APC plans growth through mini-hubs
APC Overnight, the next-day courier co-operative, is relying on “mini-hubs” to improve efficiency in the network.
One mini-hub already exists at Bellshill, Glasgow. From there, all cross-border Scottish consignments are trunked for sorting and onward distribution. Similar facilities are now planned for London, the West Country and the M62 corridor.
New hubs, new branding
“Mini-hubs are at the core of our growth strategy, ” said MD Quentin Abel. “With a huband-spoke system, everything goes into the main hub near Wolverhampton.
“Why should something from, say, the West Country go all the way to the Midlands and then all the way back? Not only is that an inefficient way to operate, but we are concerned that we are harming the environment.” Double-decker trailers are also helping APC to increase operational efficiency. Eight new double-decker trailers have been ordered at a cost of GBP 250,000 to allow more cages to be carried on key trunk routes.
In addition to the investment in vehicles, APC has spent over GBP 2m on re-branding, including a new logo, and an electronic driver communication system. The company is the first to use Intermec’s latest solution, the CN3, which combines GPS-based satnav, wireless LAN (local area network) and Bluetooth in one handheld device.
“The system will allow drivers to capture digital signatures for real-time proof of delivery – a first for APC – but, more than that, it will enable members to introduce dynamic planning and scheduling and task allocation, ” said Abel.
“This will enable us to give business and home consumers a greater choice of delivery time. The driver can send an SMS or email telling the recipient the estimated time of delivery – which we think we can do within a 20-minute accuracy – and if the customer will not be at home, he can arrange a more suitable time or take the package back to base – but without the extra effort of trying to deliver.”
