By Guy M. Tombs
“An old military adage has it that amateurs concern themselves with tactics, but professionals worry about logistics.” So says Richard Fidler in his excellent book Ghost Empire. Reading this recently cheered me, as I am in logistics. But I quickly had the less comfortable thought that clever tactics frequently overwhelm elaborately thought-out logistics. The game we are all in of course demands of us both knowledge and wit. (more…)
By Ian Putzger
Eager to put a disappointing 2018 harvest behind them, U.S. produce shippers are preparing for a strong crop this year – but it is as yet unclear who will buy it. After California’s peach harvest kicked off, hopes are high for a strong season for stone fruit grown in the state. Peach and nectarine volumes are expected to rise above average and apricots are going strong, while plums should see a medium-sized crop this year. (more…)
By Keith Norbury
Canada’s two major railways are embarking on some cool endeavours to build their refrigerated and temperature-controlled cargo business. For instance, the larger of the two, Canadian National Railway, recently wrapped up the acquisition of a major trucking company that specializes in refrigerated cargo. Meanwhile, Canadian Pacific Railway, recently brought into service 423 new 53-foot refrigerated containers and another 363 heated 53-foot containers. (more…)
By Keith Norbury
Blockchain, the technology behind cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, has the potential to revolutionize the transportation of refrigerated and temperature-controlled cargos. Its promises include verifying that temperatures remain at prescribed levels throughout the cold chain, and tracking perishables from harvest to consumption, thus ensuring sustainability. And, as with the transport of other cargos, blockchain also promises efficiency in settling disputes, processing insurance claims, and paying invoices. (more…)
By Alexander Whiteman
Panic is setting in among UK logistics operators as the country approaches its departure from the European Union. With just 17 working days between now and the scheduled 29 March withdrawal, industry associations are expressing “deep concern” at the lack of preparedness. The British International Freight Association (BIFA) has warned that logistics operators may find themselves liable for difficulties arising from a no-deal withdrawal. It said: “Given the likelihood of customs clearance delays following a hard Brexit, it could be argued that such delays are both expected and thus could be avoided.” (more…)
The Lion Electric Co. (Lion) unveiled its first all-electric Class 8 urban truck in Mirabel, Quebec on March 11. The Lion8 will be commercialized this Fall when its first vehicle will be delivered to Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ).
Lion’s ambassador, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, had the honour of unveiling the all-electric truck. Laurent is an NFL football player for the Kansas City Chiefs, medical graduate and is also President of the Laurent Duvernay-Tardif Foundation.
Until recently, the idea of an all-electric Class 8 urban truck was a dream that Lion and its partners TM4, AddÉnergie Technologies, and Solution Centum Adetel Transportation, have turned into a zero-emission heavy-duty truck. The Lion8 is designed, created, and manufactured to be electric and has a range of up to 400 kilometres on a single charge. The elimination of noise pollution, optimization of visibility, and unparalleled turning radius make the Lion8’s driving experience safe, enjoyable, and incomparable. (more…)
