Posted on Tue, Apr 09, 2013
Lynden Signs Purchase Agreement to Buy Northland Services
Companies Agree on Sale Framework: Lengthy Process Remains Before Deal is Completed
Lynden (www.lynden.com), a family of freight transportation companies serving primarily Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, has entered into a purchase agreement to buy Northland Services, Inc. (www.northlandservices.com), a tug and barge carrier providing service between Seattle, Alaska and Hawaii.
"Lynden provides an ideal situation to better serve our customers, our employees and the communities where we operate," explained Larry Stauffer , President and CEO of Northland. "We have seen significant growth in our business over the past decade, and bringing two great companies and teams together will help improve and expand service in the communities we serve."
Northland will be an independent operating company within the Lynden family of companies. The current Northland management team would stay in place.
Lynden's Alaska Marine Lines also provides tug and barge transportation services between Seattle and Southeast and Central Alaska. "Northland has a great reputation, and adds Western Alaska and Hawaii to Lynden's service, enabling us to provide more service capabilities to our customers," said Lynden Chairman Jim Jansen. "We are excited about the ability to provide integrated statewide Alaska service, higher service frequency, and greater combined capabilities for our customers. Where there is service overlap, we will organize to provide a higher level of service. In certain communities where Alaska Marine Lines and Northland are the two primary freight carriers, other barge lines have plans to compete with us."
A lengthy, complex process remains before the purchase can be completed. The proposed transaction is subject to regulatory review and other terms that, if completed, would likely result in closing in late 2013.
Northland's major shareholder, Endeavour Capital, is a Western U.S. private investment firm. Endeavour's philosophy centers on the principle of stewardship: they believe in leaving a company in better condition than when they arrived. Endeavour has partnered with Northland's shareholders and management team over the past nine years – together they have transformed Northland via significant investment in the business and helped it become a leader in marine transportation to the Alaska and Hawaiian markets.
Posted on Sat, Mar 02, 2013
The 2013 Iditarod - the “Last Great Race on Earth” - officially starts today, March 2nd. Lynden is proud to be a sponsor of two of this year's racers, Pete Kaiser and Mike Williams. Pete is an employee of Bering Marine Corporation, part of the Lynden family of companies, and will be racing for the 4th time. He finished in the Top 10 in both 2012 and 2011. Mike is also sponsored by Lynden, mushing in the Iditarod for the 15th time. He was born and raised in Alaska, and has a son (Mike Williams, Jr.) who will also be competing in this year's race.
Pete and his dogs
The Iditarod race, the ultimate test against nature, winds over 1,150 miles of difficult terrain throughout rough weather conditions. Mushers will start in Anchorage and ultimately finish in Nome, Alaska. The race typically takes 9-15 days for mushers to finish.
Lynden employees are familiar faces at Alaska sled dog races, volunteering for things such as race announcing, caring for dog teams, and lending other support. You can learn more about the Iditarod and follow along with this year's race by visiting the official website: www.iditarod.com.
Posted on Thu, Feb 14, 2013
Alaska West Express is testing an on-board oil filtration system on six of its tractors that is allowing the company to operate even more clean and green. The trucks can now run as many as 145,000 miles between oil changes, eliminating around 56 oil changes and saving 657 gallons of oil.
A six-micron filter removes debris from the oil and has a heating element to eliminate moisture. "The removal of moisture from the oil keeps the acidity of the oil in check and almost completely removes sludge," says Steve Nolan of Alaska West Express in Fairbanks. Rather than changing the oil every 25,000 miles, oil is tested and changed only when necessary which lowers maintenance costs.
Alaska Marine Lines has been using similar units to filter hydraulic fluid and oil on its equipment. "These units require a change in thinking from routine oil changes to sampling and changing based on actual need," says Les Candee, Equipment Maintenance and Procurement Manager at Alaska Marine Lines. "It requires that sampling becomes part of the maintenance culture, as opposed to automatically draining and disposing of all fluids on a time-based program".
These maintenance programs are part of Lynden's ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.
Posted on Tue, Feb 12, 2013
For years, Sitka High School baseball coach Ed Conway tried without success to work out a plan that would restore his team’s eroding baseball and softball fields. So he went to his power lineup.
Ed tapped into the services of Alaska Marine Lines, Arrowhead Transfer and a handful of city and political administrators to help him build his field of dreams in Sitka this past summer. He recruited Senator Bert Steadman of Sitka and Representative Bill Thomas of Haines to aid his cause. The elected officials helped secure a $2 million state grant that brought the dream one step closer to realization.
He then worked with Arrowhead Transfer’s Vice President of Operations Paul Haavig and Alaska Marine Lines who reduced the shipping rate on 1.2 million pounds of freight to bring the materials from Seattle. Suddenly, the long-time dream became reality.
The final result was a newly carpeted baseball and softball field complex – Moeller Field – with a permanent Alaska Marine Lines logo imprinted on the turf as a show of appreciation from the high school. The fields will be used for Sitka high school baseball and softball, community little league teams and men’s and women’s community softball.
The new venue was officially dedicated in a ceremony on Alaska Day. Paul was in attendance with Steadman, Thomas, Alaska Marine Lines President Kevin Anderson, Arrowhead Transfer President Gordie Harang, Sitka Mayor Mim McConnell and approximately 75 others, many of them ballplayers and construction workers on the project.
“The whole community is excited about it,” Paul says. “Everyone had a part in making it happen.”
Posted on Wed, Jan 30, 2013
RILA Logistics Conference 2013
Lynden, a RILA member and official exhibitor of the 2013 RILA Logistics Conference, will have multiple transportation specialists available at the show (February 17-20 in Orlando, Florida). Here are the top 3 reasons you should visit our booth!
Reason #3 to visit Lynden at the RILA Logistics Conference: Technology Capabilities.
As an additional value to our customers, Lynden provides a variety of online tools to help make your job easier.
Lynden’s Mobile Shipping App provides shippers with accurate, up-to-date information and control of your shipments right in the palm of your hand. The app enables you to do a variety of shipping tasks on your smart phone including tracking a freight shipment, requesting rate quotes, and locating Lynden service centers.
Our EZ Commerce tools allow you to schedule pickups, track your shipments, receive invoices, and view customized reports - all at the comfort of your computer!
Additionally, we provide pre-notifications, delivery appointments, purchase order management, order and warehouse systems, and inventory flow forecasting and control. For additional information please visit www.lynden.com.
Visit us at the RILA Logistics Conference - booth #819 - to learn more!
Top 3 reasons to visit Lynden at the RILA Logistics Conference:
• RILA Logistics Conference: Reason #1 - Dynamic Routing.
• RILA Logistics Conference: Reason #2 - Geographic Reach.
• RILA Logistics Conference: Reason #3 - Technology Capabilities.
Posted on Tue, Jan 29, 2013
RILA Logistics Conference 2013
Lynden, a RILA member and official exhibitor of the 2013 RILA Logistics Conference, will have multiple transportation specialists available at the show (February 17-20 in Orlando, Florida). Here are the top 3 reasons you should visit our booth!
Reason #2 to visit Lynden at the RILA Logistics Conference: Geographic Reach.
Lynden has the ability to service your retail needs across the U.S. and worldwide, including those harder-to-reach locations like Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Guam. With company-owned offices and specialized employees focused on each offshore location, Lynden provides the local expertise you need.
Our network of offices across Canada, along with consolidation, logistics, and customs clearance services, enables us to offer multiple solutions to help your retail supply chain. With capabilities spanning the globe, our centralized location in Belgium allows for pickups and deliveries to most European locations within 72 hours, saving you time and money
Visit us at the RILA Logistics Conference - booth #819 - to learn more!
Top 3 reasons to visit Lynden at the RILA Logistics Conference:
• RILA Logistics Conference: Reason #1 - Dynamic Routing.
• RILA Logistics Conference: Reason #2 - Geographic Reach.
• RILA Logistics Conference: Reason #3 - Technology Capabilities.
Posted on Mon, Jan 28, 2013
RILA Logistics Conference 2013
Lynden, a RILA member and official exhibitor of the 2013 RILA Logistics Conference, will have multiple transportation specialists available at the show (February 17-20 in Orlando, Florida). Here are the top 3 reasons you should visit our booth!
Reason #1 to visit Lynden at the RILA Logistics Conference: Dynamic Routing.
Lynden has been working with retail customers for over 50 years, and has been in the transportation business since 1906. Our experience in the retail industry helps us understand the importance of balancing speed and price. With Lynden’s Dynamic Routing service you pay only for the speed you need.
Utilizing aircraft, trucks, ships, barge, ferry or any combination, Lynden can offer you door-to-door speed, dependability and economy, whatever the size of your shipment. Dynamic Routing lets you take advantage of all these services in combination to meet your speed and budget concerns.
Additionally, Lynden has the ability to transport your retail goods between warehouses, to your stores, or even to the homes of your customers. Trust Lynden to provide fast, personalized and first-in-class home delivery service. For additional information please visit www.lynden.com.
Visit us at the RILA Logistics Conference - booth #819 - to learn more!
Top 3 reasons to visit Lynden at the RILA Logistics Conference:
• RILA Logistics Conference: Reason #1 - Dynamic Routing.
• RILA Logistics Conference: Reason #2 - Geographic Reach.
• RILA Logistics Conference: Reason #3 - Technology Capabilities.
Posted on Wed, Jan 02, 2013
Lynden International, a full-service freight forwarding and logistics company, opened a new service center in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on January 1st. The new location adds a strategic link to Lynden's North American and Canadian network and will meet the increasing demand for transportation and logistics services for Canada's oil and gas industry.
"Lynden has served Canada for many years through Lynden Transport in Edmonton, Calgary and Whitehorse and we are pleased to now introduce Lynden's international services to our customers in the Alberta market," says Rob Clarke, Lynden International's Canadian Business Development Director. "We are expanding our long-established truck transportation offerings to include import and export services, freight forwarding, customs brokerage and logistics and warehousing to support oil patch customers who are taking advantage of the booming oil sands development. We also offer customers the capabilities of Lynden's worldwide forwarding and logistics network with its trademark customer service, advanced technologies and solutions tailored to meet customer's individual logistical needs. This service center will give new customers greater transportation options and improve service to our existing customers."
The new service center is located at the Edmonton International Airport in Nisku, AB. Lynden has locations all across Canada, including Calgary, Edmonton, Fort Erie, Toronto and Vancouver. As an international air and ocean freight forwarder with more than 50 locations in North America, Lynden International offers customs clearance and works with U.S. and Canadian customs, carriers, suppliers, vendors and buyers to arrange air, ocean or truck transportation anywhere in the world.
Posted on Thu, Nov 08, 2012
Alaska Marine Lines Customer Service Representative Kelly MacDonald recently sent this picture of a black bear atop the dumpster in the Juneau yard. “It’s been roaming around in our yard for a few weeks looking for trash,” she says. “Our dispatcher Joe actually got a video of him out front of the office a few weeks ago. The other morning one of our reps was walking around in the yard, came around a corner and just about ran into the bear. We estimate he weighs about 300 pounds.”
Kelly says there are occasional sightings of wildlife, but it’s definitely not a daily thing. “We also have a ‘pet’ marmot hanging around behind our warehouse who hides under the pallets. Other than the regular fish jumping around the barge ramp and eagles everywhere a bear is as exciting as it gets!”
Posted on Tue, Oct 30, 2012
From a Taco Bell promotion in Bethel to Pitbull visiting Kodiak, Lynden has provided support for several high profile projects in Alaska this past summer. The Miami rapper visited Kodiak (population 6,300) after a marketing campaign invited people to go to Facebook and “like” the Walmart location where they wanted him to be sent. The promotion went viral when Boston Journalist David Thorpe suggested that people send Pitbull to the most remote Walmart in the U.S. When voting closed July 16, Walmart’s Kodiak location had more than 70,000 “likes” on its Facebook page, making it the clear winner.
“Walmart contacted us to help them get the stage and sound system equipment from Anchorage over to Kodiak in time for the show,” says Mark Graves, Lynden Transport Service Center Manager in Anchorage. “The timeline was very short and required loading two 28-foot trailers to move via ferry from Homer to Kodiak. The challenge was getting all this equipment moved back from Kodiak to Anchorage in one day because the vendors needed it for a concert the next day.” Lynden’s Anchorage and Kenai operations teams worked together to get everything loaded and moved to Homer in time to make the ferry and returned to Anchorage for delivery back to the vendors.
During his visit to Kodiak, Pitbull appeared at a community event at the U.S. Coast Guard base attended by about 250 people. The rapper also received the keys to the city and visited staff at the Kodiak Walmart (above) where he was presented with a survival kit that included bear repellent. Pitbull stayed in Kodiak for three hours before flying out to continue his tour.