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Uganda Partners with TA-CargoX Consortium to Develop a Trade Facilitation Platform with Blockchain for Exports 

trade Blockchain is not Revolutionizing the Supply Chain yet

Uganda Partners with TA-CargoX Consortium to Develop a Trade Facilitation Platform with Blockchain for Exports 

Uganda’s Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on August 23, 2023  with the Technology Associates & CargoX consortium (TA-CargoX). The MoU aims to establish TradeXchange, a national trade facilitation platform.

PACEID’s objective with this strategic technology partnership is to support exporters, resolve trade bottlenecks, easily comply with global trade standards and buttress Uganda’s ambitious goal of doubling its exports by 2026.

Uganda TradeXchange 

The new platform will be built on CargoX’s Blockchain Document Transfer (BDT) solution for simple, efficient and secure global electronic trade document transfer.

The TradeXchange will be a blockchain-based collaboration platform that streamlines processes and enhances information flow among farmers, producers, traders and government bodies. It helps government offer more efficient regulation on accreditation, quality and produce traceability in a secure manner, promoting trust between participants, preventing fraud, and minimising disputes. It will unify Uganda’s trade practices with global standards, boosting production, packaging, quality control and eventually multiplying export growth.

According to Igor Jakomin, Deputy CEO, CargoX “the CargoX Platform for Blockchain Document Transfer (BDT) is used by more than 115,000 companies worldwide, and has processed more than 5,3+ million electronic trade documents to date, without noticeable downtimes or operation failures.

In pursuit of international trade standards compliance, the TA-CargoX solution actively collaborates and aligns with the world’s leading trade industry bodies and organisations, such as ICC, UNCITRAL MLETR, ITFA, DCSA, UN /CEFACT, WCO, IRU, FIATA, WEF, DTLF-EU and IGP&I. 

  • “We are pleased to work with CargoX who already do work in COMESA and many other parts of the world, to bring fresh thinking on how to gather, build and utilize data for our Exports from Uganda. Our target of USD6bn in five years would be difficult to attain without more reining our hard infrastructure as well as the soft one in digital performance” Odrek Rwabwogo, Chairman of PACEID.
  • As PACEID expands Uganda’s market reach, enhances value addition, and doubles export revenue, the TA-CargoX Consortium will provide a robust, globally compliant digital trade platform as the surest means to integrate Uganda into the global trade network. This platform shall automate the import and export value chain, provide visibility in the trade supply chain, ensuring transparency, traceability, authenticity, and reliability in trade processes, as well as save cost directly for all participants,” – Girisch Nair, Chairman of Technology Associates.
  • “We will provide our global blockchain document transfer layer to enable the most secure electronic document exchange. With proven experience where more than 110,000 companies worldwide, use CargoX BDT to process more than 4,8+ million electronic documents to date, we are confident that this will position Uganda at the vanguard of global trading nations, demonstrating their commitment to technological innovation and business transparency. Uganda, renowned for its high-quality goods, will now set a precedent in digital trade processes for other countries to emulate.” Igor Jakomin, Deputy CEO, CargoX.

CargoX BDT is accepted and proven customs technology

The Ugandan TradeXchange platform approach is similar to the integration of the CargoX Platform in the Egyptian international trade facilitation platform NAFEZA, built by MTS, for the purpose of customs import trade processing. This helped the Egyptian government shorten cargo release times from 29 days to under 9 days, reduce import compliance cost from more than 600 USD to under 165 USD, and improve efficiency in cargo import risk assessment, tax revenue collection, and overall cargo flow transparency.

wiremind

Wiremind and WestJet Cargo Explore Capacity Forecasting

WestJet Cargo and Wiremind have embarked on a new initiative centered on improving capacity forecasting. An exploration Proof of Concept is underway.

With WestJet Cargo’s recent renewal of its SKYPALLET contract with Wiremind, the decision to take the digital collaboration further and explore capacity forecasting improvements was made. A Proof of Concept (PoC) was initiated in April 2023 and will run for the next few months with a final enhancement expected in the second half of this year.

An Artificial Intelligence-driven capacity forecasting mechanism is already part of Wiremind’s optimization solution, CARGOSTACK Optimizer. Through a combination of advanced Machine Learning models and algorithms, Wiremind’s solution provides a more accurate estimate of the remaining cargo capacity for sale, after factoring in non-cargo items such as passenger baggage, fuel and other capacity consuming items. It can provide this capacity estimate in payload, volume and positional terms depending on the profile of the flight or the aircraft type operated.

The new capacity forecast solution also complements SKYPALLET by providing a more accurate capacity definition within which SKYPALLET must optimize the flights’ bookings. Further iterations are planned for both solutions to work seamlessly together, such as automatically reconfiguring the aircraft to an optimal layout, to unlock further efficiencies.

 

turkish cargo

Turkish Cargo Partners with CargoAi to Expand its Digital Offering Worldwide

Turkish Airlines’ air cargo brand, Turkish Cargo, is now live on CargoAi’s marketplace solution (CargoMART), for users in 4 countries. In the pilot phase, CargoMART users in France, Spain, Netherlands and Singapore will have access to booking Turkish Cargo’s new services TK SMART (general cargo service), TK PREMIUM and TK URGENT (express cargo service) instantaneously on all Turkish Cargo routes.

In keeping with its philosophy to provide full visibility to its users for informed and actionable business decisions, CargoAi’s integration with Turkish Cargo is unique in that it displays non-bookable options to its users. Where other platforms filter out such options, forwarders on CargoMART are instantly in the know and can quickly make an offline booking (via call for example) for such shipments.

Users of CargoMART benefit from searching for real-time schedules, bulk quoting, e-booking, the ability to track and trace each shipment, as well CargoAi’s Cargo2ZERO sustainable features to support the air cargo industry’s decarbonization mission.

Following the successful pilot launch, Turkish Cargo will expand its offering on CargoAi worldwide. The worldwide rollout will allow the full visibility and booking of all its routes to more than 6,000 freight forwarders across 63 countries who regularly use CargoAi’s marketplace, CargoMART.

Qatar Airways Continues Campaign for Safe Transport of Lithium Batteries with Official IATA CEIV Certification

Qatar Airways Continues Campaign for Safe Transport of Lithium Batteries with Official IATA CEIV Certification

Qatar Airways has become the second airline in the world to become IATA CEIV Lithium Battery certified and Qatar Aviation Services is the first ground handling company to be certified globally.

The certification aims to improve safety in handling and transportation of lithium batteries throughout the supply chain. Both Qatar Airways and Qatar Aviation Services played a key role in the design and implementation of IATA’s recent CEIV Lithium Battery program, and continue to be actively involved in its fine-tuning and adaption.

Halleux urged for faster regulation and compliance adoption concerning lithium batteries in his key note speech at the World Cargo Symposium in Dublin in October 2021. Shortly thereafter, Qatar Airways Cargo announced the complete rollover of its 10,000+ ULD fleet to Safran Cabin’s newly developed Fire-Resistant Containers (FRC), designed to resist a lithium-based fire for up to 6 hours. To date, it has already replaced 9,000 of its ULDs, surpassing the 70% goal it set itself for 2022, and will continue the exchange process in 2023.

Lithium batteries are in very widespread use in a range of consumer products from smartphones to electric scooters, while the risks associated with their usage and carriage amongst consumers are not well known. As a global network carrier and integrated group of aviation businesses the issues relate to both Qatar Airways and Qatar Airways Cargo principally, therefore driving greater awareness of the handling of Lithium batteries will help improve safety in the air transport industry.

The Center of Excellence for Independent Validators Lithium Batteries (CEIV Li-batt) certification programme will ensure the elements of the supply chain involved in the shipment of these batteries are able to meet their regulatory requirements. The CEIV Lithium Battery family is IATA’s most recent CEIV certification. It is in line with similar certifications for the handling of pharmaceuticals, perishables, and live animals.

About Qatar Airways

A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was recently announced as the ‘Airline of the Year’ at the 2022 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organization, Skytrax. The airline continues to stand alone at the top of the industry having won the main prize for an unprecedented seventh time (2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2022), while also being named ‘World’s Best Business Class’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Lounge Dining’ and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’.

Qatar Airways currently flies to more than 150 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, voted by Skytrax as the ‘World’s Best Airport’.

 About Qatar Airways Cargo

Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s leading international air cargo carrier is based in Doha, State of Qatar. It serves a global network of more than 60 freighter destinations and 150 passenger destinations utilizing freighters, belly-hold passenger flights, passenger freighters and mini freighters. The airline’s freighter fleet includes two Boeing 747-8 freighters, two Boeing 747-400 freighters, 26 Boeing 777 freighters and one Airbus 310 freighter. It also has an extensive road feeder service (RFS) network.

With considerable investments in its products, services, quality handling, infrastructure, facilities, people and procedures at each of its destinations, the cargo carrier provides high operating standards for the transportation of cargo. Qatar Airways Cargo remains committed to sustainability and giving back to communities it serves through its sustainability program WeQare, built on the key pillars of sustainability: environment, society, economy, and culture.

freight forwarders

TOP 10 FREIGHT FORWARDERS OF 2020

By occupying six slots, including the top three, the Alpine Region of Central Europe dominates Global Trade’s list of the top 10 freight forwarders of 2020.

 1) Kuehne + Nagel

With more than a century specializing in the transportation space, Kuehne + Nagel serves multiple industries, including high tech, industrial products, perishables, pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Services include: order management, warehousing and storage, supply chain consulting, project management, air, rail and sea cargo and expo and events. Kuehne + Nagel Management AG, Dorfstrasse 50 Schindellegi, 8834 Switzerland, Tel: 41 44 788-9511.

2) DHL

DHL Supply Chain and Global Forwarding Divisions provide freight forwarding services throughout Europe, Russia and the Middle East via rail, air and road. The company’s global reach extends from transportation and warehousing to industry-specific solutions designed to streamline worldwide logistics for its clients. Services include: dedicated freight management, warehousing, customs services, freight security, supply chain management and air, road and sea shipments. DHL Supply Chain and Global Forwarding, Deutsche Post AG Headquarters, Platz der Deutschen Post, 53113 Bonn, Germany, Tel: +49 228-1820.

3) DB Schenker

The logistics division of German rail operator Deutsche Bahn AG provides an array of logistical and supply chain consulting services for clients throughout the automobile, technology, consumer goods, special transport and trade fair logistic industries. Services include: e-commerce solutions, fulfillment logistics, lead logistics services and intermodal transportation. DB Schenker, Richard-Wagner Strausse, Essen, Germany, Tel: +49 (0) 201 8781-4990.

4) (tie) DSV Global

Headquartered just outside of Denmark’s capital of Copenhagen, DSV offers worldwide warehousing and transportation solutions for European and North American companies looking for supply chain solutions across the global stage. Services include: full or less-than-truckloads, warehousing, order fulfillment, intermodal, air, sea and rail shipments and “supply chain innovation.” DSV + Panalpina, Hovedgaden 630, 2640 Hedchusene, Denmark, Tel: +45 43 20 30 40.

4) (tie) Sinotrans Limited

With offices throughout Asia and the Pacific Rim, Sinotrans offers transportation solutions from warehousing to getting goods to their final destinations. Services include: warehouse management, distribution solutions, cross border freight hauling, intermodal transport, project lead and “innovative supply solutions.” SinoTrans Ltd., 6F Suite B Waiyun Building, Building 10 Yard 5 Anding Road, Beijing, China 100020, Tel: 86 10-5229-5600.

6) Expeditors

The Fortune 500 service-based logistics company believes because it does not own the aircraft, ships, or trucks they use every day on six continents, they can be highly flexible when it comes to supply chain management. Services include: supply chain design and optimization, order management, fulfillment, warehousing, customs brokerage and air, sea and ground transportation. Expeditors International, 14301 24th St E, Sumner, WA 98390, Tel: (253) 863-5502.

7) (tie) GEODIS

The French logistics company aims to be a growth partner with its clients through its proven expertise and emphasis on excellence. Services include: supply chain optimization, freight forwarding, contract logistics, distribution & express and ground transport. GEODIS, Espace Seine, 26 Quai Charles Pasqua, 92300 Levallois-Perret, France, Tel: +33 1 56 76 26 00.

7) (tie) Bolloré Logistics

A global leader in international transport & logistics, the French company is committed to delivering reliable, flexible, innovative and value-creating solutions that help clients grow. Services include: transport, trade compliance, contract logistics, global supply chain, e-commerce and customer care. Bolloré Logistics, Tour Bolloré, 31-32 quai de Dion Bouton, 92800 Puteaux, France, Tel: +33 (0)1 46 96 44 33.

9) Nippon Express

First established in 1937, the Japanese company operates in more than 40 countries, with clients throughout Asia, North America and Europe and overseas transit facilities in Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, among other locations. Services include: warehousing, distribution, cross border freight hauling, fine arts transport and moving services. Nippon Express, Higashi-shimbashi 1-9-3, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Tel: 81-3-6251-1111.

10) Hellmann Worldwide Logistics

Founded in 1871 by Carl Heinrich Hellmann, who as the lone employee used a horse-drawn cart to deliver parcels in and around the town of Osnabrück in northern Germany, Hellmann today has a worldwide network of 20,500 people in 489 branches in 173 countries. Services include: logistics, insurance, security, technology, e-commerce and road, air, rail, and marine transportation. Hellmann Worldwide Logistics GmbH & Co. KG, Elbestrasse 1, Osnabrück, 49090 Germany, Tel: 49-541-605-6450.

We created our list by considering three other lists that were released this year. In September, Armstrong & Associates, Inc. (A&A), an internationally recognized key information resource for 3PL market research and consulting, put out a list of 2020’s top 50 ocean freight forwarders that is based on 2019 TEUs, logistics gross revenue and air metric tons.

Actually, A&A updated an earlier list because two heavy hitters in the ocean freight industry, DSV and Panalpina, merged in 2019. Then came COVID-19 early in 2020, which necessitated an examination of responses to the global pandemic.

A “key trend we’re watching is the impact COVID-19 is having on various modes of transport,” A&A President Evan Armstrong explained to Logistics Management Executive Editor Patrick Burnson. “Ocean capacity may open up, but rates will escalate. In the meantime, the air cargo sector will become more reliant on expensive freighters, as passenger traffic remains in steep decline in the international marketplace.

Global Trade also considered 360 Research Reports’ Global Ocean Freight Forwarding Market Size, Status and Forecast 2020-2026 examination that focused on 25 companies and was released pre-pandemic, in January.

Thanks to the A&A and 360 Research reports, there were definitive answers about which companies would occupy most of Global Trade’s top slots. However, we also turned to a third report to settle any differences between the other two: a list of the top 10 3PLs in the world released In July by TradeGecko, which is part of Intuit QuickBooks, an accounting software company.

While freight forwarders on the Global Trade master list serve U.S. markets and have facilities in the States, our collection doesn’t exactly scream “American.” Fortunately, Armstrong also shared some wisdom with Burnson that may have Yanks ranking better in 2021. “We’ll see more shipping and sourcing in North America as shippers reevaluate their options overseas,” the A&A president says. “The ongoing trade tensions with China will also exacerbate this situation.”

The U.S. companies that did not make our top 10 but would have easily made our top 50 include: C.H. Robinson, XPO Logistics, United Parcel Service (UPS), Yusen Logistics, Mallory Alexander, Odyssey Logistics and Technology and Horizons Air Freight.

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Armstrong & Associates, Inc.’s Top 50 Ocean Freight Forwarders of 2020: https://www.3plogistics.com/3pl-market-info-resources/3pl-market-information/aas-top-25-global-freight-forwarders-list/

360 Research Reports’ Global Ocean Freight Forwarding Market, Size, Status and Forecast 2020-2026: https://www.360researchreports.com/global-ocean-freight-forwarding-market-15076500

TradeGecko’s Top 10 3PLs in the World: https://www.tradegecko.com/blog/supply-chain-management/top-10-3pl-companies

temperature-sensitive

Tips for Securing Temperature-Sensitive Cargo

When it comes to securing temperature-sensitive cargo, it is imperative to take the situation seriously. It may sound silly, but a few degrees up or down may ruin your precious belongings.

Running a temperature-controlled warehouse comes with a lot of difficulties, so it’s best to do thorough research. After all, customers are putting their trust in your hands. With that in mind, let’s see what you can do to make sure securing temperature-sensitive cargo goes without any issues.

Tips for securing temperature-sensitive cargo

Securing temperature-sensitive cargo is one of the common warehouse problems you might encounter. To solve this issue in the best possible way, you should always follow good tips and best practices. The three most important categories to cover are packaging, handling, and transportation.

Packaging process

The packaging process for temperature-sensitive cargo has a couple of steps. It might sound like a lot to do, but it’s best to cover everything and secure the cargo.

Test packaging and products

As a first step, it is important to figure out what packaging to use for what product. To determine this, a series of tests are required. You must know how packaging and the products react to different weather conditions, shock, impact, compression, etc. There are a couple of different protocols you can follow: American Society of Testing & Materials, International Safe Transit Association, etc.

The importance of documentation

As we already know, documentation is especially important for smart inventory and warehouse management. However, it also plays an important role when it comes to securing temperature-sensitive cargo. Every package that contains temperature-sensitive cargo should have proper specifications and labeling. The best is to perform an inspection prior to shipment. Furthermore, it is important to keep a copy of the report for at least 90 days.

Inspection

Furthermore, it is crucial to inspect the container for any defects. Inside should be clean, dry, and well shut. Any issue with the container may jeopardize the cargo. Before you load the container, make sure that the temperature matches what’s in the documentation. Refrigeration must work without any issues.

Handling

When it comes to handling, there are really just a few important things to take care of. First of all, you should provide all the necessary documentation to everyone who is involved in handling the cargo. Lack of information might result in improper handling and further may lead to damaging the cargo.

Also, everyone should have the proper equipment for handling temperature-sensitive cargo.

Transportation

Picking the transportation provider is one of the most important decisions to make. First of all, they must be punctual, and well equipped to transport temperature-sensitive cargo. Another great bonus is if they provide a claims-free loss service.

You should inform the driver of all the necessary information. He or she must have a copy of the documentation where the required temperature is stated. Furthermore, you should provide phone numbers to all the mechanical and refrigeration facilities in the case of an emergency.

Best practices for transporting temperature-sensitive cargo

Transportation providers should always follow best practices for transporting temperature-sensitive cargo.

For starters, they should provide quality trailers or containers, and have the monitoring equipment to track the slightest temperature changes during transport. Next, they should be familiarized with all the procedures of handling and storing temperature-sensitive cargo. Also, if there is a need for temporary storage, they should have all the conditions to perform this service.

Remember to ask for the transportation route to ensure that the cargo will be transported without delays and as quickly as possible. Finally, the transportation provider should also provide you with a 24/7 phone number for any support or questions, as well as the documented list of anyone that handled the cargo in the process. Whoever was included must have a certificate that he or she knows how to handle temperature-sensitive cargo.

Going the extra mile

The best way to go the extra mile for your customers is to offer more than they expect. By following all the procedures and requirements mentioned above, you are securing the cargo in the best possible way. Also, sometimes your clients may need additional services, like finding movers, storage units, etc. If you can go the extra mile and provide them with good contacts, like reliable companies, it will not go unnoticed.

Remember, it is crucial to get a positive review from your customers. Word of mouth is one of the strongest ways to advertise.

Tips for securing temperature-sensitive cargo – delivered.

Let me give a quick summary of all the procedures in order. First of all, both the cargo and the container should be properly inspected. Everything should be documented, and the documentation should be provided to everyone involved in packaging, handling, and transportation. The logistics provider should have all the necessary equipment to transport and store the cargo, and also to monitor any temperature changes.

By following these tips and best practices, securing temperature-sensitive cargo will not be difficult. Since different clients have different needs, it is important to be flexible, while making sure to follow all procedures and regulations.

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Mark Stephens is a blogger and a freelancer for preferred-movers.com. With the experience of over seven years working in the moving industry, he gladly shares his knowledge and expertise with his readers. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, and further researching new topic in the moving industry, so he can always stay up to date with the newest information.

airfeight freight

Airfreight vs. Sea Freight – Which Works Better?

Airfreight vs. sea freight has become a burning dilemma for all those in need of this type of services. While both solutions come with a set of advantages and disadvantages, the final choice one makes will depend on a variety of factors. We are willing to share our knowledge and findings with you so that you can make the best possible decision regarding your shipment in the given circumstances. 

Airfreight vs sea freight – the costs can be a decisive factor

Undeniably, the amount of financial means necessary to afford airfreight services is considerably higher than that of sea freight. Moreover, the appearance of the largest cargo aircraft in the world announces great changes and improvements in this field. The Antonov An-225 could cause a further rise of the airfreight costs, but it will also guarantee higher quality. On the other hand, sea freight is much more affordable and, consequently, the number one choice of a vast majority of clients. Opting for sea freight provides clients with acceptable service but at a significantly lower price.

Time matters greatly!

Most often, clients want their shipment delivered as soon as possible, which can cause problems for those offering sea freight services. Not seldom do customs issues or hold-ups at ports cause serious delays. However, we must admit that a giant step forward is evident in this field. Firstly, high-quality, modern ships are much faster now than it was the case in the past. Secondly, there are some canal upgrades that can eliminate tedious and tiring delays on some routes. Finally, sea freight forwarders can guarantee delivery times, which is vital for business owners when it comes to organization.

The type of cargo affects the final choice on airfreight vs. sea freight dilemma

The type of cargo is one of the most important factors influencing the choice in the airfreight vs. sea fright dilemma. In this case, we must admit that sea fright seems like a much better solution since it has no limitations you have to be aware of. One of the crucial pros of the maritime shipping is that you can ship even the bulkiest and extremely heavy goods. Conversely, airfreight is limited in this discipline. Before you opt for this type of goods transportation, it is advisable to make sure that the type of your cargo is acceptable. In addition, there is a very long list of the items which are prohibited and those listed as hazardous materials. Depending on your final destination, the rules and laws may differ. Yet, getting sufficient information on the subject must still be the first step in the process.

Safety of your cargo is the top priority

Understandably, the safety of cargo is always the top priority. It is important to emphasize that air cargo has to be dealt with the utmost attention and in accordance with the regulations which are very strict and clear. All the crucial elements, including handling and securing your cargo as well as the proper storage, are defined by airport regulations. This is a great benefit and a guarantee that the safety of your goods will be at the maximal level. On the other hand, we cannot say that sea freight is a bad alternative either. In this case, the goods are transported in containers, but the human factor is crucial. Proper packing strategies are essential in order to decrease any chances of potential damage during transport. If this is not conducted appropriately, the chances are some of your goods might get seriously damaged or even cause further problems on the ship.

Do not forget about the accessibility of your goods

If we analyze the accessibility of your goods as one of the criteria, airfreight is a more favorable option by all means. The procedures are clear, cargo is in smaller volumes and there are no unnecessary waitings to receive your goods. Using sea freight for your cargo often results in additional costs due to heavy congestions in seaports. If your goods are not delivered at the arranged time, you are required to pay for detention and demurrage costs, which may be a heavy burden on your budget. However, we must not forget to mention an advantage sea freight offers comparing to airfreight. The accessibility to markets is much higher in case of sea freight. The reason is very simple. When unloaded from ships, containers can move further inland by using the services of intermodal shippers

Eco-friendly practices 

Finally, let us not forget about the environment when choosing between airfreight vs sea freight. Applying eco-friendly practices is becoming increasingly important, so it does not surprise this is one of the factors shippers base their decision on. According to this particular criterion, sea freight is a more reasonable option since it has a significantly better carbon footprint. Quite the opposite, airplanes are serious polluters and require special attention and measures to reduce their carbon footprint to minimal values.

Final words on airfreight vs sea freight dilemma

The decisions and choices you make concerning airfreight vs sea freight dilemma will depend on miscellaneous factors. It is of key importance to weigh the pros and cons of each of these options and then make your decision final.  A serious effort is required to negotiate the best shipping terms and only then can you expect to ship your goods completely fuss-free.

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Susan Daniels is a passionate copywriter who loves exploring home improvement ideas and real estate market. Lately, she has gained considerable knowledge in the types of moving services and the qualities of respectable moving companies such as DA Moving NYC, for example. She enjoys giving advice on the best places to live and exciting places to visit. Traveling makes her happy as well as reading good books.

St. Lawrence Seaway

TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY CHAO COMMEMORATES ST. LAWRENCE SEAWAY’S 60TH ANNIVERSARY

U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao marked the 60th anniversary of the St. Lawrence Seaway, the U.S.-Canadian waterway, at a Sept. 24 ceremony at the Eisenhower Lock in Massena, New York. 

“For 60 years, the St. Lawrence Seaway has been a safe and reliable gateway for global commerce, further demonstrating our nation’s strong and strategic partnership with Canada,” Chao said.

She was joined by Transport Canada Director General of Marine Policy Marc-Yves Bertin, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-New York), U.S. Seaway Deputy Administrator Craig Middlebrook, Canadian Seaway President and CEO Terence Bowles and U.S. and Canadian government and transportation officials.

 Chao and Representative Stefanik also used the event to announce $6 million in funding for the St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corp. to construct a new Visitors’ Center at the U.S. Eisenhower Lock. This new center will welcome the tens of thousands of people from around the world who come to watch ships transit the lock each year, and serve as a cornerstone for tourism in the North Country region of New York.

The bi-national waterway was officially opened in 1959 by Queen Elizabeth II and President Dwight D. Eisenhower. It has been proclaimed as one of the 10 most outstanding engineering achievements of the past 100 years. Since its inception, nearly 3 billion tons of cargo, valued at over $450 billion, have been transported via the Seaway

Kinedyne

Kinedyne Confirms Prattville Expansion Ready for Operations

Global cargo control technologies provider, Kinedyne shows no signs of slowing down offering its competitive and consolidated transportation-focused solutions portfolio. The company released information this week confirming the newest Prattville distribution center is fully operational and equipped to support the company’s efforts to improve order processing, lead time and accuracy thanks to advanced technology.

“With over 20 years of experience in operational strategy and global manufacturing, Doug Apelt, vice president – operations, oversees all operational processes in the United States and Canada,” Dan Schlotterbeck, president of Kinedyne LLC, said. “Doug’s operational expertise and leadership of the Prattville team has benefited this expansion initiative and continues to strengthen and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our overall North American operations.”

Kinedyne launched a different approach in operations in 2016 by combining engineering, manufacturing, quality control, supply chain management, customer service and government contract into operations. Boasting several decades and 300 employees in Prattville, the company is also recognized as one of the largest employers for Autauga County. Beyond Prattville, Kinedyne’s footprint spans across a robust network throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, all of which offer the company’s full line of cargo control, capacity and access products.

“This is an exciting opportunity for us to further improve operational integrity through process control and technological advancements,” Doug Apelt, vice president – operations for Kinedyne LLC, said. “Employees and customers will each enjoy the advantages generated by the additional facility, and it positions Kinedyne to successfully manage its customers’ expectations and our own future growth objectives.”

 

Budapest Airport Connects Hungary and China with New Agreements

Budapest Airport continues bridging the gap in aviation connectivity between China and Hungary through its most recent airport agreements signed during the Hungarian-Chinese Forum last week. The agreement involves two Chinese airports (Xi’an Xianyang and Zhengzhou Xinzheng International) that further support Budapest Airport’s goal for providing primary logistics and distribution support for China in the Central and Eastern European regions.

Péter Szijjártó, minister of foreign affairs and trade, represented Hungary at the forum and commented on the agreement at the signing ceremony:

“Between two countries ­like these – with quite a distance between them geographically – strong economic cooperation is only possible if they are well-connected, which is why aviation connections, direct flights between Hungary and China, are of key importance. For this reason, we are delighted that a cooperation agreement between the airport of Xi’an and Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport is signed, as this agreement may link additional Chinese cities to the network where direct flights are available from Hungary, from Budapest. In addition to economic ties, our connections in tourism can also be developed further. Last year, a record number of 256 thousand Chinese tourists visited Hungary, representing a growth rate of 14 percent.”

Budapest Airport reported that it doubled its weekly capacity in cargo flights between Budapest, Hong Kong and Zhengzhou as a result of support from Hungarian diplomats and trade promotion experts. Additionally, the recent agreement further enhances opportunities to develop freight flows between Chinese locations and Budapest.

“The foundation stone was laid with the direct connection to Zhengzhou, and now it is time to further intensify our cooperation with our new Chinese partners, and thus exploit the enormous potential in the freight business in particular. Zhengzhou, Xi’an and Budapest share a great dynamic of growth, and we are very confident that we can mutually benefit from this cooperation,” said Jost Lammers, the CEO of Budapest Airport.