Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Lakeside Announcement

March 30, 2015, Mississauga, ON - Lakeside Logistics has announced that Brian Ware has joined the company as Vice President, Marketing and Business Development and is succeeding Dan Carruthers who is slated to retire later this year. Ware brings over 15 years of marketing and sales experience understanding client expectations and driving business growth.

In his new role at Lakeside, “Ware will be responsible for creating and implementing overall business development strategies designed to help achieve the company’s business objectives”, said Jeff Moore President and Chief Executive Officer. “One of Brian’s primary focuses will be identifying quality opportunities where Lakeside can strategically deliver optimal transportation solutions that are aligned with Lakeside’s Value Proposition”. Additionally, he will be responsible for developing the marketing strategy and optimizing the customer experience. “I want to continue Lakeside’s reputation of being a “true partner”, where a deep understanding of our customers allows us to continue to provide exceptional support in a timely manner,” said Ware.

“Brian is a ‘humble and smart’ business leader who thrives in dynamic work environments where both customer and company success can be achieved,” said Tom Coates, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Lakeside. “Brian believes an organization’s success is rooted in people who understand the value the organization brings to their customers and are driven by high performance.”

Ware joins Lakeside from VersaCold Logistics Services, where he was a Vice President of Marketing, & Business Development and 4PL services. Prior to VersaCold, Ware was Director of Marketing/Distribution at TVA (a division of Quebecor). His logistics experience is largely based in the manufacturing and retail/wholesale sectors focused on food and grocery, 3PL, warehousing, transportation, distribution and transportation management. Ware has many years of concentrated experience in food and grocery, and a deep operational knowledge ranging from commodities to consumer packaged goods from production to point of purchase.

“I am excited about the opportunity to continue to work with an executive team that understands the importance of a consultative and solution based sales methodology,” said Ware. “I am looking forward to supporting Lakeside’s overall vision with the business development team and building on the programs that are currently in place. As well, I believe that Lakeside is well positioned to support new opportunities and substantial future growth.”

Lakeside:

Lakeside is a leading 3PL providing transportation management solutions across North America. As a multi-service 3PL, Lakeside provides a single point of contact for planning, system design, transportation management, inventory management and monitoring throughout the supply chain. Founded in 1986, Lakeside has continuously developed new services that help their customers optimize their supply chain management and sharpen their competitive edge. Lakeside is a privately held and managed business with a strong management team.

Kenco Presentation at NASSTRAC Annual Conference in Orlando, April 12-15

Kenco’s Kevin Fletcher to Discuss Impact of Density-Based LTL Pricing on Shippers


CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.—March 31, 2015 —Kevin Fletcher, senior vice president of Transportation at Kenco a leading provider of integrated logistics solutions, real estate services, and material handling equipment—will discuss the impact on shippers of density-based (or dimensional weight) LTL pricing at the annual National Shippers Strategic Transportation Council (NASSTRAC) conference in April.

Fletcher will be on a panel addressing “Is the LTL Industry Ready For Density-Based Pricing?” The annual shippers conference and transportation expo will take place April 12–15, 2015 in Orlando, Florida.

"With roots dating back to the 1930s, the classification-based pricing used for decades by the United States LTL industry utilizes the grouping of commodities that share similar shipping characteristics as its basis,” says Fletcher. “The adoption and migration to dimensional weight pricing—where rates are based upon a shipment's density or cubic volume—would represent a significant paradigm shift for the LTL industry in the United States toward a more globally accepted pricing methodology."

At NASSTRAC, panelists will discuss what these changes mean; what adjustments shippers should make to control costs; concerns raised about a density-based LTL pricing program; and potential benefits to various facets of the supply chain.

Fletcher has 30 years of experience with carrier, shipper, and third party logistics companies. In addition to his transportation-leadership responsibilities at Kenco, Fletcher focuses on account management, business development, and strategic planning.

About Kenco
Kenco provides integrated logistics solutions that include distribution and fulfillment, comprehensive transportation management, material handling services, real estate management, and information technology—all engineered for Operational Excellence. Woman-owned and financially strong, Kenco has built lasting customer relationships for more than 60 years. Kenco’s focus is on common sense solutions that drive uncommon value. Learn more at www.kencogroup.com.

Monday, March 30, 2015

PLS Logistics Services Hires Dave Mabon as Chief Operating Officer

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA – March 30 2015 - PLS Logistics Services (“PLS”), a leading provider of technology enabled supply chain and freight brokerage services, recently announced that Dave Mabon has joined the company as its Chief Operating Officer.

Mr. Mabon most recently served in a variety of executive leadership positions with GENCO, a North American logistics provider.  Previously, he directed sales and marketing for Kuehne + Nagel’s Contract Logistics business unit and served on their International Logistics Steering Committee.  Mr. Mabon started his logistics career with APL.

“Dave brings over 25 years of logistics leadership experience to PLS, with a strong track record of driving growth” says Greg Burns, Chairman, President and CEO of PLS Logistics Services. “I am pleased to welcome a seasoned supply chain executive to the PLS leadership team.  Dave will play a critical role in guiding our future growth and expansion plans.”

“I am excited to be joining PLS at a time when they are experiencing rapid growth and expansion. PLS’s unique scalable systems offering provides actionable data enabling customers to drive growth in challenging market conditions,” noted Mabon.

About PLS

PLS Logistics Services is a leading provider of logistics management, brokerage and technology services for shippers across all industries.  PLS handles millions of loads annually across all major freight modes: flatbed, van, LTL, rail, barge, air and ocean.  The PLS carrier network consists of over 15,000 trucking companies, Class-1 railroads and major barge companies.

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Finalists Selected for Inaugural ‘Distinguished Woman in Logistics’ Award

Faith Garcia-Ross, Kristy Knichel and Jean Regan Chosen from Field of Nominees;
Winner to be Announced April 17 During TIA ‘Capital Ideas’ Conference in Orlando, Fla.

CLEVELAND, Ohio, March 26, 2015 — The Women In Trucking (WIT) Association today announced the finalists for the inaugural “Distinguished Woman in Logistics” award established to promote the achievements of women employed in the North American transportation industry.
Finalists for the award are: Faith Garcia-Ross, vice president, consumer services and Latin American operations, Menlo Logistics, Aurora, Ill.; Kristy Knichel, president, Knichel Logistics, Gibsonia, Pa.; and Jean Regan, president and CEO, TranzAct Technologies, Elmhurst, Ill. The winner will be announced by program sponsor TMW Systems on behalf of WIT on Friday, April 17, during the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) 2015 “Capital Ideas” Conference and Exhibition in Orlando, Fla.

Building on the success of WIT’s “Influential Woman in Trucking” recognition program, the new award highlights the vital roles of leading women in the dynamic and increasingly influential field of transportation logistics, which includes logistics service providers and traditional trucking companies. TMW Systems, a Trimble Company, is this year’s award sponsor for the WIT recognition program.

“Logistics is a fast-paced, highly demanding discipline that is attracting thousands of talented and creative professionals each year,” said TMW Systems President David W. Wangler. “The impressive field of nominees for this inaugural award is both a testament to the significant accomplishments of women in the logistics sector and a validation that more opportunities are becoming available within the broader transportation industry.”

The finalists for the 2015 “Distinguished Woman in Logistics” award lead businesses or operating units that have achieved significant regional, national and/or global scale and which serve many of the industry’s premier shippers and transportation service providers. Each has demonstrated superior leadership within their company as well as with other professional, educational or philanthropic organizations.

In her role with Menlo Logistics, Garcia-Ross helps guide a business that optimizes some $2.5 billion in annual transportation spend on behalf of customers in more than 20 nations. She joined the company as customer service manager in 2000 and served in a variety of increasingly responsible roles before being named vice president in 2014. In nominating her for the new WIT award, a co-worker wrote, “Her deep knowledge of the logistics industry supports effective counsel and leadership that have driven numerous successful customer engagements with warehousing and transportation management solutions in the U.S. as well as Latin America. She is an exceptional performer…and her career path serves as an inspirational example for others to follow.” Garcia-Ross is a graduate of the Con-way Inc. ALPHA Management Development Program and past recipient of the “Superior Performance” award from Menlo customer Hurley Industries.

Knichel is a second generation logistics executive who began her career as an intermodal dispatcher in 1997. She and her father launched Knichel Logistics in 2003, with Kristy initially overseeing operations, finance and a variety of other functional areas. She was appointed president in 2007 and has helped direct the company’s growth from $2 million to nearly $50 million in annual revenue. Knichel Logistics has been ranked in the Inc. 500 list of North America’s fastest growing privately owned companies for four consecutive years. Knichel is actively involved in a women’s mentoring program in Pittsburgh and in 2014 received the Business Women First Award from the Pittsburgh Business Times. One of her company’s carrier partners wrote, “Kristy’s amazing connection with industry peers, clients and supporting carrier base affords Knichel Logistics continuous growth year after year.”

As president and CEO of TranzAct Technologies, Regan directs operational and financial activities for the largest woman-owned freight audit and payment company in the U.S. She joined TranzAct as vice president and CFO in 1987 and was appointed president in 2000. Regan has served on numerous boards and industry advisory committees, including the Northwestern University Transportation Center Business Advisory Committee and University of Illinois College of Business Dean's Business Council. She also is a member of Vistage, the National Association of Corporate Directors, National Association of Female Executives, and National Association of Professional Women, which recognized her as the 2012-2013 “VIP Woman of the Year.” “Jean exemplifies the unwavering leadership our discipline needs,” wrote an industry association executive. “Her dedication…has proven to further the logistics and supply chain impact we have on modern, progressive businesses today.”

Finalists were selected from an extensive field of high-performing women representing warehousing, traffic and shipping, third-party logistics, supply chain management and related functional disciplines. Members of the judging panel were: Adrian Gonzalez, president, Adelante SCM; Kate Miller, president, Blue Edge Marketing Ltd.; Diane A. Mollenkopf, Ph.D., McCormick associate professor of logistics and director, Ph.D. program in supply chain management, University of Tennessee; Fred Moody, editor and publisher, Logistics Quarterly; and Ellen Voie, CAE, president and CEO, Women in Trucking, Inc.

The winner of the 2015 award will be announced Friday morning, April 17, during the TIA Annual Business Meeting and Opening Session at the Loews Royal Pacific Hotel in Orlando, Fla.

To learn more about the award and related events, please visit www.womenintrucking.org.

About TMW Systems

TMW is a leading transportation software provider to brokerage and 3PL organizations, commercial and private fleets. Founded in 1983, TMW has focused on providing enterprise software to the transportation industry, including asset-based and non-asset-based operations as well as heavy-duty vehicle service centers. With offices in Cleveland, Dallas, Indianapolis, Nashville, Oklahoma City, Raleigh, and Vancouver, the company serves over 2,000 customers, including many of the largest, most sophisticated and complex transportation service companies in North America. TMW is a Trimble Company (NASDAQ: TRMB) and part of the international Transportation and Logistics Division.  www.tmwsystems.com


About Women In Trucking

Women In Trucking was established to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the trucking industry. Membership is not limited to women, as 16 percent of its members are men who support the mission. Women In Trucking is supported by its members and the generosity of Gold Level Partners: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems; Daimler Truck NA; Frito-Lay North America; Great Dane Trailers; Hyundai Translead; and Walmart. Silver Level Partner is C.H. Robinson. Follow WIT on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn.

Walmart Honors C.H. Robinson with First Ever 3PL Award

EDEN PRAIRIE, MN (March 26, 2015) — Walmart Stores, Inc. has recognized C.H. Robinson with the retail leader’s first-ever 3rd Party Logistical (3PL) Carrier of the Year award for 2014 noting contributions for outstanding service, effective communication, and providing solutions and innovations in a changing industry.

2014 was a year of challenges in the area of logistics and transportation, with extreme weather conditions and capacity issues challenging the industry as a whole. Through dedicated hard work and strategic collaboration, C.H. Robinson was able to exceed Walmart’s expectations as a logistics service provider.

“C.H. Robinson anticipated challenges due to weather conditions and the team went to work immediately,” said Rob Kinsella, strategic account manager at C.H. Robinson. “By utilizing tools and programs customized to Walmart’s business we were able to assist with surge capacity and supply chain resiliency during the polar vortex, and throughout 2014’s extremely tight transportation market.”

The honor is designated to companies who provide support to Walmart stores, Sam’s Clubs, and distribution facilities located throughout the United States. Strong relationships are key to the level of service and responsiveness that C.H. Robinson has with Walmart.

“Our more than 20 years of collaboration with Walmart has created solid relationships throughout the company—from analysts to presidents—enabling the kinds of strategic conversations and thoughtful planning that assists Walmart in achieving their goal of everyday low costs,” said Kinsella.
Walmart, too, takes great pride in cultivating effective relationships.
  
“C.H. Robinson has consistently provided Walmart with exceptional service, maintained excellent safety standards, and proven their leadership in the transportation industry,” said Kevin X. Jones, vice president of inbound transportation for Walmart. “They are essential to accomplishing and exceeding our important goals. In turn, we are able to translate the efficiencies into everyday low prices for our customers.”

An official celebration of the award is scheduled to take place in May, when executives from Walmart will visit C.H. Robinson’s Eden Prairie, MN, headquarters.

“It’s satisfying to celebrate this win with the entire C.H. Robinson team, as it’s an effort that comes from across our entire North America network,” said Kinsella. “To accomplish what we do for a company like Walmart, it takes a lot of hard work and commitment from a lot of people.”

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 more than 280 offices and over 11,000 employees around the world. The company works with 66,000 transportation providers worldwide. C.H. Robinson is a Fortune 500 company and had annual revenues of $13.5 billion in 2014.

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.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

CN to hold annual meeting of shareholders in Memphis, Tenn., on April 21, 2015

MONTREAL, March 25, 2015 - CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) will hold its 2015 annual general meeting of shareholders in Memphis, Tenn., on April 21, 2015.

The meeting will be held in the Venetian Room of The Peabody Memphis, 149 Union Ave., Memphis, starting at 8.30 a.m. Central Daylight Time. CN will provide an audio webcast of the proceedings via the Investors section of its website, www.cn.ca/en/investors.

The company's Management Information Circular and Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, its 2014 Annual Report, and the 2014 Annual Information Form and Form 40-F are available in the Investors section of CN's website.

CN is a true backbone of the economy, transporting more than C$250 billion worth of goods annually for a wide range of business sectors, ranging from resource products to manufactured products to consumer goods, across a rail network spanning Canada and mid-America. CN – Canadian National Railway Company, along with its operating railway subsidiaries -- serves the cities and ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, B.C., Montreal, Halifax, New Orleans, and Mobile, Ala., and the metropolitan areas of Toronto, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Calgary, Chicago, Memphis, Detroit, Duluth, Minn./Superior, Wis., and Jackson, Miss., with connections to all points in North America. For more information on CN, visit the company's website at www.cn.ca.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Transportation Institute Reaffirms Mission to Be Key Transportation Resource

Transportation Institute at the University of Denver: Inspiring Transportation Solutions

March 24, 2015 - DENVER— The Transportation Institute at the University of Denver (DTI), formerly the Intermodal Transportation Institute, has changed its name to reflect its comprehensive approach to inspiring transportation solutions through education for all transportation modes.
The Transportation Institute, founded in fall 1996 at the University of Denver, provides executive transportation education for professionals and senior leaders in global transportation, logistics, and supply chain management.  More than 200 participants have graduated from the Transportation Institute’s executive master’s degree program in the 12 annual cohorts to date.

“The Transportation Institute inspires transportation solutions for talented executives through a blend of education and networking that develops understanding and heightens the capabilities of leaders involved in the transportation industry,” said Dr. William J. DeWitt, III, Executive Director of the Transportation Institute.

The Transportation Institute has been providing a holistic educational approach to sustainable, effective, and ethical transportation management since its inception.

“As a top 100 university, the University of Denver is pleased to have such a strong resource for transportation leaders,” said Michael McGuire, dean of University College, where the Transportation Institute is housed. “By providing classes, short courses, and other professional development opportunities, DTI is preparing the next generation of transportation leaders to succeed in this industry.”

The DTI Board of Directors, consisting of senior executives from leading transportation companies throughout the world, helps to guide the Transportation Institute’s programs, provides leadership and strategic direction, and shares industry expertise and resources to support academic and outreach activities.  The University of Denver officially updated the Institute’s name to the Transportation Institute at the University of Denver on February 5, 2015.

“The University of Denver’s approach to creating unique educational and networking programs enriches talent at a wide range of transportation and logistics organizations,” said Adriene B. Bailey, Chair of the Transportation Institute Board of Directors and Chief Strategy Officer for Yusen Logistics (Americas) Inc.

The Transportation Institute offers an executive master’s degree, short courses, symposia, and educational resources for industry leaders to inspire transportation solutions.  To learn more about the Transportation Institute at the University of Denver, visit www.du.edu/transportation.


Founded in 1864, the University of Denver is committed to engaging with students in advancing scholarly inquiry, cultivating critical and creative thought, and generating knowledge. For additional information, visit the University’s Media Relations website, or follow the University on Facebook and Twitter.

EFT’s Annual 3PL Selection and Contracting Report

Logistics Customer Satisfaction Drops, Shippers and 3PLs on Different Wavelengths – EFT Report

March 24, 2015, London, UK - EFT’s Annual 3PL Selection and Contracting Report breaks-down many of the key components in the dynamic between the Lead Service Provider (LSP) and the shipper relationship. In summary it provides insights on the critical topics shippers and LSPs are tackling to achieve success in their respective industries and in collaborate together.

This report represents a thorough analysis of the selection and contracting process of contract logistics from perspective of both logistics service providers and their customers – namely manufacturers and retailers. The report also asks some critical questions on future technology, and the impact this is going to have on the relationship between LSPs and their customers.
 
Some of Key findings this year include:

·         40%+ of manufacturers and retailers expect their logistics providers to have some understanding of driverless vehicles
·         19.2% of Manufacturers and Retails are already using 3D printing in their businesses
·         94% of industry executives think drone delivery is inevitable
·         43% of industry executives think the Internet of Things will have a huge impact on supply chain and logistics.
·         4% increase in customer dissatisfaction
·         China remains a primary target for growth for 3PLs and Customers alike

Click here to view the infographic now and download the report.

MBLX Inc. Announcement

Transportation veteran brings 30 years of experience to growing company

NEW ORLEANS, LA– MBLX Inc., a division of Livingston International, today announced the appointment of Mike Edwards to the newly created position of Director of Business Development.  Mr. Edwards will be responsible for generating new service options for customers while expanding MBLX into markets that utilize rail and truck transport as extensions of the river network.

“Mike is a highly qualified logistics and supply chain professional. His diverse experiences from 30 years in logistics as both a shipper and carrier offer a unique perspective that will enable us to develop innovative service offerings for our customers,” said David Schulingkamp, President of MBLX and Vice President, U.S. Freight for Livingston. “We’ve had an excellent professional relationship with Mike for many years and are glad to now have him on our team.”

Prior to joining MBLX, Edwards managed the transportation functions for Nucor’s Gallatin steel mill at Ghent, KY.  Previous roles include Sales Director for American Commercial Barge Line (ACBL) where he oversaw the movement of steel, steel-related commodities and various bulk products.  As Transportation Manager for the David J. Joseph Company, he was responsible for barge, truck and rail movements of ferrous scrap for America’s largest scrap trading company.

Edwards earned a Bachelor of Science from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business where he majored in transportation management.  He is an associate member of the American Society of Transportation and Logistics.


About MBLX (www.mblx.com)
Founded in 1983, MBLX has excelled at barging cargo throughout America’s inland waterways while providing customized shipping solutions both on and off the river for a variety of commodities and cargoes -bulk, breakbulk, project and over-dimensional. MBLX was acquired by Livingston International in 2013.

About Livingston (www.livingstonintl.com)
North America’s number one company focused on customs brokerage and trade compliance, Livingston International also offers trade consulting, global trade management and freight forwarding.  Livingston employs over 3,200 staff at 125 key border points, sea ports, airports and other strategic locations across North America, Europe and Asia.

Monday, March 23, 2015

TMSA Announces Details of Logistics Marketing & Sales Leadership Conference

Minneapolis, March 23, 2015 (MindShare Strategies Media Services) – The Transportation Marketing & Sales Association (TMSA) announces program details for the upcoming TMSA Logistics Marketing & Sales Leadership Conference, to take place June 7-9 in St. Petersburg, Fla.

"The event is designed specifically to meet the educational and networking needs of marketing and sales executives in the North American transportation and logistics industry," said Hernan Vera, managing partner for Sales Outcomes, and TMSA's education committee chairman.  The event will include more than 30 sessions featuring best practices; relevant marketing topics such as digital media strategies, content management, advertising and outsourcing; and critical sales topics such as CRM, lead management, and successful proposal development.

The event's keynote speaker, Bill Butterworth, will provide ideas on how to find a healthy balance of work and life, along with the importance of collaboration between marketing and sales within an organization. The event also will feature a shipper panel of transportation and logistics executives with manufacturers and retailers who will provide insights on what makes a successful partnership with carriers and providers.

About the Transportation Marketing & Sales Association
The Transportation Marketing and Sales Association (TMSA) provides knowledge, connections, recognition and solutions to marketing, sales, and communications professionals in the transportation and logistics industries. Member companies include motor carriers, railroads, air carriers, ocean lines, 3PLs, OEMs, media and suppliers, and account for more than $300 billion in revenue each year. For more information, visit www.TMSAtoday.org.

The Port of Savannah Reports on Sustained Growth in all Sectors

The Port of Savannah moved more than 284,000 twenty-foot equivalent container units in February. 

Savannah, Ga. - March 23, 2015 - The Georgia Ports Authority marked strong and sustained growth across all major markets in the month of February, including bulk, breakbulk, autos and machinery, and containerized freight.

"The additional cargo attracted to Georgia speaks to the reliability and ease of doing business in this state," said GPA Executive Director Curtis Foltz. "More freight moving through GPA terminals means greater opportunity for the people working at more than 21,000 businesses shipping cargo through Georgia's ports."

In containerized trade, the Port of Savannah achieved a 14.2 percent improvement in February, for an increase of 35,287 twenty-foot equivalent container units. A total of 284,037 TEUs moved across GPA docks. For the fiscal year, GPA has moved 2.32 million TEUs, an increase of 13.7 percent or 279,882 TEUs. Georgia's deepwater ports have seen similar fiscal year increases across all business categories, with breakbulk cargo up 11.2 percent (183,562 tons) to reach 1,821,830 tons. Bulk cargo has improved by 6.9 percent (127,731 tons) to reach 1.99 million tons for the eight-month period between July and February.

In automotive and machinery units, the GPA saw 8.9 percent growth in February, up 4,734 units to reach 57,654. Colonel's Island Terminal in Brunswick led the growth, moving 55,482 units of roll-on/roll-off cargo. For the fiscal year to date, the GPA has moved 464,638 auto and machinery units, up 5.8 percent, or 25,648 units.

Also in the month of February, bulk commodities such as soybean meal and peanut pellets improved by 14.8 percent, and breakbulk cargo, such as iron and steel, spiked 24.8 percent.

"Georgia's ports are truly firing on all cylinders," said GPA Board Chairman James Walters. "Our ports are powerful engines, creating economic opportunities throughout the supply chain."

Also Monday, the Ports Authority heard a report on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's contract award to deepen the port's 18.5-mile outer harbor to 47 feet at low tide.

In other business, the Authority:

• Approved $10 million for Phase II of construction for a new Gate 8 and empty container depot at Garden City Terminal at the Port of Savannah. The project, totaling $27 million, will help the terminal to handle higher than expected container volume growth.
• Allotted $3.7 million for earthwork on 50 acres on the south side of Colonel's Island at the Port of Brunswick. The work will help prepare the site for potential customers.
• Approved construction of a third phase of the Anguilla Rail Yard in Brunswick, Ga., aimed at increasing capacity to handle growing rail volumes. Improvements will include the construction of two additional storage rail tracks of approximately 4,200 feet in length for each, and an approximate total cost of $2.7 million.

Georgia's deepwater ports and inland barge terminals support more than 352,000 jobs throughout the state annually and contribute $18.5 billion in income, $66.9 billion in revenue and $2.5 billion in state and local taxes to Georgia's economy. The Port of Savannah handled 8 percent of the U.S. containerized cargo volume and 10.9 percent of all U.S. containerized exports in FY2013.

Thursday, March 12, 2015

C.H. Robinson Drives Efficiencies for Global Proppant Supply Chains

EDEN PRAIRIE, MN (March 12, 2015) — Now, more than ever, proppant manufacturers and oil and gas companies should pay close attention to their supply chains. Driving efficiencies while ensuring a continuous and ample supply of ceramic proppant, a product that is essential to many oil and gas fracking operations, is at a premium especially in the United States.

“Today’s game changer is going to be the oil and gas companies that can drive down their supply chain costs by improving efficiencies and adding visibility,” said Kent Stuart, director of oil and gas for C.H. Robinson. “The speed of fracking requires a nimble, global supply chain that can be up and running in a moment’s notice.”

With over 20 years of expertise in the oil and gas industry, C.H. Robinson understands the demands and complexities of shipping proppant, and can help companies improve their global supply chains with the right combination of expertise, processes, and innovative technology as explained in this white paper.

Click to Tweet: Why #oilandgas companies should pay close attention to their #supplychain http://bit.ly/1xgqc7Q @CHRobinsonInc

By analyzing their current supply chains and offering integrated solutions that keep the rigs pumping and proppant in good supply, C.H. Robinson helps oil and gas companies rethink how their supply chains work now, and how a more streamlined supply chain can give them a clear edge over their competitors.

“Oil prices can change dramatically and without warning,” said Chris O’Brien, chief commercial officer at C.H. Robinson. “To survive market fluctuations, leading oil and gas companies need to take a more strategic look at their supply chains. Success in this industry will go to businesses that are proactive with their planning.”

Transportation costs can easily account for 40-70 percent of the value of the heavy, dense ceramic proppant, which can mean dramatic savings for companies who can manage their spending over time. With multiple currencies, languages, government regulations, service gaps, and surging demands, global ceramic proppant manufacturers have one of the most complex supply chains in the oil and gas industry. With supply chains stretching from China, Russia, or South America to remote oilfield locations in North America, proppant manufacturers must coordinate with an array of independent transportation suppliers, transportation providers, warehouses, and transloaders, often without visibility to their freight in transit.

C.H. Robinson is applying its global network, standardized processes, and proprietary Navisphere® technology to add visibility and drive efficiencies into the ceramic proppant supply chain. By utilizing one of the largest ocean, air, and over the road carrier networks in the world, C.H. Robinson is helping these companies remove valuable time from the supply chain while creating global visibility and providing actionable business intelligence that drives continuous improvement.

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 more than 280 offices and over 11,000 employees around the world. The company works with 66,000 transportation providers worldwide. C.H. Robinson is a Fortune 500 company and had annual revenues of $13.5 billion in 2014.

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.

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

SUNTECK APPOINTS NEW CIO

March 4, 2015 – Jacksonville, Fla. – SUNTECK, a leading provider of agent-based, multi-modal transportation solutions, has hired Sean Clancy as Chief Information Officer (CIO), responsible for the continuing development of technology capabilities for SUNTECK’s growing agent network.

Sean brings over 20 years of experience to this role, including a unique blend of strategic business expertise, a broad project background and technology innovation. He has a proven track record of building and leading top-performing business-critical technology, enabling stakeholders to leverage and optimize IT capabilities in alignment with business and sales strategies.

"Sean’s expertise and commitment to innovation will be invaluable as we continue to meet the needs and priorities of the business and our agents,” said Ken Forster, Chief Executive Officer.

Prior to joining SUNTECK, Sean was vice president of global information systems with Kuehne & Nagel, Inc., a global logistics services company providing seafreight, airfreight, contract logistics and overland business services.

Sean is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin (Whitewater) with a BBA in Management Computer Systems and a BBA in Human Resource Management.

About SUNTECK 

With brokerage and capacity divisions, SUNTECK operates as a multi?modal transportation solutions provider through a network of sales, operations and capacity specialists. It offers a business process outsource program through which independent agents represent SUNTECK in the freight transportation marketplace. This agent network services shippers throughout the United States and Canada. Brokerage services include full truckload, less than truckload, intermodal, expedited, oversize and over-dimensional, and distribution & logistics. Capacity services include domestic and ocean import/export traffic, dedicated equipment, over-the-road van and temperature-controlled, flatbed and drop-deck services, drayage, and yard spotting.

For more information, please visit www.sunteckinc.net.

The Canadian Courier & Logistics Association to Join CLDA Annual Meeting

WASHINGTON, D.C., Mar. 5, 2015 – For the first time, The Canadian Courier & Logistics Association (CCLA) will become a part of the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association’s  Annual Meeting.   The CCLA will hold its business meeting on May 7 and participate in the full CLDA Annual Meeting from May 6 to 9, 2015 at The Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin in Orlando.  Members of the CCLA will also attend the meeting for the CLDA members-only registration fee.

The CCLA is a 30-year-old professional association of Canada’s time- sensitive delivery and logistics services providers.  This non-profit organization has a broad-based membership of time-sensitive delivery and logistics services providers operating in Canada.  Their membership represents 80 percent of the Canadian courier market.  Its members include such large providers as Purolator, FedEx, UPS and DHL as well as some of the country’s smaller providers. In total, the CCLA’s members employ or use the services of over 100,000 Canadians, maintain operations across Canada and generate annual sales in excess of $10 billion per year.

“We wanted to have our meeting at the CLDA conference because our members have told us that it’s a wonderful gathering of industry professionals.  Many of them have wanted to attend,” said CCLA President and CEO David Turnbull.

“We are delighted to welcome the members of the CCLA to our Annual Meeting,” says Jason Burns, chair of the event.  “In the past, we’ve had some of their members attend and we expect move to come this year because of this new arrangement.”

The 2015 CLDA Annual Meeting is called the “The Complete Package: Shipping, Networking and Education”.  The meeting will offer opportunities for participants to attend workshops, network with others in the industry, connect with agents who can expand their delivery territories and share common problems and solutions.  They will also learn about the latest tools from cutting-edge vendors that work with the customized logistics and delivery industry.

Over 450 shippers, transportation companies and vendors are expected to attend.  In addition to the two Shipper Sessions, they will participate in workshops on such topics as: Emerging opportunities offered by shipping marketplaces; measuring performance and progress; new opportunities in cold chain delivery and successful responses to RFPs.

There will be a number of events dedicated to getting supply chain executives and logistics and delivery companies together on a one-on-one level to develop joint business opportunities.   .

Those registering before April 3, 2015 will get a $100 discount.  After April 3, the cost for CLDA and CCLA members will be $825 and $1,005 for non-members.  Sponsorships and booths for vendors are available and include registration fees.  On-site registration is available for an additional charge.

For more information, go to www.theclda.com or contact CLDA at info@theclda.com

About the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association:

The Customized Logistics and Delivery Association connects shippers and carriers to keep the global supply chain running.  The association opens the doors to business success for delivery companies, logistics providers and the shippers who rely upon them.  Members handle the expedited shipping needs of large and small shippers across North America.  CLDA has been providing business opportunities, professional development, trend spotting and advocacy for all of those involved with time-critical and last-mile deliveries since 1987.  For more information see www.theCLDA.com.