FOREST products logistics provider C3 has secured a “multi-million dollar deal” to provide log marshalling services in Portland.

C3 is part of the LINX Cargo Care Group of companies.

The deal with Pacific Forest Products (Australia) sees C3 handling all log marshalling operations at Portland, having previously handled about 40% of the volume exported there.

“We’re proud of the work we have already done in the region, and the work we’re about to do,” said Anthony Jones, LINX Cargo Care Group CEO.

“We’re committed to the region and have hired an additional 30 people from the area.”

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In Australia, C3 offers both in-field chipping and cut to length harvest and haulage solutions, along with bulk and containerised export log marshalling and stevedoring services.

The log marshalling contract was signed in March, and work began just before the COVID-19 crisis and lockdown measures.

“We made a significant investment in the region despite the economic headwinds and concerns the world was facing,” Mr Jones said.

“Portland, as part of the Green Triangle, is vitally important to the economy. This has been proven with an incredible ramp up in operations and productivity since the contract was signed, driven by customer demand and our ability to quickly adapt and cater to those demands.”

Since work started, C3 increased Portland throughout by 300% despite facing constraints regarding COVID-19, such as limitations around medical clearances for new staff. 

“C3 took over the receivals in the thick of COVID-19 and have done a fantastic job to adapt and manage with the available resources and additional restrictions brought on by the pandemic,” said Andy Bell, regional manager Australia, Pacific Forest Products. 

Logs stacked in Portland. Photo: C3/LINX CCG

Mr Jones said C3 had been able to achieve increased production rates. 

“The global supply chain impacts linked to COVID-19 has led to an increase in Portland’s log marshalling activity and as such, we’ve had to handle volumes at levels twice what customers had forecast – and that is just in the first month of operations,” Mr Jones said.

“Many companies could not achieve such a quick ramp-up in activity but LINX Cargo Care Group has always maintained agility in our operations and that ability has held us in good stead during this pandemic.”