Category Archives: International

CEVA Logistics has further expanded its reach in South East Asia with the opening of a new warehouse located in Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province in Vietnam. Strategically located to the north east of Ho Chi Minh City, this new facility has a range of convenient connections to the Eastern Economic Zone as well as the city. The new facility will support customers’ storage and distribution needs including value-added services across various industries. CEVA Logistics’ multi-user distribution centre spans 10,000m² and is designed to provide storage and fulfillment solutions with value-added services such as co-packing, labelling, kitting and consolidation services for B2B and B2C distribution across Vietnam. The facility will act as CEVA Logistics’ main hub for south and central Vietnam, leveraging CEVA Logistics’ in-house warehouse management system capabilities and suite of solutions supporting global and local customers in a fast-growing environment. Elaine Low, CEVA Logistics’ Regional Managing Director South East Asia & Pacific Region, says, “This new facility allows us to continue to expand our capabilities in support of our customers’ growth in Vietnam complementing our air, ocean and ground services. It will provide customers with additional storage and various services to meet their rapidly expanding supply chain needs in the country. Its strategic location means customers will also be able to take advantage of new transport infrastructure coming to the region as economic growth gathers further momentum.”

DB Schenker collaborates with Microsoft to accelerate the logistics service provider’s transformation towards becoming a leading global digital logistics company. Within this collaboration, DB Schenker has set the next milestones for the evolution of its future ‘logistics-as-a-service’ approach. Markus Sontheimer, CIO/CDO, DB Schenker, says, “Our digital services will create value for our customers by making supply chains more data-driven and efficient. Using Microsoft Azure will boost our ability to seamlessly connect our cloud- based services with our real-world logistics solutions.” Ulrich Homann, Corporate Vice President & Distinguished Architect, Cloud + AI at Microsoft said, “Investments in digital technologies help companies reimagine their businesses and build more agile and resilient operations. By harnessing Microsoft Azure, DB Schenker enables organizations to redefine their supply chains and accelerate the delivery of new customer value.” DB Schenker will migrate key infrastructure services to Azure. This will enhance security, speed and scalability of DB Schenker’s cloud-based services. DB Schenker has already commenced the first cloud migration projects by using the Azure Migration Program in several country organizations. AMP supports with best practices, guidance, direct access to Azure engineers, tools and subsidized partner services. A new Big Data service on Azure will enable DB Schenker to analyse and optimise volumes, capacities and supply chain performance in near-real time.

DP World and UNICEF have announced a wide-ranging partnership to support the global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and related immunisation supplies in low and lower middle-income countries. The new partnership – with a multi-million dollar value – is the largest to date to support UNICEF’s lead role in procuring and supplying 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines and auxiliary vaccination supplies on behalf of the COVAX Facility. DP World and UNICEF will also collaborate on other global programs in support of education, health, women’s empowerment and water and sanitation. DP World will provide UNICEF with logistics solutions and supply-chain expertise. By using DP World’s warehouse facilities in Dubai, UNICEF will have optimised access to many countries. In addition, DP World has committed to leveraging its global logistics infrastructure and services on a pro-bono basis in support of COVID-19 vaccine logistics needs, including transport, port and storage requirements in countries where DP World is present. Dubai is currently used by UNICEF as a strategic hub for pre-positioning auxiliary materials needed for the COVID-19 vaccine campaigns, such as syringes and safety boxes. The partnership was signed by Henrietta Fore, UNICEF Executive Director, and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World. It arose from UNICEF’s collaboration with the World Economic Forum’s Supply Chain and Transport Community, of which DP World is a member and explores how the community collectively could support an equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccines globally. “Distributing COVID-19 vaccines is humanity’s biggest logistics challenge since the end of the Second World War,” said Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem. “We offer our infrastructure and expertise to support this effort because everyone should have access to vaccines, especially the most …

UPS (NYSE: UPS), has entered into a definitive agreement to sell UPS Freight (UPSF) to TFI International Inc. (NYSE and TSX: TFII) for $800 million, subject to working capital and other adjustments. “We’re excited about the future and the opportunities this creates for both UPS and UPS Freight as part of TFI International Inc.,” said Carol Tomé, Chief Executive Officer, UPS. “The agreement allows UPS to be even more laser-focused on the core parts of our business that drive the greatest value for our customers.” The decision to sell UPS Freight was reached following a thorough evaluation of the UPS portfolio, and aligns with the company’s ‘better not bigger’ strategic positioning. UPS and TFI International will also enter into an agreement for UPS Freight to continue to utilize UPS’ domestic package network to fulfill shipments, for a period of five years. The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, is expected to close during the second quarter of 2021. UPS expects to recognize a non-cash, pre-tax impairment charge of approximately $500 million on its statement of consolidated income for the year ended December 31, 2020. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is serving as financial advisor, and King & Spalding LLP is serving as legal advisor to UPS.

Jettainer has developed and launched ‘plug & fly’, a new basic version of its full-service ULD solution to help airlines optimise their ULD fleet by 15 per cent while making sure that the ULDs are available anywhere, at any time at transparent fixed prices. With plug & fly, small and mid-sized airlines will now be able to unlock the benefits of outsourced ULD management in a way that is quick and easy. “Big carriers are not the only ones who get to enjoy optimised ULD fleets and the smart global management services provided by Jettainer’s industry experts. Many other airlines with fleets of up to 2,000 ULDs can now reap the rewards too. To arrive at this destination, we had to take a separate, more streamlined approach that we are now rolling out with plug & fly,” said, Thomas Sonntag, Managing Director. Jettainer offers all kinds of ways to customise partnerships with airlines; from ULD management to maintenance and repair, from deploying controllers directly at the customer’s premises to many other additional services. Yet, these tailored full-service solutions do not meet the needs of each and every airline. Leveraging a wealth of possible ULD services, Jettainer has therefore developed a basic product with a fixed pricing model that is guided by the number of ULDs. These assets remain the customer’s property. By optimising the ULD fleet quantity, Jettainer generates direct and immediate cost savings for the customer. These savings come in addition to reduced costs for airlines’ own IT and coordination efforts, which are typically incurred with in house solutions. Jettainer uses an integrated IT solution harnessing artificial intelligence, ensuring real time visibility of ULDs and inventories. Jettainer’s customers also …

dnata has opened a new, state-of-the art cargo complex, dnata City North, at Manchester Airport (MAN). Representing an investment of over GBP 30 million, the 150,000 sq ft² facility allows the company to significantly expand and consolidate its Manchester operations. Particularly well-situated for ease of airfield access, dnata’s purpose-built on-airport facility includes 125,000 sq ft² warehouse space and is capable of processing in excess of 150,000 tons of cargo annually. It is equipped with the latest technologies and complies with the highest industry standards ensuring efficient and safe handling of all types of cargo, including pharmaceuticals, perishables, dangerous goods, aircraft engines and vehicles. Alex Doisneau, Managing Director of dnata UK, said, “We are thrilled to announce the opening of another world-class cargo facility in a strategic location in the UK. Our new, purpose-built facility in Manchester complements our existing multiple UK operations including the dnata City complex at London Heathrow, enabling customers to enhance their operations in the region. “Our continued investment and expansion in the UK underlines our commitment to our customers and the local cargo industry at a critical time, providing operational excellence at key gateways across the country.” Gareth Jackson, MAG Group Property Director, said, “The new facility will further enhance the role we play in ensuring freight is seamlessly transported into and out of the North region markets from all parts of the world. Not only will the centre help the North’s trade credentials, it will boost employment opportunities for communities in Greater Manchester too. We look forward to working closely with dnata as it continues to grow from Manchester Airport.”

Bolloré Logistics Switzerland has handled the door-to-door shipment of 50 tonnes of temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products from Europe to Iraq for a leading biotech company. The operation started on January 16 at the customer’s warehouse in Germany. The goods were carefully packed in passive cool boxes equipped with cooling elements to maintain the temperature of +2°C to +8°C. For additional protection were the pallets covered with special thermal blankets. The pre-transport to Cologne airport was executed by temperature-controlled full truck loads and the air freight to Bagdad airport by full charter A330F. The precious shipment was upon arrival at destination on the tarmac directly loaded into pre-conditioned temperature-controlled trucks for delivery to the consignee. Based on detailed preparation and in-depth process set-up with the various stake holders was the complex customs clearance finalized within a record time to make it possible that the entire operation of the end-to-end delivery was accomplished within 24 hours. The optimal transport conditions ensured the perfect preservation and integrity of the pharmaceutical products.

CEVA Logistics has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Abu Dhabi Ports to work with the Hope Consortium. The Consortium is the umbrella organization of a UAE-based public-private partnership set up to address the logistical challenge of the worldwide distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Spearheaded by the Abu Dhabi Department of Health, the Hope Consortium comprises some of the Emirate’s leading supply chain solution players and consists of Etihad Cargo, Abu Dhabi Ports, Rafed (the healthcare purchasing arm of ADQ – the Abu Dhabi Developmental holding company) and temperature-controlled ULD firm, Skycell alongside a group of specially selected international freight forwarders including CEVA Logistics. With the ability to work with small, medium and large sized multinational companies, CEVA Logistics offers a broad range of Contract Logistics and Freight Management services to support both the shipment and distribution of vaccines. Says Guillaume Col, Chief Operating Officer CEVA Logistics, “The ongoing nature of the global pandemic means the delivery of vaccines around the world is the number one priority for the logistics industry. Our healthcare and pharma specialized teams have extensive experience in delivering vaccines and pharmaceutical products. Backed by a network of temperature-controlled warehouses and vehicles we are proud to support the Hope Consortium in achieving its goal”. The consortium has been put in place to handle the expected surge in vaccine volumes as production quantities grow. Its aim is to provide a complete supply chain solution anywhere in the world which includes transportation, demand planning, sourcing and digital technology infrastructure. It believes it will be able to distribute billions of doses by the end of the year and will focus on vaccines from all types of manufacturers.

Reacting to the ongoing lack of freight capacity on passenger flights, DB Schenker has extended its global flight network. For the first time in the company history, own-controlled flights connect America, Europe and Asia directly. The first of two routings touching three continents took off from Munich Airport this week. The new offer comes in addition to the major commercial block space agreements DB Schenker holds with preferred airline partners. Every week, the 43 flights can transport as much cargo as 135 wide-body passenger aircraft would hold. Thorsten Meincke, Member of the Management Board for Air and Ocean Freight at DB Schenker, says, “As air passenger travel is still far from recovery, we have decided to create new and reliable cargo options for our customers. I am especially excited about our new routes via Munich Airport. Our existing and strong flight network will become even more global.” As of this week, the first new route runs from Chicago (RFD) via Munich to Tokyo (NRT) and Seoul (ICN) before flying back to Germany and from there again to the US. It is operated by National Airlines and offers a combined weekly transport capacity of 400 tons. The second connection will be launched end of February and alternates from Munich to Chennai (MAA) and Chicago (RFD), with a combined weekly capacity of 300 tonnes. Both routes will run for one year to provide stability in a challenging environment. Jost Lammers, CEO and Chairman of the Management Board at Munich Airport, says, “We are very pleased that DB Schenker, one of the most important and largest logistics service providers in the world, has chosen Munich Airport as the hub for its intercontinental cargo …

Based on the views of road freight executives and experts from around the world, Shell and Deloitte have put out a joint study on how to decarbonise the road freight sector. The ‘Decarbonising Road Freight: Getting into Gear’ report offers a detailed 10-year roadmap with 22 solutions aimed at addressing the economic, technical, regulatory and organisational factors influencing the sector’s ability to decarbonise. The report shows that more than 70% of study participants view hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles as the most viable long term zero-emission heavy duty truck technology, and many believe these trucks will become commercially viable in the next 5 to 10 years. “Trucks move virtually everything modern society depends on for daily life and during the current COVID-19 crisis, society has experienced just how critical road freight is in delivering essential goods,” said Huibert Vigeveno, Downstream Director, Shell, in adding, “However, road freight is currently responsible for around 9% of global CO2 emissions and with demand for road freight services set to double by 2050, urgent action must be taken now to put the sector on a pathway to net zero emissions by then. Fleet companies, truck manufacturers and energy providers have already started investing in low and zero emission solutions, but the sector requires a more robust set of policies and regulations to accelerate change.” Shell has also released a companion report named ‘Decarbonising Road Freight: Shell’s Route Ahead’ outlining Shell’s role in helping the sector decarbonise. The report outlines Shell’s climate ambition and plans to reduce the emissions intensity of its fleet of close to 3,000 contracted road haulage tankers by 10% by 2025 and by 30% by 2030, both …