European Postal Perspective: Facing the challenge from low-cost posts
European Postal Perspective: Facing the challenge from low-cost posts
Read MoreTag: France
ColiPoste launches e-stamping for parcels (FRA)
Coliposte, La Poste’s parcel branch, launched a new stamping method for its parcel product “Colissimo” by introducing e-stamping via Internet to private customers.
The customer can fill in his shipping bill and indicate the weight, destination and shipping method of his parcel before paying with a credit card. After that the customer can print the bill on a A4 sheet, one part of which will be attached to the package and the other one stamped by the dispatching clerk.
The online stamping of the parcels that is available at the same price as stamping of a classical parcel from a post office does not generate any extra costs for the customer. Currently available and recommended for domestic shipments, the e-stamping service will also be available for international shipments and the French overseas departments in a few months, ColiPoste said in a statement.
Parcel flows among private customers, boosted by the growing number of online retailers, have grown like never before in recent years, the company pointed out. ColiPoste has already adapted to this trend by simplifying the tracking and delivery of the shipments, especially with its service “ e-como” which enables the customer to trace the route of his shipment and “Cityssimo”, its 24/7 delivery service.
Online stamping saves time and thus meets the needs of private customers whose number is increasing rapidly when it comes to selling or exchanging their belongings online. ColiPoste handles one million shipments every day and is registering an annual 10 pct increase in its C2C operations which is generated by the boom of retail sites among private customers.
Read MoreTNT France tests biofuel
TNT Express France is testing a biofuel for its delivery vehicles to cut down on CO2 emissions. The fuel – known as B30 – could be introduced nationwide if tests are successful.
TNT Express launched the B30 biofuel tests in September 2007at its depot at Maxvill, where its Eastern Region main office is situated. The tests were extended to eight light-duty pick-up and delivery vehicles last month.
The study, which will last at Maxville for six months, will enable TNT to evaluate if this solution is feasible at an operational level and to assess the financial impact (carbon consumption and maintenance costs). The tests will also examine the performance of the vehicles with this type of fuel, especially as an alternative to diesel.
The first results are already promising for lorries as well as for light-duty vehicles, TNT pointed out. If the final results turn out to be positive, TNT Express France could decide to deploy B30 in its 13 operational centres across France this year.
Read Moretime:matters takeover of express specialists JNE Netherlands
time:matters is continuing its strategy of internationalization with its acquisition of JNE
the takeover ensures representation in a market with attractive potentials for development
Neu-Isenburg near Frankfurt am Main / Amsterdam (the Netherlands) 9 January 2008 –
time:matters, the special service provider which is part of the Lufthansa Group and provides courier, sameday and emergency logistics, is continuing its strategy of internationalization: with effect from 1 January 2008 time:matters took over the Dutch express logistics provider, JNE.
In concrete terms the transaction, for which secrecy was agreed with regard to its financial volume, is presented in such a way that with the New Year 100 per cent of the shares of JNE Netherlands BV were transferred to time:matters Holding GmbH. As a result of the acquisition the founder and former owner of JNE, Ben Hofs, was appointed managing director of the new Dutch time:matters subsidiary. He is assisted by the co-managing director, Dr Arne Schulke, the chief financial officer of the German time:matters Holding. All the employees of JNE have been taken over by the new company.
JNE and time:matters combine an optimal “Strategic & Cultural Fit”: “The strategic company alignment is virtually congruous: both companies operate in a very businesslike way and are defined by strong customer orientation; the portfolio of services complement each other in a truly ideal way”, Franz-Joseph Miller, the chief executive officer of time:matters stated.
Read MoreGLS France: strong growth in export volumes
GLS France recorded a 25 pct growth in export shipments sent to Europe last year further strengthening its cross-border structures and enhancing European interchange.
From Paris and regions bordering on Germany, export volumes rose by 46 pct compared to previous year, the parcels firm said in a statement. It did not release any total figures for volumes or revenues.
GLS said the export parcels are mainly destined for countries bordering on France like Germany, Belgium and Italy. The majority of parcels are exported to Germany (23 pct), Belgium (20 pct), Italy (1 pct), UK (13 pct) and Spain (11 pct).
GLS France said it expected this growth to continue and would continue to optimise its tools and processes to boost this development. For example, in April 2007 it established a direct connection ensuring 24-hour delivery from Paris to Belgium.
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