by logisticsplus | Nov 10, 2022 | News
Logistics Plus Global Director of Sales (Group Marine & Motorsport Logistics) Jennifer Elstone shares her background, experience, and hobbies. The story below is Jennifer’s words. Photos of Jennifer, her hobbies, and her past projects can be seen at the bottom of the story.
I began my logistics career at 16, working for a container haulage company in my hometown, Southampton (where the Titanic set sail from). Within three months, I was responsible for running a fleet of 100 trucks for Southampton/Thamesport & Felixstowe Port for carrier line haul (NYK/MOL).
Finding the logistics world interesting and working closely with the container carriers via the haulage position I was in, I moved to MOL, where I was responsible for sales administration for Mitsui’s import and export trades in South/West Africa, the Far East, and Cross Trade.
Eventually, in addition to management of trade pricing, I was involved in the rollout of the global CRM pricing system for the MOL Group, which involved CRM setup, pricing, routing, schedule input into the CRM system, global management of contact input with the 3rd party supplier based in India.
From there, I wanted to branch out further, so I moved to a container logistics company called Pentalver. I was responsible for procurement as part of the AP Moeller group, which included commercial assistance to Pentalver, Maersk, Safmarine & Damco. As Damco were a forwarder in their own right, this got me interested in freight forwarding. The Pentalver Group had a container conversions department, where I became involved in conversion projects such as office and living buildings with the capability to be moved overseas easily.
This is where Peters & May came in. They had two departments under their umbrella. 1 – shipping boats 2 – global logistics, which is where I initially began. This was a multimodal sales role for general forwarding services to support the established marine departments.
Seeing that the group could ship other cargo unrelated to the marine industry, I wanted to expand the capability into different brands and industries. I opened P&M Automotive, which eventually shipped the James Bond Collection and projects for Top Gear.
During my 8-year position at P&M, I was promoted into different roles four times, so I was eventually handling freight forwarding, general freight, and actual craft, boats, cars, and helicopters on behalf of the group. I also managed multimodal contracts for the United Nations and humanitarian aid.
P&M group then obtained a patent for a piece of equipment called flat rail. This essentially was a spreader bar with twist locks you attach to the corner castings of a flat rack. The ends collapsed, which allowed cargo 40-50ft long to travel as OOG on container vessels. I was tasked as BDM for this and to launch it in the USA, where I relocated to Miami, Florida, five years ago. Seeing that this technology could be used for more than just boats, I also relocated from Miami to Houston to target project cargo.
In this role, I was responsible for global equipment repositioning, equipment leasing, obtaining approval to use the equipment in terminals globally, obtaining permission for carriers to accept us of equipment on their services, and negotiating ocean freight pricing. This was very successful, and also where I met Gregoire Duchet. CMA was one of the first carriers to use and accept this equipment!
Following this, my story gets a bit sad as I became ill. This caused my job at P&M Group to cease, and I went into a year of recovery. Three surgeries later, I am pleased to say that I am healthy and ready to tackle the freight-forwarding world again!! I’m very grateful to be able to do so with Logistics Plus.
Knowing that life can be too short in my spare time, I am a thrill seeker. I seek out activities associated with being an adrenalin junkie. I’ve climbed mountains for charities and so many other things. One of my life philosophies from all my past experiences and health issues last year is never to quit, and the only way is up!
I’m very excited to join the LP family and hope we can all “take it higher” together in many ways and directions.
I will split my time between Germany and USA to support particular markets seasonally. Some of my primary focus areas will be marine, motorsport, and aviation markets; however, I can assist with shipping any global commodity if required. My operations and sales background in trucking, ocean freight, container logistics, freight forwarding, and equipment leasing means I am open to any new challenges.
Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing your story! Logistics Plus is lucky to have you.
Jennifer Elstone
Email: jennifer.elstone@logisticsplus.com
Linkedin: Connect with Jennifer here
by logisticsplus | Nov 10, 2022 | News
Logistics Plus China (LP China) is proud to announce the opening of a second office in Shanghai, near Hongqiao airport. This new office officially opened on November 8th, and it will offer the same global logistics and supply chain services as our other Shanghai office. The original Shanghai office located in the Bund Area will continue to operate as normal.
The LP China team is excited about their growth, and they are looking forward to continuing their adventure with the addition of this new office. The new office is spacious, modern, and located in the newly constructed Lanyun Cultural Center, which is a five-minute walk from the National Exhibition and Convention Center that currently hosts the China International Import Expo.
Secondary Shanghai Office:
899 PanLong road, 19F, 1902-1903 office
Lanyun Cultural Center, South Building
Qingpu District, Shanghai 201702 China
For any requests involving Shanghai, please email china@logisticsplus.com. We thank you for all current business and future opportunities, and we look forward to assisting you.
by logisticsplus | Nov 9, 2022 | News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Logistics Plus Partners with Odin Marine to Provide Innovative Supply Chain and Shipping Solutions
The new partnership will expand and enhance the global reach of both businesses.
ERIE, PA (November 9, 2022) – Logistics Plus, Inc., a leading worldwide provider of transportation, logistics, and supply chain solutions, today announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with the Odin Marine Group, an international ship brokerage firm, specializing in the transportation and storage of all bulk liquids.
“Our new partnership with The Odin Marine Group will allow the two groups to leverage each other’s competitive and cultural strengths and provide new ideas, opportunities, and supply chain solutions to our customers with greater flexibility and access to all modalities,” said Dennis Melgert, Vice President of the Logistics Plus Chemicals Division.
“Finding a partner who is a good cultural fit and has the same passion for excellence is key to this strategic partnership. This new partnership will accelerate change in the marketplace. The bar has been raised,” added Richard Appell, CEO and Managing Director of Odin Marine Group.
Primary contact information:
| Odin Marine Group, LLC |
Logistics Plus, Inc. |
| 96 Old Post Road, Suite 100 |
1406 Peach St |
| Southport, CT 06890 |
Erie, PA 16501 |
| Richard R. Appell |
Dennis Melgert |
| CEO – Managing Director |
Vice President, Chemicals Division |
| +1 (203) 570-2948 |
+1 (214) 395-7589 |
| ra@odingroup.com |
dennis.melgert@logisticsplus.com |
About Odin Marine Group, LLC
The Odin Marine Group, LLC is an International Ship Brokerage firm founded in 1976, specializing in the transportation and storage of all bulk liquids, including chemicals, specialized products, clean and crude petroleum products, alcohols, and vegetable oils. Headquartered in Southport, CT, with offices in the USA, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Odin provides innovative services for spot freight, contracts of affreightment, time charters, sales and purchases of vessels, new building projects, market intelligence, and demolition markets worldwide. Odin can firmly claim industry leadership and has a history of being ‘the first’ to offer non-traditional services. Visit odingroup.com to learn more.
About Logistics Plus, Inc.
Logistics Plus, Inc. is a 21st-century logistics company that provides freight transportation, warehousing, fulfillment, global logistics, business intelligence, and supply chain management solutions through a worldwide network of talented and caring professionals. Jim Berlin founded the company nearly 26 years ago in Erie, PA. Today, Logistics Plus is a highly regarded, fast-growing, and award-winning transportation and logistics company. With its trademark Passion For Excellence™, Logistics Plus employees put the ‘plus’ in logistics by doing the big things properly, plus the countless little things that ensure complete customer satisfaction and success.
The Logistics Plus® network includes offices, warehouses, and agents located in Erie, PA; Aurora, CO; Buffalo, NY; Charlotte, NC; Chicago, IL; Chino, CA; Cincinnati, OH; Cleveland, OH; Colton, CA; Dallas, TX; Dayton, NJ; Des Moines, IA; Haslet TX; Houston, TX; Laredo, TX; Lexington, NC; Los Angeles, CA; Meadville, PA; Miami, FL; New York, NY; Norfolk, VA; Olean, NY; Ontario, CA; Phoenix, AZ; San Francisco, CA; Tulsa, OK; Vancouver, WA; Australia; Belgium; Brazil; Canada; China; Colombia; Czech Republic; Egypt; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Kazakhstan; Kenya; Libya; Malaysia; Mexico; Netherlands; Poland; Saudi Arabia; Singapore; Taiwan; Thailand; Turkey; UAE; Uganda; and Vietnam; with additional agents around the world. For more information, visit www.logisticsplus.com or follow @LogisticsPlus on Twitter.
Media Contact:
Scott G. Frederick
CMO & LTL Carrier Relations
Logistics Plus, Inc.
(814) 240-6881
scott.frederick@logisticsplus.com
Click the image below to download the Logistics Plus logo:
by logisticsplus | Nov 8, 2022 | News
A recent article published by Visual Capitalist (written by Adam Symington and Carmen Ang) discusses the world’s busiest aviation hubs. According to the report, there are up to 8,755 commercial flights in the air at any given time of day. These flights transport thousands of people and millions of dollars worth of goods around the world.
You can read the full article on Visual Capitalist here: Mapping Airways: World’s Flight Paths and Airports
The article focuses on three points regarding aviation/airports. They are presented below the map with a comment from Logistics Plus.
Busiest Airports by Passengers
Eight of the top ten busiest airports for traffic in 2021 were in America. Topping the list was Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, with more than 75 million passengers in 2021. According to the airport’s website, Atlanta is within a two-hour flight from 80% of the U.S. population. Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) was second on the list, with 62.5 million passengers. DFW is the central hub for American Airlines, the world’s largest airline by fleet size.
Our thoughts: It’s no shocker to see that U.S. airports make up eight of the top ten busiest airports for passengers. According to CNN, Americans are more likely to travel within the country than abroad. Another factor that most likely affects this list is that the U.S. rolled back on COVID travel restrictions faster than most countries.
Busiest Airports by Cargo
The busiest airports by cargo list is much different than the passenger traffic list. Hong Kong (HKG) takes the top spot on this list after processing more than 5 million metric tons of freight throughout 2021. Hong Kong has been known as the busiest air cargo hub for over a decade, and it maintains this spot. The second busiest cargo airport in the world is Memphis International Airport (MEM), with nearly 4.5 million metric tons of freight in 2021.
Our thoughts: Hong Kong topping the list for ten consecutive years is no surprise. Hong Kong airport has a geographical advantage, being located in the heart of the Asia-Pacific. You might wonder how Memphis International Airport is the top air cargo hub in the United States. Well, Memphis is the home of FedEx, one of the largest air freight carriers in the world. Based on location, it would be easy to assume that Los Angeles or New York would top the list in America.
Covid-19 Impact on Aviation
At the peak of COVID, international travel was down 98% from normal levels. Although the aviation industry is starting to recover, things aren’t fully back to normal yet. ACI World’s General Director, Luis Felipe de Oliveira, stated that last year’s recovery was just the beginning and that we should expect a return to normalcy.
Our thoughts: It will be interesting to check out the numbers over the next few years to see how long it takes the aviation industry to reach its pre-pandemic numbers. Many airlines were forced to lay off staff, cancel trips, and raise prices. As these factors slowly move back to normal levels, the aviation industry will be just fine moving forward.
by logisticsplus | Nov 8, 2022 | News
The Freight Classification Development Council (FCDC) has discussed new amendments to the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC®). These NMFC changes noted below are effective 12/17/2022.
Subject 1 – Chemicals Group
Subject 2 – Cloth, Dry Goods, Fabrics or Textiles Group – Moving ALL to an 11 tier density/class item
Subject 3 – Beds or Cots – Moving ALL to an 11 tier density/class item
Subject 4 – Assemblies, chimney or smoke flue; Duct, flexible; or Duct or Flues, other than flexible, or Fittings therefor – Items 50755, 50920, 51035 and 51045
Subject 5 – Flour or Meal – Moving from individual items with 50, 55 or 60 to ONE item with 125, 85, 70 or 55 based on density.
Subject 6 – Cabinets, Enclosures, Frames or Housings, electrical apparatus Item 61110
Subject 7 – Item (Rule) 680, Note 2(c) – Maximum Allowable Dimensions of Lift Truck Skids, Pallets or Platforms for ‘Potentially Unstable Commodities’
Subject 8 – Abrasives Group
Subject 9 – Baskets or Hampers
Subject 10 – Yarn – Moving ALL to an 11 tier density/Class item.
Subject 11 – Washers (Washing Machines), Dryers (Drying Machines) or Washer-Dryer Combinations (Washing and Drying Machines combined), household laundry – Items 124185, 124065 and 124125 – Moving from Class 85 and Class 100 to 250 and 125 based on density
Subject 12 – Dough Working Machines – Item 114440
Subject 13 – Bicycles, electric (Electric Bikes or EBikes) – Adding NEW Item specifically for E-Bikes – Class 250
Subject 14 – Fishing Tackle, NOI – Canceling Fishing Tackle other than plastic or rubber (Item 16630 for class 125) to 15520 which is an 11 tier density/class item
Subject 15 – Fireplaces or Fireplace Accessory Group – Moves ALL Items into one 11 tier density/class item.
Subject 16 – Pumps, suction or pressure, dental, hospital or medical – Item 56840
Subject 17 – Fenders or Bumpers, boat or dock – Items 68090 and 68095
Subject 18 – Wood Sawing Machines (Saws and Engines combined), portable, including Chain Saws – Item 133250 – Item 133250 is canceled with reference to new item 129060, naming “Saws, power
operated, portable, NOI, including Portable Sawmill Machines or Chainsaws,” with classes
predicated on packaging and density.
Subject 19 – Broilers, Grills or Waffle Irons, electric, other than oven-type – Item 61065 – Cancels item 61065 (Class 85) and moves into 26720 which is 175 and 85 depending upon density.
Subject 20 – Carpets, Carpeting, Carpet Remnants or Rugs – Item 70680 – Packaging
Subject 21 -Furniture Group – Note, Item 79022
Subject 22 – Furniture Group – Notes, Items 79023, 79024, 79026, 79030, 79031 and 79032
Subject 23 – Parts, chair or stool, wooden, finished – Item 83340
Subject 24 – Spreaders, salt or sand, vehicle mounting
Subject 25 – Manikins, medical or rescue training; or Kits, medical training aid – Item 56825
Subject 26 – Firearms or Firearm Parts, NOI – Item 69300 – Separates Firearms and Firearms parts into TWO separate items
Subject 27 – Machines, pneumatic tire changing – Item 124670
Subject 28 – Insulation or Insulating Material, calcium silicate and fiber combined – Item 103080
Subject 29 – Trusses, medical or surgical
Subject 30 – Glass, recreational vehicle (RV), travel trailer or horse trailer
Subject 31 -Item (Rule) 680, Sec. 7(b)(3) – Requirements for Pails Unitized or Secured on Lift Truck Skids, Pallets or Platforms
Subject 32 – Item (Rule) 680, Sec. 9(b) – Strapping Requirements for Articles Exceeding 48 Inches in Height
Subject 33 – Hot Chocolate or Hot Cocoa Mixes
Subject 34 – Fenders, boat-carrying trailer, utility trailer, or snow or ice vehicle
Subject 35 – Miscellaneous Packaging Provisions
Subject 36 – Miscellaneous Packaging Provisions
Subject 37 – Miscellaneous Packaging Provisions
Subject 38 – Beans, castor – Item 23020
Subject 39 – Cancelation of Numbered Packages
Subject 40 – Obsolete Provisions – Multiple Items
Subject 41 – Obsolete Provisions – Multiple Items
Subject 42 – Obsolete Provisions – Multiple Items
Additional detail is included in the DOCKET 2022-3 bulletin. As always, please contact us if you have any questions.
by logisticsplus | Nov 3, 2022 | News
A new group of Logistics Plus employees completed the Dale Carnegie Skills for Success program at our global headquarters in Erie, PA. For the fourth time, Logistics Plus provided this foundational leadership program to 20 employees who volunteered to strengthen their people, communication, management, and leadership skills, build confidence, and manage stress more effectively. The course took place for three and a half hours every Wednesday for eight weeks. The program will continue to be made available to additional Logistics Plus employees in the future.
The Dale Carnegie Skills for Success course has five main objectives:
- Build greater self-confidence
- Strengthen people skills
- Enhance communication skills
- Develop leadership skills
- Reduce stress and improve our attitude
The Dale Carnegie program is used worldwide to help companies improve leadership skills and invest in their employees. Jim Berlin, Founder and CEO of Logistics Plus, has taken the course twice and wanted to allow his employees to experience it. Jim said, “In my mind, this course gives you the ‘tricks of the trade’ on becoming a better human being, getting along with others, and getting things done. I’d highly recommend it to everyone.”
Suzie Emo, an International Imports Specialist, was one of the employees who participated in the class. Suzie said, “The Dale Carnegie program provided me with unique and exciting practices to help me develop my professional confidence. It helped me set a direction for myself that I am proud to be heading in. This class brings a different result for everyone, but I know it is always a positive one. I am so thankful for this opportunity, and strongly encourage anyone considering this course to take the leap.” Upon completion of the class, Suzi won the ‘Highest Achiever’ award.
After the program, our employees expressed gratitude towards Jim Berlin (CEO), Yuriy Ostapyak (COO), and the Dale Carnegie team for providing them with this learning opportunity. The life lessons and leadership skills gained throughout this experience will never be forgotten.
