October 27 - Popular shipping legend Jerry Nagel, chairman of the board at Rickmers-Linie (America) Inc, received a standing ovation as he was handed a lifetime achievement award in New Orleans, USA, earlier this week, writes Emma Murray in New Orleans.
"I feel as if I am in the company of legends," he told delegates at the 22nd Annual Breakbulk Americas Transportation Conference and Exhibition, whose organisers were behind the honour.
Nagel (pictured below), who navigated the show on a motorised wheelchair, is facing major surgery because of a pulmonary embolism.
"I am facing a new challenge," he said, "I am not done yet."
He added that he intended to set up an assistance fund for members of the transport industry in north America facing catastrophic Illness such as his.
"Logistics is a team," he said, "I could not do my job without all of the people here.
"We must look after each other."
Nagel, who worked his way through the ranks to become chairman said he had a message to young people that … "it could be done".
"I say look at me," he told HLPFI.
"You do not have to be a superhero, you just have to do your job and that is what I did."
Breakbulk editor Janet Plume said Nagel was being honoured for his achievements in the industry and his dedication to good causes including his passion for encouraging training.
