Saturday, June 23, 2012

Announcing LQ's New Summer Symposium Presenters


LQ is honored to announce its already impressive roster of Summer Symposium Presenters now includes several new speakers who will share their insights at LQ’s Summer Symposium on July 17th at the scenic Toronto Board of Trade's Country Club - representing the following firms:

Canadian Tire Corporation, Fresh & Easy, GENCO ATC, John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc., KGMH International, March Networks, Ryder Integrated Logistics and UPS Supply Chain Solutions.

LQ Summer Symposium newest presenters, from these leading organizations, which will add to its impressive speakers, include:

• Alan P. Amling, Global Logistics and Distribution Marketing, UPS Supply Chain Solutions

• Tyler Elm, President, Corporate Strategy and Business Sustainability, Canadian Tire Corporation

• Walter Kowal, CPA, Internal Audit Manager, John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.

• Tadd Moreland, Senior Project Engineer, GENCO ATC

• Stephen Rodgers, Director Global Manufacturing Operations, March Networks

• Nicholas Seiersen, B.Sc. (Hons.), M.B.A., P. Log., LQ Executive Editor and Corporate Supply Chain Manager of Poland-based KGMH International

• Donald W. Showell, Senior Director, Solutions Execution and Standards (Network Design and Transportation) for the Global Supply Chain Services Team, Ryder Integrated Logistics

• Lauren Spirnak, Senior Project Engineer, GENCO ATC

• Linda Wytovich, Logistics Manager, Fresh & Easy

In addition to Breakfast, Lunch and a Cocktail and Networking Reception, delegates can look forward to a superb roster of presentations at the Country Club’s scenic countryside location.

As seating for LQ’s Symposium is limited to 120 delegates, LQ invites you to register today at: www.LQsummit.com

Other distinguished thought leaders, executives and academics, who will guide our discussions at LQ’s Summer Symposium include:

• Russell (Russ) Thomas Airey, Transportation Procurement Manager, Chrysler Group LLC

• James Applegate, Vice President Corporate Sales & Marketing, Landstar Transportation Logistics

• Richard Armstrong, Chairman, Armstrong & Associates

• David J. Closs, Ph.D., LQ Executive Editor, and Professor, Michigan State University

• Greg Hewitt, President of DHL Express Canada

• Bill Horrocks, Vice President, Supply Chain/Logistics at Rogers Communications Inc. 

• Michel Khennafi, Manager, Logistics Parts & Service Organization, CASE NEW HOLLAND

 • Loray Mosher, PhD, Assistant Director at the Supply Chain Management Research Center (SCMRC), in the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas

• Michael Pipia, Global Logistics Manager, Guardian Industries Corp

• Steve Raetz, Director of Supply Chain Integration, C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. 

• Tom Schmitt, Former President and Chief Executive Officer, Purolator

• AJC (Allan) Smith, President & CEO, BCG Logistics Group

LQ's Sponsors, which have made this exciting day possible, include: (Gold Sponsors) BCG Logistics, C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc., DHL Express Canada, GENCO ATC, Landstar and Ryder

Information on the Toronto Board of Trade’s Country Club is available at the following link: http://logisticsquarterly.com/symposium/Symposium_June_2012/location.php

For more information, contact: Fred Moody, LQ Editor and Publisher, at fmoody@logisticsquarterly.com

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Con-way Freight Announces 2012 General Rate Increase

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – June 21, 2012 -- Con-way Freight, the nationwide less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW) announced today that it will institute a general rate increase averaging 6.9 percent applicable to non-contractual business effective July 9.

The rate increase will be implemented for customers on the company’s CNW 599 tariff and will apply to general LTL rates, minimum charges and accessorial or supplemental fees for special services associated with LTL shipments moving within the United States and Canada, as well as cross-border shipments moving between the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada.

The effect of the rate increase will vary for individual customers and shipments based on characteristics such as geography, lane, product classification, weight and dimensions. Customers can view the new rates after July 9 at the Con-way web site, under the Con-way Freight Tools and Pricing tab.

Con-way Freight provides time-definite regional and national LTL services with the industry’s fastest transit times through a network of 300 service centers in the U.S. and Canada. The company operates a fleet of 9,100 tractors and 25,000 freight trailers.

About Con-way Freight

Con-way Freight is the industry’s leading less-than-truckload (LTL) freight transportation company, providing guaranteed, day-definite regional and transcontinental service with exception-free delivery, on-time service performance and faster transit times through a single, unified network of 300 service centers serving the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Con-way Freight offers LTL freight transportation across North America and through Global LTLTM delivery in the United States from around the world. Global solutions include international less-than-container (LCL) ocean shipments from Asia through its OceanGuaranteed® service; U.S. and Europe delivery for inbound and outbound international cargoes through an exclusive alliance with TNT; direct service to more than 30 Bahamian and Caribbean ports through TropicalDirectSM; and domestic offshore transportation to Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Based in Ann Arbor, Mich., Con-way Freight is a certified FAST highway carrier and is C-TPAT/PIP, ACE- and CSA-certified.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Purolator International Names Elissa LiVecchi Director of Marketing

Jericho, New York – June 19, 2012 – Purolator International, the leading provider of Canadian logistics services has named Elissa LiVecchi Director of Marketing, reporting to Jonathan Routledge, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Purolator International.

“Purolator International is a subsidiary of Canada’s largest integrated delivery services provider and we are currently undergoing an expansion across the U.S.,” stated Routledge.  “It is important to promote our brand with a coordinated communications program and Elissa’s role will be to oversee that process.  I am pleased to welcome her on board.”

LiVecchi has concentrated her career in marketing for international companies and has extensive experience in product marketing, channel marketing, marketing communications and public relations.  Prior to joining Purolator International, she was Director of Brand Promotion at Canon, U.S.A. Inc., and, from 1996 to 2009, she held positions of increasing responsibility with CA Technologies including director of global partner marketing and communications and senior marketing strategist.

“Purolator has a sterling reputation as a logistics provider and I am eager to enhance the company’s U.S. presence with marketing strategies that support achievement of the company’s business goals,” said LiVecchi.   “I look forward to working with Jon Routledge and the members of the Purolator International marketing and sales teams.”

Ms. LiVecchi earned her Bachelor’s Degree from SUNY Fredonia and holds a Graduate Certificate in Professional Studies from Long Island University.

Purolator International announced its aggressive expansion plan in 2011. This expansion has included the opening of 10 new branch offices in 2011 in markets such as San Francisco, Minneapolis, Boston and Salt Lake City to facilitate cross border logistics for shipments traveling between the U.S. and Canada. This year, Purolator anticipates opening 10 additional branch office locations in key U.S. markets.

About Purolator International
Purolator International is a subsidiary of Purolator Inc., Canada’s largest integrated parcel and freight delivery services provider. Purolator International specializes in the air and surface forwarding of Express, Freight and Parcel shipments, customs brokerage, and fulfillment and delivery services to, from and within Canada.

In addition to facilities throughout New York, Purolator International has locations in key U.S. and Canadian markets including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Philadelphia, Boston, Raleigh/Durham, Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal.

Monday, June 11, 2012

Manitoulin Global Forwarding Acquires Can-Tran Intl. Inc.

Mississauga, ON - June 11, 2012 -- Manitoulin Global Forwarding announced today it has acquired Can-Tran Intl. Inc., an international freight-forwarding enterprise, based in Leduc, Alberta.  This is the second business based in Western Canada to be acquired by Manitoulin Global Forwarding in the last two months, demonstrating its commitment to extend its reach in that region.

Founded in 1985 Can-Tran Intl. Inc. provides a full suite of solutions to Alberta clientele, including freight forwarding, customs brokerage, ground transportation, and distribution and warehousing.  With the majority of its customers in the oil and gas industry, Can-Tran has gained significant expertise in complex project moves, especially those involving drill rigs.  All Can-Tran employees will remain with the company.

“Can-Tran is a natural fit for us, for three reasons,” said Dwayne Hihn, president, Manitoulin Global Forwarding.  “First, it is a major player in Western Canada, with a solid base of loyal clients.  Second, it specializes in the oil and gas industry, a growth-sector we already service and which we intend to build on in future years.  Third, its corporate culture mirrors Manitoulin’s, with its unswerving commitment to meeting customers’ unique needs.”

“We are excited about the merge,” said Barry Young, former Can-Tran president.  “We can feel confident that the customers we’ve had the privilege to serve for many years will now enjoy even greater flexibility and reliability by being able to access the full suite of services offered by the Manitoulin Group.”

About Manitoulin Global Forwarding
 A member of the Manitoulin Group of Companies, Manitoulin Global Forwarding is a leading international freight forwarding solutions provider, servicing more than 180 countries worldwide.  Through its international network of agents, Manitoulin provides global and local customized solutions that meet customers’ supply chain objectives.  With its strategically located offices in Toronto, Montreal, Regina and Edmonton, it is uniquely positioned to service customers throughout Canada.  Whatever the requirements may be -- air, ocean or land -- customers rely on Manitoulin to ensure shipments arrive on time.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

UPS Appoints Canavan President of UPS Asia Pacific

Singapore, June 07, 2012 - UPS (NYSE: UPS) has appointed Brendan Canavan, a 31-year UPS veteran, as its new president of the UPS Asia Pacific Region with responsibility for more than 40 countries and territories throughout Asia.

Canavan is replacing Derek Woodward, who has returned to the United States to lead a major strategic project.

Canavan most recently served as president of UPS's North-East District in Europe. Based in Brussels, Canavan's leadership played a critical role in the successful transition following UPS's acquisition of Stolica, a leading parcel and express delivery service in Poland, and a realignment of UPS's European operations that brought together 27 countries including Italy, Austria, Hungary, Switzerland, Romania, Czech Republic and Russia.

"Brendan's proven track record in a range of key operational functions makes him ideally suited to lead UPS's Asia Pacific Region, which continues to play an increasingly important role in our growth strategy," said Dan Brutto, president of UPS International.

"His knowledge, experience and strategic insight will be of great value in leading this dynamic and diverse region and ultimately, allow us to better serve our customers in Asia and throughout the world."

A native of Philadelphia, Canavan began his UPS career in 1981 as a part-time package loader while attending Villanova University where he earned a bachelor's degree in Economics. He was promoted into management following graduation and served in various operational positions before being promoted to package division manager in 1989 in Lawnside, N.J. Prior to 1998, Canavan worked in UPS's Corporate Marketing function where he played a pivotal role in the development of new products in UPS's U.S. and Canada service portfolios. Between 1998 and 2003, he was promoted several times, first to operations manager in Northern Illinois and then to Upstate New York District Manager in 2000. In 2003, he assumed the position of Metro Chicago District Manager.

In 2004, Canavan moved to Louisville, Ky., to manage Worldport, UPS's cutting-edge global air hub and one of the most technologically advanced package sorting facilities in the world. While there, he also oversaw the successful operational integration of Menlo Worldwide Forwarding, which UPS acquired in 2004, and the opening of UPS's dedicated air freight facility.

Canavan began his most recent assignment in 2007 when he moved to Brussels to become president of UPS Europe's North-East District. Beyond his many achievements in advancing UPS's business objectives, Canavan also helped strengthen UPS's sustainability efforts in the region and expanded local employee volunteer initiatives and other charitable activities. While in Europe, he studied Advanced Management in the London Business School Executive Leadership Program, graduating in 2011.

"UPS's international operating margin is by far the best in the industry and the Asia Pacific Region is a key contributor to that," said Canavan. "UPS represents a respected brand and portfolio that's well positioned for global growth, particularly in this region because of a fast-growing middle class. It's projected that by 2020, more than 1 billion consumers will come from China and India alone and UPS is going to be prepared to serve those consumers."

Woodward, a native of Canada, has led the Asia Pacific Region since 2008. He joined UPS in 1985 as a part-time package sorter and delivery driver in Ontario, then was promoted to management and advanced through positions in business development, marketing and operations. In 2002, Woodward was promoted to corporate international marketing where he was involved in the acquisition of UPS's joint venture partner in China, which ultimately led to the establishment of wholly-owned operations there.

During Woodward's tenure as region president, UPS's operational capabilities throughout Asia were significantly enhanced through a variety of initiatives, including the conversion of UPS's joint venture in South Korea to a wholly-owned operation and the opening of two new hubs - UPS's international air hub in Shanghai in 2008 and the relocation of UPS's intra-Asia hub to Shenzhen in 2010. Woodward also led the expansion of UPS's healthcare capabilities in Asia with the opening of the company's first healthcare facility in Singapore in 2011.

"Derek's leadership has been a key factor in UPS's success in Asia over the last five years," stated Brutto. "Through his efforts, we have been able to do more for our customers in the region than ever before."

About UPS
UPS (NYSE: UPS) is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions including the transportation of packages and freight; the facilitation of international trade, and the deployment of advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. Headquartered in Atlanta, UPS serves more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. The company can be found on the Web at UPS.com and its corporate blog can be found at blog.ups.com.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Canadian Trucking CFOs More Positive than Peers About Health of Their Industry, Says GE Capital Survey

Mississauga (ON) AND MONTREAL (QC) – The chief financial officers (CFOs) of Canadian trucking companies are more positive about the current state of their industry but less positive about the state of the world economy than most of their peers, according to the first Canadian Mid-Market CFO Survey by GE Capital, Canada. Trucking CFOs’ sentiment about the current state of the domestic economy is on par with their peers in other industries.

The survey, which took place during the first quarter of 2012, included responses from 186 CFOs of companies in three major industries in addition to trucking: Metals, mining and metals fabrication; food, beverage and agribusiness; and retail.

Among the 44 trucking CFOs who were surveyed, their average annual revenue was C$85 million. They’ve been in business nearly nine years and employ 346 people, on average. GE Capital conducted a similar survey of 495 U.S.-based CFOs during the first quarter of 2012.

Current views on health of U.S. and Canadian economies and industry
• U.S. transportation CFOs are less optimistic about the current state of their industry and the U.S. economy. Sentiment on the global economy has also declined. In fact, U.S. transportation CFOs are the least optimistic of all industries when it comes to the current state of the U.S. and world economies.

• Forty-seven percent of U.S. transportation CFOs say the U.S. economy will grow over the next 12 months, while 90 percent say their industry will grow or stay the same.

• Among Canadian transportation CFOs, 55 percent say their own economy will grow, while 34 percent say it will stay about the same and 11 percent say it will shrink. Half say their industry will stay about the same over the next 12 months and 48 percent say it will grow.

Growth and profit expectations
• When asked to describe the business phase their company will be in for the next one to three years, 59 percent said moderate, followed by 20% who said they predict a cyclical or limited growth phase.

• Nearly three-quarters (73 percent) expect their company’s revenues to increase this year — the most optimistic of all survey respondents.

• They’re divided on how their company’s profit margins will shift this year, with 41 percent expecting an increase and 45 percent expecting them to remain about the same.

• Confidence indicators: Cost structure, hiring, new orders and capital expenditures

• Forty-three percent expect their company’s cost structure to stay about the same in 2012 as in 2011; 34 percent expect it to increase.

• Fifty-nine percent of Canadian transportation CFOs say their new order pipeline performed better in the first quarter of this year versus the same period last year, while 30 percent say their pipeline remained the same.

• More than three-quarters (77 percent) said they’ve already begun hiring this year.

They are equally divided — 41 percent each — over whether their company’s amount of capital expenditures will be greater or about the same as in 2011.

Trucking-specific findings:
• When it comes to issues that can directly affect their business, transportation CFOs are most concerned about cash flow (48 percent). That’s followed by worries about the retention and recruitment of quality drivers as freight improves, and safety / truck accidents; each was selected by 45 percent of respondents.

• Their greatest business opportunities this year are acquiring new customers, selected by 68 percent of respondents, and increasing tonnage volume from existing customers, 55 percent.

Other key findings:
• The biggest internal challenge facing their company is talent / leadership development, cited by 56 percent of respondents. Service process improvements were the second-most cited challenge (50 percent).

• Half of transportation CFOs expect to increase the pricing of their services this year; 39 percent expect pricing to remain the same.

Editors’ note
Among the CFO surveys published, the GE Capital Canadian Mid-Market CFO Survey is one of the few that examines Canadian businesses across distinct sectors, providing a more comprehensive picture of how financial executives view the world today and their outlook for the months ahead. The CFOs surveyed represent companies with revenues ranging from $5.3 million to $3.6 billion.

About GE Capital
With more than 20 offices throughout Canada, GE Capital (gecapital.ca) offers a wide variety of financial products and services to address commercial financing and fleet management needs in all phases of a business’ lifecycle. From equipment finance to working capital and growth financing to large asset-based and restructuring loans, we apply our wealth of industry expertise to develop custom solutions for your company. Some of the industry sectors we specialize in include transportation, construction, healthcare, agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, oil and gas, wholesale and retail, and restaurant and hotel franchise.

GE Capital offers consumers and businesses around the globe an array of financial products and services. For more information, visit gecapital.com or follow company news via Twitter (@GECapital). GE (NYSE: GE) is an advanced technology, services and finance company taking on the world’s toughest challenges.

LQ’s July 17th Symposium, The Toronto Board of Trade’s Country Club


June 6, 2012 Toronto - Academics and thought leaders are looking forward to celebrating innovation in the supply chain field with LQ’s Best 3PL Performer in Sustainability Winner, the finest of four Best 3PL Performers in Sustainability award recipients, at LQ's July 17th Summer Symposium.

To enjoy LQ’s unique peer-to-peer learning experience at the Toronto Board of Trade’s Country Club on July 17th, you are invited to register at: www.LQsummit.com.

LQ’s 2012 Presenting Finalists are:
• C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. 
• GENCO ATC
• Ryder System, Inc.
• UPS

Each of these firms will present their finalist case study – with an option to engage their client(s) to participate in this presentation.

Some of the other executives and academics who will guide our discussions on this exciting day include:

Russell (Russ) Thomas Airey, Transportation Procurement Manager, Chrysler Group LLC

Alan Amling, Global Director, Contract Logistics Marketing, UPS Supply Chain Solutions

James Applegate, Vice President Corporate Sales & Marketing, Landstar Transportation Logistics

Richard Armstrong, Chairman, Armstrong & Associates

David J. Closs, Ph.D., LQ Executive Editor, Michigan State University

Greg Hewitt, President of DHL Express Canada

Bill Horrocks, Vice President, Supply Chain/Logistics at Rogers Communications Inc. 

Michel Khennafi, Manager, Logistics Parts & Service Organization, CASE NEW HOLLAND

Clifford F. Lynch, C.F. Lynch & Associates

Loray D. Mosher, PhD, Assistant Director at the Supply Chain Management Research Center (SCMRC), in the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas

B. Michael Pipia, Global Logistics Manager, Guardian Industries Corp. 

Steve Raetz, Director of Supply Chain integration, C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. 

Tom Schmitt, Former President and Chief Executive Officer, Purolator

Nicholas Seiersen, B.Sc. (Hons.), M.B.A., P. Log., LQ Executive Editor

AJC (Allan) Smith, President & CEO, BCG Logistics Group

LQ's Sponsors, which have made this exciting day possible, include: (Gold Sponsors) BCG Logistics, C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc., DHL Express Canada, GENCO ATC, Landstar and Ryder

Information on the Toronto Board of Trade’s Country Club is available at the following link: http://logisticsquarterly.com/symposium/Symposium_June_2012/location.php

To view the new edition of LQ online, and its Women in Supply Chain Management edition,  visit: http://lqtoday.com/digital_publication/summerfinal/index.html

As seating for LQ’s Symposium is limited to 120 delegates, LQ invites you to register today at: www.LQsummit.com.

CEVA Opens New Vehicle Logistics Center in Philippines

Singapore, 4 June, 2012 – CEVA Logistics, one of the world’s leading supply chain management companies, announced the launch of its multi user Vehicle Logistics Center in the Philippines, located at Sta.Clara, Port of Batangas.

The new Vehicle Logistics Center is a state of the art multi user Automotive facility within the customs bonded area of the port.  The center uses innovative solutions and technologies to optimize the supply chains of Automotive customers and delivers benefits such as cost reduction, increased supply chain efficiency and shorter time to market.  The facility is designed to keep imported Finished Vehicles in a two hectare storage space covered with UV Net and a 4,100 sq m PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection) facility which can process approximately 160 to 200 vehicles each day.

Another unique feature of the facility is the use of the Vehicle Management System (VMS), based on CEVA Matrix technology solutions which provide complete visibility of vehicle movement, from receipt to delivery, and allows customers to track and know where their vehicles are at any point in time. The VMS uses iPhones and iPads to substantially reduce the number of man hours it takes to process an order, to report on quality defects, saving cost, time and paperwork.

CEVA Matrix is CEVA’s unique technology solutions landscape, integrating best in class components from individual software vendors, CEVA’s internally developed capabilities and unique know how to deliver solutions that best meet the needs of its customers. This flexible approach gives customers the benefits of commercial packaged software coupled with bespoke solutions.

The launch of the Vehicle Logistics Center was inaugurated with an official opening ceremony and ribbon cutting by CEVA’s senior executives and Ford Group Philippines vice president for Finance, Karthik Swaminath. Ford and CEVA have a long standing strategic partnership in Automotive logistics in many locations across the globe.  The opening ceremony was also graced by more than 120 guests including local government officials and representatives from Bureau of Customs, Philippines Ports Authority and Asian Terminals, local dignitaries and ambassadors, as well as many of CEVA’s valued customers.

Inna Kuznetsova, CEVA’s Chief Commercial Officer who officiated at the opening event, said: “We are extremely excited about this new Vehicle Logistic Center. This is a significant milestone for CEVA and really demonstrates the innovation we bring in solutions design and technology to create value for our customers’ supply chains. Given the geographical landscape in the country, this Center will play a strategic role in addressing issues of congestion, speed and security in the growing market for imported Finished Vehicles in the Philippines. We believe this will further strengthen our established leadership in the Automotive sector and show our continued commitment to bring our customers’ products to market more efficiently and at reduced cost.”

Karthik Swaminath, Ford’s vice president for Finance commented: “We congratulate CEVA on the launch of this new state of the art Vehicle Logistics Center. As a valued partner, we look forward to working together with CEVA as we continue to aggressively grow our business and bring more class-leading One Ford vehicles to the Philippines.”

Didier Chenneveau, President of CEVA in Asia Pacific said, “On behalf of CEVA, I want to thank all our distinguished guests, customers and employees for their support to make the launch of the Center a success. This marks the beginning of an exciting phase for CEVA in Philippines to build on our partnerships with Automotive customers. The multi user concept is a part of our commitment to bring best in class supply chain solutions to the market, through economies of scale, shared overheads and dedicated sector expertise for these sites. This new Center highlights CEVA’s continued investment in this sector and leverages our leadership in Automotive logistics in Asia Pacific.”

DB Schenker Logistics wants to invest EUR 250 million in the land transport system

(Berlin/Hamburg/Essen, June 6, 2012) - In the future, general cargo networks in Europe will have to be more flexible in adapting to key account requirements. This is the thesis put forward by Karl Nutzinger as Member of the Board at Schenker AG responsible for land transport at DB Schenker.

This flexibility, he says, is an important success factor. Key account customers are increasingly making every effort to optimize their supply chains, and demand additional services. Nutzinger announced even more investment in information technology over the next five to six years.

"This can lead to situations where the service we provide our customers goes above and beyond the actual network, with us assuming the function of lead logistics provider and controlling the capacities of other contractors," explained Nutzinger during the 3rd DVZ Symposium of the Deutsche Logistic-Zeitung in Hamburg.

This development is associated with the fact that growth is coming increasingly from the emerging markets. "In the end, this will also stimulate our own markets and expect us to be capable of distributing quantities accordingly," said Nutzinger.

This is illustrated for example by trains with electronic products that DB Schenker brings from China to Germany.?Increasingly, customers are also demanding transparency right across their global supply chains. "E-services" based on the internet are playing an ever increasing role in this context. "A change of generation is currently taking place here," Nutzinger continued.

"The changes in general purchasing behavior are also being reflected in our industry. E-services are not only driven by the business, but have a cultural component in addition to their functional role."

Information systems are yet another success factor in this context. "In the next five to six years, we will be investing up to EUR 250 million in further standardization and improvements to our information technology, particularly for land transport," Nutzinger announced. The aim is to bring about clear reductions in the historically developed diversity of the system landscape, initially to two or three systems.