An Invitation to Logisticians and 3PLs to Benchmark their Supply Chain Practices

Introducing LQ’s new Supply Chain Maturity Matrix

December 31, 2014 - LQ’s Fourth Annual Third-Party Sustainability Study and Awards Program 2014 has been officially launched at LQ’s Pre-Holiday Symposium this month by David Closs, PhD, Thomas Goldsby, PhD. and LQ’s team. Michigan State University and The Ohio State University are Founding Academic Members of LQ’s 3PL Study and Awards Program.

“LQ has taken an innovative approach to bring even greater value to your firm’s participation, by introducing LQ’s new Supply Chain Maturity Matrix, which is designed for logisticians and 3PLs alike to benchmark their supply chain sustainability practices - to help identify strengths and areas for future growth,” Dr. Goldsby noted to delegates attending LQ’s December 11th Symposium.

Completion of the Second Section of LQ’s Study, in addition to LQ’s new Supply Chain Maturity Matrix, enables firms to become a candidate for recognition in LQ’s Best Performer in Supply Chain Sustainability Awards Program at the May 22, 2015 LQ Symposium.

"For me, the sustainability matrix is both a measurement and a learning tool. It provides firms  a good basis for understanding the different facets that are important in the sustainability journey,” states Esen Andiç-Mortan, a PhD candidate at the Ohio State University, who has contributed to the advancement of LQ’s study this year. “Within these facets, firms can also see what are the possible stages in terms of advancement, and possibly recognize internal potential for improvement even during the reflection phase to answer the questions posed by the matrix.”

There are three steps for logisticians and 3PLs alike to participate:

1. Begin your journey by Registering at: www.LQ3PLstudy.com

2. Next, check your email. A Link to LQ’s Survey will be sent to the email address you have entered on the Registration Form. Save this link to access your entry. It is uniquely tied to your survey entry and the email address you have provided.

3. Use this Link for your entry, to enter revisions and provide additional information at any time up until the deadline of April 10, 2015. All of the information that you enter is automatically saved by SurveyMonkey’s secure system.

LQ’s Supply Chain Maturity Matrix embodies the following aspects of sustainability: Sustainability Approach, Strategy & Governance, Sustainability Context, Organizational Support, Contract Management, Information Technology & Tools, Network Management, Performance Management, Resources & Waste Management, Fuel & Emissions Management
Mega-trends & Materiality, Risk Management, and Communications.

LQ’s team would also like to take this opportunity to thank David Guernsey, a member of LQ’s Board, and Managing Principal, Experiential Sustainability Consulting. Mr. Guernsey is the former Senior Sustainability Program Manager and the acknowledged “father of sustainability” at UPS, and one of the primary architects of LQ’s Supply Chain Maturity Matrix.

LQ’s team appreciates C.H. Robinson’s support for underwriting LQ’s 3PL Sustainability Study and Awards Program and making this study and contribution to the North American supply chain community possible.

FMCSA Hours of Service Final Rule for Truck Drivers Announcement

Hours of Service Final Rule for Truck Drivers Announcement From the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (An excerpt from the FMCSA announcement):

Updated December 17, 2014 - The U.S. Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015 was enacted on December 16, 2014, suspending enforcement of requirements for use of the 34-hour restart. For more information see FMCSA’s Federal Register notice: www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/hours-service-drivers

For a Summary of the Hours of Service Regulations Click here.

SUMMARY: "The FMCSA suspended the requirements regarding the restart of a truck driver’s 60- or 70-hour limit that drivers were required to comply with beginning July 1, 2013. The restart provisions have no force or effect from the date of enactment of the Appropriations Act through the period of suspension, and such provisions are replaced with the previous restart provisions in effect on June 30, 2013. FMCSA provides this notice to motor carriers, commercial drivers, State Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program grant recipients and other law enforcement personnel of these immediate enforcement changes."

"DATES: The suspension of enforcement of § 395.3(c) and (d) is effective as of 12:01 a.m. on December 16, 2014."

Transportation Insight Named Fastest-Growing Private Company in the Charlotte Region

3PL Receives Highest Total Dollar Revenue Growth Award for Second Straight Year
in 2014 Charlotte Business Journal Fast 50

HICKORY, NC (December 16, 2014) –According to the Charlotte Business Journal, global third-party logistics (3PL) provider Transportation Insight ranks at the top of the list for the second year in a row by total dollar revenue growth over a three-year period in the publication’s 6th Annual Fast 50. Honoring the 50 private companies in the Charlotte metropolitan region with the fastest revenue growth rates over the past three years, the Fast 50 recognizes regional companies with outstanding growth, entrepreneurial excellence and innovative leadership.

“Transportation Insight’s continued rapid growth is testament to the increasing desire of shippers to work with one Enterprise Logistics Provider that delivers end-to-end supply chain solutions that increase company value,” says Transportation Insight President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Baltz. “We help clients remove waste across their supply chain, increase productivity through continuous improvement best practices and advanced logistics systems and improve their tactical and strategic capabilities with an array of cutting-edge cloud-based technologies.”

Among the technology applications developed by Transportation Insight for its clients is Insight Fusion®, the 3PL’s proprietary cloud-based business intelligence engine that can assimilate client data from multiple sources into a business insight solution that provides markedly improved data visibility. Insight Fusion supports tactical and strategic decision-making, identifies business trends, boosts return on investment and builds sustained competitive advantage.

“Transportation Insight views each client relationship as a long-term strategic partnership with the goal of a win-win result in every case,” says Transportation Insight Chief Financial Officer Reynolds Faulkner. “Our team excels at working alongside clients who value our strengths in logistics management, continuous improvement and innovative technologies that boost corporate performance and encourage sustained success.”

The Fast 50 rankings were compiled by the Charlotte Business Journal and accounting firm CliftonLarsonAllen. Ranked in two categories, percentage revenue growth and total dollar revenue growth from 2011 to 2013, eligible companies are privately held with at least $1 million in revenue in 2013 and based in the Charlotte metropolitan area. In addition to its total dollar amount win, Transportation Insight ranked 21st in percentage revenue growth. Sophie Dabbs, Transportation Insight Vice President of Client Solutions, accepted both awards for the company at a reception at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, NC on December 4.

About Transportation Insight, LLC
Transportation Insight is a global lead logistics provider with more than $1.6 billion in supply chain spend under management. For over a decade, the 3PL has partnered with hundreds of manufacturers, distributors and retailers to achieve significant cost savings, reduce cycle times and improve customer satisfaction rates by providing customized supply chain solutions. Transportation Insight offers a Co-managed Logistics® form of 3PL, carrier sourcing, freight bill audit and payment services, state-of-the-art transportation management system (TMS) applications and business intelligence. Its logistics services include domestic transportation, supply chain analytics, international transportation, warehouse sourcing, LEAN consulting and supply chain sourcing of indirect materials.

Purolator International Names Rebecca L. Saenz as Branch Sales Manager in Houston

JERICHO, NY – December 16, 2014 – Purolator International is pleased to announce the appointment of Rebecca L. Saenz as Branch Sales Manager in Houston, Texas.  Saenz brings 10 years of logistics sales experience to the role, helping her to grow Purolator’s presence in the region.

Saenz has spent the last eight years as an Account Executive at FedEx, where she drove notable sales growth in her territories and received numerous awards, including the Biggest Climber Award and the Elite Ace in the Lone Star Region.  Previously, she worked at Central Freight Lines and Southeastern Freight Lines in Corpus Christie and Victoria, TX.

As Branch Sales Manager, Saenz will be responsible for generating new sales and helping to maintain and grow Purolator’s existing customers in the region.  She will perform market analysis to identify new opportunities. She will report to Rich Denhart, District Sales Manager, Southern U.S.

“I’d like to welcome Rebecca to the Purolator International team,” said Denhart, “Her years of experience in the industry and proven track record of implementing strategies to maximize sales will make her a valuable asset to us in the region.”

“Purolator International is providing U.S. companies a cost effective solution for international trade, allowing retailers and manufacturers to maximize their market opportunity.  I look forward to demonstrating our quality services and products to businesses and partners in the region,” said Saenz.

Saenz is receiving her Associates degree in Business Administration from Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, Texas and will be attending Texas A&M University - Galveston in the spring for her Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Administration. Saenz is a resident of Friendswood, Texas, where she enjoys spending time with her husband, son and puppy June Bug. An avid Texas A&M fan, Saenz is actively involved in volunteering throughout her community and is a member of the Junior League of Galveston County.

About Purolator International:

Purolator International is a subsidiary of Purolator Inc., Canada’s largest integrated parcel and freight delivery services provider.  Purolator International specializes in the air and surface forwarding of Express, Freight and Parcel shipments, customs brokerage, and fulfillment and delivery services to, from and within Canada.  Purolator International has received numerous industry awards for its superior service and innovative solutions, including the 2014 “100 Great Supply Chain Projects” by Supply & Demand Chain Executive magazine, the 2013 and 2014 “Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners” list by Supply Chain Brain magazine, and Logistics Management’s 2012 Quest for Quality Award.

In addition to facilities throughout New York, Purolator International has locations in key U.S. markets including Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Buffalo, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Nashville, Newark, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Raleigh/Durham, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Saint Louis.

Canadian Pacific Railway Limited Announcement

Canadian Pacific Railway Limited declares dividend

CALGARY, Dec. 16, 2014 - The Board of Directors of Canadian Pacific Railway Limited (TSX: CP) (NYSE: CP) today declared a quarterly dividend of thirty-five cents ($0.35) Canadian per share on the outstanding Common Shares.

The dividend is payable on January 26, 2015 to holders of record at the close of business on December 31, 2014, and is an "eligible" dividend for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and any similar provincial/territorial legislation.

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.

SOURCE: Canadian Pacific

FedEx to Expand Global Portfolio of Solutions with Acquisition of GENCO

A recognized leader in reverse logistics, GENCO transforms the FedEx suite of e-commerce and supply chain solutions

MEMPHIS, Tenn., December 15, 2014 - FedEx Corp. announced today that the company signed an agreement to acquire GENCO, one of the largest third-party logistics providers in North America. With a comprehensive portfolio of supply chain services, GENCO’s expertise will expand existing FedEx service offerings in the evolving retail and e-commerce markets.

Processing more than 600 million returned items annually from many of the world’s leading brands, GENCO is considered a pioneer and market leader in reverse logistics, providing triage, test and repair, remarketing and product liquidation solutions. With $1.6 billion in annual revenue and more than 11,000 teammates at over 130 operations, GENCO offers a complete range of product lifecycle logistics® services to customers in the technology, consumer, industrial, retail, and healthcare markets.

“The acquisition of GENCO will transform our global portfolio through the addition of new best in class supply chain management services,” said Frederick W. Smith, Chairman and CEO of FedEx Corp in a press release. “As e-commerce continues to grow, customers of both companies will reap the benefits from the broadened capabilities and powerful new services.”

“With similar corporate cultures, shared values and unwavering focus on developing world-class logistics solutions, FedEx and GENCO are a great fit,” said Herb Shear, Executive Chairman, GENCO in a press release. “I am especially pleased that Todd R. Peters will continue as GENCO CEO and to know that our teammates everywhere will make significant and lasting contributions to our customers as members of the FedEx family.”

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including compliance with U.S. and Canadian antitrust law requirements. GENCO will continue to operate as an independent company until the transaction is closed in the new calendar year.

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Baker & McKenzie served as advisors to FedEx on this transaction. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, Republic Partners, and Staley Capital served as advisors to GENCO.

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 $46 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.

About GENCO:
GENCO is the recognized leader in product lifecycle and reverse logistics solutions designed to maximize value and reduce costs, generating $1.6 billion in revenue annually and operating over 130 warehouse locations comprising 38 million square feet throughout North America. Their diverse range of customers includes many Fortune 500 companies in the technology, consumer and industrial, retail and healthcare markets and the federal government. GENCO’s complete range of product lifecycle services include inbound logistics; warehousing & distribution; fulfillment; contract packaging; managed transportation; systems integration; returns processing & disposition; test, repair, refurbishment; product liquidation; and recycling.

Certain statements in this press release may be considered “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to future events and financial performance. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated (expressed or implied) by such forward-looking statements, because of, among other things, economic conditions in the global markets in which we operate, the impact of any international conflicts or terrorist activities, disruptions to the Internet or our technology infrastructure, the impact of changes in fuel prices and foreign currency exchange rates and adverse weather conditions or natural disasters, as well as the other risks and uncertainties you can find in FedEx’s and its subsidiaries’ press releases and SEC filings, including the risk factors in FedEx’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K, as updated by FedEx’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. Increases Rates

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc., Announces a General Rate Increase

THOMASVILLE, N.C. (Dec. 15, 2015) – Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. today announced that it will implement a general rate increase (GRI) of 4.5 percent effective January 5, 2015.

"The GRI is consistent with our long-term yield management philosophy and provides for increases in our rates based on length of haul rather than the traditional across-the–board-increases. The GRI also provides for a nominal increase in minimum charges with respect to Intrastate, Interstate and cross border lanes. Although the GRI will impact each customer differently based on specific shipment lanes and distance traveled, the overall impact of the increase is expected to be 4.5 percent," stated Todd Polen, Vice President of Pricing.

Mr. Polen also stated, "At OD, we are committed to delivering a superior value proposition of on-time, claims-free service at a fair and equitable price. In order to satisfy our customers’ expectations and deliver on the promises we have made, we must continue to enhance our high-quality service network and systems. Our GRI is intended to offset the rising costs of new equipment, real estate and technology investments, and competitive employee wage and benefit packages. OD’s yield management philosophy is to take a fair approach that minimizes the impact to our customers’ budgets while also supporting the value proposition that we promise to deliver each and every day."