Schenker Italiana S.p.A., the Italian DB Schenker company, is responsible for terminal activities in Domodossola. The main leg between Basel and Aachen is under the responsibility of the Market Unit Intermodal at DB Schenker Rail.

Specialists at the Swiss headquarters of DB SCHENKERhangartner will also load their own semi-trailers in collaboration with national companies in Belgium, the Netherlands and Italy. The journey from Belgium to northern Italy takes two days door-to-door.

The train previously traveled only between Antwerp and Novara. Thanks to the new solution, with up to five weekly departures and eight parking docks, an additional 2,000 full loads can be transported annually in each direction.

DB SCHENKERhangartner offers customers in industry and trade the combination of truck and train transport from a single source. Trucks handle pre-carriage and onward carriage, while freight travels long distances by rail in unaccompanied intermodal transport.

Nikken's complete distribution operations in Europe will be centralized at DHL's facility in Essen, Germany.

“In terms of on-time delivery and flexibility, we are extremely demanding”, says Phil Woodcock, Head of European Operations at Nikken UK. “It is really important for us that our customers’ needs are met. By consolidating the warehouse operations in Essen, DHL can provide Nikken with an efficient integrated logistics solution for the whole of Europe.”

DHL will be managing all essential warehousing processes, from quality control of incoming goods to picking and packing and, where necessary, returns processing.

“We are delighted to continue our logistics partnership with Nikken. The contract extension provides an efficient and cost effective service, which will be achieved through a centralized warehouse solution located in Essen”, explains Werner White, Managing Director Retail, DHL Supply Chain Germany & Alps.

To meet all requirements of the customer, the cooperation between DHL and Nikken includes procurement and distribution services provided by DHL Global Forwarding, DHL Express and DHL Parcel Germany.

Members of the Myles family will retain the remaining thirty-percent interest in the companies and continue in senior leadership roles.  The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed early in the second quarter of 2012.

The WCOR handles a variety of industrial products primarily used in the natural resources industry.  RailAmerica anticipates the WCOR to experience rapid traffic growth and expand its freight and non-freight services in support of the development of the Marcellus Shale natural gas industry.

IWG performs transload, storage, and other value-added services for customers in the energy and waste management industries.  RailAmerica expects IWG to continue to grow by developing transload operations in new markets and extending its services throughout RailAmerica’s network.

RailAmerica President and CEO John Giles said, “The rail and transloading infrastructure at Wellsboro is uniquely located in the heart of the northern Marcellus Shale and represents a key asset in the transportation of both inbound and outbound products for major exploration and production companies.  The acquisition allows RailAmerica to gain direct exposure to the enormous potential in the area and also leverage the expertise of Myles Group in opening similar transload facilities throughout the country.”

Over the next 12 months of operations, WCOR and IWG combined are expected to generate approximately $17 million in revenue, $3.5 million in operating income (excluding closing costs) and $1.3 million in depreciation and amortization.  RailAmerica intends to finance the purchase using cash on hand and its revolving credit facility.  The financial results of the WCOR and IWG will be consolidated into RailAmerica’s financials, and RailAmerica’s net income will be reduced by the thirty-percent minority interest.

“In 2012 we are expecting a strong growth in the China market for our customers fashion products and the opening of our ‘red carpet logistics’ warehouse in Beijing demonstrates our confidence in the market,” said Tomas Sonntag, Managing Director of the region Far East Asia at Logwin’s business segment Air + Ocean.

The 1,500 sq. m. warehouse is located 6 km from the Beijing airport and offers easy access to the city centre. The premises are state of the art and are equipped with the latest safety and security systems. The new customized warehouse is the second to open in Asia following the launch of ‘red carpet logistics’ in Malaysia in November last year, where the first fashion logistics warehouse opened at Shah Alam near Kuala Lumpur.

With the premium service ‘red carpet logistics’ Logwin offers the full range of dedicated services, from transportation to logistics solutions for high-end fashion customers.

Logwin aims to expand its red carpet logistics network and service offering across Asia. As a result the logistics specialist will provide better reach for its fashion brand customers to markets in Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Mainland China as well as Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and Australia.

Logwin has been present in Asia for nearly 40 years and is operating in China for nearly 20 years. The company is continuously expanding its network across the region.

Headquartered in Ludington, MI, Marquette operates 126 miles of track running from Grand Rapids, MI to Ludington and Manistee, MI.  Marquette interchanges with CSXT in Grand Rapids and serves customers primarily in the chemical, pulp & paper, and non-metallics industries.  Marquette hauled approximately fifteen-thousand carloads of freight during the fiscal year ended 2011.

RailAmerica President and CEO John Giles said, “The acquisition of Marquette represents an attractive opportunity to invest in a high quality franchise with a solid base of revenue from large, long-term customers and drive substantial near-term growth from new developments on the line.  In addition, the railroad is in close proximity to RailAmerica’s existing Michigan operations, which we expect will create significant operating efficiencies.”

For the next twelve months, RailAmerica anticipates Marquette will generate approximately $13 million in revenue, $4 million in operating income (excluding closing costs) and $2 million in depreciation and amortization.  The company intends to finance the purchase using cash on hand and its revolving credit facility.

His position at DB Schenker was created in light of the growing importance of intermodal solutions. DB Schenker Logistics is the market leader in land transport in Europe and one of the most important service providers, with roughly half a billion euros in revenues in rail forwarding alone.

“I think there are still opportunities for our customers and for further growth, particularly in the intermodal business. I therefore am delighted that Patrick Zilles, an experienced manager from the logistics sector, will be joining our team,” said Karl Nutzinger, Member of the Management Board of Schenker AG responsible for Land Transport at DB Schenker. “With his support, we will continue to expand our range of products and services involving rail – both for transalpine traffic and for the East-West connection in Europe.”

The 38 years old expert in transportation administration most recently managed intermodal activities for a rail company.

Similarly, volume growth was equally strong at 9 percent when compared with last year.

The growth across their portfolio was driven by an exceptionally strong performance in the UAE region which delivered volume growth of 12 percent handling 13.0 million TEU for the year.

The UAE region has gone from strength to strength during 2011 with each quarter delivering yet another record performance culminating in 16 percent volume growth in the final quarter of 2011.

Alongside this excellent performance in the UAE region, DP World saw strong results from Asia Pacific, Africa and the Americas region together with the addition of new capacity at terminals in Karachi, Pakistan and Vallarpadam, India both of which opened in early 2011.

Chairman, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem commented: “DP World delivered another strong performance in the final quarter of the year despite the macro economic uncertainty.   These results are a reflection of our continued focus on those regions which are seeing strong trade growth in addition to the continued focus by all our terminals on providing customers with a first class service when they call at DP World terminals.”

A large number of national and regional, government-run and privately managed, CFS’ participated in the competition. Participants were judged on volume growth, operational  and financial performance, innovation at work and environmental efficiencies. Mr. K. Mohandas, Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, Government of India presented the awards.

The award recognizes the company’s efforts to promote EXIM trade through the creation of modern facilities and infrastructure; and high levels of efficiency and productivity achieved by the CFS in 2011.

Inland Services are becoming an increasingly important component of APM Terminals Global Terminal Network, particularly in emerging markets where access to interior population and industrial centers can be limited by infrastructure constraints.

The Chennai CFS registered over 100% growth in volumes in 2011 compared to 2010. It has also won the 5S Excellence Award from the Confederation of Indian Industries & 5S Model Facility award from ABK ATOS recently.

“We are proudly debuting our new name, YRC Freight. Moving freight is our heritage, what we do best and the key to our future. Our new name, logo and branding program publicly demonstrate the unification of a new company and culture that aligns perfectly with our strategy moving forward,” said Jeff Rogers, president of YRC Freight.

YRC Freight will invest in a new driver uniform program, rebrand road equipment and add new terminal signage. The company will begin the rebranding process immediately and convert equipment as part of regularly scheduled maintenance and refurbishing schedules. The new driver uniforms and building signs will feature bright blue, white and orange colors that will proudly be accompanied by the addition of “Freight” incorporated into the brand name.

The company chose to launch the brand internally at a kick-off meeting with several hundred field and headquarter employees. YRC Freight wanted to prepare the organization first in order to send the message that the company plans to build the brand from the inside out and provide significant momentum going into 2012 and beyond.

With this acquisition, OWS has extended its reach into the oil and gas activity center at Kakinada where it can serve its clients for extended services of rig clearance, OSV clearance, supply and services to marine sector, supporting exploratory drilling in the east coast of India.

M/s. Raamns was promoted by a group of professionals, led by Mr.MurthyAdiraju who has 13 Yearsof experience of working in various shipping and CHA companies, particularly in Vizag and Kakinada. The company was floated in the year 2009 and has been providing good support services to many oil and gas service companies as well as operators directly or indirectly like Reliance, ONGC, Cairn, GSPC and many more.

Mr. Vinay R Sharma, Managing Director of OWS will be joining the Board of Raamnswith effect from January’12 and shall guide the company to be bigger and stronger to provide comprehensive and  exhaustive oil & gas offshore/onshore services and logistics support to the Oil & Gas sector.

With this acquisition, OWS group will strengthen its activity and base in the east coast, particularly in Kakinada, Vizag & Chennai.

“This acquisition will add value to the existing services being provided by OWS which are innovative as well as very cost effective. Now, the customers of OWS will have a wider bouquet of services through a single point of contact.” said Vinay Sharma, Managing Director of OWS.

Oil & Gas services have a niche market and specialized skills are required for providing effective service to the clients. ” Being part of OWS, Raamns will have an extended reach not only in India where OWS has their own offices but also overseas like Dubai, Oman, Houston & Genoa(Italy)”, said Murthy Adiraju.

Both the companies signed the agreement at Hyderabad in presence of Capt. A Mahapatra, Director (Operations) of OWS.

OWS was set up in 2006 to provide specialized services of material management from Vizag SEZ leading to saving of not only time but costs for their customers. Today it OWS, as of today, is providing services to more than 45 multinational customers from its facilities in Vizag and Mundra SEZs. In India OWS have offices in Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Vizag & Mundra and overseas offices in Dubai, Sohar (Oman), Houston (USA) and recently Genoa in Italy.

With the expansion, Old Dominion now serves 23 ports in 10 countries throughout Asia. The new ports are located in Manila, Philippines; Singapore; Jakarta and Surabaya, Indonesia; Penang, Malaysia; Port Klang, Kuala Lumpur; Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam; Bangkok, Thailand; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; and Busan, Korea.

Launched in China in 2009 and expanded in 2010 and 2011 to Taiwan, Pacific Promise™ provides businesses with standard guaranteed transit times and simplified rates from the 23 ports in Asia to any destination in the United States. The service also includes port-to-door tracking of all shipments − a service many providers do not offer.

“In an average month, we move shipments between the U.S. and more than 40 countries, with a significant amount of that freight to and from Asia,” said Greg Plemmons, Vice President of OD-Global, an international shipping division of Old Dominion.

Pacific Promise™, a service offered through OD-Global, is available to companies in a number of categories, including those importing and exporting high-value and time-sensitive goods.

The move comes after Old Dominion invested $100-120 million in real estate purchases and expansion projects in 2011. The company’s growing base of customers in Corpus Christi will benefit from the terminal’s expanded space and upgraded technology.

“The facility, which is strategically located near state Highway 44 and the Port of Corpus Christi, will allow us to more efficiently handle the large volume of freight moving through the port and along the Texas coastline,” said Sinuhue “Cabby” Caballero, manager of the Old Dominion Corpus Christi Service Center.

The Corpus Christi Service Center employs nine and serves more than 15 cities in a 100-mile radius surrounding Corpus Christi.

The certifications were presented to Agility by Certiquality, a member of the International Certification Network, in recognition of its quality management standards and efforts to implement, maintain and improve its environmental and safety management systems. The certifications apply to all Italian sites and products, including all administrative functions.

“We are proud to have been awarded these certifications,” said Domenico Tafuro, Country Manager, Agility Italy. “They demonstrate that we are committed to the highest standards of quality and environmental management for customers, along with the highest standards of occupational health and safety management systems for employees.”

Along with Dachser, ten other leading logistics providers are Global Partners of Lufthansa Cargo. Together, they account for around half the revenues posted by Germany’s biggest cargo airline. The Global Partnership Programme has evolved into a major platform for joint, sustainable growth.

“With Dachser in the membership base, we have additionally strengthened our Global Partnership Programme,” emphasized Dr. Andreas Otto, Lufthansa Cargo Board Member Product and Sales.

“In view of our centralised policy governing the choice of carrier, Lufthansa Cargo is with its global route network, the frequency of its services, its acknowledged high quality, and intensive support a strong partner for our intercontinental business. We are looking forward to even closer cooperation,” said Thomas Reuter, Managing Director, Dachser Air and Sea Logistics.

Maersk Line is the lead shipping line to participate in the fuel switch program sponsored by the Commonwealth of Virginia through the Virginia Port Authority (VPA) and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ), as well as the U.S. Department of Transportation.

“The Port of Virginia fuel switch is the first such initiative in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, and its implementation will create immediate benefits to the region by reducing emissions and improving air quality,” said Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell.

The fuel switch program will run for thirteen months and involve 41 Maersk Line ships making over 210 port calls. While at berth for the loading and discharge of cargo, Maersk Line vessels will be powered by auxiliary engines running on low-sulfur marine gas oil (MGO).

Low-sulfur MGO contains 90-95 percent less sulfur than typical marine fuel, which will reduce emissions of sulfur oxides (SOx) by an estimated 20 metric tons in the first six months of the program. Over the same period, emissions of particulate matter are expected to decline by 86 percent or 1.4 metric tons, and nitrogen oxides by 6 percent or approximately 0.15 metric tons.

Norfolk-based Maersk Line Limited will have 18 ships participating in the program. As the owner and operator of U.S. flag vessels within the Maersk Group, Maersk Line Limited will account for 53 percent of the port calls.

“Maersk Line is committed to leadership in environmental performance,” said Al Gebhardt, head of Maersk Line’s North American liner operations. “We are very excited about the positive impact of this program, and appreciate the partnership with the Virginia Port Authority and others who made it possible.”

The European rail sector fully supports the vision of a competitive and resource-efficient transport system outlined in the document, in particular the targets for the de-carbonization of the transport sector and the establishment of a single European transport area. However, the associations warn that the focus must now be on how to implement the proposed measures if this vision is to become a reality in the next decade.

CER, EIM and UNIFE welcomed in particular the strong references to rail taking a greater share in traffic for both freight and passenger transport, as well as the specific targets set by the Commission: notably, 30 percent of road freight over 300km should shift to rail or waterways by 2030, and 50 percent by 2050.

The associations support proposals to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) from transport by at least 60 percent by 2050 compared to their 1990 levels. The European rail sector also applauds the Commission’s aspiration for a structural change to reduce oil dependency in the sector, as well as moving towards the implementation of the ‘polluter pays’ principle, a policy commitment that CER, EIM and UNIFE have long been advocating.

The rail sector was also pleased to see a strong commitment to creating a true internal market for rail services. A more consistent and coherent approach to multimodal freight corridors, the completion of a fully functional TEN-T network, and the creation of a European high-speed rail network are key measures to achieve an open, efficient and customer-orientated European rail network. The rail associations also welcomed the intention to reinforce the role of the European Railway Agency.

However, CER, EIM and UNIFE warn against the possible risk of over-reliance on technological improvement to meet the sector’s new GHG reduction targets. The recent ‘EU Transport GHG: Routes to 2050?’ study, undertaken by the consultants CE Delft for the Commission, concluded that relying on technical improvements is not sufficient to reach the levels of reductions needed.

Johannes Ludewig, CER Executive Director commented, “The Commission’s Transport White Paper is definitely going in the right direction.”

Hendrik Abma, EIM’s Executive Director said, “EIM supports the Commission’s vision towards the harmonization of the existing European corridors, such as TEN-T and freight corridors. Therefore, European Rail Infrastructure Managers are committed to cooperate with the Commission to promote an efficient and customer oriented approach to rail corridors.”

Michael Clausecker, UNIFE Director-General said, “We applaud the ambitious goal setting in this White Paper and believe that rail transport will play a central role in the creation of a Single European Transport Area.”

The freight railroads also expect to hire more than 15,000 employees this year, replacing retiring workers and adding new positions nationwide.

“Unlike trucks, barges or airlines, America’s freight railroads operate on infrastructure they own, build and maintain themselves so taxpayers don’t have to. And this year they are investing at a record rate to meet the demands of the recovering economy,” said Edward R. Hamberger, AAR President and CEO. “These investments help businesses get their goods to market more efficiently and affordably, so they too can innovate, invest and hire. That’s how freight rail spurs the American economy and supports jobs all across the country.”

In recent years, railroads have been spending roughly 17 percent of their annual revenue on capital expenditures, compared to the average U.S. manufacturer that spends roughly three percent of revenue on capital expenditures.

Due to the growing demand for contract logistics services, the existing warehouse that opened in July 2007 had reached its capacity limits. The new facility is located close to the centre of Shanghai directly on the G2 Beijing-Shanghai expressway and the G 1501 Shanghai ringroad, giving speedy access to the Greater Shanghai administrative area.

The new warehouse provides space for up to 16,000 pallets in an area of 10,000 square metres. “China is and will continue to be a key bridgehead for the expansion of our intercontinental network,” says Thomas Reuter, managing director of Dachser Air and Sea Logistics.

Established Technology
The new warehouse is managed with the help of Dachser’s proprietary warehouse management system, Mikado. The operational and administrative warehouse management software has been long established in Europe and for the past five years has also been used very successfully in China.

Additionally, the warehouse is equipped to a high standard with modern shelving systems that fully comply with all fire prevention requirements. Access controls, video surveillance and a round-the-clock security service ensure the necessary security on the 20,000-square-metre site. Covered and lowerable loading ramps permit safe and easy goods handling.

The cooperation between Shell and ORTEC focuses on the optimization of supply chain processes and strategic decision making in up- and downstream engineering disciplines like planning and scheduling, gas field production capacity optimization, spare parts management, and cost estimating. Shell and ORTEC have already been working together in a successful way for more than 25 years.

“The signing of the contract symbolizes the continuation of the long-lasting relation between Shell and ORTEC. Increasing global energy demand accelerates the pace of change in the oil and gas industry. Making the right decisions fast and accurate becomes evidently more important to retain a leading position in the industry.” says Lambert van der Bruggen, CEO ORTEC Consulting Group.

Paulus Steenkamp, Vice President Manufacturing, Production and Engineering Software, Shell Global Solutions International B.V., adds: “In Shell’s drive to help secure a responsible energy future, ORTEC, with their high quality software development and technical consultancy services supports us in underpinning Shell’s strategic objective to deliver leading technology solutions.”

The commercial service centre purchased the aligner from Haweka, UK’s main supplier of commercial wheel alignment and wheel balancing accessories, after seeing a demonstration of the equipment in their workshop.

The Axis4000 is the top-of-the-range wheel alignment system which enables real-time, highly accurate and fast measurements to be made.  Almost all types of commercial vehicles, including small vans, can be measured by the aligner.

Dave Williams, Group Fleet Manager at t.I.M said, “We had been looking at alignment equipment for a while before Haweka contacted us about the Axis4000. The main reason for purchasing the Axis4000 is that all the relevant vehicle data can be quickly inputted and displayed, enabling fast adjustments when undertaking servicing and PDI work. The aligner is being used about 3 times a week and is easy to operate.  The equipment has been a very worth while investment for t.I.M’s.”

When a vehicle’s axles are correctly aligned, tyre life is extended, fuel consumption is improved (just one degree of misalignment can increase fuel consumption by 5 percent). Emissions are also reduced, there is less wear and tear on mechanical components and tyres are less likely to overheat.

For fleet managers and independent owner-operators everywhere, effectively managing fuel costs will be critical to profitability in 2012. Luckily, companies have a few options on the table to help coping with the rise in fuel prices. Here are three strategies that companies can use to minimize the impact of high fuel prices on their bottom line.

Improve Fuel Purchasing - In addition to the price of oil rising, the market has also become increasingly volatile. Swing five cents per gallon on a given day are fairly common. When buying thousands of gallons of gas, winding up on the wrong side of a purchasing decision can quickly bleed money from the bottom line. Building some predictability into fuel procurement can help fleets make smarter buying decisions. There are some automated solutions, such as FuelQuest, that can help companies forecast demand, monitor on-hand fuel, and procure at the best market price. These solutions can help companies avoid buying at the wrong time and they usually save four to six cents per gallon on fuel purchases.

Better Manage Your Fleet - While there are some very impressive new technologies (e.g. eco-friendly engines and aerodynamic trailers) on the market, these can be pricey investments. Where companies get a far better bang for their buck is in smaller operational changes. For instance, employing highly-skilled drivers that are versed in fuel saving technique such as smooth acceleration and momentum control can save anywhere from five to 20 percent in fuel efficiency. Another boon is keeping tire pressures at proper inflation levels as a three percent variance in air pressure impacts fuel efficiency by one percent. These are just a couple of ideas.

Plan Routes More Intelligently - A final way to save on fuel costs is to better plan the way that shipments are delivered. This boils down to delivering along more efficient manner routes as well as shipping loads more efficiently. There are a variety of route planning technologies available in transportation management systems. One of my favorite examples of how effective route planning technologies can be is how UPS saved on fuel costs by minimizing the number of left-hand turns drivers make. While this was just a minor change in the way UPS delivered their packages, it ultimately wound up saving them more than 10 million gallons of gas.

By–

Derek Singleton
ERP Analyst
Software Advice

derek@softwareadvice.com

The original post can be viewed at: Three Strategies for Reducing Fuel Costs in 2012.

Conceived by Hellmann UK’s Groupage planning team, who worked closely with the IT development team, the most effective synergies used within a shipment’s lifetime have been obtained. This has helped to improve cost control without increasing shipment times or affecting service levels for customers in any way. The benefits of the trailer planning tool will cement Hellmann UK’s number one position within the System Alliance partner structure for the UK area

The ambition of Hellmann is to drive quality higher within the UK business based on the System Alliance Europe (SAE) standard and thus obtain a top 5 position in Europe by 2013

Matthew Marriott, Commercial Director of Hellmann Worldwide Logistics UK, said of the new tool: “Led by our Operations Manager Mark Danson, our Groupage planning team has worked exceptionally hard to design a solution to improve our already strong process systems. The new tool will strengthen shipment control, most notably exports, while improving efficiencies in terms of cost and time, which is beneficial for both our customers and Hellmann as an organization.”

India Maritime Week, co-organized by the Ministry of Shipping, Govt. of India is an initiative on positioning and showcasing India as a Global Maritime Nation. It brings both international and Indian maritime community together to reflect the vibrancy and diversity of India as a major maritime destination.

The award instituted by Gateway Media, promotes to showcase outstanding achievements and exceptional accomplishments of individuals and organizations in the Indian maritime Industry. The awards today have become a benchmark in the Indian maritime Industry.

GRK Reddy, widely acknowledged as a visionary and thought leader in infrastructure space wants to masterplan the social fabric by designing new products for life & future generations has won several accolades across the country.”Special Jury Award” at the Gateway Awards of Excellence: Ports & Shipping ‘ 2012 is in recognition of his visionary role displayed in building state-of-the-art MARG Karaikal Port facility and connectivity infrastructure from scratch. The award recognizes his sustained efforts in furthering port-led development in the Karaikal region.

Expressing his happiness over receipt of award, GRK Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director, MARG Groupsaid, “Over the past 20 years, MARG Group has a built a reputation of reliability and quality in the infrastructure space across the country. Despite a challenging and competitive market place, we have remained committed to creating inclusive and sustainable infrastructure projects such as the MARG Karaikal Port that are critical to the Indian economy and benefit society as a whole.”

“Extending our presence within Germany is a logical next step for us,” explained Penske Logistics Europe’s managing director Brian Ruprich.

“It supports our growing activity in Europe,” he continued. “Being in the heart of the market, and by investing in a larger team, we will be better able to serve our existing European customers and to connect with German decision-makers when selecting the advanced supply chain and logistics services Penske delivers around the globe.”

Penske Logistics Europe provides transportation management, distribution center management and lead logistics services to leading companies in the automotive, healthcare, manufacturing, and chemical sectors. The European headquarters of Penske Logistics remains in Roosendaal, The Netherlands.

Ron “Big Dog” Sowder (the nickname comes from being the company’s longest-tenured safe driver) began his UPS career 50 years ago as a package car driver, delivering to businesses and private residences.

In 1976, he shifted to driving tractor-trailers on the open road and has served as a UPS feeder driver ever since. Currently, Sowder transports packages five days a week, making a 306-mile round trip between the distribution center here and the UPS Worldport global air hub in Louisville, Ky.

Whether driving package cars or tractor trailers, the one constant with Sowder has been safety. More than 5,200 active UPS drivers currently are members of the “Circle of Honor” – meaning they’ve gone at least 25 years without an accident – but until yesterday, no driver in the company’s history had ever hit the 50-year mark.

A native of Springboro, Ohio, Sowder figures during the course of his career he’s driven more than 4 million miles; transported more than 35 million packages, and climbed into a UPS truck more than 12,000 times.

“Ron continues to set and reset the gold standard for our drivers,” said Myron Gray, UPS’s president of U.S. operations. ”He is an asset to UPS, a great example for all our drivers and a leader within his peer group of Circle of Honor members.  It’s operators like Ron who help ensure UPS is able to keep its promises to its customers.”

“A lot’s changed in 50 years,” said Sowder. “When I started driving for UPS, folks in cars did a better job of keeping their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road. Now it seems like anything goes – texting, putting on makeup. I’ve even seen folks reading books behind the wheel. The need for defensive driving, getting the big picture, leaving a space cushion, those are more important than ever.”

To help UPS drivers one day match or exceed Sowder’s historic mark, all drivers are taught safe driving methods beginning on the first day of classroom training, including the company’s comprehensive safety course, “Space and Visibility.” The training continues throughout their careers.

In Ms. Karpick’s new role, she will be responsible for establishing all aspects of the investor outreach program for Echo, while engaging the investment community with information about the firm’s financial accomplishments and growth initiatives.

“We are pleased to have Suzanne join our executive team,” said David Menzel, Chief Financial Officer of Echo Global Logistics. “Suzanne has the necessary buy-side and financial markets expertise to advance our dialogue with institutional investors.”

Ms. Karpick previously held the post of Vice President, Client Relations and New Business at Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co., in Chicago, IL, where she managed the client relations platform of the $8.2 billion firm. Prior to Duff & Phelps, Ms. Karpick was Vice President, Investor Relations for Los Angeles-based Macerich, a $7.2 billion real estate investment trust. She holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a BS degree in Finance from Boston College.

Forth Ports has been a one third shareholder in TCS since 1998 along with partners DP World and ABP. TCS is located on the River Thames within the Port of Tilbury, which is wholly owned by Forth Ports. TCS currently handles approximately 320,000 container boxes per annum and has a significant trading position with the North/South reefer (refrigerated container) trades, primarily South America and South Africa with a strong presence in other deep sea trades. The Port of Tilbury also runs a short sea business which provides regular links to Continental Europe and to other UK coastal feeder locations.

Commenting on the acquisition, Charles Hammond, Chief Executive of Forth Ports, said: “This is an important acquisition and a major step forward in our plans to grow and develop our ports business. We believe that stronger links between our container and distribution customers will provide benefits in the supply chain through our London Distribution Park and further underpins our portcentric strategy.

With 100% ownership of TCS we plan to combine our existing Short Sea container terminal at Tilbury with TCS and create a brand new container business which will handle close to half a million containers.”

Peter Jones, Chief Executive of ABP said: “The TCS facility lies within the Forth Ports freehold at Tilbury, and it makes absolute sense for this business to be consolidated with Forth’s other container activity. Much as we have enjoyed our involvement at TCS, ABP’s focus is now on investment within the 21 ports we own, principally as landlord but also as operator where this will deliver stronger growth in key trades.”

The leasing agreement marks the first collaboration of the customer and GLP in China. GLP Park Suzhou Industrial (Genway) is strategically positioned near the customer’s production facilities in Suzhou Industrial Park (“SIP”) and also acts as its regional distribution centre given the centrally located location in the Yangtze River Delta region.

This strategic location enables the customer to fulfill the growing needs generated by the domestic consumer market. This state of the art facility serves as a transfer centre among the customer’s factories in SIP and other regional distribution centres in Shanghai and Beijing. In addition, the customer has expressed interest in further expanding in GLP Park Suzhou Industrial (Genway) when construction of additional facilities is completed in mid 2012.

Kent Yang, Managing Director of GLP China said: “We continue to see increasing demand for modern logistics and industrial facilities from customers across China. GLP is committed to providing customers with integral value-added logistics solutions and helping them improve supply chain efficiency. GLP will continue to work closely with an increasing number of partners to grow together as their businesses grow across China.”

Strategically located at the centre of SIP, GLP Park Suzhou Industrial (Genway) provides high-quality standard industrial space and Built-To-Suit factory space. It is jointly developed by GLP and Genway Group. GLP Park Suzhou Industrial (Genway) can be accessed within one hour from Shanghai by expressway linked with Shanghai’s transportation hubs and airport. The park provides manufacturing and logistics platform for over 70 MNCs, including Black & Decker, Samsung, Yamaha, Panasonic, Schneider and many others. As of 31 December 2011, the 702,954 square meter park was 92 percent leased.

To better serve customers shipping to Puerto Rico from the U.S. Gulf, Crowley Maritime Corp. will launch a new weekly express less-than-container load (LCL) service from Houston in early February that will get shippers’ cargo to Puerto Rico in only 11 days.

Additionally, any cargo needing to be shipped into the Caribbean from Puerto Rico can be relayed to surrounding islands – including Antigua, St. Kitts/Nevis, Anguilla, St. Eustatius, St. Bart’s, Montserrat and Saba – via fast and reliable Crowley vessels.

Once cargo arrives in Puerto Rico, Crowley’s experienced logistics professionals can provide door deliveries from its state-of-the-art warehouse using the company’s dedicated island trucking services. Customers will also be able to take advantage of additional logistics services, including customs brokerage, warehousing and distribution, cross docking, pick-and-pack, air-freight consolidations, on-island residential deliveries, cargo insurance services and more.

“To make this unique weekly service possible, Crowley’s logistics team has teamed up with Crowley subsidiary Jarvis International Freight,” said Crowley’s Ken Black, director of logistics and engineering. “Together we are pleased to offer the fastest services between Houston and Puerto Rico, under the Crowley name, which customers have come to know and trust for reliability and service excellence.”

Jarvis is a Houston-based international freight management and logistics company.

The new express LCL service from the U.S. Gulf Coast to Puerto Rico is complemented by Crowley’s traditional full-container load (FCL) vessel service with regular sailings to San Juan from the Northeast, from its Pennsauken, N.J., terminal, as well as from the Southeast, from its Jacksonville, Fla., terminal.

“The addition of this service from the Gulf region is yet another extension of Crowley’s commitment to providing total cargo and supply chain solutions to Puerto Rico,” said Steve Collar, Crowley senior vice president and general manager, logistics. “Now with LCL shipments from the Gulf, Crowley is serving Puerto Rico shippers from three strategic U.S. locations.”

SGS OMNIS is designed to deliver state-of-the art technology but implemented in a way that is easily usable by our customers and packaged with full support service to ensure the end-user does not have to worry about the underlying technology. SGS OMNIS is designed to operate reliably in harsh environments where means of communication are not always optimal.

SGS OMNIS is delivered using the Savi Mobile Tracking System as the technology “engine” behind the solution. Savi Mobile Tracking System combines, purpose-built, real-time mobile technology, and brand new integrated software. Read more about “Savi Technology Launches The Savi Mobile Tracking System”.

The SGS global reach and its many years experience in providing trade facilitation solution combined with the Savi’s 20-plus years of experience in consignment and asset tracking will deliver a unique service.

William Clark, President and CEO of Savi Technology said “The alliance and global capabilities of SGS enable us to deliver the full power of the new Savi Mobile Tracking System. This state-of-the-art application follows years of investment in supply chain and asset management software.  Countries and organizations around the globe will be able to better manage their complex supply chains. The practical value of reducing risk, cost and uncertainty provide real, hard-dollar savings. Even greater is the peace of mind that SGS OMNIS™ can provide.”

“The introduction of the Boeing 747-8F represents a huge commitment to our customers since we are investing in state of the art equipment to further expand our network,” said Tatyana Arslanova, executive president of AirBridgeCargo Airlines. “We have a firm belief that our established and new customers will greatly benefit from the additional features the airplane will provide such as enhanced payload. With the introduction of the Boeing 747-8F, we’ll have the youngest freighter fleet in the industry while maintaining the highest standards of environmental compliance.”

The new 747-8 Freighter is 250 feet, 2 inches (76.3 m) long, which is 18 feet and 4 inches (5.6 m) longer than its predecessor, the 747-400 Freighter. The stretch provides customers with 16 percent more revenue cargo volume, which translates to four additional main-deck pallets and three additional lower-hold pallets. The 747-8 Freighters are powered with GE’s GEnx-2B engines.

The addition of the 747-8 to ABC’s fleet is an important step in its long-term business strategy. In addition to the five 747-8 Freighters it has on order, AirBridge Cargo has options for an additional five more airplanes.

Bahrain has one of the fastest growing economies in the Arab World. Located in the center of the Gulf, Bahrain is the access gate to the large economies of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

The Bahrain International Airport is listed amongst the Top Ten of the Middle East Airports. Its average cargo volume per month is about 23,200 tonnes. With the long expected Bahrain Cargo Oasis the airport’s cargo capacity should be strengthened up to one million tonnes. Furthermore, Bahrain offers the Mina Salman Port which is named as the main port. It offers 15 berths, two of them are container berths. In April 2009 the new Khalifa Bin Salman Port opened which was conceptualized for future expansion with a total size of 110 hectares.

The Bahrain Logistics Zone (BLZ) is the first multi-modal logistics hub in the Middle East. It is built to be one of the largest shipping and transport hubs in the region which benefits from the proximity between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Bahrain profits as well from excellent transport routes in the region with easy access to Gulf markets, especially Saudi Arabia and in 2013, the Bahrain-Qatar Friendship Causeway will provide fast and direct access to Qatar.

Stefan Krauter, CEO, the cargo-partner group notes: “Bahrain and its Manama airport are of greatest importance for transit cargo to the richest part of Saudi Arabia (Jeddah, Dhahran, Al-Khobar).”

A new automated system will allow crews to move trains onto separate tracks without leaving their locomotive cabs to manually align track switches. Union Pacific will also add a section of track that connects the rail line from Brazos Street to Cumberland Boulevard.

The project includes the installation of 2,350 feet of rail, 1,000 railroad ties and four track switches. More than a thousand tons of rock ballast will be used to help provide a more stable roadbed. In addition, crews will renew the South Brazos Street and Pendleton Avenue grade crossings. The work is scheduled to be completed by July of 2012.

“I am pleased to see Union Pacific make this significant investment to enhance its operations in San Antonio,” said District 5 Council Member David Medina. “These improvements will help decrease wait times for drivers and benefit the entire community.”

Union Pacific plans to invest $3.6 billion in capital during 2012, which supports America’s current and future freight transportation needs and enhances the safety and efficiency of the railroad’s 32,000-mile network.

The Bloomberg BusinessWeek 50 evaluates companies on their one-year and five-year risk-adjusted returns, consensus analyst recommendations, and projected earnings growth. Companies are ranked against other members of the S&P 500 stock index on each of those four factors.

“Our employees focus on safety, service and efficiency, along with our record levels of capital investment, are creating excellent value for our customers, increasing profitability for Union Pacific and generating greater rewards for our shareholders,” said Jim Young, Union Pacific chairman and chief executive officer. “As we celebrate 150 years of Union Pacific, we continuously strive to work safely, develop innovative freight transportation solutions for our customers, and deliver strong returns to our shareholders.”

The new service, launched by Old Dominion Freight Line, is a cost-effective alternative to traditional and do-it-yourself moving services, as consumers only pay for the truck space that they use.

“We understand it’s not just someone’s belongings in the back of a truck- it’s their life,” said Marty Freeman, senior vice president of sales and national accounts at Old Dominion Freight Line. “Our company’s more than 75 years of shipping expertise and solid track record as a leader in the transportation industry makes OD Household Services the perfect moving partner.”

With OD Household Services, Old Dominion delivers the trailer, allowing consumers to pack and load their own belongings. Old Dominion then picks up the trailer and delivers it to the consumer’s new address-whether across town or cross-country.

Furthering Cargotec’s reputation for specialist RoRo expertise, the company has secured a contract to supply and install MacGregor RoRo equipment for two Mistral-class naval ships. The order is booked during the fourth quarter of 2011.

Cargotec signed the contract with STX France, which will undertake the construction of the ships at its Saint-Nazaire shipyard under a subcontract with fellow French yard, DCNS. The 199m multi-role vessels were co-designed by DCNS and STX.

Cargotec’s delivery will include the design, hardware and installation of MacGregor RoRo equipment. The first ship will be delivered in 2014 and the second will be delivered in 2015.

MacGregor RoRo equipment for each of the two vessels includes:

• Stern ramp/door
• Side ramp/door
• Shell door
• Hangar door
• Two lifting platforms
• Two bulkhead doors
• Two power packs

Cargotec has previously delivered similar MacGregor RoRo access equipment to three Mistral-type vessels. Mistral and Tonnerre, the first two, were built by DCNS and STX France and delivered  in 2006 and 2007 respectively and the third vessel,Dixmude, delivered in early 2012.

Eric Staal, general manager sales and development at P&O Ferrymasters, comments: “This is an important long-term renewal that rewards ongoing performance and consolidates our position as one of Tate & Lyle’s key logistics providers.”

The SVS shares the same temperature management and data recording features of the CSafe AcuTemp RKN, but in a size that reduces the footprint of shipping less than full pallet loads.

“We’ve had ongoing conversations with top life science manufacturers and in response to their input, are delighted to introduce the CSafe AcuTemp SVS,” stated Brian Kohr, President of CSafe LLC.  ”The design and size of the SVS allows for more options and flexibility of flight schedules and can ship on wide body aircraft as part of a combined airline palletized load.  The thermal design and refrigeration technology maintains temperature-sensitive products at the right temperature during storage and transport.”

The CSafe AcuTemp SVS is easy to use without conditioning of gel packs or PCM’s and does not require dry ice.  The SVS is equipped with a display window for continuous performance tracking, advanced data logging, and data download via USB for verification of temperature performance.  Complete with integral tie-down strap guides for security during transport, the SVS can be moved via pallet truck or fork lift truck with accessibility from all four sides of the uniquely designed pallet.

Global logistics provider Suttons has secured a contract with Air Liquide UK Limited, a subsidiary of the Air Liquide Group, a world leading supplier of gases for industry, health and the environment.

Suttons has extensive experience in safely and successfully transporting gases by road and this major contract confirms Suttons as one of the leading providers of bulk gases distribution services.

The contract with Suttons is for the provision of bulk gases logistics from Air Liquide UK’s key operational sites, to their national customer base.

Andrew Palmer, Group Managing Director of Suttons, said, “This is a significant contract win for Suttons and proves we are further enhancing our reputation for providing a safe and effective service. The economic environment remains challenging yet we are continuing to secure new contracts both here and further afield.”

Tony Bonnett, UK Operations Manager for Air Liquide UK said, “We are delighted to be working with Suttons after an extremely tough selection process. Air Liquide UK has stringent contract specification requirements and criteria which have to be met without exception, to ensure we offer safe distribution for all our bulk gases combined with service levels second to none for our customers.”

Honeywell announced on January 24, 2012, that Exapaq, Europe’s leading parcel delivery specialist, has deployed the Dolphin^™ 99EX mobile computer to all 2,100 drivers in its workforce to increase productivity and minimize downtime while on the road. Selected for its superior durability, high-speed wireless capabilities, color imaging and ergonomic design, the Dolphin 99EX mobile computer allows mobile workers to process, track and deliver more parcels in less time.

“Honeywell’s Dolphin 99EX brings together superior ergonomics, durability and according to our testing, the best bar code reading and imaging available in the marketplace,” said Patrick Cavoué, information systems manager, Exapaq.

Exapaq’s new Dolphin 99EX is equipped with advanced 3.9G wireless technology for real-time voice and data communication, keeping workers connected regardless of network carrier or technology, and allowing for faster data acquisition and better tracking while on the road.  In addition, the terminal integrates next generation Adaptus^™ Imaging Technology 6.0, allowing workers to swiftly read and decode linear and 2D bar codes and capture pictures.

Adaptus 6.0 allows workers to accomplish more in less time through its decoding capabilities, enhanced motion tolerance functionalities and ability to read codes in various settings, including direct sunlight, darkness and under fluorescent lights.

Shailesh Deshmukh, Country Manager, Honeywell Scanning And Mobility India says, “For a country like India, the 99EX’s durability which reduces cost associated with device support and service for a lower total cost of ownership is a very attractive USP. The rugged IP67-rated device provides added protection, particularly when exposed to dust, water, or multiple drops to concrete from as high 1.5 meters which is also ideal for top Indian conditions. Further differentiating itself from other devices in the market, the battery life on the 99EX lasts upwards of 16 hours, supporting long shifts and overtime without the need to carry extra batteries or outfit delivery vehicles with chargers.”

The 99EX was ergonomically designed to be held comfortably with one hand, while a customized keypad helps to shorten data input time for the mobile worker.

“Honeywell is dedicated to developing devices that meet the current and prospective technology needs of our customers, and with the deployment of the Dolphin 99EX, Exapaq has a very reliable and productive future ahead of them,” said Eric De Greef, product marketing manager for mobility, Honeywell Scanning And Mobility.

The Driver of the Year winners include solo and team drivers who were named Drivers of the Month in 2011. Award criteria included dedication to safety, professional service and exemplary performance. Con-way Truckload recognized the drivers during an awards ceremony at its Joplin headquarters in early January.

2011 Drivers of the Year:
Company Driver of the Year, Brian Glover of Lincoln, Neb., joined Con-way Truckload in 2003 and has been driving professionally for 18 years.

Stockbridge, Ga., resident William Coffman was named Contractor Driver of the Year. He began driving in 1973, and says it is “just something I have always wanted to do.”

Company Team of the Year includes Lee Chapman of Oceanside, Calif., and Bernard Richter of San Diego, both of whom began driving as a second career.

Allan and Marian Bruton of Tulsa, Okla., are double award recipients, being recognized for Contractor Team of the Year and for the December Contractor Team of the Month. They began their professional truck driving career with Con-way Truckload in 1988 and have driven more than 4.7 million miles collectively.

Each category nominee was recognized and commended, while individual winners were presented with prizes for their achievement: an official Con-way Truckload jacket, a customized award plaque, a personalized Con-way Truckload watch, a cash prize, and an official proclamation from the Missouri State Senate. The Drivers of the Year were also inducted into the Con-way Truckload Hall of Fame.

Also recognized at the awards ceremony were the December Drivers of the Month. Company driver Charles (Chuck) Spitler of Greenville City, Ill., has driven more than 2.3 million miles and has worked as a trainer for the company for 12 years. John Newkirk of Jay, Okla., is December’s Contractor Driver of the Month. Also recognized as Drivers of the Month, contractor team Allan and Marian Bruton are joined by company team drivers Daniel Schreiner of Wildwood, Fla., and Mikel Eirman of Brooksville, Fla., who are December’s Company Team of the Month.

Available for both iPhone and iPad users, the app will allow compliant Load Delivered carrier partners to view and bid on available freight with the push of a button. Carriers will be able to search for shipments by using a variety of criteria, including current location, desired location, radius, date or equipment type. Additionally, users will have the ability to create a favorite list to make searching for repeat lanes convenient, and bids can easily be made from the smartphone device via email or by placing a call.

By providing the right information as quickly as possible, Load Delivered Logistics’ Load Finder will save carriers both time and money. “Load Finder has enabled us to proactively plan our routes with a lot more ease,” says Steve Johnston, a longtime carrier partner of Load Delivered.

“Our carriers talked, and we listened,” says Robert Nathan, CEO at Load Delivered Logistics. “The app was created using their feedback and insight to ensure we were keeping them connected in this ever-changing industry.” Load Delivered has been working hand-in-hand with its carrier network since the company’s inception, and creating the Load Finder app was the next logical step in advanced technology.

The port handled 3.4 million tons of cargo last year – the highest volume since 2008. General cargo volume rose 16 percent as both steel and project cargo posted increased, while bulk cargo increased 33 percent, as more iron ore was handled by Port operations.

“Trade through our port showed strong growth in 2011, which is another indicator of an economic rebound underway in our region,” said Port CEO Will Friedman.

Overall tonnage transiting the St. Lawrence Seaway increased 2.5 percent in 2011. Separately the Port Authority’s Board of Directors agreed to enter into a contract for nearly $3.9 million to construct an on-dock rail loop that will make the Port more competitive.

The Port selected Great Lakes Construction Company, a Cleveland-based company to build the 5,500 feet of additional track. The project is slated to be completed before the end of October, and was made possible by an Ohio Department of Development Logistics and Distribution Stimulus Loan of $3,025,000. The Port will fund the remainder of the project from its capital budget.

The rail loop will connect existing on-dock tracks, giving the two Class I railroads serving the Port access to the entire general cargo facility and providing enhanced opportunities for rail-to-ship and ship-to-rail cargo handling. This expanded rail service will give local companies more efficient and cost-effective shipping options, and better position the port to handle more railcars at one time, increase exports, and reach customers in a broader geographic area.

Cleveland Commercial Railroad Company, LLC will manage the scheduling and operations of the Port’s expanded rail system, and market it to area companies. The board also authorized the Port to enter into a contract for up to $65,000 with Martin Associates to analyze the business case for launching regularly scheduled liner service between Cleveland and ports in Europe, and possibly Canada.

Such service would provide new options for transporting both containerized and non-containerized  cargo, offering Ohio shippers a competitive and reliable alternative to established routings, and advancing the Port’s strategic aim of diversifying its cargo base. Regularly scheduled service could also provide unprecedented opportunities to export goods from Northeast Ohio by ship directly to world markets.

This position was created in response to the concentration and extension of competence between BEUMER and Crisplant. Mossinkoff has managerial responsibility for the further development of the product portfolio and the worldwide acquisition of projects in the CEP, mail-order and retail distribution sectors. With Mossinkoff’s appointment, BEUMER reinforces the development of this business segment to further strengthen its market position.

Mossinkoff previously worked as a sales manager for various global companies. Before joining BEUMER, he was in charge of the international business activities of a direct competitor in the airport sector.

The new guaranteed weekly services all run out of Shanghai (China), separately connecting to Keelung (Taiwan), Manila (Philippines), Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore and Jakarta (Indonesia). The new services meet increased customer demand for reliable LCL solutions on the Intra Asia trade.

The six new guaranteed weekly services have been launched to meet increased customer demand especially in the consumer, high-tech and telecom industry and to strengthen Panalpina’s position as one of the leading LCL service providers on the Intra Asia trade. The services to Bangkok and Singapore have already existed but have now been upgraded to two and three sailings respectively per week.

Reliable And Cost Worthy Option On The Intra Asia Trade
Panalpina’s customers in Asia can utilize these services operated by the in-house carrier Pantainer Express Line to further optimize their supply chains for smaller orders. The LCL solutions represent a reliable and cost worthy option to air freight or Full Container Loads (FCL) on the Intra Asia trade.

The new LCL services are part of Panalpina’s long term strategy to grow business on key Asia trade lanes, especially on the Far East Westbound, Transpacific Eastbound, Intra Asia, Asia to Latin America and Asia to Middle East trade.

Increased Flexibility, Reliability And Improved Supply Chain
Less than Container Load or LCL offers the possibility to consolidate multiple consignments from several customers in one Full Container Load (FCL). The Panalpina LCL product consists of numerous direct LCL services in combination with its global strategic LCL hub network.

Within its multi-customer warehouse located in Subirats, near Barcelona, CEVA will manage Intermas’ inbound logistics, warehousing activities, order preparation and outbound logistics for 2,500 garden products, which will be then distributed to 1,500 stores across Iberia.

Josep Oya, Corporate Director for Organization and Systems, Intermas, said, ” With this contract, we chose to entrust CEVA with the management of our logistics because they can offer us innovative, best–in-class solutions that will respond to our specific needs. We believe in working in close partnership with our suppliers, as it ensures full alignment with our business objectives and is a driver of success for both CEVA and Intermas.”

In order to efficiently manage the customer’s logistics flows, CEVA will also support Intermas using its  LEAN processes, innovative Matrix™ Warehouse Management System (WMS), which allows CEVA to guarantee thorough control and visibility of the customer’s products and inventory.

Antonio Fondevilla, Business Development Director, CEVA in Iberia, said: “The trust Intermas has placed in us by awarding CEVA this contract is the result of many factors: our experience in the Consumer and Retail sector, combined with our commitment to optimizing Intermas’ supply chain and supporting their growth were major contributors to this decision.”

Marco, who was previously Facility Management and Procurement Director for the Southern Europe, Middle East and Africa region, located in Milan, is responsible for managing CEVA’s strategy, operations and business growth in the Iberian market.

Mr. Galbusera has broad experience in the logistics and transportation sector and has worked for CEVA since 2003 when he was Technical Services and Real Estate Director in Southern Europe, Middle East and Africa, gaining additional responsibility for Security in 2004 and Procurement in 2006.

Gianfranco Sgro, President of CEVA, Southern Europe Middle East and Africa, said, “We are delighted to appoint Marco as our new Managing Director in Iberia, as he brings strong leadership that will contribute to the development of our business and team in Spain and Portugal. His professional career, solid experience within the company and deep knowledge of the logistics market will be key to strengthen and grow our business in Iberia and reinforce our market position in the two countries, which represents a strategic opportunity for us.”

Mr. Galbusera has successfully delivered several key projects in the Southern Europe, Middle East and Africa region.

The airline was a launch customer and the launch operator of the A330-200F, having taken delivery of its first aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow in 2010. Today’s order will increase the fleet of the airline’s cargo business, Etihad Crystal Cargo, to four A330-200F freighters.

“We are strongly committed to making our presence felt in the cargo sector with the platform of Abu Dhabi as our hub to connect global trade lanes,” Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. James Hogan, said.

“This repeat order by Etihad underlines the key role the A330-200F is playing alongside larger freighters. The A330-200F enables Etihad to optimize its network by addressing markets which do not make business sense with large freighters,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

The A330-200F, which has just celebrated a successful first year of efficient operation with a high operational reliability topping 99.5%, can carry up to 70 tonnes of payload and offer a range of up to 4,000nm. Nine A330-200F freighters are now flying with four operators in the Middle East, Europe and Asia.

The A330 Family, which spans 200 to 400 seats for the passenger variants, also includes Freighter, VIP, and Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) variants, and has attracted close to 1,200 orders.

First announced in November 2009, the next-generation information service was initially available to customers in the healthcare and life sciences industries. Now it is available to customers in all industries such as aerospace, the arts, financial institutions and more.

SenseAwareSM is a comprehensive tracking service that provides near real-time data about customer shipments and the ability to share that information collaboratively with business partners. A multi-sensor device, deeply integrated with a powerful web-based application, enables customers to stay connected to their shipments.

The SenseAware service can provide:

• The shipment’s current location
• Accurate temperature readings
• When a shipment is opened or if the contents have been exposed to light
• Relative humidity and barometric pressure readings

SenseAware can be easily adopted without infrastructure or large managed-service commitments. The added flexibility of the SenseAware device enables it to be used for single shipments or with large palletized shipments. Customers simply set up a shipment in the SenseAware application and place the activated device in the package before shipping.

Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates, one of the fastest growing international airlines, has bolstered its operations on the booming Africa trade route.

Supporting the thriving trade between Africa and the rest of the world, its weekly cargo capacity into and out of the continent will be over 6000 tonnes after the launch of flights to Lusaka and Harare on February 1, 2012.

The addition of flights to the capitals of Zambia and Zimbabwe comes in less than three months after the launch of a dedicated weekly freighter to Accra and Lome. Emirates SkyCargo presently has a total annual capacity of more than 300,000 tonnes.

The two new gateways mean Emirates SkyCargo can connect businesses in 22 countries across Africa to its network of more than 100 destinations, while also providing increased opportunities for key trading partners such as China and Japan.

“While many regions are experiencing challenging economic conditions, Africa, with a population in excess of one billion and rich in natural resources, is one of the few areas to record growth and the long-term outlook is very positive,” said Ram Menen, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President Cargo.

The Dubai-Lusaka-Harare service will be operated five times a week by an A330-200, providing a total weekly cargo capacity of up to 160 tonnes.

South Africa – with a weekly capacity of more than 1500 tonnes spread across the belly-hold of 84 passenger flights serving Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, as well as two dedicated Johannesburg freighters, is Emirates SkyCargo’s key trading point on the continent.

Dedicated freighters also operate to Eldoret and Lilongwe, while the other points on Emirates SkyCargo’s African network – Abidjan, Addis Ababa, Accra, Cairo, Casablanca, Dakar, Dar el Salaam, Entebbe, Khartoum, Lagos, Luanda, Nairobi, Tripoli, and Tunisia – are served using either the belly-hold of wide-body passenger aircraft, or a combination of the belly-hold and freighters.

Emirates SkyCargo expects to be transporting parts to support the mining and infrastructure sectors as well as of commodities such as garments, computer parts, and pharmaceuticals, from the likes of the Far East, Australasia, the Indian Subcontinent, Middle East, Europe and North America. Fresh flowers, fruit and vegetables will be among the main commodities shipped in the other direction, while trade is also expected to be generated by neighbouring countries.

EK 713 will depart Dubai every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 0925hrs, arriving in Lusaka at 1450hrs. The service will depart Lusaka at 1620hrs, arriving in Harare at 1720. The return flight leaves Harare at 1920, arriving Lusaka at 2020. It departs Lusaka at 2150 and lands in Dubai at 0710hrs the next day.