Monday, March 28, 2011

Southwest Names New VP of Cargo and Charters

Matt Buckley Brings More Than Two Decades of Aviation Experience to Leadership Position

Southwest Airlines (Dallas) has announced that Matt Buckley has been promoted to Vice President Cargo & Charters.

Buckley began his career with Southwest Airlines in 1982 as a Southwest Ramp Agent in Midland, Texas. With the majority of his 29-year career focused on leading our Cargo Management Group, Southwest has benefited tremendously from his vision and Leadership. Southwest’s Cargo and Charter business generates significant revenue annually and Buckley credits much of the success as an industry leader to the hardworking cargo, ramp and operations employees across the company.

“This is a well deserved promotion for Matt, who has shown his leadership and vision by increasing the breadth, scope, and profitability of our award-winning Cargo service,” said Southwest Airlines Senior Vice President Operations Greg Wells. “I am consistently impressed with his commitment to Southwest and to his People.”

Southwest Airlines Cargo is recognized as an industry leader, winning numerous awards due to the relentlessly reliable Southwest employees who run its operations to over 90 destinations across the nation, which includes interline and road feeder service. Southwest Airlines Cargo Employees continue to focus on improving the Customer Experience, delivering excellent Customer Service and operational excellence for which the carrier is known.

For more information, visit www.swacargo.com.

Friday, March 25, 2011

DELPHI INTRODUCES NEW INTEGRATED SEAT-BASED HVAC SYSTEM

Innovative System Increases Comfort, Decreases Complexity For Off-Road And Commercial Vehicles

LAS VEGAS – Delphi Automotive’s new seat-based heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system simplifies the cab design process and minimizes equipment assembly while efficiently keeping passengers comfortable.

The system is part of the E3 HVAC Seat, which combines Delphi’s Diavia HVAC application capability with the COBO group’s steering column, seat, lighting, electric and electronic devices. The E3 HVAC Seat will debut this week at COBO’s booth (No. S-16353 in the South Hall, 2nd Level) at the CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2011 exposition being held at the Las Vegas Convention Center March 22-26.

“Combining Delphi’s new HVAC system with the COBO seat provides equipment manufacturers the opportunity to keep operators comfortable while simplifying the overall cabin design and installation process,” said Roberto Grotti, managing director, Delphi Diavia.

Designed for medium-size vehicle or equipment cabins or small rooms, the E3 HVAC has a cooling capacity of 6.2 kW and a heating capacity of 5.8 kW. It can provide climate control for the cab only or for the cab and seat cushion by channeling air flow from the vents. By adjusting the vents, the operator can select the most comfortable cab temperature and keep the seat dry.

Air is cooled through an evaporator provided with an expansion valve and using the cooling gas from the AC system. Air is warmed using a heater containing the fluid coming from the endothermic motor. The air is circulated using an electric fan and the air flow is managed by an electronic voltage regulator PWM (pulse width modulator) allowing a linear voltage adjustment at the ends of the fan.

Since the seat and HVAC unit are fully integrated, plug and play installation is simple and design and assembly time are reduced. Additionally, all climate control functions are incorporated into the new electronic control board with CAN BUS interface, which has been specifically designed for industrial vehicle cabins. This new control unit -- built in conformity with ISO 7637 and 2004/104/CE rules --is located inside the seat arm.

The E3-HVAC seat is available through COBO’s global sales network.

For more information, visit www.delphi.com.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Nothing Stops the Commitment of a Courier Company

Straight out of the Runners Inc., (Gaithersburg, Md.) spring newsletter, a courier tells his story about how it takes a lot more than natural elements to slow down. Read all about it in the release below:

Snow, sleet, rain, hail or deer can't stop our drivers when they're providing pick-up and delivery services. This past December, Alfred Koroma, one of our drivers was en-route with a DIRECT RUSH DELIVERY (pick-up and deliver ASAP, non-stop, within 60-90 minutes).

Without any warning, a deer jumped on his car, broke the front windshield and smashed the roof in. A shaken Alfred immediately alerted Runners' dispatcher about the accident since he was unable to continue with the delivery. When we asked Alfred if he could tell us what it felt like when the deer hit his car he said, "I didn't know what hit me since I never saw the deer until it landed on my car. I was very upset but able to keep control of my car and get it to the curb before stopping. I was very lucky to escape unharmed." Another driver was quickly dispatched to pick up the package and the interrupted delivery was made only a few minutes later than promised


I'm sure this isn't the first story you have heard where the commitment of a courier company shines through for its customers. Many messengers and logistics operations go above and beyond the call of duty everyday to ensure each shipment.

If you've got a story, we want to hear from you!

Email Editor Vincent Brennan at vince@robstan.com to share your amazing courier tale! Who knows, your story could make it into an upcoming issue of Courier Magazine!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Southwest Cargo Announces New Destination

Southwest Airlines Cargo (Dallas) has announced a new stop for freight and cargo in their network. Newark, N.J., will be the new site for Southwest service and it will begin March 27. The full press release is below:

We are excited to announce the addition of a NEW destination to the Southwest Airlines Network! On Sunday, March 27, we will begin service to Newark, NJ (EWR). With initial nonstop service from Newark to Chicago Midway (MDW) with six nonstop flights, and St. Louis (STL) with two nonstop flights, our valued Cargo Customers can reach most of the 90 destinations we serve within the same day.

This Newark service will join New York LaGuardia International Airport and Long Island Islip MacArthur International Airport in strengthening Southwest's presence in the New York-area.

Beginning June 5, Southwest Airlines will add ten additional daily nonstop flights from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) with three daily nonstops to Baltimore/Washington International (BWI), three daily nonstops to Denver International (DEN), two daily nonstops from Houston Hobby (HOU), and two daily nonstops to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX).

Our point-to-point network and tail-to-tail transfers ensure the fast and efficient transportation of your shipment. For more information, contact Cargo Area Sales Manager Russ Atkinson at (866) 672-4055 or visit swacargo.com. When overnight is overdue, trust Southwest Airlines Cargo to take care of your shipping needs.


Newark, NJ (EWR)
Southwest Airlines Cargo
157 Conrad Road, Building 157
Newark, NJ 07114
Tel: (973) 849-0840
Fax: (973) 849-0843

Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday: 4:45 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 5:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

For more information, visit www.swacargo.com.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Use the CM Yahoo! Group to Network with Your Peers

Courier Magazine's Yahoo! Courier e-group is a free arena open to courier company employees and business owners who want to share thoughts, questions or comments on industry issues.

You can view the page by visiting the Courier Magazine website at www.couriermagazine.com and then clicking on Courier Yahoo! group icon to goto the group home page.

OR

You can click on the link included here: http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/couriers/

Once there, you can subscribe to the group and members receive emails on new topics posted daily.

Become a part of the courier, messenger and cargo conversation today!

Monday, March 21, 2011

Calling all Courier All-Stars

Courier Magazine is currently developing an issue about some of the top players in the courier/messenger industry. We are looking for the best of the best who take pride in their job and perform exceptionally.

These all-stars can be managers, dispatchers, drivers or warehouse workers. Almost anyone can be an all-star, but we want to hear about what makes them special.

The candidates that are chosen will be featured in an article for the July-August issue of the magazine. Send a message to Editor Vince Brennan and vince@robstan.com or editor@couriermagazine.com.

We need your help to put together our 2011 Courier Magazine All-Star team.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

ECA 2011 MarketPlace - Hotel Deadline Just Around the Corner

DON'T MISS THE ECA MARKETPLACE IN ATLANTA, GA
APRIL 19-21, 2011


DEADLINES:
Hotel - Dont Miss Out on the $169.00 group rate at the Renaissance Waverly. The cut off date is March 16, 2011 or until the room block is filled. Call the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly at 1-770-953-4500 or 1-888-391-8724 to make your reservation. The Waverly's reduced room rates for ECA MarketPlace 2011 Attendees start at just $169.00!

MarketPlace Registration: The early bird is March 25, 2011 - Don't miss out register today!

Interviews: The ECA offers a unique experience at the ECA MarketPlace pairing shippers and carriers in one-on-one interviews to create business. The 2011 ECA Marketplace is scheduled to take place April 19-21, 2011, Atlanta, GA at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel. Visit www.expresscarriers.com for more information.

Vendors: The EXPO at MarketPlace 2011 will come alive with excitement, as new technology and new service opportunities are showcased by a wide variety of vendors.

Sponsorships: ECA has developed a lineup of sponsorship opportunities to fit every marketing budget. We want to be as inclusive as possible, and allow all companies that support regional Carriers to share in the success of ECA MarketPlace 2011, no matter how big or small.

Educational Sessions: This year the educational sessions are a prime focus and led by the renowned Mr. Satish Jindel of SJ Consulting Group, who has worked in the transportation/logistics industry for 25 years, the topics are How to Present Your Company in 15 Minutes and How to Build and Maintain Long-Term Business Relationships.

Networking: The people you will meet at the MarketPlace in Atlanta are the transportation decision-makers. New relationships are formed and current relationships are solidified at this conference, because ECA MarketPlace attendees are the managers and business owners that can make it happen. At MarketPlace 2010 in Dallas, nearly 400 company representatives participated in over 2,400 interviews.

We invite you to be a part of ECAs most important event of the year!

Click here to view a video on why the ECA MarketPlace is THE Place for SHIPPERS!

Please contact us at (703) 361-1058 or email Fiona Morgan at fiona@expresscarriers.org with any questions. And thanks for your support of the Express Carriers Association!

You know that the ECA Marketplace is the best business-to-business show in the transportation industry for the value.

Express Carriers Association
9532 Liberia Avenue, #752
Manassas, VA 20110-1719
Phone: 703-361-1058
Fax: 703-361-5274
Email: fiona@expresscarriers.org

Monday, March 14, 2011

My Way Back Home

Well, Courier Magazine is back in Kansas City (we were greeted by snow) and now we are full of ideas and topics to fill the magazine with covering the air cargo industry. Air Cargo 2011 turned out to be a great event for the AEMCA, AfA and XLA. Members of each association were privy to an array of educational sessions.

Those sessions are what I found to be the best benefit for the event. Sure, there are numerous networking opportunities and a giant trade show, but the seminars are really the hub of the entire event.

Whether it be legal issues or TSA compliance, import/export concerns or personnel questions, each session was designed for attendees to get the most out of each seminar. Some of the brightest minds in the business gathered in San Diego for Air Cargo 2011 and attendees came out on top with the information that was distributed.

Going forward, every convention (beyond Air Cargo) offers a real value to attendees and its where great ideas are exchanged. I urge all of you to go out and see for yourself how improve business and expand bottom lines through conventions and trade shows.

Vincent Brennan
Editor
Courier Magazine

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Another Benefit for Air Cargo Attendees

The town hall meeting gave Air Cargo 2011 attendees to sound off on some of their own, personal concerns in the world of expedited delivery. More than a few times, audience members participated in an extensive conversation with other professionals in the same industry.

The topics included TSA regulations, IC issues, supply chain adjustments and litigation updates. The town hall session proved to be another top benefit to attending the Air Cargo convention.

As an outsider with the press, I thought it was great to see certain companies learn from another about a specific rule or regulation. This was the type of networking that can advance a company beyond a simple presentation.

With the legal session coming up later this afternoon, Air Cargo attendees are sure to have their eyes opened about what are the dos and don'ts concerning freight forwarding and international delivery.

See you then.

Making Your Business Safe

Good morning!

The second day of Air Cargo 2011 started with a panel of industry experts about keeping your expedited delivery business safe. There are many new laws and court proceedings that have affected the industry over the past several years (not to mention months) that many couriers, messengers and expedited delivery specialists have become confused about how to treat their business.

The panel, headed by Washington D.C., attorney Hank Seaton, talked about some of the steps that companies can take to safeguard businesses through litigation, insurance and independent contractor management.

The team also discussed cases that are ongoing in Massachusetts and along the east coast that could affect the IC landscape for years to come.

We will have an extensive recap of this session in the upcoming issue of Courier Magazine.

More to Come.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Talking About Asia

Just across the Pacific Ocean from the Hilton Bayfront in the middle of downtown San Diego is a market that has yet to be fully tapped. The countries of Asia is a beacon of hope for more than a few air cargo and freight professionals in the United States that have seen bottom lines diminish over the last few years.

A panel of air cargo and trade specialists gathered this afternoon to give their opinions on what the Asia market truly offers. Air Cargo 2011 organizers promoted the theme of the event as "Tapping Into Asia" and the message of the panel couldn't have been more appropriate for the event.

The panel led a in-depth discussion about the economic possibilities of Asia and the different steps needed to begin business discussions.

We'll have complete coverage of this event in our convention recap in the upcoming issue of Courier Magazine. Stay tuned for a recap of tonight's networking session, sponsored by American Airlines Cargo, in the Fox Sports Grill in the hotel.

See you then.

XLA Award Winners

Southwest Airlines Cargo returned to the podium as Airline of the Year during the Express Delivery and Logistics Association membership meeting this morning at Air Cargo 2011.

Southwest also took home the award for excellence in web and technology. American Airlines Cargo finished with the most improved airline award while United Airlines Cargo won international airline of the year.

The XLA meeting also featured a presentation by Mark Thorpe, air service marketing manager for Los Angeles World Airports. Thorpe delivered his presentation on air cargo capabilities through Los Angeles International Airport.

He said air cargo is a driving force for job creation and XLA Executive Director Jim Conway couldn't agree more.

"That is something we need to underline for legislative and other governing bodies." Conway stated at the end of the meeting.

More to come.

Cooperating Business

In the first presentation of the day, Motivational Speaker Mimi Donaldson had some interesting ways of connecting business communication with the National Football League. The unconventional keynote address spoke to many different many different ideas floating around in the American workplace, but it was her analysis of competing mindsets that got the biggest response from the audience.

Donaldson's approach to casual versus formal thinkers sparked some reflection in the Air Cargo 2011 crowd. She also noted how these thinkers have a different way of doing business in the real world.

In order to cooperate with one another, Donaldson explained several techniques to capture the attention of each group. She noted the process can be trying for some, but it can lead to the creation of a successful workplace.

Indianapolis Colts Quarterback Peyton Manning, to whom Donaldson dedicated her latest book, was a prominent subject during the presentation. She spoke about his efficiency in developing a game plan and getting his teammates to buy into the same goal.

Next up: The XLA membership session. I'll have an update to post shortly after lunch.

See you then!

Taking Off

The first full day of Air Cargo 2011 is upon us, and after the networking reception last night, I can say that this edition of the convention is one of the largest in years. The exhibit hall is packed with company booths from all sectors of the courier, messenger and air cargo industries. It was great to put a few faces with names for a number of Courier Magazine readers and advertisers.

After a night of visiting with old friends and making new ones during the first day of Air Cargo, the convention is about to take flight this morning with keynote speaker Mimi Donaldson.

The AEMCA has packed a full day of seminars and networking opportunities for attendees at this year's event in San Diego. The annual XLA membership meeting is also on tap for today and we'll have a recap up later this afternoon.

More to come!

Vincent Brennan
Editor

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Can't Make it to Air Cargo 2011?

Courier Magazine has you covered!

Editor Vincent Brennan will be making his way down to sunny San Diego to take in all that the 2011 edition of the Air Cargo convention has to offer. Blog posts will recap the day's seminars and breaking news as well as the Express Logistics Association's (XLA) 2011 awards.

This is one of the many events Courier Magazine plans to cover from our blog. In the past, we have covered such events as the Messenger Courier Association of America convention and we plan on bringing the same dedicated coverage in 2011.

So remember, if you can't make it to this year's biggest AEMCA event, follow Courier Magazine all weekend long for up-to-date notes, coverage and much more.

And if you are attending Air Cargo, make sure to say "hi" to Vince as he makes his way around the convention floor.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Visit with Descartes at Air Cargo 2011

Stop by Descartes’ booth at Air Cargo 2011 to learn how to improve the efficiency of your shipment process and receive a complimentary shoe shine!

Whether you are a freight forwarder, airline or ground transportation company, Descartes can help lower operational costs and drive efficiencies in your current processes.
Descartes solutions for the Air Cargo Industry can help:
• Manage electronic bookings.
• Provide document exchange of critical information.
• Improve quality management for messaging and monitoring of shipments.
• Streamline customs filings and cargo security compliance.
• Automate shipment rate management and carrier selection.
• Provide end-to-end visibility of shipment status.
• Improve asset and vehicle management through private fleet management solutions.

Visit Descartes in booth No. 422 at Air Cargo 2011 in San Diego, March 10-12 for more information and be sure to drop your business card for a chance to win an iPod Touch!

Monday, March 7, 2011

Winners Featured at MCAA’s Annual Meeting in May

Winners from all walks of life will be featured at this year’s MCAA Annual meeting May 11-14. The program, called “Growing Your Business in an Unpredictable World,” will include a keynote address by Vince Lombardi, Jr., and will follow with practical advice from those who have found success in the world of expedited delivery.

Lombardi’s keynote address on Thursday, May 12 will be “What High Performance People Know”. In it he will give conference participants insight, inspiration and knowledge. As the son of the late Vincent T. Lombardi, one of the greatest football coaches in the history of the sport, Lombardi spent his early years in an atmosphere full of personal power and achievement. Add to that his personal journal into the law, government and back into sports and he has the capacity to share the secrets that high performing people know. Participants will gain inspiration from Lombardi’s view of how high performance people see themselves and the world around them. Participants will learn from how they can orchestrate their own high performance for themselves and those around them.

Continuing Thursday’s theme of high performance will be a panel called “Walk This Way...How I Paved My Own Road to Success." It will feature speakers on the many roads to success in the expedited delivery industry. Panelists will be business people who have each taken a different path that make their companies go from good to great. Participants will gain the knowledge they will need to pave their own road to success.

The meeting will also include extensive opportunities to network in formal and informal settings; special activities for first-time attendees and access to vendors in the MCAA’s annual trade show. It will feature the latest products in the expedited delivery industry.

Members who register before April 8th will pay $650 for the first attendee and $550 for additional attendees. Nonmembers who register before April 8th will pay $850. The cost for spouses and children is $415. Vendors receive one free registration with their booth fee of $1,480. For members registering after April 8 there is a $100 additional fee. For non-members registering at that time there is a $65 additional fee. On-site registration is available for an additional charge.

For more information or to register, go to www.mcaa.com. Or contact Tara McLaughlin at (202) 207-1131.

Courier Magazine will once again be blogging live from the MCAA meeting. So if you can't make it to Las Vegas to network with your fellow logistics pals, keep checking back with us for more information.