While transport volumes have picked up significantly, gross profit performance falls short of the previous quarter
Panalpina, the global transport and logistics group, significantly increased its transport volumes in the air and ocean freight segments in the third quarter of 2009 as compared with the second quarter. That said, based on a 9-month comparison, volume growth and gross profit performance remained significantly below expectations. The cost development is in line with the objectives communicated by the company.

Although the Panalpina Group increased its transport volumes in the air freight segment by 10% between the second and third quarter, volumes were 25% down year-on-year based on a 9-month comparison.

Notwithstanding growth of 13% between the second and third quarter, the ocean freight segment also fell significantly below expectations on a 9-month comparison, with volumes 18% down compared to the previous year.
 Gross profit in the first nine months declined by nearly 19% year-on-year and was reduced by about 4% compared to the second quarter. 
 Due to the cost-saving program implemented by the Panalpina Group, the cost development is in line with the objectives already communicated by the company.

Annual Sino International Freight Forwarders Conference will be held at Hong Kong again this year
May 18, 2009

The 6th Annual Sino International Freight Forwarders Conference cosponsored by China International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFA) and WCA Family of Logistic Networks (WCAF) will be held at Hong Kong on June 11-14, 2009. Under the support of Ministry of Commerce, the Sino Conference has been successfully held five times and become the industry''s most influential and well-known brand. 1,450 delegates from 808 global companies attended 5th Annual Sino International Freight Forwarders Conference in Hong Kong last year, more than 19,000 one on one meetings were held during the conference, which effectively promote our freight forwarding companies with foreign counterparts to set up the agent relationship between each other, and further expand business networks.

The 6th Annual Sino-International Freight Forwarders Conference will also feature WCA Family’s trademark One-on-One Meetings SchedulerTM, an online system enabling delegates to set up face to face meetings with potential partners at the conference in advance so they know before they travel precisely who, when and where they will meet to maximize the time available at the event. Under the influence of the global financial crisis, international trade markedly decline in traffic, freight forwarding industry is generally suffering a tremendous impact, but Mr. Luo Kaifu, the Superior Consultant of China International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFA) thinks that the more difficult at times, the more it can highlight the competitiveness of the excellent companies, they will seek development and create new business opportunities with a positive attitude. As the largest independent global freight forwarder organization, WCAF (WCA Family of Logistic Networks) keeps close relationship with 2100 small and medium-sized freight forwarding enterprises in 150 countries all over the world, Mr. David Yokeum, the President of WCA Family of Logistic Networks (WCAF) said that small and medium-sized freight forwarding companies generally maintain close relationship with their clients, and they can adapt to the new demand of customers.

With regard to the problem whether the number of conference attendee will decline or not, the organizers said the results could be "unexpected." Mr. Liu Xuede, the Vice President and Secretary General of China International Freight Forwarders Association also said that the organizers would strive to reduce conference registration fee. At the same time, CIFA’s president and vice president enterprises such as Sinotrans Group etc will attend this conference, which will bring more effective cooperation opportunities for Chinese and foreign companies especially the small and medium-sized ones.

 Source: American Shipper+ Shippers' NewsWire     Date Posted: 10/20/2009 11:09:47 AM

Panama Canal electronic cargo declaration starts November

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) said Monday that beginning Nov. 15, all full vessels transiting the canal must declare their cargo through its electronic data collection system (EDCS-BAPLIE).
   “The timely submission of cargo information for vessels intending to transit is essential for security assessment, on-deck cargo assessment, and cargo statistics,” the ACP said.
   The Panama Canal Authority said it has been “experiencing some difficulties due to incorrect or incomplete cargo information, mainly from vessels carrying containerized cargo.”
   The authority warned that failure to submit accurate and timely information may result in transit delays, additional charges and possible fines.
   For more information regarding the EDCS-BAPLIE method, please refer to the BAPLIE Technical Requirements at http://www.pancanal.com/eng/maritime/edcs/index.html.