General cargo networks to merge 
Palletways wants to acquire a stake in Germany-based VTL. Experts say that the move will unite the companies’ general cargo networks. The merger aims to provide better coverage in Germany. VTL has 90 and Palletways more than 70 national depots. Delivery areas can be... more
Giant crane for Bristol Port
Bristol Port in the UK is playing a key role in the logistics supply chain for the construction of the multi-billion pound atomic power plant Hinkley Point. Given this role, the port just took delivery of the world’s largest crane that is destined to undertake all the heaviest... more
Logistics colloquium in Zurich
Lectures at the 36th Zurich Logistics Colloquium focussed on autonomous trains and emission-free trucks. The annual event, attended by 111 participants this year, is held by Dr. Ing. Acél & Partner in collaboration with ETH Zurich. Markus Bruderer, assembly manager at... more
Denis Petropoulos appointed new Baltic Exchange chairman
Denis Petropoulos has been elected chairman of the Baltic Exchange Council with effect from 1 June 2019. He replaces Duncan Dunn who has held the position since January 2018. Petropoulos was a founding partner of Braemar Tankers and remains a significant shareholder at... more
“Curiosity of the Day” 
Every year about 2,000 left-handed people die in accidents that are caused when they try to use equipment designed for right-handed people. more
Japan Customs opts for Champ Cargosystems solution
The logistics IT solution provider Champ Cargosystems, in accordance with the new Japan Customs border management regulations, is now offering advance cargo information (ACI) filing to Japan Customs via its customs compliance solution, Traxon Global Customs (TGC). Champ has... more
More hybrid locomotives for Europe
Stadler Rail has signed a contract with the Swiss leasing company European Loc Pool (ELP) for ten more Eurodual hybrid freight locomotives. The batch is part of a framework contract covering up to 100 locomotives, according to the rolling stock manufacturer. The locomotives... more
Lift each other to new heights
Northwestern Africa in the broad sense is not new territory for the ECS Group, a global GSSA. It took a minority stake in national carrier Niger Air Cargo seven years ago (see page 17 of ITJ 49-52 / 2012). Group CEO Adrien Thominet and Royal Air Maroc’s vice-president for cargo,... more
PTC interoperability is a challenge
The class I US rail road Union Pacific (UP) has implemented positive train control (PTC) on 937 route kilometres, thus raising its required PTC-operated route kilometres to 21,882 or 80%. The railway will continue its implementation efforts to ensure PTC interoperability... more
New electronics to maintain safe distances
Switzerland: Volvo Trucks has introduced a safety function named “distance alert” that makes it easier for truck drivers to maintain a safe distance to the vehicles in front. Rear-end collisions account for around 20% of all the serious crashes in which trucks are involved.... more