Severe Weather Delaying the Industry

Many courier and logistics companies are facing the nightmare that is the severe winter weather throughout the Northeast. The storm has sent some companies scrambling while others have been stopped in their tracks completely.

Firms are asking customers to be patient with services. SDS Global Logistics sent out this notice early Monday morning explaining the situation.

"Due to the extreme weather condition along the Northeast Corridor of the United States, very few of our early routes have been able to be delivered. We will keep you updated as conditions begin to return to normal. Currently we expect very limited deliveries to be made throughout the day in New York and the surrounding areas."

While it might take some time for companies to get through this rough stretch of weather before the new year, conditions are improving around the Northeast.

Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks Helps the Komen Cause

In order to raise awareness about male breast cancer, a disease the American Cancer Society estimates will be newly diagnosed for approximately 1,970 men in the United States in 2010, Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks of Houston (http://www.mitlifthouston.com), the factory dealership owned by Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America Inc. (MCFA) (http://www.mcfa.com), launched the “Real Men Drive Pink” campaign.

As part of the endeavor, Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks of Houston built a pink electric forklift truck to raise funds to support breast cancer research.

Golden Town International, a restaurant furnishings designer and distributor to Asian restaurants throughout the United States, recently purchased the pink electric Mitsubishi forklift truck for use in their Houston warehouse. Proceeds from the sale, totaling $4,500, were donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund.

An Inside Look

Need more proof that Couriers do more multitasking than any other profession? Then check out the latest profile of a Canadian courier working for DHL.

www.thespec.com/news/local/article/302969--couriers-keeping-things-moving

It's an interesting look at the position from outside of the industry. Things have to keep on moving and nothing can stand in the way ... not even Christmas!

American Airlines Selects Descartes ICS Solution

Descartes (Waterloo, Ontario, Canada) has announced that American Airlines Cargo, a division of American Airlines Inc., has selected its Global Filer solution to help it manage its import customs filings to the European Union’s (EU) Import Control System (ICS). The solution will assist with upcoming EU regulations regarding advanced entry declarations, which take effect on Jan. 1.

Global Filer, part of Descartes' Global Trade Compliance suite, enables collaboration between multiple parties to address customs security filing requirements across different modes of transport and for multiple countries.

“This new agreement with Descartes is a great milestone for American Airlines Cargo as it strengthens our 17-year relationship for electronic messaging and system automation,” said Richard Burkhardt, managing director of cargo operations at American Airlines Cargo. “Descartes has the in-depth understanding of the complex EU customs environment required to meet our standards for compliance with new customs security requirements.”

Global Filer offers multiple features that improve overall efficiency of customs requirements and operations including the following:

- Complete, real-time visibility into the customs status of cargo and the ability to provide this status information to logistic partners and clients, regardless of their location.

- Integration capabilities with back-office systems, optimizing data entry efforts, allowing for re-use of data and reducing the risk of error.

- One solution (as opposed to different applications) to cover multicountry requirements, allowing for a more efficient use of resources and time.

“We’re delighted that American Airlines Cargo chose Descartes to meet current and longer-term EU compliance mandates,” said Jonathan Wasserman, senior vice president, Global Trade Compliance Solutions at Descartes. “Global Filer can also increase the visibility of American’s customs operations and allow American’s users to efficiently manage data entry and monitor security to help provide even better service to American’s customers.”

Descartes’ Global Filer leverages the power of Descartes’ Global Logistics Network (GLN). The GLN enables organizations to connect to global trading partners and regulatory organizations and reliably exchange information to increase performance and drive high levels of customer satisfaction.

Promoted!

United Express System Inc. (Chicago), a total transportation and logistics solutions provider, has announced a new appointment to its management team.

Kevin P. Venechuk has joined UES as general manager based in the corporate offices in Naperville, Ill.

As general manager, Venechuk is responsible for leading and managing the United Express System business units, to include developing and implementing the business model, sales, marketing, operations and strategic stocking. Prior to joining UES in November, Venechuk was the Midwest regional sales director for Dynamex Inc., and most recently business development director for the Dynamex Corporate Development team in Dallas where he specialized in mergers and acquisitions within the transportation industry.

He has held leadership positions in both operations and sales over his career in the transportation logistics space. A versatile executive with over 30 years of experience leading, mentoring and developing world-class teams, Venechuk has partnered with outsourcing providers all over the globe. A qualified professional with a strong quality mindset, he adds a unique perspective to the UES team.

"We are delighted to have Kevin join us. He is an industry specialist and I am confident that his exemplary track record and experience will be invaluable to our business and will drive the company aggressively towards the strategic objectives we have set," Brad Westrom, UES president, said.

Gearing Up for ECA Marketplace 2011

The Express Carriers Association has released more information about the upcoming 2011 ECA Marketplace tradeshow. This year's event will take place in Atlanta from April 19 to 21 and will feature a wide range of education sessions and seminars to inform attendees.

Additional information can be found below in the press release:

ECA 2011 MarketPlace

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

REGISTER TODAY!

Last year in just 48 hours, more than 2,400 interviews were scheduled and conducted with potential business partners. For regional carriers and their shipper counterparts, there is no other conference that packs so much potential business into such a small period. Remember, carrier registration is only available to ECA Carrier members. Shippers and Vendors may attend regardless of their membership status but receive additional exposure when they join ECA.

PROFILES DUE BY APRIL 7TH.

SHIPPERS LIMITED AVAILABILITY OF INTERVIEW TABLES
We urge you not to wait, because there are a limited number of interview tables available. Shipper companies may register for an interview table at no charge! Carriers know that this event is the perfect opportunity to work with shippers and establish new long-term shipping relationships that benefit both parties. And that is why they have agreed to subsidize your attendance at the Marketplace. Better still, two of your representatives may also attend at no charge. To ensure your attendance, there is a $250.00 refundable deposit.

ATTENDING THE MARKETPLACE? MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A PLACE TO STAY!
The Renaissance Waverly Hotel, Atlanta, is the host hotel for the meeting AND the location of all official ECA events. Call the Renaissance Waverly at 1-770-953-4500 or 1-888-391-8724 to make your reservation. The Waverly has reduced the room rates from $169 just for ECA Marketplace Attendees.

VENDORS SIGN UP FOR A BOOTH OR SPONSORSHIP AND ENJOY BENEFITS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
We urge you not to miss the opportunity to promote your company and its services through a Vendor booth at the MarketPlace EXPO.

Your support is crucial to this meeting, and you will be paid back handsomely throughout the year with high-profile benefits that allow ECA members to contact you easily and without delay. Remember that sponsorships and vendor booths are available on a first-come, first-served basis. But hurry. The best sponsorships sell quickly! Visit the ECA Marketplace website to sign up. Shippers and Carriers may also sign up for a sponsorship to increase their visibility at this one of a kind event.

For registration information and additional details, visit www.expresscarriers.org/marketplace.

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.

No Cold Shoulder for Teesport (England) Customers

Despite the treacherous weather conditions sweeping the United Kingdom over the last two weeks, Teesport, England (one the UK’s busiest ports) remained ‘open for business,’ in spite of being located on the North East coast of England, one of the areas hardest hit by the unprecedented and severe snow fall.

Although most of the news coverage focused on the country's airports, the United Kingdom's ports have also experienced a severe impact on daily operations as a result of the weather.

Unlike some other east coast ports that have either been operating at reduced capacity, or have been forced to close for sustained periods, Teesport has implemented a daily 24-hour snow clearing and gritting operation. This has enabled the port to continue to operate safely and service a significant percentage of customers at the port estate and along the river.

In particular, the engineering team at Teesport has been working hard to ensure sufficient resources and equipment have been available to successfully plow the snow away from roads and operational areas. The process has significantly minimized any impact the snow could have had on its daily services and access routes into and out of the port estate.

With the forecasts predicting no let up in the freezing conditions for much of December, PD Ports and its staff continue to work extremely hard to keep Teesport open for business in what has been an incredibly cold start to the winter season.

Linescape launches FRESCO Freight Rate Exchange

Linescape (Burlingame, Calif.), has debuted it FRESCO freight rate exchange for shipping containers. Company representatives say the new service raises the bar in competitive purchasing and sales for the freight forwarding sector of the industry along with buyers of freight services.

The service builds on the success of the Linescape’s online search engine for container sailing schedules, hosting schedules from more than 120 shipping lines. FRESCO connects the two main groups of visitors in Linescape’s vast user base, giving each immediate and easy access to each other for the purpose of initiating bookings and a business relationship.

Linescape’s co-founder Dimitrios Sogas said, “We bring together shippers and forwarders, requesting and offering freight rate quotations, all seamlessly tied in to our sailing schedule search engine. Users can now leverage the huge user base Linescape has assembled, and simplify the task of gathering quotes or finding new customers. With just a few simple steps, a shipper can request quotes from a much larger group of forwarders than would previously have been feasible.

“And similarly, forwarders can reach a much wider customer base, all made possible by the broad appeal of Linescape’s simple and powerful sailing schedules search engine.”

FRESCO users seeking to book a shipment on a specific route can search for a quote from many logistics providers at one time with just one request, ensuring the users receive the most competitive prices.

“And since FRESCO does not represent either party, users can be sure that they are getting the best possible offer, directly from the logistics provider,” Sogas said.

Freight forwarders and other logistics providers establish a FRESCO membership, select the countries from where they wish to offer quotations, and then start receiving rate requests by email. An added benefit for forwarders is that their company contact details are included in Linescape’s directory and appear in Linescape search results, greatly increasing their visibility to thousands of potential new customers.

Linescape Co-founder David Tarizzo noted his company “is an ideal platform for planning container bookings, where users can search and find sailing schedules and get ocean freight rates, all in one place. Linescape is a place where shippers and forwarders can do business.”

For more information, visit www.linescape.com.

FMA Plans Winter 2011 Meeting in Orlando

The Florida Messenger Association is planning for another productive winter meeting and vendor fair scheduled for January 27-28, 2011 at the Doubletree Hotel at the entrance of Universal Orlando in Orlando, Fla.

The weather forecast is calling for sunny skies mid 70’s so you folks up north need to take advantage and join us. The FMA has planned a wonderful evening of dinner and drinks along with a full day of conferences. Meeting registration forms are available by emailing info@floridamessenger.org. FMA President Larry Schwartz noted how each meeting can help network companies while educating messengers around the state.

"I hope everyone appreciates that we continue to maintain very reasonable membership dues and meeting fees in order to maintain and grow membership and meeting attendance," he said. "I look forward to seeing everyone in Orlando."

Doubletree Hotel at the Entrance to Universal
5780 Major Blvd I
Orlando, FL 32819
Reservations call : 800-327-2110 Use Code: FMA
Special rate: $119 per night (Must reserve before December 28, 2010) www.doubletreeorlando.com

Please make sure to make your hotel reservations before December 28, 2010 to take advantage of the special room rate.

For additional information about the winter meeting, visit www.floridamessenger.org.

Joing Together

Howard and Peter Schlactus and their team at KBS International Corp., along with Jeff Ice and his team, formerly with Oswald Logistics Insurance, have joined together to form Brightstone Insurance Services, LLC and the KBS-Ice Group.

With agency offices in New York, Cleveland, Los Angeles and Seattle, and a leadership team possessing more than 150 years of combined experience insuring the same day transportation and logistics industry, Brightstone is positioned to be a leader within the industry.

"Our goal is to focus on the professionally-minded firms in the industry and give them what we like to call an 'unfair advantage,'" stated Managing Director Peter Schlactus. "The ability to control major cost items, like insurance, even as you are able to offer your customers superior confidence and security, translates into a competitive edge."

Ice, managing director, added, "We have access to virtually every market, every program and every coverage enhancement available. In addition, the size of our combined entity provides ample leverage with insurance companies and enough market presence to ensure that we continue to provide our clients with the lowest rates available."

With the largest support staff in the industry, Brightstone is able to provide all clients with the service levels they deserve to prosper and deal with the many changing risks inherent in operating a business in this industry. Now, however, their team and yours will be drawing upon the combined expertise of some of the industry's most trusted advisers, including Ice, Michelle Mattoni, Howard Schlactus, and Peter Schlactus.

"While our name has changed, our commitment to the industry and our clients has not," Howard Schlactus said, the firm's third managing director. "You will still be working with the same people you have come to know and trust."

For more information, call 877-862-4755, or visit www.brightstoneins.com.

SBA to Offer Webinar on Year-End Tax Planning

It is not too late for business owners to reduce their 2010 tax bills and plan ahead for 2011. The U.S. Small Business Administration’s December web chat will focus on tax preparation for small business owners. Participants can get useful year-end tax tips and information, and learn more about tax deductions and credits that can help to reduce their taxes.

WHO: Edward S. Karl, vice president of Taxation for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), will host the December web chat on “Year-end Tax Essentials for Small Business Owners.” Chat participants can get valuable information on how to prepare now with useful tax savings tips and mistakes to avoid. Karl will answer questions on how to get the most out of year-end tax planning.

WHAT: SBA’s web chat series provides small business owners with an opportunity to discuss relevant business issues online with experts, industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs. Chat participants have direct, real-time access to the web chats via questions they submit online in advance, and during the live session.

WHEN: December 9, 2010, at 1:00 p.m. ET
Karl will answer questions for one hour.

HOW: Participants can join the live web chat by going online to www.sba.gov, and clicking “Online Business Chat.” Web chat participants may also post questions before the December 9th chat by visiting http://web.sba.gov/livemeeting/chat.

To review archives of past web chats, visit online at http://www.sba.gov/tools/monthlywebchat/index.html.

Dole Ocean Cargo Express Selects Descartes’ Customs Filings Solution

Solution to support compliance with European Import Control System (ICS) and Export Control System (ECS) regulations.

Descartes Systems Group has announced that Dole Ocean Cargo Express, a division of Dole Food Company, has selected Descartes' Global Filer to manage its import and export customs filings for the upcoming European Union (EU) regulations on advanced entry (ICS) and exit (ECS) summary declarations.

Global Filer is part of Descartes' Global Trade Compliance suite which offers a broad range of solutions that help prepare organizations around the world to meet current and long-term compliance mandates.

Global Visibility and Improved Efficiency of EU Customs Operations
Dole Ocean Cargo Express selected Descartes' Global Filer to be compliant with EU safety and security regulations and improve overall efficiency and visibility of Dole’s customs operations. Global Filer met all of Dole’s selection criteria, including the following:

- A single point of access and dashboard to manage all data entry and filing requirements for Dole’s security filings to and from its European ports.
- Complete, real-time visibility into the customs status of cargo and the ability to provide this status information to logistic partners and clients, regardless of their location.
- Integration capabilities with its back-office cargo management system, optimizing data entry efforts, allowing for re-use of data and significantly reducing the risk or error.
- One solution as opposed to different applications to cover multi-country requirements, allowing for a more efficient adoption of resources and time.

“Dole handles a substantial amount of import and export filings to and from Europe on a daily basis, so optimizing the quality and flow of information across the entire supply chain is a continuous effort and goal. Descartes’ Global Filer is a sophisticated application and the user-friendly dashboard reduces managing the complexity of EU customs processes to a minimum,” said John Trummel, vice president and general manager, at Dole Ocean Cargo Express.

“Our goal at Descartes is to help our customers be compliant with EU customs regulations,” said Jonathan Wasserman, senior vice president, Global Trade Compliance Solutions at Descartes. “In addition to ensuring compliance, Global Filer helps decrease potential errors, delays and penalties, by providing our customers with a solution that not only reduces costs, but also increases productivity and efficiency.”

‘DHL Operation Holiday Cheer’ Sends Hundreds of Trees and Holiday Items to Uplift Spirits of U.S. Troops

For the seventh straight year, DHL (Plantation, Fla.)has teamed up with the New York community to donate and deliver hundreds of holiday trees, decorations and messages of support to U.S. troops serving abroad through its ‘DHL Operation Holiday Cheer’ charitable program. The special holiday shipment will receive a send-off celebration on Monday, Dec. 6, from a New York area nursery as well as DHL’s international gateway facility at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

DHL has donated all transportation and logistical services for the trees and holiday items being delivered to Servicemembers in Iraq, Afghanistan and Bahrain. Five hundred real trees along with lights, tinsel and holiday decorations as well as “Santa Sacks” filled with thousands of holiday cards written by New York-area schoolchildren will be transported to U.S. troops overseas.

The shipment was generously supplied through donations from New York businesses and community organizations, including Dee’s Nursery, Adelis International Security, Adopt-a-Soldier Platoon, Proctor-Hopson Post 1896 Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and other members of the New York metro community.

“As the specialists in international shipping, DHL is proud to leverage its international expertise and extensive global network to help U.S. Servicemembers in Iraq, Afghanistan and Bahrain feel just a bit closer to home this holiday season with the delivery of this special, community-donated care package,” said Ian Clough, CEO of DHL Express, USA.

DHL has also helped honor and support U.S. Servicemembers stationed thousands of miles away through its charitable partnership with Pizzas 4 Patriots, sending thousands of care packages per year, or “slices of home” to U.S. troops serving abroad. DHL is uniquely positioned to support U.S. servicemen and women at bases on 6 continents, providing its international shipping expertise wherever U.S. military serve around the world.

Diesel Declines 0.9¢ to $3.162 a Gallon

Gas Declines 2¢ to $2.856

Diesel fell for the second consecutive week, dipping 0.9 cents to $3.162 a gallon as oil prices rose, the United States Department of Energy reported.

Gasoline also saw its second straight decline, falling 2 cents to $2.856 a gallon, DOE said following its weekly survey of filling stations.

Diesel’s decline followed last week’s 1.3-cent drop to $3.171, which followed the $3.184 price a week earlier that was the highest in more than than two years.

Monday’s price left trucking’s main fuel 38.7 cents over the same week a year ago, while gasoline is 22.7 cents over last year.

Oil rose almost $2 to more than $85 a barrel Monday on the New York Mercantile Exchange, Bloomberg reported.

Each week, DOE surveys about 350 diesel filling stations to compile a national snapshot average price.

The original article from this post was taken from the Transport Topics website located here: http://www.ttnews.com/articles/basetemplate.aspx?storyid=25662&utm_source=express&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=newsletter.

LogiCon 2011

Feb. 1-3 2011, Amsterdam

Retail and FMCG Global Logistics & Supply Chain Conference

Focusing on customer-centric supply chain, sustainability, flexibility and agility

Now in its fourteenth year, LogiCon 2011 is uniquely positioned as Europe's leading Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and retail supply chain and logistics conference. Presenters include more than 40 world-leading supply chain management (SCM) directors giving you a multi-faceted perspective into the latest industry issues, trends and progress.

Bigger and better than ever before, LogiCon is THE place where the future of the supply chain agenda is shaped.

Logistics conference highlights include

- For the first time, LogiCon welcomes Carrefour to deliver a high-profile keynote address at the conference. Learn how this world-leading retailer has achieved supply chain excellence across its global network.
- LogiCon 2011 features more leading-edge beverage companies on the speaker faculty than any other conference - there will be outstanding speakers from Diageo, Molton Coors and Carlsberg as well as an exciting presentation from Nestle Waters.
- Pre-conference demand planning focus day returns gives you the opportunity to hear from sales and operations planning and demand planners at the forefront of forecasting excellence from leading companies like Sara Lee, Molson Coors, Mars and Campbell Soup.

For more information, visit www.logiconeurope.com.

Purolator Offers Options for Businesses to Manage Holiday Returns to/from Canada

Purolator USA (Jericho, N.Y.) has announced several logistics options to help businesses manage their holiday merchandise returns. Purolator, an industry leader in providing cross border logistics between the United States and Canada, developed multiple returns management solutions as a way to meet the diverse needs of United States and Canadian businesses.

“Businesses need to plan now for the high volume of returns that will be coming in December/January,” said Chicago Branch Manager Randy Stomp. “Customers expect and deserve the same high level of service during the returns process that they received during the sale process, even when the returns process involves a cross border transaction.”

A return coming back to the United States from Canada is an import, and must undergo a thorough screening and customs clearance by the U.S. Customs Border Patrol.

Purolator offers unmatched experience and expertise with the United States/Canadian border clearance process, and has incorporated a hassle-free border crossing into its returns management options, which include:

- Intra-Canada Consolidation: Allows businesses the flexibility to build a returns schedule based on its needs.

- Integrated Returns Material Authorization: An extremely customer-friendly and efficient management process, where customers maintain visibility.

- E-Returns: An expedited returns program that relies heavily on technology utilizing an electronic interface and pre-printed labels.

“Any one of these options can serve as the basis for a customized returns management solution,” Stomp explained. “The important thing is that businesses realize now – ahead of the holiday crunch – that a good returns management program is essential.”

Triumph Express Selects Descartes’ Ocean Rate Management Solution

Descartes Systems Group (Waterloo, Ontario, Canada) has announced that Triumph Express Services Canada selected Descartes Rate Builder, a web-based rate management solution, to help manage its ocean rates.

Descartes Rate Builder helps freight forwarders manage their core businesses more effectively by minimizing internal resources needed to update ocean rates. The solution helps manage the many aspects of ocean rates, from complex rate calculations for door-to-door moves, to managing contracts, tariffs and quotes across the organization through a dynamic web interface.

Descartes Rate Builder not only helps Triumph manage its ocean rates, but also provides a visibility platform to ensure that the sales force, operations team and overseas partners are able to access up-to-date rates, consistent pricing information across the organization.

“In order to keep up with the constantly changing rates from the ocean carriers, we previously had to spend a tremendous amount of resources to keep rates up-to-date for the sales force. The process was inefficient and a resource drain,“ said Eddie Rei, president of Triumph Express Services Canada. “By working with Descartes Rate Builder, this process is now automated and we can now collaborate in real-time with our sales teams, customers and partners to offer the most cost effective and efficient ways to ship freight.”

“Descartes Rate Builder gives forwarders, like Triumph, the ability to centralize and automate their rate management processes into a single, global system that can optimize and effectively leverage rate information to improve productivity, profitability and customer service,” said Cindy Yamamoto, senior vice president of Supply Chain Execution at Descartes. “This type of efficiency makes a difference, not just in the bottom line, but in relationships with customers.”

Descartes Rate Builder is an on-demand solution that helps carriers manage global rates, contracts and rate agreements more efficiently and meet regulatory obligations. Descartes Rate Builder uses the power of the Internet to enable companies to create, revise, store and distribute rates. Once they are generated, Descartes Rate Builder stores rates in a central database with controlled access privileges. It also maintains strict version control and clearly notes changes between versions.

Descartes Rate Builder is part of the federated Descartes Global Logistics Network (GLN), which enables the world’s leading transportation providers to connect to their trading partners and reliably exchange information to drive delivery performance and high levels of customer satisfaction. The Descartes GLN helps companies better manage their logistics book-to-bill process, track inventory, meet regulatory requirements, optimize fleet performance, and effectively communicate with their logistics partners.

Vello Systems Virtualizes Wide-Area Networking Resources with Low- Latency, Multi-Terabit Cloud Switching Technology

Vello Systems (Menlo Park, Calif.), a leader in high performance cloud infrastructure solutions, has announced the introduction and availability of its innovative Cloud Switching technology. The new solution harnesses state-of-the-art gridless optical technologies through the VellOS real-time operating system enabling CX4000 and CX16000 systems to deliver terabits of economical, low-latency, virtualized capacity in the wide area. This new technology is critical to service providers, enterprise, and government institutions seeking cost-effective capacity and intelligence in their wide-area infrastructures, as they migrate to private, public and hybrid cloud architectures.

Cloud Switching defines a new software framework to dynamically program gigabits to terabits of capacity in the wide-area. Cloud Switching takes advantage of Vello Systems' own company-developed advanced gridless optical technology, producing an unprecedented 7 terabits of virtualized capacity per fiber. With Cloud Switching, capacity is made elastic, allowing bandwidth to be assigned, and re-assigned, where and when it's needed. This is critical functionality especially for data center operators seeking to virtualize resources across the wide-area and content providers seeking dynamic capacity to move large amounts of content through their infrastructure.

"With the increasing adoption of 10G, especially within data centers and colocation facilities, finding solutions to meet growing capacity needs in the wide-area is becoming increasingly challenging," said Eve Griliches at ACG Research. "Vello Systems' Cloud Switching technology addresses these needs with a compelling combination of features, capabilities and economics."

Vello Systems is also announcing the initiation of the Cloud Switching API development program. The Cloud Switching API is designed to provide partners and 3rd party developers access to the Cloud Switching bandwidth assignment and virtualization capabilities. The ultimate goal of the API is to enable an open, extensible framework for higher layer applications and systems to define, manage and enforce infrastructure-level policies aligned to critical business processes. This grants IT managers unprecedented access to network resources, paving the way for a common control environment to orchestrate virtualization and automation tasks.

"We're very excited to introduce Vello System's new Cloud Switching technology to our network and customers as we accelerate the evolution of our cloud infrastructure and services portfolio," said Stephen Klenert, CEO of Atlantic Metro Communications, a full-service Internet Solutions Provider offering Managed Hosting, Colocation, IP Bandwidth, Dark Fiber and Metro Transport services. "Cloud Switching will deliver the performance and economics we need to scale our operation, providing the most nimble, adaptive infrastructure for our customers."

Cloud Switching is fully-manageable through the company's CloudMaster management and provisioning system providing an easy-to-use GUI-based system to control Cloud Switching parameters. CloudMaster also serves as the primary interface to higher layer network and IT systems via an array of northbound programmatic interfaces including SNMP and XML. "Cloud Switching is a significant advancement for customers seeking low-latency, multi-terabit, virtualized solutions for their networks," said Karl May, Vello Systems President and CEO. "Cloud Switching's elastic, virtualized capabilities and open API pave the way for a new breed of IT architectures enabling complete virtualization and automation."

For more information, contact Jeff Baher, vice president of marketing at jbaher@vellosystems.com or visit www.vellosystems.com.

The Impact of Broadband Speed and Price on Small Business

The availability, speed and price of broadband services vary significantly between metro area and rural businesses, according to a study released today by the Small Business Association Office of Advocacy. The study, entitled The Impact of Broadband Speed and Price on Small Business, found that when prices are held constant, rural small businesses get less service compared with metro small businesses. When services are held constant, rural small businesses pay higher prices than metro small busi­nesses. The Office of Advocacy was directed to conduct this study by Congress under the Broadband Data Improvement Act, Public Law 110-385 Section 105. The study surveyed small businesses to evaluate their options to broadband services.

“All small businesses must have access to fast and affordable broadband if they’re going to succeed in the global economy,” said Winslow Sargeant, Chief Counsel for Advocacy. “Today’s study shows that a lack of competition in broadband providers is having a negative impact on rural small businesses.”

The study finds that small businesses want both competition and choice in the broadband service market. They see com­petition as key to innovation, customer service, and lower prices. The survey data demonstrate that, in most cases, the small business Internet market does not provide this competition or choice to small businesses from or price perspective.

“Increasing access to affordable broadband Internet service will allow rural small businesses to tap into a market that was previously out of their reach,” said Senator Mary Landrieu, D-La., Chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. “This study is an important first step in collecting data on what types of advanced telecommunications services are available to small businesses across the United States. We must continue implementing key provisions of the National Broadband Plan to ensure that small businesses, as well as small telecommunications providers, can remain competitive in our expanding global economy.”

The report also examined local service and pricing. A case study comparing the prices paid by small businesses and residential Internet consumers in Minnesota and Tennessee found that small business Internet customers pay two to three times more than what residential Internet customers pay for equivalent speeds, irrespective of the com­munity under analysis.

“Today’s study confirms that small businesses across Massachusetts are effectively utilizing the Internet to create jobs, expand their market, and grow this economy”, said Senator John Kerry. “But it also reiterates what we’ve long known – that businesses in Western Massachusetts and other parts of the state are at a distinct disadvantage compared to businesses in big cities because fewer providers are offering less bandwidth at higher prices. Quality broadband at competitive prices is a necessity, not a luxury, which is why we must implement the National Broadband Plan as quickly as possible to help our small businesses.”

The complete study is available at www.sba.gov/advo/research/rs373tot.pdf.

A research summary is available at www.sba.gov/advo/research/rs373.pdf.

CXT Software Integrates With 50 Shippers

CXT Software, a provider of automation technology to expedited delivery and last-mile distribution businesses, has announced that it has reached the milestone of integrating its X Dispatch product suite with 50 shipping and third-party logistics (3PL) partners. These integrations enable CXT Software customers to receive Advance Shipping Notice (ASN)information from shippers and 3PLs, and in many cases provide status updates and proof of delivery feedback.

“As our customers continue to expand into last-mile distribution and logistics, CXT Software has continued to add shipping partners,” explained Derek Figg, CXT Software’s vice president of engineering. “Our X Stream technology enables us to build robust connectors to pharmaceutical, office supply, technology,
automotive and furniture distributors, as well as third-party logistics providers and online retailers."

“The ability to connect our customers to a large number of shipping partners opens up distribution opportunities for our customer base," adds Darin Soll, CXT Software’s CEO. “Using our X Route and X Mobile products in conjunction with our X Stream shipper integration technology enables CXT Software customers to meet the real-time parcel tracking, chain of custody, and proof of delivery requirements of their shipping customers.”

X Route, X Mobile, and X Stream are optional add-on components to CXT Software’s market leading X Dispatch product suite.

For more information, visit www.cxtsoftware.com.

TMSi Logistics Announces Acquisition of Rhombus Services

TMSi Logistics (Portsmouth, N.H.), a leading distribution, technology, and integrated logistics provider, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Rhombus Services, a leading national installation and service provider for digital media applications. This acquisition will enable TMSi to enter into a niche industry for increased exposure and market share, and will help Rhombus deliver a higher level of service for customers.

Rhombus Services has a reputation of providing excellent solutions to the digital signage, kiosk, and retail fixture industries. Through the acquisition by TMSi, Rhombus will now have the internal technology, logistics, and financial strength to increase the scope, efficiency, and quality of the solutions they provide. The acquisition will help enhance services including rapid roll outs of point-of-sale and point-of-purchase technologies, site preparation, on-site field service, preventative maintenance, and transportation/warehousing.

Ron Cain, Chairman and CEO of TMSi Logistics, states, “This acquisition by TMSi has enabled us to gain access to promising new technologies, to achieve synergies in our operations, and to tap well-developed distribution channels. Rhombus shares our dedication to achieving and maintaining a values-driven, performance-based culture that delivers results, and we look forward to the success that the partnership will bring to both companies.”

According to Jeff Metzger, Executive Vice President of Rhombus, “Rhombus has and continues to be a reliable and trustworthy partner to clients across industries. The recent acquisition by TMSi further demonstrates the commitment of both companies to providing the best services for customers, and we anticipate great results from the continuous improvements our new relationship will bring.”

JF Hillebrand acquires Lagena Distribution AB

JF Hillebrand has strengthened its capability to provide dedicated wine and beverage logistics services in Sweden with the acquisition of Stockholm-based Lagena Distribution AB, the leading distributor of alcoholic beverages in Sweden.

Since its formation in 1994, Lagena Distribution AB has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of Systembolaget AB, the Swedish Alcohol Retail Monopoly. In April, Systembolaget’s board made the decision to sell Lagena Distribution, as part of an effort to increase the focus on core operations.

“Lagena is an important strategic acquisition for our expansion in the Nordic countries,” said Gérard Desbois, CEO JF Hillebrand Group. “The sales process has taken just under six months and attracted the attention of numerous potential purchasers, so naturally we are delighted to have reached an agreement.”

“We believe that JF Hillebrand is the ideal future owner of Lagena Distribution,” said Anders Söderlund, vice president of Systembolaget AB. “It is a very exciting development thanks to JF Hillebrand’s long-term plans for operations, combined with their extensive expertise in integrated beverage logistics.”

The acquisition underpins JF Hillebrand’s market-leading position in Sweden and across the Nordic and Baltic countries, which are seen as an evolving beverage market with high potential for growth and development.

“The acquisition presents both companies with a unique opportunity to further enhance levels of specialist service in Sweden,” said Soren Nymann, JF Hillebrand’s area manager for Northern Europe. “The combination of Lagena Distribution’s local logistics expertise, alongside JF Hillebrand’s global forwarding network, means we are now perfectly positioned to serve the needs of our customers with two Swedish companies.”

Lagena Distribution will keep its current brand and management team and will continue to focus on warehousing and distribution in Sweden. JF Hillebrand Sverige AB will focus on the existing freight forwarding business in Sweden.

“We are truly delighted to welcome Lagena to the JF Hillebrand Group,” said Pierre Bonel, JF Hillebrand’s Global Sales and Marketing Director. “The combined expertise and organizational skills of both companies will enable us to enhance our own service offering, and in so doing, capitalize on growth opportunities in the global market for beverage logistics. The addition of Lagena Distribution’s know-how and expertise is strategically important to our organization.”

"We very much welcome this acquisition, which we see as both an interesting development opportunity and an excellent fit between the business models. The new owner has been very well received by the management team and all staff, and we believe that we have a bright future ahead of us," said Per Öhagen, Managing Director of Lagena Distribution.

For more information, visit www.jfhillebrand.com.

Acculogix Uses Descartes Transportation Management Solution to Optimize Shipping Processes

Descartes Systems Group (Waterloo, Ontario, Canada)(Nasdaq:DSGX) has announced that Acculogix Distribution Services, a Canadian-based third party logistics (3PL) distributor of magazines and books, is using Descartes’ Transportation Management, Pick, Pack and Ship solution to streamline its distribution throughout Western Canada.

Streamlining shipping processes through automation

Acculogix services 4,000 retailers in Western Canada and operates 13 satellite depots/cross-dock centers where magazine shipments are processed for delivery to local markets via express package carriers. To streamline the process of labeling shipments being handled by its package carrier service providers, Acculogix selected Descartes’ Transportation Management Pick, Pack and Ship solution.

Descartes’ Transportation Management solution enables Acculogix to interface with its in-house automated magazine picking system as well as an in-line and automated shipping label generating system. In doing so, Acculogix was able to automate a number of manual processes that reduced labor costs, unify a single labeling and manifesting system across all carriers, and minimize the shipping label processing time while increasing accuracy.

“We went from 13 years of manually keying in shipping label details and applying them, to a completely automated process,” said Chris Brann, logistics manager at the Acculogix site in Calgary, Alberta. “This solution enables us to automate shipping processes, reduce labor requirements and costs, lower freight expenses through carrier optimization, as well as improve visibility into shipped orders status across all depots and for pre-authorized customers.”

Increased productivity, lower costs

Descartes’ Transportation Management, Pick, Pack and Ship solution has delivered a number of benefits since it was installed. A typical production run at Acculogix would include at least three additional staff members and take almost twice as long to perform this process manually. Now, staffing requirements have been reduced and productivity in processing orders has improved by nearly 25 percent.

Furthermore, Acculogix has also achieved close to 100 percent accuracy in shipment labeling.

“In a competitive industry where every dollar counts, a high level of efficiency is especially critical,” said Ken Wood, Senior Vice President of Product Strategy at Descartes. “We are happy our solution has helped Acculogix to automate a great number of processes and allow for significant cost optimizations at the same time.”

More information and industry updates are available at http://www.descartes.com and http://blog.descartes.com.

Maritime Administration Awards $3.1 Million Contract to New Bay Area Ship Recycler

The United States Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration has awarded two contracts for a total of $3.1 million to Allied Defense Recycling of Petaluma, Calif., to clean and recycle two Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet ships, the SS Solon Turman and the SS President. The two ships are scheduled to be towed from Suisun Bay to the former Mare Island Naval Shipyard facility in for recycling in December.

“The Obama Administration is running full-speed ahead in its commitment to cleaning up the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “These contracts will help the local economy while advancing our mission of maintaining the Fleet in a safe and environmentally-sound manner.”

In October 2009, the Obama Administration called for expedited cleanup of the fleet site and improved protection of the unique marine environment and surrounding bayside communities, setting a goal of removing 57 ships by September 30, 2017. Eleven ships were removed in the past year, surpassing the planned schedule of removing 10 ships in 2010.

“This is further evidence of our commitment to clean up Suisun Bay,” said Maritime Administrator David Matsuda. “The Mare Island recycling facility will bolster our efforts to remove obsolete ships and reduce environmental risks to the Bay.”

MARAD currently cleans the hulls of obsolete ships before towing them nearly 5,000 miles through the Panama Canal to recycling facilities on the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic coasts. Allied Defense Recycling, using the former Mare Island Naval Shipyard, will recycle the ships avoiding the lengthy tow to ship recyclers in other areas.

The Maritime Administration promotes the development and maintenance of an adequate, well-balanced, United States merchant marine fleet, sufficient to carry the Nation's domestic waterborne commerce and a substantial portion of its waterborne foreign commerce, and capable of service as a naval and military auxiliary in time of war or national emergency. The Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet is one of three anchorages maintained by the Maritime Administration for national defense and national emergency purposes. For additional information about the Maritime Administration, visit www.marad.dot.gov.

Pizzas 4 Patriots and DHL Partner on Veteran’s Day Care Package

United States Service members stationed thousands of miles away will get a slice of home this Veteran's Day on November 11, thanks to DHL Express (Plantation, Fla.)and the non-profit organization Pizzas 4 Patriots.

To honor their service as well pay tribute to the millions of U.S. veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime, a special care package containing over 1,000 Chicago-style pizzas will be shipped courtesy of DHL Express to U.S. servicemen and women stationed overseas in the Horn of Africa, as part of “Operation World Pizza.”

With the support of DHL Express, Pizzas 4 Patriots has distributed over 46,000 pizzas to U.S. military personnel overseas - mainly throughout Iraq and Afghanistan. After five previous donations to the Middle East, the effort was broadened as “Operation World Pizza” to provide servicemen and women serving in other areas of the world a slice of home.

“With DHL's global expertise, we'll be able to reach those stationed in Djibouti this year and honor them this Veteran's Day as well as help others understand just how valuable their service is to the populations in the East Africa region,” said Retired Master Sergeant Mark Evans, founder of Pizzas 4 Patriots.

Evans partnered with DHL Express due to its international expertise and ability to deliver in areas of the world not reached directly by other express delivery companies.

For Veteran's Day, DHL Express will deliver over 1,000 pizzas, provided by Romeoville, Ill-based Great Kitchens, to U.S. Service members and civilians assigned to Camp Lemonnier and its tenant units, to include the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA). CJTF-HOA uses military-to-military engagements with African partner militaries and civil military operations as the cornerstones to building partner nation and regional security capacity in countries such as Djibouti, Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Comoros, and Uganda.

In addition to the more than 1,000 pizzas, 100 Jubulani World Cup soccer Balls donated by Adidas and 20,000 individual packets of Snapple Fruit Punch will also be part of the Veteran's Day care package. All will be transported through DHL's hub at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport where they will move onward to DHL's regional hub in the Middle East and then directly to Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport (JIB) for final delivery to Camp Lemonnier.

"The logistics behind getting freshly-frozen pizzas to remote military installations is astounding, but as the specialists in International shipping we're fully prepared to accomplish such complex tasks," said Adrian Watts, Sr. Director of US Government Sales and Support Team, for DHL Express. "We're also extremely honored to leverage our international network, global reach and expertise to bring a special 'slice' of home to U.S. servicemen and women who truly deserve recognition for what they accomplish in the East Africa region."

"As the commander of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, I extend the task force's deep appreciation for this generous and thoughtful donation," said Navy Rear Admiral Brian Losey. "It's humbling to have Americans such as Retired Master Sergeant Evans initiate a project such as this and we're pleased he's reaching out to the men and women in East Africa who do great work on behalf of U.S. Africa Command."

Working closely alongside partner nation military branches and with U.S. Government agencies, CJTF-HOA conducts security-based military-to-military engagements while sharing best practices, and has supported development projects in East Africa by building and renovating schools, clinics and hospitals, conducting Medical Civic Action and Veterinary Civic Action projects, and supporting water resource development and waste management.

"Our Service members are making a huge difference in promoting security and regional stability, providing humanitarian assistance and preventing conflict in areas you don't hear about on the evening news," said Evans.

Complete Innovations’ Track & Dispatch Suite Attains Motorola Validation for ES400

Complete Innovations Inc. (Toronto), a global provider of operational solutions for mobile workforce and transportation-related companies, has announced the availability of the ES400 Track and Dispatch Suite. The Fleet Complete application has successfully achieved Enterprise Mobility validation through completing Motorola’s Enterprise Mobility Validated Solution Program that includes joint testing at the Motorola Solution Center located in Holtsville, N.Y.

This designation will assure customers of system interoperability between the ES400 Track and Dispatch Suite and Motorola's ES400 enterprise mobile computer. The new ES400 Track & Dispatch Suite is powered by the flagship Fleet Complete and Courier Complete solutions.

Designed as a turnkey solution, the ES400 Track and Dispatch Suite includes the durable Motorola ES400 enterprise mobile computer, Fleet Complete software and wireless data provided in partnership with mobile operators in the United States and Canada. The product platform provides customers with mobile resource tracking, dispatch workflow, barcode scanning, and signature capture and push-to-talk (PTT) communication.

“We’re pleased to deliver added assurance to our customers by becoming one of the first companies to achieve accreditation from Motorola,” said Tony Lourakis, CEO of Complete Innovations. “We’re excited about combining the ES400 with our Track and Dispatch Suite to provide customers with a landmark new platform for GPS tracking and real-time communication.”

Motorola’s Enterprise Mobility Validated Solutions Program enables partners to test and validate their mobility solutions on Motorola products to help ensure interoperability and meet the customer application-specific needs, as well as reduce both the risk level and the time to deployment for the customer.

Customers using the ES400 Track and Dispatch Suite can look forward to these key features:

• Durable Device: Can sustain the wear and tear of typical field use; occupies a sweet spot between consumer devices that are easily damaged and military/ruggedized standards that are cost-prohibitive.
• Enterprise Applications: Supports and enables access to business critical applications allowing mobile workers to complete their tasks, wherever they are.
• GPS: Integrated GPS for location-based services such as Fleet Complete and Courier Complete.
• Windows Mobile and Corporate Email: Remote administration and enterprise security means you can manage device deployments easily and your field workers can rely on one device for all communication.
• Voice, Data & WiFi: Works on all voice/data networks as well as offering WiFi for flexibility.
• Three-Year Targeted Lifecycle: Committed support from Motorola for a much longer life cycle than consumer devices get to ensure your deployment today does not
become obsolete two years from now.

Complete Innovations is also updating its Courier Complete Suite offer to include the Motorola ES400 as the core mobile computer. Courier Complete Suite includes software features specific to the courier industry such as a courier operations management module, expanded dispatch capability and a customer web portal in addition to all of the features available on the ES400 Track and Dispatch Suite.

Visit our mobile resource management website for details on the ES400 Track and Dispatch Suite, or our courier software website for details on Courier Complete Suite. For more information, visit www.completeinnovations.com.

Source Alliance Network Launches Company Headquarters in Chicago

Source Alliance Network (SAN) Founder and Managing Director, Jim G. Vaca, has announced the opening of his company’s new headquarters in Chicago. SAN is a supply chain solutions and technology provider that acts as a one-stop-shop for logistics and supply chain professionals who would otherwise have to partner with several third parties in order to fulfill their supply chain management needs.

“We feel that by headquartering in an international hub like Chicago, SAN is going to be able to grow more efficiently and serve more clients,” Vaca said.

SAN’s comprehensive solutions are made possible through the company’s web-based, multi-modal transportation management system, 1 SOURCE. 1 SOURCE enables SAN to provide fully comprehensive supply chain management and optimization solutions by coupling high-level market intelligence with advanced information technology.

“We see a real lack of complete supply chain management technology solutions in the current marketplace,” said Vaca. “We plan to fill that void by using 1 SOURCE to help companies reduce costs and resolve issues whether they’re dealing with one parcel or fifty truckloads.”

SAN is currently offering eligible companies a free comprehensive transportation analysis (CTA) and additional 10 percent discount on all 1 SOURCE-related services. For more information, call (312) 226-2622 or send an e-mail to sales@sourcealliance.net.

Last Mile Specialist

Courier Magazine is reaching out to its readers to develop an interactive presentation on the latest news and trends affecting the Last Mile industry. CM staff members are putting together the 2011 webinar schedule and you could be one of our expert presenters!

If you would be interested in developing a presentation, complete with a PowerPoint slideshow and unique talking points, let our staff know immediately. We want to feature your Last Mile initiatives to boost fellow businesses and courier operations.

Courier Magazine webinars offer presenters and participants the opportunity to learn from one another and branch out into different sectors of the industry. Many times, something you learn in a CM webinar can help your operation run more efficiently and effectively in addition to the numerous networking opportunities.

We want to know:
-What steps did your company take to add Last Mile service?
-How is it adding to your bottom line?
-Have you taken any steps to enhance the service to your customers?
-Is it a “work in progress” for your drivers?
-What would you say to fellow courier professionals who are looking to add the service?

Respond with your answers to Courier Magazine Editor Vince Brennan at editor@couriermagazine.com.
We want to hear from you!