Posted by David Robinson on May 5, 2010 under Meetings and Events, Open Forum, People in The News | 
It’s now just a little less than five months (October 4) until the late Bill Teague and nine other noted North Carolinians (some of whom are actually alive!) get inducted into the NC Transportation Hall of Fame at a ceremony to be held in Cary at Prestonwood Country Club.
Some of you may have received a letter from me recently about sponsorship and advertising opportunities. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Please consider helping me…the event is quite expensive to stage.
Another way to show “solidarity” is to place a congratulatory notice in the ceremony program (25 words maximum for $25) - e.g., “Your name” congratulates the family of Bill Teague on this recognition of his achievements, etc. I’ll reduce that price to $20 for NCLTL members through the end of May - email me if you’re interested. The other inductees include State Ports Chairman Carl Stewart and Charlotte Douglas Airport director Jerry Orr. Ticket sales started on May 1st
See www.ncthf.org for more details.
Posted by Valerie Lemond on April 20, 2010 under Open Forum |
The most recent League E-Letter was sent via email to members and guests on April 14, 2010. It gives a recap of the Spring Meeting, shares announcements and the first “tease” about the 2010 Annual Conference.
To view the emailing HTML document, please click here: NCLTL Newsletter April 14, 2010
Posted by Valerie Lemond on under Meetings and Events, Open Forum |
The NCLTL Board of Governors adopted a new logo for the League that was designed by Action Graphics of Charlotte, NC. The new logo premiered at the Spring Meeting on April 1, 2010. The League never had a logo before and was one of several tasks listed for upgrading and refreshing the League’s style and image as more modern.
Posted by Valerie Lemond on under Open Forum |
In an effort to create the look and production of a table top display for the League, the Board of Governors decided to create a new Mission Statement upon the request of Special Committee chairman Steve Poole. “The existing statement appeared outdated and needed refreshing” said Poole.
Some excellent suggestions were received from Kevin Perry of Lowes and Tom Guthrie with the NC Ports. The results are in and the new Mission Statement of the NC League of Transportation and Logistics is as follows:
The N.C. League of Transportation & Logistics will uphold a standard of excellence in our communities while enriching the professional careers and lives of our membership. Exceptional education and networking opportunities will provide the foundation for this enrichment, which will foster business solutions among all stakeholders in the logistics chain.The League will also be recognized as an industry voice and resource in all levels of government.
Posted by Valerie Lemond on under Air Cargo, Employment, Global Logistics, Non-Asset Based, Ocean Cargo, Open Forum, Parcels and Mail, Rail Cargo, The Economy, Trucking, Warehousing |
On April 19, 2010, the following announcement was received :
Our parent company, Reed Elsevier, announced in July of 2009 its intentions to substantially exit its Reed Business Information U.S. publishing business, while retaining other businesses. Over the past several months, multiple publishing brands have been divested. On April 16, 2010, we announced the closure of the remaining publishing brands and their associated products and services. Consequently, the April 2010 issue was the final issue of Logistics Management Magazine and our web sites will cease operating as of April 30, 2010.
We are proud of the role we have played in informing our industry over the years and it has been our pleasure to serve you.
Regards,
The Staff of Logistics Management Magazine
Posted by Valerie Lemond on under Non-Asset Based, Open Forum, The Economy, Trucking |
Freight Brokers Defrauded By On-Line Thieves
In two recent incidents thieves have used the name “Coast to Coast Express” from Hialeah, FL to bid on-line for brokered loads in Florida and Texas and then absconded with the loads once picked up. Thieves have stolen the legitimate carrier’s name and logo to perpetrate these recent thefts.
After bidding on line for brokered loads, and providing falsified insurance documents to win the contract, an organized group of thieves operating in Florida and Texas has made off with two trailer loads of goods in a week’s time.
On March 19, 2010, a male identifying himself as Carlos Ruiz, representing Coast to Coast Express, Hialeah, FL, telephone # 786-234-0929 and 786-234-0934 acquired a brokered load to be picked up in Largo, FL and delivered to Irving, Texas on 3/22/10. The driver identified himself as Juan Carlos and is described as Hispanic male, mid 30’s with tattoos covering both arms. Carlos was with a female at the time he came to pick up 49 skids of AFC cable (similar to BX aluminum with wires inside). Carlos was driving a tractor which had placards stating “Coast to Coast” express on the cab door. The load never arrived at its Texas destination on 3/22/10 and is presumed stolen.
On March 23, 2010 a male identifying himself as Carlos and representing Coast to Coast Express, Hialeah, FL acquired a brokered load to be picked up in McKinney, Texas and delivered to several destinations including a final stop in south Florida. A driver was dispatched with a tractor and trailer. The tractor was a dark colored Freightliner, had Coast to Coast signage on both sides and a Kansas license plate #299. The trailer was a 53′ with a chrome front, unit # 777 on the rear doors and a South Carolina license plate PV46595. The driver presented a Texas drivers license with the name Raul Camacho, Austin, Texas, which was later determined to be fake. The picture on the license is believed to be that of the driver however. The load that was picked up included standard white colored wire with Encore Wire markings on it.
To minimize these types of scams against your organization perform the following:
Make sure that the company that you are doing business with is legitimate and has a good track record of performance.
1) Ask for at least 3 references and call organizations to verify past performance.
2) Contact the Better Business Bureau in the shipper’s area to see if any complaints have been lodged against the shipper
3) Validate insurance policy, directly through the insurance carrier making sure that the policy is current and meets agreed upon levels of coverage.
4) Access safersys.org to validate company, DOT #, insurance, registration, etc.
When the driver arrives on site:
1) Cross reference name with identification and ensure that driver’s handwriting is legible
2) Document all information on CDL including state
3) Document particulars about the transport vehicles, including license plate and state
4) Ensure load documents match the BOL
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Darryl Albonico - The Hanover Insurance Group
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Jackie Neill - SC-ISAC
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Posted by Valerie Lemond on January 14, 2010 under Global Logistics, Ocean Cargo, Open Forum, The Economy |
January 12, 2010
Höegh Adds Charleston-Middle East Connection
Charleston, SC - Höegh Autoliners, one of the world’s largest operators in the rolling stock and vehicle transportation segment, has added the Port of Charleston to its Middle East service, bringing two ship calls a month.
The first vessel, the Höegh Bangkok, is scheduled to arrive at the Union Pier Terminal on January 29 to load export BMWs made at the manufacturer’s South Carolina plant.
“Höegh is a highly respected name in the international shipping industry,” said Jim Newsome, president & CEO of the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA). “The entire maritime community is pleased to welcome Höegh back to the Port of Charleston.”
Importantly, this is new business for the Port of Charleston. The service is expected to load more than 5,000 vehicles annually that Höegh previously moved across a competing South Atlantic port.
“This is good news for waterfront workers and businesses,” said Newsome, “and it means more cost effective service for our customers.”
Höegh’s Middle East service offers extensive port coverage, reaching from Mediterranean ports, into the Red Sea and to the Persian Gulf and India. Transshipment onto other Höegh vessels affords access into other ports in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
Höegh operates approximately 70 vessels across the globe, managed from a worldwide network of 31 offices in four regions. Its customers include global manufacturers of new cars, heavy machinery and rolling goods. Each year, Höegh Autoliners carries approximately two million car equivalent units (CEUs) and makes about 3,000 port calls.
Posted by Valerie Lemond on under Global Logistics, Ocean Cargo, Open Forum |
US Coast Guard reopens Port of Morehead City
Normal operations resume
Morehead City, NC – The U.S. Coast Guard has reopened the Port of Morehead City terminal and adjacent waterways.
“The NC State Ports Authority’s first concern for the State Ports in Morehead City and Wilmington is for the safety of its employees, tenants, customers, and the public,” said CEO Thomas J. Eagar. “We are extremely grateful to the U.S. Coast Guard and to the first responders who went out of their way to remediate the hazardous materials as quickly and as safely as they did, and that no injuries or environmental damage was reported.”
Link to US Coast Guard news release: http://www.coastguardd5publicaffairs.com/go/doc/651/452611/
Online (+printable version)
www.ncports.com
Posted by Valerie Lemond on November 25, 2009 under Global Logistics, Ocean Cargo, Open Forum, The Economy |
Depsite positive signs ahead, 2009 is projected to be lowest volume year since 2003
Jeff Berman, Group News Editor — Logistics Management, 11/24/2009
WASHINGTON-Even though import cargo volumes at major U.S. container ports has been down year-over-year for 27 consecutive months through September, there is a chance these volumes may shift towards year-over-year increases in early 2010, according to the monthly Port Tracker report from IHS Global Insight and the National Retail Federation.
While a change in direction regarding the volumes is possible, NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said in a statement that while there is not yet enough data to establish a clear trend, he is hopeful a recovery is coming.
According to Port Tracker data, U.S. ports included in this report handled 1.14 Twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) in September, which fell short of August’s 1.17 million TEU. Despite the sequential decline, September was the fifth straight month to surpass the one million container mark. September was down 16 percent year-over-year.
Port trade forecasts in the report cover all containerized trade, not just retail goods, according to IHS Global Insight and the NRF. The ports selected for coverage are those considered most important to retailers, but, for reasons of monitoring the potential for overall congestion in the system, the organizations look at containerized imports, including business-to-business shipments of items like components used in manufacturing or other wholesale goods.
The ports surveyed in the report include: Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Tacoma, Seattle, New York/New Jersey, Hampton Roads, Charleston, and Savannah. Continue for full story…
Posted by Admin on November 23, 2009 under Air Cargo, Global Logistics, Non-Asset Based, Ocean Cargo, Parcels and Mail, Rail Cargo, The Economy, Trucking, Warehousing |
While most of us are taking at least a few hours off to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with food, family and football, past experience has shown that cargo thieves are hard at work stealing from closed warehouses and unattended freight vehicles loaded with an assortment of cargo.
To minimize supply chain organizations intrinsic vulnerabilities, we encourage all SC-ISAC member organizations to review their current security procedures for facility closures and freight in-transit before this long holiday weekend. Specific emphasis should be on tightening protection controls to help minimize any potential losses. Listed below are security procedural suggestions that if not already included in your current protocols should be added to enhance your protection efforts.
For Facilities:
• Check security alarm and surveillance systems to ensure proper working order
• Ensure batteries are fresh in exit doors alarms and back-up cellular phone (used to maintain alarm reporting, if phones lines are defeated)
• Perform perimeter checks, look at fencing or other types of barriers to ensure they are properly secured
• Ensure company alarm call list is current and contains valid phone numbers. Require responsible persons to respond to all alarm calls, even when the system is suspected of mal-functioning
• Contact law enforcement and ask for additional patrols in the area
• Remove keys from all warehouse equipment (forklifts) and place in a secure location
For Freight In-Transit:
• If you have to leave your rig or loaded trailer unattended, look for a secure lot or authorized location to leave vehicles
• If forced to leave vehicles at a public facility (truck stop, etc) pick one that utilizes surveillance equipment and park within view of the camera
• Secure the tractor and trailer with a steering wheel locking device, kingpin locks, glad-hand locks (or other security equipment). Put industrial strength padlocks on trailer doors
• Do Not leave keys inside tractor
• Check on the unattended vehicles as frequently as possible
• Notify dispatch of where and when you have dropped the load and estimated time of return
Source(s):
Jackie Neill - SC-ISAC
Posted by Valerie Lemond on November 13, 2009 under Global Logistics, Ocean Cargo, People in The News |
Charleston, SC - The South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) has hired Sarah S. Gaillard to the new position of Vice President, Carrier Sales, effective January 4, 2010.Gaillard will report to Paul McClintock, Senior Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and will lead ocean carrier sales efforts for South Carolina’s public port system.
”Sarah’s extensive knowledge and experience in our industry as well as her reputation in the shipping business is a tremendous addition to the South Carolina State Ports Authority,” said Jim Newsome, President & CEO of the SCSPA. “We are pleased to welcome Sarah back to South Carolina.”
A native of Charleston, Gaillard has more than 33 years of experience in the shipping industry. Most recently, she was Director of Container Logistics at the North Carolina State Ports Authority, where she spent 19 years in various sales and management positions. Prior to that, she was Vice President of Sales for the Charleston-based Palmetto Shipping and Stevedoring Company, where she developed an extensive background in container operations. Gaillard attended the College of Charleston.
”The Port of Charleston has an unrivaled reputation of efficient, productive operations and the deepest water in the Southeast,” said Gaillard. “I am looking forward to expanding business opportunities and growing trade across South Carolina’s docks.”
Byron D. Miller,Director, Public Relations,S.C. State Ports Authority
Posted by Admin on November 11, 2009 under Humor and Entertainment, Meetings and Events, Open Forum |
To reach the survey and see a new and easy way to get Forum RSS feeds click on www.ncltl.com.
Posted by Admin on November 7, 2009 under Employment, Parcels and Mail, The Economy |
Online shopping, long a bright spot in retail, has hit a bump in the cyber road.
E-commerce retail sales, excluding travel, fell 2 percent to $29.6 billion in the third quarter compared to a year ago, marking the first time on record that online sales have tumbled two quarters in a row, according to a report released Thursday from ComScore Inc.
Online sales had been growing at a double-digit pace until last year when the financial crisis dampened consumer demand. One critical step merchants can take to turn around sales, according to the report, is to offer free shipping.
While free shipping offers have been around for years, the tactic has gained prominence during the recession. The percentage of online sales transactions that included free shipping increased to 42 percent in the third quarter of 2009 from 31 percent in the first quarter of 2008, according to ComScore.
For the full story
Posted by Admin on November 5, 2009 under Ocean Cargo |
Productivity highs reached on Independent Container Line vessel.
A record of 46.3 crane moves per hour set on the Independent Accord at the Port of Wilmington on October 22 lasted less than a week, when a new record of 46.8 crane moves was set on the Independent Concept on October 29. The Wilmington container team includes Ports Authority employees, the International Longshoremen’s Association, stevedoring management provided by SSA Marine and the shipping company, Independent Container Line.
In a letter of congratulations to the Ports Authority crane team, SSA Cooper vessel superintendant Tony R. Thompson wrote, “We’re impressed by all of your efforts on our behalf….Without your dedication and efficiency in performing your various jobs we would not have been able to achieve a production of this magnitude.”
ICL executive vice president/COO Dale Ross added, “ICL is pleased with the sustained growth in volume since moving to Wilmington. The support from North Carolina shippers has been impressive and validates our decision to call the Port of Wilmington.”
ICL began weekly container service between Wilmington and the United Kingdom and Northern Europe in March 2009.
“The Port of Wilmington TEAM works relentlessly to deliver the highest quality service at the lowest cost,” said NC State Ports Authority Chief Operations Officer Jeff Miles. “As a port community, we take great pride and satisfaction in knowing that our best-in-class production contributes significantly to the success of ICL in this market.”
Miles added that container vessel operations at Wilmington for the Maresk Line service to Central America and CKYH transpacific vessel calls Oc tober 23, 24 and 25, consistently averaged near 40 moves an hour.
Posted by Admin on November 3, 2009 under Rail Cargo |
The second largest U.S. railroad, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe, is expected to become a wholly owned subsidiary of the holding company owned by the second-richest man in the world, Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway, for $100 per share in cash and stock, or $34 billion.
Subject to regulatory approval and two-thirds approval of the non-Berkshire outstanding shares, the deal would reportedly close in the first quarter of 2010. Berkshire announced the BNSF would continue to operate from its Fort Worth, Texas headquarters with no immediate changes in leadership expected.
The BNSF deal would be the largest in the history of Berkshire-Hathaway and was priced 31.5 percent over BNSF’s closing stock price on Monday.
THIS ARTICLE HAS A COMMENT POSTED BELOW. THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO SEE COMMENTS. (1) CHECK THE COMMENTS LINKS IN THE RIGHT COLUMN. (2) A COMMENT NOTICE APPEARS AT THE TOP OF THIS ARTICLE. ANOTHER WAY TO GET TO A COMMENT IS TO CLICK ON THE TOPIC OF THIS ARTICLE “BNSF to Buffet for $34 bil.” ALL OTHER PAGES WILL DISAPPEAR AND YOU WILL SEE THE COMMENT. TO GET BACK TO WHERE YOU STARTED, CLICK ON “HOME” AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE.
To see the complete story . . .
Posted by Admin on under Rail Cargo |
From Norfolk Southern’s Website
ALTOONA, PA. - With U.S. Dept. of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Congressman Bill Shuster in attendance, Norfolk Southern today unveiled the latest in alternative energy locomotive technology at its Juniata Locomotive Shop in Altoona, Pa. NS 999 is a prototype 1,500-horsepower switching locomotive that relies solely on rechargeable batteries for power.
“At Norfolk Southern we strongly subscribe to the view that sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint are solid business objectives that also provide enormous benefits to the communities we serve,” said CEO Wick Moorman. “By utilizing regenerated kinetic energy of the train and with no diesel exhaust emissions, NS 999 achieves those goals. This prototype locomotive was developed by Norfolk Southern, with the help of an incredibly creative partnership, including the U.S. Dept. of Energy, the Federal Railroad Administration, and The Pennsylvania State University, for which we are grateful. We must also recognize Congressman Bill Shuster, as without his active interest and participation in this project NS 999 would still be merely a concept.”
“Today, the transportation sector currently accounts for just under a third of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, more than half of nitrogen oxide emissions, and almost three-quarters of our petroleum consumption. We need to change that,” said Secretary LaHood. “By working together to develop alternative energy sources and innovative technologies like this electric locomotive, we will make transportation more sustainable and energy-efficient.”
“Historically, Pennsylvania has had a tremendous history in railroading, and it remains my belief that our state can still have a bright future in rail if we take advantage of dynamic partnerships between the private and public sectors like the one that produced this locomotive,” said Congressman Bill Shuster, the Ranking Republican on the Railroads Subcommittee. “What Norfolk Southern and Penn State are doing with Congress and Secretary LaHood’s support is truly significant and will help usher in a new generation of green locomotives fueled by American ingenuity. Let’s not forget about the great work done by the Juniata Locomotive Shop employees who did a superior job producing this engine. I am proud to have worked to secure funding for this project, and I look forward to seeing it working the rail lines soon.”
Congressman Shuster secured $1.3 million in federal funding for the NS 999 project.
NS 999 is an entirely electric locomotive that uses a lead-acid energy storage system comprised of 1,080 12-volt batteries to operate in railroad switching applications without the use of a diesel engine and with zero exhaust emissions. The plug-in locomotive also can regenerate dynamic braking energy through a system provided by Brookville Equipment Company. The recovered dynamic braking energy continually replenishes the energy storage system, and uses this recovered energy for tractive effort in rail operations. The batteries are carefully monitored and controlled through an elaborate battery management system to assure safety and maximum battery life, and when fully charged NS 999 is able to operate three shifts before recharging is required.
Posted by Admin on under The Economy |
From Cargo Business News
The “Great Recession” is over as U.S. manufacturing expands, according to the report for the month of October published by the National Association of Credit Management (NACM) in its Credit Managers’ Index (CMI).
The manufacturing sector passed the 50 mark in October, as the NACM cited this development as “rapid expansion.”
As noted in September’s report, the data has been building to this point, the NACM said. Other indexes such as the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) issued by the Institute of Supply Management are mirroring the CMI “and that is generally a good sign for the manufacturing sector,” the NACM said.
According to the CMI, the recovery started slowly in the last few months and will continue to progress slowly, however the end of October showed strong third quarter GDP numbers at 3.5 percent growth after four negative quarters and that credit availability pushed the CMI past the 50 neutral barrier for the first time in over a year.
The NACM pointed to four factors in the third quarter’s up-tick in GDP: the impact of the stimulus package; the “Cash for Clunkers” program; the $8,000 new home-buyer credit, and the Fed keeping interest rates low.
Since September, the service sector has bumped from 48.2 to 50.9, despite lower than normal inventories in retail.
The CMI is based upon numbers under 50 indicating contraction and numbers over 50 considered to be growth indicators.
Posted by Admin on November 2, 2009 under Open Forum |
Thought the Hours of Service issue was settled? Guess again!
On Oct. 27th, Teamsters General President James Hoffa announced that the union and various groups had reached a settlement with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in the Hours of Service (HOS) dispute. Under the terms of the agreement, the FMCSA agreed to submit a new Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) within nine months of the date of the settlement. In return the Teamsters, Public Citizen and others agreed to put their court challenge of the current HOS rules “on hold.”
Just to bring you up to speed, when the FMCSA revised the HOS rule several years ago, the Teamsters, Public Citizen, Advocates for Highway Safety and the Truck Safety Coalition did what many Americans like to do: they challenged the HOS rules in Court. They didn’t like the provision extending the hours that commercial truckers may drive from 10 hours to 11 hours, while shortening the total hours drivers may work per day from 15 to 14 hours. Additionally, these groups also challenged the “restart period” under which drivers have to be off for at least 34 hours before they can get back on the clock after completing a full week’s driving time.
Why did the Department of Transportation (which houses the FMCSA) reopen this matter? Rumor has it that the railroad’s designated lap dog, Senator Frank Lautenberg, was threatening to hold up the appointment of the new FMCSA Administrator, Ms. Anne Ferro, until the DOT agreed to review the Hours of Service ruling. Since Senator Lautenberg serves as Chairman of two Senate committees, the Commerce Committee and the Environment and Public Works Committee, his threat was pretty credible.
The FMCSA will now go through the process of reopening this matter and issuing a new proposed rulemaking with the requisite period for comments. But in the “no surprise” category, the groups contesting this issue told the court that if the FMCSA sets forth a new rule that is substantially different from the HOS Rules issued in 2008, it may make the court challenge moot. Regardless, the challenging parties will file appropriate new motions before the court within 30 days of the formal publication of a new NPRM.
Suffice it to say, if the HOS are reduced to 10 hours it will have a significant impact on the trucking industry. We will watch this issue and keep you posted.
Mike Regan, CEO
TranzAct Technologies Inc.
Posted by Admin on October 26, 2009 under Air Cargo, Global Logistics, Ocean Cargo, Rail Cargo, The Economy, Trucking, Warehousing |
ARLINGTON, Va.-Cargo theft is on the rise and needs a national strategy to contain it, experts say.
More than two trucks are stolen in the United States every day, said Ed Petow, the Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based law enforcement liaison and director of quality control for FreightWatch International, a Dublin, Ireland-based logistics security agency, during last week’s national cargo theft summit in Arlington, Va., sponsored by the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The cost of such theft, which includes goods stolen from warehouses and other facilities as well as direct theft of and from trucks, is considerable.
Depending on the source used, cargo theft costs between $25 billion and $30 billion annually, U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Fla., told the summit. “The full effect of this stealth industry is not known” because some businesses are reluctant to report losses for fear it will damage their reputation, he said.
“It’s a target-rich environment,” with thieves hitting trucks, ports, warehouses and other places, Rep. Stearns said. Some commodities such as pharmaceuticals and high-tech items are particularly attractive because profit is higher and the risk is lower than selling illegal drugs, he said.
Rep. Stearns said he plans to develop legislation to establish the National Task Force on Cargo Theft. He suggested that a “cargo theft caucus” could be set up in the House by lawmakers from states such as Florida and California that suffer disproportionately from cargo theft. Establishing a caucus would help move anti-cargo theft legislation forward.
The Des Plaines, Ill.-based NICB and other insurance, business and law enforcement groups began calling for a federal national cargo theft prevention initiative in 2005. Among other things, the groups want to set up a national commercial vehicle and cargo theft prevention task force consisting of law enforcement and private-sector representatives to coordinate implementation of the initiative nationwide. Cargo theft task forces would be “coordinated by federal partners to assure a nationwide group of interconnected state cargo theft task forces,” according to the document calling for the initiative. The plan also calls for greater sharing of information among law enforcement agencies.
At last week’s summit, attendees approved adding a public awareness strategy as part of the national strategy. “Now is the time to tell the American people what we are doing,” said Joseph H. Wehrle, president and chief executive officer of the NICB.
Mr. Petow said cargo theft patterns have changed somewhat in recent years. The highest rate of thefts used to be at truck stops, but now the highest rate is at staging areas where trucks are loaded, he said. High-value theft groups go to where the product is, he said.
“These guys do their research and learn from their mistakes,” Mr. Petow said. Thieves figure out low-tech ways to get around technology, but tend to avoid violence, he said. High-value thieves will drive or fly to distant places and tend to stay in economy hotels. They perform extensive surveillance, buy tools locally to carry out their heists and always have an exit strategy, he said.
Mr. Petow said victims of a cargo theft should notify local police, cargo theft task forces as well as drivers and dispatchers of the theft, such as a fleetwide broadcast. Cargo theft is increasing, Mr. Petow stressed. Without some sort of national strategy, “it’s going to keep getting worse.”
Posted by Valerie Lemond on under Trucking |
This is the result of a major rockslide that may take several months to clean up and stabilize. The North Carolina Department of Transportation says the rock slide happened around 2 am Sunday morning at mile marker 2.6 in Haywood County, near the Tennessee border. Department of Transportation officials say that a contractor has already been selected and is en route to begin cleanup operations. while an emergency declaration has been declared.
Given the volume of rock that came down, it’s no small miracle that a major tragedy was avoided.
Motorists are advised to detour the region by taking I-26 through Asheville to I-81 near the Virginia state line. Plan for another two hours to make a trip through the mountains follow this detour route: Department of Transportation officials say that motorists traveling west to Tennessee should take Interstate 40 West to Interstate 240 West in Asheville to Interstate 26 West. Follow Interstate 26 West from Asheville to Interstate 81 South in Tennessee and back to Interstate 40. Eastbound motorists will follow the reverse directions.
Posted by Admin on October 23, 2009 under Global Logistics, Ocean Cargo |
Newsome Announces New Contract During State-of-the-Port Event
Charleston, SC - Maersk Line, the world’s largest ocean carrier, has signed a new, five-year agreement with the Port of Charleston, South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) President & CEO Jim Newsome announced during his first State-of-the-Port Address to the local maritime community.
Addressing members of the Propeller Club, Newsome reinforced that the SCSPA is committed to building volume in the ports of Charleston and Georgetown and to being more competitive in retaining existing customers and attracting new business to its facilities. The highlight of his speech was the announcement on the Maersk contract, which drew a standing ovation from the more than 550 attendees assembled at the Passenger Terminal.
“Maersk Line is the largest line in the world, having 15 percent of the world’s market share,” Newsome said. “I cannot imagine running a major port without having Maersk as a prominent customer. The good news is that we will not have to.”
The new contract runs through December 31, 2014 and is the culmination of several months of negotiations. Maersk noted in a statement the line’s long, successful relationship with the SCSPA. Maersk has had a presence in the Port of Charleston for more than 50 years.
During his address, Newsome stated that the Port of Charleston will more aggressively market its key advantages, including its deep water, globally recognized productivity and the dedication and hard work of the local maritime community.
“Today we can handle two-way vessel traffic at up to 48 feet of draft with the tides,” Newsome said. “This will today accommodate every ship that calls an East Coast port.”
Newsome also noted that the Panama Canal expansion in 2014 will bring additional vessels carrying up to 9,000 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to East Coast ports, giving Charleston a competitive advantage.
Newsome thanked the employees of the SCSPA and members of the local maritime community for their support during his first seven weeks on the job.
“There is no port in the world with a more committed and talented group of industry professionals, and I am very thankful for that,” he said. “The port business is a team, not an individual sport, and the success we will have will be ours collectively. The best years of this great port are ahead of us.”
To read Jim Newsome’s remarks from the State-of-the-Port Address, please click here.
Posted by Admin on October 21, 2009 under Air Cargo, Global Logistics, Meetings and Events, Trucking |
You can download three PowerPoint presentations from the Fall Luncheon at http://www.ncltl.com.
Posted by Admin on October 20, 2009 under Air Cargo, Global Logistics, Non-Asset Based, Sales Mergers Acquisitions |
ST. JOSEPH, Mich.– Express-1 Expedited Solutions (XPO) a Saint Joseph, Michigan based leader in transportation logistics, is pleased to announce that it has completed the acquisition of LRG International Inc., an international forwarding company that specializes in ocean and air freight services. The acquisition will immediately expand the international scope of the XPO business mix. LRG will be rolled into the Company’s Concert Group Logistics (CGL) operations.
Commenting on the acquisition, the Company’s CEO, Michael Welch, said, “We are very excited about the acquisition of a company with the reputation of LRG. This acquisition is evidence that we are committed to advancing the size and capabilities of our CGL logistics network. LRG is a non-asset based International freight Forwarder which we think offers XPO strong growth potential.”
See the complete article.
Posted by Admin on under Global Logistics, Ocean Cargo |
Refined Mission Focuses More on Customers, Economic Benefits
Charleston, SC – The South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) Board today adopted the first major update to the organization’s strategic plan in several years. The plan highlights Charleston’s tremendous harbor depth advantage, refines the agency’s mission and points to several areas of focus in the coming years.
“Through this eight-month process, we have established the vision and direction for South Carolina’s ports,” said David J. Posek, chairman of the SCSPA. “Now, we’re going to pursue it aggressively.”
The objective of the strategic planning process that began in February was to set a clear direction and strategic priorities for addressing the Ports Authority’s market and competitive challenges and opportunities.
The plan was also developed with the input of customers, stakeholders, the maritime community and elected officials through interviews with the planning team. In addition to refining the SCSPA’s mission statement, detailed assessments of the competitive, industry, market, economic and financial situation were also conducted.
“It’s obvious that Charleston’s greatest competitive advantages are vessel access, along with a broad base of customers, efficient terminals and financial stability,” said Jim Newsome, SCSPA president & CEO. “Charleston has the deepest channels on the South Atlantic,” said Newsome. “Charleston can handle 90% of the world’s existing and on-order container ships up to 9,000 TEUs. Even before the Panama Canal expansion is completed in 2014, I believe this port will see post-Panamax ships with more regularity and frequency. This is a competitive advantage for our customers.”
The strategic planning process identified a number of issues that fundamentally affect the SCSPA’s ability to fulfill its mission. These strategic issues fell in four categories:
Market Development – taking advantage of current and emerging market opportunities
- Infrastructure – developing the optimal infrastructure plan for growing business
- Stakeholder Relations – building productive relationships and consistent communications
- Financial Sustainability – sustaining financial self-sufficiency
The plan includes specific actions that will be developed and implemented by both SCSPA staff and external stakeholders to address each focus area. Examples include building breakbulk business in Charleston and Georgetown, partnerships with stakeholders on new business, completing phase I of the new Navy Base Terminal, implementing a post-45’ deepening project in Charleston, enhancing communications with stakeholders and advancing a new terminal in Jasper County.
“Working collaboratively, we will successfully put this plan into action, regain business, build market share and fulfill our mission,” said Newsome. “We have a very dedicated staff of talented employees who are prepared to make this a reality.”
Mission Statement:
The South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) promotes, develops and facilitates waterborne commerce to meet the current and future needs of its customers, and for the economic benefit of the citizens and businesses of South Carolina. The SCSPA fulfills this mission by delivering cost competitive facilities and services, collaborating with customers and stakeholders, and sustaining its financial self-sufficiency. www.scspa.com
Posted by Admin on October 13, 2009 under People in The News, Trucking |
Congratulations to our carrier members making Inbound Logistics list of top 100 Motor Carriers in the September issue. Inbound Logistics editors selected these companies from more than 200 companies through evaluation of surveys, online research and talking with both shippers and truckers. They are in alphabetical order.
- AAA Cooper
- ABF Freight System
- Arnold Transportation
- Averitt Express
- Cardinal Logistics
- Cargo Transporters
- Dart Transit
- Epes Transport System
- FedEx Freight
- FedEx Ground
- Heartland Express
- Interstate Distributor Co.
- JB Hunt Transport Services
- Knight Transportation
- Milan Express
- NFI Industries
- Old Dominion Freight Line
- Saia
- Schneider National
- Southeastern Freight Lines
- UPS
- Wilson Trucking Corp.
- YRC
