NOTED: Supply Chain Highlights
As a result of a continued relationship with BioNatur Plastics, which manufactures biodegradable plastic products for use in air cargo operations, American Airlines Cargo reduced long-term plastic waste by more than 150,000 pounds, the equivalent of 8.6 million water bottles, in 2023.
Green Seeds
• ORBIS’ Ocean in Mind packaging initiative focuses on recovering and repurposing single-use plastic waste found on coastlines and using it in supply chain packaging. ORBIS blends the recovered plastic waste with other materials when it manufactures its containers and pallets.
RECOGNITION
• CSX received the inaugural W.F. Thompson Award for Class I Operating Performance for 2023. The award, presented by Loop Capital, recognizes the Class I railroad with the best operational performance in a calendar year.
• To recognize its consistent ability to deliver improved end-customer satisfaction, reliable service, and reduced transit times, Schneider Electric presented GEODIS with its 2023 Best Service Award in China.
• Zion Solutions Group was honored with the 2024 Most Valuable Partner Award by the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association. The award recognizes companies for their commitment to education and community, and innovation.
SEALED DEALS
↑ OBI, a home and garden retailer across Europe, has selected TradeBeyond’s multi-enterprise platform for an extensive supply chain digitalization project.
• MyFBAPrep entered a strategic partnership to provide Blenders Eyewear with warehousing solutions powered by its SaaS platform Preptopia. The contract covers marketplace order fulfillment services, and logistical support tailored to Blenders’ specific needs.
↑ CEVA Logistics, a subsidiary of the CMA CGM Group, signed a new multi-year agreement to continue providing all logistics services for Scuderia Ferrari’s cars and equipment during Grand Prix events, as well as for GT races and Ferrari Challenge events.
← Channel-free logistics platform Fillogic will manage footwear brand Koio’s ecommerce and store fulfillment, reverse logistics, and transportation optimization. Fillogic converts under-utilized retail space in shopping malls into middle-mile fulfillment and reverse logistics hubs.
GOOD WORKS
→ Averitt Express and MoonPie teamed up to deliver more than 10,000 boxes containing 60,000 MoonPies to Fort Campbell to thank soldiers for their service to the country. Averitt delivered the MoonPies at no cost.
• US Foods donated more than $12 million in food, supplies, and monetary contributions to address hunger-relief efforts—the equivalent of about 5 million meals or 225 truckloads of product.
M&A
↑ PS Logistics acquired Buddy Moore Trucking of Birmingham, Alabama. The transaction enhances PS Logistics’ flatbed, dedicated dry van, and brokerage operations, and diversifies its offerings in the Southeast.
• To strengthen its geographic coverage of the European food network, Dachser acquired Frigoscandia AB, a full-service provider of temperature-controlled and frozen food logistics in the Nordic region.
• Kenco acquired The Shippers Group, a Dallas-based third-party warehousing company. The strategic partnership adds to Kenco’s capabilities by providing increased capacity, broader geographic reach, and an expanded suite of services.
↑ Ryder System acquired Cardinal Logistics, which provides dedicated fleets and professional drivers to service complex route structures across distribution centers, suppliers, and stores.
• Daseke has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by TFI International, a North American transportation and logistics provider.
UP THE CHAIN
Jim Heller
Chris Martens
← Global industrial manufacturer and distributor Optimas Solutions appointed Jim Heller as the new senior vice president of distribution, and Chris Martens as the new vice president of manufacturing for the Americas region.
Stephen Down
→ National DCP, the Atlanta-based foodservice company serving Dunkin’ restaurants worldwide, promoted Stephen Down to CEO. Down joined NDCP as CFO in 2023, bringing 30 years of financial and executive leadership experience.
• Magnate Worldwide appointed Matt Hamilton as president of its global forwarding services segment. Hamilton has an extensive history in global logistics and supply management, with over 27 years in the industry.
Omar Shamsie
← Omar Shamsie was named chief commercial officer of Odyssey Logistics. He will focus on driving strategic sales growth, developing vertical markets, and cross-selling initiatives to deepen customer relationships.
• Polaris Transportation Group appointed Richard Kunow as president and Dave Cox as CEO.
Katie Quinn
→ Katie Quinn, formerly the COO of R2 Logistics, has assumed the role of CEO to steer the company’s third-party logistics services and strategic supply chain solutions into the future.
Jeff Harpole
← Jeff Harpole will become chief operating officer at Ruan, succeeding Dan Van Alstine when he retires near the end of 2024. Van Alstine will serve on Ruan’s board of directors starting in 2025.