Postcomm has today issued a new licence to Mr Wesley Pollock, a sole trader, trading as Scotpost.
The licence takes into account the requirements of the new licensing framework that came into force on 1 January 2006, as amended in January 2008.
Read MoreFedEx Express signed the Skills Pledge, a government initiative to support and encourage companies to raise their employees’ skills.
At a ceremony attended by Bill Rammell, Minister of State (Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education) at its Stansted Hub, FedEx Express pledged to encourage and support employees to gain more skills and qualifications through investing in valuable training opportunities to meet the needs of the business and support their future development.
All employees have the FedEx equivalent of a ‘passport’ which accompanies them in each position within the company, recording their training to ensure that employees can achieve their career and personal aspirations while working for the organisation.
Read MoreUPS reported a 6.7 pct revenue increase in the second quarter but an 18.3 pct decline in diluted earnings per share to USD 0.85 compared to USD 1.04 the prior year. Increasing fuel costs and a stagnant U.S. economy caused the earnings decline in both the U.S. Domestic and International Package segments.
In contrast, the Supply Chain and Freight segment posted a substantial improvement in profitability.
“Although operating conditions in the second quarter were challenging, UPS firmly believes the long-term growth fundamentals for our company and for our industry are very favorable,” said Scott Davis, UPS chairman and CEO. “We are helping our customers manage through this difficult period while doing everything we can inside UPS to adapt to current conditions.”
For the three months ended June 30, 2008, UPS delivered consolidated volume of 959 million packages, essentially unchanged from the second quarter last year. Revenue rose to USD 13.0 billion and revenue per piece increased 5.9 pct. Results were negatively affected by a 67 pct increase in fuel expense, a reduction in premium product volumes and weakness in U.S. imports.
The slow U.S. economy caused average daily volume in the United States to decline 1.3 pct in the quarter and also contributed to a more pronounced reduction in premium products than in the previous quarter. Volumes per day declined 6.1 pct for Next Day Air, 2.3 pct for deferred air and 0.7 pct for ground. Consolidated revenue per piece rose 3.1 pct, increasing for all services.
These factors, along with the rapid increase in fuel cost and the impact of the two-month lag in the application of the fuel surcharge, were responsible for the declines in second quarter operating results.
During the quarter, UPS and DHL announced they were working on a 10-year agreement through which UPS would provide air lift for DHL’s express, deferred and international volume within the U.S. and between the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
International results were negatively impacted by higher fuel costs, declining U.S. import volume and slower growth in premium services in the major regions of the world.
Export volume increased an industry-leading 10.2 pct, aided by the calendar effect of an early Easter, which boosted growth rates by approximately 2 pct. However, volume growth slowed significantly through the quarter.
Read MoreKuehne + Nagel Group achieved growth above the market average and delivered good results in the first half of 2008. Compared with the previous year’s period, turnover grew by 7.3 per cent (10.3 per cent excluding currency impact and acquisitions) to CHF 10,700 million. EBITDA improved by 12.3 per cent (15.7 per cent excluding currency impact and acquisitions) to CHF 530 million; the margin rose from 4.7 to 5.0 per cent. Net earnings increased by 14.5 per cent (20.6 per cent excluding currency impact and acquisitions) to CHF 308 million.
Seafreight
The continuing credit crisis in the United States, the rising cost of oil and other commodities, and dampened consumer spending slowed global
container market growth to between 4 and 5 per cent. Nonetheless Kuehne + Nagel, with its worldwide network and value-adding services, increased container volumes by 7.4 per cent. The Group achieved strong growth on trade from North America to Europe and Asia. Growth on the Asia to Europe trades, however, slowed. The strong demand for the company’s seafreight information logistics solutions, alongside productivity increases and strict cost management, contributed to a 12.2 per cent improvement of the operational result. At 4.3 per cent the EBITDA margin was above the previous year (4.2 per cent).
Airfreight
The global airfreight market, affected by unprecedented fuel prices and the slowing economy, grew under 3 per cent. While Kuehne + Nagel also registered slower growth in the second quarter, it increased tonnage by 11.4 per cent for the first half of the year. Cost efficiencies, new contracts and growing existing accounts were crucial to this good performance, which is also reflected in the operational result’s 20.6 per cent improvement. The EBITDA margin reached a record 6.1 per cent (2007: 5.6 per cent).
Road & Rail Logistics
In the overland business, existing accounts grew and shipment volumes significantly increased as the breadth of services and the company’s European network expanded. Distribution solutions dedicated to the high-tech industry developed significantly, contributing to a net turnover up 13.8 per cent, compared with the first half of 2007. Better capacity utilisation helped raise the operational result by 8.7 per cent. Despite continued investment in a standardised operational software, the EBITDA margin remained stable at 1.7 per cent. The integration of Cordes & Simon and G.L. Kayser, acquired in 2007, is progressing to plan. Acquisitions in southwest Europe, further strengthening this business, may be expected in the second half of the year.
Contract Logistics
The contract logistics business unit benefited from its global focus, with business remaining stable at a high level despite economic uncertainties. Net turnover increased by 5.9 per cent (10.3 per cent excluding currency impact and acquisitions). Major contracts with Airbus and Beiersdorf illustrate Kuehne + Nagel’s good market position and innovative strength in this business. Strict cost management helped leverage the operational result by 11.0 per cent. The margin increased from 5.2 to 5.5 per cent.
Outlook
Considering the unfavourable economic forecast for the second half of 2008, the Management Board of Kuehne + Nagel International AG anticipates slower growth rates in the logistics market. Due to its global network and comprehensive portfolio of services, the company will nonetheless benefit from globalisation and the expected shifts in goods flows. High flexibility, transparent cost structures and a strong financial foundation enable the Group to quickly adapt to change and consistently maximise business opportunities.
Parcel delivery company City Link has taken a 10 year sub-lease on a 42,125 sq ft warehouse at Silverstone Drive, Gallagher Business Park in Coventry from STP Group at a rent of GBP 212,731 a year. Jones Lang LaSalle & North Rae Sanders acted for STP Group. DTZ represented City Link.
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