Logistics digest: Swiss Post, FedEx, Kerry Logistics, UPS news

More news from around the logistics industry, including new customs fees from Swiss Post, a new FedEx forwarding office, and UPS drivers demonstrating their safety…

Swiss Post simplifies import clearance pricing

Swiss Post has said that from today it will be simplifying customs clearance for imports, and in some cases lowering prices.

The company said it is introducing a new pricing model that takes more account of where items are being imported from, with prices depending on country of origin and shipment value.

Pricing will be calculated from a base price, plus 3% of the value of the shipment, up to a maximum fee of CHF 70 excluding VAT. Base prices will be CHF12 for countries like Germany, Austria, France or Italy, or 16.50 from other countries.

FedEx opens freight forwarding office in Lyon

FedEx Trade Networks, the freight forwarding arm of FedEx Corp, has opened a new office in Lyon, the second largest city in France.

The new office by Lyon Saint Exupery Airport is the third FedEx Freight Networks branch in France, along with Paris and Le Havre. FedEx said the new office would offer customers in France increase access to major global markets, inbound and outbound.

Pascal Raye, the company’s country manager of France, said: “Lyon important cargo hub that is strategically positioned in the heart of Europe. With our new operations in Lyon, we will be able to provide our customers in the region with the local support they need, while providing comprehensive shipping solutions to our customers around the world who have business in France.”

Kerry Logistics completes takeover of Spanish joint venture

Hong Kong-based global logistics company Kerry Logistics has bought out its partner in the Spanish joint venture Kerry Salvat Logistics S.A.

The company said acquiring the remaining shares in the venture from Salvat Logistica S.A. reflected its long-term commitment and confident in the Spanish market. Kerry Logistics has provided international freight and logistics services for customers trading with Asia since 2005.

“In light of the economic downturn in Spain, we are eager to help our customers to reach out to China and other Asian markets. A dedicated Spanish division has been set up by Kerry Logistics in Shanghai to support Spanish brands wanting to expand their sales in China,” said Sebastian Bernardo, General Manager, Kerry Logistics (Spain), S.A.U.

UPS drivers boast “remarkable” safety record

UPS said last week it has inducted 1,235 drivers into its “Circle of Honor” reserved for those that have avoided accidents for 25 years or more.

The induction was the largest for any single year in the company’s history, bringing the total number of drivers within the Circle to 5,842.

“The annual expansion of the Circle of Honor is proof that our training works,” said John McDevitt, UPS senior vice president of human resources and labour relations. “Our training and our drivers’ attention to details such as avoiding distractions while driving all play a part in their remarkable record.”