Wednesday, October 31, 2012

SchaeferShelving.com, Official Online Store for Schaefer Systems International, Inc.


October 31, 2012, Charlotte, North Carolina - Materials handling and logistics manufacturer SSI Schaefer Systems International, Inc. has launched <a href="http://www.schaefershelving.com"target="_blank">Schaefer Shelving</a>, a new Ecommerce store and quick ship program to provide online access to their extensive selection of materials handling products, plastic containers and warehouse solutions.

According to US Census, B2B revenue transacted online in 2010 (latest year with data available) reached $300 billion in the U.S. This value excludes Electronic Data interchange (EDI) transactions, which clearly indicates the magnitude and importance that ecommerce transactions have gained in the B2B industry. And for those transactions that are not completed electronically, 70% of them include an online research at same point during the buying cycle.

Klaus-Dieter Wurm, VP and Managing Director of Materials Handling Division at SSI Schaefer, commented in a press release: “We have been a part of the U.S. market for more than 23 years, so we have seen a clear change in trends and tendencies from our customers. While the material handling Industry is still a very traditional market, having an online store provides our customers with real time accessibility to products, services and technical information. It also increases their awareness on new product lines and solutions. It simply streamlines the buying process so our customers can receive what the need in a timely manner. For example, customers will now be able to request and retrieve electronic quotes from the site, as well as turn the quote into an order with a single click. They will also be able to browse our extensive network of partners and dealers throughout the country.”

The site also presents a great opportunity to introduce some of our latest technology like Logimat™, the maintenance-free Vertical Lift Module, Pallet Rack Mobile Bases featuring the latest safety innovations, or the Orbiter™, an innovative approach to Deep channel Storage System.

Swissport Wins New Cargo Customers in Copenhagen


Zurich, 31st October 2012 – Swissport International, the world’s leading provider of ground services to the aviation sector, has won cargo handling contracts with two new customers at Copenhagen Airport, adding Lufthansa and Finnair to its cargo customer list.

Services for Lufthansa will begin on 1st December, and will include cargo handling for Lufthansa’s multiple daily flights to and from the airport and road feeder services between Copenhagen and Lufthansa’s Frankfurt Airport main hub. From 1st December, Swissport will also begin cargo handling for Finnair’s multiple daily narrow-body aircraft flights at Scandinavia’s busiest airport, as well as road feeder services to and from Copenhagen.

Nils Pries Knudsen, Senior Vice President for Europe within Swissport’s Cargo Services division, commented: “I am extremely pleased to add these two world-class airlines to our customer base at Copenhagen. We look forward to continuing to build on our partnership and to applying Swissport’s industry-leading processes and expertise to maximise the efficiency of Finnair’s and Lufthansa’s cargo services at Copenhagen.”

Swissport began offering cargo handling services at Copenhagen in July to launch customer Swiss WorldCargo, and plans to offer the full range of cargo handling services in Denmark and eventually across the whole Nordic region.

About Swissport International Ltd:

Swissport International Ltd. provides ground services for around 116 million passengers and 3.5 million tonnes of cargo a year (the latter using 105 warehouses with a total floor area of over 420,000 square metres) on behalf of some 650 client-companies in the aviation sector. With a workforce of around 39,000 personnel, Swissport is active at 195 stations in 38 countries on five continents, and generated consolidated operating revenue of approximately CHF 2.0 billion. www.swissport.com

ALAN HELPING TO ADDRESS CRITICAL HURRICANE RELIEF NEEDS


Minneapolis, Oct. 30, 2012 – In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) is working with its relief agency partners to identify crucial needs and share them with concerned members of the supply chain community.

“We are in communication with state, regional, and national Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOADs) as well as emergency management agencies,” said Jock Menzies, president of ALAN, a non-profit organization that engages the supply chain community in support of humanitarian relief efforts. “We are standing by to provide assistance for transportation services, staging areas, storage, expert advice, and other vital resources.”

To make in-kind donations of needed supply chain and logistics goods and services, visit www.alanaid.org/relief-needs.php. To streamline relief efforts, ALAN is aggregating needs posted to the National Donations Management Network (NDMN) from the affected states, so potential donors do not have to review each state portal individually.

In conjunction with Rutgers University, ALAN is collecting information on supply chain disruptions resulting from this event to help identify potential resource shortfalls and determine where support from emergency and non-profit organizations may be needed most. Business disruptions resulting from this event may be reported at: http://kwiksurveys.com/app/rendersurvey.asp?sid=lkrq9o77q3t4yog39266&refer

About American Logistics Aid Network:

American Logistics Aid Network supports disaster recovery by engaging industry to address the unmet needs of relief organizations, communities, and people. ALAN makes supply chain related donation needs visible to the logistics industry and establishes an efficient process for providing the necessary goods and services through its web portal, www.ALANaid.org.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Con-way Inc. Announces One-day Delay in Release of 2012 Third Quarter Financial Results Due to Hurricane Sandy


ANN ARBOR, Mich. — October 30, 2012 — Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW) announced today that due to the effects of Hurricane Sandy, the company is delaying by one day the scheduled release of its financial results for the 2012 third quarter.

The company will now release its 2012 third quarter earnings report on Wednesday, October 31, after the close of the stock market. The company’s quarterly conference call for the investment community, previously scheduled for Wednesday, October 31, instead will be held on Thursday, November 1, starting at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time.

The call can be accessed by dialing (866) 264-3634 or (706) 643-3632 (for international callers) and is expected to last approximately one hour. The call will also be available through a live internet webcast at www.con-way.com, in the investors section.

An audio replay will be available for two weeks following the call by dialing (855) 859-2056 or (404) 537-3406 (for international callers) and using access code 34902612. An Internet replay and podcast of the presentation will also be available at the Con-way site.

About Con-way Inc:

Con-way Inc. (NYSE:CNW) is a $5.3 billion freight transportation and logistics services company headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich. Con-way delivers industry-leading services through its primary operating companies of Con-way Freight, Con-way Truckload and Menlo Worldwide. These operating units provide high-performance, day-definite less-than-truckload (LTL), full truckload and multimodal freight transportation, as well as logistics, warehousing and supply chain management services. Con-way also operates Road Systems Inc., a trailer refurbishing and manufacturing company which supplies trailing equipment to the company’s trucking fleets.  Con-way Inc. and its subsidiaries operate from more than 500 locations across North America and in 20 countries.  For more information about Con-way, visit www.con-way.com.

Monday, October 29, 2012

CSCMP CEO Appointed to Serve on US Department of Commerce Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness


Lombard, Illinois USA (October 29, 2012) -- The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals'(CSCMP) president and chief executive officer, Rick Blasgen, has been appointed to serve on the US Department of Commerce's Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness. Blasgen has more than 20 years' experience in the supply chain management industry, holding senior-level positions at companies such as Nabisco, Kraft, and ConAgra Foods.

Acting US Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank recently announced the launch of the new committee in recognition of the critical role that supply chains play in enabling products to be made in America and exported around the world. The Committee, comprised of 40 senior-level private sector representatives of multiple industries and supply chain experts appointed by the Secretary of Commerce, will advise the Secretary, the US Department of Transportation, and other US agencies on supply chain issues that affect the international competitiveness of US businesses.

"I am honored to serve on this important committee," said Blasgen. "Efficient supply chain management is now widely being recognized as a critical component in ensuring that the United States remains competitive in today's global marketplace. CSCMP is committed to advancing the disciplines of logistics and supply chain management, and enhancing the value that we as professionals offer our companies, our country, and the economies we serve. I, along with the other members, will work hard to provide relevant insights and guidance to Department of Commerce leaders so they can achieve their supply chain goals."

Committee members are leaders in their fields of expertise and represent supply chain firms, associations, stakeholders, community organizations, and also include experts from academia. The Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson will serve on the Committee as non-voting members, and Department of Commerce officials will work closely with those and other agencies to coordinate government activities and programs to implement Committee member recommendations.

"The Obama administration recognizes that in order to be competitive in today's global economy, American manufacturers need to be able to move products and goods securely, quickly, and efficiently within our borders and beyond," said Acting US Commerce Secretary Blank. "The Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness will provide crucial input on issues related to national freight infrastructure and policies so that we can best help millions of US businesses export goods, compete domestically and globally, and support American jobs."

The Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness will act as a liaison between industry and government, and is an important step toward ensuring regular contact with the supply chain industries, including manufacturers, distributors, and exporters. Committee members' advice will also be useful in the development of a national freight policy and in executing the President's National Export Initiative, which aims to double US exports by the end of 2014.

US supply chains are critically dependent on the quality and capacity of America's freight transportation network, the largest and most extensive freight infrastructure in the world. The network serves over 7.5 million US business establishments, carrying some 13 billion tons of raw materials and finished goods annually between production and consumption centers.

?Blasgen and the other members will serve on the Committee until November 20, 2013. To learn more about the Committee and to view a complete list of members, visit http://ita.doc.gov/td/sif/DSCT/ACSCC/.

About CSCMP:
 
Founded in 1963, the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals is the leading worldwide professional association dedicated to education, research, and the advancement of the supply chain management profession. With more than 9,000 members globally, representing business, government, and academia from 63 countries, CSCMP members are the leading practitioners and authorities in the fields of logistics and supply chain management.

UPS Delivers Hassle-Free Holidays


Atlanta, October 29, 2012 - Global Volume Increase with Rise in Online Shopping; 55,000 Seasonal Workers to Help Deliver 527 Million Packages; "UPS My Choice" Service Offers More Control over Deliveries??UPS (NYSE: UPS) will give its customers the gift of hassle-free holidays again this year by providing them with greater control over their home deliveries with UPS My ChoiceSM as it prepares to deliver more than half a billion packages around the world this holiday season, an all-time record for the global logistics giant.

UPS expects to deliver 527 million packages between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, surpassing last year's record of 480 million. The company predicts its busiest day of the year will be Thursday, Dec. 20, when an estimated 28 million packages will be delivered around the world – the equivalent of more than 300 packages delivered every second of the day. On an average day, UPS delivers 15.8 million packages.

To handle this massive increase in volume, UPS will hire 55,000 seasonal employees across the U.S. to work as driver helpers, package sorters, loaders or unloaders.  For more information on job opportunities visit: upsjobs.com or the UPSjobs page on Facebook.
UPS peak air day is projected to top 6.5 million deliveries compared to normal daily air volume of 3 million packages. UPS will fly more than 400 additional flight segments per day to facilitate on-time delivery of holiday gifts across the world.

Once again, trends show the popularity of e-commerce and mobile accessibility are likely to delay online shopping and compress deliveries into the final two weeks before Christmas. UPS expects online tracking requests to reach more than 69 million on its peak tracking day, Tuesday, Dec. 18, as holiday shipments surge.

Hassle-Free Holidays

Celebrating its second holiday season, UPS My Choice helps consumers avoid those "sorry we missed you" notices left on doors by providing registered members with free digital alerts the day before a package arrives. If the initial delivery time doesn't work, there are options to reschedule or reroute the package. Nearly 2 million users have already signed up for the service. To sign up for UPS My Choice, visit ups.com/MyChoice/PR.

"UPS provides total logistics solutions for both shippers and consumers, whether they're doing business in online retail or traditional brick and mortar stores, or both," said Alan Gershenhorn, UPS chief sales and marketing officer. "These solutions make the entire transaction seamless, transparent and hassle-free, from the point of sale to final delivery as well as handling returns and repairs. This gives UPS customers the best possible experience by helping them better manage their already busy schedules, especially during the holidays."

Give Mother Nature a Gift

For environmentally-conscious gift givers, UPS offers carbon neutral shipping. For as little as five cents, customers can select UPS's carbon neutral option at the end of the online shipping process to offset the carbon emissions associated with their shipments and support globally recognized environmental projects.

Shipping Tips for Consumers

With 21 shipping days between Thanksgiving and Christmas, consumers can help ensure their packages reach their destination on time by knowing a few key shipping deadlines. Most UPS ground packages will reach their destinations in one-to-three days. Last-minute shoppers who ship their packages Friday, Dec. 21, can rely on UPS Next Day Air(R) for delivery by Monday, Dec. 24.

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.

Friday, October 26, 2012

CN Announces Plan to Buy Back Shares Through Private Agreements


MONTREAL, Oct. 26, 2012 - CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) announced today that it intends to purchase for cancellation up to 5.8 million of its common shares pursuant to private agreements between CN and an arm's-length third-party seller. The purchases will form part of CN's C$1.4 billion share-repurchase program announced on Oct. 22, 2012.

Such purchases will be made pursuant and subject to the terms of an issuer bid exemption order issued by the Ontario Securities Commission and will take place before the end of March 2013. The price that CN will pay for any common shares purchased by it under such agreements will be negotiated by CN and the seller and will be at a discount to the prevailing market price of CN's common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange at the time of the purchase.

Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain information included in this news release constitutes "forward -looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and under Canadian securities laws, including potential purchases of common shares for cancellation under a normal course issuer bid. CN cautions that, by their nature, these forward-looking statements involve risk, uncertainties and assumptions. The Company cautions that its assumptions may not materialize and that the current economic conditions render such assumptions, although reasonable at the time they were made, subject to greater uncertainty.

Important risk factors that could affect the above forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the effects of general economic and business conditions, industry competition, inflation, currency and interest rate fluctuations, changes in fuel prices, legislative and/or regulatory developments, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, actions by regulators, various events which could disrupt operations, including natural events such as severe weather, droughts, floods and earthquake s, labor negotiations and disruptions, environmental claims, uncertainties of investigations, proceedings or other types of claims and litigation, risks and liabilities arising from derailments, and other risks and assumptions detailed from time to time in reports filed by CN with securities regulators in Canada and the United States. Reference should be made to "Management's Discussion and Analysis" in CN's annual and interim reports, Annual Information Form and Form 40-F filed with Canadian and U.S. securities regulators, available on CN's website, for a summary of major risks and assumptions.

CN assumes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect future events, changes in circumstances, or changes in beliefs, unless required by applicable Canadian securities laws. In the event CN does update any forward-looking statement, no inference should be made that CN will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters, or any other forward-looking statement.

About CN:

CN - Canadian National Railway Company and its operating railway subsidiaries - spans Canada and mid-America, from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to the Gulf of Mexico, serving the ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, B.C., Montreal, Halifax, New Orleans, and Mobile, Ala., and the key metropolitan areas of Toronto, Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, Duluth, Minn./Superior, Wis., Green Bay, Wis., Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, and Jackson, Miss., with connections to all points in North America. For more information on CN, visit the company's website at www.cn.ca.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

C.H. Robinson Displays Eco-Crate™ Sweet Corn Container and CantaBella™ Melon at Fresh Summit


Eden Prairie, MN (October 25, 2012) — C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc., one of the world’s largest produce sourcing and logistics companies, will display its Eco-Crate™ sweet corn container and CantaBella™ melon at the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit from October 26-28 in booth #3428.

Eco-Crate is a proprietary, patent-pending, fully recyclable sweet corn container that is made from recyclable plastic and weighs less than current container solutions. The Eco-Crate performs well in extensive post-harvest treatment of fresh sweet corn. Due to its overall design and material performance, up to 30% more crates can be loaded per truckload compared to conventional crates.

The development of the Eco-Crate began in April 2011 as a response to a number of issues and opportunities in the sweet corn category, ranging from food safety to handling of wooden and wax corn crates throughout the supply chain.

“Several surveys identified wood crates as the single most difficult and most injury-producing container at DC and store levels, both domestically and in Europe,” said Daniel Whittles, director of grower programs and business development for Rosemont Farms, a C.H. Robinson Company. “Those handling the Eco-Crate at the various points of contact from packing to merchandising will be thrilled at the reduced hazard, thanks to the elimination of metal wire and splintered wood.”

Exclusive seed development for Timco Worldwide, a C.H. Robinson Company, allows CantaBella™ to be a new entry into the melon category. Development of the melon began in 2008 with the intent of bringing flavor and a good eating experience back to the consumer. This cross between a traditional cantaloupe and the French melon, Charentais, allows for a sweeter, more consistent taste.

CantaBella has been trial grown in several regions ranging from high humidity to very dry, allowing CantaBella to be produced throughout the C.H. Robinson grower network.  The exterior appearance will vary in color from light green to brilliant yellow and the skin will range from smooth to semi-smooth.  The skin will also have the small presence of sugar lines which typically manifest on melons which have higher sugar content.

CantaBella, available October through May, has a strong harvest indicator allowing C.H. Robinson growers to know when the melon is ready to be picked. This results in a more consistent melon and favorable eating experience for the consumer.

“CantaBella will be unlike any other melon in the produce department,” said Tim Colin, general manager of Timco Worldwide, a C.H. Robinson Company. “The sweet orange flesh and distinct aroma of the melon allows us to provide a favorable eating experience, more consistently, compared to other melons.”

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 Dakotas and Minnesota. Today, C.H. Robinson is a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest produce sourcing and logistics companies in the world with annual gross revenues of approximately $10.3 billion in 2011. C.H. Robinson offers the highest quality products while integrating value-added logistics, distribution, and information reporting services. C.H. Robinson provides many well-known North American consumer brands including Glory Foods®, Mott's®, Welch's®, and Tropicana® and offers a full line of conventional and organic produce through a large network of regional and local growers. The company serves over 37,000 customers through a network of more than 230 offices and over 8,700 employees worldwide.

Through the company and its Foundation, C.H. Robinson and its employees contribute millions of dollars annually to a variety of organizations, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Community Health Charities, American Red Cross, Children's Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota, and Global Impact. The company is headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and has been publicly traded on the NASDAQ since 1997. For more information about C.H. Robinson, visit http://www.chrobinson.com.

XPO Logistics Acquires OHL's Turbo Logistics


GREENWICH, Conn. — October 25, 2012 — XPO Logistics, Inc. (NYSE: XPO) today announced that it has acquired the operating assets of Turbo Logistics, Inc., the freight brokerage division of Ozburn-Hessey Logistics, LLC (OHL). The cash purchase price was $50 million, excluding any working capital adjustments, with no assumption of debt. The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to earnings.

Founded in 1984, Turbo Logistics serves more than 600 customers through four locations: Gainesville, Ga.; Reno, Nev.; Chicago, Ill.; and Dallas, Texas. The company had 170 employees and trailing 12 months revenue of approximately $124 million as of September 30, 2012.

Bradley Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of XPO Logistics, said, “Turbo Logistics is a well run, highly scalable brokerage business that has earned 28 years of respect in the industry. They have a strong carrier network and deep relationships in the retail, manufacturing and food and beverage sectors. Turbo’s expedite business has synergies with our Express-1 expedite division, and on the truckload side, we’ve now acquired a significant position in the temperature-controlled freight market.

“We’re very pleased that David Coker and Jeff Battle will be staying on in leadership positions. Their combined 33 years of experience at Turbo will help us scale up in Gainesville, the largest location, and in Reno. Our plan for Chicago is to merge it with one of our fastest-growing cold-starts, led by Abtin Hamidi. We’ll do the same in Dallas, where we have a cold-start run by Doug George that’s gaining traction. We’re effectively creating large, combined platforms that we can scale up dramatically in these two metro areas.”

Jacobs continued, “We’re on track or ahead of schedule with every major component of our growth strategy: acquisitions, cold-starts and the optimization of our operations. With the acquisition of Turbo, we’re fast approaching the $500 million revenue run rate we targeted for year-end.”

Conference call on October 26, 2012

The company will hold a conference call on Friday, October 26, 2012, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the acquisition. Participants can call toll-free from the US/Canada: 1-888-771-4371; international participants call: +1-847-585-4405. Use passcode XPO Logistics. The conference will also be available via live webcast at www.xpologistics.com, where it will be archived.

About XPO Logistics, Inc.

XPO Logistics, Inc. (NYSE: XPO) is one of the fastest growing providers of non-asset based, third-party freight transportation services in North America. The company uses its network of more than 20,000 relationships with ground, sea and air carriers to find the best transportation solutions for its customers. XPO Logistics offers its services through three distinct business units: freight brokerage; expedited transportation (Express-1, Inc.); and freight forwarding (Concert Group Logistics, Inc.). The company serves more than 7,500 customers in the retail, commercial, manufacturing and industrial sectors through 56 locations, including 33 branches in the United States and Canada and 23 agent offices. www.xpologistics.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “should,” “will,” “expect,” “objective,” “projection,” “forecast,” “goal,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “effort,” “target” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terms. However, the absence of these words does not mean that the statements are not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our experience and our perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors we believe are appropriate in the circumstances. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause or contribute to a material difference include, but are not limited to, those discussed in our filings with the SEC and the following: economic conditions generally; competition; our ability to find suitable acquisition candidates and execute our acquisition strategy; our ability to raise capital; our ability to attract and retain key employees to execute our growth strategy; our ability to develop and implement a suitable information technology system; our ability to maintain positive relationships with our network of third-party transportation providers; and governmental regulation. All forward-looking statements set forth in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated by us will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to or effects on us or our business or operations. Forward-looking statements set forth in this press release speak only as of the date hereof and we do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, changes in expectations or the occurrence of unanticipated events.

LLamasoft® Completes Financing to Accelerate Growth and Innovation


Ann Arbor, MI, October 25, 2012 – LLamasoft, Inc., the world’s leading provider of supply chain design software and solutions, announced that it has accepted a major investment to accelerate its product, technology and market expansion.

MK Capital and Nike Ventures, provided this first institutional financing for the 10 year old company, which has over 100 employees, offices in North America, Asia and Europe and registered 80% revenue growth in the past year. Augment Ventures and First Step Fund, also participated in this round of financing.

“This engagement with MK Capital and Nike Ventures provides LLamasoft with the resources to take the Company to the next level,” said Donald A. Hicks, LLamasoft President and CEO. “LLamasoft has become the global leader in Supply Chain Design technology, and we are excited about the strategic value these partnerships will bring to enable the continued evolution of our technology and business solutions.”

LLamasoft is well known for its Supply Chain Guru® design application and solutions. Used by many Fortune 1000 companies, Supply Chain Guru® enables companies to design, analyze and optimize global supply chains to achieve lower costs, greater sustainability and improved service. The financing will enable LLamasoft to further accelerate talent acquisition, product development and expansion to cloud and mobile platforms.

“Every day, hundreds of global organizations rely on LLamasoft technology to design more competitive supply chain strategies,” said Toby Brzoznowski, LLamasoft Executive Vice President. “These funds will help us leverage our experience and technology to deliver a truly unique, go-to platform for Supply Chain Design that is the centerpiece of every company’s business strategy.”


About LLamasoft:

LLamasoft supply chain design software helps organizations worldwide design and improve their supply chain operations. LLamasoft solutions enable companies across a wide range of industries to model, optimize and simulate their supply chain network, leading to major improvements in cost, service, sustainability and risk mitigation. Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, LLamasoft is a leader in supply chain excellence and innovation, advancing technology focused on continuous improvement of enterprise supply chains for the world’s largest organizations.

DHL Express Partners with Literacy Charity ‘Worldreader’


Plantation, Fla. and San Francisco, Calif., October 25, 2012 – DHL Express, the world’s leading international express services provider, announces a new partnership with Worldreader, a non-profit organization that advances literacy in developing countries by providing e-books to children in need. DHL Express will support Worldreader’s mission of putting 1,000,000 Amazon KindlesTM loaded with some of the world’s best-loved books into the hands of young children in Uganda, Ghana, Kenya and Tanzania before the end of 2015.

“Digital books are the most innovative, efficient way to improve literacy in developing countries, so millions can improve their lives,” said David Risher, CEO and co-Founder of Worldreader. “Although the transportation infrastructure in many African countries that we serve can be challenging, we’re thrilled to now work closely with a company like DHL Express which has so much experience in this diverse region.”

DHL Express was the first international express company to operate in Africa and is the only carrier to have a dedicated air network in the continent. Through the partnership, DHL Express will deliver Worldreader’s educational products to African countries, enabling the non-profit organization to purchase more e-readers and books for distribution to those in need.

“We admire the valuable work that is being done by Worldreader and are pleased to be playing a role in spreading literacy throughout the world,” said Ian Clough, CEO of DHL Express U.S.  “As a company that operates globally, our team of international specialists has seen firsthand the impact that books and education can play in shaping the lives of children.”

DHL has long been committed to corporate responsibility programs.  The Company’s GoTeach program creates and improves educational opportunities for children and teens around the world by partnering with organizations such as the US-based Teach For All network and the SOS Children Villages.

"We already put more than 200,000 e-books into the hands of 1,000 students in sub-Saharan Africa and now with the support of DHL Express, Worldreader is better positioned to help increase access to digital books in developing nations," continued Risher.

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 to its customers. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and about 275,000 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 53 billion Euros in 2011.

About Worldreader:

Worldreader is a US- and European not-for-profit organization that aims to put a library of digital books within the hands of children across the planet. Founded in 2009 by former Microsoft and Amazon executive David Risher and former Marketing Director at Barcelona’s ESADE Business School Colin McElwee, Worldreader works with device manufacturers, local and international publishers, governments, education officials and local communities to bring books to all.

Mark Levy Joins Jones Lang LaSalle Mid-Atlantic Region


WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 25, 2012 – Jones Lang LaSalle (NYSE:JLL) announced today that Mark Levy has joined the firm as a Senior Vice President and will lead the firm’s Mid-Atlantic Industrial Practice Group, which comprises the entire spectrum of industrial services including agency and tenant representation, site selection and investment sales.

Levy brings more than 21 years of public and private real estate company leadership experience in the leasing, development, acquisition and disposition of industrial properties.

“Mark is a true market leader and his depth of strategic experience, expertise and deep understanding of the evolving real estate needs of industrial clients make him an ideal fit for Jones Lang LaSalle,” said Mike Ellis, Mid-Atlantic Market Director, Jones Lang LaSalle.  “From Hampton Roads to Baltimore, Mark will add value to the work we do for our clients and solidify Jones Lang LaSalle’s position as a market leader.”

Levy joins Jones Lang LaSalle from Prologis where he was most recently Regional Vice President, responsible for all company investment activity (acquisitions and development) in the Mid-Atlantic. Levy also has had overall direct responsibility for regional operations (e.g. portfolio leasing, asset and property management) in addition to investment activity.

“Growing our industrial practice across the country is a top priority for Jones LangLaSalle as our clients are requiring expertise in this specific sector,” said Craig Meyer, Executive Managing Director, Industrial and Logistics, Jones Lang LaSalle. “Adding Mark, one of the best in the business, as our Mid-Atlantic leader is an important step in putting together the strongest industrial services team.”

In addition to his role with Jones Lang LaSalle, Levy currently serves as a member of the adjunct faculty at Georgetown University’s Master’s in Real Estate Program and is on the Board of Advisors of the School of Management at George Mason University. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Greater Washington Board of Trade and is Vice Chairman of NAIOP’s Northern Virginia Chapter, where he also chairs the National Industrial Development Forum.  Levy is also an inaugural member of the U.S. Trust for the National Mall in Washington.

“I am proud to join the proven professionals in Jones Lang LaSalle’s Mid-Atlantic region,” said Mark Levy.  “The firm's sophisticated and integrated global platform allows for the newest, most creative and effective ways to support clients and I look forward to substantially growing Jones Lang LaSalle’s industrial business in the time ahead.”

About Jones Lang LaSalle:

Jones Lang LaSalle (NYSE: JLL) is a financial and professional services firm specializing in real estate. The firm offers integrated services delivered by expert teams worldwide to clients seeking increased value by owning, occupying or investing in real estate. With 2011 global revenue of $3.6 billion, Jones Lang LaSalle serves clients in 70 countries from more than 1,000 locations worldwide, including 200 corporate offices.  The firm is an industry leader in property and corporate facility management services, with a portfolio of approximately 2.1 billion square feet worldwide. LaSalle Investment Management, the company’s investment management business, is one of the world’s largest and most diverse in real estate with $47 billion of assets under management. For further information, please visit www.joneslanglasalle.com.

Hellmann Perishable Logistics Partners With Apollo Freight, Inc.


Los Angeles, CA. (October 22, 2012):  Hellmann Perishable Logistics (HPL), one of the only truly global powerhouses in the Perishables Logistics Industry, a division of Hellmann Worldwide Logistics has partnered with Apollo Freight, Inc., a subsidiary of Mercury Air Group, Inc. The newly formed company, HPL-Apollo, LLC, will benefit from controlling significant cooler handling operations in both Miami and Los Angeles, America's two top perishable gateways.

Hellmann Perishable Logistics and Mercury Air Group have an extensive history in logistics. Hellmann, founded in 1871 by Carl Heinrich Hellmann, has grown to become a top global logistics provider with an active network in 157 countries. Mercury, founded in 1956 by three former flying aces from the legendary AVG Flying Tigers, provides jet fuel to airlines around the globe as well as cargo and U.S. government contracting services both domestically and internationally.

"Our initial focus will be to expand Apollo's perishables business on the West Coast and also provide HPL's global customers with the benefit of having a world class cold storage facility in the LAX market." said Roger Haeussler, Global Chief Operating Officer & CEO of the Americas for Hellmann Worldwide Logistics.

In November of last year, Apollo opened a state-of-the-art 15,663-square-foot cold storage facility as part of a new 37,000-square-foot off-airport warehouse at LAX. This new facility, in conjunction with a similar on-airport refrigeration warehouse operated by Mercury, makes Mercury LAX's largest perishable cargo handler.

"I am very proud that Apollo has become a player worthy of partnering with Hellmann.  By partnering together for greater growth, HPL-Apollo will set a new standard for perishable logistics and become a perishable powerhouse on the West Coast and worldwide," said Joseph A. Czyzyk, Chairman & CEO of Mercury Air Group, Inc.

About Hellmann Worldwide Logistics

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics operates from 443 offices, in 157 countries, and has over 19,300 dedicated employees to serve our customers worldwide. As one of the worlds largest privately and family owned logistics providers, in operation since 1871, Hellmann provides a full array of services including Air, Sea, Domestic Transportation, Customs Brokerage, Contract Logistics, and many other Value Added Services.

CEVA wins the Supply Chain Innovation Award at SCM Logistics Excellence 2012


Singapore, 25 October, 2012 – CEVA Logistics, a leading global supply chain management company, was presented with the Supply Chain Innovation Award at this year’s SCM Logistics Excellence Awards held in Singapore recently.

The annual SCM Logistics Excellence Awards are designed to honor leading supply chain organizations for excellence in supply chain management and logistics. Companies and practitioners who have successfully engineered their supply chains to achieve greater agility and profitability are recognized by the industry for their outstanding achievements. The Supply Chain Innovation Award is a brand new category in this year’s honor roll to commend the company that has applied innovative thinking and measures to improve their business performance and impact the market.

Nominations for each category were judged and finalists shortlisted by a select panel of distinguished industry professionals and supply chain academia. The winners of each category were then selected through online voting by a wider audience of industry peers, supply chain and logistics professionals across Asia.
 
Elaine Low, CEVA’s Executive Vice President for Business Development, Asia Pacific said, “I am delighted to receive the Supply Chain Innovation award on behalf of CEVA. This award is all the more meaningful for us as the market becomes more dynamic and complex, and we are clearly recognized in the industry for our innovative thinking and solutions that meet today’s supply chain needs. We believe the close collaboration we have with our customers and suppliers, and the dedication of our employees, enable CEVA to continue creating value through innovation for our customers’ success.”

CEVA’s presence in over 170 countries provides a truly global network with local expertise in various market sectors to support the logistics needs of its customers.

CEVA – Making business flow:

CEVA Logistics, one of the world’s leading, non-asset based supply chain companies, designs and implements industry leading solutions for large and medium-size national and multinational companies. Approximately 51,000 employees are dedicated to delivering effective and robust supply chain solutions across a variety of sectors and CEVA applies its operational expertise to provide best-in-class services across its integrated network, with a presence in over 170 countries. For the year ending 31 December 2011, the Group reported revenues of €6.9 billion. For more information, please visit www.cevalogistics.com

CEVA Announces New EVP of Business Development, Americas


Houston, USA, 25 October, 2012 – CEVA Logistics, one of the world’s leading supply chain companies, today announced that Cindy Cochovity has been appointed Executive Vice President of Business Development for the Americas region.

As the new Business Development leader, she will manage all aspects of business development work in the region. Cindy has served CEVA and its legacy companies with progressive responsibilities for over 17 years.

“Cindy comes to this role with a proven track record of success as a leader, managing sales at both the regional and sector levels, plus deep experience with CEVA’s solutions and a strong focus on customer value,” said Matt Ryan, CEVA’s President, Americas.

Most recently, Cindy was Senior Vice President of the Industrial Sector, Business Development for the Americas, where she worked with some of CEVA’s key customers. Previously, she ran the Business Development organization for the U.S. Central Region, driving double-digit growth in alignment with CEVA’s strategic priorities.  She also held executive and managerial roles as VP Global Account Management, and leadership of other logistics products in earlier years of her career.


CEVA – Making business flow

CEVA Logistics, one of the world’s leading, non-asset based supply chain companies, designs and implements industry leading solutions for large and medium-size national and multinational companies. Approximately 51,000 employees are dedicated to delivering effective and robust supply chain solutions across a variety of sectors and CEVA applies its operational expertise to provide best-in-class services across its integrated network, with a presence in over 170 countries. For the year ending 31 December 2011, the Group reported revenues of €6.9 billion. For more information, please visit www.cevalogistics.com

PORT OF LOS ANGELES WINS ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD


SAN PEDRO, Calif. — Oct. 25, 2012 — The Port of Los Angeles has earned its second global environmental award in a month, this time from Containerisation International, an international trade publication that held its annual awards in London recently to honor companies and individuals around the world for best practices, innovation and creative thinking in the container industry.

“We commend the Port of Los Angeles for its commitment to innovative business and environmental practices that have helped  make the container industry safer, more secure and more sustainable,” said John Fossey, editor of Containerisation International. “The Port’s approach to sustainability and green growth is far ahead of the curve and a lesson to the entire maritime industry.”

“We’re honored to be recognized at the international level for our green business practices and programs,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D. “This award illustrates that industry growth and environmental progress are not mutually exclusive, but rather an integrated strategy for success.”

The award also highlighted the Port’s hosting of the 2012 Pacific Ports Clean Air Collaborative Conference, which drew participants from around the world to discuss green supply chain strategies and environmental innovations, and for being the first seaport to adopt the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) program, which rewards ocean carriers for bringing their newest and cleanest vessels to the Port.  The Port was also recognized for its ongoing implementation of various initiatives under the Clean Air Action Plan, the precedent-setting initiative that has led to dramatic reductions in Port emissions since 2005.

In addition to winning the Environmental Award, The Port of Los Angeles and Antwerp Port Authority were “highly commended” among seven finalists in the “Port Authority of the Year” award category, with Peel Ports’ Liverpool operations taking top honors.

The Containerisation International award recognized the significant strides the Port has made to facilitate global trade through facility modernization and cultivation of new technologies, and for its commitment to environmental initiatives for reducing emissions and improving water quality. The judging panel included experts with extensive experience in international supply chain operations and management.

The award recognized many of the Port’s environmental programs, including its leadership in helping ports worldwide measure and reduce their carbon footprints; the Port’s green leasing policy that includes environmental requirements as part of tenant lease agreements; and the Port’s role in developing the World Ports Climate Initiative, a global collaboration of approximately 60 ports aimed at reducing greenhouse gases and improving air quality.

Already this year, the Port has earned several awards for its environmental leadership and programs. Last month, the Port received the prestigious Lloyd’s List Global Award in the Environment category, an honor recognizing the Port’s environmental leadership in adopting and promoting programs that reduce emissions from maritime sources. The Port also received the coveted Climate Leadership Award from the U.S. EPA in February 2012.
 
About The Port of Los Angeles:

The Port of Los Angeles is America’s premier port and has a strong commitment to developing innovative strategic and sustainable operations that benefit the economy as well as the quality of life for the region and the nation it serves. As the leading seaport in North America in terms of shipping container volume and cargo value, the Port generates more than 830,000 regional jobs and $35 billion in annual wages and tax revenues. The Port of Los Angeles – A cleaner port.  A brighter future.

ZIM to Enhance its ZIM Container Service Atlantic (ZCA) by Adding a New Ashdod Call


October 25, 2012 - Haifa, Israel - ZIM’s established ZCA Service will add the port of Ashdod to its route starting November. ZCA’s extensive coverage will now offer improved service to Israeli customers in the central and southern part of the country, for both export and import. The new ZCA route will be as follows:

Haifa- Piraeus – Genova – Tarragona – Halifax – New York – Savannah – Kingston – Tarragona – Ashdod – Haifa

ZIM is offering exceptional transit times from the US East Coast to Ashdod & Haifa. The transit time from New York to Ashdod is 22 days, the fastest  in the market. ZCA offers superior transit times from Savannah, Halifax and Kingston as well.

The new call aims to strengthen and enhance the first-class services already offered by ZIM to the Israeli market, from and to both Haifa and Ashdod.

ZIM pioneered the direct container service between Israel and Mediterranean ports and the US East Coast decades ago, and continued to provide premium service to customers throughout the years. The new call is another step in ZIM’s ongoing efforts to improve customer service and maintain ZIM’s leading position in this trade.

The first vessel to call Ashdod will be Is ZIM Luanda voyage 25, arriving November 19th.

About ZIM:

Israel Corporation, ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd’s controlling shareholder, is an established market leader and publicly-traded company on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE: ILCO). Israel Corporation holds 99.66% of ZIM's shares. ZIM's strategic position as part of a large corporation ensures the solid foundations from which to expand its activities, and the strong support to lead the industry with new, outstanding shipping services and solutions. For more information visit: www.zim.com

Old Dominion Expands Canadian Gateway With New Detroit Service Center


TROY, Michigan (Oct. 25, 2012) – Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. is expanding its service into Canada with the relocation and expansion of its Detroit Service Center.

Old Dominion, which has maintained a presence in Troy for 11 years, moved into a larger, state-of-the-art facility located on a 16-acre site at 1310 E. Big Beaver Road in Troy. The terminal is strategically located along the Interstate 75 corridor, allowing for overnight service into parts of Ontario.

The relocation is part of a $90-120 million investment Old Dominion has committed to real estate purchases and expansion projects in 2012. With the relocation, Old Dominion increased its workforce at the Detroit terminal by 20 percent.

“This expanded facility guarantees our customers will continue to receive the superior service they have come to expect from Old Dominion,” said John Westendorf, the terminal’s manager. “We’re excited about the growth opportunities this state-of-the-art facility affords us.”

The Detroit terminal, which also includes a new repair shop, provides direct service to a number of cities throughout the region, including Auburn Hills, Chesterfield, Ferndale, Lapeer, Oak Park, Pt. Huron, Madison Heights, Royal Oak and Warren.

The company operates a total of seven terminals in Michigan. Last month, the company relocated its Grand Rapids Service Center to a larger facility.

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. (NASDAQ: ODFL) is a leading, less-than-truckload (“LTL”), union-free motor carrier providing regional, inter-regional and national LTL service and value-added logistics services. In addition to its core LTL services, the Company offers its customers a broad range of logistics services including ground and air expedited transportation, supply chain consulting, transportation management, truckload brokerage, container delivery, warehousing and consumer household moving services. Through marketing and carrier relationships, the Company also offers door-to-door international freight services to and from all of North America, Central America, South America and the Far East. For more than 78 years, Old Dominion has been helping the world keep promises. In 2012, the company was named as one of America’s 100 Most Trustworthy Companies by Forbes magazine and ranked as the No. 1 National LTL carrier by Mastio & Company as part of the company’s 2011 Value and Loyalty Benchmarking Study. More information can be found at www.odfl.com.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Mark Sitko Joins Sales Team at MIQ Logistics


Overland Park, KS, October 23, 2012-- MIQ Logistics is pleased to announce the addition of Mark Sitko to its Sales team as director of Business Development. Sitko is based in Akron, O.H. and responsible for strategic account development and new business efforts focused on managed transportation solutions as well as the entire portfolio of MIQ Logistics services.

“Mark comes to us with a proven track record in the logistics and supply chain industry assisting medium to large sized customers meet and exceed their supply chain goals,” says John Carr, president, MIQ Logistics. “His knowledge of the transportation and distribution industries ranges from purchased transportation and parcel negotiation to operating processes analysis. This extensive background and industry experience allows him to better understand and solve our current and future customers’ logistics challenges as well as add ongoing value to their business.”

Prior to joining MIQ Logistics, Sitko held a business development position at Greatwide Logistics Services where he focused on the metals and utilities industries. He brings over 17 years of transportation industry experience to MIQ Logistics with a commitment to providing service that exceeds his customers’ expectations.

About MIQ Logistics:

MIQ Logistics is a global logistics company headquartered in Overland Park, Kan., and with offices in North America, Asia, Europe and Latin America. MIQ Logistics enables companies to improve their transportation network and overall supply chain efficiency by offering flexible logistics solutions supported by Web-native technology and global logistics management capabilities.

Nautilus International Holding Corp. Names New Chief Operating Officer


October 24, 2012, Wilmington, CA - Nautilus International Holding Corp. has announced the appointment of Michael F. Giove as its chief operating officer, effective Oct. 29, 2012. Reporting directly to Chairman, President & CEO James R. Callahan, Giove will be responsible for all operational and customer-facing functions of Metro Ports, Metro Cruise Services LLC and Metro Shore Services LLC, as well as finance, strategic planning and information technology for Nautilus.

“Michael brings extensive senior global leadership and operational improvement experience,” Callahan stated. “The Nautilus Board of Directors recognized the company’s need for the skilled diversity that his years of experience, both in CFO and COO roles in multiple industries, will contribute toward Nautilus’ defined strategies.”

Giove is a seasoned operational executive with more than 20 years of experience across a wide range of disciplines, including medical devices, technology and retail. He has worked in start-up and early-stage companies as well as large, established global organizations with thousands of employees across multiple business units. The majority of his background experience has been in the implementation of operational infrastructure system and process improvements, along with the development of innovative go-to-market strategies to pursue significant revenue growth.

Prior to joining Nautilus, Giove was chief operating officer of Marine Depot; CFO and COO at Kofax; vice president of operations for LySonix, Inc. and held various executive positions for MDT Biologic Co.

Giove was a logistics officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, charged with leading a Material Handling Equipment contingent along with planning the embarkation and debarkation operations of personnel and equipment to U.S. Naval ships. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Auburn University (Alabama) and holds an MBA in finance from National University in San Diego, Calif.

Nautilus International Holding Corp, headquartered in Wilmington, Calif., maintains oversight of various subsidiary companies concentrating in stevedoring, terminal operations, agency, logistics and risk management. The companies of Nautilus International Holding Corp. excel in providing outstanding services to various market segments. These subsidiaries include Metro Ports, a contract stevedoring and marine terminal operator specializing in dry and wet bulk materials, breakbulk cargoes, forest products, wind energy, and a variety of other marine cargoes; Metro Cruise Services LLC and Metro Shore Services LLC, which jointly provide a full suite of services to the passenger cruise industry; and Metro Risk Management LLC, which specializes in claims administration and other risk management services. For more information, visit www.metports.com, www.nautilusintl.com.

Nike Partners with LLamasoft For Sustainable Supply Chain Innovation


October 23rd, 2012 - BEAVERTON, Ore. – NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) has entered a strategic partnership with LLamasoft, Inc., to co-develop supply chain solutions that offer both logistics and environmental benefits. Nike has been a customer of Michigan-based LLamasoft for two years. Today’s announcement of a formal commercial relationship, in addition to a minority investment from NIKE, signals the intent to leverage the strengths of both companies to co-develop new solutions for international supply chain efficiency.

“Innovation and sustainability are core to NIKE, Inc.’s operations and this new partnership with LLamasoft represents unique opportunities in both of these areas,” says Hans Van Alebeek, Nike’s Vice President of Global Operations & Technology. “Through working with LLamasoft as a customer, we recognized the potential to collaborate on innovative supply chain solutions that offer real time logistics benefits and the potential to positively impact our efforts around carbon reduction.”

Supply chain design is a vital business process for companies with a global footprint, as organizations work to balance factors including cost, service and environmental impact in an unpredictable global marketplace. By leveraging the LLamasoft software platform, Nike expects to drive efficiencies through its supply chain and significantly reduce the associated carbon footprint.

Donald Hicks, CEO of LLamasoft, said the relationship with Nike will enable the company to accelerate the development of new technology. “This partnership allows us to build on our work with Nike faster and more collaboratively than ever before. We admire Nike’s leadership and we’re excited to work together to define new levels of performance in global supply chain design.”

About NIKE, Inc.

NIKE, Inc., based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world’s leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly owned NIKE subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Cole Haan, which designs, markets and distributes luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; Umbro Ltd., a leading United Kingdom-based global football (soccer) brand; and Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories. For more information, visit nikeinc.com and follow @NIKE. To learn more about NIKE’s commitment to sustainability, visit www.NIKEbetterworld.com.

New Course Partners with MWPVL International for Strategic Supply Chain Consulting Initiatives


Toledo, OH – October 25, 2012 – New Course LLC, a consulting and integration services company focused on SAP supply chain software projects, today announced it has formed a partnership with MWPVL International Inc.   MWPVL International is a leading global supply chain and logistics consulting firm that provides services in logistics network optimization, distribution center design, material handling systems, and supply chain execution software.  The partnership will provide complementary consulting services as well as offer both MWPVL and New Course clients more comprehensive supply chain consulting depth.

“We’re excited about the partnership with New Course,” said Marc Wulfraat, President, MWPVL International.  “Our team has worked with New Course resources on many successful client engagements and we are looking forward to working with their clients on future strategic initiatives.”

“MWPVL International is a firm that is filled with talent,” said Jim McNerney, Principal and Co-Founder, New Course.  “They have developed, and consistently apply, a methodology that analyzes and presents the financial and service impacts of any proposed changes to a customer’s supply chain in a way that clients can easily understand and get their arms around.  Moreover, our partnership with MWPVL provides our clients access to some of the brightest strategic consultants in the industry.”

The partnership will focus on providing solutions for clients that are based in North America with global logistics and supply chain operations. 

About New Course:

Created by Jim McNerney and John Sidell, the founders of ESYNC, New Course is a leading supply chain consulting and systems integration firm.   Services include facility design, supply chain strategy, network optimization, business case development, operations best practice analysis, project roadmap planning, integration and the implementation of SAP EWM and other supply chain execution systems.

New Courses’ seasoned professionals have been involved in over 400 supply chain projects within conventional, semi-automated and automated distribution and manufacturing facilities across a wide variety of industries.   For more information visit http://www.newcourseLLC.com/

About MWPVL International Inc:

MWPVL International is a leading global supply chain and logistics consulting services firm that enables companies to significantly increase their competitive position by improving profits and customer service levels. MWPVL International provides specialized consulting services in the following key areas: supply chain strategy, distribution center design, material handling and automation systems, supply chain technology, sourcing and outsourcing strategies, and achieving logistics excellence. For more information visit www.mwpvl.com.

FedEx Express Canada Named Among Canada's Best Employers


MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, October 24, 2012—Federal Express Canada Ltd. (“FedEx Express Canada”), a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX), has been named as the Ninth- Best Employer in Canada as rated by the company’s own employees in a nationwide Aon Hewitt survey and published in MacLean’s magazine this week.  This achievement marks the highest ranking ever for FedEx Express Canada.

“The FedEx philosophy of People-Service-Profit has once again proved itself as the right one for our employees, our customers, and our investors,” said Lisa Lisson, president of FedEx Express Canada.  “We believe that the engagement of our team is paramount to our success.”

“A key ingredient in cultivating employee engagement with our 6,000 team members is communication. All levels of management at FedEx understand the importance to our business of two-way dialogue with employees. We survey our employees annually. We listen to their feedback.  We take action. We then report back to every employee on our progress,” said Lisson. “This is what we call our Survey-Feedback-Action strategy and it is a process that preoccupies every business day of every year.”
   
FedEx Express Canada is ranked ninth among a field of 118 companies.  It’s the second time FedEx Express Canada has placed among the top 10 companies and the ninth time in 12 years the company has made the top 50.  This designation is the latest of national and international rankings celebrating FedEx as an employer of choice.  Earlier this year, FedEx Express Canada received its ninth-straight Platinum Certification from the Contact Center Employer of Choice (CCEOC) and Fortune magazine recently named FedEx Corp. the sixth most-admired company in the world.
       
About FedEx Express

As largest express transportation company in the world, FedEx Express provides fast and reliable delivery to any destination postal addresses in the United States and in more than 220 countries and territories. Through its extensive air and road network, FedEx Express shipments book urgent date and time specified, all accompanied by a money back guarantee.
       
About FedEx Corp.

FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services.  With annual revenues of $43 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 300,000 team members to remain "absolutely, positively" focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. For more information, visit fedex.ca.

Statement by FMCS Director George H. Cohen on United States Maritime Alliance


Statement by FMCS Director George H. Cohen on United States Maritime Alliance and International Longshoremen's Association Labor Negotiations

WASHINGTON, Oct. 24, 2012 - "I am pleased to report that the parties met the past two days under the auspices of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and discussed a number of major issues.

As a result of these discussions, the parties will have their respective committees review their positions and analyze associated costs.  Meanwhile, the parties' subcommittees will continue to meet in an effort to resolve additional outstanding issues.  Again, I wish to commend the parties for their hard work and their commitment to this process."

"As is our custom and practice, due to the sensitive nature of these high profile negotiations, we will have no further comment on the schedule for the negotiations, their location, or the substance of what takes place during those negotiations."

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, created in 1947, is an independent U.S. government agency whose mission is to preserve and promote labor-management peace and cooperation. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 10 district offices and 67 field offices, the agency provides mediation and conflict resolution services to industry, government agencies and communities.

KOM International Names New Partner on West Coast


MONTREAL, Quebec, Canada, October 24, 2012 – KOM International Inc., a global leader in supply chain consulting, announced today the appointment of Mr. Hector Orozco, as a new Partner responsible for the company’s Vancouver office.  Mr. Orozco, will be developing the West Coast market for North America.  He is also the firm’s Practise Leader, KOMSystems.  His responsibility as Partner includes business development for KOM International as well as planning and development of supply chain projects.

Mr. Orozco joined KOM in 2007 and has more than 10 years of experience in supply chain, logistics, warehousing and distribution as both a practitioner and a consultant.  His four years leading the Logistics team in the Mexican subsidiary of a global pharmaceutical company, prior to joining KOM, combines with his consulting experience to provide him the skills and insight to offer clients reliable solutions that increase their productivity and improve bottom line results.

Mr. Orozco is fluent in Spanish and English with a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering, ITESO Guadalajara, Mexico and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Guadalajara, Mexico.

With the inclusion of Hector Orozco as a partner, KOM expects growth on the West Coast and in the customized applications markets.

About KOM International:

A global leader in supply chain consulting services with 50 years of experience and 3,600 projects successfully completed KOM provides innovative and proven supply chain consulting services enabling companies around the world to manage their logistics activities more effectively.  Clients include many Fortune 500 companies across a wide spectrum of industry sectors to deliver world-class customer service levels at the lowest possible operating cost.  Core competencies are: supply chain strategy, distribution center design and layout, improving existing distribution operations, supply chain technology solution selection and implementation, inventory management, and warehouse and transportation management consulting.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Mike Koziol Named Vice President of Transportation at MMM Group


October 22, 2012 Mississauga, ON - Mike Koziol, P.Eng, an experienced transportation and infrastructure specialist, has joined MMM Group as Vice President of its successful and long-standing Transportation practice. Based in MMM’s Edmonton office, Mike will be responsible for the development and delivery of MMM’s extensive portfolio of transportation projects in Alberta, and will support MMM’s transportation services offered at its offices across Canada.

Most recently Mike was General Manager, Infrastructure Services at the City of Edmonton, where he led teams responsible for the construction and maintenance of civic buildings, drainage services utilities, and waste management utilities.

About MMM Group Limited:

MMM Group Limited is a recognized leader in the provision of innovative, cost-effective and technically superior transportation solutions across Canada; successfully addressing complex problems with transportation capacity and congestion, accessibility, levels of service, safety, and effects to the environment. MMM’s solutions integrate the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and drivers.

For more than 50 years, MMM Group Limited has offered comprehensive planning, engineering, geomatics and program / project management services across a broad range of market sectors. With strong client relationships and solid industry knowledge, we help our clients seize opportuniies, understand and address challenges, identify and manage risks, and navigate relevant regulatory systems. And we provide an unparalleled team to execute the plan. This entrepreneurial and comprehensive approach benefits our clients, and positions us as industry leaders on the national and international stages.





Dave Jull to Lead MMM Transportation Division


October 22, 2012 - Mississauga, ON - MMM Group has appointed Dave Jull, P.Eng, FCSCE, to the position of Executive Vice President and Business Unit Leader, Transportation. In this position, Dave will oversee MMM’s multi-million dollar Transportation division which delivers some of the most innovative and important transportation projects across the country and around the world.

Dave has decades of experience in the transportation industry, joining MMM’s practice in 1974. He has built a strong portfolio of projects, such as the award-winning Fredericton-Moncton Highway, Toronto Pearson International Airport, and Highway 407. Involved with public-private partnership projects since the late 1980s, Dave is recognised as one of the country’s experts in this increasingly important project delivery method. Most recently, Dave has been instrumental in leading the MMM Group’s highly successful P3 business growth in the US through the Lochner MMM joint venture. He will retain his role as a member of the Lochner MMM Board of Directors as he takes on his new role with Transportation.

MMM Group Limited is a recognized leader in the provision of innovative, cost-effective and technically excellent transportation solutions across Canada, successfully addressing complex problems with transportation capacity and congestion, accessibility, levels of service, safety, and effects to the environment. MMM’s solutions integrate the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and drivers.

For more than 50 years, MMM Group Limited has offered comprehensive planning, engineering, geomatics and program / project management services across a broad range of market sectors. With strong client relationships and solid industry knowledge, we help our clients seize opportunities, understand and address challenges, identify and manage risks, and navigate relevant regulatory systems. And we provide an unparalleled team to execute the plan. This entrepreneurial and comprehensive approach benefits our clients, and positions us as industry leaders on the national and international stages.

MMM Group's press release notes its integrated, multi-disciplined approach, understanding of key business and project drivers and ability to provide flexible and responsive service from offices across Canada and beyond, ensures that its clients receive innovative, practical and sustainable project development and delivery solutions that enable them to successfully address the challenges of today’s complex and rapidly changing business environment.

Friday, October 19, 2012

Georgia's Monthly Facts and Figures on Logistics Trends

Georgia's latest monthly logistics industry trend report is full of the latest interesting national, international, and Georgia-specific facts and figures. Page Siplon, executive director of the Georgia Center of Innovation for Logistics, a program of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, pulls this material from more than 300 different sources every month, and this Snapshot (below) is intended to be an easily digested glimpse into some of the facts and figures that fuel the logistics industry.

MULTIMODAL:

Dow Jones Transportation Index
Dow Jones Transportation index was down 1.8% during the month of September.
(Stock performance of twenty large, well-known U.S. companies in the transportation industry, average of September 10th thru October 10th)

NASDAQ Transportation Index
NASDAQ Transportation Index decreased 0.9% in September.
(Averaged share weights of NASDAQ-listed companies classified as transportation companies, average of September 10th thru October 10th)

DOT Freight Transportation Index
The USDOT's freight transportation services index fell 0.6% in August 2012. The index’s reading of 109.0 was 0.9% higher year-over-year. (Source: US DOT)

Cass Freight Index
The September shipments index rose 2.2% over the previous month and fell 3.8% year-over-year. The September expenditures index increased 3.3% for the month, and increased 2.5% year over year. (Source: Cass Information Systems | Cassinfo.com)
(Based upon transportation dollars and shipments of Cass clients comprised of over 400 shipping companies)

Import Volumes
In August, the U.S. imported about $225.5 billion of cargo. August U.S. imports have decreased 0.1% in terms of value from July, and grew 1.5% year-over-year. (Source: US Census)

Export Volumes
In August, the U.S. exported more than $181.3 billion of cargo. August U.S. exports have decreased 1% in terms of value over the previous month and grew 1.6% year-over-year. (Source: US Census)

Import & Export Price Index
U.S. import prices rose 1.1% in September. Import prices fell 0.6% over the past year. The price index for U.S. exports rose 0.8% in September, following a 1% increase in August. Export prices decreased 0.5% year-over-year. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Multimodal News Clips:
* Transportation employment increased 2.4% year-over-year in September. Transportation industries added 17,100 jobs in September from the previous month. The majority of the growth in the overall transportation industry came through the gaining of about 9,200 jobs in the transit and ground transportation sectors. The warehousing and storage sector added 4,300 jobs. Rail transportation added 1,400 jobs. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)
* The 50 largest transportation and 3PL operators worldwide increased revenue 8.4% in 2011 to $650.6 billion. There were 20 3PL companies on the Top 50 list, accounting for 36% of the group’s revenue. The U.S. is home to 12 companies on the list, and most of the revenue for these companies is generated by domestic moves. (Source: SJ Consulting Group, JOC)
* In the last six months, U.S. online retail sales rose 16.1% to $194.3 billion, accounting for about 4.6% of total sales. Future online business is slated to grow 10% annually to $279 billion by 2015. This shift in the market is forcing more companies to invest in their own e-commerce fulfillment strategies. E-commerce has already fueled 30-40% growth in the Class-A real estate market. (Source: Department of Commerce)

RAIL:

U.S. Freight Rail Traffic
Railroad bulk carload freight in September 2012 fell 0.7% from August 2012. Freight traffic in September fell 3.7% from September 2011. Carloads excluding coal and grain increased 3.7% over the previous year.
(Source: AAR.org) (Report includes rail car-loadings by 19 different major commodity categories as well as intermodal units)

U.S. Intermodal Rail Traffic
Intermodal rail traffic in September 2012 was 2.5% higher than in September 2011 and 0.6% lower than
August 2012 totals. Intermodal loadings experienced year-over-year gains for 34 straight months.
(Source: AAR.org) (Report includes rail car-loadings by 19 different major commodity categories as well as intermodal units)

Railroad Fuel Price Index
The index of average railroad fuel prices in August was 635.4, up 9.7% from the previous month and 4%
higher year-over-year. (Source: AAR.org)
(Average monthly price for gallons purchased by freight railroads; Includes federal excise taxes, transportation, and handling expenses)

Freight Cars in Storage
The number of freight cars in storage has decreased to 309,261 (20.2% of the fleet) on October 1, down
1,965 from a month earlier. (Source: AAR.org)
(A freight car is "in storage" if it has had a loaded revenue move since 2005, but not in the past 60 days. Decrease here = more demand)

Class 1 Railroad Employment
Railroad employment in August 2012 increased by 677 employees to 162,683 employees. Total Class 1 rail employment in August 2012 was 1.6% higher than it was in August 2011. (Source: U.S. STB)

Short Line Rail Traffic
In September 2012, short line railroad shipments across North America rose 3.9% compared to the same month last year. A sampling of about 422 small railroads in the U.S. and Canada loaded 542,317 railcars and intermodal units during the month of September. (Source: RMI RailConnect Index | rmiondemand.com)

Railroad News Clips:
* CSX Transportation and Kansas City Southern Railway led all other major North American railways in year-over-year intermodal growth during the 3Q 2012. CSX intermodal volume rose 8.6%, while KCS experienced a 17.7% jump in intermodal traffic. Norfolk Southern Railway intermodal volume rose 4.5%, while BNSF and Union Pacific saw traffic increase 3.5% and 2.9%, respectively.
* Genesee & Wyoming completed its acquisition of RailAmerica for $1.37 billion and now awaits approval from the USDOT Surface Transportation Board to give G&W control of RailAmerica’s railroads.


TRUCKING:

Trucking Volume
The ATA’s seasonally adjusted cargo index fell 0.9% in August after rising a revised 0.4% in July. The for-hire truck tonnage index rose 3.2% year-over-year. (Source: American Trucking Association | Trucking.org)

Truckload Freight
The spot market for truckload freight in September fell 11% compared to the previous month, and was 4.5% lower year-over-year. Truck capacity fell 9.1% for the month, and was up 17% year-over-year. (Source: TransCore Freight Index | www.transcorefreightsolutions.com)

TRUCKING:
Diesel Prices

U.S. average diesel prices rose to $4.094 per gallon, rising 1.5¢ last week. The U.S. average diesel price was 37¢ higher than the same week last year. The average price of diesel in the lower Atlantic states was $4.009 per gallon. (Source: U.S. DOE) (Reflects the costs and profits of the entire production and distribution chain.)

Trucking Employment
The trucking industry added 700 jobs in September. The trucking workforce increased 0.15% over the
previous month and rose 3.6% over the previous year. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Truck Orders
Orders for heavy-duty Class 8 trucks in North America are expected to total 15,205 units in September 2012, the second-lowest month for orders since August 2010. September orders were 4.6% lower than the previous month and 35% lower than the same month last year. (Source: FTR Associates | ftrassociates.com)

NAFTA Trade
Surface transport-related trade between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, was up 4.6% in July compared to the same month in 2011, reaching $75.7 billion. July was the 32nd consecutive month of year-over-year increases. (Source: US DOT)

Trucking News Clips:
* Less-than-truckload carriers are raising rates 3-4% despite slow growth. According to the brokerage and investment firm Stifel Nicolaus, rate increases show LTL carriers are focused on improving margins damaged during the recession rather than gaining market share.


AIR FREIGHT:

Air Cargo Traffic

Global air freight traffic in August fell 0.8% from one year ago and also declined 0.8% from the previous month. North American air freight in July grew 1.8% year-over-year. (Source: IATA.org)
(Global air freight covers international and domestic scheduled air traffic. North American traffic includes only domestic freight traffic.)

Atlanta Air Cargo Traffic
In July, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport transported 53,759 metric tons of cargo, a 2.13% decline from the previous month and a 2.1% decrease year-over-year. (Source: HJIA)

Air Freight Price Index
In August, the average international air cargo rate was $3.32 per kilogram, falling 13.1% from the previous month. Average air freight rates were down 17.5% year-over-year. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)

(The Drewry Air Freight Price Index is based on the average of rates ($US per kg) for cargoes of 100+kg to 1,000+kg cargoes from Shanghai to London, Moscow, Prague, New York, and Los Angeles.)

Jet Fuel Prices
As of October 5, 2012, the global average jet fuel price was $134.40 per barrel; down 1.1% from the
previous month, and 11% higher year-over-year. (Source: IATA.org, platts.com)
(The weekly index and price data shows the global average price paid at the refinery for aviation jet fuel)

Air Freight News Clips:
* Delta Air Lines flew 201.7 million cargo ton-miles in September, an increase of 3.2% year-over-year. YTD, Delta has flown 1.8 billion cargo ton-miles, a 1.1% increase over the same period last year.
* About 460,000 new airline pilots will be needed over the next 20 years to fly the world’s aircraft according to a study by Boeing. Additionally, the study projects that more than 600,000 maintenance technicians will be needed. Considering that air cargo currently accounts for about 10% of global air operations, between 45,000 and 50,000 pilots would be needed to fly all-cargo aircraft between now and 2031. During the same period, global air cargo is expected to grow 5.2% a year.

GHT: OCEAN FREIGHT:

Import Volumes
Import shipment volume, in TEUs, at U.S. ports decreased 3% in August from the previous month and fell 0.3% from the previous year. Seven of the top ten U.S. ports posted decreases in TEU imports for August. The Port of L.A. decreased 3.9% and the Port of Oakland saw a 7% decline in TEU volume from July. The Port of Savannah, however, had a fairly significant 7.6% increase in imports over July. (Source: Zepol Corporation | zepol.com)

Shanghai Containerized Freight Index
The September 28th SCFI comprehensive reading was $1,247.34 per FEU; down 1% from the previous week, and 28.1% higher year-over-year. The spot rate for shipments to the U.S. East Coast was $3,677 per FEU, up 27.1% from the previous year. (Source: Shanghai Shipping Exchange | www1.chineseshipping.com.cn/en) (The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index is a weekly reported average export spot rate from Shanghai for 15 different trade lanes.)

Ocean Bulk Freight Rates
The Baltic Dry Index rose 11.3% in September, ending at 777. The BDI has risen an additional 19% during the first half of October. (Source: www.bloomberg.com/quote/BDIY:IND)
(The Baltic Dry Index is an index that tracks and averages worldwide international shipping prices of various dry bulk cargoes.)

TSA Bunker Surcharges
Between October 1st and December 31st, 2012, the bunker fuel surcharge will total $527 per FEU for
shipments to the West coast ocean ports and $1,020 per FEU for shipments to the East coast and Gulf ports. (Source: Transpacific Stabilization Agreement) (The Transpacific Stabilization Agreement is a research and discussion forum of major ocean container shipping lines that carry cargo from Asia to ports in the U.S.)

Port of Savannah
The Georgia Ports Authority posted increases across all reporting categories for the first two months of FY2013. The GPA reported 5.6% growth in tonnage, an increase of 240,000 tons from the same period in FY2012. Additionally, growth in intermodal activity at the ports was significant during August and led to a record month, handling 29,364 intermodal rail moves. (Source: GPA)

Port of Brunswick
The Port of Brunswick achieved 48.4% growth in total tonnage for the month of August and 30.2% growth on the fiscal YTD. Colonel’s Island terminal in Brunswick moved 109,694 auto and machinery units in July and August, an increase of 37% over the same period in FY2012. (Source: GPA)

Ocean Freight Business News:
* Import volume through major U.S. container ports is expected to increase 9.9% in October as stores stock up for the holiday season. Total U.S. containerized imports in 2012 are expected to total 16 million TEUs, up 4.1% over 2011, after recording a fairly poor August in many top ports. (Source: NRF/Hackett Associates)

* The International Longshoremen’s Association and United States Maritime Alliance negotiations continue this week and are “making substantial progress on a wide range of tough issues” according to the federal mediators assisting with the talks. The ILA has not had a coast-wide work stoppage since 1977.
* The Panama Canal recorded record tonnage of 333.7 million Panama Canal tons during FY2012, which ended September 30. The figure represents a 3.6% increase over FY2011. It surpasses the previous record of 312.9 million tons recorded in 2007.
* Maersk has announced that it plans to increase rates for refrigerated cargo, and that the rate hike will go into effect on January 1, 2013. The $1,500 per FEU increase will be implemented on a global basis and amounts to an average increase of 30% per shipment.

WAREHOUSING & DISTRIBUTION:

Industrial Vacancy
The U.S. average industrial vacancy rate was 9.43% during Q2 2012, down from 9.68% in the previous quarter. Overall vacancy was 12.92% in Atlanta and 14.04% in Savannah during the second quarter. (Source: Colliers International)

Warehouse Rent Rates
In Q2 2012, warehouse and distribution rental rates in the US averaged $4.78 per square foot. Rental rates for warehouse space averaged $3.23/square foot in Atlanta and $3.95/square foot in Savannah.
(Source: Colliers International)

Industrial Absorption
Net absorption in the US during Q2 2012 totaled +40.5 million square feet. Absorption during the 2Q totaled more than +2.5 million square feet in Atlanta and -136,000 square feet in Savannah.
(Source: Colliers International) (Absorption is the net change in occupied space between two points in time. Positive absorption means that previously unoccupied space is being occupied.)

Purchasing Managers Index
The National PMI rose 1.9 points to 51.5 in September 2012. New orders increased 5.2 points to 52.3 and production rose 2.3 points to 49.5. (Source: Institute for Supply Management)
(The PMI combines data on new orders, inventory, production, supplier deliveries, and employment. A reading above 50 indicates that the manufacturing economy is generally expanding.)

Purchasing Managers Index in Georgia
Georgia’s PMI rose 1.6 points to 52.0 in September. New orders in Georgia increased 8 points to 58 and production decreased 5.6 points to 50. Georgia’s PMI of 52.0 outperformed the national PMI by 0.5 point and has remained above 50 for the ninth consecutive month. (Source: Kennesaw State University)
(The PMI combines data on new orders, inventory, production, supplier deliveries, and employment. A reading above 50 indicates that the manufacturing economy is generally expanding.)

W&D Business News:
* GenAgain Technologies has relocated its headquarters from Tuscaloosa, Alabama to Lithia Springs, Georgia. The company plans to invest up to $75 million in Atlanta and create as many as 200 jobs as it builds several area plants to convert plastic waste into synthetic crude oil. GenAgain will initially open a $15 million, 63,000 square foot production plant that will employ about 40 people.
* Home Depot’s 1.1 million square foot e-commerce rapid deployment center is underway in McDonough, Georgia. Home Depot has shifted its development focus from new stores to fulfillment centers such as this one which is expected to be complete in June 2013.
* General Biofuels Georgia, LLC will construct a wood pellet manufacturing plant in Sandersville, Georgia,
* investing $60 million and creating 35 jobs. Pellets from the plant will be loaded into railcars for transport by the Sandersville Railroad and Norfolk Southern Railway to the Port of Savannah.
* Foss Manufacturing will open a manufacturing and distribution operation in Rome, Georgia, investing $15 million and creating 150 new jobs over three years. Foss is one of the world’s largest needle-punch based manufacturers.
* Kenco, a 3PL based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has announced plans for a new facility to be located in
* Bryan County, Georgia. The company will occupy 230,000 square feet and plans to employ over 50 people in the next few years.
* Gulf States Cold Storage is in the process of retrofitting a Pooler, Georgia warehouse as a refrigerated distribution center. The company specializes in frozen poultry and the new distribution facility will have the capacity to handle 4 million pounds of product a week.

U.S. MARKET:
Gross Domestic Product
The U.S. GDP increased 1.3% in the second quarter of 2012 according to the third estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. (Source: US BEA)

U.S. Trade Deficit
The U.S. trade deficit increased by 4.1% in August to $44.2 billion. Exports decreased 1% to $181.3 billion and imports decreased 0.1% to $225.5 billion. (Source: US DOC & Census Bureau)

Consumer Confidence
The Consumer Confidence Index increased to 70.3 in September 2012 from 61.3 in August 2012.
(Source: The Conference Board) (The consumer confidence index is based on a monthly survey of 5,000 U.S. households. It is designed to gauge the financial health, spending power, and confidence of the average U.S. consumer.)

Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate in America fell to 7.8% in September 2012 despite only adding 114,000 net newjobs, down from the revised 142,000 new jobs created in August. (Source: US DOL)

Leading Economic Index
The Leading Economic Index for the U.S. decreased 0.1% in August to 95.7 (2004=100), following a 0.5% increase in July and a 0.5% decrease in June. (Source: Conference Board)
(The LEI is a composite of 10 economic indicators that together create an analytic system designed to signal peaks and troughs in the business cycle. The LEI reveals patterns in economic data in a clearer and more convincing manner than any individual component alone.)

Retail Sales
Retail sales grew in September to $412.9 billion, up 1.1% from the previous month, and up 5.4% above
September 2011. Non-store retailer sales were up 10.5% from last year. (Source: US Census)

Manufacturing & Trade Sales
Total combined sales and manufacturing shipments totaled $1.25 Trillion in August 2012, up 0.5% from July and up 3.1% from the previous year. (Source: US Census)

Business Inventories on Hand
August 2012 business inventory on hand were $1.61 Trillion, up 0.6% from July and up 5.3% from August 2011. (Source: US Census)

Housing Starts
In August, housing starts increased 2.3% to an annual rate of 750,000 units. Building permits (an indicator of future housing starts) fell 1% to an annual rate of 803,000. (Source: U.S. DOC)

Consumer & Producer Price Index

The consumer price index for all urban consumers increased 0.6% in August from the previous month. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 1.7%. The producer price index for finished goods increased 1.7% in August from the previous month. Prices for finished goods rose 2% over the previous year.
(Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Fueling Logistics Competitiveness
OCTOBER 2012
LOGISTICS MARKET SNAPSHOT
Prepared: October 15, 2012