General Logistics Systems Amsterdam (GLS), will put its new European computer centre in Neuenstein (Germany) into operation in March. The parcel and express service provider, operating in 34 different countries, has invested two million euros in a building that meets the highest security standards. Approximately 20 million data records from all over Europe are processed in the new computer centre daily.
Read MorePrivate equity firm 3i is poised to acquire niche logistics company Marken from Deutsche Post for about pounds 210m. Sources said 3i is now in exclusive talks with Deutsche Post advisers UBS to buy Marken, part of Exel, after submitting a higher bid than rival contenders. The other private equity firms thought to have been looking at the company include PPM, Phoenix Private Equity and Bridgepoint. Deutsche Post put Marken on the block last month, though it is not clear why it has decided sell. Analysts think that, after acquiring Exel last year, Deutsche might have some overlaps.
Read MoreDHL today announced the launch of a new route optimization initiative which will help DHL facilities map out optimum delivery routes, streamline sorting processes, and balance daily loads more efficiently. When complete, the program will provide company operations nationwide with even greater operational efficiencies, and DHL customers with an enhanced customer service experience.
The program will be implemented in approximately 340 DHL facilities across the US over the next nine months. The route optimization initiative will balance workload capacity across the entire fleet, decrease drive time, route length and fuel consumption, enable more rapid processing of shipments and increase efficiency at each facility, which in turn will benefit DHL’s customers across the US.
TNT remains a potential takeover target despite its status as the top European express business and the second-biggest logistics provider in the world. However, the former Dutch mail monopoly is restructuring operations to focus on its TNT Mail and TNT Express units. The company has also sold its contract-delivery business TNT Logistics in order to strengthen its defense against any takeover. Chief executive Peter Bakker is planning to use part of the proceeds for a share buyback in the second half and for small acquisitions to boost TNT’s presence in Europe and Asia.
Read MoreUPS says it is shortening the amount of time it takes to deliver ground packages to major cities across the United States. The Atlanta company said Monday it has made improvements to its ground network over the past several months that are accelerating the transit times of more than a half-million packages nationwide by one day or more. The improvements revolve around lanes between certain major metropolitan areas.
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