P&O beefed up its cold logistics business by acquiring the temperature-controlled logistics operations of ProLogis for $70 million, as ProLogis sold off all of its U.S. refrigeration businesses for debt repayment. As part of the all-cash deal, P&O Cold Logistics and bid partner Atlas Cold Storage USA will acquire eight cold storage facilities in California and two in Texas, making POCL the fourth largest U.S.-based refrigerated warehouse operator.

A recent report from the Council of Logistics Management (CLM) outlined the need for disaster preparedness in the supply chain. The report says the increasing complexity of supply chains today makes disruptions more of a concern than in the past. According to the survey results, only 61% of U.S. firms have disaster recovery plans in place, with only 12% covering the entire organization. The report offers some 20 recommendations for supply chain managers to help drive disaster preparedness across the enterprise. The report is available for download from the CLM Web site at www.clm1.org.

The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF) in October began offering a full-money-back guarantee for carload rail service. Shippers now have the option to purchase, for a premium, a guarantee for on-time carload rail service in select lanes. BNSF will offer a 100% refund for each load that arrives after the agreed-upon transit time at the customer's location. Initially, the on-time guarantee will be available for all commodities moving in carload equipment from the Pacific Northwest to the Midwest and Texas. In December, BNSF plans to expand the guarantee to include service from the Pacific Northwest to Northern California, Southern California and Arizona. BNSF is also working to develop on-time guaranteed carload rail services that include short-line and interline partners throughout North America.

Airborne Inc. increased the size and weight maximums of its International Express shipping service as part of a continuing series of enhancements to help improve its competitive position. The company will now accept International Express shipments weighing up to 150 pounds per piece, with a maximum girth of 130 inches. Previous limits were 70 pounds per piece, with a maximum girth of 108 inches.

Morgan Group Inc. announced plans to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after its liability insurance expired in October. The company and its two wholly owned units, Morgan Drive Away Inc. and TDI Inc., will pursue liquidation of all assets and liabilities. By law, without insurance the company cannot continue to operate motor vehicles.

Ocean and intermodal provider Matson Navigation Co. cited increased fuel costs in its decision to increase its fuel surcharge from 4.75% to 6% in its Hawaii service effective October 20. "As a result of the ongoing unrest in oil producing countries, and in particular, with the possibility of U.S. involvement in a war against Iraq, fuel prices have continued to rise in recent months," said Paul E. Stevens, executive vice president.