June 2020

Accurate cargo description is still essential, says ITAL chief

Many companies, particularly freight forwarders, are failing to properly describe goods being moved within the European Union, says managing director of Manchester-based Ital Logistics, Phil Denton. While there is no requirement from Customs to give accurate descriptions for intra-EU traffic, it is still important for other reasons, especially where fragile, high value goods and foodstuff based products are concerned, he argues. Moreover, with the UK’s impending exit from the EU and ... [+]

IATA sees ray of sunshine

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said the global air freight markets in May showed a slight improvement and that capacity remains unable to meet demand as a result of the loss of belly cargo operations on passenger aircraft. Demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers, fell by 20.3% in May (-21.5% ... [+]

Express carrier aims for perfect score

DHL Express is planning what it bills as the “perfect flight” from Leipzig to New York JFK on 1 July. Thanks to the decimation of regular scheduled passenger flights due to the Covid-19 pandemic, one of the express carrier’s A330-200F freighter aircraft is expected to consume considerably less fuel with ... [+]

Green director for Getlink

Eurotunnel operator Getlink has appointed Vincent Ducros as group environment director. He previously worked for  PricewaterhouseCoopers’ major programme management entity, including a rail infrastructure programme and several infrastructure projects in the low carbon sector and has been project manager at Suez Recycling and Recovery France since 2018. [+]

Ireland appoints first-ever transport minister

FTA Ireland (FTAI) has applauded the appointment of Hildegarde Naughton as the country’s first dedicated minister for transport and logistics. General manager Aidan Flynn, said the association had been campaigning for for several years and was ready and willing to work closely with the newly-formed coalition between Fianna Fail, Fine Gael ... [+]

Young Forwarders Network offers free bitesize training

The British International Freight Association’s (BIFA) next event following the relaunch of its Young Forwarder Network (YFN) online will feature free ‘bitesize’ training run by BIFA trainers, Graeme Wilkinson and Carl Hobbis. Set to take place online on Wednesday 8 July,  the training will be focused around Customs Procedures Codes and ... [+]

Entries invited for TIACA awards

The second edition of The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) Air Cargo Sustainability Award is now open for applications. The competition aims to recognize outstanding businesses and industry initiatives leading the way to a more sustainable air cargo. This year, a Corporate Prize will recognize an established corporation, an international ... [+]

Stena pushes ahead with retonnaging plan – updated

Stena Line has started construction of two new larger E-Flexer ferries in Weihai, China, despite the Corona crisis. The vessels were ordered in 2018 and delivery is expected in 2022. They are the last of five vessels of the E-Flexer series that Stena Line ordered from sister company Stena RoRo The ... [+]

XPO to restore Waterford rail link

XPO Logistics is planning to start a new rail service between Ballina and the port of Waterford from the fourth quarter of the year restoring a long-standing link for the east coast Irish port, according to a report by Tim Casterton in the Multimodal newsletter. The principal customer will be ... [+]

Exploitation is rife in Europe’s road transport, say unions

Road transport companies are exploiting Covid-19 to exploit truck drivers across Europe, according to a report by the International Transport Workers' Federation and trade unions, published on 25 June. It includes allegations of drivers being trafficked and forced to sign false documentation, often in languages that they do not understand, ... [+]