Move One InMotion » Logistics

EID MUBARAK!

Zsuzsanna Blau — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 08:52:06 +0000

Move One would like to inform its partners and clients that ministries, customs offices and government institutions will be closed for Eid ul-Fitr, the Muslim holiday following Ramadan.

This may cause shipping and transport delays in the following countries on these specific dates:

About Eid ul-Fitr

Eid ul-Fitr, often abbreviated to Eid, is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.

‘Eid’ is the Arabic word for ‘festivity’, while ‘fitr’ means ‘to break the fast’.
Fasting is believed by some scholars to praise fundamental distinctions, lauding the power of the spiritual realm, while acknowledging the subordination of the physical realm.

In Saudi Arabia: from Wednesday, September 8 to Wednesday, September 15

In Kuwait: from Friday, September 10 to Sunday, September 12

In Afghanistan: from Thursday, September 9 to Saturday, September 11

In Iraq: from Friday, September 10 to Sunday, September 12

In Pakistan: from Friday, September 10 to Monday, September 13

In the UAE: from Wednesday, September 8 to Monday, September 12

In Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo and Macedonia: on Thursday, September 9 only

In Uzbekistan: on Friday, September 10 only

Although our offices in the above mentioned countries will be closed for the duration of the Eid festivities, we will continue to operate at a limited capacity to ensure that shipments are delivered on time.

The next Eid holiday, Eid al-Adha will approximately begin on Tuesday, November 16 and last for three days. Because the commencement of this religious holiday depends on the sighting of the moon and scientific calculations, the exact dates will vary from country to country.

We will continue to keep you informed of any changes.

For further information about how these dates might affect your specific shipment, please contact your Move One consultant or email Robert Hass, Move One’s Regional Manager for the Middle East at robert.hass@moveoneinc.com.

Kuwait Reveals Ambitious Oil Upgrade

Jenai Towuru — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 09:54:19 +0000

Kuwait’s oil minister, Sheikh Ahmad al-Abdullah al-Sabah has unveiled plans to boost the output of three refineries.

In an interview with the UAE daily paper, The National, the minister said the proposed plan, with an estimated value of US $ 35bn (Dh128.45bn), is aimed at upgrading the three refineries and increasing their output capacity from 730,000 bpd to 800,000 bpd.

According to the Sheikh, the project is part of a four-year developmental plan for Kuwait’s oil industry and will also include building a fourth oil refinery. “The purpose of this refinery is to produce the special fuel for our electricity, because in the international market there is not enough gas fuel for our electricity plants,” he stated.

Keeping in line with the Clean Fuels Project for Kuwait, he believes this initiative will encourage the productivity of lighter fuel and help deal with lingering environmental concerns.

Kuwait has the world’s fifth largest oil reserves and its petroleum products account for almost 80 percent of government income.

References:

ArabianBusiness.com

Welcome to ‘Small Town America’… in Iraq

Jenai Towuru — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:39:20 +0000

Since its commissioning, Camp Anaconda has transformed over the years from ‘Mortaritville’ to becoming a prime destination for visiting politicians and celebrities. Gone are the days when this base, one of the largest owned and operated by the US Military, was an open target for insurgents who incessantly pounded it with mortar rounds and RPGs (rocket propelled grenades), hence the coined term Mortaritville. Today, Camp Anaconda is a far cry from what it used to be. It has taken on a whole different look that sometimes gives one the impression of being in small town America, according to Thomas Ricks of the Washington Post.

Facts and trivia

The base occupies 15 square miles
It has it’s own bottled water manufacturing plant
It houses the second largest US Military medical Facility in Iraq which occupies a quarter of the base
The base has its own airline- Catfish Air, as well as two weekly newspapers- Expeditionary Times and Anaconda Times
It has the second busiest airport in the world, second only to Heathrow Airport
Move One officially began logistics operations at the base in March 1, 2010

Like Iraq, the camp has a pretty fascinating history that can be traced as far back as the 60’s. Widely known as al-Bakr Air Base at the time, it served as an important military airfield for the Iraqi air force. al-Bakr featured hardened aircraft shelters (HAS), also referred to as ‘trapezoids’ or ‘Yugos’ which were built by the Yugoslavs in the mid 80’s. Following the US-led invasion in 2003, it was renamed the Balad Air Base and Logistics Support Area Anaconda (also called LSA Anaconda). Today, the base is officially called Joint Base Balad (JBB) and mentioned in popular media as Camp Anaconda.

Located in the Sunni triangle about 40 clicks north of Baghdad and spread over 15 square miles, Camp Anaconda is home to over 25,000 joint military service personnel and contractors. It serves as the primary logistics hub for military operations in Iraq. Unlike other bases, it is well equipped with facilities such as a 24 hour fitness gym, lighted outdoor basketball courts, an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a chandeliered movie theater.

First time visitors will be amazed by the sheer size of the base. It is so large it has its own neighborhoods: KBR-land and CJSOTF (Combined Joint Operations Task Force). The base also has two large post exchanges (PX) and four mess halls. There is an overwhelming presence of fast food joints like Pizza Hut, Popeye’s, Subway, Baskin Robbins, a 24 hour Burger King and a Starbucks like coffee house called Green Beans. If hot dogs or grilled cheese sandwiches aren’t exactly what you want, you can treat yourself to a meal of baked salmon, roast turkey, grilled pork chops, fried crab bites, breaded scallops or fried rice for dinner, if on the menu for the day.

For safety reasons, all military personnel are required to always wear a flak jacket and helmet despite the searing heat. The same is required of non-military personnel but only when there is an imminent threat of rocket fire.

Move One began freight services at Camp Anaconda a six months ago on March 1, 2010, to support its on-going logistics operations in Iraq and the wider region. The Balad operations center also houses a storage facility to temporarily secure and process inbound and outbound cargo before they are dispatched to their respective destinations. A hub within a hub, the office receives truck shipments daily directly from Kuwait and handles multiple air shipments per week.

Robert Hass, Regional Manager for the Middle East readily admits that “the strategic location of the office has allowed us to greater expand the scale of our operations and improve our ability to be more efficient, although some challenges still remain. For example, the camp’s strictly enforced security protocols mean our own personnel have to go through certain bureaucratic channels to get approval for our trucks to come into the base. “Sometimes, this could take up to 72 hours,” adds Hass.

To keep residents up-to-date on local and international affairs, the base has two weekly newspaper publications called the Expeditionary Times and the Anaconda Times. It even has its own airline, Catfish Air, and a state-of-the-art medical facility with a 98 percent rate of survival for military and non-military patients. For those who are bored and need a little bit of excitement, they can play miniature golf, though the outlay of the course that mimics a battle ground with barbed wires and sand bags, makes it somewhat bizarre.

For more information about Move One’s operations in Iraq, please contact Robert Hass.

References:

Global Security

The Washington Post

Afghan In-flight Magazine Turns Up the Heat

Jenai Towuru — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:37:13 +0000

Most in-flight magazines feature the latest gadgetry, a gastronomic guide or the top travel destinations around the world to entertain their readers, but one airline is taking a very different and unusual approach.

Safi Airways, a start-up Afghan airline portrays the harsh realities of life in Afghanistan in its in-flight magazine. Its raw dose of realism is sure to shock any traveler or make them cringe in their seats; if not for what could potentially be a harrowing experience then definitely for its audacious approach.

In one edition, the magazine features an article on dog fighting in Kabul, apparently a popular form of entertainment, though the writer is quick to point out that the dogs are “usually pulled apart before they can inflict serious damage on each other”.

Another edition features the story of ‘Marjan, the one-eyed lion’, a center of attraction at the Kabul zoo until his death in 2002. He was decapitated after a Taliban fighter threw a grenade into his cage in revenge for the death of his brother who was eaten by the lion. The magazine recommends a visit adding, “conditions are poor but it is a popular place for Kabulis.”

Christian Marks, the magazines editor, is quoted in the Wall Street Journal saying: “I would like it to be a magazine where you can read interesting things, not just get brain washed by some marketing agency that says you can’t show problems.” Surprisingly, despite the magazines bizarre approach, advertisers have not refrained from publicizing their products on its pages.

Safi Airways flies routes between Kabul and Frankfurt, Dubai and Kuwait.

References:

The Wall Street Journal

ABC News

US Combat Troops Leave Iraq

Jenai Towuru — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:50:07 +0000

Baghdad, Iraq – August 19, 2010 – The last US combat brigade has left Iraq, seven years and five months after the US-led invasion toppled the regime of Saddam Husein.

Though the US will officially wind down its combat operations by the end of the month, about 50, 000 troops will remain until the end of 2011 to protect US interests and play an advisory role to Iraqi forces.

The pull-out marks one of the largest logistics operation since the end of world war II and involves the movement of more than one million pieces of military equipment and infrastructure. Since April 2003, Move One has provided logistics services, shipping military equipment, MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) and MWDs (Military Working Dogs) to the US military in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“Over the years, our role in rebuilding the country’s weakened infrastructure has grown tremendously and we continue to contribute to the success of the reconstruction efforts to improve the lives of every Iraqi,” says Robert Hass, Move One’s Regional Manager for the Middle East.

“We continue to assist the Iraqi government in our own capacity,” continues Hass. “Earlier this year, we shipped livestock and agricultural produce to Iraq for the Ministry of Agriculture as part of a USAID-funded program to foster agricultural and economic growth,” he adds.

Move One currently has five offices in Iraq and is continuing to expand in the country, with two more locations set to open in the coming weeks. For further information on our operations in the region, please contact Robert Hass.

About Move One

The company provides reliable and professional air, land and sea transportation overseen by seasoned logisticians using the field’s most technologically advanced and innovative tools, developed in-house by Move One’s own team of IT professionals and in partnership with Radix Technologies.

Not only can Move One provide project and warehouse management, its ability to offer overweight and over-sized movement as well as HAZMAT transportation through the harshest and most remote regions make it a front runner in the freight forwarding and logistics industry.

Through its strategically located offices and an extensive Preferred Partner Network, Move One offers a seamless global service easily accessible from a single point of contact. Thanks to Move One’s unique technologies, such as Intrack ™, its proprietary automated online tracking system, clients are able to view all their current shipments and purchase orders booked with Move One in real-time.

With expertise in fields including fine art transportation, immigration procedures, military logistics and international relocation, Move One has the experience and the resources to meet even the most demanding logistical challenge.

Shipment Delays Expected Because of Ramadan

Jenai Towuru — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 14:20:13 +0000

Move One would like to inform its clients that there is likely to be a lag in shipment and clearance procedures in some countries, as Muslims around the world mark the beginning of the sacred month of Ramadan. During this period, working hours of federal and state ministries, customs offices and other government institutions will be restricted, causing possible delays.

Please note that this may affect deliveries as well, therefore we advise you to check with your Move One consultant of any possible delays regarding your shipment. In case of any hindrance, they will be securely held in our warehouses or at the ports and will be subject to additional charges.

The start of Ramadan changes every year since it is based on the sighting of the new moon at the start of the lunar month and scientific calculations. Although some countries start to observe Ramadan today, others won’t start until tomorrow.

The designated dates for the affected countries are as follows:

In the UAE: from Wednesday, August 11 to Thursday, September 9
In Pakistan: from Wednesday, August 11 to Thursday, September 9
In Afghanistan: from Wednesday, August 11 to Thursday, September 9
In Kuwait: from Wednesday, August 11 to Thursday, September 10
In Iraq: from Wednesday, August 11 to Thursday, September 9
In Saudi Arabia: from Wednesday, August 11 to Thursday, September 9
In Qatar: from Wednesday, August 11 to Thursday, September 9
In Jordan: from Wednesday, August 11 to Thursday, September 9

In Saudi Arabia, port operations for vessels will continue as usual, but clearance operations will slow down since customs officials will only be working for four hours per day.

Our office hours will remain the same as usual, except for the changes in the following countries:

Saudi Arabia: from 9:30am to 3pm
The UAE: from 9:00am to 3:30pm
Kuwait: from 8:30am to 2:30pm

We will continue to keep our clients informed of any changes to the above listed dates. For further information, place contact Robert Hass, Middle East Regional Manager for Move One.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. We wish you a Ramadan Mubarak!

Move One and Target in Appeal for Aid to Pakistan Flood Victims

Jenai Towuru — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:58:38 +0000

Budapest, Hungary - August 10, 2010 – Move One and Target Logistics would like to invite our clients to help us support our humanitarian efforts to bring aid to the millions affected by devastating floods in northern and central Pakistan. The floods, one of the worst in 80 years, has already displaced as many as 15 million people and destroyed or damaged more than 600,000 homes, according to Pakistani officials.

Pakistan is in the middle of the monsoon season and torrential rains are causing flash floods and landslides that have claimed the lives of more than 1,800 people. According to Yousuf Raza Gilani, Pakistani prime minister, the disaster has caused damages worth billions of US dollars, adding, “the government is trying everything possible but it is beyond our capacity, we are facing an extremely difficult situation.” According to the UN, the floods are worse than the devastating 2004 tsunami, 2005 earthquake, and the Haiti earthquake in January.

Entire villages have been wiped out, leaving millions in dire need of food and clean water supplies. The Pakistani government and other aid organizations are scrambling to provide several displaced persons with food items, blankets, water-proof tents, medicines and other basic necessities.

Move One has joined Target Logistics’ relief effort to deliver disaster aid packages to victims of the flood. Each package, costing US $30, is made to last a household for approximately one week. It contains staple food items such as oil, lentils, sugar, salt, flour, rice etc. Together, the two companies have pledged 1000 packages – meeting half the targeted goal of US $50,000 – but would need assistance in providing more. As such, we are asking all of our clients, readers and partners to kindly support our efforts in raising funds to provide much needed aid to those affected.

We implore you to help our cause, as your contribution will bring new hope to those whose lives have been shattered by the floods.

Please contact Paul Cziraky for details on how to make a donation.

Update: August 17, 2010

Move One and Target Logistics have successfully delivered the first 500 boxes of non-perishable food items to flood victims to aid relief efforts. Both companies have placed orders for another set of 500 boxes, which will be delivered by the end of this week. The situation is worsening with 7 million now displaced and 2000 killed by the floods. Relief agencies are scampering to reach internally displaced persons (IDPs) in dire need of assistance even as governments pledge monetary assistance. Move One and Target Logistics would like to reiterate their appeal to valued clients and donors to help support our efforts in delivering disaster aid packages to the people of Pakistan.

About Move One

Operating at the forefront of the global freight industry and in the world’s most challenging environments, Move One provides an unparalleled level of service for its clients and their logistical needs. The company provides reliable and professional air, land and sea transportation overseen by seasoned logisticians using the field’s most technologically advanced and innovative tools, developed in-house by Move One’s own team of IT professionals and in partnership with Radix Technologies.

Floods, Violence in Pakistan Causing Shipment Delays

Jenai Towuru — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 14:45:42 +0000

Islamabad, Pakistan- August 3, 2010: Move One would like to inform its clients that devastating floods in northern Pakistan and recent political violence in the south are impeding our logistics operations in the region. As such, we regret to announce that shipment delays are likely in the up coming days.

Devastating Floods

Torrential monsoon rains have caused severe flooding, damaging major transit routes and virtually paralyzing cargo terminals in north-west Pakistan. Shipments from Peshawar to Kabul and Bagram in Afghanistan have been temporarily suspended due to congestion and flooding at the terminal. We expect the situation to be resolved as soon as as weather conditions improve.

Political Violence

The southern city of Karachi has been rocked by political violence after the assassination of a prominent MP. Violence erupted after the provincial lawmaker, Raza Haider was shot dead while preparing to offer prayers at a mosque. The killing sparked reprisal attacks which have claimed the lives of 45 and injured more than 100 people. The situation seems to be abating though tensions still remain high. The government has ordered schools and offices to be closed for today (Tuesday).

We would like to reassure our clients that we’re working round the clock to see that shipments to the affected areas are dispatched as soon as possible. For more information on the situation, please contact Gregory Forgrave, Move One country manager for Afghanistan.

About Move One

Iraqi Oil and Gas Conference Picks Move One as its Official Freight Forwarder

Jenai Towuru — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 00:10:46 +0000

Basra, Iraq – July 30, 2010: Move One has been named the official freight forwarder for the International Oil & Gas Conference and Exhibition in Basra. The event, organized by Expotim and Pyramids International, will take place at the Basra International Fair Ground from November 25 – 28.

Participants will include professionals from the oil and gas industry and delegates from several governments. Petronas, Weatherford, Lukoil and Halliburton are just a few of the exhibitors that will be at the event.

As the official freight forwarder of the conference, Move One will provide exhibitors with a number of services such as the delivery, handling and storage, as well as customs clearance for exhibits and containers and other assets of participants. The oil and gas fair will be the first of its kind in the region and will be supported by the Iraqi government.

About Move One

Move One has been operating in Iraq since 2003 and has five strategically located offices in the country. For further information, please contact Robert Hass, regional manager for the Middle East or visit Move One’s website.

Move One Opens New Warehouse in Erbil

Jenai Towuru — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 22:13:06 +0000

Move One has opened its latest facility in Erbil, namely a warehouse, to further assist with its freight and logistics operations in the region. The 600 sq meter storage facility will come into operation on August 1 and features state-of-the-art packing and crating equipment.

Centrally located, the warehouse is easily accessible and is in close proximity to our Erbil office and the international airport.

Although there is a shortage of such services in Erbil, Move One is able to offer specialized warehousing solutions, managing the pick-up, drop-off, inventory confirmation, tracking and crating, as well as the transportation of goods. Our internally developed and automated online tracking system, InTrack™, allows our clients to access, overview and monitor their inventory online, remotely, 24/7.

Erbil is currently undergoing an accelerated economic boom, with foreign investors pouring billions of dollars into its oil, gas and mineral industry. For further information about Move One’s warehouse management and/or related services in the Middle East, contact Robert Hass, Regional Manager for the Middle East.