Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport UK News

P&O Ferrymasters wins new sales and booking contract

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:14:07 GMT

Finnish company Containerships has selected P&O Ferrymasters for a new contract regarding the sales and booking of its Italian business.

Transiting via the port of Rotterdam, P&O Ferrymasters is acting as agent for the services as the deal has already taken effect.

Wim Blomme, director of the P&O Ferrymasters intermodal division, remarked that the agreement widens the scope of its Italian routes and services.

"By adding the short sea services of Containerships to our existing customer value proposition we are confident that we can increase business to northern Italy, Finland, Russia and the Baltic States," he stated.

According to Containerships chief executive Sigurjon Markusson, it will be "mutually beneficial" for the two businesses through the use of P&O Ferrymasters' railway container services in Europe.

Last month, European logistics specialist P&O Ferrymasters became a cooperation partner of the Logistics World Alliance, a group established in 2006 for the provision of a range of solutions in Europe via a single contact point.

TDG wins food ingredients contract extension

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:14:07 GMT

A Dutch food ingredients specialist has extended its contract with supply chain specialist TDG.

Under the terms of the new long-term contract between the two, TDG will continue to manage warehouse activities on behalf of Givaudan Nederland in Hilversum.

The companies have worked together for the past three years and have developed a "strong working relationship", according to TDG.

Givaudan, which manufactures flavours and fragrances, has extended the contract due to the focus of TDG on quality and its employment of specialist IT solutions, such as voice picking software.

Leon Eijkenboom of Givaudan praised TDG, claiming that the team "understand and adhere to the strict quality regulations needed with logistics activity in the food ingredients sector".

In related news, workers at the TDG chemicals depot in Acton Grange, near Warrington, recently marked 2,000 consecutive days without any lost-time accidents in warehouse operations, indicating the plant's efforts to increase safety awareness have been a success.

HS2 prepares to put government rail plans into action

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:14:07 GMT

Government-backed company HS2 is now preparing to take forward plans for the High Speed Two line between London and the West Midlands.

The Department for Transport has now published its command paper response on plans for the future of the UK's high-speed rail network.

It followed a report by HS2 and the company is now putting together the next stages of work in order to hold a full public consultation on the proposals this autumn, including options for an extension of the high-speed network to Manchester and Leeds.

HS2 chairman Sir Brian Briscoe explained: "That process of open engagement and dialogue will ultimately be as crucial to the success of High Speed Two as world-class engineering and construction."

The company was established by the government in January 2009 and is responsible for providing advice on the development of high-speed rail services, with plans to expand the network in the future from London to Scotland.

Guidance for transport operators on noise

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:14:07 GMT

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has published new advice for road and rail operators to assist them in making decisions regarding the impact of noise.

Under the action plans designed to tackle noise from traffic in urban areas, the government has provided new evidence to assist companies in mitigating its impact close to major roads and railways.

A series of noise maps have been produced that are intended to better inform operators and authorities.

In response to the maps, officials will investigate each of the target areas identified and propose measures to reduce noise disruption such as improved road services, lower speed limits or sound barriers.

In addition, the Noise Policy Statement for England has been published outlining government policy

Environment minister Jim Fitzpatrick remarked: "We're asking for local solutions to make sure the effects of noise are properly managed, in order to improve health and quality of life."

The Defra noise maps for urban areas in England have been published on the agency's website.

Software saves Hermes £300k by enhancing deliveries

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:14:07 GMT

The efficiency of deliveries carried out by Hermes has received a boost as a result of the adoption of routeing and scheduling software from Paragon.

Under a deal that has seen the automated planning solutions rolled out to 14 of the company's 18 depots, transport costs savings of an estimated £300,000 have been generated.

Due to rise as the system is expanded to the remaining four facilities, Paragon Multi Depot is allowing Hermes to plan routes and reduce delivery windows, with routes assessed for efficiency twice a year.

William Ellis, Hermes network development manager, explained: "The software allows us to reduce our mileage - and this amounts to an average cost saving of £162 per year for every mile we don't drive on a daily basis."

Hull-based 3G Food Service & Seafood Solutions recently adopted Paragon route optimisation solutions to improve its services to clients such as wagamama, La Tasca, Ego and P&O Ferries.

MCA detains eight ships in February

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:14:07 GMT

A total of eight foreign-flagged ships were detained by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in February this year.

Latest figures from the organisation reveal that there were a total of four new cases during the period in question, in addition to four vessels held from previous months.

The ships were detained at UK ports having failed Port State Control (PSC) inspections, with 151 such examinations carried out in February.

Of those vessels undergoing PSC tests, 43 had no deficiencies raised against them, 73 had one to five faults, 30 were found to have between six and ten, five had 11 to 20 deficiencies and one had more than 20.

Over the year to February, the rate of detentions compared with inspections dipped slightly to three per cent.

In January, the MCA had nine foreign ships under detention at UK ports, two held from December and the remainder as a result of failing PSC inspections over the month.

BA strike 'to hit holidaymakers hardest'

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:14:07 GMT

Plans by British Airways (BA) cabin staff to stage industrial action at the end of this month will have the greatest impact on those holidaymakers booking breaks independently of travel firms.

This is the view of Air Transport Users Council (ATUC) industry affairs manager James Fremantle, who suggested it is "disappointing" union leaders and airline management have failed to reach an agreement to prevent the strikes.

"Again, passengers are stuck in the middle of industrial disputes and it is disappointing that it has come to this," he declared.

According to Mr Fremantle, travellers should wait for announcements before they start to rearrange travel plans.

He explained that many people could lose out on any accommodation and other items they have booked separately, as BA will only refund customers the cost of cancelled flights if the strikes go ahead.

Meanwhile, a row has erupted between the Unite union and the government after prime minister Gordon Brown claimed that the plans for a walkout by cabin crew are "unjustified and deplorable" and not in the national interest.

Concerns raised about high speed rail plans

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:14:07 GMT

Proposals unveiled by the government for the future of high speed rail in Britain could waste money, it has been claimed.

This is the view of Transport Watch director Paul Withrington, who suggested the plans will not serve enough people, as half of the journeys taken by train in the UK are less than 20 miles long.

He added that half of Britons use rail services less than once a year, declaring the plans to be "a waste of money" that will "never by recouped".

According to Mr Withrington, there is too great a bias in favour of London and it is unfair to expect the rest of the country to pay for the upgrades, which will see trains travel at up to 250 miles per hour.

Transport minister Lord Adonis has announced that a high speed line between London and Birmingham will be created, with plans to extend it north to Manchester and Leeds in the future.

DHL wins £75m contract

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:14:07 GMT

DHL has won a four-year contract worth £75 million.

The contract will see DHL manage BP UK Convenience Retail's dry goods and chilled produce warehousing and distribution across the UK.

The deal will also involve the extension of DHL and BP's working relationship in the UK that began over four years ago.

Under the terms of the new contract DHL is to manage the storage and delivery of 20 million cases of dry and chilled goods to BP's 360 forecourts across the country.

Rebecca Harrison, the supply chain manager at BP Trading, indicated that the deal was testament to DHL's understanding of BP's objectives.

Ms Harrison said: "The team is continuously presenting innovative ways of managing our operations, which to date have improved productivity levels by 20 per cent."

Recently, the CEO of Deutsche Post and DHL, Frank Appel, announced that the company's goal was to become the logistics company for the world.

Truck production drops

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:14:07 GMT

Truck production dropped in 2009, according to a report.

The report from the automobile industry's trade association indicated that total vehicle production in Europe decreased by 17.3 per cent in 2009, compared to 2008.

The ACEA Economic report illustrates that the production of vans fell 42 per cent, while truck production fell by 64 per cent.

The figures illustrate that truck production suffered a sustained decrease across all four quarters of the year.

In quarter one truck production fell 62 per cent, falling by 72 per cent in the second, 64 per cent in the third and finally a slightly lower 56 per cent in the final quarter.

Van production saw a less sustained fall across the year, while bus production fell by 12 per cent in total.

In February of this year, registration data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders indicated that van registrations were up slightly with 8,978 registered, but that truck registrations were still falling with just 1,370 registrations.

FTA welcomes overseas freight report

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:14:07 GMT

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has welcomed a report into overseas lorries and driving practices.

An investigation into the regulation of commercial vehicles will be released by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

The FTA said it is pleased that the report will seek to address a number of issues that giving overseas truckers an advantage over domestic firms and decrease road safety.

Jo Tanner of the FTA drew particular attention to the poor safety record of overseas truckers and the unsatisfactory condition of their vehicles.

Ms Tanner also raised the problem of buying fuel overseas, meaning that there is no contribution to the British economy from foreign drivers.

"Overseas operators effectively drive on the UK's roads for free, as they contribute nothing to Treasury coffers while the British taxpayer picks up the tab for the damage they cause," indicated Ms Tanner.

Earlier this week, transport minister Paul Clark indicated his belief that quiet night-time deliveries could help tackle urban congestion.

High speed rail plans to 'revolutionise' Britain unveiled

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:14:07 GMT

Plans for high speed rail links aiming to revolutionise British transport have been unveiled this week.

The proposals delivered by transport secretary Andrew Adonis cover the initial delivery of a core network linking various major UK cities.

The 335-mile Y-shaped route would connect London to Birmingham, Manchester, the east Midlands, Sheffield and Leeds.

Trains running up to speeds of 250 miles per hour would bring journey times from London to Manchester, Leeds or Sheffield down to under 75 minutes and make travel from the capital to Birmingham achievable within about half an hour.

Mr Adonis said it was time Britain embraced a high speed rail network.

"The high speed line from London to the Channel Tunnel has been a clear success, and many European and Asian countries now have extensive and successful high speed networks," Mr Adonis added.

Mr Adonis previously served as minister of state for transport and parliamentary under secretary of state for schools and learners at the Department of Children, Schools and Families.

Norbert Dentressangle plans cautious growth in 2010

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:14:07 GMT

Norbert Dentressangle is planning cautious growth in 2010 after showing resilience in 2009.

After announcing its results for 2009 the company said that it would continue to launch initiatives to encourage further growth in 2010.

The 2009 results indicated that consolidated revenue fell 12.5 per cent overall, although the transport business showed an upturn in the latter part of the year after declining in the first six months.

The company cut debt significantly from €553 million in 2008 to €445 at the close of 2009.

Francois Bertreau, the chief executive officer, indicated that the company had performed strongly after being severely impacted by the economic downturn.

Mr Bertreau said: "For 2010 … we remain watchful so as to maintain our competitive footing, while continuing to launch fruitful initiatives for future growth".

Earlier this month, Norbert Dentressangle signed a deal to handle national warehousing distribution for the Black Sheep brewery.

Government unveils plans to boost road works safety

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:14:07 GMT

Government proposals announced this week aim to boost the standards of road works safety.

The plans, unveiled by transport minister Sadiq Khan, aim to ensure councils carrying out their owns works are governed by the same rules utility firms currently abide by.

Utility companies are already required to provide contact telephone numbers for anybody carrying out works, in addition to meeting strict safety standards.

However, these new plans will ensure that both groups are obliged to meet stricter rules on safety for disabled people.

Ms Khan noted that she was tired of hearing about road works not being carried out without the travelling public in mind.

"That is why I have made tackling road works disruption a priority since I became transport minister last year and announced a package of measures in December to reduce the problems they can cause", Ms Khan added.

The Department for Transport had previously indicated it was to crack down on firms whose operations overran and caused problems for the public.

Scrappage registrations rise to 325k

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:14:07 GMT

The number of new cars registered through the scrappage scheme almost broke the 325,000 barrier during February.

By the end of month the total number of new cars registered through the scrappage scheme was 324,991, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The scrappage scheme came to an end at the close of February having initially started in May 2009.

During the final month of the scheme new cars registered through the programme accounted for 19.6 per cent of all new registrations.

Paul Everitt, the chief executive of SMMT, paid tribute to the impetus that the scheme had provided throughout a difficult period for the motor industry.

Mr Everitt said: "The scrappage scheme ends this month and has provided a vital stimulus during a difficult period. The scheme has lifted the market from the lows of early 2009."

SMMT previously commented on the large cut in CO2 admissions witnessed in the new car market. The society noted the impact that the scrappage scheme had in achieving the reduction.

Wincanton extends oil and gas contracts

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:14:07 GMT

Logistics specialist Wincanton has announced that it has signed extensions worth a total of £112 million with Chevron and Air Products.

Under the terms of the oil and chemical gas distribution agreements, the supply chain and business outsourcing services company will continue a 17-year relationship with Chevron and a long-standing partnership with Air Products.

The three-year Chevron deal is worth £60 million and will see Wincanton distribute more than nine billion litres of fuel to Texaco-branded petrol stations nationwide through the operation of a series of UK terminals.

Meanwhile, the £52 million, three-year Air Products contract will extend a current agreement for the transportation of liquid oxygen, liquid argon, liquid nitrogen and hydrogen gas to manufacturing and medical customers via a fleet of 60 road tanker vehicles and 120 drivers.

"Transporting fuel and liquid gases requires the highest safety standards, and we are proud of our outstanding safety record," Wincanton chief executive Graeme McFaull said.

As part of efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its supply chain, Wincanton recently designed a new semi-trailer that is estimated to cut carbon emissions by ten per cent by providing additional pallet space.

Pothole damage claims 'rise 600%'

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:14:07 GMT

An increase of more than 600 per cent has been seen in the number of claims made by motorists for damage caused by potholes in the past three years alone.

This is according to new figures from AA Insurance, which show that public concern about the state of repair of the UK's road network is not unjustified.

Damage caused to vehicles in February is estimated by the organisation to have cost insurers £2.85 million, with an estimated 1,900 claims filed during the month.

AA Insurance's Simon Douglas explained "it takes serious damage to make it worth an insurance claim", with garages dealing with thousands of punctured tyres, broken springs and tracking problems as a result of potholes this year.

The big freeze this winter, which saw temperatures plummet across the country and snow and ice cover roads caused widespread damage to UK roads, with North Yorkshire county council imposing an increase in tax to fund its pothole repair programme.

DfT unveils plans to improve bus travel

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:14:07 GMT

The experience of passengers on buses could be improved as a result of new government plans.

Under the Department for Transport (DfT) proposals, anti-social behaviour will be tackled and buses made more pleasant and safer for travellers.

The proposals - published in a consultation paper - include a total ban on consumption of alcohol onboard buses in order to improve the safety of services.

Additional measures such as requiring operators to give greater advanced warning of any changes to services and permitting local councils to set maximum far prices are also out forward in the document.

Transport minister Sadiq Khan claims that the moves will help to combat congestion and reduce carbon emissions in the UK, with two out of three public transport trips taken by bus.

He claimed the plans "are a significant step towards … ensuring this vital part of our transport system continues to thrive".

On March 9th, Mr Khan announced almost £20 million is being invested by the government in bus services in Leeds in order to improve lanes and reduce journey times for passengers.

Widening trade gap "cause for further concern"

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:14:07 GMT

Concerns are likely to grow as a result of the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), which show a widening trade gap for the UK.

Barclays head of trade product Iain Macdonald explained that a full recovery from the recession could be affected in the short term by "sluggish growth and fiscal instability in markets which have traditionally been UK exporting destinations".

He explained interest is growing by markets that have not been so severely affected by the downturn and the weak pound could boost exports as "UK manufacturing gathers pace", although he urged caution for the remainder of 2010.

According to the government data, an increase from £2.6 billion in December to £3.8 billion in January was witnessed in the seasonally adjusted goods and services trade deficit for the UK.

The volume of exports dipped by six per cent over the period - excluding oil and erratic items - while imports fell during the month by 1.2 per cent and the deficit with non-EU nations widened considerably from £3.4 billion to £4.8 billion.

Network Rail proposes level crossing tests

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:14:07 GMT

Motorists are risking injury and death by failing to fully understand how to use level crossings.

This is the assertion of Network Rail, which has called for mandatory tests to be introduced for drivers in order to improve safety and prevent accidents at crossings.

Figures released by the operator reveal that 2009 saw 14 crashes and 13 deaths on level crossings, while there were a further 145 "near misses" recorded and 3,244 "incidents of misuse".

However, the organisation suggests this figure could be much higher and its chief executive Iain Coucher has suggested that compulsory questions on level crossings should be included in the driving theory test, as an estimated 95 per cent of incidents involve pedestrian or motorist misuse of throughways.

"Motorists are too often playing Russian roulette with a 200 tonne train - and tragically some lose their lives gambling at level crossings," Mr Coucher stated.

There are more than 7,600 level crossings on public and private land in the UK and a campaign entitled Don't Run the Risk is being run by Network Rail to raise awareness of the potential risks they pose if used incorrectly.

Agreement reached in UK postal dispute

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:14:07 GMT

Participants in talks aimed at ending a long-running dispute regarding pay and modernisation within the UK's postal service have reached a deal.

Talks between Royal Mail staff and managers have resulted in a business transformation agreement intended to secure the future of the organisation and the universal postal service, the company claims.

A series of national strikes during 2009 caused widespread disruption to mail services, but the dispute now looks set to end following successful negotiations between bosses and the Communication Workers Union (CWU).

The three-year agreement has the support of all parties and union members will be balloted for their backing over the coming weeks.

It includes provision for a 6.9 per cent rise in basic pay and allowances for postmen and women during the three years from April 1st and a reduction in the working week from 40 to 39 hours, in addition to lump sums as a reward for workers' part in modernising the body.

Royal Mail chief executive Adam Crozier called the deal "good and fair" and "a real credit to those involved", while CWU deputy general secretary Dave Ward remarked it "has been a long time coming" and "delivers on the major issues which postal workers have fought for".

Norbert Dentressangle wins Black Sheep contract

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:14:07 GMT

A distribution agreement has been signed between Norbert Dentressangle and producer Black Sheep for the national warehousing and distribution of products.

Covering the UK, the contract award follows assistance provided by the logistics business in the wake of the collapse of its previous service provider, with operations transferred and restarted within two weeks.

Jo Theakston, Black Sheep Brewery head of off trade sales, commented: "The speed and efficiency with which Norbert Dentressangle reacted to an extremely urgent requirement was most impressive."

Based in Yorkshire, the Black Sheep brewery was founded by Paul Theakston in 1992 following the sale of his family's business to Scottish & Newcastle.

It produces five beers for sale to retail outlets and a range of cask ales for pubs across the UK, with an estimated 140,000 bottles of product being stored at Norbert Dentressangle's 450,000 square foot bonded distribution centre in Buxton for onward transportation.

In related news, Norbert Dentressangle was recently appointed by Netto to manage a centralised returns handling centre for non-food items returned to its stores in the UK.

TNT Hoau finishes China road distribution network

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:14:07 GMT

A new nationwide road distribution network has been completed by TNT Hoau in China.

The Chinese arm of TNT revealed that the day-definite system has been expanded over th past two months to Chengdu, Chongquing, Xiamen, Xian, Yantai and Zhengzhou.

TNT Hoau chief executive Edward Xu claimed that the firm's clients "will now be able to enjoy the full business benefits of a high-standard, national-level day-definite road distribution service, at a price well below the cost of domestic air freight".

Across the network, customers can now take advantage of a complex of 800 depots across China covering 26 of the largest cities.

Services available include door-to-door transport and online track and trace, with shipments barcoded and trucks tracked using GPS systems.

In February, TNT revealed it saw an improvement in trading conditions across its businesses during the fourth quarter of 2009, with underlying operating income improving year-on-year over the period for the first time since the second quarter of 2008.

Independent university by founded by Kuehne

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:14:07 GMT

A new private independent university is being planned for Germany by the Kuehne Foundation.

The non-profit organisation claims that the facility, which will be founded by its Kuhne School of Logistics and Management, will form part of a cluster of logistics research institutions in Hamburg.

It will focus on business management in the logistics sector and the company is looking at possible locations to build the facility, with plans to commence teaching activity this October.

The Kuhne Logistics University (KLU) will develop a bachelor's programme, two international master's degrees, a PhD fellowship scheme and a continuing education system.

Michael Kuehne, the body's sole donor and founder of Kuehne + Nagel, explained: "The Kuehne-Foundation wants to increase the attractiveness of the globally active industry of logistics as an academic subject and as a field of research."

In the UK, Skills for Logistics recently called on the government to introduce advanced training and qualifications for those who drive as part of their work in order to reduce carbon emissions, boost safety and enhance business efficiency.