Tag: Courier/Express/Parcels

European parcels operation sparkles despite postal misery for Royal Mail

Posted by | Nov 1, 2007 | |

General Logistics Systems, the European parcels operation, is turning out to be the jewel in the crown for Royal Mail, which has seen profits slashed in its domestic letters business over the past year.

GLS increased its operating profit by 15 per cent to GBP 115m on sales of just over GBP 1bn for the financial year 2006-7. And there was also good news from Parcelforce Worldwide which made an operating profit of GBP 10m – double the figure for last year and the second year running of profit after more than 15 consecutive years of losses.

Royal Mail said Parcelforce Worldwide grew its revenue by 7.3 per cent in a market that became even tougher, and delivered a record operating profit of GBP 10m. GLS grew its revenues by 4.9 per cent in a very competitive market and its operating profit increased to GBP 115m. “The results of both GLS and Parcelforce Worldwide demonstrate the group’s potential in areas where it is allowed to compete freely without regulatory constraint.”

However, profits were slashed from GBP 344m to GBP 194m in the letters business which has also gone through a damaging strike.

“Inland addressed mail volumes fell by 2.3 per cent – the first decline after many years of growth,” said Royal Mail. “The growth in email undoubtedly played a key factor in the fall and the realistic prospect facing the Company is for further volume decline. The peak in mail volumes looks likely to be behind us.”

Read More

Skillsmart Retail Analysis: Online retailing potential developments and its impact on people and skills

Posted by | Nov 1, 2007 | |

This analysis explores how the adoption of online trading has introduced new opportunities for retailers and how these might affect those who work in the sector and the skills they may need. It is based largely on secondary sources and commentary from retailers themselves.
We briefly chart how online retailing has moved from being viewed as a minority hobbyist pursuit, to one which is now a mainstream route for retailers.
Like many IT based innovations, the development of online retailing channels presents businesses with a range of new choices. In this sense, the development of the technology is a ‘driver’ helping to shape the future of the sector.
However, culture and politics in companies and of consumers will be complementary drivers and will also shape how the new technology will be applied.
We speculate that on balance the development of online retailing is likely to further increase the depth and breadth of many job roles in the sector.
Within senior managerial occupations, online retail will pose a series of strategic challenges around the role of their online trading platforms and evaluation of their success. Professional and associate professionals will also be affected as online retailing will increase the breadth of activities they have to deal with.
The fulfilment of orders will also lead to new demands. Warehouse systems may increase in their complexity. Many delivery personnel will be expected to offer more than a perfunctory drop off of the item; some might even e expected to offer advice and expertise on the product being delivered.
The blurring of boundaries between online and traditional retailing will also present interesting challenges for store managers, sales and customer service roles. Where online and traditional retail operations operate seamlessly, many employees will require knowledge of the entire range of products and services on offer and skills to carryout a wide range of processes.
Within the retail sector previous developments have focused on reducing errors. It has also helped develop job roles that rely on modest levels of skills. The development of online trading may reinforce this trend.

Read More

Amtrak launches Credit Card facility

Posted by | Oct 31, 2007 | |

Amtrak, the business to business and home delivery parcels operator, is launching a credit/debit card payment option to make it easier for small companies and individuals to use their parcel services.

“We believe this will appeal not only to small businesses but also to people selling on the web or sending goods occasionally,” says Alan Jones, Managing Director, Amtrak. “Customers don’t necessarily want to set up an account but want a quick and easy way to organise sending a parcel.”

The popularity of web auction sites and the growth in the number of people working at home has led to a significant increase in the demand for collection and delivery of one or two parcels from residential addresses.

“Our new service enables people to send parcels without leaving the house – and especially without standing in a queue at the Post Office,“ says Mr Jones. “We also have special services for goods of high value – either cash value or sentimental value – and we anticipate people will use Amtrak to send all kinds of items.”

Amtrak is also a specialist handler for fine wines, and already offers a Personal Express (delivery only to a specifically named person) and Tender Express (for important tender or contract documents) service.

Read More

UPS marks 100th birthday with USD 1 million for micro-lending

Posted by | Oct 31, 2007 | |

In honour of its 100th birthday, UPS has created a Centennial Grants Fund and awarded USD 1 million to three global micro-lending organizations. The funds will be used to support programs for entrepreneurs on three continents, including loans to grow small businesses.

“In this year of UPS’s Centennial, there could be no better way to celebrate founder Jim Casey’s entrepreneurial spirit than to award grants to foster opportunities for entrepreneurs around the world,” said Lisa Hamilton, president of The UPS Foundation. “UPS was founded in 1907 by a 19-year-old Casey, who borrowed $100 to start a bicycle messenger business. Today, his company is the largest package delivery firm in the world.”

Grant recipients include:

– Opportunity International: USD 390,000
– ACCION International: USD 400,000
– FINCA International: USD 210,000

According to Hamilton, creation of the Centennial Grants Fund marks the first time UPS has concentrated such a large portion of its giving on micro-lending.

UPS chose FINCA, Opportunity International and ACCION because of their proven success record as micro-lenders, their ability to measure the impact of their programs and their presence in global markets. The organizations also are well-recognized for the financial literacy and business training that goes along with their loans, ensuring that the businesses they fund are successful.

Read More

Ciblex has seen significant growth in its income.

Posted by | Oct 31, 2007 | |

Ciblex completed its accounts for the tax year on 30 June 2007 and posted another year of growth both in turnover and income. This growth shows the long term value of the strategy adoopted by Ciblex, built on:
– A targeted position and development in niche markets in which Ciblex delivers tailored
solutions.
– A quality policy which produces performances which our customers perceive to be superior to those of the competition.
– A loyal, competent, motivated team.

Good results from the group and the various national units…
– Ciblex France: Turnover up by 6.8 pct at EUR 134.6 million (on an operating income of EUR 1,034 million).
This last figure should be put in the context of the negative impact of the new regulations restricting the speed of heavy goods vehicles to 90km/h, effective from 1 January 2007.

This has complicated the operations, leading to extra structural costs.
– Ciblex Belgium: excellent performance with TO of EUR 18.5 million up + 6.3 pct (and operating income of EUR 2,774 million ).
– Ciblex Netherlands: subsidiary created in October 2004, achieved TO of EUR 1,970 million , up 116 pct (and operating income of EUR 323 000 , in balance in the previous year).

Read More

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

P&P Poll

Loading

What's the future of the postal USO?

Thank you for voting
You have already voted on this poll!
Please select an option!



View ResultsHide Results

Post & Parcel Magazine


Post & Parcel Magazine is our print publication, released 3 times a year. Packed with original content and thought-provoking features, Post & Parcel Magazine is a must-read for those who want the inside track on the industry.

Subscribe to the Magazine

 

Pin It on Pinterest