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Month: March 2022

Cooperative Logistics Network now offering e-learning

Posted on by David Priestman

The Cooperative Logistics Network – an international alliance of more than 320 hand-picked freight forwarders – has launched its Online Logistics Academy. To this end, the E-Learning Platform has been inaugurated with two courses specialised in international logistics and freight forwarding and a SOC Masterclass focused on Shipper Owned Containers.

The programmes will allow members to learn and execute complicated supply chain processes, enhance their knowledge of logistics tools, and prepare themselves to effectively deal with the present challenges in the industry.

In order to offer the best quality education, The Cooperative has established a partnership with The Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association- an organisation with over six decades of experience in education. Additionally, The Coop has also cooperated with Container xChange – a neutral platform connecting hundreds of logistics companies – that provides a broad range of online educational course materials to help freight forwarders get a better knowledge of container leasing.

“The future of the freight forwarding sector is constantly evolving. In this age of digitisation, it is crucial for small and mid-sized logistics companies to work towards upskilling and expanding their knowledge base. By offering these specially formulated courses, The Cooperative gives its members an additional service for them to be more competitive, enhance their productivity and boost their earning potential,” states Antonio Torres, President and Founder of The Cooperative Logistics Network.

The courses are both meant for professionals working in the field of transportation and logistics who want to broaden their industry knowledge and sharpen their skills and newcomers who want the perfect start to their journey in this industry.

The Cooperative agents will get to attend two levels of freight forwarding courses provided by CIFFA and designed by the Schulich Executive Education Centre (SEEC). The first course, International Transportation and Trade, is meant for those agents who want to master the foundations of global freight forwarding, risk management, quotations, and freight costs. The second course, Essentials of Freight Forwarding, will train members on basic topics such as packaging, documentation, cargo insurance or cargo security.

These training programmes can be completed at the students’ suitable pace. within three months CIFFA will provide with interactive classes, audio, video lessons, and a downloadable e-book.

In addition to these courses, The Cooperative Logistics Network offers the SOC Container Masterclass offered by xChange which is an all-inclusive training regarding the handling of Shipper Owned Containers. The Cooperative members who register for one of the above-mentioned logistics courses by CIFFA will get free access to this Masterclass.

 

 

Cooperative Logistics Network now offering e-learning

Posted on by David Priestman

The Cooperative Logistics Network – an international alliance of more than 320 hand-picked freight forwarders – has launched its Online Logistics Academy. To this end, the E-Learning Platform has been inaugurated with two courses specialised in international logistics and freight forwarding and a SOC Masterclass focused on Shipper Owned Containers.

The programmes will allow members to learn and execute complicated supply chain processes, enhance their knowledge of logistics tools, and prepare themselves to effectively deal with the present challenges in the industry.

In order to offer the best quality education, The Cooperative has established a partnership with The Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association- an organisation with over six decades of experience in education. Additionally, The Coop has also cooperated with Container xChange – a neutral platform connecting hundreds of logistics companies – that provides a broad range of online educational course materials to help freight forwarders get a better knowledge of container leasing.

“The future of the freight forwarding sector is constantly evolving. In this age of digitisation, it is crucial for small and mid-sized logistics companies to work towards upskilling and expanding their knowledge base. By offering these specially formulated courses, The Cooperative gives its members an additional service for them to be more competitive, enhance their productivity and boost their earning potential,” states Antonio Torres, President and Founder of The Cooperative Logistics Network.

The courses are both meant for professionals working in the field of transportation and logistics who want to broaden their industry knowledge and sharpen their skills and newcomers who want the perfect start to their journey in this industry.

The Cooperative agents will get to attend two levels of freight forwarding courses provided by CIFFA and designed by the Schulich Executive Education Centre (SEEC). The first course, International Transportation and Trade, is meant for those agents who want to master the foundations of global freight forwarding, risk management, quotations, and freight costs. The second course, Essentials of Freight Forwarding, will train members on basic topics such as packaging, documentation, cargo insurance or cargo security.

These training programmes can be completed at the students’ suitable pace. within three months CIFFA will provide with interactive classes, audio, video lessons, and a downloadable e-book.

In addition to these courses, The Cooperative Logistics Network offers the SOC Container Masterclass offered by xChange which is an all-inclusive training regarding the handling of Shipper Owned Containers. The Cooperative members who register for one of the above-mentioned logistics courses by CIFFA will get free access to this Masterclass.

 

 

Transaid project in Madagascar leaves lasting legacy

Posted on by David Priestman

More than 100,000 emergency transfers were made to rural health facilities over a five-year period in Madagascar, according to data compiled from one of Transaid’s longest-running access to healthcare initiatives, focused on maternal and child health.

Publication of the figures follows the conclusion of a USAID-funded project, known locally as MAHEFA Miaraka, led by JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., and in partnership with others including Transaid, local NGOs and in close collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health.

Working in areas of the country where the availability of transport is often low, and where difficult terrain and seasonal rainfall often limit access by motorised vehicles, Transaid supported communities to integrate locally available modes of transport to connect themselves to primary healthcare facilities or referral hospitals.

This work contributed to 106,851 transfers to health facilities taking place during the project, utilising taxi cooperatives with minibuses and motorised three-wheelers, ox carts, rickshaws, bicycle ambulances, stretchers and even canoe ambulances, amongst other forms of emergency evacuation.

Caroline Barber, Chief Executive of Transaid, says: “Delays in seeking access to quality care are a key contributor to maternal and under-five mortality, with inadequate access to transport being a major cause. This project set out to address that, working in some of the hardest to reach parts of Madagascar, where we saw the number of patients accessing the scheme grow consistently year-on-year.”

Forty-four per cent of the communities Transaid helped were inaccessible by car or truck for at least four months of the year, and 20% for almost half of the year. This made it an incredibly complex project to manage, requiring a blend of community-managed forms of transport, taxi drivers trained in emergency transport systems, plus evacuation plans developed with communities and village leaders.

Barber adds: “The communities we were supporting have spoken highly of the improved access to healthcare in emergencies, especially the means to travel at night, when there are generally far fewer transport options available.”

Transaid’s role within the project also included the setting up of several ‘enterprise box’ (eBox) initiatives, which aimed to improve community health volunteer mobility and increase motivation and retention through the provision of bicycles and income generation which also contributed financially to local health insurance schemes.

Five eBoxes were established, each becoming a bicycle sale and repair micro-enterprise managed by registered cooperatives to help meet some of the transportation needs of the local population. At the end of the project, four of the eBoxes were considered independently operational, leaving a lasting enterprise which can continue supporting the local community.

The completion of the project, Transaid’s second in Madagascar in succession, draws to a close a decade of work within the country – and one of the organisation’s longest running and most successful projects to-date.

 

Transaid project in Madagascar leaves lasting legacy

Posted on by Keith McKinley

More than 100,000 emergency transfers were made to rural health facilities over a five-year period in Madagascar, according to data compiled from one of Transaid’s longest-running access to healthcare initiatives, focused on maternal and child health.

Publication of the figures follows the conclusion of a USAID-funded project, known locally as MAHEFA Miaraka, led by JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., and in partnership with others including Transaid, local NGOs and in close collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health.

Working in areas of the country where the availability of transport is often low, and where difficult terrain and seasonal rainfall often limit access by motorised vehicles, Transaid supported communities to integrate locally available modes of transport to connect themselves to primary healthcare facilities or referral hospitals.

This work contributed to 106,851 transfers to health facilities taking place during the project, utilising taxi cooperatives with minibuses and motorised three-wheelers, ox carts, rickshaws, bicycle ambulances, stretchers and even canoe ambulances, amongst other forms of emergency evacuation.

Caroline Barber, Chief Executive of Transaid, says: “Delays in seeking access to quality care are a key contributor to maternal and under-five mortality, with inadequate access to transport being a major cause. This project set out to address that, working in some of the hardest to reach parts of Madagascar, where we saw the number of patients accessing the scheme grow consistently year-on-year.”

Forty-four per cent of the communities Transaid helped were inaccessible by car or truck for at least four months of the year, and 20% for almost half of the year. This made it an incredibly complex project to manage, requiring a blend of community-managed forms of transport, taxi drivers trained in emergency transport systems, plus evacuation plans developed with communities and village leaders.

Barber adds: “The communities we were supporting have spoken highly of the improved access to healthcare in emergencies, especially the means to travel at night, when there are generally far fewer transport options available.”

Transaid’s role within the project also included the setting up of several ‘enterprise box’ (eBox) initiatives, which aimed to improve community health volunteer mobility and increase motivation and retention through the provision of bicycles and income generation which also contributed financially to local health insurance schemes.

Five eBoxes were established, each becoming a bicycle sale and repair micro-enterprise managed by registered cooperatives to help meet some of the transportation needs of the local population. At the end of the project, four of the eBoxes were considered independently operational, leaving a lasting enterprise which can continue supporting the local community.

The completion of the project, Transaid’s second in Madagascar in succession, draws to a close a decade of work within the country – and one of the organisation’s longest running and most successful projects to-date.

 

Research identifies warehouse worker shortage

Posted on by David Priestman

New research has shown which areas of the UK have been hit hardest by the skills crisis engulfing the transport and logistics industry.

The continued e-commerce boom, and a reduction in EU labour availability, has left many firms struggling to find enough warehouse operatives to meet high customer demand – but analysis by Mintsoft shows that some regions are faring worse than others.

According to the research, London tops the list for the highest number of unfilled vacancies at 233, according to live jobs board data compiled on 21st February 2022.

Next was Bristol with 219 roles available, followed by Birmingham (188) and Northampton (146).

Commenting on the findings, Rob Hodgson, WMS and E-commerce Fulfilment Expert at Mintsoft, said: “Anyone who works in the industry knows how difficult it’s become to recruit operatives but our data sheds light on the regional discrepancies. Competition for skills is particularly fierce in the capital, perhaps because it’s traditionally been home to EU nationals who have now left.

“The pandemic has changed consumer buying behaviour forever, which will continue to drive demand in the e-commerce and 3PL sector. While this is clearly good news, it puts immense pressure on businesses, especially SMEs, to deliver – at a time when increasing a headcount isn’t an option.

“3PLs recognise this and are increasingly investing in their warehouse operations in order to make better use of their existing resources.”

The 20 locations with the biggest shortage of warehouse operatives were as follows (Ranking-Location-Number of warehouse operative roles):

1-London-233

2-Bristol-219

3-Birmingham-188

4-Northampton-146

5-Leeds-129

6-Nottingham-125

7-Milton Keynes-122

8-Leicester-117

9-Manchester-101

10-Coventry-98

11-Bedford-90

12-Sheffield-86

13-Swindon-80

14-Peterborough-77

15-Doncaster-77

16-Stoke-on-Trent-73

17-Bradford-71

18-Exeter-70

19-Warrington-70

20-Derby-69

Clare Bottle, CEO at the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA), adds: “Today’s market is tougher than ever before for the warehousing sector. Labour shortages are no longer limited to the Christmas peak trading period nor are they restricted to warehousing’s famous ‘Golden Triangle’ in the East Midlands.

“In light of the failure of Government to recognise or even mention the role of warehousing and logistics in last month’s Levelling Up white paper, this research is particularly timely, providing an important evidential basis for UKWA’s continued representation to policymakers for more support in the face of critical labour shortages.

“Indeed, a recent poll of our members confirmed that labour shortages are the number one concern for 2022 and our National Conference this week (8-9th March), will focus on the theme of Building Tomorrow’s Workforce Today.”

For more information about this research, CLICK HERE

 

Research identifies warehouse worker shortage

Posted on by David Priestman

New research has shown which areas of the UK have been hit hardest by the skills crisis engulfing the transport and logistics industry.

The continued e-commerce boom, and a reduction in EU labour availability, has left many firms struggling to find enough warehouse operatives to meet high customer demand – but analysis by Mintsoft shows that some regions are faring worse than others.

According to the research, London tops the list for the highest number of unfilled vacancies at 233, according to live jobs board data compiled on 21st February 2022.

Next was Bristol with 219 roles available, followed by Birmingham (188) and Northampton (146).

Commenting on the findings, Rob Hodgson, WMS and E-commerce Fulfilment Expert at Mintsoft, said: “Anyone who works in the industry knows how difficult it’s become to recruit operatives but our data sheds light on the regional discrepancies. Competition for skills is particularly fierce in the capital, perhaps because it’s traditionally been home to EU nationals who have now left.

“The pandemic has changed consumer buying behaviour forever, which will continue to drive demand in the e-commerce and 3PL sector. While this is clearly good news, it puts immense pressure on businesses, especially SMEs, to deliver – at a time when increasing a headcount isn’t an option.

“3PLs recognise this and are increasingly investing in their warehouse operations in order to make better use of their existing resources.”

The 20 locations with the biggest shortage of warehouse operatives were as follows (Ranking-Location-Number of warehouse operative roles):

1-London-233

2-Bristol-219

3-Birmingham-188

4-Northampton-146

5-Leeds-129

6-Nottingham-125

7-Milton Keynes-122

8-Leicester-117

9-Manchester-101

10-Coventry-98

11-Bedford-90

12-Sheffield-86

13-Swindon-80

14-Peterborough-77

15-Doncaster-77

16-Stoke-on-Trent-73

17-Bradford-71

18-Exeter-70

19-Warrington-70

20-Derby-69

Clare Bottle, CEO at the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA), adds: “Today’s market is tougher than ever before for the warehousing sector. Labour shortages are no longer limited to the Christmas peak trading period nor are they restricted to warehousing’s famous ‘Golden Triangle’ in the East Midlands.

“In light of the failure of Government to recognise or even mention the role of warehousing and logistics in last month’s Levelling Up white paper, this research is particularly timely, providing an important evidential basis for UKWA’s continued representation to policymakers for more support in the face of critical labour shortages.

“Indeed, a recent poll of our members confirmed that labour shortages are the number one concern for 2022 and our National Conference this week (8-9th March), will focus on the theme of Building Tomorrow’s Workforce Today.”

For more information about this research, CLICK HERE

 

Ukraine conflict to cause significant pressure on pallet supply

Posted on by David Priestman

The European Federation of Wooden Pallet & Packaging Manufacturers (FEFPEB) has expressed its deep sympathies and support for the people of Ukraine and advised that the conflict in Ukraine is expected to cause significant pressure on the supply of wood, and therefore pallets and packaging, in the coming weeks.

Last year, Ukraine exported more than 2.7 million cu m of sawn softwood timber, a significant amount of this for wooden pallets and packaging manufactured in European markets including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Poland. The country also produced and exported an estimated 15 million pallets, mainly to Europe.

The severe slowdown in the Ukrainian economy and stop in production will have serious direct impacts on countries such as Hungary, Italy and Germany (the three most prolific softwood importers from Ukraine); and also an indirect impact across Europe by unbalancing the market and increasing competition for more limited wood supplies and putting upwards pressure on prices.

Meanwhile, with Russia exporting approximately 4.5m cu m of softwood timber into the EU (with Estonia, Germany, Finland the largest importers) and Belarus exporting approximately 3.1m cu m (spruce and pine combined), Europe will be significantly impacted by trade sanctions that have been introduced against the two countries – which FEFPEB supports.

Some countries source up to 25% of their pallet and packaging timber from the three countries. Alternative timber sources including Scandinavia, Germany and the Baltic States are only capable of covering a small proportion of the shortfall.

Energy supplies have also been severely disrupted, increasing the price of fuel, with growth in the price of petrol of more than 30%, and the cost of a barrel of oil now more than US$110. This, says FEFPEB, will have a “significant impact” on the cost of heat treatment and kiln drying of timber to ISPM 15 standards, on transport and on the overall cost of production – leading inevitably to product price rises.

The above challenges add to existing pressures caused by the ongoing global shipping crisis, labour shortages, low availability and high prices of raw materials – including a severe shortage of steel for the production of nails – and generally disrupted transport flows around the world.

FEFPEB Secretary General Fons Ceelaert said: “The terrible events unfolding in Ukraine have had an immediate impact on industries of all kinds, disrupting vital trade flows, and reducing availability of many different materials and goods. The usual supplies of timber needed for the production and repair of wooden pallets and packaging have had been hit hard, and availability has been significantly reduced.

“Alongside the sizeable ongoing international challenges that already exist in the market, we expect to see a general upward trend in the price of all commodities, including wood. In the meantime, our member associations’ businesses around Europe are working hard to secure supplies from their partners in order to maintain continuity of pallet and packaging production.

“FEFPEB is in close contact with CEI-Bois and the European Commission, with whom we have shared our moral and economic concerns. We will continue to liaise with industry sources and monitor up-to-date information to enable us to keep our membership and the market informed about the very latest developments in this ongoing situation.”

similar news

Logistics in Ukraine: Still Going

 

 

 

Ukraine conflict to cause significant pressure on pallet supply

Posted on by David Priestman

The European Federation of Wooden Pallet & Packaging Manufacturers (FEFPEB) has expressed its deep sympathies and support for the people of Ukraine and advised that the conflict in Ukraine is expected to cause significant pressure on the supply of wood, and therefore pallets and packaging, in the coming weeks.

Last year, Ukraine exported more than 2.7 million cu m of sawn softwood timber, a significant amount of this for wooden pallets and packaging manufactured in European markets including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Poland. The country also produced and exported an estimated 15 million pallets, mainly to Europe.

The severe slowdown in the Ukrainian economy and stop in production will have serious direct impacts on countries such as Hungary, Italy and Germany (the three most prolific softwood importers from Ukraine); and also an indirect impact across Europe by unbalancing the market and increasing competition for more limited wood supplies and putting upwards pressure on prices.

Meanwhile, with Russia exporting approximately 4.5m cu m of softwood timber into the EU (with Estonia, Germany, Finland the largest importers) and Belarus exporting approximately 3.1m cu m (spruce and pine combined), Europe will be significantly impacted by trade sanctions that have been introduced against the two countries – which FEFPEB supports.

Some countries source up to 25% of their pallet and packaging timber from the three countries. Alternative timber sources including Scandinavia, Germany and the Baltic States are only capable of covering a small proportion of the shortfall.

Energy supplies have also been severely disrupted, increasing the price of fuel, with growth in the price of petrol of more than 30%, and the cost of a barrel of oil now more than US$110. This, says FEFPEB, will have a “significant impact” on the cost of heat treatment and kiln drying of timber to ISPM 15 standards, on transport and on the overall cost of production – leading inevitably to product price rises.

The above challenges add to existing pressures caused by the ongoing global shipping crisis, labour shortages, low availability and high prices of raw materials – including a severe shortage of steel for the production of nails – and generally disrupted transport flows around the world.

FEFPEB Secretary General Fons Ceelaert said: “The terrible events unfolding in Ukraine have had an immediate impact on industries of all kinds, disrupting vital trade flows, and reducing availability of many different materials and goods. The usual supplies of timber needed for the production and repair of wooden pallets and packaging have had been hit hard, and availability has been significantly reduced.

“Alongside the sizeable ongoing international challenges that already exist in the market, we expect to see a general upward trend in the price of all commodities, including wood. In the meantime, our member associations’ businesses around Europe are working hard to secure supplies from their partners in order to maintain continuity of pallet and packaging production.

“FEFPEB is in close contact with CEI-Bois and the European Commission, with whom we have shared our moral and economic concerns. We will continue to liaise with industry sources and monitor up-to-date information to enable us to keep our membership and the market informed about the very latest developments in this ongoing situation.”

similar news

Logistics in Ukraine: Still Going

 

 

 

Cameroon terminal updates fleet with Konecranes trucks

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The Container Terminal Management of the Port of Douala (RTC) has received delivery of five Konecranes Liftace reach stackers and one empty container handler to increase the productivity of its operations. The order was booked in April 2021, and the lift trucks were handed over in a special on-site ceremony in December 2021.

RTC is part of the Port Authority of Douala and has been in charge of managing the terminal on the west African coast since January 2020. Douala is the economic centre of – and the largest city in – Cameroon. It is one of central Africa’s largest ports, also providing sea access to the landlocked regions of Chad, the Central African Republic and the northern area of the Republic of the Congo. RTC is keen to update its multimodal terminal with reliable, modern container handling equipment to increase capacity as demand continues to rise, with an average annual throughput of 370,000 TEU traveling on sea, road and rail. The lift trucks are used for most of the export yard operations and taking care of empty containers.

“Our terminal has been using Konecranes products for years, and they’ve provided outstanding performance,” says Adepi Martin, Chief Operation Officer of RTC. “With the help of their excellent customer service, we’re sure that these new Konecranes lift trucks will help us to maximise our efficiency all the way from landside to quayside, reduce vessel anchorage time and transit time, and improve container truck turnaround.”

“This new delivery shows the level of confidence that RTC has in Konecranes,” says Winfried Lux, Sales Manager for Konecranes Lift Trucks. “We offer durability, reliability and flexibility in both our products and our partnership with them. Local dealer Patterson Simons & Co. (Africa) Ltd. has provided essential support whenever needed and we are pleased to continue working with RTC as they develop their terminal fleet into the future.”

The five new reach stackers are Konecranes Liftace SMV 4532 TCE5s, sturdy 45-tonne lifting machines able to stack up to five containers high. The empty container handler is an SMV 6/7 ECC 90, with a wide mast for the option of stacking six empty high-cube containers or seven standard containers. All six lift trucks feature the ergonomic OPTIMA cabin for comfort and wide visibility, and each vehicle uses a Tier 3 engine to maintain productivity while minimising fuel consumption and emissions.

Included in the delivery are full spare parts packages, ensuring that parts will always be available when needed, eliminating delivery wait times, minimising downtime and allowing easier maintenance planning.

A strong focus on customers and a commitment to business growth and continuous improvement make Konecranes a lifting industry leader. This is underpinned by investments in digitalisation and technology, plus our work to make material flows more efficient with solutions that decarbonise the economy and advance circularity and safety.

Cameroon terminal updates fleet with Konecranes trucks

Posted on by David Priestman

The Container Terminal Management of the Port of Douala (RTC) has received delivery of five Konecranes Liftace reach stackers and one empty container handler to increase the productivity of its operations. The order was booked in April 2021, and the lift trucks were handed over in a special on-site ceremony in December 2021.

RTC is part of the Port Authority of Douala and has been in charge of managing the terminal on the west African coast since January 2020. Douala is the economic centre of – and the largest city in – Cameroon. It is one of central Africa’s largest ports, also providing sea access to the landlocked regions of Chad, the Central African Republic and the northern area of the Republic of the Congo. RTC is keen to update its multimodal terminal with reliable, modern container handling equipment to increase capacity as demand continues to rise, with an average annual throughput of 370,000 TEU traveling on sea, road and rail. The lift trucks are used for most of the export yard operations and taking care of empty containers.

“Our terminal has been using Konecranes products for years, and they’ve provided outstanding performance,” says Adepi Martin, Chief Operation Officer of RTC. “With the help of their excellent customer service, we’re sure that these new Konecranes lift trucks will help us to maximise our efficiency all the way from landside to quayside, reduce vessel anchorage time and transit time, and improve container truck turnaround.”

“This new delivery shows the level of confidence that RTC has in Konecranes,” says Winfried Lux, Sales Manager for Konecranes Lift Trucks. “We offer durability, reliability and flexibility in both our products and our partnership with them. Local dealer Patterson Simons & Co. (Africa) Ltd. has provided essential support whenever needed and we are pleased to continue working with RTC as they develop their terminal fleet into the future.”

The five new reach stackers are Konecranes Liftace SMV 4532 TCE5s, sturdy 45-tonne lifting machines able to stack up to five containers high. The empty container handler is an SMV 6/7 ECC 90, with a wide mast for the option of stacking six empty high-cube containers or seven standard containers. All six lift trucks feature the ergonomic OPTIMA cabin for comfort and wide visibility, and each vehicle uses a Tier 3 engine to maintain productivity while minimising fuel consumption and emissions.

Included in the delivery are full spare parts packages, ensuring that parts will always be available when needed, eliminating delivery wait times, minimising downtime and allowing easier maintenance planning.

A strong focus on customers and a commitment to business growth and continuous improvement make Konecranes a lifting industry leader. This is underpinned by investments in digitalisation and technology, plus our work to make material flows more efficient with solutions that decarbonise the economy and advance circularity and safety.

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