Logistics news roundup: Etihad Cargo, OneRail, last mile
Complex logistics challenges in ROI & NI again in spotlight
The complex case of cross-border logistics between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is again in the spotlight.
The Northern Ireland Business Brexit Working Group recently met the UK government’s Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, to discuss solutions on Northern Ireland trade.
The so-called Northern Ireland Protocol was created in the wake of Brexit, which saw the UK leave the European Union.
The protocol is designed to avoid a hard border between Northern Ireland (NI) and the Republic. This protects the EU's single market for goods, gives access for NI goods to the GB market, and includes NI goods in free trade agreements between the UK and third-party countries.
Nichola Mallon, Head of Trade and Devolved Policy at Logistics UK, says: “Logistics businesses are the backbone of the Northern Ireland economy. They keep goods moving, and smooth trade between Northern Ireland, GB and the EU is vital for our sector and for economic growth.
“In the meeting we stressed the need for a negotiated outcome between the UK and the EU on the Protocol that reduces administrative and cost burdens, and delivers stability, certainty, simplicity and affordability for businesses.
“We were encouraged by the Foreign Secretary’s positive approach and understanding of the issues our member businesses face.”
Logistics UK is one of the UK’s leading business groups, and supports members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods.
Etihad Cargo expands China routes
Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Aviation Group, is expanding its capacity to the Chinese market with an extra weekly Abu Dhabi-Shanghai freighter flight.
The extra Shanghai service increases Etihad Cargo’s weekly cargo capacity out of Shanghai to 850 tons.
Etihad Aviation Group Senior VP of Global Sales & Cargo, Martin Drew, said, "China is a key global market.”
US last mile logistics provider OneRail appoints Baker
Leading US last-mile rail company OneRail has appointed Shawna Baker as its new VP of Partnerships & Business Development.
Baker will help define the company’s strategy and onboard new team members to support this.
Baker has 17 years in supply chain technology, having previously worked for Infor Nexus, Logility and ParkourSC.
Most recently at Tive, Baker grew the company’s ecosystem with partners that included Oracle, Blue Yonder, and Transporeon.
Baker said: “I appreciate OneRail’s agility, both in the design of the go-to-market strategy and in the service level to customers and partners. It’s an exciting time.The global last-mile market is expected to generate $124bn by 2030, so I’ve landed in the right place at the right time.”
OneRail Founder & CEO Bill Catania said: “Shawna is a freight technology heavy-hitter. Her consultative approach to team-building is based on trust and authenticity. This is a successful strategy that has delivered multimillion-dollar pipeline growth and revenue.”
The hiring of Baker comes on the heels of OneRail’s recent $33mn funding round, as the company continues its rapid growth trajectory.
