ACL Airshop of the US and CORE Transport Technologies of New Zealand have announced an exclusive strategic alliance for bringing innovative new, field-proven Bluetooth® enabled logistics technology to the global air cargo industry, to jointly provide automated tracking of Unit Load Devices (ULD Equipment). ACL Airshop, with main offices in South Carolina and Amsterdam, is a worldwide provider of custom ULD solutions to over 200 air carriers and cargo clients, with services, repairs, and leasing operations at 40 of the world’s Top 50 air cargo hub airports, substantial manufacturing and supply chain capabilities for cargo control products, and 34 years of experience in air cargo. CORE Transport Technologies is an agile software developer, focused for over 10 years on services that provide significant improvement to the transportation process in multiple industries, with offices in New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Orlando FL.

Predictive analytics and Big Data are just part of the new efficiencies these innovations can bring to air cargo carriers, according to the two companies. They assert that airlines will also be able to track the actual cargo loads by the container and pallet, that the tracking system will yield real-time “dot on the map” monitoring and status reports, and will reduce both the loss and/or the overstocking of pallets and other mission-essential cargo equipment. This is coupled as a significant technical enhancement to ACL’s already robust ULD Control and bar-coding systems used by some of its customers.

The two companies have successfully concluded extensive beta testing in the field with international air carriers and an array of multiple ULDs, with 100% tracking reliability. Similarly, a global air carrier conducted another CORE test which succeeded with hundreds of ULDs. Market readiness is now complete. Regulatory aspects such as compliance with FCC and FAA rules have been addressed, plus rigorous adherence to RTCA-DO-160 (“Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment”).

Ian Craig, Managing Director & CEO of CORE Transport Technologies cited additional aspects of the logistics enhancements for clients, and explained the strategic alliance merits at a September air cargo conference. “While CORE has initiated a number of previous technology products independently, with the most current offering of COREInsight Tracking technology, we felt it is best suited for a partnership with a great industry leader like ACL Airshop.” Craig further stated, “By partnering with ACL, we introduce a new benefit to leasing ULD Equipment, whereby the lessee can now have an automated avenue to track their leased ULD even when it may be outside their own system. Core grants ACLAS the worldwide exclusive right to license, sublicense, and sell the ULD tracking technology, in tandem with us. ACLAS customers will always know where their ULD’s are located and when they are being utilized.”

Wes Tucker, Executive Vice President for ACL Airshop, said, “This partnership is not only about tracking ACL’s 40,000 ULDs, it’s also about partnering with a formidable technology company to bring electronic ULD tracking to the airline industry. We’ve been working in unison with CORE in testing and development of this technology. The results are quite impressive. This is the ultimate solution for ULD Equipment tracking available today.” Tucker further explained benefits for airlines customers, “This is a positive game-changer for ACL Airshop and its hundreds of airlines clients. COREInsight ULD service tracks these valuable assets in real time. FOR ACL’s airlines clients, we predict this will be a low-cost logistics efficacy enhancement that will remarkably improve how we can help them manage their fleet and save money long-term.”

Steve Townes, chairman of ACL Airshop and its parent company, said, “Speaking for our entire team of Ranger Airshop co-owners, we are excited to advance and accelerate this new logistics sophistication for ACL’s airline clients, and we are delighted to be partnering with such an excellent teammate as CORE Transport Technologies. We are aiming to accelerate Bluetooth tracking into usage for the many airlines customers who will value the compelling new efficiencies it is designed to deliver for their ULDs”

| A joint ACL Core release  ||  October 2,  2017   |||

Quintiq, a Dassault Systèmes brand and global leader in supply chain planning and optimisation (SCP&O), announced today that its software has gone live at KiwiRail after a 9-week implementation period. Quintiq’s software will enhance workforce planning and rostering at the leading New Zealand transport industry employer. With 3,400 staff in multiple locations across the country, the state-owned rail service is dedicated to building a high performance culture and maintaining excellent human resource standards.

The Quintiq planning solution will support KiwiRail’s workforce optimisation goals by equipping planners with the tools they need to make informed decisions in workforce planning and scheduling, as well as comply with occupational health and safety practices and processes. The solution will enable managers to proactively manage their teams and empower them to make customer-centric decisions that will improve service reliability and punctuality.

Quintiq delivers cutting-edge rail crew planning and optimisation technology to some of the world’s biggest names and innovators in freight and passenger rail. These include DB Cargo, Green Cargo, Transport for London, Queensland Rail, and NTV, Italy’s first high-speed rail network. Quintiq’s latest rail customer in the Australia and New Zealand region is Sydney Trains, which operates 2,885 timetabled services and over one million customer journeys each day in the greater Sydney suburban area.

“It is exciting to be selected by KiwiRail as it cements our position as the leader in rail crew optimisation in the Australian and New Zealand market,” said Rob van Egmond, CEO Quintiq, Dassault Systèmes. “Together with KiwiRail, we will create a highly efficient and employee-centric workforce planning and rostering system that will improve employee and customer satisfaction.”

KiwiRail is the largest rail transport operator in New Zealand, operating 800 freight services per week across the country. It moves around 4.5b net tonne kilometres of freight a year.

Ed Overy, KiwiRail CIO, said: “Quintiq offers us an innovative technology that will support our planners in managing the unique constraints for our freight business. We stand by our customer promise that we will deliver. The technology will enhance our capabilities in planning and rostering, thus ensuring that we live up to that promise.”

| A Quintiq release  ||  October 2,  2017   |||

DB Schenker Australia has announced the opening of its new logistics facility in Hoxton, New South Wales – 42km east of Sydney. The company notes that the internal site covers an area the size of almost eight football fields, making it one of the largest multi-client contract logistics facilities in the Southern Hemisphere.

The additional of the Hoxton site, with its 50,000m2 internal area and 15,000m2 external under-cover area, brings DB Schenkers Australia’s nationwide coverage to 330,000m2 over 25 sites.

Hoxton Park is a multi-client facility for consumer electronics, FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) and fashion/retail customers. It is located close to major highways, including the M7, M4 and M5, and has access to the Sydney metro and national network.

“Hoxton Park is the newest and largest contract logistics facility for DB Schenker in Australia,” said Ron Koehler, CEO Australia and New Zealand. “Our staff will provide for our customers first-class logistics services in this well-positioned facility right on the Sydney freeway network.”

He added that the company will also utilise the facility as a hub for domestic transport network, and to move full container load movements cost effectively to Hoxton Park for distribution to Sydney customers.

The facility will incorporate Automated Transport Sortation Systems (ATSS) that will allow for the consolidation of freight from several customers into the Schenker domestic transport business. In addition, value added services will be provided on site, including an Advanced Technical Centre providing configuration and testing for IT devices.

“DB Schenker Australia is consolidating existing business into Hoxton Park as well as adding new substantial business,” said Michael Harich, Director – Contract Logistics/Supply Chain Management AU/NZ, DB Schenker Australia. “Hoxton Park is a key part of our 2020 strategy to grow to 500,000m2 in Australia and at the same time combine existing smaller sites into larger facilities to generate synergies.”

Key features of the TAPA-certified facility include high clearance warehousing and access for high performance vehicles (two 40′ containers or four 20′ containers on one truck), full drive-around access and a weighbridge to support Chain of Responsibility (CoR) commitments

| A L&MH release ||  October 2, 2017   |||

The New Zealand Shippers Council is concerned that the recent announcement by Port Napier that it will impose an insurance levy charge on transport operators is the thin end of the wedge for the countrys exporters and importers. The levy came into effect on October 1 and will be passed onto exporters and importers effectively through the back door as added cost in the supply chain.

 Chairman of the NZ Shippers Council, Mike Knowles said it is an alarming precedent.

“What we’re seeing is a levy that lands on those who have no contractual relationship with the port and therefore no ability to influence the outcome.”

“In our view ports should either be absorbing those increased costs as part of normal business activity, or negotiating them with their commercial clients – the shipping lines; not imposing them on parties who have no ability to review and negotiate rates,” said Mr Knowles.

Mr Knowles said the Shippers Council appreciates that the dramatic increase in insurance premiums in the wake of the Kaikoura earthquake places considerable pressure on providers of supply chain infrastructure. “However, applying a levy on parties who do not have a commercial relationship with the port is not the way forward. We are extremely concerned that this precedent may be adopted by other ports and will strongly oppose any move in that direction.”

The New Zealand Shippers’ Council represents the supply chain interests of major New Zealand shippers, with members across all sectors including importers, exporters, ports, freight forwarders, road and rail. Collectively members move over 60% of NZ containerised exports and a significant amount of bulk exports, imports and domestic volume.

| A NZ Shipping Council release  ||  October 2,  2017   |||

Results show that while 30% of 3PLs and 16% of shippers see blockchain as a potential application, they have yet to engage with the technology says MH&L.

The 2018 22nd Annual Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Study, released on Sept. 26, shows the continuation of two trends: the importance of the relationship between shippers and 3PLs, and the importance of adapting to emerging technologies, including blockchain and automation. The result of these closely-forged relationships is improved services to the end customer.

The study sponsored by Penske Logistics, Infosys, Penn State University and Korn/Ferry, examines the global outsourced marketplace and leading trends for shippers and 3PLs in the logistics industry. The specialized focus in this year's report is blockchain, automation/ digitization, the logistics talent revolution required for shippers and 3PLs to drive technology advancements, as well as how shippers and 3PLs view their risk/resilience relationship.

Blockchain This is the first time that the 3PL study investigates blockchain. Results show that while 30% of 3PLs and 16% of shippers see blockchain as a potential application, they have yet to engage with the technology. The study describes anticipated benefits including improved supply chain visibility and potential challenges that participants will face in implementing blockchain.

"Blockchain has the potential to make significant improvements in security, transparency and governance, but only in supply chains where there is value in controlling consumer risk, valuable goods or complying with regulations," said Ken Toombs, Global Head of Infosys Consulting. "Shippers and 3PLs will need to work together to drive value from blockchain, using lessons collectively learned from missteps with other emerging technologies like Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)."

Automation/ Digitization in Transportation The study describes some of the exciting potential with on-road automation, such as driverless vehicles. It also describes many ways in which automation is already providing returns across the supply chain through digitalized load matching and warehouse robotics. Competitiveness is a key driver for a majority of 3PLs (62%) and shippers (57%) to invest in automation/ digitization. However, the report also revealed a number of reasons for lack of investment in digitization and automation, including a lack of in-house talent to develop, implement and monitor (12% of 3PLs and 10% of shippers).

Logistics Talent Revolution Technology is reframing the demands on the workforce, particularly within the supply chain where automation, digitization and data collection capabilities are growing rapidly. Supply chain leaders and logistics executives play even more critical roles as companies work to build more efficient and technologically advanced supply chains.

"It's no surprise that technology continues to unlock unforeseen value across the global supply chain in a variety of ways," said Neil Collins, regional managing partner for Korn Ferry's North American Industrial Markets. "To leverage the potential upside, organizations must now rethink their talent strategy from top to bottom. The supply chain/logistics leader must now be agile, a strategist, a visionary and a collaborator. The entire supply chain organization must now compete with technology, and the winners will be those that elevate their people using technology, rather than replacing them with it."

Risk/Resilience in Shipper-3PL Relationships Through all the technological advances, the opportunity to improve upon the risk/ resilience relationship between 3PLs and shippers continues: 79% of 3PLs and 64% of shippers report they have been involved in projects in which the ability to execute quickly was directly impacted by lack of complete, accurate and consistent information provided by the shipper.

The study shows a large increase in the percentage of shippers seeking information technology (IT) services from 3PLs, with 27% indicating outsourcing of IT services in the 2018 study compared to 17% in the previous year. However, the percentage of shippers indicating satisfaction dropped slightly this year from 65% to 56%, potentially due to higher expectations among shippers as technology has improved or because shippers are seeking enhanced analytical capabilities to help drive more effective supply chain decisions.

| A MH&L release |  September 29,  2017   |||

BISON, a specialist developer of container technology, will showcase a new, world-first portable system for lifting containers at the IANA Intermodal EXPO in California on 18 and 19 September.

The BISON C-Lift was launched in August with, claims the company, widespread interest from the USA.

Recognising that conventional container handling equipment is typically big, heavy and expensive, New Zealand-based BISON says its “compact, portable and more economic alternative equips importers, exporters and project logistics operators to lift heavy containers on and off chassis in any location”. It says that first units are now being shipped to the Middle East, South America and Europe.

“Intermodal USA is the perfect event for showcasing the C-Lift,” says BISON CEO Greg Fahey. “We’re looking forward to meeting people in North America’s intermodal industry and discussing how our unique lifting equipment can open new possibilities for container freight and logistics there.”

Alongside the C-Lift, BISON will have its popular range of portable container weighing scales on display at Booth 911.

Intermodal USA is the world-leading exhibition and conference for companies associated with the container and intermodal industries, covering all areas of container transport and logistics across road, rail and sea. More than 125 companies across 70+ product categories will exhibit at this year’s event, bringing together high-quality speakers, exhibitors and decision makers from all over the world.

| A  LogisticsBusiness release  ||  September 13,  2017   |||

Another four Iveco Stralis prime movers for C3

We’ve heard of a range of different reasons as to why operators choose the Iveco product, often its adaptability and cost of life that is nominated as the prime reasons.

But in this case, it was simply a case of the Iveco product copping a battering and consistently coming back for more.

New Zealand logistics company – C3 has just expanded its fleet of 16 Iveco Stralis prime movers by another four trucks.

The new trucks will join their older siblings in Western Australia – hauling wood chips from sustainably-grown plantations across.

C3 also operate several trucks from the city of Portland in south-western Victoria in the same application but configured as B-Doubles.

Racking up about 400kms a day, some of the Stralis trucks in the C3 fleet have covered more than a million kilometres.

But C3 Operations Manager – Albany, Craig Fildes, says they just keep coming back for more punishment.

“A lot of the roads the trucks travel on especially in the plantations – as you could imagine – are not very nice, the trucks can take a battering but the Ivecos handle it well.

“The drivers are also happy with them, especially with their comfortable, quiet cabin.”

c3 logistocs iveco stralisThe new additions to the fleet are powered by the 560hp 13 litre Cursor engine coupled to a ZF Eurotronic II 16-speed transmission.

“This time we went for the higher engine output and worked with Iveco to select the best GCM – the AS-Ls allow us to work at our desired target of 90 tonnes which helps productivity.

“The AS-Ls do quite an amazing job – they are a good all-round fit for the application.

“They’re comfortable, quiet, they’re easy to work with and are competitively priced.”

| A BehindTheWheel release  ||  September 1,  2017   |||

 After being an integral part of SB Global Logistics’ business for more than two decades, DB Schenker and SB Global Logistics have entered into a definitive agreement under which DB Schenker will acquire SB Global Logistics from 24th September 2017. DB Schenker and SB Global Logistics have a longstanding relationship as network partners in New Zealand.

Mark Harrison, Director of New Zealand, DB Schenker AU/NZ commented “DB Schenker NZ has enjoyed a 20 year relationship with SB Logistics, from which we have seen both companies grow together off the back of mutual respect and confidence in service. This relationship has endured through many challenging global climates, always showing resilience and trust in achieving the foundations of our agreement. The backbone of this relationship has led us to today where we begin our process of merging the two organisations with absolute confidence given our extensive knowledge of how each work.”

With this acquisition, DB Schenker NZ will extend their presence into the South Island, strengthening their offering to customers and becoming a truly national operation. DB Schenker’s global network, now servicing both the North & South Islands, will be supplemented by SB Logistics’ local strengths adding an additional 50+ staff to the New Zealand operation along with a state of the art facility in Christchurch which opened in 2014.

“This purchase has been well thought out with due consideration to the future of SB Global Logistics business, staff and customers”, said Stephen Bateman, Director, SB Global Logistics. “SB Global Logistics Christchurch has grown over the past 27 years to become a well-respected and trusted organisation. This is a credit to a team of people who have shown tremendous dedication and resilience, and always striving to achieve a high level of service”.

The operations of SB Global Logistics Christchurch will continue ‘business as usual’ under new owners, DB Schenker, ensuring that customer requirements continue to be met. SB Global Logistics’ management team, will remain in the business and ensure a smooth transition.

About DB Schenker: DB Schenker (www.dbschenker.com) is the transportation and logistics division of Deutsche Bahn AG (www.deutschebahn.com). With 65,000 employees and about 2,000 offices in 130 countries around the world, DB Schenker is one of the world's leading providers of integrated logistics services, offering land transport, air and ocean freight as well as comprehensive logistics solutions and global supply chain management from a single source.

Schenker Australia Pty Ltd was established in 1962 in Sydney, has 1,091 employees in Australia and almost 100 in New Zealand.

| A DB Schenker/SB Global Logistics joint release  ||  August 24,  2017   |||

MITO is delighted to announce that it has launched a new training programme that leads to the New Zealand Certificate in Port Operations (Level 3) qualification. This programme, designed for entry level positions in the port operations environment, provides specialist knowledge and skills in the heavy machine operation aspect of port operations.

MITO Chief Executive Janet Lane says “This new training programme offers a significant career pathway for port workers, helping to fulfil the training capacity requirements of the industry. We are pleased to launch this programme that supports improved job performance, enhances employment opportunities and reiterates MITO’s commitment to workforce development within the Ports and Stevedoring industry.”

The training programme takes 13 months to complete with MITO offering ongoing guidance and support throughout the entire programme. Programme delivery is implemented in-house, where approved company trainers deliver the training and conduct assessment internally. Training resources incorporate a blended approach to learning with both practical and theory elements, and ensure training outcomes are nationally consistent and quality assured.

“This programme could not have been accomplished without the dedicated commitment of the Port Industry Association and members of the Education and Training Sub-Committee,” says Ms Lane. “MITO wholeheartedly thanks them for their input and subject expertise. Together, we help ensure that workers within the port industry are provided with the educational opportunities and career pathways they need to stay safe and succeed in their jobs, now and in the future.”

View more information on the New Zealand Certificate in Port Operations (Level 3).

US-based packaging and equipment solutions provider Volm Companies has opened its new 90000ft² distribution facility in Pasco, Washington.

The new distribution center is situated at 5702 Industrial Way in Pasco, which is close to the old location.

The facility will enable the business growth by providing warehouse space for inventory, LENO manufacturing equipment, equipment and parts area and increased office space.

Volm Companies president and CEO Daniel Mueller said: “We came to the Tri-Cities area in 2007 through an acquisition, and since then we’ve been so impressed by how welcoming the area has been.

"It’s inspiring to us as a company and pushes us, and without you, we wouldn’t have been able to have dedicated ourselves to this area like we are today. We also want to thank the City, giving us a lot of help throughout this process and MH Construction because this is a pretty impressive building and they have done a quality job the whole way through.”

Volm Companies specializes in food packaging, packaging equipment, custom packaging, technical mesh and erosion control.

Established in 1954 and having a workforce of over 500 people, the company offers complete expert packaging consulting services, that include package design, graphic development and full line equipment integration.

Volm Companies partnered with New Zealand-based Wyma Solutions in May 2017 to generate turn-key solutions, which will leverage the global experience of both the firms.

In November 2016, Volm Companies collaborated with weighing and packing machines manufacturer Manter International to provide innovative solutions.

| A  PackagingBR release  ||  August 16,  2017   |||