Tuesday, February 26, 2008

PORT OF TACOMA CONTRACTOR DRIVES FINAL WHARF PILING FOR NEW BLAIR WATERWAY TERMINAL

TACOMA (Feb. 26, 2008) – A Port of Tacoma contractor drove the last of 795 concrete piling Monday into the Blair Waterway to support a new wharf. The $46 million wharf is part of a facility planned for the 83-acre former Kaiser Aluminum property on the east side of the Blair.

Manson Construction of Seattle worked 12-hour days Mondays through Saturdays since late August to drive the 142-foot-long concrete piling, made by Concrete Technology on the Tacoma Tideflats. The long work days were necessary to complete the in-water work before the annual fish migration season begins. Remaining construction outside the water will continue until the wharf is complete, expected in October.

“We’re grateful to our neighbors in Northeast Tacoma for their understanding during this first phase of construction,” said Port of Tacoma Commission President Dick Marzano. “The improvements will serve our community well into the future. And while we know the results will be worth it, we also understand a remodeling project of this magnitude might create noise.”

This phase of construction was the first of more than $800 million in redevelopment along the Blair-Hylebos Peninsula between now and 2012. Future plans include a relocated and expanded terminal for Totem Ocean Trailer Express and a new marine terminal for NYK Line. The plans also include substantial road and railway improvements to serve these terminals as well as a privately owned terminal planned by SSA Marine and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians.

About the Port of Tacoma
The Port of Tacoma is an economic engine for South Puget Sound, with more than 43,000 family-wage jobs in Pierce County and 113,000 jobs across Washington state connected to Port activities. A major gateway to Asia and Alaska, the Port of Tacoma is among the largest container ports in North America, handling an estimated more than $36 billion in annual trade and about 1.93 million TEUs (20-foot equivalent container units). The Port is also a major center for bulk, breakbulk and project/heavy-lift cargoes, as well as automobiles and trucks.

PAUL JONES TO JOIN RILA AS VICE PRESIDENT FOR ASSET PROTECTION

Arlington, VA (February 26, 2008) – The Retail Industry leaders Association (RILA) today announced the hiring of Paul Jones as vice president for asset protection.

A well respected loss prevention professional with more than 20 years of experience, Mr. Jones will lead RILA’s asset protection and loss prevention activities and serve as RILA’s representative to its many private and public sector partners.

“Paul is a talented professional whose experience and depth of knowledge on issues of asset protection make him perfectly suited for this leadership role,” said RILA President Sandy Kennedy. “Paul will be a tremendous addition to our team and a skillful champion for the retail industry."

Mr. Jones previously served for five years as senior vice president for loss prevention for Ohio based Limited Brands. In addition, Mr. Jones' previous experience includes tenures with several major retailers, including Federated Department Stores, Sunglass Hut and Luxottica Retail Group.

Several loss prevention experts also offered strong support for RILA’s hire:

"Paul’s deep knowledge and experience with the many complex issues facing the retail industry make him a great addition to the RILA organization. I look forward to working with him in his new capacity."
Frank Johns, Vice President for Loss Prevention
Office Depot, Inc.

"Paul Jones is highly respected and recognized by his colleagues within the LP and safety industry. Paul will bring a much needed global approach to the LP and safety industry which has evolved more than ever into a value–added business where cost/expense control and bottom line earnings are the primary measurement for today’s LP and safety leaders."
Claude Verville, Vice President for Loss Prevention
Lowe’s Companies, Inc.


"Paul is a recognized expert in loss prevention and shrinkage reduction programs. Over the years he has been a leader for the profession and a true visionary in developing programs and applications to protect corporate assets. His commitment to diversity and inclusion will be significant in his new role at RILA."
Jim Lee, Executive Editor
Loss Prevention Magazine


RILA, whose members include 8 of the top 10 largest retailers, adeptly supports and advocates on behalf of this dynamic industry. Asset protection is a core pillar of the association’s strategic focus, along with workforce, supply chain, finance and emerging issues. RILA has been a driving force behind several asset protection efforts including the battle against organized retail crime.

Mr. Jones will officially join RILA on March 3rd, well in advance of RILA’s Loss Prevention, Auditing and Safety Conference scheduled for April 29 – May 1 in Dallas, Texas.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Changes within Schenker’s Board of Management

(Berlin, 25 February 2008) Hans-Jörg Hager, Chairman of the Board of Management of Schenker Deutschland AG and member of the Schenker Board of Management responsible for land transport in Europe, has informed the DB Board of Management that he plans to leave the company this year. Mr. Hager has made his intention to tackle new challenges from the age of 60 clear for some time.

The DB Board of Management regrets this; however, it accepts his wishes. “We at DB Schenker will take the time to discuss the next steps in the course of the coming weeks and will decide on a successor who will ensure a seamless transition. Until then, Hans-Jörg Hager will continue with his current duties,” said Dr. Norbert Bensel, member of the DB AG Board of Management for Transportation and Logistics. (Issued by Deutsche Bahn AG)

Air America Logistics Celebrates its 10th Anniversary

Windsor, ON - Air America Logistics is celebrating its tenth year in business. Based at the Windsor International Airport since February 1998, this non-asset based air and ground transportation company has been providing time-sensitive transportation for the automotive industry all over North America. Local parts manufacturers, in particular, have benefited from Air America’s state of the art tracking technology and expertise in international multi-modal solutions that save time and money.

"Ten years ago, there was hardly any cargo being handled at the Windsor Airport. Any customs paperwork for freight coming directly into Windsor had to be hand-carried to the tunnel customs office to get coded, brought back to the airport for clearance and then driven back to the tunnel office", explains Vicky Kyriaco-Wilson, General Manager. Working closely with Canada Border Services Agency, Kyriaco-Wilson was able to establish new customs procedures at the airport to facilitate the clearance of just-in-time production parts. A new cargo hub was launched shortly thereafter.

Today, Air America Logistics is a major stakeholder in the success of the Windsor International Airport . Over eight hundred aircraft movements occurred last year by DC-8 jets, Boeing 727’s, Boeing 737’s, DC-9’s and numerous other small jets, turboprops and piston aircraft. " We handled over 5.4 million pounds of freight last year alone" says Jeff Robinson, Senior Account Manager, "and our new air service to Asia is sure to generate even more activity".

Air America Logistics was recently nominated for a Business Excellence Award in the small service company division. Kyriaco-Wilson credits the company’s success to the employees on staff. "We have the most dedicated, hard-working employees in the industry. With such a small staff, offering 24/7, top-notch service means everyone has to be flexible and eager to learn new skills. We are blessed with people who are willing to go above and beyond to get the job done".

Saturday, February 23, 2008

OCEANEX ANNOUNCES INCREASED CAPACITY

Captain Sid Hynes, Executive Chairman of Oceanex Inc., announces two key service enhancements aimed at its Newfoundland and Labrador fish processors and international container line customers. Oceanex Inc. is presently increasing the number of electrical plugs on its two marine terminals located in St. John’s and Corner Book.

There will be an additional 40 shore based plugs installed in St. John’s and 20 in Corner Brook. These additional electric plugs will enable both the fish processors and international container lines to store more temperature controlled containers within a safe and monitored environment while awaiting transhipment to either the ports of Halifax and or Montreal by Oceanex.

Additionally, during the peak export fish season, Oceanex will operate two vessels weekly into the port of Corner Brook. In doing so, the Montreal vessel, the Oceanex Avalon, will call Corner Brook weekly in addition to the Halifax vessel, the M.V. Sanderling. The second vessel call will create additional carrying capacity on the St. John’s – Corner Brook – Halifax triangle for time-sensitive, refrigerated cargo.

Oceanex Inc, a privately owned corporation, is a leading player in the east coast transportation industry. Oceanex operates from St. John’s, Montreal, Halifax and Corner Brook, utilizing three vessels, an inland trucking service from its four operating ports and is a full inter-modal transportation service provider between any point in North America and the island of Newfoundland.

Oceanex recently announced the purchase of 150 - 53 feet long containers, providing the equivalent cargo handling capability of 150 tractor trailers. Oceanex Inc. is committed to growing its position in Eastern Canada.

For additional information on Oceanex, contact Cpt. Sidney Hynes at 709-722-6280.



Friday, February 22, 2008