TRANSPORT & LOGISTIC NEWS * WORLDWIDE

Briefing Weekly News

Week: 8 June 2011

(Video from YouTube, by Paulo13302 -5 June 2011: Big Planes TAKE-OFFs. Flight Simulator 2011)

* News from DHL

- All DHL Express' major facilities in the US are now TAPA-certified; and DHL has launched new direct flights between the US and the Middle East & Asia. Read full news here

* TNT launches India – Europe dedicated freighter service

- TNT Express has launched a dedicated B767 freighter service between New Delhi and TNT's European air hub in Belgium. Read full news here

* UPS expands Latin American air network capacity

- In response to the solid growth in Latin American economies, UPS has significantly expanded the capacity of its express air network throughout the region. Read full news here

* Strategic Airlines awards contract to Virgin Atlantic Cargo

- Virgin Atlantic Cargo has been awarded a freight outsourcing contract by Brisbane-based Strategic Airlines. Read full news here

* Agility signs MOU with Schmidt Heilbronn

- Agility has signed a memorandum of understanding with Schmidt Heilbronn, formalising a long-term collaboration with the European dry bulk chemicals logistics provider. Read full news here

* Safmarine launches new iPhone app

- Safmarine has added another e-product to its range of e-Business accessories with the launch of its application for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch devices. Read full news here

* Geodis Wilson acquires One Source Logistics

- Geodis Wilson has strengthened its position in the US market with the acquisition of domestic transportation specialist, One Source Logistics. Read full news here

* DHL launches disaster prevention at Bangladesh airports

- Deutsche Post DHL will conduct its "Get Airports Ready for Disaster" (GARD) training at the Dhaka and Chittagong airports in Bangladesh in June, preparing both airports and personnel for post-disaster logistics situations. Read full news here

* Maersk Line CEO calls for industry change

- Maersk Line CEO Eivind Kolding believes that if container shipping is to secure its licence to operate in the future, the industry needs to change now. Read full news here

* Cargotec discusses its Port 2060 project

- More than fifty years after the start of containerisation, Cargotec has envisaged the way the port of the future might look against a possible backdrop of game-change technology and innovation. Read full news here

* EVA Airways to pay $13m in US DOJ Antitrust case

- Taiwan-based EVA Airways has agreed to plead guilty and to pay a $13.2 million criminal fine for its role in a conspiracy to fix prices in the air cargo industry. Read full news here

* China Southern orders six B777 Freighters

- China Southern Airlines has entered into an agreement with Boeing to purchase six Boeing B777F aircraft. Read full news here

* GSC Logistics acquires Best Way Trucking

- California-based GSC Logistics has expanded its presence into the Pacific Northwest with the acquisition of Seattle-based Best Way Trucking, effective June 1st. Read full news here

* A320/A321 P2F conversion development program ends

- The strong demand for used Airbus A320 aircraft has inspired a joint decision to stop the A320/A321 Passenger to Freighter (P2F) conversion program. Read full news here

* Korean Air launches Miami – Uzbekistan freighter service

- Korean Air has begun scheduled freighter service with a B747-400F aircraft connecting Miami International and New York JFK to Brussels (Belgium) and Navoi (Uzbekistan). Read full news here

* IATA urges South Africa to revise its air transport policies

- With South Africa having joined the BRICS nations and now playing a key role in linking Africa to these other fast growing economies, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged the South African government to use joined-up policy thinking and take key measures to boost its air transport sector. Read full news here

* JAL and American Airlines strengthen cargo relationship

- Japan Airlines (JAL) and American Airlines (American) have embarked on a closer cooperation aimed at strengthening international cargo operations for both airlines. Read full news here

* ODFL expands Pacific Promise service to Taiwan

- To meet increasing shipping demand from Asia, Old Dominion Freight Line has expanded its Pacific PromiseTM LCL service to Taiwan's three main ports: Taichung, Keelung and Kaohsiung. Read full news here

* IATA supports third runway at HKIA

- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reiterated its support for the construction of a third runway at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), as the Hong Kong Airport Authority (HKAA) opened public consultations on the project. Read full news here

* Deutsche Bahn and RZD consider Russian JV

- DB Schenker Rail and the RZD subsidiary TransContainer have reaffirmed their intention to investigate the feasibility of setting up a joint venture to provide logistics services in Russia, with a focus on the automotive sector. Read full news here

* Recently awarded / expanded contracts

- Damaris appoints Menlo Worldwide Logistics to handle global distribution; the Highways Agency expands its contract with Norbert Dentressangle. Read full news here

* Rickmers-Linie upgrades Indian service

- Rickmers-Linie is upgrading its Indian service with the addition of four new vessels. Read full news here

* New facilities for Cargotec, CEVA and GAC

- Cargotec will establish a global competence centre in Singapore; CEVA has opened a new Freight Management office in Finland; GAC opens new office in Trinidad & Tobago. Read full news here

* VPs of hi-tech supply chains to meet at Singapore Summit

- Vice presidents and senior directors of Supply Chain from leading hi-tech & electronics manufacturers and retailers will gather in Singapore in September to discuss supply chain issues in Asia-Pacific. Read full news here

* eyefortransport reveals 3PL Awards shortlist

- The shortlist for this year's eyefortransport 3PL awards has been announced after months of customer voting. The top three companies in each of nine categories now enter a final round of voting, before the winners are announced. Read full news here

* ICTSI makes cash offer for Portek

- ICTSI Far East has announced a voluntary conditional cash offer for all issued and paid-up ordinary shares in Portek International, other than those already owned, controlled or agreed to be acquired by ICTSI. Read full news here

* NFI acquires Gilbert Company’s west coast operation

- New Jersey-based NFI has acquired the West Coast operation of The Gilbert Company - a subsidiary of Maersk. Read full news here

* FedEx offers international direct service to Colombia

- In response to market demands from the fast-growing economy in Colombia, FedEx Express now international direct service throughout the country. Read full news here

Briefing Weekly News 

Week: 1st June 2011

(Photo from 2.bp.blogspot: CMA CGM TITAN. The CMA CGM Group, the world's third largest container)

* Toll to acquire Tianjin Anda Logistics

- Toll Group has agreed to acquire 40% of Tianjin Anda Logistics, one of the largest 3PLs in China's rapidly expanding automotive market. Read full news here

* DB Schenker forms alliance with NICTA

- NICTA, Australia's ICT Research Centre of Excellence, has teamed up with DB Schenker to tackle the task of improving productivity in the transport and logistics sector. Read full news here

* DHL invests in global connections

- DHL Express is expanding its global capabilities and improving customer service through a significant investment in its infrastructure and its people. Read full news here

* Recently awarded / extended contracts

- Colomer appoints Kuehne + Nagel as logistics partner for warehousing & distribution; Kuehne + Nagel manages a new temperature-controlled warehouse in Singapore for Danisco; Philips extends its logistics agreement with DHL; Groupe CAT signs a three-year contract with Aixam Mega; CeBIT Australia appoints DB Schenker as official logistics provider; Weber Logistics signs multi-year contract with Topco. Read full news here

* DSV acquires Wasa Logistics

- DSV has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in Wasa Logistics. Read full news here

* STI releases iPhone app

- Specialized Transportation Inc. (STI) has released a free iPhone application to enable customers to access shipment status. Read full news here

* Refining fuel distribution

- Outsourcing to capable local logistics managers is reducing risk and increasing returns for oil companies. Read full news here

* APL cold-irons ships in Oakland

- Singapore-based APL has become the first container shipping line to shut down a vessel's engines to eliminate exhaust emissions at the Port of Oakland. Read full news here

* DB Schenker operates first freight train over High Speed 1

- The introduction of regular European-sized freight trains on High Speed 1 has taken a significant step forward with the successful operation by DB Schenker Rail of the first freight train on the route on Friday May 27th. Read full news here

* MUA cancels proposed strikes

- Australian stevedoring company Patrick has announced the last minute decision by the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) to lift its industrial action at Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle container terminals. Read full news here

* Maersk announces new and upgraded services

- Maersk Line has announced a new service to Papua New Guinea, and upgrades to its Far East - East Coast South America service. Read full news here

* UPS leverages new hub to enhance service in Asia

- One year after opening an ultra-modern air hub in Shenzhen, UPS has announced the completion of a series of air lane enhancements that have dramatically improved service for customers throughout Asia. Read full news here

* BAE Systems sells aircraft fleet and asset management business

- BAE Systems has agreed to sell its commercial aircraft lease portfolio and Asset Management business to investment affiliates of Fortress Investment Group for $187 million in cash, subject to certain post-completion adjustments. Read full news here

* PSP, Pindar and GAC form T&L alliance

- PSP, Pindar and GAC have joined forces to provide a transportation and logistics service for sail racing teams and individuals around the world.Read full news here

* Swiss WorldCargo adds four new destinations this summer

- A capacity agreement with Edelweiss Air has enabled Swiss WorldCargo to expand its network in the summer flight schedule. Read full news here

* Lufthansa Cargo opens pharma hub in Hyderabad

- Lufthansa Cargo's pharma hub for temperature-sensitive airfreight has officially gone into operation at Hyderabad Airport in India. Read full news here

* SAGE slams “archaic” control of international trade

- According to a group of industry representatives, current customs and trade compliance requirements are holding back international commerce and putting huge strains on the national authorities controlling them. Read full news here

* CMA CGM christens eighth giant ship

- CMA CGM christened the 11,400 TEU CMA CGM Titan at the Dunkirk Terminal on Tuesday. Read full news here

TRANSPORT & LOGISTIC NEWS * WORLDWIDE

Briefing Weekly News

(Image from resources0.news.com.au: Grimsvotn)

* UPS forms green alliance with Live Nation Entertainment

- UPS and Live Nation Entertainment, which includes Ticketmaster, have formed a multi-year sponsorship alliance aimed at helping recording artists committed to reducing the environmental impact of their concert tours. Read full news here

* Sinotrans to acquire 35.3% of InterBulk

- Sinotrans HKL has conditionally agreed to subscribe for 165 million Placing Shares of InterBulk at a total cost of approximately £18.15 million. Read full news here

* Continental Tyre selects Kuehne + Nagel in South Africa

- Kuehne + Nagel has taken over the management of the plant warehouse operation for Continental Tyre SA at its production premises in Port Elizabeth. Read full news here

* Europe’s response to Grimsvotn

_ The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is encouraged by the improved coordination of European authorities thus far in managing its airspace in light of the Grimsvotn volcanic eruption. Read full news here

* Hanjin receives second VLOC

- Hanjin Shipping has received its second Very Large Ore Carrier (VLOC) - the 300,000 ton "Hanjin Brazil". Read full news here

* Unions to demonstrate at DHL’s AGM tomorrow

- Trade union representatives meeting in Frankfurt as part of a mission to hold the big five worldwide logistics companies to account will rally at DHL's annual general meeting in the city tomorrow, 25th May. Read full news here

* GT Nexus sues INTTRA

- GT Nexus has filed a complaint in US District Court in San Jose, California, claiming its rival INTTRA is threatening to sue over alleged infringment of INTTRA patents. Read full news here

* DHL launches Mongolia – China door-to-door service

- DHL has launched a new rail service - the Genghis Khan Connection - a scheduled tri-weekly cross-border rail solution available during the high season from April to October linking Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia by rail to Tianjin, China and out to the rest of the world. Read full news here

* Leisure Cargo awards UK & Ireland contract to WFS

- Leisure Cargo, which provides total cargo management on a worldwide basis for nineteen airlines, has signed a contract with Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) for cargo handling in the UK and Ireland. Read full news here

* Nightfreight expands in South Wales

- Nightfreight has expanded its national network of depots with a new location in Llanelli Gate, South Wales. Read full news here

* Grimsvotn eruption shuts down Iceland’s airspace

- Keflavik International Airport was closed to all air traffic on Sunday following the eruption of the Grimsvotn volcano on Saturday, and a 120-mile radius no-fly zone was imposed. Read full news here

* Nippon Express USA opens Chicago facility

- Nippon Express USA has completed construction of its new Chicago Logistics Centre East (CLC East), which, in combination with the adjacent CLC West, will be run as the Chicago Logistics Centre complex. Read full news here

* Oman Air Cargo launches pan-GCC trucking services

- Oman Air Cargo will begin pan-GCC Custom Bonded Truck services connecting Muscat with Salalah and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries on June 1st. Read full news here

* Maersk launches sustainable container floor

- Maersk Line has announced a new policy to refrain from purchasing containers with floors made of uncertified tropical hardwood. Read full news here

* Lufthansa confirms order for five B777 Freighters

- Lufthansa Cargo has finalised an order for five Boeing 777 Freighters, valued at $1.35 billion based on Boeing list prices. Read full news here

* FedEx launches suite of healthcare solutions in EMEA

- FedEx Express has launched a portfolio of temperature-sensitive solutions for the healthcare industry across Europe, the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa (EMEA). Read full news here

* NOL invests in terminal at Port of Qingdao

- NOL Group has announced a joint venture to operate a two-berth container terminal at the Port of Qingdao. Scheduled to open in the second half of 2011 the terminal will be NOL's first in mainland China. Read full news here

* Wincanton-Dairy Crest partnership set to slash carbon emissions

- A partnership between Wincanton and Dairy Crest is set to deliver carbon emission reductions of up to 1,100 tonnes. Read full news here

* BEARPAW awards contract to Kuehne + Nagel

- Kuehne + Nagel has been awarded a contract to provide integrated logistics services for California-based BEARPAW Footwear - including international transportation, customs brokerage and US distribution operations. Read full news here

* Evergreen orders another ten 8,000 TEU ships

- The Evergreen Group has signed a contract with China Shipbuilding Corp for ten environmentally advanced 8,000-TEU container vessels. Read full news here

* EU Commission investigates container shipping lines

- OOCL has confirmed that the European Commission and UK Office Fair Trading Office carried out an inspection at its UK office on May 17th in an effort to ascertain whether there is any evidence of infringement of European competition law related to liner shipping transport services. Read full news here

* GEFCO acquires 70% stake in Gruppo Mercurio

- Following a memorandum of understanding on April 5th and approval of the relevant competition authorities on May 9th, the GEFCO group has finalised its acquisition of a 70% stake in Gruppo Mercurio. Read full news here

* Safmarine’s Reefer Express returns

- The seasonal SAECS Reefer Express (REX) service, which was first launched three years ago to provide extra capacity during the South African peak fruit season, is back for the 2011 season. Read full news here

* CEVA moves cross-dock operations nearer to Mexican border

- CEVA Logistics has relocated its cross-dock operations to a new facility in Otay Mesa, California, near the Mexican border. Read full news here

* Recently awarded contracts

- Muntons awards five-year contract to DHL; WFS wins new handling contracts in Barcelona and Amsterdam. Read full news here

TRANSPORT & LOGISTIC NEWS * WORLDWIDE

Briefing Weekly News

* Logistics Plus acquires Horizon Logistics

- Logistics Plus has acquired Horizon Logistics, the 3PL subsidiary division of Horizon Lines. Read full news here

* Qantas and Australia Post reconfigure Express JVs

- Australia Post and Qantas have announced a reconfiguration of their joint venture businesses, Australian Air Express and Star Track Express. Read full news here

* Volga-Dnepr approved to handle cargo at Russian airports

- The Federal Air Transport Agency of Russia's Ministry of Transport has awarded a certificate to Volga-Dnepr Airlines to perform its own cargo handling at Russian airports. Read full news here

* Cargo operations continue at Port of New Orleans

- It's business as usual at the Port of New Orleans, with all leased cargo facilities remaining open and continued regular access to waterborne commerce and truck and rail deliveries. Read full news here

* Maasvlakte 2 construction on schedule

- The first forty metres of the new block dam that will protect Maasvlakte 2 from the onslaught of the waves are now in place. Three weeks ago, a special crane - the Blockbuster - started work on this breakwater, which will be built in the sea fifty metres off the coast. Read full news here

* Collaboration creates “carpooling” for pharma freight

- Global healthcare companies UCB and Baxter will bundle their pharmaceutical supply chains in Eastern Europe together with TRI-VIZOR, a spin-off company from the University of Antwerp, creating the world's first example of orchestrated bundling or "carpooling for cargo". Read full news here

* Kuehne + Nagel opens new facility in Esbjerg

- Kuehne + Nagel has opened a new facility in Esbjerg, strengthening its presence in the Danish market and particularly in the oil and gas sector. Read full news here

* FedEx launches enhanced resource for healthcare industry

- FedEx has enhanced its online resources designed specifically for members of the healthcare industry. The website offers a one-stop resource for healthcare customers looking for information covering all their transportation and logistics needs. Read full news here

* New contracts for ECS and WFS

- China's Hainan Airlines awards GSA contract to ECS Group in Switzerland; WFS is awarded Continental Airlines' contract in London, and acquires a lease on another cargo terminal. Read full news here

* Chilltainers and Hellmann launch JV

- Chilltainers Hellmann - a newly established 50:50 joint venture between Chilltainers Holdings and Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, is expected to deliver an unprecedented level of global logistics capability and efficiency to the New Zealand perishables industry. Read full news here

* Qatar Airways Cargo launches dedicated route to Kuwait

- Qatar Airways Cargo has expanded its dedicated freighter routes with new Airbus A300 freighter services to Kuwait. Read full news here

* DHL Inside Track to manage Peugeot’s Fleet Demonstrator program

- Peugeot has awarded a new contract to Inside Track, part of DHL Supply Chain, to manage the vehicle manufacturer's Fleet Demonstrator program. Read full news here

* Weber Logistics expands in northern California

- Weber Logistics has expanded in Stockton, California - the key hub location for Northern California. Read full news here

* APM Terminals wins Callao port concession

- APM Terminals has been selected to run the Terminal Muelle Norte in the port of Callao in Peru. Read full news here

* Olympics will boost night-time deliveries

- Night-time deliveries will form a major part of logistics companies' plans next summer when the Olympics comes to London in July, bringing with it severely restricted goods delivery slots. Read full news here

* Panalpina strengthens airfreight network

- Panalpina has strengthened its own controlled airfreight network with the addition of an exclusive direct cargo flight between Huntsville in Alabama and Hong Kong. Read full news here

* FedEx enhances service in southern Taiwan

- FedEx Express has extended the cut-off time for outbound FedEx International Priority (IP) and FedEx International Economy (IE) shipments from selected cities/districts in southern Taiwan. Read full news here

* DHL reports growth in all divisions

- Deutsche Post DHL has reported improved revenues and profitability in the first quarter of 2011, with group revenues up 6.9% to €12.8 billion. Read full news here

* DHL upgrades European express air fleet

- DHL Express has acquired thirteen Airbus A300-600 passenger aircraft that will be converted to freighter configuration by EADS Elbe Flugzeugwerke in Dresden, Germany. Read full news here

* Air China – Cathay Pacific launch cargo JV

- Air China and Cathay Pacific Airways have consolidated their cargo businesses with the launch of a new joint venture - Air China Cargo. Read full news here

* New / enhanced ocean services

- Advance Container Lines launches new East Mediterranean service; CMA CGM launches new Asia - Indian Ocean Islands - South Africa service, OOCL upgrades Scandinavian Express service; MOL revamps India - Karachi service. Read full news here

* OOCL signs for another four 13,000 TEU ships

- NYK and OOCL have entered into an agreement for the charter of four 13,000 TEU vessels. Read full news here

* CEVA expands agreement with Fiat

- CEVA Logistics has extended its agreement with Fiat Group with a contract extension that includes the supply chain management for all Chrysler Group brands (Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge). Read full news here

* Buss Ports expands

- Buss Ports has announced that terminal operations at its new location in the Netherlands are scheduled to start in July. Read full news here

* World Airways operates B747-400F for Emirates SkyCargo

- Global Aviation Holdings subsidiary, World Airways, now operates a Boeing 747-400 freighter on a full-time basis for Emirates SkyCargo. Read full news here

* time:matters expands in Spain and China

- time:matters expands its network in Spain to include Santiago de Compostela; and strengthens its presence in China. Read full news here

* DHL offers eco-friendly road freight services

- DHL Freight now offers two new environmentally-friendly products, with CO2 emissions reporting for all transport services in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Read full news here

* Recently awarded / extended contracts

- Debenhams extends DHL's contract; Panalpina and TomTom renew airfreight agreement; OAG Cargo appoints new GSA partner in Eastern Europe; Camair awards GSA contract to ECS Group. Read full news here

TRANSPORT & LOGISTIC NEWS * WORLDWIDE

Briefing Weekly News

* Buss Ports expands

- Buss Ports has announced that terminal operations at its new location in the Netherlands are scheduled to start in July. Read full news here

* World Airways operates B747-400F for Emirates SkyCargo

- Global Aviation Holdings subsidiary, World Airways, now operates a Boeing 747-400 freighter on a full-time basis for Emirates SkyCargo. Read full news here

* time:matters expands in Spain and China

- time:matters expands its network in Spain to include Santiago de Compostela; and strengthens its presence in China. Read full news here

* DHL offers eco-friendly road freight services

- DHL Freight now offers two new environmentally-friendly products, with CO2 emissions reporting for all transport services in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Read full news here

* Recently awarded / extended contracts

- Debenhams extends DHL's contract; Panalpina and TomTom renew airfreight agreement; OAG Cargo appoints new GSA partner in Eastern Europe; Camair awards GSA contract to ECS Group. Read full news here

* Ex-Air France Cargo execs indicted for price-fixing

- A Chicago grand jury has returned an indictment against two former executives of Air France, for participating in a conspiracy to fix and coordinate surcharges and service rates on air cargo shipments to and from the US and elsewhere. Read full news here

* Tibbett Logistics launches in Romania

- UK-based Keswick Enterprises has officially launched a new company in Romania - Tibbett Logistics - following Keswick's acquisition in December of Delamode Logistics and that company's joint venture with DHL - DHL Delamode. Read full news here

* AirBridgeCargo launches North America route

- AirBridgeCargo Airlines has become the first all-cargo airline to operate regular Russia - US flights with the launch of three B747-400F flights a week to Chicago. Read full news here

* Qatar Airways in talks for stake in Cargolux

- Cargolux Airlines is in exclusive discussions about a stake in its share capital with Qatar Airways. Read full news here

* DHL expands service for the pharma sector

- DHL Global Forwarding has opened a new Competence Centre at Vienna Airport, expanding the range of services available to the life sciences and healthcare industries. Read full news here

* Dubai-based Swift Freight International is now Barloworld Logistics

- Dubai-based Swift Freight International will be consolidated under the brand Barloworld Logistics in the Middle East. Read full news here

* Logistic Services Danubius is now DB Schenker Rail Romania

- Logistic Services Danubius has been renamed DB Schenker Rail Romania in Bucharest and Timisoara. Read full news here

* News from CEVA

- CEVA Group reports Q1 results; launches new organisation for global supply chain management; enhances its Consolidated Border Truck program with Saturday Night Expedite service; signs four-year agreement with Coswell in Italy. Read full news here

* News from FedEx

- FedEx Trade Networks has opened five new offices in the EMEA region; FedEx Express is building a new Singapore regional hub. Read full news here

* DHL set to boost Africa’s oil & energy sector

- DHL has announced plans to launch four Oil & Energy Centres of Excellence across Africa during the next twelve months. Read full news here

* News from Kuehne + Nagel

- Kuehne + Nagel expands its partnership with Metso in China; manages frozen food for Italian retailer Agorà. Read full news here