AJOT | American Journal of Transportation | RSS Feed

Georgia Ports Authority posts impressive year-end gains

1/31/2012

Georgia Ports Authority Executive Director Curtis J. Foltz announced that the Ports of Savannah and Brunswick experienced record volumes in calendar year 2011 and handled 26.1 million tons of cargo, an additional 1.1 million tons, or a 4.3 percent increase.

This Year Should be GPA�s Year for SHEP

1/31/2012

By Karen E. Thuermer, AJOT

With the opening of the expanded Panama Canal now only two years away, executives at the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) continue to make their argument for the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project (SHEP).

Increased weight on heavy transformer no challange for Albacor Shipping (USA) Inc.

1/31/2012

Albacor Shipping in Banning, CA was involved in a very unique transportation project of one Transformer 42 x 12 x 15�11 feet from the Port of Newark, NJ to Cranberry, PA.

Port of Albany New York positions itself for the future

1/31/2012

The Port of Albany has been proactive in positioning itself for a future as an entrepot for project and other break bulk cargos.

By George Lauriat, AJOT

Rich Hendrick, General Manager of the Port of Albany, New York in an interview with the AJOT, was upbeat about the prospects for the Port, despite �cargo tonnage being down, but overall longshore man hours up� for a relatively quiet year in 2011.

Developer of Myanmar's Dawei mega-project seeks funding

1/31/2012

The clay model of Myanmar's ambitious Dawei deep-sea port and special economic zone sprawls across a long table on the 43rd floor of the headquarters of Italian-Thai Development Pcl. Glossy posters hail it as the "new global gateway of Indo-China".

National Infrastructure Bank: An idea whose time has come?

1/31/2012

Proposals would attract greater private funding for projects

By Peter A. Buxbaum, AJOT

America's looming infrastructure crisis has been receiving increasing media attention over the last few years. Outdated port facilities, incomplete rail connections, and crumbling roadways threaten to slow a tentative economic recovery.

Is the Keystone XL pipeline project really dead or playing possum?

1/31/2012

On January 18th President Barrack Obama rejected TransCanada�s plan to build a $ 7 billion pipeline to supply Alberta crude oil to Texas refiners. For the moment the controversial pipeline project seems dead. But is the project simply playing possum to avoid being polked around during the highly charged US presidential campaign season?

Pipeline Delays Prove Frustrating For Canada�s Oil Industry

1/31/2012

By Leo Quigley, AJOT

The Keystone Pipeline is considered to be one of Canada�s keys to economic development. To Canadians the battle over the pipeline�s construction and access to US energy markets, reflects a bigger issue � how reliable a trading partner is the US?

Coming to America-Manufacturing may be returning to the U.S. from Asia, and that includes project ca

1/31/2012

By Peter A. Buxbaum, AJOT

Is it possible that manufacturing will actually return to the United States from Asia? How might this impact the project cargo sector?

Project Cargo Outlook 2012 and Beyond � Waiting for the dough

1/31/2012

By George Lauriat, AJOT

All over the globe major projects have been approved, reviewed, engineered and await the green light to begin construction. The problem is financing. When will the financial institutions be ready to invest?

Quebec�s ambitious �Plan Nord� stirs wide interest

1/31/2012

Leo Ryan, AJOT

Quebec�s C$ 80 billion �Plan Nord� is arguably North America�s largest public infrastructure project and has project cargo providers drooling at the opportunity.

Sidebar with Plan Nord/AJOT/Project Cargo feature

1/31/2012

Report underlines transport challenges in Canada�s North

By Leo Ryan, AJOT

Boeing delivers first 747-8 freighter to AirBridgeCargo Airlines

1/31/2012

Boeing and AirBridgeCargo Airlines (ABC), part of Volga-Dnepr Group, celebrated today the delivery of the first of five new Boeing 747-8 Freighters to the airline.

Transit time improvements enhance speed of yellow in 2012

1/31/2012

DHL Express, the world's leading international express shipping provider, is starting off the new year with several major service improvements that provide faster delivery, enabling businesses in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Latin America to compete better globally.

Hactl�s COSAC-Plus passes biggest test 

1/31/2012

Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) � the major air cargo terminal operator at the world�s largest air cargo hub � announced that it successfully migrated the second group of 54 airline customers to its latest generation of Cargo Management System COSAC-Plus on 25 January 2012. The first flight handled was Cargolux CV793 departing at 7:47am to Luxembourg via Baku and Budapest.

Delta Cargo first to enable GPS for air shippers across global network with OnAsset SENTRY 400 Fligh

1/31/2012

Delta Air Lines has announced an exclusive marketing agreement with OnAsset Intelligence, a leading provider of machine-to-machine (M2M) wireless asset tracking solutions, enabling Delta Cargo customers to view GPS location information on deltacargo.com.

Budapest Airport reports record cargo volumes

1/31/2012

Budapest Airport achieved a record cargo throughput in 2011, handling more than 100,000 tons for the first time.

Ship sinking after collision in Bosphorus

1/31/2012

Thirteen crew members of a cargo ship involved in a collision in Turkey's Bosphorus strait, one of the world's busiest waterways, were evacuated on Friday as the vessel was in danger of sinking, shipping agency GAC said.

Paragon Shipping's customer fails to pay

1/31/2012

Dry bulk transporter Paragon Shipping Inc said it has ended a vessel charter with Deiulemar Compagnia di Navigazione, as the Italian shipping company failed to make payment due since Jan. 5.

Lloyds to sell ship loan book in parcels

1/31/2012

Lloyds Banking Group is unlikely to sell its $10 billion portfolio of shipping loans to a single buyer and aims to parcel up loans for sale as European banks continue to retreat from the maritime sector, industry sources say.

EU's Iran oil ban weighs on ship insurance market

1/31/2012

European Union sanctions on Iran's oil trade look set to weigh on London's marine insurance market by forcing tanker companies doing business with Iran to insure themselves outside Europe, industry executives said.

Baltic index at over 3-year low, cargo slump bites

1/31/2012

The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index, which tracks rates to ship dry commodities, has fallen to its lowest level in over three years as a slump in Chinese buying and a surplus of vessels weighed on market prospects.

Globalink moves helicopters from France to Kazakhstan:

1/31/2012

Globalink was contracted to move a helicopter from France to Almaty, Kazakhstan with the stipulation to complete the move within 4 days.

Troy Container Line announces new direct service to Liverpool and Manchester

1/31/2012

Troy Container Line, Ltd., one of the world�s largest NVOCCs, has announced the launch of its new direct consolidation service to Liverpool and Manchester, England. The new Troy Container Line service will begin on Saturday, February 11 with a sailing from New York aboard the Atlantic Cartier v 2353. It is a 10-day direct port of call in Liverpool.

time:matters expands network of stations to include Timisoara (TSR)  

1/31/2012

time:matters, the expert for global special speed logistics, has expanded its same day air network in Romania. Effective immediately, Timisoara Airport (TSR) is available for highly urgent shipments. Timisoara is, in addition to Bucharest, the second time:matters station in Romania.

Air Cargo Group boosts trade lane capacity to and from Australia and South Africa

1/31/2012

Neutral air freight wholesale specialists, Air Cargo Group, is well positioned to play a major role in the Australian import and export neutral wholesale consolidation market.

US rivals accuse China of dumping solar panels

1/31/2012

Chinese solar panel makers flooded the U.S. market with their products at the end of last year in anticipation of potential duties on those products, a coalition of American solar manufacturers said, a charge refuted by some top Chinese companies.

US duties on China solar would hurt jobs

1/31/2012

A U.S. solar industry group fighting a rival coalition's request for steep import duties on solar cells and modules made in China released a report warning more than 60,000 U.S. jobs could be lost if duties are imposed.

US businesses object to Obama trade agencies plan

1/31/2012

A coalition of over 80 U.S. business groups raised concerns about President Barack Obama's plan to create a new department of trade by consolidating the relatively small office of the U.S. Trade Representative with five other agencies.

Thai PTT Global eyes China, Indonesia for expansion

1/31/2012

Thailand's largest petrochemical maker, PTT Global Chemical Pcl, wants to invest in China and Indonesia to expand its production base and tap into growth potential in those fast-growing countries.

US Steel imports decline again in December 

1/31/2012

US steel imports declined 5.9 percent in December compared to November according to preliminary data released by the government.

Philippines to accept Canada cattle shipments

1/31/2012

The Philippines will now accept imports of Canadian cattle, sheep and goats, the Canadian government said, adding modestly to a series of market openings for the country's livestock industry.

Obama plans new team to get tough on China trade

1/31/2012

President Barack Obama said he was creating an enforcement unit to crack down on unfair trade practices in China and other countries and would beef up border inspections to block imports of counterfeit goods.

Starbucks to enter India, targets 50 outlets by year-end

1/31/2012

Starbucks Corp will open its first coffee shops in India in August or September, a year later than originally planned, and aims to have 50 outlets by year-end through a tie-up with the Tata group, the country's biggest business house.

Nissan to build $2 billion plant in Mexico

2/1/2012

Nissan Motor Co Ltd said it will build a $2 billion plant in Mexico to boost sales in the Americas.

New Asian buyers thirst for fresh wine tastes

2/1/2012

The bubble may have burst in the Bordeaux market, but new Asian collectors are seeking diversity and in some cases even choosing second growth Bordeaux for value, said Robert Sleigh, head of Sotheby'sAsian wine department.

Japan's first trade deficit since 1980 raises debt doubts

2/1/2012

Japan first annual trade deficit in more than 30 years calls into question how much longer the country can rely on exports to help finance a huge public debt without having to turn to fickle foreign investors.

China rare earths safe from WTO ruling on export curbs

2/1/2012

A World Trade Organisation ruling against China's restrictions on raw material exports could force changes to some of its rare earth policies but is unlikely to yield the boost in exports of the metals that consumers want to see.

China loses appeal in WTO export restrictions case

2/1/2012

China lost an appeal at the World Trade Organization on Monday against its export restrictions on raw materials including bauxite, coke, magnesium, manganese, and zinc.

Apple may sign up more carriers in China

2/1/2012

Apple Inc may add China Telecom Corp Ltd and China Mobile Ltd as iPhone distributors over the next year, Morgan Stanley said.

Sick Maersk chief extends absence to end-March

2/1/2012

A.P. Moller-Maersk's sick chief executive is to stay away from his desk for a further two months, leaving the company to tackle mounting losses in its main container shipping division without him.

NOL's revenue per container fell 14% in 6 weeks

2/1/2012

Singapore's Neptune Orient Lines (NOL), the world's sixth largest container shipping firm, said average revenue per container fell 14 percent in the six weeks to Dec 30 due to lower rates in major trade lanes.

MOL appoints new shipping agent in Turkey

2/1/2012

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), one of the world's largest global multimodal transportation companies, has announced the appointment of a new shipping agent in Turkey.

Maersk Line leads fuel switch at the Port of Virginia

2/1/2012

Maersk Line will switch to low-sulfur fuel while at berth for all of its containerships calling the Port of Virginia starting in February. This fuel switch program will help improve air quality in the greater Hampton Roads area by significantly reducing emissions of sulfur and nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.

Horizon Lines reaches resolution on environmental record keeping incident

2/1/2012

Horizon Lines, Inc. has announced that its Horizon Lines, LLC operating subsidiary has entered into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, under which the ocean cargo carrier will plead guilty to two counts of providing federal authorities with false vessel oil record-keeping entries on a containership in the U.S. West Coast-Hawaii service.

Hamburg S�d to announce change in chassis provisioning model in New York & New Jersey

2/1/2012

Hamburg S�d will implement a revised policy on chassis provision in the New York & New Jersey areas effective March 15, 2012.

Hamburg S�d consolidates terminals in Seattle

2/1/2012

Hamburg S�d will consolidate its terminal operation in Seattle.

CMA CGM announces a new tripartite agreement with CSCL and UASC on the Asia - Middle East line

2/1/2012

As part of this agreement with CSCL and UASC, CMA CGM announces the reorganisation of its CIMEX 1 service on the Asia-Middle East market as from February 2nd 2012.

APL�s 2011 on-time record in Trans-Pacific is 94%

2/1/2012

APL, the world�s seventh largest container shipping carrier, has announced that its on-time performance in the Trans-Pacific trade was 94% last year.

Zilles to head the intermodal activities of DB Schenker Logistics

2/1/2012

As of February 1, Patrick Zilles will take over the intermodal activities of DB Schenker Logistics. In his role as Head of Intermodal at Schenker AG headquarters in Essen, Zilles will be responsible for linking the different modes of transport efficiently, in particular DB SCHENKERhangartner.

TPG to buy Florida real estate company Flagler

2/1/2012

Private equity TPG Capital LP has reached an agreement to buy Florida real estate company Flagler from private equity firm Fortress Investment Group LLC for $1.2 billion, according to two sources familiar with the deal.

Panalpina adds further Intra Asia LCL services

2/1/2012

Panalpina, one of the world�s leading providers of supply chain solutions, has announced the launch of six new direct Less than Container Load (LCL) services through its in-house carrier Pantainer Express Line. The new guaranteed weekly services all run out of Shanghai (China), separately connecting to Keelung (Taiwan), Manila (Philippines), Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore and Jakarta (Indonesia). The new services meet increased customer demand for reliable LCL solutions on the Intra Asia trade.

Free service evaluation from NVC Logistics Group

2/1/2012

NVC Logistics Group, a leader in home delivery and value-added transportation services, has introduced their new Delivery Service Evaluation. This free analysis is an adjunct to their Supply Chain Consulting Service offering, and provides new prospects with a practical review and recommendation of their regional/national transportation program, which they may not get elsewhere.

NetFreight gets biggest-ever upgrade

2/1/2012

NetFreight � the browser-based multi-modal freight management system from Impatex � has just undergone its largest-ever upgrade, embodying many new and enhanced features. The latest release is particularly designed to satisfy the needs of larger, multi-branch customers.

Crowley and subsidiary Customized Brokers relocating to new Miami office and warehouse facility

2/1/2012

To better serve customers, Crowley Maritime Corporation's Miami-based liner services and logistics personnel, along with those from subsidiary Customized Brokers, are relocating to a new office and warehouse in the heart of the Miami import-export community at 10205 NW 108 Avenue, Suite 1 effective Jan. 30.

Apollo eyes CEVA IPO with debt-to-equity swap

2/1/2012

Apollo Global Management LLC , one of private equity's biggest investors in corporate debt, hopes its CEVA Group Plc, a logistics services provider, can get ahead in the queue for stock market flotations thanks to a major debt-to-equity swap.

Acushnet Company Selects Kewill for U.S. Deployment of Multi-Carrier Shipping Solution

2/1/2012

Kewill, a leading provider of solutions that accelerate global trade and logistics, has announced that Acushnet Company, a leading manufacturer and marketer of golf balls, golf clubs, golf apparel, golf shoes and golf gloves, has selected Kewill for their 9 U.S. locations with potential for global roll-out in the future.

Record container volumes set at the Port of New Orleans in 2011

2/1/2012

2011 proved to be a banner year for container volumes at the Port of New Orleans. Year-end figures show the Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal moved 476,413 TEUs (twenty-foot-equivalent units), up 11.6 percent compared to 2010 - the Port�s previous record-setting year � and up 46 percent compared to volumes just two years ago.

Vale-China standoff over mega iron ore ships deepens

2/1/2012

Beijing has effectively barred mega iron ore ships owned by Brazilian miner Vale SA, stepping up protection of the domestic shipping industry and control over imports of the key steelmaking ingredient.

Ports America relocates headquarters

2/1/2012

Ports America has relocated its group office from Iselin to Jersey City, New Jersey. The new address is 525 Washington Blvd., 16th Floor, Suite 1660, Jersey City, N.J. 07310. Telephone 732.635.3899.

Port of Portland improves on third best tonnage year in 2011

2/1/2012

For the second year in a row, the Port of Portland handled the third most tonnage on record as 2011 totals improved upon results for 2010. Tonnage represents the total volume of all cargo that travels through the Port. The year-end report shows a two percent increase, with approximately 13.4 million tons handled.

Port of Oakland Commissioners appoint new senior managers

2/1/2012

The Oakland Board of Port Commissioners appointed Jean Banker as Deputy Executive Director at a January Port Board meeting (Jan. 12, 2012) and Chris Chan as Director of Engineering during the December 15, 2011 Port Board meeting. Both are Port employees who were promoted from within the organization. Mr. Chan�s official start date was December 26, 2011, and Ms. Banker officially began her position January 23, 2012.

Port of Houston Authority approves redevelopment plan for turning basin properties 

2/1/2012

The Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority has approved a significant new redevelopment plan for obsolete properties located on the Houston Ship Channel at the Turning Basin Terminal.

Port Commission of the Port of Houston appoints Waterworth as interim Executive Director

2/1/2012

The Port Commission of The Port of Houston Authority appointed Leonard D. Waterworth as the Interim Executive Director of the Port Authority at a special meeting.

New program to improve air quality at Port of Baltimore

2/1/2012

Owners and operators of short-haul dray trucks that serve the Port of Baltimore are encouraged to apply for incentives to purchase newer, cleaner running trucks under a program underwritten by federal and state funds. The Maryland Port Administration (MPA)/Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced today that it is providing funding to enhance the Mid-Atlantic Dray Truck Replacement Program, which is funded by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and administered by the Mid-Atlantic Regional Air Management Association (MARAMA) and the University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center.

Iran grain shipments stranded as sanctions bite

2/1/2012

European Union sanctions have paralyzed food import deals to Iran leaving about 400,000 tons of grain held up on at least 10 ships outside Iranian ports for as long as three weeks, trade sources say.

DP World sells stake in container services firm

2/1/2012

DP World, the world's third-largest port operator, sold its 34 percent stake in U.K-based Tilbury Container Services Ltd for $75.48 million, it said in a statement.

DP World sees 2011 earnings in line with expectations

2/1/2012

DP World , the world's third-largest port operator, said its core earnings for 2011 would be in line with analysts expectations, as container volumes rose 10 percent over the prior year.

Arctic ice melt lifts hopes for Russian maritime trade

2/1/2012

When severe snowstorms prevented life-sustaining fuel supplies from reaching the frozen Alaskan town of Nome, U.S. officials turned to a Russian company for help.

Abu Dhabi�s Western Region welcomes new logistics port on Sir Bani Yas Island

2/1/2012

Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC), in coordination with Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), has unveiled a new logistics port facility located on Sir Bani Yas Island in the Western Region.

TransCore�s North American Freight Index records highest December freight volumes since 2005

2/1/2012

TransCore announced that its North American Freight Index in December climbed 11 percent compared to December 2010 on the spot market, marking the second highest freight volume for December since 2005. December�s Index was the fourth consecutive month where same-month volume was the highest since the record-setting levels of 2005.

Swift Transportation profit beats

2/1/2012

Trucking company Swift Transportation Co posted a higher-than-expected quarterly profit, helped by improved pricing and strong freight volumes during the holiday shopping season, sending its shares up as much as 10 percent.

Railcar cleaning system improves environmental performance

2/1/2012

The Rescar Companies, which provide complete repair, maintenance, cleaning, and interior/exterior coating services to owners, lessors and users of rail tank/freight cars throughout North America, announces the opening of a new state-of-the-art railcar cleaning system in Channelview, Texas.

President�s infrastructure proposal needs concrete funding

2/1/2012

Following President Obama�s State of the Union address, ATA President and CEO Bill Graves said the administration and Congress need to focus on finding real money.

Norfolk Southern 4th quarter profit up

2/1/2012

Railroad company Norfolk Southern Corp reported a bigger quarterly profit, on higher volume and double-digit revenue increases in general merchandise, coal and intermodal shipments.

DB Schenker to offer new rail service for industry and trade on the Portugal-Germany route

2/1/2012

Starting on February 3, DB Schenker Rail Automotive GmbH and DB Schenker�s Portuguese national company, Schenker Transit�rios, S.A., will offer their customers a new regular train service between Portugal and Germany.

DB Schenker offers new intermodal transport capacity between Belgium and Italy

2/1/2012

As of the beginning February, semi-trailers can travel along the Antwerp-Novara route via intermodal transport. A new group of up to four well cars will now be coupled or decoupled in Domodossola, Italy, on the Swiss border.

CP Rail repeats offer to Ackman as battle mounts

2/1/2012

Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd said it stood by its offer of a board seat for activist investor William Ackman as a brewing proxy battle in Canada's usually sedate rail sector escalates.

CP's board, management launching road show

2/1/2012

The two sides in the battle to transform Canadian Pacific Railway will hold rival investor meetings this month as activist William Ackman seeks support for his plan for new management, and the company touts its own investment plan.

CP activist shareholder will host meeting in Toronto

2/1/2012

William Ackman's Pershing Square Capital Management will make its case to shareholders for a new CEO at Canadian Pacific Railway at a meeting on Feb. 6 in Toronto, according to a person familiar with the fund's plans.

CN says locomotive engineers in Canada ratify new collective agreement

2/1/2012

CN has announced that members of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) have ratified a new collective agreement covering approximately 1,800 CN locomotive engineers in Canada.

Canadian railroads sign deals with potash group

2/1/2012

Canadian Pacific Railway said it has signed a 10-year agreement with Canpotex Ltd to transport the great majority of the marketing consortium's shipments of potash to the Pacific Coast port of Vancouver.

Canadian Pacific operating efficiency weakens

2/1/2012

Canadian Pacific Railway said an important measure of operating efficiency weakened in the fourth quarter even as profit jumped, a trend that will likely fuel demands by CP's largest shareholder for a new CEO at the country's No. 2 railroad.

Effective March 1st 2012, MSC will implement rate surcharge

2/2/2012

Effective March 1st 2012, MSC will implement the following rate surcharge:

Klinge makes offshore refrigerated container that meets ATEX Directive 94/9/EC for use

2/2/2012

Nearly two years after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, demand for offshore refrigerated containers continues to rise. Klinge Corporation has responded to the demand and now offers an offshore refrigeration unit Model PFR-571 ZII-II that complies with the guidelines included in ATEX Directive 94/9/EC level of Ex II 3 G, Group IIA for equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres.

China shipping stocks up in HK on freight rate rise hopes

2/2/2012

Shares of Hong Kong-listed Chinese shipping companies have rallied along with Asian rivals amid hopes they will be able to increase freight rates and expectations that Beijing's move to ban a new class of giant freight carriers from the country's ports could benefit Chinese ship operators.

Bj�rk.Eklund Group changes its name to Greencarrier AB

2/2/2012

The Bj�rk.Eklund Group is changing its name to Greencarrier AB with effect from February 1, 2012. Previously the Greencarrier name had only been used by companies that formed part of Greencarrier Freight Services, the division of the Bj�rk.Eklund Group offering customised logistics and transport solutions worldwide.

Blue Water Shipping awarded challenging transport of jack-up rig

2/2/2012

Over the years, Blue Water Shipping has become one of the major players within the transport of giant constructions to the Caspian Sea through the Russian river system. Several of the transports handled by Blue Water Shipping have been drilling platforms or Floating-Storage-Offloading (FSO), which are special tank vessels for the storage of oil at sea. Platforms and FSOs are built at ship yards outside of the Caspian Sea, and due to the limited breadth and draught of the river system locks, it is necessary to separate the platforms into smaller sections, and subsequently assemble them upon arrival to the Caspian Sea.

Aaras Shipping Agencies moved heavy equipment and breakbulk from China to Pakistan

2/2/2012

Aaras Shipping Agencies (Pvt.) Ltd., a Pakistan member of the Cargo Equipment Experts CEE network, handled their chartered Vessel M.V. SINO SOUTH� under Agency, which loaded heavy cargo and breakbulk in Huangpu /Xingang, China for discharge at Karachi Port, Pakistan. The Vessel arrived at the port on 17th January, 2012, carrying the Breakbulk & Heavy Lift Cargoes which included a mix of Transformers, Mobile Cranes, Heavy Equipment, Steel Plates, Wire Rods, Steel Sheets and Coils with a total weight of 5,000 Tons.

Vale steadfast after China shields ship industry

2/2/2012

Brazilian miner Vale said its plan to expand the world's fleet of very large ore carriers nearly five-fold has not changed since China banned the mega vessels in local waters to protect its shipping industry.

Torm struggling to solve debt problem

2/2/2012

Danish shipping company Torm A/S is struggling to find either a significant new source of finance or agree a wholesale restructuring of its obligations to its banks, the Financial Times reported.

GAC Transfer Services expands to meet rising demand in Indian Subcontinent

2/2/2012

GAC�s in-house ship-to-ship transfer expert GAC Transfer Services (GTS) has responded to growing demand for LPG imports and exports of clean products in the Indian Subcontinent with the establishment of a new fully-equipped base in Sri Lanka.

China mega ships ban aimed at helping own shippers

2/2/2012

China is shielding its loss-making shipping industry by blocking from its ports giant vessels such as those mining giant Vale SA is building to cut the cost of sending iron ore to its largest market, analysts said.

Galveston's Cernak selected to take helm at Port Everglades

2/2/2012

Broward County Administrator Bertha Henry announced that Steven Cernak, Port Director and Chief Executive Officer for Port of Galveston, has been selected as Chief Executive/Port Director for Broward County�s Port Everglades Department. Cernak will replace Phillip C. Allen, who is retiring on February 3, 2012, after leading Port Everglades since 2006. Cernak's start date has not been finalized.

Kiel gets container wayport status

2/2/2012

The Port of Kiel has gained container wayport status by being added to the liner service network of Gothenburg-based shipping company TransAtlantic. With immediate effect, ships serving on the company�s Bothnia Line between Kerni/Oulu in Finland and Zeebrugge/Antwerp in Belgium are making a weekly stop in Kiel. Container part loads destined for overseas destinations via Hamburg are now being unloaded in the Ostuferhafen.

GPA provides testimony to Congress on harbor maintenance, deepening

2/2/2012

In live testimony before Congress, Georgia Ports Authority Director of Administration Jamie McCurry explained the need for greater federal funding for harbor maintenance and modernization.

China limits ship ban to Vale's mega vessels

2/2/2012

China's ban on large ships is limited to Vale's giant iron ore vessels, shipping sources said, clearing up confusion in the maritime community as to whether new government regulations could cover other smaller ships.

Broward County and FEC Railway reach agreement to bulld Port Everglades rail facility

2/2/2012

The Broward County Board of County Commissioners has approved a 30-year lease and operating agreement with the Florida East Coast Railway, L.L.C. (FEC) to develop an Intermodal Container Transfer Facility (ICTF) at Port Everglades, which will allow freight to move more efficiently between South Florida and the southeast United States via rail. The facility will become operational at the beginning of 2014.  

Old Dominion opens new container drayage facility in Washington

2/2/2012

Following a 19 percent increase in container drayage shipments nationwide in 2011, Old Dominion Freight Line Inc. opened its first container drayage facility in the Pacific Northwest.

Landstar System Q4 beats Street on high volume

2/2/2012

Transportation and logistics company Landstar System Inc posted quarterly results that beat market expectations, helped by higher volume and margins, and forecast strong first-quarter profit.

Heavy snows cause "moose emergency" concern in Alaska

2/2/2012

Heavy snows in parts of Alaska are taking a deadly toll on moose as deep snowdrifts force the animals into hazardous detours on plowed roads and railroad tracks, prompting one group to seek declaration of a "moose emergency."

FTR�s Trucking Conditions Index continues positive trend

2/2/2012

FTR�s Trucking Conditions Index, as reported in the February 2012 Trucking Update, increased in December to a reading of 7.0. This is the third consecutive month that the reading has increased reflecting an improving climate for truckers as U.S. economic fundamentals strengthened during Q4 of 2011.

CTP applauds progress of first federal truck productivity advancement in 30 years

2/2/2012

The Coalition for Transportation Productivity (CTP), a group of 200 shippers and allied associations dedicated to safely and responsibly increasing the federal vehicle weight limit on interstate highways, today praised the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for including a carefully crafted truck weight reform proposal in the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act�a bill to reauthorize and modify federal transportation programs.

BNSF railroad boosts capital spending to $3.9 billion

2/2/2012

Freight railroad BNSF Railway Co, a Berkshire Hathaway company, plans to boost its capital expenditure plan to $3.9 billion this year, $400 million more than it spent in 2011, the company said.

ATA leaders say House Highway Bill will improve safety, infrastructure

2/2/2012

Leaders of American Trucking Associations praised Chairman John Mica, and other House leaders, for their work to craft a surface transportation bill that will not only make needed improvements to our nation�s highway system, but will also make that system safer for trucks and cars.

2011 record-setting year for intermodal container volume

2/2/2012

Intermodal container volume set a new record in 2011 with 12.4 million moves, beating former record-year 2007 by a noteworthy 3.7%, according to IANA�s Intermodal Market Trends & Statistics report released today. The North American intermodal industry showed its resilience during Q4 2011, delivering solid overall volume increases of 4.1% for the quarter and 4.9% for the year. It was intermodal�s second-consecutive year and eighth-consecutive quarter of year-over-year volume gains.

ODW Logistics, Inc. establishes operating authority in California

2/2/2012

ODW Logistics, Inc. is now an Operating Authority in California, allowing their asset-based transportation group Dist-Trans Co., to bring more of ODW�s capabilities to the West Coast and better serve clients nationwide.

GLP to build $103 mln Japan logistics facility

2/2/2012

Singapore-listed Global Logistic Properties Ltd, which owns and operates warehouses in China and Japan, said it plans to build a multi-tenant logistics facility in Japan's Soja City at an estimated cost of $103 million.

DHX to measure carbon emissions for trucking fleet & facilities

2/2/2012

DHX-Dependable Hawaiian Express has announced it now is measuring carbon emissions for its trucking fleet in addition to auditing emissions of company locations on the U.S. Mainland, in Hawaii and Guam.

CH Robinson Q4 profit misses estimates

2/2/2012

C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc , a third-party provider of freight transport, posted a quarterly profit that narrowly missed analysts estimates hurt by lower margins at its trucking business.

Aramex Q4 profit up; warns of uncertain outlook

2/2/2012

Dubai's Aramex warned of an uncertain outlook for the logistics firm in 2012 due to unrest in the Middle East and worries over the global economy, as it reported a 4 percent rise in quarterly profit.

INTTRA Alliance Network grows to 70+ members

2/2/2012

INTTRA, the leading provider of e-commerce solutions for the ocean freight industry, today announces significant expansion of its global alliance network to a total of 70 information solutions providers. The INTTRA Alliance network added 12 new members in 2011, and during the same period, transaction volumes from alliance network members grew over 20% with EDI transactions growing in excess of 28%.

Virgin Atlantic Cargo promotes Epstein to Regional VP Sales - Americas

2/2/2012

Marie Epstein has been promoted to the position of Regional Vice President Sales - Americas by Virgin Atlantic Cargo, based in New York.

US Congress to oppose EU law on aircraft emissions

2/2/2012

The U.S. Congress will formally express its opposition to a European law aimed at reducing pollution from jetliners, a thorny diplomatic issue that has threatened to escalate transatlantic trade tensions.

UPS profit tops forecasts, sees 2012 growth

2/2/2012

United Parcel Service posted a stronger-than-expected quarterly profit and forecast 9 percent to 15 percent growth this year as solid U.S. demand and growing e-commerce shipments offset an uneven global economy.

Singapore Air sees weak outlook, Q3 profit dives 53%

2/2/2012

Battered by its heavy exposure to the premium segment, Singapore Airlines Ltd expects to see a further deterioration in its business as it struggles with sluggish demand and rising fuel costs.

Korean Air announces Q4 and full-year performance for 2011

2/2/2012

Korean Air has announced its results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2011.

International air travel up 6.4 pct in December

2/2/2012

International air passenger traffic rose 6.4 percent year-on-year in December, while freight traffic fell 0.8 percent, industry body IATA said.

GACAG calls for industry and Government support of ICAO commitment to produce a global airline emiss

2/2/2012

A commitment by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to produce a proposal to regulate global airline emissions by the end of 2012 is a vital step forward and must be supported by the aviation industry and international governments, says the Global Air Cargo Advisory Group (GACAG). 

Dubai airports' 2011 cargo volume up slightly

2/2/2012

Dubai's two airports handled 2.3 million tons of cargo in 2011, slightly up from the previous year, as links between the emirate's air freight operations and sea ports improved, their operator said.

Brazil airport auction attracts heavy interest

2/2/2012

A landmark auction for companies to build and operate terminals at three big Brazilian airports is attracting heavy interest as the nation tries to accommodate soaring air traffic and prepare for the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics.

Airlines may get US help for navigation upgrades

2/2/2012

Aviation legislation nearing completion in Congress would give U.S. policymakers authority to offer airlines federally backed loan guarantees to help them pay for new air traffic technology.

Air freight declines in H2 2011 as Europe's economy slows

2/2/2012

Air freight traffic at European airports declined in the second half of 2011 to end flat year-on-year in December, industry data showed, confirming a slow-down in the continent's economic activity.

WTO okays EU trade help for Pakistan

2/2/2012

A World Trade Organisation committee meeting approved a European Union waiver on duties for 75 products from Pakistan, a scheme intended to boost textile exports to help Pakistan recover from massive floods in 2010.

US accuses China of instigating plot against DuPont

2/2/2012

Chinese government representatives directed a U.S. businessman to obtain valuable technology manufactured by chemical giant DuPont and U.S. authorities were seeking on Wednesday to keep him in jail ahead of his trial on charges relating to trade secret theft, prosecutors said in newly released court documents.

Trade cheats beware: new US team will come after you

2/2/2012

A new team of U.S. trade enforcers will make countries think twice about putting up unfair barriers to American exports, President Barack Obama's top trade official said.

Swiss exports fall in Dec as strong franc weighs

2/2/2012

Exports from Switzerland fell in December, hurt by turmoil in the euro zone which slashed demand for Swiss goods and drove the franc currency to unfavorably strong levels as investors looked for a safe place to park their money.

Malaysia approves temporary license for Lynas rare earths plant

2/2/2012

Malaysian authorities approved a temporary operating license for Australia's Lynas Corp.'s $200 million rare earths processing plant, a move seen as crucial to easing China's grip on the supply of minerals used in products from smart phones to hybrid cars.

Lawmakers urge US to press China currency at WTO

2/2/2012

Two top U.S. lawmakers urged President Barack Obama's administration to broaden efforts to pressure China to change its currency practices by raising the issue at a World Trade Organization symposium in March.

Japan making progress on US trade concerns

2/2/2012

The United States said that Japan has improved market access for a broad range of U.S. goods and services, as Washington continues to consider Tokyo's application to join a proposed free trade pact in the Asia Pacific.

China says ready to defend its rare earth policies

2/2/2012

China's Commerce Ministry said it was prepared to defend its rare earth export policies at the World Trade Organization, days after the global trade body ruled against its export restrictions on raw materials exports.

Brazil to restore tariff on Mexican autos

2/2/2012

Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff has ordered the termination of a long-standing deal with Mexico for tariff-free bilateral trade in automobiles and parts, Valor Economico newspaper said, in another possible sign of growing protectionism in emerging markets.

Brazil FCOJ exports rise in Jan despite US dispute

2/2/2012

Brazil's orange juice exports rose 14 percent to 176,500 tons in January, trade ministry data showe, despite tightened checks on shipments to the United States that threaten to shrink that market.