Tag: UK

APC plans growth through mini-hubs

Posted by | Apr 10, 2007 | |

APC Overnight, the next-day courier co-operative, is relying on “mini-hubs” to improve efficiency in the network.

One mini-hub already exists at Bellshill, Glasgow. From there, all cross-border Scottish consignments are trunked for sorting and onward distribution. Similar facilities are now planned for London, the West Country and the M62 corridor.

New hubs, new branding

“Mini-hubs are at the core of our growth strategy, ” said MD Quentin Abel. “With a huband-spoke system, everything goes into the main hub near Wolverhampton.

“Why should something from, say, the West Country go all the way to the Midlands and then all the way back? Not only is that an inefficient way to operate, but we are concerned that we are harming the environment.” Double-decker trailers are also helping APC to increase operational efficiency. Eight new double-decker trailers have been ordered at a cost of GBP 250,000 to allow more cages to be carried on key trunk routes.

In addition to the investment in vehicles, APC has spent over GBP 2m on re-branding, including a new logo, and an electronic driver communication system. The company is the first to use Intermec’s latest solution, the CN3, which combines GPS-based satnav, wireless LAN (local area network) and Bluetooth in one handheld device.

“The system will allow drivers to capture digital signatures for real-time proof of delivery – a first for APC – but, more than that, it will enable members to introduce dynamic planning and scheduling and task allocation, ” said Abel.

“This will enable us to give business and home consumers a greater choice of delivery time. The driver can send an SMS or email telling the recipient the estimated time of delivery – which we think we can do within a 20-minute accuracy – and if the customer will not be at home, he can arrange a more suitable time or take the package back to base – but without the extra effort of trying to deliver.”

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Prepare for turmoil in Royal Mail

Posted by | Apr 10, 2007 | |

Confrontation in Royal Mail is virtually guaranteed as the public sector pay curbs dictated by the government are combining with bosses’ determination to cut costs in order to compete against TNT and other private mail operators.

Across the public sector chancellor Gordon Brown has told workers they will get only a 2 percent rise. Postal workers are facing even worse.

As Socialist Worker went to press the pay offer remained “closed” – a secret between bosses and union leaders. Details were expected to be released this week, but there are already plenty of indications about what Royal Mail want.

According to leaks seen by Socialist Worker, there will be no (or a very low) basic pay rise. In order to get a lump sum of a few hundred pounds, workers will have to assist in plans to save around GBP 350 million in operating costs.

Over 20 conditions must be met to reach this 90-day business plan target.
Bosses also want the pension age to rise to 65.

Royal Mail has told CWU union officials that it is going to implement savings whether the union likes it or not.

Meanwhile the Daily Express reports that up to 50,000 postal workers could lose their jobs in the biggest cuts in the history of the Royal Mail.

Almost a third of staff in the letters division could be hit, on top of 35,000 jobs which have gone through redundancies over the past five years.

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New hub manager appointed by Fortec Pallet distribution network

Posted by | Apr 10, 2007 | |

Brian Wright has been appointed as the new Hub Manager at the Rugby-based Fortec Pallet Distribution Network. Aged 48, Brian has a wealth of experience in the pallet industry. He joins Fortec from Pall-Ex, where he was Senior Operations Manager. Brian was also Commercial Director at PVS Meridian.

In his new role, Brian will be responsible for the smooth operation at the Hub and the safe and secure trans-shipment of freight from Fortec’s
licensees.

Commenting on his appointment, Brian said: “Fortec is going through some major changes. My intent is to maintain the stability of the network going forward in 2007 and support the growth of the company over the long-term, keeping Fortec in the forefront of quality palletised movement. I look forward to playing a part in the future development of such a dynamic organisation.”

Rod Abrahams, Director, Fortec Pallet Distribution Network added: “We are delighted to welcome Brian on board. His appointment as Hub Manager will strengthen our operations base and enhance our quality service delivery. We would like to wish Brian every success with Fortec.”

Brian is married and lives in Walsall with his two children. In his spare time he sits as a magistrate. He is a fully qualified UEFA coach and is chairman of his local Starlands football team.

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Parcelnet and Redcats UK courier network deal improves customer service levels

Posted by | Apr 5, 2007 | |

Parcelnet, the UK courier delivery network and provider of home shopping fulfillment services, is acquiring the Redcats UK courier network operation to further develop its existing delivery business. The combined courier network, which will consist of over 7,000 couriers, will significantly enhance the range of services available to Redcats UK – Parcelnet will provide a home delivery service for Redcats UK brands La Redoute, Empire Stores, Vertbaudet and Daxon. It will also enable Parcelnet to provide more delivery options for its customers.

Integrating the two operations will give access to greater courier density, which will enable Parcelnet to introduce more delivery options for customers. It will service the needs of more than 40 home shopping clients, including many of the UK’s leading retailers whose remote retail success is underpinned by Parcelnet’s delivery services.

“The acquisition of Redcats UK’s courier network business by Parcelnet is a positive move for both parties: Parcelnet acquires an established courier network supported by expert staff and Redcats UK benefits from the extended service range and support levels provided by Parcelnet’s courier delivery network,” said David Meredith, Redcats UK’s Logistics Director.

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