Friday, July 31, 2015

Jochen Thewes new CEO of Schenker AG

Supervisory Board appoints internationally experienced manager

(Frankfurt am Main, July 31, 2015) -  Jochen Thewes, 44, will be the new Chairman of the Board of Management of Schenker AG. With this role, he will lead the Business Unit DB Schenker Logistics, which forms part of the DB Group Board Department Transportation and Logistics. The Supervisory Board of Schenker AG has appointed Thewes, who will take up his new position on September 1, 2015.

Jochen Thewes, whose roots are in the German city of Rheda-Wiedenbrück, is an internationally recognized supply chain and logistics expert, bringing more than 20 years of senior management expertise and experiences, in both regional and global positions. Over the past years Thewes has made significant contributions to DB Schenker, most notably since 2011 in his role as Chief Executive Officer in Singapore in the fast paced and most dynamic Asia/Pacific Region. He is responsible for 13.000 employees spread across 200 locations in 20 countries. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President Global Ocean Freight, based in the Head Office of DB Schenker Logistics in Essen/Germany.

Before joining DB Schenker, Thewes held various senior management positions within the global logistics group Kuehne + Nagel. He spent more than twelve years in different functions in Asia and Latin America such as President of the company in Brazil, General Manager for Central China in Shanghai and Chief Representative in Vietnam. He also operated in Hong Kong and New York.

Jochen Thewes will take over the responsibility as CEO from Dr. Karl-Friedrich Rausch, Management Board Member for Transportation and Logistics at DB Mobility Logistics AG, who held the position on an interim basis. Dr. Rausch will leave the DB Group after 14 years effective July 31, 2015.

Thursday, July 30, 2015

CAGTC Applauds Senate Passage of Landmark Multimodal Freight Policy and Funding in DRIVE Act

Six-year bill provides nearly $15 billion for critical freight investments

WASHINGTON, DC (July 30, 2015) – The Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors (CAGTC) applauds the U.S. Senate for passing today the Developing a Reliable and Innovative Vision for the Economy (DRIVE) Act. The six-year surface transportation reauthorization bill creates a national freight program and multimodal freight policy, complete with freight-specific funding to target and address system needs. Senate passage of this proposal occurs at a critical time, given that freight volumes are projected to increase 45 percent by 2045. To accommodate this growth, targeted system improvements and expansions are needed.

“The DRIVE Act’s freight program is a tremendous step forward and I commend the leadership of Chairmen Inhofe and Thune, as well as Ranking Members Boxer and Nelson. If passed into law, the legislation would provide the nation’s first-ever multimodal freight policy and dedicated freight funding,” said Sharon Neely, CAGTC Chairman. “This bill demonstrates the Senate’s deep understanding of the linkage between freight mobility and global economic competitiveness. The DRIVE Act’s multimodal freight policy and programs echo conclusions by the bipartisan House of Representatives’ Special Panel on 21st Century Freight Transportation, and we look forward to working with the House to ensure these shared priorities become law.”

Addressing the vast and varying freight system needs across the United States, the DRIVE Act includes both a freight formula program and two merit-based grant programs, the Assistance for Major Projects Program – or AMPP – and the Assistance for Freight Projects Program. Since its creation in 2001, CAGTC has advocated a competitive grant approach to funding large-scale multimodal freight projects, which often include more than one mode, cross multiple jurisdictions and are difficult to fund through existing programs. The DRIVE Act’s competitive grant programs advantage projects with multiple sources of capital financing, including public-private partnerships, significantly leveraging the federal investment.

“Freight mobility is essential to the wide spectrum of commerce in the United States. Manufacturing, agriculture and retail all depend on the efficient and reliable movement of goods to market. In passing the DRIVE Act, the Senate has made a commitment to supporting our nation’s economic engine through improved policy and unprecedented freight funding,” said John Greuling, CAGTC Board Member and President and CEO of Will County Center for Economic Development. “Senate passage of this bill marks a tremendous achievement, recognizing that America’s multimodal freight network is a priority and is uniquely positioned to move our economy forward.”

The DRIVE Act recognizes that many modes of transportation work together in moving freight and calls for designation of a multimodal national freight network, designed to inform transportation planning and improve investment decision-making.

"The DRIVE Act advances freight policy and programming by recognizing that freight does not move by highways alone. To increase efficiency and meet growing demand, all modes must work together and connect seamlessly,” said Bob Ledoux, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Florida East Coast Railway and CAGTC Board Member. “I commend the Senate for committing to bolstering our goods movement system through sound multimodal policy and investment, including investment in rail and ports, benefiting our economy now and in the future.”

The DRIVE Act’s freight formula program provides states with $11.65 billion over a six-year period to improve freight mobility on the national highway freight network. Freight-focused AMPP provides $2.1 billion over six years to support megaprojects. The DRIVE Act also creates the first multimodal, freight-only competitive grant program, the Assistance for Freight Grant Program, which is authorized to receive $1.2 billion through the annual appropriations process over a period of six years. Senators Maria Cantwell, Patty Murray, Cory Booker, and Edward Markey recently introduced legislation, the National Multimodal Freight Policy and Investment Act (S.1680), which included such a multimodal investment strategy and was incorporated into the DRIVE Act’s multimodal freight program.

"To keep up with our growing economy, we need to invest in our national infrastructure. The DRIVE Act will do just that,” said Port of Seattle Commissioner John Creighton, who also serves on the CAGTC Board of Directors. “Thanks to Senator Murray, Senator Cantwell and others for making sure the bill includes significant funding for multimodal freight programs.”

The DRIVE Act aims to address the large – and growing – number of infrastructure needs going unmet under current programs. Just today, the United States Department of Transportation announced applications for the seventh round of Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants totaled $9.8 billion, almost 20 times the amount of funds available. Further demonstrating the large number of projects that stand to benefit from a freight competitive grant approach, CAGTC published in April a booklet titled “Freight Can’t Wait.” The booklet contains a sampling of significant freight infrastructure projects that stand to benefit from federal resources, such as those provided by the DRIVE Act.

CAGTC looks forward to working with the House of Representatives to ensure that the Senate’s freight proposal and recommendations by the House of Representatives’ Special Panel on 21st Century Freight Transportation are reflected in final law.


About the Coalition
The Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors (CAGTC) is a diverse coalition of more than 60 public and private organizations dedicated to increasing federal investment in America’s intermodal freight infrastructure. In contrast to single mode interests, CAGTC’s main mission is to promote a seamless goods movement transportation system across all modes to enhance capacity and economic growth. For more information on the Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors, please visit www.tradecorridors.org.

Thursday, July 23, 2015

New Canada Cartage benchmarking tools provide insights into effectiveness of private truck fleet management

July 23, 2015, TORONTO, ON -- Canada Cartage is releasing a series of three private truck fleet benchmarking tools to provide senior management teams with research tools to help them assess fleet ROI.

These tools are timely, as a soon-to-be-released study conducted by the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada reveals that 61% of fleets do not benchmark their costs or performance. The information in the three guides is based on objective, third-party research into the pros and cons of private fleet management versus dedicated fleet outsourcing.

The tools are also interactive. Readers can input information into one of the guides to self-assess their proficiency in fleet management and develop a SWOT analysis of their fleet management. Another guide offers a proprietary "total cost of ownership" calculator that benchmarks fleet costs against Canadian industry standards.

"Our firm offers fleet outsourcing, which is an option that is used by many successful small, medium, and large Canadian companies, but the model isn't right for everyone", says President & CEO Jeff Lindsay. "These research guides and interactive tools come at the topic from an objective standpoint, and will help senior decision makers understand which option makes the most sense for their company."
 
About Canada Cartage
Founded in 1914, Canada Cartage is the country's largest provider of outsourced fleet solutions, providing dedicated equipment and drivers to both small and large firms. Canada Cartage also provides a complete range of supply chain and logistics services under its subsidiary companies including Direct Distribution Centres, Direct2Home home delivery services, and the Vanguard freight management division. For more information, visit www.canadacartage.com.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

CITT Announcement - Mobile-Friendly Logistics Courses

CITT logistics courses just went portable with mobile-friendly anytime, anywhere access

Toronto, Ontario – July 22, 2015 - CITT has made it that much easier for busy, on-the-move professionals to build their supply chain logistics abilities through the specialized online courses in the program of study towards the CCLP® designation. Available for courses starting September 2nd, CITT’s learning platform is now fully optimized for smartphones and tablets, in addition to laptop and desktop computers.

“We wanted to ensure CITT offers a learning experience that’s excellent no matter how or where you choose to study” said CITT President Catherine Viglas. “Many professionals in supply chain logistics are eager to earn their CCLP designation, and we have always supported them with leading-edge technology. Now, CITT students can learn seamlessly across devices – be it using a smartphone during their commute, from their computer during a lunch break, or on a tablet while waiting for a flight at the airport. The CITT program of study is now an even more accessible option for those seeking professional development and credibility in supply chain logistics.”

Interest in the professional credibility that comes with holding CCLP—industry’s most respected and valued professional logistics designation—hit an all-time high this spring, with an unprecedented volume of inquiries from industry professionals.

The announcement of this newly optimized learning experience also comes on the heels of CITT’s biggest spring semester in history.

“Clearly people are relying more and more on their mobile devices to do business and to develop their professional abilities.”  Viglas reported. “And CITT is excited to be able to meet their needs.”

Registration is open until August 31st for CITT’s fall semester logistics courses, and all of these courses will be offered on the new, multi-device optimized platform. To learn more or sign up for course, visit citt.ca/courses

 About CITT:

CITT is one of the industry's most valued and respected source of logistics courses, professional certification and expertise. CITT’s programs promote professional excellence and career path development for anyone who buys, sells or manages the flow of goods and product, or is impacted by supply chain logistics.

CITT’s professional development offerings include:

• Professional certification in logistics (the CCLP designation) – www.citt.ca/cclp
• Specialized logistics and business management courses – www.citt.ca/courses
• Industry’s top-rated annual Canada Logistics Conference – www.citt.ca/conference
An expert-level technical and business education and the CCLP designation from CITT are all affordable, accessible, and have the best ROI in the business in Canada. Visit the CITT website at www.citt.ca for more information.

Kenco Increases Investment in Supply Chain Innovation with Kenco Innovation Labs

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.—July 22, 2015 —Kenco—a leading provider of integrated logistics solutions, real estate services, and material handling equipment—has established a department focused on researching and developing innovative approaches to supply chain management challenges.

Kenco Innovation Labs and its dedicated team of innovation specialists will collaborate with customers to identify, research, and prototype leading-edge ideas and processes. This team will also partner with entrepreneurs and vendors from multiple industries to identify trends that can be cost-effectively applied in the supply chain, enabling them to think “outside the box” to create unique, customer-driven solutions.

A test lab and demonstration center will be created at the Kenco corporate campus in Chattanooga, Tenn. to explore and research these emerging technologies and processes.

“A single service model no longer works within the logistics industry—third party logistics providers must innovate to meet customer needs,” said Kristi Montgomery, vice president, Kenco Innovation Labs. “Kenco has always been ahead of the curve in providing creative solutions, and the lab will continue those efforts with a dedicated team focused on strategic implementation of forward-thinking ideas that create supply chain value, increasing efficiency and effectiveness.”

Visit Kenco’s website for more information about the Kenco Innovation Labs.

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.

Kenco’s warehouses and facilities are located in: Aberdeen, MD; Asheville, NC; Aurora, CO; Avenel, NJ; Bakersfield, CA; Black Creek, GA; Bolingbrook, IL; Carrollton, TX; Chattanooga, TN; Chino, CA; City of Industry, CA; Colonial Heights, VA; Covington, GA; Devens, MA; Dundee, MI; Clearfield, UT; Dallas, TX; Dalton, GA; Duncan, SC; Fairburn, GA; Fontana, CA; Fresno, CA; Groveport, OH; Houston, TX; Hutchins, TX; Janesville, WI; Kalamazoo, MI; Keasbey, NJ; Knoxville, TN; Kutztown, PA; Louisville, KY; Lugoff, SC; Lumberton, NC; Lyndhurst, VA; Madison, AL; McBee, SC; McDonough, GA; New Kingston, PA; Memphis, TN; Monroe, NJ; Mount Vernon, IN; Nashville, TN; Oakland, NJ; Ogden, UT; Orange, TX; Orlando, FL; Portland, OR; Puyallup, WA; Rancho Cucamonga, CA; Reading, PA; Redlands, CA; Robbinsville Township, NJ; Salt Lake City, UT; San Bernardino, CA; Seaford, DE; Whitestown, IN; Wilmer, TX; York, PA; Zebulon, NC; Zeeland, MI; and Milton, Ontario, Canada.

UPS TAKES LEADERSHIP ROLE FOR COMMERCIAL TRUCKING SAFETY

Every new UPS Class 8 tractor features collision mitigation technology
   
    ATLANTA, July 22, 2015 – UPS (NYSE: UPS), which operates one of the nation’s largest commercial trucking fleets, is making collision mitigation technology standard equipment on every new Class 8 tractor the company orders. Each of the more than 2,600 new Class 8 tractors that UPS takes delivery of in 2015 will feature this accident mitigation technology, which alerts drivers to moving and stationary objects in front of the tractor and moving objects surrounding the vehicle.

    The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recommended that all passenger and commercial vehicles use this technology. The NTSB’s special report “concludes that collision warning systems, particularly when paired with active braking, could significantly reduce the frequency and severity of rear-end crashes.”

    “Safety is of the utmost importance to UPS. We’re investing in technology that provides UPS drivers with opportunities to increase visibility of their surroundings in constantly changing environments,” said Randy Stashick, president of engineering for UPS. “The safety benefits of these technologies make incorporating them into UPS’s fleet the right thing to do for our employees and fellow motorists.”

    The collision mitigation systems on UPS’s new Class 8 tractors feature lane departure warnings, electronic stability control, and anti-lock air disc brakes. Stability control monitors the tractor trailer’s motions and, especially during turns and slick conditions, automatically distributes braking power to each wheel for a more precise control.

    “Collision mitigation systems make good drivers even better,” said Paul Savill, UPS Freight driver and a captain for the American Trucking Association’s America’s Road team. “Traffic conditions can change quickly as other vehicles change lanes. These technologies are an excellent complement to safe driving techniques.”

    Bill Lazarski, a UPS Circle of Honor driver who has driven without an accident for 36 years, concurred. “I can’t say enough good things about the collision mitigation technology. I was a little hesitant at first, but adapted very quickly and easily. After using the technology for more than a year, I’m convinced collision mitigation systems can make a positive impact on road safety.”

    UPS's 102,000 drivers worldwide are among the safest on the roads, logging more than 3 billion miles per year and delivering more than 4 billion packages safely. Before ever making a delivery, all UPS drivers are taught safe driving methods through the company's defensive driving platform. The training continues throughout their careers.
   
    There are more than 7,800 active drivers in UPS’s Circle of Honor program, which recognizes drivers for 25 years or more driving without a preventable crash. Collectively, UPS Circle of Honor drivers have logged more than 5.3 billion miles and more than 221,000 years of safe driving through their careers. That's enough miles to travel to Mars and back 36 times.
   
    Each new UPS Class 8 tractor since 2012 has featured stability control, a foundational technology for collision mitigation systems, for more stable turning, shorter stopping distances, and reduced buffeting. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) mandated on June 3, 2015, that all Class 8 tractors utilize electronic stability control within the next two years.

    The collision mitigation system goes one step farther. It features adaptive cruise control, which maintains a constant distance behind the vehicle in front of the UPS tractor. With the adaptive cruise control turned on, the UPS tractor will automatically slow to avoid a collision. Secondary benefits include reducing the accordion effect caused by traffic and, from that, enhanced fuel economy.

    Each new UPS Class 8 tractor also features an automated manual transmission, which offers the power and efficiency of a manual transmission with the simplicity of an automatic transmission. Eliminating the need to shift gears provides the driver with greater opportunity to implement proactive defensive driving techniques.

    UPS’s Class 8 tractors that pull multiple trailers also may utilize a telescoping t-dolly that automatically reduces the space between the trailers from 40 inches to 12 inches at highway speeds (45mph or more). Reducing the distance between the tandem trailers decreases buffeting, increases stability, and improves fuel economy 2.5 to 3.5 percent.

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 Longitudes.ups.com. To get UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS.

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

LQ Board Announcement - Timothy Scott

LQ is pleased to announce that Timothy Scott has accepted LQ’s invitation to join its Advisory Board


July 15, 2015, Toronto - Timothy (Tim) Scott is Vice President, Order Management, GENPACT. Tim's mandate is to lead the Order Management practice while adding strategic insights on future opportunities across the consumer goods, retail and life science sectors in North America and Europe.

Tim has over 18 years experience managing all levels of the integrated supply chain serving large organizations such as Nestle, Coca-Cola, Kraft Foods and Mondelez International.   Tim secured his executive MBA from the Kellogg School of Management and a BA from the Royal Military College of Canada, at which time he also received an Officers’ Commission in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Tim's primary strength is to inspire team commitment to innovate end to end Supply Chain & Operations initiatives. He drives for superior improvement in the bottom line while enhancing process, productivity and safety to support the top line. He is an outstanding communicator and facilitator; building powerful, sustained relations with all process stakeholders.

LQ's Advisory Board:

As a resource for logisticians, academics and executives in other disciplines in the United States and Canada, LQ offers ideas for leadership in logistics, supply chain management and transportation, and provides a unique bridge between business, academia and practitioners. LQ’s Advisory Board and contributors afford authoritative thinking on the complex and fast-changing work of the logistics and supply chain management business - with a unique focus on best practices in the United States and Canada. LQ's Board plays a pivotal role in providing direction for LQ Magazine and LQ’s bi-annual Symposiums.

Andrew F. Reardon appointed Chairman of Canadian Pacific

CALGARY, July 21, 2015 - Canadian Pacific Railway Limited (TSX: CP) (NYSE: CP) today announced that Andrew F. Reardon has been unanimously elected Chairman of the Board.
Gary F. Colter and Krystyna T. Hoeg tendered their resignations from the Board and the Board unanimously accepted those resignations.

The Board unanimously appointed Dr. Anthony R. Melman Chairman of the Finance Committee, replacing Mr. Reardon, and Rebecca MacDonald Chairman of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, replacing Ms. Hoeg.

About Canadian Pacific

Canadian Pacific (TSX:CP)(NYSE:CP) is a transcontinental railway in Canada and the United States with direct links to eight major ports, including Vancouver and Montreal, providing North American customers a competitive rail service with access to key markets in every corner of the globe. CP is growing with its customers, offering a suite of freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Visit cpr.ca to see the rail advantages of Canadian Pacific.

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Swissport International expands presence of its Air Cargo Services in Austria

Zurich/Graz, 14 July 2015 - Swissport International, the world’s leading provider of ground and air cargo services to the aviation industry, and Flughafen Graz Betriebs GmbH, have signed a Letter of Intent to form a joint venture with the aim of providing air cargo services at Graz Airport. The start of the operations of the joint venture Swissport Cargo Services Graz is planned for the beginning of 2016.

Swissport Cargo Services Graz will provide comprehensive cargo services at Graz Airport in Austria. The newly formed joint venture will handle approximately 10.000 tonnes of air cargo per year for its customers – airlines and freight-forwarders. Clients at Graz Airport will benefit from further improved quality standards paired with local know-how and established infrastructures. The operational setup will remain as it is.

A clear benefit of the new joint venture Swissport Cargo Services Graz for airlines and logistics companies is its location on the premises of the airport, thus offering direct access and handling facilities for air cargo. The existing customer base and the experienced staff add to this, making the new service provider Swissport Cargo Services Graz ideally equipped to offer its customers the best possible service.

“Over the last months, we have led intense talks with Swissport International in order to lift the future of the cargo business at Flughafen Graz onto an even better basis”, explain Dipl. Ing. Wolfgang Malik, Chairman of the Board of the Holding Graz, and Mag. Gerhard Widmann, Managing Director of Graz Airport. “Our aim was a close cooperation, which would lead to an expansion of cargo activities and the service offering as well as an improvement of the service quality, all of which would ultimately profit not only Graz Airport but also the economy of Styria. We are very happy that we have achieved our aim in the form of a joint venture with the world’s biggest service provider in the area of air cargo services.”

“We are proud partners in this joint venture”, said Philipp Joeinig, Executive Vice President Europe at Swissport International. “What makes this cooperation special is the fact that we can build on existing as well as future client relations in order to expand our cargo offering in Austria from Vienna to Graz and beyond that in the future. We are looking forward to working with Flughafen Graz Betriebs GmbH and its experienced and motivated staff to jointly providing best-of-breed cargo services to a growing number of clients in Austria.”


Swissport International Ltd. provides ground services for around 229 million passengers and handles 4.1 million tonnes of cargo a year on behalf of some 700 client-companies in the aviation sector. With a workforce of more than 60,000 personnel, Swissport is active at more than 270 stations in 48 countries across five continents, and generates consolidated operating revenue of CHF 3.0 billion. www.swissport.com

With approximately 900.000 passengers annually Airport Graz is the third biggest regional airport in Austria. Through its extensive line traffic with connections to important hubs such as Frankfurt, Vienna, Munich, Zurich, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Instanbul and Palma de Mallorca and a total of roughly 50 destinations during summer schedule, the airport has established itself as an important platform for the economy and tourism sectors not only in Styria but in neighbouring Kaerten, southern Burgenland and Slovenia. www.flughafen-graz.at

BNSF Logistics Acquires Transportation Technology Services


July 14, 2015, Flower Mound, TX - BNSF Logistics, LLC, an international multi-modal logistics service provider, today announced the acquisition of Transportation Technology Services, a widely recognized leader in engineering and logistics services focused on rail solutions for over-dimensional cargoes with particular expertise and market presence in the wind energy industry.  The transaction follows other wind energy investments, including BNSFL’s Blade Runner technology investments, which are research and development efforts focused on the emerging longer dimensional aspects of the wind energy market.  Since their founding in 2001 as a rail engineering company, TTS has evolved to become a highly respected provider of specialty services ranging from railcar design to loading, inspection and management of complex project cargo shipments.  

“TTS’s engineering and design capabilities, extensive wind fixtures, and rail transload locations coupled with their talent, and market expertise in industrial products are a perfect fit for our broader expansion into the industrial products sector that handles freight of all sizes. When combined with our existing multi-modal and transload capabilities, BNSFL becomes a leader in North America in multi-modal capacity and ability for the Industrial Products sector,” commented Ray Greer, BNSFL’s President.  “The innovation and value we will be able to bring to our customers just increased significantly,” he further stated in a press release.

Currently managing a fleet of nearly 2,000 rail cars for various clients, of which 1,200 are equipped with patented fixtures designed to handle wind turbine components including blades, tower sections and nacelles, TTS is a significant addition to the more than 9,700 rail shipments BNSF Logistics currently manages.  With the ongoing development of BNSFL’s Blade Runner technology to handle ever lengthening turbine blades via ocean and rail, the combined company will have an extensive and flexible fleet of wind component handling systems in North America.  Between the two companies, BNSFL and TTS have collectively developed and managed nearly 50 unique project cargo transload sites across the U.S. over the past six years.

Scott Landrum, TTS’s founder and president added, “The TTS team is excited to have the resources and support of BNSF Logistics and their team to enable us to expand further in offering our customers the best solutions and greatest value for managing complex shipping needs anywhere in the world.”

TTS will become the U.S. Rail, Project Cargo and Engineering Services division for BNSFL. The combined unit will have extensive capacity, hundreds of years of combined practical experience and strong relationships and credibility with the major players in Wind Energy, Power Generation, Oil & Gas, Heavy Machinery and the EPC and Manufacturing communities.

BNSF Logistics’ stated vision is:  To be a premier, global, multi-modal logistics services and solutions provider serving North American clients here and around the world.  The company has been moving forward, developing organically and through acquisition to achieve that vision.  TTS’s strong competencies, industry standing and customer confidence in wind energy logistics, rail services for over-dimensional and project cargo, as well as their deep engineering and design capabilities address organizational and service portfolio needs within BNSF Logistics.  With a dozen engineers and design specialists on staff and a field services team of similar size, TTS has strong expertise in areas that are critical to effectively planning and executing over-dimensional freight movements by rail.

Scott Landrum and John Dalman, TTS’s General Manager, are continuing with the new organization in key senior leadership roles with the new Rail, Project Cargo and Engineering services division of BNSF Logistics.  The company is well-positioned with existing staff, and also expects to support the current growth trend by making additional hires in the months ahead. Additional terms and conditions of the transaction are not being disclosed.


About BNSF Logistics, LLC
BNSF Logistics, LLC is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Burlington Northern Santa Fe, LLC, a Berkshire Hathaway company.  A multi-modal, 3rd party logistics services provider specializing in movement of freight around the globe, featuring uncommon service scope, resources and financial depth.  The company operates over 40 offices throughout North America, with over 120 FCPA certified Global Service Providers (GSPs) for import and export of general and project cargoes throughout the world.

About Transportation Technology Services
TTS is a Southlake, Texas-based provider of rail engineering & design services and a logistics planning & service provider specializing in movement of wind energy components and other over-dimensional cargoes via multiple modes.  They operate a network of rail transload yards across North America and have a number of wind component fixtures and specialty cars for handling extremely heavy rail shipments.  

Monday, July 13, 2015

TIACA WELCOMES FIVE NEW MEMBERS TO ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS


New officers broaden global reach and bring wider scope of expertise to the TIACA board

Miami, USA, Monday, 13th July 2015 – Five new board members, from Asia, Europe, and North America, have been elected to TIACA’s Board of Directors representing a wide range of sectors in the industry.

The new officers bring experience of the integrator, chartering, all cargo carrier, and airport sectors.

“TIACA is the only Association representing every part of the global supply chain and our Board of Directors reflects that breadth and diversity,” said Doug Brittin, Secretary General, TIACA.

“They bring important insight into the issues facing different areas of our industry, adding richness and diversity to our leadership.

“We are looking forward to working with them and benefitting from their expertise and experience.”

The new Board members are: Amy Smith, Head of Customs and Regulatory Affairs, DHL Express (USA), Inc, Chee Meng Wong, Senior Vice President, Cargo Services, SATS, Russi Batliwala, Chief Executive Officer, Chapman Freeborn Airchartering Ltd, Oliver Gritz, Chief Commercial Officer, MD Europe, Worldwide Air Logistics Group, Inc, and Greg Guillaume, Senior Vice President (Strategic Development), Atlas Worldwide Holdings Ltd.

About TIACA

The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) represents, supports, informs, and connects every element of the global air freight supply chain.

TIACA lobbies governments and regulators, provides valuable networking opportunities, organizes and hosts leading industry events, and gives guidance, advice, and specialist career development training for members.

We champion every size of business, and help shape the policy which affects all our members, providing a unifying voice for the industry, working for global standards, and raising the profile of air cargo.

TIACA is a not-for-profit trade association representing aircraft manufacturers, airports, all-cargo airlines, combination carriers, consultants, Customs brokers, educational institutions, equipment manufacturers, general sales agents, ground handlers, freight forwarders, integrators, IT systems providers, logistics companies, road carriers, shippers and screening technology developers.

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

MIQ LOGISTICS NAMED A TOP PRIVATELY-HELD COMPANY FOR FIFTH TIME

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., July 8, 2015 – MIQ Logistics proudly announces that, for the fifth consecutive year, it is ranked on Ingram’s list of Top 100 Privately Held Companies in the greater Kansas City area. The 2015 report again places MIQ Logistics in the list’s top 40.

“We are pleased by the results of Ingram’s evaluation because it accurately reflects our financial stability and ongoing revenue growth,” says John Carr, president and chief executive officer-MIQ Logistics. “Customers trust us with their supply chains, and we’re proving, year after year, that we have the seasoned professionals, scalable services, global scope, and state-of-the-art technologies to add efficiencies and create bottom-line savings for them.”

Ingram’s magazine develops its Top 100 Privately Held Companies list through direct surveys, interviews with key executives, public records and its rankings of top businesses by sector. Among other things, it considers the revenue, headcount and number of locations of businesses and non-profit organizations, which are locally based or report market-specific numbers. The complete list is published in the June 2015 edition of the magazine.

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.

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Trailer Wizards Expands Service Facility in Delta BC

Trailer Wizards announces the expansion of their facility located on 10387 Nordel Court in Delta, British Columbia.
 
Vancouver, BC, July 07, 2015 - Trailer Wizards has announced the expansion of their facility located in Delta, British Columbia. The expanded 13,500 square foot facility features 24 bays and provides trailer rentals, leasing, service and parts for the company's BC customers. It is easily accessible for the company's customers, as it is located off of the South Fraser Perimeter Highway, near ports as well as the U.S.-Canada border and the Trans-Canada Highway. The facility features a newly updated office and dispatch areas and ensures Trailer Wizards can continue to service customers that had used the company's previous facility, located in Langley, BC, following its closure on June 30.
  
“Since 1963, Trailer Wizards has serviced the BC market and, by expanding our Lower Mainland operation, all employees are now together under one roof at the new Delta facility, “ Craig McConnell, Vice President of Trailer Wizards’ BC region explained in a press release. “This expansion increases the size and capacity of our service department, the footprint of our parts department, and brings together our rental and sales teams, allowing us to better service our growing base of customers.”

About Trailer Wizards: 

Trailer Wizards Ltd. is Canada’s largest and only national commercial trailer rental, leasing, sales, storage, parts and service company. For over 50 years, Trailer Wizards has been delivering professional commercial trailer solutions with fast, customer-friendly service while continuously driving out costs. Trailer Wizards is a 2014 winner of Canada’s Best Managed Companies program providing “Local Service… Nationwide”.

Monday, July 6, 2015

Announcement: GE CAPITAL, CANADA AND GAZ MÉTRO

GE CAPITAL, CANADA AND GAZ MÉTRO JOIN FORCES TO ACCELERATE TRUCKING INDUSTRY’S MOVE TO NATURAL GAS

Montreal [QC], July 6, 2015 – GE Capital, Canada and Gaz Métro Transport Solutions (GMTS), a subsidiary of Gaz Métro, announced today the signing of a strategic agreement that will facilitate the trucking industry’s adoption of natural gas as a fuel in Eastern Canada.

GE Capital has been providing wholesale and retail financing to the country’s commercial trucking sector for 35 years. Since its creation in 2010, GMTS has become a leader in the alternative fuels space in Quebec, both for the advisory role it provides to companies and for its deployment of natural gas refueling stations.

Under this agreement, fleet operators will work with GMTS for natural gas supply and purchase and, separately, with GE Capital to secure loans or leases for natural gas vehicles (NGVs). NGVs that are eligible under this agreement use either compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG).

“As someone with nearly a decade of experience in the transportation industry, I understand how critical it is for fleet operators to reduce their fuel costs. To remain competitive, they need to cut 3%-5% annually just to keep up with the market,” said Véronique Haché, strategic initiative leader for natural gas vehicles at GE Capital. “Transitioning to natural gas is a smart way to diversify their fuel portfolios and reduce those costs. Through this agreement, we’re giving trucking company leaders the financial motivation to make the shift from diesel to nat-gas.”

"This agreement reinforces GMTS’s turn-key approach by adding a financial partner to accompany the fleet operators in their transition to natural gas," said Luc Génier, president of the board of directors of GMTS in a press release. "We are confident that combining our respective expertise will have a positive effect on the adoption of natural gas as a fuel for the trucking industry in Eastern Canada."

Some other important drivers of the transition to natural gas:

*         Fuel is one of the highest costs in the trucking industry, amounting to as much as 40% of a trucking company’s expenses[i]. Moreover, natural gas can cost up to 30% less than diesel, and according to the International Energy Agency, this gap should remain for many years to come[ii].
*         Natural gas engines allow trucking companies to reduce their environmental footprint because natural gas emits up to 25% less greenhouse gas (GHG) than diesel[iii]l.
*         The transportation sector is the largest emitter of GHG in Quebec, amounting to 44.7% of the province’s total emissions, according to the Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and the Fight against Climate Change[iv]. More than one-third of these emissions can be attributed to merchandise road transportation with its heavy-duty diesel-powered vehicles, it has said.

The Blue Road

Introduced by GMTS and launched in 2011, the Blue Road is the first LNG fuelling stations network in Canada. The Blue Road currently includes five fuelling stations in total, including three public stations in Lévis (QC), Cornwall (ON) and Sainte-Julie (QC). A fourth station to be open in Rivière-du-Loup (QC) over the next months will continue the route towards Gaspesie and the Eastern provinces.
In response to the market's enthusiasm for natural gas as a fuel, many private and public CNG refueling sites have also emerged in recent years, paralleling the Blue Road.

About GE Capital

With 16 offices throughout Canada, GE Capital (www.gecapital.ca) offers a wide variety of financial products and services to address commercial financing and fleet management needs in many phases of a business' lifecycle. From equipment finance to working capital and growth financing to large asset-based and restructuring loans, we apply our 30 years of experience in the Canadian market and wealth of industry expertise to develop custom solutions for your company. Some of the industries in which we specialize include transportation, construction, manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, mining, energy, wholesale, retail, and restaurant and hotel franchise financing.

GE Capital offers customers around the globe an array of financial products, services and insights to help them grow their businesses.

GE (NYSE: GE) imagines things others don’t, builds things others can’t and delivers outcomes that make the world work better. GE brings together the physical and digital worlds in ways no other company can. In its labs and factories and on the ground with customers, GE is inventing the next industrial era to move, power, build and cure the world. www.ge.com

About Gaz Métro Transport Solutions

Gaz Métro Transport Solutions (GMTS), an affiliate of Gaz Métro, was created in 2010 to encourage the transportation industry to switch to natural gas, a more economic and cleaner alternative to diesel in heavy transportation. GMTS is committed to developing a market for CNG and LNG as sources of fuel. GMTS offers turn-key solutions to fleet owners to accompany them throughout their transition projects using natural gas as a source of fuel. GMTS introduced and launched the Blue Road in 2011 and has become since a leader in the alternative fuels space in Quebec, both for the advisory role it provides to companies and for its deployment of refueling stations. www.gazmetrost.com

About Gaz Métro

With more than $6 billion in assets, Gaz Métro is a leading energy provider. It is the largest natural gas distribution company in Quebec, where its network of over 10,000 km of underground pipelines serves more than 300 municipalities and more than 195,000 customers. Gaz Métro is also present in Vermont, producing electricity and distributing electricity and natural gas to meet the needs of more than 305,000 customers. Gaz Métro is actively involved in the development and operation of innovative, promising energy projects, including natural gas as fuel and liquefied natural gas as a replacement for higher emission-producing energies, the production of wind power, and the development of biomethane. Gaz Métro is a major energy sector player that takes the lead in responding to the needs of its customers, regions and municipalities, local organizations and communities while also satisfying the expectations of its Partners (Gaz Métro inc. and Valener) and employees. www.gazmetro.com