Latest news
Social Status and Remuneration Levels for the Profession Delivering Freight Around the World
US – UK – WORLDWIDE – The shortage of competent HGV drivers is one spread across continents, and in many countries it will require a social shift before this particular crisis can be solved. As it happens we are currently seeing a catalyst for change as road haulage companies attempt to keep the integrity of the supply chain intact and freight freely flowing to millions of concerned customers.
Appointments Continue Despite the Virus
UK – Pall-Ex has appointed Colin Hawkins to the newly created position of Owned Operations Director. In his new role, Hawkins will oversee all Pall-Ex’s owned operation depots including: Cranleigh Distribution Services, Pall-Ex London, Cornwall-based Intercounty Distribution and Shears Bros (Transport) Ltd in Bournemouth, as well as sitting on the UK operating board.
A Few Bits and Pieces You May Have Missed
UK – The government announcement which we reported this week regarding £35 million in funding for key European trade routes during the pandemic was generally favourably received, with the British International Freight Association (BIFA) Director General Robert Keen saying it provided a measure of reassurance for his membership of forwarding agents.
Local Authorities Reintroduction of Restrictions 'Beyond Belief'
UK – There was unanimity with regard to the immediate reintroduction of the London Lorry Control Scheme (LLCS) from the logistics community with both the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and the Freight Transport Association (FTA) strongly critical of the timing. Portsmouth City Council also came in for a broadside for its naivety.
Five ISO Units Can be Moved as One as Design Gets CSC Approval
US – WORLDWIDE – Staxxon LLC, the New Jersey headquartered outfit that produces ISO containers which are foldable, enabling up to five empty containers to be folded, bundled, and moved together as a single container, has had a boost this week with the announcement has received Container Safety Convention (CSC) certification for the latest version of its 20-ft folding shipping container.
Grant Winners Aiming at a Cleaner Marine Environment Announced
UK – The proposed funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) through the Maritime Research and Innovation UK (MarRI-UK) organisation which we reported on during London International Shipping Week (LISW 2019), has now been awarded to the ten successful applicants from the group of fifty five submissions received, with the overall funding of £1.4 million disbursed as part of the Clean Maritime Call initiative.
LR2 Vessels Still Command Comparatively Lofty Prices
WORLDWIDE – BIMCO's shipping number of the week reveals freight rates for oil product tankers have returned to more 'normal' levels following a spike in late April when rates across all ship sizes reached record highs. Large Range 2 (LR2) earnings peaked at $169,829 on 27 April on the benchmark Naptha condensate trade from the Middle East to Japan.
Meantime We All Have to Consider the Pandemic as a Guide to Assist Lockdown Exit Published
UK – The Northern Ireland protocol paper, announced by Michael Gove MP this week has been well received by the Freight Transport Association (FTA), whilst the industry lobby group has also simultaneously launched a Good Practice Guide for dealing with the Covid-19 epidemic in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT).
Hope for Hoppe as the EU looks to Lift Restrictions
GERMANY – The news that the German Federal Government has been discussing opening further external borders with the rest of the EU has, unsurprisingly, gone down well with the Board of Airline Representatives in Germany (BARIG) which represents the interests of more than 100 national and international airlines in scheduled, charter, low cost and air cargo businesses.
Property Platform Aims at e-Commerce Market
EUROPE – Real estate specialist Meyer Bergman has ambitious plans to create a tranche of property it values at £2 billion available as a pan-European, last-mile logistics platform targeting single tenant assets, calling the platform project Crossbay.
