The week that was: 2 November, 2012
Summing up the biggest stories of the week from the pages of Post&Parcel, with the US East Coast hit by a hurricane, UPS still waiting for approval to buy TNT Express, and Royal Mail expanding its parcel network…
US East Coast hit by Hurricane Sandy
The US East Coast was experiencing delivery service suspensions, disruptions and delays following Monday night’s arrival of Hurricane Sandy.
The storm system centred on New Jersey has seen service suspensions from the big shipping companies reaching from southern New England down to northern North Carolina, and as far inland as parts of Ohio.
Companies including Fedex and UPS said they had contingency plans in place ahead of the storm, but facility closures and transport network disruption were taking their toll this week.
UPS extends offer deadline for TNT Express
UPS extended its offer deadline for rivals TNT Express up to 28th February, 2013, as European antitrust officials continued to review the EUR 5.16bn acquisition proposal.
The new deadline of 28th February would change if the EU Commission and Chinese Ministry of Commerce approve the deal – in which case, TNT Express shareholders would have one week after the clearances have been given to approve the takeover.
This week, TNT also issued its latest financial results, showing a “mixed” third quarter with difficult trading conditions in Europe, but improved business in Asia and the Americas.
Royal Mail invests in Parcelforce Worldwide network
Royal Mail is set to create 1,000 new jobs with a GBP 75m investment in its UK express parcels business, Parcelforce Worldwide, over the next four years.
The company said this week it will be opening a new parcel processing centre in Chorley, Lancashire, in autumn 2013, and will also open two depots in Cornwall and Hampshire. Plans will also see nine existing depots either expanded or moved over the next four years.
Royal Mail said the investment programme backed one of the key components of its growth strategy – growing its parcels business in the UK and overseas.
Australia Post launches Digital MailBox service
Australia Post’s new Digital MailBox service was launched by government communications minister Stephen Conroy.
The new digital mail service allows consumers to receive bills and statements electronically free of charge, communicate with service providers and store important documents, as well as set reminders and pay bills online.
Australia Post said businesses can use the service to communicate with their customers “at a fraction of the cost” of using the physical mail.
