At the end of July ČD Cargo put into service the first of a batch of Eanos open wagons which are being supplied by Greenbrier Europe’s Świdnica plant. They will mainly be used for wood and scrap metal traffic.
Mars Logistics, DFDS and CFL Multimodal are to increase their freight services between Bettembourg-Dudelange and Trieste from nine to 12 round trips per week by Q4 2019.
Canadian Pacific has joined the Blockchain in Transport Alliance, which aims to develop supply chain interoperability standards.
CN has reached a new multi-year agreement with General Motors for the transport of finished vehicles and parts. This will see GM become the first customer to use CN’s new automotive compounds in Vancouver and Minneapolis, with operations commencing in October 2019 and 2021 respectively.
Following a successful trial, Forth Ports has announced that a weekly two-way service between the ports of Tilbury and Grangemouth has been made permanent. It is managed by Eddie Stobart and operated by Direct Rail Services. Northbound traffic includes retail goods, food and drink, while southbound freight includes spirits, chemicals and fresh food.
Container shipments through the Suifenhe – Grodekovo border crossing between China and Russia totalled more than 4 000 TEU during the first seven months of 2019, a 195% increase from the same period in 2018. A total of 22 container trains left Grodekovo for the port of Vostochny and 16 for Vladivostok. Total freight traffic through the crossing was up 7·6% to 6·27 million tonnes.
A new board has been appointed at FS Group’s Mercitalia Logistics for a three-year term. Roberto Mannozzi is Chairman, Marco Gosso is Chief Executive Officer and General Manager. Serafino Lo Piano, Wanda Ternau and Vittoria Iezzi are directors.
Canadian Pacific has appointed Mark Redd as Executive Vice-President, Operations, with effect from September 1, succeeding Robert Johnson who is retiring at the end of September. Greg Squires becomes Vice-President, Operations, Western Region, while Tracy Miller becomes Senior Vice-President, Operations, Eastern Region with the retirement of Tony Marquis in September. Vice-President of Human Resources Chad Rolstad will add Chief Culture Officer to his title, while James Clements will become Senior Vice-President Strategic Planning & Technology Transformation.