July 2017

Qatar ‘files WTO complaint’

Qatar was reported on 31 July to have filed an official complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) to challenge a trade boycott by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and United Arab Emirates imposed over alleged support for terrorism. It would be the first step in the WTO's dispute process and, following negotiations, the dispute would go to a panel. [+]

Change of plan at Virgin Atlantic

Dominic Kennedy is being promoted to managing director of Virgin Atlantic Cargo. It follows changes in the airline’s senior management team which that mean David Geer, who was due to take up the post in mid-August, will instead become senior vice president revenue management. Dominic Kennedy (pictured) will take up ... [+]

DHL opens ‘chip’ shop

DHL has set up a new Semiconductor Logistics arm to provide end-to-end solutions to the sector and is launching a Global Capital Support Center with dedicated teams in Europe, Asia Pacific and the US. It said it would improve the flexibility and agility of semiconductor supply chains, with teams experienced ... [+]

Unions take on XPO

The International Transport Workers’ Federation has set up an XPO global leadership group to tackle what it describes as the company’s anti-worker, anti-union stance. ITF general secretary Steve Cotton said that US-owned XPO was “making huge profits on the backs of its workers, and our member unions.” [+]

Small firms ‘left in the dark’ over TNT cyber attack

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said in July that it still had “serious concerns” about the TNT NotPetya attack and is effect on its members. It said that while the attack occurred four weeks ago some small firms remain in the dark over when and if they can expect their ... [+]

Transmec to offer daily Italy intermodal route

Transmec Group is to upgrade its UK/Italy service via Zeebrugge to daily, following a €6 million (£5.4m) investment in its intermodal fleet and launching new pan-European rail services,. The transport and logistics operator is purchasing 160 Huckepack trailers, 100 swap bodies and 40 box containers for moving hanging garments. As well as ... [+]

Transaid to boost road safety in Uganda

International development organisation Transaid has launched a major truck and bus driver training project in Uganda. Set to become one of its largest initiatives in Africa, the Professional Driver Training – Uganda (PDTU) project has received major external funding. The primary role is to ensure Ugandan drivers are in a ... [+]

IAG is pharma industry’s Critical friend

IAG Cargo is offering its urgent Critical service for Constant Climate shipments, giving urgent pharmaceuticals can now have non-off loadable status and performance guarantees. The carrier is rolling out the new status to all its 109 Constant Climate enabled stations. Critical offers guaranteed capacity up to the maximum aircraft operating ... [+]

Samskip mounts Viking invasion

Intermodal operator Samskip is to take over Norway-based transport and shipping company Nor Lines. Subject to approval by Norway’s competition authorities, Samskip has agreed with the DSD Group to acquire the activities of Nor Lines, which generate an average annual turnover of €110 million. Stavanger-based Nor Lines runs domestic and international ... [+]

Brexit worries but grounds for hope too, says Fargo survey

Respondents to a survey by logistics software firm Fargo Systems painted a bleak picture of the effects of leaving the European Union - but there is also cautious optimism.  Many respondents believe that there will be little or no change to the continuing upward trend in global trade, despite the ... [+]