Freight forwarding management tool for brokers and freight forwarders

A new freight forwarding management system has just been made officially available for the logistics and freight forwarding professionals. This system, called Transcount, opens new possibilities for freight managing and helps to reach higher work efficiency in less time.

Transcount brings innovative solutions and handy tools for freight management and documents management. Also it provides a way to communicate directly with contacts on the system using live chat.

Freight forwarders find this instrument really useful. It provides a wide range of possibilities to manage the freights and the processes. By evaluating problems of freight forwarders, crucial tools were made, including: contacts database, rate request, customer quotation sending process, live chat, personal to-do’s board, branded documents and other. All these features are managed via user-friendly interface and can be accessed by cloud system through phone or tablet or installed into a server of the client.

“At first we created this system for ourselves, because we are working with huge volume of freights every day, so we needed a freight management solution. There were no alternatives or good enough tools back then, so we decided that such solution is crucial for modern freight forwarders” – says Dovydas Riasnojus, CEO of Transcount The official version has been launched on the 1st of May, 2015. Therefore, Transcount already helps hundreds of freight forwarders in Eastern Europe to manage day to day freights.

The freight forwarding system has been thoroughly developed and beta tested. Basic package with full technical support is available at http://www.transcount.com/ while full and enterprise packages are on their way and will be available soon. A free 15 days trial with full technical support is available for interested companies.

Transcount is looking for strategic partners in each region for partnering on distribution, system development and providing technical support locally. If you are interested – please contact the head of partnerships Alex Levchenko at alex@transcount.com.

Ft. Worth, April 29, 2015:  Bluff Manufacturing announced today a distribution agreement with Tri-Arc, the leading provider of climbing and access products – including rolling ladders.  For years, Bluff customers have requested rolling ladders to complement the company’s lines of high quality dock, warehouse, and safety equipment. Now, Bluff’s material handling distributors will have access to Tri-Arc products.    “Tri-Arc products are a tremendous fit with Bluff because of their commitment to quality, flexibility, engineered solutions and great lead times.” says Andrea Curreri, President of Bluff Manufacturing. “Tri-Arc products are the best in the industry and like Bluff, manufactures in the USA.”

 Tri-Arc’s Vice President and President of the American Ladder Institute, Ron Schwartz adds “We are excited to expand our reach with this relationship with Bluff Manufacturing and to provide solutions to meet their customer’s safety, OSHA compliance, productivity and ergonomic needs in the areas of access and fall protection.” 

Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, with over 50 years experience, Tri-Arc is one of the largest manufacturers of custom ladders, standard ladders and access solutions for a variety of industries including aviation, transportation and industrial applications. Tri-Arc has been recognized as a leader in providing the best of the best in climbing and access products including mobile ladders, work platform products, custom designed and engineered climbing and access product solutions. Tri-Arc products adhere to OSHA and ANSI codes and standards as well as other applicable codes. To learn more about Tri-Arc visit www.tri-arc.com

Based in Ft. Worth, TX for over 45 years, Bluff Manufacturing has been recognized as an innovative leader in the fabrication and design of high quality dock, warehouse, safety and storage equipment. Bluff Manufacturing, whose customers include Frito Lay, Lumber Liquidators and Airgas, adheres to the American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) MH30.2 standard, ensuring the highest quality products and providing customers with the greatest possible value. The company’s seven distribution warehouses ensure quick delivery of the standard items in the company’s product line including yard ramps, dock boards, and dock levelers. Bluff Manufacturing’s portfolio also includes steel structures such as stairways, free standing conveyor support structures, catwalks, work platforms, caged ladders, and mezzanines. To learn more visit www.bluffmanufacturing.com

Melbourne, Australia, 30 April, 2015 – CEVA Logistics, one of the world’s leading supply chain companies, has today announced construction of a new 166,000 sq m ‘super site’ at Truganina, west of Melbourne, which will be the centerpiece of CEVA’s growth plans in Australia and New Zealand.

Casey Fisher, Managing Director of CEVA in Australia and New Zealand, said: “This announcement showcases our intention to keep making substantial investments in property assets in Australia and New Zealand.  Our new Truganina ‘super site’ builds on a range of other property developments we have underway in both countries, which will help us grow and keep meeting the growing needs of CEVA customers across diverse business sectors”  

CEVA’s new, multi user facility in the rapidly growing and strategic Truganina area will include four warehouses with a combined footprint of over 72,000 sq m hardstand areas of some 76,500 sq m  (comprising a 17,500 sq m loading and staging area for car carrying operations and a 59,000 sq m external storage and maneuvering area), an awning area of 15,600 sq m and a combined office workspace area of 2,000 sq m, with surrounding land. As the largest CEVA facility in Australia, it is ideally located to support  Industrial, Automotive and Consumer and Retail customers through its excellent access to Melbourne’s road and rail network, the Port of Melbourne and Melbourne International Airport.  

“I am very excited about this investment which will further boost our growth plans in Australia and New Zealand, and the competitive, multimodal advantage this will enable us to offer our customers,” Fisher said. “As well as Truganina, we are adding to our extensive existing network of sites with a new and almost-complete 30,000 sq m car carrying and international freight management site at Pinkenba in Queensland, a 5,500 sq m extension to our Auckland facility in New Zealand, a new 34,000 sq m Contract Logistics and international freight multi user facility at Hazelmere in Western Australia and plans are at an advanced stage to build a bespoke car carrying facility, also in Western Australia.”

All CEVA’s new and extended facilities in Australia and New Zealand will incorporate state of the art technology and process initiatives, including continuous loading docks and dock levelers, hail netting (at car carrying facilities), environmental design, integrated IT solutions, advanced racking, traffic management and material handling equipment, and flexible, modern workspaces for employees.

-Financial incentives and encouragement fosters driver capacity growth -

Randolph, Massachusetts, May 5, 2015 – RoadOne IntermodaLogistics, a leading single source intermodal, distribution, and logistics services company, announces today its Road-Pay Referral Program for intermodal drivers.  The Program provides incentives to RoadOne drivers for recruiting and supporting independent contractors.  As a Road-Sponsor, drivers receive ongoing financial rewards for each new Road-Member drafted and this continues as long as they both are actively working for RoadOne.  The Road-Sponsor can refer as many Road-Members as they like so earnings potential is unlimited.

Road-Sponsor responsibilities include:

• Mentoring new Road-Members as they learn the ins and outs of the business
• Being a source of information
• Serving as a sounding board and assisting with problem-solving
• Sharing experiences, goals and expectations
• Providing positive reinforcement and recognizing Road-Member achievements
• Encouraging participation in safety and independent contractor meetings

RoadOne IntermodaLogistics already has over 50 drivers participating in the program.  The financial incentives for RoadOne Sponsors are significant and acting as a counselor to new drivers allows them to help their community of drivers, enhancing the driver brotherhood.

“We are pleased to see good adoption of our Road-Pay Referral Program which helps boost our drivers’ income, as well as support RoadOne’s growth.  There is a serious need to strengthen driver capacity in North America and take better care of our drivers.  This Program accomplishes that and supports this critical industry infrastructure challenge,” said Ken Kellaway, CEO of RoadOne IntermodaLogistics.

Access the Road-Pay video for drivers here.

RoadOne IntermodaLogistics  

RoadOne delivers a comprehensive single source logistics solution to customers by providing the highest quality, reliable port and rail container drayage, terminal operations, dedicated truckload solutions, transloading, warehousing and distribution solutions nationwide.  RoadOne operates in over 40 locations with 1,000 drayage tractors throughout key intermodal locations across North America.   RoadOne is committed to serving the changing logistics and transportation service needs of customers throughout North America.  This vision of consistently offering diversified service offerings means that RoadOne will grow and innovate to help customers meet not only their business requirements but also increase the satisfaction of their customers.  For more information, visit: www.roadone.com 

Connect with RoadOne:  https://www.facebook.com/RoadOneIL

Company video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kxA4AS9kSk

London, 05.05.15 – ICHCA International, the NGO association for the global cargo handling industry, has just released a major new addition to its Briefing Pamphlet series. 'BP41 - Safe Handling and Operation of Platform Flats and Flatrack Containers' provides detailed insight into the design of platform flats and flatrack containers, together with advice on best practice for operating these specialist container types. The new publication was written by container design and operations expert Bill Brassington, Deputy Chair of ICHCA’s ISP Technical Panel, which plays a key role in the association’s technical research and advice programme.  

As highlighted recently by concerned parties including insurance company TT Club, poor container loading and handling is responsible for an alarmingly high percentage of incidents along the transport chain, leading to damage, loss, injuries and fatalities. The operation of platform flats and flatrack containers in particular require specialist knowledge and, in some cases, specialist handling equipment. These container types are generally used to carry oversize or project cargo which cannot be easily loaded into standard box type freight containers, or is too long, wide or high to fit. Examples discussed and illustrated in the new publication include vehicles such as cars, vans, coaches and tractors; cable reels; construction materials and equipment and more.  

Comprehensively illustrated throughout, BP41 provides detailed loading, securing and lifting instructions for shippers, packers, ports, shipping and transport companies and other involved parties to ensure the safety of cargo, equipment and staff along the supply chain. As well as exploring the various designs of platform flats and flatracks, the publication offers detailed advice on loading, unloading and securing cargoes, lifting loaded and empty units and maintenance. Special chapters are devoted to loading/unloading and securing vehicles and to the practice of ‘nesting’, where multiple empty folded flatracks are stacked and transported as a single container unit.    

“We are delighted to announce the release of this new publication from ICHCA’s ISP Technical Panel,” said Rachael White, head of ICHCA International’s secretariat. “As the voice of the global cargo handling industry, the expertise of our technical panel and wider membership places us in an ideal position to help raise safety awareness and standards across international cargo handling chains.”

'BP41 - Safe Handling and Operation of Platform Flats and Flatrack Containers' is part of a series of more than 90 publications produced by ICHCA International, mainly through the organisation’s ISP Technical Panel. The paper is free to download from ICHCA’s website for members of ICHCA International, and available to purchase by non-members. For more details, please contact:

Rachael White, CEO Secretariat, ICHCA International rachael.white@ichca.com | 0203 327 7560

About ICHCA International

The International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA), founded in 1952, is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the productivity, safety, security and sustainability of cargo handling and goods movement by all modes and through all phases of national and international supply chains.          

ICHCA International’s privileged non-government organisation (NGO) status enables it to represent its members, and the cargo handling industry at large, in front of national and international agencies and regulatory bodies, including IMO, ILO, UN ECE and others. ISP - ICHCA’s Technical Panel - develops educational publications, promulgates best practice and provides informed advice to members on a wide range of practical and regulatory cargo handling issues, supported by ICHCA’s professional Technical Advisory service.

ICHCA International operates through a series of autonomous national and regional chapters – including ICHCA Australia, ICHCA Japan and ICHCA Canarias/Africa (CARC), plus Multinational Correspondence and Working Groups, to provide a focal point for informing, educating, shaping and sharing industry knowledge across the global cargo handling community.

www.ichca.com

Subscription Boxes Continue to Grow in Popularity

By TAGG Logistics

Everyone loves presents and just about everyone loves surprises; so what could be better than presents and surprises? How about something that achieves both? The subscription box industry is booming and the opportunities are endless. A subscription box is a monthly (or seasonal) box that a person can subscribe to based on their likes and preferences. Most providers request a new client profile to be completed to determine personal styles and tastes. Once your profile is complete, you receive a box full of goodies around the same time each month. Consumers currently have the option of subscribing to any type of box from food and beauty, to pet items, travel, fitness and even toilet paper. There is a subscription box for just about everything.

History

The idea of a gift box delivered to customers on a regular basis first started in the food industry. Chocolate, fruit baskets and cheese-of-the-month clubs were the early adopters of the subscription box concept. However, these pioneers lacked the technology, fulfillment and delivery methods of today’s providers. The modern day subscription box concept was first used by Birchbox in 2010, and explosive growth of the subscription box industry quickly followed. By 2012, subscription boxes had evolved from a handful of food-related items to products for nearly every market demographic, from vegetarians, moms, athletes, babies, smokers, drinkers, fisherman to dog, cat and even bird owners!

Beauty Boxes

Beauty subscription boxes are a great way to try out new or trending brands without committing to a full-size product for the full price. The amount of subscription boxes in this category is increasing at an aggressive rate, and there are many varieties that can be assembled at affordable prices. Some focus on one particular area, such as The Lipstick Crate, which sends you 4-6 full-size lip products monthly. Others have taken the route of combining an array of items for a complete beauty package. The first subscription box that became a major success, opening the door for hundreds of entrepreneurs, was Birchbox. The founders, who met while attending Harvard Business School, both had a love for the Internet and saw a need for women to shop and test beauty products on-line. For $10 a month for women ($20 for men), Birchbox sends you sample-sized skincare, makeup and non-beauty extras allowing you to sample well-known products that you may not be willing to spend on the full-size without testing the product first. Each box is delivered in a simple but chic box, with different colors and patterns and external branding. On the inside, you will find neatly-folded tissue paper and a card that details each item included with tips on how to use them.

Ipsy is a newer subscription-based “glam bag” entering its third year of business. At a price point similar to Birchbox, Ipsy creates a bag customized to your individal preferences that include 4-5 products each month to help you create a complete beauty look. One way Ipsy distinguishes themselves from other beauty subscriptions is that their monthly goods are sent in a different makeup bag each month. Some brands are more well-known than others, but the combination of sample and full-sized products all inside a stylish makeup bag make Ipsy a very successful provider. Both Birchbox and Ipsy offer a loyalty program to their members as an additional incentive. As a member, you earn rewards when you shop, refer friends or give feedback on your samples. Then once you acquire a certain amount of reward points, you can cash those in for full-sized products. This is an excellent strategy in retaining members by rewarding them with simple opportunities to acquire more products from the site.

Pet Boxes

Whether you have a dog, cat, bird or horse there is a subscription box for you – and your pet. Many of these tend to be more expensive than the beauty boxes described above, but that has not stopped them from growing in popularity. Meowbox is a monthly cat subscription filled with toys, healthy treats and grooming products for your feline friend that costs $32.95 per month. For the equestrian-minded consumers, there is a box called Whinnying Horse that sends you supplies for horses and riders from grooming and care to treats and tack for $35 per month. Although there are many successful, pet-savvy subscription boxes available, none have come close to competing with the “big dog,” Barkbox.

Barkbox, also known as the Birchbox for dog lovers, sends dog owners a box of products, including all-natural treats and high-quality toys on a monthly basis at a variety of prices and styles. They allow you to purchase just 1 box for $35, $24 a month for 3 months, $21 a month for 6 months or $18 a month for a 1-year subscription. Many boxes contain 6 items, and you are also allowed to add an additional toy for that extra playful pup of yours for $9 extra. These are all items that you cannot find at a typical pet store, and they have implemented an innovative reorder process where all you do is text the product codes of the favored items to a company number and they bill the credit card on file. Barkbox also has a referral program for existing members who earn 1 free box for every new subscriber. Further, Barkbox, like many other subscription box providers, works with related charities to create a sense of community amongst subscribers. 10% of all proceeds benefit various animal shelters, and subscribers are also allowed to give suggestions for new charity causes to be taken up by the Barkbox community.

Fitness Boxes

In addition to bright red lipstick or the dog’s new chew toy, there is an emerging category of subscription boxes that deliver wellness straight to your door. Often these are designed for a specific fitness category. For example, RunnerBox has everything from gels and chews to protein shakes and running accessories for $19.95 per month. Other fitness boxes send monthly supplements to your door, enhancing muscle growth and fat burning, while others send you fresh ingredients to blend your own green juices.

FabFitFun is a category leader and curated by TV personality Giuliana Rancic. This box contains full-size products with a mix of beauty and fashion, and mainly focuses on fitness tools, such as fitness class passes, healthy snacks or workout videos. The idea is to help women feel better about themselves and teaching them new ways to achieve this, whether that be a new skin care cream or a pass to a yoga studio. This box differs from your standard beauty box in that it is delivered seasonally. One of the more expensive boxes at $49.99, the value is advertised to be one of the best in the market. For example, the 2014 Winter Box contained approximately $270 worth of items, including $40 headphones, $45 eye cream and a necklace worth $55. FabFitFun also has a referral program in which members receive $10 in credit toward the next season’s box and one free box for referring 3 friends. FabFitFun has combined every woman’s daily needs into one ‘fabulous’ fit box.

Success Drivers

The best subscription boxes are ones that offer well-curated, high quality products that provide consumers with fresh ideas on upcoming trends and/or offer products that consumers may not be able to find at their local store. Some of the significant success drivers are as follows: 

• Value: This is by far the leading factor in a subscription box’s success rate. The subscription price must be less than or equal to the value of the products. Most boxes provide you with double or triple the value of items than what your monthly price is. The importance here is that even if you do not use every item in the box, the value makes up for the risk.
• Surprise Factor: A subscription box is the only way to buy yourself a gift and be surprised when you open it. The anticipation of the box and the surprise and satisfaction of what is in the box is a major success driver. 
• Curation/Customization: The best boxes come with a card detailing each item in the box, why it was selected and how to use it (if necessary). This is particularly helpful for the ones that are customized according to a consumer’s profile. 
• Loyalty Programs: The subscription boxes which continue to grow and retain consumers offer member loyalty or referral programs. Members acquire points by The best subscription boxes are the ones that offer well curated, high quality products that provide consumers with fresh ideas. having new members sign up, reviewing the items from their monthly box, and becoming involved with the company on social media. These points can be exchanged for full-size items on the website. 
• Convenience and Customer Service: Subscriptions that can be signed up and cancelled online, the ability to order items conveniently online and simply get a hold of customer service easily will continue to grow.
• Community: Buying a subscription box is like joining a club. Building a sense of community amongst subscribers is a key success driver. Charity causes, educational material and social media are all used to achieve loyalty and interest.

Fulfillment Considerations

Behind the arrival of every subscription box is a well-orchestrated chain of events that delivers the customer experience while managing costs. The fulfillment process starts with receiving components, sourcing packaging and assembling everything together in a box that represents the brand appropriately, with final consideration given to the shipping method used to deliver the box to a customer’s doorstep. There are several key drivers in the back-end fulfillment of subscription boxes that are all interrelated and affect the fulfillment process. 

• Brand Your Package: You have heard the saying ‘Deliver your brand.’ This is especially true when considering how to package a subscription box. The box itself often is printed with messaging and artwork consistent with the brand. Companies will invest in a box to distinguish the delivery from a typical brown shipping box, approaching the subscription box as a delivery of a ‘gift-wrapped’ present – after all, ‘box’ is in the name! Further, many subscription boxes use creative inner packaging and void fill to heighten the presentation. There are a variety of effective and in-expensive packaging materials available, including branded tape, custom color/printed tissue-paper and custom color crinkle paper.
• Consider the Kitting and Assembly Process: Besides branding, one of the largest influences on packaging is the various components of the subscription box and how they will be kitted. The number of different products (or stock keeping units ‘SKUs’), product size and fragility all contribute to packaging considerations and also affect the kitting and assembly process. A typical subscription box will contain 4 – 6 SKUs. To control cost and speed time-to-market, box variation is kept to a minimum, with the most simplistic approach being every subscriber receives the same box every month. This provides the lowest assembly cost and quickest turn-around. However, as the market becomes more sophisticated and competitive, providers are adding variation. The fulfillment process must adapt with a flexible assembly process and IT systems in place to process, sort and ship growing monthly variety. 
• Which Shipping Method to Choose: When considering the contents and fulfillment of a subscription box, never lose track of shipping! One of the largest mistakes that subscription box providers make is to plan contents and packaging and after getting it all assembled and ready to go, think about shipping. In fact, shipping is the single largest driver of fulfillment costs and needs to be thought of at the beginning of the process, end of the process and every step in between. For example, Marketing Parcels is a shipping class from the USPS that is often used in the subscription box industry. It is a very inexpensive and effective method of delivering a box. However, in order to use this method, that box needs to be under 1 pound and have a dimension not exceeding 9 x 2 x 12 inches. Therefore, when planning the contents and packaging of the box, constant consideration has to be given to weight and size. As boxes exceed 1 pound, there are a variety of other methods that can be used. Subscription box providers need be keenly aware of the shipping options at different weights and the impact box dimensions have on shipping costs.

Conclusion

Subscription boxes are another example of the innovative ways companies are getting products to consumers. They are affordable, convenient and consistent; your gift box arrives at your door every month. Whether you are a beauty junkie, foodie or fitness fanatic, there’s a subscription box for you. What box will you be subscribing to this month?

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS May 5, 2015 – SEKO Logistics (“SEKO” or the “Company”), a leading global provider of supply chain solutions, has selected Greenbriar Equity Group LLC, a New York-based private equity firm focused exclusively on the global transportation industry, as its new equity partner to help spearhead the next stage of its growth. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1976, SEKO provides complete supply chain solutions specializing in forwarding, transportation, logistics, software and warehousing. Central to SEKO’s customer centric solutions are innovative and customizable technology tools that provide a seamless flow of information and give customers truly global supply chain visibility. With over 120 offices in 40 countries worldwide, SEKO’s customers benefit from a global implementation experience coupled with vital in-country knowledge and service at the local level.

William J. Wascher, SEKO’s CEO will continue in this role and existing shareholders will maintain significant ownership going forward. The senior management teams of all of the global operating subsidiaries of SEKO will also continue in their current leadership roles.

William J. Wascher, CEO of SEKO, said: “This is a proud and defining moment for the SEKO organization. It reflects how far we have come but, most importantly, it unlocks our potential to achieve more. Greenbriar’s long track record of success in the logistics sector makes them an ideal partner for SEKO. Their deep expertise and relationships will be invaluable as we implement our global growth strategy, and will facilitate the next chapter of our growth, both organically and through acquisitions.”

John Anderson, Advisory Director at Greenbriar, said: “SEKO plays a critical role in customer supply chains domestically and internationally. The Company’s proven management team and global strategic partner network position the Company for exceptional long term growth. We are excited about SEKO’s differentiated solutions, which include expertise in the omni-channel retail, e-commerce, home delivery, medical technology, and international forwarding sectors.”

Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP acted as legal counsel to Greenbriar. Raymond James acted as exclusive financial advisor and Howard, Marcus & Berk acted as legal counsel to SEKO.

About SEKO Logistics

SEKO Logistics provides a complete set of technology-enabled supply chain logistics solutions, including transportation management, contract logistics, forwarding and warehousing services. SEKO designs highly-customizable, ready-to-go solutions for customers, and is supported by a global strategic partner network who have unparalleled expertise across a broad spectrum of industry sectors, including omni-channel retail, e-commerce, home delivery, and medical technology, among others. With over 120 offices in 40 countries, SEKO gives customers global coverage and local knowledge. To learn more, please visit www.sekologistics.com

About Greenbriar Equity Group LLC

Greenbriar Equity Group LLC, a private equity firm with over $2.0 billion of committed capital, focuses exclusively on the global transportation industry, including companies in the logistics and distribution, aerospace and defense, freight and passenger transport, automotive, and related sectors. Greenbriar invests with proven management teams who are interested in being significant equity owners in their companies as well as with corporate partners who are interested in raising capital. Greenbriar’s partners bring many decades of experience at the highest levels within the transportation industry. Additional information may be found at www.greenbriarequity.com.

TAMPA, May 5, 2015 –Total Quality Logistics (TQL) today announced it will open a new carrier services division in Florida – the company’s first non-sales division to open outside of corporate headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Carrier Services provides critical after-hours support for the freight brokerage firm. Job growth from the new division, in addition to growth in the company’s sales operations, is expected to create up to nearly 200 new jobs in Tampa over the next two years. Florida Governor Rick Scott joined TQL in making the announcement in a statement released today from his office.

TQL company leaders from across the state, along with other local leaders, will help celebrate the announcement of the division and the company’s new 36,000 sq. ft. office on Harbour Island during an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony this from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. today, 601 S. Harbour Island Blvd, Suite 230, Tampa, Florida 33602.

“We’re committed to growing our presence in Florida,” TQL President Kerry Byrne said. “This new office on Harbour Island shows that. We have room to grow our sales force here in the next few years, in addition to housing our new carrier services division. “This location is a huge plus. We’re right in the middle of everything as Tampa reinvents its downtown area. The diversity of the hiring pool is another advantage. We’re excited to be here and to bring quality jobs to the area. We would like to thank Governor Scott for his work to make Florida more business-friendly and for helping us announce our expansion in Florida.”

TQL Tampa was the company’s second national office. It began operations in 2010 with five founding members and has grown to 150 employees. In addition to its growing Tampa office, TQL operates three additional offices in Florida – Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, and Orlando – employing more than 300 people all together. By the end of 2017, TQL anticipates its state-wide employment will grow to nearly 700.

TQL has been recognized numerous times as a top employer in the state. The company’s Tampa office recently took fourth place in the 2015 Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Best Places to Work competition and was named a 2015 Top Workplace by the Tampa Bay Times. TQL’s Fort Lauderdale office was recently named to the Sun Sentinel’s 2015 list of Top Workplaces in South Florida.

The new carrier services division is slated to open in July 2015 and the company is hiring for the logistics sales support specialist position, as well as sales representatives. To learn more about job opportunities at the TQL Tampa office and search posted job opportunities, visit www.tqljobs.com.

About Total Quality Logistics

Total Quality Logistics is one of the largest freight brokerage firms in the nation with 32 offices in 18 states. TQL connects customers needing to move truckload freight shipments with carriers having capacity to move them. TQL is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Its 2014 sales topped $2 billion and it employs more than 3,200 people nationwide. Connect with TQL on the web at TQL.com, on Facebook at Total Quality Logistics or on Twitter @TQLogistics

Seven of Australia’s largest companies involved in land transport have joined together to call on the Federal Government to finally make Australia’s Inland Rail a reality.
 
The companies have written an open letter to the Prime Minister today (Download the letter in PDF), calling upon the Government to build on its very welcome $300 million commitment to this project by allocating further funds in coming months to see the job finished.
 
The companies – Asciano, Aurizon, Genesee & Wyoming Australia, Linfox, Qube, SCT Logistics and Toll Group – are the largest transporters of freight on rail and road in Australia.
 
Running between Melbourne and Brisbane, the Inland Rail will provide major benefits for each city, the regions in between and all Australians in the form of new investment, jobs and reduced pressure on existing roads, essential services and the environment.
 
The first tenders for the improvement of some of the line that already exists have now been advertised. The companies are asking that Infrastructure Australia now be asked to review the business case ahead of Commonwealth investment in the project.
 
The road transport sector is essential for this country and will remain so, but rail has a much greater contribution to make. About 80 per cent of freight moving between the east and west coasts of Australia travels on rail. This is a highly productive, cost-effective and low emission service. Today, less than 30 per cent of freight moving between Melbourne and Brisbane travels by rail. Building the Inland Rail is a huge opportunity for this country.
 
For Australia to capitalise on its global opportunities we need to ensure we have transport infrastructure that efficiently links together all elements of the supply chain. Inland Rail with the appropriate freight terminals in Melbourne and Brisbane will achieve this, completing a world class national rail freight network and connecting our major capital cities, farming regions, mines and ports.
 
When complete, Inland Rail will reduce train transit times and transport costs that impact the affordability of everyday household items. It will provide a reliable rail transport alternative for agricultural and mining freight, improving the global competitiveness of our key exports.
 
By providing full construction funding, the Inland Rail will create new jobs and transform Australia’s supply chain for generations to come.
 
Media contacts:
Asciano – Richard Baker 0400 809116
Aurizon – Mark Hairsine 0418 877574
Genesee & Wyoming Australia – Greg Pauline 0419 012113
Linfox – Eva Cohen 0417 743 183
Qube - Paul White 0417 224 920
SCT Logistics – Bree Hillsdon 03 9269 5437
Toll Group – Christopher Whitefield 0418 530 806
 
This link will be useful in relation to where the Government’s commitment stands:
https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/rail/inland/

U.S. TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) imports for the top 100 NVOCCs (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier) increased again in the month of March from February and dramatically from March of 2014. The top NVOs rose by 23 percent from February and another 38 percent from March of last year. This is likely due to issues at West Coast ports finally getting resolved. The dramatic West Coast slowdown that happened earlier this year seems to be making up for its losses with a surge in total TEU imports in March. In fact, TEU imports this March were the highest seen in one month that Zepol has on record (back to 2003) and totaled 1.85 million TEUs.

The top 100 NVOs were responsible for over 500,000 TEUs imported in March, nearly 100,000 TEUs higher than February, and almost 140,000 TEUs higher than March of 2014.

Out of the top 100 NVOs, 93 increased TEUs from last March and 95 increased from February. The top three were once again Expeditors International, Blue Anchor Line, and Christal Lines. Apex Shipping Co was ranked the fourth-largest NVO in March and increased import volume from last March by 50 percent. Orient Express Container Co ranked fifth and saw a similar import surge.

View all of the top 100 NVOs in March 2015 in the free report linked below. 

Download the Top 100 NVOCCs Report for March 2015 (in xlsx format)

To search Zepol’s import statistics for Free Click Here

About the 3PL News NVO Update

This is a 3PL News exclusive report was created and written by Zepol Corporation. Zepol provides search access to over 130 million U.S. import and export bills of lading. The data excludes shipments from empty containers and shipments marked as freight remaining on board, and may contain other data anomalies. For more information on Zepol’s platform visit www.zepol.com

By Bob Williams

"You mannerless slug!"

"Ruuuuuuuuuuude!"

"Do you seriously NOT know any better than that?"

*Some of the nicer things you may have yearned to say at times?

My socially adept wife went to a casual gathering at a family pool recently. An affable, no Oedipus raging, all relative, light hearted venture. A young nephew and wife arrive. The wife, in a totally walking dead sort of way, completely ignores my little bride. Never speaks or says hello. There were only 3 people there before the couple arrived! The tell tale glances exchanged indicated that the behavior was as peculiar as she thought. Unfortunately, it is not unusual today.

Respect, congeniality, common courtesy and the things that used to define the archaic terms called manners and professionalism are vanishing from our landscape. It's as if we have watched as the fog of contempt for social common sense creeps in on little cat feet. The shortage of professional behavior is even seeping into treatment of customers. Not good...

"Who cares?", you may say if these ideas seem alien... Well, it IS relative isn't it!?! Without a book about first impressions, bungled negotiations and the endless issues resulting from inter cultural ignorance or just two second attention spans, let's just say that you know why it's important as soon as YOU are the one shorted, affronted or insulted...

Intra-professional communications appear to be walking dead caliber as well. In the age of raging "social" networking, the irony of disintegrating values in professionalism is pervasive. Not going for Mr. Manners or anything, but it's amazing how many business communications get ignored, regardless of relevancy.

Too many times, have heard or experienced interviews with high visibility, global companies who once took pride in their integrity and professionalism,and now have lapsed into what might be referred to as the Etiquette Fog Syndrome (EFS)!

As EFS takes hold, you will not hear from the companies you just spent your time and efforts to meet. You may not even get a form letter, or maybe you get it months later.

You may find yourself in situations within and organization that requires you to lie or ignore the facts because of nepotism, egocentric and incompetent corporate decorations behaving like dogs or appointed "managers" obviously untrained in listening skills, much less the ability to deal effectively with anything beyond a Pavlovian response...

You may be confronted with goals and expectations that indicate how clearly management is unaware of what business they are in, and how one way courtesy reduces any chance of professionalism. Respect, mutual courtesy and acting like you know how professionals behave are all disappearing as we tweet our way to non-communication and ineffective practices.

With a nod to the fact that socially accepted behaviors evolve and change, many hope the changes might be for the better. If you find yourself at the mercy of colleagues who don't respond to inquiries within a reasonable time (24 hrs?), with no indication ("reverting") that your inquiry merits any importance; if you work with managers who don't know when to speak with you behind closed doors; if you work with people who lips never close and ears never open; if you have ever seen emails to customers that make you cringe; if you have been stunned with disbelief by the increasing customer NO-service; if you've found yourself the victim when caught off guard by certain cultural ettiquette that you missed, try to help when and where you can.

Seldom are there valid strategies that give credit for confronting rudeness with rudeness. Recognizing the dilapidated state of business etiquette today, it seems the best approach remains a combination of forgiveness and timely education. These tools and the comfort of an old business paraphrase of karma - "what goes around, comes around"!

R Fain Bob@snapshippingservices.com

The CMA CGM KERGUELEN, CMA CGM’s largest vessel, crosses the Suez Canal, intersection between Asia, Africa and Europe, for the first time

• On May 2nd, 2015, the CMA CGM KERGUELEN entered the convoy crossing the Suez Canal
• In 2014, major enlargement works were launched on the Canal, enhancing traffic by reducing the transit time required to cross it
• 11 of the CMA CGM Group’s services, including the French Asia Line (FAL) on which are positioned CMA CGM’s largest vessels, sail regularly through the Canal  

Marseilles, May 6th, 2015 - The CMA CGM Group is pleased to announce that the CMA CGM KERGUELEN, the Group’s largest vessel, crossed the Suez Canal for the first time on May 2nd, 2015. On this occasion, the Suez Canal Authority Chairman, the Admiral Mohab Mameesh, boarded the CMA CGM KERGUELEN and completed a section of the Canal crossing.  

The Suez Canal, at the crossroads between the Asian, African and European continents, has beyond its geostrategic positioning, a particular importance for CMA CGM, one of the world’s leaders in container shipping. In 2014, the Group sailed 637 times through the Suez Canal with its vessels positioned on 11 regular services.  

Built between 1859 and 1869, under the supervision of Ferdinand de Lesseps, the Suez Canal is one of the major human-created canals and used by global maritime transport in order to avoid navigating around Africa. 193 km long and an average width of 345 m, it is crossed by approximately 20,000 ships each year.  

The entry into fleet of giants of the seas such as the CMA CGM KERGUELEN, carrying up to 17,722 TEUS, implies that maritime channels must upgrade their size in order to adapt to container ships’ and maritime traffic’s development. In August 2014, the Egyptian president launched the enlargement works of the Suez Canal, which should last 5 years. The existing waterway will be dredged, deepened and enlarged on 37 kilometers, and the width doubled on 35 kilometers, thus enhancing traffic by reducing the transit time required to cross it.  

The CMA CGM KERGUELEN will cross the canal twice during her 77 days rotation between Asia, the Mediterranean and North Europe, and back.  

Delivered on March 31 in Korea, the CMA CGM KERGUELEN is sailing towards Tangier (Morocco) where she will call on May 7, and, then towards Europe. She will be christened in Le Havre on May 12.

DOD Suppliers Offered ‘Scholarships’ to Attend Growth Conferences at No Cost  

Cedar Knolls, NJ – The New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Inc. (NJMEP) is partnering with the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) / the New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII) and the Federal Government to host two executive training conferences. This new initiative program, called MarketShift, was developed in response to the extension of the Budget Sequestration of 2013.  

Sequestration cuts are scheduled to continue through 2021 and there is great concern over how this will affect those New Jersey companies who rely on a steady stream of defense-related contracts. The MarketShift program is specifically geared towards assisting Department of Defense (DoD) suppliers grow their revenues by diversifying their offerings and their customer bases.  

The MarketShift program is intended for Presidents and CEO’s; VP’s; Directors of International Sales; Directors of Marketing and Business Development; and others in a leadership role for international sales. Individual conference seats are valued at $5,000 apiece. However, the entire cost of the program is being offset by MarketShift Scholarships, combined with NJMEP’s Defense-Contractor Discounts, which will be awarded to DoD suppliers.  

The initiative launches May 20th with Destination Innovation™ Jumpstart, a conference focused on  innovation,  growth and  new-market  development. The second event, “ExporTech™ Intensive”, is a concentrated version of the US Commerce Department’s signature training program focusing on exporting and takes place June 3rd and June 4th.  

About the Destination Innovation™  Jumpstart and ExporTech™ Programs

Destination Innovation™ Jumpstart is a two-day intensive seminar aimed at assisting companies looking to diversify their product line and customer base. The Jumpstart event focuses on developing a process for implementing a culture of innovative activity that can be utilized company-wide. The program will take place May 20-21 at the Enterprise Center, part of Burlington Community College, 3331 Route 38 Mount Laurel, NJ 08054. A repeat seminar will be held July 22-23 in North Jersey, venue TBD.  

ExporTech™ Intensive is a two-day, education and planning program designed to help

manufacturers diversify their customer base through global sales.  This program provides a unique combination of expert speakers, planning tools, individual coaching, and small group discussions that allows each company to respond to its own unique challenges.  This program is scheduled for June 3-4 at the Enterprise Center and will be offered again in North Jersey on September 23-24, venue TBD.  

Both conferences will run from 8am-4pm and include a complimentary continental breakfast and buffet lunch. For more information, visit www.njmep.org/marketshift or contact the NJMEP Product Information Desk, 973- 998-9805 or info@njmep.org.

About NJMEP

NJMEP is a member of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) network. MEP is a Federal-State-industry partnership that provides small and medium-sized U.S. manufacturers with access to technologies, resources, and industry experts. To learn more about NJMEP visit NJMEP.org.  

About NJIT

(NJIT) is a top-tier research university that prepares students to become leaders in the technology-dependent economy of the 21st century. NJIT's multidisciplinary curriculum and computing-intensive approach to education provide technological proficiency, business acumen and leadership skills. To learn more about NJII visit NJIT.edu.  

About NJII

NJII is an NJIT corporation that applies the intellectual and technological resources of the state’s science and technology university to challenges identified by industry partners. Through its Innovation Labs (iLabs), NJII brings NJIT expertise to key economic sectors, including healthcare delivery systems, bio-pharmaceutical production, civil infrastructure, defense and homeland security, and financial services. To learn more about NJII visit NJII.com.

Chapman Freeborn Airchartering and Ruslan International have completed a special and very significant assignment to Armenia to deliver broadcasting equipment from Tianjin in China to the capital city, Yerevan.

The equipment was a gift from the people of China to the people of Armenia to ensure TV coverage of the country’s centenary commemorations, which remembers the estimated one and a half million civilians who lost their lives during the last days of the Ottoman empire.

Chapman Freeborn’s China team commissioned the flight on behalf of its client, selecting heavy air cargo specialist Ruslan International due to its expertise in transporting heavy and outsize cargo to all parts of the world and its high levels of customer service.

The 40-ton cargo was made up of three outside broadcast vehicles and associated equipment including a portable generator. The height of one of the vehicles presented something of a challenge – but one that Ruslan International resolved with the use of a special flat extension ramp that ensured a smooth loading process.

Commenting on the project, Allen Liu at Chapman Freeborn said:

“We are proud to have assisted our client with this cargo charter operation and played a role in marking this important occasion. We would like to thank Ruslan International for its professionalism in ensuring that it reached its destination safely and on time.”

Alexander Kraynov at Ruslan International added:

“We are pleased to have assisted Chapman Freeborn with this project and honoured to deliver such a special cargo to Armenia.  All of the loads we carry are important but this cargo has particular significance due to its role in helping the people of Armenia commemorate the centenary of such a defining moment in their history.”

About Chapman Freeborn

Chapman Freeborn was established in the UK in 1973 and the group’s unparalleled global network comprises of over 30 locations around the world.

The company specialises in the charter and lease of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft for a wide ranging client base including freight forwarders, multinational corporations, governments, humanitarian agencies and a host of industries around the globe.

About Ruslan International

Ruslan International was formed in July 2006, through a joint venture between Antonov Airlines and Volga-Dnepr Airlines.

With a combined fleet of 17 Antonov An124-100 aircraft and 25 years of expertise in operations, load planning and route planning, Ruslan International is able to handle any outsize or heavy air cargo challenge.

The company employs 38 staff and is headquartered at London Stansted Airport in the UK.

Bangkok, Thailand (May 21, 2015)-- Coordinating two full charters of live cattle shipment, AIB Internacional, a proud member of X2 Elite and X2 Projects, has led the transport of 356 live Guzerá Breed Bovine en route for Senegal, Africa. With the objective of improving the genetic dairy bovine in African countries, AIB International piloted the shipments of live animals with a total weight of 160,000 kg of which most female bovines are pregnant. The Guzerá Breed Bovine was chosen since it is a rustic and resistant breed to be domesticated in Senegal. The special shipments were transported using two 747-700 aircrafts which departed from NATAL – Rio Grande do Norte and São Paulo, Brasil.

AIB Internacional has prepared all the necessary equipment’s and customized solutions to make the shipment possible since Rio Grande do Norto has never beforehand exported livestock animals preceding the shipment. Meeting the IATA Live Animal Regulations which concerns the transport of live animal cargo by air, custom made crates were prepared together with some rudimentary installation of bales in the airport.

Cristiano Lima, CEO of AIB Internacional, managed and directed the completion of shipment and accompanied the cargo flight from Brasil to Africa. AIB Internacional was honored to perform a key role throughout the unique animal consignment.

Seeking more X2 partners in 8 additional African countries namely Senegal, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Conakry, Equatorial Guinea, Mauritania, Angola, Benin and Burkina Faso, AIB Internacional is looking forward for another successful 120 live animal cargo operation to Senegal. This shipment is expected to depart in 60 days due to the quarantine.

About The X2 Group of Professional Logistics Networks

The X2 Group of Professional Logistics Networks is the premier global provider of comprehensive solutions powering the domain’s leading freight forwarders across the globe. Comprised of five different networks such as X2 Elite, X2 Projects, X2 Movers, X2 Cold Chain and X2 Critical, the valued members X2 Group of Professional Logistics Networks bring full-complement logistics solutions to meet the increasing worldwide distribution demands in the globe’s most challenging environments. Each network prides itself with credible and qualified specialists with unprecedented capabilities and unique specializations. Registered in British Virgin Islands, headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, The X2 Group of Professional Logistics Networks aims to develop cost-effective relationships whilst maximizing long-standing trade opportunities with qualified organizations.

The X2 Group of Professional Logistics Networks was founded in 2012. With a vision of leveraging every member’s competencies and industry links, The X2 Group of Professional Logistics Networks provides a more personalized community focusing immensely on platform innovation and creativity. To date, The X2 Group of Professional Logistics Networks has about 442 global memberships, covering 362 cities with 668 offices fully-operational worldwide. The company also maintains a general ¬¬¬¬network coverage in over 142 countries.

Managed by CEO, Richard James Overton, The X2 Group of Professional Logistics Networks aims to be represented in all major markets worldwide. With over 17 years of Logistics operations and senior management experience, Richard will direct and support each network in effectively competing with multinationals. Furthermore, he envisions to bring an advanced and professional approach to the world of Logistics Networking.

About the AIB International

In 2000, AIB Internacional CEO, Cristiano Lima entered the logistics foreign trade market in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Four years later, he founded his own company Argos International Brazil, in partnership with Argos International. In 2005, Christiano Lima purchased and assumed 100% of the company’s stock which is now called the AIB International.  AIB International now covers worldwide logistics services and offers customs clearance. In 2007, AIB Internacional opens its office in Singapore. Affiliated with the X2 Group of Professional Logistics Networks in 2014, AIB Internacional  has then earned X2 license  to become an official member of X2 Elite and X2 Projects allowing coverage in more than 142 countries to date.

Toll Express, part of Toll Group, is breaking new ground with an Australian first that is transforming deliveries of freight for its customers and staff.
 
Toll Express General Manager Larry O’Regan said Toll’s involvement in the development of Australia’s only Wingliner with motor-driven mezzanine floors has transformed the way it loads freight and delivers to customers, increasing safety and productivity.
 
“We purchased our first rigid truck Wingliner around 12 months ago. During this time we have seen multiple benefits for both Toll Express customers and staff who both gain from the Wingliner’s smart, safe and time-saving technology,” Mr O’Regan said.
 
“Unlike traditional vehicles where the sides are manually opened and closed to load and unload freight, the Wingliner’s sides automatically open and close with a simple push of a button.
 
“This allows staff on lifting restrictions to return to the workforce sooner. And, reduces the time spent in loading docks enabling customers to access their freight quicker, reduce congestion and increase productivity.”
 
Toll Express National Strategic Operations Manager Warwick Rust said while sides that automatically open and close provide significant safety and time-saving benefits, it is the automatic mezzanine floor Toll Express developed with Australia’s largest independent trailer and body builder, Vawdrey, that is proving to really transform its delivery of freight.
 
“We consulted extensively with our customers and staff to inspire the design of a user-friendly mezzanine floor that can be automatically raised and lowered to the required position,” Mr Rust said.
 
“The result is an automatic platform that maximises space, enabling more freight to be safely and efficiently transported and unloaded.”
 
Mr O’Regan said automated sides save approximately seven minutes per delivery over traditional manual methods.
 
“The time saved over manually opening and closing the curtains, together with automated mezzanine floors and larger vehicles enables drivers in some cases to more than double their deliveries per day.
 
“At Toll Express we’re always interested in innovative technology and designs that help us to do our job better.”
 
Toll Express has seven Wingliners across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane with plans to bring on another six by the end of the year.
 
For video of the Wingliner and motor-driven mezzanine floor in action visit www.tollgroup.com/tollexpress

New LTL routes from Hungary to Romania

Duisburg, 12th May 2015. - STI Freight Management, the logistics service provider headquartered in Duisburg, Germany now offers a temperature-controlled consolidated (LTL) service with fixed departure times from Hungary to Romania. Loading at various shipment stations in Hungary, the consolidated service transports goods twice a week in partitioned trailers at all three temperature levels via a distribution centre in Romania owned by the sister company HAVI Logistics. In this way, STI supports food logistics for customers in southeast Europe. "Flexible transport margins create a real competitive advantage for food producers. Particularly because we are one of the few service providers in Hungary and Romania who can offer an LTL service for all temperature levels concurrently," explains Kai Schüttke, Vice President of STI Freight Management. "Customers save noticeably on transport costs, profit from short transit times, just-in-time delivery and the safe transport of perishable goods."

Currently, STI operates 34 LTL routes on a fixed schedule. The contract logistics provider uses its extensive road operation network with 13 subsidiaries in Europe. "The aim is to shorten transit times even more and constantly increase the departure frequency of LTL routes," explains Schüttke. This year, as well the Hungary-Romania route, a further four consolidated routes have commenced. LTL shipments are carried once a week from Spain to both Belgium and the Netherlands. Weekly scheduled routes also operate from northern Italy to Slovenia and Spain.

About STI Freight Management

Around 264,000 national and international road transport movements, 9,350 air and sea shipments, as well as 27,500 customs clearances each year; the business activities of STI Freight Management GmbH, headquartered in Duisburg, Germany are manifold. Behind these figures is a leading contract logistics provider in Europe. Since 1983, STI Freight Management has specialised in the planning and handling of complex transport and logistics projects. The subsidiary of Lead Logistics Provider HAVI Global Logistics and Martin-Brower Holdings UK Ltd. employs 221 workers in 13 locations. As well as international shipments of food and other temperature-controlled goods like valuable pharmaceuticals, the company also supplies cruise liners, provides warehousing and carries out customs clearing.

Leading Provider of Global Trade Management Solutions Adds Comprehensive Portfolio of Training Services 

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ, May 5, 2015 – Amber Road (NYSE: AMBR), a leading provider of global trade management (GTM) solutions, announced today that it has launched a comprehensive global trade management training practice known as the Global Trade Academy™.   The Global Trade Academy provides rich training and professional development to industry professionals in the areas of customs and trade compliance, import and export management, global logistics, risk assessment and international commerce. At launch, it offers over 60 courses, spanning instructor led in-classroom and web-based training, as well as computer-based training designed for the U.S., European and Chinese markets.  

Representative training courses offered by the Global Trade Academy include:

• Certified Classification Specialist (CCLS)™
• C-TPAT: Application to Validation
• Duty Drawback Specialist (DBS)™
• Export Control Certification Specialist (EXCS)™  

In the Chief Supply Chain Officer Report of 2014, Supply Chain World outlined ten key topics of supply chain management practices and perceptions, with input from over 1,000 executives. Developing the professional skills required to deliver on strategic programs was cited as both a key success factor and challenge. In fact, 43 percent of supply chain executives — almost double the figure from 2011 — noted that talent acquisition and development has become much harder.  

It takes years to develop global trade professionals, and talent is in very short supply. Organizations are constantly searching for ways to develop in-house talent. By addressing this need, the Global Trade Academy helps Amber Road deliver on its mission of being a full service partner to its customers in all things related to global trade.

“Global trade management is a complex and dynamic field,” said Jim Preuninger, CEO of Amber Road. “Organizations require knowledgeable in-house trade professionals to understand trade regulations and implement global supply chain strategies, particularly as it relates to their specific products, processes and geographies. Our best software customers are also those who invest in talent development. By adding the Global Trade Academy to our portfolio, we can meet this need and simultaneously be a one-stop-shop for our customers.”  

“We help companies to grow in-house global trade management talent through world class training,” said Suzanne Richer, director, trade advisory practice at Amber Road. 

“While Amber Road’s GTM software and Global Knowledge® content is designed to automate trade compliance checks and optimize global logistics decisions, organizations still require knowledgeable people who understand the complexities of global trade to best implement and utilize Amber Road’s solutions.  That’s the need we fulfill. I am very excited to join Amber Road to lead the launch of the Global Trade Academy at this firm.”

 About Amber Road

Amber Road’s (NYSE: AMBR) mission is to dramatically change the way companies conduct global trade. As a leading provider of cloud based global trade management (GTM) solutions, we automate import and export processes to enable goods to flow across international borders in the most efficient, compliant and profitable way. Our solution combines enterprise-class software, trade content sourced from government agencies and transportation providers in 145 countries, and a global supply chain network connecting our customers with their trading partners, including suppliers, freight forwarders, customs brokers and transportation carriers. We deliver our GTM solution using a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model and leverage a highly flexible technology framework to quickly and efficiently meet our customers’ unique requirements around the world.  

For more information, please visit www.AmberRoad.com, email Solutions@AmberRoad.com or call in the USA 201-935-8588.

JERSEY CITY, NJ (May 14, 2015) -- In view of the increasing market demand resulting from significant trade growth between China and the ASEAN countries, Evergreen Line will partner with COSCO and China Shipping in launching a joint China-Surabaya Express (CSX) Service. This is Evergreen's latest initiative to enhance its service on the Intra-Asian trade. 
 
The CSX service will employ four ships of 2,000-2,700 TEU, including one each provided by Evergreen and CSCL and the remaining two by COSCO. The first sailing is planned to depart from Qingdao on May 20th, with the following the port rotation: Qingdao-Shanghai-Xiamen-Shekou-Pasir Gudang (Malysia)-Singapore-Surabaya (Indonesia)-Singapore-Qingdao.
 
This weekly service covers major ports from China in the north to Malaysia and Indonesia in the south, providing regular and convenient links for regional trade and connecting to Evergreen's global service network via Singapore.
 
After the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) was established in 2010, bilateral trade volumes have continued to rise. According to the statistics published by the Gerneral Administration of Customs in the PRC, its import and export trade with ASEAN grew by 8.3% to $480.4 billion in 2014. In addition, the ASEAN community has actively negotiated with China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand to establish the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). It is believed that this significant development will further encourage free trade and have the effect of driving cargo growth within the Intra-Asia trade.

- Canada to Northern Europe connection sails May 22nd -
 
Clark, New Jersey, May 13, 2015 - CaroTrans, a leading global NVOCC (non-vessel operating common carrier) and ocean freight consolidator, today announces a new weekly LCL (less than container load) service from Montreal to Le Havre, France.  This direct service has a 14 day transit.  Freight can originate from as far west as Vancouver with secure handling provided by multiple container freight stations throughout Canada.  The region in and around Montreal, the Quebec province, is a French speaking region with close, historical ties to France and in turn robust trade.
 
Freight management at origin and destination is supported by a strong team including Odyssey, an established CaroTrans partner in Canada, and CaroTrans’ dedicated Le Havre office.  CaroTrans in Le Havre is positioned to expedite cargo release and on-carriage services.  CaroTrans has an established 5+ year partnership with Odyssey.
 
“Through expansion of our global service network, we’re adding cost effective, direct service options for customers.  Direct services eliminate transshipment costs and provide greater reliability because there’s less handling and freight moves,” said Greg Howard, CEO of CaroTrans.  Trusted partnerships are important in our business, “that’s why we team up with Odyssey, a first class provider, for services and support between Europe, South America, Australia, New Zealand and the Caribbean.”
 
Georges Raft, chief operating officer, Odyssey Shipping Ltd. said, “With the addition of this direct service to Le Havre, we’re able to offer an enhanced product that serves all major inland destinations in France including: Bordeaux, Dijon, Fos-sur-Mer, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Orleans, Orly, Paris, Rouen and Toulouse.  CaroTrans inland network in France provides   dependable door delivery services throughout the region.”
 
CaroTrans opened its Le Havre office in 2012 to establish a foundation for future growth and support the company’s overall network of global operations.
 
About CaroTrans
 
Established in 1979, CaroTrans International is one of the world’s leading NVOCCs providing global LCL, less-than-container load, and FCL, full container load services.  CaroTrans has a network of offices in Asia, Europe, South America, Oceania, and the United States, along with strong local partners, to offer a global reach that is truly unique.
 
The CaroTrans suite of Web-based and EDI-enabled e-commerce tools include - booking, ocean and inland rates, sailing schedules, and tracking.  They are an essential part of CaroTrans’ commitment to delivering faster, more efficient freight management solutions.  For import shipments, CaroTrans Online Freight Release solution provides logistics service providers with direct control of the release of their customers’ cargo.
 
CaroTrans is a people driven company with dedicated and knowledgeable team members who engage customers with passion and experience on a local level. For additional information, visit: www.carotrans.com