Friday, December 19, 2008

YRC Logistics Recognized as the Fastest Growing Logistics Company in the Peruvian Market

YRC Worldwide Subsidiary YRC Logistics Recognized as the Fastest Growing Logistics Company in the Peruvian Market for the 2nd Consecutive Year

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., December 19, 2008 – YRC Worldwide Inc. (NASDAQ: YRCW) subsidiary YRC Logistics announced today that it has been recognized as the fastest growing logistics company in the Peruvian market for 2008. The Peruvian Company of the Year award was presented on November 28th to YRC Logistics by several institutes including Latin-American institute of Managerial Development and University Ricardo Palma in Peru.

The institutes recognized YRC Logistics for their efforts as a supply chain and logistics provider. YRC Logistics also received the Latin America Success Award, which recognized them as the best and highest growth logistics company in South America.

“It is an honor to receive the Peruvian Company of the Year award again this year for our commitment to servicing important emerging markets,” said John Carr, YRC Logistics President & COO. “This award is a confirmation of our continued efforts to strategically align our businesses globally and in Latin America to better serve our customers.”

The institutes determined their selection for these awards by polling several large companies in Latin America, as well as gathering trade information from, YRC Logistics, with customs brokers and local Chambers of Commerce.

The Steering Committee of the Institutes that grant the award, use the following criteria in their selection: management skills gross billings, operating income, growth, market share, positioning, leadership and development, service quality, and social responsibility.

About YRC Worldwide

YRC Worldwide Inc., a FORTUNE 500 company and one of the largest transportation service providers in the world, is the holding company for a portfolio of successful brands including Yellow Transportation, Roadway, Reimer Express, YRC Logistics, New Penn, Holland, Reddaway and Glen Moore. The enterprise provides global transportation services, transportation management solutions and logistics management. The portfolio of brands represents a comprehensive array of services for the shipment of industrial, commercial and retail goods domestically and internationally. Headquartered in Overland Park, Kan., YRC Worldwide employs approximately 58,000 people.

PORT OF TACOMA EXPORTS AUTOS TO ASIA

TACOMA (December 18, 2008) – A major auto manufacturer that has been importing vehicles through the Port of Tacoma since 1982 has recently changed directions – and started exporting vehicles to Asia.

Although initial volumes are small, Mitsubishi Motors is exporting Eclipse sports cars through the Port to China and South Korea. The vehicles are built at Mitsubishi's manufacturing plant in Normal, Ill., transported by rail to the Port of Tacoma's Marshall Avenue Auto Facility and then loaded to Wallenius Wilhelmsen Line auto ships.

Randy Casebolt, Manager of National Port Operations for Mitsubishi Motors North America, said his company expects to export about 400 vehicles through Tacoma during its current fiscal year, which ends March 31. About 500 units are projected for the following year.

Those numbers compare to about 170,000 vehicles a year handled through the Port of Tacoma. Mitsubishi – like the Port's other auto manufacturer customers – uses Auto Warehousing Co. in Tacoma for auto processing.

Casebolt said the Eclipses are loaded onto rail cars at Mitsubishi's distribution center near Normal, hauled by Norfolk Southern to Kansas City and then transferred to Union Pacific for the trip to Tacoma. "What it really comes down to is cost," Casebolt said of Mitsubishi's decision to export through Tacoma. "We get better rates on the rail movement to Tacoma."

Casebolt added that Mitsubishi has always had a good relationship with both the Port of Tacoma and Auto Warehousing Co. "Tacoma has been a very positive port for us to operate out of," he said. "They are very accommodating, customer oriented, and we have a great relationship with them both on the import and the export side."

Elmaleh said the Port is happy to have the business. "We are fortunate that Wallenius Wilhelmsen calls here in Tacoma and that Mitsubishi already uses Auto Warehousing," he said, noting that most major ocean shipping lines that carry autos call Tacoma. "This unusual export arrangement came together very well for the Port."

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 related 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 2 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. Find out more online at: www.portoftacoma.com.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Canadian Chamber of Commerce - A Canada-U.S. Border Vision Report

Canadian Chamber of Commerce - A Canada-U.S. Border Vision Report

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has published a report with the title: “A Canada-U.S. Border Vision”. The report identifies five border principles to strengthen security and competitiveness for North American business:

Taking a bilateral, co-management approach to the Canada-U.S. border;

Giving strategic and resource priority to trusted shippers and travelers;

Expanding the definition of the border to not always be ‘at the border’, including performing inspections and risk assessments at offsite venues;

Moving the border ‘away from the border’ to our shorelines and foreign ports;

Achieving regulatory cooperation or mutual recognition on differences between our domestic product and consumer safety regulations.

The Executive Summary contained in this report also proposes: “To move forward on this vision, we propose launching a “Green Light” pilot project at, at least one major port of entry, co-managed by Canada and the United States, to expedite the movement of low-risk goods and people. This pilot project will provide uniform and consistent border planning, targeting trusted shippers and travelers, and coordinating agency resources, linking crossborder infrastructure projects, and actually strengthening port (and between port) security, enforcement protocols and incident responses. A successful pilot project would create best practices that could be applied across the Canada-U.S. border.”

The full report can be found at: http://www.chamber.ca/cmslib/general/blueprint.pdf

Deadline Approaches for 2009 J. Shipman Gold Medal Award

Institute for Supply Management(TM) (ISM) accepting nominations until January 31, 2009.

(TEMPE, Ariz.) December 18, 2008 — The Tempe, Arizona-based Institute for Supply Management(TM) (ISM) is currently taking nominations for the J. Shipman Gold Medal Award and will continue taking nominations until January 31, 2009. The J. Shipman Gold Medal Award is presented annually to an individual whose persistent efforts have aided the advancement of supply management.

Johnson Shipman, a pioneer member of the New York affiliate of the National Association of Purchasing Agents, was well known for giving liberally of his time and counsel. The award was established in 1931 to commemorate the contributions of Shipman, a man known for his vision, intellect and influence on important issues. The award is presented annually to an individual whose modest, unselfish, sincere and persistent efforts have aided the advancement of the supply management field. Those chosen for the award have also assisted and guided members of the supply management profession in their endeavors.

If you wish to nominate someone who has performed distinguished service for the cause and advancement of supply management as an innovator, community leader, mentor and teacher, please contact Judy Waters at ISM: 800/888-6276 or 480/752-6276, extension 3034; jwaters@ism.ws. Nominations are due by January 31, 2009. Nominees do not have to be ISM members.

For more information on previous Shipman medalists, visit the ISM Web site at www.ism.ws. Select About ISM/J. Shipman Gold Medal Award.

As the largest supply management institute in the world, the mission of Institute for Supply Management(TM) (ISM) is to lead supply management. By executing and extending its mission through education, research, standards of excellence, influence building and information dissemination — including the renowned monthly ISM Report On Business® — ISM continues to extend the global impact of supply management. ISM is proud to recognize professional excellence in supply management with awards such as the ISM R. Gene Richter Awards for Leadership and Innovation in Supply Management and the J. Shipman Gold Medal Award. ISM's membership base includes more than 40,000 supply management professionals in 75 countries. Supply management professionals are responsible for trillions of dollars in the purchases of products and services annually. ISM is a member of the International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM).

Premier Express Industry Trade Association

Premier Express Industry Trade Association Announces Sweeping Changes
XLA Broadens Member Benefits; Provides Government and Policy Access to Complete Membership

(December 17 , 2008 - Kansas City, Missouri) -- The Express Delivery & Logistics Association (XLA), the premier trade association of the industry, will now provide full access to, and participation in, the work of its Government Affairs Committee (GAC) to all its members, beginning in January 2009. For many years, the XLA has operated with two levels of membership, the basic membership in the trade association with standard membership benefits, and a separate membership required to participate in the GAC.

The XLA of 2009 is an integrated, aligned association representing the interests of all the members, with no delineation between the basic and Government Affairs Committee memberships. All members will receive the benefits of the work done by the GAC in Washington, D.C. on behalf of the express delivery industry--specifically in the areas of security, Customs, postal, trade and independent contractor issues. The GAC is one of five standing committees established by XLA's Board of Directors, and is managed by George Trapp, of Trapp Consulting, Inc., and the leadership of the GAC.

Members of XLA are the influential companies that participate in policy and legislative initiatives to protect the industry from onerous laws and regulations that impair business activity. For more than 32 years, XLA has been highly successful in representing the interests of these companies in Washington, D.C., and to the world agencies that impact their businesses globally.

Founded in 1976, XLA is a nonprofit association whose members include large firms with global delivery networks and smaller businesses with strong regional delivery networks. For more information, contact Kristy McKibben, Executive Director, at 816-221-0254 or visit www.expressassociation.org.

PORT OF TACOMA SELECTS RON STUART AS ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT MANAGER-AIR QUALITY

TACOMA (Dec. 17, 2008) – The Port of Tacoma recently selected Ron Stuart as Environmental Project Manager-Air Quality.

In this position, Stuart manages Port-related diesel and greenhouse gas emissions reduction programs, including implementation of the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy – a partnership with the Port of Seattle and Port Metro Vancouver, British Columbia. He also oversees the preparation of Air Quality aspects of environmental impact assessments, identifies best management practices and implements initiatives for emission control, energy conservation and alternative clean energy.

Before joining the Port, Stuart spent 21 years with Simpson Tacoma Kraft Company (Tacoma), where he served in several positions, including Chemist, Laboratory Supervisor, Environmental Engineer and Environmental Compliance Auditor.

Stuart holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in General Chemistry (1984) from Humboldt State University (Arcata, Calif.), an Environmental Manager Certificate (1995) from the University of Washington-Tacoma, and a Professional Environmental Certification from the Board of Environmental Health and Safety Auditor Certifications (1999).

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 related 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 2 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. Find out more online at: www.portoftacoma.com

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Cristiano Koga is Named Director of Sales at Penske Logistics – South America

São Paulo, December 17, 2008 – Penske Logistics today announced that Cristiano Koga was named Director of Sales for South America. In this role, Koga will be responsible for furthering Penske Logistics’ strategy of expanding its customer base to include companies in the pharmaceutical, chemical and industrial assets industries and growing its sales force by 20 percent in 2009.

“Penske Logistics’ business in South America has experienced a consistent, strong uptick during the past couple of years, and the region continues to have tremendous growth potential,” said Bill Scroggie, Managing Director, Penske Logistics – South America. “Cristiano’s deep experience in the logistics sector will be a welcome addition, and help us increase market share and further establish Penske Logistics as a leader in the region.”

Cristiano will be based at Penske Logistics’ Alphaville office (Sao Paulo, Brazil) and will work directly with Bill Scroggie, as well as with the Finance and Operations business units to stimulate business growth among a more diverse customer industry base. Before Koga, this position was the responsibility of Paulo Sarti, who is now focused on the direction of operations.

Koga has 11 years of experience in the logistics sector. Prior to joining Penske he worked for Panalpina (carrier management) for eight years and at Royal Shipping Services/CSAV (sea freight transportation) for three years. He graduated from Mackenzie University in São Paulo, Brazil, with a degree in Business Management and a focus in International Commerce. He has a Masters degree in Business Management Strategy and in Business Logistics at Fundação Getulio Vargas and also in Management Leadership at FIA/USP.

About Penske Logistics
Penske Logistics is a wholly owned subsidiary of Penske Truck Leasing. With operations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia, Penske Logistics provides supply chain management and logistics services to leading companies throughout the world. Penske Logistics delivers value through design, planning, and execution in transportation, warehousing, and international freight forwarding and carrier management. Visit www.penskelogistics.com to learn more.

DB Schenker: contract worth in total 190 million Norwegian kroner

Scandinavian Business Seating signed a joint freight agreement with DB Schenker in Norway, Sweden and Denmark

(Oslo, 17 December 2008) Scandinavian Business Seating, an Oslo-based international company in the office chairs segment, recently signed a joint freight contract with DB Schenker in Norway, Sweden and Denmark.
The contract started in December and will generate an annual freight turnover of approximately 63 million NOK (almost seven million Euro). The three year agreement may be extended by yet another two years. Scandinavian Business Seating compiles of HÅG in Norway, RH in Sweden and RBM in Denmark.

“The contract has been won after intense competition between the leading freight and logistics players in the industry, to pursue Scandinavian Business Seatings ambition to become the leading office chair specialist in Europe,” said Michael Holmstrøm, Managing Director, Schenker AS. “DB Schenker’s extensive global network and proactive response to new joint logistic solutions has stood central in the final decision of our customer.”

The good collaboration between DB Schenker and HÅG over many years has also lead the way to a new developed working relationship. DB Schenker and Scandinavian Business Seating shall jointly work towards an effective and reliable distribution solution with strong focus on environment, quality and transparency.

DB Schenker at boot 2009 - setting a new weight record with luxury

(Frankfurt am Main/Düsseldorf, 15 December 2008) Five yachts weighing
540 tons in total were transported by Schenker Deutschland AG on 15
December 2008 to the halls of the Düsseldorf Exhibition Center, where
they are to be the highlights of the “boot 2009” international boat
show. The trade fair logisticians have set a new record with this
consignment. “This is the heaviest total weight we have ever had in one
special transport for 'boot' since this international trade fair first
started," confirmed Ulrich Zähres, the person responsible for “boot” at
Schenker Deutschland AG in the Düsseldorf Exhibition Center branch. When
empty, the largest yacht shipped, the “Bandido 90”, weighs almost 210
tons by herself.

The five luxury yachts traveled on the deck of cargo ships from the
Taiwanese port of Kaohsiung to Rotterdam, where they were placed onto
pontoons with the aid of heavy-duty floating cranes. From there, they
were transported up the Rhine to Düsseldorf. The specialists from DB
Schenker used low loaders for unloading onto a ramp set up by the
company itself. The low loaders were initially positioned under the
yachts on the floating pontoons, hydraulically raised and then
transported onto land and to the trade fair hall by means of two
heavy-duty trucks with 660 horsepower each.

DB Schenker will be moving another 37 boats from the Rhine to the
exhibition grounds before the start of the boat show on 17 January 2009.
Yachts weighing up to 90 tons will mostly make it to “boot 2009” on
their own steam and then be lifted out of the water using the exhibition
center’s heavy-duty crane, known affectionately as “Big Willi”.
Following this, DB Schenker will transport them on low loaders to the
show.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Companies Team Up to Support Air Quality Efforts at LA, Long Beach Ports

PLANO, Texas & CONCORD, Calif., (Dec. 9, 2008) — Taking a major step toward achieving their goal to convert 100 percent of the truck fleet handling JCPenney imports at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to low-emissions, clean-diesel technology, J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE:JCP) and PDS Trucking, Inc., a subsidiary of Pacer Distribution Services, Inc., have taken delivery of more than 20 new Kenworth T-800 tractors that will replace aging diesel trucks currently in use by independent owner-operators in Pacer’s port network.

“We’re committed to clearing the air around the ports by putting clean trucks on the road as quickly as we can,” said Marie Lacertosa, senior vice president and director of logistics for JCPenney. “This fleet conversion demonstrates that the private sector is capable of implementing sustainable, long-term solutions to port environmental issues that also preserve jobs and maintain the efficient flow of goods.”

Kent Prokop, president of PDS Trucking, added, “We are very pleased to be supporting our customer, JC Penney and the Coalition for Responsible Transportation (CRT) in their efforts to reduce emissions by adding clean trucks to our owner-operator fleet. Pacer will be taking delivery of up to 230 of these trucks by early 2009.”

As members of CRT, JCPenney and Pacer have committed to sponsoring the fleet conversion to support the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports’ 2012 air quality goals. The companies expect the fleet hauling JCPenney merchandise to meet the ports’ emissions goals by early 2009, well ahead of the ports’ deadlines, while also preserving the livelihoods of independent owner-operators in the port trucking community.

The voluntary truck replacement program is based on a leasing model providing owner-operators with new, clean trucks through a private-sector financial arrangement. The financing model represents an innovative and cost-effective way for the private sector to meet recently adopted goals for the retirement of pre-2007 diesel trucks at the Ports of LA and Long Beach.

Independent owner-operators will begin using the trucks in early December to move containers of JCPenney merchandise out of the ports, where a substantial portion of the retailer’s apparel, home furnishings, footwear and accessories arrive from the Asia-Pacific region. The new T-800 trucks, with a 38-inch Aero sleeper, are powered by a Cummins ISX clean-diesel engine capable of operating on ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel or B20 biodiesel. Each clean-diesel truck with the Cummins ISX engine reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by 78 percent and particulate matter emissions by 90 percent compared with a typical truck it replaces.

ABOUT JCPenney

JCPenney is one of America's leading retailers, operating 1,093 department stores throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, as well as one of the largest apparel and home furnishing sites on the Internet, jcp.com, and the nation's largest general merchandise catalog business. Through these integrated channels, JCPenney offers a wide array of national, private and exclusive brands which reflect the Company's commitment to providing customers with style and quality at a smart price. Traded as "JCP" on the New York Stock Exchange, the Company posted revenue of $19.9 billion in 2007 and is executing its strategic plan to be the growth leader in the retail industry. Key to this strategy is JCPenney's "Every Day Matters" brand positioning, intended to generate deeper, more emotionally driven relationships with customers by fully engaging the Company's 155,000 Associates to offer encouragement, provide ideas and inspire customers every time they shop with JCPenney.

ABOUT PACER INTERNATIONAL (www.pacer-international.com)


Pacer International, a leading asset-light North American freight transportation and third-party logistics provider, through its intermodal and logistics operating segments, offers a broad array of services to facilitate the movement of freight from origin to destination. The intermodal segment offers wholesale services provided by Pacer Stacktrain (cost-efficient, two-tiered rail transportation for containerized shipments) and Pacer Cartage (local trucking), as well as retail services through its Rail Brokerage group (intermodal marketing). The logistics segment provides retail truck brokerage, trucking, warehousing and distribution, international freight forwarding, and supply-chain management services. Pacer International is headquartered in Concord, California. Its intermodal and logistics operating segments are headquartered in Concord, California, and in Dublin, Ohio, respectively.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

GLOBAL LOGISTICS COMPANY EXPANDS INTO SOUTHERN TEXAS

C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. Identifies Corpus Christi As Prime Expansion Area

Corpus Christi, TX, December 3, 2008 — C.H. Robinson Worldwide, one of the world’s largest third party logistics (3PL) providers of transportation and supply chain services, has expanded its operations into Corpus Christi, Texas.

Eric Marshall, manager of C.H. Robinson – Corpus Christi, said, “We offer strong and competitive transportation solutions for our customers through our global network and can handle anything from small shipments to complete transportation outsource packages. With the knowledge of our people, our technology, our logistics expertise and our flexible business model, we create effective ways to improve service metrics and reduce overall supply-chain spend.”

With the opening of the Corpus Christi office, C.H. Robinson now has an office in each port city in the United States. The C.H. Robinson- Corpus Christi office provides transportation services to companies with freight needs and will focus on providing supply-chain and transportation solutions ranging from truckload, less than truckload, rail, refrigerated transportation, and complete transportation outsourcing.

Marshall said, “C.H. Robinson has a proven track record of financial strength and stability. We earn and value the loyalty of our contracted carriers and shippers, and we work hard to support their success. This region has shown a steady economic growth and I look forward to working with the local business community. Corpus Christi is a great area with amazing beaches, attractions, and recreational opportunities. I am very excited to be a part of the growing community and to be able to utilize the talent from Texas A & M for hiring and internship opportunities.”

Prior to opening the Corpus Christi office, Marshall gained sales experience at C.H. Robinson’s Detroit office and has been with C.H. Robinson for 13 years. Marshall is joined by Glenn Harkin, who has over seven years of industry knowledge. Marshall plans on hiring two to three employees within the next three months. The office is located at 2820 South Padre Island Drive, Corpus Christi, TX and can be reached at 877.764.7439.

About C.H. Robinson
Founded in 1905, C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc., is a global provider of multimodal transportation and logistics services, serving over 29,000 customers through a network of more than 224 offices and approximately 8,000 employees in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. The company works with 48,000 transportation providers worldwide, many of whom are small trucking companies and owner operators. C.H. Robinson is a Fortune 500 company and the largest provider of truckload transportation in North America, with annual gross revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. Through the company and its Foundation, C.H. Robinson contributes millions of dollars annually to a variety of organizations, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the American Cancer Society, Children’s Hospital of Minnesota, and the United Way. The company is headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and has been publicly traded on the Nasdaq since 1997. For more information about C.H. Robinson, visit our Web site at www.chrobinson.com.

Penske Truck Leasing teams up with PeopleNet

READING, Pa., Dec. 3, 2008 – Today, Penske Truck Leasing announced it has teamed with PeopleNet for onboard commercial truck technology solutions. The move marks a shift in Penske’s Fleet I.Q. strategy from offering a single private-labeled product to a suite of products and services.

“We are very pleased to be working with PeopleNet,” said Jim Feenstra, Senior Vice President, Marketing – Penske Truck Leasing. “We selected them based on their ability and commitment to offer our customers a high level of customer service as well as a quality product with robust functionality.”

“We’re excited to work with Penske to offer their customers excellent integrated onboard computing and mobile communications systems,” said Ron Konezny, chief executive officer for PeopleNet. "Our alliance with Penske is a natural fit. We both are customer-oriented companies. Together, we offer fleet managers an effective way to reduce operating costs and improve fleet productivity."

Penske’s move to begin working with PeopleNet is part of its wider technology and decision support strategy to support its customer’s fleet productivity needs. Fleet I.Q. will become a portfolio of services and solutions at various price points that will include onboard technology solutions from a variety of high-caliber, value-added suppliers, like PeopleNet. Penske will also provide a new financing option and in-house consulting to help its customers analyze and get the most from the data captured by these on-board fleet technology systems.

“Over the last several years, we offered customers one Fleet I.Q. product through one vendor,” said Feenstra. “At the time this was right because of the various vendor business models and our customers weren’t yet comfortable with these systems. However, today the market is maturing. Companies are looking to optimize fleet productivity and reduce transportation costs. Also, through our experience we understand that one size doesn’t fit all and different customers need different solutions. That’s why Fleet I.Q. is becoming a broader offering of solutions with more choices, price points and functionality but based on the foundation of solid and indisputable customer service. This is why we chose a partner like PeopleNet.”

Penske Truck Leasing Co., L.P., headquartered in Reading, Pa., is a joint venture among Penske Corporation, Penske Automotive Group and General Electric. A leading global transportation services provider, Penske operates more than 200,000 vehicles and serves customers from more than 1,000 locations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. Product lines include full-service truck leasing, contract maintenance, commercial and consumer truck rentals, transportation and warehousing management, and supply chain management solutions. Visit www.gopenske.com to learn more about the company and its products and services.

PeopleNet, based in suburban Minneapolis, is North America's leading provider of Internet-based and integrated onboard computing and mobile communications systems. Its transportation products are used by top truckload, LTL, private, and service fleets in the U.S. and Canada. PeopleNet was the first major technology provider to offer Internet-based communications to the transportation industry 14 years ago and now serves more than 1,500 customers, including several Fortune 500 companies. PeopleNet is on the web at www.peoplenetonline.com.

Ohio’s $100 Million Investment in Logistics Infrastructure Launched at Hyperlogistics Group

Columbus, Ohio - Hyperlogistics Group’s state-of-the-art warehouse facility was the setting on November 21, 2008 when Ohio’s leaders launched the $100 million Jobs Stimulus Package for development of infrastructure to expand and support logistics and distribution business in Ohio. Governor Ted Strickland addressed the crowd and provided an overview of the Jobs Stimulus Package and its impact on Ohio’s economic outlook. Lt. Governor and Ohio Director of Development Lee Fisher presented more detailed information about how the package will spur job creation. Ohio Department of Transportation Director Jim Beasley closed the presentation by summarizing current ODOT initiatives to concentrate on inter-modal transport.

”Ohio’s economic development strategy is built on the back of our logistics and infrastructure systems and Hyperlogistics Group was a perfect stage to showcase this $100 million investment from our Ohio Jobs Stimulus Plan,” said Lt. Governor Fisher. “Enhancing the movement of freight allows Ohio companies to launch Ohio products into new markets and better support our existing manufacturing and retail sectors.”

Located in Columbus Regional Airport Authority’s new Rickenbacker Global Logistics Park, Hyperlogistics Group provided an appropriate backdrop for the presentation. One of the country’s most advanced logistics hubs, Columbus Regional Airport Authority holds 1300 acres surrounding Rickenbacker airport with plans to develop 22 million square feet of warehousing and distribution space. As a Foreign Trade Zone approved warehousing and distribution center in Ohio, Hyperlogistics Group sits adjacent to Norfolk Southern’s Intermodal Terminal. This is the first facility ready to receive loaded-to-capacity containers on a roadway built specifically by the Columbus Regional Airport Authority to allow transport of overweigh loads.

Founded in 1973, Hyperlogistics Group performs warehouse, distribution and transportation functions in a unique and flexible manner in the logistics arena. Hyperlogistics Group works with each client on an individual and customized plan to improve efficiencies and reduce supply chain costs. For more information, visit www.hyperlog.com.

DB Schenker - Siemens Alliance: Customers Big Winners

(Sydney, December 3, 2008) Schenker Australia Pty Ltd has been providing import and export services for Siemens medical products for more than eight years. From now on, this will extend to all Siemens Australia and New Zealand international and domestic import and export activities and domestic freight, providing a consolidated, streamlined service that ultimately benefits the customer.

According to Ron Koehler, CEO of Schenker Australia Pty Ltd, the contract extension is the result of significant improvements in the company's supply chain across its businesses during the last two years, and a responsive approach to reducing the environmental impact of its freight services. “We are proud to have been awarded the Siemens contract for import and export services across Australia and New Zealand, and will transfer solutions originally developed to meet the demands in the Healthcare business, to strengthen and develop Siemens supply chain in other sectors,” said Mr Koehler.

“We have also considered ways of reducing the environmental impact of our international and domestic freight services. By providing an optimised combination of transport modes and reducing paper in freight documentation and invoicing, Schenker Australia Pty Ltd reduce environmental impacts in the supply chain, which is in line with Siemens principles of environmentally responsible practice.”

Jeff Connolly, Siemens Ltd Chief Financial Officer, said that of the tenders received, Schenker Australia Pty Ltd was best placed to deliver a consolidated, time and cost effective international and domestic import and export service for Siemens customers.
“Having provided freight forwarding, warehousing and distribution services for Siemens medical products and for large projects since the late 90’s, Siemens is pleased to extend our relationship with Schenker Australia Pty Ltd to include freight forwarding services for import and export activities across Australia and New Zealand, including transport and distribution services throughout both countries,” said Mr Connolly.

“DB Schenker provides the optimal solution for Siemens freight services, with the ability to deliver some very challenging cargo, from an extremely large power generation turbine, to delicate medical devices within very tight timeframes and cost effectively. Priority medical products have always been deliverable from Europe within just two days, but now this exceptional turnaround rate can be provided to customers for all priority products across Siemens three sectors – Industry, Energy and Healthcare. The delivery time for goods other than priority medical products was previously nine days.”
Mr Connolly said DB Schenker also offered Siemens customers complete visibility throughout the entire journey, with ready access to the online track and trace system, and improved order and invoicing processes. “As Schenker Australia Pty Ltd is now the single preferred provider of international and domestic import and export services for Siemens customers in Australia and New Zealand, customers will be able to check online where a product is at any time throughout its journey. This streamlined, all encompassing freight service is another example of how Siemens is working proactively to improve business outcomes for our customers.”

The development of the electronic interface between DB Schenker and Siemens also means a vast reduction in paperwork, and timely receipt and issuing of invoicing, with all related documents to now be processed electronically.

Monday, December 1, 2008

DHL expands partnership with UNICEF to India and Peru in the fight against child mortality

Bonn, December 1, 2008: DHL has given UNICEF a $ 650,000 grant to fund a three-year pilot project to empower communities to improve child survival rates in 1,000 villages in the Nandurbar district of Maharashtra, India. DHL extends its partnership with UNICEF to include India, along with Kenya and Peru.

Working together with the Government of India, the Government of Maharashtra, NGOs and other partners, UNICEF will use the funds to strengthen the health system. This will include educating villagers in the prevention and treatment of common communicable diseases as well as providing immunizations and micronutrients to infants and young children. The grant from DHL will be used to develop and implement village health and nutrition plans, to set up village information posts and train midwives and other workers.

Along with the municipal and regional government, UNICEF in Peru - supported by DHL funds - is also developing an integrated program against child mortality and chronic malnutrition, including an information campaign on the importance of immunization for children. Hermann Ude, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding and Freight and Board Member of Deutsche Post World Net recently visited the Rosaspata community in the Ayacucho region of Peru to inform himself about the progress of the project. “I wanted to get a real picture of the situation first hand and show my support to the local management and to the entire Group for this endeavor," Ude said. “As a father of three children myself, I can understand how important this is to the local people. As a manager, I am impressed by the organization of the project because it is well implemented within the local community and its culture instead of being brought onto the people from outside.”

In Peru four out of ten Peruvians live in poverty. In regions like Ayacucho, poverty affects 68 percent of the population. The program covers selected municipal districts in the Andean regions of Ayacucho, Apurimac and Amazonas where up to 3,000 pregnant women and up to 7,000 children under age three will receive assistance. The program’s goals by 2010 are to reduce infant mortality by ten percent, to reduce low-weight births, chronic malnutrition and anemia in children under three by ten percent, to increase the immunization rate among children under 18 months to 95 percent and increase birth registration to 90 percent.

In Kenya, another 13 DHL employees have supported the "Malezi Bora" campaign as volunteers, a country-wide education program in Kenya to improve the health of children and mothers. This was carried out by UNICEF in consultation with the Kenyan Ministry of Health in the district of Kwale, located in southern Kenya. The Deutsche Post World Net employees, recruited from all entities and all geographical regions where the company is operating in, visited eight remote villages and assisted local staff to prepare meals for 600 mothers and their children. During the 14-day-visit, about 2,500 children received health services.

Focusing on “Young Child Survival and Development”, all three UNICEF projects – in Peru, Kenya and India – are specifically funded by contributions from DHL and its employees. Both the India and Peru projects are extensions of DHL’s partnership with UNICEF. In September 2006, DHL’s parent company Deutsche Post World Net (DPWN) agreed to provide UNICEF with long-term support in its worldwide fight to reduce child mortality.

Media Inquiries:
DHL Express USA
Robert Mintz
Sr. Manager, Public Relations
Tel.: (954) 888-7114
E-Mail : usa.pressoffice@dhl.com

DHL
Corporate Communications
Claus Korfmacher
Tel.: +49 (0)228-182-9944
E-Mail: pressestelle@deutschepost.de

About DHL
DHL is the global market leader of the international express and logistics industry, specializing in providing innovative and customized solutions from a single source.

DHL offers expertise in express, air and ocean freight, overland transport, contract logistic solutions as well as international mail services, combined with worldwide coverage and an in-depth understanding of local markets. DHL's international network links more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. Some 300,000 employees are dedicated to providing fast and reliable services that exceed customers' expectations.

DHL is a Deutsche Post World Net brand. The group generated revenues of more than 63 bn euros in 2007.

For the latest news and happenings about DHL in Asia Pacific, please visit: http://press.ap.dhl.com


About UNICEF
UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS NOT READY FOR CHALLENGING TIMES

Survey Shows Businesses Ignore Risks, Raise Vulnerabilities

ATLANTA, Dec. 1, 2008 – Nearly half of companies with global supply chains say they fear major disruptions in their ability to source, produce and ship goods around the world. And they’re not doing much to prevent it.

In a new survey sponsored by UPS, 47 percent of companies say they need to pay more attention to risk mitigation compared to just 16 percent that believe they pay an adequate amount of attention. As a result, only 38 percent of those surveyed rate the resilience of their supply chain above average, while a troubling 42 percent say the expansion of their global supply chains has outpaced their ability to manage risk.

The global survey of nearly 350 senior executives was released today by UPS and the Economist Intelligence Unit. The survey itself was supplemented with interviews of academic experts and leading supply chain practitioners.

“Businesses appear to be increasingly vulnerable to supply chain disruptions that can have a catastrophic impact on business performance,” said Dan Brutto, president, UPS International. “Success in the global economy depends in large part on building successful risk mitigation strategies that can turn a resilient supply chain into a competitive advantage.”

Kim Andreasson, senior editor at the Economist Intelligence Unit and the editor of the report, points out that companies today already are more vulnerable as a result of having created tighter and leaner supply chains. “A lean organization is a requirement for competitiveness, but that can also expose a business to an increasing number of risks,” he adds.

The survey pointed out some troubling findings, reinforcing the point that rising risks to supply chain resilience are too often ignored in the rush of day-to-day business -- and companies know it.

For example, insufficient monitoring, risk assessment and contingency planning are leaving companies ill-prepared when crises hit. One of every 10 companies do not monitor suppliers for anything. About half of the remainder look only at immediate suppliers. Furthermore, in almost half the companies surveyed, formal risk assessment takes place only annually.

“Although some companies are taking sensible precautions to address risk, too many firms are leaving themselves open to unanticipated dangers,” said Brutto. “And some of the steps companies are taking to improve resilience are not necessarily the best choices.”

For example, a significant minority of businesses are falling back on increased inventory to address resilience problems, an expensive and ineffective approach. Almost half the companies surveyed expect to hold additional stock and raise inventory even more in the future.

Low-cost country sourcing, which has grown significantly in recent years, brings its own set of challenges to global supply chains. Almost half of all survey respondents said low-cost sourcing had posed significant problems, such as the quality received from such suppliers and even their ability to deliver goods as promised. Although most companies intend to increase their low-cost sourcing, 10 percent of those surveyed intend to reduce it.

“We don’t expect to see low-cost sourcing go away,” said Brutto, “but it will look different in the future. The keys to successful sourcing from low-cost countries are like those of supply chain resilience in general: understand the issues, structure the supply chain appropriately, monitor performance and work with suppliers to improve operations.” He also noted that multi-sourcing and near-sourcing to enhance resilience are likely to become part of best practices in the future.

Brutto offered four recommendations that companies should consider as they operate in an increasingly risk-filled environment:

Assess your supply chain
“Companies need to map their existing supply chains to assess points of vulnerability,” said Brutto. “These could be a key supplier critical to your organization, a bottleneck from using a single port of entry for all your products into a continent or a single transportation mode that could make your supply chain susceptible to a strike or some natural disaster. Once these points of failure are identified, you can develop contingency plans to mitigate risks.”

Develop alternative plans
“Critical supplier risk can be mitigated by developing alternate sources of supply,” said Brutto. “A bottleneck can be alleviated through setting up alternate entry points to less-crowded ports. Adopting a multi-modal strategy will give you flexibility to move your product if your primary mode were to fail.”

Ensure visibility across your supply chain
“Supply chain visibility is the key to a resilient supply chain,” said Brutto. “Because supply chains today span multiple continents and multiple partners, you need visibility into the progress of your purchase order through your supplier’s manufacturing process, during the transportation of the product through your freight forwarder and delivery to your facility. In addition, you need order cycle visibility through the distribution process. Having real-time visibility across your supply chain will enable you to identify a problem as soon as it occurs and put your contingency plans in action.”

Develop key partnerships with your logistics providers
“Developing trusted partnerships with your logistics providers can increase the resilience of your supply chain,” said Brutto. “Integrated logistics partners have the ability to provide supplier management services, enable excellent visibility to products within the supply chain and implement a multi-modal strategy. They also enable smooth trans-border movements of goods and can quickly implement an alternate operating plan to get around bottlenecks.”

While the challenges are daunting, there is an upside: an opportunity for competitive advantage. “By pursuing risk mitigation and resiliency strategies, supply chain executives can help their organizations grow and retain customers, increase revenues and profits and improve shareholder value,” Brutto concluded.

View the entire report and more survey results at http://longitudes08.com/Barcelona08/research/white_papers/Barcelona_Survey.pdf