DC Velocity - December 2017

4 DC VELOCITY DECEMBER 2017 www.dcvelocity.com inbound

Digitalization, wireless networks, and the Internet of Things (IoT) have allowed the 21st century supply chain to achieve levels of efficiency and visibility that were unimaginable a generation ago. But sometimes that progress comes at a price. For instance, in June, logistics professionals around the globe discovered that for all its benefits, that hyperconnectivity also opened up new vulnerabilities when the “Petya” ransomware attack crippled operations at shipping giant Maersk Line.

Now, some ocean carriers are turning to an old-school remedy to reduce their exposure to certain cyber attacks. Out of concern that hackers could jam the global positioning system (GPS) signals used by cargo ships to navigate, several nations are considering replacing modern satellite-based systems with legacy World War II-era radio technology, according to Reuters.

The technology in question is an earthbound navigation system known as eLoran, a descendant of the LORAN (long-range navigation) technology used during World War II, and which scientists say is relatively impervious to hacking. While hostile programmers can disrupt distant satellite signals with inexpensive jamming devices, they would need large antennas and powerful electricity sources to defeat eLoran’s local radio signals, Reuters said. Countries including South Korea, Russia, the U.K., and the U.S. are exploring various versions of the technology and weighing whether it is more economical to build a new network of transmitter stations or to dust off and upgrade existing, albeit decades-old, stations.

Shipping lines turn

to WWII-era tech to
foil hackers Here’s our monthly roundup of some of the charitable works and
donations by companies in the material handling and logistics space.

; Fremont, Calif.-based third-party logistics service provider RK Logistics has teamed up with the Silicon Valley Leadership Group to contribute $1,000 to the “STEM with Mayor Sam” program. The initiative supports education in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programs for underserved elementary and middle school students in the San Jose, Calif., school system.

; Oak Brook, Ill.-based intermodal transportation solutions provider Hub Group Inc. has launched its annual #CauseContainer program, which helps raise awareness and funds for charities by using custom-painted

53-foot intermodal containers as mobile billboards. Entering its third year, the campaign has raised $150,000 to date for recipients that include the National Park Foundation, Chicago Blackhawks Charities, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, and Fisher House Foundation.

; A consortium of logistics service providers at Florida’s Port Canaveral have teamed up to support relief efforts in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria. Merritt Island, Fla.-based Beyel Brothers Crane and Rigging partnered with Cape Canaveral-based marine terminal operator Ambassador Services Inc. to transport vital communications equipment and emergency supplies to the island, including pallets of bottled water, bundles of fiber optic cables, vehicles, and light poles.

; Chandler, Ariz.-based transportation broker OnTrac donated $1,500 and 9,192 cans of food to St. Vincent de Paul in support of the 10th annual 102.5 KNIX Million Can Crusade. This year’s food drive collected nearly 2.4 million cans of nonperishable food that will be used to feed hungry families across the greater Phoenix area during the holiday season.

; Fremont, Calif.-based materials handling equipment supplier Raymond Handling Concepts Corp. (RHCC) held its third annual “Operation Santa Supply Chain Food and Toy Drive” from Nov. 13 to Dec. 15. The drive, which was held online and at all RHCC locations, collected food and toys for local food banks and charities from Raymond Handling employees, customers, and their families and friends.