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Deringer Logistics Announces New Director of Transportation

Deringer

Deringer Logistics Announces New Director of Transportation

Deringer Logistics will kick-off the quickly approaching 2020 with a new Director of Transportation.

Mr. Michael Hejlesen will oversee Deringer’s international transportation initiatives including partnership recruiting and retention, key carrier contracts and rates, and advancement of import and export freight forwarding on the collaborative executive leadership team, according to the announcement earlier this week.

“Michael’s fresh outlook, passion for building lasting partnerships, and interest in finding creative solutions are a great fit,” said Deringer’s Chief Administrative Officer, Sandy Mayotte. “Our transportation solutions have been growing, and Michael’s vast experience in freight forwarding will help us to continue to meet clients’ needs, exceed their expectations, and create greater momentum.”

Mr. Hejlesen – who speaks both English and Danish, brings with him more than two decades of experience in logistics. More recently, he served as the Global Head of Ocean LCL for an international forwarder and carrier. He earned his National and International Business Degree at Mariagerfjord Business School in Denmark, which aided in his successful career in developing new trade lanes and carrier contracts around the world.

His experiences in developing air/ocean and domestic freight forwarding programs, procurement of carrier contracts, crafting market strategies and engaging with customers, and supporting LCL and FCL freight growth will ultimately support Deringer in the new year and continue its position as a leading international supply chain solutions provider.

returns

National Returns Day Anticipated with 26% Increase

‘Tis the season for giving and returns. UPS released information today confirming National Returns Day will return with a vengeance, as seen over the last seven years of year-on-year increases. According to the report, an estimated 1.9 million returns in the form of packages are expected. This number represents a 26 percent increase from last year’s National Returns Day.

“For retailers, a seamless returns process is essential to keeping and growing business,” said Kevin Warren, UPS chief marketing officer. “We proudly offer businesses of all sizes – from global players to small and medium-sized merchants – the sophisticated returns services that today’s consumers demand.”

As part of its Pulse of the Online Shopper study, UPS confirmed that the returning process plays a major role in their likelihood of using a retailer again. In fact, 73 percent of online shoppers confirmed the returns experience impacts potential business.

As e-commerce continues to establish its position in consumer patterns, UPS stays one step ahead of the trends by offering a plethora of fast, reliable, and convenient delivery (and return) options for consumer products. Among these options include the 14,000+ UPS Access Point® locations found at UPS Access Point® locations found at Michaels, Advance Auto, CVS Pharmacy and The UPS Store® locations and the 36,000 drop boxes for smaller packages.

Additionally, UPS customers have an added option of having a UPS driver come to them as long as a return label is ready to go. UPS boasts a network of over 4,800 locations fully equipped and ready to assist customers with all of their full-service packing, shipping and return needs.

Charleston Harbor

Charleston Harbor Deepening Project: Federal Funding Confirmed

Following President Donald Trump’s signing of the FY2020 Energy and Water Appropriations bill on December 20th, South Carolina Ports Authority is pleased to announce the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project is officially confirmed for complete funding. Details on the announcement noted Trump’s inclusion of the $138 million project previously, creating opportunities for direct appropriations from Congress.

“This huge infusion of federal funding reflects the importance of ensuring South Carolina has a deep harbor capable of handling mega container ships,” S.C. Ports Authority Board Chairman Bill Stern said. “We are grateful to the Trump Administration for recognizing the value a 52-foot depth in Charleston Harbor brings to the Southeast. Thank you to our Congressional delegation, Governor McMaster, and the state and local leaders who have supported this critical project and worked tirelessly to complete it.”
The project is currently being projected for completion in 2021 at a 52-foot depth to withstand 19,000 twenty-foot TEU vessels without concern for tidal or navigation restrictions.
“The Charleston Harbor Deepening Project is one of the most significant infrastructure projects in S.C. history,” Newsome said. “A 52-foot deep harbor will ensure we remain competitive for decades to come as bigger ships bring more cargo to S.C. Ports. A thriving port drives economic development and attracts business to the state, which ultimately creates high-paying jobs for South Carolinians. Port operations generate a $63.4 billion economic impact on the state each year and create 1 in 10 S.C. jobs.
This amount is in addition to the $108 million from the Army Corps of Engineers’ work plans, a $50 million state loan, and the $300 million (estimated state share) set aside by S.C. General Assembly in 2012.
“We have been working diligently on this project with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for 10 years and it is great to see construction progressing. This impressive progress would not be possible without the unwavering support from the S.C. Legislature, who set aside funding years ago,” S.C. Ports COO Barbara Melvin said. “Today, we are incredibly grateful to our Congressional delegation and the Trump Administration for funding this vital project to completion.”
Atlanta

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Goes Green

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport announced the addition of two green technology, battery-electric K9M 40-foot buses to further support its terminal-to-terminal shuttle service, between international and domestic terminals, and from
the international terminal to the Rental Car Center. The buses carry up to 22 passengers compared to the 14 passenger-capacity seen with previous buses.

The Atlanta airport joins Kansas City International Airport and Los Angeles World Airports as the only three airports in the United States to add the all-electric BYD buses into their fleet. This announcement comes shortly after the Los Angeles World Airports confirmed its recent 20-bus order.

“We applaud Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and its bold objective of becoming the world’s greenest airport,” said BYD North America Vice President Patrick Duan. “With their defined routes, airport shuttles are a natural next step for transportation electrification. BYD is proud to be part of this greening of ATL.”

The Build Your Dreams (BYD) zero-emission buses represent further action towards the GreeningATL program. Current efforts towards the GreeningATL program include electric fleet options, adding electric vehicle charging stations, and the recent  USGBC’s LEED for Communities Certification due to water efficiency initiatives for the airport’s terminals.

The buses also provide increased passenger and luggage capacity compared to previous buses in addition to eliminating an estimated 10 tons of nitrogen oxides and 350 pounds of diesel particulates. In about two hours, the K9M buses are fully charged and offer a range of 150 miles.

BYD is known for challenging sustainable and innovative technology options in transportation for cars, buses, trucks, forklifts, and rail
systems and its zero-emission buses boast exceeding the Federal Transit Administration “Buy America” requirements.

SmartMove Suite

SAL Heavy Lift Represents First Shipping Company to Adopt Green Tech

Six SAL vessels were confirmed for permanent installation of the long-awaited FS MARINE+ hydrogen / methanol injection solution following the final validation stage, according to information released by SAL Heavy Lift earlier this month.

“We are proud to have SAL Heavy Lift GmbH as our customer, and help them to become the most innovative, efficient and sustainable shipping company within their field,” said Marc Sima, CEO of FUELSAVE GmbH. “With this system we are driving the clean fuel transition with a high impact solution.

“It can optimize the energy consumption and the environmental impact significantly irrespective of what fuel type you operate your vessel with. Thus, it is applicable with MDO, MGO, HFO, LSFO as well as LNG. We are looking forward together with SAL to take a lead in supporting the shipping industry in its efforts to become more environmentally sustainable.”

SAL and FUELSAVE GmbH were the forerunners behind the new emissions reduction technology alongside stakeholders EcoTune Marine, Classification Society DNV GL as RO for Antigua and Barbuda flag, Carl Baguhn, MAN Energy solutions, M.A.C. System Solutions, AVL, and the flag state administration of Germany.

The reduction and overall decrease in primary fuel consumption is the result of injecting hydrogen, oxygen, water, and methanol into specific air intake parts found in the main and auxiliary engines, according to SAL. This process is confirmed by the FS MARINE+ system and results in lower pollution and emissions.

Currently, the FS MARINE+ generator is reducing CO2 emissions by 10 percent, reducing SOx by 15 percent, and 40 percent less particle emissions.

“SAL has always been a frontrunner when it comes to innovation and we are dedicated to make shipping more efficient and cleaner by using technologies that creates a long-lasting effect,” added Sebastian Westphal, CTO of SAL Heavy Lift. “We have tested a prototype on a generator engine of our MV Annette over more than two years with very convincing results. The FS MARINE+ system not only achieved significant fuel savings, but also emission and air pollution reductions which was verified by 3rd parties both during field trials and in laboratory tests.”

Among the first vessels to be fitted with this system will be the MV Trina projected to occur during Q1 2020.

Lancaster

BYD’s Lancaster Plant Celebrates 400th Bus

Los Angeles World Airports welcomed its 20-bus order this week of which included the official 400th bus made by the Lancaster team at the world’s leading electric vehicle company, Build Your Dreams. The 60-foot articulated K11M model transit bus will aid in terminal and gate guest transportation.

“The 400th American bus is another great milestone for our Lancaster team,” said BYD North America President Stella Li. “Since the delivery of our first American battery-electric bus from Lancaster in 2014, BYD has provided buses to customers in 14 states and four Canadian provinces.”

In the theme of emissions-free and environmentally friendly efforts, BYD is proud to represent the largest North American battery-electric bus manufacturer. The company boasts 50 municipal, transit agency, university, airport, federal, and other commercial/private-sector bus customers. Among these customers includes the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, Antelope Valley Transit Authority, Denver RTD, Kansas City International Airport, and Solano County Transit.

BYD’s Lancaster team operates a half a million-square-foot manufacturing plant which originated as a 100,000 square foot motorhome manufacturing facility. The more than 750 employees for BYD North America represent expansion and growth seen by the company throughout the last six years, of which $250 million was invested. BYD Lancaster employees include women, veterans and second-chance employees in addition to boasting all-union workforce and a pioneering Community Benefits Agreement.

BYD shows no signs of slowing down emissions-free efforts and will continue breaking ground on innovative, sustainable transportation technology solutions.

“We are passionate about our mission to create a cleaner environment here in North America and across the globe.”

ISO 9001:2015

Dachser USA Preps for 2020 with Renewed ISO 9001:2015 Certification

‘Tis the season for new year preparations. Today, Dachser USA confirmed its continued efforts towards quality customer service through the successful renewal of its ISO 9001:2015 quality management system certification. The certification – provided by Dekra Certification, covers the logistics leader’s contract logistics, road transport and value-added services and further illustrates the company’s commitment to maintaining the highest levels in customer service. The company’s Contract Logistics locations in Chicago and Atlanta, in addition to its Atlanta regional office, were confirmed for the renewal.

“We work in a dynamic, challenging industry, so our quality management systems need to be able to respond to market shifts and changes in business demands,” says Vincent Touya, Managing Director of Dachser USA.
The certification contributes to Dachser’s overall quality control standard previously established through the Dachser Management System in 2016. This system spotlights ways the company can improve quality and overall operational excellence while ensuring risks are immediately mitigated at each point in the supply chain.
“We are committed to be the preferred provider of supply chain logistics services and solutions, and the ongoing certification is a recognition of our invested effort to establish and maintain the highest quality standards per the requirements set forth by ISO 9001:2015,” concluded Touya.
ISO 9001:2015 holds an international observance by more than 170 countries and one million global companies. To successfully earn the certification, companies must first prove that product, customer experience,  system and regulatory standards are met and maintained with customer satisfaction as the driver and end-result. It’s no surprise, however, that Dachser USA can yet again boast this certification as part of their portfolio of excellence.
south carolina ports authority

South Carolina Ports Authority Welcomes the New Year with Optimistic Outlook

South Carolina Ports Authority boasted an impressive 2019 and is more than prepared to leverage this year’s momentum for a successful 2020. Robust cargo volumes were reported throughout the year for container, breakbulk, and inland terminals in addition to international recognition for performance and productivity, specifically the Port of Charleston and Wando Welch Terminal No. 1 by Journal of Commerce. SCPA brought in additional recognitions in 2019 as well, including “Best Places to Work in South Carolina” and CEO and President Jim Newsome’s recognition as one of DC Velocity Logistics Rainmakers. 

“The equipment operators at S.C. Ports and all those working in the maritime community enable the notable productivity that cargo owners have come to rely on at S.C. Ports,” said SCPA Board Chairman Bill Stern.

SCPA reported an impressive 2.25 million TEUs handled since January, of which 184,928 TEUs were handled a the Wando Welch and North Charleston terminals in November alone. November’s success brought the total y-o-y increase to 6 percent for fiscal year 2020.

“We continue to attract cargo with our efficiently run terminals and reliable service,” SCPA President and CEO Jim Newsome said. “This is made possible by our excellent team and the broader maritime community, all of whom work tirelessly to keep cargo moving seamlessly through our supply chain.”

“Looking ahead to 2020, we expect to continue weathering uncertainty in the world economy, but our strong position in the Southeast and proximity to a booming consumer market will drive growth,” Newsome added. “We expect to grow above the market as more cargo shifts from West Coast to East Coast ports.”

SCPA’s Columbus Street terminal was also reported with a 17 percent increase in regards to vehicle imports and exports compared to last year’s numbers. A total of 19,933 were handled in November.

As 2020 quickly approaches, SCPA continues to focus on increasing retail volumes while managing imports through South Carolina-based distribution centers while maintaining its position in the public seaport and intermodal facility sectors.

“We appreciate the board’s continued support of our investments that enable us to service some of the biggest ships in the world,” Newsome concluded. “This next year is critical as we progress on our momentous infrastructure investments, including a new container terminal and a 52-foot deep harbor, both set for completion in 2021.”
SAL

SAL Heavy Lift Confirms Fleet Additions for 2020

Three new vessels will make their debut for SAL Heavy Lift beginning in 2020. The fleet additions boast an 800t lifting capacity and will ultimately support the Harren & Partner Group member’s clients along the main trade lanes between Europe and the Far East in addition to the Africa service, all while furthering SAL’s position in heavy lift and project cargo sectors.

“The Type 171 vessels come with certain technical features such as ice class E3, equivalent to Finnish/Swedish 1A – amongst the highest in the industry,” said Karsten Behrens, Director, SAL Engineering. “The vessels also have very high crane pedestals which provide a much greater lifting height, in fact amongst the best in our fleet. In combination with the strong hydraulic hatch covers and large box-shaped holds with multiple tween deck configurations, it gives us an array of options when taking breakbulk cargo onboard.”

These vessels were confirmed in the announcement to be of the P1 Type design with an impressive amount of lifting capabilities (up to 800 tons) thanks to two 400t SWL cranes and one 120t SWL crane. Names have also been officially announced for the fleet additions: “MV Hanna”, “MV Klara” and “MV Lisa.” These names were selected after the family members of former owner and current technical ship manager, Heino Winter Group.

“I am very happy that we have been able to add these vessels to our heavy lift fleet,” added Dr. Martin Harren, CEO, SAL Heavy Lift. “This way SAL will be able to service clients who may at times look for ships that can take larger volumes of cargo in combination with heavy lift items. With SAL Engineering providing the engineering solutions and our SAL crew manning the vessels, we continue to offer our well-known SAL quality and know-how, but on a larger scale – something that I am sure clients, both new and existing, will come to appreciate.”

Image provided by SAL Heavy Lift

growers edge bill

Growers Edge & CropX Partnership Addresses Farming Challenges

Savings for water, fertilizer, energy, and labor costs are just some of the many added benefits farmers can anticipate following the announcement of an agriculture-focused partnership between Growers Edge Financial, Inc. and CropX. The strategic partnership addresses farming challenges head-on and solves complex issues through advanced technology solutions, including soil-sensing technology designed to eliminate crop-input costs through accurate, reliable data.

“The financial instruments available today do not meet the needs of farmers who want to embrace new ways to improve the profitability and sustainability of their operations,” said Joe Young, president and chief operating officer, Growers Edge. “Working with strategic partners like CropX, we are providing the incentive a farmer needs to confidently adopt new technologies that can drive their long-term sustainability and business success despite rising environmental and business challenges.”

Through a careful process utilizing CropX cloud-based technology and integrated in-field sensors, soil data and management is optimized and implemented based on analyzed data determining the precise amount of water specific to plant needs, ultimately boosting crop yields while maximizing opportunities in cost-savings and waste reduction.

“Giving farmers direct access to all of the intelligence below the ground empowers them to sustainably cultivate more profitable and productive farms by accurately predicting and managing crop needs. However, many farmers are hesitant to invest in soil sensing technologies after being burned by complex, expensive – and often even ineffective – technologies in the past,” said John Vikupitz, president, CropX. “Our partnership with Growers Edge will help farms of all sizes and budgets confidently embrace in-soil data technologies to modernize farm management.”

Beginning in 2020, the two companies will host a pilot program in which farmers can participate in that includes a Growers Edge money-back guarantee and irrigation practice prescription.