Inbound Logistics | June 2021

NOTED [ IN FOCUS ]

The Supply Chain in Brief n Canadian National (CN) and Kansas City Southern entered into a definitive merger agreement. The combined rail company connects North America’s industrial corridor to create new options for shippers. n PayPal acquired Happy Returns , a California-based startup that allows online shoppers to make returns in person. n Multinational electronics company Panasonic acquired Blue Yonder , a digital fulfillment platform provider. n E2open , a provider of a cloud-based, end- to-end supply chain management platform, acquired BluJay Solutions , a cloud-based logistics execution platform. n Canada-based logistics technology company Descartes Systems Group acquired Portrix Logistics Software , a German provider of multimodal rate management solutions. m&a

> GOOD WORKS

Oversize air freight transportation provider Volga-Dnepr Airlines operated three charter flights to India from China, Ireland, and Germany to aid the nation during its COVID-19 crisis. Volga-Dnepr delivered more than 200 tons of medical equipment, including oxygen-storing and cryogenic containers, to various regions that experienced oxygen equipment shortages.

IAG Cargo and its sister company British Airways operated a relief flight to India, transporting 27 tons of medical aid. The carriers loaded a B777-200 with more than 1,000 items from the High Commission of India and charities, including oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators, respirators, and blood oxygen saturation monitors. British Airways is also donating care packages for families in need.

> SHOVEL READY

Averitt Express opened a new distribution and fulfillment center near Dallas, Texas, and its service center in Grand Prairie. The 400,000-square- foot facility handles domestic and international freight, and is equipped to accommodate growing international shipping needs in the region.

Third-party logistics provider Kenco Logistics is building, staffing, and managing a finished goods warehouse and distribution point in Salt Lake City for Oatly, a Swedish sustainable food company. Kenco will help Oatly achieve its sustainability goals, streamline operations, and meet consumer demand in North America.

> UP THE CHAIN

Blackline Cold Storage broke ground on a 298,000-square-foot cold storage facility at the Port of Houston. Its design incorporates flexibility for multiple

Final-mile platform OneRail appointed Bill Hancock to its board of advisors. Hancock brings nearly two decades of leadership experience, having served in executive leadership roles at Target Corporation, American Tire Distributors, and US Foods. Bridge Industrial hired David Aschenbrand as its new vice president of cold storage. Aschenbrand previously served as director at Lineage Logistics, where he oversaw the transportation and logistics division.

segregated temperature zones, including blast freezing capability, and up to 50 truck doors and rail connectivity to serve multiple customer requirements. The facility is set to open in 2022. GameStop is expanding its North American fulfillment network by leasing a 700,000-square-foot fulfillment center in York, Pennsylvania. Expected to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2021, the facility will support the company's e-commerce and fulfillment needs and expedite shipping across the East Coast.

18 Inbound Logistics • June 2021

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