CSCMP Toronto Roundtable Tour Invitation

May 28, 2012, Toronto - The CSCMP Toronto Roundtable is proud to present its Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Tour, scheduled to be held on Thursday, May 31, 2012, at Mississauga, Ontario-based Sims Recycling Solutions' offices.

Subject Overview:

Do you wonder what happens to your old TV or computer? Last year Canadians generated more than 500 million pounds of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE).

Mississauga, Ontario-based Sims Recycling Solutions is a world leader in recycling e-waste. Sims ensures that your brand is protected and that 100% of the material is diverted from landfill.

You are invited to join us on May 31^st at the SIMS RECYCLING SOLUTIONS tour to learn more about how this firm protects your data, brand and reputation in the marketplace.

CSCMP Toronto’s Tour Host is Lorri King, Account Executive, Sims Recycling Solutions Canada Inc.

To register online please visit: http://www.logisticsquarterly.com/cscmp.php

Schedule:

May 31, 2012

8:00 a.m. Coffee/Muffins Networking begins

8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Tour and Presentation

9:30 - 10:00 am Wrap Up and Networking

Price: $40.00

Location: 6495 Tomken Road, Mississauga, ON, L5T 2X7

Livingston International's Survey Results

May 24, 2012 CHICAGO – More than 80 per cent of small- to mid-size businesses are concerned about customs delays impacting their ability to properly manage their business – yet nearly a third say they tend to ignore the myriad of changes to government regulations and hope for the best when transporting their goods across international borders.

This surprising disconnect is one of the findings in a new national poll released today by North American customs broker Livingston International. The survey, conducted last month among 500 professionals in the import-export sector in small-and medium-sized businesses in the United States, found that despite optimism about their company’s growth, many are concerned about their organization’s lack of knowledge about clearing products for international trade, which could have serious repercussions, such as penalty fees or a bad customer experience.

The research, conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs, also found that one in seven respondents feel uncomfortable targeting new international markets. “While the majority expect business growth over the next 12 to 24 months, this survey demonstrates that they are more comfortable trading on their own turf,” says Roy Coburn, president of Livingston International’s U.S. division. “These businesses are missing out on significant global opportunities because they don’t feel equipped to explore international markets.”

Obviously these professionals understand what’s at stake: when clearing goods between countries, customs holds or fines can mean the difference between realizing a profit – or not. Nearly 70 per cent are concerned about penalty fees related to incorrect classification of products. Almost three-fourths are concerned that unforeseen additional costs of clearing international borders would result in a negative customer experience.

According to Coburn, a reason for the concern may be because exporters depend on their courier to clear Customs – in fact, 75 per cent of those surveyed rely on these shippers to cross international borders.

“While moving the span of control to vendors and suppliers may allow companies to avoid the complexity of clearing their goods through Customs, it can have a negative impact on their speed to market, their reputation and their operational efficiencies if their goods are incorrectly classified and delays or penalties occur,” says Coburn. “By maintaining control of their products as they move through borders, businesses ensure they can monitor their client experience and their operational efficiencies.”

Additional findings from the new survey include:
•     32 per cent say that their total value of imports in a typical year is between $1 million and $10 million. Twenty-three per cent report a value between $10 million and $100 million.
•     54 per cent would foresee a financial impact of at least 10 per cent of the value of the shipment if their goods were significantly delayed at the border. More than 1 in 5 would foresee an impact of at least 20 per cent.
•     46 per cent report their company does not have an up-to-date international trade compliance manual.

Methodology
Ipsos Public Affairs conducted the survey online on behalf of Livingston International between April 3 and 11, 2012 among a national sample of 500 professionals in the import-export sector in small-and medium-sized businesses in the United States. Weighting was employed so the findings are reflective of an even mix of small- and medium-sized companies. Margins of sampling error at a 95 per cent confidence level would be +/- 4.4 percentage points for respondents from all industries combined if conducted using a probabilistic sample; the margin of error would be larger within sub-groupings of the survey population.

About Livingston
North America’s number one company focused on customs brokerage and trade compliance, Livingston International also offers consulting and global trade management 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.  Livingston employs over 2,800 employees at more than 100 key border points, sea ports, airports and other strategic locations in North America, Europe and the Far East. Livingston recently acquired the former Vastera business from JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., extending the company’s presence into Mexico and Europe, in addition to offices throughout the United States and Canada.

C.H. Robinson Names Christopher O'Brien Senior Vice President of Transportation

Eden Prairie, MN (May 23, 2012) — C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc., one of the world's largest third party logistics companies, announced today that Christopher O'Brien has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Transportation.

As part of the executive team, O'Brien has played a key role in driving the company's sales and account management strategies. In addition, O'Brien has been a part of the company's leadership of its European operations for more than a decade, and the development of its transportation management and outsourcing services.

An employee at C.H. Robinson since 1993 and vice president of transportation since 2003, O'Brien has held positions in sales and account management; on-site account manager at a major grocery retailer; manager of the Raleigh, North Carolina office; general manager; and president of the company's European division.

"Chris's elevated leadership role reflects his experience and talented leadership, along with his proven track record of success which will help us to continue to attain our long-term goals and deliver exceptional value to our customers and suppliers," said John Wiehoff, C.H. Robinson CEO and chairman of the board.

In addition to his role at C.H. Robinson, O'Brien serves on the Board of Trustees of the University of Minnesota's Landscape Arboretum and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Alma College in Michigan.

About C.H. Robinson Worldwide

Founded in 1905, C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc., is a global provider of multimodal logistics services, fresh produce sourcing, and information services to 37,000 customers through a network of more than 230 offices and over 8,300 employees around the world. The company works with 53,000 transportation providers worldwide. C.H. Robinson is a Fortune 500 company and had annual revenues of $10.3 billion in 2011.

Through the company and its Foundation, C.H. Robinson and its employees contribute millions of dollars annually to a variety of organizations, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Community Health Charities, American Red Cross, Children's Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota, and Global Impact. The company is headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and has been publicly traded on the NASDAQ since 1997. For more information about C.H. Robinson, visit http://www.chrobinson.com/.

SCI LOGISTICS ACQUIRES WHITE GLOVE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS LTD.

Toronto (ON) – SCI Logistics recently announced the acquisition of White Glove Transportation Systems Ltd., a leading provider of highly specialized transportation solutions for high value products that require precise handling, special equipment, and highly trained personnel to execute delivery and value-added on-site services.

White Glove Transportation Systems Ltd. has established a reputation for service excellence and long-standing relationships. Recognized within the industry for its highly specialized capabilities in areas such as bank machine installation and the handling of sensitive equipment such as MRI machines, White Glove brings over 450 clients and outstanding personnel with unique and specialized knowledge. Added to SCI’s existing high value transportation business, the acquisition makes SCI the industry leader in Canada, leveraging the largest delivery network in the country.

The newly formed SCI White Glove Services will include any shipment that requires special care and handling – not just to and from a loading dock, but also installation or removal of products safely.

“Through the acquisition of White Glove, SCI will double the size of its fleet and add scale to the existing high value network, providing unmatched national coverage managed by a common technology platform,” said John Ferguson, president and CEO of SCI Logistics, in a press release.

This adds to SCI’s current capabilities, which include value-added warehousing and distribution, fulfillment – including reverse/returns, mission critical parts and same-day courier services, providing customers with access to a complete end-to-end solution across Canada and into the United States.

“Our breadth of service offerings combined with our ability to assemble best-in-class solutions sets us apart in the Canadian supply chain,” said Ferguson.

About SCI Logistics

SCI Logistics is a recognized leader of integrated supply chain solutions that leverages the most comprehensive delivery network in Canada. It operates two primary lines of business: contract logistics and transportation services and includes services such as fulfillment, inventory management, returns and reverse logistics, whiteglove, high value transportation, mission critical parts, same day courier and transportation management. The company employs approximately 1,000 people, operates a national network of 15 distribution centers and 30 critical parts depots  of over 2 million square feet and serves over 600 customers, making it the largest Canadian-based third-party logistics provider.

Positive Start to St. Lawrence Seaway Shipping Season Canadian Grain, Coal Exports Boost Numbers

Ottawa, Ontario (May 16, 2012) — Strong demand for key North American commodities such as coal, iron ore and Canadian grain have fuelled a positive start for the St. Lawrence Seaway shipping season.

The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation reported that cargo shipments through the bi-national marine highway from March 22 to April 30 totalled 4.4 million tonnes, up 2 per cent over the same period in 2011.

Coal shipments through the Seaway increased by 40 per cent to 600,000 tonnes compared to the same period last year due to export demand from power utilities in Europe.  Last year, Midwest Energy Resources Company in the U.S. shipped some 350,000 tonnes of low-sulphur coal through the St. Lawrence Seaway for export.  The coal was carried on Canada Steamship Lines vessels to Quebec ports, where it was then loaded onto ocean carriers for the voyage across the Atlantic. The company has said that they expect to export a further 1.5 million tonnes in 2012.

Iron ore shipments through the Seaway were up 8 per cent to 1.1 million tonnes.  These included U.S. iron ore for international export, and inbound traffic from Quebec mines for steel manufacturing in Hamilton.  The Hamilton Port Authority reported that inbound iron ore shipments were in line with last year, indicating that the domestic market remains stable.

Cement exports from Ontario to the U.S. also increased 46 per cent to 251,000 tonnes.

“It is still early days, but we are seeing a positive start to the St. Lawrence Seaway shipping season. The increase in shipment of some products, such as cement for instance, indicates that American economic conditions could be improving. All of the cement that flows through the St. Lawrence Seaway is exported to the United States for construction and has historically been a barometer for the Seaway on tracking the health of the American economy. So we’re off to a good start,” says Bruce Hodgson, director of market development for the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation.

Canadian grain shipments increased by 15 per cent to 750,000 tonnes, while U.S. grain was down 77 per cent to 54,000 tonnes.

“Canadian grain exports have started off strong this season as vessels clear out the grain that has been stored over the winter.  The Port of Thunder Bay reported that April wheat shipments were up 63 per cent over last year.  The decrease in American grain shipments reflects difficult growing conditions last year. Farmers couldn’t get into the fields because of flooding,” says Hodgson.

The Port of Windsor also reported a 10 per cent increase in outbound grain shipments to 564,000 tonnes, with canola and soymeal leaving the port destined for the United States and parts of Canada. ADM operates a plant in Windsor, Ontario that crushes soybeans and canola for use in various food ingredients and animal feeds.

The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway maritime industry supports 227,000 jobs in the U.S. and Canada, and annually generates $14 billion in salary and wages, $34 billion in business revenue, and $4.6 billion in federal, state/provincial and local taxes. North American farmers, steel producers, construction firms, food manufacturers, and power generators depend on the 164 million metric tons of essential raw materials and finished products that are moved annually on the system. This vital trade corridor saves companies $3.6 billion per year in transportation costs compared to the next least-costly land-based alternative.

The Halifax Port Authority Announcement

OTTAWA, May 10, 2012 - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced the appointment of Mr. Edward C. (Ted) Larsen of Halifax, Nova Scotia, as Director User Representative, to the Halifax Port Authority for a three-year term.

"I am pleased that Mr. Larsen has agreed to serve on the Halifax Port Authority," said Minister Lebel. "His thorough knowledge of marine affairs and port operations, as well as his entrepreneurial expertise, will greatly benefit the authority."

Mr. Larsen holds a bachelor degree in political science from Saint Mary's University. He began his career as a reporter with the Halifax Herald, where he covered marine affairs. In this assignment, he gained valuable knowledge of the shipping world and the importance of the competitive position of the Port of Halifax. In the private sector, Mr. Larsen successfully established and ran an independent communications and public affairs practice for several years. He has developed, owns and manages a small portfolio of commercial and residential real estate, and is active in the private lending sphere, providing mortgage and bridge financing for commercial and residential property owners and developers. Mr. Larsen has also held senior communications and administrative roles in public service in Nova Scotia. He been involved in many volunteer community activities and is the father of three grown children.

The Halifax Port Authority is the Canada Port Authority (CPA) established to manage the Port of Halifax under the Canada Marine Act. Eighteen CPAs now make up Canada's national port system. The CPAs are non-share capital corporations incorporated under the Canada Marine Act and are of strategic significance to Canada's trade. Their effective operation contributes to Canada's global competitiveness as a trading nation.

U.S. Department of Commerce and DHL Express Join Forces to Increase US Exports

New York City, NY and Plantation, FL: May 9, 2012 – DHL Express, the world’s leading international express services provider, announced today it has partnered with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) to help small and mid-size businesses harness new international sales opportunities in the global marketplace. The partnership combines the Department of Commerce’s global reach and staff’s extensive knowledge of foreign trade with DHL’s proven international expertise and expansive U.S. customer base. This joint effort will provide more comprehensive export assistance and stimulate job growth in the small and mid-size business sector.

The partnership is a key component of the ITA’s leadership in implementing President Obama’s National Export Initiative (NEI), which aims to double U.S. exports in order to support U.S. jobs.  “Our partnership with DHL showcases the company's commitment to provide the best international expertise and resources to its customers while also supporting the U.S. economy and American jobs,” said Commerce Under Secretary for International Trade Francisco Sánchez. “This partnership will open new doors for DHL’s current and potential customers while increasing economic opportunities on a local level. We are excited to team up with DHL to expand America’s export potential, create jobs, and help DHL shipping customers grow their bottom line.”

Through the new partnership, ITA will provide a wide range of business resources to DHL’s U.S. exporting customers – including industry-specific consulting, marketing research available only to ITA registrants, lead generation of overseas contacts, and information on industry trade shows targeting potential buyers and distributors. ITA’s global network of trade professionals, located in more than 70 countries and 100 cities across the United States, will also help to connect these companies with international buyers.

“As the specialists in international, we are focused entirely on supporting our customers’ international growth and helping them thrive in the global marketplace,” said Ian Clough, CEO of DHL Express U.S.  “Through this new partnership we’ll bring even more resources to bear for our customers beyond our unmatched knowledge of international shipping and industry leading global network. By introducing them to new international resources and providing valuable customized consulting services we will help them grow even more effectively on an international scale.”

Only a small percentage of U.S. companies export, and of those that do, 58 percent sell to only one international market. Through the NEI and partnerships like these, ITA is committed to educating U.S. exporters, particularly small and mid-sized companies, about the benefits of expanding their exports to additional markets, and providing the public and private sector resources to assist them.

The partnership was formally announced today at a launch event that took place at a DHL operations facility in Manhattan. The event included a guided tour of the facility as well as the official signing of the partnership agreements by Sánchez and Clough.

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.

Nanaimo Port Authority Strategy into 2025

May 8, 2012, Nanaimo, BC – Nanaimo Port Authority President and CEO Bernie Dumas is reaching out to the public and business community to unveil elements of their “Path 2025” strategic direction, designed to address the need for commercial and transportation upgrades and modernization over the next decade.

“We need world class facilities to be competitive and to bring new economic development opportunities to Nanaimo,” said Dumas. “We are reviewing how we use all our assets so we can operate our core elements effectively and efficiently while providing a stronger transportation system for Vancouver Island.”

Dumas said that the Port Authority recognizes that they don’t have all the answers and will continue to look to the business community to bring in proposals for different land use. “Our goal is to attract new economic activity in Nanaimo with our port assets,” he said. “Our role as stewards of marine safety and sustainability means all proposals need to be balanced and considered through the lens of social, commercial, environmental and transportation requirements.”   Updates on the NPA’s plans will be posted to its website at www.npa.ca.

Dumas said the Port Authority will prioritize opportunities to upgrade the Commercial Inlet Basin and Marina in downtown Nanaimo with more commercial and transportation activities. Also high on the priority list is modernizing and extending commercial activity at the Duke Point Terminal. A key element of the plan is to transform the Nanaimo Assembly Wharf lands into a mix of commercial and light industry uses to help spur growth.

About the Nanaimo Port Authority

Created in 1961 and legislated under the Canada Marine Act, the Nanaimo Port Authority is a federal agency mandated to administer, control, and manage the harbour, waters and foreshore of the Georgia Strait in an area adjacent to Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada. Harbour operations include management and handling of deep sea anchorages, seaplane operations, port and local marine security and safety, and environmental protection in cooperation with the Canadian Coast Guard.

The three primary assets are the Nanaimo Assembly Wharf which houses a new cruise ship terminal, the Commercial Inlet Basin and Marina in downtown Nanaimo and Duke Point Terminal, a commercial cargo handling and storage facility. Other Port facilities include W. E. Mills Landing and Marina for larger vessels, Pioneer Waterfront Plaza Shops and Parking, Seaplane Terminal, Walking/Fishing Pier, Harbourside Walkway and the administration of federal water leases in the Port boundaries. For more information, visit www.npa.ca.

ALAN to Speed Disaster Relief with Targeted Outreach - New Mapping Tool Will Help Match In-Kind Donations with Needs

Minneapolis, May 8, 2012 – The American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) announced today an important advancement in the organization's ability to support disaster relief. The non-profit is launching a new capabilities mapping tool that will enable ALAN to geographically target companies with the potential to provide necessary resources during disasters. The project is funded by grants from The UPS Foundation and the Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program, Project on Supply Chain Resilience.

The capabilities mapping tool is a geo-coding tool that will be populated with data on the member companies from ALAN's 21 association partners. Companies will be categorized according to their key product or service offerings and geographic footprint. These maps will show the location of resources meeting the needs identified through the National Donations Management Network. This will enable ALAN to identify the organizations best able to meet a specific disaster need (i.e. logistics support, water, food, pharmaceuticals, essential medical care, and shelter) and then reach out to them personally.  The system was recently successfully used for an exercise testing response to a nuclear incident with the New Hampshire Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NHVOAD). Additionally, a trial was completed for potential Red Cross needs.

"Through ALAN's association partners, we are able to mobilize a large network of companies within the supply chain industry," said Jock Menzies, president of ALAN. "Following a disaster, there is great need for specific items such as water, food, etc. and delivery of those items is one of the largest costs in disaster aid. Private sector logistics companies have the capacity and desire to help, especially when the disaster occurs within their region."

"The UPS Foundation is proud to be a part of this collaboration between private public partnership, ALAN, and government agencies to enhance community resilience," said Eduardo Martinez, president of The UPS Foundation. "In 2011, UPS moved more than 200 in-kind shipments to 34 countries. We transported more than 6.6 million pounds of food and relief supplies providing more than $2.7 million dollars of in-kind services."

"ALAN's enhanced database will improve our ability to make timely and effective use of donations from corporate partners," said Daniel Stoecker, executive director of National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD). "The non-profit disaster community relies on in-kind support, and this tool efficiently matches prospective donors with identified needs."

"In our nuclear incident exercise, ALAN's capabilities mapping tool proved to be a fantastic addition to our response. We’re excited to see this project taken to the next level," said Molly Webber of Volunteer NH and NH VOAD.

To learn how you and your organization can become involved with ALAN to improve disaster response within your community, visit www.ALANaid.org.

Screen Shot of Capabilities Mapping Tool available at http://alanaid.org/news/Images/ALAN_Capabilities_Mapping_lg.jpg

About American Logistics Aid Network

The American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN), a 501-c3 nonprofit association, engages the supply chain community to support humanitarian relief efforts following disasters. ALAN makes supply chain related donation needs visible to the logistics industry and establishes an efficient process for providing the necessary goods and services through its web portal, www.ALANaid.org.