DHL, UPS and TNT release third quarter results

The biggest door-to-door couriers have recently published their financial results for the third quarter. Highlights include: Deutsche Post DHL saw a 2.5% year-on-year fall in revenue but a 5.8% rise in profit and basic earnings per share; UPS increased revenue by 3.4% and package volume by 4.6% and TNT Express continues to see falls in its revenues and operating profit but gives positive reports of the progress of its Deliver!  improvement strategy.

UPS saw an impressive 3.4% increase in revenue and 4.6%
increase in package volume in the third quarter of 2013

DHL's strongest divisions were Mail and Express, which saw respective rises in operating profit of 6.1% and a massive 13.9%. Frank Appel, CEO of Deutsche Post DHL said the successful performance overall was owing to the company's "highly qualified, dedicated workforce.. excellent market position in global growth markets and ... unique global network."

UPS' strong Q3 performance was owing largely to the US domestic market, which saw significant increases in both revenue and profit. The International parcel delivery division saw revenue increase by 2.5% to $3 billion and daily package volume increase by 6.5%. Profits for the division nevertheless fell by $32 million year-on-year, which UPS said was due to a $75 million negative impact from currency and fuel.

TNT reported that the Americas and Europe Other performed well in the third quarter while Europe Main and Pacific regions experienced problems due to yield pressure and decline in weight per consignment. Overall, revenues fell by 6.6% to EUR 1.6 billion and adjusted operating income plunged 15.6% year-on-year. Commenting on the developments of the quarter, CEO Tex Gunning said "While some segments are showing better performance, overall trading conditions remain demanding and visibility limited. Our ultimate goal is to make TNT Express robust for the long term. We are therefore developing further initiatives to reinforce our market and operational positions.