UPS COO encourages Canadians to reach out to new global trade partners

Image c/o Microsoft

David Abney, Chief Operating Officer of the global courier services provider UPS, recently called on Canadian business and government leaders “to think anew” in an effort to boost the economic growth and trade volume of Canadian markets:

„Canadians... are ready and eager to compete in a global economy with your eyes fixed far beyond your traditional partners in the States. […] It’s good to be north of the border again where the business environment is upbeat”.

Amongst various topics, Abney also addressed the emergence of a new consumer class such as the middle class in “up-and-coming parts of the world”. He stressed the importance of new economic rules which ought to be adapted to the changing consumer behaviour and expectations.

“If you want to grow your business in the future, you’ll need to reach out and attract these new customers”, said Abney.

According to the UPS COO, this new way of thinking and adapting to future economies would hugely benefit Canadian business owners. In fact, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently published figures depicting the unstoppable growth of newly emerging business which will be nearly four times greater this year compared with that of other, more advanced economies. 

In order to secure the future of Canada’s economy, the government is currently reaching out to South and Central America as well as to Europe for six new trade agreements. By utilising Transpacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations, the Canadian government plans to update its trade rules and interactions with South and Central America. Moreover, free trade agreements would also be negotiated with Japan, the EU, South Korea, Singapore and India at the moment.

If you are looking for a strong, reliable partner to import or export goods to / from Canada, visit Transglobal Premium.co.uk.

Sources: UPS, Transglobal Express

Lufthansa Cargo's air freight volume plummets

The German Lufthansa Cargo is losing air freight volume faster than its competitors.  
Last May, the volume was down by 12.3 percent compared to the same time last year. A continuing trend that also left its mark on overall performance. In fact, Lufthansa Cargo carried 713,000 tonnes this year; 10.2 percent less than in 2011.

Image c/o mediabase.lufthansa.com

In order to stay profitable, the air cargo company has decided to cut it capacities and resist the challenges of the current market. According to Air Cargo Week, the decreasing volume is a result of the night-flying ban which was imposed on Lufthansa Cargo’s hub at Frankfurt am Main airport last year.

There may be an increase in volume in the second half of this year but nothing is certain.

Source: ACW, The Journal of Commerce

FedEx Express Taiwan shipments now subject to late cut-off times

Starting this month, FedEx Express customers shipping goods from Taiwan to Europe or Africa can now benefit from extended delivery cut-off times. This affects consignments sent via the FedEx parcel services, FedEx International Priority (IP) and FedEx International Economy (IE).

‪ (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The courier company hopes that its customers will “enjoy more time to prepare [their] shipments.” Michael Chu, FedEx Taiwan managing director, confirmed that 

“despite a challenging economic environment in Europe, Taiwan remains a strong trading partner with the EU and trade between the two markets in 2011 climbed more than 10% year-on-year.”

Last year US$2.9 million worth of goods alone were shipped from Taiwan to Africa and Europe positions itself amongst the Taiwan’s top 5 largest business partners.

Source: FedEx Express Taiwan, Post & Parcel

ATSG supplies DHL air freight service with two new Boeing 767

Two new Boeing 767 aircraft have been added to DHL’s US air freight service.

The Air Transport Services Group (ATSG), who already own 14 of the DHL domestic air craft fleet, have provided two additional 767-200 and 767-300 freighters as part of a short-term agreement. The deal was closed after another aircraft supplier decided to remove a considerable number of freighters from the DHL fleet.

Joe Hete, president and CEO of ATSG, stressed that “[ATSG] as DHL’s principal source of freighter airlift in North America, we will make every effort to support DHL’s future freighter aircraft requirements as they may develop in the future.”

The air freight services provider, DHL, and ATSG are said to be in discussions about a long-term agreement.

(Image c/o Wikipedia)

Sources: ATSG, Post & Parcel

Excess Baggage Shipping – UK Services and Packaging Tips

Summer is here and many of us are making last minute arrangements to book time off. If you do not want to pay horrendously high luggage surcharges at the airport, excess baggage shipping can be a great alternative to save you money.

DHL Express Luggage Shipping

Whether you are travelling within the UK, or are going overseas, you can ship your luggage ahead using DHL Express’ excess luggage service.

Packaging and Maximum Weight

• Please remember to solely use hard protective cases when shipping excess luggage.
• In order for your luggage to be shipped via services such as DHL Express, the suitcases will be allowed a total weight of 70kg.
• It is not necessary to wrap individual suitcases in packaging paper. Yet, it is important to ensure that your labels are attached to the top of each suitcase.

Tracking and Liability

Independent freight forwarders such as Transglobal Express offer online tracking via which you can follow up on the latest status of your shipment. You will be asked to enter your reference / tracking number in the required field and click “track a shipment”.

For further information and instant, free quotes for your excess baggage shipment, please visit TransglobalExpress.co.uk.

New UPS facility opens in Canada’s Greater Moncton region

UPS has opened its doors to the Greater Moncton neighbourhood. A new multi-million dollar facility in the city of Dieppe will create 250 new jobs.

“The Greater Moncton community has been very supportive of us throughout the years. As part of our legacy, we will continue to show our support and give back to the people and businesses that have been so good to us”, said Shelley Gares, Director of Operations, Atlantic Canada.

UPS have had a presence in Greater Moncton for over 18 years, employing over 400 people and operating 19 franchised locations in Atlantic Canada. Yet, parcel delivery services only began on 23^rd April 2012. Gares stated that she was keen on “providing the same quality of service and safety standards to the region that we are known for across the globe”.

Shelley Gares (UPS Atlantic Canada) and Mayor Yvon Lapierre

The new facility is said to represent only the first stage of UPS’ expansion plans for Greater Moncton. Further developments will commence throughout this year. UPS courier services already kicked off in Halifax and Nova Scotia in May 2012. Beyond that, six cities will be added to the UPS network.

Further information about the project can be found on the UPS.com/Neighbourhood.

Source: UPS
Picture c/o newswire.ca

FedEx Freight shipping rates to increase in July 2012

Last week, FedEx Freight confirmed plans about an increase in its shipping rates by 6.9 percent.

The new rate change is going to take effect on 9^th July 2012 and will affect freight shipments within and to Canada. The same applies to the contiguous USA. Beyond that, freight shipped to Mexico from the USA will also be charged by 6.9 percent more. However, this will only affect transport from the U.S to the Mexico border.

Taking effect on 9^th July any freight shipments falling under the FXF 100, FXF 500 and series related rates will experience higher charges. Despite the rate increases, FedEx Freight promised that it was not going to change its fuel surcharges.

Visit the FedEx website for more information about the new FedEx Freight base rates and tariff rules.

Source: FedEx

New air cargo security pact between Europe and USA announced

The Association of European Airlines (AAE) recently confirmed plans for an EU-US air cargo security pact. The new agreement is supposed to simplify the transatlantic transport of air cargo shipments.

Before the agreement, both, the EU and USA, obtained two individual sets of guidelines, which caused problems amongst many European airlines shipping air cargo to the USA as Margreet Lommerts, Manager for Security and Cargo at AEA, explained:

“From today, the US Transport Security Administration (TSA) and the European Commission will recognise each other’s air cargo security measures as equal to their own. This will eliminate duplication, cut equipment costs and reduce the administrative burden for our member airlines.”

During the last few months, the USA as well as numerous EU-member states had already agreed to the new air cargo rule set over the last few months. In future, a joint European agreement is supposed to replace these individual arrangements. 

Source: AEA

FedEx and Vital Voices team up to help empower women in Latin America

FedEx Express and Hillary Clinton's NGO, Vital Voices Global Partnership, have formed the alliance, "FedEx & Vital Voices Building the Future: Educating Women, Harnessing Potential", in order to support businesswomen in Latin America. 

Logo c/o vitalvoices.org

The alliance aims at empowering female business owners and entrepreneurs. Vital Voices and FedEx Express will offer business education and training including workshops where women can acquire and expand on their technical and soft skills. Beyond that, seminars will cover essential business topics such as export, business English, HR practises, marketing and technology.

Juan N. Cento, president for FedEx Express, Latin American and Caribbean Division, emphasised the importance of the private sector as well as the importance of supplying female business leaders with educational resources.

"[W]e believe that providing these women with access to education and resources they need to compete in the global marketplace is key to the long-tem prosperity of the region."

The results of a recently published survey about occupation and employment in Mexico, showed a rise in the number of female business executives and owners by 38.9% in 2011. Moreover, the 2020 Secarios Research Report expects Brazil's female workforce including businesswomen with their own staff to grow from 24% to 42% by 2020.

"This alliance will expand access to education and needs-based training for members of the Latin America and the Caribbean Businesswomen's Network, enhancing their ability to lead their companies and communities forward", said Alyse Nelson, president and chief executive officer of Vital Voices.

FedEx Express as well as Vital Voices will provide women with access to their capacity-building initiatives throughout the Latin American region. 

Source: FedEx Express

Air freight on the rise in the Middle East and Africa

Recent stats published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) showed some small, but significant improvements in the air freight industry.

Whilst Asia Pacific is still struggling with a decline of 7.3 percent, the Middle East positions itself amongst the growing markets with a increase in demand for air freight by approximately 14.5 percent. According to Analytica, the reason for Asia Pacific’s decrease can be found in the weakening export in China.

Although Western nations continue to face difficult times in current air freight markets, the Middle East and Africa appear to be on the “bright side” of business life. In fact, African carriers can pride themselves with a 6.1 percent increase in demand and an impressive 9 percent increase in capacity.

For more information on freight traffic market shares of regional carriers please refer to the following graph:

Sources: Analytica, Transglobal Express (graph)