Friday, August 14, 2009

C.H. Robinson Expands Produce Sourcing and Supply Chain Presence in Europe

C.H. Robinson Expands Produce Sourcing and Supply Chain Presence in Europe, Continues to Invest in Growth of Network

C.H. Robinson Sourcing, SAS opens in Avignon, France, strengthening C.H. Robinson Worldwide’s global produce sourcing capabilities

MINNEAPOLIS, MN, August 13 - C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. ("C.H. Robinson"), one of the largest produce sourcing and non-asset based logistics companies in the world, has expanded its produce operations by opening a European based produce sourcing company, C.H. Robinson Sourcing, SAS, in Avignon, France ("C.H. Robinson Sourcing").

Jim Lemke, C.H. Robinson senior vice president, said, "This expansion is part of our long-term strategy of establishing a value added international produce sourcing network. We are excited about growing our customer base and working with local suppliers. Having a presence in Western Europe allows us to build stronger relationships that provide a more consistent supply of products to our customers around the world. We believe this capability, and our ability to continue to make these strategic investments to enhance our sourcing services, differentiates us from many other providers in the marketplace. "

C.H. Robinson Sourcing will focus on global trading of fresh produce. The company will primarily source French, Italian, and Spanish fresh produce products for sale to North Ameri ca, South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle Eastern countries. Charles Pantagene, C.H. Robinson Sourcing general manager, who has over 25 years of industry experience, will manage the company’s operations. Pantagene is joined by Michelle Vieira-Coelha, who has over 20 years of experience in the produce industry and international trade.

"Charles and Michelle are well equipped to understand our customers’ needs, meet their expectations, and deliver high service levels. Both have extensive produce industry knowledge and strong grower and receiver relationships," Lemke continued.

C.H. Robinson has over 100 years of produce sourcing experience with 27 produce sourcing offices located across North America, South Ameri ca and Europe. The company helps customers’ source quality products while integrating value-added logistics, distribution, and information reporting services. C.H. Robinson works with many well known North American consumer brands including Mott's®, Welch's®, and Tropicana®, they offer a full line of organic produce, have a large network of regional and local growers and provide a wide selection of innovative proprietary products.

C.H. Robinson Sourcing is located at Chemin de Fontanille, Site Agroparc, Batiment Chene BP 71563, Avignon Cedex 9 France and can be reached at011 334 32 44 80 71.

About C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.:

C.H. Robinson got its start in the produce industry over 100 years ago, providing fresh fruits and vegetables to the settlers of the northern plains of the United States. Today, C.H. Robinson is a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest produce sourcing and non-asset based third party logistics companies in the world. C.H. Robinson had annual gross revenues of approximately $8.6 billion in 2008. C.H. Robinson serves over 32,000 customers through a network of more than 233 offices and approximately 7,300 employees in North America, Europe, Asia, South America, Australia, and the Middle East.

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, Community Health Charities, the American Cancer Society, Global Impact, Sustainable Harvest International, and the United Way. The company is headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, USA, 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.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Logistics company OHL hires Vice President, Internal Audit

Danny Sawyer to lead global 3PL’s internal audit function

Brentwood, Tenn. (August 12, 2009) – Global logistics company OHL recently added Danny Sawyer to its logistics team as Vice President, Internal Audit. In this new role at OHL, Sawyer will establish formal programs, policies, and processes for the internal audit function including formal lines of communication with the OHL audit committee and board of directors.

“We are pleased to welcome Danny to OHL,” said Paul Stone, CFO at OHL. “I was fortunate to work with Danny in the past and know he will bring great value to OHL. His extensive international experience will allow him to design and execute financial and operating audit programs for OHL’s numerous locations throughout the world.”

Sawyer is a CPA who most recently served as Global Vice President, Internal Audit at Sitel Corporation where he also started that company’s internal audit function, which spanned five continents. He also previously held senior level auditing roles at Willis North America and Cigna Healthcare.

“OHL is a company with outstanding leaders who are passionate about their business and their employees,” commented Sawyer. “I look forward to the challenges of building another internal audit team that will add value for the company and our board. I’m energized by the fact that I’ve joined a company that is really moving in the right direction and continuing to grow.”

Sawyer, a native of Nashville, has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Western Kentucky University and is an active member of the Institute of Internal Auditors.

For a photo of Danny Sawyer or to view this release online, please visit http://www.ohl.com/news/archives/2009-news/logistics-company-hires-vp-internal-audit.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 business units- 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.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Global Logistics Company OHL Selected as Participant in U.S. Custom Pilot

Global Logistics Company OHL Selected as Participant in U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Broker Self-Assessment Outreach Pilot

Brentwood, Tenn. (August 5, 2009) – U.S. Customs Border Protection (CBP) has selected global logistics company, OHL, as one of four brokers to participate in the Broker Self-Assessment (BSA) Outreach Pilot, a voluntary partnership with the primary goal of facilitating a higher level of broker compliance with CBP laws and regulations.

The BSA Pilot Program is a partnership between CBP and brokers to effectively assess and manage risk while cultivating uniformity in the application of trade laws and processes. The pilot will allow brokers to measure trade compliance so that CBP can focus on higher-risk trade enforcement issues. Under this pilot, OHL will update internal controls, perform periodic testing of these internal controls, and disclose to CBP deficiencies discovered through the testing. The BSA Pilot Program will be reviewed one year after its effective date to weigh achievements and determine if the program will become permanent.

“We are excited and honored to be selected to participate in the BSA pilot program,” said Mary Jo Muoio, senior vice president, trade services, OHL Global Freight Management and Logistics. “We look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with CBP on the pilot program over the next year and create more compliant broker requirements.”

CBP recognizes OHL as an intermediary between CBP and the trading community, and as having a significant role in the success of various CBP commercial initiatives, automation efforts, and security programs. According to CBP, OHL is the 10th largest broker in the U.S. based on total number of entries filed in 2008.

To apply for the BSA Pilot Program, brokers had to meet a variety of requirements, including a broker national permit, membership in Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT), and the ability to develop a self-testing plan. Some notable advantages to participating include CBP assistance with corrective action plan prior to penalty assessment; accelerated review and disposition of electronic drawback claims, reconciliation applications, and ruling requests; and only being subjected to single-issue audits.

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 business units—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.

MAERSK LINE CONTINUES TO PURSUE RELIABILITY, SUSTAINABILITY

MAERSK LINE CONTINUES TO PURSUE RELIABILITY, SUSTAINABILITY WITH REVISIONS TO THE TRANS-PACIFIC TRADE NETWORK

6 August 2009

Maersk Line announces revisions to its trans-Pacific network services, including changes to services operated under a Vessel Sharing Agreement with Mediterranean Shipping Company and CMA-CGM, as well as other independent trans-Pacific products. With these network revisions, Maersk Line is poised to continue delivering a reliable product in the trans-Pacific under any market conditions.

"In response to the challenges facing ocean carriers as a result of the global economic downturn, we must continually look at ways to reduce our cost and increase efficiency without significant impact to our customers. We have made good progress in a number of areas, and this revision to our network is a logical next step," said Bill Woodhour, North America Sales Manager for Maersk Line.

By the end of September 2009, the current Trans-Pacific 2 (TP2) will be replaced by other strings in the Trans-Pacific network and replace most of the ports formerly covered by the suspended TP2. Adjustments to other Trans-Pacific (TP) strings, particularly TP5 and TP8, will ensure continued coverage of the TP2 eastbound scope. TP2's westbound scope will be covered by TP6, TP5 and TP7.

"The feedback we receive from our customers ensures that when we revise our network, we continue to provide products that give our customers comprehensive service coverage and continue our focus on service reliability and on-time delivery. The changes we are implementing will accomplish this, while scaling our ocean network to meet the anticipated demands of the market," continued Woodhour.

Maersk Line's TP5 service will continue to offer a dynamic product covering China, South Korea and Japan and will now call Long Beach, California. With a deployment of five vessels, ports of call eastbound include Kwangyang, South Korea; Busan, South Korea; Qingdao, China; Nagoya, Japan; Yokohama, Japan; Long Beach, California; Oakland, California; and Dutch Harbor, Alaska. Going westbound, the service will call Long Beach, California; Oakland, California, Dutch Harbor, Alaska; Yokohama, Japan; Kwangyang, South Korea; Busan, South Korea; and Qingdao, China. Prior calls at Shimizu and Kobe, Japan will be assigned to other Maersk Line services.

Improvements to the TP7 product will provide efficient access to South China, while removing a call at Busan, Korea. This product will originate at Yantian, Hong Kong servicing eastbound, in rotation, Yantian, China; Hong Kong, China; Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Yokohama, Japan; Balboa, Panama; Miami, Florida; Savannah, Georgia; Charleston, South Carolina; and Newark, New Jersey. The westbound rotation includes Newark, New Jersey; Savannah, Georgia; Miami, Florida; Balboa, Panama; Los Angeles, California; Oakland, California; Yantian, China; Hong Kong, China; and Kaohsiung, Taiwan. This service will leverage the efficiencies of slow steaming and increased vessel deployment of twelve vessels to improve service reliability and the overall scope of the service.

Maersk Line's TP8 service will be improved to occupy the TP2 favorable window in Shanghai. It will make calls in Waigaoquao Yangshan. The service will call Los Angeles. Serviced by five vessels, this rotation will call Dalian, China; Xingang, China; Shanghai, China; continuing to Ningbo, China; Los Angeles, California; and Oakland, California.

"We are able to make revisions to our product to best suit the needs of our customers and the demands of the trade. Maersk Line continues to demonstrate flexibility and we shall continue watching market developments closely and adjust our product offering accordingly" further comments Woodhour.

Adjusted schedules and further details including pro forma schedules and service maps are available on maerskline.com.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Averitt Expands Truckload Network in Michigan and Pennsylvania

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. - (August 5, 2009) - Averitt Express recently announced the addition of new locations in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Averitt was already providing truckload service into and out of both states. The new locations will allow Averitt to position additional trucks in the Michigan and Pennsylvania areas in order to respond even more quickly to local demand for truckload services.

"Michigan and Pennsylvania are important markets for many of our customers, and this expansion is critical to meeting their demand for truckload services into and out of both states," said Phil Pierce, Averitt's executive vice president of sales and marketing.

Averitt provides asset-based coverage for truckload shipments across more than half the nation—26 states in the North, South, and Midwest are now directly served by the company’s fleet. Its Integrated Services team provides coverage of the other 24 states and Canada through the use of proven, reliable partner carriers.

Averitt provides asset-based truckload coverage throughout Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Kentucky, Missouri, Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida.

About Averitt Express

Established in 1971, Averitt Express provides freight transportation and supply chain management with international reach to more than 100 countries. The company specializes in delivering customized solutions with a single source of accountability for service offerings that include less-than-truckload, truckload, time-critical and importing/exporting. Backed by successful execution for hundreds of customers, Averitt’s supply chain management capabilities include dedicated fleet operations, warehousing services and transportation management.

Canada's National Accreditation Program for Supply Chain Educational Programs and Courses

National Accreditation Program for Supply Chain Educational Programs and Courses: Recognition of Programming that Meets Industry-established Standard

August 5, 2009, Mississauga, Ontario – The Canadian Supply Chain Sector Council (the CSCSC) has created a National Accreditation Program to recognize those educational offerings in supply chain management, voluntarily submitted, that meet the standard established by the Council, with the assistance of the Canadian Standards Association and significant input from supply chain stakeholders. Post-secondary institutions, associations and private training schools are eligible to submit their programs and courses for review.

The final report of the 2005 Strategic Human Resources Study of the Supply Chain Sector notes that,

“…while there appears to be no shortage of sources of skill, education and professional-development opportunities, they are fragmented and not optimally aligned. There is agreement that there are a myriad to choose from, with no clarity as to the criteria to consider in selecting the most appropriate combination of formal education and professional development or certification.”

It was with this in mind that the CSCSC established a process to accredit supply chain programs and courses. Through its National Accreditation Program, the Council expects to both identify those educational offerings that meet a specified standard and improve the overall supply chain-education market.

The National Accreditation Program standard reflects industry’s needs and educators’ best practices. This recognition will give those making education decisions – whether they’re students, guidance counsellors or employers – a means to identify high-quality programs with relevant course content. While accredited programs may not be superior to others that are not accredited, they are proven. Over time, the Council anticipates that the advantage this will give institutions with accredited programs will grow in importance, furnishing them with a competitive advantage for enrolment.

Programs that are accredited will be identified as such in the CSCSC’s online supply chain education compendium.

Submission of courses or programs for CSCSC accreditation is voluntary. Providers may apply for accreditation using an online self assessment, which is submitted to the CSCSC electronically. Applications are reviewed by the CSCSC’s Accreditation Review Panel, which will meet four times a year to review submissions received in the preceding three months.

Fees for review through the National Accreditation Program are $100 per course or $750 per program. These fees will be waived for those institutions and organizations that participate in the first round of accreditation, for which submissions are required by August 31, 2009. Institutions whose programs or courses do not achieve accreditation will be provided guidance on areas for improvement and encouraged to resubmit information once areas for improvement have been addressed. Resubmissions are made at no additional cost to the provider.

The Canadian Supply Chain Sector Council
The Canadian Supply Chain Sector Council is an all-stakeholder, not-for-profit organization responsible for the human resources strategy for the supply chain sector in Canada. The CSCSC is funded by the Government of Canada’s Sector Council Program.

For further information, please contact:
Beverly Myers
Program Manager
Canadian Supply Chain Sector Council
Phone: 905-897-6700
Email: bmyers@supplychaincanada.org

OceanGuaranteed, First day-definite Container Service, Expands to Mexico

Full North American coverage for breakthrough product from APL Logistics, Con-way Freight
LAREDO, Texas, and ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Aug. 5, 2009 – The world’s first guaranteed service for containerized trade is moving into Mexico, extending the reach of day-definite delivery to shippers throughout North America.

APL Logistics and Con-way Freight said today their OceanGuaranteed service for less-than-container load (LCL) cargo from Asia will now reach all major metropolitan markets in Mexico. It’s the biggest expansion yet of the 3-year-old program that combines ocean and truck transportation to deliver cargo to a customer’s store door.

“We’re already serving most of the continent with day-definite service,” said APL Logistics President Jim McAdam. “We’re pleased that we can now extend OceanGuaranteed throughout North America by incorporating the very important Mexican market.”

OceanGuaranteed debuted in 2006 as a China-to-U.S. service. It expanded last year into Canada. With the addition of Mexico, origin ports in Asia are now connected for the first time to every major North American market via day-definite delivery.

Day-definite means that cargo arrives on a date agreed to by the shipper and carrier. If it doesn’t, the shipper is refunded a portion of the transportation fee.

“OceanGuaranteed has proven to be very popular with shippers in the U.S. and Canada who need a high degree of assurance that cargo will arrive when they need it,” said John Labrie, president of Con-way Freight. “We’re confident it will prove equally popular with Mexican shippers who need reliability at favorable rates.”

APL Logistics, a leading supply chain management company; and Con-way Freight, one of the top less-than-truckload (LTL) trucking companies in the U.S.; launched OceanGuaranteed to compete with highly reliable but expensive air freight carriers. The service was not only the first of its kind; it’s up to 60% less expensive than air freight.

OceanGuaranteed cargo moves from Asia on vessels operated by APL, the world’s seventh largest container carrier. Con-way Freight then transports shipments to final destinations.

Because the ships, trucks and terminals in the OceanGuaranteed network are owned by one of the two partners or their affiliates, they can provide expedited service. That includes late-gate privileges at origin ports and first-off priority at the Port of Los Angeles where the vessels arrive. OceanGuaranteed’s on-time performance record is better than 98%.

For its new Mexico service, OceanGuaranteed cargo will be transported on dedicated Con-way Freight trucks from Los Angeles to Laredo, Texas. From there cargo will cross the border to Mexico with delivery via a Con-way Freight affiliate to the final destination.

Canadian Pacific Announces Sale of Windsor Station to Cadillac Fairview

CALGARY, Aug. 4 /CNW/ - Canadian Pacific Railway Limited (TSX/NYSE: CP) is pleased to announce the sale of Windsor Station and significant other related real estate assets to The Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited for $86 million. As part of the transaction, Canadian Pacific has entered into a long term lease with Cadillac Fairview, and will remain the principal tenant of Windsor Station, reflecting its close connection to the building and its long-term presence in Montreal.

The transaction has received the necessary regulatory approvals, including federal government approval.

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. Canadian Pacific is proud to be the official rail freight services provider for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.