LOGISTICS firm Damco launched its ‘Americas Bridge’ service to strengthen its presence in the massive market that joins North and Latin Americas, even as it provided access to most highly-industrialised regions in Sub-Saharan Africa with the opening of the Maputo corridor in Mozambique.

ENGR Hamad Buamim, director-general of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry, has been selected for the coveted post of vice-chairman of the World Chambers Federation (WCF), for a three-year mandate starting from this month to December 2013.

THIS WEEK marks the third annual Defence Logistics Middle conference in Abu Dhabi, with over 25 military logicians spearheading the discussion on various related issues, including the practical challenges and strategies to having an efficient supply chain.

The four-day conference, which runs from January 24 to 27 at Abu Dhabi’s Armed Forces Officers’ Club, includes two days of forums on logistics transformation and the strategies for effective planning of operational resources.

Discussions on the important factors involved in generating greater military efficiency through industry co-operation was scheduled for Sunday while the tackling of NATO’s codification process to improve cost-savings and the speed of delivery of support services were set for the event’s concluding day.

Retired Major General Chris Steirn, who served in the British Army for 36 years, was among those slated to talk during the conference-workshop event. His talk would focus on how to generate greater military effect through military and industry co-operation.

“In particular, he will demonstrate how contractor defence support solutions developed in concert with the military can enhance frontline capability and increase operational capability,” said the event’s organiser, International Quality & Productivity Centre (IQPC).

Experts from NATO, or North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, the NATO Maintenance and Supply Agency (NAMSA) and Belgium’s Ministry of Defence were also scheduled to enliven the discussion on NATO’s codification process.

Captain Frank Hruska, assistant chief of staff for logistics and infrastructure for commander, US Naval Forces Central Command, Bahrain and the chairman of NATO Allied Committee 135, George Bond, are among the speakers at the third annual Defence Logistics Middle East, on January 24-27.

The other key topics to be tackled this week include the latest defence technology and process-oriented enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and case studies on logistics, procurement, inventory and spare parts management and maintenance and repair.

The event promises to be more Gulf-focused, with key military theorists from across the Gulf Co-operation Council, or GCC, countries set to share their common challenges. Streamed sessions are available for a audience’s customised learning experience.

The Gulf’s biggest gathering of military logicians also attracts prime contractors, supply-chain consultants, third-party logistics providers, freight forwarders and ERP and supply-chain software producers.

Last year, more than 170 military logicians attended the conference’s second annual celebration. The attendees included chiefs of logistics, of procurement and of operations from the GCC member-states as well as other military officers in charge of logistics.

ROLLS-ROYCE clinched two contracts in the Gulf region, as it announced an order for the supply of 24 lightweight waterjets for the UAE Navy’s fleet of fast patrol boats and the conclusion of contracts with BAE Systems, to support the EJ200 engines powering the Typhoon fleet of the Royal Saudi Air Force.

Twelve new fast patrol boats based on the Ghannatha Class fast troop transport vessel were ordered by the UAE Navy. These are currently under construction by Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), with the first due to enter service in 2012. At 26.5 metres in length, the new vessels are being constructed from aluminium and will be equipped with two Kamewa FF600 waterjets, designed and manufactured by Rolls-Royce.

The waterjets will enable a maximum speed in excess of 35 knots and are fitted with interceptors to enable tighter turning capability, better stability and to reduce fuel consumption. The order also includes a joystick control system that will improve the manoeuvring capability of the vessels.

Under its two three-year contracts with BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and its subsidiary Rolls-Royce Saudi Arabia Limited will lead support for the engine fleet of the Royal Saudi Air Force on behalf of the EUROJET consortium.

Initial in-country support activity on the EJ200 engines will be conducted in Saudi Arabia which will involve conducting some repairs onsite and preparing engines and modules for transport back to Europe for deeper maintenance requirements if need be.

Martin Fausset, managing director of Rolls-Royce Defence Aerospace, said, “We have designed this solution using the experience gained supporting the UK’s EJ200 fleet, and we look forward to delivering high levels of service performance to the Royal Saudi Air Force.”

BAE SYSTEMS inked a joint venture with Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd for a land systems-focused defence company to be headquartered in New Delhi, with manufacturing facility at nearby Faridabad, in the state of Haryana. Initial investment for the parent company will be $21.25 million, with equity split of 74% for Mahindra and 26% for BAE Systems.

Existing projects for the joint venture, whose name is currently undergoing official certification, include the Axe high mobility vehicle as well as up-armoured and bulletproof Scorpios, Boleros, Rakshak, Rapid Intervention Vehicles and the Marksman light armoured vehicle.

The two companies have developed and produced a prototype vehicle using the proven mine- defeating technologies of the BAE Systems South Africa RG series of vehicles and Mahindra’s expert knowledge of Indian requirements and conditions. Named MPVI (Mine Protected Vehicle India), the prototype will eventually be manufactured at the Faridabad facility using indigenously produced materials.

Further, the joint venture aims to develop a number of future artillery programmes, including the M777 light-weight howitzer and the FH77B 155mm howitzer, in its thrust to become a centre of excellence for Indian artillery programmes.

“BAE Systems is the global number one land systems defence company, and we couldn’t have a better partner for this venture,” said Anand Mahindra, vice-chairman and managing director of Mahindra Group. “We look forward to making a major contribution both to the security and economy of India.”

BAE Systems Group Managing Director International Guy Griffiths stated, “As winner of the 2009 Frost and Sullivan Award for Customer Value Enhancement, which recognises excellence in customer service, customer retention and ultimately customer base expansion, Mahindra Defence Systems is a great choice to be our land systems partner in India.”

AL-FUTTAIM Motors, a member of the UAE-based Al-Futtaim conglomerate, sold a remarkable 927 Hino units in 2008, representing an 80% increase from its 2007 sales. In recognition of this feat, the company was given by Hino Motors the ‘2008 Hino Vehicle Sales Achievement Award’.

Hino Motors Senior Executive Officer Koichi Ojima presented the award to Paul Henning, general manager of Al Futtaim Motors-Hino, and the sales manager of Hino, Javed Khan, during the recently concluded sixth Hino Middle East Conference.

Hino officials and local partners discussed at the conference the introduction of new products to the region and the development of a stronger infrastructure for Hino customers.

“As a result I can confirm that in 2010 we will be expanding our commercial product range in the UAE to include our first bus series, offering 30- and 60-seater models,” Henning said.

He added that Al Futtaim Motors’ after-service network will expand with the launch of two new facilities planned to service the increase in demand across the UAE. “I am confident with these new developments we will see a further strengthening of the Hino brand in the UAE in 2010,” he added.

The conference was capped with the inauguration of the first Hino regional office in the Middle East, at the Sharjah International Airport Free Zone, which will play a key role in assisting with technical training and sales development across the region.

Henning concluded, “This facility will provide Hino customers with further peace of mind in that they are receiving quality products, coupled with a commitment to after-sales service.”

CEVA Logistics looks forward to increased financial stability with the signing of a one-year agreement with Retailcorp Brands South Africa. A part of Dubai World’s portfolio, Retailcorp is an organisation involved in the retailing, promoting, marketing and trading of goods and services in the UAE and the Gulf region.

CEVA will handle the logistics needs of Retailcorp’s 60,000 items, including clothes, sports equipment and footwear products. It will also take charge of ocean and air products importations through Johannesburg and Cape Town hubs, manage customs brokerage and offer the company contract logistics solutions, ensuring direct deliveries to stores. CEVA will dedicate five vehicles to Retailcorp activities.

Pam Cornish, regional director for South Africa, said, “CEVA has built its reputation on outstanding solutions that meet the specific needs of its customers, combining its know-how in every industrial sector with its experience in offering every type of logistics service…”

Retailcorp decided to choose CEVA for its technologically advanced solutions and knowledge of South African requests and rules.

CEVA has continued to recover from its battering over the past year, with third-quarter figures showing signs of recovery in the freight forwarding business. Freight forwarding has experienced the most volatility over the past year or so. Revenue for the third quarter was down 25.2% from a year earlier.

Latest financial results from CEVA continue to show the company’s success at adapting to the recession and strengthening its financial position. They also hint at the prospect of growth returning to the airfreight sector.

Dubai Customs stresses public-private co-operation on IPR

DUBAI Customs Director General Ahmed Butti Ahmed highlighted Dubai’s efforts in protecting intellectual property rights (IPR) at a recent conference in Mexico, saying that co-operation between the public and private sectors has helped a lot in this endeavour.

Speaking at the Fifth Global Congress on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy, in Cancun, Ahmed said cited measures taken by Dubai Customs in deterring counterfeiting, and in raising awareness about IPR and the dangers of consuming fake products.

He said the efforts are in accordance with the Dubai Declaration issued at the Fourth Annual Congress on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy, which was hosted by Dubai in February.

The Cancun congress, which brought together over 800 representatives from 80 countries, was aimed at identifying solutions to fight illicit trade in counterfeit products, which threaten the world’s health, safety and economy.

It was organised by the Interpol, in co- operation with various international organisations.

DUBAI’S Export Development Corporation (EDC) sealed a trade deal with the Department of Export Promotion (DEP), an agency of the Royal Thai Government’s Ministry of Commerce established to provide Thai companies with export assistance and services.

Both parties hope to enhance co-operation in promoting bilateral ties for the development of trade and investment between Dubai, the UAE and Thailand through this deal called ‘TradeLink Partnership’.

More than 20 Thai companies are based in Dubai while some Dubai establishments are expanding in Thailand.

Dubai Trade-Dubai World figures report that Dubai’s total direct exports to Thailand in 2008 reached $97.23 million posted (Dh357.15m), a 54% boost over from $63.08 million in 2007.

Thailand’s exports to Dubai increased 40% to $1.9 billion in 2008 from $1.35 billion the previous year.

Dubai Chamber conducts seminar on franchising

ESTABLISHED and aspiring business leaders have gained awareness on the opportunities available for setting up a business franchise at a recent seminar organised by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Titled ‘Opening a franchise in Dubai’, the seminar provided an overview of the franchising market and opportunities in key sectors of Dubai, legal procedures, commercial aspects in evaluating a franchise and procedures to be undertaken before the signing of a contract.

“Franchise and agency agreements have a long track-record of success in the UAE, and served as the foundation for bringing many international brands and products to the local market,” said Nicholas Stadtmiller, a senior executive or markets at the Business Support Department of Dubai Chamber. “Entrepreneurs should consider the franchise model as a viable option.”

He conducted the seminar together with Melissa Murray, an associate at Hadef & Partners.

Damco expands US, Africa operations

LOGISTICS firm Damco launched its ‘Americas Bridge’ service to strengthen its presence in the massive market that joins North and Latin Americas, even as it provided access to most highly-industrialised regions in Sub-Saharan Africa with the opening of the Maputo corridor in Mozambique.

Americas Bridge uses Miami as a hub to either consolidate Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments from various US points for full container shipping to Latin America, or to ship LCL directly from Miami with weekly options. The LCL product will increase customer competitiveness by providing a flexible solution for customers while fulfilling their own cost-saving objectives.

“This is an end-to-end, one-stop-shop solution for customers, encompassing inland and ocean transportation, warehousing, customs clearance and visibility – tailored to each client’s needs while providing flexibility, reliability and efficiency,” said Henning Malmgren, CEO of Damco Latin America.

Damco also recently opened its office in Maputo, Mozambique after operating in the country for one and a half years supporting the land-locked countries of Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia from its existing office in Beira.

Draft restrictions prevent larger vessels form calling on Beira, necessitating feeder vessels via Durban. With the opening of the Maputo corridor, customers can both source and export directly through Maputo.

For mining companies, this increases the options by offering inland transport solutions and stuffing services in Maputo. It is also a cost-effective alternative to Durban and Beira for parts of the land-locked countries of Zimbabwe, Zambia and Swaziland.

“By opening up Damco operations in Maputo, we will be able to offer a superior service to those countries around Southern Mozambique as well as within the capital city itself,” said Nils Havsager, head of Damco in Africa. “We expect this to benefit both existing and potential customers in the region.”

GULFTAINER subsidiary Momentum Logistics joined the Atlas International Network, a group of independent forwarding companies, ocean transportation intermediaries (OTIs)/non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs) and related service providers.

Since its inception in October 2008, Momentum has always looked to provide the highest standard of service to customers, and develop its global network. Its freight division has established a global network of agents, assembled a team of experienced professionals and attracted over 50 new clients.

This latest move is in line with its aim of becoming a global provider of choice for third-party logistics (3PL) and supply-chain management services.

“Joining the Atlas International Network enhances our existing freight forwarding network and enables us to provide our customers with the superior service, no matter their location,” stated Momentum Logistics General Manager Matthew Derrick.

He added: “As a member of the Atlas network, Momentum has access to a global network that operates with the highest international standards in the freight forwarding industry, enabling us to offer value-added logistics on a truly worldwide scale.”

Aside from the growth of its freight forwarding division, Momentum has also been developing its other services. Its transportation fleet of 122 tractors and over 240 trailers, including specialised low-bed trailers and tipping chassis, has grown to be the one of the largest trucking operations in the region. The division has also opened a state-of-the-art vehicle maintenance and repair facility within the Sharjah Inland Container Depot (SICD).

The development of logistics cities is also in full swing and the levelling of the site for International Logistics City in Al Saja’a is complete. Twelve new warehouses have been added to SICD’s facilities, with work under way on a further 12 that are due to be completed by the second quarter of the year.

SHARJAH Airport Free Zone-based Airfreight Aviation Ltd and Russian Helicopters formed a joint venture company to provide global quality after-sales service for Mi and Ka helicopters in the Middle East region.

Dubbed “International Rotorcraft Services” (IRS), the joint venture offers overhaul, maintenance and repair, airworthiness support and optimisation of the fleet operating costs, modernisation, upgrade, field team support, components repair and spare parts provision for Russian-made helicopters in the region.

Russian Helicopters General-Director Andrey Shibitov said, “We are establishing multiple joint ventures and co-operating tightly with local service centres to maintain and modernise Russians-made helicopters in many countries worldwide.

He said this will help avoid the need to transfer helicopters to Russia for maintenance, and is consistent with company efforts to cut its partners’ expenses. This also means that servicing Russian-made helicopters is becoming easier and more affordable everywhere.

Sergey Krapivtsev, president of Airfreight Aviation, said, “We are very proud to partner with Russian Helicopters, which is one of the leaders in the global helicopter market. We are very keen to boost the operations efficiency of local operators’ Russian-made helicopters and to have their fleet ready for any mission at any time.”

IRS introduces and implements subscription-based technical support and provides material and technical support to local operators. It will also connect rotorcraft design/construction/sales companies with operators and will support the spare parts order/delivery system.

ACS reports 30% month-on-month growth

DUBAI Airport Freezone-based Air Charter Service (ACS) averaged 30% month-on-month growth for August, September and October, prompting the company to double its office space at the free zone.

“August, September and October 2009 were record months for ACS Dubai office,” said ACS Director Dmitri Korshunov. “We witnessed the largest increase in ad-hoc charters since we started operations. We have undertaken 3,200 charters worldwide so far this year – 700 more than at the same time last year.”

He credited the Dubai Airport Freezone for the company’s success, stating that DAFZ allows ACS, a charter specialist, to move very fast with ongoing business with no hassle and red tape.

The company opened at DAFZ in 2006 with three staff members; today it has 16 people, and it operates in 26 countries. Its people fly in and out of the Gulf Arab countries using the UAE as a hub.

“We enjoy being under the umbrella of the UAE government, and we appreciate the business opportunities being provided to foreign companies operating in the free zone,” Korshunov stressed.

Mohammed Suwailem, sales director at DAFZ, said the support given by the Dubai government allows the free zone to respond quickly to the requirements of its clients.

“Our experience dealing with 1,500 multinational companies working in different industry sector gives us the edge in anticipating the needs of companies that are setting up new branches here,” he said.

The UK-headquartered ACS has access to thousands of aircraft worldwide. It had a turnover of $200 million in 2008, and forecast around $260 million this year.

GLOBAL shipping, logistics and marine services provider GAC and Sail Bahrain announced the arrival of two 60-foot Volvo sailing yachts in Bahrain for the first phase of the Sail Bahrain project.

The yachts, which both had circumnavigated the world, left Southamptom, England on September 27 and arrived at Amwaj Marina, Bahrain on November 18. GAC handled the vessel’s journey from start to finish.

Team Pindar, one of the world’s leading independent sailing teams, will operate the vessels, which rank among the world’s most powerful ocean racing yachts.

Sail Bahrain offers unique sailing experiences in Bahrain and throughout the Gulf. Both Volvo 60s are available for corporate hospitality, team-building and yacht charter initiatives. The boats also offer a platform for bespoke marketing opportunities at key locations throughout the Gulf.

“The Kingdom of Bahrain has a rich maritime history, and Sail Bahrain aims to create a new and exciting future for sailing and water sports in the Kingdom,” said Andrew Pindar, chairman of Pindar Group and founder of Sail Bahrain. “Having the Volvo 60’s here is the first step, with future plans including an intention to develop an iconic yacht club on a par with those which grace other leading maritime countries in the Mediterranean and elsewhere.”

Peter Gronberg, managing director at GAC Bahrain, said, "There is much more to Sail Bahrain than bringing these spectacular boats in the Kingdom. Here at GAC we are delighted to be involved in this exciting project, which offers sailing and water sports education, as well as the chance for Bahrainis to engage from beginner-level through to developing world championship sailing skills.”

Buamim clinches 3-year mandate as WCF vice-chair

ENGR Hamad Buamim, director-general of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry, has been selected for the coveted post of vice-chairman of the World Chambers Federation (WCF), for a three-year mandate starting from this month to December 2013.

The appointment was made during the recent executive board meeting of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), under which WCF is a department, held in New Delhi as part of the 90th anniversary celebration of the world business organisation.

The New Delhi affair also confirmed the decision made by the WCF General Council, in New York last October, to re-elect Rona Yirachi, vice-president of the Federation of Chambers of Turkish World Trade, for a third term as WCF chair and Peter Mihok as deputy chair.

Yircali appointed five other new vice-chairmen, who had been previously endorsed by the WCF General Council. These include Mick Fleming, of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives; Mahendra Sanghi (Assocham India); Mustafa Mansur (Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers) and Lorenzo Ysasi Martinez (Mexico City Chamber of Commerce). Prince Sifiso Zulu, of the Durban Chamber of Commerce, in South Africa, was renewed as a WCF vice-chairman.

Buamim credited his WCF appointment to Dubai’s growing international reputation as a trading hub. He remarked, “This acknowledgement of Dubai Chamber also reflects the status the UAE occupies in the region’s economic scene, and the great trust Dubai enjoys as a strategic business destination – a stature that would have not been realised without the unyielding support of our wise leadership.”

Dubai Chamber has been playing its role as business facilitator for local, regional and international traders for the past four decades. Having 100,000 members, Dubai Chamber caters to business communities in over 168 countries worldwide.

WCF represents the chambers of commerce affairs in ICC, and is a platform for business experts and representatives from over 14,000 chambers of commerce worldwide, to discuss issues concerning world trade.

Marshall is Etihad’s Nepal country manager

ETIHAD Airways has appointed Ken Marshall country manager in Nepal, replacing Kumar de Silva.

Now based in Kathmandu, Marshall has been with the airline for five years, and had served as its sales manager in Pakistan, where he helped set up Etihad’s operations in the country’s four key cities.

The airline, meanwhile, is set to recruit big numbers of UAE nationals, especially to its technical and cargo divisions, following a partnership with the Institute of Applied Technology (IAT).

The deal, signed at the recent Dubai Air Show, provides a framework for IAT to ensure that its curriculums constantly align with Etihad’s strategic needs. It also allows IAT to extend its expertise to Etihad staff members through various training and workshop programmes.

Marshall has a wealth of commercial-airline sector experience, including holding senior management positions previously at British Airways, Emirates Airline and Swiss International Airlines.

“I am very pleased to welcome Ken to this new market, and wish him success in growing the operation between Kathmandu and Abu Dhabi,” said Peter Baumgartner, chief commercial officer of Etihad.

The airline earlier said it would increase its four flights a week service to Kathmandu, to offer daily flights from its Abu Dhabi home base to the Nepalese capital starting from this month.

In a statement, Etihad said its agreement with IAT is in support of the development of the UAE national workforce, providing students with the skills and knowledge required to pursue careers in aviation engineering technology.

The agreement covers the development of training schemes, on-the-spot job training, joint marketing initiatives and the development of academic curriculums. This can pave the way for Emirati students developing careers at Etihad, including as cadet pilots or engineers.

“A key objective of our Emiratisation programme is to source high-calibre Emiratis to help develop our own business and, at the same time, play a key role in the nation’s development,” said the airline’s chief executive, James Hogan.

Dr Abdullatif Al Shamsi, director-general of IAT , said, “Our main aim in signing this agreement is to support the development of the UAE's knowledge-based economy, and what better way of achieving this than by formally partnering with Etihad, the national airline of the UAE and world’s leading airline.”

Planet Pharmacy appoints Cox group brand manager

ANITA Cox has been appointed group brand manager of Planet Pharmacy, as part of the pharmaceutical retailer’s plan to launch 250 outlets across the UAE and 500 in Saudi Arabia by 2012.

“Planet Pharmacy aims to provide people across the region with its new range of services on health improvement – which is why our new brand is called Health First,” Cox said.

She joins Planet Pharmacy from Costa Coffee, where she was regional marketing manager for the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region for about four years. She was brand marketing manager of Benjys, a UK-based sandwich retailer, from 2004 until she joined Costa Coffee.

“I plan to use my extensive international experience to bring the Planet Pharmacy brand to consumers across the UAE, with future plans of regional expansion in countries like Qatar and Bahrain,” she said.

Cox, a British national who speaks French, Arabic and basic Turkish, had worked also with the Australia Post as marketing manager for South Australia and the Northern Territory, operating from her base in Adelaide. Her work experience encompasses consumer and business product and service marketing.

Formed in December 2007 with a capital of $245 million, Planet Pharmacy is a joint venture between Ras Al Khaimah-based Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries, or Julphar, and the private equity division of Global Investment House, in Kuwait.

Weatherford, Halliburton award new contracts to Panalpina

LONG-TIME Panalpina customers and major global oil and gas industry players Weatherford and Halliburton have awarded new businesses to the global forwarding and logistics group, which also bagged the global freight management contract of Volex Group.

One of the largest global providers of mechanical solutions, technology applications and services for all phases of oil and gas developments, Weatherford awarded Panalpina significant air and ocean freight export business from the US and Canada. In addition, Panalpina will handle packing services for export shipments to Latin America, Africa and Russia.

Halliburton, a world leading provider of products and services to the energy industry, also awarded Panalpina Houston with all its airfreight business from the US to Europe (except Norway). Projected at over 1,000 tonnes annually, this traffic will primarily be routed via the Dixie Jet service from Huntsville/AL. Moreover, Panalpina was able to retain business for lanes from the US to Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Furthermore, Halliburton awarded Panalpina Canada with its air freight and ocean freight exports from Canada to all of Europe (except Norway). Additionally, Panalpina Canada was awarded both air and ocean exports to Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa.

After months of negotiation, the Volex Group, producer of high speed, fibre-optic and complex cable assemblies as well as electrical power cords, awarded its global freight management to Panalpina. The implementation process has started and will be carried out in three phase, to be followed by a detailed evaluation of Volex supply-chain management requirements globally.

Volex Group currently operates from 17 strategically located countries in Asia, Europe and North and South America. It provides global support to leading producers of computers, telecommunications systems and networking devices.

New EC transport rules to generate $273m annual admin savings

ON top of ensuring fairer competition, the new European regulations modernising the rules governing road transport are expected to generate annual administrative savings of $273.68 million (Dh1trn).

The road package simplifies and clarifies the legal framework for the 900,000 European road transport undertakings engaged in the transport of goods or passengers.

“The package balances the need for harmonised rules and free access to transport markets,” stressed Antonio Tajani, vice-president of the European Commission (EC) in charge of transport.

These rules will bring about significant cost-savings and provide a more equal playing field for all those involved in the industry,” stressed Antonio Tajani, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of transport. “The new regulations modernise, simplify and streamline rules in the road haulage and passenger transport sector governing entrance into the profession and access to the market.”

The three regulations, based on proposals submitted by the EC in 2007, replaced four regulations and two directives. The main changes include harmonised rules on cabotage (the transport of goods or passengers between two points in the same country).

To avoid empty trips, every hauler will now be automatically entitled to carry out up to three cabotage operations within seven days, after the unloading of any international transport, which can be proven with the freight document alone.

National registers of road transport undertakings will now be electronically linked to facilitate information on committed infringements to be exchanged quickly and efficiently between member-states. Undertakings should designate a transport manager, who will be responsible for respecting road transport rules. Stricter rules on the establishment of undertakings – to combat the so-called “Letter box” companies which distort competition – will also be enforced.

However, these new rules will apply in 24 months from date of publication or entry into force due to the need for technical adaptations and accompanying measures at the national level.