Wednesday, December 31, 2014

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

Introducing LQ’s new Supply Chain Maturity Matrix

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Friday, December 19, 2014

FMCSA Hours of Service Final Rule for Truck Drivers Announcement

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Purolator International:

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

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

Canadian Pacific Railway Limited Announcement

Canadian Pacific Railway Limited declares dividend

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

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

About Canadian Pacific:

Canadian Pacific (TSX:CP)(NYSE:CP) is a transcontinental railway in Canada and the United States with direct links to eight major ports, including Vancouver and Montreal, providing North American customers a competitive rail service with access to key markets in every corner of the globe. CP is growing with its customers, offering a suite of freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Visit cpr.ca to see the rail advantages of Canadian Pacific.

SOURCE: Canadian Pacific

FedEx to Expand Global Portfolio of Solutions with Acquisition of GENCO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About FedEx Corp.

FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $46 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 300,000 team members to remain "absolutely, positively" focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. For more information, visit news.fedex.com.

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

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

Monday, December 15, 2014

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. Increases Rates

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

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

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

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

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Canadian Pacific Railway Limited Share Purchase Announcement

Canadian Pacific Railway Limited announces plan to purchase through private agreements up to 1,250,000 common shares under its share repurchase program

CALGARY, Dec. 5, 2014 - Canadian Pacific Railway Limited (TSX/NYSE: CP) announced today that it intends to purchase for cancellation up to 1,250,000 of its common shares pursuant to private agreements to be entered into between CP and an arm's length third party seller.

Purchases will be made in accordance with an issuer bid exemption order issued by the Ontario Securities Commission ("OSC") dated December 5, 2014 (the "Order"). The Order is in addition to the issuer bid exemption order recently issued to CP by the OSC on November 25, 2014 with respect to 1,210,163 CP common shares. Pursuant to the Order, purchases may be made in several transactions prior to March 16, 2015. The price CP will pay for its common shares purchased by way of private agreements will be at a discount to the prevailing market price of CP common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange at the time of purchase.

Purchases made by CP will be counted towards CP's normal course issuer bid announced on March 11, 2014, as amended September 29, 2014, for up to 12,650,862 CP common shares (the "Bid") and will not exceed, in aggregate, one third of the maximum number of common shares CP may purchase under the Bid, being 4,216,954 common shares.

The actual number of CP common shares that will be repurchased under the Bid, by way of any private agreements or otherwise, and the timing of any such purchases, will be determined by CP. There cannot be any assurances as to how many common shares will ultimately be acquired by CP under the Bid.

Information regarding each purchase, including the number of common shares purchased and aggregate purchase price, will be available on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov following the completion of any such purchase.

Note on forward-looking information

This news release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating, but not limited to, purchases of common shares for cancellation under CP's share repurchase program and future sources of capital. This forward-looking information also includes, but is not limited to, statements concerning expectations, beliefs, plans, goals, objectives, assumptions and statements about possible future events, conditions, and results of operations or performance. Forward-looking information may contain statements with words or headings such as "financial expectations", "key assumptions", "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan", "will", "outlook", "should" or similar words suggesting future outcomes.

Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information as actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance. By its nature, CP's forward-looking information involves numerous assumptions, inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information, including but not limited to the following factors: changes in business strategies; general North American and global economic, credit and business conditions; risks in agricultural production such as weather conditions and insect populations; the availability and price of energy commodities; the effects of competition and pricing pressures; industry capacity; shifts in market demand; changes in commodity prices; uncertainty surrounding timing and volumes of commodities being shipped via CP; inflation; changes in laws and regulations, including regulation of rates; changes in taxes and tax rates; potential increases in maintenance and operating costs; uncertainties of investigations, proceedings or other types of claims and litigation; labour disputes; risks and liabilities arising from derailments; transportation of dangerous goods; timing of completion of capital and maintenance projects; currency and interest rate fluctuations; effects of changes in market conditions and discount rates on the financial position of pension plans and investments; and various events that could disrupt operations, including severe weather, droughts, floods, avalanches and earthquakes as well as security threats and governmental response to them, and technological changes. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. These and other factors are detailed from time to time in reports filed by CP with securities regulators in Canada and the United States. Reference should be made to "Management's Discussion and Analysis" in CP's annual and interim reports, Annual Information Form and Form 40-F. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is based on current expectations, estimates and projections and it is possible that predictions, forecasts, projections, and other forms of forward-looking information will not be achieved by CP. Except as required by law, CP undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About CP:

Canadian Pacific (TSX:CP)(NYSE:CP) is a transcontinental railway in Canada and the United States with direct links to eight major ports, including Vancouver and Montreal, providing North American customers a competitive rail service with access to key markets in every corner of the globe. CP is growing with its customers, offering a suite of freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Visit www.cpr.ca for more information.

SOURCE: Canadian Pacific

Friday, November 28, 2014

SHIPPING INDUSTRY SETS OUT PROGRESS ON CO2 REDUCTION ON EVE OF UN CLIMATE CONFERENCE

SHIPPING INDUSTRY SETS OUT PROGRESS ON CO2 REDUCTION ON EVE OF UN CLIMATE CONFERENCE, BUT STRESSES INDUSTRY IS NOT ‘CASH COW’


London, U.K., November 28, 2014 - The global shipping industry, which transports around 90% of world trade, only produced about 2.2% of the world’s total Green House Gas emissions during 2012 compared to 2.8% in 2007.  Shipping’s total emissions have reduced by more than 10% during the same period.

In advance of the United Nations Climate Conference in Lima (1-12 December), the global trade association for ship operators – the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) – says that the industry is on track to reduce its emissions by more than 20% by 2020 (compared to 2005) with further reductions going forward.

This and other information about the impressive progress which the shipping industry is making to reduce its CO2 emissions is set out in a special brochure prepared for the UNFCCC Climate Change Conference (COP 20).  This can be found on the global trade association’s website – www.ics-shipping.org/docs/co2

The shipping industry is the only industrial sector which is already covered by a binding global agreement to reduce its CO2 emissions, through technical and operational measures agreed – with full industry support – by its global regulator, the London-based International Maritime Organization (IMO).

ICS explains that the IMO is now developing additional measures to reduce CO2 emissions from shipping and that the UN Conference needs to maintain its support for IMO as the principal forum for addressing emissions from maritime transport, which cannot be attributed to individual national economies.

ICS emphasises that any decision, for example on whether to develop a Market Based Measure for shipping that might be linked to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), should be a matter for IMO Member States.  IMO will be best placed to develop an approach that can reconcile the UNFCCC principle of ‘Common But Differentiated Responsibility (CBDR)’ – whereby developing countries are treated differently – with the need for all ships, regardless of flag, to be treated in a uniform manner.

Shipping is a global industry requiring rules on CO2 to be applied on a global basis to all ships.  Apart from preventing market distortion in this totally globalized sector, this is necessary to avoid ‘carbon leakage’ since only about 35% of the world fleet is registered with those developed nations that are covered by emission reduction commitments under the existing Kyoto Protocol on climate change prevention.

The position of the shipping industry remains that any contribution by shipping to the GCF must reflect the sector’s modest contribution to total global CO2 emissions.  ICS is firmly opposed to any suggestion that the shipping industry should collectively pay tens of billions of dollars each year, stressing that the industry is not a ‘cash cow’.


ICS:
·         The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is the global trade association for merchant shipowners.  Its membership comprises national shipowners’ associations from 36 countries representing over 80% of the world merchant fleet.
·         The figures concerning CO2 emissions reductions from shipping are taken from the Third IMO GHG Study, 2014.

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Announcing Kate Vitasek Joins LQ's Roster of Presenters December 11th, 2014 - A reminder - Only 14 Days Left to Register



Toronto, November 27, 2014 - LQ is pleased to announce Kate Vitasek will be joining LQ’s impressive roster of Symposium Speakers presenting on December 11th at the scenic Toronto Board of Trade's Country Club.  To register for this LQ event, please click here.

Kate Vitasek is a Faculty Member, Graduate and Executive Education, at the University of Tennessee. She is an author, educator, and business consultant, and an internationally recognized innovator in the practice of supply chain management. She is the founder, faculty and lead researcher in the concept of vested (also known as vested outsourcing), which was developed in conjunction with the University of Tennessee. She is a pioneer in the university's Performance-Based Logistics work, authoring the industry's first book on the subject, and she currently serves as a faculty member in UT's Graduate and Executive Education.

Kate will be joining LQ's panel discussion dedicated to the subject of ''Leading Performers in Supply Chain Sustainability: How Well Are You Using Best Practices in your Supply Chain and Maintenance Operations?'' The complete panel for this subject area includes:

• Nicholas Seiersen, B.Sc. (Hons.), M.B.A., P. Log., LQ Executive Editor, Corporate Supply Chain Manager, KGMH International
• Virginia Garbutt, Director Strategic Network Planning and Improvement, Walmart Canada
• David J. Closs, Ph.D., LQ Executive Editor, John H. McConnell Chaired Professor of the Eli Broad College of Business, Department of Marketing and Supply Chain management, Michigan State University
• Thomas J. Goldsby, PhD, LQ Executive Editor, The Ohio State University
• Kate Vitasek, The University of Tennessee

If you would like to Register to attend LQ's Symposium, please visit http://www.LQsummit. com (Seating is limited to 120 delegates.)

Additional sessions and panelists on the Agenda for this exciting day include:

Future Trends in Technology:

• Ryan Bloor, CCLP, PMP, Director, Logistics Services, Celestica
• Krista Collinson, Vice President, Logistics, Ecommerce and Business Development, ToysRUs (Canada)
• Tom Sanderson, CEO, Transplace
• Clifford F. Lynch, Principal, C.F. Lynch & Associates

Market Conditions and the Future of the Logistics/Transportation Industry in North America:

• Kelli Saunders, President, Morai Logistics, Inc.
• Ellen Voie, President and CEO, Women In Trucking
• Christopher O'Brien, Senior Vice President, C.H. Robinson
• Barb Pitroski, Vice President of Capacity and Implementation Solutions, GENCO's Transportation Logistics
• Sean Coakley, Senior Vice President, Kenco

Supply Chain Integration Through Mergers and Acquisitions:

• David Faoro, Director Supply Chain, The International Group Inc. and General Manager of Tank Carrier Services, Inc.
• Joseph O'Connor, Vice President of Transportation at Office Depot, Inc.
• Mitch Glickman,Vice President, Corporate Development, Livingston International
• Nikhil Sathe, CFO, Genpro

In addition to enjoying Breakfast, Lunch and a Cocktail and Networking Reception, delegates can look forward a keynote and luncheon presentation by Robert Voltmann, President and CEO, of the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), sharing his insights on future and existing challenges and trends in transportation.

LQ's team would also like to take this opportunity to convey our appreciation to the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFFA), the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), SCMA, the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), Women in Trucking, for reaching out to their membership and constituents to invite them to participate in LQ's Symposium.

LQ greatly appreciates the direction of its Board members for providing input to help shape the agenda and content for this Symposium, and LQ Magazine.

LQ is also pleased to announce that its Pre-Holiday Symposium has been approved by CSCMP to enable its members to receive six Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) from CSCMP toward your CSCMP SCPro certification maintenance.

CIFFA Canada has also approved LQ's Symposium; CIFFA-members attending will receive credit from CIFFA toward CIFFA's Professional Freight Forwarder (PFF) learning requirements.

SCMA members attending will be qualified to receive five Continuous Professional Development (CPD) points from SCMA. (*Category CE-3 for SCMP designation holders.)

LQ Gold-Level Symposium Sponsors, which have made this exciting day possible, include: BCG Logistics Group, C.H. Robinson, GENCO, Genpro, Ryder.




Additional information registration information is online at http://www.LQsummit.com

Thursday, November 13, 2014

LQ's December 11th Symposium Attendees can Qualify to Receive CSCMP's CEUs


November 13, 2014, Toronto – LQ is pleased to announce LQ’s Pre-Holiday Symposium on December 11th 2014 has been qualified and approved by CSCMP to enable LQ’s attendees to receive six Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) from CSCMP toward your SCPro certification maintenance. 

“Each year, you need to earn a minimum of 20 hours (one unit is equivalent to one hour) of professional CEUs for a minimum total of 60 hours over the three-year certification cycle.” For more information, please visit the CSCMP website.

LQ's Pre-Holiday Symposium provides a bridge between leading academics and practitioners in our field, offering participants a mix of expert case studies, in-depth master classes/workshops and discussions that are designed for peer-to-peer learning, discussion and inquiry, and created in consultation with senior supply chain and logistics leaders from many industries and regions.

LQ’s Executive Exchange Agenda at the Toronto Country Club will include discussions on:


• Future Trends in Technology
• Market Conditions and the Future of the Logistics/Transportation  
   Industry in North America
• Supply Chain Integration Through Mergers and Acquisitions
• Leading Performers in Supply Chain Sustainability: How Well are  
  You Using Best Practices in your Supply Chain and Maintenance
  Operations?


What better way to kick off the holiday season then to catch up with colleges from both sides of the border within the industry, and make a few new ones, plus take home information and insights that you can put to use in your business in the New Year. To register, please visit: www.LQsummit.com.

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

LQ's Pre-Holiday Dec. 11th Symposium Agenda & Invitation

Register today for LQ's North American Pre-Holiday Symposium on December 11, 2014


What better way to kick off the holiday season then to catch up with colleges from both sides of the border within the industry, and make a few new ones, plus take home a few nuggets of information and insights that you can put to use in your business in the new year.

LQ's Pre-Holiday Symposium provides a bridge between leading academics and practitioners in our field, offering participants a mix of expert case studies, in-depth master classes/workshops and discussions that are designed for peer-to-peer learning, discussion and inquiry, and created in consultation with senior supply chain and logistics leaders from many industries and regions.

This year’s theme focuses on Creating Customer-Centric Supply Chains and Organizations.

LQ’s Executive Exchange Agenda at the Toronto Country Club will include discussions on:

Future Trends in Technology - Applying Big Data from Transportation Management to Create Efficiencies in the Supply Chain Significant freight savings can be achieved with an effectively implemented TMS platform, by exploiting its maximum potential to add value to your freight network. This panel discussion will examine strategies to garner data for an organization's supply chain in order to:

Supply Chain Integration through Mergers and Acquisitions: Completing a merger between two organizations requires the marriage of two corporate cultures to create new efficiencies, rationalize distribution networks, and integrate or create new IT systems. It often involves defining differences in performance metrics and reconciling these baselines. In this session executives will share their insights on how mergers/acquisitions and strategies on how they've helped to make supply chain integration a success.

Market Conditions and the Future of the Logistics/Transportation Industry in North America: Hear from the heads of leading logistics companies on how they’re setting themselves up to respond to changing economic indicators and what they’re doing to take advantage of growing global demand in the coming months. Get the logistics interpretation of the economic outlook and find out how you need to adjust your business model to adapt to the evolving conditions.

NEW:  LQ would also like to offer delegates the opportunity to meet one-on-one behind closed doors to examine challenges, which may be converging on a business, or involve aspirational objectives as far as two years down the road and a useful benchmarking opportunity. LQ's team helps its participants to prepare for these meetings with a pre-defined agenda making these meetings for logisticians and providers an investment with a solid value proposition designed for both parties. Book two meetings by emailing lquarterly@gmail.com and you will receive a $400 discount from your registration fee.

To view LQ’s impressive roster of speakers, moderators and facilitators, please visit: http://www.LQsummit.com

Register today for LQ's Symposium: Registration Rate of $895.00. Delegates will also receive a complimentary edition of Logistics Clusters, by Yossi Sheffi, PhD., MIT, while supplies last, on a first-come basis.


A few comments from participants attending LQ's Symposiums:

"When it comes to executive forums, the definition of victory are three very simple tests:
• First, did I pick up a couple of real nuggets I can use in my business?
• Secondly, did I find new thought partners and contacts that I can do mental ping-pong with?
• Third, was it inspiring and fun?

The Logistics Quarterly Executive Forum aces these tests." – Tom Schmitt, President, CEO and Director of AquaTerra Corporation
“The LQ Executive Exchange is my favorite meeting of the year, and this year was no exception.” - Cliff Lynch, C.F. Lynch & Associates
"The LQ Symposium includes great content from thought leaders in Supply Chain Management while providing an opportunity for attendees to meet these influential speakers through scheduled network events during the day.  From panel discussions to keynote speakers, the content never fails to inspire, influence and motivate those who participate.
This year, the Women In Supply Chain Management networking breakfast was an added bonus.  Women (and men) were able obtain valuable information to take back to their organizations to attract, hire, promote and retain women.
I was honored to be a part of this impressive panel of successful women who each shared her insight into her journey toward leadership roles.  This is the first annual event that should be attended by progressive organizations desiring more women in their top posts." - Ellen Voie CAE, President/CEO, Women In Trucking, Inc.
"Very much enjoyed the meeting and the people, and, of course, seeing and working with you and team again!" - Gene Tyndall, EVP, Tompkins International
"I thought that the speakers and topic were terrific." – Kim Stoll, Fernandes Hearn LLP
“I really enjoyed the LQ Breakfast. A great panel and inspiring presentations.” – Nina Trifan, National Marketing Manager, Day & Ross Freight
"It was a fabulous inaugural LQ Women in Logistics event – and everyone in the room learned a great deal from the panel and from each other." - Melissa Gracey, President and CEO, DTA Services
"Logistics Quarterly is one of the best organizations in the North American logistics industry. It is the only conference I NEVER miss, and LQ Magazine is the only journal I always read. Yes, they're that good." - Christopher Barry, COO, Canadian Cancer Society
"I have always found that LQ presents unique opportunities and a has great reputation amongst industry's top intellectuals. Your symposiums are one of best organized one-day events and LQ has maintained a very high standard for some time." - Nikhil Sathe, CFO, Genpro Incorporated

Friday, October 24, 2014

Ryder Signs Its Largest Natural Gas Lease Deal in North America with C.A.T.

Truckload Carrier will Replace 100 Heavy Duty Vehicles with Compressed Natural Gas

October 24, 2014, Miami - Ryder System, Inc. (NYSE: R), a leader in commercial fleet management and supply chain solutions, announced today that C.A.T. Inc. (formally Canadian American Transportation, Inc.) has signed a full-service lease agreement for 100 compressed natural gas (CNG) sleeper tractors.

This is Ryder’s first natural gas lease customer in Canada and its largest single natural gas vehicle customer to date. C.A.T., a truckload carrier based in Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec, Canada, will use the trucks in its delivery fleet that travels from Montreal, Canada to Laredo, Texas.

C.A.T. has served the shipping public between Canada and the United States since 1978 and provides transportation services to major corporations within the automotive, food, beverage, consumer packaged goods (CPG), and electronic industries. Ryder will also provide maintenance for the 100 CNG vehicles from Ryder’s Montreal, Canada service facility, which is being upgraded for compliance with natural gas standards.

“Ryder’s investment in natural gas vehicles and maintenance infrastructure began with a pilot project in Southern California, and has grown to be one of the largest commercial natural gas vehicle programs in North America,” said Ryder President of Global Fleet Management Solutions, Dennis Cooke. “As we continue to expand our natural gas vehicle footprint, we are able to help more businesses convert their fleets to this cost-effective and environmentally-friendly advanced fuel solution.”

C.A.T. has been leasing trucks from Ryder for the past eight years. Ryder will replace almost one-third of C.A.T.’s fleet of 325 vehicles with 100 CNG sleeper tractors. The natural gas fleet is expected to have a carbon emissions reduction of 2,564 metric tons.

“C.A.T.’s natural gas fleet program will enable us to be extremely successful in supporting our customers’ sustainability efforts. We are excited to work with Ryder to transfer our diesel fleet to a CNG fleet in Canada,” said C.A.T. President, Daniel Goyette. “With Ryder’s natural gas vehicle and maintenance expertise, we have the confidence that we can get the service and performance we need from our fleet today, while operating more cost-efficiently and environmentally-friendly.”

Ryder is an industry leader in natural gas vehicle solutions for the commercial transportation market with more than 27 million miles of natural gas operating experience. Businesses can tap into Ryder's extensive knowledge of natural gas vehicle operations, expanding maintenance network, and its highly trained and experienced technicians, to ensure the safe operation, maintenance, and fueling of natural gas vehicles. Ryder’s leasing and rental business model enables businesses to “test” the new technology with less risk of downtime, as well as insulate themselves from the unknown residual risk. The Company has deployed Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) vehicles into the fleets for Ryder customers in California, New York, Michigan, Texas, Arizona, Utah, Georgia and Louisiana. The Company operates two Liquefied to Compressed Natural Gas (LCNG) fuel stations at its maintenance facilities in Orange and Fontana, Calif. Ryder also operates an LNG fuel station at its Fulton, Ga. maintenance facility.

About Ryder:

Ryder is a FORTUNE 500® commercial fleet management and supply chain solutions company. Ryder’s stock (NYSE:R) is a component of the Dow Jones Transportation Average and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index. Inbound Logistics magazine has included Ryder in its “Green Partners” listing for five years in a row. Ryder is a charter member of the NGV Fleet Forum and a member of the Department of Energy’s National Clean Fleets partnership. Ryder is also a recipient of the 2011 NGV Achievement Award. A member of the American Red Cross Disaster Responder Program, Ryder is proud to support national and local disaster preparedness and response efforts. For more information, visit www.ryder.com and follow us on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.

About C.A.T:

Founded in 1978, C.A.T. INC. aimed to provide quality transport services between Canada and the USA. Thanks to the dedication and competence of its staff, the company expanded its network by increasing its activities beyond the US-Mexico border. Over the years, numerous large companies have helped C.A.T. INC. maintain a constant evolution. Today C.A.T. INC. has several terminals in Canada and the United States to accommodate its customers: Coteau-du-Lac, QC; Vaudreuil, QC; Napanee, ON; Mississauga, ON; Toronto, ON; Kitchener, ON; Memphis, TN; Laredo, TX; Charlotte, NC. For over 15 years C.A.T. INC. has been diligently involved in research and development to improve its performance in terms of energy and level of road safety (changing to automatic transmission, installation of skirts to their trailers, etc.). Proudly certified 'Smartway' since 2007, one and the same with excellence in energy efficiency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, C.A.T. continues to pose actions to ensure its place as a leader in terms of improving the quality of the environment with its equipments, as well as with its infrastructures. To learn more about C.A.T. INC., visit us on www.cat.ca and follow us on Facebook.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements and information included in this news release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Federal Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on our current plans and expectations and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Accordingly, these forward-looking statements should be evaluated with consideration given to the many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements including those risks set forth in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors or to assess the impact of such risks on our business. Accordingly, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Thursday, October 9, 2014

UPS Gives Online Shoppers Around the World Delivery Confidence, Control and Convenience

Atlanta, October 08, 2014 - UPS (NYSE:UPS) today announced it will expand  UPS My Choice and the UPS Access Point network, two of the company's powerful services that work seamlessly together to provide busy online shoppers and global retailers new personalized solutions to manage residential package deliveries.

UPS My Choice, the customizable online and mobile service where consumers choose delivery preferences and more, will now be available to consumers in 15 additional countries throughout North America and Europe, In summary, the UPS My Choice expansion will include:

* UPS My Choice Expands to 15 Additional Countries
* UPS Access Point Locations now in Chicago and New York City
* UPS Access Point Locations worldwide to nearly double in 2015
* UPS Access Point Lockers Installed in ChicagoUPS My Choice is an industry-first innovation introduced in the U.S. in 2011.

The UPS Access Point network, with the broadest integrated cross-border footprint in Europe, is now available in New York City and Chicago and will expand rapidly to cover all major U.S. metropolitan markets during 2015. The UPS My Choice and UPS Access Point combined service will also be available in Poland, Italy, Canada and Mexico later this month.

UPS My Choice:

More than 10 million U.S. consumers already use UPS My Choice to plan for their deliveries when and where it is convenient for them. Consumers in Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Puerto Rico, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom will be able to sign up for the free service at ups.com/mychoice.

"UPS My Choice has received outstanding customer response and continues to experience rapid growth with one new consumer enrollment every six seconds," said Alan Gershenhorn, UPS executive vice president and chief commercial officer. "Our mobile apps allow users to access UPS My Choice with their smart phone in a streamlined manner and offers several delivery and shipping solutions that fit their needs."

UPS My Choice members receive advance delivery notifications informing them of the delivery timing of each UPS package. Consumers also have the ability to reroute eligible packages to another address or reschedule deliveries for a future date before a UPS driver makes a delivery. Consumers can also activate a vacation setting to have packages held and delivered when they return home.

Unique to the UPS My Choice service, consumers only enroll one time and never need to provide additional information to retailers or UPS to begin taking control of their UPS deliveries.

"UPS My Choice and the UPS Access Point network are a powerful duo that give e-tailers new solutions for personalizing their customer's package delivery experience," Gershenhorn said. "UPS My Choice status alerts have industry-leading e-mail open rates and are extremely valuable for retailers that want to extend special customer offers or communications in addition to the shipment delivery notification and confirmation. We have more than 375 shippers in the U.S. utilizing this feature, including some of the most widely recognized names in retail."

UPS Access Point Locations:

The only thing consumers dislike more than missing a package is having to rearrange their lives to retrieve it. Earlier this year, 37% of U.S. online shoppers participating in the 2014 UPS Pulse of the Online Shopper study, said they want alternate delivery locations when they are not at home.

Now there is a convenient alternative: UPS Access Point locations. These local businesses, primarily neighborhood convenience and grocery stores with evening and weekend hours, fit a consumer's busy lifestyle. The locations are designed to be approximately 10 minutes or less from the consumer's delivery address.

UPS drivers, when unable to deliver a package at the consumer's residence, will leave a note informing them when they can expect to collect their package at a nearby UPS Access Point location. Consumers will go to www.ups.com and use the tracking number on the note to get the address. Consumers will need photo identification to receive their package. In addition, UPS My Choice members will have the ability to send qualifying shipments directly to a UPS Access Point location as their preferred delivery address.

Consumers can also drop off pre-labeled and prepaid packages at a UPS Access Point location during the store's hours. There are nearly 300 UPS Access Point locations in New York City and Chicago with more locations being added each week. As part of the UPS Access Point network, UPS is installing self-service smart lockers in metropolitan Chicago.
With government issued identification, or a mobile device, consumers can retrieve their package from a locker in less time than it takes to withdraw cash from an ATM. UPS My Choice members can route their packages directly to these lockers when they will not be home to receive deliveries.

In January 2015, the company plans to add all 4,400 The UPS Store locations throughout the U.S. to the UPS Access Point network.

Currently, there are more than 12,000 UPS Access Point locations in seven European countries. UPS expects to have 20,000 locations in key markets throughout Europe and the Americas by the end of 2015.

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

CSCMP Toronto Roundtable Event Invitation

Toronto, October 9th - The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) Toronto Roundtable is pleased to present the ‘State of the Nation’ Transportation Night  on Thursday October 9, 2014.

Come out and and share in a rewarding evening of Transportation insight and networking and hear about what our foremost industry leaders have to say about capacity, trends  and changing customer demands.  

Date: Thursday October 9th, 2014 | Networking begins at 5:00 p.m. | Dinner and Program  6:45 – 8:15 p.m.

Venue: The Marriott Hotel – Toronto Airport, 901 Dixon Road, Etobicoke, Ontario
Registration for CSCMP Members $75, Non-members $90, Tables of Eight $600

Speaker Panel Includes:

David Bradley, CEO, Canadian Trucking Alliance / President, Ontario Trucking Association
Mark Seymour, CEO, Kriska Transportation
John Ferguson, President and CEO, SCI Group
Michael Gullo, Director Policy, Economic and Environmental Affairs, Rail Association of Canada

Moderator
Lou Smyrlis, Canadian Transportation Pubisher & Editorial Director

To register online, please visit the link below
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=4VRF9GEXXR8NS

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Agility Wins CSR Award for ‘Best Solution for Sustainability’ at Asian Manufacturing Awards

SINGAPORE – 30 Sept., 2014 – Agility, a leading global logistics provider, recently won the Best Solution for Sustainability award in the Corporate Social Responsibility category of the Asian Manufacturing Awards 2014.

Agility was recognized for successfully cutting its customer’s costs and carbon footprint by reconfiguring goods into more compressed shipments that can be transported more efficiently.

“We at Agility feel encouraged and honored to be recognized for our efforts in developing and delivering sustainable supply chain solutions to manufacturers,” said Ramesh Ganeshan, Agility Vice President for Human Resources in Asia Pacific, in a press release. He accepted the award at a ceremony in Singapore. “We understand the impact of supply chains on society and the environment. We remain committed to sustainable action in collaboration with our customers and partners.”

The annual Asian Manufacturing Awards recognizes companies that provide industrial technology solutions and value-added services that enable regional manufacturers to achieve world-class performance. Winners are selected by an international panel of expert judges made up of professionals and leaders in the manufacturing sector. Judging is audited by an external party to ensure fairness and transparency.


About Agility:
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 and developing economies alike. Agility is one of the world’s leading providers of integrated logistics. It is a publicly traded company with more than $4.8 billion in revenue and more than 20,000 employees in over 500 offices across 100 countries. Agility’s core commercial business, Global Integrated Logistics (GIL), provides supply chain solutions to meet traditional and complex customer needs. GIL offers air, ocean and road freight forwarding, warehousing, distribution, and specialized services in project logistics, fairs and events, and chemicals. Agility’s Infrastructure group of companies manages industrial real estate and offers logistics-related services, including e-government customs optimization and consulting, waste management and recycling, aviation and ground-handling services, support to governments and ministries of defense, remote infrastructure and life support.

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

C.H. Robinson Opens New German Office; Hires Two New Managers

Amsterdam, The Netherlands (September 10, 2014) — By opening a new office in Hamburg, Germany, and promoting two new office managers, C.H. Robinson continues to expand its European footprint and solidify its leadership team.

Having joined C.H. Robinson in April 2014, Oliver Schmidt manages the new road transportation office in Hamburg, which focuses on new customer sales and executing road transport services. An industry veteran since 1994, Schmidt developed a comprehensive background in road transport, air, ocean, project cargo, and supply chain consulting while working for large and mid-sized German logistics companies.

The opening of a road transport office in Hamburg not only provides logistics services to the German market, but also to a broad list of other European countries. The Hamburg office is co-located with C.H. Robinson’s Hamburg global forwarding office in order to serve all kinds of supply chain and project logistics requirements.

In addition to the Hamburg opening, C.H. Robinson has named two new branch managers- Michel Datz and Jochen Mueller- for the offices in Basel, Switzerland, and DĆ¼sseldorf, Germany respectively.

Datz joined C.H. Robinson in June 2014 as branch manager of the company’s Basel, Switzerland office. With 30 years of experience, mainly in global forwarding, Datz will continue to develop strong relationships with the customer network in Switzerland, whilst focusing on overall business growth.

Mueller joined C.H. Robinson’s DĆ¼sseldorf, Germany office as branch manager in May 2014. Mueller’s transportation career began at TNT in 2001 and includes experience in a variety of sales, sales management, and branch management positions at Fercam Transporte and most recently Gruber Logistics.

“The addition of Oliver, Michel, and Jochen, along with the Hamburg office opening has solidified our commitment to the European region,” said Bryan Foe, president of C.H. Robinson Europe. “Our dynamic office network offers flexible, quality, and reliable service with the local knowledge that customers demand.”

C.H. Robinson has built a network of more than 50 offices with over 1,000 employees throughout Europe to become one of the leading transportation and logistics companies in the region. The company has shown its commitment and investment in Europe by recently opening offices in Innsbruck, Austria, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, and Istanbul, Turkey.


About C.H. Robinson:
C.H. Robinson is one of the leading road transportation and freight forwarders in Europe with a dynamic network of offices across Europe. Since 1993, C.H. Robinson has provided European customers with flexible, quality and reliable service. The company’s motivated, multilingual, and customer-focused employees apply their local knowledge and expertise to every transport challenge and build strong, personalised relationships with the customers they serve.

C.H. Robinson Europe is a subsidiary of C.H. Robinson based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, USA. Founded in 1905, C.H. Robinson is one of the largest logistics companies in the world, providing global freight services, logistics outsource solutions, fresh produce sourcing and information services to customers globally, ranging from large, multinational companies to small, local businesses in a variety of industries. C.H. Robinson operates through a network of offices in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. For more information about C.H. Robinson, visit http://www.chrobinson.com.

NationaLease Promotes Joseph Gallick as Senior Vice President of Sales

September 10, 2014, Downers Grove, IL – NationaLease, one of the largest full service truck leasing organizations in North America, has named Joseph Gallick Senior Vice President of Sales, reporting to Dean Vicha, President of NationaLease.

Gallick joined NationaLease in 2013 as Vice President of Dedicated Services, where his more than 34 years of experience in the truck leasing industry has proved extremely valuable. “Joe Gallick has been with NationaLease for over a year providing an immediate impact to our Dedicated Sales initiatives with almost $8 million in annual sales this year,” Vicha said. “With Joe at the helm, we look forward to continued success in our National Account services.”

NationaLease’s National Accounts program creates transportation solutions for businesses with national reach by offering services that include full service leasing, customized contract maintenance, finance leasing, distribution routing and analysis, vehicle rental, and centralized billing, all with a single point of contact.

Gallick came to NationaLease after more than 25 years with the Penske organization, most recently as Senior Vice President of Sales for Penske Logistics. Prior to that, he held the position of Vice President of National Accounts for Penske Truck Leasing.

Gallick is a member of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals and a liaison with the Penn State University Center for Supply Chain Research, which presented him with the Robert D. Pashek Award for contributions to the logistics and transportation fields. He also serves on the advisory board of Logistics Quarterly of Toronto. He is a resident of Downingtown, PA.

About NationaLease:

Founded in 1944, NationaLease is one of the largest full service truck leasing organizations in North America, with over 600 service locations throughout the U.S. and Canada and a combined customer fleet of over 125,000 tractors, trucks, and trailers. The company provides comprehensive fleet management services for private fleets and transportation service providers. More information can be found at nationalease.com.

Thursday, June 19, 2014

LQ Board Announcement

LQ is pleased to announce that James Ellis has accepted LQ’s invitation to join its Advisory Board

James Ellis, B.Sc. (Operations Management), P. Log, FCAM, is the Director of Systems & Standards for Christie Lites Inc. Based in Toronto, Canada, Jim is responsible for the standardization and performance of Christie Lites’ North American operating policies, processes, systems and procedures. Jim’s experience in supply chain operations and organizational development spans 25 years, and includes the multiple industries of manufacturing, retail, distribution, energy, telecommunications, technology and management consulting. Prior to joining Christie Lites, Jim was President and CEO of AdvanceStates Inc., a management consulting firm specializing in transformation and change within operations organizations. A former contributing author to LQ Magazine and lecturer for various supply chain seminars, Jim is proud to be a member of LQ’s Advisory Board.

About Christie Lites Inc.

Christie Lites Inc. is the largest lighting-only company in North America. As a stage lighting industry leader Christie Lites has delivered excellent service and unmatched value to its clients since its founding in 1985. Christie Lites loyal client base has been built through a niche strategy that focuses on rentals and production in six key market segments: Theater, Concert, Trade Shows, TV & Film, Corporate Presentations, and Special Events.

LQ's Advisory Board

As a resource for logisticians, academics and executives in other disciplines in the United States and Canada, LQ offers ideas for leadership in logistics, supply chain management and transportation, and provides a unique bridge between business, academia and practitioners. LQ’s Advisory Board and contributors afford authoritative thinking on the complex and fast-changing work of the logistics and supply chain management business - with a unique focus on best practices in the United States and Canada. LQ's Board plays a pivotal role in providing direction for LQ Magazine and LQ’s bi-annual Symposiums.

Friday, April 11, 2014

Register Today to Attend NASSTRAC Shippers Conference & Transportation Expo

NASSTRAC Shippers Conference & Transportation Expo  
Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel - Orlando, FL - April 13 - 16, 2014
 
"10 Things I Hate About You": An In-Depth Look at the Shipper / Broker / Carrier Relationship

"I hate you, I love you, I need you, get out of my office!"  That roughly summarizes the relationship between Shippers, Brokers and Carriers.  The reality, however, is much more collaborative than many of us like to admit and successfully navigating these relationships can provide shippers with a best in class transportation strategy.

In this lively and informative session, executive representatives from each of these groups will share with you what drives them crazy about the other and how we can come together and collaborate across organizations, modes, and services. The following speakers will be featured on this panel:

Rob Kemp, K&R Sales
Eric McGee, Senior Vice President, Transportation, JB Hunt Transportation Services
Tom Wenzinger, Director, Corporate Traffic, Advance Auto Parts
• Moderator: Bob Voltmann, CEO, TIA

Register today to join us at the Shippers Conference & Transportation Expo to take advantage of these and other can't-miss education sessions.

Further Questions?
Click here for conference registration rates.  
Click here for more information about housing & travel.  
Click here for the conference schedule.
Click here for the conference sessions.  

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or have any questions, please contact NASSTRAC at (202) 367-1174 or email info@nasstrac.org.

NASSTRAC:

The National Shippers Strategic Transportation Council (NASSTRAC) provides education, advocacy, and provider relations for professionals and companies involved in transportation and logistics. Founded in 1952, our members manage freight across all transportation modes including truckload, rail, ocean and air. www.nasstrac.org.

Monday, April 7, 2014

C.H. Robinson’s New Blog Focuses on Carrier Community

EDEN PRAIRIE, MN (April 7, 2014) — Addressing the various challenges and complex conversations that are part of the trucking industry’s changing landscape, C.H. Robinson has launched The Road, a blog that features topics, trends, and issues that impact daily life in the transportation industry.

As the largest provider of truckload services in the world, and over 100 years of logistics experience and expertise, C.H. Robinson has access to an immense freight network of over 63,000 transportation providers, including contract motor carriers, railroads, air freight, and ocean carriers.

The Road features weekly posts authored by C.H. Robinson employees, industry experts, carrier leaders, and others who support and engage with transportation carriers. Some examples of trending topics that are covered include driver shortage issues, the mobile evolution of the trucking industry, and fleet management challenges.

“The Road focuses on cultivating conversations around best practices and aims to serve as an educational resource for carriers of all sizes,” said Bruce Johnson, director of carrier services at C.H. Robinson. “Working with a variety of industry leaders across the carrier community allows us to share this industry knowledge and positively impact carriers.”

In addition to The Road, C.H. Robinson hosts Transportfolio®, a broad transportation and supply chain blog that focuses on a wide range of topics impacting shippers of all sizes around the world. In addition, C.H. Robinson’s TMC division publishes a weekly technology blog, Connect, focused on transportation management systems (TMS), supply chain management, transportation procurement strategies, and logistics best practices impacting larger shippers.


About C.H. Robinson

Founded in 1905, C.H. Robinson is a global provider of multimodal logistics services, fresh produce sourcing, and information services to 46,000 customers through a network of 285 offices and over 11,500 employees around the world. The company works with 63,000 transportation providers worldwide. C.H. Robinson is a Fortune 500 company and had annual revenues of $12.8 billion in 2013.

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.

Friday, April 4, 2014

LQ's Fourth Annual 3PL Sustainability Study and Awards Program (2014)

LQ's 3PL Supply Chain Application  Newsletter  (2014)
April 4, 2014, Toronto - It’s that time of year - when we invite you to participate in LQ's Fourth Annual 3PL Sustainability Study and Awards Program (2014) - and encourage you to join the winners’ circle.

LQ’s Forth Annual 3PL Program builds upon LQ’s 20-year tradition of rendering compelling case studies to inspire your peers, stakeholders, clients and team. LQ’s Annual 3PL Sustainability Study and Awards Program (2014) is designed for logisticians and their 3PL partners (asset and non-asset 3PLs) alike. (Click here to read about LQ's 2013 Winners and Finalists.)

LQ’s 2014 Application is available today to download at: www.LQ3PLstudy.com. Applications are due on August 12, 2014.

Each year many supply chain executives and their firms participate in LQ’s 3PL Performers in Supply Chain Sustainability Study, and this year it is especially worth your time to participate:

LQ 3PL Best Performer in Sustainability Crest• Six participants from 3PLs (three from the U.S. and three from Canada) will win a free registration to LQ’s 2014 Symposium - either the fall or spring Symposium. (A $895 value)

• Two logisticians will have an opinion to participate in LQ’s Executive Insight Videos in 2014, prepared at LQ’s Symposiums. (See LQexec.com for examples.)

• 10 participants will receive a copy of Dr. Yossi Sheffi’s (MIT) book, Logistics Clusters

• All participants will receive an advance copy of the First Section of LQ Study Report prior to its general release in August, 2014.

• Everyone’s opinion counts – the first section of LQ’s Study – is designed to incorporate the views of logisticians, 3PLs, and others in the supply chain field.

LQ’s position is the finer the athlete the more likely they’ll reach higher profits and new markets in the future. Therefore, we believe the entries that show the best performance in supply chain sustainability will also likely merit greater value for their customers and stakeholders alike.

LQ’s impartial team of evaluators, David Closs, Ph.D., Michigan State University and Thomas Goldsby, Ph.D., The Ohio State University, will share insights on the top 3PL performers in LQ’s Sustainability Program, and on the overall landscape of sustainability based on the information LQ garners in this process at LQ’s next Symposium, and in LQ Magazine. In addition, the finalists – the Top Performers in LQ’s 3PL Program – will have an option to present at LQ’s next Symposium.


LQ’s 3PL Sustainability awards were established in 2011 to recognize practical and groundbreaking sustainability practices and thinking, with applications judged by an independent panel of business and academic leaders.  LQ’s team would like to express its appreciation to C.H. Robinson for underwriting LQ’s Fourth consecutive annual 3PL Sustainability Study and Award Program in 2014.

Please let me know if you have any questions regarding LQ’s 2014 3PL Sustainability Study and Awards Program.  Fred Moody, Editor and Publisher, LQ Magazine | LQ Inc.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

NASSTRAC Announces New Executive Director

Gail Rutkowski Named New NASSTRAC Executive Director

January 16, 2014 - Washington, DC - The National Shippers Strategic Transportation Council (NASSTRAC) is proud to announce that Gail Rutkowski has been named Executive Director. Ms. Rutkowski will lead NASSTRAC in its goals of providing educational opportunities, advocacy, and networking events for the shipping industry.

NASSTRAC President Doug Easley said, "I am pleased to have Gail Rutkowski come into a new role at NASSTRAC as Executive Director. This job requires an in-depth industry knowledge, great contacts, and a passion for the work. These requirements are what led us to select Gail."

Gail Rutkowski is President of Wabash Worldwide Logistics and is a veteran of more than 25 years in the transportation industry. Ms. Rutkowski has previously served in roles in both the shipper and carrier sides of the industry, from private fleet management with Quaker Oats and Belden Wire and Cable, to truckload sales with C. H. Robinson, to transportation management with Thomas & Betts and Medline Industries.

"I am excited to begin my work in this new role for NASSTRAC," said Ms. Rutkowski "The work that NASSTRAC does for the industry in the fields of education, advocacy, and provider relations is invaluable. I look forward to working with the Executive Committee and our members to continue to provide these resources to the industry while finding new opportunities for the organization to grow."

The National Shippers Strategic Transportation Council (NASSTRAC) provides education, advocacy, and provider relations for professionals and companies involved in transportation and logistics. Founded in 1952, our members manage freight across all transportation modes including truckload, rail, ocean and air. For more information, visit www.NASSTRAC.org.