30th
July
Call for community parcel collection points as internet shopping
booms
CONSUMER watchdogs want European-style collection points throughout
the country to end widespread frustration over parcel deliveries.
They would be set up in shopping centres, petrol stations, pubs
and churches under plans put forward by Consumer Focus Scotland
(CFS).
The agency mounted an investigation into parcel delivery services
following an increase in online shopping and t ADVERTISEMENThe use
of companies such as eBay and Amazon. Around 860 million parcels
are being despatched now in the UK every year
This week's CFS report found consumers were concerned that as parcels
were being delivered when they were not at home, they had to undergo
long and time-consuming journeys to retrieve their goods.
It also found that online shoppers in out-of-the-wayareas, particularly
in the Highlands and Islands, are having to fork out to retailers
for higher delivery rates.
The CFS has called for a streamlining of the system retailers have
for charging for deliveries, claiming many firms do not make it
clear which geographical areas will be subject to delays, entail
higher costs or cannot be delivered to at all.
Douglas White of CFS, said: "The purpose of our research was to
look at the experience across Scotland when people order parcels.
This is a growing industry and will continue to grow as broadband
is rolled out across the country and more people shop online.
"The main issues for consumers is how much they will pay, how their
parcel is going to be delivered and the different options for that."
Research in 2007 showed that online purchases were responsible for
around 10 per cent of all retail sales in the UK, a figure expected
to rise to at least 20 per cent this year. However, it is thought
that up to 5.6 million parcels ordered in the run-up to last Christmas
either failed to arrive on time or disappeared altogether.
There are now more than 100 companies delivering parcels for retailers
around Scotland and the watchdog believes that this has made life
tougher for the online shopper.
The CFS report notes that the UK parcel delivery system "usually
requires a customer to be at home to receive the parcel being delivered
to them" and the parcel delivery industry had been "slow to develop
consumer-friendly solutions".
However, it has commended firms who have set up local delivery "hubs"
which hold parcels for collection, and those who send online shoppers
a text message telling them when a delivery will be made.
One firm, Parcel Park, which is based in Hertfordshire, has established
200 "agents" across the UK, including sites in Glasgow, Dundee,
Perth and Brechin, who agree to host collection points.
The firm charges each customer - who receives a text message and
e-mail telling them that their delivery has arrived safely - £1
per parcel stored, while Parcel Pack also pays the "community recipients".
The postal watchdog's report also highlighted Packstation, run by
Deutsche Post in Germany, which has set up 1,500 24-hour automated
booths across the country.
Around 90 per cent of Germany's population is able to access a Packstation
within ten minutes of their home.
Source: Scotsman
29th
July
City Link acquires Appleton Thorn unit
City Link has acquired a new 67,811 sq ft industrial unit at the
Appleton Thorn trading estate in Warrington, advised by DTZ.
The express delivery company bought the former MFI distribution
warehouse after it underwent an £800,000 refurbishment.
The Appleton Thorn unit is close to Junction 20 of the M6. Other
occupants on the site include TDG, Kuehne + Nagel, Eddie Stobart
and DPD.
Following the acquisition, City Link appointed DTZ to sell two of
its former units: a 30,517 sq ft warehouse at Speke Approach, Widnes
and a 21, 830 sq ft unit at Barleycastle Lane, Appleton Thorn.
Source: City Link
29th
July
FedEx increases earnings outlook
FedEx expects earnings to be in the range of $1.05 to $1.25 per
diluted share for the first quarter ending August 31, up 81% to
116% from $0.58 per diluted share a year ago.
The company’s previous guidance for the quarter was $0.85 to $1.05
per diluted share.
For the full year, FedEx expects earnings per diluted share of $4.60
to $5.20, up from $4.40 to $5.00, which reflects the current market
outlook for fuel prices and a continued moderate recovery in the
global economy.
The company reported earnings of $3.76 per diluted share last year.
“Our revenue and earnings growth are exceeding original expectations,
primarily due to better-than-expected growth in FedEx Express and
FedEx Ground volumes,” said Alan B. Graf Jr., FedEx Corp. executive
vice president and chief financial officer. ”Our package volume
growth rates in our first quarter are continuing at a pace similar
to our fourth quarter.
“Of particular benefit to our earnings is the continued strong demand
for our higher-margin FedEx International Priority (IP) package
and freight services, with IP package volumes expected to grow more
than 20% again this quarter. Customers are favorably responding
to our superior service offerings, the capabilities of our unparalleled
global network and the best-in-market cut-off times we now offer
from numerous points in Asia,” he added.
With the improved outlook, FedEx is also planning to fully restore
the company match for 401(k) plans at all FedEx companies effective
January 1, 2011. The cost of this restoration is included in the
company’s earnings outlook.
FedEx will release the details of its first quarter results on September
16, 2010.
Source: FedEx
29th
July
Logistics sales pick up for Norbert Dentressangle
Logistics sales started
to grow again in the second quarter for Norbert Dentressangle, according
to revenue figures for the first half of 2010.
Owing to the recession, the first quarter’s revenue was down 3.8
per cent on the same period in 2009, however sales in the second
quarter of 2010 picked up to match those of last year.
The overall logistics sales for the first half of 2010 was £500
million compared to £505 million for the same period of 2009.
The freight forwarding service launched at the beginning of the
year, matched expectations, generating sales of £1.6 million.
Transport sales grew by 7.3 per cent, at £683 million across the
first six months of 2010.
Source: Logistics Manager
28th
July
Royal Mail promises service innovation with cloud computing
Royal Mail is going down the cloud computing route with the aim
of transforming its online services, reducing web site IT costs
and supporting diversification into new web-based business opportunities.
It has awarded Capgemini UK a six year contract to provide IT support
for the initiative.
Royal Mail is likely to expand services for personal and small to
medium business customers, as well as innovative parcel delivery
services to meet the demands of online shopping.
‘Once the migration is complete, we will be paying for the IT we
need as and when we need it, so that we can for the first time bring
our IT costs firmly in line with revenues. Capgemini’s services
integrator and ecosystem model can also provide access via a single
point of contact to a wide range of reliable and pre-vetted IT providers,
services and facilities” said Stuart Curley, Royal Mail’s chief
technology architect.
The contract will cover use of Capgemini’s Infostructure Transformation
Services (ITS) and Capgemini Immediate, its cloud computing solution.
ITS is a global service line which enables clients to address the
fundamental design, build and running of their informational structure.
Capgemini Immediate enables an ‘ecosystem’ of third party IT suppliers
to provide services seamlessly within the overall solution, with
Capgemini acting as services integrator and prime contractor.
Source: Logistics Manager
27th
July
Nightfreight selects NX Framework software
Delivery network Nightfreight has chosen DA Systems’ NX framework
software for its home delivery service.
The NX Framework has been rolled out to all 27 depots and 80 vehicle
crews of the Deliver2home service.
The system automates collection and delivery processes with barcode
scanning via handheld data devices carried by each driver.
Electronic proof of delivery is available to customers, while photo
capture from an Intermec CN50 provides evidence of collection, failed
delivery or package rejection.
The CN50 in-cab device also allows staff to keep up to date with
booking and delivery orders, and updates via a web portal means
all stages of collection and delivery are visible.
Paul Tyson, director of Deliver2home, said: “This will allow us
to offer three hour delivery windows. Measurable financial savings
are expected, not only through instant POD capture, but also via
the automatic collection and delivery barcode verification.”
Source: Logistics Manager
27th
July
37pc sales boost for Geodis
Geodis has seen a 37.1 per cent increase in sales to 3,112.6 million
for the first half of 2010 thanks to a number of recent acquisitions
combined with organic growth.
Significant acquisitions included IBM Global Logisics flow management
platform which has gradually been integrated from March 2009, leading
to the creation of the company’s Supply Chain optimisation Division.
Other notable acquisitions in clued Giraud International, Cool Jet
Sealogis, STSI, Bertola Servizi Logistici, Chevallier and Ciblex.
Revenue rose 11.7 per cent on a like-for-like basis.
Source: Logistics Manager
26th
July
Fortec Pallet Distribution Network Appoints New Network Operations
and Compliance Director
The Fortec Pallet Distribution Network has appointed Andrew Knowles
as its new Network Operations and Compliance Director.
The move marks a promotion for Andrew who has been at Fortec for
over four years.
In his new role Andrew, who is based at Fortec’s central hub at
Watford Gap, will oversee the service, operation and compliance
of the 65-licensee Network. The role has been specially created
to maintain Fortec’s exemplary service levels and to continue its
level of growth which currently stands at 25 per cent year on year.
As part of this Andrew will work closely with Hub managers and Network
licensees across the UK.
Andrew said : “We are in the midst of exciting times at Fortec.
In the last year we introduced our state-of-the-art Fortrack IT
system, engineered with a whole host of value-added features to
improve our service to customers when making orders, tracking consignments
and obtaining proof of delivery. It also enables our licenses to
scan pallets as they are moved in and out of depots. IT is so fast
moving these days and investment in this system has really improved
our service levels. It is this kind of progression that keeps Fortec
ahead of the game and my main aim is to ensure the business keeps
growing but that standards are maintained.”
Andrew’s personal mission is to strive for excellence in every area
of Fortec’s operation. The company has just become a member of Investors
in Excellence and the importance of achieving excellence in Fortec
has never been greater.
Andrew brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked
in the transport industry for 20 years. Before joining Fortec he
was Regional Director at Target Express, where he worked for 11
years. In the 10 years before that he was at TNT as General Manager.
Neil Hodgson, Managing Director of the Fortec Pallet Distribution
Network, said: “Congratulations to Andrew on this promotion. It
presents an exciting challenge for him and we wish him every success
in this new role.”
Andrew is 47 years old and lives in Nottingham. He is married with
three children aged 21, 18 and six.
Source: E-CourierNews
23rd
July
FedEx spend big on lobbying
FedEx has spent five times more than UPS for lobbying in the second
quarter.
The statistics, from disclosure reports filed with the clerk of
the House of Representatives, were reported by The Commercial Appeal
yesterday (July 22).
The Appeal said that: “FedEx is determined to make sure that this
year’s Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act does
not contain a provision that would make it easier for the International
Brotherhood of Teamsters to organise some of its Express workers.
“It spent $7.04m on that issue and others in the three months ending
June 30. UPS spent $1.28m and the Teamsters spent $405,100.
“The provision, which has passed the House but is not in a Senate
version of the bill, would permit workers who are not required to
be certified by the FAA - like truck drivers - to be subject to
a labor law that governs collective bargaining at the local level.
Right now, those Express employs are under a labor law that requires
a companywide, national contract, and makes it more difficult to
form a union.”
Source: The Commercial Appeal
22nd
July
City Link Wins Prestigious Industry Award
City Link, has been presented with a prestigious industry award
in recognition of its exemplary Customer Care.
The Company beat off strong competition from transport & logistic
companies across the UK to win the Customer Care category in the
annual Motor Transport Awards, the industry Oscars. Hailed as the
major industry event of the year the Awards celebrate major achievements
and recognise innovation, outstanding service, efficiency and quality.
Entrants are judged by an independent panel of experts.
Stuart Godman, Managing Director of City Link, said: “We are delighted
to have been presented with the Motor Transport Customer Care Award.
It is a major accolade and one which recognises our continuing efforts
to deliver a level of service which is best in class.
“We are a Customer centric business and we pride ourselves on our
reputation for delivering a first class service and to this end
we constantly seek new ways in which we can improve the experience
for the benefit of existing and prospective Customers.
“I would like to thank each and every one of our Colleagues at City
Link for their ongoing commitment and loyalty to the Company. It
is their tireless efforts that have helped us win such a prestigious
award.
“Not being a Company to rest on our laurels we will be looking for
ways to build upon our achievements to date, so we can improve our
levels of service even further over the coming years.”
Source: E-CourierNews
21st
June
APC Overnight surges ahead with network expansion
APC Overnight is expanding with significant increases in warehousing
and operational facilities focused on the Midlands and Southern
Counties of England. The UK’s largest next day parcel network reports
that several members have strengthened their operations and services
because of increasing business.
APC EDS Couriers in Cannock is now occupying a new site five times
the size of its previous depot and warehouse. Andy Evans, EDS Courier
MD expects this upward trend to continue and says: “As we come out
of recession, more businesses are sending more parcels at the same
time as holding less stock themselves – and of course they still
require reliable delivery to their customers the next day.”
APC Acclaim Parcel Express is servicing Portsmouth from a new local
depot, adding to its existing businesses in Southampton and the
Isle of Wight. The expansion was partly prompted by rising demand
for stock control and distribution services, in which the company
has significant expertise – especially with imports from the Far
East.
APC Streetwise moved its Warwick operation to a new 10,000 sq ft
site with a half acre loading bay, to accommodate expanding demand
including daily fresh food deliveries to household name restaurateurs
such as Heston Blumenthal and Raymond Blanc. The company also has
facilities in Croydon, Leatherhead and New Malden, and Martin Russell,
MD, says: “Overnight delivery is definitely where the growth is.”
APC Scarlet Couriers has added a new 20,000 sq ft depot to its chain
of facilities serving the Thames Valley and Chilterns. The Wycombe
depot allows it to consolidate warehousing and distribution under
one roof, and connects with existing locations as Martin Cavendish,
Operations Director, explains: “Our Wycombe depot joins up our existing
customer zones to provide APC services all the way from west of
Reading via Slough and Uxbridge through to London’s Shepherds Bush.”
Other depots that have moved to new bigger sites include APC Roadlink,
Bournemouth, APC TWC Parcel Collection Services in Shrewsbury and
APC Eezehaul in Crawley.
Source: APC
20th
July
DHL in the driving seat for new Mercedes-Benz
DHL Global Forwarding has been entrusted with the global distribution
of the new Mercedes-Benz sports car, the AMG SLS Gullwing.
The cars are being forwarded both by sea and by air to 40 destinations
worldwide.
“With our proven expertise in automotive logistics, we also specialise
in the transport of individual extraordinary and high-value cars.
That is why we are very pleased that Daimler entrusted us with the
distribution of their brand new sports car,” said Volker Oesau,
CEO DHL Global Forwarding Central Europe and Global Sponsor Automotive.
“Customers have been awarding DHL these contracts due to our strong
industry network that includes teams of qualified experts. It enables
us to provide quick, reliable and consistently high-quality service
to our customers,” said Charles McGurin, Global Automotive Sector
head, DHL Global Forwarding.
The Automotive Competence Team of DHL Global Forwarding developed
a customised transport concept. A special packaging solution ensures
that the precious collectors’ vehicles can be loaded safely and
efficiently as ocean and airfreight shipments. To start with, the
sports cars are picked up at the production site of the car manufacturer
in southern Germany.
Those vehicles that are not forwarded to their final destinations
directly can be stored temporarily in a secure area of the DHL Automotive
Competence Center (ACC) in Frankfurt. The ACC is responsible for
the steering of operations and the global distribution of every
single Mercedes-Benz Gullwing in coordination with the regional
DHL Competence Centres. To provide all parties with full visibility
of every step of the whole transport process, all the relevant delivery
data are fed into the customer’s track and trace system, where 24/7
online access to the data is ensured.
Source: DHL
19th
July
DPD scores hat-trick at Motor Transport Awards!
At Thursday night's Motor Transport Awards attended by 1,500 guests,
DPD won an outstanding three awards, collecting the following accolades:
1.Innovation of the Year
2.Best Use of Technology
3.Fleet Van Operator of the Year
DPD won more trophies on the night than any other express delivery
company at an event that is widely recognised as the 'Oscars' of
our industry. All three of our winning entries focused on the success
of our ground-breaking Predict service.
CEO Dwain McDonald says: "I am delighted with these three wins which
are independent endorsement of our excellence. The judges clearly
recognised that, as our strapline suggests, technology really does
deliver benefits for our customers. My thanks to all employees who
contributed to this fantastic achievement which further differentiates
our offering in this extremely competitive market."
Source: E-CourierNews
16th
July
Emo extends Norbert contract
Emo Oil has signed a two-year contract extension with Norbert Dentressangle.
The company, which supplies a range of lubricants and products such
as red diesel and kerosene, operates throughout the UK selling Shell-branded
oil products to automotive, commercial, industrial and agricultural
customers.
The Transport Services division of Norbert Dentressangle provides
storage and pick and pack from its warehouse facility in Northampton.
Palletised orders are then distributed through its shared-user operation,
while a nominated parcel carrier ships small consignments.
Receipts and orders are pre-advised electronically via a direct
Emo Oil interface with Norbert Dentressangle’s ULTIMA warehouse
management system.
All stock is managed on a first in first out (FIFO) basis, with
around 12,500 next day deliveries being made each year distributing
more than six million litres of oil products.
Mick Filaitis, lubricant distribution manager at Emo Oil, said:
“Centralising our warehousing and utilising Norbert Dentressangle’s
transport network, rather than working with a pallet network group,
has provided us with significant efficiencies and costs savings.
Equally importantly, the streamlined operation has enhanced our
national distribution service to all our customers.”
Norbert Dentressangle also offers additional services, including
the dispatch of packed fuels to companies using plant machinery
and bulk deliveries of automotive engine oil, transported in intermediate
bulk containers to garages and service stations – fully trained
drivers decant the oil into customers’ storage facilities.
Returns management is also handled; Norbert Dentressangle has developed
an integrated IT system enabling delivery notes to be printed with
the correct branding.
Emo Oil is able to track orders using Norbert Dentressangle's SHARP
(Shipment Handling and Reporting Program) technology, which allows
the management team to monitor deliveries across the shared-user
network.
Source: Logistics Manager
15th
July
New Palletways Member For North Oxfordshire
Palletways has appointed Reason Transport to be its representative
in North Oxfordshire, covering Bicester, Witney and Banbury.
Alan Reason, Managing Director of Reason Transport, said: “We will
offer a cost effective, express palletised freight solution to businesses
across a large part of North Oxfordshire. We will achieve this by
consolidating different customers’ goods on the same vehicle, which
maximises vehicle utilisation and thereby offers both financial
and environmental benefits.”
Source: E-CourierNews
15th
July
Royal Mail extends parcel pick-up times with evening opening
Royal Mail is adding almost a quarter of a million extra hours a
year to the opening times of its busiest delivery offices to make
it even easier for people to receive items they have ordered online
or from a catalogue.
The £2.6 million investment will see the hours of around 650 delivery
offices - almost half of Royal Mail’s UK-wide network of 1,400 sites
- extended to 8pm on Wednesday evenings and 2pm on Saturdays to
make the collection of items even more convenient for people who
are not at home during the day.
Tomorrow (Wednesday 14 July), more than 200 delivery offices will
open their doors until 8pm and around 350 offices will join the
programme later in the summer. This follows a successful trial at
100 delivery offices in May.
Mike Brown, Royal Mail’s Fulfilment Director, said: "The majority
of items ordered online are delivered first time but this investment
by Royal Mail will help people who are not at home during the day
to receive their item in cases where it is too big to go through
the letterbox or needs a signature."
He added: "With online sales continuing to grow, this initiative
demonstrates our determination to develop products and services
that help both retailers and their customers have greater choice
and control over the delivery of items."
The investment in extended opening hours builds on the choices already
available to people who are not at home when delivery is attempted.
Customers can arrange a redelivery to their home or a neighbour
via www.royalmail.com/redelivery or ask for items to be taken to
a Post Office® branch, through a service called Local Collect. Royal
Mail Tracked®, a new service recently launched by Royal Mail, also
enables retailers to give their shoppers the ability to specify
an alternative safe and secure delivery point, such as a porch or
neighbour, should they not be at home when delivery was attempted.
David Smith, Managing Director of IMRG, the industry body for online
retailing, said: "As a result of the close partnership between Royal
Mail and the online retail industry, shoppers now have more control
over the delivery of their items than ever before.
"More than half the UK adult population now shops online and this
latest initiative provides even greater choice and convenience for
them. It will help support even greater satisfaction levels and
deliver an even more positive online shopping experience consumers."
Commenting on the extension of Royal Mail opening hours, Clare Gilmartin,
MD of eBay UK said: "Flexible delivery options are hugely important
to the digital economy as more and more people choose to shop online
or via a mobile shopping app for the convenience it provides.
"Online businesses equally rely on dependable and flexible delivery
services to maintain a good reputation and retain the loyalty of
customers. The majority of the 140,000 businesses that sell via
eBay use Royal Mail as their delivery provider and the extended
opening hours announced today will be welcomed by the small and
medium sized online business community."
Source: E-CourierNews
14th
July
PALL-EX CEO HONOURED FOR CONTRIBUTION TO BUSINESS
– Hilary Devey awarded honorary degree by University of Leicester
–
Pall-Ex CEO and entrepreneur Hilary Devey has been recognised for
her contribution to business in Leicestershire with an honorary
degree from the University of Leicester.
Hilary – who founded the UK’s number one network for the distribution
of palletised freight in 1996 – was presented with her degree of
Doctor of Laws by the University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir
Robert Burgess at a graduation ceremony on Tuesday 13 July.
Over the past 14 years, Hilary has transformed Pall-Ex from a one-woman,
one-truck operation to a multi-million pound business with more
than 100 depot locations across the UK, a purpose-built £12million
hub in Leicestershire and a regional hub situated in Cumbria.
She said: “It’s a real privilege to be recognised by the University
of Leicester with an honorary degree for which I am tremendously
grateful.
“The university is an immensely forward-thinking, innovative learning
institution which achieves excellent results through challenging
conventional boundaries – and we share a similar approach to our
business at Pall-Ex, always looking at new ways to grow and prosper.”
Hilary’s triumphs include the 2007 Ernst & Young UK Entrepreneur
Award, NatWest Everywoman of the Year in 2008 and Vitalise Business
Woman of the Year in 2004 and 2008.
In 2009 Hilary made history as the first ever woman to be presented
with the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport’s most prestigious
award, The Sir Robert Lawrence Award.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, Professor Sir Robert
Burgess said: “We are delighted to honour such a distinguished group
of people, some of whom have worked closely with the University
while others have brought distinction to the region and in their
various fields. All of them are an inspiration to our students.”
Source Pall-Ex
13th
July
TNT Post UK to increase workforce by 20pc
TNT Post plans to increase its workforce by 20 per cent by the end
of 2010, as well as expanding its Iver hub, opening a facility in
Northern Ireland and beginning the search for a new central distribution
centre.
As part of its investment programme for 2010, the company is also
set to invest more than £3 million in sorting and processing machinery,
customer relationship management and new facilities.
New roles will be introduced across the business, including client
managers, administrative and operational staff in postal depots,
and positions within the national van fleet.
TNT Post currently has five regional offices and six depots in the
UK, but is on the hunt for a central distribution hub to help improve
operational efficiency and further increase capacity.
Additionally, it is set to increase the size of its Iver hub in
Buckinghamshire by 40,000 sq ft.
TNT Post’s new hub in Northern Ireland will become fully operational
in the autumn, following trials of its service over the past six
months.
The company began operations in the UK six years ago and has expanded
from handling 300 million items in its first full year to 2.66 billion
items during 2009.
Nick Wells, chief executive of TNT Post in the UK, said: “We are
dedicated to continued growth and strength of service offering,
which can only be realised by a fully liberated postal market; a
position we hope to see come true through changes to the unfair
VAT rules which will ensure a level playing field with Royal Mail.”
Source: Logistics Manager
13th
July
Ceva wins five-year European pharma deal in Belgium
Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceutica has selected
Ceva Logistics to manage its European distribution centre.
The two companies have signed a letter of intent to enter into a
five-year deal which will see Ceva providing a range of warehousing
services at Janssen’s site in La Louvière.
The 322,917 sq ft greenfield warehouse will store some 4,000 pharmaceutical
products, both human and veterinary, which will be distributed to
customers across Europe, as well as affiliates across the world.
The new site will be managed together with the company’s existing
distribution centre for medical devices in Courcelles, by a shared
management team.
Source: Logistics Manager
12th
July
Siemens joins DHL Innovation Initiative
Siemens has become a global partner of the DHL Innovation Initiative
and from now on will support DHL with comprehensive know-how and
state-of-the-art technologies.
The driving force of this initiative is the DHL Solutions & Innovations
(DSI) unit, which is responsible for all the Group’s research projects
and innovations in the global DHL network. The two partners identified
the development of integrated transport solutions and the freshly
launched Megacities Program as first areas of cooperation.
“With Siemens, we have found a partner who shares our vision of
future-oriented concepts and ideas and whose competence will further
strengthen our initiative. Since both companies operate on a global
scale, the partnership will open up many opportunities for synergies
in the various markets,” said Petra Kiwitt, head of DHL Solutions
& Innovations.
Siemens and DHL want to further improve the performance of the SmartTruck,
the intelligent delivery vehicle that is already run by DHL in Berlin,
by using intelligent traffic management systems as part of a dynamic
route planning. To help achieve this, the two partners currently
test in practice the integration of the Traffic Management Centers
managed by Siemens, which the technology group uses to collect and
analyse traffic data and information.
This data could help to further improve the route planning of the
DHL SmartTruck. Moreover, a concept for the integration of mobile
Optical Character Recognition (OCR) scanning components is being
developed to help speed up sorting processes and thus make routing
preparation easier.
“We are connected with Deutsche Post DHL through a very successful
partnership of many years. Current proof of this partnership is
the distribution of the latest generation of sorting machines for
standard mail and larger mail items. We look forward to helping
Deutsche Post DHL make their vision a reality by leveraging our
technological innovations,” said Dr. Stefan Keh, head of Infrastructure
Logistics of Siemens Mobility.
The second focus area of the re-launched cooperation concerns the
planning of future logistics scenarios for fast growing conurbations,
the so-called mega cities. These cities currently emerge most of
all in South America and Asia and already today call for the development
of new transport and logistics concepts.
Source: DHL
9th
July
PALL-EX GAINS ANOTHER FIRST WITHIN PALLET INDUSTRY
- Network awarded scope extension certification -
The UK’s leading palletised freight network has become the first
in its sector to achieve a network wide ISO 9001:2008 certification.
Pall-Ex received the initial ISO 9001 series certification in 2003
and by working closely with BM TRADA certification, they have maintained
this international standard and are now the first and only pallet
network to offer a joint ‘mark of quality’ for all members operating
within the network.
This accolade means that all members collecting and delivering on
behalf of Pall-Ex will now be covered by the quality standard.
Anand Assi, Pall-Ex projects director said: “We are thrilled to
have delivered a further sector leading initiative at Pall-Ex and
in doing so, we are able to offer additional value for our membership.
“This achievement clearly demonstrates our innovative ethos and
emphasises the strength of each of our members in working to Pall-Ex’s
operational policies and practices.
“Together with our unified and committed drive for continual improvement
across the network this extended certification aims to help us take
the leading position in benchmarking our standards of quality. The
ISO:9001:2008 certification is recognised and respected throughout
the world and will further differentiate Pall-Ex from our competitors
and help our members to retain and win customers.”
Source: Pall-Ex
8th
July
Hilary Devey to receive honorary degree
Hilary Devey, the founder and CEO of Pall-Ex, is to be awarded an
honorary degree by the University of Leicester.
In recognition for her achievements with Pall-Ex, she will be made
a Doctor of Laws in a ceremony at De Montfort Hall, later this month.
She said: “I am absolutely thrilled to receive this honorary degree
from the University of Leicester and will do my utmost to promote
the region both nationally and in Europe… I started Pall-Ex in Leicestershire
14 years ago and it is now a multi million pound company and leader
in its field. Pall-Ex is one of the largest employers in Leicestershire,
the skilled workforce from the locality has greatly impacted on
the company's success and the support I have received from the local
community has been much appreciated.”
Other honorands will include figures from business, industry, academia
and the media, such as broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan.
Source: Logistics Manager
7th
July
City Link opens two regional hubs
City Link has invested more than £2 million in two new regional
hubs; a 67,000 sq ft facility in Warrington and a 50,000 sq ft site
in Peterborough.
The increased capacity will enable City Link to enhance services
to existing and new customers in these regions.
City Link has other regional hubs at Heathrow, Bristol, Coventry
and Glasgow.
More than 50 jobs have been created across both sites.
Source: Logistics Manager
6th
July
UPS expands Carbon Neutral Shipping
UPS has expanded its carbon neutral shipping programme to 35 countries
and territories across Europe, Asia and the Americas.
Millions more UPS customers now have the option of paying a small
fee to calculate and offset the carbon emissions associated with
their shipments.
UPS charges a small flat fee which varies from country to country,
and will depend on the type of service selected and the origin and
destination of the shipment.
The carbon offset process is certified by The Carbon Neutral Company.
Measurements of emissions are based on Greenhouse Gas Protocol.
Countries where the service is available include: Austria, Belgium,
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
Source: Logistics Manager
5th
July
Pomlett becomes Stobart professor of logistics at Cumbria
Leigh Pomlett, Ceva’s executive vice president for the UK, Ireland
and the Nordics, has been appointed Stobart professor of logistics
at the University of Cumbria.
The university awards the title of “visiting professor” to practitioners
or academics to recognise the exceptional contribution they have
made to their discipline. As visiting professor in logistics and
supply chain management, Pomlett will help the course team develop
the university’s logistics courses and build links with businesses
across many sectors.
Leigh Pomlett and Andrew Tinkler.
Pomlett joined Ceva in July last year and before that he was chief
executive of DHL Supply Chain Mainland Europe. He said: “I look
forward to working with the logistics course team at the University
of Cumbria and helping to build partnerships with industry to benefit
both the university and the student experience.”
The post will be funded by Stobart Group which has been involved
in the development of the university’s logistics activities since
their inception. Andrew Tinkler, chief executive of Stobart Group
said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the Stobart Group to
work with Leigh to help deliver the next generation of young people
for our industry. We are passionate about what we do and the breadth
of opportunities that this industry offers both young men and young
women in creating sustainable jobs in Cumbria and beyond.”
Source: Logistics Manager
2nd
July
UK Mail joins Eurodis network
UK Mail has joined the European distribution network Eurodis, as
a shareholder, in a strategic new agreement designed to extend service
offerings to brand new markets overseas.
The alliance will allow UK Mail to provide its parcels and palletised
goods customers with the range of delivery solutions that they enjoy
in the UK, across Europe. UK Mail will exclusively provide collection
and delivery services for the UK and Ireland and the linehaul that
connects it to the Eurodis network.
The Eurodis consortium consists of key shareholders including Sernam
in France, trans-o-flex Logistics Group in Germany and Benelux,
Redur in Spain and Portugal, as well as Osterreichische Post AG
who further strengthen the network with its parcel and logistics
subsidiaries, mainly in South Eastern Europe - all working together
as one network. All the shareholders come together as a network
of organisations who are recognised operators in their own domestic
markets.
UK Mail is no stranger to forming strategic alliances with strong
international logistics providers to ensure that it can offer its
UK customer base delivery solutions across the continent.
UK Mail’s CEO and now vice chairman of the Eurodis Supervisory Board,
Guy Buswell said: “In times of globalisation, no logistics company
will be able to fulfill customers’ requirements without being connected
to a powerful international network.”
Both businesses were committed to ensuring the international exchange
of goods between network partners and achieved this via the installation
of a new IT-platform for data exchange, in April of this year. The
system facilitates the distribution and conversion of shipment and
status data on standardised interfaces allowing for a high degree
of transparency amongst customers and partners alike. This real
time track and trace service not only provides name, date and time
of delivery but also provides online signatures for all partners.
In addition, UK Mail customers can continue to work with the system
that they are used to whilst receiving information on their international
shipments.
Carsten Siebe, managing director of Eurodis GMBH says: “We see this
partnership as a giant leap in continuous service and international
tracking for our customers in today’s fast-paced global economy.”
Source: UK Mail
2nd
July
UPS launches luggage alternative
The UPS Store has launched three luggage shipping alternatives,
including a new luggage box that takes the place of a suitcase,
to help reduce hassles of long lines, security searches and increasing
baggage fees.
“Not having to carry a suitcase while traveling is a great convenience.
Even better is luggage awaiting your arrival at a destination or
hotel,” said John Minetola, The UPS Store franchisee from Wyoming,
Pa. “You can ship your luggage as is; place it in a box for shipment,
or at select locations purchase a luggage box, eliminating the need
for a suitcase altogether.”
When shipped UPS Ground service, the luggage box is competitively
priced with the airlines’ baggage fees, especially when compared
to the major airlines, many of which are charging well over $100
for comparable baggage. Additionally, members of the Automobile
Association of America (AAA) can receive a 15% discount off the
full retail price of The UPS Store eligible products and services
and five percent off domestic US UPS shipping costs.
The new luggage box comes as the AAA predicts an increase in summer
travel this year.
Source: UPS
1st
July
Kuehne + Nagle opens hub in Latvia
Kuehne + Nagle has opened a distribution centre in Sauriesi, near
Riga, Latvia as its central hub for the Baltic region.
The building will accommodate the Latvian head office, and is situated
in the geographical centre of the Baltic region with airport and
road connections.
The hub provides 14,000 ssq m of warehousing space, with cross docking
capability and office space. Kuehne + Nagle have invested in heightened
security for the high value goods of customers in the high- tech
and FMCG industries.
National manager, Karlis Soika, said: “The new distribution centre
will enable Kuehne + Nagel to better serve the increasing demand
for integrated contract logistics solutions in the Baltic States
and further raise the efficiency of our processes.”
Source: Logistics Manager
30th
June
DHL 5,000 euro prize for innovation
DHL is looking for innovative
logistics ideas and is offering a prize of 5,000 euros for the winner
in its 2010 Innovation Award scheme.
The scheme is now in its third year and the company is after forward-looking
logistics solutions under the theme of "Space for Solutions".
The focus of the 2010 Award is on "innovative young scientists",
but employees and companies as well as development partners are
also encouraged to submit entries.
"We need creative ideas to enable logistics to meet the requirements
of tomorrow," said Petra Kiwitt, head of DHL Solutions & Innovations.
DHL said that creative solutions focused on customer needs have
the best chance of winning. “It is a prerequisite to not only present
the theoretical approach but to also provide some first assumptions
on the market potential of the solution. The submission of a business
plan will increase the chances of winning. A panel of experts from
R&D, politics and business will evaluate the entries.”
The deadline for entries is 31 July and the winner will be announced
at the end of 2010.
Source: E-CourierNews
30th
June
Yodel wins parcel distribution contract with JP Boden & Co.
Yodel, the UK’s second-largest parcel delivery business, is pleased
to announce it has won a new three-year contract with JP Boden &
Co. Ltd, one of the fastest growing and most innovative names in
online fashion retailing.
The contract was won due to Yodel’s service offering which provides
greater choice of customer delivery options than other parcel carriers,
as well as an unrivalled use of technology providing delivery information
to Boden customers at home.
Christine Key, Sales Director of Yodel, said: “We are delighted
to have been chosen by Boden to be their new parcel delivery carrier.
We are pleased that they recognise the breadth and depth of our
service offering and are proud to be able to add them to our existing
roster of great clients.”
Julian Granville, Managing Director of Boden said, “We are delighted
to sign up with Yodel as we have great confidence that this will
help us deliver our parcels faster to our customers."
The financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Source: Yodel
29th
June
BMW parts win for Ceva
BMW Italia has brought in Ceva to run the BMW and MINI parts operation
at its new Dealer Metro Distribution Centre, which supports dealers
in Lombardy and Piedmont.
Under the three year contract, Ceva will carry out up to three shipments
to each dealer, per day.
Source: Logistics Manager
29th
June
K+N to handle logistics for Algerian plant construction
Engineering group SNC-Lavalin has chosen Kuehne + Nagel to handle
logistics services for its £657m project with Sonatrach, Algeria’s
national oil and gas company.
Sonatrach’s gas treatment complex is being built in Rhourde Nouss
in the Sahara desert, 750 miles south east of Algiers, to collect
raw gas at different gas fields and includes a natural gas processing
facility.
The project is expected to be completed in early 2012. The agreement
between Kuehne + Nagel and SNC-Lavalin covers the logistics services
for the construction material and equipment in connection with the
project, originating from different locations in Europe, Asia and
North America.
Kuehne + Nagel is delivering the services in cooperation with its
Tunisian partner SMTI – Transport & Logistics, a leading contractor
for project services and heavy haulage operations in the Maghreb
region.
Source: Logistics Manager
29th
June
Home delivery failure costs soar to £1 billion
Home delivery failures are costing around £1 billion a year according
to the Interactive Media in Retail Group (IMRG) report “Valuing
Home Delivery”. The report says the cost of delivery failure is
almost a three-way split among carriers/logistics providers, consumers
and retailers. The inefficiencies add £1.45 in total costs for each
transaction.
The compounded cost to the retailer is much higher – as much as
£9.54 for each failed delivery. Lost business, however, is a staggering
£77.82. Carriers lose over £6 for each undeliverable consignment.
Consumers are paying the lions’ share of the total bill of £22.68.
These costs are even higher for failed deliveries of larger, bulkier
items requiring specialist delivery such as furniture and electrical
goods.
Other interesting findings from the IMRG report highlight the importance
of delivery success to the consumer. Forty-three per cent say that
delivery experience influences their choice of retailer. Also, poor
delivery performance has resulted in nearly 40 per cent of consumers
from using a certain retailer.
“These statistics should signal a call to action for retailers,
carriers and logistics providers. Efficient and effective home deliveries
make customers happy and help build brand loyalty. Axida HDi provides
a comprehensive solution that puts retailers and their transport
partners in control of the entire home delivery process. The software
also communicates with the customer, sending them a text message
or email to confirm that their delivery is due, which ensures that
they are at home to receive their goods,” says Wayne Holgate, Director,
Axida.
“Our advanced software ensures first-time home delivery success
by managing the complete delivery lifecycle. It prevents failure
by providing full visibility from order to point of delivery. This
clear picture of events boosts all-round efficiency and improves
customer service, which is essential for successful deliveries.
Importantly for the retailer and the carrier, Axida HDi balances
service efficiency with the cost of delivery,” he adds.
Source: E-CourierNews
28th
June
PALL-EX EXPANDS BOARD WITH NEW APPOINTMENTS
The UK’s number one network for the distribution of palletised freight
has announced two new additions to its board of directors.
Fraser MacNeill, operations director, and projects director Anand
Assi, have now been formally appointed to Pall-Ex’s board of directors.
Fraser joined Pall-Ex three years, and has since demonstrated admirable
leadership qualities which have resulted in consistently improving
stability and effectiveness across the hub operations as a result
of his team leadership.
Anand joined the company in January 2002 as a graduate and has quickly
established a place within the management team through his ambition
and determination to develop and lead major initiatives. Now as
part of his role as projects director, he has been an integral part
of Pall-Ex’s European expansion.
Hilary Devey, CEO of Pall-Ex, said: “Both Fraser and Anand are without
doubt welcome additions to our board of directors.
“Individually they have both shown the kind of qualities that have
helped them develop into true ambassadors for Pall-Ex.
“With visionary approach for the company and the determination and
leadership skills to guide others, the board has good faith in its
new members to further enhance the success of the UK’s number one
palletised freight network and help us to maintain our position
at the industry’s forefront.”
Source: Pall-Ex
25th
June
It's a gas, gas, gas for Norbert
Norbert Dentressangle is providing specialist storage for 180 pallets
of bottled propane and butane gas in support of the 2010 camping
season on behalf of Argos.
The seasonal storage operation is part of a central procurement
initiative aimed at freeing space due to challenging stock turnaround
during the critical peak trading period.
Bobby Clark, distribution strategic planning manager for Argos said:
“From our first meeting, Norbert Dentressangle demonstrated a sound
understanding of our immediate requirements and its ability to develop
and implement cost-effective solutions to meet them. They have also
shown a genuine willingness to ‘go the extra mile’ to support us
in other ways, including the development of additional proposals
to bring further value and improvements to our operation.”
The operation follows on from Dentressangle’s handling of the external
storage operation for Argos for the 2009 Christmas peak, providing
some 11,000 additional pallet spaces to accommodate the overflow
of products including toys, Christmas trees and catalogues.
Source: Logistics Manager
25th
June
LA SENZA HANDS YODEL UK DELIVERY BRIEF
High street lingerie chain La Senza has appointed HDN, now trading
as Yodel, as its major UK delivery partner for its B2C operation.
The two-year deal will see Yodel deliver in excess of 400,000 parcels
annually to customers buying products via La Senza’s website.
Under the new partnership, Yodel will provide a wide range of consumer
delivery services, including next day, 48 and 72-hour services as
well as Saturday and timed services.
All deliveries will be supported with a full online tracking facility
to allow La Senza customer services team to assist in resolving
any delivery queries.
Sean Pine, Distributions Director at La Senza, said: “We take a
great deal of pride in our award-winning customer service and we
need a delivery partner that can support, react and deliver whilst
maintaining our high standards at all times as our business continues
to grow.
“Yodel was selected based on its extensive range and flexibility
of services as well as its proven success in delivering key delivery
contracts for major brands.
“We are confident that this partnership will allow us to continue
to grow our business in the online retail market.”
Christine Key, Sales Director at Yodel said: “We have worked very
closely with the La Senza team since the beginning of the year to
put together a delivery service and strategy that meets the company’s
specific needs.
“Yodel has an extensive range of consumer informed delivery services
and will support La Senza through peak trading periods, such as
the build up to Christmas and surrounding major marketing campaigns.
“La Senza has become a well-known name in the UK and has developed
a large and loyal customer base - we look forward to helping the
business continue to build on this success.”
Source: HDN/Yodel
24th
June
PALL-EX ANNOUNCES EXPANSION WITH NEW MEMBER P2P
Pallets 2 Parcels Express Delivery Service (P2P) has joined Pall-Ex,
the UK’s leading palletised freight network.
The Stoke-on-Trent based distribution company has over 20 years
experience in the sector, fulfilling a range of services including
next day and economy deliveries, tail lift and crane deliveries,
pick and pack as well as a European delivery service.
Based centrally in the UK, the business also benefits from close
proximity to all major motorway links, allowing fast and prompt
deliveries for its expanding client network.
Mark Whitehead, P2P managing director, said: “As a new member of
Pall-Ex, we will have instant access to the UK’s number one palletised
freight network, providing an unrivalled nationwide express service
which will enhance the service we can deliver to our customers.
“Pall-Ex is a fast-moving, forward-thinking industry leader which
promotes best practice and operates to the highest standards – we
looking forward to utilising this further expertise whilst maintaining
our excellent customer service record.”
Hilary Devey, CEO and founder of Pall-Ex, said: “Joining the Pall-Ex
network aims not only to bring real tangible benefits for new members
such as P2P 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
23rd
June
City Link Testing New Security Solution For Curtainsider Trailers
City Link is bench-testing a unique security solution for its new
fleet of curtainsider trailers to further enhance the level of service
it provides to its Customers.
The bespoke system incorporates GPS satellite tracking and automatically
alerts a central control room if a trailer stops outside designated
areas.
Additionally it sends an alert if anyone tries to tamper with the
electronically-sealed bonding cord that secures the curtainsiders
en route which will also notify the control room of the trailer’s
exact location.
Furthermore, if, for example, a driver accidentally leaves a City
Link Depot or Hub without fitting the bonding cord into the electronic
seal, an alert will also be sent immediately.
So far the system has been fitted to 10 of City Link’s trailers
and the company intends to roll it out across the fleet after the
bench-testing is complete.
“Essentially our vehicles should not stop between collection and
delivery,” explained Russell Mannix, City Link’s Head of Security.
“If a driver stops en route with a locked cord it will tell our
control room and specify where the vehicle is.
“We recently changed our large fleet from hard-sided to curtainsiders
and we believe we have found the optimum solution for security seal
and trailer tracking.
“We believe no-one else in the industry is operating in this way.”
One of the unique features of the system is that the device is fitted
to the trailer, not the tractor, enabling direct tracking of the
vital part of the vehicle that contains our Customers’ parcels.
The system was shown to work during the initial pilot when an alert
was sent after a City Link trailer got stuck in a traffic jam caused
by a road accident that brought the M40 motorway to a standstill.
On another occasion the control room was alerted when a City Link
driver made an unscheduled stop for an emergency comfort break at
Taunton Dean service station!
“The system is much simpler to operate because it only reports exceptions,”
explained Mr Mannix. “it sends alerts when events are not as expected.
“The current method, that uses a bonding cord secured with manual
seals, involves thousands of seal numbers and managing all the data
is complex.
“City Link delivers more than half a million parcels a day and this
innovation will help ensure they are all delivered safely.”
Source: E-CourierNews
23rd
June
Mike Brookes Transport ‘FEELS THE FORCE’
One of Hereford’s most respected transport companies has announced
a partnership with the Palletforce network. Mike Brookes Transport
became a shareholder member of the award-winning network on June
1 in what is a major step forward for the family-run company.
Allison Brookes, office manager for Mike Brookes Transport, said:
“This is great news for our company and customers as we can offer
a much wider range of services – while still holding true to delivering
a quality service. “This announcement has also allowed us to create
additional jobs, which are important for the area and help us contribute
to the local economy.”
Only the country’s best transport companies are invited to join
the Palletforce network and the move underlines Mike Brookes Transport’s
reputation as a quality player in goods delivery.
The company, based at Thorn Business Park in Hereford, already offers
a comprehensive distribution service, with a fleet of 28 trucks
including specialist crane lorries suitable for transporting large,
bulky items such as storage containers.
Allison Brookes added: “By joining Palletforce, we are combining
forces with nearly 100 of the UK’s top transport firms – and this
allows us to take our service to an even higher level. “We can now
attract even more customers with more complex transport needs, including
delivery across the UK, Ireland and Europe.”
Michael Conroy, CEO of Palletforce, said: “We are looking forward
to working with Mike Brookes Transport as a valued Palletforce member.
“Our ethos is to ‘work with the best’ and Mike Brookes Transport
is a perfect fit within our network. They bring many years of experience.”
Source: E-CourierNews
22nd
June
Lavazza picks Ceva for coffee logistics
Coffee producer Lavazza has chosen Ceva to be responsible for the
warehousing activities and handling of coffee packs in the company’s
Turin production plant. It will move some 18.5 million packs a year.
Stefano Cabella, logistics director of Lavazza Group, said: “We
have asked our new partner to meet some key requirements to guarantee
high levels of security and support us in our operations. Ceva has
met all these requirements and together we have created a strong
partnership which will enable us to improve and optimize our way
of working.”
Source: Logistics Manager
22nd
June
LNG terminal picks DB Schenker Logistics
South Hook, the liquefied natural gas terminal, at Milford Haven
has signed a three year deal for DB Schenker Logistics to provide
all its domestic and international shipping and forwarding services.
DB Schenker will supply shipping and forwarding services for both
spares and materials to and from South Hook. Air freight, ocean
freight, road freight, courier, break-bulk and heavy lift movements
will all be required under the terms of the contract with inbound
shipments coming from Australia, North America, the Far East and
Europe.
The South Hook terminal can process 15.6 million tonnes of LNG a
year and is capable of delivering 21 billion cubic metres of gas
a year into the UK's national transmission system meaning that South
Hook has the potential to deliver a significant proportion of the
UK's gas requirements.
Source: Logistics Manager
21st
June
British Gas picks DHL for £17m meter contract
British Gas has chosen DHL for a £17m five-year contract to manage
the supply chain for installation and maintenance of more than 16
million smart meters for its 12 million customers.
Smart meters are to be rolled out to every home in the UK and British
Gas says they are designed to reduce energy consumption and CO2
emissions.
DHL will use a regional network to manage meter assets including
smart meters, in-house displays and associated ancillary items from
British Gas’ national warehouse to DHL’s national distribution network
of collection points.
Rob Morton, supply chain director at British Gas, said: “The flexible
regional solution implemented by DHL will enable us to effectively
manage the volumes expected across the roll-out period while maintaining
exceptional service quality. We are confident that the robust and
cost-effective solution proposed by DHL will help kick-start our
smart meter roll-out.”
DHL is using a regional model to provide the flexibility required
to manage the short- and long-term volume fluctuations expected
while use local collection points will minimise the downtime of
the team installing the meters and provide a secure means of collecting
and depositing materials.
Additionally, DHL’s network will manage returned meters from collection
points to the relevant asset owners. DHL will integrate with current
British Gas systems to provide real time track and traceability
of metering assets at serial level number, at all points throughout
the supply chain.
Source: Logistics Manager
18th
June
TNT's recipe for successful fundraising
TNT’s UK employees delivered a mouth-watering aid package to serve
up more than half-a-million meals for malnourished youngsters in
Africa.
Staff at the B2B express operator dug deep to generate well over
£40,000 (US58,000) during the firm’s Fight Hunger Week to raise
money to feed and educate impoverished children in Tanzania.
Atherstone-based TNT, will donate the money to the World Food Programme
to help the United Nations-backed agency with its work in East Africa.
Over the past eight years, TNT in the UK has given more than £300,000
to the agency.
Dressed in style, TNT staff sample a typical maize meal, Click on
image to enlarge
A taste of Africa was high on the fundraising menu as TNT employees
re-created a meal of maize and water given to the children in Tanzania
– the one meal a day that gives them vital nutrition.
Other fundraising activities included a virtual‚ bike ride, charity
pool tournaments, netball competitions, pyjama days, quizzes, raffles,
a weight-lifting challenge, head and chest shaving, leg waxing,
car washing and throwing wet sponges at the boss.
Stuart Stobie, Divisional MD for TNT Express UK said: “It costs
just £25 to feed and educate a child for a year in Tanzania, so
the magnificent efforts of our people will provide for the needs
of more than 1,600 kids for 2010 and 2011.”
Source: IFW
18th
June
APC Overnight’s Handled with Care services boost CNM Online customer
service
Yorkshire e-commerce company CNM Online is benefiting from APC Overnight’s
'Handled with Care' next day deliveries. Before awarding its parcel
courier work to the local depot - APC Direct Logistics - the company
was suffering costly breakages. Now, reports company MD Carl Simpson,
products are reaching customers intact, as despatched from CNM’s
warehouse.
“One of our key reasons for choosing APC Overnight was to reduce
breakages. The organisation’s care and attention is saving us the
cost of having to replace broken products and this also boosts our
customer service levels,” says Carl Simpson.
CNM has a thriving online business supplying a huge range of electric
appliances, hygiene hardware products, garden equipment and outdoor
games equipment to over 100,000 customers nationwide. Many customers
place repeat business with CNM because of their satisfaction with
the products and end-to-end supply chain service.
Orders are captured by CNM’s sophisticated website and these are
batch-processed using web software. CNM simply upload a data file
produced by the website into the NetDespatch system to book collections,
print shipping labels and track parcels. The software also provides
proof of delivery. Once the day’s orders are complete, the local
depot calls to collect the parcels for rapid delivery anywhere in
the UK via APC Overnight’s network of over 125 local depots.
“NetDespatch frees us from manual input and it would be a mammoth
task to fulfil orders without it. It is a useful tool and saves
a huge amount of time that we can then dedicate to customer service.
We can complete order fulfillment quickly and with the flexible
service provided by the depot, our customers are assured of rapid
delivery wherever they may be located,” concludes Carl Simpson.
Source: APC Overnight
17th
June
RS Components appoints Parcelforce
RS Components has appointed Parcelforce Worldwide as its UK domestic
carrier, taking over from DHL which currently holds the contract
on 19th July 2010.
The two-year contract was awarded to Parcelforce following a renewal
tender involving a number of delivery carriers.
Source: Logistics Manager
17th
June
FedEx focuses on boosting yeilds
FedEx is focusing on improving yields in the coming year after reporting
$2bn operating income for the year to 31 May - up from $747m the
year before despite a two per cent drop in sales to $34.7bn.
Chief financial officer Alan Graf said: “We expect continued improvement
in both revenue and earnings in fiscal 2011. Resumed growth in industrial
production and global trade is increasing demand for our transport
services, and yield management remains a top priority across all
of our operating companies.”
For the fourth quarter the group produced operating income of $696m,
against an operating loss of $849m last year.
The express division led the move back into profit with operating
income of $413m for the quarter, up from an operating loss of $136m
last year.
“FedEx International Priority (IP) average daily package volume
increased 23 per cent, led by exports from Asia. IP revenue per
package grew 6 per cent due to higher weight per package, higher
fuel surcharges and a favourable exchange rate impact. U.S. domestic
revenue per package grew 8 per cent due to higher fuel surcharges
and improved weight per package, while average daily package volume
increased 1 per cent.
Operating profit and margin improvements were driven by volume and
revenue growth, particularly in higher-margin IP package and freight
services. Results also include the partial reinstatement of certain
employee compensation programs and higher aircraft maintenance expenses,
primarily due to increased utilization. Last year's fourth quarter
operating income and margin were negatively impacted by one-time
costs of $260 million associated with aircraft-related charges and
severance programs.
Operating income at the FedEx Ground business rose 57 per cent to
$319m in the fourth quarter with the average daily package volume
growing 7 per cent driven by increases in the business-to-business
market and the FedEx Home Delivery service.
And the FedEx Freight business reduced its losses – the operating
loss of $36m, compared with an operating loss of $106m a year ago.
Source: Logistics Manager
16th
June
DHL targets government food procurement with carrot of £100m savings
DHL is targeting public sector food buying arguing that a more collaborative
approach run by the private sector could save £100 million – about
one fifth of the current level of spending.
DHL operates the NHS Supply Chain and reckons it has saved the health
service more than £100m over the past three years. It has approached
DEFRA, DCSF and the Office of Government Commerce with its ideas
and is hoping the government will take on board its vision for the
future.
In England there are about 24,500 schools spending some £550million
a year on food. However, DHL points out that there is no consistency
or consolidation in the supply of food for schools with many local
authorities and public bodies operating in isolation and with procurement
efforts and costs needlessly duplicated across the network.
Roger West, DHL’s head of procurement outsourcing and former procurement
director for NHS Supply Chain, argues that the lessons from health
can be applied to wider food procurement in the public sector.
“If we use the schools’ food bill as an example, allowing private
sector providers to compete over food supply for schools could deliver
huge cost savings at a time when we are looking to reduce public
sector spend,” said West.
“Getting individual public sector bodies and organisations to work
together to reduce complexity and duplication is an unwieldy and
slow-moving process which ultimately is impractical. The key point
here is our belief that providing collaboration on the supply side
delivers more substantial savings much more quickly and painlessly
than collaboration on the buying side.”
The DHL approach uses the “supermarket” concept – an organisation
that brings together all the products and ingredients needed by
its customers. The would provide choice and leverage the buying
power of the public sector which at present is fragmented and uncoordinated,
West argues.
The case for this is that it would make it easier for schools and
other food buying sections of the public sector as all of their
needs could be met from a range of competitive suppliers, which
would help drive down costs. In addition, a co-ordinated procurement
system would create new opportunities for producers, who would be
able to reach a large market which they could not necessarily manage
by themselves.
DHL argues that, looking at food purchasing across the public sector
more broadly, “there are good arguments for the Government to cut
a swathe through the disparate buying and associated administration
costs across multiple Departments by replicating the approach to
NHS procurement by creating a single food supply chain contract.”
Private sector specialists could be contractually tasked to deliver
savings over the overall bill of between 10 and 20 per cent over
a five year period.
“The dynamic is so simple that you don’t actually see what is happening,”
said West. “A private supplier organisation established by the public
sector determines what ‘demand’ customers have (across multiple
buyers, organisations and geographies) and then offers them that
choice. They become the aggregator of demand and use this knowledge
of its customers to secure best pricing from its suppliers. It’s
the model that works in retail and has been proven to work in NHSSC
for the public sector”
The same system could also be extended to take in NHS Trusts, Prisons,
local authority funded care homes, emergency services and UK based
military services delivering even greater levels of savings across
government.
Source: Logistics Manager
15th
June
Hellmann Healthcare Logistics expand in South Africa
Hellmann Healthcare Logistics has appointed an in house pharmacist
to comply with local regulations for its expansion in South Africa.
The group is adapting a 650sq m area of a warehouse as an introduction
of their services to the region, but have also had to appoint an
on-site pharmacist, to comply with regulations for the licensing
and warehousing of pharmaceuticals as laid down by the local Medicines
Control Council.
Hellmann Healthcare Logistics intends to set up a fully operational
health care hub to provide complete supply chain solutions for medical
device, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
Andreas Lohmeier, director of Hellmann Healthcare Logistics said:
“The current developments in South Africa are happening at a very
exciting pace. Following the opening of the Dubai hub, HHL is gearing
up to providing business across the globe with high quality and
cost effective solutions to enable them to be closer to their customers
in emerging markets.”
Source: Logistics Manager
15th
June
Nightline takes on UK Pallets Irish service
Irish delivery company Nightline has increased its share of UK to
Ireland freight with a new relationship with UK Pallets.
By taking on all of its Ireland bound freight, Nightline will increase
the volume of its operations but expect to offer improved service
to the UK Pallets’ 80 member hauliers.
Geremy Ruffin, Nightline’s managing director, said: “Such is the
extent of our coverage right across Ireland, our security and unparalleled
effectiveness in tracking parcels or pallets at every stage of the
collection and delivery process that we believe we represent a considerable,
clear improvement on what’s gone before.”
Freight from across the UK will go to the UK Pallets hub at Lichfield
before Nightline will transport it via Hollyhead to Ireland, where
it will be sorted at depots in Dublin, Belfast, Sligo, Galway, Cork,
Limerick or Waterford.
Nightline already has a contract with the pallet network’s parent
company UK Mail Group to deliver parcels to Ireland, and opened
its first UK regional depot in Lancashire earlier this year.
Source: Logistics Manager
14th
June
PALL-EX MEMBER FUELLED BY COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
- Member awarded environmental management standard for green initiatives
success –
An eco-friendly member of the UK’s leading palletised freight operator
has been recognised for its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
Pall-Ex member CJ Express has been awarded the ISO:14001 environmental
management standard as a result of its efforts to use greener technologies.
CEO of Pall-Ex Hilary Devey recently presented the ISO certificate
to the Hull-based distribution business at Hull University Business
School.
Established in 1985, CJ Express operates a 12-vehicle fleet, delivering
to a growing customer base throughout the UK and central Europe
as a member of Pall-Ex’s network.
CJ Express is signed up to Pall-Ex’s Eco Drive initiative – an integrated
environmental solution that enables businesses to move towards sending
zero waste to landfill.
Pall-Ex devised and implemented the recycling take-back service
that enables businesses to remove thousands of tones of recyclable
material from its customers’ waste streams.
Since starting the scheme in May 2009, CJ Express has been able
to divert 55 tonnes of plastic and cardboard waste from landfill
into re-cycling schemes.
Since its beginnings as a one-van operation, the company reported
sales of £2.1m to the year-end April 2009 and continues to be fuelled
by a commitment to excellence.
Nick Carter, managing director of CJ Express, said: “Achieving the
ISO standard is a fantastic testament to the effort of the team
and the support from Pall-Ex.
“Our key objectives are to prevent pollution, ensure compliance
with statutory environmental legislation, ensure efficient energy
usage across all operations and promote a culture where employees
and customers contribute to the implementation of the policy and
continuous improvement.”
Hilary Devey, who also gave a presentation to the University’s students
after the ceremony, added: “We are proud to see CJ Express being
rewarded for its efforts to reduce its environmental impact and
we have been happy to support them along the way – they are a fantastic
ambassador for our members and a model of good practice.”
Source: Pall-Ex
14th
June
Parcelforce Worldwide invests in Mercedes-Benz ECO-Start vans
A new fleet of more than 1,000 Mercedes-Benz Sprinters is helping
Parcelforce Worldwide to turn its familiar red vans green. Parcelforce
Worldwide, the Royal Mail Group’s UK and international express delivery
division, has taken delivery of 1,106 Sprinter vans, all fitted
with innovative ECO-Start technology that saves fuel and so reduces
exhaust emissions. Mercedes' 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. Parcelforce
Worldwide drivers put a number of ECO-Start Sprinters through an
exhaustive trial process, as a result of which Mercedes-Benz was
able to fine-tune the specification of the vehicles to meet its
customer's precise requirements. Meanwhile the manufacturer’s top
van man also spent a day on the road with a delivery driver to gain
a real feel for the demands of the job. Van Sales & Marketing Director
Steve Bridge joined driver Andrew Johnson a member of the test team
as he delivered parcels from the company’s Nottingham depot.
Source: IFW
11th
June
Preston haulier joins pallet network
Preston-based Ainsworth and Martin has joined the Fortec pallet
network. The company, which operates from a 30,000 sq ft warehouse
in Leyland Road, is hoping the move will enable its growth over
the next 12 months.
With a 70-strong workforce and a fleet of 50 vehicles Ainsworth
and Martin serves 150 customers in Preston and the North West.
Source: Logistics Manager
11th
June
New finance director for Suttons
Logistics group Suttons has appointed Ian Atkinson group finance
director. He joins the Widnes-based company from US chemical company
SI Group where he was european finance director having previously
been managing director for the UK operation.
Suttons has developed operations in Antwerp, Essen, Houston, Kuantan,
Le Havre, New Jersey, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo.
Group managing director Andrew Palmer said: “Ian is an extremely
experienced finance director and his skills will be key to the group
as we look to further expand Sutton’s operations around the world.
Source: Logistics Manager
11th
June
Lincoln member for Palletways
Rase Distribution, based near Lincoln, has joined the Palletways
network to cover the area around Lincoln, Gainsborough, Skegness,
Mablethorpe, Boston and Louth.
Rase managing director Geoff Hill said: “Joining Palletways will
open up new business opportunities for our company in the UK and
mainland Europe.”
Source: Logistics Manager
11th
June
APC Team C Couriers wins the UK’s biggest Depot of the Year competition
Norfolk-based APC Team C Couriers has won the 2010 APC Overnight
Depot of the Year Award. This is the biggest competition of its
kind in the UK and recognises “above and beyond” service performance
throughout the past year. Ivor Skinner, APC Overnight’s MD, presented
the award to APC Team C Couriers at the organisation’s annual All
Depot Day on 5 June.
“I am pleased to present the APC Overnight Depot of the Year award
to APC Team C Couriers. The number of votes received shows the depot
team is ready to go out of its way to provide above and beyond service.
It is a proactive depot that is consistently helpful to other depots
in the APC Overnight network,” said Ivor Skinner.
In common with the APC Overnight ethos of putting the customer first,
APC Team C Couriers constantly reviews its services to meet the
delivery needs of its growing list of customers. The depot is also
a past winner of the Annual Development award from APC Overnight.
The APC Overnight Depot of the Year competition involves more than
125 independent companies operating within the UK’s largest delivery
network. The depots vote for the three most outstanding depots within
their own regions. Those with the highest number of votes then enter
the national competition. The votes consider how depots have supported
one another throughout the year to provide consistent and excellent
customer service.
The votes are collected and counted at APC Overnight’s HQ and the
winner held secret until the annual event.
“This is an important national award for APC Overnight members.
The Depot of the Year award reinforces that we operate a tight knit
and cooperative network of likeminded local delivery specialists
that provides a seamless collection to delivery service for our
customers throughout the UK,” concluded Ivor Skinner.
Source: APC
10th
June
Fanatical about APC Overnight careful, on-time deliveries
Bristol-based design agency, Fanatic, is ensuring time-critical
branding materials are ‘Handled with Care’ and delivered on time
with APC Overnight. Fanatic works with the local depot APC Priority
Express to send a vast range of printed marketing products to customers
and exhibition centres all over the UK using the next day delivery
service.
Ian Collis-Smith, Fanatic’s Creative Director says: “We work to
tight deadlines to produce often fragile items such as exhibition
stands and so we need a next day service that we can trust. With
APC Overnight we are confident that our time-sensitive materials
arrive safely and on time. We also have the confidence that the
couriers will deliver the packages to a responsible person. To back
this up, the depot sends us an email proof of delivery and we also
have traceability through the APC Overnight system.”
“APC Overnight couriers have a professional approach and they understand
that when they are making a delivery to our clients they are also
representing our company and not just their delivery network. This
works well for us as the service helps to keep our customers happy,”
he adds.
Although Fanatic’s customers are concentrated in south-west England,
the company has clients as far as the Republic of Ireland, so a
flexible next day delivery capability is important. Sam Crutchley
also highlights that exhibition venues could be anywhere in the
UK and therefore the reliability and reach of the nationwide APC
Overnight network adds credibility to Fanatic’s service offering.
“A good courier is obviously necessary when dealing with time-critical
packages for both local and international delivery. However, the
attention to detail, care, and customer service provided by APC
Overnight is also important for us,” he concludes.
Source: APC
10th
June
DHL to trial hydrogen vans
DHL Supply Chain and London Stansted Airport have signed agreements
to participate in Hydrogen On Site Trials of ITM Power’s transportable
high pressure refuelling unit HFuel.
The trial will begin in 2011, and will see the operation and refuelling
of two hydrogen internal combustion engine Revolve Technologies
Ford Transit vehicles with hydrogen produced on site at the point
of use.
Keith Tress, head of engineering, customer management at DHL Supply
Chain said: "DHL is pleased to support ITM Power in the development
of its transportable high pressure hydrogen refuelling station and
hydrogen internal combustion engines, which could make a significant
contribution to our goal of reducing CO2 by 30 per cent by 2020."
Source: Logistics sManager
10th
June
Ceva expands facilities in Italy
Ceva Logistics has opened a third building at its logistics hub
at San Pietro Mosezzo, near Novara, Italy, taking the total available
space to 85,000 sq m.
The San Pietro Mosezzo warehouse has been fitted in total with more
than 9,600 photovoltaic panels, covering an area of 16,000 sq m.
The plant can produce 2,500 MWh of energy per year, which is the
equivalent of 700 households. It is also equipped with 98 loading
bays handling approximately 25 incoming and 40 outgoing trucks each
day.
By the end of 2010, CEVA will complete seven logistics hubs in Italy
with eco-sustainable structures and will refurbish two of the existing
sites to the same specification.
Source: Logistics Manager
10th
June
DHL targets China’s fashion logistics market
DHL plans to open a fashion & apparel centre of excellence in Shanghai
in the fourth quarter of 2010 to take advantage of China’s $7.5bn
fashion logistics market.
The move is part of the company’s plan to enhance its supply chain
solutions, infrastructure and human resources to cater to rising
demand for faster, more efficient door-to-door distribution in the
multi-billion US dollar industry.
It will give the group a network of seven such centres across the
Asia Pacific, including one in Hong Kong.
“China’s fashion and apparel industry is undergoing fundamental
changes and has evolved significantly since the start of the global
economic slowdown,” said Kelvin Leung, CEO, North Asia Pacific,
DHL Global Forwarding. Pointing to expected compounded annual growth
in China’s domestic apparel retail market of 21 per cent through
2014 from US$305 billion last year, Leung added, “Rapid urbanization
is continuing to expand the potential market for fashion retailers
who are facing shorter product cycles and margin pressures from
fierce competition from South Asia, a key sourcing base for the
industry.”
DHL’s fashion & apparel centres of excellence are responsible for
developing tailored solutions and providing consultancy services
to help customers better manage the product flow further upstream
in their supply chain.
Source: Logistics Manager
9th
June
PALL-EX CEO OPENS NEW PREMIER PALLETISE PREMISES
A member of the UK’s leading palletise freight network has opened
its new premises half a mile from the largest industrial area in
Europe, Park Royal.
Premier Palletise Ltd’s (PPL) new warehouse was opened by Pall-Ex
CEO, Hilary Devey on Wednesday 19th May.
PPL – who joined Pall-Ex in May 2005 – started trading in 1993 as
a same day courier company and have continued to diversify since,
specialising in Central London deliveries and collections.
The new 12,000sq ft warehouse includes state-of-the-art security
and CCTV to protect stored goods and can provide customers with
services including storage and Pick and Pack.
Adam Hopcroft, MD of PPL, said: “We are thrilled that Hilary was
able to open our new premises. We have been extremely happy with
the success that we have achieved since joining Pall-Ex and we hope
that we will continue to grow with the pallet network.”
Hilary Devey, founder and CEO of Pall-Ex, added: “I was honoured
to open this new facility for one of Pall-Ex’s award winning depots
and we are delighted to give our ongoing support to Adam and his
team as they expand as a business.”
Source: Pall-Ex
9th
June
TNT helps develop sustainable trucks
TNT
has participated in a number of tests with aerodynamic SideWings
which help reduce noise, CO2 emissions, and fuel consumption of
trucks.
These tests reiterate TNT’s
commitment to PART20, a platform which develops aerodynamic devices
by combining the know-how of scientists from the Technical University
of Delft with the practical experience from partners in the transportation
industry.
TNT is one of PART20’s three founding partners.
During the trials, TNT provided one ’standard’ and one ’streamlined’
truck which had an aerodynamic wing mounted to each side of its
trailer to lower air resistance.
In April, the trucks took to the testing grounds in Lelystad (the
Netherlands) to assess the benefits of the wings for CO2 emissions
and fuel consumption. Three weeks later, TNT sent the trucks to
a deserted air base near The Hague where an ‘acoustic camera’ measured
the sound production of the passing vehicles by translating them
into colours, similar to the images produced by thermal cameras.
The results are now evaluated by TNT’s science partners and will
be used for the further improvement of the side wings
Source: TNT
9th
June
UPS announces
technological enhancements
UPS
has announced enhancements to several technology tools that simplify
the use of multiple transportation modes and give importers more
control over shipments.
“Businesses of all sizes
count on UPS to bridge the distance between their suppliers and
their customers,” said Dan Brutto, president of UPS International.
“Technology is the key to helping shippers, particularly exporters
and importers, streamline their global supply chains.”
The technology enhancements include:
- Importers will have more control and fewer delays of their shipments
with UPS Import Control, a new functionality that enables an importer
to process an import shipment through their UPS shipping system,
specifically CampusShip or Internet Shipping on ups.com.
- CampusShip will join UPS shipping systems, WorldShip, and Internet
Shipping, in processing air freight shipments in addition to less-than-truckload
(LTL) freight shipments, providing the same easy-to-use interface
for both small package and LTL freight shippers.
- Quantum View Manage, a web-based tool, will provide enhanced support
for shipper visibility into air, ocean and LTL freight shipments.
- ups.com will provide self-enrollment in UPS Paperless Invoice,
which allows small package shipments to clear customs in 92 countries
using electronic data instead of error-prone paper forms known as
commercial invoices.
Source: UPS
9th
June
Cheers.
DHL delivers drinks all round in Korea
Multi-billion-won domestic supply
chain contract for Diageo
DHL has signed a “multi-billion-won” contract to supply integrated
supply chain services in South Korea for drinks maker Diageo.
Covering nationwide warehousing
and distribution to some 1,500 wholesalers, DHL will work with Diageo
to “optimise its existing operations to improve efficiency and cut
costs”.
“With DHL’s partnership and the
enhancements in our supply chain, we hope to improve customer satisfaction,
increase the frequency in which we supplement stocks for our customers
and respond swiftly when they run promotions,” said Jaehyun Seo, Supply
Chain Director for Diageo Korea.
Source: IFW
9th
June
Tesco's top job goes to former logistics chief
Tesco has appointed Philip Clarke, who was the group’s logistics director
from 1998 to 2004, to be chief executive officer, replacing the outgoing
Sir Terry Leahy.
Clarke will take on the role in March 2011 having worked for Tesco
throughout his career.
He became a member of the board in 1998 as director of distribution,
supply chain and logistics. He currently has responsibility for Group
IT as well as international operations, Asia and Europe.
The current retail and logistics director, Davis Potts will take over
part of Clarke’s old role, becoming the first CEO of Tesco’s Asia
business.
Source: Logistics Manager
8th
June
DHL pursues training goals
DHL Supply Chain’s Driver Certificate Professional Competence (CPC)
training has now been delivered to more than 5,000 vocational drivers
across the UK.
Despite being given until 10 September 2014 to complete the 35 hours
required training, demand has been high and DHL expects to help in
excess of 10,000 drivers qualify before September 2014, indicating
that fears over operators and drivers stalling on the training are
unfounded.
Despite the onus of the legislation falling on the driver rather than
the employer, as an approved trainer via the Joint Approvals Unit
for Periodic Training (JAUPT), DHL will fund all the periodic Driver
CPC qualification training for its internal drivers. DHL’s team of
50 trainers will deliver over 30 courses every week throughout Great
Britain and Northern Ireland.
Lee Patterson, vice president operations UK & Ireland, France and
EEMEA, of DHL Supply Chain, said: “In the face of this challenging
new legislation, we are urging the industry to undertake their training
at the earliest opportunity, to help spread and minimize the impact
of releasing drivers to attend the training and the associated back-fill
costs. The scale of courses that DHL can offer will help ensure as
many drivers as possible are brought to the core UK standard required
for safe and effective transport operations, while our breadth of
experience will ensure the training is as relevant as possible.”
Source: DHL
8th
June
Hain goes double-deck with Dentressangle
Hain Frozen Foods has renewed its contract with Norbert Dentressangle
for a further five years. Under the new contract, Dentressangle
has introduced double-deck reefer trailers, reducing road miles
and CO2 emissions.
Dentressangle collects frozen ready meals and desserts from Hain’s
factory in Fakenham and provides storage for up to 2,500 pallets
at its cold store at Easton, Lincolnshire.
Through its temperature controlled, shared-user network, Dentressangle
delivers around 400 pallets a week into retailers’ distribution
networks. The company also stores and delivers raw materials.
Hain’s operations director David Matwij said: “The relationship
that has been developed between Hain and Norbert Dentressangle over
the initial two year period has seen significant growth. Total sales
have increased by 43 per cent and the Linda McCartney brand has
seen growth of 41 per cent.
Source: Logistics Manager
8th
June
Wincanton targets prisoners in new joint venture
Wincanton has formed a joint venture with Serco to bid for contracts
to manage prisoner escort services on behalf of the Ministry of
Justice, which is responsbile for moving about one million people
a year.
The two organisations have created a new company, Serton, to combine
Wincanton's logistics and fleet management expertise with Serco's
experience of custodial services.
In England and Wales, the escort of prisoners to and from courts
is handled by the Prisoner Escort and Custody Service which operates
under the aegis of the Ministry of Justice.
Serco has some £10bn of public and private sector contracts and
manages four UK adult prisons for the Ministry of Justice.
Wincanton chief Graeme McFaull said: "By combining Wincanton's experience
across the supply chain with Serco's seasoned expertise in custodial
services, the new company will get the best from both organisations.
There is an increasing enthusiasm of governments around the world
for public private partnerships, and we will provide dedicated,
assured services for all stakeholders while maximising care and
professionalism."
Source: Logistics Manager
7th
June
Cooper Parry appointed to integrate Pall-Ex's logistical IT systems
Sean Sherwin-Smith, Victoria Playford, Andrew Geer, Kevin HarrisPall-Ex
has appointed Cooper Parry to supply IT services designed to optimise
the management of all logistical tasks by integrating its existing
systems.
Sean Sherwin-Smith, IT director at Pall-Ex, believes the IT system
will play an integral role in the long-term success of Pall-Ex in
UK and its expansion across Europe.
He said: “For Pall-Ex going forward, it was imperative we found
the right IT solution – not only to streamline our business but
to maintain our position as market leader.
“We were looking for a software solution to enable us to bring all
our current internal and external systems together and would help
us drive value to our customers and extended network.
“It blends not only seamlessly into our current system, but will
further improve our ability to orchestrate the movement of freight
in our network, allowing unprecedented control of the flow of information,
goods and funds.
“More crucially, it means we can focus on what we do best and concentrate
on the day-to-day running of Pall-Ex.”
Andrew Geer, IT partner at Cooper Parry, added: “Cooper Parry IT
Solutions used Microsoft Dynamics NAV and developed a web-based
real time system in order to drive efficiency across all of Pall-Ex’s
operations and supply chain management in the UK and across Europe.
“We have developed a strong working relationship with Pall-Ex over
the last few years and we hope that this new contract will allow
us to continue to work closely to help the company maintain its
position as market leader."
Source: E-CourierNews
4th
June
Training Drives Down Accident Rates As Hermes Achieves Business
Champion Status
Hermes has reduced accident rates across its fleet operation by
more than 40 per cent, following the introduction of a range of
driver training initiatives designed to cut road deaths and injuries.
These safer driving measures have contributed to fleet savings of
£1 million in the past twelve months and led to the company achieving
Business Champion status from the Government-backed Driving for
Better Business campaign, managed by Roadsafe.
The Hermes Driving School has been key to achieving the financial
savings and health and safety improvements, playing a critical role
in ensuring that the company's 480 employed and 163 agency drivers
meet its industry-leading safe driving standards. As a result, there
has been a 109 per cent improvement in accident-free days per vehicle;
a 47 per cent improvement in the accident rate per vehicle; a 41.8
per cent reduction in the number of recorded accidents; and a 33.5
per cent cut in the cost of incidents.
The reduction in accidents has meant that the number of insurance
claims related to vehicle damage has also reduced by 60 per cent
and UK insurance premiums dropped by 10 per cent in the last 10
months. Meanwhile, the focus on 'smarter' driving has contributed
to at least a 4.5 per cent reduction in fuel consumption in the
past year. This has resulted in significant cost savings and delivered
a positive impact towards reducing Hermes' carbon footprint.
Carole Woodhead, Chief Executive of Hermes in the UK commented:
"We are delighted that our concerted focus on at-work driving safety
has been recognised by the Driving for Better Business campaign.
The catalyst of change has been our Driving School, which has delivered
enormous benefits in terms of greater business responsibility and
is central to delivering superior customer service, revenue and
business growth."
The Hermes Driving School provides induction and continuation training
for drivers with a focus on safe-driving and encouraging employees
to drive fuel-efficiently. All drivers receive an initial induction
course with both in-vehicle and classroom sessions, followed by
ongoing corporate training programmes delivered by the Driving School
and one-to-one in-vehicle coaching conducted by depot champions,
to deliver continued performance improvements.
The success of the Driving School has now prompted an internal review
to examine whether to expand the courses and programmes provided,
as well as offering training solutions to other businesses and professional
organisations. Core courses currently include driver assessment
and induction, Certificate of Professional Competence, safe and
fuel efficient driving, driver hours and an annual practical in-cab
driver refresher.
Michael Parish, programme consultant for the Driving for Better
Business campaign, said: "Cutting costs is the number one priority
facing all businesses and Hermes has shown that through a focused
occupational road risk management programme hundreds of thousands
of pounds can be saved. Simultaneously, the company has improved
its business efficiency, its image and the welfare of its employees."
"We are delighted that Hermes is considering opening its Driving
School to other organisations as that is exactly the approach that
the campaign is seeking to encourage. We all share the road and
the campaign is all about businesses working together and sharing
best practice."
There are up to 200 road deaths and serious injuries a week resulting
from crashes involving at work drivers, and more employees are killed
and seriously injured on Britain's roads while driving on behalf
of their employer than in any other work-related activity. The Driving
for Better Business campaign was formally launched in April 2007
by RoadSafe and now has 43 Business Champions made up of some of
the UK's leading companies and organisations.
Source: E-CourierNews
3rd
June
Pall-Ex CEO Opens New Premier Palletise Premises
A member of the UK’s leading palletise freight network is opening
its new premises half a mile from the largest industrial area in
Europe, Park Royal.
Premier Palletise Ltd’s (PPL) new warehouse was opened by Pall-Ex
CEO, Hilary Devey on Wednesday 19th May.
PPL – who joined Pall-Ex in May 2005 – started trading in 1993 as
a same day courier company and have continued to diversify since,
specialising in Central London deliveries and collections.
Their new 12,000sq ft warehouse includes state of the art security
and CCTV to protect their stored goods and can provide customers
with services including storage and Pick and Pack.
Adam Hopcroft, MD of PPL said: “We are thrilled that Hilary opened
our new premises. We have been extremely happy with the success
that we have achieved since joining Pall-Ex and we hope that we
will continue to grow with the pallet network.”
Hilary Devey, founder and CEO of Pall-Ex said: “I was honoured to
open this new facility for one of Pall-Ex’s award winning depots
and we will continue to support the company through its expansion
plans.”
Source: E-CourierNews
2nd
June
City Link Gets ‘National Family Week’ Off To Flying Start
City Link has got National Family Week off to a flying start with
the delivery of over 3000 fundraising packs across the UK.
The UK’s premium express delivery company has distributed free of
charge all the official promotional material to schools, charities
and other ‘not for profit’ organisations holding a range of fun
family engaging events during the course of the week.
The packs contain posters, balloons, bookmarks, stickers, T-shirts
and in some cases banners to publicise the events.
It is the second year running the company has supported the week
which aims to bring families closer together and is backed by all
the major political parties including Prime Minister David Cameron.
And in recognition of City Link’s continued support, the company
has been upgraded to the status of Supporting Sponsor and features
alongside an impressive line up of other organisations supporting
the initiative.
National Family Week is the UK's largest coalition on family issues
in the UK and aims with the help of partners and supporters to promote
the importance of family life, spending quality time together as
well as the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle and it is
expected that this year will be a bumper year with literally thousands
of events taking place across the country in which families can
participate.
Stuart Godman, Managing Director of City Link commented: “National
Family Week is an initiative which has really struck a chord with
our Colleagues at City Link and we were delighted to once again
lend our support to a very worthwhile cause.
“Families are so busy these days that the events and activities
being held during National Family Week will give them a great opportunity
to spend quality time together, have fun and enjoy the Bank Holiday
and half term break.
“Our Customers and the local community are at the heart of everything
we do at City Link and we are only too pleased to offer our services
free of charge.”
Source: E-CourierNews
1st
June
Royal Mail enhances data quality offering
Royal Mail has added new functionality and flexibility to its National
Change of Address (NCOA) portfolio, by expanding the NCOA stable
to include broader, more responsive data quality products and services.
In response to feedback from the industry, Royal Mail has worked
with data professionals to bring two up-to-the-minute propositions
to market: NCOA Suppress and NCOA Update.
NCOA Suppress replaces the Universal Suppression Service (USS),
delivering extra functionality by providing goneaway suppression
and cleansing in one service, as well as suppression and permanent
flags. NCOA Suppress also includes weekly and daily updates so that
users can access the most up-to-date insight. The service is being
supplied exclusively through verified Redirection data, and is Postcode
Address File (PAF)-cleansed, and is available now to new users.
NCOA Update is a forwarding address tool which allows users to update
address details on their database with new forwarding details. In
the near future, it will also supply email and mobile phone details
on request to update existing customer records as an additional
data feed. NCOA Update replaces the previous NCOA service, and the
suppression-only option is no longer available.
For the first time, the new NCOA portfolio is be backed by a full
history of a change of address data, across 34m consumer records,
providing improved match rates and greater historical insight into
consumer relocations.
NCOA Update will also allow linked moves to be chained for the first
time, meaning that database marketers can track their records’ relocation
history, but outputting only the most recently confirmed address.
To launch the new product portfolio, Royal Mail is offering the
monthly NCOA Suppress Licence free of charge for the first year
to resellers and mailing agents that buy NCOA Update.
Keith Jones, head of data strategy at Royal Mail, said: “Royal Mail
is intent on investing in and developing its data assets to help
database managers and marketers improve targeting and reduce waste
to get the very best value from their campaign activities.
“Using the most accurate Redirection and PAF cleansed data, NCOA
Suppress and NCOA Update provide additional peace of mind for database
managers, with added flexibility for a more inclusive approach to
goneaway cleansing and suppression.
“These new products create a unique customer view, allowing marketers
to track lapsed customers through the provision of chained, historical
Redirection data for the first time.”
Source: Royal Mail
28th
May
Royal Mail appoints two new Non-Executives
Royal Mail Group announced today the appointment of Orna Ni-Chionna
and Cath Keers, both of whom have extensive experience in consumer
oriented businesses, as Non-Executive Directors.
Ms Ni-Chionna is Senior Independent Director of Northern Foods and
a Non-Executive Director of HMV, and is also Chairman of the Soil
Association. She spent 18 years at McKinsey, where she became a
partner in 1990 and co-led McKinsey’s European retail practice.
Ms Keers is a Non-Executive Director of Telefonica Europe and The
Children’s Mutual. She was previously Customer Director and Marketing
Director of O2 UK and part of the team which turned O2 into one
of the most successful mobile telephone companies in the UK.
Royal Mail Group Chairman, Donald Brydon, said: "The consumer-focused
skills and experience brought by both Orna and Cath will be an invaluable
asset to Royal Mail. I am looking forward hugely to them becoming
part of the team."
Source: Royal Mail
27th
May
Moya given Greene light at Royal Mail
Canada Post’s Moya Greene has been appointed chief executive of
Royal Mail.
She has been CEO and president at the North American operator since
2005, and will replace Adam Crozier, who is now at ITV.
Greene said: “I am honoured to be joining such a great company and
to be working with its customers and its people at such a momentous
time in its history.”
She will take up the post from the middle of July, after impressing
the Royal Mail board, including chairman Donald Brydon, and new
ministers from the coalition government, during a meeting in UK
last week.
Greene fought off competition to become the new chief executive
after originally being penciled into a three name shortlist.
Brydon said: “I am delighted that Moya is joining Royal Mail. She
will bring energy, clear thinking and a proven leadership track
record - as well as hugely relevant experience - to the business
at an important moment in its evolution.
“I look forward to working closely with Moya as we tackle the challenges
ahead and continue to focus on satisfying our customers and maintaining
the six-days-a-week Universal Service.”
It has been reported in previous weeks that Royal Mail’s new chief
executive would be offered an annual salary package far lower than
the £995,000 Crozier pocketed during his tenure.
Greene has a solid reputation throughout the postal sector, after
trebling Canada Post’s net profit over the past five years. In April,
the Corporation recorded consolidated net income of C$281m on revenue
of C$7.3bn, and reported an operating margin of 4.9%.
As Royal Mail’s new chief executive, Greene takes on a company that
has suffered previously from a poor relationship with its Union,
the CWU. After extended periods of striking last year, a deal was
signed in April between the Union and Royal Mail improving job security
and a pay rise. But tensions are expected to arise once more after
the new coalition government announced plans to part-privatise the
company - with the CWU saying it will fight the move.
Prior to joining Canada Post, Greene held senior roles at companies
including Bombardier and TD Bank.
While at Canada Post, Greene has led a wide-ranging transformation
programme to increase quality of service and efficiency across the
organisation. After decades of under-investment, Canada Post has
moved to a stage where it is implementing state-of-the art “walk
sequencing” technology which sorts mail to the exact sequence of
addresses along each postman and postwoman’s route.
She has also implemented changes which give Canada Post a secure
financial base including pricing certainty, access to debt markets
and a clear understanding of Canada Post’s service obligations.
Greene is a Member of the Board of Directors of International Post
Corporation and of Tim Hortons Inc. in Canada.
Source: Royal Mail
26th
May
Yodel is new name for Home Delivery Network
Home Delivery Network, which took over DHL’s domestic parcels business
in March, is rebranding the whole business “Yodel”.
It reckons it is now the second-largest parcel delivery business
in the UK after Royal Mail and delivers 200 million parcels a year
with annual sales of £600 million.
Jonathan Smith, who took over as chief executive from Brian Gaunt
in March, said: “We are delighted to be unveiling this new brand,
which represents our ambitions to be a truly customer focused business
offering a full suite of services that others in the market cannot
match.
“The combined business is already growing faster than the market
and we are excited about our future potential.”
Yodel wants to take a market leading position in every sector from
retail, pharmaceuticals and telecoms to financial services. It says
it has picked up more than100 new clients starting in the past two
months, of which more than a dozen generate in excess of £1m a year.
It aims to deliver “flexibility and choice that doesn’t currently
exist in the market” by providing a wide range of services with
the capability to deliver anything from a small packet to a sofa
in the UK and abroad.
The Hatfield-based company operates eight national hubs, 123 service
centres and a fleet of 5,000 vans.
Source: Logistics Manager
26th
May
Ricoh renews delivery contract
Ricoh UK, the office equipment supplier, has renewed its delivery
and installation contract with Ceva.
It has used Ceva for 18 years and the new contract has been expanded
to support Ricoh’s recent growth following the integration of its
wholly owned companies Infotec UK and IKON UK.
Ceva maintains responsibility for providing a two-tier service from
Ricoh’s distribution centre in Wellingborough. The operation involves
scheduled 48 hour distribution of office equipment to dealers and
order fulfilment to end users, which includes installation of machinery
at customers’ premises and a demonstration of the machines’ basic
functions.
Ricoh’s operations director Mark Robinson said: “We are now very
keen to further enhance Ricoh’s UK supply chain process by working
with Ceva to explore value added services and enhance the experience
of our customers, whilst continuing to improve efficiency and control
our costs.”
Source: Logistics Manager
26th
May
Bibby on the take-over trail
Bibby Distribution says
it is planning more acquisitions this year following the take-over
of Taygroup at the beginning of May.
It said it was looking for companies that shared similar values
and focus on customer service.
Biggleswade-based Taygroup offers dedicated and shared user warehousing
and distribution as well as project management services.
Bibby reported a 21.8 per cent rise in pre-tax profit to £5.8m for
the year to 31st December. However, it said that like-for-like sales
slipped back by six per cent reflecting the effects of the recession.
Total sales were £185m.
Source: Logistics Manager
25th
May
Royal Mail secures M1stral shed in Hemel Hempstead
A 260,000 sq ft warehouse in Hemel Hempstead known as M1STRAL 260,
originally developed by Gazeley, has been sold by LPA Receivers
to USS/Royal Mail. LSH acted jointly with M3 and Jones Lang LaSalle
on behalf of the receiver.
Source: Logistics Manager
24th
May
DHL and Emirates sign security MoU
Emirates and DHL have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
to establish an airfreight security partnership in the Middle East.
Through this partnership, Emirates Group Security and DHL Express
will strengthen their collaboration in air cargo security, share
best practices and information on security threats, and promote
joint training and educational activities.
The alliance was acknowledged when the jointly signed MOU was presented
to HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman and chief executive
of Emirates Airline and Group.
Dr. Abdulla Al Hashimi, divisional senior vice president of Emirates
Group Security, said: “The Emirates Group has always been committed
to strengthening security throughout the supply chain. This is another
programme which embodies the symbiotic relationship between stakeholders
in the cargo industry.”
“DHL views this partnership with Emirates as a significant step
towards fostering deeper cooperation in the field of security. Jointly
our efforts will build a more robust security infrastructure for
our respective businesses,” said Garry Kemp, managing director,
DHL Express Middle East, North Africa and Turkey. “Enhanced security
standards in the UAE will also build stronger consumer confidence
in the air cargo sector.”
Source: Arabian Supply Chain
24th
May
DHL launches integrated procurement outsourcing to help governments
The unit is designed to help public and private sector organisations
around the world achieve substantial cost-savings through transformational
sourcing of products and services.
The new team, which will be based in the UK, will be headed by Roger
West, former Procurement Director of NHS Supply Chain (NHSSC), a
DHL business procurement unit created in 2006 under contract to
the UK Department of Health tasked with delivering £1 bn of savings
to the National Health Service.
The new unit - called DHL Procurement Outsourcing - aims to work
closely with both the public and private sectors to help drive down
costs at a time when the economic background is particularly challenging.
DHL calculate their specialist expertise and grasp of public procurement
has already saved the UK National Health Service more than £100
m in the past three years and has performed ahead of expectations.
DHL expects rapidly to build business in other countries from their
successful UK experience, and especially the replication of their
‘direct from manufacturer’ sourcing programme.
The broader macro-economic background in the UK is fraught. Total
public sector debt of £890 billion is giving rise to annual interest
payments of £47 billion, with the current deficit standing at £167
billion. Procurement is acknowledged to have a role in reducing
Government spending, but only £80 billion from a total of £660 billion
is outsourced. A number of industry commentators including the Institute
of Directors consider that over £25 billion worth of procurement
benefits can be achieved through the transformation of procurement
practices. Part of the challenge for public sector procurement is
that it is so big and yet so broad. Central procurement strategies
will need to deliver the larger lumps of savings, such as in energy,
telecoms, and travel, but there remains a “long-tail” of purchases
that DHL are aiming to target through their new proposition.
Roger West said: “Central procurement programmes will only really
effectively target some 25% of Government spend. In the case of
the UK this would still leave in the region of £150 bn worth of
“long-tail” purchasing savings that could be delivered at lower
cost from more intelligent procurement outsourcing. Governments
need to set aside ideological or political differences and ally
with the private sector in using procurement to help tackle the
debt crisis.”
Source: Business Wire
21st
May
Royal Mail pension deficit hits £8bn
The deficit in the Royal Mail pension fund has hit £8bn, according
to calculations in the company’s latest annual accounts, reports
BBC.
The figures, by the company’s own accountants, are a snapshot of
the fund’s position.
However a full three-yearly valuation of the scheme, due to be published
in the next two months, is expected to reveal an even bigger deficit.
Sources at Royal Mail suggest it could be as much as £10bn.
This could lead to even more money being drained from the business
to support the scheme as the company has a legal obligation to make
up any deficit, typically over a period of 10 to 20 years.
The size of the deficit - the difference between the value of its
assets and the assets actually needed to pay pensions now and in
the future - is also a huge and unresolved financial headache for
the government.
“At the moment, the trustees with their actuaries are negotiating
the financial repayment schedule the company will have to sign up
to,” said a source close to the discussions.
“But the government will not be able to sell the company with such
a deficit.”
The warning came as the coalition government announced its intention
to part-privatise the Royal Mail.
The Conservative-Lib Dem government said it would seek “an injection
of private capital”, without saying how much of the mail group would
be up for sale.
Two years ago a report for the government on the future of the company
highlighted the growing size of the pension deficit as the postal
service’s number one financial problem.
The report’s author, businessman Richard Hooper, suggested the solution
would be for the government to find a way of taking over responsibility
for the fund and plug its financial black hole with taxpayer’s money.
That would relieve the Royal Mail of the burden of financing the
scheme, a problem highlighted by the group’s latest accounts.
They reveal that in the last financial year the Royal Mail had to
pay a further £867m into the scheme, by way of both regular and
existing deficit payments.
This dwarfed both the cash outflow of the company of £517m, and
the group’s pre-tax loss of £262m.
An increase in the existing level of deficit payments, which in
2006 the company agreed it would pay for 17 years, could push the
company’s total funding bill for the scheme to more than £1bn a
year.
The surge in the Royal Mail’s pension costs comes despite that fact
that the group took action in 2008 to restrain the ballooning costs
of the final-salary scheme.
The scheme was closed to existing staff, who were offered a much
cheaper career average scheme instead, and their retirement age
was raised to 65.
The past year saw an unsuccessful attempt by the previous Labour
government to privatise the company led by Lord Mandelson, which
was scuppered by the unwillingness of rival postal services to lodge
a bid.
Royal Mail also had to deal with the financially damaging impact
of strikes by postal workers over management’s plans to bring in
new sorting office technology and work routines for postmen and
women.
Nothing has happened though to resolve the pension problem.
That is despite warnings last year by the company that it might
have to close the scheme to all its existing staff, and a further
assertion from Mr Hooper that the scale of the deficit was so high
it threatened the viability of the entire business.
Source: BBC
21st
May
73pc profit boost for Ceva Logistics
Ceva Logistics bounced back in the first quarter with a 73 per cent
rise in profits driven by rising sales across the group and improved
margins in the contract logistics division.
EBITDA rose from 30m euros in the first quarter of 2009 to 52m euros
on sales up 14.3 per cent to 1.49bn euros. For full year 2009 the
recession cut EBITDA by 28.5 per cent to 233m euros while sales
were down 13.2 per cent to 5.5bn euros.
Chief financial officer Rubin McDougal said the first quarter figures
reflected the impact of a full year of the cost reduction programme
combined with an uplift in the level of business.
Cost rises in the freight management business offset rising volumes.
In the near term rising transport rates mean margins are being compressed,
said McDougal. In the medium term Ceva will be looking to pass on
those rising costs to customers. “We have had some challenging discussions
with customers,” he said, but he pointed out that there was a recognition
among customers that rates were going up.
In contrast margins in the contract logistics business have improved
significantly. “But that is against a very low base – they are still
not where we would like them to be,” said McDougal. healthy growth
in our retail, consumer and global automotive businesses.
Ceva has focused strongly in strict cost management and cash flow
over the past year that will continue as the business plans for
growth, said McDougal. In the first quarter new business wins totalled
484m euros with ongoing improvements in business share within the
consumer, retail and technology sectors in line with Ceva’s strategy
of focusing on winning a greater share of these businesses.
Central to Ceva’s growth plan is increasing its business with its
100 key global customers - named the Century programme. It is also
focusing on trade lane development – an under-developed area for
the group in the past, said McDougal.
Chief executive John Pattullo said: “This is a robust start showing
considerable year-on-year improvement, with clear evidence that
our continued focus on business development, cash management and
structural cost reduction is continuing to deliver results.”
Source: Ceva Logistics
21st
May
Degree scheme for UPS managers
UPS has chosen Ashcroft International Business School at Anglia
Ruskin University to launch an undergraduate and postgraduate work-based
leadership degree programme for approximately 150 of its UK employees.
UPS managers and supervisors will be offered the opportunity to
enrol on a BA (Hons) Management and Leadership degree or an MA Leadership
degree.
The programmes have been tailored to allow UPS’s executive students
to marry their studies with their daily work, through blended learning
approaches that combine face-to-face tutorage and online learning.
Human resources manager Roger Mays said: “Providing people with
the opportunity to expand their own skillset through external qualifications
is a core element of UPS’s global philosophy.
“This programme will help our management staff fulfil their personal
and professional ambitions while equipping them with real-world
leadership skills that will benefit our business.”
Source: UPS
21st
May
Privatisation looms as profits rise at Royal Mail
Royal Mail has reported a 26 per cent rise in operating profit -
just as the government announced that it wants to part-privatise
the business.
Operating profit was up £83m to £404m despite a fall in sales of
£211m to £9.3bn.
The Liberal/Conservative coalition government said in its programme:
“We will seek to ensure an injection of private capital into Royal
Mail, including opportunities for employee ownership. We will retain
Post Office Ltd in public ownership.”
Operating profit more than doubled at Royal Mail Letters to £121m
but sales were down two per cent at £6.6bn reflecting the decline
in traffic volumes.
UK mail volumes declined by 7.3 per cent in 2009-10 – the steepest
fall since average daily volumes peaked at 84 million in 2005 –
with the average daily mail bag now containing around 71 million
letters, packets and parcels.
Royal Mail said all major postal operators around the world expect
volumes to decline further as people switch increasingly to electronic
communications. “TNT Post Group in The Netherlands, for example,
is planning for a volume reduction of up to 9 per cent this year
and around 30 per cent over the next five years, while the United
States Postal Services is currently seeing its mail volumes decline
by 13 per cent a year.”
In addition, it has been hit by the creaming off of traffic by private
sector rivals which increased their volume of mail by over 20 per
cent. “More than one in three letters – a total of 6,400 million
items – were posted last year with a competitor, but delivered by
a Royal Mail postman or woman under rules which allow rivals access
to Royal Mail’s network. Access mail now accounts for more than
half of all business mail,” it said.
Operating profit at GLS, Royal Mail’s European parcels business
fell ten per cent to £112m while sales were down 0.5 per cent year
on year reflecting the difficult economic conditions, particularly
in Germany. Cost savings in its delivery operations limited the
resulting fall in operating profit – down by 10 per cent to £112
million.
Parcelforce Worldwide, the UK parcels business, saw operating profit
rise 42 per cent to £17m maintaining sales at £399 million for the
year.
While privatisation is back on the agenda, Royal Mail has some critical
issues to deal with. Chairman Donald Brydon, said: "Huge challenges
remain, including the need to find a resolution to our historic
pension deficit, and the need to reach agreement with Postcomm on
a regulatory regime more suited to today’s changing marketplace."
Source: Royal Mail
20th
May
Royal Mail launches one-stop e-commerce engine to support online
retailers
Royal Mail has announced the launch of a new e-commerce fulfilment
tool to help online retailers manage their inventory, accounts and
logistics across multiple on and off-line sales channels, saving
them time and money.
The Royal Mail E-commerce Engine® is ideal for store-based, online
and multi-channel retailers who want to expand their presence to
new sales channels to grow their businesses.
The launch of the engine complements Royal Mail’s delivery and warehousing
offering for online retailers and creates a truly integrated end-to-end
service.
The internet-based tool will integrate seamlessly with a retailer’s
existing processes to enable complete visibility and management
through a single platform including:
• Sales orders - even the ability to combine orders for the same
customer
• Automated and manual customer communications
• Total inventory and stock control with supplier management
• Pricing by channel
• Webstore and eBay store creation
• Management of eBay and auction site listings and sales
• Returns and refund processing
• Reporting and maintenance tools
The engine is aimed at online retailers with a turnover generally
above £500k who want to drive sales and maximise growth opportunities,
better communicate with customers and save time on administrative
processes, whilst managing costs and efficiency.
Dan Hewett, Head of Small Business Goods Fulfilment at Royal Mail,
said: "Opportunities in the online retail market continue to increase
as the range of sales channels expands and many businesses either
don’t have the time or expertise to take advantage of them in a
cost effective way.
"The Royal Mail E-commerce Engine® has been developed to give small
and medium sized companies the capability to open and exploit new
online sales channels efficiently, while ensuring excellent customer
service remains at the core of their business."
"Managing stock, payment, logistics and returns across different
sales channels is a challenging and complex task, but this tool
helps them do that effectively."
Today’s launch supports Royal Mail’s drive to develop products and
services that meet the changing needs of its retail customers, helping
them to make the most of market opportunities, run their operations
as effectively as possible and improve customer service.
Source: E-CourierNews
20th
May
CitySprint Speaks About The Secure Transportation Of Laboratory
Samples At BMTA Event
Justin Hayday, National Business Development Manager for CitySprint,
took part in a British Measurement and Testing Association (BMTA)
members’ event on 12th May at the United Kingdom Accreditation Services
(UKAS) offices in Feltham to speak about the safe and secure transportation
of time sensitive and delicate laboratory samples.
The BMTA represents the interests of the measurement and testing
industry in the UK and in Europe. Membership of the Association
is open to all laboratory based organisations and individuals with
an interest in the measurement and testing industry. The BMTA holds
a number of members’ events throughout the year and as a member
CitySprint was invited to speak at the event held on the 12th May.
The event was attended by other BMTA members, most of whom are managers
of UKAS accredited laboratories.
Justin spoke to members about CitySprint’s specialist samples transportation
service which combines extensive knowledge and experience to offer
efficient and effective transportation solutions for laboratory
samples. CitySprint regularly transports all categories of laboratory
samples for its clients 24/7, safely and securely and is able to
offer a complete chain of custody service managed by expertly qualified
Dangerous Goods Advisors. CitySprint’s specialist team operates
with the benefit of fully trained ADR sub-contractor couriers who
are available nationwide from CitySprint’s network of 31 ServiceCentres.
In addition, the management information CitySprint is able to provide
is amongst the best in the industry with clients being able to view
a real-time map location of the courier responsible for their consignment
from the moment it is collected until the moment it is delivered.
CitySprint also took part in an exhibition at the event which gave
Justin the opportunity to speak to attendees and discuss CitySprint’s
specialist samples transportation service in more depth as well
as answer any individual queries.
Justin commented “It was a great honour to be invited to speak at
the BMTA event and inform members about our service and how we are
leaders in the provision of safe and secure laboratory sample transportation.
Our presentation and exhibition space generated a lot of interest
- it was a great success”
Source: E-CourierNews
20th
May
Fortec Pallet Distribution Network Announces 2010 Award Winners
The dedication and loyalty of licensee members across the UK has
been highlighted in an awards ceremony hosted by the Fortec Pallet
Distribution Network.
Companies within the 66-strong licensee network were asked to cast
their votes on the most deserving licensees as part of the annual
awards ceremony.
The Depot of the Year award went to Ipswich-based IP Pallets.
IP Pallets joined Fortec in 2004 and serves clients in Ipswich,
Norwich and into Cambridge.
Having grown from five members of staff and only limited input,
the company today employs a 20-strong workforce and puts on average
120 pallets a night through the network. Fellow licensees voted
IP Pallets to receive the award following the company’s consistent
service to the network, its dealings with Fortec customers and assistance
with special requests.
Simon Fraser, Managing Director, said: “We are delighted and humbled
to receive this award. Delighted, because we weren’t expecting to
win, and humbled because the Network has so many licensees who deliver
a first class service and yet these same licensees voted for us
to win.
“We have had a fantastic relationship with Fortec in the six years
we have been with the Network and we are looking forward to it continuing
and developing in the years to come.”
Coventry-based Fullforce came in second place and Allen Logistics
in County Armagh came third.
Neil Hodgson, Managing Director of the Fortec Pallet Distribution
Network paid tribute to IP Pallets. He commented: “IP Pallets is
an excellent member of the network in respect of branding and livery
and are a model licensee”.
The Rod Abrahams Award, in memory of Fortec’s former Managing Director
who died from cancer in September last year, went to Bridgetime
Transport in Newport.
The award is given to the licensee who consistently goes the extra
mile for the benefit of their business, the Network and customers.
As a Fortec licensee Bridgetime Transport originally covered the
‘NP’ postcode but agreed to cover the ‘CF’ postcode at relatively
short notice in 2009.
Robbie Evans, Director of Bridgetime Transport, said: “It was a
real crisis at the time but we said we were happy to take it on
for the benefit of Fortec customers until a permanent licensee was
found for Cardiff.
“It was a lot of pressure but we pulled out all the stops. Thankfully
it went really well and after three months we said we’d like to
take it on permanently. It was an excellent decision – it has really
added value to our business.”
Neil Hodgson commented: “We have many depots in the network which
go the extra mile and it was difficult to choose a winner for this
very special category, however the service provided by Bridgetime
was exceptional and we congratulate them on their success.”
Leicester-based Mitchell Storage and Distribution won the award
for the International Depot of the year.
The award was presented in recognition of the number of international
consignments handled by the company on behalf of the Fortec Network.
It came just as Mitchell Storage and Distribution, which joined
the Fortec Network over 18 months ago, shipped 500 pallets into
the Network in the previous 12 weeks.
Neil Hodgson commented: “This is a fantastic performance by Mitchells
Storage and Distribution and clearly demonstrates what can be achieved
from small beginnings.”
Runners up were Parker Transport (South West) and London-based Spartan.
The Newcomer of the Year Award went to Spartan’s Sheffield base,
with Crewe-based NLH Express Deliveries and Spavin City Express
in Scunthorpe in second and third place.
Spartan won the award in recognition of consistent steady growth
to Fortec since joining a year ago and for its commitment to the
Network.
When partners Tracey Brooks and Stuart Staniland first opened Spartan’s
6,000 sq ft warehouse, they had no customers on the books. But by
the end of the first week they had put four pallets into the Fortec
network.
Today the company serves a client base in Sheffield and puts up
to 300 pallets into the network every week.
Neil Hodgson said: “Spartan is another excellent example of what
can be achieved from a start up operation.”
W L Vallance in Newton Abbot picked up the award for Commercial
Contribution. In second place was TJL Transport in Mitcham, while
Devereux Developments in Cleveland was in third place.
Earliest records of Vallance’s involvement in transport date back
to 1906 when they used horses and carts to transport clay form the
local claypits to the docks at Teignmouth. W L Vallance, known as
Lew, first operated steam engined tippers, the introduction of which
startled the horses.
From these early beginnings the company has grown significantly
and today the Vallance Group employs a 100-strong workforce, operates
a fleet of 50 vehicles and delivers more than 600 pallets a day
for customers based in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset.
Neil Hodgson commented: “W L Vallance is an excellent member of
the network and provide consistent levels of service despite having
to cope with a very difficult geographic area coupled with a reduced
marketplace. The fact they have been selected to win this award
is testament to their tenacity and commitment to the network. “
In paying tribute to all the winners Neil Hodgson continued: “Congratulations
to the licensees who won awards. All are model companies who regularly
pull out all the stops and go beyond the call of duty to provide
a top-class service. It is their loyalty and dedication that helps
make Fortec the success it is.
“All our winners have consistently gone the extra mile in 2009 and
we are delighted to reward that effort with these awards.”
Source: E-CourierNews
19th
May
Eddie Stobart starts Tesco contract
Eddie Stobart has started work on its £25m a year Tesco contract
with the first shipment of goods passing out through the gates of
a 528,000 square-foot Tesco chilled distribution centre in Widnes.
The new distribution centre is part of the Mersey Multimodal Gateway,
a brown-field site development undertaken by Stobart Group, in partnership
with Halton Borough Council.
The project is about to move into phase two of the development.
Steve O’Connor, managing director of Stobart Ports, said: “This
week is a landmark in the development of this region as a whole.
Today’s activity at the site marks the completion of phase one of
this major project for Stobart Group, Halton Borough Council and
the Mersey region.
“Ultimately this project will create 5,000 jobs in the region, and
that is something we all know is well worth working for.”
Source: Logistics Manager
18th
May
TNT eyes growing Russian healthcare sector
Direct Moscow-Liege air freight service takes off
TNT Express has launched an air cargo service linking Moscow and
its main European hub at Liege, via Warsaw, aimed at the Russian
healthcare sector.
The new five-days-a-week service will be operated by a B737-300,
providing 16 tonnes of capacity, and will offer faster transit times
for time-critical shipments to and from Russia.
Last year, the Russian pharmaceutical market grew by 18% in value
to US$17 billion and is on course to increase by a further 11% in
2010, according to market research firm DSM Group.
Mirko Mueller, TNT’s director for healthcare, said: “TNT is moving
more and more clinical samples out of Russia. Using our own scheduled
air service will simplify and guarantee the uplift of these time-sensitive
shipments.
“This gives us control over the cold chain from origin to destination.”
18th
May
John Reid Trucking Joins Palletways
John Reid Trucking, based in North Lincolnshire, has joined Palletways.
The company has become one of more than 100 members in the Palletways
UK network. As a member of the Palletways network in North Lincolnshire,
John Reid will collect from local customers in Lincolnshire, including
locations such as Ashby, Gainsborough and Bradley, for onwards delivery
nationwide, as well to Ireland, the Benelux countries, Denmark,
France, Germany, Spain, Portugal and Italy.
Managing Director John Reid, said: “Joining Palletways will open
up new business opportunities for our company in the UK and mainland
Europe. Being part of the largest network of its kind will enable
us to offer our customers cost-effective and express palletised
freight services to anywhere in the UK and to mainland Europe for
the first time ever.”
Source: E-CourierNews
17th
May
UPS Rebrands UK Fleet with 2012 Logo for Olympic Games
In the lead up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games,
UPS will be managing one of the biggest and most significant logistical
challenges on a global scale. As part of this journey it has completed
the full rebranding of its UK operations with the distinctive London
2012 logo.
UPS has applied the London 2012 branding to its entire vehicle fleet
in the UK – more than 3,000 vehicles – along with all 2,800 uniforms,
in an exercise that has taken just over three months.
This move represents a significant milestone for UPS in its 102
year branding history. It is the first time the company has applied
a partner logo alongside the iconic brown and gold UPS shield on
its vehicles and uniforms in the UK.
Through the rebranding, UPS customers, employees and the UK general
public will be reminded on a daily basis of UPS's role as Official
Logistics and Express Delivery Supporter of the London 2012 Olympic
and Paralympic Games.
Alan Williams, Director, London 2012 Sponsorship & Operations, UPS
UK & Ireland, said: "This is one of the most extensive rebranding
exercises we have ever undertaken in the UK. The scale and scope
of this effort is a direct reflection of the pride felt by every
UPS employee across the country. With our drivers and vehicles travelling
across the length and breadth of the UK, we are now one of the most
visible supporters of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games."
UPS is responsible for virtually all the distribution and logistics
services for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games via an
integrated supply chain solution that includes venue logistics services,
warehousing services and a distribution network that will collect
and deliver virtually everything from documents to heavy freight.
UPS will also be responsible for all customs clearance, freight
forwarding and courier services before, during and after the London
2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Source: E-CourierNews
14th
May
Pall-Ex sponsor Tech 2 racing and Map Centurion Triumph Team
Pall-Ex has announced it will be sponsoring Tech 2 Racing/MAP Centurion
Triumph team for the British Superbike season 2010.
Tech 2 Racing was formed in 1998 by David Fairbrother, the depot
principal of Pall-Ex member ADD Express. David has a long-established
racing pedigree and decided that after his racing days were over,
he would continue his passion for the sport by moving into team
management.
The British Superbike calendar is the UK’s biggest motorsport attraction
and the team have had a great start to the season so far. One team
member, Jimmy Hill, made a stunning debut win in the Metzeler National
Superstock 600 race on Easter Monday.
Pall-Ex CEO and founder, Hilary Devey, said:
“We are thrilled to be sponsoring Tech 2 Racing and the MAP Centurion
Triumph, especially because one of our members is an integral part
of the team. They have a busy season ahead of them and we will be
supporting them throughout.”
David Fairbrother added:
“I am delighted that Pall-Ex are sponsoring us for the 2010 season.
It takes a lot of hard work and money to get the team ready for
the season and we couldn’t do this without the support of our sponsors.”
Source: Pall-Ex
14th
May
CITYSPRINT SHOWS ITS SUPPORT FOR BRITISH SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN
CitySprint has donated £1726 to the national charity Help
for Heroes as part of a donation scheme it launched at the end of
2009. CitySprint is the UK’s leading SameDay courier company
and is the preferred supplier for the Ministry of Defence. For every
job CitySprint undertakes on behalf of the MoD a donation is made
to a selected Forces charity. Charities are selected on a quarterly
basis with input from both the MoD and CitySprint. Help for Heroes
was chosen as the launch charity with donations made for each job
during the period November 2009 – January 2010. CitySprint
presented the donation on 13th May at CitySprint’s Southampton
ServiceCentre.
J udy Horne, Volunteer Hampshire Coordinator, from Help for Heroes
was presented the cheque by Nigel Cattermole, National Business
Development Manager, of CitySprint. When presenting the cheque Nigel
said: “We are delighted to be able to do our bit to support
such a worthwhile charity. Help for Heroes believes that anyone
who volunteers to service in time of war is a hero. We believe this
wholeheartedly and present this cheque confident in the knowledge
that it go towards making a real difference to servicemen and women
around the country.” Judy Horne, Volunteer Hampshire Coordinator,
from Help for Heroes said: “We are incredibly grateful to all
of our supporters and would like to formally thank CitySprint for
their support. The work we do is dependent on donations such as
this and vital to enabling us to continue to support the Servicemen
and women returning from Afghanistan.”
Source: CitySprint
13th
May
HERMES SECURES NATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY AWARD
Hermes, the UK's largest home delivery courier company, has scooped
one of the prestigious RoSPA Occupational Health & Safety Awards.
The Bronze Award recognises the company’s commitment to protecting
the health and wellbeing of employees and visitors at the company’s
85,000 sq ft distribution hub in Nuneaton.
Hermes was presented with the award at a ceremony at the Hilton
Birmingham Metropole Hotel, which took place alongside Safety &
Health Expo 2010, Europe’s leading annual health and safety
exhibition.
Paul McCormack, HR Director at Hermes commented: “We operate
a strict policy to ensure that all undertakings are carried out
to an exceptionally high level, meeting all health and safety requirements.
It is of paramount importance to us, so we are committed to a proactive
approach that is designed to enhance risk assessment, improve incident
investigation and keep accident levels across our business to a
minimum.”
David Rawlins, RoSPA’s Awards Manager, said: “Hermes has
shown a commitment to health and safety and deserve to have their
dedication recognised. As well as there being clear ethical and
legal requirements for good health and safety management, there
is also a strong business case. RoSPA is delighted to publicly honour
organisations which have demonstrated their work to improve performance
in this sphere.”
This year, three days of award ceremonies will take place and gala
dinners will be hosted by Lord Jordan of Bournville, RoSPA President,
Lord Hunt of Wirral, RoSPA Vice-President, and Lord Brougham and
Vaux, RoSPA Vice-President.
Source: Hermes
12th
May
81 per cent profit boost for Deutsche Post DHL
Deutsche Post DHL saw underlying profit (EBIT) rise 81.4 percent
to 566 million in the first quarter on sales up 4.4 per cent at
12 billion euros.
"Our first quarter results demonstrate clearly that we are well
prepared for the future: we have broadly improved our performance,"
said chief executive Frank Appel. "But there is much more to accomplish.
We will continue to press forward with the implementation of our
Strategy 2015 and unlock the group's full potential step by step."
Reported EBIT climbed from 27m euros in the first three months of
2009 to 512m euros in 2010.
Sales in the Supply Chain division were down 0.5 per cent at 3.1bn
euros but underlying EBIT rose 52 per cent to 64m euros.
The fall in sales was largely the result of the loss of business
caused by the bankruptcy of the Arcandor Group in Germany and an
underperforming contract in the United States that was not renewed
in the second quarter of 2009.
However, additional contracts with new and existing customers totalled
some 240m euros. Growth was particularly strong in the Asia-Pacific
region, the group said.
Sales in the Express division in the first three months of 2010
jumped by nine per cent to 2.6bn euros. In the first quarter of
2009 the division made an EBIT loss of 120m euros but this year
there was a underlying profit of 154m euros.
In the Global Forwarding, Freight division, the increase in volumes
seen since the second half of 2009 accelerated in the first quarter
of 2010. Sales were up 13.5 per cent at 3.1bn euros while underlying
EBIT rose eight per cent to 54m euros.
The group said Volumes for both air and ocean freight rose sharply
during the first three months compared with the previous year's
level. “Because demand is rapidly rising following the economic
crisis, transport rates for air and ocean freight capacities have
risen considerably. DHL did indeed secure additional capacities
at an early stage. But the higher prices could not be completely
passed on to customers.”
The Mail division saw a small dip in sales to 3.4bn euros while
underlying EBIT was 4.2 per cent down at 390m euros. The group said
that while the phase of crisis-related reductions seems to be largely
over, the trend towards the increased substitution of physical letters
with electronic media in the traditional mail business remained
unchanged at the beginning of 2010.
For the full-year the group expects a continued recovery in global
transport volumes and it confirmed its prediction of underlying
EBIT between 1.6bn euros and 1.9bn euros.
The group believes that the DHL division and the Mail division will
contribute roughly the same amount to profits for the first time.
While profits at the Mail division are expected to total between
1bn euros and 1.2bn euros, the projected amount for DHL is between
1bn euros and 1.1bn euros.
Source: Logistics Manager
12th
May
Stobart profits leap 60 per cent
Stobart Group saw pre-tax profit rise almost 60 per cent last year
to £36.8m aided by an £8.2m profit on the disposal of assets at
Widnes.
Sales for the year to 28th February were up 3.9 per cent at £447.7m
on the back of contract wins worth some £50m a year.
Chief executive Andrew Tinkler said: “This performance is driven
by increased efficiency in our core business, new contract wins
such as Unilever and developing strategic assets.”
The group said net debt was reduced by £57.9m since the interim
date and by £23.8m since the last year end.
During the year Stobart launched a fresh produce train service from
Valencia to UK. It completed phase 1 of its Widnes development,
subsequently selling it for £61m and leasing back the adjoining
terminal.
It is also building its position in aviation with the acquisition
of Carlisle Lake District Airport, and the development of a railway
station and control tower at London Southend Airport.
Since the year end, the company which is celebrating its 40th anniversary,
has started a biomass products venture.
Tinkler said: “We look forward to further progress in the coming
year through expansion of our new biomass business, commencement
of the runway extension and new terminal at London Southend Airport
and further efficiencies and contract wins in our main Eddie Stobart
division.”
Source: Logistics Manager
11th
May
Kuehne + Nagel wins pharma contract
German pharmaceuticals company Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma has chosen
Kuehne + Nagel to handle, store and distribute the pharmaceuticals
in eastern Europe.
Martina Brzjchaczek-Koternetz, Boehringer’s head of supply chain
management, said: “We need a logistics service provider who combines
thorough industry know-how with experience in the East European
market.”
Countries covered include the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Greece
and Croatia.
Source: Logistics Manager
10th
May
AliExpress goes with UPS
UPS has become the preferred logistics provider for AliExpress a
online wholesale marketplace launched by Alibaba.com, the Chinese
business e-commerce company.
Alibaba.com operates three online marketplaces with 47 million uses
in 240 countries and regions. It has offices in more than 60 cities
across Greater China, Japan, Korea, Europe and the United States.
AliExpress allows customers to tailor orders to the needs of their
small businesses, offering smaller-quantity orders, instant online
transactions and an escrow service to protect buyers and sellers.
Through this alliance it will offer users the ability to manage
their shipping and tracking processes online via UPS shipping technology
integrated into the AliExpress platform. This includes the ability
to print UPS shipping labels and request pick-up for their UPS packages
all from within the AliExpress website.
Jordan Colletta, vice president of e-commerce marketing at UPS,
said: “UPS is committed to the growth of China’s involvement in
global e-commerce as part of our overall strategy,” said. “Through
our alliance with Alibaba, we hope to partner with more small and
mid-sized Chinese businesses to simplify their logistics processes
and connect them with new buyers and sellers worldwide.”
Source: Logistics Manager
7th
May
APC Overnight helps to double business for award winning butcher
Derbyshire-based family butcher J W Mettrick & Son has doubled online
sales thanks to efficient “Handled with Care” next day deliveries
from APC Overnight. Awarded Best Online Butcher by Good Housekeeping
magazine, J W Mettrick & Son works closely with the local APC Overnight
depot to ensure fresh, pristine delivery of locally sourced and
produced meats for customers throughout the UK.
Through its website, J W Mettrick & Son can offer all the advantages
of a local butcher supplying quality products while reaching the
entire nation via the Internet and the APC Overnight network. This
service has proved a big hit with customers nationwide - particularly
in the south of England where there are fewer local butchers because
of the domination of supermarkets.
John Mettrick, director, says: “You may be a good butcher, but you
also need a good courier and an efficient system to expedite deliveries
to your customers. APC Nationwide Express Parcels provides us with
an excellent service that ensures our customers get their meat orders
when they need them and in first class condition. Our customers
are very happy with the APC Overnight “Handled with Care” delivery
service and it has been instrumental to the growth of our Internet
sales. We see it very much as a 50:50 relationship essential to
our award winning business.”
Getting fresh meat and meat products to the customer in time, every
time, requires a slick supply chain strategy. Customers order online
and these are logged immediately into the NetDespatch web-based
booking and tracking system, which in turn is connected directly
with APC Nationwide Express Parcels in Glossop to book collections.
The system also prints the shipping labels and these are attached
to the environmentally-friendly insulated cardboard packages ready
for collection by the courier.
“The NetDespatch online booking and tracking system enables rapid
response. It is extremely easy to use and streamlines order fulfillment.
It combines and automates collections and parcel labelling – and,
should we ever need to, we can track parcels throughout the APC
Overnight network to the point of delivery. In addition it provides
us with proof of delivery. It is a good system that makes for efficient
procedures and administration,” adds John Mettrick.
J W Mettrick & Son has its own abattoir and meat cutting and processing
operation. The company works with local meat producers, including
farmers in the Peak District National Park who hold the Peak District
Environmental Quality Mark for actively supporting good environmental
practices in the Peak District National Park.
Source: APC Overnight
7th
May
PALL-EX PROMOTES TISS' TANKSAFE DEVICES TO THEIR NETWORK
Pall-Ex, the UK's leading palletized distribution network, have
announced that they are promoting TISS' TankSafe Fuel Security &
Safety devices to all of their 100 members. The TankSafe range is
one of a number of products being promoted to Pall-Ex members as
part of Pall-Ex's efforts to offer members the best value aftermarket
products.
Since their launch in 1996, Pall-Ex have strived to achieve a cost
effective service and reduced costs throughout their membership.
This goal demonstrates obvious synergy with TISS as fitting the
TankSafe 'Impregnable' Fuel Security & Safety Device and 'Standard'
enables members to prevent any fuel theft, skimming, diesel spills
and overfilling.
The TankSafe 'Impregnable' device has now been fitted by 1,017 Hauliers
due to its proven capability of increasing profitability by reducing
fuel bills by up to 10%, and its ability to prevent hazardous diesel
spills, therefore protecting the environment and improving Hauliers'
Health and Safety. The other device in the TankSafe range is theTankSafe
'Standard' Anti-Siphon; independently proven to be the most effective
basic anti-siphon for preventing third party fuel theft.
Both TankSafe Devices offer a rapid payback: the TankSafe 'Impregnable'
Device, only has to prevent approximately 140 litres of fuel (1/4
of the tank) being siphoned over its lifetime to have paid for itself.
Daniel Hampton, Group Procurement Executive, stated: "Cost and resource
optimisation are the highest priority for our members and fuel bills
are the most onerous cost Hauliers endure. Having researched the
fuel security market, we chose TISS as a partner of Pall-Ex due
to their professional reputation throughout the industry, proven
high levels of technical and sales support in addition to the high
quality of the TankSafe range".
TISS' Managing Director, Ryan Wholey, said: In the current economic
climate, reducing costs is of paramount importance and the TankSafe
'Impregnable' enables Pall-ex members to reduce their haulage costs
in addition to cutting their CO2 emissions."
Source: Pall-Ex
6th
May
DHL invests $9m to strengthen operations in Pakistan
DHL has announced an investment of $9m to strengthen its freight
forwarding and supply chain operations in Pakistan.
The investment will go towards the upgrading of warehouses, fleet,
offices, IT systems and employee training and development programmes.
This announcement was made by senior DHL representatives - Amadou
Diallo, CEO, South Asia Pacific, DHL Global Forwarding and Thomas
Tieber, CEO, South Asia - who travelled to Pakistan to officiate
the opening of DHL Global Forwarding Pakistan’s new 15,000 square
foot office building.
Located in the main business district (P.E.C.H.S), the new office
premises are located 12km to the airport and 15km to the Karachi
port and will house over a hundred employees, with room for further
expansion.
Amadou Diallo, CEO, South Asia Pacific, DHL Global Forwarding said:
“DHL Global Forwarding in Pakistan has grown exponentially over
the last few years and the $9m investment reflects our continued
confidence and commitment to the market. During this visit, I’ve
had the opportunity to meet many employees and customers and I am
greatly encouraged by the widespread enthusiasm, optimism, and entrepreneurship
in Pakistan.”
Thomas Tieber, CEO, South Asia, DHL Global Forwarding said: “By
investing in our people, and growing the talent pool in Pakistan,
I am confident we will continue to grow our market-leading position
by being the industry’s best. Last year, we launched ‘First Choice’
- a global customer-centric quality program and also launched our
‘DHL Fashion and Apparel Center of Excellence’ to further enhance
our services for the Fashion industry. With tailored solutions and
a strong commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, businesses
in Pakistan have access to world class products and services available
to DHL customers everywhere in the world.”
Imran Shaikh, managing director, DHL Global Forwarding Pakistan
said: “We are confident business in Pakistan will continue to grow
driven especially by imports and exports of apparel, footwear, chemicals
and life sciences. In order for local businesses to compete effectively,
it is important for Pakistan to have a comprehensive range of logistics
services, to facilitate the movement of goods efficiently. With
the launch of DHL Global Forwarding Pakistan, DHL seeks to further
strengthen the logistics offering in Pakistan, providing local companies
access to the world.”
Source: DHL
5th
May
FedEx receives Reader’s Digest award
FedEx Express has been named a Trusted Brand by readers of Reader’s
Digest magazine.
For the seventh consecutive year, FedEx has won the Gold Award in
the overall Asia regional category of the Airfreight/Courier Service
division. FedEx also picked up the Gold Award in the division in
seven individual Asia Pacific markets, including mainland China,
Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand.
“Winning the Trusted Brand Gold Award for seven years in a row is
testimony to FedEx unwavering commitment to service excellence and
customer satisfaction,” said David L. Cunningham Jr., president,
Asia Pacific, FedEx Express. ”This award recognises the efforts
of everyone on the FedEx team who has continued to deliver an outstanding
experience for our customers despite the challenges faced the last
year.”
Source: FedEx
5th
May
Bakker “satisfied” as TNT publishes Q1 results
CEO Peter Bakker said he was “satisfied” with TNT’s Q1 2010 results
– as the figures illustrated signs of economic recovery.
Reported revenues increased by 12.4% to EUR 2.75bn due primarily
to higher revenues from Express. Reported operating income grew
by 54% to EUR 251m because of a rebound in Express profitability
as well as a good contribution from Mail.
Reported profit attributable to shareholders came in at EUR 143m
(EUR 76m in Q1 2009). Net cash from operating activities was EUR
31m, a decrease of EUR 126m versus last year, due in large part
to higher taxes paid and working capital outflow. Net debt held
steady at around EUR 1.1bn.
Better operating income helped compensate for certain negative cash
impacts. To show the underlying developments in the business, TNT
excludes currency impact and, when relevant, corrects for working
days and one-off items. Underlying revenues increased by 5.1% in
Q1 2010. Underlying operating income increased by 28.3% to € 213m
compared to Q1 2009. TNT said it sees a modest improvement in the
economy. Express volumes, revenues and results are expected to be
well above 2009 levels, though could be tempered by continuing yield
pressure and cost inflation. Mail volumes and results are expected
to be below 2009 levels. TNT continues to focus on costs and cash.
Bakker said: “As noted in our 8 April AGM trading update, Q1 2010
continued to show a positive trend. Reported operating income from
both divisions was up versus the prior year.
“We have every reason to be satisfied with the results in all parts
of our business. The profit recovery testifies to the hard work
of TNT’s employees around the world, squeezing the cost base and
helping the company navigate through the 2008/09 economic crisis.
However, as a guide for full year performance, this quarter also
needs to be understood as having benefited from extra working days.
“Volumes in Express have improved, albeit against a soft Q1 2009
comparison. In recent weeks, volumes have almost returned to levels
seen in the more normal trading period of Q1 2007, though some customer
feedback indicates that this is partially driven by re-stocking
of supply chains. The negative year-on-year yield development shows
early signs of stabilisation. Because cost increases inevitably
follow improving volumes, cost control will remain in sharp focus.
I am pleased how TNT swiftly deployed road-based alternatives to
help mitigate the impact of Iceland’s volcanic eruption.
“Mail achieved a good operating result due in part to an improved
performance from Emerging Mail & Parcels. Addressed Mail volumes
were down by 9.7%, on a comparable basis, which again points to
the need for ongoing cost control and Master plan implementation.
“TNT is making good progress in the implementation of Vision 2015.
Although TNT assumes a modestly improving business environment in
2010, the global economic recovery remains fragile. A continued
focus on costs and cash will therefore remain essential.”
GROUP
- Operating income € 251m (€ 163m in Q1 2009); quarter benefited
from four extra working days
- Profit attributable to shareholders € 143m (€ 76m in Q1 2009)
- Net debt stable versus year-end 2009
- Vision 2015 implementation as per AGM announcement progressing
EXPRESS
- Development of Express volumes continues to improve
- Negative year-on-year yield development shows early signs of stabilisation
- Underlying* operating income € 59m (€ 23m in Q1 2009)
MAIL
- Addressed mail volumes in the Netherlands declined by 9.7% (corrected
for working days and one-off mailings)
- Good performance improvement Emerging Mail & Parcels
- Underlying operating income € 159m (€ 149m in Q1 2009)
Source: TNT
5th
May
Competition to name a Stobart truck
Eddie Stobart has launched a national truck spotting competition
where, for the first time, members of the public get the chance
to name an Eddie Stobart truck.
Normally only members of the 15,000 strong Stobart Club are able
to request a name for a Stobart truck – and even then there’s a
three year waiting list. However, to celebrate its ruby anniversary,
Eddie Stobart is giving members of the public the chance to jump
the three year queue and personalise their very own vehicle.
Every month from May until December 2010, Stobart is placing one
truck onto its fleet that has no name. This un-named truck will
instead bear a question mark on the front of the cab where the girl’s
name is normally displayed. Anyone who spots this truck must note
down the time and location and register it using the online form
at www.clubstobart.co.uk. At the end of each month, an entry will
be chosen at random and they will receive the chance to name the
truck they have spotted.
The very first truck was christened “Twiggy” in 1976 and an enthusiastic
band of ‘Stobart Spotters’ has recorded each sighting of an Eddie
Stobart vehicle on the UK’s roads and motorways ever since.
Stobart chief executive Andrew Tinkler said: “The Eddie Stobart
brand has been built on traditional core business beliefs but has
grown because of our fans in the Stobart Members Club, their continued
allegiance to our brand and the spotting of our trucks. They really
are a key part of the Eddie Stobart family and we’ve planned some
exciting activities this year, including an exclusive anniversary
merchandise range, to help celebrate their loyalty during the last
40 years. This national competition is a great way for us to give
something back and to get more members of the public spotting our
trucks – the chance to name a truck doesn’t come around often so
it really is a unique opportunity.”
Source: Logistics Manager
5th
May
Bibby buys Taygroup
Bibby Distribution has taken over Biggleswade-based Taygroup.
Taygroup was founded in 1992 and operates from a head office in
Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, as well as sites in Wigan, Cardiff and
Melksham and has developed long-standing relationships with a number
of blue-chip customers, including many high street brands.
It offers dedicated and shared user warehousing and distribution
as well as project management services.
The deal raises Bibby Distribution’s annual turnover by around ten
per cent and adds 300 road assets to the existing fleet as well
as expanding its operating footprint by four sites to a total of
62 locations.
Taygroup shareholders Jon Wright and Lloyd Dennaford will remain
with the business. Over time Bibby will integrate Taygroup into
its UK operations. As part of this integration the business will
take on the Bibby Distribution name.
Iain Speak, Bibby Distribution’s Chief Executive Officer, said:
“Taygroup is a vibrant and dynamic business with a real focus on
delivering excellent service to its customers. The acquisition strengthens
our overall service offering in a number of key areas and enables
efficiencies that will enhance our ability to provide the market
with flexible, competitive solutions.
“I am particularly pleased to welcome our new colleagues to Bibby
Distribution and look forward to working with them to continue their
success under our stewardship.”
Source: Logistics Manager
5th
May
New trailer design sets safety standards
One of the safest trailers ever to appear on British roads has been
launched by the palletised distribution network, Palletforce.
The award-winning network has teamed up with double-deck trailer
specialists, Trailer Resource Ltd, to develop a bespoke trailer
aimed at reducing health and safety issues surrounding loading and
unloading.
Figures for the past year show that slips and trips by transport
drivers and operatives across the whole industry resulted in an
alarming 6,352 reported injuries during 2008 and 2009.
Some 815 of the injuries proved to be major and 2,361 involved employees
taking more than three days off work – costing UK businesses thousands
of pounds in lost manpower and decreased efficiency.
The trailer is the brainchild of Trailer Resource Ltd managing director
Des O’Connor, who developed the idea having seen a rise in the number
double-decks being used in the industry over the past two years.
Des explained: “Since double-decks exploded onto the scene they
have brought with them some huge benefits, but as they have become
more and more popular, we have noticed health and safety concerns
that many people weren’t first aware of.
“The major concern that needed addressing was access. This involved
coming up with a design that would minimise the risk to the end
user when getting on and off the trailer and how to safely access
and work on the top deck.
“By working in conjunction with Palletforce we believe we have come
up with a cutting edge solution that will educate the whole industry.”
Already on the road with Palletforce member Stones Distribution,
the trailer incorporates many of the Health and Safety Executive’s
main focus points including areas with three points of contact to
the vehicle, which is vital for access to the beds of trailers.
One of the other main features of the cutting edge trailer includes
a non-slip ladder and grab handles incorporated into the front partition
to aid safe access to the top deck.
Once on the top deck, the user’s risk of injury is minimised further
by securing straps which have been placed on both sides and at either
end of the trailer’s roof struts. This will allow the user to clip
on a safety harness and be able to work freely and safely – without
the risk of falling from height.
Other safety features of the trailer include:
• Improved offside access to the trailer step area.
• Greater nearside access to trailer step area – via a ‘pull out’
ladder.
• A step incorporated into the side guard providing access to the
front of the main trailer bed from either side.
• Safer access to the back of the trailer – via a step integrated
into the rear frame.
• Access to the rear of the trailer main bed – via side mounted
rear step.
• Mesh flooring on the top deck for easier checking of load security
and better vision for forklift loading.
• Elasticated strap lift hooks which clear the bottom of the rave
– to avoid snagging when drawing curtains.
• For easier loading/unloading the curtains can be stowed across
the back of the trailer to leave the sides clear.
• All safety features marked with reflective yellow stickers to
ensure they can be seen and used safely at night.
Palletforce health, safety, quality and facilities manager, John
Rothery, said: “Creating a safe and secure working environment for
all our members and employees is vital, especially those transporting,
loading and unloading goods.
“People don’t need to fall far to seriously injure themselves and
this industry-leading trailer design comes with a whole host of
extra safety features to minimise that risk.”
Phase one of the trailer design complete, Trailer Resources are
now developing a series of additional safety features to add to
the design.
These include hard hat warnings on the outside of the curtain, contact
telephone numbers clearly marked on the curtain in case of emergency
and a store for gloves, hard hats and fire extinguisher – to ensure
users are fully protected at all times.
Source: E-CourierNews
5th
May
P F Whitehead Opts For Performance With Palletline
Driving quality and performance across the network, Palletline continues
to develop its services in the south eastern region. The latest
organisation to join the ranks of the UK’s leading palletised distribution
network is Croydon-based P F Whitehead Transport Services - originally
founder members of Palletways - who bring with them almost two decades
of experience in the sector.
Peter Whitehead, Managing Director of P F Whitehead, is clear about
the motives behind his decision to join the Palletline network.
“The pallet network sector has played an important role in our company’s
growth and development over the past nineteen years,” he confirmed.
“As a result, we recognise the real commercial advantages of switching
to a network where we can play a more active part in defining corporate
direction as a shareholder member company, as with the Palletline
operational model.”
Taking a more definitive stance is not the only reason behind the
decision. “We have also watched with interest the technological
developments unfolding at Palletline over the past two years. Access
to this level of freight transparency in terms of consignment scanning,
digital signature capture and the latest automatic service quality
monitoring facilities can only enhance the service we offer to our
customers,” said Peter.
From the Palletline perspective, welcoming P F Whitehead into the
fold was a positive move for the whole network. “This is a dynamic
and well trusted logistics provider with a history of investment
and achievement which parallels many of our existing member companies,”
stated Managing Director Kevin Buchanan. “We anticipate that their
contribution will strengthen our service offering in the south east
and further underline our reputation for quality and performance.”
Source: E-CourierNews
4th
May
Hermes reduces accidents with driving training initiatives
The Hermes Driving School has saved £1million in repair and running
costs over the past year, as well as reducing accidents.
Accidents have fallen by 41.8 per cent from 620 to 361 across the
fleet, and the cost incurred by incidents has fallen by £240,000.
Insurance claims were reduced by 60 per cent, and premiums fell
by ten per cent in ten months.
More efficient driving has been a considerable factor in the savings.
It estimates fuel consumption has been reduced by 4.5 per cent,
which also minimises emissions.
The school provides induction and refresher courses, with classroom
tuition and one-to-one in vehicle coaching. The Driving for Better
Business campaign, which is managed by Roadsafe, has awarded Hermes
the status of Business Champion.
Programme consultant for the campaign, Michael Parish said: “Cutting
costs is the number one priority facing all businesses and Hermes
has shown that through a focussed occupational road risk management
programme hundreds of thousands of pounds can be saved. Simultaneously,
the company has improved its business efficiency, its image and
the welfare of its employees.”
Source: Logistics Manager
4th
May
Sales rise at Dentressangle
First quarter sales at Norbert Dentressangle were up 2.3 per cent
on last year at 686m euros, the company has revealed.
The Transport division performed best with a 6.8 per cent rise to
403m euros, but Logistics saw sales fall 2.9 per cent to 293m euro.
Higher fuel prices during the period contributed to 0.6 per cent
of the revenue growth in Transport. The business also benefited
from strong momentum in pallet transport.
Dentressangle said sustained efforts to adapt operating resources
to recorded revenue volumes led to further improvement in profitability.
Source: Logistics Manager
30th
April
Turnaround in DHL's fortunes
DHL expects to ride the economic recovery to boost revenue and profits
this year, following a major improvement in profitibility last year.
Frank Appel, CEO of parent group Deutsche Post, said: “We will benefit
over-proportionally from the accelerating recovery of the world
economy. The perceptible rebound in volumes in the first months
of the year is a clear indication of a strengthening economic upswing.”
During 2009, DHL managed to surpassed earnings targets despite the
recession, as net profit reached €644 million, compared with a loss
of €1.7 billion in 2008.
One analyst told IFW that the results would have benefited strongly
from the closure of DHL's highly loss-making US domestic express
operations at the end of 2008.
Appel said: "Our group is better positioned than it has ever been.”
At the beginning of 2009, DHL sold Postbank, enabling the group
to focus on its core divisions of mail and logistics. It also sold
its domestic express business in the UK at the end of the year.
"We are counting on DHL to be the driving force of growth in consolidated
net profit this year and next," Appel said.
Source: IFW
30th
April
City Link Scores A Hat Trick In National Health And Safety Awards
Employees at City Link are celebrating after being presented with
three accolades in two national health and safety awards schemes.
For the second year running City Link achieved Gold in the RoSPA
awards. The Company also won a silver RoSPA award in the Management
of Occupational Road Risk category. The Company’s Birmingham Depot
was also presented with an International Safety Award from the British
Safety Council.
Company representatives were presented with the RoSPA awards in
a ceremony at the Birmingham Metropole Hotel and the British Safety
Council award was announced at a ceremony at the Grosvenor House
Hotel in Park Lane, London.
To win the RoSPA awards City Link was asked to complete in-depth
questionnaires demonstrating its handling of a wide range of occupational
health and safety issues. Everything from how City Link demonstrates
its commitment to health and safety management, through to the health
and safety training of the workforce, sickness levels and the reporting
of accidents at work, was taken into account.
Judges at the British Safety Council also looked at City Link’s
health and safety management systems.
Stuart Godman, Managing Director of City Link, said he was delighted
the Company’s approach to the health and safety of employees had
been recognised by the experts.
He said: “All of us here at City Link are delighted our stringent
health and safety practice has been recognised by three prestigious
awards.
“But we are by no means complacent. The welfare of our employees
and their health and safety in the workplace remains top of mind
and we will continue to strive for excellence in next year’s RoSPA
Awards.”
Karen Farr, Head of SHE (Safety, Health & Environment) at City Link,
added: “We are honoured to have been presented with these prestigious
awards.
“This is the third year City Link has won the RoSPA awards - every
year we have won Golds and Silvers in some form – although this
is the first time we have won the British Safety Council award and
hopefully we will now build on this”
The awards are organised to promote good health and safety practice
in the workplace and to strive to improve management systems, in
turn reducing the number of fatalities, injuries and reports of
work-related stress in the workplace.
Source: E-CourierNews
29th
April
Racing to raise money for Breast Cancer Care
David and Jackie Doolan have organised an evening at the races and
are donating all the proceeds to Breast Cancer Care. Jackie was
diagnosed with breast cancer a couple of years ago. David says,
"It's a charity very close to our hearts, as Breast Cancer Care
and all the NHS services gave Jackie fantastic help and support
during our dark days. We felt we wanted to give something back,
and this is also a way to have a lot of fun."
The event will be held on Tuesday 18th May at Towcester Race Course
in Northants.
Originally hoping to raise £2,500, David and Jackie are well over
the finish line already and are now racing towards a new target
of £7,000. They've also had much warm support from their client's
at their company Xclusive recruitment, including a leading parcel
carrier City Link who donated a very generous amount to sponsor
a race, now called The City Link - Breast Cancer Care Stakes.
"We would like to thank our valued client's for their support for
this event and we hope everyone has a great evening raising money
for a great charity. Many key people from leading distribution companies
have kindly offered their time to attend the event."
The evening will include some individual and team games based on
selecting the winners of races to make the evening interactive and
fun. The Towcester race course team have been very supportive and
will assist in helping to increase the amount raised on the evening
Nina Dawes, Area Fundraiser for London and the South at Breast Cancer
Care says,
"We're delighted that David and Jackie are organising an evening
at the races for Breast Cancer Care. In the UK someone is diagnosed
with breast cancer every 11 minutes, so the demand for our support
services is huge. The fundraising efforts of individuals such as
David and Jackie are hugely appreciated and ensure that we can continue
our life changing work."
Breast cancer is now the most common cancer among women in the UK.
Every year, 46,000 people hear the devastating news that they have
this life-threatening illness. Breast Cancer Care is there for every
one of them, providing expert information and professional support
when it's needed most.
To help David and Jackie reach their target, you can make a donation
online at www.justgiving.com/xclusive
29th
April
PALL-EX SPONSOR TECH 2 RACING AND MAP CENTURION TRIUMPH TEAM
The UK leader in palletised freight, has announced it will be sponsoring
Tech 2 Racing/MAP Centurion Triumph team for the British Superbike
season 2010.
Tech 2 Racing was formed in 1998 by David Fairbrother, the depot
principal of Pall-Ex member ADD Express. David has a long-established
racing pedigree and decided that after his racing days were over,
he would continue his passion for the sport by moving into team
management.
The British Superbike calendar is the UK’s biggest motorsport attraction
and the team have had a great start to the season so far. One team
member, Jimmy Hill, made a stunning debut win in the Metzeler National
Superstock 600 race on Easter Monday.
Pall-Ex CEO and founder, Hilary Devey, said: “We are thrilled to
be sponsoring Tech 2 Racing and the MAP Centurion Triumph, especially
because one of our members is an integral part of the team. They
have a busy season ahead of them and we will be supporting them
throughout.”
David Fairbrother added: “I am delighted that Pall-Ex are sponsoring
us for the 2010 season. It takes a lot of hard work and money to
get the team ready for the season and we couldn’t do this without
the support of our sponsors.”
Source: Pall-Ex
29th
April
Royal Mail IT boss resigns
The Royal Mail's chief information officer and technology director
is to leave, it has been announced.
Robin Dargue will move into a new role with Alcatel-Lucent in the
next six months as Royal Mail searches for a successor.
Dargue joined the Royal Mail as CIO and technology director in November
2007 from drinks firm Diageo.
A Royal Mail Group spokesman said: "Robin is leaving Royal Mail
Group to take up a position with Alcatel-Lucent and a search is
now under way for his successor.
"Robin has made a significant contribution to the group and we wish
him well for the future," said the spokesman. "He is remaining with
the company for up to six months to help with the transition to
his successor."
Source: PublicService.co.uk
29th
April
UPS opens major hubs in China and the US
New facility at Shenzhen will take a day off customers' transit
times
UPS has opened major new air freight hubs in China and the US.
The 89,000sq metre Shenzhen Asia Pacific Hub, located at Shenzhen
Baoan International Airport in the Pearl River Delta, replaces the
facility at Clark in the Philippines, and includes an express customs
handling unit, sorting facilities, cargo handling and cargo build-up
areas and ramp handling.
In the US, the company has also now completed the four-year expansion
of its Worldport Hub at Louisville, adding some 110,000sq metres
to its footprint.
The facility can handle 416,000 packages per hour and can park up
to 70 aircraft at any one time.
The US$180 million Shenzhen facility can handle up to 18,000 pieces
per hour, compared with 7,500 at the Philippines, and can be expanded
to 36,000 pieces per hour.
“It has slashed at least a day off shipment time-in-transit for
customers in the region, while offering a new level of service to
the manufacturing region just north of Shenzhen”, said UPS.
Dan Brutto, president of UPS International, said the start of hub
operations in Shenzhen had moved the company closer to its customer
base.
"We have watched this region grow exponentially, not only from a
small package perspective, but also in heavy air freight,” he added.
“Given the growth in shipping along the southern rim of China, it
now makes more sense to sort and dispatch this volume from a hub
closer to our customers."
Last year, UPS also opened a new international air hub at Pudong
International Airport in Shanghai, mainly focused on connections
with Europe and the US.
Source: IFW
29th
April
Volume boost for UPS
UPS has reported a three
per cent rise in parcel volumes in the first quarter – up to 940
million items. Average revenue per piece also increased by three
per cent, reflecting general rate increases and higher fuel surcharges.
The international parcels business saw strong growth with an 18
per cent increase in revenue with operating profit increasing 45
per cent. Average daily volume also increased 18 per cent during
the quarter, outpacing market growth once again with all regions
contributing. The group said export volume increased more than nine
per cent owing to strong growth in all major trade lanes.
“Non-US domestic volume increased 24%, driven by an acquisition
in Turkey in the third quarter of last year, as well as 13% organic
growth, powered by strength in core European countries.”
Adjusted operating profit in the supply chain and freight division
more than doubled to $91m. Each business unit in the segment recorded
revenue gains, with Forwarding and Logistics up 16 per cent. Adjusted
operating profit for the segment more than doubled led by gains
in Logistics, which continued to benefit from strength in the high-tech
and healthcare sectors. Reported operating profit improved 33 per
cent.
The group’s adjusted operating profit rose from $899m in the first
quarter of 2009 to $1.2bn this year.
Kurt Kuehn, UPS’s chief financial officer, said: “We expect first
quarter trends to continue through the year, producing revenue growth
and additional operating leverage.”
Source: Logistics Manager
29th
April
Focus now on DHL to drive group's growth
Deutsche Post DHL is looking to its DHL business to drive growth
for the group in the future – reflecting a switch in emphasis from
its domestic mail business to logistics and express parcels.
At its annual meeting, the group forecast a rise in underlying earnings
before interest and tax from 1.47 billion euros in 2009 to between
1.6 and 1.9 bn euros this year.
And it is looking for the earnings contribution of the DHL divisions
is to be roughly the same as that of the Mail division for the first
time.
Chief executive Frank Appel said: "In the future, we are counting
on DHL to be the driving force of growth in the consolidated net
profit.”
Last year, the group’s underlying EBIT totalled 1.47 bn euros, exceeding
the guidance that was raised during the year. The consolidated net
profit reached 644 million euros, compared with the loss of 1.7
bn euros experienced in 2008.
During the current year, said Appel, Deutsche Post DHL would make
"the lives of our customers easier by offering innovative products,
increased service quality and the continuous development of specific
solutions."
By doing so the company would be able to generate growth and sustainably
improve the Group's profitability. For 2011, Appel expects to see
a continuation of the positive earnings trend.
Deutsche Post DHL will release details about its first-quarter volume
and business performance with its interim report on 11th May 11.
Source: Logistics Manager
29th
April
Eurozone crisis: Greek, Portuguese and Spanish reaction
European markets have fallen heavily amid speculation over the future
of the Greek economy, after the credit rating agency Standard and
Poor's downgraded Greek debt to "junk" on Tuesday.
Amid concerns that the crisis could spread to other vulnerable eurozone
economies, Portugal was also downgraded, as was Spain's debt.
Here, readers from Greece, Portugal and Spain react to the latest
blows to their stricken economies.
IOANNIS MATZAVRAKOS, 25, NETWORK ENGINEER, ATHENS, GREECE
This proves that the Greek government's austerity measures made
no difference.
But with all the will in the world you can take drastic action,
but only a month has passed since they took it, which is not enough
time to have any effect.
There are so many economic problems across Europe and it is obvious
that other eurozone countries don't want to take on any more debt
[by bailing out Greece].
People here already know things are bad, but I don't necessarily
agree that our economy has reached "junk" status.
Of course there is a level of unease among the Greek people, but
we know it has been getting worse, we know the economy and our debt
are going down the drain.
So we can't see any real difference at the moment. There is still
great uncertainty and pessimism anyway.
We still must wait and see what further measures the government
will announce next month and whether the International Monetary
Fund (IMF) will intervene.
The EU has already been slow to react and I believe that our partners
in the eurozone can still have good relations with Greece.
There is a very real possibility that we may face further cuts to
our income.
The government may have to take such measures just to appease EU
countries, but it knows that doing so will mean political suicide.
But it is running out of options and is caught between a rock and
a hard place.
We're screwed anyway, so it's just a question of what the government
elects to do next.
For me personally, it's getting to be a real possibility that I
may need to leave this country. We may see a new wave of people
leaving, particularly young people, especially if our salaries decrease.
It's either that or wait until the storm passes, but we still don't
know just how huge a storm it will be or how long it will take to
pass.
CARLOS FILIPE MIRANDA COLLACO, 45, UNEMPLOYED CIVIL ENGINEER, LISBON,
PORTUGAL
There is real concern here.
I saw this coming for a long time but the way things have happened
over the last day or so, with our economy being downgraded, still
seems very sudden.
It makes you wonder what has changed all of a sudden.
We are not getting much information from our government other than
the usual politicians and pundit speak.
The austerity measures here have been relatively mild in comparison
to Greece, and we consider ourselves to be in a better situation
than the Greeks, which makes me even more surprised that we have
been downgraded.
However, we do have structural problems and have had for a long
time.
The main challenge is how to get the economy growing again. It is
hard to indentify growth areas in the economy.
The government needs to cut back on public spending, but if it cuts
back on public investment and the economy shrinks again, as looks
likely, you wonder where the revenue will come from.
We could end up going into a downward spiral. So there is great
fear and uncertainty overall here.
So what next? Things have been getting worse and I'm really wondering
where it's going to stop.
I'm worried about Portugal's place in the eurozone.
I want to be an optimist today, but that optimism might be out of
date tomorrow, such is the pace of change. It's like the rug has
been pulled from under us.
Personally, I am still unemployed, and it makes me more and more
worried about my situation.
I would like to be able to contribute to our economy in some way
but am increasingly thinking I need to get out of here.
I am losing faith in my country's ability to do something that will
lead to structural change and that's confirmed by the markets.
I also think Europe is behaving like a spent force and it's time
for me to leave altogether.
VERONICA WALKER VADILLO, 31, STUDENT, ALCALA DE HENARES, SPAIN
This latest news comes just days after we were told that unemployment
had reached 20% here, and is expected to rise further to 24%.
I still have my job at least, although I am just working on a temporary
basis as many here now are, since employers don't want to take on
people full-time.
But many of my friends have lost their jobs recently, along with
many others working in construction or areas such as architecture.
In July our taxes will be raised from 16% to 18% by the government,
so we will certainly notice the effects then.
Tourism will be indirectly affected by this also, as everything
will be a lot more expensive and spending will be down.
But that is the only solution the government can come up with.
There is no investment being made in smaller businesses and encouraging
entrepreneurship, only big business, which is wrong.
If the government is spending my money, it needs to do it more wisely.
The length of time for which people can claim unemployment benefits
is also being extended, which is also not the solution.
There should be more investment in creating opportunities rather
than creating a culture of dependency.
So we are all fearful, of course, and I am quite sure now that I
will have to leave the country once I complete my qualifications.
I think we are heading the same way as Greece. If you saw the number
of newly-built houses and estates lying empty across Spain, you
would think the same.
Meanwhile, I cannot afford to buy and have to continue renting.
The outlook is pessimistic and discouraging.
We, along with Greece and Portugal, are disappointing a lot of people
across the EU, but I just hope the punishment is not too harsh.
The thought of the EU without Spain is a scary one. We cannot stand
on our own two feet.
Source: BBC News
28th
April
Royal Mail workers say “YES” to new deal
UK postal workers have voted in favour of the Royal Mail-Communication
Workers Union agreement.
The deal on pay, job security and improved industrial relations
was backed by two-to-one in a consultative ballot.
Called ‘Business Transformation 2010 and Beyond’, the strategy ended
a prolonged series of strikes that heavily affected national postal
services throughout last year.
The three-year agreement paves the way for Royal Mail Letters to
continue with its £2bn modernisation, including the introduction
of new automated machinery and delivery equipment.
Royal Mail said the deal ensures a fair reward for workers that
“reflects the vital part they play in the transformation of Royal
Mail”.
Welcoming the news, Mark Higson, managing director of Royal Mail
Letters, said: “This is a great outcome for Royal Mail, its customers
and its people. We’re already more than half way through our £2bn
modernisation plan and we’re all now focussed on getting on with
the changes that will give Royal Mail a strong and successful future,
and will protect the future of the Universal Service.”
Dave Ward, CWU deputy general secretary, said: “This is a strong
ballot result for a strong deal and we’re delighted that our members
have fully supported this hard fought for agreement. The deal recognises
the importance of staff in successfully implementing change and
rewarding people for the work.
“Job security was a major issue for us given the changes ahead.
The deal commits Royal Mail to retaining full-time staff, improved
flexibility and a voluntary approach to any redundancies.
“It was obvious to everyone involved that the old ‘them and us’
mentality simply had to go. Industrial relations have to improve
and we’re all committed to that. Now the challenge is on for us
all to prove in practice that we can all work together to build
a positive future for our industry, our members and the public whom
we serve.”
Source: Royal Mail
28th
April
DHL France sale almost complete
French parcels unit will belong to Caravelle by June
The sale of DHL France’s parcels unit to French financial holding
company Caravelle is expected to be completed by the end of next
week, with the change of ownership taking place in June.
Although the unit generates an annual turnover of around €300 million
(US$435m), it has seen considerable losses in recent years, and
2009’s figures are expected to be in the red to the tune of nearly
€70 million.
DHL said that the deal was necessary in the interests of both customers
and staff.
Caravelle specialises in company rescues and has experience in the
parcel delivery sector from its ownership of the XP France network.
While unions have long been opposed to the sale, they are now said
to be resigned to it.
Source: IFW
27th
April
TNT: Conversion rate final dividend 2009
TNT has announced that the Annual General Meeting, held earlier
this month, established the final dividend over 2009 at €0.35 per
ordinary share.
The final dividend is payable, at the shareholder’s election, either
wholly in ordinary shares or wholly in cash.
Shareholders who elected a final dividend in shares will receive
one new TNT N.V. ordinary share for every 65 dividend rights. This
stock dividend right represents a value of €0.3578 which is 2.21%
above the value of the cash dividend. The conversion rate has been
based on the volume-weighted average share price of €23.2539 for
all TNT N.V. shares traded on Euronext Amsterdam over a three trading
day period from 22 up to and including 26 April 2010.
Over 50% of outstanding capital has elected for dividend to be paid
in stock, which results in approximately 2,900,500 new ordinary
shares being issued as stock dividend. The stock dividend will be
paid out of additional paid in capital as part of the distributable
reserves, free of withholding tax in the Netherlands.
The dividend will be payable as from 29 April 2010.
Source: TNT
27th
April
Derbyshire hub for Techno Cargo Logistics
Distribution company Techno Cargo Logistics has taken GE Capital
Real Estate's Denby 242 facility in Derbyshire, which comprises
a main warehouse of 231,264 sq ft and three-storey offices on a
new 15-year lease.
Source: Logistics Manager
27th
April
Tank and helipcopter wins for Wincanton
BAE Systems has chosen Wincanton to provide supply chain support
for its Global Combat Systems Vehicles. The contract is for five-years.
And in a second win in the defence sector, Wincanton has won a £27m
contract with helicopter manufacturer AgustaWestland to manage the
production stores and logistics requirements of its major operations
in Yeovil.
Wincanton will handle components for four of BAE’s military vehicles,
all currently deployed with the British Army: the Challenger 2 main
battle tank, the Bulldog FV430 armoured fighting vehicle, the Panther
light armoured vehicle and the AS90 self-propelled gun platform.
From 1 June 2010, all components, from air filters to gearboxes,
including new replacement parts and repaired items, will be processed,
securely packaged and despatched directly to the customer from a
centralised logistics support centre in the Midlands.
Wincanton’s in-house barcode and labelling production system is
able to satisfy rigorous compliance and security objectives through
the complete end-to-end supply chain. The Wincanton barcode system
and associated documentation technology have been fully conformed
to be compatible with that of BAE Systems.
Graham Gall, head of supply chain for BAE Systems said: “Wincanton’s
solution is a significant milestone in taking service reliability
and agility to a new level, thereby enhancing our competitive position.”
Wincanton’s chief executive, Graeme McFaull, said: “Working closely
with BAE Systems, we have been able to consolidate all our operations
for this contract under one roof in the Midlands. “
“With a less fragmented supply chain, no longer reliant on smaller,
geographically diverse sub-contractors, we’re able to take full
advantage of wider efficiencies within the supply chain. For example,
we’ll be drawing on the skills of employees at Wincanton’s nearby
Kingswinford manufacturing plant to create secure military compliant
packaging for the components. We’ll also be using Wincanton fleet
vehicles for secure deliveries, where appropriate, and we have already
integrated key technology with BAE Systems.”
The contract with AgustaWestland involves managing production stores
and logistics operations in and around Yeovil, and has a value of
some £27 million over five years.
AgustaWestland’s production stores distribute helicopter components
to clients around the globe, handling an inventory of over 40,000
parts that ranges from washers and bolts to rotor blades. Under
the agreement 130 AgustaWestland employees will transfer to Wincanton.
Alberto Mariani, AgustaWestland’s head of indirect procurement,
said: “Working together we will help drive down the through life
cost of equipment. Furthermore, it will enable us to focus on our
core business activities and help improve operational efficiency.”
Source: Logistics Manager
27th
April
KELLY INTERNATIONAL JOINS PALL-EX NETWORK
Kelly International Transport has joined Pall-Ex, the UK’s number
one network for distribution of palletised freight.
Kelly International was established in 1998 as an international
Haulier, operating on behalf of importers and exporters across the
European and global markets.
However the business – based in West Malling Kent, 45 minutes from
the Channel ports - has diversified into UK haulage, container haulage,
container de-vanning storage and contract logistics.
Kelly International managing director Martin Kelly said: “We are
delighted to be joining Pall-Ex at an exciting stage in its growth
and hope to begin to drive the significant operational benefits
of being part of the network.
“We are based in close proximity to the Channel ports and are ideally
located for optimum transit times to and from Europe as well as
being perfectly positioned for imports to all corners of the UK.
“Being part of the Pall-Ex network will allow us to optimise our
UK distribution operation and deliver efficiencies and benefits
back to our client base.”
Pall-Ex was formed in 1996 to deliver small consignments of palletised
freight both cost-effectively and quickly throughout the UK based
on the ‘hub and spoke’ model.
The network now boasts over 100 depot locations nationwide, and
regularly handles 10,000 consignments daily.
Network development director Chris Tancock welcomed Kelly International
into Pall-Ex
He said: “Our objective is to continually grow and enhance the operation
of our network to deliver the best service to customers and our
members.
“Kelly International coming on board 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.
“The Pall-Ex network will also offer full UK national coverage for
the high volume of European imports and domestic haulage being managed
by Kelly International.”
Source: Pall-Ex
26th
April
City Link Demonstrates Commitment To Major Customer With Joint Liveried
Trailer
Stuart Godman, Managing Director, City Link with Matt Logan, Operations
and Logistics Manager, EllisonsPremium express delivery company
City Link has reinforced its ongoing commitment to Coventry Customer
Ellisons Hair and Beauty Supplies with the presentation of a joint
liveried trailer.
The eye catching vehicle serves to raise the profile of both City
Link and Ellisons. The trailer, based at City Link’s Coventry Depot,
will be used up and down the UK to deliver Ellisons products to
customers all over the country.
The investment comes 12 months after City Link began its initial
three-year deal with Ellison’s.
Matt Logan, Operations and Logistics Manager at Ellisons, said:
“Here at Ellisons our mission statement is to be the hair and beauty
provider of choice to the profession through delivering innovative
products, training and exceptional service.
“Our various partners play a key role in helping us achieve this.
It is for this reason it was important we made the right decision
in selecting the right carrier to deliver to our customers up and
down the UK.
“We are delighted to say the first year with City Link has passed
exceptionally well and we are looking forward to our partnership
continuing at least for the next two years.”
Stuart Godman, Managing Director of City Link, said: “We have an
excellent relationship with Ellisons. As part of our contract we
deliver to hairdressing salons, colleges, universities and private
customers all over the country. As with all our Customers we aim
to provide the very best in service.”
Source: City Link
26th
April
Palletforce has the golden touch
Palletforce’s health, safety, quality and facilities manager, John
RotheryPalletforce, one of the UK’s leading palletised distribution
networks, has become the first in its sector to be honoured RoSPA
– the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. with a prestigious
Gold Award.
The network, which has pioneered a series of industry innovations,
has been given the award for its dedication to health and safety
in the workplace.
“This award is a massive achievement for Palletforce and our network,
and reflects the huge importance placed on good practices within
our organisation,” said Palletforce’s health, safety, quality and
facilities manager, John Rothery.
Michael Conroy, chief executive of Palletforce, added: “Health and
safety is of paramount importance to us – whether within our fantastic
new distribution Hub, or while vehicles are on the roads.
“This award underlines our commitment to being the best in all aspects
of our operation and I would like to congratulate everyone at Palletforce
who has contributed to this outstanding achievement.”
To qualify Palletforce had to prove it is committed to excellence
in health and safety and that it has a good management system in
place.
The award is based on individual occupational health and safety
performance and required evidence of good practices which were assessed
by NEBOSH judging criteria - The National Examination Board in Occupational
Safety and Health, which is the leading health and safety professional
examining body.
The awards are graded at merit, bronze, silver and gold levels to
mark achievement.
David Rawlins, RoSPA’s awards manager, said: “Palletforce has shown
a commitment to protecting the health and well-being of its employees
and others. Organisations which do this deserve to have such dedication
recognised and that’s where the RoSPA Awards come in.
“As well as there being clear ethical reasons and legal requirements
for good health and safety management, there is also a strong business
case.
RoSPA is delighted to publicly honour organisations which have demonstrated
their work to improve performance in this sphere.”
The Palletforce award will be presented at a ceremony at the Hilton
Birmingham Metropole Hotel, at the National Exhibition Centre, in
May.
The ceremony will take place alongside Safety and Health Expo 2010,
Europe’s leading annual health and safety exhibition.
Over the last year Palletforce has been at the forefront of good
practice within the palletised transport sector – including opening
a state-of-the-art distribution Hub in Burton-upon-Trent, helping
pioneer a new safety trailer and using cutting edge technology to
scan and weigh goods.
Source: Palletforce
23rd
April
DHL expands secure road transportation
DHL Freight is offering shippers of high-value high-tech products
or other valuable goods a new transportation solution for Europe-wide
road transportation of freight, the company has announced.
In future, the new DHL High Value service will expand the current
high-value transportation service offerings by extending the required
security standards to less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as major corporate
clients now have the option of theft-proof overland transport for
high-value shipments weighing up to 2,500 kg.
According to the European Union, businesses incur damages in the
order of EUR 8bn every year due to theft of their shipments.
Thomas George, CEO, DHL Freight, explains why the company is expanding
its high-value services: “We expect that the demands for the transport
of high-value products in terms of security, transparency and pro-active
information management will continue to increase.” DHL High Value
has been available in countries such as Germany, Hungary or the
Netherlands for some time.
Up to now, however, it only comprised FTL or LTL shipments for specific
clients. In the next few months, it will become a standard service
offering for LTL shipments and will be made available across Europe
in a step-by-step approach. The first step will cover a total of
10 countries. In addition to Germany, Hungary and the Netherlands,
it will include Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia,
Switzerland and the UK, with full coverage of all European countries
envisaged for 2012.
Source: DHL
23rd
April
Wincanton to open foodservice DC at Hoddesdon
Wincanton is moving its foodservice operations from Dunstable and
Luton to a 220,000 sq ft distribution centre at Hoddesdon in the
summer.
The new site offers more capacity to serve a growing network of
customers across the region. All the existing 136 Wincanton staff
at Luton and Dunstable will be offered the opportunity to work at
the new facility.
Operations at Luton and Dunstable will continue as normal until
the new site is opened in late July. The freezer is likely to be
the last part of the operation to transfer in late August.
David Jones, managing director for foodservice at Wincanton said:
“The site at Luton is both old and constrained in terms of size
to meet current challenges and our anticipated further business
growth. This new modern facility, with 220,000 sq ft., will allow
us to greatly enhance the service to our customers, enabling both
Wincanton’s ambitious growth plans and those of our existing customers
to be met.”
“Wincanton has already invested heavily into its foodservice business
in the last year and the new Hoddesdon site will complement the
recent £3 million development at Trafford Park, Manchester.”
Source: Logistics Manager
23rd
April
UPN plans to double capacity with new hub
Pallet network UPN is to move its hub and network services operations
to the old Palletforce hub at Fradley Park in Lichfield at the beginning
of August 2010.
The new site will allow UPN to double capacity from 3,000 to 6,000
pallets a night and reduce the road miles travelled by UPN members
by over 70,000 miles a year. The company is currently based at a
site near Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire.
Director David Brown said: “A detailed analysis of our operations
demonstrated that relocating the hub to a more central location
would allow our members to reduce their costs and significantly
improve our green credentials, which is vital in the current climate.
The recession has forced many businesses to focus hard on the bottom
line, so demand for our services is expected to continue growing.”
Palletforce moved into a new hub in Burton on Trent last year. UPN
acquired the Fradley Park site at the beginning of April and development
work is due to start in May.
Martyn Chapman, UPN chairman and founder, said: “The new location
will provide members with improved access to the motorway network,
saving them time and money, while further improving the efficiency
of the network. UPN will also become a much more attractive option
for 3PLs and larger organisations, who are increasingly seeking
partnerships with pallet networks.”
Source: Logistics Manager
22nd
April
Serco extend CitySprint contract
CitySprint has won a two year extension to its contract with outsourcing
company Serco.
CitySprint has held the contract since 2006, and won the extension
by offering new international and UK overnight services in addition
to those they already provide.
Source: Logistics Manager
21st
April
PALL-EX expands with Northern Gateway
The UK’s number one network for distribution of palletised freight
is celebrating expansion after opening a new hub covering the North
of England and Scotland.
The Northern Gateway – located in Cumbria near Carlisle off the
M6 motorway – aims to reduce the mileage travelled by depots operating
in the north by saving time and fuel, reducing their carbon footprint
and improving efficiency of collections and deliveries.
Based on the site of Stalkers Transport, the award-winning network
will introduce an enhanced structure for Scottish deliveries through
the Northern Gateway which will greatly benefit Pall-Ex’s members
and their customers for deliveries into and out of Scotland.
The new hub – which replaces the current site in Carlisle – provides
a secure environment for customers’ freight, operated to exceptional
standards. It also allows Pall-Ex to offer additional warehouse
space, a dedicated fleet and full load and groupage services at
competitive rates.
Hilary Devey, CEO of Pall-Ex, said: “The Northern Gateway provides
improved operational efficiencies to Pall-Ex and will mean customers
can now make next day deliveries to towns such as Inverness.
“Customers in Scotland with freight going to any location in England
now only have to drop off at the hub now based in Cumbria and vice
versa.”
Pall-Ex was formed in 1996 to deliver small consignments of palletised
freight both cost-effectively and quickly throughout the UK based
on the ‘hub and spoke’ model. Now Pall-Ex boasts over 100 depot
locations nationwide, and regularly handles 10,000 consignments
daily.
Source: Pall-Ex
19th
April
APC Overnight delivers fresh Fruit-4U
Next day Handled with Care deliveries by APC Overnight are boosting
Fruit-4U’s customer service and helping attract new clients. The
innovative Stockport, Cheshire, e-commerce business supplies fruit
baskets to customers throughout the UK, shipping thousands of products
each year to corporate clients and the general public.
“We moved our delivery service contract to APC Nationwide Express
Parcels two years ago and we’ve never looked back. Our business
has grown from strength to strength, with the network of APC Overnight
depots providing excellent service to our customers,” says Martin
Unsworth, Director, Fruit-4U.
“It is extremely important in this business to not only deliver
perfect product to our customers but also deliver service with a
smile. The APC Overnight drivers understand that they indirectly
represent our company and this helps to cement customer relationships,”
he adds.
Fruit-4U’s fruit baskets present a challenge for delivery, but the
APC Overnight specialised Handled with Care service ensures that
products arrive in first class condition. In addition, the flexibility
and personal service provided by the various depots in Fruit-4U’s
customer supply chain guarantee that all deliveries are made on
time, every time.
“Even during the winter months our deliveries got to our customers
on time. Where time-critical deliveries are necessary, the depots
keep me informed of progress. This is very important as some of
our corporate clients provide fresh fruit to their employees at
certain times of the year and we want to be certain that each office
has received its fruit basket on time for these events,” adds Martin
Unsworth.
Fruit-4U takes advantage of the NetDespatch online booking and tracking
system to book collections as well as print shipping labels. The
system also provides traceability throughout the delivery process
and allows Martin Unsworth to track parcels via his PC and iPhone.
“The NetDespatch system communicates directly with APC Nationwide
Express Parcels, automatically building our daily manifest and also
printing the shipping labels. It speeds up administration. If we
have an en masse supply and delivery to make to various corporate
offices I can simply upload the contact spreadsheet into NetDespatch
and the system does the rest. Traceability is an added advantage,
because I can check progress directly whether I’m in the office
or if I am out and about I can use my iPhone,” he says.
Fruit-4U is a subsidiary of Set Produce - a family run business
with 25 years experience in fresh fruit. The company is STS accredited
for its traceability, environmental and fair trade policies.
Source: APC
16th
April
PALL-EX LAUNCHES MEMBER SCHEME TO DRIVE DOWN COSTS
Pall-Ex has launched an innovative scheme which could drive significant
cost savings across its UK-wide member network.
The leading palletised freight distribution network has developed
ADVANTAGE – a system designed to provide members with substantial
savings on everyday expenses including financing, insurance and
maintenance.
The first phase of ADVANTAGE will focus on providing discounted
core products and services, working with a range of companies including
GE Capital, TISS, Arco, Barloworld, National Windscreens, Bond Engineering
and Central Weighing.
The second phase will look at diversifying into non-essential products
and services.
Daniel Hampton, Procurement Executive at Pall-Ex said: “ADVANTAGE
is the latest phase of our ongoing strategy to deliver value and
benefits back across our member network.
“ADVANTAGE harnesses our joint purchasing potential and has been
developed in partnership with some of the UK’s largest and market-leading
organisations, and we hope our members will exploit its significant
cost saving potential throughout 2010 and in the future.”
Source: Pall-Ex
16th
April
B&Q extends Wincanton’s Irish deal
Wincanton, has won a £4m contract to become B&Q’s sole transport
partner in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
This builds on an existing contract to transport horticultural products
across Ireland and the UK to its network of 321 stores.
The contract will run for an initial 12 months and will see Wincanton
move product to B&Q’s nine stores in Northern Ireland, and nine
stores in the Republic on separate transport operations.
Rick Jones, director of logistics for B&Q said: “Increasing load
fill and reducing emissions by using double deck trailers is one
of our key goals, and we know that Wincanton will help us fulfil
this.”
Source: Logistics Manager
16th
April
UPS reports growth in first quarter earnings
UPS has reported a seven per cent growth in revenue for the first
quarter of 2010 driven by an 18 per cent increase in its International
Package division and a 14 per cent rise in Supply Chain and Freight.
International daily volumes grew “significantly” with export up
more than nine per cent and non-US domestic up over 24 per cent.
US domestic volume increased less than one per cent – the first
year-on-year growth in more than two years.
“We expected the first quarter to be the most challenging of 2010
as the economic recovery gathered steam through the year,” said
Kurt Kuehn, UPS’s chief financial officer.
“As it turned out, revenue was stronger than we expected due to
international volume gains, increased yields in the US and growth
in Forwarding and Logistics. Also, the operating leverage in our
streamlined network provided higher margins than anticipated.”
Source: Logistics Manager
15th
April
New pallet that nests, stacks and racks
Goplasticpallets.com has launched a plastic pallet that nests, stacks
and racks.
The APB1208 LSNR is moulded in one piece and has three long runners
along the base, which allow the pallets to be racked up to a capacity
of 400kg per pallet. When static the pallet bears a maximum load
of 1,200kg.
The three-runner design allows the pallet to run off most conveyor
and roller systems. When placed in stackable mode, the pallet also
feeds through automated pallet dispensers.
It measures 1,200mm x 800mm x 140mm and weighs 7.8kg. It is available
in recycled or virgin materials and is fully recyclable.
Source: Logistics Manager
14th
April
PALL-EX APPOINTS NEW COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR
Pall-Ex – the UK’s number one network for distribution of palletised
freight – has appointed Debra Hart as commercial director (designate).
Debra Hart joins the pallet distribution network from Port of Tyne,
where she rose to the position of general manager after joining
the company’s finance team nine years ago.
The qualified accountant will be charged with developing diversified
business opportunities for the Pall-Ex network throughout the UK.
Pall-Ex Managing Director Adrian Russell said: “Debra brings significant
industry experience to Pall-Ex and she is a great capture for the
business.
“She already has a good understanding of the Pall-Ex network, having
served on the Pall-Ex Members Representative Committee as the representative
for Scotland and the North.
“I believe her appointment will support our strategy of developing
the range of Pall-Ex’s service offering both in the UK and Mainland
Europe
Source: Pall-Ex
13th
April
FedEx expands freighter services out of Hong Kong
Demand grows for express services to Europe and the US
FedEx has launched two freighter services linking Hong Kong with
the US and Europe in response to rising demand for express shipments
from southern China.
David Cunningham, FedEx Express president for Asia Pacific, told
IFW that express demand ex-China and Hong Kong had seen strong growth
this year and “most forecasters are predicting this will continue
at faster rates than GDP growth in the long-term”.
The Hong Kong-US service will fly non-stop to the FedEx hub in Memphis,
Tennessee, using two B777 long-range freighters, which the company
claimed offered a two-hour improvement in cut-off time for international
priority and international economy shipments from Hong Kong.
“We have more capacity, but most importantly, our customers will
have more time to do business,” he said.
FedEx is claiming the best cut-off times in the market for shipments
from Hong Kong to the Americas.
The direct service from Hong Kong to Fedex’s hub at Charles de Gaulle
airport in Paris offers overnight delivery into most European markets
and improved transit times by one business day on international
priority shipments.
“Fedex now deploys four B777Fs on routes between Asia and the US
and will have a fleet of 15 by the end of fiscal 2014,” said Cunningham.
Another 15 777Fs are due to be delivered between 2014 and 2019,
and FedEx also holds options on 15 more.
Source: IFW
12th
April
DX Group To See 15m Equity Injection And Management Buy-In
DX Group, the UK and Ireland’s largest independent mail and
courier company, has today announced the agreement of a capital
refinancing and a management buy-in led by Petar Cvetkovic and David
Hoare. As part of the deal, DX Group’s main shareholder, the
private equity house Candover Partners Limited, as manager of the
Candover 2005 Fund, is to inject fresh equity of £15m.
Petar Cvetkovic and David Hoare are respectively the former CEO
and Chairman of Target Express, the express delivery business they
successfully and profitably grew into an industry leading carrier.
Effective from 12th April, current Chairman, David Mitchell, will
hand over the reins to David Hoare. CEO, John Coghlan, will resume
his previous position of Non-Executive Director and hand over to
Petar Cvetkovic.
John Coghlan said: “Petar and David bring to the management
team a huge amount of experience and we are delighted to welcome
them to the DX Group board.
“DX Group has weathered an unprecedentedly tough trading period
over the last 18 months, but has remained profitable and cash-generative.
Now, with the support of Candover and our banking group, we have
a strengthened balance sheet and the freedom to push ahead.”
Petar Cvetkovic said: “David and I are very pleased to join
the DX Group, a company which we’ve consistently held in high
regard. The business has a solid, profitable base and, in the coming
months and years, we will seek to build upon its strong reputation
in the market place.”
Mark Dickinson, director of Candover, said: “We are extremely
grateful to David Mitchell, John Coghlan and their team for steering
DX through a very difficult economic period and maintaining both
market share and profitability. The refinancing is a very positive
outcome for both DX Group and Candover, and we’re delighted
to back the management with further fresh capital. In welcoming
David and Petar to the board, DX is now well placed to exploit the
long term opportunities present in this sector.”
Source: Hellmail.co.uk
12th
April
DHL takes over Network Rail logistics
Supply chain arm lands four-year, £40 million deal
DHL Supply Chain has been awarded a four-year £40 million (US$60.8m)
contract to provide a road transport planning centre for Network
Rail.
The facility will manage day-to-day road haulage requirements for
materials and supplies not suited for movement by rail.
It will also give Network Rail visibility of vehicle availability
and fleet management, saving £1.8 million in the first year through
more efficient use of road transport.
DHL aims to reduce the number of road journeys by combining multi-supplier
consignments and identifying return loads.
Martin Elwood, Network Rail’s national delivery service director,
said: “Network Rail’s first preference is always to move our material
by rail but this is not always a practical or a possible option.
“This contract will help us generate efficiencies in the way we
manage our road haulage activities, helping us to reduce costs and
hit our sustainability targets.”
Meanwhile, DHL Express has launched two new time-definite import
products, one guaranteeing delivery before 9am and the other, midday.
DHL said the new products would be particularly suitable for customers
transporting time-sensitive goods, such as spare parts.
Pre-noon delivery will be available in 135 markets, while pre-9am
will be available in 90. Both services offer a money-back guarantee
if DHL fails to deliver by the deadline.
Source: IFW
12th
April
VW picks DHL for in-plant logistics
Volkswagen has chosen DHL Supply Chain for a major part of the in-plant
logistics at its assembly plant in Bratislava, Slovakia.
Under the five-year contract some 800 DHL employees will manage
in-plant logistics for 50 per cent of the production materials.
This involves engines, gearboxes and windscreens for the Audi Q7,
Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg.
Services provided will include inbound receiving, put away and storage,
picking and kitting, sequencing and line-side deliveries directly
to the Volkswagen production lines.
"Logistics are essential in vehicle manufacturing. DHL has convinced
us due to its innovative concepts and a supply chain solution tailored
exactly to our needs," said Juraj Janá, head of logistics with Volkswagen
in Bratislava.
Source: Logistics Manager
12th
April
Geodis Calberson launches electronic booking
Geodis Calberson is set to launch an electronic booking service
for all its network shipments.
The e-commerce system will handle both domestic and international
shipments and will is designed to offer customers a “one stop shop”
where they can book directly online.
The e-commerce initiative will handle labelling of loads for all
Geodis Calberson’s services and those of its partners, APC Parcels,
the Fortec Pallet Distribution Network, other Geodis companies and
Azkar in Europe.
The e-commerce system offering provides customers with one system
to process all network shipments and will print labels for all Geodis
network products. It will be used to help facilitate the increase
of sales of domestic goods for Geodis Calberson.
The system is designed to increase in the number of shipments Geodis
Calberson handles without increasing cost; create more pre-labelled
goods; improve data quantity, reduce warehousing and routeing errors;
improve warehouse productivity and offer the flexibility of a multi
product choice.
Jamie Cuthbert, managing director of Geodis Calberson, said: “Many
customers are keen to book online and the new system will enable
us to handle more shipments without increased costs and reduce warehouse
and routing errors even further.”
Source: Logistics Manager
9th
April
DHL signs accord with staff over HQ move
DHL Express management and staff in Belgium have signed a new collective
labour agreement ahead of a change of headquarters.
The agreement outlines support packages for employees affected by
the move of DHL’s European base from Brussels to Bonn, Leipzig and
Prague and was signed with Belgian trade unions BBTK, LBC and ACLVB.
Ken Allen, global CEO of DHL Express, said: “The economic crisis
meant we had to take some difficult decisions, one of which was
the relocation of our European headquarters.
“We clearly recognise our social responsibility and are offering
measures to support both the employees who wish to relocate and
those who choose to stay in Belgium and leave the company.”
The unions said: “It is important that we managed to limit the job
cuts to the European functions. This is a positive aspect and an
important step with regard to other negotiations which are ongoing.
“The move of European activities from Belgium abroad remains, of
course, very unfortunate and a difficult process for the employees.
That is why it is crucial that the local and regional activities
remain and are even further expanded in Belgium.”
Source: IFW
9th
April
Staples extends DHL deal
Email articleComment on this articleOffice products company Staples
has signed a multi-million dollar contract with DHL to manage 32,000
TEUs annually at its bonded export distribution centres business
and origin management services exporting out of China.
Under the agreement, DHL will also provide third party logistics
services, including origin pre-distribution, inventory management,
consolidation, packaging and labelling.
The move is designed to enhance Staples’ supply chain operations
in 25 countries throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia.
DHL has been providing logistics service to Staples in Europe and
Asia for the past five years.
Source: Logistics Manager
8th
April
PALL-EX LAUNCHES CENTRAL BILLING SYSTEM
The UK’s number one network
for the distribution of palletised freight has launched an innovative
new billing structure.
Pall-Ex has developed the Central Billing System to drastically
reduce member administration and to make the invoice system easier
and more efficient to use for its growing member network.
The web-based system also enables members to manage payments more
effectively thereby providing greater control over billing.
Under the new system, Pall-Ex acts as the central biller and issues
invoices for all work delivered between Pall-Ex members.
Pall-Ex members now receive a maximum of three weekly invoices covering
all input and delivered consignments managed through the Pall-Ex
network.
Central billing invoices are generated five working days in arrears
from the last day of the invoicing period and normally cover one
weeks trading from Monday to Friday.
Members are emailed a one page summary of the invoice on the day
it is generated and detailed consignment information for each invoice
is available for members through web-based reports.
Pall-Ex Members are also provided with a monthly statement detailing
all sales and costs invoices as well as information on due payments.
Pall-Ex IT director Sean Sherwin-Smith said: “It is essential that
Pall-Ex is able to operate as efficiently and cost-effectively as
possible, not only in the central organisation but also across all
its member depots.
“Pall-Ex has a track record of innovation, technology adoption and
technology adaptation to suit the network’s specific needs.
“Our members are also acutely aware of the benefits that technology
innovation brings and Central Billing has been developed in response
to member needs and to support our members as they expand their
respective operations.”
Source: Pall-Ex
8th
April
UK MAIL GROUP PLC PRE-CLOSE TRADING UPDATE
UK Mail Group plc today issues the following pre-close trading update
for the year ended 31 March 2010.
The fourth quarter has seen solid progress, with Group revenues
for the period increasing by some 2% year on year, leading to Group
revenues for the full financial year being in line with the previous
year.
Our Parcels business has continued to improve through the second
half, increasing both revenue and market share, with continued pricing
pressures more than offset by strong volume growth.
Our Mail business has also continued to grow its revenues, launch
innovative new products and win new customers. We have very recently
signed an important new contract with Royal Mail which will allow
us to operate a packet collection and delivery service, utilising
Royal Mail for final delivery. This will enable us to offer customers
a price competitive service in the high growth packet sector of
the postal market.
Specialist Services has shown further overall revenue growth, with
our Pallets business showing an improving trend of performance and
our Courier business continuing its strong growth through the second
half.
As a result of this good trading performance, we are confident about
the outcome for the full year.
UK Mail Group plc will report its preliminary results for the year
ended 31 March 2010 on 19 May 2010.
Source: The Delivery Magazine
8th
April
CITYSPRINT’S CONTRACT WITH CHESAPEAKE EXTENDED FOR A FURTHER TWO
YEARS
CitySprint, the UK’s largest privately owned SameDay Courier network,
has been awarded a two-year contract extension with Chesapeake –
a leading supplier of cartons, labels and leaflets, and specialist
plastic packaging.
CitySprint won the initial contract with Chesapeake via a competitive
tender process in 2008. Under the contract extension, which commenced
on the 1st March 2010, CitySprint will continue making SameDay deliveries
to Chesapeake’s customers across the UK on a daily basis and will
also carry out international deliveries as and when required.
Explaining their decision to extend the contract with CitySprint,
Andy Bowles, Regional Purchasing Manager at Chesapeake says “We
have been extremely satisfied with CitySprint’s services and professionalism
since we awarded them the original contract in 2008. Not only have
they consistently met, and often exceeded, our expectations but
they also have the national infrastructure to support our requirements.
In addition, CitySprint’s leading edge technology enables us to
view a real time map location of the courier responsible for each
of our SameDay deliveries right up until the point of delivery.
This transparency is invaluable and enables us to let our customers
know where their deliveries are at all times. Our decision to extend
the initial contract for a further two years is a result of these
factors”.
Source: The Delivery Magazine
7th
April
Network Rail signs £40m road haulage deal with DHL
Network Rail has signed a four-year deal worth more than £40 million
with DHL Supply Chain to provide a road transport planning centre.
The facility will manage the day-to-day road haulage requirements
for materials and supplies that cannot be moved by rail.
Network Rail moves 3.68 million tonnes of materials and supplies
each year, seven per cent of which is moved by road.
The contract builds on an existing relationship and is designed
to help Network Rail save £1.8 million in the first year alone through
more efficient use of road transport.
Under the agreement, DHL will manage the movement of heavy infrastructure
materials and non-heavy materials including demand for maintenance
spares and inbound freight from suppliers.
In addition, it will handle demand for road freight from major programmes
and ad-hoc haulage services required by infrastructure maintenance
and infrastructure investment teams.
Martin Elwood, Network Rail’s national delivery service director,
said: “Network Rail’s first preference is always to move our material
by rail but this is not always a practical or a possible option.
This contract will help us generate efficiencies in the way we manage
our road haulage activities, helping us to reduce costs and hit
our sustainability targets.”
The centre will be based at Network Rail’s offices in Milton Keynes.
Source: Logistics Manager
7th
April
Wild food business grows with APC Overnight
Cornwall-based wild food forager Anne Misselbrook picks next day
deliveries from APC Overnight as the essential ingredient to the
success of her business. Each year, thousands of kilos of leaves
and berries make their way from Cornwall through the APC Overnight
network to pioneering chefs and restaurants. Customers include Heston
Blumenthal, Fifteen Cornwall (part of the global social enterprise
set up by Jamie Oliver) and Nathan Outlaw.
Anne Misselbrook also supplies Miles Irving, a leading light in
wild foods for London’s top hotels and restaurants such as The Ivy,
The Goring Hotel and Paternoster Chop House.
When Anne Misselbrook set up her full-time professional foraging
business five years ago, she turned to APC Carn Logistics as her
preferred next day parcel delivery service. She has never looked
back since, relying on the local depot to provide the network input
for a wide range of wild foods, including three-cornered leek (a
form of wild garlic), nettles, sea beet and sea radish, black lovage,
sorrel, black mustard, wall pennywort and various berries.
“Demand for wild foods is growing, particularly with high profile
chefs promoting the benefits of naturally grown and UK sourced produce.
The mild climate of Cornwall suits many species and with APC Overnight’s
help I can be sure that my customers get their orders in first class
condition and in time for their needs. Some of these foods are tough,
while others are delicate. APC Overnight is able to deal with the
variety of the wild foods I send through the network and customers
are pleased with the prompt next-day service,” says Anne Misselbrook.
“APC Carn Logistics provides a friendly and flexible service that
enables me to make the most of my foraging time. As a local business
itself, the Carn team understands the importance of assisting customers
in every way it can. I am able to deliver to the depot and my business
has grown thanks to the support of the depot team, she adds.
Source: APC
7th
April
Halfords introduce "Free Delivery to Store" through MetaPack
Building on the successful 'Reserve and Collect' service, in January
2010 Halfords introduced 'Free Delivery to Store' through their
MetaPack delivery management software. This service allows their
customers to order goods online and collect from a local store with
no additional delivery costs, offering them more choice than ever
before. MetaPack have successfully managed Halfords customer distribution
for over five years after being asked to provide a cohesive strategy
for an efficient despatch management system.
Through the introduction of 'Free Delivery to Store' Halfords customers
are now able to choose from a significantly wider range of products
and organise a free delivery at a time which is convenient for them
(usually within 24 hours). This enables Halfords to increase their
offline sales, whilst retaining the customer's loyalty. Moreover,
Halfords research has shown that their customers prefer to collect
in store so that they can take advantage of the wide range of fitting
services and demonstrations available. Halfords are now offering
four delivery services; Free Delivery to Store, Reserve and Collect,
Text and Reserve and Home Delivery, all of which are managed through
MetaPack.
The 'Free Delivery to Store' uses the existing MetaPack Supplier
Direct function, meaning it could be introduced into the Halfords
process without any additional implementation, resource and costs.
The way in which is works is that each morning order data is imported
from SAP to MetaPack using a single click. The suppliers can then
log on to MetaPack via the internet and see all of their Halfords
orders as pre-allocated consignments. MetaPack then prints the carrier
labels for them and sends the carrier the collection notices. From
this point onwards it becomes a "Halfords delivery" and the Supplier
customer services team can gain full visibility. Additionally the
Halfords customer service team can access the same information and
has the same ability to provide an efficient proactive professional
level of customer services.
Halfords have a new Coventry based distribution centre opening in
July, which will also be equipped with MetaPack Delivery Management
software and this will ensure stock is efficiently delivered to
all of Halfords 467 stores throughout the United Kingdom and the
Republic of Ireland. Jon Asbury, Multi Channel Development Manager
comments, "In a time where customer loyalty and repeat business
is crucial, it's a retailer's job to ensure they stand out from
their competitors and offer services and savings wherever they can.
MetaPack truly is a revolutionary concept. It has grown with our
operation and has allowed us to offer a wider product range to our
customers as well as visibility of all our orders thus enhancing
our customer service."
Source: MetaPack
