO, Container xChange

Most of the experts surveyed foresee that inflation and recession will have a greater impact this year and will be the biggest driver of disruptions.

Due to inflation increasing, there’ll be more unrest in the labour market which will certainly lead to more strikes, specifically in Europe, the UK and North America. And as we have seen before, strikes result in slow operations within the port which can exacerbate supply issues.

Freight forwarders will employ a ‘wait and see’ approach before making any long-term air cargo capacity commitments particularly. the report claims.

Trucking rates for both dry and reefer cargos will continue to drop in 2023. Freight tonnage will continue to contract as market conditions and volumes return to pre-pandemic numbers. The unresolved worker strikes of 2022 will spill over in 2023. Furthermore, the chances of new strikes coming up are high due to inflation-related rise in prices putting pressure on workers’ disposable incomes. Labor dissatisfaction might grow in European and North American economies. In that case, it will cause disruptions in global supply chains.

Two, almost three exceptional years for carriers are definitely coming to an end. They will have to adapt back to lower margins due to a different supply and demand balance. Many customers, forced into high-cost contracts during the up-cycle, will come for revenge in the down cycle. And regulatory pressures, following excessive profits might appear on top of that, be it through bodies like FMC, EU or China’s MOC, as they each reviewing alliance exemptions, new taxation regulations, or precedence cases from several complaints raised by shippers at different institutions.

Ruben Huber, Founder & Director, OceanX

Aamir S. Mir

, Chief

Operating Officer (COO), Caspian Container Company SA as part of the interviews

Talking of rates, the report further predicts that the Long-term shipping contract rates will see an uptick in 2023, though gradually. This slow increase applies to all modes of transport. With negotiations going on to bring contract rates in line with spot rates, a reset is expected. On the other hand, until there is a balance reached between supply and demand, forwarders will favour short-term contracts until the rates stabilize.

The report further covers the growing expectation of 3PL (third party logistics) market to solidify in 2023. Reportedly, it’s projected to reach $1,789.74 billion by 2027. Another key trend on the list is around the digital transformation of the industry. In the years to come, the adoption of digital technologies in shipping will focus on vessel schedules, intuitive booking interfaces, instant slot booking, and capacity confirmations. In this regard, the industry’s major concern will be on having systems interact directly via automating the Data-Analysis-Decision-Action cycle.

TAPA EMEA ACHIEVES 1,000TH FACILITY CARGO SECURITY MILESTONE

The leading cargo security and supply chain resilience industry Association has recorded its 1,000th Facility Security Requirements (FSR) certification as it continues to accelerate its activities to reduce cargo thefts

The Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) in the Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) region, the leading cargo security and supply chain resilience industry Association, has recorded its 1,000th Facility Security Requirements (FSR) certification as it continues to accelerate its activities to reduce cargo thefts costing businesses hundreds of millions of euros per annum.

The 1,000th FSR certification milestone in EMEA was achieved by DHL Express at the company’s Dubai South facility, which was awarded the highest FSR Level A accreditation following an audit by SGS, one of the association’s approved Independent Audit Bodies.

Developed by supply chain security professionals, the association’s Facility Security Requirements (FSR) is designed to protect high value and theft-targeted products in facilities, such as warehouse operations and distribution centres. It is reviewed every 3 years to ensure its effectiveness and to address new or emerging threats to supply chain security. TAPA EMEA members are encouraged to select service providers which meet or exceed the Association’s FSR certification requirements and have full visibility of certified companies and locations via the password-protected TAPA EMEA Intelligence System (TIS). In the EMEA region, a total of 168 companies hold TAPA FSR certifications across 59 countries.

Adopting the association’s security standards as part of manufacturers’ and logistics service providers’ supply chain security programmes is recognised as one of the most effective responses to counter rising levels of cargo crime in Europe, the Middle East & Africa. While TAPA

EMEA continues to voice its concerns that intelligence on most cargo thefts is not reported to its TIS database, in the last three years alone, the association has captured data on more than 24,000 thefts from supply chains in the region involving losses of products worth over €400 million. And, this loss value is based on only 31% of recorded crimes stating a financial loss figure, TAPA said.

Major cargo crimes, involving cargo thieves targeted products worth €100,000 or more in a single attack, produced an average loss of €516,000 per crime in the last three years.

We are proud to record our 1,000th FSR certification in the EMEA region and congratulate DHL Express for achieving this milestone in Dubai South. With cargo security under constant pressure in our region, it is incumbent on the buyers of logistics services to look for partners which demonstrate the strongest commitment to securing their products throughout the end-to-end supply chain process. Working with companies with FSR certified facilities is one of these important safeguards. The losses we know about in EMEA are already substantial and, for some types of goods, the true cost of loss can be 5-7 times the value of the products stolen. We acknowledge all of the companies with FSR certifications for recognising the value of our industry standards, but with cargo thefts being recorded in 90 countries in EMEA alone, we urgently encourage more companies to look at our standards to protect themselves against losses and to protect their client relationships and brand reputations.

Thorsten Neumann, President & CEO, TAPA EMEA

As well as FSR, the Association also offers Trucking Security Requirements (TSR), which saw a 24% increase in certifications in the last 12 months, and Parking Security Requirements (PSR) industry standards, which saw a 12% rise year-over-year.

Dimerco Singapore was recently certified with the Good Distribution Practice for Medical Devices (GDPMDS) and Secure Trade Partnership (STP) for their best practices in handling customers’ sensitive cargos between Singapore and other countries.

GDPMDS shows that Dimerco Singapore is qualified to handle medical devices such as In-Vitro Diagnostic Equipment and Software (IVD) by protecting them against contamination and ensuring the quality and integrity of the cargo during every point of the transit.

Dimerco Singapore is also certified with the highest level of security –STP-Plus (Premium Brand) under the TradeFIRST assessment and the Regulated Air Cargo Agent Regime. This certification demonstrates Dimerco’s robust capabilities in security and visibility of goods, which reduce the risk of cargo theft and ensure efficient and safe supply chain management for all customers.

The STP-Plus certification in Dimerco Singapore is equivalent to the AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) certification, which Dimerco holds across China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, Germany and the Netherlands. Dimerco is also certified in North America’s AEO programs, which are called– CTPAT for the USA and PIP for Canada.

Dimerco’s Central Service Center (CSC) commented: Qualifying for STP-Plus and being designated as the consignor under the Regulated Air Cargo Agent Regime means that Dimerco is seen as a low-risk operator. Cargos handled by Dimerco are less likely to be required for a local inspection which expedites customs clearance. STP-Plus also aligns with Dimerco customers’ security arrangements and validation processes through Singapore’s 10 Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) partners – Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and United States.

Dimerco is committed to becoming a leader in providing global logistics supply chain services. Three years after the start of the pandemic, Dimerco held its Annual Management Meeting in Singapore where company managers celebrated record-high revenue performance for 2022 and the 43rd anniversary of the founding of Dimerco Express (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.

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AIRBRIDGE PROVIDES RELIEF SUPPLIES FROM THE UPS AIR HUB AT COLOGNE/BONN AIRPORT TO ISTANBUL

Relief supplies and donations receive freight space within the UPS network

Amid widespread devastation caused by the recent earthquake people in the affected areas in Turkey and Syria need all available help as soon as possible. UPS has put its worldwide smart logistics network to the task to transport relief supplies.

A Boeing 767 is currently taking off every night from the UPS Air Hub at Cologne Bonn airport, transporting urgently needed goods to Turkey from national and international aid organizations, UPS employees, citizens, and companies.

The willingness to donate in the region was so extensive that on-site donations are not currently being accepted. In-kind and monetary donations should instead be given to other aid organizations providing support.

The UPS Air Hub at Cologne Bonn Airport is UPS's European air freight hub for international transport of goods. As a European hub, it is not only a platform to service customers but is also central to disaster relief efforts and support. The UPS Air Hub was also able to demonstrate its strategically important position and its reliability in the handling of shipments for the worldwide distribution of vaccines.

In addition to the Cologne-Istanbul airbridge, UPS and The UPS Foundation have taken other measures to provide assistance where it is most needed. This includes:

• Pledging more than US$1 million in global logistics services.

• Working with the World Food Program, UNHCR and International Red Cross & Red Crescent to fly in relief items from Dubai

• Offering transport capacity in UPS trucks for the Istanbul city government and NeedsMap, a local NGO that UPS supports

• Activating EDUARDO, an emergency air dashboard created by skilled UPS volunteers to help humanitarian relief organizations quickly access all available flight capacity available at airports across Turkey

Our hearts and thoughts are with the people of Turkey and Syria. Our sympathy also goes to the many relatives – including numerous UPS employees – of the people affected in the earthquake area. Above all, we help by using what we have: our committed employees with their expertise and our global logistics network.

Frank Jørgensen, President,

UPS Germany, Austria & Switzerland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stephen Cotton, General Secretary, ITF

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

Livia Spera , General Secretary, ITF

Transport workers keep Ukraine moving

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

ITF’s Paddy Crumlin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Workers’ rights must not become collateral damage

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

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

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AMERICAN AIRLINES CARGO ANNOUNCES NEW DEPARTMENT LEADERSHIP APPOINTMENTS

The cargo carrier selects new Head of Global Sales, creates dedicated Strategy and Planning team

FORT WORTH, Texas — American Airlines Cargo announces the appointment of Indy Bolina as Head of Global Sales. Bolina, who will report to Roger Samways, Vice President Commercial, will lead American’s global sales team supporting the carrier’s extensive customer base.

Bolina has a strong history of leading and developing global teams. Having started his career with American Airlines in London in 2017, Bolina has led people development and resource teams that work in partnership with multiple organizations across the airline – including Cargo. This experience has allowed him to see firsthand what it takes to operate as a cargo carrier, and his people-oriented skillset will further support American Airlines Cargo in its customer-centric focus. Bolina will assume his Head of Sales role in January 2023.

This announcement follows the promotion of Brian Hodges to Managing Director, Strategy & Planning in October of this year. Hodges, who has held multiple roles within Cargo for more than 10 years, now leads a newly formed team focused intentionally on the cargo carrier’s shortterm and long-term business development initiatives with a large focus on digital strategy. Hodges now reports directly to Cargo President Greg Schwendinger.

“These appointments are not only well deserved for both leaders, but strategically enable our business to deliver on our promise to our customers and modernize our business in a way that makes a real difference. I look forward to seeing Indy and Brian pave a strong path forward toward our business goals next year,” says Greg Schwendinger,

American Airlines Cargo currently has more than 6,000 team members comprised of management, support staff and vendor partners dedicated to supporting cargo customers and operations needs around the globe.

The leading job board for the global freight industry

Reimagined. Redesigned. Relaunched.

SPECIAL REPORT RECRUITMENT, TRAINING & RETENTION

ADAPTING TO A NEW PERSONNEL ENVIRONMENT

Employers need to adjust their approaches in response to a recruitment and retention landscape that has changed quite radically over the past two and a half years, reports Will Waters

Recruitment, retention and training have been major issues within parts of the freight sector for some years, but they have risen to the top of the agenda since the pandemic – especially within air cargo, although many of the issues are relevant throughout the logistics industry.

And with competition for talent higher than ever, along with the need for greater innovation, digitalisation and new ideas, appealing to as diverse a pool as possible has also become ever-more important, especially in a sector that has traditionally been male dominated – in both senior management and ‘blue-collar’ roles. But so has the need to appeal to the next generation of employees and potential leaders, many of whom have different priorities, options and opportunities to those of the past.

Radical change

Arpad Szakal, principal consultant for international recruitment firm Cormis Partners, said ”things have changed quite radically over the past two-and-a-half years”, with employers in a significantly less powerful position. So, rather than the job description being ”essentially a set of demands on the candidate”, employers now need to spend more time explaining “what is on offer” to potential staff and “what they can become, if they join this organisation. This is where the job description is often inadequate.”

THINGS HAVE CHANGED QUITE RADICALLY OVER THE PAST TWO-&-A-HALF YEARS

Arpad Szakal

Szakal told the Air Cargo Handling & Logistics conference in late 2022 that ”when it comes to the talent space today, the competitor is Google, technology companies, power, utilities, energy renewables companies”, not necessarily the freight company up the road.

He added: It is quite important to realize things have shifted, and to be a bit more humble when you’re trying to attract people, no matter what level – whether it’s in senior leadership or ground staff.

Janet Wallace, senior director for cargo transformation at Air Canada, said the upheaval of the pandemic had thrown many recruitment, training and development plans into disarray, including companies ”just moving people around, trying to make things work. For the past two and a half years, we’ve just been doing basic training. We have employees that end up in a warehouse and it’s really not their preference. So, we spend six weeks of training and eventually they get out of the function.”

Offering a career path

She distinguished between the needs and expectations when hiring and onboarding blue-collar staff versus new managers, which ”demand development. What are you going to give me? What’s my next step? They’re looking for a career path, and if you can’t demonstrate that, they’ll be looking for the next thing.”

Wallace said there are lots of roles for people to grow into, but this is not always immediately obvious to potential employees. My first job description asked me if I would work nights and weekends and if I can lift 32 kilos. I don’t think that’s representative of what I do today, she noted.

Glyn Hughes, director general of The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA), also highlighted the need to present job opportunities in different ways, in order to attract those that may not have considered the freight sector previously. For example, to tailor job descriptions in ways that encourage applicants from women – who, statistically, may be more likely than men to rule themselves out if they lack one or two skills from a long list of skill requirements.

The value of freight

Hughes also highlighted the importance of communicating about “the overall value of this industry”, highlighting some IATA statistics he shared with ministers of transport at an ICAO event during Covid, where much of the discussion had been about passenger air services. The figures highlighted that “in 2019, so pre-Covid, the value that the global economy benefited from inbound tourism by air was $850 billion. In that same year, the value that those same countries derived from exporting air cargo was $6.4 trillion. So, the value to national economic prosperity was eight times greater. Last year, it was 20 times greater.”

Teresa Wojtanka, head of operations support and innovation at air cargo handling group Dnata, responded: How often do we share this information with our staff? And how often do we make them aware of the purpose of the job they’re doing? I think that’s missing at the moment.

Hughes also highlighted the potential to ignite a passion for logistics – for example, by focusing ”on the emotional impact of what is in the boxes” that the freight sector moves, which in many cases “are changing people’s lives” and “improve the economic prospects of a particular country and the livelihoods of the people receiving the cargo”.

Panel moderator Chris Notter agreed that employees need to know “the storyline” in order to get staff passionate about the business they are in. He asked delegates how many had gone down to the warehouse floor in the last month “and interacted with the workforce and given them a bit of a strategic update or the storyline of what your business is doing”?

SPECIAL REPORT RECRUITMENT, TRAINING & RETENTION

Kester Meijer, director for operational integrity, compliance and safety at KLM Cargo, said when he goes down to the warehouse floor, “the topic they talk most about is safety”, and how it could be improved –“and especially when you have a temporary workforce”. With agency staff suffering four times the levels of work-related injuries as those of in-house staff, he said it was important to focus on their needs as well.

Better incentives

Looking at other incentives, Wojtanka believes we should be incentivising people for their performance and not just for their skills, “which is probably missing” from the current default approach towards staff at the moment.

Hughes said pay and conditions were one aspect, and because of the rising inflation and cost increases, people are focusing a more right now on the on the pay side. But some people just like to be recognized with a ‘thank you’. Others like to know they’ve got a career path, and if they continue, they will be able to grow and develop and learn new skills. There is a whole suite of different options to recognize, reward, and incentivize our workforce. I don’t think one size fits all.

Szakal said that if people are only solely motivated by pay, they are probably not the right people. Instead, if you allow people some sort of flexibility, where that is possible within what may be a 24-7 operations environment, and understand what is important to them – the one-size approach really does not work any more. If you’re more agile about what you can provide, that can sometimes be more important than a wage rise.

IF YOU’RE MORE AGILE ABOUT

Arpad Szakal

He also says “micro promotions” can be important – ”something that shows (employees) that they’re on a path and that good things can happen”. He also highlighted the importance of “stay interviews, not just exit interviews – so that you really understand and then measure the temperature on a daily basis. I think that’s missing in most organisations.”

Clarity of expectations

Notter suggested there is a danger of throwing out important elements of the industry’s work culture in a rush to meet changing expectations, and that some expectations now among staff have become “unrealistic”, creating “a nightmare to manage” for employers, who he believes should be able to expect some old-fashioned hard work and discipline from staff.

Stuart Maddocks, CEO of personnel and training specialists Calibrate, noted that in the challenge managers face to motivate and retain staff...

WHAT WE ARE REALLY TALKING ABOUT IS JOB SATISFACTION – WHETHER SOMEBODY’S CONNECTED TO THE ROLE THEY DO, AND MOTIVATED TO PERFORM AS BEST THEY CAN

Stuart Maddocks

“One of the things I see a lot of employees wanting from organisations is clarity of expectations – so they know whether they’re doing a good job or not”. But managers are often “so overworked with administrative functions” that “being clear on expectations is sometimes missed out. Often managers only interact with employees when they have dropped the ball, so it becomes more about maintenance and control rather than inspiring and galvanising talent.

He added: “So, we don’t necessarily get as much time in management and coaching roles, to do some of the important aspects of leadership. I think the starting point often is clear demonstration of what minimum expectations are and how to do a good job – what a good job looks like. And managers need to be able to have the time to coach them against their expectations.

NO ONE TURNS UP TO WORK WANTING TO NOT DO A GOOD JOB, BUT THEY NEED TO KNOW WHAT GOOD LOOKS LIKE

Stuart Maddocks

Lothar Moehle, executive director for air freight quality initiative Cargo iQ, observed that HR departments are overloaded at the moment, looking for new staff, whereas it is far more rewarding for them to spend time retaining their staff.

WHAT YOU CAN PROVIDE, THAT CAN SOMETIMES BE MORE IMPORTANT THAN A WAGE RISE

Szakal agreed that HR should be taking care of staff, getting them to stay, but they have ended up with the role of talent access – which is a different and difficult thing.

‘Snowflake’ generation

Hughes pushed back against a suggestion by one speaker that part of the problem is an oversensitive, “snowflake” tendency among some young people in the workplace. Based on his own experience that generation, he observed that “they work very hard, but they want to work on things they’re interested in”, and “they are interested in different things.

We have to recognize that the next generation are influenced much more by technology, social media, the globalisation of their networks and the way that they interact.

He also highlighted the importance of recognising cognitive diversity, noting: Because the world is different, we also need to think differently, to evolve. We can’t expect that next generation to fit into our square pegs and round holes.

One suggestion to engage young people is use of ‘gamification’, for example in training, and Hughes agreed this is something employers could benefit from. Szakal commented: Not only in training, but also in recruitment, we are seeing gamification, especially at the graduate and junior level, that works.

One participant observed: People who are having fun will stay, because they will be getting something that they don’t get elsewhere.

Inadequate wages

However, Stan Wraight, president and CEO of air freight consultancy SASI, observed that there are sometimes more fundamental reasons why staff turnover is so high in some organisations, or they find it very difficult to recruit, highlighting a recent example where people were leaving jobs at a cargo ground handling agent (GHA) in the US “because they were paid less than unemployment insurance. One of the things we found in working with GHAs is that people had to have two or three jobs. “So, don’t blame Millennials. There are some basic fundamentals that are wrong when companies are paying less than unemployment insurance.” But he said there were examples of good practice as well.

THERE ARE SOME BASIC FUNDAMENTALS THAT ARE WRONG WHEN COMPANIES ARE PAYING LESS THAN UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE

Stan

Wraight

Magic wand

Asked for one or two solutions to meet the current challenges, Megha Palkar, assistant manager at Cargo iQ, stressed the need to examine what to do differently to attract more women – for example, using the word ‘creative’ in job advertisements increases the number of women that apply.

Szakal said the role of mentorship was critical: Someone that has had a career path that they can aspire to; or a sponsor, which is someone that really promotes (a more junior individual). Very few organisations, especially in this sector, have a structured way of really pushing minorities, people of colour, different genders, different ages, into position for leadership roles. That’s one area that needs attention.

Wojtanka observed: Diversity is very important here. We are talking about a changing workforce, and it’s not only about gender, but also different generations, joining companies with different expectations. To be best in class, it’s for us to ensure we are ready for that and open to the new different type of staff that we are, and we will be, employing. And we also change our processes to accommodate it; we cannot have one single process for everyone. We have people with different expectations, like wanting to work on different types of contracts. So, we have to be more flexible.

TO BE BEST IN CLASS, IT’S FOR US TO ENSURE THAT WE ARE READY TO EXPERIENCE THE NEW DIFFERENT TYPE OF STAFF THAT WE ARE EMPLOYING. & WE ALSO CHANGE OUR PROCESSES TO ACCOMMODATE IT

Teresa Wojtanka

Wallace concluded: I’m still going to look at new hires in terms of fit and capabilities. Cargo is built on a backbone of strong relationships. Fit is really important to an organisation, and I don’t want to bring in people that might not be with me past six months, or be interested past a year.

RECRUITMENT & TRAINING APPOINTMENTS

JOEL FENN CEO

THE POSITION OF AIR CHARTER SERVICE HEADS TO THE CAPITAL & APPOINTS EXPERIENCED HEAD, JOEL FENN

World leading aircraft charter specialist, Air Charter Service, continues to expand its North American operations with a new Washington D.C. office, serving the Virginia and Delaware regions as well as the capital. Joel Fenn has been appointed as CEO of the new office, which is the company’s ninth in the United States.

Fenn, who was most recently office CEO of ACS’s Miami operation, commented: We have always had a strong customer base here in the capital and we were fortunate enough to have a couple of extremely successful years across our US offices, despite the pandemic, and felt that now was the right time to open our office here.

Joel started his ACS career in 2005 in the company’s London headquarters, where he worked his way up to the position of Private Jets Director, before taking on the same role in the Hong Kong office. He then moved to Miami in 2015, taking the reins when ACS opened their Florida office in the city. Adding to the experienced team is Chris Fisher, the company’s Cargo Business Development Director.

Obviously D.C. and the surrounding region are key to our US growth plans and we’re very excited to open an office here. Joel and Chris bring their wealth of experience and will be looking to work on large government contracts. Joel has previous experience of running an ACS operation from its inception and is absolutely the right person for the job.

Justin Bowman, CEO, ACS

WELCOMING IN THE POSITION OF

ALFRED HOFMANN

TO

SEKO LOGISTICS

S.V.P. GLOBAL OCEAN FREIGHT

SEKO LOGISTICS APPOINTS VETERAN LOGISTICS LEADER

ALFRED HOFMANN TO SVP, GLOBAL OCEAN FREIGHT

SEKO Logistics (SEKO), a leading global logistics provider, has announced its appointment of Alfred Hofmann as Senior Vice President, Global Ocean Freight.

In this role, Hofmann will lead SEKO’s global ocean freight team in advancing and executing division and overall company strategies. Under his leadership, he will provide guidance on business goals and implementation plans, help maintain relationships with SEKO’s network of global ocean carriers and have profit and loss (P&L) operating authority.

An esteemed veteran of the logistics industry, Hofmann joins SEKO after a 36-year-long tenure at Kuehne+Nagel, a global freight and logistics company based in Switzerland, where he served in many leadership roles. Among other positions, Hofmann served as executive vice president of Ocean Freight APAC and president of South Asia Pacific. In those roles, he led the expansion of all business units in the region. Most recently, he served as an executive advisor and consultant to Kuehne+Nagel and was actively involved in carrier relationships. In 2015, attesting to his expertise in the region, Hofmann received well-earned recognition when he was inducted into the Supply Chain Asia Awards Hall of Fame.

I am beyond thrilled that Alfred is joining the SEKO team in this role. He is a highly recognized leader in global logistics and is known by many for his expansive expertise in ocean freight. Alfred’s deep understanding of the APAC region, in particular, brings a valuable benefit to our customers and partners as we continue to strengthen our ocean freight forwarding offerings and capabilities.

Steen Christensen, Chief Operating Officer, International, SEKO

SEKO’s ocean logistics, global sea freight and shipping network encompasses more than 40 countries worldwide, including all of the world’s major seaports. A Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC), SEKO is not locked into strict sailing schedules providing the flexibility to schedule ocean freight on a variety of steamship lines to work within any schedule and budget. Strong working relationships with the largest ocean carriers in the world enables SEKO to offer flexible routing and multiple ocean transportation options for both part container (LCL) and full container (FCL) movements. SEKO also boasts sophisticated tracking and tracing capability thanks to MySEKO, an exclusive online customer portal and software for freight rate management. MySEKO allows customers to track ocean and sea freight from origin to destination, providing access to view and upload all necessary documentation, and to receive status updates via email and configurable reports.

SEKO has become a trailblazer not only in the logistics industry, but particularly in ocean freight forwarding, and I have been long impressed with their growth and constant dedication to their customers. I am very excited to join the team and get started advancing their Ocean Freight strategies, said Hofmann. Hofmann is based in SEKO’s APAC regional headquarters in Hong Kong and reports to Christensen, as well as James Gagne, CEO of SEKO.

RECRUITMENT & TRAINING

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SALES EXECUTIVE CALIFORNIA

Salary: $competitive

+ commission structure, bonus, car, benefits

• Develop new business in the market and strengthen existing customer relationships and have ability to successfully close business transactions and achieve sales goals with a focus on Air & Ocean International Sales

SALES MANAGER

MANHATTAN, NY

Salary: Circa $80,000 - $120,000

• Sales and Business Development professional with experience/extensive knowledge of the freight forwarding industry

• Ability to identify potential business opportunities, cultivate prospect relationships, and close sales

• Manage a significant book of business within a defined U.S. region, including multiple states and major trade markets (i.e. Southeast, Northeast, Southwest, Midwest, etc.)

CUSTOMER SERVICE LOGISTICS SPECIALIST

BALTIMORE, MD

Salary: Circa $45,000 - $55,000

• Directly responsible for the coordination of logistics services to specific customers contracts

• Is in control of the logistics processes from start to finish; including but not limited to import, storage, forwarding, export and customs formalities

• Guides the customers through complex logistics processes via road, rail, water and air

EXPORT OPERATIONS CUSTOMER SERVICE SPECIALIST – AIR & OCEAN

NEW JERSEY, NJ

Salary: Circa $60,000 - $70,000

• Responsible for the movement of export shipments as well as providing best-in-class customer service

• Build the most effective transportation plan, place bookings with carriers & secure rates

• Monitor all milestones with shippers, carriers, ports, and customers

AIR FREIGHT COORDINATOR

TORRANCE/LAX CALIFORNIA

Salary: $50,000-$65,000

+ commission structure, bonus, car, benefits

• 2 years + Air Import & Export

• Working with CargoWise

IMPORT OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

DALLAS, TX

Salary: $50,000 - $65,000

• Responsible for the movement of air and ocean import shipments as well as providing the best-in-class customer service

• 2-3 years of experience in freight forwarding field; air, ocean ops or both

• Build the most effective transportation plan, place bookings with carriers & secure rates

VACANCIES

COLLECTIONS SPECIALIST FOR GLOBAL ACCOUNTS

CHARLOTTE, NC

Salary: Circa $54,000

• Manage collections for multi-million-dollar account portfolios.

• Communicate effectively with customers and internal departments (verbally and in writing) to ensure collection of outstanding receivables

• Maintain portfolio balances within corporate guidelines and escalate in a timely manner as needed

SALES PROFESSIONAL

DALLAS, TX

Salary: $75k - $250k

• You must be adept at creating and managing a sales plan and executing that plan to success.

• You will be selling the company's core products, which include international transportation (air + ocean) with strong concentration on the ASIA/USA market, customs brokerage, trucking and other Logistics services.

• You will be responsible for creating a monthly sales report and you will participate in a weekly sales meeting.

OCEAN EXPORT CO-ORDINATOR

HOUSTON, TX

Salary: $50,000–$65,000

• Minimum 2 years’ experience

• Ocean Export

IMPORT AIR/OCEAN LOGISTICS CO-ORDINATOR

NEW YORK, NY

Salary: Circa $65,000–$75,000

• 3 years industry experience

• Ability to effectively present information and respond to client inquiries

• Effective communication skills

• Cargo Wise experience.

OCEAN OR AIR EXPORT COORDINATOR

NEW JERSEY

Salary: up to $70k DOE

• Cargowise

• Freight Forwarding Experience

• 3+ years’ Experience

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

RECRUITMENT & TRAINING

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by FEATURED VACANCY

OCEAN EXPORT CO-ORDINATOR

ATLANTA, GA

Salary: $competitive

+ commission structure, bonus, car, benefits

We are a leading recruitment agency, looking for an experienced Ocean Export Coordinator to join our client's team in Atlanta, GA. Our client is a reputable freight forwarding and logistics company, seeking a detail-oriented and organized individual with excellent communication and customer service skills to oversee all aspects of ocean export operations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate and oversee all aspects of ocean export operations, including documentation, scheduling, and communication with customers, carriers, and freight forwarders

• Prepare and process shipping documents, including bills of lading, commercial invoices, and packing lists

• Ensure compliance with international trade regulations and requirements

• Communicate with customers to provide shipment status updates and resolve any issues that may arise

• Collaborate with internal teams, including sales and customer service, to ensure timely and efficient shipment processing

• Monitor and manage carrier performance, including scheduling and tracking shipments

• Maintain accurate shipment records and ensure timely billing and invoicing

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred

• At least 2 years of experience in ocean export coordination, preferably in a freight forwarding or logistics company

• Knowledge of international trade regulations and requirements

• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and work under tight deadlines

• Excellent communication and customer service skills

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel and Word

• Experience with logistics software and systems preferred

If you are a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual with experience in ocean export coordination, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid time off. As a leading recruitment agency, we are committed to finding the best fit for both our clients and candidates. We look forward to hearing from you.

Jeremy Neale, Headford USA

+1 (470) 751 4644 | jeremy@headfordgroup.com

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

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

Related topics

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UPS ACQUIRES BOMI GROUP

MULTI-NATIONAL HEALTHCARE LOGISTICS PROVIDER

Acquisition Accelerates Expansion of Cold Chain Capabilities throughout Europe and Latin America

UPS announced the closing on its previously announced acquisition of Bomi Group, an industry-leading multi-national healthcare logistics provider. Through the acquisition, the company’s healthcare unit, UPS Healthcare, will add temperaturecontrolled facilities in 14 countries, and 3,000 highly-skilled employees to the UPS team across Europe and Latin America.

The company will operate under the new name Bomi Group, a UPS Company. Bomi Group CEO Marco Ruini will join the UPS Healthcare leadership team. UPS Healthcare customers now have access to 216 facilities with a total of 17 million square feet of cGMP and GDPcompliant healthcare distribution space in 37 countries and territories.

Together with Marco Ruini and the Bomi team, UPS Healthcare will deliver even more sophisticated and globally integrated solutions to our customers throughout Europe and Latin America. Our combined team, vehicles, and advanced facilities will allow us to expand our pan-European cold chain network and bring the next generation of healthcare logistics solutions to our customers.

Kate Gutmann, Executive Vice President and President of UPS International, Healthcare and Supply Chain Solutions

The UPS Healthcare team has developed a detailed transition plan to support the continued growth of the business while further connecting cold chain capabilities to major European and Latin American gateways.

With the capabilities Bomi Group brings to our network, UPS Healthcare is confident that significant new services and synergies will come in Europe and Latin America from this acquisition. As we move into our transition plan, we’re ready to put those synchronized services into action.

Wes Wheeler, President, UPS Healthcare

For more information about UPS Healthcare’s innovations and customerdriven solutions, visit Healthcare.ups.com and about.ups.com

ROADONE ACQUIRES THE TRANSPORTER INC. & CONTINUES U.S. SOUTHWEST EXPANSION

RoadOne IntermodaLogistics, a single source intermodal, warehouse and logistics services company, announces today the acquisition of The Transporter, Inc. (“Transporter”), a leading regional intermodal service provider with office locations in Houston, Dallas and Laredo, Texas. With this acquisition, RoadOne continues building out its commitment to the U.S. Southwest region. Since November 2022, RoadOne has announced the addition of a new Houston branch office and the transition into a 480,000 sq. ft. transload facility, located in the overweight corridor in Pasadena and less than 5 miles from the port.

Transporter is one of the largest and most preferred operators in Texas with over 150 drivers and a broad range of logistics services. The company provides local and over the road solutions, drayage, reefer, hazmat, bonded, dry van and flatbed services, an in-house brokerage service and secure container yards in Houston and Dallas. The company will now be known as Transporter IntermodaLogistics, a division of RoadOne.

Russ Cook, President, founded Transporter in 1988, and will retire from the business after over 34 years serving shippers and logistics providers. His two sons, Jeff Ebel, VP of Operations, and Greg Cook, VP of Sales, will remain with the company as Vice Presidents running the day-to-day operations of Transporter IntermodaLogistics and as shareholders in RoadOne.

The Transporter team is a perfect match for RoadOne. Their focus on strong customer relationships is 100% in line with our company beliefs and commitment to the industry. The U.S. Southwest is an important market, especially as we see container volumes increase in the Gulf. We welcome Transporter to the RoadOne family of companies.

Ken Kellaway

, President & CEO, RoadOne IntermodaLogistics.

I am extremely pleased to have Transporter join the RoadOne organization. With my sons at the helm, I know the company will continue to grow and prosper, especially now backed by RoadOne’s national network and array of logistics, drayage and distribution resources. Our customers and drivers are in good hands and will continue to be well taken care of into the future.

Russ Cook, founder, Transporter

Ridgemont Equity Partners, a middle market private equity firm, recently announced the recapitalization of RoadOne, alongside RoadOne’s cofounders and Nonantum Capital Partners. This transaction provides RoadOne with significant capital for growth to support strategic acquisitions and continued investment in technology and platform operations.

GLOBAL CRITICAL LOGISTICS ACQUIRES AUTOMOBILE LOGISTICS SPECIALIST CARS

The leading global logistics group for live events, fine art, classic & high-value automobiles, film, television, broadcast, sports and motor sports industries continues to grow its portfolio of specialist services

Global Critical Logistics (GCL) has acquired U.K. based Classic Automotive Relocation Services (CARS), a specialist in the road, air, and sea freight shipment of historic, rare, and prestigious vehicles.

CARS’ extensive coverage of the European, U.S. and Middle Eastern markets solidifies GCL’s position as a global specialist freight forwarder for high-end and high-value automobiles, and compliments GCL’s existing brand Cosdel International Transportation.

This combination of CARS’ and Cosdel’s expertise and global coverage creates a new global leader serving this complex and demanding market.

As part of the acquisition, CARS will continue to operate under its own business name as a member of the GCL group of companies.

This acquisition extends the GCL group’s service offering and proven operational capabilities across key strategic growth markets, both in terms of customer industries and geographic presence. CARS offers highly bespoke, tailored services and their global team has an incredible passion to always exceed their customer’s expectations. All companies of the GCL group share these core values, and we are very excited as this addition will further drive meaningful value for both customers and shareholders.

Paul J. Martins, President & CEO, GCL

Founded in 1989, CARS handles the shipping of rare and prestigious automobiles by air, sea and road freight through their international offices located in the UK, US, Middle East, Netherlands, and Japan.

Additionally, they operate a network of specialist storage facilities, and offer various on-site, high value services such as Carnet de Passages, registration, and various OEM testing options.

By joining the GCL group, we gain access to additional resources that will turbo charge our service offerings to better serve our existing customers and to reach more customers across the globe. We are thrilled to be part of a major logistics group whose operational ethos and end-market focus so closely matches our business culture.

Jeremy Barker, Co-Founder & Managing Director, CARS

This most recent acquisition is one in a series of strategic moves by the GCL group to bolster its worldwide capabilities serving the live events, fine art, classic and high-value automobiles, film, television, broadcast, sports and motor sports industries.

GCL also formed a strategic partnership with SAL Saudi Logistics Services to gain greater penetration into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Middle Eastern markets, and has opened new offices in Singapore and Miami.

In late 2021, GCL acquired Dynamic International Freight Services Ltd. to enhance its global film & TV offering, and in 2022, added Spain-based forwarder Asesores de Flete, S.A. (ADF), solidifying its capabilities to serve the Spanish-speaking live event and sports industry.

US-BASED CUSTOMS BROKER & FORWARDER SEEKING

BUYER

OVERVIEW

This US-based company is seeking an active and experienced buyer who is in the market for a well-known traditional customs broker and freight forwarder. They are involved in various aspects of international transportation, specialising in the handling of sensitive and ‘special needs’ cargo including time-sensitive shipments, perishables, heavily regulated commodities, government cargo, hazmat, oversized/overweight and high-value merchandise.

KEY POINTS

• Est. 1982

• 2 shareholders

• A range of operating licenses:

- IATA, CNS

- TSA/DOT/FAA

- Licensed customs broker

- Duty drawback specialists

- ISO 9002 – 1994

- C-TPAT

- SAM

• NVOCC (Including DoD)

• Warehousing: 3,000 sqft

• International transport

MODES

Air : import 57% | export 9%

Sea : import 29% | export 5%

FINANCIALS

January to May 2021

Revenue: $10.8 m

Gross profit: $1.9m

Net profit: $ 875k

Forecast full year 2021

Revenue: $ 30 m

Gross profit: $ 4 m

Profit before tax: $2 m

2020

Revenue: $19.1m

Gross profit: $ 3.4 m

Net profit: $ 634 k

2019

Revenue: $12.5m

Gross profit: $2.6 m

Net profit: $130 k

LOCATION USA

CONTACT

Alexander Jones , M&A Consultant alexander.jones@freightmergers.com

+1 (646) 933 1264

MEDIA & MARKETING

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

Related topics

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The average adult spends most of their day looking at a screen. Checking their news feed, in front of their computer, on social media, online shopping, watching TV. Be on those screens.

The ultimate in customer engagement. Mobile usage now outweighs desktop, so give your audience a focused, useful portal where you control the content and they remain interested. •

COMMUNICATION AWARD FOR GEBRÜDER WEISS WINNING “PRODUCT & SERVICE PR”

The prestigious award was presented in Vienna on the evening of Wednesday, February 22 by the Minister of Economic Affairs, Martin Kocher. Frank Haas and Vanessa Hafner from Gebrüder Weiss were there to accept the award: As the world’s most experienced logistics company, Gebrüder Weiss is committed to the future of mobility. We want to help science find new ways and means. This is something we can achieve both with logistics, of course, but also with communication, says Frank Haas, the person responsible for international communications and marketing at the logistics company.

Global communication offensive

Gebrüder Weiss on Mars? Not just yet. But the logistics company is indeed helping scientists at the Austrian Space Forum with their maneuvers on Earth so that mankind’s dream of sending a manned expedition to Mars may one day be realized. The aim of these missions is to simulate conditions on the Red Planet as realistically as possible, and to prepare both man and machine for these demanding challenges.

The last undertaking of this kind took place last year in the Israeli Negev desert. Not only was it a resounding success for the scientists involved, but it also resulted in the team of communication experts at Gebrüder Weiss, who were responsible for providing vivid coverage of the mission, being awarded the Austrian State Prize for PR in the category “Product and Service PR” for their outstanding communications work.

Gebrüder Weiss was on hand to provide continuous reporting on the progress of the scientific mission across all communication channels. The company’s magazine ATLAS published a Mars special edition, which included an in-depth interview with the head of the Austrian Space Forum, Gernot Grömer. The Gebrüder Weiss apprentices involved in providing the logistics for the project reported on their experiences under the hashtag #marsmonday. This also resulted in a dedicated documentary being made about the mission. The international media also responded very positively to the commitment shown by Gebrüder Weiss. Frank Haas: Supporting a Mars mission is an undertaking that generates a lot of interest around the world, which is why we had press coverage in almost all Gebrüder Weiss markets. Even Chinese and American media were very interested in what we have been doing.

The Mars campaign has incidentally resulted in a kind of “space competence cluster” being formed at Gebrüder Weiss. This is because the Stockholm-based Swedish Space Corporation (SSC) now also relies on the logistics expertise of the orange logistics company, with Gebrüder Weiss on hand to help the Swedish project engineers in any way it can. The logistics provider also transported the complete set of research equipment to Sweden, in addition to providing logistics consulting services. More about this can be found in the current online special of ATLAS magazine.

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A.P. MOLLER – MAERSK & SUNGAS RENEWABLES SIGN STRATEGIC GREEN METHANOL PARTNERSHIP

As part of its strategy to decarbonize customers’ supply chains, A.P. Moller - Maersk (Maersk) has entered a green* methanol Letter of Intent with U.S. based SunGas Renewables, Inc., a spin-out of GTI Energy, and a leader in providing technology and equipment systems for large-scale production of renewable fuels. This is Maersk’s 9th such partnership to drive the acceleration of global production capacity for green methanol.

The Letter of Intent covers the production of green methanol from multiple facilities to be developed by SunGas in the United States from which Maersk intends to offtake full volumes of green methanol. The first facility is expected to begin operations in 2026 and have an annual production capacity of approximately 390,000 tonnes.

Securing green marine fuels at a global scale within this decade will require rapid scale up of green methanol production capacity using a variety of technology and feedstock pathways. We are very pleased to welcome SunGas Renewables as a strategic partner in our efforts to achieve our goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions in 2040 across our entire business, and to ensure meaningful progress is made within this decade in line with the Paris Agreement.

Emma Mazhari, Head of Green Sourcing & Portfolio Management, A.P. Moller - Maersk

The SunGas facilities will utilize its flagship System 1000 platform to convert sustainably sourced residues from the forestry and wood products industries into green methanol.

Our partnership with Maersk marks an important milestone for SunGas as we continue our mission to make a global impact in the energy transition. We applaud Maersk’s leadership in catalyzing decarbonization of the entire marine shipping industry and look forward to working together to accelerate growth of production capacity for green methanol marine fuels.

Robert Rigdon, CEO, SunGas

SunGas joins eight other strategic partners working to supply the green fuel needed for the 19 methanol enabled container vessels Maersk currently has on order. The other partners are Carbon Sink, CIMC ENRIC, Debo, European Energy, Green Technology Bank, Orsted, Proman, and Wastefuel.

*Green is defined as fuels with low (65-80% reduction) or very low (80-95% reduction) GHG emissions on a lifecycle basis compared to fossil fuel

HFW SUPPORTS NGO ON DEVELOPMENT OF GENEVA DECLARATION ON HUMAN RIGHTS AT SEA

Global, sector-focused law firm HFW has continued to support the development of a new Geneva Declaration designed to define and defend the human rights of the global maritime population and those crossing the world's oceans and seas.

HFW previously carried out a joint review of the Declaration on behalf of UK-based NGO Human Rights at Sea (HRAS), which produced the proposed international convention in 2022 following three years of research and drafting by a team of experts in public, international, humanitarian and refugee law.

The firm has now translated the Declaration into nine different languages – Ukrainian, Russian, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, and Spanish – to assist HRAS' efforts to secure the support of States around the world for submission to the UN Human Rights Council to formally adopt the Declaration.

With the war in Ukraine now entering its second year, HRAS is discreetly supporting in-conflict and post-conflict activities to obtain justice for victims of human rights abuses, in particular the coastal communities in The Black Sea and Sea of Azov.

HFW is incredibly proud to continue to assist HRAS on this vitally important issue. The Geneva Declaration is a major milestone in the fight to end human rights abuses at sea. We would encourage organisations around the world to support the Declaration in any way that they can, so that the lives of seafarers, who play such a crucial role to everyone's day-to-day lives, are protected by law.

Alex Kemp, Partner, HFW

We are incredibly grateful to HFW for its dedicated and ongoing support. The firm and has been with us since the beginning and has played a vital role throughout the development of the Declaration. These translations are essential in enabling wwand encouraging the use of the Declaration around the world, to help to obtain justice for victims of human rights abuses at sea.

David Hammond, CEO, HRAS

The Declaration targets human rights abuses stemming from piracy, criminal violence, breaches of maritime labour rights, seafarer abandonment, slavery, trafficking, child labour, and failures in equality and inclusion. It applies to seafarers, fishers, workers in offshore oil and gas, and the tourism industry and extends to passengers, scientists, state officials on naval and coast guard vessels, migrants and refugees, and people involved in unlawful activities.

The Declaration is structured around the understanding that the protection of human rights at sea rests on four fundamental principles:

• Human rights at sea are universal; they apply at sea, as they do on land

• All persons at sea, without any distinction, are entitled to their human rights

• There are no maritime specific reasons for denying human rights at sea

• All human rights established under both treaty and customary international law must be respected at sea

HFW is widely recognised as the world's leading shipping and maritime law firm, and has been serving clients in the industry for more than 140 years. The firm has over 200 specialist shipping lawyers and more than a dozen mariners across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, advising clients on the full range of dry shipping, admiralty and crisis management, and transactional matters.

DHL’s GoGreen Plus service drives carbon reduction in ocean and air freight shipments while using sustainable fuels

In the first year of the cooperation 6,500 tCO2e TtW of carbon emissions have been reduced in ocean and air freight transportation

Grundfos reduces the environmental impact for the transport of its products significantly

DHL Global Forwarding, the air and ocean freight specialist of Deutsche Post DHL Group, has successfully implemented sustainable logistics solutions for its customer Grundfos. Since one year DHL supports the world’s largest pump manufacturer and water solutions provider to decarbonize ocean and air freight shipments by providing GoGreen Plus insetting solutions. Both companies share a sustainable vision and regard this partnership as an important milestone on their science-based path to carbon neutrality.

We are deeply committed to helping our customers reach their sustainability goals by reducing carbon emissions along the supply lanes. Working together with the world’s leading pump manufacturer Grundfos is a great pleasure for us, as we both share a common perspective regarding the need to achieve carbon neutrality through auditable and scalable carbon-cutting solutions. Our GoGreen Plus services helped Grundfos decarbonize their ocean and air freight routes and we look forward to continuing this strategic partnership.

Torben Pagh, Managing Director, DHL Global Forwarding Denmark

DHL Global Forwarding focuses on reducing Grundfos’ carbon emissions

in ocean freight transportation for both less-than-container-load (LCL) and full-container-load shipments (FCL) via its GoGreen Plus service. The LCL GoGreen Plus service comes even without any additional costs for customers. Last year, both companies also launched a pilot project which aimed to reduce carbon emissions in air freight shipments (AFR). Grundfos accessed DHL Global Forwarding’s AFR GoGreen Plus service which cuts emissions in air transportation by using Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF).

Grundfos produces more than 16 Mln pumps a year and ships more than 20.000 containers over the ocean every year. Grundfos always pioneered in water solutions to address the water and climate challenges in the world and improve quality of life for people. That is part of our core and DNA. A testimony of that DNA is that Grundfos is the first company in the water solution sector to receive the full validation from SBTI (Science Based Target Initiative) of our net-zero emission target by 2050. The use of alternative biofuels from DHL Global Forwarding as one of our global ocean partners allows us to decarbonize our Ocean transport port to port. At the same time together we stimulate the freight industry to invest in a sustainable future. An industry which is critical for our company Grundfos

Dirk van der Heijden, Senior Director Global Logistics, Grundfos

DHL’s GoGreen Plus service is based on the insetting approach where customers are offered various solutions for minimizing logistics-related emissions along the entire supply chain. DHL Global Forwarding’s GoGreen Plus solution is facilitating a sustainable fuel switch. Hereby carriers consume sustainable fuel on behalf of DHL. Subsequently the resulting Scope 3 emission reductions are passed on to DHL and will then be allocated to cargo owners. This allocation is linked to the transport profile to the GoGreen Plus shipments of the cargo owner.

Source: DHL GLOBAL FORWARDING

REDUCE CO2 EMISSIONS ALONG ITS SUPPLY CHAINS

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

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

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

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

VISIT OUR JUSTGIVING PAGE TO MAKE A DONATION:

JUSTGIVING.COM/FUNDRAISING/

FORWARDER magazine IS RAISING MONEY FOR UKRAINE THE UKRAINE CRISIS

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CRAIG EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

WILL CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

ANTONIU SALES EXECUTIVE

TONY SALES EXECUTIVE

TIM DESIGNER

MOHIT DIGITAL & SOCIAL

A FINAL WORD FROM FORWARDER

Thank you for reading the latest issue of FORWARDER USA You can expect to see more of us as the year goes on. We're running the US magazine alongside the global issue.

We'd love for you to be involved, so please get in touch and send us your news and expert opinions on the industry. We can be contacted at editor@forwardermagazine.us or on +1 (312) 496 6624.

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

Tim, Designer, FORWARDER

THE MAIN EVENT...

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

NEXT MONTH...

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

AIR FREIGHT

SEA FREIGHT

ROAD FREIGHT

RAIL FREIGHT

PROJECT CARGO

AIR & SEA PORTS

TECH & DIGITISATION

EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS

CUSTOMS CLEARANCE

INDUSTRY SERVICES

CRISIS RESPONSE

RECRUITMENT & TRAINING

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

MEDIA & MARKETING

GIVING BACK

If you would like your editorial to feature in next month’s magazine, please contact our editor using the contact details to the right. If you would like to advertise in FORWARDER magazine , full details of our rates and technical specifications can be found in our media pack. Please email us for a copy.

Unit 8 Apex Court, Almondsbury Business Park, Bristol BS32 4JT United Kingdom

FORWARDERmagazine.us +1 (312) 496 6624 twitter.com/ ForwarderMag

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Craig craig@headfordgroup.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Will editor@forwardermagazine.us

ADVERTISING

Antoniu tony@forwardermagazine.us +1 (312) 496 6624

Mark mark@forwardermagazine.us

+1 (312) 496 6624

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Tim tim@forwardermagazine.us

DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA Mohit mohit@freightsolutions.com

FORWARDER magazine is free to read. You can subscribe on our website.

Please visit us online at FORWARDERmagazine.us

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When you’re finished with this magazine, please

AIR FREIGHT

SEA FREIGHT

ROAD FREIGHT

RAIL FREIGHT

PROJECT CARGO

AIR & SEA PORTS

TECH & DIGITALISATION

CUSTOMS CLEARANCE

INDUSTRY SERVICES

EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS

RECRUITMENT & TRAINING

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

GIVING BACK