Our global freight forwarding network keeps our customers freight moving across the world.

Dutch air cargo body remains critical of Schiphol slot decree

Industry body Air Cargo Netherlands (ACN) is critical of the Dutch cabinet's final Schiphol Airport Traffic Decree (LVB) for its lack of protection for cargo slots. The LVB has set a maximum of 478,000 aircraft movements per operating year, of which a maximum of 27,000 are allowed at night, which runs from 23:00 to 07:00. A strict limit for the total amount of noise that all take-off and landing aircraft combined may produce annually is also introduced. ACN said that it had submitted several inputs during the consultation period but said it was critical of the final decree. "Although the Cabinet explicitly acknowledges the significant strategic and economic importance of air cargo in the final explanatory memorandum, ACN remains critical of the lack of structural protection of cargo slots and the threatened reduction of night capacity," the group said. One of the key concerns highlighted by ACN was the reduction to 478,000 aircraft movements - from a previous limit of 500,000 - which it said poses a direct risk to the air cargo sector. "In the event of slot scarcity, full freighters lose out to passenger flights," ACN had argued. "Moreover, the volatile, demand-driven nature of the air cargo market makes it extremely difficult to retain or regain historical slot rights within the rigid European 80/20 slot regulations. "ACN therefore advocates for the protection of air cargo as a strategic segment and a rapid, predictable return towards 500,000 movements based on fleet renewal." In response, the cabinet said a special cargo pool of slots was not possible under European regulation but added that the new ad hoc slot system implemented over the summer should benefit the cargo market. The new system proactively anticipates slots that will be returned later in the season, which can then be re-allocated to freighter airlines. Previously, slots were only available once a flight had actually been cancelled. There had also been calls for a complete night closure at the airport, although in the end, the cabinet opted to allow 27,000 night flights per year with plans for a future partial night closure. ACN had highlighted that accessible capacity during the night and the fringes of the night is indispensable for time-critical shipments (such as medical goods, fresh produce, and express transport) and that no realistic alternatives exist for this. In the Memorandum of Reply, the ministry acknowledged that decisions regarding the night must take into account the economic and operational functions of the airport, and that a night closure must not lead to undesirable peaks at the edges of the night. "At the same time, the cabinet announces that, based on the new coalition agreement, a new balanced approach procedure is being initiated to reduce noise between 23:00 and 07:00 by 50% in 2030 compared to 2024, including a partial night closure (between 00:00 and 05:00)," ACN said.

A platform to challenge 'death by a thousand [D&D] invoices'

For smaller drayage businesses, even small bills can threaten their survival, while the cost of hiring lawyers or dedicating staff to lengthy complaints processes often makes fighting individual invoices uneconomical. She has designed Provar, which approaches its first anniversary in December, a platform to address that imbalance by collecting and preserving the evidence needed to challenge improper charges. It documents terminal conditions, appointment availability, and empty-return restrictions, preserving evidence to establish whether operators had a reasonable opportunity to collect or return containers during periods in question. Provar covers terminals in Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, and Seattle. Users submit their active containers, allowing the platform to automatically identify the relevant terminal and compile the supporting evidence. A dispute function helps users easily prepare formal fee challenges by combining invoices, dispute reasons, and supporting documentation into a downloadable PDF letter for submission to the shipping line. The platform also incorporates digital integrity verification to help establish that the underlying evidence has not been altered, addressing concerns about the reliability of evidence submitted in disputes. Ms Dandan said the aim was to make challenging charges viable for businesses of every size, rather than leaving operators to absorb costs because the administrative burden outweighed the invoice. "Whether you're a humongous trucker with thousands of containers, or whether you only have a dozen, it's still the same principle," she said. "It empowers them to do more and do it more effectively." However, she warned that shipping lines' evidentiary requirements were becoming "increasingly demanding", with some requiring documentation of empty-return restrictions extending beyond the date of the disputed charge. FourOneOne has introduced a 'plus one' feature to document those conditions in advance. Ultimately, Ms Dandan believes that making disputes quicker, cheaper, and better supported by objective evidence could also change behaviour among shipping lines.

Scan Global Logistics targets the top 20 with deal to acquire OIA Global

Scan Global Logistics has signed an agreement to acquire OIA Global in a deal that it said would be the largest investment in its history and place it among the top 20 freight forwarders in the world. The proposed acquisition is expected to strengthen Scan Global Logistics' presence in the US and other key markets, and broaden its supply chain capabilities available to customers beyond traditional freight forwarding, making it easier to manage increasingly complex supply chains. Founded in 1988, OIA Global is based in Portland, Oregon and provides end-to-end supply chain and logistics solutions, while it employs more than 1,200 people across more than 60 offices in over 30 countries. The company's capabilities span freight forwarding, customs brokerage, contract logistics, project logistics, 4PL, packaging design and materials management. Allan Melgaard, global chief executive of Scan Global Logistics, commented: "The acquisition of OIA Global marks a significant milestone for Scan Global Logistics. "As our largest investment to date, it will place us among the world's top 20 freight forwarders, strengthen our position in key markets, and expand our capabilities across the supply chain. "Together with OIA Global's talented people and experienced leadership team, we will create a stronger, more resilient platform for future growth." Jeffery Barrie, chief executive of OIA Global, added: "What stood out to us about Scan Global Logistics was not only the scale of the organisation, but also the way it does business. "Both companies are built on strong customer relationships, entrepreneurial thinking, and empowered local teams. These shared values provide a strong foundation for the future and make SGL the right partner for OIA Global." The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals, and the companies will operate independently until the deal is closed. This is expected in the first quarter of 2027. Scan Global Logistics has been expanding rapidly in recent years through acquisitions and new office openings. Last year, the company added new offices in India, Egypt, Turkey and Tanzania. Acquisitions in recent years have included ITN Logistics Group, Foppiani Shipping & Logistics and Brazil-based BLU Logistics. As a result of the acquisitions, the company became one of the world's top 25 airfreight forwarders in 2024 and maintained its position last year. In order to become one of the top 20 airfreight forwarders, the company's annual airfreight tonnage would probably need to exceed at least 280,000 tonnes, which is what 20th-placed CH Robinson handled last year. OIA has also been expanding this year and in April announced the acquisition of US-headquartered international freight forwarding and customs brokerage firm, Cargo Services, Inc.