Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Wheels Announces New Chairman


TORONTO, May 29, 2013 - Wheels Group Inc. ("Wheels" or the "Company") (TSXV: WGI) announced today that it has split the roles of Chairman of the Board of Directors from that of Chief Executive Officer. The Board of Directors has appointed existing director, Dr. Phillip Tabbiner, to the position of non-executive Chairman. Doug Tozer, the former Chairman of the Board of Directors, continues as Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

Dr. Tabbiner has served as a Director of the Company since January 2012, and prior to this served on the Company's advisory board for six years. He currently serves on the Audit and the Governance and Nominating committees and chairs the Compensation committee of the Board of Directors.

His most recent position was Senior Vice President and General Manager of Educational Testing Service. Dr. Tabbiner has over 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and diagnostics industry, holding senior executive positions with Chiron Corporation, Bayer Healthcare (a division of Bayer AG), Dupont-Merck Pharmaceutical Company, aaiPharma Services Corp. and BioCentrex, LLC. Dr. Tabbiner was formerly a Director of Ambrilia Biopharma, Inc and founder of TRx Pharmaceuticals, LLC and Endo Health Solutions Inc. Dr. Tabbiner holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Toronto, a Master's of Business Administration from York University and a Doctorate of Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University.

"In separating the Chairman and CEO positions, we are further strengthening Wheels' corporate governance. I'm excited about the prospects for the Company and I am delighted to have been appointed Chairman," remarked Dr. Tabbiner. "Doug has a clear vision and strategy for the company. I look forward to working with him, the board, and the entire Wheels team to deliver value for our customers, shareholders and employees."

About Wheels:

Founded in 1988, Wheels is a leading North American third party logistics (3PL), supply chain logistics provider. As a non-asset provider, the Company develops advanced supply chain solutions delivered through its qualified partner network of over 6,000 truck, rail, air and ocean carriers. Wheels serves consumer goods, food and beverage, manufacturing and retail clients through 26 offices throughout the US and Canada. Wheels has been named one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies since 1997, Platinum since 2003. Wheels has been named one of North America's Top 100 3PL Companies, one of the Top 100 Food 3PL's and one of the Top Five IMC's (intermodal marketing companies).

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange, nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Sherry Ennis of Revlon Appointed To NASSTRAC Executive Committee


May 29, 2013 - Minneapolis, Minn.—The National Shippers Strategic Transportation Council (NASSTRAC) has named Sherry Ennis to its executive committee, which is the governing leadership group that establishes strategy for the shipper association. NASSTRAC provides education, advocacy, and provider relations to transportation and supply chain professionals involved in all modes of transportation.

Ennis, who currently is transportation manager of Revlon Consumer Products, has nearly 20 years experience in transportation and logistics. She has been a member of NASSTRAC since 2004 and was active on the association’s education committee in planning its 2013 shippers conference. A certified logistics professional by the Institute of Logistics Management, Ennis is pursuing a bachelor of science degree in logistics management from Barton College and previously was a logistics instructor at Vance Granville Community College in North Carolina. 

“Sherry is an energetic individual who has continually demonstrated her passion for NASSTRAC’s mission to provide quality education, advocacy, and provider relations opportunities to shippers,” said Doug Easley, NASSTRAC’s president. “We look forward to her leadership in helping to move NASSTRAC forward as a premier shipper association in the transportation industry.” 

NASSTRAC provides education, advocacy, and provider relations for professionals involved in all modes of transportation, ranging from full truckload and LTL to containerization and global logistics. For more information, visit www.NASSTRAC.org.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

TUCKER CHAMPIONS REFORM IN REPORTING CARRIER CRASH STATISTICS


Cherry Hill, NJ USA, May 28, 2013 - Current standards in carrier crash reporting are unfair, misleading, and may a have negative impact on carrier selection according to Jeff Tucker, CEO of Tucker Company Worldwide, and the MCSAC CSA Subcommittee on which he serves.  On April 9, 2013, the MCSAC passed to FMCSA the CSA Subcommittee's recommendations for improvement to the CSA system.

Tucker remains baffled that the agency didn't recognize and act on the obvious need for these changes long ago.  He believes certain elements within FMCSA have internal agendas that outweigh reason and due process, and those elements seem to be ruling the day.  He hopes this partial list of recommendations will begin to turn the tide:

For a carrier's Crash BASIC, exclude crashes where there is a clear determination that the carrier was not at fault or (in the language of the regulations), the crash was non-preventable. (E.g., don't penalize the carrier when a car runs into it while the truck was stopped at a red light).

Evaluate changing the definition of reportable DOT crash for purposes of CSA to include only fatalities or injuries (e.g., exclude deer kills where no cars or people were involved). FMCSA should standardize the data it gathers from the individual 50 states.

Until these reforms can be enacted, responsible carriers will continue to be misrepresented under the current carrier selection framework.

Tucker Company Worldwide, Inc. is America's oldest privately held operating freight broker and is based in Cherry Hill, NJ. Tucker specializes in arranging shipments of high value, high security, climate controlled and otherwise sensitive materials for some of the world's best known brands. Tucker is active in its trade association and serves on a select committee reviewing motor carrier safety for the U. S. Department of Transportation. Tucker has been a first responder supporting the government with trucking of relief supplies for most of the nation's natural and man-made disasters in the last 30 years.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

FedEx Freight Celebrates Vancouver Service Centre Multi-Million-Dollar Facility Connects BC Business with the World


SURREY, B.C., May 16, 2013 — FedEx Freight Canada, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX), celebrated the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art Vancouver-area service centre. Representing a multi-million dollar investment in British Columbia, the new service centre will connect Western Canada’s less-than-truckload industry and customers through north-south, east-west and even global shipping lanes.

Located at 10288 Grace Road in Surrey, the new centre handles FedEx Freight shipments coast-to-coast through Canada, intra-BC and Alberta, as well as connecting international markets via road delivery and ocean networks such as the Port of Vancouver.  The facility’s opening was commemorated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony today, which featured key dignitaries from the Government of Canada, the City of Surrey, the Surrey Board of Trade, and FedEx Freight.

“This facility embodies what FedEx Freight Canada brings to British Columbia,” said Grant Crawford, vice president of International, FedEx Freight. “Using state-of-the-art technology and superior customer service, FedEx Freight connects BC businesses with our vast network of centres throughout Canada and North America with solutions for their domestic and international freight shipping needs.”

The new Vancouver facility represents a significant investment in the FedEx Freight infrastructure and demonstrates the company’s commitment to our Canadian and North American networks.  The facility became operational in January 2013 and has a capacity of 77 cargo doors. Currently there are more than 45 employees operating out of this facility.  It is situated on 16.42 acres.

FedEx Freight is a leading provider of LTL services, which consolidates freight shipments from multiple customers into trailer loads that are then routed through the company’s delivery network to final destinations.  This new facility joins a network of more than 360 FedEx Freight service centres across North America.

About FedEx Freight

With corporate offices in Memphis, Tenn., the FedEx Freight Segment includes FedEx Freight, a leading U.S. provider of LTL freight services; FedEx Freight Canada, an LTL operating company serving most points in Canada; and FedEx Custom Critical, North America's largest time-specific, critical shipment carrier. FedEx Freight also serves Mexico, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information, visit fedex.com.

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 $44 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 news.fedex.com.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Butterball, LLC Implements LeanLogistics LeanTMS® for Transportation Management


May 14, 2013 - Holland, MI – LeanLogistics, a global solutions provider of transportation management system (TMS) applications and supply chain services, welcomes Butterball, LLC to the growing network of food and beverage LeanTMS® technology clients.

Butterball implemented LeanTMS Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) transportation technology to manage truckload, intermodal, and less-than-truckload (LTL) modes. In addition, the company leverages LeanDex transportation rate index, as well as LeanAppoint™ appointment and dock scheduling solution, in order to reduce costs, improve services, and gain complete visibility.

“Butterball implemented LeanLogistics technology solutions due to the supply chain visibility gained with LeanTMS, LeanAppoint and LeanDex™,” said Dan Bohlman, senior manager of logistics procurement at Butterball. “Selecting the right logistics partner to help manage our supply chain is critical to the success of Butterball. We look forward to realizing the benefits provided by a SaaS TMS platform since LeanLogistics has experience with complex companies similar to ours.”

Butterball is the largest turkey producer in the U.S. and accounts for approximately 20 percent of total turkey production in the country. The company is headquartered in Garner, N.C., with five processing plants across the U.S., thousands of customers across multiple countries, and many suppliers.

“LeanLogistics is committed to helping our food and beverage clients reduce transportation spend, improve services, and gain complete supply chain visibility by optimizing their transportation management,” said Dan Dershem, President, LeanLogistics. “We are very happy to have Butterball as the newest member of our transportation network.”

LeanLogistics LeanTMS, a true SaaS transportation management system, provides complete daily planning, execution, and settlement functions as well as periodic strategic procurement events. LeanTMS enables organizations to reduce supply chain costs and improve performance by providing complete visibility into the transportation process.

About Butterball:

Headquartered in Garner, N.C., Butterball is the largest producer of turkey products in the U.S. – producing approximately 1 billion pounds of turkey each year. For more than 50 years, the company has provided foodservice and retail products to customers and consumers around the world. As an industry leader in quality and food safety, the company employs numerous processes to ensure the health of flocks and implements recognized prevention measures to exceed food safety standards. Butterball products are currently distributed throughout the U.S. and in more than 30 countries. Butterball operates five processing plants located in North Carolina, Arkansas and Missouri.

For consumer questions or information, please visit Butterball.com or call 1-800-BUTTERBALL (1-800-288-8372). Visit ButterballCorp.com for corporate information about the company.

About LeanLogistics:

LeanLogistics is a global solutions provider of transportation management system (TMS) applications and supply chain services enabled by the industry's largest transportation network. The LeanLogistics Transportation Network empowers shippers, carriers and other participating members to reduce costs, improve services and gain complete visibility.

Used by many Fortune 1000 companies, LeanLogistics LeanTMS® delivers complete transportation planning, execution, settlement and procurement, as well as supply chain visibility and business intelligence, to improve business processes, increase efficiency and reduce costs. LeanTMS processes millions of shipments representing more than $7 billion in annual freight spend across the largest multi-modal transportation network in the US -- more than 70,000 shippers, suppliers and trading partners interacting with thousands of carriers.

For outsourced transportation solutions, LeanLogistics offers Managed Transportation Services, Managed Procurement Services, and Supply Chain Optimization Services that leverage the data intelligence of the transportation network with best practices and transportation expertise to ensure clients receive maximum value.

Known for exceptional customer service as well as technology leadership, LeanLogistics is headquartered in Holland, Michigan, and is part of Brambles Limited.

Friday, May 10, 2013

Penske Truck Rental Kicks-Off Paralyzed Veterans of America Fundraising Effort


A Great Way for Customers to Help Support our Heroes

READING, Pa., May 10, 2013 – Penske Truck Rental is proud to announce a new fundraising effort to benefit the Paralyzed Veterans of America’s Mission: ABLE campaign – to ensure that veterans with disabilities get the care, benefits and job opportunities they’ve earned and deserve.

Penske Truck Rental will invite its consumer rental customers to donate $1.00 to support Mission: ABLE when they rent a one-way truck between Memorial Day 2013 and Memorial Day 2014. To multiply the impact of its customers’ contributions to helping our veterans, Penske Truck Rental will also match each $1.00 donation its customers make during the duration of the campaign. Penske Truck Rental is a business unit of Penske Truck Leasing.
“We’re pleased to be working with the Paralyzed Veterans of America and supporting the admirable work they do to help our veterans,” said Brian Hard, President and CEO of Penske Truck Leasing. “We want to show our sincere appreciation to these outstanding men and women for all they have done and the incredible sacrifices they have made serving our country.”

Joey Logano, driver of the No. 22 Penske Truck Rental Ford Mustang, helped announce the giving effort via Twitter at the NASCAR Nationwide Series VFW Sport Clips Help a Hero 200 at the Darlington, S.C. Raceway.

“This is a really cool program between Penske Truck Rental and the Paralyzed Veterans and I’m excited to just be a little part of it,” said Logano. “Paralyzed Veterans of America is a great organization that does a lot to help a bunch of people, who don’t really get the credit they deserve. And for Penske Truck Rental to step up and institute a program that could end up donating a lot of money is a pretty cool deal. I’m excited to help spread the word and to be a part of an organization that will help support this cause. Hopefully, we can win with the Penske Truck Rental Ford Mustang this weekend at Darlington and really help spread the word.”

The Mission: ABLE campaign was designed to enlist Americans – citizens, communities and corporations – to help ensure our paralyzed heroes are provided the physical care needed to live a healthy life; receive the benefits they’ve earned through military service; and obtain job training and opportunities for new and fulfilling careers.

“Through our Mission: ABLE campaign, Paralyzed Veterans of America fights to ensure that seriously injured veterans get the care, benefits and job opportunities that they've earned and deserve," said U.S. Army veteran Bill Lawson, National President of Paralyzed Veterans. "Through this Mission: ABLE partnership with Penske Truck Rental, we'll be able to strengthen this important work and help more veterans live full, independent and productive lives."

About Paralyzed Veterans of America

Paralyzed Veterans of America was founded in the mid-1940s by a group of spinal cord injured American heroes of World War II. They created a non-profit organization to meet the challenges they faced then — from a medical community not ready to treat them to an environment with many barriers for people who use wheelchairs. Today, Paralyzed Veterans’ national office and our 34 chapters continue the fight to make America a better place for all veterans and people with disabilities. Visit www.pva.org or www.mission-able.com for more information.

About Penske Truck Leasing

Penske Truck Leasing Co., L.P., headquartered in Reading, Pa., is a joint venture of Penske Corporation, Penske Automotive Group and General Electric Capital Corporation. A leading global transportation services provider, Penske operates more than 200,000 vehicles and serves customers from more than 1,000 locations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. Product lines include full-service truck leasing, contract maintenance, commercial and consumer truck rentals, used truck sales, transportation and warehousing management and supply chain management solutions. To learn more about Penske's products and services please visit http://www.GoPenske.com.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Ryder Named One of CivilianJobs.com’s 2013 Most Valuable Employers (MVE) for Military


MVEs are recognized in the Month of May to help honor Armed Forces Day, May 18, 2013
   
   MIAMI, May 9, 2013 - Ryder System, Inc. (NYSE: R), a leader in commercial transportation and supply chain management solutions, has been named a winner for the 2013 Most Valuable Employers (MVE) for Military recognition.  Marking the fifth year of its publication in 2013, the MVE recognition serves to help military-experienced job seekers and veterans identify the top employers to target for civilian careers. MVEs are selected annually from US-based employers like Ryder, whose recruiting, training and retention plans best serve military service members and veterans.

    As a leader in transportation and logistics, Ryder understands the unique work experiences and values the leadership qualities inherent in military personnel.  Veterans have skills that make them uniquely qualified to work in transportation and logistics.  They also bring other intangible qualities, such as a strong work ethic, mission focus, and teamwork that add value to the organization.

    Ryder recently surpassed its goal to hire 1,000 military veterans, a full 10 months ahead of the time frame given during their initial pledge.  Ryder made its pledge in November 2011 as part of the company’s involvement in Hiring Our Heroes, a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation focused on enhancing collaboration between the public and private sectors to help veterans and military spouses find meaningful employment.  The more than 1,000 former military service men and women who were hired by Ryder are employed in a variety of roles, including as truck drivers, diesel mechanics, logistics personnel and warehouse employees.  Since joining Hiring Our Heroes in November 2011, Ryder has increased the percentage of veterans in its almost 23,000 employee U.S. workforce from 8 percent to 10 percent.  The company has also doubled the amount of recently-separated veterans hired in that same time period.

    Ryder has long benefited from hiring military veterans throughout its history.  Since stepping up its recruiting effort with the Hiring Our Heroes program, the company has implemented a number of new initiatives:

    •   Launching a new military recruiting website at www.ryder.com/military to help veterans easily match their military skills with open positions at Ryder.
    •   Attending more than 50 military career fairs hosted by the U.S. Chamber’s Hiring Our Heroes program.
    •   Establishing a 20-plus member veteran hiring task force.
    •   Focusing efforts on customizing on-boarding, training, and development practices to better meet the needs of veterans transitioning to civilian jobs.

        “It is a great honor to have Ryder named among the winners for the MVE award,” said Ed Tobon, Director of Recruiting Services. “Recruiting veterans is a cause that Ryder continues to be fully committed to as we look to continually attract, retain and develop the most capable talent.  It is our hope that these men and women will continue to consider Ryder as they transition into a civilian career.”

    The 2013 Most Valuable Employers (MVE) for Military was open to all U.S.-based companies.  The winners were selected based on surveys in which employers outlined their recruiting, training and retention plans that best serve military service members and veterans.  In addition to being recognized in the May issue of Military Transition News, CivilianJobs.com's worldwide military base newspaper, winning employers will also be featured on the CivilianJobs.com website.

    Ryder attracts and develops top talent while fostering an inclusive culture where leaders engage their people and embrace diversity in order to innovate, pursue our mission and build on our values.  To learn more about Ryder’s recruiting initiatives, read the company’s latest Corporate Sustainability Report.  To find and apply for jobs at Ryder, visit www.ryder.jobs.
   
About Ryder
            Ryder is a FORTUNE 500® commercial transportation, logistics and supply chain management solutions company.  Ryder’s stock (NYSE:R) is a component of the Dow Jones Transportation Average and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.  Inbound Logistics magazine has recognized Ryder as a top third party logistics provider and green supply chain partner.  The company has also been ranked three years in a row as one of the top 250 U.S. companies in the Newsweek Green Rankings.  In addition, Security Magazine has named Ryder one of the top companies for security practices in the transportation, logistics, supply chain, and warehousing sector.  Ryder is a proud member of the American Red Cross Disaster Responder Program, supporting national and local disaster preparedness and response efforts.  The company is a past recipient of the Department of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Above and Beyond Award – Ryder was honored by the ESGR, an agency of the Department of Defense, for its outstanding service and continuing support to the National Guard and Reserve. For more information, visit www.ryder.com and follow us on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.


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

MESSENGER COURIER ASSOCIATION IS NOW THE CUSTOMIZED LOGISTICS & DELIVERY ASSOCIATION


NEW ORLEANS, LA, MAY 9, 2013 – In response to the changing face of the industry, the Messenger Courier Association of America (MCAA) has updated its brand to become the Customized Logistics & Delivery Association (CLDA).  The rebranding effort was announced today by CLDA president, Rob Johnstone, at the association’s annual meeting in New Orleans.

“The name change comes as part of an overall rebranding effort to better reflect what our members do,” says Johnstone.  “Several years ago, the MCAA board began wrestling with the issue of our name.  Some felt the ‘messenger’ and ‘courier’ terms no long fit.  The words restricted customers’ views of what the association’s members could deliver.  While the name served us well for the first 25 years of the organization, it does not tell the story of what our members do today.  Our members still provide on-demand, same-day deliveries, but many have added services like logistical support, distribution, warehousing, and inventory management to their traditional courier duties.  They are critical contributors to the global supply chain, going well beyond their courier roots to meet their customers’ changing needs.”

The name change is part of a multi-year effort to rebrand the organization to better express what the marketplace demands of its members.  The association did original research to get a true picture of what their customers wanted from their members today and tomorrow.  The results of that research helped them learn about customers’ perceptions of CLDA members; what customers would like to hear to better understand their importance in the global supply chain and what the association and its member need to communicate to improve customers’ perception and use of its members.  “It brought the voice of the customer in to help us build the new brand and the resulting name,” says Johnstone.  “In January we presented the new name and rebranding effort to the board and they enthusiastically endorsed it.  I am proud to call myself the first president of the new Customized Logistics & Delivery Association – CLDA.”

About CLDA:

The Customized Logistics & Delivery Association (formerly the MCAA) is the voice of its industry.  Its members deliver cost-effective, flexible and efficient delivery solutions and logistical support throughout North America and the world.  CLDA is the largest trade association in the industry.  Its members provide customized time-critical and last-mile deliveries to both expediters and shippers.  Since 1987, the association and its processor - MCAA, have promoted and advanced the professionalism of the customized logistics and delivery industry through networking, education and advocacy.   For more information see www.theclda.com and www.facebook.com/theclda.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

IAG Cargo Deploys Descartes Cloud-Based Air Freight Booking Portal Into iagcargo.com


Waterloo, ON – May 8, 2013 - Descartes Systems Group (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG), a global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, announced that IAG Cargo has extended its relationship  to include air cargo booking through Descartes’ cloud-based Global Freight Exchange (GF-X) Private Label solution. Descartes’ solution will support iagcargo.com, the carrier’s electronic booking portal for freight forwarders of all sizes. IAG Cargo will provide the online booking service to its customers completely free of charge.

Descartes’ GF-X is one of the largest electronic information and reservation systems in the airfreight industry. Airfreight carriers can distribute real-time product, routing, capacity and rate information to their forwarders worldwide. Airfreight forwarders can access carrier information, make electronic bookings and track shipments via a web browser, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Descartes GF-X Private Label service is a unique way for carriers to deploy a robust  electronic bookings channel without the higher costs and risks associated with in-house development, in a way that utilizes existing processes and interfaces to the Descartes GF-X Exchange. Descartes’ GF-X and Private Label solutions are part of Descartes' cloud-based Logistics Technology Platform. The Logistics Technology Platform uniquely combines the power of the Global Logistics Network, the world's most extensive multi-modal network, with the industry's broadest array of modular and interoperable web and wireless logistics applications.

"We’ve been a long-time customer of Descartes, using the company’s air messaging and GF-X solution. Extending our relationship to include a private-label portal is a logical extension for IAG Cargo," said Angel Cabeza, Head of Distribution and IT Platform at IAG Cargo, in a press release. "Descartes' GF-X Private Label is a cost-effective and proven solution that allows us to deliver against our goal of providing outstanding levels of customer service in the industry. It will help us support our existing network of large freight forwarders and will also be highly beneficial in helping us target the SME market, which we see as being of great value over the coming years.”

IAG Cargo customers use the private-label solution to book cargo through the iagcargo.com website and check booking options against their shipment needs. The system responds with details on available cargo capacity and rates. When a cargo reservation is made online through the IAG Cargo website, an electronic confirmation is delivered to the customer. Freight allocations can also be booked through iagcargo.com.

"IAG Cargo’s operations span the globe," said Ed Ryan, Chief Commercial Officer at Descartes. "Our long-standing relationship has been predicated on helping IAG Cargo improve their service to their customers in a cost effective manner. We’re pleased to be able to extend our relationship to help them streamline and add greater value to their air cargo booking process with our proven on-demand solution."

About IAG Cargo
IAG Cargo is the single business created following the merger of British Airways World Cargo and Iberia Cargo in April 2011. In April 2012, IAG completed the purchase of bmi, including bmi Cargo.

In 2012 the operations of IAG Cargo had a turnover of €1,217 million. The business has a combined workforce of more than 2700 people covering a global network of over 350 destinations.


About Descartes
Descartes (TSX:DSG) (Nasdaq:DSGX) is the global leader in providing on-demand, software-as-a-service solutions focused on improving the productivity, performance and security of logistics-intensive businesses. Descartes has over 146,000 parties using its cloud based services. Customers use our modular, software-as-a-service solutions to route, schedule, track and measure delivery resources; plan, allocate and execute shipments; rate, audit and pay transportation invoices; file customs and security documents for imports and exports; and complete numerous other logistics processes by participating in the world's largest, collaborative multi-modal logistics community. Our headquarters are in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and we have offices and partners around the world. Learn more at www.descartes.com.


This release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("forward-looking statements") that relate to Descartes' solution offering and potential benefits derived therefrom; and other matters. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the factors and assumptions discussed in the section entitled, "Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results" in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Ontario Securities Commission and other securities commissions across Canada. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. We do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Green Giant® Fresh Introduces Avocados to Their Growing Product Line


Salinas, CA (May 6, 2013) — Green Giant® Fresh today announced the addition of avocados to their expansive line of fresh fruits, vegetables and value-added meal solutions. In association with C.H. Robinson Company, Inc., Green Giant® Fresh, the nation’s most trusted brand in produce, will start shipping fresh avocados to retailers nationwide in late May. Branded with the well-known Green Giant icon, the new avocado product line will be available year-round through C.H. Robinson.

The avocados will be offered in 25 pound and single layer tray packs, and in three, four, and five-count bags. With a market of 1.2 billion pounds per year, and estimated at 2 billion pounds by 2018, avocados are a top five growth item within retail categories recognized as volume movers.

“Avocados continue to grow in popularity,” said Jennifer Fancher, Director of Marketing at Green Giant® Fresh. “They are making their way into shopping carts across America as a simple, yet delicious handheld snack item as well as a regular ingredient in so many family meals.  We are excited to be offering busy families yet another healthy meal solution!”

All bagged avocado options will feature the Box Tops for Education® symbol as Green Giant® Fresh is the only produce brand to feature the program. Consumers can earn money for their children’s schools by clipping Box Tops coupons from hundreds of participating products. Since 1996, Box Tops for Education has helped America’s schools earn over $525 million.

“C.H. Robinson is proud to bring a new product line to Green Giant Fresh’s expansive fresh produce offering.  Our brands have a reputation for great taste, freshness, quality, and are ones that consumers trust year-round,” said Michael Castagnetto, strategic category manager at C.H. Robinson.


About C.H. Robinson:

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 over $11 billion. 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®. The Tropicana trademark is being used under license from Tropicana Products, Inc.  C.H. Robinson offers a full line of conventional and organic produce through a large network of regional and local growers and serves over 42,000 customers through a network of more than 250 offices and over 10,900 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.
 
About Green Giant® Fresh:

Headquartered in Salinas, CA Green Giant® Fresh is the nation’s most trusted brand in produce offering over 50 varieties of fresh fruit and vegetables grown by an integrated group of individually strong and dynamic growers and shippers.  The Green Giant® Fresh family delivers a consistent level of product quality and freshness that regional and nation retail chains, wholesalers, brand suppliers and consumers throughout North America have come to depend on. The Green Giant® Fresh produce licensing business is managed by Growers Marketing, LLC, a California-based corporation.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Kenco Appoints Todd Johnson Senior Vice President of Operations


CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.—May 1, 2013 —Kenco, a leading provider of integrated logistics solutions, real estate services, and material handling equipment, has announced the executive appointment of Todd A. Johnson to the position of senior vice president of operations with Kenco Logistic Services.

In addition to his operations responsibilities, Johnson will focus on account management, business development and strategic planning in his new role.

“Todd brings with him a broad spectrum of operational and commercial competencies which will work well across our organization—both internally and externally,” said David Caines, president of Kenco Logistics Services. “He is highly analytical, cost focused, and knowledgeable across the full spectrum of logistic services.”

Johnson has 29 years of experience in the supply chain industry, including stints at UPS, Exel, and Trammell Crow. Most recently, he was with Menlo Worldwide Logistics for 15 years. Johnson has a business degree from Indiana University Bloomington.

About Kenco:

Kenco provides integrated logistics solutions that include distribution and fulfillment, comprehensive transportation management, material handling services, real estate management, and information technology—all engineered for Operational Excellence. Woman-owned and financially strong, Kenco has built lasting customer relationships for more than 60 years. Kenco’s focus is on common sense solutions that drive uncommon value. Learn more at www.kencogroup.com  Also, connect with Kenco on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and the Kenco Blog.

CON-WAY INC. REPORTS 2013 FIRST-QUARTER RESULTS


ANN ARBOR, Mich. —May 1, 2013—Con-way Inc. (NYSE:CNW) today reported 2013 first-quarter net income of $14.0 million, or 25 cents per diluted share. The results compare to first-quarter 2012 net income of $25.6 million, or 46 cents per diluted share.

On a non-GAAP basis, earnings per diluted share were 19 cents in the 2013 first quarter compared to 45 cents in last year’s first quarter.  (Non-GAAP items, consisting of tax-related adjustments for both years, are detailed in the attached reconciliation.)

Operating income in the first quarter was $31.6 million compared to $55.7 million earned in the first quarter a year ago.  Revenue for the first quarter was $1.34 billion compared to $1.37 billion a year ago.

Commenting on the quarter’s results, Douglas W. Stotlar, Con-way’s president and CEO, said, “On a consolidated basis, our first quarter 2013 results were below our expectations and therefore were disappointing. However, the first quarter also provided further validation that our efforts to expand margins are gaining traction and moving in the right direction.”

“At Con-way Freight, several cost items, most of which were short-term or infrequent in nature, impacted first quarter operating income,” Stotlar noted.“We have made encouraging progress on the key initiatives of lane-based pricing and line-haul efficiency, both of which are foundational to our three-year plan.  As these initiatives ramp up during 2013, we continue to expect improved financial performance, particularly in the second half of the year.”

In the first quarter, Menlo Worldwide Logistics posted slightly higher net revenues, but saw operating income decline. “Menlo is predominantly a contract-driven business with a relatively long sales cycle.  As such, there can be variability in their financial results,” Stotlar stated.  “However, new-business wins during 2013 are significantly improved, which positions Menlo well for revenue growth as these contracts are implemented.”

Con-way Truckload’s first quarter revenue was essentially flat with 2012, while operating income was down slightly. “Adverse weather and fewer working days affected load count and efficiency,” Stotlar said. “The rate environment remains stable and we look for Con-way Truckload to benefit from low driver turnover and consistent operational execution,” he concluded.

Con-way’s first-quarter effective tax rate was 16.5 percent, compared to 38.1 percent for the same period in 2012. Both years included discrete tax adjustments that impacted the effective tax rate (presented in the attached reconciliation). In the first quarter of 2013, Con-way recognized $3.4 million of discrete tax benefits, consisting mainly of the effect of the 2012 alternative-fuel credit, which was extended by legislation enacted in early 2013.

Segment results in the first quarter for Con-way’s principal operations were as follows:

FREIGHT
For the first quarter of 2013, Con-way Freight reported:
• Revenue of $827.5 million, a decline from last year’s first quarter revenue of $831.0 million.  The quarter had 1 fewer workdays and lower average daily tonnage, mostly offset by improved yield.
• Operating income of $16.0 million, a decline from the $34.5 million earned in the year-ago period.  The decline in operating income resulted primarily from increased operating expenses, including several items previously announced on March 19, which totaled approximately $14 million.  Specifically, these items included a reserve for a large vehicular claim, a charge related to a transition to new technology, costs associated with adverse weather, and field training expenses pertaining to line-haul efficiency initiatives.  
• Revenue per hundredweight, or yield, increased 3.7 percent from the previous-year first quarter.  Excluding fuel surcharge, yield rose 3.4 percent.
• Tonnage per day declined 1.3 percent compared to the 2012 first quarter.
• Operating ratio of 98.1 in the 2013 first quarter compared to 95.8 in the previous-year period.
 
LOGISTICS
For the first quarter of 2013, Menlo Worldwide Logistics reported:
• Revenue of $392.4 million, down 6.4 percent from the prior year first quarter revenue of $419.1 million.  Lower revenue primarily reflects declines in transportation management services.
• Net revenue of $157.2 million, a 0.9 percent increase from $155.7 million in the previous year first quarter.
• Operating income of $6.5 million, compared to last year’s first quarter operating income of $12.3 million.  Operating income was affected by startup expenses resulting from expanded business with a large global customer, termination of certain customer contracts and increased expense for IT-related projects.

TRUCKLOAD
For the first quarter of 2013, Con-way Truckload reported:
• Revenue of $157.0 million, compared to last year’s first-quarter revenue of $157.3 million. Revenue per loaded mile, excluding fuel surcharge, was up 3.3 percent from the first quarter of 2012, offsetting the effect of lower business levels from adverse weather and one less working day.
• Operating income of $10.0 million was also affected by adverse weather, fewer working days and higher maintenance expense.  This compares to $10.6 million in the previous-year period.
• Loaded miles declined 3.1 percent compared to last year’s first quarter.
• Empty miles of 9.7 percent, compared to 9.3 percent in the previous-year first quarter.
• Operating ratio exclusive of fuel surcharges of 91.8, compared to 91.3 in the first quarter of 2012.

CORPORATE AND ELIMINATIONS
Corporate and Eliminations includes the company’s Road Systems, Inc. trailer manufacturing unit, as well as other corporate activities.  These activities produced operating losses of $0.9 million in the first quarter of 2013, and $1.7 million in the first quarter of 2012.  2013 results include $1.1 million of defined benefit pension costs

About Con-way Inc. -- Con-way Inc.

(NYSE:CNW) is a $5.6 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 Logistics. 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.