► OTS Logistics Group ramps up global   presence

► Vanguard Logistics now a Class A company in China

► OTS Logistics Group appoints general manager to head UK growth

► Box Consolidators joins forces with OTS Logistics Group UK

►Chairman commits USD 5 million to education

►OTS Logistics Group Chairman celebrates Chinese New Year at world summit

▪ NACA USA makes the hazardous shipment world less hazardous to navigate
▪ NACA USA educates clients with Haz Mat classes for customers
▪ Conterm rep builds loyal partnership
▪ Sri Lanka donations gathered company wide
▪ A team member sings for peace at air force base
▪ Employees donate to cancer fund on behalf of departed friend and co-worker
▪ NACA USA congratulates employee finishing 20 years of dedication

OTS Logistics Group ramps up global presence

The plan to expand unfolds as the OTS Logistics group announces  a move that took the ocean freight market by surprise

OTS Logistics Group Limited announced in Hong Kong on the 19th of March that it would commence managing the international agency network of NACA Logistics (USA) Inc. The arrangement is effective immediately and will substantially enhance the global presence of OTS Logistics Group on a worldwide basis by extending its existing access to point to point service in over 300 trade lanes.

 “This arrangement gives us trade volumes of over 200,000 TEU of ocean freight on a global basis, pre-carriage and on-forwarding from virtually any point to any point in the world, 177 offices and agencies worldwide and representation in over 105 countries,”

said Owen Glenn, Chairman of the group.

Asked if this was the first step in a rumored public listing, Glenn replied, “We generally ignore rumors that relate to our business plans. It is no secret that we have a 27 year history of success - obviously this attracts investor interest. We have had some strong interest from parties that see this as an eventual listing opportunity but my answer is the same - we always examine options. Right now we are heavily focused on developments in China.”

The company has implemented strategy to establish a stronger presence in China with the acquisition of a Class A license in Zhuhai, China through another member of the group, Vanguard Logistics (HK). A “Global Resource Center” is also being set up in Zhuhai to handle the growth the group is experiencing and the group has relocated senior management to the region.

“If one connects the dots, looks at our commitment, looks at our now expanded network and our technology investments they can see what we have to offer”, Glenn said. “We are stitching together a powerhouse in global logistics, piece by piece. We have a billion dollar turnover in our sights.”

anguard Logistics Services, a subsidiary of the OTS Logistics Group, announced that its Zhuhai office received its Class A operating authority from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.

"Our target is to become a leading freight service provider in China. We will be taking full advantage of the license by elevating the status of our existing set up in key markets such as Shanghai, Tianjin, Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Qingdao," noted Regional Vice President for East Asia, Michael Tsui.
Vanguard now stands as one of the few non vessel operating common carriers (NVOCC) to hold the right to independently practice business in China without the use of an agent or other separate company. The Class A license will provide Vanguard with the right to conduct international freight forwarding operations for air and ocean cargo and will cover both import and export traffic. The license also gives Vanguard
 

the ability to issue invoices and transact business with its own personnel in China. The license is a major step for the company in furthering the development of its new Global Resource Center (GRC). The center will supplement operations world wide and will push the GRC into position to noticeably improve the company's operations, which will in turn speed processes for Vanguards customers.

"The Class A license demonstrates the strength of our commitment to developing the mainland China market and enhancing our overall global network, which will enable us to better meet the global logistics requirements of all our customer base for each subsidiary. " explains Michael Dye, CEO Asia Pacific.

An aerial view illustration of Zhuhai’s Southern Software Park depicts the Global Resource Center in the center of the park.

Conterm, Vanguard Logistics appoint General Manager to head UK growth

anguard Logistics Services (VLS) and Conterm Consolidation Services, recently announced the appointment of Ryan P. Murphy to the position of General Manager of the U.K.

Murphy has led the regional sales team and aided in the development of the growing U.K. operations. In his new capacity as General Manager he will oversee import and export operations, which includes regional supervision of other, international NVOCCs, Brennan International Transport and Direct Container Line.

“Ryan has extensive background in operations and logistics, as well as innumerable successes behind him, and was an obvious choice to fill the position,” said Michael Sinclair, CEO for NACA Logistics (USA) Inc., “The United Kingdom is an important hub for our group so we are delighted to have him involved in a capacity that utilizes both his relationship-building abilities and keen operations sense, to the benefit of our customers.”

Prior to managing the U.K. region’s sales, Murphy worked as a sales executive for the company’s Direct Container Line brand in Chicago, Ill., reporting directly to NACA Logistics’ Chief Operating Officer, Jeffery Lee. He came to Direct Container Line from the U.S. domestic transportation industry where we worked in sales.

With a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Marketing from Southeast Missouri State University and in-depth and diverse experience in global shipping logistics, Murphy brings with him a breadth of experience and leadership that he will leverage into further successes for the group's U.K. operations.

Vanguard Logistics Services and Box Consolidators Ltd. announce details of  partnership.

Vanguard Logistics Services (VLS) and Box Consolidators LTD recently agreed to represent each other in the U.K. – U.S. westbound trade lane. USA eastbound activity will not be affected.

The partnership brings together two of the region’s leading freight shippers to offer customers fully integrated FCL (Full Containerload) and LCL (Less than Containerload) services across the Atlantic. The partnership will provide new CFS (Container Freight Stations) facilities for Box Consolidators in the United States. In the U.S., VLS operates its own Container Freight Stations in Atlanta, Chicago, New Jersey, Miami, and Los Angeles, coupled with an extensive network in other cities throughout the U.S.

Box Consolidators boasts 27 years independent global NVOCC operations in the United Kingdom and has three strategically placed offices in Manchester, Lichfield and Basildon. By combining their expert business operations with Vanguard Logistics’ market leadership, consistency of service, issues management solutions, efficient on-arrival services, and quality office-to-office communications, the partnership will provide highly improved export service to U.K. customers.

Myriad improvements include the combined services of experienced market leaders, regular weekly shipping schedules, turnkey services, on-site decision makers, open communications regarding cargo shipments/delivery, ease of execution from booking to delivery, strong customs knowledge and relationships, and friendly and informed customer service staff.

“As an industry leader, we know how important it is to not only offer the highest quality of service, but to consistently maintain that benchmark throughout the duration of our customer relationships,” says Michael Sinclair, CEO, NACA Logistics (USA) Inc., which VLS is a part in the USA. “Our partnership with Box Consolidators was a strategic move to enhance our U.K. outbound cargo service, ensuring we provide the best export service the United Kingdom has to offer, from the first shipment to the last.”

“Vanguard and NACA Logistics’ reputation is unparalleled. A union between their organization and ours will provide unmatched services to companies shipping out of the United Kingdom to the United States,” says Mike Madden, director, Box Consolidators. “We look forward to realized synergies, and a long and successful venture serving our growing customer base.”

(L to R) Ryan Murphy meets with Box Consolidator colleagues Maggie Whiston, Dave Griffiths, Brian Kersey and Mike Madden.

Chairman commits over USD 5 million to education

TS Logistics Group Chairman, Owen Glenn, made a generous donation of USD 5.4 million (NZD 7.5 million) to fund improvements to the University of Auckland Business School in New Zealand.

Glenn’s gift to the University is said to be the largest donation given to any New Zealand school and ranks as one of the largest lump-sum donations in the country.

 The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Helen Clark, personally thanked Glenn at the Auckland University Business School Celebration Dinner for his donation.

"Our donor himself exemplifies what an enterprising New Zealander can achieve with drive and flair and determination," the Prime Minister said in her speech, "His gift will help future generations of New Zealanders gain the skills they need to help them reach their dreams, and for that we are very grateful."

Owen Glenn shakes hands with Prime Minister of New Zealand Helen Clark as Dean of Auckland University, Barry Spicer, stands to the left of  Glenn. Glenn proudly wears a ceremonial cape of the Te Arawa tribe, presented to him by Sir Howard Morisson, an elder of the tribe.

Glenn also received thanks from Auckland University's Vice Chancellor for his incomparable generosity.

“This is a landmark in New Zealand. Many overseas institutions, particularly in the USA and Britain, work in a philanthropic environment where gifts and bequests to learning institutions are the norm. This contributes greatly to their success and international status. But donations on this scale are rare in New Zealand education and Glenn’s gift sets a new benchmark for this country,” stated Vice Chancellor, Professor Stuart McCutcheon.

Glenn’s donation elevates the present total amount raised to $58 million, which will allow the  University to begin construction on a new 6-story building, scheduled to be finished in 2008.

In recognition of Glenn’s generosity, the University dubbed the structure “The Owen G Glenn Building”.

 “Owen is an inspiration to young entrepreneurs. He has built a global business from nothing through imagination, vision and hard work,” explained Professor Barry Spicer, dean of the university, “He made his way in a complex, globally-connected world and has contributed significantly to the development of logistics internationally. His career is inspirational in that it shows what is possible with intelligence, imagination, innovation, perseverance and drive. It is fitting that the name of a New Zealander who has succeeded in business internationally should grace the new building."

“The Owen G Glenn Building” is to replace the current facilities, which are spread across 8 sites on the University’s city campus.

Backing from Glenn doesn't end with this donation. Through the logistics group he chairs, OTS Logistics Group, Glenn wants to ensure the success and growth of logistics education. His aim is to support the University in obtaining a Chair in Logistics along with recruitment of future personnel and to further research for the future of logistics.

“I’ve been successful in my business career. Now I want to put something back into New Zealand and specifically into business education,“ said Glenn, “I firmly believe in what the Business School is doing. I believe its plans to develop a world-class facility and world-class research and teaching programs are going to be of huge benefit to New Zealand business and society. And I hope that my own career might perhaps encourage the thousands of young people who will seed their business lives in this building in the years to come.”

Glenn left high school at 16 and went on to found and grow an international freight business trading on every continent. He has studied at Harvard as part of the OPM Program and has a history of large generous donations such as his $500,000 donation in 2003 towards the establishment of a Chair in Marine Science at the Leigh Marine Laboratory at The University of Auckland.

Owen Glenn cuts the first slice of his birthday cake presented to him by Dean of Auckland University, Barry Spicer.

OTS Logistics Group chairman celebrates Chinese New Year with fellow entrepreneurs at world summit

wen Glenn, who received the 1991 Ernst  and Young “Entrepreneur of the Year Award”, recently attended the 2005 Ernest and Young Entrepreneur World Summit.

 

In the front (L to R) Grace Ng: Regional Finance Manager for OTS Logistics Group South Asia, Roy Chew: Vice President  South Asia, Adeline Ho: General Manager for VLS Singapore, Chairman Owen Glenn, Michael Dye: CEO, Asia Pacific. In the back, Helen Tan: Finance Manager for VLS Singapore, Anucha Kosalathip: General Manager for VLS Thailand, Cheah Bian Lee: General Manager for VLS Malaysia, Arifin Tan: Country Manager for DCL Indonesia, Ngo Tung Chau: Sales Manager for DCL Vietnam

The summit was scheduled to coincide with the Chinese New Year celebrations with all attendees experiencing the traditional “Lo Hei”. This is for prosperity in the coming year, which is the year of the Rooster for 2005. In keeping with the summit’s aim to start a profitable year, Glenn took the opportunity to speak on South East Asia management with CEO of Asia Pacific, Mike Dye, and Managing Director of South East Asia, Roy Chew.

Glenn set the foundation for future business ideas relating to inter-company issues amidst a traditional Chinese dinner at Lei Garden Restaurant in Chijmes. Glenn brought up highlights of the summit speeches and topics of discussion, which included: Asia Markets, Rewards and Challenges, The International Economy, Global Trends and Regional Issues, Wealth Management, Succession Planning and Family Governance, Asian Advantage.

Dr. Henry Kissinger and Ex-secretary of State for America attended the three-day summit. The guest of honor was Goh Chock Tong, Senior Minister for the Republic of Singapore. In a continuous effort to maintain the strong business relationship between OTS Logistics Group and Eculine, Raymond Von Acheren, Chris de Witt and ECU’s local management were guests at the dinner as well.

Glenn ended trip by thanking the Vanguard Logistics Singapore office for their warm hospitality during the successful and productive trip.

NACA Logistics (USA) Inc. is the first NVOCC to create a centralized hazardous materials team.

The new department is solely dedicated  to ensuring compliance with the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) regulations for hazardous material shipments and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code.

Tighter restrictions are forcing shippers and forwarders to spend more time and energy on compliance. OTS Logistics Group's Hazardous Materials Department sets out to eliminate the headache for customers and help them comply with all regulations.

“Both our company's and our customers' success depends on our department getting correct information and ensuring all shipments are marked and labeled correctly. One hazardous shipment in a container has the potential to effect all the shipments in a container,” explained Greg Scott, Chicago Traffic and Warehouse Manager, “our function is to ensure the information is correct to minimize the potential effect of an incorrectly tendered hazardous shipment .”

The Hazardous Materials Department is also important for customers of non-hazardous shipments. Eric Fischer, who was brought on to head the team as Hazardous Materials Manager, strongly emphasized that the team will ensure hazardous and non-hazardous shipments alike will not be rolled due to problems with compliance. As a new department,  Fischer says an important step for success will be helping educate customers on the current rules

outlined by DOT and the IMDG Code.

Customers send the documents to the department via the team’s centralized fax number (877-Haz-NACA) or the centralized email (hazteam@nacalogistics.com). The Hazardous Materials Department then validates the accuracy of the information provided. In addition to validating the information they enter it into our system and also liaise directly with our receiving departments to address any discrepancies found upon actual cargo receipt.

"The oversights and discrepancies that we catch will ultimately save our customers a tremendous amount of time and help in avoiding fines ," said Fischer.

 (L to R) Eric Fisher, Hazardous Materials Manager, and Greg Scott, Traffic and Warehouse Manager, stand together in Chicago's warehouse after a department meeting.

ruly a full-service company, NACA Logistics (USA) Inc., which represents OTS Logistics Group in the United States,  offers its customers hazardous material compliance training. The program was introduced in 2003 to aid customers in fulfilling the International Maritime Organization’s and Department of Transportation’s requirement for hazardous material training and to facilitate smooth processing of hazardous shipments. Customer Service Supervisor Dawn Versetto broached the idea and Traffic and Warehouse Manager Greg Scott developed the bulk of the course material.

Greg Scott, Traffic and Warehouse Manager

In the current climate of stringent hazardous materials regulations, the courses have grown in need and popularity.

“Some customers send one employee to a class, and then four the next time,” said Scott, “A shipper in Indiana wanted our assistance to get their company in order to meet all DOT and IMDG regulations. I was happy to come out and help them smooth any possible compliance issues.”

Scott explained he has continued to develop the courses over the past two years, "I cover everything you could think of for the course and the material is based off of what is suggested by the IMDG and DOT," said Scott, "Both sets of regulations have grown to over 900 pages, so I am always tailoring the course."

Scott, certified in hazardous materials, has received growing positive feedback on his course information as well as his style of teaching.

"I took Greg's class two years ago and re-enrolled because I like it so much. He is always up to date with the latest rules and regulations and he has a great personality for teaching so the class is more apt to soak in the information." said FTS Export manager, Pamela Dietz.

Scott has trained major clients such as Kuhne and Nagel, DHX, Kamino International and Meridian IQ. Most clients have preferred taking classes from the OTS Logistics Group rather than a separate training company because of the company’s daily experience in dealing with hazardous materials.

onterm has always attributed a portion of its success to quality customer service. Sales representative for the New York office, Jack Forlenza, has recently secured success for the company based on this principal. For the last five months, Forlenza has worked to build a strong partnership with one of his top clients, American River International (ARI).

ARI is one of Conterm’s top LCL export clients and devotes 100 percent of its LCL export freight to Conterm. Forlenza convinced Rich Forte of the benefit of Conterm's import FCL and LCL services. Conterm’s growth and focus on import business led  Forlenza to reach out to his top export clients to transfer to Conterm’s import services.

“Jack is the kind of guy that isn't there just to sell. I always felt I was dealing with someone I could trust," said Forte, "There are not many people like Jack where his word is his bond.”

Forlenza learned of the bulk of business ARI handles coming from China and knew Conterm's import services could meet ARI's needs.

“ARI is a top export client and from speaking with Rich, I knew they wanted their business to run even more smoothly by dealing with one carrier,” said Forlenza, “ I didn’t give up on it and it took months and months, but low and behold Rich decided to switch to us.”

Conterm's import services proved to be beneficial to ARI.

“The Conterm team has been wonderful to work with, they all have the same positive attitude that Jack reflects," said Forte.

Forte also complemented Hugo Miraldo, Inside Marketing Development, Isabel Vieira and Peggy Cassavetis from LCL Customer Service, and Margie Goddard, the team's Quality Assurance Specialist.

Forlenza attributed the success with ARI to his colleagues and included Dotty Munger and Rosemarie Repace, who work with Ms. Vieira and Ms. Cassavetis in LCL Customer Service, and Dieter Plompen in FCL Customer Service.

"I preach to my clients all the time that I have an excellent back up staff and I do and I’m grateful to every one one of them," said Forlenza, "they deserve notice as they are all special and dedicated people.

Forte said he was  especially appreciative of the work the New York team put into tailoring the services for ARI.

“Whether it’s Conterm or how Jack and the customer service team do business, all these pieces of the puzzle seem to fit and that made me comfortable,” said Forte, " I am very happy to continue business with Conterm as much as I can."

ACA Logistics (USA) Inc. added to monetary donations with tangible goods needed by the tsunami victims in Sri Lanka, a country still healing from civil war and tsunami damage.

NACA Logistics (USA) Inc. partnered with its agent in Sri Lanka, Geologistics, to transport any goods the company can gather to continue progress for tsunami survivors. Employees managed to collect company wide donations to fill donated extra space in containers, which Geologistics will ensure arrives in Colombo, Sri Lanka. 

“We had sent money for the American Red Cross, although, the people here realized that dollar donations were not going to ease the immediate distress tsunami victims are experiencing, so our office began reaching out to the rest of the company to donate any clothes and goods they could,” said Robert Sutton, NACA Logistics (USA) Inc. Vice President for the eastern region.

The Chicago office sent more skids to add to the goods and clothing donated by the New York team.

“I am very proud that our office immediately jumped in to help raise the level of donations the New York office collected. It really says something positive about a company when people take the initiative to gain momentum for a worthy cause.” said Chief Operations Officer for NACA Logistics (USA) Inc. , Jeffery Lee.
 

Above, Hermann Curry loads a skid at the New York warehouse.

n  March 11, 2005 one of the NACA Logistics (USA) Inc. Los Angeles staff members was invited by the United States Air Force to sing to at “The National Prayer Event” in support of peace.

Anita Burris, Third Party Import Agent Supervisor for NACA Logistics (USA) Inc., sang two songs including the “National Anthem” during the posting of the colors. The non-secular event was held at the El Segundo Air force Base in California.

“I was really honored to be chosen to sing for everyone serving," said Ms. Burris," There were many types of people and all levels of rank. It was a very touching event to witness."

Ms. Burris received an official Air Force coin for her participation in the event, which was held for the solders and officers.

"It was a very overwhelming experience because it is such a big deal to be recognized with an official military coin," said Ms. Burris.

The event was originally established in 1953 during President Eisenhower's term. Since 1972 the military has continued to hold the event annually for government and military officials.

 The coin pictured above was given to Anita
Burris in recognition of her participation in the
national Air Force event.

s. Holly Bloecher, Documentation Supervisor for the New York office passed away January 21, 2005 shortly after her 10 year anniversary with NACA Logistics (USA) Inc. on January 9.

"It was quite sudden and unexpected to us, which makes it all the harder to cope with," said Robert Sutton, NACA Logistics (USA) Inc. Vice President for the Eastern Region, "Holly will be missed dearly and will remain in our memory as a wonderful colleague and friend, a unique woman."

Ms. Bloecher battled against cancer so Cynthia Wolf, Administration Manager for the Eastern Region, began a collection for the American Cancer Society in memory of Ms. Bloecher. Ms. Wolf said staff from around the country who worked with Ms. Bloecher over the years all contributed. The office was able to donate $1,500.00 to the American Cancer Society in Ms. Bloecher's name.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Holly's family and friends. She will long be remembered by those of us who worked with her and were fortunate enough to experience her interesting outlook and happy disposition," said Sutton.

Finance department says goodbye to dedicated, experienced employee.

Rosalie Lintao first began in a temporary finance position in 1984. She was officially hired in 1985 with Direct Container Line (DCL).

Rosalie was with the company before there was even a computer in the office," remembered Michael Sinclair, CEO.

All CRR reports and documentation had to be processed manually, recalled Linato.

Since her start at DCL, Lintao has been through three office moves, and the formation of the NACA Logistics Group.

“I’ve been in every desk here,” joked Lintao, “I’ve seen all different processes in accounting here. The company has grown to be so sophisticated.”

The biggest growth in the company has been with technology, Lintao observed. Lintao said she has learned a lot working for the company and has enjoyed the companionship.

“DCL was like a family. Owen Glenn used to come by after work and chat with everyone,” said Lintao. “It has been a good experience and like Owen would say, it is a long journey working for this company.”

Lintao was honored for her 20 years of service and loyalty with a retirement party.

Contacts:

Would you like to submit a story? Email news to: newsletter@otslogisticsgroup.com
Have a problem viewing your newsletter? Email questions to: webmaster@otslogisticsgroup.com