Good day,
YRC Worldwide CEO James Welch announced he will retire in July 2018. Current YRC Freight President Darren Hawkins is expected to be named to succeed Welch by the Board of Directors at its July 2018 meeting, the company said in a release.
Hawkins will begin transitioning into the role beginning Jan. 1, 2018, as he assumes the role of president and COO of YRC Worldwide. He will oversee YRC Freight, Holland, Reddaway and New Penn, reporting to Welch.
Also on Jan. 1, Reddaway President T.J. O’Connor will become president of YRC Freight, and Bob Stone, currently vice president of operations at Reddaway, will become president of that company.
“During his tenure, James assembled a strong team of leaders at YRCW, YRC Freight, Holland, Reddaway and New Penn and worked to change the trajectory of the company, paving the way for significant investment in technology and equipment,” stated Jim Hoffman, chairman of the YRC Worldwide Board of Directors. “The board and I appreciate his leadership and his commitment to stay and work with Darren over the upcoming transition period. We wish James the very best; he has our utmost respect for all he has done to serve our customers, stakeholders and employees.”
“I believe this is the right time for YRCW and me to make the transition,” Welch stated. “I have gotten to know personally so many of the employees who work daily to serve our customers safely. There’s more work to be done but I am proud of what has been accomplished. I am especially proud of Darren and look forward to working with him during the transition. He is a true leader and his vast experience in the LTL industry has prepared him well to be CEO.”
Welch spent 29 years at YRC before leaving in 2007. He returned to the LTL giant in 2011, helping the company complete a restructuring effort following a financial crisis.
Did you know?
With so many packages being left at doorsteps this holiday season, an Xfinitiy Home Survey last month found that 30% of Americans have had a package stolen.
Quotable:
“Same-day delivery is a service that our guests are asking for more and more often. By acquiring Shipt, we’ll be able to take advantage of our network of stores and Shipt’s technology platform and shopper community to quickly offer same-day delivery to millions of our guests.”
– John Mulligan, Target COO, on the retailer’s plans to acquire same-day shipper Shipt
In other news:
L.A. Council votes to explore blocking port companies using contractors
The Los Angeles City Council has voted to explore the possibility of blocking trucking companies who use independent truck drivers from the ports. (Daily Breeze)
Target acquires grocery-delivery startup
Target has acquired Shipt, a grocery-delivery startup company, for $550 million, as it looks to offer same-day delivery from its stores. (Bloomberg)
Market conditions favorable for carriers
Economic indicators continue to point to favorable conditions for carriers as 2018 approaches. (CCJ)
Are supply chains ready for more technology?
As more technology enters the supply chain, many are raising concerns that the supply chain may not be ready for all of it. (Inbound Logistics)
Mack adding workers
Mack Trucks, which just released its Anthem model to rave reviews, says it is adding 400 workers to its Macungie plant to meet increasing demand. (WFMZ-TV)
Final Thoughts
Target is acquiring same-day delivery startup Shipt for $550 million as it seeks to adapt to the new retail environment. The company expects Shipt to offer same-day services in about half of its stores in 2018 as it continues to battle Walmart and Amazon for online sales.
Hammer down everyone!
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