A Guide to Courier Services: protecting your parcel against loss and damage

Who hasn't felt nervous about placing their goods in someone else's hands when shipping overseas? Whether you are shipping your belongings abroad in advance of a house move, delivering goods to a customer, or sending a gift to an overseas relative, your cargo is precious and your top priority will be to ensure it arrives not only in a timely manner but in exactly the condition you sent it. There are several steps you can take to do your best to ensure that this happens.

1. Choose a courier service you can trust

When you are shipping overseas, you need a service you can trust.  Using a company with long-standing experience, a well-established brand and a good global network is important. Transglobal Express works only with the top four global courier services: DHL, UPS, and FedEx and TNT: shipping with us means you'll get exactly same delivery service as if you were booking directly through these carriers- the only difference is the price!

2. Package your parcel appropriately

The best way to protect your parcel against damage is to ensure it is packaged appropriately. This means choosing the right size and strength of box and cushioning your goods sufficiently inside it. Most carriers advise that your box should be able to withstand a drop from waist height- this should give you an idea of the amount of cushioning you need. We recommend at least 5 cm between each item within the box and between the edges of the box and its contents. 

TOP TIP: take a photograph of your parcel, inside and out, before it is collected. This won't take you long at all and in the unfortunate event of loss or damage, it will be much easier for you to process any claims with evidence such as this. 

3. Take out appropriate cover

All parcels shipped with Transglobal Express are covered for a minimum of £50, free of charge. If your parcel is much more valuable, you may wish to take out additional cover for extra peace-of-mind. Then, if anything goes wrong, you won't be out of pocket. Certain very fragile goods - such as glass and pottery cannot be covered, so if you need to send these, make sure you follow step 2 as best you can! For more information about what can be covered, please see our website or contact our claims team on 0845 145 1212.

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Contending with customs: advice for people new to exporting

Exporting your goods overseas can seem a daunting experience. It can be difficult to determine which regulations apply to you and which forms are applicable to your business - never mind how to fill them in!  Generally speaking, trade within the EU tends to be a simpler process, but if you're thinking of making the leap and expanding your sales beyond the European Community we have some customs tips and advice for you.

1. Inform your customer of the potential costs of Customs Clearance in advance

Typically, the receiver will be liable to pay any charges associated with Customs Clearance before your goods are released for delivery. This is called DDU (delivered duty unpaid) shipping. Most seasoned shippers are well aware of this but it's a good idea to make sure your customer knows of potential customs charges in advance- the last thing you want to do is give your customer a shock before they have even received your goods! Alternatively, if you'd prefer to pay the charges yourself, you can always opt for a DDP (delivered duty paid) service when booking UPS, DHL and TNT services through Transglobal Express. Such a service bills all charges back to you, the exporter, and usually entails a small fee. 

2. Research country-specific regulations

As well as familiarising yourself with general restrictions imposed by all major carriers, you also need to check the restrictions for your particular export country.  Restrictions can vary a lot depending on the policies and priorities of different governments, and there are also some historic and sometimes very strange trade restrictions, so you should always double-check with the relevant customs authority before implementing your export strategy. Want to send plastic flowers to Nigeria or toothbrushes to Algeria? Believe it or not, customs law prohibits the import of such items! Want to send tents to Jordan? You need a license first! The best advice? Always check! 

The best place to start when carrying our your research is the customs website of the relevant country: countries publish detailed lists of restrictions on their webpages. Customs Forum is another useful website where you can ask questions and advice of other exporters.

3. Choose the right delivery service

UPS, DHL, FedEx and TNT Express - the largest global carriers - tend to take care of customs clearance on behalf of the shipper. If you book with a reseller such as Transglobal  Express, you can enjoy the expertise and excellent international networks of these brands at highly reduced rates. But equally importantly, you can benefit from our own expertise developed from over 20 years experience in the industry. Given the fact that Transglobal ship to over 2220 destinations worldwide, using a variety of the biggest and bets carriers, we are unable to give definitive advice on specific customs policies, but we do know where to direct you if you need any further advice, and we are always willing to help wherever we can - personal service can make all the difference when trying to navigate what is often a daunting collection of rules and regulations!

Do you have any general customs advice to share with other exporters? Let us know and we'll publish it here- happy shipping!

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Pharmaceutical sector of increasing importance to major carriers

With an annual revenue of over $1 trillion, the pharmaceutical industry is big business, and the leading global courier and freight services know it. Each of the major carriers is expanding and developing its business to cater to this sector, seeking a slice of the sales by striving to meet the logistical challenges of managing the supply chain of temperature-sensitive and highly regulated products. 

Not long after UPS opened a high-tech pharmaceutical storage and distribution facility in Hangzhou, China, DHL has launched DHL Thermonet- a new temperature-sensitive air freight service for pharmaceuticals and medical supplies. The new service is an addition to an already considerable network and service offer for pharmaceuticals, the most notable previous addition to which was the opening of a DHL  'Life Science and Healthcare Centre' in Barcelona three months ago. 

A DHL employee working at one of the DHL Thermonet facilities

The new DHL services is offered by the group's Global Forwarding, Freight branch. Roger Cook, CEO of the division, confirmed that the Life Sciences and Healthcare industry was a key sector for DHL and commented "we are heavily investing in new products and services to provide comprehensive solutions to the needs of our customers".

Sales of temperature-sensitive products accounts for approximately 25% of total pharmaceutical sales, a sizeable chunk of the industry's massive annual revenue. DHL claims that the industry's increasing shift of new products from chemical-based to biotech and speciality drugs means that the growth of the temperature-sensitive segment is expected to accelerate, generating fifty percent of sales by 2018. Carriers are demonstrating their intention to capitalise on this potential. 

But there are challenges as well as opportunities. Commenting on the specialist knowledge and capabilites required in the sector, Angelos Orfanos, President of DHL's Life Sciences and Healthcare Customer Solutions and Innovation, commented, "The current situation within the Life Sciences and Healthcare market, facing an increasingly regulated environment, demands a higher level of service compliance. By means of DHL Thermonet, we will meet our customers' requirements, enhance our cold chain activities and expand our market leading capabilities".

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TNT Express to cut over a quarter of its Italian workforce

TNT Express plans to cut approximately 850 jobs from its workforce in Italy, it was announced this afternoon. The courier company currently has approximately 3000 employees in its Italian Business Unit, and is preparing to reduce this number by over 28%, to around 2150. 

The plans are a response to what TNT has termed the "harsh economic environment" in Italy and are in line with the company's overall strategy - redefined after the failed merger with UPS -  which entails the loss of 4,000 jobs across the company by 2015.

TNT has insisted that this move does not represent any intention to reduce services in Italy but is intended to secure the company's long-term market-leading position in the country. The job losses will affect 20 facilities across Italy, but TNT has stated that service levels across the whole Italian network will be maintained. 

Source: TNT

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DHL celebrates fifth anniversary of 'Go Green' launch

Yesterday marked the five year anniversary of the launch of Deutcshe Post DHL's Go Green programme. DHL were the first international courier company to set a measurable climate target and, as part of the Deutsche Post DHL group, are on their way to achieving a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2020 based on a 2007 base level. 

Over 8000 vehicles in the company's fleet use alternative drive systems
or have undergone aerodynamic or electrical-motor-related modifications

As well as working towards this goal via fuel efficiency initiatives and reduction of energy and fuel consumption, DHL also offers customers a variety of environmentally conscious shipment options. Demand for such green products has increased steadily over recent years. According to DHL, “more than 2.4 billion GOGREEN shipments were sent and about 180,000 tons of CO2 were offset for customers - this is about 30 percent more than 2011 and over three times as much as 2009, when the total was 704 million shipments.”

Christof Ehrhart, the group’s Director of Corporate Communications and Corporate Responsibility, affirmed that GoGreen has been a real success so far. He commented: “ "Since its beginnings, we have continuously improved our own carbon footprint and are already halfway to meeting our goal of reducing our emissions by 30 percent by 2020. Environmental protection has a permanent place in our strategy and is reflected in Group-wide guidelines regarding such issues as paper, procurement and investments. Our employees also practice sustainability throughout the year. As part of this effort, 20,000 of them around the world have already attended the 'GoGreen' e-learning course. Today's World Environment Day is a great opportunity to increase their awareness even more."  

DHL are by no means the only courier company to be concerned with environmental issues: FedEx's recently published 2012 Global Citizenship report  revealed the US courier has already achieved its 2020 target to improve fuel efficiency by 20%. UPS have won numerous awards for their environmental responsibility and is continually seeking to optimise its fleet, and invest in alternative energies, as we reported last month.  

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Royal Mail research reveals massive growth in UK e-commerce

The number of online-only e-retailing business has more than doubled in the past five years from 6,700 in 2008 to 14,400 in 2012, according to a nationwide study commissioned by Royal Mail. While the number of businesses contributing to the British economy fell an annual average of 0.4% for the years covered, the number of companies selling goods online saw a staggering 21.3% average annual growth. 

Speaking of the study, Managing Director of Royal Mail Parcels Nick Landon commented: "Online-only e-retailing has become an increasingly strong area for business start-ups and is making a strong contribution to the overall UK economy. With continued growth in online shopping, we can expect more significant contributions to the UK economy in current years."

Online sales are also way ahead of the retail sector as a whole, according to a recent CEBR study of ONS data: e-retailing grew by almost 50% while the total retail sector saw only 13.6% growth. Given that increased online sales means increased demand for postage and delivery Royal Mail are set to take advantage of this increase as part of their growth strategy. Courier services resellers such as Transglobal Express are are also set to benefit from this increase, given that their highly competitive rates for services such as UPS, DHL Express and TNT can rival Royal Mail in terms of price and service, as well as offering much lower costs than customers would incur by booking directly with the courier. 

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Now is a critical time for air freight, says FedEx chief.

Michael Ducker, the COO of US courier service FedEx Express, stressed the importance of air cargo at the Cargo Network Service (CNS) conference in Phoenix last month.  During his keynote address, Ducker stated that "right now is definitely a critical time for cargo".

FedEx Express COO Michael Ducker

2012 saw air freight contribute $98 billion to the global economy and fly $US 10 trillion goods internationally, but Ducker called it a disappointing year, given that cargo volumes and yield dropped 2% year  on year. 

In line with many industry commentators who have borne witness to small dips in growth in the industry since 2008, Ducker affirmed that the days of cheap fuel and high investment are over for the foreseeable future: "a new normal" has permeated the industry, he said. Financial stagnation and high oil prices are the primary factors defining the current market. 

At the same time, US markets are seeing increased competition from the emerging markets of China, Brazil and Poland as well as competition from sea carriers. Ducker stated, "I think the future of air cargo is directly tied to ocean freight, but sea freight isn't for everyone." Shippers of time-sensitive, high value goods will always depend on air freight, he stressed.

In order to face the challenges of the future, Ducker urged greater supply chain innovation and efficiency and the quicker adoption of e-freight, calling paper-based processes relics and anachronisms.

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TNT Express trials Brussels mobile depot

TNT Express introduced a mobile depot in Brussels this Wednesday 29th May. The initiative will be trialled for three months in the first instance and aims to improve the efficiency of parcel delivery to TNT Express customers in the Belgian capital.

Electric tricycles will replace TNT Express vans in some areas of the city

The mobile depot is a large custom-designed trailer which will serve as a storage and sorting centre between the TNT Express hub at Brucargo and the centre of Brussels.

The depot will be located in Parc du Cinquantenaire, the large public park in the European quarter of Brussels.  Electric tricycles (‘cyclocargos’) will replace TNT Express vans for deliveries to Schaerbeek, Etterbeek and Saint-Josse-ten-Noode as part of the depot's deployment, eliminating an estimated 900 kilometres of van movement a week in the busy city centre.

As well as improving efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of TNT Express' parcel delivery service in the area, the increased visibility of TNT in the city is no doubt intended to enhance the courier's brand as well. 

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East Asian air cargo suffers from weak demand

Recently published performance figures for Cathay Pacific - the flag carrier of Hong Kong - and China Airlines and EVA Airways - the two largest carriers of Taiwan - indicate that the air cargo slump is set to continue.

123,805 tonnes of cargo and mail were carried by Cathay Pacific and Dragonair in April,  a year-on-year decrease of 0.6%. Capacity grew by 1.5% but cargo and mail revenue tonne kilometres fell 2.4%. China Airlines also registered a 1.65 percent drop in accumulated sales figures for the first 4 months of 2013 compared to 2012. EVA Airways, Taiwan's second largest carrier, saw a 3.35 percent drop in revenue. 

Cathay Pacific's CEO John Slosar remains positive about his company's adaptability. In an interview with Air Cargo Week, he stated, "We didn't anticipate the markets being down for such an extended period, and we have had to be nimble and flexible in our response, cutting back freighter capacity in line with demand at the same time as trying to develop new markets. Our cargo teams have been doing a great job in this regard. We have adapted well to the short-term challenges and at the same time have been looking to the future".

Nevertheless, Slosar's optimism about the future for the air cargo industry is quelled by his doubts about the global economy as a whole. He commented, "[The industry] has been in a slump for more than two years now- an unprecedented length of time - and there is still no indication that things are about to change for the better. There are few positive signs of the world's economy getting back on a firmer footing and the simple fact is that cargo demand won't see any sustained uptick until that happens."

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Deutsche Post DHL vote on EUR 0.70 earnings per share at Annual General Meeting

The annual general meeting of German logistics giant Duetsche Post DHL took place today in Frankfurt. Members are expected to approve an earnings per share of EUR 0.70. 

CEO Frank Appel

In spite of a 5.9% drop in profit for the first quarter compared to 2012, DHL insist they are in a good financial position and are responding well to the challenges of the current economic climate. 

CEO Frank Appel told shareholders, "Strategy 2015 has given our company a clear compass that has made it possible for us to confidently navigate the financial and economic crisis. It will help us remain on track even without any economic tailwind. At the same time, we continue to benefit from our ongoing efficiency gains. Only streamlined, flexible structures and continuous cost optimization will enable us to have the necessary financial strength to invest in the future and thus generate long-term profitable growth."

The group anticipate moderate growth for the rest of the year, and the DHL divisions are expected to contribute most to this forecast. Appel also expounded upon the group's mid-term strategy: "As 'The Postal Service for Germany' and 'The Logistics Company for the World,' we intend to become the provider, employer and investment of choice," the CEO said. "By taking this comprehensive company approach, we plan to fully unlock the huge potential of our company."

Source: DHL

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Reasons to choose Transglobal Express: #1 Our dedication to customer services

There are many factors involved when choosing a courier service. If you are a small-medium sized business or a non-commercial customer, the chances are it will be much cheaper for you to send your parcels via a reseller such as Transglobal Express than booking directly with the carriers. Our purchasing power enables us to negotiate the best rates with world-renowned carries such as DHL, UPS and TNT , which we then pass on to our customers. But while price is of paramount importance, it isn't everything in business. Our rates are some of the most competitive around, especially for international parcel delivery to the US, Canada, Australia and China, but in addition to this, we recognise the importance of outstanding customer services. 

Members of our customer services team

We believe our customers services are the best in the business: our staff are well-trained, well-motivated and always happy to help.  If you're seeking excellent customer services, here are some reasons why you should choose Transglobal Express:

We're easy to contact

We know how important it is for our customers to get hold of us. Unlike many of our competitors, our telephone number is published on our website and available to you Monday-Friday 9:00-5:30pm. We aim to answer all phone-calls within 3 rings, and, since we have one of the best ratios of customer services staff to customers in the business, we achieve this goal over 90% of the time. You can also email us any time at sales@transglobalexpress.co.uk and contact us during business hours using our on-line chat feature via our website.

We care what you think

We always encourage customer feedback via both our website and third party websites such as TrustPilot. We love to hear good news (who doesn't?!) but we welcome all feedback and always want to know if there is a problem, so that we can solve it! 

We're social

We love hearing from our customers and we reach out to you via social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. You can contact us with enquiries here if you prefer, and we will deal with your enquiries promptly and efficiently. We have promotions, industry news, and parcel delivery tips and tricks on these sites (and puzzles too.. for a bit of fun!)

We're eager to help 

Whichever way you contact us, we endeavour to deal with all enquiries as quickly and thoroughly as possible. We try to make the parcel delivery process simple and seamless by explaining the appropriate documentation to you, by offering lots of help and information via our website and by providing friendly and knowledgeable advice whenever you need it.  

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What is Volumetric Weight and how will it affect my shipment?

When sending a parcel via courier, no matter what the destination, you will need to provide a certain amount of minimum information in order to obtain a quote for the service you require. All parcel delivery services require you to enter the destination of your package and the weight (most often in kilograms) and dimensions of your parcel (that is, the length, width and height, most often in centimetres) in order to obtain a quote. For non-seasoned shippers, the dimensions are measured as shown in the image below:

Often, the cost of your shipment will be calculated on the basis of its stated weight, in kilograms. This is called the actual weight. Sometimes, however, if your parcel is particularly large or bulky and contains relatively light items (think: balloons, sponges or even large items made of lightweight plastic) a value derived from the size as well as the weight of your parcel will be used to calculate the shipment cost. This is called the  volumetric weight. 

How is volumetric weight calculated?

Different services have slightly different formulae for calculating volumetric weight, but generally speaking, the figure is determined by multiplying the three dimensions of your parcel together and dividing by  between 4000 and 6000. For example, the premium air service DHL Express Worldwide, which is offered at heavily discounted rates by Transglobal Express, calculates volumetric weight with a denominator of 5000. So, if your parcel dimensions are 40x20x15 centimetres, given that (40x20x15)/5000=2.4, the volumetric weight for your consignment would be 2.4kg

How will it affect the cost of my shipment?

The chargeable weight of your shipment will be either the actual weight or the volumetric weight- whichever is largest. So, in the example above, if your parcel weighed less than 2.4kg, you would still be charged the 2.4kg of volumetric weight. If your parcel weighted more than 2.4kg, you would be charged for actual weight. 

All clear?

Please contact Transglobal Express on 0845 145 1212 if you require any further information, or check our website for service specific details.

Happy Shipping!

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Deutsche Post DHL to roll out new electric vehicle fleet in Bonn

By 2016, around 141 electric vehicles will be on the road in and around Bonn, Germany, resulting in decreased CO2 emissions of over 500 tons per year, according to a presentation made this morning by Deutsche Post DHL's CEO, Frank Appel.

The "street scooter": one of the electric vehicles to be rolled out.

The project, whose initial phase will see 79 electric vehicles in service by the end of the current year, will introduce Germany's first "carbon-free vehicle concept" and will support both mail and parcel delivery in the city and its surrounding areas, Deutsche Post DHL have stated.  

"This pilot project is unique worldwide and can serve as a role model for other cities and regions,"  Frank Appel commented. "We operate one of the world's largest vehicle fleets. And because we see the effects of global trade on the environment, we accept responsibility: Alternative drive systems have already been in use in our fleet for years. With about 8,500 vehicles with environmentally friendly drive systems across our operations, we have one of the most efficient fleets in the sector."

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A guide to Courier Services: how to weigh and measure your parcel

If you want to send a parcel within the UK or overseas via a courier service, the first thing you will want to do is get a quote. This way, you can easily compare prices and get the best possible deal for the service you require. Several factors determine the cost of sending your parcel. In addition to the destination country of the goods you'd like to send, the weight and dimensions of your parcel will also determine the price, and you will need to supply this information in order to get a quote. 

This seems simple enough, doesn't it? And it is! But there are a few areas where it's possible to slip up, and if you do not quote your parcel's weight and dimensions accurately at the point of obtaining a quote, you risk incurring additional charges from the carrier when they measure it themselves while it is in transit. Of course, no-one wants this to happen, so we've compiled a list of tips to assist you with careful measuring to ensure that the price you see is always the price you pay! 

Always aim for accuracy

If you're unsure of your parcel's exact weight and dimensions, at the point of obtaining your quote, you may be tempted to estimate it rather than giving exact figures. This is not advisable since all carriers weigh and measure the parcels themselves and levy charges if they find inconsistencies. While (gu)estimates may work to give you a rough guide on cost, at the point of booking you really should have weighed your parcel using quality scales and determined the length, height and width as accurately as possible. 

Measure the furthermost point of each dimension

Consider the image below. Which is the correct way to obtain the dimensions for this suitcase? Most first-time shippers (and even some seasoned shippers!) would probably be tempted to measure their shipment in accordance with the image on the left, but the measurements on the right are the correct ones to quote when obtaining a quotation. 

Carriers such as UPS and DHL Express use lasers to measure the parcels transported through their networks and this equipment measures from the furthest most point of each side of the parcel. In this case, including the wheels, the handle and the strap around the suitcase would be necessary in order for your dimensions to agree with those that the main carriers would measure using their specialised equipment. The same goes for cardboard boxes that are bulging at the sides. Aside from an indication of poor packaging, such instances could incur extra fees if they are not measured correctly.

Include your packaging in your quoted weight

It may sound obvious, but the weight of your parcel comprises both the items you wish to send as well as the cushioning to protect them and the shipping carton in which they are sent. Ideally, you should book deliveries only after your parcel is packaged so you can quote the correct weight.

Protect yourself

It's quite rare, but carriers make mistakes too when weighing and measuring your parcels! If you have followed all of the advice above and you are still contacted about a size or weight discrepancy, it's great for you if you have evidence to support your position. Before you send your parcel, why not cover yourself by taking photographs of it on the scales on which you measured it, and against the tape measures that you used to determine the dimensions?

For further information or to get a quote, please visit www.transglobalexpress.co.uk 

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Weekly News Round-up: what's been happening in the world of sea freight, air freight and international courier services?

Welcome to our weekly round up of industry news and blog posts! Click the links below to read more about any of the stories we've published this week.

Freight news:

IATA publish air freight market reports for March 
TIACA and ICAO to work more closely together
Aviation is key to Africa’s future

Carrier news:

UPS announce improvements to Boeing 767 fleet
Deutsche Post DHL sees 5.9% drop in profit in first quarter of 2013
TNT Express are developing their Middle East business
FedEx begin construction on new Solar Technology Park
DPD to open hundreds of new outlets in Baltic states

Technology:

UPS launches new tracking app for i-Pad
New FedEx competition highlights carrier’s focus on social media

Special deliveries:

DHL secretly transports new Mercedes S-Class in time for its global premiere
TNT send twin pandas from Madrid to Chengdu

Focus on....China:

Exporting to China: advice for SMEs

Transglobal Express in the news:

Air Cargo Week: Transglobal Express supports The Coldest Journey
Post and Parcel: Online approach helps growth at Transglobal Express

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FedEx competition indicates increasing importance of social media and sustainability to major carriers

FedEx's launched its "Grow a Greener School Contest" on Pinterest yesterday, highlighting the growing importance of social media as well as sustainability within the industry. The competition aims to give teachers, students and parents the resources to create hands-on sustainability projects at their school. Any school in the United States can enter by submitting an on-line form and attaching a photograph, which FedEx will subsequently post on Pinterest, the photo-sharing social media website. 

Image c/o FedEx

Entries can be submitted until midday (CDT) on May 24th and then a week of public voting for the best projects via "liking" on Pinterest will determine the winners. There are prizes of $3,000, $2,000 or $1,000 prizes for the winning schools' green initiatives.

FedEx's competition comes at a time when both sustainability and social media seem to be high on the agenda for other major carriers including UPS and DHL. UPS have recently announced adjustments to their Boeing 767 aircraft which, as well as cutting fuel costs, will decrease carbon emissions by an estimated 62,000 metric tonnes per annum. DHL  released their 2012 corporate responsibility at the beginning of the month in which sustainability was one of their primary focuses. 

In addition, both carriers have a large and growing presence on social media. DHL have almost 100,000 likes on Facebook while UPS have a still impressive 35,000. TNT Express also has 25,000 likes. FedEx are leading the way, however, with an amazing 650,000! Using social media platforms allows carriers to engage with customers and clients in new and innovative ways and to take advantage of viral marketing opportunities. Carriers regularly post interesting photographs, puzzles or updates on their latest sustainability projects. Often they advertise special offers which are only available on Facebook or other platforms.

Given FedEx's competition, it seems they are keen to build their Pinterest presence next. On this platform too, they are leading the way: they have 1600 likes compared to DHLs 79 and UPS's 51 and, at the time of writing TNT Express are yet to establish a Pinterest account. 

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Exporting to China: advice for SMEs

As well as being the most populous country, China has by far the biggest export economy in the world, with estimated exports of almost $2 billion in 2011.* In addition to these astronomical export figures however, recent reports suggest that China's import economy is also booming, meaning increased opportunity for British companies looking to export to China.

In March, imports to China surged 14%, much more than the 5% predicted by analysts. While much of this can be accounted for by imports of commodities by and from big business, SMEs also play their part, and parcel delivery companies such as Transglobal Express have recently witnessed increases in the volume of parcels they send to China. If you're thinking of expanding your business by exporting to China or even if you want to send parcels to China on a small scale but economical price, we have some great tips and information for you. 

Know your markets

China's astonishing economic growth over the past two decades represents excellent business opportunities for UK SMEs, but that doesn't mean it won't require, effort, market research and the development of strong relationships in order to be successful there. The Chinese market has huge potential, but it's not the place to make a fast buck: get to know your market, show you are there for the long-term rather than quick-wins, and do your research to find appropriate gaps in the market. 

Reduce your costs

Developing your business model to include exporting to China will, of course, entail a whole range of direct costs. As well as the manpower and time invested into researching your markets and developing relationships, the cost of shipping your items overseas will be an important factor in your business plan. International Courier services such as Transglobal Express offer extremely reduced rates on services such as DHL, UPS and TNT Express. If delivery costs are a vital aspect of your business, it makes since to reduce them as much as possible, without having to compromise on quality. Transglobal Express have parcel delivery rates to China for less than £2.96 per kg, depending on how much you are sending. Click here for a bespoke quote

Consider your marketing strategy

With the UK being one of the most developed e-commerce economies in Europe, most British businesses are aware of the importance of on-line marketing and, specifically, the importance of appearing as high as possible on the first page of Google. Baidu, not Google, is the dominant search engine in China and Baidu requires different SEO strategies from those that work with Google. Do your research and adjust your strategies accordingly.

If you'd like any further information about the variety of shipping options and prices for sending goods to China, please contact our customer services team on 0845 145 12 12. 

For industry news, follow us on Twitter @TransGlobalExpr

Happy Shipping!

*World Trade Organsiation, "World Trade 2011, Prospects for 2012"

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DHL Express strongest division of Deutsche Post DHL according to first quarter figures

Deutsche Post DHL released their results for the first quarter of 2013 yesterday morning. Revenue amounted to  €13.44 billion - a small increase of 0.6% compared to the same period last year - but consolidated net profit fell 5.9% to  €498m compared to  €529 in 2012. 

 

Image c/o Sergey Kustov

Chief Financial Officer Larry Rosen commented in an interview, "The first quarter of 2013 was a really good quarter for us. We've got off to a very solid start for the year in what is a very difficult macroeconomic environment. Cash-flow performance was much improved compared to the first quarter of last year and we are very confident about our short term and mid term goals... DHL is doing well, especially the Express business."

Read our full report on our website. 

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Addition of new winglets to 767 aircraft to save UPS 6m gallons of fuel and reduce carbon emissions by 62,000 metric tonnes per annum

Improvements to UPS flagship 767 aircraft are expected to reduce operating costs and improve sustainability, the American courier announced last week. All 54 of its 767 aircraft fleet, as well as five additional aircraft on order, will benefit from new winglets by the end of 2014.

UPS 767 Aircraft. Image c/o Dylan Ashe

The winglets are arrow-shaped surfaces to be attached to the tip of each wing, which reduce drag and lower noise emissions by enhancing take-off performance. UPS estimates a four per cent fuel savings on each 767 flight, amounting to 6m gallons of fuel a year and 62,000 less metric tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

David Abney, UPS chief operating officer, commented,  “We are constantly looking for ways to reduce emissions, and drive down operating costs so our customers have the solutions they need to compete in a global economy. These winglets are a perfect example of sustainability in action. They are good business and good stewardship."

Winglets are already installed on UPS's 747, and MD-11 fleets, and the A300-600 has a similar device called a wingtip fence.

Each winglet is 11 feet tall, will add approximately five and a half feet of span to each wing and around 1300 kilograms in weight. Even at the increased size and weight, the winglets will still reduce the amount of fuel used per flight, due to greatly improved aerodynamics

UPS aims to reduce its carbon intensity by an additional 20 percent by 2020, measured against a 2005 baseline. UPS Airlines President Mitch Nichols said, “We believe there is always some way you can improve, and we're applying that spirit to our environmental efforts. This is a great example of how we can use existing technology to save money, lessen our impact on the environment and serve our customers more efficiently."

Sustainability and corporate responsibility seem top priority for all of the major carriers. DHL recently published its 2012 corporate responsibility report, in which its comparable intention to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2020, based on a 2007 baseline, is reiterated.

Sources: UPS/DHL

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Middle East sees 10.5% air cargo growth, amidst a slow month for other regions

IATA (the International Air Transport Association) recently published their market analysis for March. Air freight markets weakened during this last month of the first quarter, suggesting that growth rates noted at the end of 2012 have stalled. International markets as a whole saw reductions in both actual freight tonnage (-2.1%) and capacity (-0.3%); but in spite of this slump, the Middle East and Africa saw a growth in traffic, with the former region seeing an increase of a remarkable 10.5%.

African cargo grew by a more modest 3.2%, while every other region saw a fall in traffic of between 0.8% (Latin America) and 5.2% (North America). While the Asia- Pacific region saw a fall of a less dramatic 3.3.%, since this region accounts for 38.5% of the market, the area saw the biggest drop in actual freight volumes. The European market was also flagging, with a traffic reduction of 4%.

Compared to the economic nadir of October 2012, global air freight volumes were up 1.5%. In spite of this relatively low growth, Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO commented: “The March decline in air cargo is most likely a temporary stall. The fundamentals for a sustained improvement in air cargo volumes are in place. Business confidence continues to signal forthcoming expansion, and the solid increase in new export orders seen in 2013 should boost air freight in the coming months." 

Speaking of region-specific performance, Tyler said:  "Much of the current weakness is coming from Asia-Pacific airlines. While the region is economically strong, the economies of its trading partners are not. The Eurozone is showing renewed weakness and the negative impact of US budget cuts is yet to be fully measured”. 

Clearly, the air cargo sector is by no means immune to the vicissitudes of the global economic crisis. Perhaps Matthew Mariott, commercial director of Hellmann Worldwide logistics UK, was correct in stating that the way forward for the industry is low yet sustainable growth.  

Source: IATA

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Sending a parcel to Australia

Many UK residents have family in Australia and thanks to new technologies such as Skype, it's easier - and cheaper - than ever for us to keep in touch with them. Still, nothing quite compares to sending parcels to let your loved ones know you care. Have you thought about sending a parcel to Australia but don't know where to start? If you're sending a parcel internationally for the first time, you may need some guidance on how to pick the best courier service for your needs. 

Cost

In spite of the massive distance between the UK and Australia (London to Sydney is over 10,000 miles as the crow flies) sending a parcel down under can be much more economical than you might expect. For international delivery to Australia, our rates are amongst the most competitive around and start from less than £30 per single kg ranging to £3.54 per kg, depending on the weight of the parcel you want to send. Of course, the greater the weight of your individual parcel, the cheaper the price per kilogram. Click here to get a quick quote.

Customs

As with any parcel delivery to a country not within the European Union, when shipping to Australia from the UK, you will need to provide four copies of a customs invoice to your driver when they arrive to collect your parcel. This is a document detailing the contents and value of your consignment which the relevant authorities use to process your parcel and calculate customs costs. Services such as Transglobal Express produce these automatically for you during the booking process and they can be downloaded and printed once your order is complete. If you are sending personal effects, we have Austrialian customs forms available on the documentation section of our website to assist the swift transit of your parcel.

Transit time

Booking parcel delivery with an international courier means your parcel will arrive in Australia in a matter of days rather than weeks. Depending on the service you select, delivery can be as quick as three days, and the majority of parcels are delivered within a week. 

For further information, please call our customer services on 0845 145 1212 (Monday-Friday 9:00- 5:30 pm). Happy shipping!

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FedEx anticipate millions of Mothers' Day deliveries

FedEx Express have estimated they will deliver over two million parcels of fresh flowers, hand-dipped chocolates and other gifts for Mothers' Day in the States this Sunday 12th April.

First of all, if you're reading this from the UK- don't panic! British Mothers' Day took place last March 10th, so (hopefully!) you haven't missed it. For readers in the US, FedEx announced they are accepting last minute orders up to Saturday May 11th for delivery on May 12th. 

As well as a chance to thank and to celebrate our Mums, occasions such as Mothers' Day can be huge logistical operations: FedEx have renewed their partnership with flower and gift companies this year in anticipation of the increased demand for delivery services. Valentine's Day is also a busy time for courier services; last year, we reported how 28 million fresh flower stems were shipped to Miami airport for the Valentine's period. 

While volume is a huge factor, the perishable and fragile nature of goods such as flowers and chocolates is also an issue, so make sure you choose a carrier offering to take care of your gifts in transit! 

If you are planning to send a parcel to the States for Mothers' Day, why not get a quote for Transglobal Express's very competitive rates? 

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DHL strengthens China-Europe links with high-speed trans-Siberian rail

DHL Global Forwarding, Freight -  the air, ocean and road freight division of German logistics giant Deutsche Post DHl - are expanding the services they offer between Asia and Europe. 

Image c/o DHL

Two new routes are now available that combine rail and road transportation: the first entails daily departures from Shanghai to Europe via the Trans-Siberian route; the second is a weekly departure from Chengdu through China's West corridor rail line. The new plans come shortly after DHL announced further development of its Asian network last month. Compared to current sea freight modes, customers are expected to benefit from reduced door-to-door lead times of up to 21 days compared to ocean freight, and - according to DHL -  a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to air freight.

A primary benefit of the first new route from Shanghai is that customers have the option of booking variable capacity. Amadou Diallo, CEO of DHL Freight, described it as a flexible solution with which customers can opt for capacities  "ranging from a single container to a whole train."

The route from Chengdu is targeted towards customers based in the Szechuan capital. It is faster than the trans-Siberian route by up to eight days and has been introduced to address widening demand in China. The service departs on Fridays and reaches Europe via China's West Corridor rail line through Kazakhstan.

Source: DHL

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A Guide to Courier Services: Customs invoices

Have you ever been confused by the documentation associated with courier services or international parcel delivery? If you’ve used courier services for a long time, producing and attaching air waybills and all of the other necessary documents is a doddle. But if you’re new to courier services, or even if you’re a seasoned shipper who's sending items outside of the EU for the first time, you may need some guidance.

At Transglobal Express, we like to make our quote, order, booking and documentation process as simple as we can, so as to ensure a smooth and seamless delivery for all of our customers. We've found that the documentation side of things is where some of our customers would like some guidance, so we've set about producing a handy set of articles explaining the ins and outs of the documents associated with courier services. It's easy when you know how, but if you're not sure- we're here to help!

Earlier this week, we looked at Air Waybills and their importance in international parcel delivery. Today, we look at Customs Invoices: what are they? When do I need them? Why do I need them? Read on to find out more... 

What is a Customs Invoice? 

A Customs Invoice is a document detailing  the contents, selling price, and the weight and volume of  your international shipment. If you are sending your parcel to any country outside of the European Union, you will need one of these documents. Our carriers ask you to give four copies of this document to your driver when he or she comes to collect your parcel.

Invoice? But I'm not selling anything!

If you are used to exporting for business purposes, you are most likely familiar with customs invoices; the term 'commercial invoice' is often used interchangeably with customs invoice and serves a similar purpose. But if you are not sending your parcel for any kind of commercial purpose, the term 'invoice' can be quite confusing! Whether you're sending some clothes to your daughter in Australia or sending chocolate to a friend in the States, it may seem strange to have to quote a value for your items. Nevertheless, you do need to do so, to avoid unnecessary delays, and to satisfy international customs. But fear not! Transglobal Express produces a customs invoice as part of our booking process, which is available in your My Account area as soon as your order is confirmed. You can download and print it yourself, or let us know if you do not have a printer and we'll happily send out all the relevant documents to you! If you prefer, we also give you the option to produce your own customs invoice, just check the documentation page of our website.

Do I have to use the Customs Invoice automatically produced by Transglobal Express?

No- we try to be as flexible as possible! If you are sending your parcels for business purposes, it's likely you'll have your own version of a customs invoice and we'd encourage you to use it: it's better for your records, and as a professional exporter, you know your products best. Commercial customers are welcome to use our customs invoices too of course, and will see them in the My Account area like every other customer, but there is nothing stopping you from using your own documentation.

Still confused? 

In summary: If you're shipping within the EU, you don't need a customs invoice. If you're shipping to a non-EU country, you do need one, whether you are sending your parcel for business purposes or not. You can either use the document that we produce for you during the booking process, or use your own business's version. If you need any more guidance, don't hesitate to contact us on 0845 145 12 12 Monday- Friday 9:00-5:30pm. Happy Shipping!

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TNT Express Release Q1 reports

Netherlands-based courier company TNT Express published its first quarter results this week. The company continues to roll out its DELIVER! programme - launched last month -  but have reported a 4.5% loss in revenue compared to the first quarter of last year. 

Following the company's failed merger with UPS in January 2013, UPS paid TNT Express a €200m withdrawl fee, which accounts for TNT's reported four fold increase in operating profit from €54m for the first quarter of last year to €231m this year. After adjustments however, profits for TNT were €38m - a 29.6% decrease on last year. 

It wasn't all doom and gloom however, the company reported that the DELIVER! programme was proceeding as planned, that its first milestones has been reached, and that evidence of the positive impact of the plan is expected from the second half of the year.

Following the EC's veto of the UPS takeover, TNT were required to reassess their future strategy, resulting in divestment from China and Brazil in order to focus on their European market. The first quarter report reflect this: Brazil Domestic was accounted as a discounted operation and China domestic as an asset held for sale. 

Source: TNT

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A Guide to Courier Services: Downloading, Printing and Attaching your Air Waybill

Buying courier services from resellers such as Transglobal Express can save you a great deal of money and time. Resellers usually offer a variety of courier services from multiple carriers and although the basic principles of how to label your parcel and arrange the rest of your documents are the same, the guidelines about what sort of documentation you need can differ slightly depending on which delivery service you choose.

At Transglobal Express, we aim to make the order process and subsequent collection and delivery as simple as possible. This first part of our handy courier services guide should help you navigate the documentation maze!  Today, we look at air waybill (AWBs), the labels you attach to your parcel.

I’ve booked my delivery, now what?

If you’ve booked with Transglobal Express, you will receive a confirmation of your order via email containing a link to your air waybill. Print this off and securely attach it to your parcel. It’s important not to obscure any part of the air waybill, especially not the delivery address or barcode. It’s also a great idea to leave a copy of your air waybill inside your package. If the worst happens and your label is detached from your parcel somehow, the carrier will always be able to determine the destination of your consignment and avoid it being lost or misplaced in transit.

Printing Problems?

Many resellers and courier companies insist you must have a printer in order to use certain services. It’s great if you can print off your air waybill but don’t worry if you can’t! Transglobal Express offer a label forwarding service: if you do not have a printer, just let us know and we will print your labels for you and post them to you free of charge. Please note that this service is only available during our office hours (Monday – Friday 9:00-5:30pm).

Where’s my air waybill?

Our booking system produces air waybills automatically when you make an order. Of the thousands of orders we process each week, some customers may find their AWB is not produced immediately. If this happens: don’t worry. It could be that we are receiving a high volume of orders or that there is a slight problem with the formatting of your delivery address. Our system automatically picks up when an air waybill has not been instantaneously generated and our customer services team set about correcting any address errors and producing your air waybill for you as soon as possible. During office hours, your air waybill should be available in the My Account area within 30 minutes of making your order.

What other documentation do I need? 

If you are exporting goods to any country outside of the European Union, customs require you to produce a list of the contents and value of any packages you send. Check back later this week for our guide to Customs Invoices...

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Swissport versus Ukraine International Airlines

Swissport International's loss of Swissport Ukraine to Ukraine's flag carrier Ukranian International Airlines  has caused commotion and consternation in the aviation industry and media. Following a court ruling in Kiev on 27th March, the Swiss company was compelled to transfer its 70% stake in Swissport Ukraine to UIA at a fraction of its estimated worth.

Many have agreed with Swissport that these events constitute a "successful hostile raider" on the part of UIA and Kiev City Economic Court. Air Cargo Week labelled the court ruling "a shocking display of flawed and questionable legality." Unsurprisingly, news sources from within the Ukraine tend to adopt a different perspective, reporting UIA majority shareholder Aron Mayberg's comments that Swissport have behaved aggressively throughout the process. Here, we provide an overview of the topic on the lips of everyone in the aviation industry.

UIA and Swissport entered into partnership in March 2006 - when UIA was still state controlled -  in order to develop its passenger handling business. The recent dispute arose from UIA's complaints that Swissport were "depriving UIA of the right to participate in the management of the common business and tried to unilaterally dilute the share of UIA," accusations which Swissport deny.

Swissport claims the dispute arose from its desire to invest further to be able to cope with the double-digit growth in the country. When UIA declined, Swissport suggested it put up the full investment amount and dilute UIA’s shareholding in exchange. But Mark Skinner, Senior Vice President of Swissport groundhandling commented. “The decision had not been finalised and was due to be discussed in the next shareholders’ meeting. We were very surprised when UIA took us to court, and even more surprised when the court ruled against us.”

And what a ruling it was. After six separate hearings, Swissport was ordered to sell its 70% of Swissport Ukraine to UIA for $433,000 on 27th March. The business is estimated to be worth $25 to $30 million, meaning Swissport have suffered a $17 to $20 million loss as a result.

The Swiss company issued a press release on the 30th March condemning the ruling and refusing any future liabilities for Swissport Ukraine. Swissport appealed to the highest court in the Ukraine and reported the incident to the President and Vice President of the European Commission on 16th April. For its part, UIA condemned Swissport for disconnecting UIA from their passenger servicing system and IT systems on the  19th April.

Skinner initially declared: “We have appealed to the highest court in the Ukraine. We are going to fight to the end [...]We are 100 per cent convinced that Swissport is right and Ukraine International, along with its shareholders, are committing a crime and they have taken over our shares in an unfriendly way.” Nevertheless, after exhausting legal appeals within Ukraine, Swissport's attitude was much more muted in a statement by a spokesperson from the company early this week: "We see potential in the Ukraine but we have been burnt. Before we move we will need to carefully screen our partners for co-operation"

The story is ongoing.

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UPS announce 2.2% increase in Q1 earnings

UPS announced their first quarter results this afternoon, citing a better than expected post-Christmas season and the surge in e-commerce as contributing factors to their 2.2% growth in revenue. Operating profit also increased by $100 million compared to the first quarter of 2012. The courier company delivered an average of 16.2 million packages per day in the January-March 2013, an increase of 4.1% on the previous year.

Image c/o UPS

The U.S. Domestic operation saw the greatest increases in revenue ($267 million) and operating profit ($90 million) of all branches of the organisation. International operations saw slight increases in revenue and average daily volume along with a 14% decrease in operating profit from $408 to $352 million. The Supply Chain and Freight branch of the business increased revenues by $200 million while profits fell by $20 million to $143 million. UPS cited overcapacity in trans-Pacific trade lanes as the reason for the decrease. 

UPS Chief Financial Officer Kurt Kuehn commented, "January started strong [and] the pace of growth for the remainder of the quarter was in line with our expectations." 

Source: UPS

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Sending a parcel to the United States

The USA is one of the most popular destinations for parcel deliveries from the UK. If you've never sent a parcel to the States before, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the range of delivery services available and the numerous regulations related to US imports. We've therefore compiled this list of handy guidelines to make your delivery to the US go as smoothly as possible, at the best possible price. 

Cost
Given the sheer volume of imports to America every day, sending a parcel across the pond can be much more economical than you expect. For international delivery to the USA, our rates are amongst the most competitive around and start from less than £20 per single kg ranging to £2.29 per kg, depending on the weight of the parcel you want to send. Click here to get a quick quote.

Carrier

While cost is a huge factor in selecting which courier service to use, you should also consider which is the best carrier for your destination and delivery time frame. The American logistics giant UPS arguably has the best USA distribution network, but DHL, FedEx and TNT Express have expansive networks in the States as well. Our UPS Express Saver service has an average transit time of two days and is also our cheapest US service when sending parcels weighing up to 70kg. 

Customs

Import laws to the US are deliberately tough. Many of the relevant legislation is intended to crack down on illegal imports and to comply with recent anti-terrorism laws though, so the majority of commercial and personal parcels reach their destination without problems. If you're unsure as to whether or not your parcel is  acceptable by American customs, check our list of prohibited and restricted items. In addition to those items on our list, the US prohibits the importation of gambling devices, asbestos and ivory.

For further information, please call our customer services on 0845 145 1212 (Monday-Friday 9:00- 5:30 pm) or use our online live chat feature.

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Dulles Airport expects cargo growth in 2013

In spite of an 11% decrease in freight tonnage in 2012, Washsington Dulles International Airport is anticipating a growth in air cargo this year. 

Washginton Dulles International Airport at dusk (image c/o Joe Ravi)

Joseph Maly – head of air cargo development at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority – explained that although tonnage fell last year, occupancy actually increased, and while the airport could not remain untouched by the global economic slump of 2012, he remains positive about the future. He commented, “With a highly diversified and expanding network of international flights and strong belly cargo facilities, Dulles is well-positioned for success.”

Much of Maly’s optimism surely derives from plans and opportunities for development in Washington DC. which will affect the airport directly. There are currently several road improvements expected in the US capital including a north-south highway which would increase the capacity of road feeder services.  Additionally, the airport comprises in excess of 820 acres of undeveloped land, making it less congested and with more opportunities for future development than many of the airports on the American East Coast. 

Network expansion will also be key to the airport's freight growth: Dulles has strengthened its links with the Middle East recently, and now offers daily routes to the region with five different airlines. New routes to Dulles with Brussels Airlines will be launched in June. 

Pharmaceuticals, perishables and satellite and telecommunications equipment are tipped as key items to be seen on import and export to and from DC this year and Maly is keen to keep the volumes of such goods high, given the importance of air cargo to DC's economy. The industry, he states, supports more than $600 million in labour income each year.

Source: Air Cargo Week 

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How do I package my parcel? Top tips for protecting your consignment

It’s simple enough: you want to send a parcel internationally, so you find a quality courier service, select a convenient collection time and make a booking. After you have printed off the appropriate documentation, and before your consignment is picked up by your preferred carrier, you need to give some thought to how to package your parcel correctly.

Packaging your parcel correctly is not difficult, but it’s important that you follow a few easy guidelines to ensure that your goods are protected in transit.  Worldwide courier services are massive operations, and while carriers should always endeavour to treat your parcels with care, remember that many stages of the transit process will be automated: your parcel is likely to pass through sortation centres using conveyors and chutes, parcels may be stacked and while ‘fragile’ labels may be useful for information purposes, they are no substitute for careful packaging.

You should think about two main areas when packaging your parcel: the shipping carton, or box, and how your contents are placed within it. Ask yourself the following questions:

The shipping carton:

• Is it strong enough for the contents of my consignment? If applicable, do the contents weigh less than the maximum weight limit of the box? For heavy or valuable items, double layered cardboard is best.

• Is it the right size for my consignment?

• Is it in good condition? We all recognise the importance of going green. Reusing your boxes is commendable and great for the environment, but remember only to do so if a box remains in good condition.

Inside the shipping carton:

• Is there sufficient cushioning material, such as bubble wrap, between each of my items, and between each item and the box edges? Most carriers recommend a minimum of 5 cm.

• Are fragile or valuable items especially protected?

• Are sharp edges fully protected? Fixed heavy cardboard is best for this.

• Are small items packed into flyers?

• Are liquids and semi-liquids or greasy substances stored in leak free containers?

If you can answer “yes” to each of these questions then your parcel has the best chance of arriving in perfect condition. For further information, visit our packaging advice webpage. Happy packing! 

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