DHL land five-year contract with Volvo Cars

DHL Supply Chain has recently been awarded with a five-year long contract with one of the world's most renown automotive brands, Volvo Cars. The parcel delivery company it due to handle its aftermarket parts warehousing and distribution to more than 120 dealers throughout the UK.

The parcel delivery company is expected to manage four shared use local distribution centres to place deliveries through the night using DHL's Auto Alliance collaborative platform. The service is to incorporate flexible driver departure times to remote areas, enhancing the efficiency of its delivery service across the nation.

DHL will deploy a new fleet of fuel-efficient vehicles as part of the contract with Volvo Cars.

Michael Martin, VP Business Development, Automotive for DHL Supply Chain has said: "DHL is delighted to be working with one of the world's leading automotive companies to drive forward innovative approaches for exceptional customer service. This new contact heralds a new partnership between DHL and Volvo Cars, which will see us deliver an innovative service-level delivery network, resulting in increased efficiencies." Martin also added: "Volvo Cars commitment to its customers is outstanding - and at DHL we adopt a matching approach to service quality in all of our collaborative partnerships."

Aurora Air International to return after 20 year absence

Cargo airline Aurora Air International has re-entered the airfreight market business after a 20 year hiatus. Having had its operations deactivated in 1995, the opportunity has risen for the company to re-enter the air cargo market.

The airline company has established its new headquarters at MidAmerica St Louis Airport and expects its first flights to take off during the second quarter of 2015.

The airline is due to operate a fleet of Boeing DC-10 for its Latin American and Asian routes. It is to specialise in the perishables and pharmaceuticals trade.

The decision to base the company at MidAmerica is a result of Aurora Air Cargo recognising the airport and its operations as a "key step" in plans to open up Latin American and Asian trade routes which will offer "unique support for perishable suppliers from the mid-West US."

Aurora president, Carlos Smith, has said: "As airplanes start to operate out of MidAmerica a new and secure chain will be available for mid-West product shippers to and from Asia and Latin America with less handling and ground movement than is available today." Smith continued: "Asia and Latin American shippers will enjoy this route as their goods, especially perishables, are not double and triple handled in the USA en route."

UPS invests in cross-border e-commerce shipping company i-parcel

UPS is due to enhance its involvement in cross-border e-commerce to help its online retailers gain better access to transatlantic consumers. American company i-parcel specialise in helping provide localised versions of retail websites selling goods in local currencies, as well as being able to ship  to foreign consumers.

i-parcels is a company that was founded around nine years ago, offering its customers the power to shop using British and American e-commerce websites with ease and as if they were shopping in their own country. Once items are sold to consumers overseas, the company then ships to one of its i-parcel hubs in Los Angeles, Indianapolis, New Jersey in the USA, or Surrey within the UK. i-parcel then helps in assisting the transportation of the goods overseas via commercial airlines using local courier services.

Alan Gershenhorn, UPS Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, has said: "UPS continues to look ahead to the expanding worldwide demands in the ever-growing global e-commerce market. UPS continues to invest in capabilities that enable its e-commerce merchants to meet the growing global demand." Speaking of UPS's involvement with i-parcel, Gershenhorn also added: "i-parcel has been an international bridge linking US and UK merchants to global e-commerce consumers throughout the world and our team is excited to join with UPS to further globalise e-commerce."

UPS appoints new Malaysian general manager

UPS has revealed that Tze Hsien (TM) Lim has been appointed General Manager of UPS Malaysia. As UPS veteran of over 20 years, Lim will take over responsibility for all express delivery and logistics activities on behalf of UPS Malaysia.

Lim will be expected to take lead of the supply chain operations of the company, providing strategic direction to develop business growth. He will also oversee the businesses aspects, including areas such as customer managements, sales and marketing, and operations.

Nando Cesarone, President of UPS Asia Pacific, has said: "The Malaysian economy is expected to continue to expand in the second half of 2014 according to a recent report by the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research." Cesarone also added: "Lim is an asset to the UPS Malaysia team and his extensive experience in a a range of functions...makes him the ideal candidate to lead the business. With this appointment, UPS remains committed to assisting Malaysian companies capture the exponential growth opportunities, and supporting them in expanding regionally and globally in an evolving marketplace."

Having joined the company in 1990, Lim has held various regional and country roles; Lim has been Vice President of Strategy and Operations for UPS China in the past.

TNT lands contact with Dutch fashion company

TNT has recently been awarded with a two-year contract with Dutch fashion company, Mexx. The parcel delivery company will provide international delivery services to the fashion group.

TNT will be trusted to transport design samples between Mexx's supplier in Asia and the Middle East, as well as its Amsterdam headquarters.

Additionally, TNT will also transport sales from the fashion company's distribution centre in Voorschoten, the Netherlands to Asia. TNT will ensure the next-day delivery of the sales sales to various showrooms across Europe for the presentation to potential retailers, with the most key destinations including Germany, France, Belgium and the Nordics. The parcel delivery company will use its European Road Network to transport the majority of the shipments.

Mexx is said to have been influenced to use TNT due to its reputation of reliability, short lead times and the choice of time-guaranteed express products.

Senior Purchase Manager of Mexx, Sjoerd Kampinga, has commented: "TNT's guaranteed delivery services and short lead times help Mexx Europe meet fashion seasonal deadlines and expand its competitive position. The control and visibility help us to focus on our core business." Kampinga also added: "We are happy to have engaged a new part
ner who has confidence in this beautiful company and helps us meet our challenging objectives."

UPS provides transportation of Ebola aid

UPS has recently announced its involvement in helping provide transportation of support and commitments totalling a worth of $400,000 in gifts-in-kind (GIK) for the urgent relief in aiding the outbreak of the deadly virus, Ebola which has currently claimed the lives of over 1,500 people in West Africa.

UPS, and The UPS Foundation, have responded to the World Health Organisation's plea for help, with the parcel delivery company offering its transport services at no cost to relief agencies.

UPS is to expedite the transport of 10 pallets of supplied to New York's JFK Airport to be placed onto a humanitarian flight. It has been confirmed an additional $175,000 GIK is to follow via sea freight to the affected area.

UPS has sponsored a charter flight for UNICEF of 55 metric
tones of dry chlorine disinfectant

The US parcel delivery company has also sponsored a Humanitarian Relief charter flight on behalf of UNICEF from Belgium. The aircraft is due to carry 55 metric tones of HTH dry chlorine disinfectant in assist in hygiene activities at Ebola treatment centres in Liberia where more than 40% of deaths due to the virus have occurred.

UPS has a history of working alongside disaster relief organisations to help deliver critical, life-saving aid to people and communities in need around the world. Last year saw the parcel delivery company provide $7.5million in humanitarian relief across 46 countries worldwide.

Deutsche Post DHL reaches its GoGreen target

Deutsche Post DHL has recently reached a milestone in regards to its environmental protection program, GoGreen. The parcel delivery company has reported more than 60% of its global electricity demand is now generated from renewable energy sources.

Throughout the past 20 years, Deutsche Post DHL has increased its green electricity share by half, from 42% in 2012, to over 60% by 2014. The parcel company currently utilises its green electricity of over 99% in locations including Germany, the USA, the UK, Ireland and France.

Deutsche Post DHL currently utilises its GoGreen programe
throughout the UK, USA and Germany.

The improvements are part of a plan for the company to reduce its environmental impact. Its GoGreen program introduces technologies specifically designed to reduce energy consumption, in addition to reducing carbon emissions by transferring to using sustainable energy sources.

Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications and Responsibility at Deutsche Post DHL, Christof Ehrhart, has commented: "Environmental sustainability is an integral part of our company strategy. Our efforts and the progress we make towards becoming an environmentally friendly company are...a sign of respect for the world we live in and...this also supports our customers' needs. We are...pleased to achieve yet another target on our GoGreen agenda by increasing our use of green electricity Group-wide to over 60%."

UPS to expand its Canadian network

UPS has announced its plans to expand its Canadian network by opening three new operation centres within British Colombia. The operation centres are due to be located in Kamloops, Nanaimo and Comox, with the additional expansion of the already existing centre in Kelowna.

Pick up and delivery services for UPS customers in Kamloops have already begun, with this replacing its current agent being used. The scheduled expansion will further enhance UPS's already strong Canadian network, whilst also increasing the brand's reputation further into BC.

Michael Tierney, UPS Canada President, has said: "Expanding our service in BC and across Canada is fueled by market opportunity and customer demand. UPS continues to invest in new capabilities and network capacity to secure customers' confidence and enable their long-term growth."

The expansion is expected to be complete by November of this year, with it representing a multi-million dollar investment. UPS will see its physical presence expand by 36,000 square feet across the four new centres, with approximately 80 jobs being introduced.

IATA report 2013 as a 'weak' year for airfreight

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported airfreight saw a weak growth during 2013, with only 1.8% more volumes overall compared to the previous year. The trend is a possible reflection of on-shoring, where manufacturing is kept close to its market. Domestic freight tonnes carried and freight and mail tonne kilometres both saw domestic growth overtake international increases.

The amount of tonnes carried increased by 3.4% domestically, however internationally the increase was a sheer 1.3%. Freight and mail tonne kilometres rose by 2.9% domestically, while international traffic saw a rise of 1.6%. Despite the slight increases, IATA's Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Tony Tyler, has said that 2013 saw "48 million tonnes of cargo...carried on about 100,000 flights a day."

Statistics also reported the decreases in the average price of jet fuel, brining it down by 3.9% in 2013 compared to 2012, however this year has seen a slight rise in jet fuel prices again.

According to the World Air Transport Statistics, the top 10 airlines for tonnes carried were; Asiana Airlines, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, China Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, Korean Air, United Parcel Service, Federal Express, with Emirates being the number one.

DHL to assist in nationwide harvest transportation

Leading logistics provider, DHL Supply Chain is due to collaborate with over 300 TASCC approved third party road haulage companies to organise the movement of grain across the UK to coincide with the preparation of the agricultural industry for the coming harvest season.

DHL has relationships with a complete network of nationally known providers which will enable it to complete the movement coordination successfully. This includes a Logistics Control Room in Hertfordshire, a dedicated team who provide a point of entry into the network to offer its customers access to cost-effective hauliers.

Vice President, Control Towers and Transport Servicse at DHL Supply Chain, Ian Hartley, has said: "We understand the success of many UK agricultural businesses depends on their ability to deliver a profitable harvest. Maintaining product quality is of paramount importance to cereal farmers, merchants and processors and often replies on the timely movement of product at short notice, so having a robust transportation solution is critical."