Tag: Courier/Express/Parcels

Belgian Post improves profits in 2007

Posted by | Feb 1, 2008 | |

Belgian Post has announced a significant improvement in its profits for 2007 thanks to higher revenues, better mail quality and successful modernisation of its operations.
According to provisional figures, the company’s turnover increased by 1.9pct to EUR 2.2 billion, which represents a 3pct organic increase taking the sale of French subsidiary Asterion in September 2007 into account. The structural drop in volumes in 2007 was limited to 0.1pct, while successes included an increased market share in direct mail and international mail. On the other hand, La Poste was forced to terminate its PubliPack pilot scheme for unaddressed mail in the second half of the year due to inadequate margins.
Belgian Post said that although its operating profit (Ebitda) dropped by 17pct from EUR 229 million last year, this was largely due to non-recurring costs. The underlying operating profit rose by 10pct, and the net profit showed a similar trend. The fully audited consolidated results will be submitted to the Board and shareholders for approval in mid-April.
CEO Johnny Thijs stressed that the group had succeeded in implementing a considerable number of change and modernisation projects in 2007. “La Poste is keeping to the schedule set for its preparation for full liberalisation of the postal market in 2011,” he commented. Among the main achievements, Belgian Post improved mail delivery quality to 92.4pct next-day delivery, and continued the post office network restructuring with the closure of 250 full post offices and opening of 267 PostPoint agencies.
In 2008, Belgian Post will focus on several major projects, including the launch of a new parcels and express service, further post office network restructuring and a continued mail reorganisation.

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Swiss Post integrates in-night express units into PostLogistics

Posted by | Feb 1, 2008 | |

Swiss Post has merged its two in-night express subsidiaries PostLogistics Innight AG and NES AG into its PostLogistics AG division in order to expand its offer within the growth markets of overnight express and maintenance logistics as well as in courier services.

Swiss Post has operated in the overnight express market through PostLogistics Innight AG since 1999. Last year’s buy of NES AG enabled it to strengthen its leading position in overnight express and maintenance logistics. The legal structure has now been simplified by merging both subsidiaries into PostLogistics AG.

Reto Baumgartner, a member of the Post Logistics’ management board, will be responsible for the in-night business as well as for courier services and systems solutions. He will also lead the further expansion of the product portfolio.

Post Logistics is the market leader for courier services, overnight express and maintenance logistics in Switzerland. In particular, the overnight express market is growing at an above-average rate due to the significant competitive advantages for customers. Shipments that are collected in the late afternoon are delivered during the same night until 6 a.m. at the latest throughout Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

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Hermes Logistik builds new hub in central Germany

Posted by | Feb 1, 2008 | |

Hermes Logistik started construction of its EUR 45 million new regional hub in Friedewald, Hessen, in central Germany, this week. The new depot is due to go into service in early 2009, creating up to 150 new jobs.

The 100,000 sqm facility will have capacity to sort 20,000 parcels per hour. The new location is situated close to the strategic North-South/East-West junction of the A4, A5 and A7 motorways.

Hermes is investing EUR 25 million in the sorting centre handling technology, while acquisition of the major new hub and construction of the building cost a further EUR 20 million. The Hamburg-based property developer ECE is responsible for constructing the distribution centre.

“Through the expansion of our logistics network and the startup of further Hermes distribution centres we will become even more efficient and continue to optimise the service quality of Hermes. It’s primarily our customers who will benefit from it”, Harmtut Ilek, Hermes Logistik director, who is also responsible for the hub in Friedewald, was quoted as saying.

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GLS France to open six model depots

Posted by | Feb 1, 2008 | |

GLS France has announced plans to open six “model depots” in Metz, Roissy, Bordeaux, Vitrolles, Lyon and Rennes equipped with the latest sorting technology and which will go into operation in the first half of 2008.

These sites will serve as a model for other GLS subsidiaries in each region. The parcel operator plans to roll out the new technology in all its French subsidiaries and depots.

GLS said it will invest EUR 10 million in the acquisition of new sorting machines and IT tools to optimize the delivery and distribution of its freight and to maintain the quality.

After installing new technology in the distribution hub in Fleury, GLS has developed a new generation of modular conveyors destined for agencies and depots to handle single parcels in the same way like pallets.

One of the innovations is telescopic handles that connect the lorries directly to the sorting chain and thus reduce the times of loading and unloading considerably.

In addition, the video monitoring system and the new scanning technology recently implemented in the depots will ensure traceability of the parcels from pick-up until delivery to the recipient. This new equipment will enhance the transparency and the security of GLS services, the company said.

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Home Delivery Network Limited helps deliver thousands of visitors to the Spring Fair

Posted by | Jan 31, 2008 | |

Home Delivery Network Limited (HDNL) will literally be ‘delivering’ visitors to the Spring Fair 2008. HDNL is sponsoring the Circle Line shuttle bus service which will offer the show’s 73,000 visitors a quick and easy way of getting around the Spring Fair’s twenty halls.

At the event, the HDNL team will be launching new services including 24 and standard 48 hour services, which will be available to retailers for products under 25kg of all volumes, shapes and sizes. For the first time HDNL has also lowered minimum parcel volumes to offer their award winning service to smaller retailers.

This year the continued roll out of the latest supply chain technology, including state of the art Hand Held Terminals will enable retailers to offer ‘real time’ delivery information to their customers, online customer support and online proof of delivery.

HDNL Chairman Walter Blackwood said “Over the last year we have been meeting with retailers to compile a ‘wish list’ of features they want from their carrier. This included ‘real time’ parcel visibility and lower minimum parcel volumes. 2008 is set to be an exciting year for HDNL as we implement these new services.”

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