On Jan. 5 of this year, GEODIS, a global transport and logistics giant, and Nashville, Tennessee-based CoreTrust, a leading commercial group purchasing organization and division of HealthTrust, announced a strategic alliance that will expand CoreTrust Logistics’ truckload freight offering to include a comprehensive full truckload (FTL) managed transportation solution. By tapping into the GEODIS network of more than 1,000 asset-based carriers, as well as its world-class managed transportation capabilities, CoreTrust members can enjoy better rates and end-to-end FTL shipment management, the companies contend.

Well known supply chain challenges—like finding a place to store goods, let alone drive them—have inflated prices for shippers, something that will be eased by the alliance, swears CoreTrust Assistant VP David Pollard. “Truckload rates have increased 25 to 30 percent, yet our members are confirming cost avoidance and significant savings with this comprehensive solution,” he said. “Even in this inflationary market, this alliance is driving achievable and quantifiable value across full truckload transportation for CoreTrust members.”        

Which explains why other concerns are hooking up with one another. Phoenix, Arizona-based Knight-Swift Transportation, which is one of North America’s largest and most diversified freight movers, made big moves in the less-than-truckload (LTL) space by buying AAA Transportation for a reported $1.35 billion in July and RAC MME Holdings for another $150 million in December. 

Knight-Swift’s goal of establishing a nationwide LTL network is helped greatly by acquiring AAA Transportation, whose roots date back to 1951 when an Alabama log hauler purchased a struggling truck line. AAA went on to blanket the Southeast, Southwest and Midwest, while Chicago-based RAC MME—the parent company of Midwest Motor Express and Midnite Express—has the upper Midwest and Northwest covered.  

RAC stands for Red Arts Capital, which partnered with Prudential Capital Partners, Brightwood Capital Advisors and several family offices in 2019 to acquire MME from the Roswick and Greenstein families, who founded the company in North Dakota in 1918. “With MME, we found the ideal opportunity to invest in an excellent business with an extensive network, including most metropolitan areas across its network geographic footprint,” explained Nicholas Antoine, co-founder and a managing partner at Red Arts Capital. “We are proud of our contributions to the company’s over 100 years of growth and service to the region, and believe that Knight-Swift provides MME the ideal home for its next phase of growth.”

In September, ArcBest acquired Chicago-based truckload broker MoLo Solutions for $235 million plus the potential for future earnout payments. Getting four-year-old MoLo, which expected 2021 revenue of around $600 million, propelled Fort Smith, Arkansas-based ArcBest to a Top 15 U.S. truckload broker with access to more than 70,000 carriers.

“ArcBest’s timely investment further accelerates growth by increasing the scale of our asset-light business, and MoLo’s proven ability to cultivate significant shipment growth with large shippers will be highly complementary and synergistic,” said Judy R. McReynolds, ArcBest chairman, president and CEO. “This acquisition capitalizes on our terrific business momentum and positions us to enhance value for all of our stakeholders, including our customers, employees, communities and ArcBest shareholders.” 

MoLo CEO Andrew Silver, who landed at ArcBest as part of the deal, said the partnership also “further advances the opportunity we have to achieve our vision. MoLo has been able to reach $600 million in annual revenues with only 500 shippers; in doing this deal, we can now tap into ArcBest’s 30,000 existing shippers and offer them the same level of service we’ve been providing our existing customers. In addition to that, we can now offer our customers a breadth of services we couldn’t before, including owned assets, increased drop trailer capabilities, LTL, expedited, outsourced transportation management, and more.”

Summertime deals were in the offing for 65-year-old Werner Enterprises, which acquired an 80% stake in Pennsylvania-based TL carrier ECM Transport Group for $142 million and final-mile carrier Nehds Logistics of Monroe, Connecticut, for $64 million.

“The addition of ECM’s skilled drivers, nondriver associates and terminal network strengthens our portfolio by adding short-haul expertise in a segment in which consumer demand and supply chain needs are growing,” said Derek Leathers, Omaha, Nebraska-based Werner’s chairman, president and CEO. He was similar in his praise of Nehds: “The addition of the Nehds operations, management team, talented staff and strong customer relationships to the Werner family represents a significant step forward in our Final Mile delivery program.” 

RLS Logistics is a leading cold chain 3PL, but it also offers managed transportation services and an LTL brokerage unit. With locations in Utah, Tennessee, Pennsylvania and its home state New Jersey, RLS spent 2021 adding partners in California, Massachusetts, Texas and another in the Keystone State.

However, you had to hop the northern border for the biggest deal of the year by LTL network size: Canadian trucking and logistics provider TFI International acquiring UPS Freight for $800 million in January 2021. Heading to the negotiating table with 38 terminals, the Montreal-based company walked away with 197 more facilities across North America—as well as about $3 billion in revenue.

Once the deal officially closed, TFI CEO Alain Bédard told analysts that 75% of his operations would be in the U.S., plans were afoot to aggressively bring down costs—and that the acquisition was unlikely to be the only collaboration with Atlanta-based UPS. More to come in 2022?

The post A HOT 2021 FOR TRUCKING BRINGS A BLAZING 2022 FOR TRUCKING ALLIANCES AND ACQUISITIONS appeared first on Global Trade Magazine.

While traveling abroad may be an industry standard, it can still pose some risks. In light of those risks, here are ten tips for supply chain employees to stay safe while traveling.

1. Research the Destination

The first step to any international trip is to research the destination. Different countries have different laws and regulations, so employees should know these ahead of time to avoid complications. For example, international COVID-19 travel requirements may differ from the U.S., some resulting in denial of entry for failure to meet them.

Employees should also research cultural taboos to avoid and local crime statistics. Learning a few key phrases in the native language can be helpful, too.

2. Create Backups of Essential Documents

Employees traveling abroad will likely have various important documents with them. In addition to their passports and IDs, they may have hotel reservations, health information or contracts and other work-related documents. Losing these could have severe consequences, so it’s best to have backups.

Employees should have both paper and electronic copies of all their essential documents. Travelers should store digital copies on secure, encrypted cloud services to keep them safe from cyberattacks. Keep in mind, though, that some countries restrict imported encryption software, so employees should ensure their encryption service is legal first.

3. Arrange All Travel and Lodging Ahead of Time

Transportation and lodging are some of the most potentially risky parts of international travel. The best way to prevent any costly mistakes with these considerations is to organize them before leaving. As employees research their destination, they should also find safe, trusted transportation services and hotels and reserve them ahead of time.

When employees are in a new country, it may be difficult to understand which transport services or lodging options are the safest. Looking them up ahead of time gives time to read reviews and get a better understanding of the situation. Reserving them then ensures they don’t have to worry about making arrangements once there.

4.  Don’t Trust Public Wi-Fi

While physical security might be more prominent, cybersecurity is also a concern during international travel. As employees travel, they’ll likely encounter many public Wi-Fi networks in airports and hotels. These networks are often not as secure as they should be, so it’s best to avoid them.

If workers must use public Wi-Fi for work purposes, they should use a virtual private network (VPN). VPNs encrypt internet traffic and hide devices’ IP addresses, helping protect users on networks with minimal other defenses. Employees should also avoid clicking unsolicited links, visiting unencrypted websites or entering personal information on these networks.

5. Keep Essential Items Separate

Travelers often keep items like wallets, passports and cellphones close together for convenience. While this is certainly convenient and can feel safe, it could pose a greater threat than people realize. If everything is in the same area, pickpockets or other criminals could steal them all at once.

Keeping essential items separate helps mitigate this problem. If a criminal does steal from someone’s pocket or cuts into part of their bag, the victim won’t lose everything. Consider storing passports, wallets and other essential items in different parts of a bag or keeping them in different pockets.

6. Choose the Right Type of Luggage

Some bags are easier to break into than others, so traveling employees should keep this in mind. For example, hard-sided security bags are virtually impervious to thieves, while soft bags are vulnerable to cuts and tears. If workers bring any valuable items or documents with them, they should consider using harder bags.

Similarly, bags with multiple latches and places to put locks are ideal. While it may be less convenient, if it’s harder for an employee to get into it, it will be harder for a thief, too. Some bags may even come with hidden pockets where workers can place particularly sensitive items and documents.

7. Try to Blend In

When employees reach their destination, they should try not to stand out. Criminals may target people who look like tourists or seem unfamiliar with their surroundings, as they make easier targets. Blending in with the locals helps pass under the radar of would-be thieves.

Part of blending in is simply avoiding being flashy. While an expensive suit and a gold watch might impress potential business partners, they also communicate to criminals that someone is a valuable target. While not in meetings, employees should dress casually, adopt the behaviors of locals and try to avoid looking lost or surprised.

8. Share Itineraries

Another best practice for traveling safely is to share itineraries with other trusted parties. When an employee goes abroad, they should give their manager or another colleague a copy of their flight and meeting schedule. That way, they can check on delays or other disruptions without having to contact the traveler.

It may also be a good idea to share some of these details with anyone the employee is meeting. That way, if they miss an appointment, the others in the meeting will know something is wrong and can help address the situation.

9. Stay in Contact

Along those same lines, it’s important to stay in contact with people back home. Whenever an employee lands, boards a flight, checks in to their hotel or hits any other points on the itinerary, they should let someone know. This gives companies peace of mind and helps them respond to any potential risks faster.

If an employee doesn’t check in by the time they should, the company will know something may be wrong. They can then look into the situation sooner, even if it’s something as mundane as a delayed flight.

10. Consider Insurance

Finally, businesses should consider getting travel insurance for their employees. Since 15% of international travelers encounter a medical issue while abroad and many people have ongoing medical needs, ensuring they’re insured is crucial. Many U.S. health insurance plans don’t apply internationally, so travel insurance may be necessary.

On top of covering travelers’ baggage, travel insurance often includes short-term healthcare coverage.That way, if something happens to them or they need to care for ongoing needs, they can do so affordably.

International Travel Doesn’t Have to Be Risky

Traveling abroad can seem intimidating, but proper preparation mitigates risk. If supply chain employees follow these ten tips, they can stay safe no matter where they go. They can then accomplish what the company needs without worry.

The post 10 Safety Tips for Supply Chain Employees Traveling Abroad appeared first on Global Trade Magazine.

In this edition of our Datebook feature, we start with the end of January through the last day in March – allowing plenty of time for one to fill their trade show and networking calendar before the arrival of the next season. Grab your planner and check out these upcoming trade shows. You might even see us at a few of these.

Washington International Trade Conference

Jan. 31-Feb. 1

Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, Washington, D.C.

wita.org

Leaders in international trade from across the U.S. and around the world come together to explore the trade landscape and look toward the future of trade. All virtual except for the luncheon on day two.

Convenience Distribution Marketplace

Feb. 7-9

Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina, Tampa, Florida

cdaweb.net

It’s the only national conference and trade show exclusively for U.S. wholesale distributors of convenience products.

Reverse Logistics Conference & Expo 

Feb. 7-9
The Mirage, Las Vegas, Nevada

rla.org

Improving brand reputation and customer satisfaction while increasing asset recovery is the secret sauce for 700 attending returns and reverse logistics professionals.

Supply Chain Visibility Conference

Feb. 9-11

Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa, Bonita Springs, Florida

hida.org

Health Industry Distributors Association manufacturers, distributors, group purchasing organizations and providers discuss ways to work together better to ensure product availability, improve forecasting and support patient care. 

LINK2022: The Retail Supply Chain Conference

Feb. 20-23

Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Grapevine, Texas

rila.org

The Retail Industry Leaders Association gathers top executives in the retail supply chain to network and learn from each other. 

Mississippi Valley Trade & Transport Conference

Feb. 23-24

The Westin, New Orleans, Louisiana

eventbrite.com/e/mississippi-valley-trade-transport-conference-tickets-167922305135

Industry leaders will offer their opinions on the river system, the economy and regulatory, logistical and transportation challenges at this 40th-anniversary conference.

TPM22

Feb. 27-March 2

Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, California

events.joc.com/tpm/

For the first time since 2019, Trans-Pacific Maritime reconvenes this must-attend conference for the global container shipping and logistics community. 

Commercial Aviation Industry Suppliers Conference

March 1-3

Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills, California

asc.speednews.com

The 36th annual conference includes discussions on OEM, the supply chain landscape, Industry 4.0 and digitalization, the aviation ecosystem, mergers and acquisitions and more. Held concurrently at the same location on the first day (March 1) is the Aerospace Raw Materials & Manufacturers Supply Chain Conference that focuses on the military and commercial aircraft supply chain.

Distribution Management Conference & Expo

March 6-9

JW Marriott, Austin, Texas

hda.org

Healthcare Distribution Alliance’s largest supply chain education event is attended by 600 manufacturers, distributors, consultants and third parties who keep the pharmaceutical distribution industry moving. 

Air Cargo Americas

March 8-10

Miami Airport Convention Center, Miami, Florida

supplychainamericas.com

Top executives from all sectors of the aviation and logistics industries exchange views and experiences to enhance the growth of the cargo industry in the Western Hemisphere. 

StocExpo 2022

March 8-10
Ahoyweg 10, Rotterdam, Netherlands

stocexpo.com

The largest and longest-running international bulk liquid storage event draws thought leaders from across the world.

Work Truck Week

March 8-11

Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, Indiana

worktruckweek.com

North America’s largest work truck event is held concurrently with the Green Truck Summit, a conferenced dedicated to “the green revolution.” 

SWARS Annual Meeting

March 16-17

The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel, The Woodlands, Texas

swrailshippers.com

Southwest Association of Rail Shippers presents this open forum for railroads and shippers to meet and discuss matters of mutual interest. 

TCA Annual Convention 

March 19-22

Wynn Las Vegas Resort, Las Vegas, Nevada

truckload.org

Receive the latest updates about the Truckload Carriers Association, which represents dry van, refrigerated, flatbed, tanker and intermodal container carriers operating throughout North America. 

Transportation and Logistics Council Conference

March 21-23

Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld, Orlando, Florida

tlcouncil.org

The goal of the 48th annual conference is to facilitate mutual understanding between shippers of brokers. 

On Course for the Future – the 2 + 2 on Innovation in Logistics

March 22-25

Hyatt Regency, San Francisco, California

aircargoforum.org

Transport Logistics Americas Forum and The International Air Cargo Association Executive Summit come together with programs and networking. 

Mid-America Trucking Show

March 24-26

Kentucky Expo Center, Louisville, Kentucky

truckingshow.com

The largest annual trade show dedicated to the heavy-duty trucking industry offers face-to-face interaction between industry representatives and trucking pros.

MHI MODEX 2022

March 28-31 

Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia

modexshow.com

It’s the largest international supply chain expo held in North or South America. Solution providers demonstrate their equipment, systems and services to manufacturing, supply chain and transportation professionals.

CMA Shipping Conference

March 29-31

Hilton Stamford, Stamford, Connecticut

informaconnect.com

The expo hall will showcase leading technology, maritime equipment, fuel and lubricant, safety and sustainability suppliers, ship repair, navigation and communication, software solutions, energy, salvage and more.

Mexico’s Manufacturing Supply Chain Summit

March 31

El Paso Convention and Performing Arts Center, El Paso, Texas

mexicosupplychainsummit.com

Leading OEMs in Mexico and potential suppliers discuss the latest developments in manufacturing and supply chain dynamics south of the U.S. border.

The post Let the Show Begin: Conferences that Should be on your Radar in 2022. appeared first on Global Trade Magazine.

NRC Conference & NRC-REMSA Exhibition

Jan. 5-8

Phoenix, Arizona

nrcma.org

The National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association and Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association events include presentations from major freight railroads, transit agencies and other key rail leaders.

World Food Logistics Organization Institute West

Jan. 9-12

Tempe Mission Palms Hotel and Conference Center, Tempe, Arizona

gcca.org

The nonprofit WFLO develops education and research for the industry and provides cold chain advisory services that empower economic development and strengthen the global cold chain.

MARS 2022 Winter Meeting

Jan. 11-13

The Westin Chicago Lombard, Lombard, Illinois

mwrailshippers.com

Midwest Association of Rail Shippers provides an open forum for resolving transportation and car supply problems, coupled with educational programs on railroad operating practices, new transportation innovations and legislative matters.

AirCargo Conference

Jan. 17-19

Hilton New Orleans Riverside, New Orleans, Louisiana

aircargoconference.com

Cybersecurity, mergers & acquisitions and government mandates are among the topics covered at this gathering of corporate leaders and compliance managers from across the air cargo supply chain. 

2022 N.C. Transportation Summit

Jan. 19-20

Raleigh Convention Center, Raleigh, North Carolina

nctransportationsummit.com

Hear industry leaders discuss the future of mobility and the latest innovations in a state that is expected to have 3 million more residents by 2040.

World Food Logistics Organization Institute West

Jan. 30-Feb. 2

Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center, Atlanta, Georgia

gcca.org

Professionals engaged in temperature-controlled logistics are offered more than 40 classes taught by industry leaders. The curriculum includes cold-chain management, customer service, warehouse operations, transportation and more. 

CONNECT

Jan. 31-Feb. 11

Online 

deliver.events

Enjoy exclusive networking and one-on-one events tailored for e-commerce and logistics professionals. Select buyers will also be invited to industry-focused Table Talks that allow for the free flow of ideas and thought leadership.

Reverse Logistics Conference & Expo 

Feb. 7-9
The Mirage, Las Vegas, Nevada

rla.org

“The Circular Economy” is the theme for the premier gathering of returns and reverse logistics professionals. Improving brand reputation and customer satisfaction while increasing asset recovery is the secret sauce for 700 attendees.

Supply Chain Visibility Conference

Feb. 9-11

Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa, Bonita Springs, Florida

hida.org

Health Industry Distributors Association manufacturers, distributors, group purchasing organizations and providers discuss ways to work together better to ensure product availability, improve forecasting and support patient care. 

LINK: the Retail Supply Chain Conference

Feb. 20-23

Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Grapevine, Texas

rila.org

The Retail Industry Leaders Association gathers top executives in the retail supply chain to network and learn from each other through case studies, leading practices and expert thought leadership. 

ASEAN Ports & Shipping 2022

Feb. 22-24

InterContinental Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

transportevents.com

Port Klang Authority hosts this container ports and terminal operations exhibition and conference for shippers, cargo owners, importers/exporters, shipping lines, freight forwarders, logistics companies and ports, terminals and railway operators.

TPM22

Feb. 27-March 2

Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, California

events.joc.com/tpm/

For the first time since 2019, Trans Pacific Maritime reconvenes this must-attend conference for the global container shipping and logistics community. “The many challenges that currently exist in the global supply chain will only enhance the importance of this event,” says South Carolina Ports Authority CEO Jim Newsome.

Air Cargo Americas

March 8-10

Miami Airport Convention Center, Miami, Florida

supplychainamericas.com

Top executives from all sectors of the aviation, and logistics industries exchange views and experiences to enhance the growth of the cargo industry in the Western Hemisphere. Airport reps, exporters, freight forwarders, shippers and more attend.

TCA Annual Convention 

March 19-22

Wynn Las Vegas Resort, Las Vegas, Nevada

truckload.org

Receive the latest updates about the Truckload Carriers Association, which represents dry van, refrigerated, flatbed, tanker and intermodal container carriers operating throughout North America. 

MHI MODEX 2022

March 28-31 

Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia

modexshow.com

It’s the largest international supply chain expo held in North or South America. Solution providers demonstrate their equipment, systems and services to manufacturing, supply chain and transportation professionals.

Mexico’s Manufacturing Supply Chain Summit

March 31

El Paso Convention and Performing Arts Center, El Paso, Texas

mexicosupplychainsummit.com

Leading OEMs in Mexico and potential suppliers meet as conference sessions and case studies inform about the latest developments in manufacturing and supply chain dynamics south of the U.S. border.

The post 2022 Kicks-Off with Plenty of Events in Logistics and Supply Chain Management appeared first on Global Trade Magazine.

San Diego, California-based supply chain IoT pioneer Wiliot has named Tony Small, formerly of Amazon and Zillow Group, chief business officer and Roee Zeiler, formerly of Ernst & Young, chief financial officer. 

New York City-based Nuvocargo, the digital platform for U.S.-Mexico trade, expanded its senior team to include Josefina Blanco, legal and compliance lead; Luis Garcia, head of carrier relations; and Claudio Gonzalez, head of strategy and chief of staff. 

BDP International, a Philadelphia-based global logistics and transportation company, appointed Neil Wheeldon to the newly created position of chief strategy & innovation officer.

Mario Harik, the chief information officers at XPO Logistics, is now also running the Greenwich, Connecticut-based company’s LTL division as Tony Brooks has retired.

Transportation Insight Holding Co., an Atlanta-based provider of non-asset, tech-enabled enterprise logistics and freight brokerage, added Amit Prasad as chief data science officer. 

CSafe Global, a Dayton, Ohio-based provider of temperature-controlled containers for transporting pharmaceuticals worldwide, named Sean Joyce director of life science sales-Americas and Ravindra Rao director of life science sales-India. 

Fernando Cortes traded being chief supply chain officer at Keurig Dr. Pepper for heading Walmart’s U.S. transportation business.

TexAmericas Center appointed railroad industry veteran Darrell Thompson general manager of the Texarkana, Texas, mixed-use industrial park’s railroad and transload operations. 

Joining the Port of Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) are Derrick Lewis, a retired Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office director, as director of public safety and security, and Lisa Gee, a former TOTE Services’ director of fleet services, as director of procurement services. Meanwhile, financial services executive Wendy O. Hamilton was unanimously elected chair of the JAXPORT Board of Directors. She joins Vice Chair J. Palmer Clarkson, Treasurer Daniel Bean and Secretary Brad Talbert. And Florida Trend has named JAXPORT CEO Eric Green one of the state’s most influential business leaders for the fourth year in a row.

The International Air Cargo Association, whose headquarters are in Miami Springs, Florida, announced Chair Steven Polmans and Vice Chair Sanjeev Gadhia will serve an additional term.

Susan Brownell, whose 34-year federal supply chain career has included stints with the Department of the Navy and U.S. Postal Service, has joined the board of directors of the donated goods global distribution nonprofit Good360.

The post 2021 Wraps Up with these Global Traders Moving Up appeared first on Global Trade Magazine.

Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and CEO, Celebrity Cruises Inc.;

James R. Mara, president emeritus, Metropolitan Marine Maintenance Contractors’ Association;

James I. Newsome III, president and CEO, South Carolina Ports Authority;

Nikolas P. Tsakos, president and CEO, Tsakos Energy Navigation Corp.;

and Lois K. Zabrocky, president, CEO and director, International Seaways Inc. 

The American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) 2021 Humanitarian Logistics Awards winners for Outstanding Contribution to Disaster Relief are:

CEVA Logistics, Palmer Logistics, Core-Mark International, J.B. Hunt Transport Services and the American Trucking Associations. 

Tucker Company Worldwide and Truckstop.com received ALAN’s Director’s Partnership Award, and Dr. José Holguín-Veras of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Dr. Hossein Zarei of Coventry University were bestowed Research and Academic Contributions awards. And students and staff from the W.P. Carrey School of Business at Arizona State University, the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and the University of Wisconsin-Madison received ALAN’s Student Engagement Award. 

The Port of Long Beach collected the most awards from the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) for 13 outstanding communications campaigns that were adapted or designed to meet the unique challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. The haul included nine AAPA Awards of Excellence, the equivalent of first-place trophies. Also winning multiple AAPA awards was the Port of Vancouver USA for its 2020 digital holiday card, virtual port tour video program and Overall Communications Excellence. 

C.H. Robinson 2021 Carrier of the Year winners include:

Berber Trucking, Tranquility, California;

Blunt Enterprise LLC, Mansfield, Missouri;

Daily Express, Inc., Carlisle, Pennsylvania;

Dayton Freight Lines, Inc., Dayton, Ohio;

Dieselgrid, Savannah, Georgia;

Freeport Logistics, Inc., Phoenix, Arizona;

Gabriela Transport Services, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada;

J&R Schugel Trucking, Inc., New Ulm, Minnesota;

Millwood Trucking Inc., Nashville, Arkansas;

Nathan’s Trucking, New Berlin, Wisconsin;

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc., Thomasville, North Carolina;

Rented Mule Express LLC, Chatsworth, Georgia;

Road Hogg Transport LLC, Hilliard, Ohio;

Seneca Foods Eastern Fleet, Geneva, New York;

Seneca Foods Western Fleet, Payette, Idaho;

Skyway Express, Inc., Chicago, Illinois;

and Timmons Transit, Inc., Jonesboro, Arkansas. 

For six years, Kenworth Truck Co., FASTPORT Trucking Track Mentoring Program and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes Program have teamed up to recognize America’s top rookie military veteran drivers.

The top finalists for the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence 2021 honor to be announced on Dec. 17 are:

Jimmy Reddell/U.S. Army, Army Reserves/Stevens Transport;

James Rose/U.S. Marines/PRIME Inc.;

and Christopher Slindee/U.S. Army/Knight Transportation.

The United Seamen’s Service 52nd annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea Award will be presented in New York this Dec. 3 to:

Kathy Metcalf, president and CEO of the Chamber of Shipping of America;

William Woodhour, president and CEO of Maersk Line, Ltd.;

and David Heindel, secretary-treasurer of the Seafarers International Union of North America, AFL-CIO and chairman of the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s Seafarers’ Section, representing 1.2 million seafarers worldwide. 

The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) named Impello Global Insurance Services LLC the 2021 New Broker of the Year. Headquartered in Seattle, Impello Global is a relatively new specialty trade-credit and political risk-insurance brokerage firm that provides EXIM’s short- and medium-term export credit insurance, as well as assistance with EXIM’s long-term financing, for the West and Mountain regions of the country. In receiving the same award, Meridian Financial of Los Angeles became the second firm to get the honor for the fourth time.

The post Terrific Honorifics: Notable Names Recognized for Excellence appeared first on Global Trade Magazine.

And so, against that chaotic backdrop, DeSantis announced on Oct. 19 that Florida seaports have open capacity, can meet holiday demand and—hey, all you shippers muttering “Bah humbug”—come on down.

“Year after year we continue to invest in our seaports, in infrastructure and in workforce education to make sure our supply chain is resilient,” said Da Gov, who was flanked by officials from Port Everglades, Port Tampa Bay, Port Panama City and host Port of Jacksonville (JAXPORT). “I’m especially proud of Florida’s seaports. They are crown jewels in our state.”

Yes, and those jewels have been shined with $1 billion in state investments since 2019, according to his office. Controversial because of his ties to former President Donald Trump and the supposed “steal,” DeSantis may have distanced himself even more from certain other attendees of U.S. governor conventions by suggesting shippers and out-of-state businesses should choose Florida.

“While other U.S. ports are just now announcing around-the-clock operations, in Florida many of our ports are used to serving Florida farmers, families and businesses with 24-hour operations,” he said. “As the rest of the nation faces rampant inflation and businesses stare down unprecedented supply chain problems, our message is this: Florida is here, we have capacity, we have incentive packages to help businesses who want to move here and we are going to make sure Americans get their Christmas Gifts this season.” 

The post YES, VIRGINIA, THERE IS A DESANTIS CLAUSE appeared first on Global Trade Magazine.

Michael Andaloro has ascended to CEO of BDP International, replacing Richard J. Bolte Jr., who will remain as chairman of the board for the privately held global logistics and transportation solutions company. BDP also promoted Nina Olatoke to vice president, Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, a newly created role for the Philadelphia-based company. 

San Diego, California-based Airspace, a leader in time-critical shipping, promoted SVP Alex Coates to chief financial officer while Ruan has promoted Marty Wadle to chief commercial officer and Chad Willis to chief transformation officer overseeing Information Technology, Operations Support Services and the Extended Operations Center. The Des Moines, Iowa-based logistics leader also welcomed Sofia Samuels as VP, Marketing and Communications. More Ruan news (sadly) ends our column.

Minneapolis, Minnesota-based logistics giant C.H. Robinson snagged Arun Rajan to become chief product officer. BlueGrace Logistics, which is headquartered in Riverview, Florida, announced that Chief Commercial Officer Adam Blankenship has been added to the Digital LTL Council, which is comprised of more than 20 industry-leading Less-than-Truckload transportation providers, logistics service providers, shippers, technology providers and organizations.

The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) Board of Directors has appointed Heidi Heitkamp, a former U.S. senator (D-North Dakota) and the founder of the One Country Project that aims to reconnect Democrats with rural voters, the chair of its 2021-22 Advisory Committee. The EXIM board also selected James (Jim) P. O’Brien, a partner with Baker & McKenzie LLP, to chair the 2021-22 Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee.

Speaking of EXIM, its former VP of Economic Security and Operations is now the executive director of the Alexandria, Virginia-based International Wood Products Association. Before EXIM, Bradley McKinney was chief of staff for the International Trade Administration at the Commerce Department.

Wood Dale, Illinois-based Optimas Solutions, a global industrial manufacturer/distributor and service provider, elevated COO Daniel Harms to president of Optimas Americas. Harms and Optimas International President Mike Duffy are also new members of the corporate board.

Samantha Galltin has replaced Kenneth W. Duncan as managing director of the Port of Long Beach (California) Commercial Operations Bureau, which comprises the Business Development, Tenant Services and Operations and Security Services divisions. Meanwhile, Carlo Luzzi has become the acting director of Tenant Services as the port recruits for that role.

Massimo Messina has been appointed vice president of Mergers & Acquisitions at Crowley Maritime Corp. He will be based in the maritime, energy and logistics company’s Jacksonville, Florida, office.

Brett Parker has joined Charlotte, North Carolina-based EDRAY, The Collaborative Port Logistics Platform, as chief commercial officer.

We end on a couple of sad notes: The Ruan family of companies is mourning the loss of Chairman Emeritus John Ruan III. He was 78. Dennis Rochford, a World Trade Center Delaware board member, also passed away. He was 73. RIP, gentlemen.

The post Global Traders Spotlight: The Latest Happenings appeared first on Global Trade Magazine.

The Grinch causing this disruption: COVID-19, whose “lingering effects . . . meant that the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach were hugely congested earlier this year by the surge of importing, and it’s only going to get worse before it gets better,” according to a SEKO release. 

Compared to previous years, shipments need to be booked up to eight weeks earlier than usual, according to Akhil Nair, SEKO’s VP Global Carrier Management & Ocean Strategy APAC. “The current global ocean freight supply chain is facing huge issues, none of which seem to be going away any time soon, and definitely not before Christmas,” Nair maintains.

“Based on what we are seeing, the current port-to-port lead times are being impacted by two major factors. One, origin–shippers are unable to get equipment or space to get their cargo out in time. And two, destination–the port congestion is having a severe impact on schedule reliability. This is resulting in further delays–up to 20 days on major export trades from Asia.” 

Bah, humbug!

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The WLP creates opportunities for business across Africa, Asia, Central and South America to improve existing trading routes—and develop new ones—through the world’s first logistics loyalty program for freight forwarders and traders. It overcomes non-tariff trade barriers by fast-tracking cargo movement, reducing administrative costs, advancing cargo information and facilitating movement between ports and air.

“The World Logistics Passport increases resilience in global supply chains and removes the barriers that prevent developing economies from trading as freely as they might, which is more important than ever as governments around the world seek to recover from the economic impact of COVID-19,” said Mike Bhaskaran, the WLP’s CEO.

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