Thursday, June 25, 2009

BISON TRANSPORT EXTENDS ITS SAFETY PROGRAM TO AUTOMOBILE DRIVERS

Winnipeg, Manitoba, June 22, 2009 - Bison Transport has added to its Driver Development Program (Tatonka) a new course called "Let's Bring Safety Home". The course is designed specifically to enhance the safety of the driving public. Let's Bring Safety Home provides automobile drivers information on how to operate safely around a tractor-trailer such as recognizing tractor-trailer blind spots and the limitations of the equipment.

Bison Transport became the first trucking company in Canada to invest in a skills development program that includes full motion simulation technology. The program, Tatonka, has received national recognition for excellence in promoting safety. Let's Bring Safety Home will allow participants of the course use of the simulation technology to learn in a safe environment the consequences of their decisions.

Bison is initially offering this course to the family and friends of its employees and professional drivers at three of its terminals.
• Winnipeg, MB June 27.
• Mississauga, ON July 4.
• Calgary, AB July 9.


ABOUT BISON TRANSPORT
Bison Transport is one of the largest Truckload Carriers in Canada today, offering award winning transportation solutions to the industry for 40 years. As a high-service, dependable and value creating supply chain partner, Bison offers truckload transportation, including Dry Van, Heated, Refrigerated, Intermodal and Logistics services. With terminals located across Canada, Bison operates over 1050 power units and 3000 trailers and is supported by a solid team of 1600 professional drivers and transportation experts.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

AFFILIATED COMPUTER SERVICES FORMALIZES LEASE AGREEMENT TO REMAIN AT PORT SAN ANTONIO

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – affiliated Computer Services Inc. (ACS) signed a lease agreement with Port San Antonio that will keep them at the Port campus. The newly signed lease agreement means that the company will be adding 300 jobs to their Port San Antonio location which currently employs approximately 530 people.

The Dallas based company currently employs over 74,000 people worldwide. They are ranked among the current list of Fortune 500 companies with annual revenue exceeding $5.8 billion dollars. They have two offices in San Antonio and currently hold contracts with the State of Texas Attorney General’s Office and the Texas Health and Human Services Department.

The group was being courted by sites in Austin, Indiana and Utah. City of San Antonio officials came forward with $300,000.00 in the form of an economic development grant and agreed to nominate ACS for designation as a State Enterprise project. Port San Antonio proposed relocation to a new facility, a new lease agreement as well as facility improvements to the proposed property. The lease agreement between the Port and ACS was finalized on Tuesday, May 12, 2009.

A.J. Rodriguez, deputy city manager and interim economic development director for the City of San Antonio said: “ACS tends to hire workers who live nearby. Half of ACS workers at the Port live within a three-mile radius.” The new lease agreement will mean that an estimated 390 more jobs will be created in spin-off and support services employment for an annual economic impact of $99 million.

Bruce Miller, President/CEO of Port San Antonio said: “This is a fine example of the City and the Port working together to retain, and create new jobs here in our community. We are pleased that ACS will remain here at Port San Antonio.”

Affiliated Computer Services will be moving into the offices which until recently served as the headquarters office of Port San Antonio. They will be leasing 73,988 sq feet of space. The group is targeting an April, 2010 move in date.

AFFILIATED COMPUTER SERVICES FORMALIZES LEASE AGREEMENT TO REMAIN AT PORT SAN ANTONIO

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – affiliated Computer Services Inc. (ACS) signed a lease agreement with Port San Antonio that will keep them at the Port campus. The newly signed lease agreement means that the company will be adding 300 jobs to their Port San Antonio location which currently employs approximately 530 people.

The Dallas based company currently employs over 74,000 people worldwide. They are ranked among the current list of Fortune 500 companies with annual revenue exceeding $5.8 billion dollars. They have two offices in San Antonio and currently hold contracts with the State of Texas Attorney General’s Office and the Texas Health and Human Services Department.
The group was being courted by sites in Austin, Indiana and Utah. City of San Antonio officials came forward with $300,000.00 in the form of an economic development grant and agreed to nominate ACS for designation as a State Enterprise project. Port San Antonio proposed relocation to a new facility, a new lease agreement as well as facility improvements to the proposed property. The lease agreement between the Port and ACS was finalized on Tuesday, May 12, 2009.

A.J. Rodriguez, deputy city manager and interim economic development director for the City of San Antonio said: “ACS tends to hire workers who live nearby. Half of ACS workers at the Port live within a three-mile radius.” The new lease agreement will mean that an estimated 390 more jobs will be created in spin-off and support services employment for an annual economic impact of $99 million.

Bruce Miller, President/CEO of Port San Antonio said: “This is a fine example of the City and the Port working together to retain, and create new jobs here in our community. We are pleased that ACS will remain here at Port San Antonio.”

Affiliated Computer Services will be moving into the offices which until recently served as the headquarters office of Port San Antonio. They will be leasing 73,988 sq feet of space. The group is targeting an April, 2010 move in date.

AFFILIATED COMPUTER SERVICES FORMALIZES LEASE AGREEMENT TO REMAIN AT PORT SAN ANTONIO

AFFILIATED COMPUTER SERVICES FORMALIZES LEASE AGREEMENT TO REMAIN AT PORT SAN ANTONIO WILL ADD 300 NEW JOBS

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – affiliated Computer Services Inc. (ACS) signed a lease agreement with Port San Antonio that will keep them at the Port campus. The newly signed lease agreement means that the company will be adding 300 jobs to their Port San Antonio location which currently employs approximately 530 people.

The Dallas based company currently employs over 74,000 people worldwide. They are ranked among the current list of Fortune 500 companies with annual revenue exceeding $5.8 billion dollars. They have two offices in San Antonio and currently hold contracts with the State of Texas Attorney General’s Office and the Texas Health and Human Services Department.
The group was being courted by sites in Austin, Indiana and Utah. City of San Antonio officials came forward with $300,000.00 in the form of an economic development grant and agreed to nominate ACS for designation as a State Enterprise project. Port San Antonio proposed relocation to a new facility, a new lease agreement as well as facility improvements to the proposed property. The lease agreement between the Port and ACS was finalized on Tuesday, May 12, 2009.

A.J. Rodriguez, deputy city manager and interim economic development director for the City of San Antonio said: “ACS tends to hire workers who live nearby. Half of ACS workers at the Port live within a three-mile radius.” The new lease agreement will mean that an estimated 390 more jobs will be created in spin-off and support services employment for an annual economic impact of $99 million.

Bruce Miller, President/CEO of Port San Antonio said: “This is a fine example of the City and the Port working together to retain, and create new jobs here in our community. We are pleased that ACS will remain here at Port San Antonio.”

Affiliated Computer Services will be moving into the offices which until recently served as the headquarters office of Port San Antonio. They will be leasing 73,988 sq feet of space. The group is targeting an April, 2010 move in date.

Monday, June 22, 2009

AEROLOGIC READY FOR TAKE-OFF WITH LOW-EMISSION AIRCRAFT

DHL Express – Lufthansa Cargo joint venture airline starts operations

PLANTATION, Fla and LEIPZIG, Germany, 19 June 2009 – AeroLogic, the joint venture cargo airline of DHL Express and Lufthansa Cargo, today officially started operations. With the delivery of its first Boeing 777F aircraft and receiving the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the German Aviation Authority (LBA), AeroLogic will serve new air routes between Europe and Asia, flying cargo for customers of its parent companies.

AeroLogic was set up to offer highly reliable and efficient air transport services on the Europe–Asia trade lane, which is expected to grow by approximately five percent annually in a mid term perspective. The airline will initially serve the express routes Leipzig – Bahrain – Singapore – Delhi – Leipzig on weekdays and the cargo routes Leipzig – Tashkent – Hong Kong – Tashkent – Leipzig on weekends. By 2010, the airline will gradually expand the network to offer new direct connections to most of Asia’s major metropolitan areas.

AeroLogic will operate with eight leased brand new B777F freighters, the first four of which are expected to be delivered this year. Due to its advanced fuel-saving and environmental friendly engine and wing technology, the B777F is the most modern wide-body long-range freighter currently available. It has a maximum payload capacity of 103 tons and can fly distances of over 9000 km, which enables non-stop flights from AeroLogic’s home base Leipzig, Germany, to key Asian growth markets, thereby reducing the running time of shipments.

“The new airline shows a strong commitment of both partners to extend their services for their customers and to establish a new strong global player in the industry,” said Wolfgang Mayrhuber, chief executive officer of Deutsche Lufthansa AG. “In light of an inevitably recovering market, the strengthening of vital trade lanes through the cost-efficient shared use of the most modern freighter aircraft currently available must be viewed as a smart investment,” said Frank Appel, chief executive officer of Deutsche Post DHL. “We are making available to our customers the most efficient air freight capacity in the market, while at the same time proving that we are serious about our continued commitment to improving the group’s environmental footprint, in line with our GoGreen strategy and the announced 30 per cent carbon efficiency improvement target by 2020,” Appel added.

Cargo capacities will be marketed individually by the two partners In addition to the Europe - Asia routes, in the future it will also serve Lufthansa Cargo’s EU-North America routes. The first commercial flight of AeroLogic is scheduled for June 29, 2009.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Philippe de Crécy to head Schenker S.A. in France

(Essen/Paris, 17 June 2009 ) Philippe de Crécy has been appointed Chairman of the Management Board of DB Schenker Logistic’s national organisation in France, Schenker S.A., with immediate effect. He succeeds Joël Moebel, who departs the company at his own request. Philippe de Crécy, aged 46, has been on the Management Board as the Member responsible for Air and Ocean Freight since 2005. Prior to that appointment he headed air freight activities since joining the company in 2000.

“I am pleased that we were able to fill this important management position from among our own ranks,” said Karl Nutzinger, Member of the Management Board of Schenker AG responsible for Europe. “Philippe de Crécy is thoroughly familiar with the French market.” With 5,500 employees at 98 locations, Schenker S.A. ranks among the largest national organisations of DB Schenker.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Global Consumer Products Giant Sara Lee Corporation Signs Contract with OHL

Logistics Company Provides End-to-End Supply Chain Solution

Brentwood, Tenn. (June 17, 2009) – Sara Lee Corporation, global manufacturer and marketer of well-known consumer products, and logistics company OHL recently signed a contract making OHL the end-to-end supply chain solution provider for all of Sara Lee’s international household and beverage business, including items such as Endust® dusting polish and KIWI® shoe polish.

OHL and Sara Lee’s relationship began 12 years ago when the logistics company began providing contract logistics services in Plainfield, Indiana, and Sparks, Nevada. OHL and Sara Lee have expanded their relationship and OHL is providing an end-to-end supply chain solution for the household and beverage division, including air and ocean freight forwarding, brokerage services, drayage, inbound and outbound transportation. OHL also provides Sara Lee with value added services including assembling and shipping end cap display racks, repackaging products and applying store specific SKU’s for four major retail stores.

“Our relationship with OHL has been solid since the beginning, and because of our positive track record, we wanted to work with them on a fully integrated supply chain strategy,” said Jody Holder, Director of Supply Chain for North America for Sara Lee. “We are confident in OHL’s ability to streamline operations and improve our time to market because of OHL’s door-to-door coverage of the global supply chain.”

Sara Lee has complete visibility into the entire supply chain by using tools such as e-Focus™, which provides visibility for inbound ocean containers from their point of origin to the DC, and Oracle® Transportation Management to manage all inbound and outbound freight. This integrated platform ensures data accuracy and streamlined processes for maximum efficiency.

“This integrated solution will help Sara Lee meet its speed to market and retail compliance objectives,” said Mark Holmes, vice president of global solutions for OHL. “We appreciate Sara Lee’s continued confidence in our ability to provide an end-to-end supply chain solution, allowing their team to concentrate on core competencies to improve market share.”

To view this release online, please visit http://www.ohl.com/news/archives/2009-news/global-cpg-company-signs-logistics-contract.htm.

About OHL
Based in Tennessee, OHL is one of the largest 3PLs in the world, providing integrated global supply chain management solutions including transportation, warehousing, customs brokerage, freight forwarding and import and export consulting services. With three divisions—Global Freight Management and Logistics, Contract Logistics and North America Transportation—OHL operates more than 120 value-added distribution centers, offers comprehensive transportation management services, employs over 6,000, and has offices worldwide. OHL has expertise in direct to consumer fulfillment, serves a wide range of business sectors from specialty retail to manufacturing, and specializes in the apparel, electronics, printing, food and beverage, and consumer packaged goods industries.

About Sara Lee Corporation
Each and every day, Sara Lee (NYSE: SLE) delights millions of consumers and customers around the word. The company has one of the world’s best-loved and leading portfolios with its innovative and trusted food, beverage, household and body care brands, including Ambi Pur, Ballpark, Douwe Egberts, Hillshire Farm, Jimmy Dean, Kiwi, Sanex, Sara Lee and Senseo. Collectively, these brands generate more than $13 billion in annual net sales covering approximately 200 countries. The Sara Lee community consists of 44,000 employees worldwide. Please visit www.saralee.com for the latest news and in-depth information about Sara Lee and its brands.

Monday, June 15, 2009

CEVA Logistics Named 2008 “Logistics Partner of the Year”

CEVA Logistics Named 2008 “Logistics Partner of the Year” and “Transportation Partner of the Year” by Fujitsu Computer Products of America, Inc.

Houston, Texas, 15 June 2009 - CEVA Logistics, one of the world’s leading supply chain companies, has been recognized as ”Logistics Partner of the Year” and “Transportation Partner of the Year” by Fujitsu Computer Products of America, Inc. (FCPA). For the third year in a row, CEVA has emerged as the most valued supply chain partner for one of the world’s leading suppliers of innovative computer products.

FCPA evaluated the performance of 11 service providers in 14 categories; including cycle time achievement, inventory accuracy and operational efficiency, before recognizing CEVA as the recipient of the Logistics Partner of the Year award. CEVA manages one exclusive use facility in Sacramento and four multi-use logistics facilities on behalf of FCPA in North America.

“CEVA consistently demonstrates the level of performance and personal service necessary to earn this award,” said Glenn Wood, senior director, logistics, Fujitsu Computer Products of America, Inc. “Working closely with FCPA, CEVA has taken a holistic approach to managing our supply chain. While these services are transactional, the relationship transcends local boundaries. CEVA and FCPA have clearly developed a true partnership and continue to strive to make all aspects of our relationship mutually beneficial.”

For the Transportation Partner of the Year award, FCPA’s service providers were evaluated in the areas of operational execution, cost reduction initiatives, customer service and technology. CEVA’s performance over the measured period earned the highest score since the inception of the award, surpassing CEVA’s previous highest score in 2009. On May 28, Wood presented CEVA with both awards at CEVA’s Americas Headquarters in Houston, Texas.

“It’s an honor to be recognized as Fujitsu Computer Products of America’s top logistics provider for the third consecutive year,” said Joe Bento, president, CEVA Americas and global freight management. “Glenn and the team at FCPA consistently challenge CEVA to develop innovative solutions to meet the needs of their business. The foundation of our partnership is the willingness to drive mutual excellence. FCPA pushes the limits of capability and CEVA responds to the challenge.”

FCPA and CEVA have continually expanded their transportation and logistics partnership since it began in 2001. Today, CEVA services nearly every segment of Fujitsu’s supply chain, from transportation services including customs brokerage to contract logistics.


CEVA
CEVA Logistics is a leading global supply chain management company. We provide end-to-end design, implementation and operational solutions in contract logistics and freight management to large and medium-sized national and multinational companies. CEVA employs circa 50,000 people and runs an extensive global network with facilities in over 100 countries. For the year ending 31 December 2008, the Group reported revenues of €6.3bn. For more information, please visit www.cevalogistics.com

About Fujitsu Computer Products of America
Fujitsu Computer Products of America, Inc. conducts engineering and marketing activities in Sunnyvale, California, and sales operations throughout the United States. Fujitsu Computer Products of America, Inc. currently offers products and services including hard disk drives, scanners and scanner maintenance, broadcast video products, palm vein recognition technology and 10Gb Ethernet switches. Fujitsu Computer Products of America, Inc. is located at 1255 East Arques Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA, 94085. For more information about Fujitsu products and services, call us at 800-626-4686 or 408-746-7000. For more information, please see: http://us.fujitsu.com/fcpa

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT of 1995:

The statements included in this news release, and other statements that are not historical facts, may contain forward-looking statements. In addition to the assumptions specifically mentioned in the above paragraphs, there are a number of other factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the process of combining EGL and CEVA, the actual effects of recent and future regulatory changes and technological developments, globalization, levels of spending in major economies, the economic climate in Asia and the US, levels of marketing and promotional expenditure, actions of competitors and joint venture partners, employee costs, future exchange and interest rates, changes in tax rates, unexpected costs of integrating recently acquired businesses and future business combination or dispositions and other factors detailed in risk factors and elsewhere in CEVA and EGL's most recent Annual Reports, including but not restricted to the EGL Annual Report on Form 10-K. Further information concerning the Company and its business, including factors that potentially could materially affect the Company’s financial results, is contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize (or the consequences of such a development worsen), or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those forecasted or expected. EGL and CEVA disclaim any intention or obligation to update publicly or revise such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Industry and academia meet at first Hamilton Ontario TRANSLOG Transportation Conference

June 15, 2009 Hamilton Ontario – Following the successful launch of the McMaster Institute for Transportation and Logistics (MITL) Gateway Study, MITL brings together industry and academia to push forward the concept of Hamilton’s future as a key transportation hub at TRANSLOG 2009. MITL will host the two day event on the McMaster University campus on June 17-18.

An impressive cross-section of Ontario leaders, including Chamber of Marine Commerce President, Ray Johnston and Ministry of Transportation goods movement policy manager, James Perttula. The unique format of the event is designed to engage transportation professionals and research professors to share concepts and link projects to support growth in the region’s transportation sector.

Themes including urban design, planning, environment, modal connectivity and the creation of more sustainable transportation and logistics networks will be presented in papers by over 40 academics representing more than a dozen educational institutions. Pavlos Kanaroglou, Director of MITL and School of Geography/Earth Sciences offers, “The world around us is changing at a rapid pace, responding to economic restructuring and increasing environmental concerns. The Transportation and Logistics sectors play a fundamental role and the conference explores these themes from the perspectives of the private and public sectors, as well as the view of academia."

Attendance is encouraged from all sectors of industry, government and academia. MITL is planning for a delegate audience of more than 100 leaders. “This event is an exciting opportunity for business leaders to learn about all the activities that are going on in the transportation and logistics industry, to learn about the MITL and its workings and how business can leverage the institute and to learn from leading academics on the benefits of transportation and logistics as an economic driver,” said Carego Group of Companies president and MITL advisory board chair Demetrius Tsafaridis.

An expert panel from industry will outline innovation in the transportation field from across the modes, complimenting the research papers being presented throughout the agenda. "Hamilton has, and continues to focus on goods movement. The work of the MITL is a tremendous enabler to growing this cluster. The City is looking forward to the new ideas and direction coming out of the Translog conference, " said City of Hamilton economic development and real estate planning director Neil Everson.

Kanaroglou says this year’s conference aims to provide participants with the tools, technologies and processes they need to plan better, change travel behavior, improve safety and get more out of what we have
For detailed information on TRANSLOG 2009 visit http://mitl.mcmaster.ca/translog/index.html.

MAZDA RENEWS AND EXPANDS LOGISTICS CONTRACT WITH RYDER

MIAMI, June 15, 2009 – Ryder System, Inc. (NYSE: R), a leader in supply chain, warehousing and transportation management solutions, today announced that Mazda North American Operations (MNAO), is extending and expanding its contract with Ryder for the distribution management of auto parts throughout its Mexico network of dealers. Under the expansion, Ryder will manage cross-border transportation of Mazda parts into Mexico and distribution to all Mazda dealers in Mexico. The extended contract will run through October 2011.

“Ryder’s team has consistently demonstrated its ability to drive process improvements throughout our operations, both in the U.S. and Mexico,” said Bobbie Rooney, Manager of Transportation and Logistics for Mazda. "The decision to continue and expand our relationship with Ryder in Mexico is based on their ability to provide the services with speed and reliability at the lowest cost.”

Ryder has provided distribution services to Mazda in the U.S. since 1991 and in Mexico since 2005. Over the years, as Mazda’s dealer network in Mexico has grown, delivery frequencies and the need for dedicated routes have increased. Under the new contract, Ryder will handle distribution of parts from Mazda’s Distribution Center in Olive Branch, Miss., to Ryder’s cross dock in Monterrey, Mexico, and then through to delivery at all of Mazda’s dealers in Mexico.

“Our goal is to simplify Mazda’s parts operations and improve our responsiveness in serving their trade partners and consumers,” said Jorge Salas, Director of Cross-Border and Automotive Operations for Ryder. “We are honored to know Mazda feels we have been successfully serving their needs.”

Ryder’s Cross Border Management Services provide a seamless, end-to-end solution to manage material flows between the U.S. and Mexico. Through the company’s technology, highly trained logistics professionals, and proven processes, Ryder’s US/Mexico Logistics Network Solution provides complete supply chain visibility and responsive service levels for customers at a competitive price.

About Mazda North American Operations
Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico through more than 850 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc., located in Ontario, Canada, and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

About Ryder
Ryder provides leading-edge transportation, logistics and supply chain management solutions worldwide. Ryder’s stock (NYSE: R) is a component of the Dow Jones Transportation Average and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index. Ryder ranks 399th on the Fortune 500. For more information on Ryder System, Inc., visit www.ryder.com.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements and information included in this news release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Federal Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on our current plans and expectations and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Accordingly, these forward-looking statements should be evaluated with consideration given to the many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements including those risks set forth in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors or to assess the impact of such risks on our business. Accordingly, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Port Metro Vancouver Terminal Reaches Record Monthly Production on Container Vessels

Fraser Surrey Docks Averages 31.2 Container Moves per Hour in the Month of May 2009.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada – Fraser Surrey Docks at Port Metro Vancouver (PMV) achieved a record monthly average production on their container vessels in May 2009. Building on a strong monthly average in April of 29.2 container moves per hour (MPH), during the month of May, Fraser Surrey Docks achieved an average of 31.2 container moves per hour to and from 13 vessels. This average included a vessel that reached a high of 38.3 MPH.

“This achievement showcases the value that can be expected by container shipping lines calling Fraser Surrey Docks and sends a clear message to prospective carriers of all commodities that the Vancouver Gateway is productive and reliable,” said Bill Wehnert, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Fraser Surrey Docks.

Fraser Surrey Docks and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU – Local 502 and 514) worked together to achieve this milestone and are focused on moving the overall MPH even higher.

Fraser Surrey Docks is a modern multi-purpose marine terminal that has been serving the shipping industry since 1964 and is the largest facility of its kind on the west coast of North America. Fraser Surrey Docks is located along the banks of the Fraser River in Surrey, British Columbia, and is able to handle containers, breakbulk cargos and project cargos of any size, which combines very well with the strong onsite rail solution at the terminal.

Port Metro Vancouver is the fourth largest tonnage port in North America, and is comprised of 28 major marine cargo terminals and three Class 1 railroads, providing a full range of facilities and services to the international shipping community.

SUPPLY CHAIN CONSULTANTS CO-SPONSORS ABERDEEN STUDY ON INVENTORY MANAGEMENT

Reducing inventory is top action companies have taken in response to recession

WILMINGTON, DEL. – June 11, 2009 – According to a new report from Aberdeen Group, during these times of economic uncertainty companies are actively seeking best practices for reducing inventory holdings throughout their multi-tiered supply chain networks. In fact, reducing inventory is the top action companies have taken in response to the recession, as reported by 54 percent of survey respondents. The study, titled “Inventory Management: Three Key Strategies to Freeing Working Capital” is co-sponsored by Supply Chain Consultants, a leading provider of supply chain software solutions.

“For many companies, especially with global supply chains, inventory is the biggest lever impacting their working capital position,” said Nari Viswanathan, vice president/principal analyst with Aberdeen. “Due to increased global complexity, companies are experiencing long lead times and high demand volatility. This has resulted in an increased emphasis on managing inventory. Identifying the best practices and the best tools to accomplish this become critical.”

Companies are looking for practical initiatives that can unlock working capital while also maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction. With 62 percent of companies reporting a drop in customer demand over the past year, focusing on inventory is critical if a company wants to avoid a spike in write-offs as a result of a build-up of stock that can’t be sold. Findings in the Aberdeen study show that a full 91 percent of companies indicate that they are involved in reviewing opportunities for improving inventory performance through process change. Sixty-one percent of respondents say they have made,or have been asked to make, inventory-related technology recommendations within the past six months.

The study also examines how Best-in-Class companies are able to continuously manage inventory throughout their supply chain to improve customer service levels, forecast accuracies and perfect order metrics using the principles of closed loop inventory management. Best-in-Class companies are also more likely to use a technology enabler in key inventory management events, including demand analysis, inventory segmentation, inventory optimization, inventory replenishment, extended inventory visibility, event management and responsive execution.

“Inventory management and the information technology supporting it are critical in weathering the economic recession so many organizations are facing today,” stated Sujit Singh, Supply Chain Consultants’ chief operating officer. “The Aberdeen report on Inventory Management reinforces what so many of our customers are already putting into practice – that effectively managing their inventory levels and using the right technology to help them do so, helps provide them with a competitive advantage during an economic down turn and the ensuing rebound.”

For a complimentary copy of the report, click here.

About Aberdeen Group, a Harte-Hanks Company

Aberdeen is a leading provider of fact-based research and market intelligence that delivers demonstrable results. Having benchmarked more than 30,000 companies in the past two years, Aberdeen is uniquely positioned to educate users to action: driving market awareness, creating demand, enabling sales, and delivering meaningful return-on-investment analysis. As the trusted advisor to the global technology markets, corporations turn to AberdeenTM for insights that drive decisions.

As a Harte-Hanks Company, Aberdeen plays a key role of putting content in context for the global direct and targeted marketing company. Aberdeen's analytical and independent view of the "customer optimization" process of Harte-Hanks (Information – Opportunity – Insight – Engagement – Interaction) extends the client value and accentuates the strategic role Harte-Hanks brings to the market. For additional information, visit Aberdeen http://www.aberdeen.com or call (617) 723-7890, or to learn more about Harte-Hanks, call (800) 456-9748 or go to http://www.harte-hanks.com.

About Supply Chain Consultants
Supply Chain Consultants, founded in 1993, is a software and consulting company with headquarters in Wilmington, Del., and European operations in Antwerp, Belgium. The company provides a wide range of technology and process solutions for enhancing productivity and reducing operating costs in the supply chain. Such major corporations as Hexion, Terra Industries, Sunsweet Growers, ANADIGICS, INEOS and Akzo Nobel use SCC’s Zemeter products. For more information see www.supplychain.com.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Echo Global Logistics, Inc. Acquires Raytrans Distribution Services, Inc.

Chicago, IL June 10, 2009 – Echo Global Logistics, Inc., a technology-driven transportation management firm, has acquired Raytrans Distribution Services, Inc., a transportation brokerage firm based in Matteson, Illinois.

James Ray, Jr. founded Raytrans Distribution Services in 2000. Raytrans’ network of skilled transportation professionals and carriers specialize in flatbed, over-sized, auto-haul and other specific services as well as traditional dry van brokerage. Effective immediately, Raytrans Distribution Services will begin doing business as Echo Global Logistics, Inc.

“We are enthused about the value that the partnership between Echo and Raytrans will deliver to our clients,” said Doug Waggoner, Chief Executive Officer of Echo Global Logistics. “Echo will benefit from Raytrans’ focus and additional scale, while the Raytrans operation will gain from Echo’s technology and mode diversification.”

“We are excited to join the Echo team,” said James Ray, Jr., who will continue as General Manager of the Raytrans Division of Echo Global Logistics. “The Raytrans’ specialization and carrier base in combination with Echo’s technology enabled procurement capabilities and additional modes of transportation will yield significant customer benefits.”

About Echo Global Logistics, Inc. 


Privately-held Chicago-based Echo is a technology-driven transportation management outsourcing firm which helps clients reduce their transportation spend. Echo’s enterprise and transactional clients range from small businesses to Fortune 100 companies. Echo’s transportation management solutions deliver cost savings through proprietary access to unparalleled transportation market data, custom-built world-class technology, a “best cost” global labor platform, an extensive nationwide network of carriers, and buying leverage resulting from the aggregated spend on behalf of Echo’s clients. For more information on Echo, visit: www.echo.com.

DHL IS LOOKING FOR THE MOST INNOVATIVE YOUNG SCIENTISTS

Entries Accepted For DHL Innovation Award 2009: June 10 to July 20, 2009; Winner to Receive 5,000 Euros

PLANTATION, Fla and BONN, Germany, June 10, 2009 -- DHL is once again offering the DHL Innovation Award which gives young logistics scientists the opportunity gain attention for their practical logistics solutions. Creative solutions that are focused above all on customer needs have the best chance of winning. It is a prerequisite to not only present the theoretical approach but to also provide some first assumptions on the market potential of the solution. The availability of a business plan will increase the chances to win. A panel of experts from R&D, politics and business will evaluate the entries. The competition begins today and runs through July 20, 2009. A prize of 5,000 euros awaits the winner at the award ceremony on December 1, 2009, at the DHL Innovation Center near Bonn, Germany.

"Logistics feeds off creative ideas," says Frank Appel, CEO Deutsche Post DHL. "With the DHL Innovation Award, we are supporting young scientists who have the ability to create pioneering ideas that are also practical in their implementation.”

The DHL Innovation Awards were held for the first time last year. Because of the huge response, DHL, the world's leading logistics company, decided to continue the competition. Entries may be submitted via the DHL Innovation Center website (www.dhl-innovation.com) or through the Deutsche Post DHL career site (www.dp-dhl-career.com). Registration is only available through the online form.

About DHL

DHL is the global market leader in the logistics industry and “The Logistics company for the world”. DHL commits its expertise in international express, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation, contract logistics and international mail services. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and 310,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their supply chain requirements. DHL accepts its social responsibility by supporting climate protection, disaster management and education.

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL. The Group generated revenue of more than 54 billion euros in 2008.

OHL Promotes from Within

OHL has new COO, CAO and CFO

Brentwood, Tenn. (June 10, 2009) – Logistics solutions provider, OHL, today announced the appointments of Bert Irigoyen as President & Chief Operating Officer and Frank Eichler as Chief Administrative Officer & General Council, as well as the promotion of Paul Stone from SVP of Finance to Chief Financial Officer.

President and COO, Bert Irigoyen, has been with OHL for two years and was previously CFO for the company. Prior to joining OHL, Irigoyen served as EVP and CFO for Global Knowledge Networks and has experience in many industries including grocery retailing, home centers, auto parts retailing, specialty manufacturing, land development and private banking.

Frank Eichler, CAO and General Counsel, was previously EVP and General Counsel for OHL. He has been with the company for 3 years. Prior to joining OHL, Eichler served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel for Dex Media, Inc., as head of corporate development for Teletech and as general counsel for Media One Group.

Prior to joining OHL in 2008, Paul Stone was CFO of Sitel – a privately held global customer care company. He also previously served as CFO for Mark VII and Bekins Van Lines.

“I congratulate Bert, Frank and Paul and look forward to continuing to work with them in their new roles,” said Scott McWilliams, President and CEO. “Bert has implemented significant process improvements for our company, Frank has been instrumental in OHL’s strategic acquisitions and Paul has greatly strengthened the OHL financial team in the relatively short time he has been with us.”

OHL was founded as a warehousing company in Nashville, TN more than 50 years ago, and has transitioned into a global supply chain services provider through organic growth as well as key acquisitions. “We have an exceptional team of logistics professionals at OHL”, McWilliams commented. “As we expand, we will continue to look for opportunities to promote from within as well as seek new team members to augment our expertise in particular markets and geographies.”

To view this release online or to obtain photos of Irigoyen, Eichler or Stone, please visit http://www.ohl.com/news/archives/2009-news/3PL-new-COO-CAO-CFO.htm

About OHL

Based in Tennessee, OHL is one of the largest 3PLs in the world, providing integrated global supply chain management solutions including transportation, warehousing, customs brokerage, freight forwarding and import and export consulting services. With three divisions—Global Freight Management and Logistics, Contract Logistics and North America Transportation—OHL operates more than 120 value-added distribution centers, offers comprehensive transportation management services, employs over 6,000, and has offices worldwide. OHL has expertise in direct to consumer fulfillment, serves a wide range of business sectors from specialty retail to manufacturing, and specializes in the apparel, electronics, printing, food and beverage, and consumer packaged goods industries.

Agility Awarded $1.4 billion Option Year on Contract to Feed U.S. Forces in Iraq

Defense Logistics Agency extends Agility to December 2010

ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 9, 2009 – Agility Defense & Government Services (DGS) announced that the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) has exercised the third option period on its contract for the supply and distribution of food and non-food products to U.S. forces in Iraq.

The contract, known as the Subsistence Prime Vendor contract, requires Agility DGS to handle procurement, shipping, warehousing and distribution of food and non-food products for all branches of the U.S. military. The maximum value of the 18-month extension is $1.4 billion.

“We welcome news of the extension. It’s another indication that we’ve been able to maintain exceptional performance under the most challenging conditions,” said Dan Mongeon, president and CEO of Agility DGS. “We’ve delivered with accuracy, efficiency and dependability, ensuring that U.S. troops eat properly as they perform their mission.”

Agility DGS originally won the Subsistence Prime Vendor contract in Dec. 2005. The extension covers the third and final option year. The company’s performance on the competitively bid contract has earned it recognition and awards from DLA and other agencies.

“Through advanced logistics and extensive quality assurance measures, we’ve been extremely successful in delivering food and other items into a warzone,” Mongeon said.

About Agility Defense & Government Services

Agility Defense & Government Services is the public sector arm of Agility. It provides complete supply chain management, logistics services and commodity services to meet the needs of defense and government customers. With more than 550 offices in 120 countries, Agility DGS and its parent offer a vast network of global land, sea and air transportation capabilities, including warehousing and storage.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Latin America Cargo offers trade assistance to Canadian Business

Latin America Cargo based out of Montreal, Canada announces special trade division specializing in facilitating International trade between Canada and Latin America.

Montreal, QC (May 21, 2009) - Latin America Cargo base is pleased to announce the opening of their special trade division, Latin America Trade Assistance. Latin America Cargo formed the trade division to assist Canadian Business seeking opportunites in high growth areas of Latin America.

“We are getting calls every day from exporters wanting our assistance with logistics, and trade consulting to and from Latin America,” says Mr Homero Herrera, President and CEO of LAC, “The recent signing of the Free Trade Agreement with Peru and Colombia opens up even more opportunities for Canadian companies.“

In addition to the Free Trade Agreements with Colombia and Peru, Export Development Canada cited in a report entitled Global Export Forecast Spring 2009, that the U.S. economy is expected to shrink 2.7% this year, while Central America and South America are forecast to grow 1% and 0.5% respectively. Canadian exporters reliant on the U.S. economy are looking at expansion to other, non-traditional markets.

“Our objective is to facilitate trade between Canada and Latin America,” Mr. Herrera explains, “Not only can my staff and I communicate in the native language, we understand the way people think and work because we are part of the same culture. We have good business contacts and relationships throughout the region. In addition, we are closely tied to our vendor partners, so we can get goods of any type, or size to or from Latin America at the most competitive price.”

For more information contact John Doble at 514-449-4578 or visit their website at www.lacshipping.com

About Latin America Cargo Shipping
Latin America Cargo Shipping is a logistics and trade consulting company located in Montreal, Canada, specializing in the movement of cargo and trade between Canada and the U.S.A. and Latin America.

Contact:
John Doble, VP Marketing, Latin America Cargo Inc.
514 449 4578

Friday, June 5, 2009

Globalization is Dented, not Derailed

Commentary by Stephen S. Poloz, Senior Vice-President, Financing Products Group, Export Development Canada - Globalization is Dented, not Derailed

Here is an excerpt from Mr. Poloz's presentation: "Globalization always rubs some people the wrong way, but this is especially the case during recessions. This one is worse than usual, because many blame globalization for the contagion that brought the U.S. financial crisis and economic downturn to their shores."

For more information and Mr. Poloz's video presentation, please visit: http://www.edc.ca/english/docs/ereports/commentary/publications_16530.htm

Canada's State of Trade

Canada's State of Trade and Investment Update 2009

Canada's State of Trade: Trade and Investment Update 2009 is prepared by the Federal Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Canada's annual flagship report provides an overview of Canada's international trade and investment at home an abroad in 2008. Backgrounder information and an Executive Summary can be found at: http://www.international.gc.ca/economist-economiste/performance/state-point/2009.aspx

MEXPRESS TO COMMENCE SERVICE FROM PORT SAN ANTONIO

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – Mexpress Transportation, Inc. a road feeder air cargo company, will commence service from Port San Antonio (SKF) to airports in Monterrey (MTY), Guadalajara (GDL), and Mexico City (MEX) in June, 2009. At this time service is scheduled to run three times a week catering to air cargo shippers and receivers. The service will also cater to small and medium size companies shipping less than a trailer load.

Operational Technologies (OpTech), who is the current foreign trade zone operator at the Port, will host the service for Mexpress who has appointed LOGITEX USA, as its sales agent. An added value to this operation will be the availability of Mexico customs clearance at the designated Mexico airports as well as Port San Antonio.

Those involved with this operation foresee this service eventually connecting to other markets in Mexico and Central America while acting as a feeder to and from Asia through international air cargo hubs. “We are opening new trade horizons in dealing with Port San Antonio.” Remarked Carlos Duron, President of Mexpress Transportation, Inc.

“We look forward to working for Mexpress” said Javier Smith, President LOGITEX, USA. “The Market seems to be reacting favorably to this service.”

Jorge Canavati, Vice President of Business Development for Port San Antonio, says that this service will be a valued asset to those businesses who put it to use. “This service will be very important to companies in need of air cargo transport between our region and the strategic cargo centers in Mexico. At the same time it is an efficient tool for small and medium sized companies that need to ship a pallet or two at a time”.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

HORIZON LINES ANNOUNCES RESULTS OF 2009 ANNUAL STOCKHOLDER MEETING

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (June 3, 2009) - Horizon Lines, Inc. (NYSE: HRZ)announced that shareholders at the company's annual meeting yesterday re-elected three Class I directors, approved the company's 2009 Incentive Compensation and Employee Stock Purchase plans and ratified the appointment of Horizon Lines' public accounting firm.

Approximately 90% of company's 30.8 million shares outstanding were represented in the voting, which was open to shareholders of record as of April 13, 2009.

Additionally, the Board of Directors re-elected Chief Executive Officer Charles G. Raymond, 65, as its chairman. "We are gratified that our shareholders overwhelmingly approved all of the proposals put before them," Mr. Raymond said. "We also are honored that our board continues to be represented by dedicated individuals with significant industry experience, organizational leadership and financial expertise."

During the annual meeting, shareholders re-elected Class I directors James G. Cameron, Alex J. Mandl, and Norman Y. Mineta.
Mr. Cameron, 63, has served as a director since July 2004 and was previously an executive with Statia Terminals Group N.V. Mr. Mandl, 65, has served as a director since June 2007 and has been the Chairman of Gemalto, a global leader in digital security, since December 2007.

Mr. Mineta, 77, a director of the company since 2006, served as Secretary of Transportation under President George W. Bush, and as Secretary of Commerce under President Bill Clinton. He currently is Vice Chairman of Hill & Knowlton, one of the world's premier communications consultancies.

About Horizon Lines

Horizon Lines, Inc. is the nation's leading domestic ocean shipping and integrated logistics company comprised of two primary operating subsidiaries. Horizon Lines, LLC, owns or leases a fleet of 21 U.S.-flag containerships and operates 5 port terminals linking the continental United States with Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Micronesia and Puerto Rico. Horizon Logistics, LLC, offers customized logistics solutions to shippers from a suite of transportation and distribution management services, information technology developed by Horizon Services Group and intermodal trucking and warehousing services provided by Sea-Logix. Horizon Lines, Inc. is based in Charlotte, NC, and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol HRZ.

Canadian Pacific to address Bank of America and Merrill Lynch 2009 Global Transportation Conference

CALGARY, June 3 /CNW/ - Brian Grassby, Vice President and Controller, Canadian Pacific (TSX/NYSE: CP) will address the Bank of America and Merrill Lynch 2009 Global Transportation Conference on Thursday, June 11 at 10:30 AM Eastern Time.

Mr. Grassby's presentation will provide highlights of CP's current performance and business initiatives. The conference will be held at the Crowne Plaza Times Square, New York City.

There will be a live audio webcast of Mr. Grassby's presentation. A replay of the webcast, as well as the presentation materials, will be available in the Investor section of CP's website, http://www.cpr.ca.

About Canadian Pacific:

Canadian Pacific, through the ingenuity of its employees located across Canada and in the United States, remains committed to being the safest, most fluid railway in North America. Our people are the key to delivering innovative transportation solutions to our customers and to ensuring the safe operation of our trains through the more than 900 communities where we operate.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Transportation and logistics M&A activity drastically slows in first quarter 200

Transportation and logistics M&A activity drastically slows in first quarter 2009, finds PwC
Average deal values decline from US$513 million to US$159 million


JUNE 1, 2009 — Deal activity dropped significantly during first quarter 2009 in the global transportation and logistics (T&L) industry, according to a report released today by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC): Intersections: First-quarter 2009 mergers and acquisitions analysis.

Eighteen deals were announced at a disclosed value of at least US$50 million each, down from 43 such deals in fourth quarter 2008.

Activity continued to increase among non-US parties which made up 94% of deal volume for T&L targets in the first quarter, up from 71% in 2007 and 81% in 2008.

Average deal values declined significantly, from US$513 million in 2008 to US$159 million in first quarter 2009 (for deals with a value of at least US$50 million). In place of large deals worth at least US$1 billion were minority stake purchases, accounting for 39% of deals, up from 30% of the total deals announced in 2008.

The continued slowdown of M&A activity for the Global T&L sector during the first quarter of 2009 presented interesting changes in behaviour among deal participants, said Todd Thornton, Canadian T&L sector leader at PwC in Canada. Most notable is the shift toward minority stake purchases, which can be attributed to tight credit and strategic buyers’ aversion to risk. We expect these factors will lead to minority stake purchases continuing to make up a large percentage of deals announced during the rest of the year.

Canadian M&A activity during the first quarter of 2009 was no different then what we saw globally”, Thornton said. While activity is down, we did see some action in the various sectors. CargoJet Airways’ acquired the remaining 49% interest in Prince Edward Air Ltd. In trucking, we saw purchases by a strategic investor and in rail, Canadian National (CN) Railway sold to GO Transit, the Toronto area commuter rail agency, CN’s Weston division for expanded GO service between Union Station and the regions northwest of the city.

Intersections reports that passenger air and logistics sectors globally saw the most deal activity in value during first quarter 2009, a change from past years when shipping took the lead. Passenger air accounted for 34% of M&A activity, compared with 17% in 2008 and 27% in 2007. Deal activity for logistics targets also increased over previous years, accounting for 32% of activity during first quarter 2009 compared with 13% in 2008 and 14% in 2007.

Strategic investors continued to account for the majority of deals for the T&L industry, as previously predicted by earlier editions of Intersections. Strategic investors accounted for more than 80% (15 deals) for first quarter 2009, up from approximately 60% of deals announced in 2007 and 2008. There was an overall absence of deals in the shipping sector by financial investors during the first quarter. In previous quarters, financial investors have shown more interest in shipping than other transportation modes.

The pace of deal activity, as measured by the number of deals announced for T&L targets, has declined significantly, with just 18 deals in first quarter 2009. Large deals (with a disclosed value of US$1 billion or more) were nonexistent for the T&L sector during the first quarter. This marks a huge drop from the 22 large deals announced in 2008 and 17 in 2007. A focus on capital preservation by potential buyers contributed to the absence of large deal activity. The difficult financing environment witnessed in 2009 has caused well-capitalized strategic buyers to engage in smaller deals, including minority stakes, divested assets, and distressed targets. It is likely that this trend will continue, with a general lack of large deals being made in the T&L sector throughout 2009 and possibly beyond.

T&L deals shifted tremendously during first quarter 2009 away from North America, with acquirer and target parties focused heavily in the United Kingdom-Eurozone and Asia-Oceania regions. Deals in these regions were up to nearly 80%, in comparison with 55% in 2007. A decline in activity in South America was due to a reduction in deals for Brazilian targets, which had been a primary contributor to regional deals in past quarters. BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) targets’ deal activity consisted of two deals in Brazil and one deal in China during the first quarter.

Local-market deals in all nations increased to 80% during first quarter 2009, compared with approximately 60% in 2007 and 2008, showing that the predicted trend of globalization leading to increased cross-border consolidation did not hold true. This is likely attributable to a preference by the buyers to build scale in their own markets versus expansion into new geographies during this difficult operating environment for T&L companies.

While the overall number of deals was drastically reduced during the first quarter, deal activity in the transportation and logistics industry as a whole can nonetheless be considered robust, especially when compared with this sector a€™s activity over the past 20 years, said Klaus-Dieter Ruske, global T&L sector leader, PricewaterhouseCoopers. While this is a positive sign, we believe that financing and overall economic sentiment will continue to discourage a rebound in T&L deal activity. Moving forward, we will likely see M&A activity driven by need because a significant increase in deal activity will likely not occur until we see substantial recovery in economies around the globe.

This edition of Intersections includes commentary on the privatization of infrastructure, which discusses the future of global and U.S. transportation infrastructure privatization deals with a heavy focus on the United States.

Additionally, this issue of Intersections contains a special report, "T&L companies find auto woes are contagious," which includes executive commentary on the effect of the current auto industry restructuring and its impact on the global transportation and logistics sector. For information and to access the full report, visit www.pwc.com/transport.

About PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers (www.pwc.com) provides industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to build public trust and enhance value for its clients and their stakeholders. More than 155,000 people in 153 countries across our network share their thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice. In Canada, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (www.pwc.com/ca) and its related entities have more than 5,200 partners and staff in offices across the country.

MCAA Announces 2009-2010 Board of Directors and Officers

MCAA Announces 2009-2010 Board of Directors and Officers:

Mike Gualtieri Re-Elected President
Lauth, Seiter and O’Hara elected as incoming Directors


WASHINGTON, D.C., May 2009 – The Messenger Courier Association of the Americas (MCAA) announced its Officers and Directors for 2009-2010 after elections that took place at its Annual Meeting held recently at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada.

MCAA’s Officers for 2009-2010 are the following:

President: Mike Gualtieri, ProCourier Connecticut, Inc. -
First-Vice President: Chris MacKrell, Custom Courier Solutions, Inc.,
Second Vice-President: Rob Johnstone, Priority Express,
Treasurer: Rob Hackbarth, Hackbarth Delivery,
Secretary: Kirk Godby, Corporate Couriers,
Immediate Past President: Rob Slack, National Delivery.com, Inc.

MCAA’s Directors for 2009-2010 are the following:
(*denotes a newly elected Director)

John Benko, MANKO Delivery Systems, Inc.,
Rich Chase, OnTrac,
Charles Chiusano, Avant Business Services,
*John Lauth, Courier Connections, Inc.,
Chuck Moyer, Express Courier, Inc.,
*Monte O’Hara, Capital Express, Inc.,
*Matt Seiter, Relay Express, Inc.,
Ken Tunnell, Ace Expediters,
Larry Zogby, RDS Delivery Service.

President Gualtieri thanked retiring Board Members Larry Swartz and Barry Greer stating “I also want to thank outgoing MCAA Board members Barry Greer and Larry Swartz and appreciate their long and distinguished service to the industry – none of which is greater than their enthusiasm for this organization and the industry it serves.”

About the MCAA
MCAA is a trade association of approximately 500 mostly locally owned courier companies. Founded in 1987, MCAA has worked to promote and advance the common interests of those engaged in the same day delivery industry throughout the United States and abroad. The Association provides legislative and regulatory activities, educational programs, member benefit programs, increased agent work opportunities, and a quarterly magazine. MCAA holds an annual resort-based Convention and an Executive Roundtable Series conference. For more information, visit www.mcaa.com.

Michigan Shore Railroad Wins Prestigious Industry Award

VASSAR, Mich. (June 1, 2009) – The Michigan Shore Railroad (MSR), a RailAmerica property, has won the Rail Business 2009 Win-Win Award. The award honors the best railroad-shipper partnerships in the industry. Winners were recognized at the North American Rail Shippers Association conference May 27 – 28.

“Shippers and carriers work together every day, often hammering out creative solutions that lead to better service, better rates and other mutually beneficial improvements,” said Abby Caplan, editor of Rail Business, a weekly publication for the railroad industry. “But for years, these ‘win-win’ innovations went virtually unnoticed, except in small circles. That’s why we instituted the annual Win-Win Awards in 1998.”

MSR was recognized for its role in developing a partnership that enabled its customer, the Sargent Sand Company, to transform an idle sand deposit into a now thriving business. Just one year ago, Sargent’s Ludington, Michigan, sand deposit was completely dormant. The company, which had processed and sold sand for glass polishing since the 1920s, had declined severely since the 1980s, when new German technology for making and polishing glass rendered its sand obsolete.

However, in the 1990s, through the use of a new technology, oil and natural gas companies began drilling new wells and recharging old wells to recover residue oil and natural gas. The new technology, called “fracing” (rhymes with “cracking”), involves forcing water and sand at very high pressure into wells to break rock and release gas or oil. The sand in Ludington met the specifications precisely for this application. The markets for the sand were located in the Southwest and Northeast.

As Sargent’s management began analyzing the opportunity, they faced two major challenges – the Ludington sand deposit was no longer rail-served, nor did the company possess the equipment to process the sand, including drying, screening out impurities and sizing the sand. Sargent’s management approached Mike Bobic, commercial manager for RailAmerica’s Michigan properties (including MSR), for help in spring 2008.

“This was a significant challenge,” said Bobic. “Sargent had the perfect product for fracing, but needed to find competitive, cost-efficient ways to process and get their product to market.”

One morning at 2 a.m., Bobic said “a light bulb went off.” Bobic developed a solution that Sargent’s management immediately described as “genius.” At the time, MSR served a long-time direct competitor of Sargent – Nugent Sand, a sand supplier in western Michigan. Nugent sold industrial sand, used mainly in automotive casting and manufacturing, which did not meet the specifications needed for frac sand. However, Nugent possessed the equipment Sargent needed to process its sand, and Nugent had capacity for additional processing.

Bobic facilitated introductions and assisted in negotiating an agreement between the two companies for Sargent to truck its sand from Ludington to Muskegon, Michigan, where it would be processed, loaded onto railcars, and shipped to end users.

Bobic then turned his attention to Sargent’s equipment needs. He reached out to MSR’s class-I partner CSXT, which had a surplus of the necessary equipment (covered hoppers) available. Bobic once again facilitated introductions and helped negotiate an agreement for CSXT to supply approximately 350 railcars for the operation.

Today, just one year after Sargent’s Ludington sand deposit sat completely unused, it is now a bustling business. Thanks to Bobic’s and MSR’s innovative solution, Sargent Sand is a competitive supplier of frac sand. Its first shipments began July 16, 2008, and have increased ever since. Annual projections exceed 3,000 carloads. Nugent and Sargent – former competitors – are working together in a successful partnership, and MSR and CSXT are collaborating seamlessly to fulfill the venture’s transportation needs.

“This is a perfect example of a shipper and rail carrier developing a creative solution that provides opportunities and benefits for everyone involved,” said Jim Thomas, RailAmerica’s assistant vice president of sales – Midwest Region. “Mike is a true customer advocate for Sargent. He focused on their challenge and didn’t stop until he found an option that worked.”

About RailAmerica, Inc.
RailAmerica is a leading owner and operator of North American regional and short-line railroads, including the Michigan Shore Railroad, located on the shore of Lake Michigan with two CSXT interchanges. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., RailAmerica operates railroads in 26 states and three Canadian provinces, with more than 8,000 miles of track. RailAmerica is owned by funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group, a leading global alternative asset manager with approximately $34.3 billion in assets under management. For more information, visit www.railamerica.com and www.fortress.com.