FedEx Corporation has recently opened its first European Life Science Center in the Netherlands, showcasing cutting-edge refrigeration facilities to tackle the intricate supply chain demands of preserving and conveying temperature-sensitive medical supplies.
Marius Penninks, the Vice President of Ground Operations at FedEx, expressed the center's significance as a pivotal component within the supply chain network of pharmaceutical, clinical, and life sciences industries. FedEx emphasized that the introduction of temperature-sensitive technology in Europe strategically positions the company to tap into the rapidly expanding vertical market of pharmaceutical and clinical industries in the region.
Spanning across approximately 11,000 square feet, the dedicated warehouse boasts four temperature-controlled rooms and freezers, furnished with top-of-the-line equipment to manage the reception, storage, picking, packing, and shipping of medical supplies. The global demand for medical services continues to grow aggressively, and the new center will be a logistics solution for the safe and efficient transportation of drugs and medical products. The FedEx Center will serve as a support link between pharmaceutical companies engaged in global clinical trials.
Illinois-based Hyzon Motors recently announced plans to raise $4.5 million through the sale of 22.5 million shares, after accounting for placement agent commissions and other associated expenses. The company enlisted the services of investment firm PJT Partners in late June to conduct a comprehensive operational analysis, secure funding, and explore potential asset sales.
As a result of the operational analysis, company officials revealed on July 8 that they would be discontinuing operations in the Netherlands and Australia, citing a lack of government support. This decision came with expenses totaling approximately $17 million due to the pullout from the European market. Hyzon Motors is currently in the process of attempting to sell its business in New Zealand. CEO Parker Meeks disclosed that the company had been considering the closure of its European operations for some time and has now opted to redirect its focus on the North American market. However, Hyzon Motors cautioned that without adequate financial backing or an alternative strategic solution, they may need to seek bankruptcy protection through legal proceedings.
The start of a new legislative term in the European Union has incited discussions among participants in the road transport market regarding the necessary improvements in the sector. The International Road Transport Union (IRU) has identified "people, environment, and prosperity" as key priorities for the new European Parliament.
One of the most pressing issues in the EU is the significant shortage of drivers. Consequently, there are plans to introduce new measures that will facilitate entry into the driver's profession and implement more effective training programs.
‘Prosperity’ outlined the need for targeted regulation that supports road transport and does not burden operators; for example, enhanced digitalisation of transport documents and data. On the environmental front, there is a push for realistic CO2 emissions standards for truck operators. The IRU has previously advocated for stringent rules to promote the decarbonization of fleets owned by small and medium-sized enterprises. In Germany, where 85% of freight transport is conducted by truck, industry associations are urging for support in the electrification of heavy-duty transport. The Federal Association of Road Haulage, Logistics and Disposal (BGL), the Federal Association for Self-Logistics & Shippers (BWVL), and Transport & Environment (T&E) are proposing an increase in subsidies and grants to encourage the purchase of electric vehicle fleets. Furthermore, there is a need for funding to expand charging infrastructure for fleet vehicles. It is suggested that commercial vehicle lending programs be expanded to incentivize the acquisition of battery-electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Representative Dirk Engelhardt from BGL emphasized the importance of government subsidies and programs in aiding small and medium-sized businesses to transition to more sustainable transport practices by 2030. Without such support, these entities may struggle to meet the established goals for transformation in the industry.
In an effort to bolster the presence of electric trucks on American roads, the Biden administration has allocated a total of $441 million in grants to Volvo Group, Accelera by Cummins, and ZF North America to enhance their production facilities.
Several key players in the automotive industry, including General Motors, Fiat Chrysler, Blue Bird Body Co., and Harley-Davidson, have also received funding. These investments are aimed at not only expanding production capacities but also creating a significant number of new job opportunities. Volvo Group, a recipient of $208 million in funding, plans to modernize its manufacturing facilities to facilitate the production of innovative zero-emission trucks and powertrain components for Mack Trucks and Volvo-branded heavy-duty vehicles.
Accelera by Cummins intends to scale up production of battery packs, powertrain systems, and other components for battery-electric vehicles, with a projected increase of approximately 250 full-time jobs within its workforce. ZF North America, awarded $157 million in grants, will transition its Michigan facility from producing combustion engine powertrain components to manufacturing electric vehicle components for a range of vehicles, including light, medium, and heavy-duty models. The Biden administration emphasizes that these grants are vital for maintaining the competitiveness of the American auto industry and countering global rivals like China.
In a recent development, the Federal Aviation Administration has announced its intention to levy a hefty $400,000 fine on Kalitta Air, a cargo airline based in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The fine stems from alleged violations of flight regulations that occurred between late December 2022 and January 26, 2023. Specifically, the Boeing 777 cargo plane operated by Kalitta Air during this period was found to be lacking the necessary specialized software for troubleshooting navigation equipment.
This software is crucial for ensuring precision navigation by receiving signals from both land-based and satellite sources through multi-mode receivers.
Since 2020, aircraft equipped with Collins GLU-2100 multi-mode receivers are required to have specific software installed to prevent potential issues with GPS data accuracy in certain regions of the world. Kalitta Air will be engaging in discussions with FAA officials in the coming week to address and clarify the allegations.
Global port operator DP World and Istanbul-based Evyap Group have announced the merging of two ports on the Sea of Marmara to establish a new logistics center in Turkey. This joint venture, known as Evyapport, is situated in Izmit Port on the Asian side of the Bosphorus Strait. Evyapport is a trailblazer in the industry as the first private port operator to provide intermodal transportation services, enabling seamless movement of cargo between trucks, trains, and cargo ships.
The collaboration involves the development of 2,088 meters of berthing space, facilitating the simultaneous berthing of multiple extra-large container ships at both terminals. The new logistics hub will have a total annual container handling capacity exceeding 2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).
According to the Chairman of the Board of Directors of DP World Group, the cooperation with Turkey will allow the company to take a leading position in global trade. Logistics company DP World specializes in freight logistics, port terminal operations, maritime services and free trade zones.
Light cargo carrier Saia recently announced the opening of two new service centers, located in Stockton, California, and Davenport, Iowa. These new facilities are part of Saia's strategic plan to enhance its capabilities and reach a broader customer base. In line with its expansion goals, Saia intends to establish a total of 16 new locations by 2024.
In a move to strengthen its position in the industry, Saia has acquired 17 properties valued at over $235.7 million from the bankrupt Yellow Corp. Additionally, the company has finalized a deal to purchase 11 leased properties from the defunct carrier for $7.9 million. According to Patrick Sugar, Vice President of Saia, the Stockton terminal will play a crucial role in expanding the company's service offerings in Northern California.
The Davenport terminal, on the other hand, is expected to enhance service quality by providing greater delivery flexibility to customers. In June, Saia has reported a notable increase in shipments across its network, with a year-on-year growth of 18%.
Get highlights and special offers twice a month
We use a tool to capture how users interact with our websites so we can analyze and improve the user experience. Clicking “Accept” allows us to use this tool when you visit our websites. For more information, read our Privacy Center article on Cookies and tracking.
