9th
March
PALL-EX ANNOUNCES EXPANSION WITH NEW MEMBERS
The UK leader in palletised freight is celebrating its network expansion
with two new members.
Pall-Ex today (Monday 8 March) announced Oxfordshire haulier DA
Clayton Ltd and Suffolk's Karl King Transport Ltd will join its
90-strong member network spanning the length and breadth of the
UK.
DA Clayton's established base location provides rapid direct access
to the M40 corridor on the M1 and M4 and will enhance Pall-Ex's
award-winning service as well as echoing its commitment to excellence
in customer service.
Karl King Transport operates in excess of 100,000 sq ft for warehousing
at its Suffolk base from which it has evolved as a market leader
in the de-vanning storage and delivery of customer goods entering
the UK through the Haven ports of Felixstowe, Ipswich and Harwich
over the past two decades.
Terry Reynolds at DA Clayton, said: "As a proud new member
of Pall-Ex, we will have instant access to the No.1 overnight palletised
freight network, providing an unrivalled nationwide express service
which will inevitably enhance our service by working in partnership."
Karl King, Managing Director at Karl King Transport Ltd, added:
"Pall-Ex is a fast-moving, forward-thinking industry leader
which promotes best practice by operating to the highest standards,
and we are looking forward to benefiting from its expertise while
continuing to maintain our excellent customer service record."
Hilary Devey, managing director of Pall-Ex, said: "Joining
the Pall-Ex network aims not only to bring real tangible benefits
for new members such as DA Clayton and Karl King Transport across
the UK, but it also allows us to remain at the forefront of the
industry as one of the most innovative palletised logistics companies
in the UK, continuing our expansion in order to combine best practice
with an unrivalled service."
Source: Pall-Ex
9th
March
APC Overnight has the Mobile POS supply chain in hand for Torex
Wolverhampton, UK, 09 March 2010 Retail solutions specialist
Torex has implemented a nationwide next day courier service from
APC Overnight for its mobile computing support division. The Torex
Mobile POS Support department supplies Motorola, Intermec and other
Mobile POS terminals to a range of customers throughout the UK.
Since using the parcel network, Torex has improved its customer
service levels and has a clear view of shipping costs. This also
enables the company to compile accurately priced new business proposals
based on guaranteed next day deliveries.
We chose APC Overnight because we needed a more flexible,
guaranteed next day delivery service that would better suit the
needs of our customers. We are a demanding customer because our
clients need our products to run various functions with the mobile
computers in their stores. Late delivery of new equipment could
cause major problems for them. Also, in the event of a mobile computer
failure, or when faced with routine repairs, we have to be sure
that the exchange equipment is delivered to them when they expect
it, says Helen Slaven, Vice President of Retail, Torex.
Since using the network Torex reports that Torex Mobile POS Support
department can now concentrate on the business as they no longer
have to waste time chasing late deliveries and lost items.
We have every confidence in our courier service. APC Nexday
Overnight has ensured that when we say we will deliver product,
we deliver it. The team has made urgent deliveries in person directly
to customers from the Bolton depot. The drivers will also wait patiently
for customers who need to return equipment to us, or they will return
later on when it is more convenient for the customer. This is exceptional
and it upholds our service delivery promises, says Helen Slaven.
Torex Mobile POS Support utilises the NetDespatch online booking
and tracking system, which was installed by the local depot. However,
the company has not had to use the system to track shipments as
everything runs smoothly and accurately to plan.
The NetDespatch system speeds up our administration, and allows
us to see our shipments as they move through the network. We have
not suffered losses or late deliveries to date and dont expect
to, but we have the reassurance that we can quickly locate a parcel
should we need to, allowing us to take corrective action,
says Helen Slaven.
Torex is the leading global provider of innovative, integrated technology
solutions to the extended retail marketplace. The organisation has
20 years' experience of working in partnership with some of the
world's most forward-thinking retail, hospitality, petroleum and
convenience brands, providing them with cutting edge integrated
software, hardware and services.
Source: APC Overnight
8th
March
TNT goes day-definite nationwide in China
Operator's road network covering 26 cities now complete
TNT Hoau, TNTs road distribution arm in China, has completed
its nationwide day-definite road distribution network.
During the past two months, TNT Hoau extended the coverage to Chengdu,
Chongquing, Zhengzhou, Xian, Yantai and Xiamen, meaning the the
company can now offer guaranteed day-definite ground delivery to
26 of the biggest cities in the country, using 246 day-definite
linehauls.
The network covers 800 depots throughout China, with a large concentration
in the major economic regions, including the Yangtze River Delta,
the Pearl River Delta, and Bohai Bay.
It claimed its day-definite service was a cost-efficient,
yet fast and reliable alternative to domestic air freight,
with door-to-door transport and online track and trace.
For example, a shipment from Guangzhou to Shanghai will take less
than two days to be delivered.
In addition to extending coverage, TNT Hoau has completed the purchase
of 400 EU 3-compliant trucks and launched a nationwide customer
hotline dedicated to the day-definite service.
TNT Hoau introduced its day-definite road service in February last
year, with the goal of setting a new quality benchmark in the Chinese
road transportation market, and to complement its national less-than-truckload
(LTL) operations..
The service has been used by small and medium busineses, as well
as Fortune 500 companies, especially from the hi-tech, electronics,
automotive and textile sectors.
Overall, TNT Hoau manages a road distribution network of 1,500 depots
and 56 domestic hubs, covering more than 600 Chinese cities.
Source: IFW
5th
March
Wincanton pushes for safety
Wincanton, along with a committee of industry partners, has produced
an official set of industry guidelines on height-associated safety.
The Building Products Delivery Working Group (BPDWG), co-ordinated
by Wincanton, created the guidelines following an initiative that
examined ways of eliminating or reducing the risks of working at
height associated with the loading and unloading of building products
such as bricks and blocks.
Members of the BPDWG looked at the equipment and methods available
to haulage companies, along with their capacity and limitations
so that drivers remain protected during the loading and unloading
of vehicles.
The guidelines provide a demonstration of what equipment or methods
can best suit a companys needs based on an assessment of risks
to health and safety.
Ben Young, chairman of the BPDWG and regional director for Wincanton,
said: The correct handling of equipment and the safe use of
vehicles are paramount to many companies and the members of the
BPDWG and we wanted to produce guidelines so that any haulage company
can work in a safer environment.
Geoff Cox, head of the manufacturing sector for the Health and Safety
Executive (HSE) added: The HSE welcomes the publication of
this practical and helpful guidance from the BPDWG. The HSE is always
keen to see industry taking ownership of its problems, and this
is an excellent example of existing users pooling their experience
of the products currently available for the benefit of others.
Source: Logistics Manager
5th
March
Black Sheep calls on Norbert
Yorkshire-based brewery Black Sheep has appointed Norbert Dentressangle
to handle its national warehousing and distribution.
Norbert Dentressangle is storing around 140,000 bottles of beer
at its distribution centre in Buxton.
The 450,000 sq ft bonded facility comprises three levels, two of
which are underground, and stores products including beers, wines
and spirits at a relatively constant temperature.
Orders are picked and trunked into Norbert Dentressangles
national shared-user network for onward distribution into retailers
distribution networks.
Norbert Dentressangle took up the role following the collapse of
Black Sheeps previous service provider, transferring product
from a warehouse in Barnsley and starting operations at Buxton within
two weeks, maintaining an uninterrupted service to Black Sheeps
customers.
Black Sheep was formed by Paul Theakston following the acquisition
of his familys business, Theakstons, by Scottish &
Newcastle. In addition to the supply of cask ales to pubs, Black
Sheep produces a range of five bottled beers sold in off-licence
and major supermarkets throughout the UK, including Riggwelter and
Golden Sheep ale, as well as the original Black Sheep.
Source: Logistics Manager
4th
March
Royal Mail licenses eBay data to bring unique insight to uk advertisers
Royal Mail today launched a new initiative with information from
the "eBay market data" programme to bring a new, unique
insight to UK advertisers, enabling them to improve their targeting
to the postcode areas most likely to buy their products.
The Royal Mail Insight Tool provides access to over 140 million
UK transactions through the online auction site, giving advertisers
and planners unparalleled insight into the purchasing behaviours
of postcode areas across the UK.
The data - which is anonymous and aggregated to a postcode level
- provides purchase history, type of products bought and levels
of spend, and is refreshed monthly to give continually updated access
to the latest information on purchases around the UK.
The launch of the tool builds on Royal Mails recent innovative
direct mail solutions and underlines its determination to be a true
media owner by selling unique, bespoke audience insight as well
as providing a communications channel to reach and engage with consumers
and enhance their brand through the post.
Antony Miller, Head of Media Development at Royal Mail, said: "This
new planning and insight tool marks significant progress for Royal
Mails evolution into a true media owner, providing unparalleled
access and insight to specific audience demographics.
"By providing access to eBay market data, the Royal Mail Insight
Tool gives advertisers and planners unprecedented levels of nationwide
insight into purchase patterns, levels of spend and purchase type
down to postcode level. This kind of insight is invaluable to brands,
helping them to boost their campaign return on investment by improving
planning and reducing wastage through better targeting."
He added: "Other advertising channels like TV can help brands
to reach specific target audiences by advising on the best times
and platforms to utilise to reach them. Through the Royal Mail Insight
Tool, Royal Mail is entering the same space, able to directly identify
and link advertisers with the audiences they want to engage, right
down to postcode level."
The Royal Mail Insight Tool can provide breakdowns of spending habits
regarding new or used purchases, peak purchasing periods, frequency
and recency of purchase, age, gender, and the product brands purchased.
Categories provided through the service include baby; car parts
and vehicles; clothes, shoes and accessories; computing; consumer
electronics; health and beauty; home and garden; mobile and home
phones; sporting goods and video games, as well as over 200 subcategories.
It provides insight and audiences based on chosen variables of areas
around the UK where certain product types are frequently being purchased,
items sold and their average price.
It can also be used to isolate trends on seasonality, identify high
and low spending regions over time, provide gender and age demographics
via brand preference, as well as new and used product preference.
The tool is also linked to geodemographic profile insight provided
by Callcredit Information Groups CAMEO classification, to
add further depth to postcode-level profiling.
Based on this insight, campaign planners can identify other similar
areas in the UK and deliver comparable audience demographics. This
information can then be overlaid with Royal Mail data, a brands
own customer database or a cold list, supplying access to a highly
targeted base of prospects.
The Royal Mail Insight Tool was developed with Advanced Ecommerce
Research Systems Inc.
President and CEO Fred Speckeen said: "Exhaustive analysis
of hundreds of thousands of daily transactions provides definitive
answers that support more effective and profitable DM targeting.
As the global expert in eBay data analysis and analytics, Advanced
is proud to work with Royal Mail to, together, introduce what is
nothing less than an exciting, next-generation innovation in market
research."
Source: E-CourierNews
3rd
March
Palletline Announces 2009 Roll of Honour
Celebrating our Annual Awards in fine style this year, Palletline
Plc hosted a glittering Gala Dinner on Saturday, 27th February,
attended by more than 300 people from across the Palletline network
nationwide.
Designed to reward the organisation's top performing depots, the
Palletline Awards were first introduced in 1993. Based on significant
achievements made by individual Member Companies each year, the
Awards are hotly contested and coveted by Palletline depots as a
real measure of achievement and recognition from their peers.
In line with Palletline's focus on quality, the Awards line-up features
a commendation for Delivery Depot of the Year, rewarding compliance
with network requirements, accuracy and sustained service levels.
To ensure depots of all sizes have an opportunity to shine, the
Award is divided into three categories reflecting the volumes handled
by each Member Company, ranging from Level 1 to Level 3.
Top performers in the Level 1 category were Market Harborough-based
Sanderson Transport, with Newport's Alan R Jones & Sons Ltd
taking the Level 2 award, reflecting the company's unshakeable position
at the top of the weekly KPI tables. Southampton-based Lambert Brothers
Haulage Ltd scooped the prize for the Level 3 (higher volume) award.
Reflecting Palletline's proactive approach this year to business
development support, the Business Development Award went to Nottingham's
Clearway Distribution Ltd, recognising the company's year on year
increase in volumes as well as investment in sales resources.
For a full list of the winners and runners-up for 2009, click here.
Source: E-CourierNews
3rd
March
Nightfreight gives award winning Mark a contract to deliver
After becoming disabled with a rare form of muscular dystrophy,
Mark Livsey began to despair of ever working again.
Out of work for 18 months, he would apply for jobs and get as far
as the interview stage, before they started asking questions about
his disability. Then he wouldn't hear from them.
So Mark decided to set up his own business. From past experience,
working in sales for a parcel delivery business, Mark knew that
most big freight companies often sub contract work to smaller local
companies.
Mark drew up a business plan and approached Nightfreight. We were
so impressed, we gave Mark a contract.
He then approached the Prince''s Trust who offered him a low-cost
loan which allowed Mark to get started by hiring a van and recruiting
a driver.
That was in 2007. Three years later, Mark''s company ''Parcel Partners''
has a fleet of 20 vans and a string of well-known customers.
The Daily Mirror picked up Marks story. If you would like to read
the full story about award winning Mark, please click on the link
on the right of the page
Source: E-CourierNews
2nd
March
DHL Express sale complete
UK domestic parcel business now in hands of HDN
DHL has completed the sale of its UK domestic parcel business, DHL
Express, to Home Delivery Network (HDN).
HDN will take on around 4,700 people, five hubs and 71 service centres
across the UK by the end of the first quarter.
DHL Express said it will focus on its core activities of time-definite
international and same-day express services.
In a wider preferred-supplier relationship, HDN will continue to
use the DHL name for the service in the short term.
Source: IFW
2nd
March
Stobart sells £61m of assets and seals Tesco deal
Stobart Group is selling part of its Inland Ports asset to Legal
& General Assurance (Pensions Management), for £61 million,
rising to £62.5m on the satisfaction of further conditions.
A key part of the sale is a 528,000 sq ft, sustainable distribution
centre, developed by Stobart, which was recently introduced as the
new northern hub for Tescos fresh operations.
The deal goes hand-in-hand with the news that Stobart has been confirmed
as Tescos transport provider for the North, and will operate
from the same hub.
Andrew Tinkler, chief executive of Stobart Group, said: This
asset disposal illustrates a fundamental strategy of our group which
is to invest in assets in order to develop existing and new customer
relationships and then realise the value of the asset, at a profit,
to reinvest elsewhere in the business.
At Widnes this has enabled us to gain a long-term distribution
contract for Tesco and to increase the utilisation and support development
of the next phases of the inland port facility.
The proceeds from this asset sale will allow the group flexibility
in securing the optimum debt structure for future asset developments,
including the expansion programme at London Southend Airport.
The disposal value will generate an initial return on investment
of some 20 per cent, with the potential for further returns.
The £61m will be paid in cash; of which the majority will
be used to repay existing borrowings with RBS and Barclays, and
will reduce the core debt in the company balance sheet to some £45m.
This will allow the group flexibility in securing the optimum debt
structure for future asset developments, including the commenced
capital expenditure programme at London Southend Airport.
Stobart also expects to increase the throughput of the Inland Port
terminal (currently only 50 per cent utilised) when the site is
fully operational and when the existing Valencia fresh produce rail
service is extended to Widnes. This next phase of the Stobart Rail
service will enable Tesco to transport its fresh produce from southern
Spain to northern England by rail.
In addition to the disposal of the fresh produce distribution centre,
the Stobart Ports division has entered into a 25-year sale and leaseback
arrangement on the Inland Port terminal.
Following this, the group expects to develop further phases on the
remaining 95 acres of the Inland Port in response to customer demand.
Source: Logistics Manager
2nd
March
K+N defiant despite drop in EBITDA
Kuehne + Nagel has posted a
13.2 per cent drop in EBITDA to £545.8 million (CHF 885 million)
for the year ended 31st December 2009 compared to the previous year.
The figure includes £21.6 million (CHF 35 million) related
to competition investigations.
However, Tim Scharwath, chief
executive of North West Europe, said he does see an improvement,
albeit at a low level, in the economic situation for 2010
K+N plans to enhance its product
offering by continuing to develop its value added services during
the coming year, but it has stopped its home delivery service after
losing its main customer, which accounted for 85 per cent of the
business.
Despite a difficult year, the
company plans to stick to its strategy of market share expansion
combined with strict cost management in 2010. It has estimated an
increase in market share of five per cent in Contract Logistics,
ten per cent for Road and Rail Logistics and Seafreight, and 12
per cent for Airfreight, all of which are double compared to predictions
for the market as a whole.
It plans to grow its Contract
Logistics, Seafreight and Airfreight sectors organically, while
Road and Rail Logistics will be through a combination of acquisitions
and organic growth.
Within the Contract Logistics
division in 2009, K+N achieved stable results despite
demand fluctuations, regional variations in warehouse capacity use
and increased price pressure. EBITDA margin remained at the previous
years level of 4.6 per cent, while operational result fell
by 6.9 per cent.
The operational result for Road
and Rail Logistics improved by 126 per cent, partly thanks to the
acquisition of The French Alloin Group, while the EBITDA margin
increased from 0.8 to 2.1 per cent.
Looking forward, Scharwath said
the group will continue to focus on integrated logistics solutions.
He said: The more we can integrate different parts of the
business the better it is for the customer, particularly in difficult
times". K+N will also continue to invest in sales with the
introduction of a sales management system.
The Seafreight business saw
a 4.6 per cent decline in volumes, which the group said was remarkably
moderate compared to the 12 per cent overall market decline
in seafreight volumes. K+N bucked the trend by boosting its value-creating
product portfolio, customer-focused IT systems and increased sales
activities.
Similarly in the Airfreight
sector, K+N saw a 9.2 per cent volume decline, almost three per
cent less than the market average. This was put down to an increase
in sales activities and promotion of its specialised services for
niche segments.
Regionally, Europe accounted
for the largest contribution at £357.1 million (CHF 579 million),
down 1.3 per cent on 2008. The Asia Pacific region accounted for
£86.3 million (CHF 140 million), the Americas £79 million
(CHF 128 million) and the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa £23.4
million (CHF 38 million).
By aligning cost structures
with transport volumes, increasing productivity and optimising processes,
K+N increased its EBITDA margin from 4.7 to 5.1 per cent for the
year.
Additionally, the "culture
of continuous improvement" outlined in the company's Six Sigma
approach, which began in the Contract Logistics division, will be
continued in the Road and Rail Logistics, Airfreight and Seafreight
sectors in 2010
Source: Logistics Manager
1st
March
Fujifilm snaps up K+N deal in Poland
Fujifilm, the Japanese manufacturer of cameras and photographic
processing, has outsourced its contract logistics to Kuehne + Nagel
in Poland in order to consolidate the inventories of its three warehouses
in Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Under the agreement, the warehousing will be merged in K+Ns
10,000 sq m facility in Chorzow, which is equipped to support inbound,
put-away, pick and pack, outbound and inventory management.
K+N will also be responsible for warehouse management, customs brokerage
and value-added services such as sticking, labelling and plate cutting.
A dedicated 300 sq m cold room area has also been built for high
value good and hazardous substances.
Additionally, K+N has implemented interfaces to its global warehouse
management system in order to communicate with Fujifilms It
systems.
Source: Logistics Manager
1st
March
Parcelforce invests in eco Mercedes fleet
Parcelforce Worldwide has invested in a fleet 1,106 Mercedes-Benz
Sprinter vans fitted with ECO-start technology, designed to save
fuel and reduce emissions.
The Sprinters have replaced a large proportion of the Parcelforce
Worldwide van fleet and will be based at depots across the UK.
The ECO-Start system, which automatically cuts the engine whenever
the vehicle is stationary for two seconds and starts it again as
the driver depresses the clutch, was a major factor in Parcelforce
Worldwides choice.
Michael Anderson, Parcelforce Worldwides head of innovation,
said: The Sprinter ECO-Start supports Parcelforce Worldwides
environmental policy. Were looking for these vehicles to deliver
something in the region of a five per cent fuel saving.
The Sprinters were also chosen for driver comfort, cornering, handling
and driving performance.
Source: Parcelforce
1st
March
Royal Mail quality of service
Royal Mails First Class quality of service performance fell
below target in the autumn of 2009-2010, a period marked by repeated
national industrial action.
The third quarter report on quality of service showed that nearly
eight in 10 First Class stamped letters (78.8%) arrived the next
working day after posting, below the 93.0% target, while 93.3% of
Second Class letters arrived on time within three working days after
posting, below the 98.5% per cent target.
Business bulk mail services were also below target during the autumn
quarter. However, targets for European international delivery mail
were exceeded by 7.5 percentage points.
Mark Higson, Managing Director of Royal Mail Letters, said: "We
are clearly concerned that customer service was disrupted by industrial
action, but strike action ended with the interim agreement reached
with the union in early November and we are now completely focused
on restoring quality of service to the record above target
level we achieved in the spring of 2009, prior to the strikes."
Source: Royal Mail
1st
March
City Link Raises Almost £17,000 For Make-a-Wish
Kind hearted Employees at City Link raised almost £17,000
for children with life-threatening illnesses.
The cash was raised through ticket sales, a raffle and auction at
the Companys annual ball which has greatly contributed to
the City Links annual target of £40,000 for the charity.
The money was presented to Make-A-Wish Foundation® Chief Executive
Neil Jones (left) and Patron Keith Chegwin by Stuart Godman, Managing
Director of City Link(see picture attached).
Stuart Godman said: Weve had an excellent year of fundraising
for Make-A-Wish. We had a lot of support not just from Colleagues
throughout the company but also from our Customers and suppliers
who felt as passionate and dedicated to the cause as we did.
We cannot thank them enough for their generosity as we could
not have raised this fantastic amount l without their help.
Speaking at the Companys management conference at its Camberley
Head Office Neil Jones thanked City Link for their fundraising efforts.
He said: We are very grateful to City Link and its suppliers
and Customers for all the support we have received. Every year we
have about 1,000 children or young people who come to us in the
hope of having their special wish granted. And whether its
spending the day as a pop star, meeting their favourite celebrity
or going on holiday to Disneyland we do our very best to make their
dreams come true and give them the experience of a lifetime.
Every year we aim to raise £5 million so we can continue
granting these wishes. The money raised by City Link is of tremendous
help to us and on behalf of the wonderful children who come to us
for help we would like to say a massive thank you to the Company.
Keith Chegwin added: I have been involved with Make-A-Wish
for 21 years now and they are the most unbelievable charity. We
would like to say a huge thank you to everyone at City Link as it
is tough for charities right now and it is getting even harder.
The money raised through the City Link Ball has will help
make a real difference to some of the UKs most deserving youngsters.
Source: City Link
1st
March
CITYSPRINT ACQUIRES COVENTRY BASED GOLDSTAR COURIERS
The UKs leading SameDay courier company further strengthens
its position in the Midlands with fourth acquisition in the region
CitySprint, the UKs largest privately owned SameDay Courier
network, has acquired Coventry based Goldstar Couriers for an undisclosed
sum. The deal further strengthens CitySprints position in
the Midlands following a series of three strategic acquisitions
in the region in the last sixteen months. CitySprint already has
an established presence with major ServiceCentres in Warwick, Birmingham,
Telford and Nottingham
Goldstar Couriers, a family run business, was established in Coventry
over 25 years ago and is one of the oldest established courier companies
based there. It boasts an impressive number of local customers across
all sectors. From Monday 1st March 2010 Goldstar will trade as CitySprint,
operating from CitySprints MidlandsCentre in Warwick. Caroline
Davey, current owner of Goldstar Couriers, will remain at CitySprint
and several Goldstar Couriers will also be joining the CitySprint
team to ensure continuity of service for customers.
Caroline explains My family and I have worked hard over the
last 25 years to build Goldstar Couriers into an established and
reliable local courier company and we have a loyal customer base,
some of whom we have been providing services to for over 20 years.
In the current economic climate it has been a struggle for small
businesses like us, joining forces with CitySprint enables us to
offer our customers an enhanced service and access to leading edge
technologies and a national network of over 1500 couriers
something that we simply could not offer on our own. Our customers
have always been our main concern and we have chosen to join forces
with CitySprint as we are 100% confident that they will look after
our customers and continue to provide them with an excellent service
as we have done for the last 25 years.
Goldstar customers will now benefit from the opportunity for improved
collection and delivery times made possible by CitySprints
unique national network of 30+ ServiceCentres. They will also have
increased visibility over their bookings via CitySprints sector
leading OnLine services. CitySprint operates the largest GPS enabled
SameDay fleet in Europe which allows its customers to benefit from
real-time information at the touch of a button. Via the CitySprint
website www.citysprint.co.uk customers can not only obtain quotes
and book jobs but they can also track the dedicated courier assigned
to their job from the point of collection through to delivery. Unlike
many other systems offered by competitors CitySprint's solution
offers complete transparency by providing a real-time, live, map
location of the courier undertaking each job, enabling customers
to track the journey from beginning to end. In addition customers
automatically receive a time stamped audit trail by email as well
as the recipient's signature which can then be forwarded on as a
hyperlink or PDF.
Commenting on the deal, Ben Haynes, Managing Director for the Regions,
said: The Midlands is an area of strategic commercial importance
and over the past 16 months we have been able to significantly enhance
our service coverage here which is a vital element in ensuring we
are able to professionally support our national and local customers
alike. Goldstar Couriers has a longstanding and justified reputation
for service excellence and I am therefore delighted that they are
joining forces with ourselves. We have further acquisitions planned
for 2010 to further establish ourselves as the market leader for
SameDay Courier services in the UK
Source: Citysprint
26th
February
City Link Employees Raise £1,450 To Help Make Dreams Come
True For Sick Children
Nick Long and Nat McDowell before the skydiveEmployees at the Norwich
and Ipswich Depots of the UKs premium express delivery Company
have raised £1,450 for children with life-threatening illnesses
after braving the skies in a 10,000ft skydive.
The money raised by the team at City Link, on Broadlands Business
Park, will go to the Make A Wish Foundation® which every year
arranges to fulfil the wishes of hundreds of children fighting life-threatening
illnesses. It is City Links adopted charity for which the
Company has pledged to raise £40,000 over 12 months.
Nick Long, General Manager of the Norwich Depot, teamed up with
Nat McDowell, Operations Manager at the Companys Ipswich Depot,
to complete the skydive in aid of Make-A-Wish, raising £1,450
with the help of family, friends and colleagues.
Nick said: We decided to do something for Make-A-Wish following
a City Link conference where we were all asked for our help in raising
funds.
We decided we really wanted to do something and thats
when we came up with the idea of the skydive.
Were delighted with how much we raised and would like
to say a massive thank you to everyone who supported us and helped
us raise a fantastic sum for such a worthwhile cause.
Source: E-CourierNews
26th
February
Pall-Ex Appoints Two New Graduates
Matthieu Charpy, Beatriz Cano and Karolina StepniakLeading pallet
distribution network Pall-Ex has appointed two new graduate trainees
Beatriz Cano and Matthieu Charpy have joined the projects department
of the UKs number one network for distribution of palletised
freight
Beatriz, 27, moved to the UK from Mexico in September 2008 to study
for a Masters Degree in International Management at the University
of Strathclyde in Glasgow.
She previously spent four years with Banorte Financial Group in
Monterrey, Mexico, where she held the position of project manager.
Beatriz will be initially charged with achieving the Investors in
People standard which will bring Pall-Ex considerable commercial
benefits including financial performance improvement and increment
of profitability
Matthieu, 25, has a Masters Degree in Strategic Management
and Innovation from the Toulouse University Graduate School of Management.
He previously worked as an assistant product manager at Philips
Healthcare in Paris and will support the Pall-Ex projects team in
delivering the companys European expansion strategy.
The projects team is headed by Anand Assi who joined Pall-Ex in
2001 and is currently studying for his DBA doctorate.
He said: I am very happy to welcome both Beatriz and Matthieu
to Pall-Ex.
Each of them bring considerable educational and commercial experience
and will support the continued expansion and development of the
Pall-Ex network throughout the UK and Europe.
Source: E-CourierNews
25th
February
Superbrand success for Stobart
Eddie Stobart has beaten DHL and UPS to come 32nd in the 2010 list
of Superbrands. Only parcel giant FedEx Express, at 24th, came higher
among transport and logistics companies.
It is the fifth year that Stobart has made the list which is compiled
by the Superbrands organisation.
The company is well known for its Members Club and Eddie Stobart
spotters have demonstrated a strong allegiance to the companys
brand. Eddie Stobart is celebrating its ruby (40th) anniversary
this year and expects the ranks of the Members Club are expected
to swell .
In addition, the company has embraced social networking platforms
such as Facebook and Twitter to consolidate and grow its brand and
to keep the public, its clients and shareholders informed and up-to-date
with its activities.
It has also achieved brand exposure through its sponsorship of sporting
activities including world rallying, football, rugby and polo.
Thousands of brands initially considered for the Superbrands listing
but only the top 500 are deemed to be Business Superbrands. Stephen
Cheliotis, chairman of the expert council and chief executive of
The Centre for Brand Analysis, said: Congratulations to Eddie
Stobart on achieving Business Superbrands status. In this economic
climate a powerful brand is more important than ever. It can be
a key driver of new and repeat business and have a positive influence
on stakeholders. Being highly rated in this survey is an indicator
of their businesss ability to grow through a brand that stakeholders
trust, want and believe in.
Stobart Groups chief executive Andrew Tinkler said: Its
fantastic for Eddie Stobart to achieve Business Superbrand status
for the fifth year. We are extremely proud of our brand which has
been built on solid and traditional core business beliefs. This
accolade is testament to our hard-working employees and our loyal
fans in the Stobart Members Club and we are continuing with our
plans to push the brand even further with Stobart Groups multimodal
transport and carbon reduction solutions pioneering the logistics
industry.
Source: Logistics Manager
25th
February
Geodis Wilson names executive vice president
Geodis Wilson has appointed Phillippe Gilbert executive vice president.
Following a merger of the networks the division was previously co-run
by Peter Nevhagen, who remains on the board and has taken up the
role of chief operating officer.
Jean-Louis Demeulenaere, deputy chief executive of Geodis Group
said: During the recent phase following the merger of the
networks, a co-headed management system was entirely legitimate.
Now, in the context of strong future growth ambitions of Geodis
Wilson and Geodis Group it is necessary to revert to a classical
management structure.
Source: Logistics Manager
24th
February
Online shopping growth slips back in January
Online shopping growth slips
back in JanuaryOnline retail sales rose by five per cent on a like-for-like
January 2009 to January 2010, according to the IMRG Capgemini e-Retail
Sales Index - the lowest annual growth rate in the history of the
Index.
UK shoppers spending £4.3 billion online in the month. The
figures reflect the fact that sales were strong in December 2009
resulting in weaker annual growth for January.
Monthly growth fell by 22 per cent from December 2009 to January
2010. This is in line with the usual seasonal trend of sales falling
after the Christmas surge, but the decline is greater than in recent
years.
Chris Webster, Vice president, retail consulting and technology
at Capgemini, said: While annual growth for e-retail was slow
in January, we should factor in the fact that December was a very
strong month for the industry. Last January, e-retailers sales
were buoyed up by heavy discounting and promotions that were necessary
to sell stock left over from poor Christmas trading resulting from
the impact of the recent move into recession.
And Tina Spooner, director of information at IMRG, said: December
26th and 27th saw the highest sales for all of 2009. Less retailer
discounting due to well planned stock levels and the increase in
VAT equally appear to have had an impact on the online retail sector
during January.
Source: Logistics Manager
23rd
February
Royal Mail to sell and leaseback sorting offices?
Royal Mail is attempting to raise funds by the sale and leaseback
of three sorting centres, according to media reports.
The Financial Times said that property agent King Sturge has been
asked to sell three centres in Northampton, Manchester and Warrington.
The sales could raise £50m, with Royal Mail leasing them back
for 20 years.
Source: Financial Times
23rd
February
DHL wins £30m Petroplus contract
Bitumen supplier Petroplus has extended its relationship with DHL
Supply Chain for five years in a deal worth £30m.
DHL will handle order management, customer services and movements
of bitumen at elevated temperatures, to quarries and asphalt manufacturing
plants throughout the UK.
The contract was awarded to DHL following a nine year relationship,
formerly with BP Bitumen for seven years; then with Petroplus Bitumen
since its acquisition of BP Bitumen two years ago.
DHL expects to cut fuel costs by £90,000 a year as well as
improving sustainability. Initiatives include governing vehicles
to 53mph (85kph) with gear and valve resetting to match top speed.
There will also be driving and vehicle examination training as well
as plans to maximise load size to enable fewer deliveries.
Peter Clement, UK logistics and supply chain manager for Petroplus,
said: DHLs proposed combination of technical innovation
and behavioural change is exactly what we were looking for from
a partner.
Source: Logistics Manager
23rd
February
APC Overnight captures sashimi fish deliveries
UK-wide next day deliveries
of fresh produce by APC Overnight are a key to the success of Cornish
fish producer, Kernowsashimi. The specialist supplier of fresh locally
caught fish, including sashimi-grade produce for Japanese restaurants,
based on the Slow Food principles, works closely with the local
APC Overnight depot to ensure that its produce gets to customers
in pristine condition by 12 noon each day, regardless of their location.
APC Carn Logistics in Redruth plays an important part in Kernowsashimis
rapid delivery supply chain. The depot provides the flexibility
needed by Kernowsashimi to supply its customers with a range of
fish, such as fresh hand-picked crab meat - including spider crab
- red mullet, monkfish, pollack, sole, plaice and turbot.
We have provisional order lists for each of our customers,
but until we have actually landed the fish we dont have a
full view of our available stocks. To ensure that our produce is
of the highest quality and freshness, we have to work quickly. As
soon as we know the days catch, we contact our customers to
confirm their orders and pack and despatch each consignment. These
are collected by APC Carn Logistics and then fed into the APC Overnight
network for morning delivery. Speedy delivery works extremely well
for us and ensures freshness, says Dylan Bean, co-owner, Kernowsashimi.
Kernowsashimi is family-owned and managed by the Bean family, which
has been in the business for more than 35 years. The Kernowsashimi
brand is five years old and APC Overnight has supplied its services
to the company since its early beginnings.
APC Overnight has been with us since the start of Kernowsashimi.
The flexibility of its late collections is important to us, particularly
if we are running late ourselves. We can even deliver the parcels
ourselves to the local depot if we need to, which at times can be
a big help, says Dylan Bean.
Kernowsashimi is a member of Slow Food UK, a movement that campaigns
for "good, clean and fair" food. Slow Food UK aims to
protect and preserve the traditional foods of the United Kingdom,
defend biodiversity and promote food education. It is a non-profit,
member-supported organisation that was founded in 1989 to counteract
fast food and fast life, the disappearance of local food traditions
and peoples dwindling interest in the food they eat, where
it comes from, how it tastes and how food choices affect the rest
of the world.
Source: APC Overnight
22nd
February
Bibby wins £50m First Milk contract
Farmers co-operative First Milk has signed a contract with
Bibby Distribution worth £50 million to provide a farm collection
service in west Wales, as well as retaining a similar contract in
Scotland and north Cumbria.
The family-owned company has also secured a contract for the nationwide
management of First Milks secondary distribution operation,
which is scheduled to start in the summer.
Bibby Distribution will be responsible for collecting around 3.5
million litres of milk from farmers every day, delivering it directly
to First Milk creameries and First Milk customers under the national
secondary deal.
Using innovation and technological advances Bibby aims to reduce
logistics costs.
On the national secondary operation Bibby will work alongside Lloyd
Fraser, which will provide the farm collection service for First
Milk in central England and east Wales.
Bibby Distribution divisional director Ian Firth said: We
have been working with First Milk since the mid-nineties and it
has always been part of our strategy to grow our presence in this
valued sector.
Source: Logistics Manager
22nd
February
City Link returns to profit in Q4
Rentokil Initials UK delivery arm City Link made a profit
of £2.7m in Q4 2009.
Its financial results for 2009 showed that City Links operating
loss of £5.6m overall is £37.9m better than the corresponding
loss in 2008, despite a £28.8m reduction in reported revenue
to £353.1m.
The business returned to profitability in Q4 2009 posting a profit
of £2.7m - £6.7m better than the corresponding period
in 2008. Revenue declined by 7.5%, impacted by difficult economic
conditions, pricing competition and the full year effect of poor
service in 2008. Q4 revenue was £15.8m (19%) higher than Q3
reflecting the seasonal sales uplift, and £3.7m (3.8%) ahead
of Q4 2008, with particularly strong growth in the B2C business.
Volumes were down 3.1% on 2008 and revenue per consignment (RPC),
weakened by 4.5% on the prior year.
City Links customer base has been broadly consistent throughout
the year although many are trading at lower levels. The market has
been extremely competitive during 2009 with severe price cutting
by competitors in order to drive volumes through their networks,
the company said.
City Links improved loss performance has been driven by cost
savings of £54m in 2009. This was achieved through depot closures
(97 to 84 by year end) and reductions in vehicles and headcount.
Vehicle fleet numbers are a third lower than this time last year
and total employee numbers have fallen below 5,500, a 16% reduction
since December 2008. Plans to migrate from two Hubs to one will
be implemented by the end of H1 2010.
Apart from periods of heavy snow in early February and early December
2009, customer service remained above the 98.5% target. The restoration
of customer call handling at depots was completed early in the year
and has been met with very positive customer feedback.
The roll-out of new hand-held scanners and an upgraded route
scheduling tool has underpinned improved productivity and customer
service. The functionality of the new scanners has been expanded
to allow delivery drivers to capture real-time customers door
and parcel images. This latter feature will further aid electronic,
real-time proof of delivery. Additional improvements include the
recently re-launched City Link web site which has been very positively
received by customers, said City Link in a statement.
Source: City Link
22nd
February
TNT hurt by 146m-euro writedown
TNT says it is focusing on 'cash and cost'
Europe's second-biggest mail delivery firm TNT has reported a 58%
drop in profit after writing down the value of its regular mail
arm.
Net profit fell to 25m euros (£22m) in the fourth quarter
of 2009, from 59m euros a year earlier. Sales fell 0.5% to 2.95m
euros.
TNT wrote 146m euros off the value of its mail operations after
a review.
However, its express business performed better in the last three
months of 2009 than in the same period in 2008.
Operating income in the division rose to 81m euros - more than four
times more than the 18m euros it made a year ago.
Like larger rival Deutsche Post, TNT has struggled to cope with
falling consumer demand, but has begun to focus on its restructuring
efforts.
"The first weeks of 2010 make me somewhat optimistic on improving
economic conditions," chief executive Peter Bakker said.
"However, we will continue to manage our group from cautious
assumptions, leading to continued strong focus on cash and cost."
Source: BBC
19th
February
TM Logistics seals £18m deal
TM Logistics has won an £18 million contract extension with
consumer packaging company Rexam Beverage Can Europe.
The extension will add another five years to the existing ten-year
partnership. The logistics provider will continue to manage all
Rexams can and packaging storage movements nationwide, including
just-in-time deliveries from their two UK sites in Milton Keynes
and Wakefield.
TML has introduced a number of innovative tactics to improve its
service to the company. This has included bringing in alternative
fuels to help reduce environmental impact, and using a range of
different in-cab technologies and vehicle tracking systems to improve
customer visibility and efficiency.
Hugh Gallacher, European logistics director at Rexam, said: TML
align with our supply chain philosophy of cost, quality and supply
and have consistently exceeded our expectations in terms of service,
delivery and quality. Theyre always looking to the future,
trying to find innovative new ways of working that increase overall
efficiency and boost our bottom line. Thats why we extended
their contract.
Source: Logistics Manager
18th
February
Ceva wins furniture contract
Ceva Logistics has won a three-year contract to provide a home delivery
service to Multiyork, a manufacturer and retailer of high-quality
upholstery and cabinet furniture.
The operator will transfer manufactured items to a dedicated 3,000sq
metre warehouse at Mendlesham, Suffolk, then contact customers to
arrange delivery.
The projected 16,000 home deliveries a year will be carried out
by a combination of Cevas shared-user home delivery network,
Ceva Home, and six core delivery vehicles.
Cevas White Glove service includes placing the furniture in
the customers room of choice, assembly if required, and the
removal and recycling of packaging.
Source: IFW
18th
February
Post Office to set up in council building
A post office in the Borders is to become the first in Scotland
to be run from a local authority building, reports the BBC.
The Newtown St Boswells branch is to be relocated into Scottish
Borders Council headquarters in the town.
The hosted service will operate from the main reception in the building
three days a week.
Council leader David Parker said the move would benefit everyone
in the area and he was sure it would be a resounding success.
The Post Office said it believed the move was the best way to safeguard
the future of the service in the town.
Network development manager Sally Buchanan said it was a vital
asset for the area.
This is the first time in Scotland that we have established
an outreach service within council headquarter premises, which has
allowed us to reopen the service quickly, she said.
The councils forward thinking decision should be congratulated
and by working together we can continue to provide a service in
Newtown St Boswells.
Source: BBC
18th
February
FedEx expands forwarding operation
FedEx Trade Networks, the ocean and air freight forwarder, has opened
offices in London, Manchester and Brussels as part of a global expansion
plan.
In total it is opening six new offices in its Europe, the Middle
East and Africa region and its Latin America region.
In India it is opening offices in Mumbai and Chennai. In Latin America,
the company has opened an office in Mexico City.
President and chief executive Fred Schardt said: With our
global expansion efforts, shippers can get the flexible and reliable
freight forwarding solutions they need from a name they trustFedEx.
In 2008, FedEx Trade Networks opened freight forwarding operations
in Hong Kong and Shanghai
This was followed last year by offices in Brazil, Singapore, Taiwan,
The Netherlands, France, and the Chinese cities of Beijing, Guangzhou,
Shenzhen, Qingdao, Tianjin, Xiamen, Dalian, and Ningbo.
Source: Fedex
17th
February
Hermes has secured a new 8-year contract with Next in the biggest
ever home delivery deal within the UK.
Under the new agreement, Hermes will continue to handle the delivery
requirements for Next Directory which has turnover of over £800
million and over 2.2 million active customers. It will also launch
a range of service enhancements to ensure the retailer remains at
the forefront of the home delivery market.
Hermes secured the exclusive contract following a review of the
UK home delivery market. Hermes and Next have been working in partnership
since 1988 to provide a home delivery solution that not only offers
value for money but continues to lead the way in their next-day
delivery offer.
Consignments are collected on a daily basis from Nexts distribution
centres and dispatched overnight to Hermes regional depot network.
From there, orders will be distributed to more than 7,500 lifestyle
couriers for delivery to households across the UK.
Carole Woodhead, CEO of Hermes in the UK said: "By extending
this contract until 2018, Next have shown the high level of faith
they have in Hermes and our ability to continue to provide them
with a market leading service which provides excellent value for
money. We will be working together with Next to launch a new suite
of services over the next 12 months that will ensure that Next remains
the standard bearer in the UK home delivery market - a position
they have held since the launch of the Next Directory in 1988.
17th
February
DX Group targets Royal Mail Special Delivery business customers
with improved SecureDX service
DX Group, the only UK-wide postal company to have its own end-to-end
operation that is not reliant on Royal Mail, has today unveiled
changes to its next day service, SecureDX. Important items can be
sent to any UK postcode address for up to 30 per cent less than
Royal Mail Special Delivery (RMSD).
The service, which is a genuine alternative to RMSD, is accessible
to business and public sector customers through DXs network
of 4,500 private mail rooms and sorting offices.
Launched in 2006, SecureDX offers the ability to fully track
and trace letters, packets and parcels, with a signature always
being obtained on delivery. Improvements to the service include
a guaranteed pre-1pm delivery and the introduction of a new weight
allowance of up to 2kg.
Customers simply buy 20 or more labels and pouches and then either
drop their item at a DX location or, where there are large volumes
of mail, arrange for a collection from their premises.
DX Marketing Director, Andrew Raisbeck, said: Over the past
four years weve developed our sorting and delivery capabilities
to the extent that we can now make SecureDX widely available and
provide a guarantee that the item will arrive by 1pm the following
day.
SecureDX is just one example of where we are able to compete
very efficiently and cost effectively in a sector where Royal Mail
dominates.
Source: E-CourierNews
17th
February
City Link Wins £300K Contract
Raj Guhman, Commercial Office Manager, Fuel Parts UK Ltd, with Denise
Wigley, General Manager of City Links Kidderminster, Depot.Employees
at the Kidderminster Depot of City Link are celebrating after landing
a contract worth £300,000 a year.
The Company will oversee all distribution needs for Bromsgrove based
vehicle components supplier Fuel Parts UK Ltd.
Denise Wigley, General Manager of City Links Kidderminster
Depot, said: We are delighted to be working in partnership
with Fuel Parts UK Ltd.
The contract started off on a trial basis but after three
days Fuel Parts UK said they were delighted with how things were
going and took us on permanently.
The company has an excellent reputation in the industry and
we are delighted to be a part of it.
The City Link Kidderminster Depot employs a team of 60 which takes
care of 163 Customers across the Worcestershire area.
Source: E-CourierNews
17th
February
OFT clears Home Delivery Network's purchase of DHL Express
The Office of Fair Trading has cleared Home Delivery Network's acquisition
of DHL Express (UK)'s domestic business-to-business and business-to-consumer
packet and parcel delivery business.
The purchase, via HDN's wholly-owned subsidiary, Parcelpoint Limited,
was announced on January 6.
HDN, which has a major operation in Oldham, said the deal would
create a group delivering more than 180 million parcels a year and
with sales of more than £600m. The purchase price was not
disclosed.
HDN, which was split off from sister company Shop Direct last year
by owners Sir David and Sir Frederick Barclay, is based in Whiston
on Merseyside but its national sortation centre employs 210 people
at Shaw. It also has depots in Little Hulton, Bolton and Woolston
near Warrington.
HDN said there would be job losses among the 4,700 staff employed
by DHL Domestic, which has 71 service centres, a headquarters in
Heathrow and five hubs in Manchester, Bristol, Leeds, Hatfield and
the Midlands.
HDN's clients list includes Argos, Tesco, Sainsbury's and Marks
& Spencer and it claims to deliver more than 300,000 small items
every day, from fresh flowers and wine to clothing and small electrical
items.
DHL Domestic, whose customers are mostly in the business-to-business
sector, was bought by DHL five years ago from Securicor but has
struggled to catch up with bigger players. The combined business
will create a much tougher competitor for the Royal Mail's parcels
business.
HDN has been owned by the Barclays since they acquired the Littlewoods
and Greater Unversal Stores mail order businesses in the late 1990s.
Source: manchesternews@crain.com
16th
February
MULTIMODAL 2010 SEMINARS FOCUS ON COLLABORATION BENEFITS
Optimising logistics and maximising efficiency through collaboration
will be the theme of a series of seminars to be given by The Shippers'
Voice at this year's Multimodal 2010. Taking place at Birmingham's
NEC from 27th to 29th April, this is "The UK's only event dedicated
to more efficient supply chain, logistics and freight management".
This series of interactive seminars will feature panel discussions
and case study presentations from industry experts including shippers
and suppliers. After each seminar, there will be one-to-one surgeries
in the VIP area.
Day one of the seminar covers "Supply chain Intelligence",
including discussions on the economic climate, Customs' issues including
changes to trade under the new Mondernised Customs' Code, and regulatory
changes and will feature Mike Garratt, MDS Transmodal, Ben Hackett,
Hackett Associates; and Philip Damas, Director Drewry Shipping;
as well as Nigel Kotani, Partner, LLC Law and Peter MacSwiney, Chairman,
ASM.
The second day will examine various ways in which collaboration
between operators in the supply chain can enhance the shipping process,
which will include a presentation on the results of a recent survey
on collaboration by John Manners-Bell, CEO, Transport Intelligence,
and Dr Andrew Traill, The Shippers' Voice. Other topics will include
Expanding Viable Multimodal Options Through Supply Chain Collaboration;
Collaboration for Business Benefit and Sustainability - Practical
Examples; and Techniques for Collaboration.
The seminar on the last day will be a 'Collaboration Shop Window',
with presentations on Rail Interoperability: Collaboration in the
Great Rail Freight Axis by M. Amorós, Secretary General,
Ferrmed; and Staff Outsourcing - a Route to Competitive Advantage
by Andy Howard, Director, The Logistics Network.
Dr Andrew Traill, director of The Shippers' Voice, who has organised
the seminars, explained the rationale behind them: "Combining
elements of one's supply chain with those of others can bring greater
efficiencies, cost savings and more opportunities for using alternative
logistics solutions. But how willing and able are shippers and supply
chain managers to explore such opportunities? And what lessons have
we already learnt? These seminars at Multimodal will explore the
benefits of collaboration and what it can do for the shipping industry."
Source: Multimodal
15th
February
Multimodal Once Again at NEC to Build on 2009 Success
Multimodal 2010 - the UK's leading Transport & Logistics fair
- will take place in Hall 4 of Birmingham's National Exhibition
Centre (NEC) on 27-29 April.
Last year's highly successful Multimodal 2009 attracted a host of
innovative and enthusiastic logistics companies. Over 130 organisations
exhibited at the show, nearly 50% up on the previous year, while
visitor numbers increased by 66%. Despite the economic background,
there was no lack of new ideas, progressive thinking and major infrastructure
developments on show.
"The Shippers' Voice" seminars will once again run alongside
the exhibition at Multimodal 2010, attracting speakers from a wide
range of transport and logistics operating companies, academic institutions,
and trade and professional bodies. There will also be a series of
one-to-one surgeries on the theme 'how to be a better shipper'.
Each will provide an hour-long, interactive 'snapshot' of current
best practice.
Multimodal provides one of the best opportunities for industry professionals
to network, exchange views, and to source new products and services.
Exhibitors range from ports, shipping lines, rail operators, airlines,
road hauliers, and logistics providers through to equipment suppliers,
technical and IT support providers, academic institutions, trade
associations and government bodies. Visitors are drawn from the
ranks of major shippers, retailers and industry.
Returning and new exhibitors at Multimodal 2010 include leading
names such as Associated British Ports, Dachser Ltd, DB Schenker,
DSV, Ewals Cargo Care, PD Ports, The Malcolm Group, Transport Exchange
Group, Woodland International Transport, Corporate Solutions Ltd
and OOCL to name but a few.
Event Director Robert Jervis commented, "Multimodal is a great
opportunity for shippers to go 'shopping' to find better ways of
moving cargo and to reduce their supply chain costs. It's clear
that the transport logistics industry is still brimming with innovative
ideas and can find inventive ways of beating the recession. I was
very please that Multimodal 2009 was instrumental in encouraging
new thinking in logistics and transport, and I believe Multimodal
2010 will build on that success".
Source: Multimodal
12th
February
Big brands sign up for supply chain competition
Global brands Heinz, Kimberly Clark and Kraft Foods along with third
party logistics giant Wincanton, have become the latest companies
to sign up to The Fresh Connection, the UKs first supply chain
competition.
Launched by leading supply chain consultancy, SCALA, The Fresh Connection
is an internet-based, role-playing simulation built around a virtual
fruit juice producer. The challenge is to save the ailing company
from closure and develop it into a successful organisation.
The competition starts on 12 April, and will see teams of four work
together from crisis management through various developing business
changes, with the aim of being named Supply Chain Champion.
Joining Kimberly Clark, Heinz, Kraft and Wincanton is a diverse
range of organisations including, Bernard Matthews and Cadbury.
Keith Newton, customer logistics director for Cadburys plc
GB & Ireland, said: "The Fresh Connection provides us with
an excellent opportunity to enable some of our talented people from
across our supply chain teams to practice working and learning together
in an integrated and collaborative way and in a competitive environment
with other peer businesses."
The competition lasts seven weeks with each of the seven rounds
lasting a couple of hours. Each team will manage and make tactical
and strategic decisions on procurement, operations, sales and the
supply chain. Each decision has an impact on the business and shows
the importance of different disciplines working together to create
an efficient supply chain.
The competition will culminate in a live final and a conference
at the stunning location of Wroxall Abbey in July. The winning team
will receive four Platinum tickets to The British Grand
Prix at Silverstone and players will have the opportunity to see
how their team measures up against the rest of the competition with
a detailed performance evaluation report once the competition is
over.
John Perry, Managing Director of SCALA, said: We are delighted
to welcome Kraft, Heinz and Kimberly Clark to the competition. The
race for the title of Supply Chain Champion of the Year is certainly
hotting up, but companies do still have time to sign up if they
visit the website.
The Fresh Connection is not only competitive, but becomes
a fantastic training and development tool, at a time when creating
efficiencies in the supply chain could not be more relevant.
Logistics Manager and Supply Chain Standard are sponsoring the competition
along with AEB International, BiS Henderson and The Chartered Institute
of Logistics and Transport.
Source: Logistics Manager
11th
February
APC Overnight next day deliveries hit the right note for Electro
Music
Electro Music is planning rapid expansion of its burgeoning online
business thanks to new web technology linked to a nationwide parcel
delivery network operated by APC Overnight. The Doncaster-based
music store was established in 1982 and has been operating online
shopping since 2000. With thousands of items shipped nationwide
each year, the company has launched a new website with integrated
booking and tracking to boost customer service.
The combination of reliable rapid parcel collection by APC Overnights
local depot APC Direct Logistics from Electro Musics warehouse
for overnight delivery and innovative web-based technology from
NetDespatch underpins Electro Musics emphasis on good
old fashioned customer service, says Mark Taylor, the companys
website manager.
We are acutely aware that many people now like to browse and
shop online at all hours of the day and night. Musicians especially
can be night owls! Electro Musics sales are increasingly moving
in that direction. Having the option of next day delivery to anywhere
in the UK through APC Overnight is a big plus for our business,
says Mark Taylor.
We value the flexibility to add items right up to collection
time if needs be. We also like the ability to pickup and collect
in one go. For example, we can arrange for replacement items to
be shipped and delivered with the unwanted goods being picked up
in one move, which is great for customer relations, he adds.
APC Direct Logistics provided the NetDespatch on-demand booking
and tracking system to streamline Electro Musics distribution
and administration. Orders placed before 2pm each day are quickly
processed with the web-based system building manifests and generating
the parcel shipping labels automatically. The system also provides
detailed end-to-end traceability of all parcels going through the
system.
We cannot stress enough how vital the NetDespatch system is
to managing our deliveries. Our warehouse manager has the system
open all day to get instant status reports of en-route deliveries
or to check on completed orders. The system contains vital information,
from precise booking and pickup times, the arrival of our parcels
at distribution depots and proof-of-delivery at the final destination.
We can even view the signature of the customer on receipt. Its
a very fast and easy system to use, says Mark Taylor.
Electro Music - www.electromusic.co.uk is run by musicians
for musicians of all levels and experience. Whether it's drums,
guitars, keyboards or PA systems the company stocks and supplies
a wide range of leading brands including Fender, Gibson, ESP, Epiphone,
Ernie Ball, Pearl, Tama, Gretsch, Yamaha, Roland, Boss, Fostex,
Tascam, Zoom, Line 6, Vox, as well as a service and repair facility.
Source: APC
10th
February
JD WILLIAMS CREATES CUSTOMER VALUE THROUGH NIGHTFREIGHTS SUPPLIER
DIRECT HOME DELIVERY OPERATION
JD Williams, the leading direct home shopping retailer in the UK,
has awarded a three-year contract to Nightfreight for the provision
of a two-man home delivery solution for direct supplier orders.
Nightfreight was appointed by JD Williams after developing an innovative
IT solution that would provide the retailer with total visibility
and tracking of all orders from fifteen manufacturers via its own
in-house customer service system.
Under the agreement, Nightfreight will handle the collection and
delivery of a diverse range of items such as white goods, home electronics,
furniture and upholstery, including made to order products. The
solution will use Nightfreights Deliver2Home national two-man
home delivery service, handling around 200 deliveries per week to
addresses across the UK.
Nightfreights IT system will provide the required visibility
of all orders delivered direct to JD Williams customers from
the manufacturer. This is a particularly important requirement for
larger products requiring two-man home delivery with differing supply
lead times.
Once a customer order is received by JD Williams, Nightfreight will
automatically receive purchase details, which are held pending stock
availability from the supplier. Each supplier will have access to
the software solution, enabling labelling and despatch of products,
so Nightfreight can liaise directly with the consumer to agree a
suitable delivery date as soon as the purchased product becomes
available.
All activity and consumer communication is logged in Nightfreights
system and sent to JD Williams, providing full tracking and status
visibility to the retailers customer service team. As orders
enter the delivery process each tracking point becomes transparent,
including the final scanned image of the proof of delivery.
John Cuisick, Commercial Manager Distribution at JD Williams
commented: The Nightfreight system will allow our call centre
to provide accurate details regarding the whereabouts and progress
of orders to transform the overall customer experience. Nightfrieght
has developed an innovative solution that will enable us to overcome
the complex issues of direct from supplier deliveries.
Paul Tyson, Director of Nightfreight Deliver2Home said: We
are committed to working closely with our customers to develop supply
chain solutions that meet their precise needs and enhance the service
provided to the consumer. With JD Williams, the clever use of our
IT systems helped us to add significant value to their customers
home delivery experience.
Source: The Delivery Magazine
10th
February
DHL starts cross-border services in south-east Asia
Trucking services will link Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand
DHL has introduced cross-border bonded truck services linking Singapore,
Malaysia and Thailand from a wider range of hubs.
As first reported in IFW, bonded trucking links to and from Thailand
were launched last year, following trials with Thai customs authorities.
DHL is now offering direct pick-up and delivery, as well as insurance,
customs clearance and handling of import, export and transit documentation
from its hubs in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Sadao and Singapore.
A DHL spokesman told IFW that Vietnam and Laos were also being considered
as potential destinations for bonded services.
Sam Ang, CEO for south-east Asia at DHL Global Forwarding, said:
The service has the potential to turn this part of south-east
Asia into a more integrated market.
Source: IFW
9th
February
TNT acquires TopPak
TNT is expanding its e-commerce activities with the acquisition
of e-fulfillment company TopPak.
The parties signed an agreement to this effect today. With this
acquisition, through its Parcel Service business, TNT is strengthening
its position in the distribution market and adding a link to its
e-fulfillment service chain.
TopPak has revenues of approximately €10m, handles some 6m
packages per year and has growth potential
TNT say that the acquisition of TopPak is in line its Vision 2015
strategy on Parcels and Special Delivery Solutions (SDS) as announced
on 3 December 2009. TNT aims to develop focused multi-customer
network solutions, that provide service quality while improving
the economics of the TNT delivery networks, the company said.
The financial details were not disclosed.
Source: TNT
9th
February
Dobbies chooses NYK
Dobbies Garden Centres has appointed NYK Logistics to support its
seasonal operations and its e-commerce business.
Dobbies required a flexible service that could cope with volume
stock build as well as rapid dispatch of the ranges it sells at
different times of year.
The agreement will see NYK providing end-to-end supply chain from
Dobbies suppliers in the Far East to stores in the UK.
NYK is also managing home delivery to individual customers and stock
intake, storage, order picking and delivery in a bid to improve
Dobbies geographic reach and stockholding, while improving IT benefits.
Dobbies hope to see improved stock integrity, visibility throughout
its seasonal supply chain, improvement to management information
and reduced damages.
The NYK operation is based at its Glasgow distribution centre. Dobbies
original base was in Scotland and it now also has outlets as far
south as Shepton Mallet and Milton Keynes.
Source: Logistics Manager
9th
February
Spicers signs £38m contract with DHL
Spicers has signed a contract with DHL Supply Chain to handle UK
distribution for the office products wholesaler in a deal worth
£38 million across five years.
DHL will manage distribution across Spicers supply chain network
from regional distribution centres located in Greenwich, Chessington,
Bristol, Birmingham, Heywood and Glasgow to dealers and customers.
It will mange a dedicated fleet of 98 vehicles and has been tasked
with enhancing efficiency and reducing costs across the supply chain.
DHL will be able to monitor fuel usage and better understand how
the vehicle is being driven through the deployment of vehicle telematic
systems and it will use the information generated to train and manage
drivers and minimise fuel consumption.
Implementation of tracking systems will also allow DHL to oversee
route planning, understand the need for variances and enable future
planning across the network.
This is designed to increase transport efficiency and help improve
the security of vehicles by enabling any stolen lorries to be traced.
In addition, the introduction of tear-drop trailers will help to
boost fuel efficiency and improve fuel consumption by approximately
eight per cent.
All 180 employees from the previous contractor have been retained
by DHL. This includes co-ordinating a series of improvement workshops
to encourage collaboration within teams and to build on the existing
expertise within Spicers supply chain.
Source: Logistics Manager
9th February
Sunnflair starts camping with Norbert
Camping specialist Sunnflair has appointed Norbert Dentressangle
Transport Services as its primary transport provider.
Prior to the arrangement Sunnflair was using several external carriers
to collect and distribute products, which led to unsatisfactory
service and cost issues.
Through Norbert Dentressangle, Sunnflair is also now able to offer
a next day service to stockists, including the safe delivery of
hazardous gas products which are subject to strict ADR (Accord Dangereux
Routier) carriage requirements.
The third party logistics company makes up to 15 collections a day
from Sunnflair premises at Chelmsford and Ipswich.
Next day deliveries are then made to the companys 2,800 retail
stockists across the country as required.
The distribution network also has the flexibility to accommodate
rising volumes prior to and during the peak trading spring and summer
months.
Sunnflair is also able to access to the bespoke SHARP (shipment
handling and reporting program) technology provided by Norbert Dentressangle,
which allows it to track and trace orders and respond to customer
enquiries.
The online system enables Sunnflair to place multiple delivery orders
at its head office in Chelmsford, which are transmitted electronically
to Norbert Dentressangle before being distributed to vehicles across
its shared-user network.
Source: Logistics Manager
9th
February
Palletforce is top of the league for industry standards
Palletforce is powering its way into 2010 in style after clinching
the treble with three international standard awards.
The palletised distribution network has achieved accreditations
for quality, safety and environmental excellence by gaining
the internationally recognised standards ISO 9001, OHSAS 18001 and
ISO 14001.
Palletforce leads the way in setting new industry standards
and these accreditations show our commitment to driving excellence
throughout our whole operation, said Palletforce CEO Michael
Conroy.
Our strapline is Work with the best and we believe
there is no better network in terms of service and quality
these are the things that really count to customers who use Palletforce.
Over the next year more companies than ever will be scrutinising
the way they transport goods from place to place in an effort
to reduce their impact on the environment.
By its very nature, Palletforce helps cut unnecessary vehicle movements
and has the flexibility to transport smaller consignments so can
help to drastically reduce business costs and environmental impact.
Dave Holland, Palletforce Sales and Marketing Director, said the
business has an exciting story to tell that is attracting new customers
and members.
In the current trading conditions, businesses are looking
to save and many have been assessing their transport costs and systems.
Palletforces shared user network offers a cost effective
and flexible solution that is particularly attractive to environmentally
responsible businesses so its a win-win situation.
Dave added: We have seen a big increase in the number of retailers
and manufacturers looking at this flexible palletised method of
transport. We can offer them the flexibility of smaller consignments
while still harnessing the economies of scale of a large distribution
network.
Palletforce takes its own Corporate Social Responsibility extremely
seriously and, as well as achieving ISO standards, the network has
helped to raise over £40,000 for the learning disability charity
Mencap, over the last few months.
The money was raised by Palletforce CEO Michael Conroy and his good
friend Allan Blakeley, from FedEx UK, who took part in a 463-mile
walk from Newcastle-upon-Tyne to Launceston.
The money was topped up by an extra £10,000 during a charity
auction at the Palletforce Annual General Meeting in January.
Mencap Regional Fundraising Manager Kelly Railton said: We
are absolutely delighted with the amount of money raised for Mencap
and cant thank Allan and Michael enough for their efforts
and the support of Palletforce and FedEx.
Innovation has also been at the forefront of the business and the
network is particularly proud of its 400,000sq ft state-of-the-art
Hub which celebrates its first anniversary in January 2010.
This really is the jewel in the crown of palletised distribution
centres and its place as one of the finest in Europe was underlined
when HRH The Princess Royal gave it her royal seal of approval by
visiting in September.
The new facilities have been accompanied by innovation and the network
is especially proud of its collaboration with Wilson Trailers to
be the first in the distribution sector to use Curtainclear®.
This is the UKs first step frame double deck giving unrestricted
loading access. It allows curtains to fully clear the sides of the
trailer all the way to the rear, giving operators and drivers full
side access to both top and bottom decks to reduce health and safety
issues, achieve full pay load and improve speed of access.
Palletforce plans to continue its innovation and growth in the future
as more businesses understand the huge benefits palletised networks
can bring.
With a clutch of industry awards, the best Hub operational facilities
in the UK and the treble ISO accreditation, the network is one
to watch in 2010.
Source: E-CourierNews
8th
February
DX lays down the law
DX Group has entered into a strategic agreement with Bar Select
Ltd.
The deal will see the further promotion of www.barselect.co.uk,
a barrister comparison web site which is designed for use by legal
professionals.
The Bar Select service, brainchild of veteran lawyer Peter Rouse,
founder of the Rouse IP firm, will be offered to DX members and
other legal professionals.
DX, established by the legal community in response to the postal
strikes of the 1970s, counts 97 of the top 100 law firms as clients.
In anticipation of regulatory changes allowing greater practice
freedoms to barristers, Bar Select was established in July 2009.
Not only does Bar Select provide a comparison service to the legal
profession, it also offers the ability to book barristers that are
available.
Andrew Raisbeck, marketing director of DX, said: As a long-term
proponent of the legal services sector we take a close interest
in its evolution. We believe Bar Select will be of great value to
our members and that we can help the whole sector by further promoting
it.
Peter Rouse, director of Bar Select, said: Bar Select aims
to become part of the infrastructure of the present and emerging
legal services market and our agreement with DX brings that aspiration
closer to realisation.
Source: DX
8th
February
UK postal workers equipped with dog device
Postal workers are being armed with a new weapon which could hand
them a crucial advantage in their perennial battle with dogs, reports
The Daily Telegraph.
Royal Mail delivery staff are being equipped with a device which
releases compressed air and makes a hissing sound designed to scare
off dogs.
It comes as new figures reveal the number of postal workers attacked
by dogs while on their rounds increased by almost 20% last year.
In 2008/09, there were 4,810 attacks on staff - a rate of 92 per
week - compared with 4,067 the previous year.
The statistics have been released by the Royal Mail along with copies
of guidance given to staff on how to protect themselves.
This includes the instruction: Never enter premises where
a dog is loose. Even the most friendly dog is likely to view your
approach as a possible threat.
When postmen do find themselves confronted by a dog, they are told
to position their bag between themselves and the animal to fend
off any attack.
They are told to back away slowly, but not to turn and run, as this
could trigger a chase response in the animal. Staff are also urged
not to stare at the dog.
Many postal staff already carry peppermint spray, which releases
a cloud of gas intended to distract and disorientate dogs for up
to 20 minutes.
It can be requested by any concerned employee, but postal workers
have said it is difficult to use when being attacked.
The new spray works in a different way. A Royal Mail spokesman said:
The device releases air at speed, creating a hissing noise
which is designed to pull the dog up and stop its progress.
It is being trialled by staff in south-east England and could be
rolled out nationwide if it produces good results.
The spokesman added: This is something we take extremely seriously,
and we give training to staff about ways to deal with dogs.
The Royal Mail is at a loss to explain the recent increase in dog
attacks, but it comes at a time when animal welfare organisations
have warned about the rise in the numbers of weapon dogs,
or aggressive animals used as status symbols.
Each attack on a postal worker is logged and owners of aggressive
animals are contacted by Royal Mail. Injured staff are eligible
for compensation under a Dog Attacks Compensation Scheme for any
overtime or shift allowances which they miss as a result.
Some staff have been seriously wounded. In 2008, Keith Davies had
to undergo a six-hour operation after being attacked by two rottweilers
while delivering post in Cambridge.
A spokeswoman for the Communication Workers Union, said: It
is one of the biggest health and safety issues that delivery staff
face. Were well aware that it got worse last year.
It can be very traumatising for workers not knowing what is
behind the garden gate or the letter box.
The union has launched the Bite-Back Campaign, calling
for changes in the law on dangerous dogs to give postal workers
greater protection while on private property.
Source: The Daily Telegraph
5th
February
Air France to sell freighters to FedEx
Air France-KLM has agreed to sell two new 777 freighters to FedEx
The sale comes as the company looks to downsize its all-cargo operation.
This sale is in line with the current slump within the global
air cargo industry, the Franco-Dutch carrier said.
Air France Cargo said that the move will not alter the frequency
of flights undertaken by the airline.
The sale figure remains undisclosed, but is expected to be around
the $250m mark.
Air France Cargo currently operates five aircraft two
777-200 extended range freighters and three 747-400 extended range
freighters. It has leased two 747-400s to Russian carrier Air Bridge
and a third is due to be chartered out in March, reported
the Journal of Commerce.
Air France-KLM owns Europes largest all-cargo fleet
of 29 freighters but plans to significantly reduce its exposure
to the sector by transferring some aircraft to its Amsterdam-based
subsidiary Martinair and selling others to rival carriers,
the news agency continued.
Source: Journal of Commerce
4th
February
Royal Mail announces 100 millionth Sustainable® Mail delivery
Royal Mail today revealed that mailings delivered under its Sustainable®
Mail service have reached the 100 million mark nine months after
its launch.
Some 75 customers have signed up to the bulk mail service, rolled
out last April, which encourages responsible behaviour by offering
a lower price tariff for direct mail that meets newly developed
environmental standards.
Companies can join up to the Sustainable® Mail service if they
meet the criteria based on three key environmental needs - improved
sustainability, minimised waste and increased recyclability. They
can also now benefit from Royal Mails DM Sale,
offering a discount of 20 per cent on new or additional mailings
in March and April this year. This offer is available through both
Sustainable® Mail and Mailsort® services.
Matthew Neilson, Head of Environmental Solutions at Royal Mail,
said: "There has been tremendous interest in Sustainable®
Mail and we are delighted that so many brands have signed up to
the service. Reaching 100 million items in the first nine months
is an impressive and important milestone for us.
"The organisations involved have met our strict criteria and
we are sure they will be joined by many others willing to take advantage
of this product and work with us to reduce direct mail waste and
streamline production."
To qualify for the Sustainable® Mailproduct, mailers must meet
certain specification criteria. In the first instance they must
achieve entry level standard to access the product, with prices
of up to two per cent below normal Mailsort® tariffs available.
Clients can then achieve an even better postage rate - up to 4.7
per cent discount - by demonstrating intermediate level requirements.
The criteria to qualify for Sustainable® Mail at the entry level
include:
The use of recycled fibre from recovered waste paper and/or
virgin fibre sourced from a Defra approved forest certification
scheme in all paper products
The adoption of good data practices such as the development
and maintenance of an internal suppression file as well as the checking
of customer and prospects against the Mailing Preference Service
The recyclability of all paper elements of the mailing, including
windowed and padded envelopes
A statement or logo, such as Recycle Now, on the outside
of the mailing to encourage recycling of the item
Included in the intermediate level specification are requirements
that:
All printers, mailing houses or in-house mailing facilities
used to produce a mailing must have an environmental management
system conforming to BS EN ISO 14001
No ultraviolet varnish finishes or rubber-based adhesives
are used in the mailing
Each item must give clear information as to how the addressee
can register to unsubscribe from receiving information about any
or all of a sending companys products for one year
Source: E-CourierNews
3rd
February
Bakker scoops award
TNTs Peter Bakker has been granted the Sustainability Leadership
Award 2010 by SAM and SPG.
The two sustainable investment companies presented the award to
the CEO and Ashok Gadgil, a professor for environmental technology
at the University of Berkeley.
Each year since 2001, the award recognises two individuals
who have provided extraordinary leadership or done pioneering work
on behalf of sustainability and business success.
The jury highlighted the efforts of TNT to fight world hunger and
reduce carbon emissions through its two programs, Moving the
World (a joint initiative with the United Nations World
Food Programme) and Planet Me.
Source: TNT
3rd
February
UPS better positioned: 4Q results
UPS chairman and CEO Scott Davis said the company has emerged from
the worst recession in decades leaner, more focused and better
positioned after publishing its 4Q results.
UPS announced diluted earnings per share of $0.75 for the fourth
quarter of 2009, above the companys original guidance of $0.58
to 0.65 per share, due in large measure to strong performance by
its international segment. That segment saw volume growth, a substantial
gain in operating profit and improvement to a 16.7% operating margin.
The quarters diluted earnings per share declined 9.6% compared
to the $0.83 in adjusted diluted earnings per share a year ago.
Reported earnings per share for 2008 were $0.25.
For 2009, UPS generated free cash flow of $4.1bn and posted adjusted
operating profit of $4.0bn. On a reported basis, operating profit
was $3.8bn. Adjusted earnings per share were $2.31 and $2.14 on
a reported basis.
UPS ended 2009 on a high note by leveraging network changes
implemented throughout the year and executing flawlessly during
the peak holiday shipping period, which was stronger than we had
anticipated, said UPS chairman and CEO Scott Davis. The
company demonstrated its ability to manage effectively in changing
market conditions. UPS has emerged from the worst recession in decades
leaner, more focused and better positioned to take advantage of
increased global trade.
4Q 2008
Consolidated Results 4Q 2009
4Q 2008
Adjusted
Revenue $12.38 B
$12.70 B
Operating profit $1.26 B
$803 M
$1.38 B
Operating margin 10.2%
6.3%
10.9%
Average volume per day 17.3 M
17.3 M
Diluted earnings per share $0.75
$0.25
$0.83
For the three months ended 31
December 2009, package volume rose 1.4% to 1.1bn pieces while average
volume per day was unchanged at 17.3m packages.
During the holiday shipping season, global volume exceeded 22m packages
on eight days, including two on which it exceeded 24m packages.
UPS experienced more delivery volume than in 2008 on each of the
seven days before Christmas. A well-executed peak season operating
plan and significant growth in online retail sales contributed to
the stronger-than-expected results for the quarter.
For the full year, the company delivered 3.8bn packages, an average
of 15.1m per day, down from 15.5m in 2008. Revenue decreased 12%
to $45.3bn.
Cash Position
UPS ended 2009 in a strong financial position. In addition to exceptional
free cash flow, UPS also:
Paid $1.8bn in dividends.
Invested $1.6bn in capital expenditures.
Repurchased a total of 10.9m shares for $569m.
Ended the year with $2.1bn in cash and short-term investments.
US Domestic Package 4Q 2009
4Q 2008
Revenue $7.55 B
$7.99 B
Operating profit $764 M
$932 M
Operating margin 10.1%
11.7%
Average volume per day 14.9 M
15.1 M
For the fourth quarter, air
volume increased with Next Day Air up 2.8% and deferred up 4.3%.
However, ground volume per day was down 2.9%. Total US average daily
volume decreased 1.9%. Operating margin improved sequentially to
10.1%, the highest in 2009. The 5.2% decline in revenue per piece
was driven primarily by lower fuel surcharges and weight declines.
In the quarter, UPS pushed ahead the mobile shipping arena with
the introduction of applications for iPhone, iPod and BlackBerry
devices. In addition, the company expanded its WorldShip platform
with integration of a freight forwarding capability that complements
its small package and LTL freight shipping processes.
On 8 January 2010, UPS announced it was restructuring the US Domestic
Package segment. By leveraging technology and the management skills
of its people, the company will create larger geographic operating
entities and provide more marketing resources at the local level.
The new structure will be in place by early April.
4Q 2008
International Package 4Q 2009
4Q 2008
Adjusted
Revenue $2.79 B
$2.64 B
Operating profit $467 M
$366 M
$393 M
Operating margin 16.7%
13.9%
14.9%
Average volume per day 2.4 M
2.2 M
International operating profit
jumped 18.8% on an adjusted basis and 27.6% on a reported basis
on revenue growth of 5.8%.
Average daily volume growth of 11.8% was driven by increases of
3.1% in export and 17.8% in domestic. These gains and strong cost
management contributed to an operating margin of 16.7%, the highest
since the fourth quarter of 2007. All regions experienced export
volume growth, led by Asia and the United States. Domestic volume
improvement was driven by a third-quarter acquisition in Turkey
along with strong performance in Europe and Canada.
During the quarter, UPS continued investing for the future with
the opening of its expanded hub in Toronto, Ontario, which more
than doubled its package handling capability.
4Q 2008
Supply Chain and Freight 4Q 2009
4Q 2008
Adjusted
Revenue $2.03 B
$2.07 B
Operating profit $28 M
($495 M)
$53 M
Operating margin 1.4 %
(23.9%)
2.6%
Reductions in segment revenue
and operating profit were caused by declines in global forwarding
and UPS Freight.
Forwardings operating margin was challenged by rapidly escalating
transportation costs stemming from a surge in demand in a capacity-constrained
environment out of Asia.
The Logistics business recorded an increase in revenue, driven by
growth in the healthcare sector. Improved operating efficiencies
and contract management produced strong results.
UPS Freight experienced a difficult fourth quarter. Revenue per
hundredweight increased, but shipments were flat and tonnage declined.
The unit posted an operating loss for the quarter due to the extremely
competitive pricing environment in the LTL business. Year-over-year,
UPS Freight gained market share.
Outlook
Economic forecasts indicate gradual improvement as 2010 unfolds,
said Kurt Kuehn, UPSs chief financial officer. The first
quarter will be the most challenging of the year for UPS with profitability
only slightly better than last year.
For 2010, UPS will substantially improve performance by leveraging
our extensive product portfolio and global network, Kuehn
continued. As a result, we anticipate that diluted earnings
per share should be within a range of $2.70 to $3.05, an increase
of 17% to 32% over 2009 results. We also expect cash generation
to remain strong in 2010, with capital expenditures totaling $1.8bn.
This is well below our historical range but still supports growth
opportunities.
Source: UPS
3rd
February
DPD and Interlink offer one hour delivery window
DPD and Interlink have launched a system for giving customers a
one hour window for their home deliveries.
Home shoppers who buy from retailers shipping with DPD or Interlink
can receive a free SMS or email giving them a precise one hour window
in which the driver will arrive.
If the recipient of the SMS knows that they wont be in to
sign for the package, they can text back and arrange for the company
to deliver on a more convenient date from a choice of the
next three days. GeoPost, parent of DPD and Interlink, has invested
£2m over the past two years developing the technology needed
for the one hour delivery window.
A recent survey by pollster Opinion Matters which found that of
1,369 adults, 82 per cent find it "frustrating" or "very
frustrating" to wait at home for a delivery, not knowing when
it will arrive; and 80 per cent have had to go to a parcel depot
or Royal Mail office in the last 12 months to collect a parcel.
GeoPost UK chief executive Dwain McDonald said: Our new service
means more "right first time" deliveries which will also
produce environmental benefits in the shape of fewer return journeys
to attempt delivery, reduced fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions.
Source: Logistics Manager
2nd
February
CitySprint provides retailers with the opportunity to excel
CitySprint sponsored the event for the launch of Snow Valleys
Online Retail Delivery in the UK 2010 report which took place at
the Groucho Club on 20th January 2009. Now in its fifth year, the
Online Retail Delivery in the UK report is the industry authority
on the delivery services that UK retailers are providing to their
customers.
The fact that the report identified same-day delivery as a growing
trend meant CitySprint was an ideal choice of sponsor as, towards
the end of 2009, CitySprint launched a new SameDay courier service
which is changing the face of online retail by offering customers
more control and flexibility over their deliveries. CitySprint launched
the service with online retailer ASOS.com and is now working with
a number of other retailers who are keen to offer their customers
this leading-edge delivery choice. At the event, ASOS.com was presented
with the Golden Chariot award. They achieved the top-spot
as a result of its value for money, customer service and flexibility
of delivery options. ASOS.com was followed by runners-up Ebuyer,
PC World, and Amazon.
Amongst the other key recommendations in the report were more
Saturday, nominated day and time of day options and more
detailed online order tracking. All areas in which CitySprint
can help retailers excel.
CitySprint operates a national network 365 days a year 7 days a
week. In a time when many organisations have chosen to streamline
their locations CitySprint has remained committed to its national
network. It is this geographic presence and round-the-clock service
which makes the Retail solution possible. Even with cut off times
factored in, in order to offer such a responsive solution to retailers
it is vital that the logistics partner has fleet located close to
the retailers distribution centres.
In addition CitySprints investment in technology can help
retailers provide their customers with unrivalled levels of transparency
regarding their delivery. Each of CitySprints couriers are
equipped with hand-held GPS devices. CityTrakkers, which transit
information to and from CitySprint in real-time. Essentially this
enables CitySprint to know, and be able to view, the exact location
of each of their couriers located throughout the UK. The customer
benefit of this investment is the unrivalled transparency it offers.
Once a courier electronically acknowledges acceptance of a delivery
this becomes 'live' on the system. From this point forwards the
customer can view the real-time location of the courier making their
delivery. Retail customers can either use this information themselves
or open the system up to their customers providing added-value levels
of customer service.
Bel Shergill, CitySprints Retail Sector Development Manager,
said; CitySprint was delighted to sponsor this event. As the
UKs largest privately owned SameDay Courier network and leading
provider of retail delivery solutions, we are fully committed to
excellence in e-commerce fulfilment and that is exactly what this
event was about. As a supplier of delivery services to ASOS.com
we were pleased to see them take the top-spot as a result of their
flexible delivery options.
Source: E-CourierNews
1st
February
TNT sees positive development in Express
TNT has continued to see
a positive development of its volumes in the Express
division in Q4 2009.
The volumes in air, road and domestic in Q4 were all above those
in Q4 2008. TNT views this as encouraging after the sharp but as
of Q2 stabilising volume decline in the first nine months of 2009
against 2008.
For the first time in 2009, the Express operating margin in Q4 was
above that in Q4 2008. The focus on cost savings has contributed
substantially to this result, while price pressure has continued.
In Mail, the decline in addressed volumes in the Netherlands in
Q4 2009 was in line with expectations as was operating income, helped
in particular by good Master plan savings and strong Christmas
volumes.
The first two weeks in 2010 saw a continuation of the somewhat
more positive volume trend of Q4 2009 in Express. Price pressure
is still noticeable, however. The cost savings programmes continue
to be on track to optimise our cost base further. In Mail, in line
with guidance given at the 3 December 2009 analyst meeting, volumes
are under pressure due to liberalisation and substitution, whilst
cost savings progress will continue to support a continued good
cash contribution, a company spokesman said.
Impairments (non cash) at the end of 2009 of goodwill and
certain assets in EMN will be approximately EUR 150m. In Express,
further impairments for already decommissioned planes and certain
intangibles will be approximately EUR 20m. Both impairments will
be charged against the Q4 results and are roughly in line with indications
given on 3 December.
Source: TNT
1st
February
Dalkeith Transport joins Palletforce
Dalkeith Transport and Storage, one of Scotlands largest hauliers,
is to become a shareholder member in pallet network Palletforce
on 1 March.
The move follows its decision to end a 10-year association with
rival network Palletways.
Palletforce said Dalkeith was attracted by the networks
unique position as a member-owned palletised distribution operation;
as, ultimately, this ensures quality throughout the network as every
member company has a stake in its success.
Dalkeith has depots at Newtongrange, near Edinburgh, and Cumbernauld,
near Glasgow, and operates a fleet of 47 trucks and 100 trailers
hauling general freight throughout the UK.
Source: IFW
1st
February
Transport revenues hit at Norbert
Norbert Dentressangle has reported a 12.5 per cent decline in revenue
during 2009, which it said reflects the adverse impact of the recession.
Transport revenues were hit hardest, falling 14.8 per cent on a
published basis and 13.4 per cent at constant exchange rates.
However the company said business volumes during the last quarter
of 2009 were comparable to 2008.
The decline in logistics revenue came later in the year and was
less severe compared to transport, seeing a 9.6 per cent drop on
a published basis and six per cent decrease at constant exchange
rates.
EBITA is expected to total some £69 million (80 million euros)
which the group said is a result of rigorous management of its balance
sheet, particularly in terms of working capital requirement.
Source: Logistics Manager
1st
February
UK Pallets achieves double 'ISO' and 'OHSAS' honours
UK Pallets' drive for continuous service and operational excellence
is never ending, backed up by a commitment to ensuring it measures
up on performance. This ethos has recently inspired the company
to seek and achieve a double honour, receiving accreditation on
24th November 2009 in two integrated management programmes - BS
EN ISO 14001:2004 (Environmental) and BS OHSAS (Occupational Health
and Safety Advisory Services) 18001: 2007.
UK Pallets Managing Director Terry Richards says UK Pallets is probably
the first company in the UK, let alone the first in the pallet industry,
to achieve an integrated certification for both standards from one
assessment programme.
Preparation started in April 2009 using external consultant Harry
Staniforth Associates Ltd in readiness for the external assessment
by LRQA in October. Harry Staniforth said afterwards, "In 20
years of consulting and supporting over 110 companies achieving
various standards, I cannot remember any company coming under such
intense scrutiny - eight days - at all levels, with only minor issues
being raised. This is a credit to all at the company."
UK Pallets Managing Director Terry Richards says the accreditation
will provide objective and independent assurance to customers that
UK Pallets operates to the highest standards in handling their freight.
The standards will help reinforce to all involved in the network
the need to get the quality and reliability of service right first
time every time while encouraging a 'must get through' attitude
and behaviour.
Source: E-CourierNews
1st
February
Nightline Delivers its promise with NetDespatch
Nightline Delivers, Ireland's largest independent express delivery
company delivering up to 40,000 items per night, has selected software
from NetDespatch as part of its secure parcel shipping technology
service for its customers. The NetDespatch Velocity SaaS (Software
as a Service) web services are offered to existing and new customers
that ship up to 20 parcels per night and supports Nightline Delivers'
promise of "safe, secure and on time" deliveries.
The NetDespatch services automate the process of booking, labelling
and tracking parcels all over Ireland as well as international deliveries
to the United Kingdom and are fully integrated with Nightline's
consignment tracking services - providing full on-line proof of
delivery. Since implementing the NetDespatch service Nightline Delivers
has been able to significantly reduce the use of manual consignment
notes and has seen an improvement in data accuracy. This in turn
has increased delivery efficiency and boosted customer service levels.
" The number one benefit of NetDespatch for our customers is
the elimination of manual consignment notes. We no longer have to
re-key information into our parcel management system and this means
we have accurate information entered first time. The system stores
electronic consignment details on line that customers can easily
access if required allowing them to track parcels through our network
to their destination, giving them full proof of delivery,"
says Orla Sheils, Administration Manager, Nightline Delivers.
"Customers like the user-friendly system and it makes light
work of their administration. It requires no special software and
is fully multi-user as it is accessed over the web. For Nightline
Delivers the move to electronic shipping means greater efficiencies
with no chance of mis-deliveries and this helps customer relations,"
adds Orla Sheils.
Nightline Delivers is working with NetDespatch to further develop
the system for automating returns from retail chain customers to
their warehouses, streamlining administration and providing accurate
electronic records of all shipping transactions.
"By developing the NetDespatch system to handle returns from
our retail customers to their warehouses and distribution centres,
we will be able to offer enhanced levels of service. They will be
able to book a return collection online without having to complete
written documentation, manually printing labels or telephoning their
local depot. It will save them a lot of time and improve their returns
management processes," says Orla Sheils.
Source: E-CourierNews
29th
January
Adam Crozier to leave Royal Mail later this year to join ITV
Royal Mail today announced that Adam Crozier, Group Chief Executive,
will be leaving Royal Mail later this year to take up the post of
Chief Executive of ITV.
Royal Mail Chairman Donald Brydon said: "Adam has done and
continues to do a remarkable job in leading Royal Mail through a
major transformation in extremely difficult market circumstances.
The Group benefits from his strong leadership and commitment to
ensuring that Royal Mail has the strength and profitability to continue
to support the Universal Service and to build the platform for our
future growth.
"Adam remains as Chief Executive of Royal Mail for the next
few months and during that time I will continue to work closely
with him to ensure that our momentum is maintained right across
the Group and to ensure a smooth transition to his successor."
Source: E-CourierNews
28th
January
APC Overnight Selects Award-winning Greener DAF Tractor Units
The two award-winning EURO 5-rated 410 hp, 6 x 2 tractors operate
at 44 tonnes and will be added to APC Overnights midlands
fleet. The investment in the vehicles represents APC Overnights
approach to using the latest truck technology to provide superior
customer service, while actively reducing the companys carbon
footprint.
The trucks use the most advanced technology on the market, including
the innovative AS-Tronic gearbox to harness the power of their 12.9
litre, six-cylinder engines, making it an effortless and safer driving
experience for the drivers. The intelligent drive-train technology
coupled with the specially developed air management kit provides
high performance with class-leading fuel economy and low emissions.
After trialling various manufacturers, DAF delivered an overall
better solution to meet our requirements on efficiencies, performance,
driver satisfaction and value for money. Also, DAF has a strong
presence in the UK, with a significant amount of manufacturing and
assembly work performed here. APC Overnights strategy is to
support British business and to play our part as the UK fights recession,
says Syed Ziaullah, Operations Director, APC Overnight.
The new tractors represent our view on investing in the future
of our fleet while taking a proactive approach to our environmental
responsibilities. The DAF CF85 is proven to be among the best vehicles
available for demanding applications and the two new units will
take pride of place in our midlands operations, he adds.
Rob Binnion, Retail Truck Sales Manager, Greenhous DAF says: We
are delighted that APC Overnight has selected Greenhous DAF to supply
the new tractor units. APC Overnight is a forward-thinking company
that puts service first and we are confident that the DAF CF85 will
provide superb all-round performance. Moving forward, we hope that
we shall build a long-term relationship with APC Overnight as its
fleet supplier of choice.
Source: E-CourierNews
28th
January
CitySprint buy Post Haste
UK-based CitySprint has acquired the Post Haste Group for an undisclosed
sum.
Post Haste is a specialist same day express courier company which
was founded in 1977. CitySprint has acquired the Reading, Bracknell,
Basingstoke, Tolworth, Swindon, High Wycombe, Watford, Edinburgh
and Dundee elements of the Group.
The deal enables CitySprint to enhance its UK presence, increase
revenues by an estimated 6% and continue their growth strategy which
has been fuelled by a period of organic growth and four strategic
acquisitions which have been made in the past 18 months.
The acquisition represents a continued commitment to a bold, yet
realistic, growth strategy, claim CitySprint. Whilst the deal does
not expand their infrastructure, as all locations will be merged
with existing CitySprint ServiceCentres, it does increase staff
and fleet sizes enabling them to increase their capacity and therefore
responsiveness.
Commenting on the deal, CitySprint chief executive, Andrew Bernard
said: We have recognised Post Haste as a strong business
and are delighted to be able to offer our services to its existing
customers, and look forward to welcoming staff and fleet to the
CitySprint team.
Post Haste chairman, Richard Howard, added: This deal has
been a huge success; not least because of CitySprints professional
attitude. The deal, from beginning to end, has run smoothly with
all of our fears unfounded and laid to rest by CitySprints
approach.
Source: CitySprint
27th
January
Deutsche Post DHL chief eyes recovery
Deutsche Post DHLs chief executive expects the global economy
will continue on its recovery path this year, given early signs
of a pickup in demand for the shipment of goods, reports Reuters.
We cannot say much until goods start shipping, but from what
I hear from customers
I am optimistic for recovery,
Frank Appel said at a media conference on Monday.
Shipping companies around the world were hit by the global economic
crisis as trade volumes collapsed. So far, the economies of Asia
and Latin America are largely improving faster than those in the
rest of the world.
In Asia, where recovery seems to be taking place first, we
will benefit due to our footprint there, Appel said.
Deutsche Post generates about an eighth of its revenues in the Asia/Pacific
region.
The company is competing with US rivals FedEx and United Parcel
Service to expand its express delivery operations in Asian countries
such as China, where rising global trade drives demand for logistics
services.
Appel also affirmed Deutsche Posts 2009 outlook, which sees
adjusted earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of at least 1.35bn
euros ($1.91bn).
For sure we will meet our guidance that we gave the market,
Appel said. Deutsche Post is due to publish its 2009 earnings on
9 March.
Source: Reuters
27th
January
APC Overnight depot purchases unique Eco Urban trailer
Wolverhampton, UK, 27 January 2010 APC Overnights local
depot in Burry Port, South Wales, has purchased a first of its kind
Eco Urban trailer from Yorkshire-based W Trailer Co. The aerodynamic
design of the trailer includes a double deck in its front section
allowing greater carrying capacity, but with reduced fuel consumption
and lower emissions. APC Celtic Couriers will use the 10-metre trailer
for deliveries into city and town centres throughout the SA (Swansea)
postcode region as well as for trunking to the APC Overnight national
hub in Wolverhampton.
We needed a manoeuvrable compact trailer that would allow
us to get in and out of town and city centres. In addition it had
to be as fuel and emissions efficient as possible as well as provide
good load capacity. By meeting these requirements within the design
of the Eco Urban trailer, it allows us to provide customers better
services and keep costs down. W Trailer Co has produced a totally
practical solution for APC Celtic Couriers and we are proud to be
the first depot in the UK to take delivery of the new trailer,
said Gareth Jenkins, Logistics Manager, Celtic Couriers.
Stewart Burton, W Trailer Co, reports that although the Eco Urban
is the first of its kind built by the company these new shorter
aerodynamic trailers are the way forward for urban collections and
are replacing traditional rigid bodied trucks. They offer more flexibility
for the operator and improved service to the depot customers and
the reduced running costs make economic sense.
APC Celtic Couriers briefed us on what the company needed
as an efficient delivery solution and the Eco Urban is the result.
The trailer uses the same roof design as our standard Eco Deck Trailer.
It provides extended 26-pallet row capacity within a standard 10-metre
length and the aerodynamic design reduces environmental impact.
We have been building urban trailers for many years and we have
seen a shift in demand for these shorter trailers as they can be
used with existing tractor units, reducing the need to invest in
additional vehicles such as rigids. They are becoming the preferred
equipment for getting deliveries easily in and out of town. We have
since extended our Eco family to include both urban and rigid products,
said Stewart Burton.
Source: APC
26th
January
Royal Mail and mailing houses join forces to shape future of the
industry
Royal Mail today announced the creation of a new Strategic Mailing
Partnership™ to drive developments and shape the future of the mailing
house industry.
Independently chaired by direct marketing industry stalwart and
former Postwatch vice-chair Judith Donovan CBE, the new organisation
reflects Royal Mail’s desire to collaborate more closely with mailing
houses and help develop products and services, drive forward modernisation
and tackle issues affecting the industry.
The Strategic Mailing Partnership™ will be steered by a board featuring
12 executives from a cross-section of mailing houses working alongside
Judith Donovan, as well as two Royal Mail representatives.
Mailing houses handle around
90 per cent of all Royal Mail bulk mailings and use its spectrum
of products, including Presstream, Mailsort and Walksort.
Jim
Bulmer, Head of Mailing House Development at Royal Mail, said: "We
have listened to the mailing house industry’s concerns and requirements
for a long time now. They are a key partner for Royal Mail and we
aim to improve dialogue through The Strategic Mailing Partnership™
to give them a voice in our operations and the development of our
key products, while also helping them to shape the future of the
mailing house industry.
"Judith
Donovan’s appointment as independent chair is critical and she will
be instrumental to us working closer with mailing houses to create
positive changes to the future of mail as a medium."
Judith
Donovan said: "The UK mailing house industry has come a long
way since the early days of mass print production. Many now offer
cutting-edge data, creative and print services, and distribution
through channels including email, SMS and of course direct mail.
I’m delighted Royal Mail asked me to chair The Strategic Mailing
Partnership™ which will be crucial both to mailing houses and the
UK’s mail industry as a whole."
The
initiative is being launched with a targeted direct mail drive to
senior mailing house executives in a bid to encourage free membership.
Those who sign up will receive a follow-up welcome pack including
a statement of intent from the partnership.
The
Strategic Mailing Partnership™ will also hold a series of events
around the country as part of a newly constructed communications
programme designed to create a sustainable, meaningful two-way dialogue.
These will include regional roadshows, a national annual conference
and other networking opportunities allowing attendees to share best
practice.
While
Royal Mail has invited inaugural members to sit on the board, all
of them will face re-election in January 2011 in order to give the
industry a say in its future profile. The full list of board members
is:
•
Judith Donovan CBE (Chair)
• Jim Bulmer, Head of Mailing House Development, Royal Mail
• Helen Poole, Mailing House Development Manager, Royal Mail
• Yolanda Noble, CEO, dsicm
• Matthew Diamond, MD, Lorien Unique
• Miles Berry, MD, Prospect Mailing Services
• Gavin Boyd, MD, Mail International
• Chris Shorrock, MD, Codestorm
• Gary Hazlehurst, Technical Services Director, FCS Lasermail
• Lucy Edwards, deputy MD, Howard Hunt Group
• Jackie Peddie, MD, The Mailing House Group
• Paul Johnstone, Operations Director, RR Donnelly Global Document
Solutions
• John Wells, Group Commercial Director, Communisis
• John Ellis, Group Sales Director, Sunline Direct
• James Portsmouth, MD, 4DM.
Source: E-CourierNews
25th
January
PALL-EX ACHIEVES AN INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Leading pallet distribution network Pall-Ex has become the first
in its sector to be certified with an integrated management system
(IMS) across its business operation.
The system integrates three specific management standards : IS09001:2008
for quality management, ISO14001:2004 for environmental management
and OHSAS18001:2007 for health and safety management.
Managing director Adrian Russell said the new management system
has been achieved in response to the company’s objective of meeting
future environmental and health and safety challenges as efficiently
as possible.
Adding that the innovative system, which has been branded internally
as EPICENTRE, also provides the business with easy and quicker access
to all key management information.
“Pall-Ex has successfully maintained its ISO9001:2000 quality management
system since February 2003, and this has provided the business with
a structured framework which has allowed us to work seamlessly together
in line with company procedures and approved practices,” he said.
“With the existing quality management system as its backbone, EPICENTRE
brings additional strength to our business by allowing us to streamline
more information than ever before.
“By driving a broader focus to all elements of our business including
health and safety and the environment, EPICENTRE provides everyone
at Pall-Ex with an extremely comprehensive, valuable and easily
accessible information resource.”
Pall-Ex – which is the UK’s number one network for distribution
of palletised freight - has continued to demonstrate its commitment
to improving health and safety and environmental performance.
Key initiatives developed in recent years include working with the
Health & Safety Executive to reduce pedestrian movements within
its Hub environment; continuing to operate a cleaner, greener compressed
natural gas fleet of trucks; and endorsing the design of an efficient
trailer to its membership of hauliers to reduce fuel costs and environmental
impact.
25th
January
TNT starts carbon-free tricycle deliveries in Paris
TNT Express France has started using tricycles to deliver light
parcels in the centre of Paris.
The carbon-free service will initially cover the 3rd arrondissement
of the capital before extending to the entire city heart by June
2010.
The initiative is conducted in cooperation with Green Logistics
/ Becycle, a new company specialising in ecological transportation.
TNT already makes tricycle deliveries in eight other French towns
(Lyon, Bordeaux, Saint-Etienne, Dijon, Nancy, Rouen, Grenoble, and
Valence).
“Three other city centres will follow during the first half of 2010,”
said Eric Jacquemet, the president of TNT Express France. “Cargo
tricycles have proved reliable, efficient and popular for inner
city deliveries. They are an answer to noise, pollution, and traffic
jams.”
Source: TNT
25th
January
FedEx named in FORTUNE 100
FedEx has been named in FORTUNE magazine’s list of the “100 Best
Companies to Work For” in the United States in 2010.
The company is ranked 91st overall and was recognised specifically
for its ability to manage through the economic downtown by taking
proactive steps to minimise layoffs and reinstate salary increases
and 401(k) match, which the company suspended last year in the midst
of the economic downturn.
“FedEx owes its continued success to its people, and I would like
to thank our 275,000 team members around the world for their loyalty
and dedicated service this past year,” said Frederick W. Smith,
chairman, president and chief executive officer of FedEx Corp. “This
year’s recognition is further confirmation that our people-service-profit
philosophy works well in both good and challenging times. FedEx
team members continue to support and inspire each other to go that
extra mile for our customers and the communities we serve. I am
very proud of each and every one of our team.”
Source: FedEx
22nd
January
Deutsche Post DHL sign Volvo deal for 1,800 green trucks
Deutsche Post DHL and Volvo Trucks have signed a frame agreement
to supply 1,800 new trucks.
The new vehicles will be delivered to the UK, Finland and Sweden
within the next two years and will primarily cover Express, Freight
and Supply Chain operations.
These trucks are compliant with the EURO 5 standard and will gradually
be replacing the older vehicles, which meet the EURO 3 standard.
The EURO 5 standard sets limits for noxious exhaust emissions from
motor vehicles, such as nitrogen oxide and soot particles, and is
based on a European Union directive on emissions that was introduced
in 2009.
“The modernisation of our fleet is an important part of our GoGreen
climate protection program. By deploying new vehicles, we are satisfying
Europe-wide standards and will be able to further protect the environment”,
explained Rainer Wend, director of corporate public policy and responsibility
at Deutsche Post DHL.
“We are proud to be a preferred supplier for Deutsche Post DHL”,
said Staffan Jufors, president and CEO of Volvo Trucks. “We share
the same focus on sustainable growth. We aim to increase our cooperation,
especially regarding environmental issues, to find common ways to
tackle the challenges that the transport industry is facing.”
Source: Deutsche Post DHL
21st
January
Sales boost for UK Mail
UK Mail saw third quarter sales rise four per cent on year ago,
the company said in its interim management statement. It now expects
it profit for the year ending March 2010 to be ahead of previous
predictions.
The third quarter has seen good progress, with the overall
group trading performance slightly ahead of our expectations.
The parcels business returned to growth, the first year-on-year
increase since the first quarter of the previous financial year.
However, it warned that volume growth had been partly offset by
continued pricing pressures.
The mail business continued to grow sales, benefiting from some
early signs of improvement in the levels of more discretionary mailings
that had suffered as a result of the economic downturn.
The Specialist Services business also saw sales growth with an improving
trend in both courier and pallets.
As a result of this good trading performance, we now expect that
profits for the year ended March 2010 will be slightly ahead of
previous expectations.
Source: Logistics Manager
21st
January
Palletforce green credentials recognised
Palletforce has boosted its green credentials after obtaining the
ISO 14001 accreditation, which recognises organisations that are
controlling and improving their environmental performance.
The Staffordhire-based network has 86 members working across the
UK and Europe and more than 600 trucks passing through its hub every
night.
Palletforce had to demonstrate its ability to measure, manage and
report key aspects of environmental performance and that it is working
to improve certain objectives.
John Rothery, Palletforces health, safety, quality and facilities
manager, said: In areas that are controlled by our members,
suppliers and customers, our approach is to work closely with them
to help them understand and progressively minimise the impact of
services provided and purchased.
The company was also recognised for its standards in health and
safety a few weeks ago and now holds the ISO 14001, ISO 9011 and
OHSAS 18001 standards.
Source: Logistics Manager
21st
January
Wincanton focuses on transformational businesses
Wincanton is investing to create substantial new capacity in the
foodservice sector following a major contract win with one
of the fastest growing foodservice companies.
Foodservice is one of a number of sectors which it has identified
as having a potentially transformational impact on its
business.
The company has just released its interim management statement for
the three months to 21st January and said: Although our markets
remain challenging, we continue to expect to report full year pre-tax
profit in line with management expectations.
It has identified defence as another growth sector, and said that
a major contract renewal with AgustaWestland, significant growth
in activities with BAE Systems and a new win with the Aircraft Carrier
Alliance provide further encouragement that this is another
sector which offers major development opportunities for Wincanton.
In home delivery it said that it had implemented a step change in
the operational performance and service levels of Marks & Spencer's
home delivery business - a major contract win in the first half.
First half losses in the now closed shared user home delivery
network have been eliminated.
Wincanton has also been expanding its business in container transport
but said that container volumes have yet to recover to pre-recession
levels, and had recently been badly affected by port closures due
to adverse weather conditions.
We are continuing, with a longer-term perspective, to add
new business from Wincanton's existing manufacturing and retail
customers.
Volumes were also subdued in construction but new business
wins with customers such as Cemex and Speedy Hire, and a healthy
pipeline of further development opportunities, confirm our ability
to gain market share in the sector, increasing the potential upside
for Wincanton as we head towards 2011 and our customers' expectations
of market recovery.
On the continent, Wincanton is still in the process of restructuring
its German road network and the planned headcount reductions and
site closures were on track for completion by the end of the current
financial year.
It has also reported a contract win to manage Porsches, Pan-European
inbound supply chain into manufacturing plants in Leipzig and Stuttgart.
Graeme McFaull, Wincanton Chief Executive, said: Wincanton
generated strong profit and dividend growth for shareholders pre-recession
and is delivering a resilient performance through the recession.
We look to the future with confidence given the recovery and growth
prospects of our increasingly diversified portfolio of services.
Source: Logistics Manager
21st
January
APC Overnight Delivers at Scotlands Trade Fair and Speciality
Food Show
APC Overnight will be showcasing its handled with care
parcel delivery services at Scotlands Trade Fair and Speciality
Food Show. The combined event is being held at the Scottish Exhibition
and Conference Centre (SECC)
in Glasgow, 24 to 26 January.
APC Overnights business has thrived in Scotland after the
company began a dedicated Scottish service in 2008. With the expansion
of its Bellshill parcel hub employing a local workforce, APC Overnight
retains inter-Scottish consignments north of the border. One of
just two parcel carriers offering this facility, it provides significant
benefits to Scottish businesses including later collection times
and earlier deliveries.
Visitors to the Speciality Food Show will be particularly interested
in the fact that APC Overnight offers a unique handle with
care service. This is designed for fragile goods such as
speciality foods, fresh produce and wine.
By handling all inter-Scottish consignments at their Bellshill
hub, APC Overnight are also making crucial fuel savings, reducing
their carbon footprint whilst providing faster response times.
The service is proving particularly popular with the luxury food
sector, with fresh produce businesses such as meat, pie and bacon
suppliers finding APC Overnights early deliveries the best
choice for their perishable items.
APC Overnight is the UKs largest next day delivery network
with more than 120 local depots covering all areas of the country.
Specialising in timed deliveries, APC Overnight collects, routes
and delivers more than 1 million parcels each month, and we are
proud of our excellent on-time delivery record.
APC provides a quality of service, that our customers within
Scotland have had difficulty sourcing elsewhere. This stems from
a true passion, from the ground upwards, to be the best service
provider available. This passion for service has enabled us to
build strong relationships with major clients from the fine foods
industry, says Colin Lynskey-Nonis APC Overnights
Scottish Manager.
Source: APC
21st
January
NLH EXPRESS DELIVERIES JOINS THE FORTEC NETWORK
Crewe based NLH Express Deliveries has joined the Fortec Pallet
Distribution Networks growing family of licensees.
The partnership marks the latest chapter in a story of success for
NLH, based on the Marshfield Bank Employment Park.
The firm was set up in 1991 and today operates out of a 6,000 square
metre warehouse.
During the past 12 months business has soared for the company. Extensive
growth since January 2009 has led to NLH more than doubling its
fleet from 20 to almost 50, and its workforce from 20 to 45.
Clients range from packaging firms to major household name medical
companies.
Through its partnership with Fortec, NLH Deliveries will cover the
CW postcode which includes all of Crewe and the surrounding towns
of Tarporley, Congleton, Nantwich, Winsford, Northwich, Sandbach
and Middlewich.
Robert Johnson, Sales Manager of NLH, said as a result of the early
success of the partnership with Fortec, the company had invested
in another 18-tonne rigid lorry and a 44-tonne articulated lorry.
Three more staff have also been taken on to handle the Fortec side
of the business.
He said: The haulage industry has taken a real battering in
the past 12 months but we have worked extremely hard to keep all
of our staff in employment and win more contracts. Our motto is
not to worry about the recession, but to beat it!
We approached a number of pallet networks because we felt
it was a missing link within the company. We went with Fortec as
they offered the best deal and their service was the most compatible
to suit our requirements.
Neil Hodgson, Managing Director of the Fortec Pallet Distribution
Network, said he was delighted to welcome NLH Express Deliveries
to the team.
He said: NLH has had an exceptional year in 2009 and has demonstrated
what can be achieved even during the adverse economic climate.
We wish the company every success in 2010 and look forward
to what we are sure will prove to be a long term and mutually beneficial
relationship.
Source: Fortec
20th
January
DHL appoints 180 Amsterdam
DHL has appointed 180 Amsterdam to its multi-million pound global
ad account, following a four-way pitch, reports Marketing Magazine.
The agency won the business after a final shoot-out against M&C
Saatchi. Publicis Deutschland and DDB Germany were involved at an
earlier stage of the process.
The review was called in September after Ogilvy Advertising resigned
the business to pitch for UPS, which it went on to win.
Last year DHL became a sponsor of London Fashion Week, held in September.
It also sponsors fashion weeks in 10 other cities around the world,
including New York, Milan and Sydney.
Source: Marketing Magazine
20th
January
Sales boost for UK Mail
UK Mail saw third quarter sales rise four per cent on year ago,
the company said in its interim management statement. It now expects
it profit for the year ending March 2010 to be ahead of previous
predictions.
The third quarter has seen good progress, with the overall
group trading performance slightly ahead of our expectations.
The parcels business returned to growth, the first year-on-year
increase since the first quarter of the previous financial year.
However, it warned that volume growth had been partly offset by
continued pricing pressures.
The mail business continued to grow sales, benefiting from some
early signs of improvement in the levels of more discretionary mailings
that had suffered as a result of the economic downturn.
The Specialist Services business also saw sales growth with an improving
trend in both courier and pallets.
As a result of this good trading performance, we now expect that
profits for the year ended March 2010 will be slightly ahead of
previous expectations.
Source: Logistics Manager s
19th
January
Fear for jobs at DHL French parcels unit
Financial group in takeover bid promises long-term profitable future
DHL has received an offer to buy its domestic France parcels unit
from French financial holding company Caravelle.
Although the unit generates an annual turnover of around €300m
(US$435m), it has seen considerable losses in recent years and in
2009 is expected to be in the red to the tune of nearly €70m.
Caravelle specialises in company rescues and has experience in the
parcel delivery sector from its ownership of the XP France network.
DHL said that in the interests of customers and staff, it was essential
that a deal be struck during the first quarter of this year.
While unions have long been opposed to the sale, they are now resigned
to it.
The CDFT union secretary at DHL France, Pascal Huart, told IFW the
takeover would probably lead to the loss of 600-700 jobs in operations
and support functions, such as customer services, IT, accounts and
HR.
"We want guarantees that workers will have the possibility
of transferring to other branches of the group," he said.
"Well also be looking for better severance packages than
those DHL has offered in the past to redundant staff, as we consider
that it has been a series of management errors over a number of
years that are responsible for the state the unit is in today, and
the employees are, ultimately, paying the price."
He added: "If were not satisfied, we could resort to
strike action again.
"Frankly, an investment fund is hardly an ideal buyer, and
Caravelles strategy is likely to consist of getting the unit
into shape before selling it on at a comfortable profit."
However, Caravelle president and CEO Pierre-André Martel
attempted to reassure workers and said DHLs French parcels
business would have a long-term future "as an autonomous and
profitable operator in an industry undergoing concentration".
Huart said DHL was putting more than €200m on the table to
aid restructuring the unit, wipe off the losses racked up over the
past few years and fund the severance payments programme.
"Caravelle will need to put in between €30m and €40m
fairly quickly in order to fund new infrastructure requirements,"
he added.
Source: IFW
19th
January
Debenhams signs £113m deal with DHL
Debenhams has signed a £113 million logistics contract with
DHL Supply Chain, extending its 12 year relationship with the firm
until 2012.
Under the three year agreement DHLs fashion unit will continue
to develop and provide all Debenhams warehouse and distribution
services to 157 stores across the UK and Ireland.
DHL operates all three of Debenhams UK distribution centres,
providing a range of transport and warehouse services including
supplier collection, store deliveries, outbase and cross-dock operations.
The department store has recently undergone a two year cost improvement
programme delivered through internal process reviews, operational
developments and streamlining, including advancements in warehouse
picking operations.
Debenhams has managed to cut the cost per unit by more than ten
per cent since 2006/07.
The retail chain has also made environmental savings by introducing
super cube trailers and double deck trailers, allowing it to reduce
kilometres travelled by 792,000 and fuel burnt by 203,000 litres.
It has also added Euro 5 compliant vehicles as standard to its fleet
since 2006 and reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 517 tonnes year-on-year.
Paul Leggett, head of logistics for Debenhams, said: One of
the other key changes in recent years has been the evolution of
an advanced warehouse solution that now better allows DHL to focus
its resources on moving Debenhams high priority product lines more
swiftly through the supply chain.
This in turn has helped us become more agile with our promotional
activity and supported the large transition to more own bought product
that occurred this year.
DHL has also taken over the operation of three off-site stock rooms,
allowing it to develop new services.
Source: Logistics Manager
19th
January
CitySprint takes over Post Haste group
CitySprint, the same-day courier network, has acquired the Post
Haste Group for an undisclosed sum.
Post Haste is a specialist same-day express courier company which
was founded in 1977. CitySprint has acquired the Reading, Bracknell,
Basingstoke, Tolworth, Swindon, High Wycombe, Watford, Edinburgh
and Dundee elements of the Group.
The deal will see CitySprint expand its UK presence, increase revenues
by an estimated six per cent and continue its growth strategy, which
has been fuelled by a period of organic growth and four strategic
acquisitions which have been made in the past 18 months.
CitySprint said that while the deal did not expand its infrastructure,
as all locations will be merged with existing CitySprint service
centres, it would increase staff and fleet sizes enabling it to
increase capacity and therefore responsiveness.
CitySprint chief executive Andrew Bernard, said: We have recognised
Post Haste as a strong business and are delighted to be able to
offer our services to its existing customers, and look forward to
welcoming staff and fleet to the CitySprint team.
Post Haste chairman Richard Howard, added: This deal has been
a huge success; not least because of CitySprints professional
attitude. The deal, from beginning to end, has run smoothly with
all of our fears unfounded and laid to rest by CitySprints
approach. CitySprint is a professionally managed, well-oiled machine
that has worked hard to ensure that staff and customers alike have
had a positive experience throughout the transition period. I would
recommend that anyone considering exiting the industry to have no
hesitation or fears in talking to CitySprint; their discretion can
be totally relied upon.
Source: Logistics Manager
19th
January
Iveco renews K+N contract
Truck manufacturer Iveco has renewed its logistics contract with
Kuehne + Nagel for a further period of three years.
K+N manages the majority of Ivecos European aftermarket supply
from five regional spare parts distribution centres in Turin in
Italy, Langenau in Germany, Madrid in Spain, Trappes in France and
Winsford in the UK.
It operates a total of 300,000 sq m of logistics space with between
80,000 to 160,000 SKUs per depot. Stock is distributed overnight
by K+Ns automotive distribution network throughout Europe.
Under the contract, K+N will introduce a set of enhancements, such
as RFID and pick-by-voice technologies. Restructuring measures will
also be implemented to create an even more efficient and responsive
supply chain for Ivecos spare parts division on the basis
of continuous improvement.
Iveco Customer Service confirms its partnership with Kuehne
+ Nagel as a key lever to improve customer satisfaction and parts
business profitability, said Enzo Gioachin, Ivecos senior
vice president in charge of customer service.
Source: Logistics Manager
19th
January
Palletline Meets the Tiling Challenge
Shipping fragile yet heavy tiles around the UK to differing and
sometimes inaccessible delivery destinations demands a distribution
solution which successfully combines reliability with flexibility
and careful handling. British Ceramic Tile - one of the leading
tile manufacturers in the UK entrusts palletised distribution
specialists Palletline to deliver safely every time.
British Ceramic Tile supplies to a wide range of differing outlets
nationwide, delivering to the major multiples, national house developers
and directly to the trade including independent tile retail outlets,
contractors and specifiers.
The company began working with Devon-based Palletline Member Company
Gregory Distribution over a decade ago, initially moving full loads
and pallet load consignments around the UK to meet developing requirements.
Since then, the relationship between the companies has strengthened
and formalised. Today, Gregory Distribution manages the entire transportation
solution on behalf of British Ceramic Tile, of which over 70% is
delivered via the Palletline network.
In line with recent investment for manufacturing efficiency, British
Ceramic Tile is also constantly striving to reduce energy use in
transportation, both from quarry to kiln using locally
sourced raw materials and from kiln to customer via
responsible distribution solutions.
Matthew Gazzard, Financial Director for British Ceramic Tile, comments
on how the solution provides a good fit with his companys
corporate philosophies. Not only do Gregory Distribution and
the Palletline link give us a comprehensive transport solution,
but the manner of distribution also matches our environmental credentials,
he stated. Palletlines operating procedures give us
a cost effective and sustainable option for transporting our products
across the UK, reducing road miles and helping us to offer better
value for money to our customers than most of our competitors.
British Ceramic Tile and Gregory Distribution have now signed a
new seven year deal for warehousing and distribution where Palletline
plays an important role in what is essentially a full 3PL solution
provided by Gregory Distribution.
Source: E-CourierNews
18th
January
DHL sends logistics support to Haiti
Deutsche Post DHL has sent its Disaster Response Team to provide
on-the-ground logistics support to the international relief effort
in Haiti.
The team is preparing to operate out of Toussaint Louverture
International Airport in Port-au-Prince to manage the logistics,
and ensure the continuous flow of inbound freight at the airport,
including the transfer and distribution of incoming relief goods,
once roads are stable.
It will carry out its activities in close co-operation with the
United Nations.
Chief executive Frank Appel said: DHL is committed to providing
unwavering support to the people of Haiti and our employees and
their families during this devastating situation. We will do our
utmost to make sure adequate food and medical supplies are delivered
from the international airport to the people.
The DHL team in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, is preparing to handle a
variety of unsolicited relief goods such as tents, tarpaulins, food,
clothing, medicines and water purifying equipment.
DHL is planning to build a temporary, professional warehouse at
the airport, including sorting facilities and making a full inventory
of donated goods.
One of the teams tasks is also to ensure the speedy loading
of aid onto trucks or helicopters. The mission is expected to last
for several weeks.
Chris Weeks, DHL director of Humanitarian Affairs, said: The
team was designed to respond to devastating situations like these
and is committed to helping the people of Haiti. Its members are
well-trained to provide hands-on effective logistics support to
help the victims of natural disasters in the time of need.
However this disaster is going to require exceptional logistics
skills as the country had poor infrastructure even before the earthquake
struck.
* Elsewhere, UPS has contributed more than $1 million in cash and
in-kind support to earthquake relief efforts in Haiti through its
charitable arm, The UPS Foundation.
The $1 million donation will include $500,000 in cash and up to
$500,000 of in-kind services for the shipment of needed supplies.
The funds will be divided between The American Red Cross, CARE,
UNICEF and other organisations that assist with long-term relief
activities.
Dan Brutto, president of UPS International, said: Through
our financial commitment and logistics expertise, UPS is positioned
to respond quickly to the urgent needs and tremendous suffering
that have been created by the earthquake. We felt it was critical
that we act fast to support the relief efforts.
Source: Logistics Manager
18th
January
UPS and Honeywell team up for network-switching hand-held
UPS and Honeywell are teaming up to develop a new generation of
hand-held computer for UPS drivers to improve communication links.
UPS will deploy more than 100,000 Honeywell mobile computers when
the project is complete.
The system is known internally at UPS as the Delivery Information
Acquisition Device V (DIAD V).
It features technology that provides on-the-fly switching between
mobile networks, meaning the computer can automatically jump to
another network provider if the preferred signal is lost to help
ensure packing tracking reliability.
The new model will also feature a colour display and microprocessor
with expanded memory, a colour, auto-focus flash camera to enhance
proof of delivery, faster WiFi support to enable larger content
downloads and a 2D imager that can decode a number of symbologies.
UPS will begin field testing the device in late 2010 with plans
to begin a multi-year, global deployment in 2011. The DIAD V will
be approved for operation in more than 100 countries.
Starting in 1991, UPS was the first in its industry to equip
drivers with a hand-held computer, said David Barnes, UPSs
chief information officer. Over the past two decades, the
DIAD has become a critical component of an integrated global network
thats now tracking more than 15 million deliveries every day.
Source: Logistics Manager
15th
January
FedEx provides Haiti aid
FedEx is working with their designated charitable relief organisations
to help ensure aid is on the way to Haiti, after an earthquake hit
on 12 January.
They plan to provide transportation services for the American Red
Cross, Heart to Heart International, Direct Relief International
and Water Missions as soon as conditions allow.
A company statement said:
FedEx team members are deeply saddened by the devastation caused
by the earthquake in Haiti. The thoughts and prayers of everyone
at FedEx are with the victims, survivors and loved ones affected
by this disaster. Because of severe damage caused by the earthquake,
our operations have been suspended into and out of the island until
further notice. All customer shipments are being held in Miami until
we can resume operations.
The most efficient way to support this effort is to donate monetary
support to a legitimate charitable organization. Logistics within
Haiti prevents FedEx from sending products and aid collected by
individuals or local organisations.
Source: FedEx
15th
January
UPS donates $1m to earthquake effort
UPS has contributed more than $1m in cash and in-kind support to
earthquake relief efforts in Haiti through its charitable arm, The
UPS Foundation.
The $1m donation will include $500,000 in cash and up to $500,000
of in-kind services for the shipment of needed supplies. The funds
will be divided between The American Red Cross, CARE, UNICEF and
other organisations that assist with long-term relief activities.
With hundreds of thousands of people affected, our hearts
go out to Haiti, said Dan Brutto, president of UPS International.
Brutto serves on the Board of Directors for the US Fund for UNICEF.
Through our financial commitment and logistics expertise,
UPS is positioned to respond quickly to the urgent needs and tremendous
suffering that have been created by the earthquake. We felt it was
critical that we act fast to support the relief efforts.
With a network that extends around the globe, UPS has been a leader
in disaster relief and response. In recent years, UPS relief efforts
in the Philippines, Samoa, China, Myanmar and across the United
States have included warehouse management, transportation network
design and supply chain distribution.
In addition to providing financial and in-kind commitments to Haiti
relief, UPS is a member of the World Food Programmes Logistics
Emergency Teams (LETs) and anticipates the activation of those teams.
The LETs initiative involves providing loaned logistics
experts to oversee on-site disaster response, normally for a deployment
of three-to-six months.
UPS provided logistics support in Haiti just two years ago when
the island nation was slammed by hurricanes and flooding. One of
the UPS experts dispatched in 2008, UPS Americas Region Health and
Safety Manager John Vera, describes crisis response in Haiti as
extraordinarily difficult because the country has little modern
infrastructure.
Our job is to respond quickly and get supplies to those who
need it most, but its not an easy task in Haiti, said
Vera.
UPS will continue to work closely with relief organistions that
are active in the Haiti recovery effort over the coming weeks.
Source: UPS
15th
January
DHL offers green option in US
DHL Global Mail became the first mail services provider in the US
to enable customers to send shipments in a way that leaves a net
zero carbon footprint.
Eco-conscious companies can now choose a new method of shipping
and mailing that supports their environmental protection goals.
Global Mail is pleased to introduce the GOGREEN Carbon Offset service,
a carbon neutral shipping and mailing option for materials sent
within the US. This voluntary service allows Global Mail customers
to offset the CO2 emissions produced during the delivery of their
shipments by paying a small fee to help fund climate protection
projects. Available for all of the companys domestic shipping
and mailing products, this new offering is part of the GoGreen climate
protection program - an initiative of Deutsche Post DHL, Global
Mails corporate parent.
Many of our customers share our commitment to the environment,
and they voiced their desire for a more eco-friendly mailing option,
said Lee Spratt, CEO of DHL Global Mail - Americas. GOGREEN
helps our customers reduce their carbon footprints in a practical
and transparent way, while expanding Global Mails own climate
protection efforts.
Source: DHL
15th
January
UK Pallets gets first Curtainclear double-decker
UK Pallets,
the palletised freight distribution operation within UK Mail Group,
has taken delivery of a second-generation Curtainclear double-deck
trailer from W Trailer for use on its Scottish trunking operations.
The new, 52 pallet capacity trailer, featuring a unique twin-curtain
design, has been specifically built to optimise access to all deck
space where items need to be checked and scanned prior to transportation.
This is ideal for pallet networks where freight checking and scanning
are a critical part of the delivery cycle.
W Trailers twin-curtain model, fitted with two fixed and two
vari-decks, affords much greater flexibility than the single-curtain
trailer they launched earlier this year but still retains all the
benefits of its predecessor. Its other special design features include
robust super single tyres to prevent under-inflated
or punctured inner tyres causing blow outs, and dual cross-wired
side marker lights, again to minimise the risk of breakdown. With
the new trailer set to clock up an average of 25,000 miles per week
travelling back and forth between UK Pallets Lichfield and
Glasgow hubs, this will prove of enormous benefit to the business.
The Curtainclear rear design is also said to save a further 2% on
fuel when compared with a standard double-deck trailer making it
a more economically efficient as well as greener option for pallets
networks. UK Pallets will be monitoring fuel usage and comparing
savings against its current fleet of standard double-deck trailers
to pinpoint any resulting fuel reductions.
Commenting on the new double-deck trailer, Graeme Wilson, Commercial
Development Director at UK Pallets said: We are really excited
about this new addition to our fleet, both because of its enhanced
range of functionalities as well as the significant environmental
benefits it can deliver. If the Curtainclear double-decker lives
up to its expectations then we will be looking at replacing further
trailers as well as promoting this design to our 70-plus members
throughout the UK.
Source: The Delivery Magazine
15th
January
Hermes chooses Beumer sorters for Hannover distribution centre
Hermes Logistik Group has chosen
Beumer to equip a new distribution centre at the Hannover-Langenhagen
airport in Germany.
The order for the distribution
centre comprises two high-capacity sortation systems, type BS 25
E-Tray, each with a capacity of 10,600 trays per hour. These systems
are being installed to sort cardboard boxes, bags and small items,
as well as letters and catalogues.
Beumer said both sorters ensured
redundancy in the new distribution centre, resulting in high operational
reliability of the system.
In addition, the sorters have
the flexibility to increase the number of planned destinations,
enabling Hermes to react quickly if the volume of deliveries grows
in the future. This also allows the unloading capacity at the final
stage of extension to be doubled.
Source: Logistics Manager
15th
January
TM Logistics appoints fleet manager
TM Logistics has appointed Howard Rowbotham to the position of fleet
manager, responsible for managing its fleet of 200 trucks and 300
trailers.
He will be based at the companys headquarters in Worcestershire
and will also manage relationships with TMLs service providers
and deal with repair and maintenance costs, as well as providing
technical support and compliance assistance to the firms 16
depots.
Rowbotham was most recently at Wincanton as a fleet engineer and
has more than 30 years experience in the transport sector.
Source:
14th
January
Argos owner Home Retail Group lifts profit forecast
Argos and Homebase owner Home Retail Group (HRG) has increased its
full-year profit forecast after sales in the second half of 2009
beat expectations.
The retailer now expects its pre-tax profits for the current financial
year to 31 March to total £285m, £20m more than it previously
predicted.
The update came as it said same-store sales at Argos increased by
0.1% in the 18 weeks to 2 January.
Sales growth at Homebase was stronger, rising 4% on a like-for-like
basis.
Despite the increased profit forecast, HRG said trading conditions
would "remain challenging" in 2010.
HRG chief executive Terry Duddy said Argos had "performed ahead
of our plans in its most important trading period".
The group said it was also continuing to benefit from increased
cost savings at both Argos and Homebase.
Source: IFW
14th
January
DHL unveils mainland Europes first teardrop
DHL Supply Chain has unveiled mainland Europes first teardrop
trailer, which is now in operation between the Netherlands and Germany.
The teardrop style of trailer has been used in the UK for a number
of years, but it is the first of its kind to be used in continental
Europe.
An early incarnation of the truck went through an 18-month trial
in the UK, and DHL has since worked on a new design in collaboration
with DON-BUR specifically for use in mainland Europe.
The materials used for the trailer have been adapted and it has
also been built to meet European legislation requirements.
Paul Eden-Smith, senior VP consumer, retail & fashion sector,
EMEA, DHL Supply Chain, said: As businesses come under increasing
pressure to reduce carbon emissions new innovation is key to driving
positive environmental change.
This is the first trailer of its kind in mainland Europe,
which we expect will provide a 10 per cent reduction in fuel usage
and save up to 25 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions during the
first year of operation.
Our latest collaboration with DON-BUR is an important step
forward and will help to ensure further innovation in aerodynamic
truck design remains high on the European supply chain agenda.
Source: Logistics Manager
13th
January
Jobs to go in Jersey
Jersey Post has announced
that it will shed up to 80 jobs.
The company, along with the Communication Workers Union (CWU), has
announced they need to introduce changes to its workforce if the
organisation is to remain competitive, commercially viable and continue
to provide an important postal service for the islands community
in the future.
In working towards these changes to help the organisation reduce
its costs, a four-year voluntary redundancy (VR) scheme, is being
offered to staff. The changes will result in a new staffing profile
for the postal operation, including new processes and roles being
introduced in preparation for future opportunities. The changes
are to be phased in and will be completed by the end of 2013, and
will include VR opportunities for up to 80 staff over the same time
period.
Pete Donaghy of the CWU said: Although redundancies are a
by-product of these changes, these redundancies are being dealt
with in an open, fair and manageable way.
Both Jersey Post and the CWU expressed that the key principle to
achieving long-term sustainability was the continuation of close
partnership working between the union and management at all stages,
from development of business strategy, through to implementing operational
changes.
Ian Carr, managing director of Jersey Posts postal business
said: We are experiencing fundamental change to our business,
as the dynamics of the postal market are reshaping it, and key to
a successful future is embracing that change. Our success will be
built on clear strategic vision and the important partnership we
have with our staff and the CWU.
Change is not new to us. This is just another stage in the
journey we have been on with our staff and union for some time.
I am confident our plans and this approach will take us forward
to a sustainable future, delivering value to our staff, customers
and shareholder.
Donaghy added: The CWU is keen to ensure that the services
and products offered by Jersey Post to its customers continue to
be the best available, maintaining professionalism, quality and
efficiency. With the interests of our members at heart we want them
to share in any success that change brings through these negotiations.
We are confident that the objectives and agreement that we will
achieve during these negotiations will secure ongoing employment
and long-term sustainability for Jersey Post and our members.
The changes announced focus on reducing the existing cost of the
postal infrastructure. The Jersey Post Group will continue to embrace
other new opportunities as emerging technologies change the shape
of the communications market, and the on-line shopping revolution
continues to grow the logistics and distribution markets.
Source: Jersey Post
13th
January
Wincanton opens new 10,000sq metre DC
Wincanton has opened its new £3m (US$4.8m) distribution centre
at Manchesters Trafford Park, boasting 10,000sq metres of
infrastructure dedicated to the food service sector.
David Jones, Wincantons
food service MD, said: We now have significantly more capacity
in our network, enabling both Wincantons growth ambitions
and those of our existing customers.
We are investing significantly
in our food service business and have aggressive plans for growth;
this site is just the beginning of a business transformation programme
that is designed to elevate Wincanton into the supply chain partner
of choice for the food service industry.
The facility increases Wincantons food service throughput
capacity by over 125%, and provides over 3,700sq metres of frozen
storage space, 3,500sq metres of chilled storage and 1,700sq metres
of ambient storage space for nearly 6,500 pallets.
Source: IFW
13th
January
Maersk increases Europe-Asia rates
Maersk Line has announced it will implement a general rate increase
on services from Europe to south Asia and the Middle East.
The Danish shipping line will increase rates for dry commodities
by US$100 per teu from 15 February.
It said: The trading conditions for the carriers operating
in these markets are still subject to unacceptable rate levels and
the situation is unsustainable in the longer term.
Source: IFW
13th
January
KN wins Roche Chile contract
Healthcare firm Roche Chile has selected Kuehne + Nagel (KN) to
manage distribution services for its medical, promotional and raw
material products.
Under the terms of the contract,
KN will handle end products and raw material and will also cover
the handling of temperature-controlled biotechnological products
and psychotropic medicines.
It will be responsible for distribution
to hospitals, clinics and pharmacy distribution centres throughout
the country.
René Delsin, general manager of Roche Chile, said: It
will allow us to dedicate more attention to demand generation, without
losing the quality of our current distribution in Chile.
We will also have the
possibility to incorporate new technologies, explore synergies and
further integrate our logistics and distribution processes, improving
our efficiency and reducing inventories.
Source: IFW
13th
January
Filter manufacturer signs with Geodis Calberson
Donaldson Filtration (GB) has signed a three-year contract with
Geodis Calberson.
The agreement covers all UK and European road transport linked to
Donaldsons factory in Leicester, one of 13 locations the company
has across Europe.
Geodis Calberson will manage the daily collection of consignments
for Donaldson Filtration from the facility into all major European
markets, including France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Benelux, as
well as Eastern Europe and Ireland.
It will also deliver to the UK through the Geodis owned Fortec pallet
network, and via dedicated vehicles.
The contract is for the collection and delivery of up to 100 pallets
per week.
Source: Logistics Manager
12th
January
Highways Agency signs four-year Norbert deal
The Highways Agency has signed a four-year national warehousing
and distribution contract with Norbert Dentressangle.
The Highways Agency, an executive agency of the Department for Transport,
is responsible for operating, maintaining and improving the strategic
road network in England.
It has a major role in delivering the government's ten year plan
for transport.
Norbert Dentressangle will be responsible for the storage of around
1,500 SKUs at its shared-user warehouse in Telford for the provision
and maintenance of roadside cameras, telephones and electronic signs
for the motorway network in England, including matrix signs, gantries,
nuts and bolts.
It will also distribute these items to either to The Highways Agencys
regional maintenance contractors or direct to roadside projects.
Initially, Norbert Dentressangle will provide more than 100,000
sq ft of storage space, including hard standing for heavy materials
and equipment, racking for palletised products and storage bins
and shelving for small items.
The 3PL is also providing technical support facilities within the
site for use as a workshop by The Highways Agencys technical
support contractor.
The distribution operation will involve a mix of dedicated, shared
and sub-contract deliveries. Where possible, it will deliver materials
and equipment direct to site on a just in time basis, helping to
minimise lead times and handling and distribution costs.
Nigel Dovell, manager for The Highways Agency, said: Their
solution will support efficiency improvements in our operation,
which in turn supports the efficient delivery of projects to improve
the operation of and safety on the English motorway network.
Source: Logistics Manager
12th
January
Geodis strengthens drinks service
The Geodis Group is set to launch a new service for the beverage
sector, and in order to strengthen its position in the sector has
acquired the logistics business of specialised operator Chevallier.
Geodis customer that produce or distribute beverages will now be
offered the multi-modal transport and logistics service, which covers
the entire supply chain.
The acquisition of Chevallier is designed to strengthen Geodis
existing specific organisation with the addition of six more platforms
dedicated to the French market: four in the Paris region, one in
the Rhône-Alpes and one in the Provence-Alpes Côtes
dAzur regions, all of which are connected to rail.
Jean-Louis Demeulenaere, deputy chief executive of the Geodis Group,
said: "I am pleased that we have developed this multimodal
solution combining our expertise in logistics, road transport and
rail transport for one of our group's strategic sectors.
Source: Logistics Manager
12th
January
Twin challenge to Royal Mail's parcel business as internet shopping
creates extra demand
Royal Mail's highly profitable parcels business faces ferocious
new competition from companies planning to do deals with corner
shops and garages as collection points for customers.
The explosion in business created by internet shopping has been
responsible for a surge in parcel sales at Royal Mail.
The extra demand has more than compensated for the steady losses
from the letters business as more people switch to sending emails.
Homeowners are also fed up with receiving cards through their letterboxes
telling them to pick up their parcel from a depot often some distance
away.
Now two rivals are stepping in. PayPoint, the bills payment company-based
in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, and private mail company DX
Group in Iver, Buckinghamshire, are both establishing their own
parcels businesses.
PayPoint has been steadily building up its parcels operation since
Royal Mail's strikes started in November.
The impetus for the new business called Collect+ was not just the
Royal Mail strike, but a deal with eBay.
Buyers on eBay are offered a delivery choice and can opt to have
their goods sent through Collect+. Their parcel can be delivered
to a nearby shop or garage.
The company has 4,000 outlets, mostly convenience stores, where
parcels can be collected. There are plans to expand to about 5,000
outlets if the business continues to grow.
A PayPoint spokesman said: 'The strikes certainly helped the business,
but people often prefer to pick up their parcels from a secure point
near them rather than get one of those letters telling them that
their parcel is in a depot miles away.'
DX Group is working on plans to invest up to £40m in about
1,700 outlets, ranging from shops and garages to rail stations,
bus stations and airports.
Goods ordered online would be delivered to locked boxes and the
recipient could pick them up after being texted or emailed an entry
code. Most of the pick-up points, which would be accessible 24 hours
a day, would be nearby.
John Coghlan, chief executive of DX, said: 'We are considering setting
up similar operations overseas.'
Source: Mail Online
12th
January
Pall-Ex Renews CNG Fleet With Barloworld
Continuing a partnership that has stretched back over 10 years,
Pall-Ex has taken delivery of a new fleet of 40 CNG powered forklifts
from Barloworld . We are now operating our 3rd generation of Hyster
fork trucks which work intensely day and night.
The new fleet of Hyster H2.0FT Fortens Advance 2,000kg capacity
trucks are powered using Compressed Natural Gas, continuing our
environmental commitments. The trucks can be filled in less than
2 minutes therefore also minimising health and safety risks. Barloworld
have fitted Continentals CSEasy tyres which are proven to
last 3 times longer than standard tyres with lower roll resistance,
giving greater fuel efficiency.
Operations Director, Fraser MacNeill, said: Our fork lift
trucks represent an intrinsic part of the Pall-Ex operation which
functions 24 hours a day and is an extremely demanding environment.
We operate the only cross-docking hub in this sector and rely completely
on the performance of the forklift fleet in a tough, intense and
time sensitive operation.
Source: E-Courier News
11th
January
UPS to cut 1,800 positions in US
UPS will cut 1,800 positions from its small-package operation in
the US to help the company focus on profitable growth.
UPS said it would cut the 1,800 management and administrative positions
by reducing the number of districts and regions in its US small
package operation from 46 to 20 and five to three, respectively.
It said: Normal attrition will minimise some job displacements,
and approximately 1,100 employees will be offered a voluntary separation
package."
Scott Davis, UPS chairman and CEO, said: "The decision to reduce
our workforce is difficult and we appreciate the significant contributions
of those who will be affected by this change, but we believe this
will allow us to sharpen our focus on profitable growth while being
even more nimble in serving our customers."
"The new management structure creates regions and districts
that are better aligned geographically, in turn, this will enable
more local decision-making and resources to be deployed for our
customers."
There are no plans to close any operating facilities and UPS said
the consolidation of offices would not affect customer relationships.
UPS has also announced it will report better-than-expected results
for the fourth quarter of 2009, thanks to improved results and savings
generated through cost management.
As a result, the company has adjusted its projected earnings per
share from a range of US$0. 58 to $0.65 to a range of $0.73 to $0.75.
Kurt Kuehn, UPS CFO, said: "The stronger earnings stem
from better-than-expected results in both domestic and international
operations and savings through cost management.
"However, we still anticipate a gradual economic recovery with
improvement more evident as 2010 progresses."
Source: IFW
11th
January
Cinram hub gets a voice
Cinram Logistics UK, distributor of entertainment media, has rolled
out a voice-directed picking (VDP) system from Knapp UK at its site
in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.
Ten VDP terminals have been supplied for the picking of fast-moving
lines from pallets, (such as new DVD releases of top films), as
well as for slow-moving and bulky articles from static shelving.
Knapp has upgraded both the hardware and software at the distribution
centre in a move to help boost capacity.
The new equipment includes a new KiSoft Klass-X WCS, a PLC upgrade
from Siemens S5 to S7 and modernisation of the pick-to-light system,
including replacement of all 8,456 displays with the latest technology.
Knapp's VDP software KISoft VOICE features multi-language options.
Source: Logistics Manager
11th
January
Biffa takes 237,000 sq ft at ProLogis Park
ProLogis has signed a lease agreement with waste management business
Biffa for a newly developed 237,000 sq ft distribution facility
in the West Midlands.
Biffa will occupy Building Three at ProLogis Park Midpoint, one
of the West Midlands' premier distribution parks. The company will
use the building as a materials recycling facility for non-hazardous
recyclable materials and has been granted an Environmental Permit
from the Environment Agency to operate the space.
Source: Logistics Manager
8th
January
HDN vs Royal Mail
The 2010 UK parcels market is wide open as Home Delivery Network
gets ready to go toe-to-toe with Royal Mail.
"A transformational deal." That was the view of Gary Monk,
Home Delivery Network's chairman, as he commented on his company's
acquisition of DHL's parcel business in the UK.
The undisclosed deal- concluded this week -will now see HDN's market
share rise to 17%, and although that still leaves the company firmly
behind Royal Mail (who has the leading market share of business
at 30%), it provides a statement of intent - Royal Mail could be
on the rocks and HDN is ready to capitalise - the foundations for
"transformation" are in place as HDN doubles in size.
The combination of the two businesses will now deliver more than
180m parcels a year, leading to an estimated £600m turn over.
One cannot underestimate the damage caused to the Royal Mail brand
by the series of strikes that have dogged the national operator
since the summer months of 2009. The dispute with the Communication
Workers Union not only led to a drop in confidence in the Royal
Mail, but also saw a number of retailers fall into the lap of their
rivals - with HDN one of the companies to benefit most.
Firstly, HDN has recently won contracts from Amazon and Asda, as
well as renewing a five-year deal with Home Retail Group, the owner
of Argos. Secondly, HDN's sister company, Shop Direct Group, recently
reported a rise of 6.3% in Christmas sales, which also generated
the delivery of 8m parcels. HDN itself says the online delivery
market is growing by up to 15% a year. Both companies are owned
by Sir David and Sir Frederick Barclay.
The recent contract wins, together with the e-commerce boom, has
seen HDN cope with the recession better than most, and certainly
better than the business it is buying. This was echoed by Monk when
speaking to the media about the contrast in fortunes between HDN
and DHL Domestic in recent times. He said: "It's no secret
that [DHL Domestic] has not been particularly successful in the
last couple of years but it's been on an improving trend."
A DHL spokesman also suggested that the time was right for DHL Domestic
to benefit from a strong business partner. He said: "The UK
domestic parcel delivery marketplace is all about scale and high
volumes, which in turn drives operational efficiencies, and is highly
competitive. Despite the recession, our management team has been
very successful in substantially improving the performance of the
Domestic business in the past year. However, we believe the time
is right to divest the business to a strong UK operator."
Ken McCall, CEO of DHL Express UK, said: "It was important
to us to divest our own parcel business to a company that we can
trust. HDN is a strong and well-respected player in the B2C field
and thus ideally complements the B2B focused services we currently
offer. This will certainly create an unrivalled service for all
UK domestic parcel customers."
Deutsche Post originally took a 50% share in Securicor Distribution
in 1998, before merging the business with its DHL brand after taking
full control. It is widely believed that the integration of the
businesses was not as successful as first thought - with DHL's express
division not living up to its billing. Only last year, express sales
in Europe were down by 17.4% - with the UK exchange rate also hampering
business. McCall suggested that the transition - a crucial time
for HDN's new venture - will be carried out efficiently. He said:
"We remain committed to ensuring our domestic parcel customers
receive DHL's usual high standards of service and will work closely
with HDN to ensure a smooth transition process. It will absolutely
be business as usual for these customers."
If the integration of the businesses is carried out "smoothly"
then 2010 promises to be an interesting year. Whilst Royal Mail
contends with quick jabs from the CWU, they should be keeping a
wary eye on HDN's knockout punch.
Source: Chris Dolan - Post&Parcel Editor
8th
January
Compass Logistics launches new LCL service
Irish freight forwarder Compass Logistics has launched a new less-than-container-load
service from Europe into Ireland in partnership with Dutch-based
European distribution company CTS Group.
For the service, Compass, which was set up in the final quarter
of last year, consolidates cargo from all over Europe at CTS' facility
in the Netherlands and then picks it up on Fridays for delivery
in Ireland on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Compass director Karl McKenna said: "Our customers ring us
with anywhere between one pallet and a full load to from any country
in Europe.
"CTS Group, with its Europe-wide transport network, manages
the collection on our behalf and takes the freight to its depot."
He added that by March, Compass hoped to add a Tuesday departure
with a 72-hour transit time specifically targeting its customers
in Dublin.
McKenna estimated that since Compass' launch it had grown to become
one of the top five Irish groupage container importers in Dublin.
"Both directors have worked together for other forwarders for
many years here in Ireland, we saw an opening - and we took it,"
he said.
"Through the years we had our own customers here that we had
generated and thankfully they have stuck with us, so we had the
contacts we needed to hit the ground running."
In order to grow the business further, Compass, which also offers
deep sea forwarding services, is in the process of recruiting two
new sales staff in the south and west of Ireland, along with some
Netherlands-based sales staff.
Source: IFW
8th
January
Norbert Dentressangle wins Beretta deal
Norbert Dentressangle has been awarded a six-year contract for the
storage and distribution of branded clothing and accessories by
Italian firearms manufacturer Beretta.
Beretta will occupy 3,000sq metres in Norbert Dentressangle's distribution
facility located at Castel San Giovanni in the Emilia-Romagna region
of northern Italy, and the operation will involve the storage, handling
and distribution of clothing and accessories to Beretta's own stores
and other retail customers throughout Italy and Europe.
Source: IFW
7th
January
Goodrich Power Systems renews with DB Schenker UK
Aircraft electronic systems provider Goodrich Power Systems has
extended its contract with DB Schenker in the UK.
Schenker first won the contract at the start of 2006, looking after
Goodrich's import and export air freight requirements primarily
from the US and Canada, but it has now been extended to include
the despatch process and some land and ocean solutions.
Schenker said additional business was won by working on a package
which reduced overall shipping costs by 20%.
The new contract will run for two years.
Source: IFW
7th
January
Cook calls last orders at Post Office
Royal Mail today announced that Alan Cook, managing director of
Post Office, will retire in May after more than four years at the
helm of the company.
Under Cook's leadership Post Office Ltd has become one of the fastest
growing providers of financial services in the UK with more than
2.2m customers and has driven forward new business opportunities
for
Post Office branches including the introduction of new biometric
recognition technology.
Cook said: "I'm delighted to have been given the opportunity
over the past four years to help build a sustainable future for
Post Office Ltd and I'm honoured to have worked for an organisation
which plays such an important role every day in communities around
the UK."
Royal Mail said a successor to Cook will be announced in due course.
Source: Royal Mail
6th
January
Deutsche Post DHL receive French offer
Deutsche Post DHL said it received an offer for its French domestic
parcel business, which it aims to offload by the end of March to
focus on its profitable express delivery business, reports Reuters.
The news comes a day after Deutsche Post, Europe's biggest mail
and express delivery company, sold its UK domestic parcel business
to Britain's Home Delivery Network for an undisclosed price.
Financial investor Caravelle has made an offer for the French business,
which has about 3,400 employees, a spokesman for Deutsche Post said
on Wednesday (6 January).
Media has already speculated last month that a sale to Caravelle
was in the making, saying that the deal could be valued between
$200m and $300ms
The Post spokesman said there were no plans to sell any international
businesses or the express delivery operations.
Source: Reuters
5th
January
HDN acquires DHL's UK domestic operations
Home Delivery Network Limited
(HDN) has reached agreement with Deutsche Post DHL to acquire its
UK domestic B2B and B2C parcel delivery operations, DHL Domestic.
The combined businesses will have annual sales of more than £600m
and will deliver more than 180m parcels a year.
The combination of HDN and DHL Domestic will create a sustainable
delivery business in which customers will continue to experience
high quality standards of service while benefiting from a broader
product offering, said HDN in a statement.
HDN believes that the two businesses will be ideally positioned
to exploit the continued growth in a sector that is being driven
by the expansion of e-commerce in which there is increasing overlap
between B2B and B2C customers.
HDN will continue to provide best-in-class service for the combined
customer base. Their increased scale will result in a more efficient
business that will be capable of withstanding intensifying competition
from a wide range of traditional B2C and B2B carriers, as well as
challenging the Royal Mail more effectively.
This transaction will provide greater security to its customers,
people and other partners. There will be a sizeable investment from
HDN to ensure that the businesses will achieve their long term prospects.
DHL Domestic will continue to trade under the DHL Domestic name
until the two businesses are fully integrated.
The transaction does not include DHL's UK International Time Definite
and Same Day express services. DHL's other UK businesses DHL Freight,
DHL Global Forwarding, DHL Supply Chain, DHL Global Mail and Williams
Lea are unaffected by this move.
Brian Gaunt, HDN chief executive, said: "This transaction is
great news for customers of both HDN and DHL Domestic. The growth
of e-commerce has transformed our marketplace and with it the demands
of our customers. Combining these businesses will enable us to offer
our clients a wider variety of propositions and a more efficient
service. However our immediate focus will be to maintain the exceptionally
high standards of service that our customers have come to expect
from both businesses."
Ken McCall, CEO of DHL Express UK, said: "It was important
to us to divest our own parcel business to a company that we can
trust. HDN is a strong and well-respected player in the B2C field
and thus ideally complements the B2B focused services we currently
offer. This will certainly create an unrivalled service for all
UK domestic parcel customers. We remain committed to ensuring our
domestic parcel customers receive DHL's usual high standards of
service and will work closely with HDN to ensure a smooth transition
process. It will absolutely be business as usual for these customers."
The transaction was agreed today (5 January) and is subject to clearance
by the appropriate regulatory bodies.
Source: HDNL
5th
January
NYK to cut owned fleet in half
Japanese shipping group NYK has revealed plans to cut its container
fleet in half by 2015 as it seeks to limit its exposure to long-term
fixed assets.
In a new year speech, NYK president Yasumi Kudo said the liner trade
was highly volatile and having an excess of long-term assets, such
as ships, was a problem.
He said: Ocean transport is a growth industry from a medium-
and long-term perspective. There is the strong possibility that
the supply-demand balance will settle down to a proper level in
the future, if operators learn enough from their recent bitter experiences
and accept slow steaming as normal practice to deal with soaring
fuel prices and environmental problems.
We have no intention of completely losing the expected profit
in such a case by having hard-asset [ships]. The problem lies in
having an excess of long-term fixed assets.
We must exercise constant care to minimise our long-term fixed
assets, overcome any deficiency in such assets through short-term
lease and thereby maintain our downward flexibility at all times.
The part of our container vessel fleet, which constitutes
such long-term fixed assets, will be slimmed down to half the number
of vessels and its total space capacity will be trimmed to two-thirds
by 2015.
NYK took some steps to reduce its container fleet capacity last
year through its Yosoro project.
Since January, it has reduced its container fleet, taking into account
slow-steaming, from 410,000teu to 360,000teu.
In other areas of its business it has idled two of its ten aircraft
and reduced its warehouse space from 850,000sq metres to 760,000sq
metres and its truck fleet from 1,500 to 1,100 vehicles.
Kudo also revealed the rationale behind its decision to merge its
two freight forwarding divisions NYK Logistics and Yusen
Air and Sea Services.
He said: When viewed from the customers perspective,
the sales activities of these two logistics companies in the same
NYK Group involve not only different services - contract logistics
business of NYK Logistics and air freight forwarding business of
Yusen Air and Sea Service - but also identical services, namely,
ocean freight forwarding business.
This undoubtedly represents a business system ignoring our
customers viewpoint.
Merging these two companies makes it possible not only to
eliminate overlapping sales systems, but also to establish a structure
capable of fully serving all logistics needs of customers - ocean/air
freight forwarding and contract logistics businesses.
Source: IFW
5th
January
Maritime takes over DHL Container Logistics
Maritime Group has taken over DHL Container Logistics (UK), DHLs
container arm in a share purchase deal for an undisclosed sum, and
renamed it Maritime Container Logistics.
The deal covers all the container transport activities of DHL Container
Logistics, including container lifting, storage and repair operations
at Felixstowe and Trafford Park, Manchester.
Maritime reckons the deal makes it the largest container transport
operator in the UK. The enlarged business will operate 900 vehicles
with transport depots at every major seaport and consumer conurbation
in England and 16 acres of dedicated container storage.
DHL Container Logistics is an excellent fit for our business,
with complementary depots and customer base, said John Williams,
managing director, Maritime. Not only have we been able to
strengthen our UK network, we have extended our service offering
to customers, though container lifting, storage and repairs.
We are delighted to have reached agreement with Maritime to
acquire the company and that its future is secure under the wings
of a strong market leader, committed to the container transport
sector, said Jeroen Eijsink, managing director, DHL Freight.
Felixstowe-based Maritime operates a network of depots for container
transport and distribution from sites at Bristol, Hams Hall, Leeds,
Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Southampton, Thamesport and Tilbury.
Source: Logistics Manager
4th
January
Chrysler picks Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics
US car maker Chrysler has chosen Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics
to provide ocean transport from North America to Europe
It has also been chosen to handle traffic from North America and
Europe to Australia and New Zealand.
The agreement covers a variety of Chryslers made in the US and Canada,
including the 300C, Charger, Compass and Nitro models.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics operates more than 60 car carriers
and ro-ro vessels, serving 20 trade routes to six continents. It
carries some 2.3 million vehicles a year by sea.
Source: Logistics Manager
23rd
December
CITY LINK GIVES SUPPORT TO NEW APPEAL TO HELP WOMEN AND CHILDREN
IN ETHIOPIA
City Link, the UKs premium express delivery Company is backing
a brand new appeal to send thousands of pairs of pants and bras
to young boys and girls in Africa.
The appeal Smalls For All has been started by Livingston
woman Maria Macnamara and follows a recent volunteering holiday
to Ethiopia.
During her two week stay in September Maria worked in an orphanage
with hundreds of boys and girls up to 16. On her return she decided
she wanted to do something more to help the poverty-stricken country.
In October she set up a website and an appeal to send underwear
for boys and girls.
She called on the help of City Link to deliver 1,000 pairs of pants
to Addis Ababa. The appeal has had the backing of several businesses
and individuals in the Edinburgh area and since October she has
collected more than 5,500 pairs.
Maria said: There is a real problem with poverty. When I returned
I felt I had to do something. I have been rallying help from people
ever since and have had some fantastic support. And for City Link
to say they will transport them to Addis Ababa for free is tremendous.
I am actively applying for charity status but am self funding this
project at the moment and thanks to their generosity I am now able
to travel to Kenya early next year when I will take more underwear
to a refugee camp, helping thousands more people.
The delivery is being organised by City Links Edinburgh Depot.
Thomas Hunter, General Manager, said he and his colleagues were
only too delighted to help.
He said: We were touched by Marias story from her stay
in Ethiopia and when she asked for our help we were only too delighted
to do what we could.
We picked up the pants on Monday and they are being transported
to the Sheraton Hotel in Addis Ababa.
Maria called for anyone else who would like to help the appeal to
log on to www.smallsforall.wordpress.com
City Links Edinburgh Depot employs a team of 90 who handle
600 Customer accounts across the EH and FK1 to FK6 postcode areas.
The Depot handles up to 30,000 parcels a day.
City Link, which is this year celebrating its 40th anniversary,
employs 5,500 people throughout the UK, operating 3,000 vehicles
from a network of 85 Depots, handling approximately 350,000 parcels
daily.
Source: City Link
22nd
December
Deutsche Post DHL on the verge of selling its French DHL
According to several news agencies last week, Deutsche Post was
said to have accepted an offer from French firm Caravelle.
There has yet to be any official word from the Posts management
board. The financial aspects of the deal are also yet to be confirmed,
but figures in the press range between $200m to $300m.
According to Transport Intelligence, French based Caravelle
is a specialist in turning loss making companies around, looking
to make investments in the region of €300-400m. One of its
recent acquisitions was the French cold-chain road freight business
Lamberet. According to Lamberet, Caravelle paid €19.5m for
the company. Caravelle also has extensive investments in automotive
engineering companies located in France.
Source: French Media
21st
December
Tokyo pharma company signs NYK contract
Ranbaxy Laboratories, the global generics company of the Daiichi-Sankyo
Group, has signed a contract with NYK Logistics (UK) to handle all
products destined for the UK market.
The operation is based at NYK Logistics pharmaceutical centre
in Northampton, which provides supply chain systems for a number
of major pharmaceutical customers.
The 175,000 sq ft facility provides temperature-controlled, high-security
storage in line with the latest good distribution practice.
NYKs healthcare distribution centre has a Manufacturers
Import Authorisation from the Medicines & Healthcare Regulatory
Authority (MHRA), as well as an MHRA Wholesale Dealers Licence
and is therefore able to provide storage for products manufactured
in Europe, as well as imports from outside the EU.
NYK receives all Ranbaxys product batch released and ready
for sale throughout the UK.
NYK will handle 23 million packs per annum on behalf of Ranbaxy,
destined for hospitals, pharmacies and wholesalers.
The pharmaceutical company is headquartered in Tokyo with revenues
of £986 million ($1.6 billion).
Source: Logistics Manager
18th
December
FedEx see drop in revenue and net income for Q2
FedEx revealed a drop in revenue of 10% and a drop in net income
of 30% for its second quarter, in comparison to 2008 levels.
The company reported earnings of $1.10 per diluted share for the
second quarter ended 30 November, compared to $1.58 per diluted
share a year ago.
Positive momentum in the global economy and continued execution
of our business strategy drove volume growth across all FedEx transportation
segments, highlighted by increased international shipments,
said Frederick W. Smith, FedEx chairman, president and chief executive
officer. We have taken decisive actions during the economic
downturn to reduce expenses while expanding our networks in growth
markets. We are providing outstanding service levels during our
busiest shipping season thanks to the dedication of our more than
275,000 team members.
Second quarter results
FedEx reported the following consolidated results for the second
quarter: Revenue of $8.60bn, down 10% from $9.54bn a year ago; operating
income of $571m, down 27% from $784m last year; operating margin
of 6.6%, down from 8.2% the previous year; and net income of $345m,
down 30% from last years $493m.
Revenue and earnings declined as a result of lower yields, primarily
due to a substantial decline in fuel surcharges year over year.
Shipment growth, particularly in international express and at FedEx
Ground, and strict cost controls benefited results.
Outlook
FedEx expects earnings per share of $0.50 to $0.70 per diluted share
in the third quarter, and $3.45 to $3.75 for fiscal 2010, which
reflects the current market outlook for fuel prices and a continued
modest recovery in the global economy. The company earned $0.31
per share in last years third quarter. The companys
capital spending forecast remains $2.6bn.
Our balance sheet is strong, volumes are growing, and we are
encouraged by our performance as we emerge from the worst economic
downturn in FedEx history, said Alan B. Graf Jr., FedEx executive
vice president and chief financial officer. While there is
some uncertainty regarding the sustainability of current demand
trends after our peak shipping season, we expect our strong operating
leverage to provide improved year-over-year profitability in the
second half of our fiscal year. Effective cost management remains
a priority and should continue to benefit results.
With an outlook for modestly improving economic conditions and business
performance, FedEx will resume merit salary increases for calendar
2010 as well as a 50% resumption of the 401(k) company match for
most US employees. These programs were suspended a year ago. In
addition, second quarter results reflect expenses to accrue for
expected payouts under the companys variable incentive compensation
programs, which are designed to pay base incentives to most hourly,
professional and manager-level employees prior to paying any amounts
to senior management. These expected costs are included in the companys
earnings guidance.
FedEx Express segment
For the second quarter, the FedEx Express segment reported:
-Revenue of $5.31bn, down 13% from $6.10bn a year ago
-Operating income of $345m, down 36% from $540m last year
-Operating margin of 6.5%, down from 8.9% the previous year
US domestic average daily package volume increased 4%, while revenue
per package dropped 19% due to lower fuel surcharges, rate per pound
and weight per package. FedEx International Priority (IP) average
daily package volume increased 6%. IP revenue per package declined
14% primarily due to lower fuel surcharges.
Operating income and margin declined year over year, as last years
results significantly benefited from falling fuel prices and the
related fuel surcharge timing lag. Continued reductions in network
operating costs driven by fewer flight hours and improved route
efficiencies, along with other aggressive actions to control spending,
partially offset the negative impact of fuel price. A one-time adjustment
to a self-insurance program also benefited the quarter, but was
largely offset by incremental variable compensation accruals.
FedEx Ground segment
For the second quarter, the FedEx Ground segment reported:
-Revenue of $1.84bn, up 3% from last years $1.79bn
-Operating income of $238m, up 12% from $212m a year ago
-Operating margin of 13.0%, up from 11.9% the previous year
FedEx Ground average daily package volume was up 4%. Yield decreased
2% primarily due to lower fuel surcharges. FedEx SmartPost average
daily volume grew 63%, aided by gains from DHLs exit from
the U.S. domestic package market. Operating income and margin grew
primarily due to increased volume and improved productivity.
Earlier this month, FedEx Ground announced that it will be increasing
FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery rates by an average of 4.9%,
effective 4 January 2010. FedEx Ground is also making various changes
to surcharges, including modifications to its fuel surcharge table.
FedEx Freight segment
For the second quarter, the FedEx Freight segment reported:
-Revenue of $1.07bn, down 11% from last years $1.20bn
-Operating loss of $12m, down from operating income of $32m a year
ago
-Operating margin of (1.1%), down from 2.7% the previous year
Less-than-truckload (LTL) yield decreased 12% due to the continuing
effects of a competitive pricing environment and lower fuel surcharges.
Average daily LTL shipments increased 3% year over year and growth
rates improved month over month throughout the quarter. Operating
income and margin decreased in the quarter due to the competitive
pricing environment, partially offset by higher shipments.
FedEx Services segment
FedEx Services segment revenue for the second quarter, which included
the operations of FedEx Office, was down 12% year over year, due
to declines in copy product revenues and the realignment of FedEx
SupplyChain Systems to the FedEx Express reporting segment, effective
1 September 2009. The financial impact of this realignment was immaterial.
Source: FedEx
17th
December
DHL partner with SAP
SAP will be given the status of Global Technology Partner of the
DHL Innovation Centre, placing it among the most important innovation
partners of Deutsche Post DHL.
SAP will be given the status of Global Technology Partner of the
DHL Innovation Centre, placing it among the most important innovation
partners of Deutsche Post DHL.
Keith Ulrich, head of Technology & Innovation Management at
Deutsche Post DHL, said the new partnership will ensure ideas can
become reality.
For us, affirming the strategic alliance with SAP into a Global
Technology Partnership represents a significant expansion of our
joint research efforts aimed at achieving rapid market success for
innovation activities, he said.
By integrating our innovation centres with the research centres
of SAP we are able to respond more effectively to our shared networks,
drive forward research activities, and present global solutions
to the outside world.
The DHL Innovation Centre work to innovate new, flexible, sustainable
logistics solutions for the future.
Volker Merk, director of SAP Deutschland, said it is great to have
a research partner which can innovate for real customer demands.
The innovation partnership with DHL is exactly what we want
a research collaboration to be, Merk said.
What we are doing with the DHL Innovation Centre is not just
theoretical research, but customer-oriented innovation. With our
technology and our expertise, we want to support DHL in meeting
real-world industry challenges using software innovations.
The DHL Innovation Initiative was established in 2007 and is based
in the DHL Innovation Center.
SAP is part of long list of partners in this program, including
IBM, Intel, Oracle, Phillips and Motorola.
Deutsche Post DHL combines all its logistical research and development
activities in the DHL Innovation Centre, close to the corporate
headquarters in Bonn.
One central aspect of the partnership with SAP is the early identification
of shared research, development and implementation initiatives for
Deutsche Post DHL logistics applications.
To achieve this, SAP research centres will work closely with the
DHL Innovation Centre.
Potential scenarios and demonstrations will be developed for presentation
to the wider expert community in the showroom of the DHL Innovation
Centre and where appropriate in SAPs Living Labs.
DHL has been offering their logistics and shipping services in Australia
since 1972.
Source: Inside SAP
17th
December
Norbert opens new Madrid facility
Growth across its Spanish network
has prompted Norbert Dentressangle to open a second facility in
Madrid.
The new 4,000 sq metre centre in San Fernando De Henares will act
as a regional consolidation and transhipment point for local customers
using NDs next day delivery services in the Iberian Peninsula,
and as a distribution centre for the north zone of Madrid.
The company opened a 14,000 sq metre, fully automated distribution
centre at Leganes last year to serve southern Madrid and has since
seen a 30% increase in pallet volumes.
ND predicted further growth in its Spanish business which is already
handling over 2.5m pallets each year.
Source: IFW
17th
December
City Link Cardiff wins £780,000 a year contract
Williams Medical Supplies has signed a contract with City Link in
Cardiff to take care of all its distribution needs in a deal worth
£780,000 a year.
The deal follows a month-long trial partnership between the two
companies and comes on the back of City Link moving into a flagship
depot at Taffs Well in September.
The new depot is 51,000 sq ft and at present can handle 9,000 parcels
daily.
Clive Reynish, general manager, said the move had been essential
as increased business across the NP and CF postcode areas had led
to it growing out of its former home on the Portmanoor Industrial
Estate.
He added: Williams Medical Supplies is a highly respected
company and has a reputation second to none as the leading provider
of medical supplies and services to the healthcare market in the
UK. As part of our contract we are distributing supplies to more
than 8,000 surgeries and Primary Care Organisations across the country.
Source: Logistics Manager
16th
December
TNT receive four certificates in UAE
TNT Express UAE has successfully been approved for recertification
this month following in-depth audits across four key categories.
The ISO, OHSAS and SA certificates cover quality, environmental,
health and safety and social accountability management systems making
TNT Express UAE one of only a handful of UAE-based companies to
achieve the international standard.
This is a major milestone for the team here at TNT Express.
We work very hard both locally and internationally to ensure that
we maintain our standards of service and meet our corporate responsibilities
to customers and communities. To be recognised for our efforts by
a third party and to be re-certified by auditors of international
best-practice goes to demonstrate publicly the benchmark quality
that we see in our teams every day, commented Bryan Moulds,
country general manager of TNT Express UAE.
TNT Express UAE has now received recertification for ISO 9001 Quality
Management System, ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, OHSAS
18001 Health & Safety Management System and SA 8000 Social Accountability
Management System.
Source: AME
16th
December
UPS offer BlackBerry app
UPS is offering BlackBerry users an application to find the nearest
UPS location and ship and track packages.
Starting 16 December, BlackBerry users can for downloading the app
for free at www.blackberry.com/appworld.
Users can track shipments, create shipments using the My UPS address
book, calculate shipping rates and time-in-transit and then find
the nearest UPS location. The new UPS Mobile App doesnt require
log-in for tracking. But when logged in, the application shows a
history of tracked shipments and automatically refreshes when the
application is opened.
The UPS Mobile App supports the BlackBerry Storm, BlackBerry Bold,
BlackBerry Tour and the BlackBerry Curve 8900, Atlanta-based UPS
said.
Source: Atlanta Business Chronicle
16th
December
Norbert opens second Spanish hub
Norbert Dentressangle is set to open a second facility in Madrid
to accommodate a 30 per cent growth in volumes in its Spanish distribution
network.
The company provides next-day delivery services via a network of
60 sites.
It now handles more than two and a half million pallets as part
of its pallet distribution business, and expects this to continue
growing.
The 4,000 sq m centre in San Fernando De Henares will act as a consolidation
and trans-shipment point for product from customers in the area,
prior to onward, next day delivery throughout the Iberian Peninsula
in the short term.
Going forward, it will also act as a distribution centre serving
customers in the north of Madrid.
Norbert Dentressangle opened a 14,000 sq m, fully automated distribution
platform in Leganes in 2008, serving the southern zone of the Spanish
capital.
Source: IFW
15th
December
TNT expect French growth this Christmas
TNT Express France is expecting to deliver over 6m parcels around
Christmas time, twice more than in 2008.
TNTs French arm has announced it will ensure next-day deliveries
to French online shoppers until 24 December.
Consumers can choose to receive their goods at home, at work, or
in one of the 4,000 Relais Colis de France service points.
TNT Express France serves more than 150 online retailers, including
cddiscount.com, bhv.fr, and quicksilver-store.com. The products
range from electronic devices, mobile phones, books and toys to
flowers and sports equipment.
The French are expected to spend over €5bn online for Christmas
and New Years Eve, says the French home shopping trade association.
Source: TNT
15th
December
Irish post better results
An Post, the Irish postal operator, has seen a 5% improvement in
its next-day delivery service during the summer months.
A total of 85% of mail posted during the July to September period
was delivered on the next working day, according to ComRegs
quality of service monitor results.
This represents a 5% improvement on the same quarter last
year and consolidates the sustained progress achieved on service
improvement over the last three years, An Post chief executive,
Donal Connell said.
We are fully committed to achieving the 94% next-day delivery
target, he added.
The improvement has been achieved in parallel with major work changes
successfully implemented by staff across An Posts collection,
delivery and processing operations nationwide. An Post handles more
than 3m items of mail every working day and volumes will more than
double during the lead-up to Christmas.
Source: An Post
15th
December
BMW picks K+N for logistics at Leipzig
BMW has selected Kuehne + Nagel as its logistics partner at its
production site in Leipzig. K+N will take over responsibility for
the entire supply chain for final assembly of BMW automotive products
from 1st January.
At the site, which comprises 44,000 sq m of warehousing and handling
space, the operator will manage the full range of logistics operations
to support production, including receiving, storage, sequencing,
set-building and production line delivery.
In addition, it will be responsible for the supply and return of
empty containers and for the execution of pre-assembly operations,
and will co-operate with the automobile manufacturer in various
supply concepts, such as Kanban and supermarket models.
Kuehne + Nagel has won logistics contracts with BMW in Germany,
South Africa and Japan.
Source: Logistics Manager
15th
December
Stobart adds 30 reefers to fleet
Eddie Stobart has added 30 new Schmitz Cargobull reefers to its
trailer fleet.
They will be used to deliver
foodstuffs for Stobarts grocery retail clients on routes throughout
the UK and Europe.
Source: Logistics Manager
15th
December
A Davies Transport Joins Pall-Ex
Pall-Ex, the UKs No 1 pallet distribution network, has appointed
A Davies Transport to its freight distribution network. Based in
Woodkirk, Dewsbury A Davies Transport are specialists in nation-wide
distribution, using modern vehicles and state-of-the-art satellite
tracking and navigation systems.
I am delighted to be able to add A Davies Transport to our
list of some 100 member depots, I have no doubt that they will be
an extremely valuable addition to our growing network said
Chris Tancock, Network Development Director for Pall-Ex.
We are a family run business with strong family values and
are proud of the relationship we have established with our many
and varied customers Comments Managing Director Andy Davies
We have long recognised the advantages of being in a network
and have tried two previously. However, with the move to Pall-Ex,
we believe we have now found the right partner with the same values
and vision especially as regards innovation and quality.
We look forward to a long and happy partnership.
Source: Pall-Ex
14th
December
Royal Mail to announce record pensions deficit?
Royal Mail is set to enter the record books next year but
perhaps not in the way it would wish to, reports The Times.
The postal operator confirmed yesterday that it is on course to
report a deficit in its pension fund of £10bn, breaking the
record held by BT, which last month reported a deficit of £9.4bn.
Adam Crozier, Royal Mail chief executive, said the pension fund
deficit was being revalued, but confirmed the figure was likely
to be at least £10bn, compared with £3.4bn at the last
valuation three years ago.
He told The Times: The really difficult thing lying behind
all this [the company's performance] is still the pension problem.
It will be another two to three months before we know the exact
size of the deficit, depending on the actuaries.
Dave Ward, deputy general secretary of the Communication Workers
Union, said the union was as daunted by the scale of
the pensions deficit as Royal Mail itself. He added: The Government
must take responsibility and honour its commitment for the deficit
which will allow the company to continue with a modernisation programme
which increases profits, quality of service and greater innovation
in products and services.
Under proposals tabled by Lord Mandelson, the business secretary,
the Government had hoped to transfer Royal Mails pension deficit
to the taxpayer. However, because these proposals were linked to
a part-private Royal Mail, they were scuppered by backbench Labour
MPs and have since been taken off the table. They are unlikely to
be revived this side of the general election.
Royal Mail confirmed yesterday that a £305m payment into the
pension scheme during the six months to 30 September - part of a
plan to pay at least £260m into the scheme annually during
the next 14 years - more than wiped out its profits during the period.
The company reported a 4% rise in operating profits, to £184m,
despite a 1.6% drop in group revenues due to the recession and the
decline in mail volumes.
The figures do not cover the period in which Royal Mail was hit
by a series of national strikes by members of the Communication
Workers Union but do include the impact of a number of unofficial
walkouts.
Crozier said that much of the improvement was a result of the modernisation
programme, which meant 5,000 people left the business during the
period, taking the total since spring 2002 to about 60,000.
He said the results fully justified the programme, much of which
was pushed through in the face of opposition from the union, which
is discussing plans with Royal Mail under a peace deal brokered
by the TUC to halt the strikes.
We genuinely do understand that change is difficult for our
people but what this shows is that modernisation does work,
Crozier said. Change is difficult for everyone but Royal Mail
has no alternative but to change and modernise if it is to compete
in todays highly competitive communications market.
Crozier said that two thirds of the revenue decline were structural
and the rest down to the recession.
Ward said: These financial results betray the myth that the
CWU has been blocking change. Postal workers are working harder
than ever before. We believe they deserve to be rewarded for the
success they have brought to this change process which has delivered
a 4% increase in half-year profits.
Source: The Times
14th
December
UK rivals grab 30% of post
One in three letters is handled by a rival to the Royal Mail, the
state owned firm has admitted, reports The Daily Mail.
Every day, around 72m letters and parcels are sent - and around
26m are not picked up or sorted by the Royal Mail.
Within two or three years, it is likely that private firms will
handle most British mail.
Only customers sending personal post, such as birthday
and Christmas cards and thank-you letters, and small companies will
still use the firm.
The figures highlight the crisis which has hit the company since
it was opened up to competition in 2004.
In just five years, a rapidly growing list of companies has deserted
the Royal Mail for one of its competitors.
Barclays, Sainsburys, Lloyds Banking Group, Royal Bank of
Scotland, Powergen and Aviva are just some of the companies which
have abandoned it.
Many customers do not realise that post such as bank statements
and utility bills are not handled by the Royal Mail.
But letters dealt with by its rivals are easy to spot. They do not
have a stamp and the envelope is marked clearly by the rivals
name, such as TNT Post or UK Mail.
At present, Royal Mails rivals still rely on it to actually
post the letter through letterboxes. These companies pick up letters
and sort them but give them to Royal Mails postmen for the
final mile.
Private firms could choose to deliver the mail themselves but it
is currently too expensive and impractical to do so.
However, TNT would like to have its own postmen delivering its letters
in the future.
The figures from the Royal Mail show the extraordinary impact on
the company since it lost its monopoly.
In 2005, TNT handled 300m letters, rising to 1.7bn by 2007 and 2.6bn
a year today. Royal Mail said most bulk mail is now handled by its
rivals.
To make matters worse, in only three years the number of letters
sent every day has dropped by 12m.
Overall, yesterdays figures show Royal Mail made an operating
profit of £184m during the six months to the end of September,
up 4% on last year.
Post Office profits rose from £28m to £41m, helped by
new financial services such as a wider range of mortgages.
Source: The Daily Mail
14th
December
UPS to be even busier on busiest day
UPS has circled Monday 21st December as its busiest day of the year,
when it predicts it will deliver some 22 million packages worldwide
40 per cent more than daily volumes on a normal day.
This compares to reports earlier in the week from FedEx, which said
its busiest day of the year will be Wednesday 16th December when
it predicts it will see an 18 per cent rise in the volume of packages
it delivers.
UPS said it will deliver approximately 400 million packages around
the world in the four week run up to Christmas, up slightly on the
2008 holiday season.
UPS Airlines will fly more than 330 additional flights per day globally
during the four days leading up to Friday 25th December. The companys
highest volume day for handling air express packages will be Wednesday
23rd December, when it will deliver more than six million air packages.
Source: Logistics Manager
10th
December
Irish postal operator to slash 1,300 jobs
An Post has said that it intends to reduce its 10,000 strong workforce
by 1,300 between 2010 and 2012, reports RTE Business.
Around 450 people received letters from the company over the last
few days inviting expressions of interest in voluntary redundancy.
From that group, the company is seeking 250 redundancies as the
first tranche of the three-year redundancy programme.
The company has 1,250 post offices and 200 postal agents.
The job cuts form part of a drive to realign the company structure
and size in line with a new business reality - where mail volumes
are down 10% year-on-year.
The company is also facing the challenge of fully liberalised mails
market within the next year, and is seeking to streamline the company
ahead of that.
The staffing cuts would apply across all levels of the company nationwide,
including headquarters, collection, retail, and processing.
The company says staff numbers were already reducing due to change
programmes and automation, with a loss of 351 employees in the last
year alone.
Redundancies would be on a voluntary basis, though the terms have
not yet been revealed.
Source: RTE
10th
December
TNT Post: Gradual introduction of minimum wage feasible and necessary
TNT Post has taken note of the announcement by Sandd and DHL Global
Mail that they will be requesting summary proceedings to challenge
the Temporary decree on postal contract of employment.
TNT Post is urging the Dutch government not to relax the minimum
social requirements agreed by all players when the Dutch postal
market was liberalised.
A company statement said:
Price level
The Dutch postal market has turned into a tender market since it
was fully opened to competition, with the delivery of large volumes
of mail being put out to tender, not only by businesses, but also
by the government and public organisations. TNT Post has determined
that for all calls for tenders put out in 2009, price was for over
60% decisive in who would be awarded the contract, with criteria
such as quality and sustainability being secondary considerations.
According to Sandd and DHL Global Mail, the present price level
makes the gradual introduction of contracts of employment that ensure
a minimum wage impossible. In recent calls for tender, including
for the main governmental postal volumes, Sandd offered rates of
less than 12 euro cents per item. DHL Global Mail won the right
to deliver TV guides for broadcasters Veronica, AVRO, KRO and NCRV
by offering a rate of less than 13 euro cents. In recent months,
Sandd and DHL Global Mail have taken some 150m mail items away from
TNT Post in total.
Restrictions under competition law prevent TNT Post from offering
rates at this level.
Furthermore, TNT Post feels that such a price level is not desirable
because this blocks the way to fair conditions of employment. Accordingly,
TNT Post emphatically rejects allegations that the company is responsible
for the current price war raging in the Dutch postal market. TNT
Posts subsidiary Netwerk VSP is not taking part in this price
war either; it has recently increased its rates in order to be able
to gradually introduce contracts of employment that ensure a minimum
wage.
Competing on the basis of conditions of employment
Liberalisation has a major impact on employment at TNT Post. The
Dutch postal company must be realigned to deal with the new situation.
In a shrinking market, this has far-reaching consequences for the
terms and conditions of employment and the jobs of TNT Post employees.
Harry Koorstra, Group Managing Director TNT Post: It is remarkable
that the other postal companies can offer such low rates. It would
be no problem for them to attract volumes while offering higher
rates and, at the same time, meet the requirements set by law concerning
terms and conditions of employment. This would give our competitors
as well as TNT Post a fair chance to adapt to the new market situation.
Well considered decision
The Temporary decree on postal contract of employment
is carefully drafted legislation that sets out a step-by-step schedule
for the gradual introduction of the minimum wage in the Dutch postal
market. When it was agreed to open up the postal market fully to
competition, the government, trade unions and the postal sector
all agreed that the current practice of paying deliverers on a piece-rate
basis was socially unacceptable and needed to be phased out.
Under the Temporary decree on postal contract of employment
the aim is to eventually have 80% of mail deliverers working under
a fair contract of employment. This target is to be achieved using
very reasonable interim steps, having 10% of the mail deliverers
working at contracted minimum wage by April 2010, 30% by April 2011,
60% by April 2012, and finally 80% by October 2012.
At present, some 100,000 people work in the Dutch postal market,
with 30 to 40% of these being paid on a piece-rate basis. These
people do not qualify for social security, pension schemes, holiday
pay or paid sick leave.
TNT Post calls on the government to stand by its decision to introduce
contracts of employment that ensure payment of the minimum wage
and to ensure that this decree is properly enforced.
Source: TNT
10th
December
Ceva's Amsterdam facility renews security certificate
Ceva Logisticss Amsterdam facility has been recertified under
the Transported Asset Protection Association (Tapa)-A security certification
audit.
The Tapa award is given to facilities that pass a series of security
standards.
Cevas facilities in Paris, Dublin, Brussels and London Heathrow
will be audited by Tapa in the coming weeks.
Paul Linders, Cevas security director, said: Tapa plays
an important role for our industry. For our customers, this re-certification
demonstrates our commitment to security and protection of their
goods at recognised global standards and is part of our ongoing
efforts to offer the best services and solutions in the industry.
Source: IFW
10th
November
Tie Rack renews DHL contract
Tie Rack has renewed its contract with DHL Supply Chain in a deal
worth £4.3m that extends the relationship until 2012.
The contract covers the Tie Rack and Rolling Luggage brands and
is run from from the multi-user Hams Hall site. DHL manages a full
range of services, including inbound freight from suppliers in India
and China, as well as cross-docking, pick and pack, dispatch and
returns handling.
DHLs specialist fashion unit will continue to run all international
inbound freight and warehousing operations serving 197 Tie Rack
and 40 Rolling Luggage stores in the UK, Europe and the US.
The contract includes a new consolidation centre based in Hong Kong
and opened by DHL in March 2009 for a shorter and quicker supply
chain to markets in the Far East and Australia. Through the new
service, Tie Rack is able to ship products sourced in Asia direct
to the Hong Kong warehouse where they are picked, packed and dispatched
to more than 50 stores and franchises across Australasia.
Lindsay Smetham, Tie Racks logistics manager, said: The
Hams Hall facility provides flexible labour and storage services
and the integration of DHLs warehouse Styleflow system has
improved the accuracy and speed of operations through the use of
scan pick technology.
Source: Logistics Manager
10th
December
Royal Mail reports 4% rise in operating profit
Royal Mail has reported
an operating profit of £184m for the six months to September,
up 4% from a year ago.
But the company also announced that it had paid more than £300m
into its pension fund over the period.
It said its pension fund deficit was being revalued and was expected
to reach £10bn, compared with £3.4bn at the last valuation
three years ago.
Revenues for the half-year fell £73m to £4.58bn, hit
by the continuing decline in mail volumes and the recession.
Royal Mail said its letters business had seen volumes fall to 72
million items a day, down by three million from last year.
Employment costs were £170m lower than in the same period
last year. Royal Mail says that 60,000 people have left the group
since 2002, with 5,000 job losses in the six months to September.
Profits were made in all four businesses within the Royal Mail group:
the Post Office, Royal Mail Letters, Parcelforce Worldwide, and
its European parcels business GLS.
Driving efficiency
Royal Mail said the rise in operating profits was an indication
that the modernisation of its letters business was working.
"Everyone working the hours for which they are paid, working
flexibly and using new equipment we're investing in... have helped
drive efficiency and offset the effects of volume decline,"
said Royal Mail chief executive Adam Crozier.
Royal Mail says it is two-thirds through the implementation of its
plans, the details of which sparked a number of strikes earlier
this year.
The plans, which will cost a total of £2bn, include:
- the roll out of walk sequencing machines which sort the mail for
a route
- the installation of large flat sorters which sort larger items
such as catalogues and magazines
- more "intelligent" letter sorting machines which sort
mail faster and more efficiently
Commenting on the figures, the Communication Workers Union (CWU)
said the hard work of its members should be recognised by Royal
Mail bosses.
"We believe postal workers deserve to be rewarded for the success
they have brought to this change process. A pay freeze is no way
to thank staff who have seen colleagues leave and workloads rise,"
said CWU deputy general secretary Dave Ward.
Source: BBC News
9th
December
FedEx predicts 18pc rise in peak Christmas traffic
FedEx is predicting an 18 per cent increase in the volume of packages
that move through its EMEA network on its busiest day of the year,
16th December, compared to 2008.
In addition to the usual seasonal spending in stores, consumers
are helping to fuel a rise in online sales this holiday, contributing
to the surge in the number of packages which move through the FedEx
network at this time of year.
With consumers spending more time online, e-commerce will likely
drive more holiday activity this season than in the past, making
the week starting 14th December the busiest of the year.
Research from online retailer eBay revealed that 85 per cent of
consumers across Europe intend to spend as much as they did last
year or increase their online spending this year, with four out
of ten consumers shopping more online now than in 2008in part
because of a challenging economy preventing pre-holiday upturns
in retail stores.
Additional research carried out by the Centre for Retail Research
in the UK also revealed that online spending in 2009 is set to reach
a total of £8.9 billion this Christmas, representing 20p in
every £1 spent, and a 24 per cent increase on previous years.
Adam Psarianos, vice president, operations, FedEx Express Northern
Europe, said: There's a dynamic happening, as the tough economic
environment sees e-commerce fast outpacing more traditional means
of retailing. In many ways, we see this trend as the growth opportunity
for years to come.
Source: Logistics Manager
9th
December
Italian spectacle for Ceva
Ceva has won a one year
contract to handle warehousing and distribution in Italy for spectacle
brand Italia Independent.
The deal with LA, the company founded by Lapo Elkann that holds
the brand includes services such as labelling, the creation of packaging,
and the management of advertising materials.
Ceva will offer tailored support for the companys growth,
as well as assisting in the development of complex activities over
the product categories that LA covers.
This operation will take place at Cevas site at Scarmagno,
Turin, which specialises in fashion.
Source: Logistics Manager
8th
December
FedEx up 2010 charges
FedEx will increase the standard list rates for FedEx Ground and
FedEx Home Delivery by an average of 4.9% for 2010.
FedEx SmartPost rates also will change.
FedEx previously announced that it would increase shipping rates
for FedEx Express by an average of 5.9% for US domestic and US export
services also effective 4 January.
T he FedEx Express rate increase will be partially offset by adjusting
the fuel price at which the fuel surcharge begins, reducing the
fuel surcharge by two percentage points.
Additional adjustments will also be made to the FedEx Express and
FedEx Ground fuel surcharge tables.
Source: FedEx
8th
December
French haulage workers strike over wages
Five unions have called on the 500,000 workers employed in Frances
road freight sector to strike for an undefined period from 13 December
over demands for increased salaries.
The action is likely to target distribution hubs supplying temperature-controlled
goods to supermarkets in the run-up to Christmas, rather than blockading
roads and fuel depots, which were features of previous disputes.
Employer trade body the TLF recently offered a pay rise of 3%, which
was rejected.
The road haulage federation, FNTR, has not offered any increase,
arguing that its members are in no position to do so, not only as
a result of recession, but also because of proposed new French taxes
relating to HGVs and CO2 emissions.
"A strike must be avoided at all costs," Transport Minister
Dominique Bussereau told French radio, adding that he thought some
of the salary demands lodged by the unions were justified.
Bussereau has been in in talks with employer groups and had arranged
a meeting with union representatives for today (7 December).
Source: IFW
8th
December
City Link cleans up with shower deal
Shower manufacturer Triton has signed a deal worth more than £150,000
a year with City Link for the national distribution of customer
parcels and the delivery of extended warranty mailings.
The contract follows a three-month trial period.
Graham Neve, general manager in service at Triton, said: We
had been using another delivery company until recently but they
underwent a major restructure. Following this we felt that some
of our service requirements were not being met.
For us, it is not about price and who is the cheapest. City
Link had many strong selling points, not least its track and trace
system. This has proven to be a tremendous help to us as when we
have customers on the phone asking where their delivery is we can
now give them the answer almost immediately.
* Elsewhere, City Link has signed a three-year framework agreement
with Fraikin to replace its entire fleet of 222 double-deck box
trailers with a new double dropframe curtainside trailer.
This replacement programme will allow City Link to fine tune its
hub and spoke operation using 236 purpose-built Don Burr trailers.
Phil Duckworth, operations director at City Link, said: Switching
to curtainsiders allows us to use larger cages which can be loaded
and unloaded exclusively by forklift truck.
In comparison with our existing box trailers this will cut
loading times by around 70 per cent, whilst also delivering further
health and safety improvements as staff will no longer have to manually
roll the cages on and off the trailers by hand.
The trailer delivery has been split into two phases, with delivery
of an initial batch of 80 trailers due to be completed by the end
of the year.
A further 156 new trailers will be built and delivered into service
by Fraikin during 2010.
Fraikin will also be responsible for servicing and maintenance as
part of the new contract hire agreement. This will include the provision
of tyres and comprehensive breakdown support.
Fraikin has also taken over the fleet management responsibility
for 119 trailers previously maintained by another supplier.
All of the double-deck box trailers being de-fleeted during 2009
and 2010 will be prepared for sale by Fraikin's in-house used asset
team, with trailers ranging in age from two to six years.
Source: Logistics Manager
7th
December
TNT announce strategy Vision 2015
TNT has published Vision
2015 a strategy that sees further stabilisation in its trading
environment. Key points include:
-Vision 2015 focuses TNTs activities on Day-Definite Delivery
Services globally and Mail Services in the Netherlands.
- In the Day-Definite Delivery Services four focus areas are defined:
European Parcels; Freight; Special Delivery Solutions and Emerging
Platforms. All areas offer attractive profitable growth opportunities.
- Mail NL will focus on cash flow, cost adjustment and business
renewal in a sharply declining market. European Mail Networks will
realise and free up its value through partnerships and sale.
- Starting from a cautious 2010 economic recovery assumption, the
Vision 2015 ambitions are translated into clear and attractive financial
objectives.
Source: TNT
7th
December
Fortec strengthens bond with Geodis Calberson
Pallet distribution
network Fortec Pallet has unveiled a new corporate logo in order
to strengthen the link with its parent company Geodis Calberson.
Along with the green colour scheme Fortec Pallet also has a new
slogan: Delivering every step of the way.
Neil Hodgson, newly appointed managing director of the Fortec Pallet
Distribution Network, said: We can benefit from synergies
under the Geodis Calberson banner and are committed to a new sales
and marketing approach under this closer working relationship which
will see Fortec go from strength to strength.
Source: Logistics Manager
4th
December
Mandelson gives Post Office a boost
The UK government is promoting new financial products and services
that could be offered via the Post Office, ranging from a business
account to childrens savings, reports Press Association.
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said growing financial services
would help secure the future of the postal network, which has suffered
a wave of closures in recent years.
A public consultation was launched on the type of products that
could be offered.
It included: a Post Office Current Account, accessible from any
of the 11,500 branches across the UK; a Childrens Savings
Account, designed to encourage children to save through their local
post office; a Business Bank Account; and a Weekly Budgeting Account,
offering a simple account to low income households so bills could
be paid by direct debit every month or quarter.
Lord Mandelson said: Growing financial services at the Post
Office will help secure the future of the network and give people
access to a full range of banking products at an institution they
trust and value.
At a time when some banks and financial services companies
are seeking to reduce face-to-face contact with customers, the Post
Office stands out. It offers a trusted brand, and has more branches
than the high street banks combined. It is ideally placed to bring
banking services back to the heart of peoples communities.
Our consultation outlines exciting proposals, but I want people
to have their say. This is an opportunity for local communities
to tell us what they want and need from their Post Office.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said at the Labour Party conference
in September that he wanted a bigger role for post offices in providing
financial services aimed at increasing access to reliable financial
products for consumers and small businesses.
The announcement will be welcomed by business groups and trade unions,
which have been campaigning for a Peoples Bank to help secure
the future of the UKs post offices.
Source: Press Association
3rd
December
Royal Mail launch DM Sale
Royal Mail has announced the UKs first-ever DM Sale
to help advertisers who use direct mail to try new campaign tactics.
A discount of 20% will be available on new or additional mailings
in March and April 2010.
The initiative is designed to encourage advertisers who dont
use direct mail to test it as a stand alone activity or as part
of an integrated campaign as well as enabling existing DM users
to try different campaign tactics during the two-month period and
maximise the use of their data.
The announcement follows recent research carried out by media agency
group OMG, on behalf of Royal Mail, that showed direct mails
ability to improve the performance of other marketing activities,
with digital campaigns seeing a 62% increase in payback when combined
with direct mail.
The study also revealed direct mail as the only advertising channel
to show an increase in response rates in the first half of 2009.
Mark Thomson, media director at Royal Mail, said: Advertisers
and agencies alike are under pressure to deliver more for less.
Most media channels are being underpinned with incentives including
short-term price deals, value-added offers and shared risk opportunities
and this initiative is a new approach for Royal Mail.
We want advertisers who do not use direct mail to discover
for themselves the benefits of a mail campaign either on its own
or in combination with other marketing activities. The DM Sale will
also enable existing direct mail users to make the most of their
data and reach a wider audience than they would ordinarily target.
The DM Sale offer will offer a 20% discount on new or additional
Mailsort 3 letter volumes. It is also available for Royal Mails
Sustainable Mail product, which is already priced up to 4.7% lower
than normal Mailsort prices for mailings that meet environmental
standards.
Advertisers wishing to take advantage of the mail sale will be required
to complete their application by March 19 2010. The offer applies
to any organisation willing to increase direct mail volumes above
normal levels for March and April 2010 compared to previous years.
Source: Royal Mail
3rd
December
UPS opens door to the world
UPS Canada has formally opened a $70m expansion of its Toronto distribution
centre.
Scott Davis, chairman and CEO of UPS, and Mike Tierney, president
of UPS Canada, presided over the official opening of the newly expanded
463,024-square-foot facility, the equivalent to about eight football
fields. The enlarged door to the world more than doubles
UPSs package processing capacity to facilitate international
commerce between Canadian businesses and their overseas counterparts.
In opening the expanded facility, Davis noted it might seem strange
that UPS would invest $70m in the middle of the worst recession
in recent history.
But theres a simple answer, the CEO continued.
UPS sees the same kind of possibilities in Canada that we
saw more than 30 years ago when it began operations here. What we
see is amazing potential - a strong and resilient Canadian economy,
the unstoppable force of global commerce and a nation of companies
ready to emerge stronger from the recession into a new era of global
growth.
UPS broke ground on the expansion of the Toronto hub in 2007, recognising
a growing demand among businesses in Toronto - and Canada as a whole
- to ship goods within the country and to destinations around the
world.
You cant look at this building as a stand-alone facility,
Davis added. Its really part of a global web of air
and ground facilities, freight and airline fleets, warehouses and
retail stores connecting each business to more than 200 countries
and territories around the world.
The expanded Toronto hub is located on Torontos northern border
within the rapidly growing city of Vaughan, where UPS is the second
largest employer. It will process freight shipments in addition
to small package volume.
This newly expanded facility will serve as a local economic
driver, creating several hundred jobs for local and regional residents,
said Tierney. In addition, it will contribute to the tax base
and offer the city a state-of-the-art building in line with environmental
standards.
The building includes numerous eco-features, including skylights
for more natural light; an energy management system for climate
control that automatically detects the amount of sunlight in the
building and adjusts the internal temperature accordingly; the expansion
of the propane fueling area to facilitate a broader use of propane
fuel, and a comprehensive storm water management system.
Source: UPS
3rd
December
DHL partner with IATA
DHL Global Forwarding is
partnering with the International Air Transport Association (IATA)
in its global e-freight campaign.
Intended to take the paper out of air cargo, e-freight will continuously
reduce the number of paper documents that DHL Global Forwarding
has to handle with every air cargo shipment.
Of the 30 documents required, 16 are currently being replaced by
electronic messages and the number will rise to 20 by 2010. Airlines
will benefit considerably from this simplification.
DHL Global Forwarding handles more than a third of all international
forwarder-issued e-freight shipments worldwide and introduced E-freight
shipments already in 21 countries, covering 108 Airport locations.
E-Freight allows a shipment to be created by the manufacturer, transmitted
to DHL Global Forwarding via EDI, processed, transmitted to the
air carrier, to destination operations and to customs authorities,
de-consolidated and cleared for delivery in a secure electronic
environment, without the need to produce a single piece of paper.
Despite the current downturn in global shipping activity, DHL Global
Forwarding has invested considerable knowledge, manpower and monetary
resources to be ahead of the learning curve.
This is a future-oriented project, Michael Schaecher,
global head air freight, DHL Global Forwarding, said: We are
fully aware that in five to six years time the airfreight
business will be very different from today, with electronic messages
replacing the multiple handling of documents. E-Freight offers major
advantages for our organisation, our service partners, our highly
valued customers and, last but not least, the environment.
Benefits of the initiative include lower costs, faster service with
reduced cycle times of 24 hours on average, greater reliability
and accuracy due to one-time data entry at the point of origin and
much better visibility in the online track on account of electronic
documentation, which allows for online track and trace functionality.
It also protects the environment by eliminating more than 7,800
tons of paper documents worldwide - the equivalent of eighty Boeing
747 freighters per year. This will allow DHL Global Forwarding,
which has already taken substantial steps to reduce its carbon footprint
as part of the Deutsche Post DHL GoGreen initiative, to further
deliver on its environmental commitments.
The International Air Transport Association welcomes the willingness
of DHL Global Forwarding, as the market leader, to fully embrace
and contribute to the success of this groundbreaking initiative,
said Aleks Popovich, senior vice president, Industry Distribution
and Financial Services, IATA. IATA is an international airline industry
trade group based in Montreal, Canada. Representing over 230 airlines
comprising 93% of scheduled international air traffic, its mission
is to represent, lead and serve the airline industry.
Source: DHL
3rd
December
Maersk and DP World join forces in Peru
DP World Callao and Maersk Line have signed an agreement that will
see the worlds largest shipping line become DP Worlds
cornerstone client at its new facility in the Peruvian port of Callao.
The Terminal Services Agreement will come into effect when DP World
completes development of its 850,000teu-capacity Muelle Sur
facility, scheduled between April and May 2010.
The new terminal will finally provide Peruvian exporters and
importers with the opportunity to reduce costs by accessing an improved
shipping network as well as improved land side logistics,
said Maciek Kwiatkowski, general manager of DP World Callao.
Michael Kaasner Kristiansen, Maersks head of operations for
Latin America, said: Maersk Line is expecting an improved
end-to-end cost for our clients, coupled with berth windows and
higher productivity to deliver unmatched schedule reliability in
the Peruvian market.
Source: IFW
2nd
December
TNT makes urgent appeal to unions
TNT has urged workers unions to reconsider proposals for a
labour deal.
The unions have so far rejected TNTs proposals that include
a 3.5% pay cut, and put forward their own terms, including a 1.5%
pay rise, as negotiations to avoid job cuts and strike action drag
on.
A TNT statement reads as follows:
TNT is surprised and disappointed at the trade unions stance
on the companys collective labour agreement and social plan,
as announced by the unions today.
TNT sees no common ground whatsoever between the unions stance
and the seriousness of the issues faced by TNT Post.
Since 2007, the necessary cost savings have been extensively discussed
with the unions. A recent study by research agency Ecorys, commissioned
by the unions, reconfirmed that far-reaching cost measures are necessary
to maintain the viability of the company.
TNT Post is facing serious challenges in the liberalised postal
market, with price representing a decisive factor in a market that
is free to make its own choices.
Legal provisions are such that TNT Post is unable to lower its rates
below cost price, which is largely determined by labour costs. The
difference in wage costs, ranging from 23 euros per hour at TNT
Post to 8 euros per hour at its competitors, means that TNT Post
cannot simply make drastic cuts to its prices. As a consequence,
from 1 January 2010 almost all Dutch radio and television guides,
totalling over 100m mail items, will be distributed by competitors
of TNT Post.
Recently, lower prices also led the government to contract the delivery
of 70m mail items to the competition. Moreover, postal volumes are
witnessing a strong decline as customers increasingly switch to
digital solutions.
The proposals put forward by the unions will force drastic and rapid
reorganisations resulting in a few thousand compulsory redundancies.
TNT has therefore called on the unions to reconsider their proposals.
TNTs Board of Management wishes to discuss the submitted proposals
and their consequences with the unions chairpersons. Following
this discussion, TNT will enter into negotiations with the unions
whatever their proposal.
In recent years TNT has repeatedly stressed that it favours acceptable
changes to the level of terms and conditions of employment in order
to protect as many jobs as possible and be able to take on the competition.
TNT attaches great importance to providing clarity to its employees
as soon as possible.
Source: TNT
2nd
December
KN wins Ireland pharma certification
Kuehne + Nagel (KN) has become the first company to be awarded the
newly established Good Distribution Practice Passport from Life
Sciences Ireland, an industry grouping within the Irish Exporters
Association.
The voluntary code of practice for pharmaceuticals, chemicals and
biotechnology, was developed by the Irish Exporters Association,
Irish life sciences manufacturers and the Irish Medicines Board.
The GDP standard recognises an increased need for further compliance
and regulatory requirements in the international supply chain.
Source: IFW
2nd
December
Newspaper wins for Ceva Logistics
Ceva Logistics has won a five-year contract to manage UK distribution
for the Telegraph Media Group, and three-year contracts with the
Express and Sport newspaper groups.
Ceva has managed distribution for the Telegraph Media Group, which
publishes the Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph, for more than
20 years. The Express contract was won following a competitive tender.
Steve McLaughlin, director and general manager at Telegraph Media
Group, said: Weve worked with Ceva for 20 years and
view the team as an extension of our own. When a big story breaks
late in the day or overnight, our printing schedule and distribution
timings shift. So its critical for us that our logistics solution
can adapt to cope with changes quickly and at cost.
David Bermingham, managing director, Ceva Newsfast, said: The
publishing sector is facing unprecedented and challenging times
and theres a greater need than ever before for the distribution
supply chain to be responsive. With such a tough operating environment,
publishers are also seeking the most cost effective route to market.
We have clearly demonstrated to these three companies that we can
deliver unrivalled reliability and service excellence in a cost
effective way.
Last month, DHL won the contract to distribute The Sun and The Times
newspapers for Rupert Murdochs News International following
a 12-way competitive pitch.
Source: Logistics Manager
2nd
December
Yamaha Music renews NYK contract
Yamaha Music UK has renewed its contract with NYK Logistics for
the operation of its national distribution centre, handling musical
instruments and audio visual equipment.
Yamaha supplies a wide range of musical instruments to music stars,
as well the general public.
As part of its contract with Yamaha, NYK is responsible for the
dispatch of the companys full range of instruments, ranging
from piccolos to grand pianos, as well as specialist equipment such
as PA systems and mixing desks.
NYK receives orders by electronic data interchange with small items
dispatched by a nominated parcel carrier.
Dedicated vehicles deliver upright and grand pianos, which are transported
on protective shoes then reassembled at dealers by trained delivery
crews.
NYK reworks various mass-market products and handles promotions
and exhibitions, as well as direct deliveries to schools across
the UK.
Source: Logistics Manager
1st
December
KN wins aircraft logistics deal
Premium Aircraft Interiors
Group (PAIG) has appointed Kuehne + Nagel (KN) as its global logistics
partner.
The deal will see the logistics
aspect of PAIGs after-market business for aircraft cabins
outsourced to KN across sea, air and road.
KN said it would install its web-based, supply chain visibility
platform, KN Login, for PAIG and undertake process improvements
and operations reviews for Premium.
Brent Collins, head of global supply chain services at PAIG, commented:
There is a much needed shift to customer responsiveness by
improving operational performance with no impact to cost.
"KN has delivered against this model. Customers are already
seeing the benefits of streamlined reporting and improved physical
logistics processes, which in turn will remove waste from the value
chain and much needed cost in a struggling airline market."
Source: Logistics Manager
1st
December
DHL gets quick return as Paragon software delivers savings
DHL
Supply Chain Non Food Retail has installed an innovative
logistics software solution from Paragon Software Systems that is
set to deliver substantial annual savings while maintaining service
excellence. The system optimises DHLs routing and scheduling
for its Staples office products operation based at Watford Gap.
The software was up and running within eight weeks and is already
producing significant benefits. With such rapid results, DHL says
the software has already paid for itself.
We are very pleased to report significant success with
the Paragon software for our Staples account. The system was installed
and operational in a short space of time thanks to Paragons
support team and the benefits have been immediate, says Craig
Holmes, General Manager, DHL Non Food Retail. Our target is
to reduce our transportation costs by a six figure number in year
one of using the software and then double it going forward.
The system will help us achieve these long-term savings by
producing optimised daily plans with accurate routes and schedules
that will provide savings on fuel and assets. This will also help
us to ensure maximum use of our fleet capacity, giving us the flexibility
to deal with up to 60 store deliveries per day across the UK, plus
supplier returns and waste collections. This all adds up to tremendous
savings for our customer while maintaining our current service levels,
he adds.
DHL selected the software to replace a legacy system, centralising
planning at its Watford Gap national delivery network site. Planning
is performed daily for multi-drop deliveries of six to 10 pallets
per store. These fluctuating loads correspond to consumer demand.
Paragon provides the flexibility and accuracy to enable DHL to quickly
optimise delivery schedules and achieve a minimum 87 per cent load
per vehicle in essence allowing the company to maximise service,
while keeping a tight rein on resources.
Source: E-CourierNews
1st
December
HOME DELIVERY NETWORK RENEWS CONTRACT WITH HOME RETAIL GROUP
Home
Delivery Network Limited (HDN), the UKs largest shared user
home delivery and collection company, is delighted to announce long
term renewal of its contract with Home Retail Group (Argos &
Homebase).
HDNs partnership with the group goes back to its GUS days
and has continually demonstrated its ability to grow and adapt in
a changing market. Introducing new services is fundamental to continued
growth in this competitive arena.
Amongst some of these new services has been the development of SMS
based customer pre-advice of estimated time of delivery, together
with time windows, giving greater customer visibility and control
of the delivery.
Brian Gaunt, chief executive of Home Delivery Network said: Renewing
our contract demonstrates the strength of our relationship with
a leading multi-channel retailer recognised for great value. Key
to growing our customer base is our ability to adapt to an ever
demanding customer with changing requirements.
The renewal of this contract is a positive endorsement of
the work we have undertaken over the last 12 months to improve the
breadth of our service proposition for our customer base.
Speaking on behalf of Home Retail Group, Brian McCarthy, Home Delivery
Director, commented:
Improved customer services, enabling the customer to see and
control their order, is key to a great customer experience. HDN
have demonstrated leadership in enhancing the customer journey whilst
recognising the importance of maintaining a competitive cost base."
Source: HDN