Friday 31 May 2013

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.

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. 

Thursday 30 May 2013

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."

Wednesday 29 May 2013

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. 

Frank Appel
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

Tuesday 28 May 2013

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 USCanada, 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.  


Wednesday 22 May 2013

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:

http://www.transglobal.org.uk/media/layout/img_ParcelDims.png

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 rather than 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!




Tuesday 21 May 2013

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.

Zoom

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."


Monday 20 May 2013

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 









Friday 17 May 2013

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:


Post and Parcel: Online approach helps growth at Transglobal Express


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. 

Thursday 16 May 2013

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"

Wednesday 15 May 2013

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. 

File:Tu-204C RA-64024 in full DHL colors 02-Dec-2010.jpg 
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. 

Tuesday 14 May 2013

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.

File:UPS 767.jpg
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

Monday 13 May 2013

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

Friday 10 May 2013

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!





Thursday 9 May 2013

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? 




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. 

Zoom
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

Friday 3 May 2013

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!

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. 

File:VH-EET.JPG

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