project44 expands network coverage in China

project44, a leader in advanced visibility for shippers and logistics service providers, will expand its real-time shipment tracking services in China, giving clients the same transportation visibility it offers across mature markets such as North American and Europe.

This expansion will focus the company’s resources on Asia-based visibility to fulfil its vision for global end-to-end visibility across all modes of transportation.

With logistics events in Asia continuing to send shockwaves across western markets, the opacity of Asia’s trucking markets has emerged as a weak link in global supply chains. As the economic recovery picks up pace, global supply chains are under pressure to improve agility, predictability, and efficiency.

At the same time, truckload markets in Asia have been modernising rapidly as old trucks go out of service and China continues to incentivise the scrapping of old trucks. Newer trucks are equipped with electronic logging devices, paving the way to connect these trucks (with necessary data privacy provisions) to supply chain networks. These developments allow project44 to provide the foundational data needed to translate early indicators into important levers for supply chain resiliency.

The move by project44 to ramp up visibility in China has garnered broad support across the industry: “Over the past year, Gartner has seen a dramatic increase in interest for Real-Time Transportation Visibility (RTTV) in the Asia Pacific,” said Bart A. De Muynck, Research Vice President, Transportation Technology at Gartner.

“The sheer size of the Asia Pacific region combined with the diverse cultures spread across it creates unique challenges for transportation. Organisations that operate complex global supply chains often favour visibility solutions that can be implemented and utilised worldwide.

“project44 is recognised as a leader by Gartner for its strong presence in both North America and Europe. Enterprise shippers that operate in Asia will benefit from project44’s expanded carrier coverage in China.”

“Building a more predictable global supply chain to increase on-time delivery and customer satisfaction is key to Lenovo’s business strategy,” said Renée Ure, Chief Operating Officer, Lenovo Infrastructure Solutions Group. “It’s critical to understand when materials are arriving from our suppliers to our factories across the world. project44’s expansion into the Asia Pacific region will give us further end-to-end visibility into our global supply chain to help us deliver on our promises to our customers.”

“CNHi is a truly global company in 180 countries. The recent state of global transportation has proven challenging, in part because it is difficult to manage our supply chains that span so many countries when disruption is high and visibility is so fragmented,” said Dror Noach, Vice President of Global Logistics, CNH Industrial. “Gaining better visibility of both domestic and inbound flows going into our Asian manufacturing plants, especially China, could be quite beneficial for us. We believe project44’s efforts to expand coverage in this region can help us improve assurance of supply and increase our efficiency.”

project44’s best-in-class network already connects truckload carriers on every continent and nearly all containerised ocean freight moving between them, however, getting visibility into Asia’s trucking market remains a challenge for shippers. Its increased focus on Asian markets allows project44 to increase saturation outside of mature transportation markets and into Asia’s ground transportation networks.

“At project44 we want to be wherever our customers need us, which means being connected to carriers all over the globe. For the first time ever, shippers can have a true global view of their supply chain network in a single platform”, said Jett McCandless, CEO and Founder of project44. “With our expansion into the Asia Pacific, we are considering the capabilities, regulations, and intricacies within each country which is key to delivering value to our current and future customers.”

By expanding visibility in Asian markets, project44 will help buyers of Asian goods increase the resiliency of their supply chains. And in the process, project44 will extend visibility to domestic Asian shippers and logistics service providers who demand the same real-time transportation visibility enjoyed in western markets.

MSK conserves packing resources

Industrial packing solutions provider MSK is looking at ways to help reduce the amount of plastic used when wrapping goods for storage and transportation.

The use of film to secure loads on pallets is still frequently the packing solution that is the most economical and gentle on the environment. Nevertheless, it is possible to achieve considerable savings in material and costs with the choice of the suitable method.

That is why, through the choice of the right method, packaging unit costs can often be kept stable or even reduced, even with rising film costs. MSK has specialised in individual, comparative tests of different packaging methods as well as transport simulations with customer products from a wide range of industries.

Customer test centres set up specifically for this allow fact-based decisions related to film needs and load stability. It is also often possible to realise noticeable savings in the primary packaging through the optimisation of the secondary packaging.

Aside from the choice of packaging method (shrinking, hood stretching, or spiral stretching) another decisive factor is the choice of the packaging material – the film. Often it is possible to use thinner films or even films made of recycled material. For example, pallet loads have been packed on MSK packaging machines with films made of 98% bio-based materials – a milestone in the reduction of the CO2 footprint.

MSK consistently uses innovative technology and patented methods on its machines that allow the use of the thinnest of films with minimum film consumption.

Compared to most other pallet securing alternatives, film packaging is 100% recyclable, and is usually completely recycled in closed-loop systems. In terms of climate impermeability, film packaging is second to none: compared to packaging made of any kind of paper, film alone offers 6-sided tight moisture protection for the product.

Sustainability is increasingly made possible through the digitalisation of processes. Through MSK’s digital EMSY products, it is possible to continuously monitor and analyse MSK systems with the help of live figures and statistics, and promptly optimise them in terms of energy and film consumption.

Environmentally friendly machine concepts, saving energy and materials, minimising emissions, and making responsible use of human resources are goals which will continue to define the development and production processes of the MSK Covertech Group in the coming years.

For example, the mean energy consumption of an MSK shrink frame was 10% below the average and was reduced another 13% with the latest new development in 2020.

DSV Panalpina acquires Agility GIL

Two years after buying Panalpina, DSV Panalpina has announced the acquisition of Agility Global Integrated Logistics (GIL) is a deal worth $4.2 billion. The resultant group will become the world’s third-largest transport and logistics company when the deal is concluded in Q3/2021.

Global Integrated Logistics is part of Agility and one of the world’s top freight forwarding and 3PL providers. In 2020, the company had $4 billion in revenue, mainly related to air & sea freight, and a workforce of approximately 17,000 employees.

DSV recently completed the integration of the company’s largest acquisition to date, the Swiss Panalpina, and with the acquisition of GIL, DSV Panalpina will become the world’s third-largest transport and logistics company with a combined pro forma revenue of approximately $22 billion – an increase of around 23% – and a combined workforce of more than 70,000 employees.

The Air & Sea-division, the largest division of DSV Panalpina, will be substantially strengthened in particular with the acquisition of GIL and will consolidate the rank among the largest providers globally with close to 2.8 million containers (TEUs) and more than 1.6 million tonnes of air freight transported annually.

The contract logistics capabilities, which are increasingly important due to complex supply chains and changing distribution channels, will strengthen DSV’s Solutions division with GIL’s additional warehousing capacity of more than 1.4 million sq m, mainly in APAC and the Middle East. Furthermore, GIL will add road freight activities to DSV’s network in both Europe and the Middle East and thereby increase DSV’s competitiveness across all three divisions.

DSV and GIL are a strong match with valuable synergies as a result of similarities in both business models, services and strategies. According to the Group CEO of DSV Panalpina, Jens Bjørn Andersen, there are many good reasons to join forces with the Middle Eastern transport and logistics provider: “GIL and DSV are an excellent match, and we are proud that we can announce our agreement to join forces. The combination of our two global networks will provide us with the opportunity to offer our customers an even higher service level.

“GIL’s strong market position in APAC and the Middle East complements DSV’s network well and will support our long-term value creation ambitions. Our two groups already share a culture of entrepreneurship and local ownership, and we look forward to welcoming GIL’s talented staff to DSV.”

DSV has long been known for its acquisition strategy and has found success in both acquiring and integrating companies, most recently Swiss Panalpina in 2019 and American UTi Worldwide in 2015. The focus on scalability remains one of the key competitive advantages in freight forwarding with significant operational and commercial benefits in a highly fragmented market.

DSV Panalpina and GIL expect to close the transaction in Q3 2021 provided conditions are met and necessary approvals are obtained. Until then, DSV Panalpina and GIL will continue to operate separately and independently.

Bicycle Association addresses logistics challenges

The Bicycle Association (BA) is working across the industry to find a solution to the rising logistics costs and quality issues faced by the cycling trade. Over the past year cycling has experienced unprecedented growth, with the BA projecting £1bn increase in the UK cycling market.

The cycling industry has worked hard to ensure that prices across all categories remain accessible to anyone who wants to cycle. Unfortunately, along with the sector growth there have also been rising transport and logistics costs and quality issues.

To find a solution and ensure cycling remains accessible to everyone, the BA has sought advice from members and appointed specialist procurement firm JMCL Consulting.

Jonny Michael, CEO of JMCL Consulting commented: “We’re using our Enlightened Procurement approach to build for the short, medium and long term. We’re involving Logistics & Transport industry providers, in collaboration with BA Members and other key stakeholders, to develop a creative and sustainable solution. This is a classic yet complex procurement challenge. We consider that the eventual solution will not only yield significantly improved value for the cycling industry, but also provide social and environmental benefits.”

“Covid has added £1bn to the cycling market, accelerating the re-emergence of cycling as a strategic industry for transport, health and environment,” says Steve Garidis, Bicycle Association Executive Director. “We know that this growth is set to continue so we need to find efficient solutions to ensure bikes and components get where they need to be for people to access them.”

Logistics & Transport providers who would like to be involved should contact JMCL via email at: j.michael@jmclconsulting.com.

Current cycling market snapshot (figures from BA’s Market Data Service):

  • UK cycling market valued at £2.31bn in 2020, an increase of 45% vs 2019
    E-bike sales share to nearly double by 2023
    Major online shift in cycling sales, from 60:40 to 40:60 (retail:online) over last 12 months
    Double-digit growth maintained across all main cycling categories throughout 2020 and into early 2021

New partnership yields cloud-based print innovation

Perceptor PTXL is the first innovation to emerge from a new partnership between thermal print specialists, TSC Printronix Auto ID, and complex optical inspection solutions expert, InterVision Global.

The joint cooperation sees TSC Printronix Auto ID‘s world-renowned barcode verifier, the ODV-2D, and its T8000 printer combined with an unparalleled centralised, cloud-based inspection system. The end-to-end solution, Perceptor PTXL, enables companies to monitor, verify and control their print process across multiple networked printing systems, irrespective of where in the world the devices are located.

“We are delighted InterVision Global has leveraged our unparalleled ODV-2D and T8000 printer technology with a cloud-based system to enable unlimited printers around the world to be connected and managed by one central server,” says Neil Baker, Sales Manager UK, Ireland, BeNeLux and South Africa, at TSC Auto ID Technology EMEA GmbH.

Perceptor PTXL is expected to prove most beneficial to global brands in highly regulated sectors such as automotive, healthcare, life sciences, medical device, pharmaceutical, and food and beverage, where printed barcodes and human readable text must meet minimum quality requirements. Incorrectly printed barcodes, label content or duplicate serial numbers can prove costly in chargebacks for non-conformities and rework, as well as rejected deliveries.

“This integrated solution makes global control of printing processes possible, ensuring labels meet ISO barcode print quality and data content compliance. Perceptor PTXL inspects and verifies every label in real-time. It ensures codes are formatted correctly, or if label sizes are correct or barcode heights are wrong. Every defective label is overstruck and destroyed with no need for manual intervention,” says Mark Worlidge, Managing Director at InterVision Global.

Perceptor PTXL controls the print process so unauthorised labels cannot be printed. Once an authenticated user is logged in and the system is running, labels can be printed and barcodes verified by the T8000/ODV-2D. Once they’ve passed verification, labels are inspected for OCR on human readable text, for blemishes and that data content and patterns match.

All this is done in real-time with each failure being overstruck. All data is recorded to the customer’s own Azure Hosted Tenancy which is held and replicated in the cloud ensuring full traceability and an audit trail. Batch information and accumulated serial numbers are all held centrally ensuring that no two systems can duplicate label printing.

 

 

Inform integrates middleware into Syncrotess

Inform has successfully integrated Linker, a proven middleware, into ITS Synrotess Rail Scheduler, an add-on solution to optimise train unloading and loading processes.

As a result, all container terminals using a standard Navis N4 Terminal Operating System (TOS) can now introduce Inform’s Syncrotess Rail Scheduler quickly using this proven middleware for faster deployment and return on investment (ROI).

Inform is a market leader in add-on AI and optimisation software to facilitate improved decision making. Based in Aachen, Germany, with a regional office in Atlanta, United States, the company has been in the optimisation business for over 50 years and serves a wide span of logistics industries including ports, maritime, and intermodal terminals.

“We are excited to have successfully launched integrated version of Linker at GCT Deltaport. With a proven middleware between Syncrotess and the Navis N4 TOS means that other terminals wanting to benefit from the advanced add-on optimisation that Inform offers for rail operations can do so more quickly and cost effectively,” commented Dr. Eva Savelsberg, Senior Vice President, Logistics Division of Inform.

The Syncrotess Rail Scheduler optimises train loading and unloading processes between yard blocks and rail tracks and back again. The optimiser accomplishes this in real-time by adjusting to crane schedules and crane positions, aiming to reduce the cranes’ travel distances and simultaneously increase container handling efficiency.

The solution supports double-cycling whenever possible to create positive handover and equipment transfer flows. In terminals with multiple rail cranes, the Rail Scheduler considers the full picture (i.e., all handling equipment) when assigning work and dynamically splits the cranes to avoid handling delays. Workloads are adjusted automatically for planned maintenance, breaks, and unforeseen workflow disruptions.

Dr. Rafael Velasquez, Senior Consultant and Project Manager for North American optimisation projects at Inform commented: “The Linker has been successfully integrated into Inform’s Syncrotess solution and enhanced with additional logging and monitoring services to bring it up to Inform’s high standard for software development and has successfully gone live in our North American installations.”

Geodis makes Americas appointment

Geodis has promoted Anthony Jordan to the role of Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Americas region.

An industry veteran with more than 35 years of experience, Jordan is appointed EVP and COO after serving most recently as Senior Vice President and Head of Market Line Operations for Geodis in Americas. Jordan has dedicated the past 15 years of his career at Geodis in various senior-level positions.

“Throughout Anthony’s 15-year tenure at Geodis, he has proven himself as a true logistics professional who has played an instrumental role in supporting our company’s growth,” said Mike Honious, Geodis in Americas President & CEO. “Since his start at Geodis, Anthony has been an integral team member responsible for cultivating impactful customer relationships, and his experience and vision will be critical to the continued success of the company as we move into the future.”

Jordan began his career at Geodis in 2005 as the Director of Customer Care where he led critical initiatives such as its customer satisfaction survey, net promoter score and quarterly business reviews across key accounts. In 2010, he was promoted to Vice President of Account Management. Among his many accomplishments, he was responsible for implementing its Customer Relationship Management Program to maintain and enhance its client service capabilities.

In 2013, Jordan was promoted to Senior Vice President of Contract Logistics Operations where he oversaw the design and implementation of customized logistics solutions from production and warehousing to distribution to the final customer. Prior to his promotion as EVP and COO, Jordan served as Senior Vice President and Head of Market Line Operations where he developed and executed strategies to optimize key accounts utilising multiple Geodis sites across its vast network.

In his new role, Jordan will be responsible for developing the strategic vision and providing operational leadership across Geodis in Americas. Leveraging his expertise, Jordan will continue developing strategies to further grow the company’s high level of customer service.

Prior to joining Geodis, Jordan spent 18 years in similar industry positions at FedEx Supply Chain. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Memphis in Tennessee.

Johnston Logistics unveils new website

Leading logistics provider Johnston Logistics UK has unveiled its new website. The growing company’s new online presence better represents its growing reputation as a provider of warehousing and logistics for leading brands and retailers.

“When I look back at recent years, we’ve developed a lot; both as a business and as a team. We want to continue this journey and it’s important to have a website that better reflects both where we are and where we’re going,” says Rob McIndoe, Director of Johnston Logistics UK.

With an increased focus on its 40 years of experience and use of new technology, the website reflects the growth in Johnston Logistics UK’s reputation and was built by Full Mix Marketing who deliver all the logistics expert’s marketing.

“In the almost four years we’ve worked with Johnston Logistics UK, it’s clear they’ve grown in stature, capabilities and success. We wanted to ensure their website helped communicate just that to all the visitors driven to the website by marketing,” says Sarah West, Managing Director of Full Mix Marketing.

Through search engine optimisation (SEO) and content marketing, the B2B marketing agency reports that the existing Johnston Logistics UK website has received a four-fold increase in impressions on leading search engines over the past 12 months.

Johnston Logistics UK was formally established in 2010 but can trace its history back to 1978. It now handles over 320 million individual items each year. As a Primary Consolidation Centre for ASDA, over 50% of the wine sold in their supermarkets passes through Johnston Logistics UK’s Snetterton site.

As well as investing in digital marketing, the logistics expert has recently made a significant further investment in technology with a state-of-the-art Warehouse Management System (WMS). The new software has enhanced efficiency and the ease with which Johnston Logistics UK can integrate with its customers’ own systems and provide them with real-time information.

“It’s been an unprecedented 12 months with the pandemic. Our team has worked exceptionally hard to support existing clients and a growing number of leading businesses. But it’s still been important to invest in our future and the website is one way we can show clients we’re always developing and looking to become even more supportive,” continues Rob McIndoe.

From its 700,000 sq ft of warehousing in Norfolk, Johnston Logistics UK delivers storage, logistics and fulfilment for businesses in sectors including wine, food, other fast-moving consumer goods and commercial products. It offers a complete range of services including palletised warehousing, HMRC customs and bonded warehousing, eCommerce fulfilment and complete third-party logistics.

Webinar on France: The Post-Brexit Logistics Hub

The United Kingdom’s exit from the EU is forcing companies on both sides of the Channel to rethink value and supply chains. For British and Irish companies willing to keep taking advantage of the European market, France offers an array of solutions and resources: from smart borders to multimodal solutions, world class infrastructure, available real estate & turnkey sites and more.

Join Logistics Business and Business France as well as our panel of expert speakers for a virtual round table discussion and learn more:

  • What does France offer to support logistics solutions managers’ strategies?
  • What has been the experience so far of companies already using logistics solutions in the country?
  • How can businesses successfully set up operations in France?

Our moderator, Paul Hamblin, Editor-In-Chief of Logistics Business, will be joined by:

  • VIP Guest Speaker: Frank Riester, French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade & Economic Attractiveness
  • Anne-Marie Idrac – Chairwoman of France Logistique, Former Secretary of State for Transport and Foreign Trade
  • Olivier Thouard, President of the International Commission of TLF Overseas (French Transport & Logistics Association), Chair of TLF/TLF OVS Brexit Working Group and Customs & Fiscal representation Director at GEFCO
  • Richard Catt – Director, PSL Freight
  • Rob Burrows, Managing Director, UPS France
  • Christopher Devernay, Senior Director, Procter & Gamble Amiens Plant Manager

WHEN IS THE WEBINAR ON FRANCE AS A LOGISTICS HUB?

Wednesday 21st April 2021
17:00 PM – 18:00 PM CEST (16:00 – 17:00 BST)

You will have the opportunity to ask your questions. Please feel free to send any questions you wish to ask the panel to: invest.ukireland@businessfrance.fr

Click here to register to attend for free now.

Menzies makes carbon-neutral commitment

Global aviation logistics specialist Menzies Aviation has committed to make 100% of its operations carbon neutral by the company’s 200-year anniversary in 2033. Menzies believes it is the first aviation services company to make this ground-breaking commitment to carbon neutrality.

Menzies Aviation will formalise the commitment by becoming a signatory to the UN Global Compact in 2021, which supports the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In order to reach carbon neutrality Menzies will focus on investing in electric ground support equipment (GSE), reducing emissions through identifying operational efficiencies and balancing remaining emissions with carbon offsetting initiatives.

The transition to electric and lower-emission GSE is particularly critical to reducing carbon footprint and supporting customers’ sustainability ambitions, and in 2020 Menzies made significant progress in upgrading equipment as part of new contracts.

At Gothenburg and Stockholm airports a new contract with Qatar Airways enabled Menzies to invest in three new electric baggage tractors and two new electric aircraft loaders, as well as an electric towbarless tractor in Stockholm.

In South Africa, a new contract with Mango Airlines saw the Group purchase 15 new electric belt loaders and 12 new electric baggage tractors across three airports in South Africa – Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. In North America, Menzies replaced and retired older, less efficient GSE across four locations and will continue to do so across the region.

Alongside investment in new equipment, Menzies will support teams with implementing processes to make zero fuel spills a daily target throughout the business as well as local initiatives to reduce energy use and lessen environmental impacts. Efforts to enhance the sustainability of operations will complement Menzies’ broader ESG programme which promotes responsible business, from legal and ethical compliance, to employee engagement and development and supporting the local communities in which Menzies operates.

Philipp Joeinig, CEO & Chairman of Menzies Aviation said: “Menzies is a business that has constantly adapted and what better way to mark our 200-year anniversary in 2033 than to celebrate our next era of environmental sustainability by achieving carbon neutrality.

“As flight volumes recover we see an opportunity to rebuild the aviation industry to be more sustainable, and we will be taking advantage of this to promote greener operations across our entire business. With our Sustainability Strategy and Programme now in place, we have clearly defined targets and supporting action plans to help realise them, however it is critical that we build relationships across the aviation ecosystem, from trade bodies to suppliers, to ensure that we can collectively remove barriers to green innovation and adoption.”

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