Monday, April 23, 2012

DHL Express “Delivers the World Faster” in Chicago


Plantation, Fla.: April 23, 2012 – DHL Express, the world’s leading international express services provider, announced today it has invested significantly to enhance and expand its pick-up and delivery services in the Chicago area. Amid the new City of Chicago export strategy led by Mayor Rahm Emanuel to double Chicago exports over the next five years, DHL now makes it more convenient for businesses to reach the global marketplace with earlier deliveries and later than ever pick-up times supported by more than 40 new employees. The effort is backed by an aggressive radio and out-of-home advertising campaign featuring such headlines as “Delivering the World Faster” and “Chicago’s Own International Specialists” that target small and medium-sized businesses.

“After meticulous strategic planning and preparation, DHL Express is now able to provide business owners in the city with faster, more convenient service and shipping options,” said Al Burba, Sr. VP and General Manager of the Midwest/Mid-Atlantic U.S. for DHL Express. “Chicago is one of the most dynamic and thriving business locations in the U.S. and key to our strategic growth plans. We are confident that our operational enhancements and brand visibility will strengthen our reputation as the leader in international express shipping within Chicago and beyond.”

To support these operational investments, DHL Express is rolling out a city-wide advertising campaign featuring the benefits of its later pick-ups and earlier deliveries to and from Chicago and the rest of the world. Starting Monday, April 23, the campaign includes radio advertising, as well as out-of-home placements on bulletins, wallscapes, elevator and office networks and metro station “domination” advertising at the highly traveled Clarke and Lake ‘L’ station.

DHL Express is also a Silver sponsor and Official Express Delivery Provider of the ‘28th Chicago Latino Film Festival’ (April 13-26) presented by the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago (ILCC), underscoring its commitment to cultural and civic issues of importance to the Latino community.

DHL

DHL is the global market leader in the logistics industry and “The Logistics company for the world”. DHL commits its expertise in international express, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation, contract logistics and international mail services to its customers. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and about 275,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their supply chain requirements. DHL accepts its social responsibility by supporting climate protection, disaster management and education.

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL. The Group generated revenue of 53 billion euros in 2011.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Over 30 Leading North American 3PLs Have Registered to Participate in LQ's Study


LQ’s Executive Editors are pleased to announce that more than 30 leading North American 3PLs have registered to participate in LQ’s 3PL Study and Awards Program this year at http://www.LQ3PLstudy.com .

In honor of those 3PLs registered to participate in LQ’s 3PL Study and Awards at www.LQ3PLstudy.com - prior to the due date of April 27th - LQ's appreciation and recognition of these firms will include:

LQ’s homepage appreciation featuring a roster of 3PLs that have joined LQ 3PL Study and Awards, under the heading: “Appreciation Matters: LQ Thanks You for Your Valued Participation in LQ’s Best 3PL Performers Sustainability Study 2012.

A summary of each 3PL’s entry published in LQ Magazine, and a listing of registered firms in LQ Magazine to show LQ’s Appreciation to 3PL businesses for their Valued Participation in LQ’s annual Sustainability Study and Awards Program (2012).

LQ is also pleased to announce today that its 3PL Sustainability Study and Awards, which continue to be a mark of excellence for North America’s Best 3PL Performers, will be celebrated at LQ’s inaugural U.S. Symposium in Dearborn, Michigan, on June 7th, 2012.

At this year’s Spring Symposium, LQ is looking forward to celebrating innovative 3PL supply chain sustainability practices with its Best 3PL Performer in Sustainability Winner award, representing the very best of four Best 3PL Performers in Sustainability award recipients.

LQ's Sustainability Study and Awards Program, which features North America’s Best 3PL Performers in Sustainability, continues to be a mark of excellence for private and publicly held 3PLs in the United States and Canada, thanks to the continued support of LQ’s annual program by C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

More information on LQ’s Spring Symposium, which will feature an afternoon session dedicated to LQ's 3PL study, can be viewed online at: http://logisticsquarterly.com/symposium/Symposium_June_2012/speakers.php

In order to register to attend LQ's Spring Symposium on June 7th at the Dearborn Inn, Dearborn, Michigan, please visit: http://www.LQsummit.com

I would also like to express my appreciation regarding LQ's June 7th Symposium Gold Sponsors, which have made this exciting day possible: BCG Logistics, C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc., DHL Express Canada, GENCO ATC, Landstar, Ryder.

LQ Magazine also appreciates the kind support of the following organizations for their invitation to their membership and subscribers to participate in LQ’s 3PL Sustainability Study and Awards Program (2012):

• The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)
• Detroit Regional Chamber
• Eyefortransport
• The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA)
• The Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC)

For more information on LQ’s June 7th Symposium Sponsorship Program, please contact Fred Moody at: fmoody@logisticsquarterly.com

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Agility Wins Heavy-Lift Contract to Move Railway Wagons from Spain to Kazakhstan


BASEL, Switzerland - April 18, 2012 - Agility, a leading global logistics provider, has won a contract to transport 420 railway wagons from Spain to Kazakhstan for Talgo, a leading Spanish manufacturer of railway wagons and components.

Agility teams across Europe – from Spain, Finland and Kazakhstan – will deliver this complex, heavy-lift project. Agility will provide all logistics services starting with the collection of the wagons at factories in Spain through delivery to Talgo’s factory in Astana, Kazakhstan. Throughout the project, Agility will leverage its specialized expertise, global network and partnerships to manage the movement of wagons from origin to final destination, while providing the highest standard of health, safety and quality management.

“Agility has a strong presence in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan,” said Francesc Casamitjana, Agility’s Managing Director of Area South. “We understand fast moving economies and bring experience and know-how to industries such as engineering, energy, mining and heavy equipment supply.”

Agility has scored an early success in delivering the initial shipment of wagons against extremely challenging deadlines.


About Agility
From its roots in emerging markets, Agility brings efficiency to supply chains in some of the globe’s most challenging environments, offering unmatched personal service, a global footprint and customized capabilities in developed countries and emerging economies alike. A publicly traded company, Agility is one of the world’s leading providers of integrated logistics with close to $6 billion in annual revenue and more than 22,000 employees in 550 offices across 100 countries.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Give & Go Prepared Business Outsourcing to Lakeside Logistics


Oakville, Ontario – In an effort to place a higher level of focus on what is core to their business success, Give & Go Prepared Foods Corp. made the strategic decision to outsource their North America-wide transportation requirements to Lakeside. The move leverages a strategic partnership with transportation management experts who have the depth of knowledge, processes and technology to help drive efficiencies and innovation across all areas of Give & Go’s business.

Drivers behind the decision include increasingly complex distribution networks, the growing complexity of supply chain management and the continued pressure for food companies to deliver bottom-line results.

“Through partnership with Lakeside, we benefit from having the expertise of the ideal transportation department as an extension of our team,” explains Joel Flatt CEO, Give & Go. “This allows us to focus on what we do best, delivering the very best premium bakery products to meet our customers’ needs.”

Lakeside brings 25 years of transportation management and supply chain experience to helping Give & Go develop and implement new distribution and transportation strategies that will enable existing and new business while keeping costs under control and service at the levels required to facilitate growth.

“We are thrilled about the opportunity to provide strategic value to Give & Go toward improving overall business performance,” says Jeff Moore, President & CEO, Lakeside. “Leveraging the depth of experience of our team along with proven processes and technology, we’re able to help Give & Go reduce operating costs, enable collaboration opportunities, increase capacity, expand their operations team and decrease distribution costs.

Give & Go’s transition to Lakeside began in December 2011 with process mapping, IT, business rules and carrier transitions. The phased approach continued into Q1 of 2012 with US and Canadian distribution completed end of March.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Livingston International finalizes acquisition of customs and trade compliance services of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

April 2, 2012 - CHICAGO – Livingston International has finalized the acquisition of the customs and trade compliance services of the Global Trade business of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., announced Livingston President and CEO Peter Luit.

This strategic acquisition includes the operations and technology of the former Vastera business, a global leader of customs and trade compliance solutions.  It builds on Livingston’s international trade expertise and offerings within the United States and Canada, while expanding its services to Mexico, Europe and Asia.

“In addition to accelerating our growth strategy,” said Peter Luit, “this highly complementary business gives us a very strong platform in import and export compliance management, developed for world-class companies headquartered in North America who do business globally.  The expert staff and unique technology we have acquired,” added Luit, “are vital to allow clients to realize cost savings and operational efficiencies while improving compliance with government regulations.
We are confident that our clients will benefit significantly from our deliberate focus on customs and trade compliance and our commitment to delivering first-class solutions.”

Livingston International provides customs brokerage and customs compliance services for many of the major importers and exporters in the pharmaceutical and medical devices industry, as well as manufacturers of telecommunications equipment; semiconductors and other electronics; motor vehicles and automotive parts; and agricultural, construction and mining equipment.

About Livingston

A leading North American customs broker, Livingston International also offers customs and international trade consulting services as well as international freight forwarding across North America and around the globe.  With its U.S. headquarters in Chicago, Livingston is a dominant customs broker along the U.S.-Canada border, with regional air/sea hubs in Los Angeles, New York and Norfolk, as well as a growing presence along the border with Mexico.  Livingston employs over 2,700 employees at more than 100 key border points, seaports, airports and other strategic locations in North America, Europe and the Far East.

MIQ LOGISTICS NAMED TOP NORTH AMERICAN 3PL

OVERLAND PARK, KS, April 4, 2012 -- MIQ Logistics is pleased to announce its selection by Logistics Quarterly magazine as a Top North American 3PL in their annual compilation. The esteemed list features leading 3PLs conducting business in the United States and Canada.

"We are pleased to be included on this respected list," says John Carr, president and chief operating officer. "Our operations are focused on the global supply chain, which encompasses global, distribution and transportation services. Our broad portfolio of services, combined with teamwork and a consistent value system and culture worldwide, deliver significant results for our customers in locations around the world," adds Carr.

Top Provider Selection Methodology
LQ's Eighth Edition of its annual Top North American 3PLs features leading U.S. and Canadian 3PLs conducting business in the United States and Canada. This edition profiles North America's Top 3PLs based on the following criteria: revenue, service area, assets, information systems, services, industry focus/key customers. In addition, each profile contains an evaluation by Armstrong & Associates. LQ's Top North American 3PL Edition is available as an App at www.LQreader.com or online at www.logisticsquarterly.com.

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.

HORIZON LINES RECEIVES LOWE'S PLATINUM CARRIER AWARD FOR SIXTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

CHARLOTTE, NC (April 04, 2012) -- Horizon Lines, Inc. (OTCQB: HRZL) one of the nation's leading domestic ocean shipping companies, has been awarded the "2011 Platinum Carrier Award" by home improvement retailer Lowe's Companies Inc. Horizon Lines is the only Jones Act ocean carrier to receive a 2011 award from Lowe's for domestic ocean transportation service.

The 2011 award marks the sixth consecutive year that Horizon Lines has received Lowe's Platinum Carrier Award, and the 11th consecutive year that Horizon Lines has been honored with a Lowe's award for providing consistently superior service.

The Platinum Carrier Award for exemplary on-time service and reliability was accepted on behalf of Horizon Lines by Randolph Page, Horizon's Southeast Sales Manager, and Toni Sikes, Business Development Sales Representative.  The award was presented by Steve Palmer, Vice President of Transportation for Lowe's, and Mark Ramsey, Lowe's Carrier Relations Manager, North America.

"Horizon Lines is honored to again receive Lowe's highest recognition for domestic ocean service transportation providers," said Brian Taylor, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "Partnering with Lowe's is a privilege that we must earn every day, and we are very appreciative of their recognition.  This award symbolizes the unwavering commitment and collaborative approach to customer service excellence demonstrated by Randolph Page and the dedicated team of associates at Horizon Lines who strive to ensure a consistently reliable supply chain."

For each year beginning with 2001, Horizon Lines has earned either the Lowe's Outstanding Ocean Service Provider Award or the Platinum Award for providing consistently superior service in the U.S. domestic ocean trades to Alaska and Hawaii. Lowe's first awarded its highest transportation honor, the Platinum Carrier Award, to Horizon Lines in 2006, and Horizon has earned that honor every year since then.

About Horizon Lines
Horizon Lines, Inc. is one of the nation's leading domestic ocean shipping companies and the only ocean cargo carrier serving all three noncontiguous domestic markets of Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico from the continental United States.  The company maintains a fleet of 15 fully Jones Act qualified vessels and operates five port terminals in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.  A trusted partner for many of the nation's leading retailers, manufacturers and U.S. government agencies, Horizon Lines provides reliable transportation services that leverage its unique combination of ocean transportation and inland distribution capabilities to deliver goods that are vital to the prosperity of the markets it serves.  The company is based in Charlotte, NC, and its stock trades on the over-the-counter market under the symbol HRZL.

Monday, April 2, 2012

PEPR sells Polish and German portfolios for €71.8 million

Luxembourg – 2 April 2012 – ProLogis European Properties (Euronext: PEPR), one of Europe’s largest owners of modern distribution facilities, announces today that it has sold eight logistics assets across Poland and Germany for a total of €71.8 million. Net proceeds from the sale will be used to further deleverage the business.

The disposal in Poland, to privately owned real estate firm Hines Global REIT, comprises approximately 73,000 square metres in five buildings, which are 93% occupied, located in Warsaw and Bedzin. The aggregate sales price for the Polish portfolio was €51.2 million. 
  
The disposal in Germany, to pan-European real estate investment manager Tristan Capital Partners, comprises just over 36,000 square metres in three fully occupied buildings, two of which are located in Saarwellingen, in Western Germany, and one in Malsfeld in Northern Germany. The aggregate sales price for the German portfolio was €20.6 million.

Both transactions, completed in line with market values, were part of the wider German and Polish portfolio disposals between Prologis, Inc. (NYSE: PLD) and Tristan Capital Partners and Hines Global REIT respectively.

Peter Cassells, chief executive officer of PEPR, commented: “These disposals are fully aligned with our active portfolio management strategy designed to optimise value for our unitholders through investment in core assets in prime locations.”

About ProLogis European Properties (PEPR):

ProLogis European Properties, or PEPR, is one of the largest pan-European owners of high quality distribution and logistics facilities. PEPR was established in 1999 as a closed-end, real estate investment fund, externally managed by a subsidiary of Prologis, Inc., a leading global provider of industrial distribution facilities. In September 2006, PEPR was listed on Euronext Amsterdam.
As at 31 December 2011, PEPR has a portfolio of 220 buildings, covering 4.7 million square metres in 11 European countries, with a market value of €2.6 billion. The portfolio has an occupancy level of 94.4% and an average of 2.8 years to the next lease break or 3.7 years to lease expiry.

Agility Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year Financial Results for 2011

KUWAIT CITY - April 2, 2012 - Agility (AGLTY), a leading global logistics provider, today announced its fourth quarter and full year financial results for 2011.

For the fourth quarter, the company reported a net profit of KD 3.5 million and earnings per share of 3.45 fils, an increase of 114% for both from same period in 2010. Fourth quarter revenue fell by 5%, from KD 368.6 million to KD 352 million, largely because of the loss of government contracting business. On a like-for-like basis, excluding government and discontinued business, Agility group revenue grew from KD 332 million to KD 345 million, an improvement of 4% despite a slowing economy.

The company remains focused on growing profit through continued financial discipline and transformation of its operating platform with the adaptation of new technology that will increase efficiency. 

For the full year ending December 31, 2011, net profit was KD 27 million, vs. KD 25 million in 2010, an increase of 8%. Revenue and operating profit for 2011 were KD 1.33 billion and KD 19 million, respectively. The Board of Directors met and proposed a dividend distribution of 30% (30 fils per share) for the year ending 2011. 

"Profits grew by 8% in 2011 even though revenues fell as Agility discontinued defense and government business. We are a different company today than we were a year ago, and we consider 2011 a new financial baseline against which we will measure future performance," said Tarek Sultan, Agility’s Chairman and Managing Director.

"In 2011 and continuing into 2012, we are heavily focused on strengthening our core commercial business. This includes redeploying resources: we sold the bulk of our vehicle fleet in the Middle East, freed up warehousing space for commercial customers, and converted working capital to cash. Having undergone some heavy lifting in terms of restructuring over the last two years, the company anticipates solid gains in 2012 and beyond," Sultan said.

Financial Highlights

Agility’s Core Business: Global Integrated Logistics

Revenue for Agility Global Integrated Logistics (GIL) for the full year 2011 was KD 1.19 billion, a decrease of 1.4% from FY 2010. Excluding government and discontinued business, GIL’ revenues grew by 3.2% from the same period in 2010, despite softened trade volumes that prevailed in the last two quarters of the year.

Agility’s excellent position in high-growth emerging markets was a major contributor to revenue, as reflected in the double-digit growth in the Asia Pacific region. This strength in the underlying business reflects GIL’s commitment to grow organically by focusing on key trade lanes, adding new customers and expanding existing accounts. 

"We have worked hard to engineer a sustainable, durable turnaround in our core commercial (GIL) business. The message for customers is that we’re growing, healthy and here to support you," Sultan said. "Our focus in 2012 will continue to be growing business with existing and new customers by leveraging our global footprint and market-leading position in emerging markets. At the same time, we intend to drive efficiencies in our operating platform."   

Agility’s Infrastructure Group: Logistics-Related Businesses

Agility’s Infrastructure companies contributed KD 111.3 million to FY 2011 revenue. Infrastructure revenue grew KD 18% from FY 2010, excluding government-related business.

"Our Infrastructure group of companies continues to provide us with the ability to address profitable niches in the marketplace,” Sultan said. “In 2011 we successfully closed two deals. We merged Agility Qatar operations with Gulf Warehousing Company (GWC) and realized gain of KD 8 million. We also formed a Joint Venture with France Telecom and converted our debt into Equity in Korek. Today we have an indirect stake of 24% in Korek and $100 million debt yielding 12% per annum".

Agility’s Real Estate business, in particular, is an important contributor to Agility’s financial performance, but other entities like National Aviation Services (NAS) have also shown healthy growth over the last several years. Agility is taking a number of actions to further enhance the potential of these companies.

Recap of Financial Performance for Q4 2011
·         Agility net profit in Q4 2011 was KD 3.5 million, a 114% increase from the same period in 2010.
·         Operating profit in Q4 of 2011 was KD 2.82 million, 78% decrease over Q4 2010.
·         Agility revenue for fourth quarter 2011 was KD 352 million, a 5% decrease from same period in 2010.  
·         Agility net revenue margin for the fourth quarter increased by 3% as a result of the company’s focus on operational efficiencies.

Recap of Financial Performance for FY 2011
·         Agility net profit rose to KD 27 million, an 8% increase from KD 25.1 million in 2010. EPS was 26.94 fils vs. 24.92 fils a year earlier.
·         Operating profit stood at KD 19 million.
·         Agility revenues for the FY 2011 were KD 1.33 billion, a decrease of 17% from KD 1.6 billion in the same period in 2010.
·         GIL revenue was 1.19 billion KD, a 1.4% decrease from KD 1.2 billion in 2010. Adjusting for government and discontinued business, GIL revenue grew 3.2% from the same period in 2010.
·         Infrastructure revenue excluding government-related business was KD 83.5 million compared with KD 71 million a year earlier, an 18% increase from 2010. Agility’s Infrastructure continues to be strong contributor to group revenues.
·         Operating expenses decreased by 15% from 2010 as a result of discipline in cost management.
·         Agility enjoys a healthy balance sheet with low leverage and net cash position of KD 57 million and free cash flow of KD 22 million.

Forward View

"Despite the changes over the last two years, we continue to be strong and financially stable. We have a strong balance sheet with over KD 1.4 billion in assets and KD 0.9 billion in total equity. We have a global network and a market-leading position in emerging markets that is continuing to grow. Above all, we have over 20,000 employees who are committed to the company’s long-term success," Sultan said. "Although 2012 is likely to be another tough year for the global economy, we are committed to continuing to drive the company forward and expect to see real gains over our 2011 baseline."
  
About Agility:



From its roots in emerging markets, Agility brings efficiency to supply chains in some of the globe's most challenging environments, offering unmatched personal service, a global footprint and customized capabilities in developed countries and emerging economies alike. A publicly traded company, Agility is one of the world's leading providers of integrated logistics with close to $6 billion in annual revenue and more than 22,000 employees in 550 offices across 100 countries.