Tigers Opens UK Facility Despite Brexit Environment

April 4th, 2019 Haylle Sok Leave a comment

As e-commerce demands continue to increase, global solutions provider, Tigers, announced its new Thurrock facility this week. The new facility will serve as a larger space for operations currently held at the company’s Basildon location and adds an additional 50 jobs to the company’s employment portfolio.

“We have always viewed the UK as an important market and remain committed to investing in the expansion of our e-commerce and fulfillment operations,” said Andrew Jillings, CEO, Tigers. “The Thurrock facility significantly expands our UK presence and provides us with a strategically located hub to cater for increased customer demand.”

Located near the London Gateway off the M25, the facility’s location provides an advantageous location close to all main road routes to the Midlands, Wales, northern England, and Scotland. The expansion will also continue efforts for UK-investment goals.

“This is a multi-million-pound investment by Tigers in the UK, despite Brexit, and not only will it create new jobs, it will also secure our future as a leader in the logistics and supply chain industry as e-commerce demand continues to grow,” said Shahar Ayash, Managing Director UK and Europe, Tigers.

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Livingston International to Participate in TradeLens Pilot

April 3rd, 2019 Haylle Sok Leave a comment

Global trade management and freight forwarding provider, Livingston Blockchain, confirmed this week its position as the first customs broker to implement the TradeLens pilot for brokerage automation. The blockchain-enabled digital shipping solution aims to provide solutions for trade roadblocks such as delayed transit times, risk factors, and fraud.

“The most important aspect of the platform is the ecosystem – building trust to enable collaboration with one another through a model that benefits everyone. Livingston’s participation in this initiative allows us to analyze the impact of blockchain on the logistics process by bringing in the role of customs administration, which involves the submission, examination and storage of reams of data on a daily basis,” said Peter Patterson, IBM Canada -Blockchain Leader.

Developed by A.P. Moller – Maersk and IBM, the initiative aims to create an efficient and secure trade environment. Livingston’s participation in the TradeLens pilot will consist of sensitive information on shipments while streamlining internal operations – all without added risks.

“We have always prided ourselves on being a forward-thinking customs broker and trade-services provider,” said Craig Conway, Chief Technology Officer, Livingston International. “We are excited to work with Maersk, IBM, CBSA and other members of the TradeLens ecosystem on an initiative we believe will serve our industry well and provide transparency and security in the global movement of goods.”

“As a leader in customs brokerage services, Livingston is now positioned to pioneer the use of blockchain technology and shape its impact to shippers around the world,” said Mike White, CEO of Maersk Global Trade Digitization and head of TradeLens.

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Velocity 2019 MercuryGate User Conference

April 3rd, 2019 Haylle Sok Leave a comment

Billed as “the premier industry event for transportation and logistics professionals,” the conference includes the world’s leading shippers, logistics providers, industry experts and, of course, MercuryGate software experts.

The three-day conference will feature keynote speakers Adrian Gonzalez, president of Adelante SCM, and American Blockchain Council’s co-founder and executive director, Jack Shaw. The conference will take place at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas with topics of discussion focusing on blockchain, parcel shipping, TMS best practices, high velocity multimodal frieght, and much more.

This year’s event will kick-off the morning of May 5 with a full day of activities including an exciting escape room experience at Escapology, a Pink Jeep tour, and a supercar driving experience at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The day will conclude with an official Welcome Reception at the Madame Tussauds of Las Vegas.

Don’t miss out on this informative, fun, and unforgettable conference May 5-7 and RSVP your spot today.

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SkyCell & Air France KLM Martinair Cargo Extend Collaboration for Pharma Logistics

April 3rd, 2019 Haylle Sok Leave a comment

In an effort to extend improved and innovative services for clients, SkyCell – known as the fourth largest pharma airfreight container provider, and
Air France KLM Martinair Cargo, confirmed they will extend their collaboration globally with plans to present it to the global AF KLM network. Air France KLM Martinair Cargo boasts one of the largest and densest global networks.

“Air France KLM Martinair Cargo values of Transparency, Innovation and Care match the values of SkyCell: we are both committed to provide the highest quality standards to our clients in the most transparent and innovative way. SkyCell is driven by technological innovation in pharma transport technology and that is why we want to work very close together,” said Enrica Calonghi, Global Head of Pharmaceutical Logistics at Air France KLM Martinair Cargo.

In a recent evaluation from one of the Big Four international audit companies, SkyCell’s shipments from the last 12 months showed a
0.1 percent of the transports involved a temperature excursion with their containers. The companies share a common theme in transparency in addition to customer-driven services.

“Air France KLM Martinair Cargo is a pioneer in pharma airfreight services and has an extensive network. With a shared vision of innovation in the supply chain of temperature-sensitive products, our collaboration will ensure that consumers are guaranteed a safe and sustainable service. We will also further improve our services through SkyCell’s data-driven approach,” said Richard Ettl, CEO of SkyCell.

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Automated Route Planning in the Works for Hupac Intermodal

April 2nd, 2019 Haylle Sok Leave a comment

Hupac Intermodal announced the upcoming implementation of Nexiot’s software solution to its in-house cargo management systems for supporting efforts managing delays, traffic, and route journeys.

“Nexiot is providing its customers with the highest level of transparency across the supply chain, which enables them to differentiate their offering, increase efficiencies and unlock additional revenue potential,” said Marcel Scheurer, Chief Commercial Officer at Nexiot. “Our distinctly collaborative integration approach and operational industry experience help our customers to extract the maximum value out of the technical solution.”

Nexiot has provided solutions for Hupac for the last two years. The
European intermodal network operator currently employs Nextiot’s self-sustaining sensors for real-time visibility from device-fitted wagons. This device provides information such as location, mileage, and border crossings every five minutes.

“We began working with Nexiot two years ago when we applied the smart sensors to 1,000 of our intermodal wagons,” said Aldo Puglisi, responsible for Digitalisation and Business Processes Reengineering at Hupac Intermodal. “When we began to analyse the data generated by the sensors in collaboration with Nexiot, we realized that it could be used to identify and predict weak spots in the supply chain, helping us make more informed planning decisions in an optimal way.”

Following the full integration of the digitization offered by Nexiot, Hupac will ultimately reap the benefits of optimization, information sharing with partners, time and money savings, as well as an overall reduction in risks and errors.

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Walmart Supply Chain Reveals E-Commerce Provider of the Year

April 2nd, 2019 Haylle Sok Leave a comment

Pilot Freight Services was officially announced as Walmart Supply Chain’s selection for “E-Commerce Provider of the Year,” taking the spot for one of the six annual award categories for transportation providers.

“2018 was a year of unprecedented change in the transportation industry. As our supply chain network has evolved with greater efficiency and new ways of working, so have many of our carrier partners’,” said Ken Braunbach, vice president of Inbound Transportation for Walmart. “The companies recognized have provided Walmart with innovative and improved service offerings that ultimately help us lower our cost to our customers and stay in stock, both on the shelf in our stores or online.”

The global transportation and logistics services provider achieved this status as a result of the company’s operational excellence across its extended network which includes Walmart e-commerce deliveries for all stations. Additionally, the company provided services that ultimately supported Walmart Supply Chain’s customer-focused service requirements.

“It is an honor to be recognized by Walmart as a provider that innovates, improves services and lowers costs to customers,” said Gordon Branov, chief executive officer of Pilot Freight Services. “Our dedicated employees continue to go above and beyond for our clients to create customized solutions and provide an outstanding customer experience while impacting the bottom line. That is exactly what Pilot strives for every day.”

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GlobalTranz Boasts Ninth Acquisition in Two Years

April 2nd, 2019 Haylle Sok Leave a comment

Circle 8 Logistics is the latest company to be added to the list of acquisitions for leading third-party logistics solutions provider, GlobalTranz. The company confirmed the acquisition this week, confirming added support for expansion efforts specifically in the Chicago region while adding value to 3PL initiatives.

“Circle 8 has a strong history of providing its customers with superior services and logistics solutions,” said Renee Krug, CEO of GlobalTranz. “Circle 8 has combined a focus on people, processes and technology to drive growth via unique solutions for its customers and strong carrier partnerships. The combination will further accelerate our growth and market leadership in the 3PL industry,” she added.

Circle 8 is a third-party multimodal transportation and logistics services provider with a reputation of ethical business practices combined with its extensive history of satisfied customers represented in its 98 percent customer retention rate.

“Since the founding of our business in 2001, Circle 8 has provided innovative solutions with honesty and integrity,” said Mike Lewis, co-founder and co-CEO of Circle 8.

The Lombard-based company represents the ninth acquisition for GlobalTranz since January 2017.

“GlobalTranz is clearly executing on its strategy of driving growth both organically and via complementary, accretive acquisitions,” said Bob Farrell, executive chairman of GlobalTranz. “Our unique hybrid combination of the best independent freight agents in the industry with our strong direct channels is a clear differentiator. Circle 8 will further enhance our channels to market.”

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Study Shows Global Trade Represents 1 out of 5 jobs in California

April 1st, 2019 Haylle Sok Leave a comment

The Golden State makes news headlines once again boasting its impressive job market. The latest numbers from a study released by Business Roundtable and prepared by Trade Partnership Worldwide confirms a whopping 4,710,600 jobs are supported by global trade in California. The study gathered the most recent information available reflecting employment data from 2017.

“The CEO members of Business Roundtable, who lead companies with more than 15 million employees, strongly support congressional passage of USMCA implementing legislation this year. We stand united to preserve and modernize North American trade, which supports over 12 million jobs and a strong U.S. economy,” said Tom Linebarger, Chairman and CEO of Cummins Inc. and Chair of the Business Roundtable Trade & International Committee.

In addition to the massive employment numbers supported by global trade, California’s export market is also revealing impressive numbers. The same study also revealed goods and services exports made up 11.2 percent of the state’s overall GDP as it exported up to $59.5 billion in goods and services to Mexico and Canada in 2017.

The study in its entirety can be found here.

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ORITAMES APS Scheduler v2.5 Breaks Traditional Barriers

April 1st, 2019 Haylle Sok Leave a comment

Thanks to increased efforts in autonomous Artificial Intelligence, the ORITAMES APS Scheduler v2.5 – created by Brussels-based company MangoGem S.A., is now capable of handling levels of resources and scenarios of equipment, people, and consumables.

“The ORITAMES APS Scheduler v2.5 uses AI-assisted autonomous machine learning to explore optimization scenarios better than traditional approaches, combining the best of machine computing power and human know-how to facilitate better planning and scheduling,” said Ben Rodriguez, Chief Technology Officer of MangoGem. With solver heuristics notoriously difficult to fine tune, the ORITAMES APS Scheduler v2.5 discovers which settings work best, checks validity and detects trends in data to improve ramp-up and adoption. It can also discover the most promising improvement scenarios and propose them as potential solutions to human planners. It combines several AI-assisted machine learning meta-heuristics including Genetic Algorithms (GA), Taboo Search (TS), Simulated Annealing (SA), Swarm Intelligence (SI) amongst others.”

By breaking the barriers of a traditional APS, ORITAMES APS v2.5 sets a new standard by taking on and solving complex and multi-layered cases typical for larger companies.

“The use of AI-assisted autonomous machine learning also eases the integration and reduces the cost of implementation of the ORITAMES APS Scheduler v2.5 within overall supply chain management (SCM) strategies by making modeling easier, improving data quality and decreasing dependency on human expertise,” he concluded.

This advanced software platform was specifically designed to cater to a variety of industries including discrete manufacturing, construction and infrastructure projects, logistics and transportation, equipment and property maintenance, engineering projects and service organizations.

“The AI-assisted disruptive technology delivered in ORITAMES APS Scheduler v2.5 is capable of solving many of the operational performance challenges of Industry 4.0,” concluded Ben Rodriguez, CTO of MangoGem. “It uses AI-assisted autonomous machine learning techniques with multiple solvers and heuristics and, depending on an analysis of the case at hand, will apply many methods to find the one that produces the best results.”

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Amazon’s Austin Tech Hub Projects 800 Jobs Following Expansion

March 31st, 2019 Haylle Sok Leave a comment

Adding to the 22,000+ job portfolio in the state of Texas, Amazon announced its Austin Tech Hub will create an additional 800 jobs in the region following the projected hub expansion scheduled for 2020.

“In the last four years, we have created more than a 1,000 jobs in Austin,” said Terry Leeper, General Manager of Amazon’s Austin Tech Hub. “With a strong pool of technical talent in Austin and a dynamic quality of life, we are excited to continue to expand and create more opportunity in this vibrant city.”

“The state of Texas has cultivated a strong and vibrant business environment, leading to more jobs and greater innovation,” said Governor Abbott. “With today’s announcement and continued investment in the technology sector, Texas will continue to chart a path toward greater economic prosperity.”

The new 145,000 square foot office in The Domain will provide tech-focused job opportunities including software and hardware engineering, research science, and cloud computing. Amazon was recognized as #1 on LinkedIn Top Companies in 2018 and boasts a unique and competitive benefits package including healthcare beginning on day one of employment and a dedicated paid apprenticeship program for military veterans.

“I’m pleased that Amazon is doubling down on Austin by expanding the Tech Hub,” said Senator Watson. “Austin is a special place that fosters creativity and innovation, and I appreciate that Amazon has chosen to become an even greater contributor to our dynamic community and economy.”

To read more about the Austin Hub expansion and employee benefits, please visit The Amazon Blog.

Tigers Opens UK Facility Despite Brexit Environment

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