Medium Cool

      We want to put a gauge on UA’s TempControl offering, but before we can even get out our note pad, Krisha links up the cool chain and bids us climb aboard.
      “This is a very exciting time to be involved in TempControl at United Cargo. “While we have offered a strong product since our launch in 2009, we are being recognized more and more as one of the worldwide leaders in the transport of pharmaceuticals, medicines and other temperature-sensitive goods.
      “For example, we were among the winners of the first DHL CARE Award at their recent Global Life Sciences & Healthcare Conference.

Receiving the CARE Award. Left-to-right in the photo are: David Bang, Global Head of DHL Temperature Management Solutions/CEO LifeConEx at DHL Global Forwarding; Angel Ramirez, VP – Global Operations, Logistics and Postal Affairs, United Cargo; Ingo Rahn, EVP Global Head of Air Freight, DHL Global Forwarding; and Angelos Orfanos, President, Life Sciences & Healthcare Sector, DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation.

      “The ‘R’ and the ‘E’ stand for Reliability and Excellence—two elements to which our whole team is committed when transporting these products. ‘C A’ is short for ‘Carrier Award,’ but we prefer to think they represent two qualities that set us apart and guide our actions throughout the entire process from first customer contact to delivery to the patient: ‘Consistency’ and ‘Adaptability.’
      “The third foundation of the program, and what for me is the key guiding principle for TempControl, is integrity.
      “Integrity is all about keeping our promises and doing what we say we’ll do when we say we’ll do it.
      “It also means being honest before, during and after the shipment, and not making any promises we can’t keep.”

Exceeding The Need

      “TempControl was developed to transport pharmaceuticals and life science products, and those commodities still represent the majority of our business. “But the types and varieties of shipments are expanding: for example, we have moved meat and ice cream for the U.S. troops overseas, and a variety of other foodstuffs as TempControl.
      “Our strategy for improvement and innovation is to be as knowledgeable about the pharma industry as we can, and to be as close as possible to forwarders, manufacturers, regulatory agencies, and patients.
      “We base the development of TempControl on what the industry needs from us.
      “All TempControl’s innovations have started with something we’ve heard from our customers or their customers.”

The Rule To SJU

      “Our new widebody service to San Juan is exciting, especially when you consider that there are 49 FDA-approved pharmaceutical plants in Puerto Rico and 14 of the world’s top 20 pharma companies have manufacturing operations there.
      “The opportunities presented by adding new cities to the TempControl network are always inspiring: we just added Strasbourg, France, and Stuttgart, Germany, so we’re up to 62 locations worldwide.
      “Another positive development this summer is the redeployment of 19 of our United’s wide-body aircraft to service U.S. domestic routes.
      “Widebody lift for air cargo is a great boost to our ability to quickly connect life science product packaging via TempControl between the entire U.S. and the rest of the world.
      “It’s also exciting to hear the consistent projections for the need for more temperature-controlled transport due to the growing middle class across the globe, an aging population that will need more healthcare products.
      “The marketplace of pharmaceuticals and patients is constantly evolving, and so are the most effective ways to connect the two,” Krisha declares.

Discovery & Partnership Experience

      “A key part of my role is to discover, then evaluate and develop, new ways to take advantage of United’s comprehensive network to connect manufacturers and forwarders to patients worldwide. United Cargo’s Manager of Specialty Sales Mary Tussing has been a great cohort as we’ve worked together to develop TempControl at United.
      “In 2016, through Mary’s vision, we are focusing our efforts on smaller trade shows and events.
      “We learned last year that this approach promotes more effective collaboration with pharmaceutical companies as well as our freight forwarder partners.
      “That said, we still do participate in many larger shows: we will co-host the Health and Personal Care Logistics Conference reception here in Chicago for the second consecutive year this fall.”

Not All Beers & Skittles

      “Outlining challenges today in shipping temperature-controlled cargo include commoditization as a key issue.
      “The economics of the air cargo industry are very challenging, and temperature-controlled shipping is recognized as one of the few growth areas.
      “So there’s a lot of bandwagon-jumping: people who talk the talk of cool chain shipping before they can truly walk the walk.
      “At United we strive to specifically avoid that with our TempControl product, though United has one of the greatest networks in the air.
      “We explore expansion to our network only when we can fill a customer or patient need.

In January 2016 United Cargo celebrated the grand opening of a new TempControl Center at their Cargo Facility at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).Cutting the ribbon from left to right are—Jan Krems, United Cargo President, Jose Rosado, United’s Senior Manager of Cargo Operations in Newark and Mary Tussing, United Cargo’s Manager of Specialty Sales.

      “We don’t certify a new TempControl handling station until all the necessary quality processes are established, and until everyone who’ll come in contact with the shipment is completely trained in those processes.
      “Of course, the primary challenge with these extremely valuable and irreplaceable products is uncontrollable events and risk mitigation.
      “While we try to control everything we can control, we believe the most useful tools we have for handling these challenges are our defined SOPs.
      “These SOPs not only establish standard work flows for products and routes but, just as important, define set responses and communication paths that we follow when irregular operations occur.”

Some Better Ideas For Air Cargo

      “I think the industry would benefit from being more open to change—in the use of technology, reexamining processes, and several other areas.
      “Air cargo needs to continually evaluate the best way of doing things without any bias toward continuing the way we’re doing them now.
      “Fortunately, this is happening more frequently in the areas of improving quality and efficiency—because customers are demanding it.
      “As an industry we need to further leverage advances in technology, as has been done in almost all other industries, to drive reliability and fast and safe delivery.” 

All About Krisha

      “I can’t say I wound up in this industry or in this role as a result of any master plan!” Krisha declares.
      “I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Business Management Administration and Legal Studies from Bradley University in Illinois, and I also had the opportunity to complete some of my course work abroad at the Prague University of Economics.
      “My university career advisor knew I loved to travel, so she advised me to apply for an intern position with United. The internship was with United Cargo’s Capacity team, and after 7 months I became a full-time cargo capacity analyst.
      “After 18 months in that position, in September 2013 I was promoted to my current position of cargo product development & marketing manager – focusing primarily on our TempControl product.
      “Similar to the start of my United Cargo career, I became involved with TempControl because it sounded interesting and different—and like it could be fun!
      “From my capacity work I understood the importance of achieving the right cargo mix and yield on each flight, and that temperature-controlled shipping was growing in volume and importance to our business.
      “With my constant drive to learn new things, be the best in what I do, and make a contribution to the success of the company, I’m glad I made the move.
      “It’s a tough job at times, but a rewarding one.”

The World Beyond Air Cargo

      “Something I’ve learned—but I don’t think the public or even other folks in the airline industry recognize—is the impact that cargo has on the economy and the lives of people worldwide.
      “This is especially true for the medicines, vaccines, and pharmaceuticals we transport via TempControl.
      “We have the ability and the duty to ensure these products are transported quickly and with integrity so they can make a positive impact on patients’ well-being.
      While I know we’re only a part of an enormous chain from research and development to manufacturing to transportation to patients, I like to think that we’re making a difference and helping to address the key issues confronting the evolving worldwide health care system.
      “That’s something that motivates me,” Krisha said.

Women In Air Cargo

      “Since I joined the cargo industry 5 years ago, and specifically since I’ve been in my current job, I’ve seen a steady increase in the number of women in the industry and the importance of their roles.
      “I’ve also noticed more and more young professionals of both sexes entering the field.
      “This is a stark contrast to my first day on the job fresh out of college, when my impression was that cargo was an ‘old boy’s network.’
      “I see this as a refreshing, and long overdue, shift in attitude.
      “The industry needs people who look at its issues with new eyes and fresh perspectives.
      “While I appreciate all the battles that have been fought for equality for all groups, I want to be part of a generation that ignores gender, race, ethnicity, and every other characteristic that might divide people.
      “The key questions are: Are you passionate about your job? Do you have something worthwhile to contribute?”

Life In Balance

      “On the subject of work/life balance, I have to admit I’d prefer a little less ‘work’ and a little more ‘life’—but I think everyone would say the same!
      “When I am able to relax and get away, I enjoy taking advantage of the benefits of working for an airline.
      “I love exploring places I haven’t been, and I find it relaxing to extensively research future trips and plan every detail of my itinerary.
      “This ensures I get the most out of every moment, since my travel time is limited and I’m on a quest to visit every country on the planet.
      “Recently I’ve been searching out places to indulge my newest obsession: scuba diving!
      “The love of travel was instilled in me early, at age 2, when I flew to Poland with my father to visit his family.
      “I consider myself very fortunate that both my parents supported and encouraged this passion, and now traveling is of course a major part of my job at United Cargo.
      “I would definitely recommend the airline business to anyone starting their career.
      “It’s exciting, there’s a wide variety of things to get involved in, and there are great opportunities to succeed.”
Geoffrey

RE: Dallas Was One Cool Customer

Geoffrey,

     First off, very late kudos for the ultra smooth transition from hard copy to your Industry-leading digital publication…Well done!
You were always the classy one and yes, I think occasionally of the In & Out Club  (London) and our days with TIACA. I remember when TIACA reorganized and you had essentially Guenter (Rohrmann) as President and me as “Marketing Guy”with Garth (Davies) churning out communiqués.  TIACA is sure a different “Kettle” now. It has evolved and come a long way. 
     Still miss the camaraderie with the likes of you, Ram (Menen),Walter (Johnson), Dick (Jackson), Jean Alain (Ress), Isaac (Nijankin), et al.

     Madam Secretary is one of our family favorites. It is on routine “record” with us along with 60 Minutes. I figured that it was your son in the program…The name Geoffrey Arend is sorta like Brown Wilder—there aren’t very many of ‘em around. There is a “Brown IV” now, and he is a handful.
     I do think fondly of our beloved Air Cargo Industry frequently. I feel that my career/period was truly the “Golden Age” of the Industry. It transitioned from prop to jets, from the CAB to nothing, from Tariffs stacked to the ceiling to no rules, from pencils and paper or Remington Rand/Selectric to digital/electronic, from total regulation of everything that moved to no regulation or rules, from 27 domestic scheduled carriers to who-knows-how-many, etc. Forwarders went from REA Air Express and a few others to hundreds/thousands. Integrated Carriers came into being along with 3PLs. 
     At one time it literally took an act of Congress to become an airline. Now you can do so by jumping over a rope and saying “I am an airline.” When I was a “puppy” just beginning, there were the aforementioned 27 scheduled domestic carriers—all but one was taken over or declared bankruptcy and disappeared or was reborn thru Chapter 11 (guess the one).
     One constant has remained in the past few decades: The Air Cargo Industry has evolved into one of the most competitive segments of world commerce.
     When I first started, there was no price competition (remember the CAB).  Everyone competed on service. Service and sales/marketing was what got you the business… then along came deregulation and price became a strong determining factor. Now, today, anyone can move it swiftly and dependably (if they can’t, they’ll be gone shortly). Similarly, anyone can move it cheaply (perhaps not so profitably).  As a result, the carriers who have the best information capabilities and support value-added services attain the catbird seat.
     Enough rambling.
     About Dallas Sherman…
     Dallas was a consummate professional with an affable, unassuming demeanor. He was a friendly, classy individual. After his AA tenure he and Michelle formed a truly professional team. I only knew him during his AA tenure, but it was evident that he had a keen business mind and was adept in dealing with individuals within and without his company.
     Dal was comfortable both in domestic and international arenas. He had a steady hand on the tiller of a complex and extremely dynamic industry… an industry that many deem one of the most competitive in all of worldwide commerce. Dal brought a smooth touch to our hard-driving industry. He exhibited trust to his competitors and peers and received trust in kind from those with whom he dealt.
     Dallas was a true patriot and loved our country. His military performance speaks for itself. He was a true overachiever in this segment of his career.
     Dal always sported a grin along with a soft, encouraging voice. He was only too happy to share his support and knowledge with Industry cohorts. Similarly, he was not reluctant to seek counsel with these selfsame cohorts if the situation warranted.
     Our beloved industry is a lesser place due to Dal’s absence. Condolences to his family and to his many friends and coworkers.
—Brown Wilder

     Brown Wilder stepped down from his post as president and chief executive officer at Air Cargo Inc. in 2000.
     ACI does not own any trucks itself but contracts with about 600 air-freight trucking specialists and about 100 cargo terminal handling operators across the United States.
     “The thrust of the industry has gone from price and service—those are givens—to information about the shipment,'' Brown said when he retired.
     Today, 16 years later, we found a picture of Brown on Facebook. It looks like the years have been good to this top transportation executive. He should not be forgotten as one of the major driving forces who worked overtime to put TIACA into business.
     Brown was there at start up and gave relentlessly of his time and brilliance to help establish TIACA, back when the future of that organization hung by a thread.
     We salute Brown Wilder, thinking we should all be so lucky to truly enjoy the ride into retirement and our golden years…

Geoffrey

     David Thatcher, one of the last two surviving members of Jimmy Doolittle’s famed Tokyo Raiders, died June 22 in Missoula, Montana.
     Thatcher's death leaves just one remaining Doolittle Raider: retired Lt. Col. Dick Cole, Doolittle's co-pilot on crew No. 1.
     Come Labor Day and the end of summer this September, Dick Cole will celebrate his 101st birthday.
      As one of the Doolittle Raiders, retired Lt. Col. Richard Cole and his fellow airmen defied the odds in what was considered a suicide mission to bomb Japan in 1942.
      Mr. Cole was co-pilot for Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle, who led 16 B-25 bombers on a mission that is widely considered the event that changed the nation’s morale following the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.
      Mr. Cole was one of 80 Army Air Corps members who volunteered for the top-secret mission. The Raiders planned to take off from the deck of the USS Hornet, bomb targets in Japan, and then land in China.
      But the Japanese navy detected the Hornet, so the takeoff point was moved 200 miles farther away, leaving the Raiders with a very slim chance of making it to China after their bombing run.
      Postwar, 77 of the original 80 Doolittle Raiders that made it back from the war held an annual reunion almost every year from the late 1940s to 2013.
      The high point of each reunion was a solemn, private ceremony in which the surviving Raiders performed a roll call, and then toasted their fellow Raiders who had died during the previous year.
      Specially engraved silver goblets, one for each of the 80 Raiders, were used for this toast; the goblets of those who have died were inverted.
      The “final toast to fallen comrades” by the surviving raiders took place at the NMUSAF on November 9, 2013, preceded by a B-25 flyover, and was attended by Richard Cole, Edward Saylor, and David Thatcher.
      Happy Landings, always, to our great American heroes.
Geoffrey

Vol 15. No. 55
Dallas Was One Cool Customer
Over-supply Job One At Cathay
Chuckles For July 20, 2016
FIATA/IATA ACP
AFKLMP Aboard JFK Ark