TNT to offer discounts to SMEs for European exports

Parcel carrier TNT has said it it to launch a key marketing push throughout Europe to entice small business customers to expand their sales on an international scale. TNT is to offer a 20% discount to new customers if they export shipments of up to 250kg to any of nine key European countries. These countries include UK, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy.

The offer is due to run for three months with day-definite delivery services by air and road qualifying for the discount. Existing customers of TNT will also benefit from the reduced prices. TNT has said 70% of its goods are exported within Europe are sent to countries within its "Blue Banana" zone, named after an expression which is regularly used to describe the densest business region in Europe stretching from England to Italy.

Managing Director for TNT International Europe, Ian Clough, has said: "TNT's initiative will encourage European SMEs to look beyond their domestic markets. Exporting to Europe, and particularly to the "Blue Banana" countries, has become one step easier with TNT.

TNT offers CO2 efficient deliveries throughout Germany

Within Germany, parcel delivery giant TNT is now providing CO2 neutral delivery for all express domestic shipments at no extra charge. The newly introduced service is aimed at helping SMEs and larger customers to make an environmental impact in regards to their deliveries.

In order to make CO2 shipping successful, TNT records how much CO2 is produced while transporting consignments, followed by neutralising the emissions produced with the same amount of CO2 credits.

CO2 Neutral shipping is also available for TNT customers and their international consignments. The new feature is part of TNT’s recently renewed range of CO2 efficient services. The new range is aimed to meet the needs of larger companies with broad knowledge of carbon reduction programmes, as well as SME that may solely rely on the tools provided by a third party. The future will see TNT introduce the new services within large European countries.

DHL to expand its Packstation system throughout Europe

Deutsche Post DHL has recently announced its plans for expansion of its network of parcel locker terminals, referred to as Packstations. The parcel delivery company has been offering an alternative delivery point for parcels throughout Germany since 2001 in the form of its Packstations. The company is now looking to expand its distributions of the delivery stations throughout Italy and the Netherlands.

DHL is currently using 2,650 of the Packstations which are in operation across a total of 1,600 town and cities within Germany, which equals to approximately 250,000 individual lockers. DHL has reported that 90% of German residents live within 10 minutes of a DHL Packstation.

DHL will be introducing a new look Packstation
in the near future

It is expected for a further 300 Packstations will be added to DHL's German network by the end of 2014. While Austrian firm, KEBA, has been responsible for providing the current parcel terminals, DHL is said to be sourcing new input from design agency Polygon. The new designs by Polygon will supposedly provide various compartment sizes, as well as the "latest security standards."

Deutsche Post DHL's Board Member for Parcels and E-Commerce, Jürgen Gerdes, has commented: "We have decided to bundle the know-how we have acquired during our more than 10 years in the market in Germany to an even greater degree and continuously refine and improve the lockers ourselves." Gerdes also added: "The expansion of our network in Germany is an important part of our strategy to be the clear leader in terms of market share and innovation in the German parcel market."

The firms sees its next step will be to export its German business model to foreign parcel markets that offer "similar market structures and comparable growth rates." Gerdes explained: "The Packstation is an important pillar in our market success in Germany. We will examine the use of these automats in European markets very closely and selectively use them to establish our..operations in other countries."

DPD to construct new parcel hub in Germany

World renown parcel delivery company, DPD, are to build a brand new distribution hub, costing around 11 million Euros. The new build is to be located within southern Germany in the bid to get closer to its customers within this region. Construction for the new depot has already begun at the Waldeck Business Park situated in Dinkelsbühl.

DPD's new addition will cover an area of 18,000 square metres within a 23,100 square metre site and it anticipated to open during the early months of 2015. The introduction of the new hub will provide up to 90 new job opportunities.

DPD Project Manager, Milad Zadeh, has said: "Closeness to the customer is an important competitive factor for us. Our new distribution centre in Dinkelsbühl will put us in the position to offer our customers in the region even better service."

The new depot will be located in Dinkelsbühl, Germany.

The new facility will be operational in parcel-sorting, and up to 16,500 parcels are expected to be handling on a daily basis. This will be met by the use of a 990 metre conveyor belt, with the aim of initially sorting 5,500 parcels per hour, and up to 7,500 per hour during the second phase.

Employment is said to consist of up to 65 delivery drivers and around 30 depot staff who will oversee daily operations. The newly added depot will be Germany's 76th DPD hub. DPD currently deal with over 2.5 million parcels daily within its international network.

DHL teams up to make music with German orchestra

DHL have joined together with the German symphony orchestra, Gewandhausorchestra, as their official support and logistics partner during their tour across Asia this year. Having been Gewandhausorchestra’s logistics partner since 2005, DHL will be responsible for the transport of the orchestra’s 115 musical instrument and complete orchestral equipment shipment, including music stands and stools, as well as the conductor’s rostrum and wardrobe, with the shipment having an estimated value of about 2.5 million Euros.

The tour will see the orchestra commence on March the 14th in the Chinese city of Shanghai, with the tour then moving on to Japan. The orchestra’s director Andreas Schulz has said “We have been touring Asia regularly since 1961. This is already our third Asian tour together with DHL. The cooperation has stood its test and we know that we can rely on our equipment being transported in a punctual and secure manner. We look forward to being able to focus fully on our music.” The concerts are to take place over a span of ten days with the tour due to conclude on March the 23rd in Tokyo.

DHL will be responsible for the safe and secure transport for the highly fragile instruments, with some of them even being irreplaceable. DHL have ensured that special, shock absorbent packaging materials are to be used that can also monitor the temperature of the instruments. DHL are aware of the duty they have been given, with DHL’s Trade Fairs and Events Managing Director Vincenzo Scrudato describing that “this calls for a very stringent schedule” that needs to be followed in great detail. Having planned the logistics surrounding the concert tour for approximately two years, DHL will face challenges in the short time gaps between the concerts themselves.

The opening concerts in Shanghai will be broadcast live on the 14th and 15th March for fans to watch online from all over the world. The concerts will be viewable from DHL’s website  from 12:30pm (CET) on both days.

DPD to offer same day delivery in Germany

Following its recent acquisition of a 20% share in the Munich-based tiramizoo city courier portal, which offers delivery within time frames as little as 90 minutes in 15 German cities, courier company DPD has stated it plans to offer its German customers same day delivery by the end of 2013. 

Chief Operating Officer of DPD GeoPost Boris Winkelmann commented, "by participating in tiramizoo we are taking a leading role among parcel services on a key market of the future. At the moment same-day deliveries are still a niche market, but we regard its growth potential in future years as enormous. Offering delivery on the same day is already highly attractive for service-oriented shippers and consumers, and this is why we aim to make a same-day service available to our customers by the end of this year."

As well as end of year targets, DPD are also planning to offer one hour delivery windows by 2014, which Winkelmann asserts "will set a new benchmark on the German parcels market".

Sending a parcel to Germany

Germany has the strongest economy in the European Union and has long been the UK’s largest EU export partner country. If you’re planning to send a parcel to Germany for business, you’ll be looking for the best possible rates and a parcel delivery service that you can trust. As well as offering up to 70% savings on delivery services from top couriers such as DHL, UPS and TNT, Transglobal Express has a strong presence in Germany. We established an office in Frankfurt in 2011 and we know the German market well.

Sending documents to Germany

If it's documents rather than a parcel that you need to send to Germany then you could save up to 50% off the parcel rate.Whether it’s a contract, letter or certificate, Transglobal Express offers excellent rates for document delivery to Germany. . If your consignment weighs less than 1kg and will fit into a 335 x 240mm UPS envelope then this service is for you. Get a quick quote for document delivery to Germany through our easy-to-use quote form. Don’t forget to select “documents” as your consignment type!

Transit Times to Germany

Transit times to Germany can vary depending on the courier service you select and the precise destination of you parcel. Since Germany is a member of the European Union, customs clearance is not required of parcels from the UK, making transit times quicker than they would be for a non-EU country. Generally speaking, an express service such as DHL Express Worldwide, UPS Express Saver or TNT Express can offer next day delivery to Germany from the UK; road-based economy services can take a few days longer. If you know your collection and delivery postcode you can calculate the transit time using the tools on our Transit Times page.

FedEx Express opens new stations in Germany

FedEx Express has opened four new stations in North Rhine-Westphalia, the most populous German state. The new facilities have compelled the courier company to increase their workforce in the region by 25%, creating 150 more jobs, in addition to the 600 already in the area. 

With the addition of the four new stations, FedEx now operates almost 50 facilities across Germany. The stations act as small distribution centres for shipments from regional customers and are sorted on site before being delivered throughout Germany, Europe and worldwide. 

Carl Graham, Managing Director of Operations at FedEx Express Central and Eastern Europe, said the expansion was intended to boost both proximity to customers and service flexibility: “[Germany’s] economic focus on exports in key industries such as chemicals, engineering and automotive means that it has to depend on reliable logistics service providers. We offer companies quick and reliable connections to their international trading partners and, in doing so, promote growth in the region,” he commented.

DHL, one of FedEx’s largest competitors, is headquartered in Bonn and will no doubt be observing the US-based courier’s further expansion into the region with interest.

DHL receives certification for chemical transportation

DHL Global Forwarding, the freight branch of DHL, has received the ISO certification for the standard of its chemical transportation in Germany. Facilities in several German cities including Hamburg and Frankfurt were audited by SQAS (Safety and Quality Assessment System) requirements. 

Volker Oesau, CEO of Middle and Southern Europe for the DHL branch commented, "The chemical industry is an important sector for our air and ocean freight business. We are continually analyzing the industry's needs and implementing appropriate solutions. We plan to put further stations of DHL's European network through the SQAS certification process in the upcoming months".

The DHL stations were audited by the independent inspection company SGS AS by means of a standarized questionnaire. Emphasis is placed on the safety of the procedures in place, as well as the environmental compatibility for the transportation and storage of chemicals by logistics service providers. 

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

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."

DHL offers 2,160 apprenticeships in 2013

Deutsche Post DHL is giving away 2,160 apprenticeships to young people across Germany this year. 

Image c/o DHL

The global logistics and courier company has announced that all apprentice positions will be offered across 22 vocational fields and 17 specialties, providing young professionals with the opportunity to expand their skill set.

Angela Titzrath, Board Member for Personnel at Deutsche Post DHL justified the decision as follows: 

"Our most important resource for the future is qualified young people. This is why we invest in vocational training and, in doing so, set an example for the promotion and professional advancement of young people."

Getting into a Deutsche Post DHL division

As one of the largest international courier services providers, Deutsche Post DHL will offer most of the apprenticeships in its mail division. 

• More than 600 applicants will be given the chance to apply for a placement in DHL's freight forwarding, engineering, administration, real estate and warehouse logistics departments. 
• An additional 160 youngsters will be allowed to participate in a work-study programme, combining university studies with work experience.

Any formal and practical training will be carried out in a location close to the applicants residence.

Further information about the programmes, eligibility criteria and salaries can be found on DHL.com/Career.

Source: DHL

Primark-DHL logistics centre opens in Germany

Primark, one of the UK’s most successful high street retailers, has opened its first DHL logistics centre in Germany. 150 employees are going to work at the Mönchengladbach-based facility. DHL Supply Chain hopes to eventually increase this figure to 250.

“Operations at the new Primark-DHL logistics centre have taken off smoothly, and the facility’s strategically selected location has proven itself the perfect choice. (…) Our plans to increase the facility’s processing capabilities over time are goods news for the region in terms of new jobs and opportunities”, said Martin Seidenberg, CEO of DHL Supply Chain Germany & the Alps.

Located near the A61 in the Regiopark, the new Primark-DHL logistics centre is going to supply eight stores in Germany, two in Austria, two in the Netherlands and one in Belgium with clothes, accessories, homeware and other retail products.

According to Wolfgang Krogmann, Director General Primark Northern Europe: “Primark has been successful in its expansion strategy, with nearly 250 retail stores throughout Western Europe, from which 14 are directly supplied by Mönchengladbach. (…) We chose DHL as our logistics partner because it meets all of our needs. We are looking forward to watching our business grow in this location as well.”

The new 40,000 sq m facility is going to feature a hanging garment racking, a rail transport system as well as a warehouse from which garments can be custom-packed and dispatched. DHL Supply Chain to transport up to 16 million shipments a year through its European network.

Source: DHL

Book your Parcel Delivery with a German Courier Company

Ever considered trusting a German courier company for your parcel deliveries? Germans are widely known for their high service quality and reliability. In fact, one of the UK’s leading courier companies, Transglobal Express Ltd, opened a subsidiary in Germany.

World-Class Carriers

Transglobal Express GmbH is one of the most dynamic, independent courier companies in Germany. It offers excellent rates for domestic, European and international parcel services provided by renowned carriers such as UPS and DHL Express. 

Multilingual Interfaces

Since the German market is amongst the strongest in the world, languages play a vital part in achieving customer satisfaction. For this reason, TransglobalExpress.de is available in English and German – whichever language you prefer. 

Import & Export

Unlike other German courier companies, Transglobal Express GmbH offers import and export services, so you can send your parcels via a courier to anywhere in the world. All you need is a German residential or commercial address.

Any Questions?

A dedicated team of expert customer service advisors is ready to answer any questions you may have. You can send them via email, call up or log into the live chat.

Free quotes are available on Transglobalexpress.de without having to register first. If you are happy with the prices and transit times, simply register for free and book your parcel delivery.

Deutsche Post DHL Invites German Public to the Beethovenfest 2012

Once again the Deutsche Post DHL fully engages in musical festivities. For this year’s Beethovenfest, Germany’s best-known courier service provider decided on “a mind of its own” as a slogan.

From 9^th September until 7^th October 2012, the Bonn’s general public will be able to enjoy a musical mix comprising elements from genres such as chamber music, chanson, film, video and jazz. The event will be hosted at the Post Tower Lounge in Bonn.

“(…) Our long-standing support as the main sponsor of the Beethovenfest sends a strong message about our on-going commitment and educational endeavours at Deutsche Post DHL’s main headquarters. This is why we renew with verve our engagement for this major cultural event in our city”,  said Christof Ehrhart, Director of Corporate Communications and Corporate Responsibility at Deutsche Post DHL.

DHL’s main objectives with this event is to support young musicians and raise awareness for classic music. Maybe even motivate outsiders who may not listen to this genre very often to come along and join in.

Ticket reservations for “a mind of its own” can be made by phoning 0049-228-502010 and online at www.bonnticket.de.

Source & images: Deutsche Post DHL

FedEx connects China with Europe via new 777Fs air freight service

FedEx Express has launched a new air freight service connecting the Chinese gateway cities Shanghai and Guangzhou with Frankfurt Airport in Germany. 

The freighters will fly out five times a week, Tuesday to Saturday and enable FedEx customers to import and export goods from China or Europe. According to FedEx, this is the first time that a direct 777Fs flight has been launched from Guangzhou Baiyu International Airport to Europe.

Moreover, customers will be able to ship good quickly and efficiently whilst also benefiting from the large air cargo storage inside the freighters without an extensive use of fuel. Both freighters are said to be highly fuel-efficient with a low carbon offset.

Image c/o logisticsweek.com

China is Europe’s second largest export partner and trading partner as well as the largest import country in Europe. In Q1 of 2012, the trade value was estimated at EUR 105.6 billion. FedEx Express is responding to this growing trend by adding more air freight services to its product range and has recently expanded the Shanghai Gateway.

Source: Analytiqa.com

DPD introduces “Total Zero” - free carbon neutral shipping

From now on, DPD customers will have their parcels shipped carbon neutral via Total Zero. The new carbon neutral commitment will initially be available to private and business customers in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, BeLux and Switzerland. 

“We are proud and exited to officially launch Total Zero in these six markets. DPD have been preparing for this moment for some time now and I am sure that our customers will be delighted to know that we are now delivering carbon neutral parcels at no extra charge”, said John Acton, MD of DPD & Executive Vice-President of GeoPost S.A.

The new DPD courier service commitment benefits from a triple mechanism which measures and reduces the emitted carbon and subsequently offsets it. GeoPost’s partner, the French offset company, CDC Climat, will help with the carbon offsetting by supporting international projects such as reforestations in Columbia. 

Action is convinced that DPD’s environment friendly courier services and CO2 offsetting initiatives will mark “an exciting new chapter in our company’s history and we hope that carbon neutral shipping at zero cost will one day become the standard across the industry.”

DPD anticipate to make Total Zero available in additional destinations across Europe in 2013.



Sources: DPD & YouTube

Leipzig/Halle airport makes air cargo history

The German Leipzig/Halle International airport has yet another success to add to its list. During the first few months of this year, the Saxony-based airport handled a total of 272,867 tonnes of air cargo; 13.7 percent more compared to 2011.

AeroLogic - the German air cargo carrier

After Frankfurt airport, Leipzig/Halle is the second busiest air freight centre in Germany and home to Germany’s first central German cargo carrier, AeroLogic. In 2009, DHL and Lufthansa Cargo joined forces to create this globally operating air cargo carrier. The fleet is composed of eight Boeing 7777 freighters delivering freight to 20 destinations in Europe, Asia, North America and the Middle East.

An air freight centre for Eastern Europe & Asia

Whilst other cargo airports had to decrease their volumes as a result of the recession, Leipzig / Halle continued to grow steadily and established itself as one of Europe’s most important logistics centres handling particularly large volumes of air freight for Eastern Europe and Asia.

“The positive development in the air cargo sector gives rise to optimism and impressively shows the capabilities and opportunities which due to unrestricted night-time cargo operation Leipzig / Halle offers its customers and DHL in particular”, said Markus Kopp, CEO at operator Mitteldeutsche Airport Holding. 

Kopp also emphasised the meaning of Leipzig/Halle airport’s well-connected motorway and railway system without whom the transport of large capacities of freight would not be possible. In 2011, the airport made history. It celebrated its seventh successful year of handling an approximate 760,737 tonnes of cargo.

Have you considered sending freight to Germany, Eastern Europe or Asia? Visit TransglobalExpress.co.uk and get a free, no-obligation quote.

Sources: ACW, Leipzig/Halle Airport, AeroLogic Transglobal Express

How to address a letter or parcel to Germany? Tips on address formatting

Here is a quick guide for addressing parcels/letters to Germany. At first sight the two might look very similar, however, there are few crucial differences which could cause potential delivery delays.

Example

UK address format	German address format
Mr John Smith Apartment 7 118 Hammersmith Grove	Frau Anna Schmidt  Wohnung 4 Jungstraße 17
London	10247 Berlin
W6 7HB	Germany
UK

As you can see, the main differences between UK addresses and the address format for sending a parcel to Germany are:

• (1) Firstly, address your receiver with the correct title, i.e. Herr (Mr), Frau (Mrs, Ms, Miss).
• (2) Secondly, remember to put the house number comes after the street name.
• (3) Thirdly, in Germany the postcode comes before the town or city name.
• Lastly, make sure that your own address as well as the receiver’s address are clearly readable. Writing your address in capital letters is usually good method to ensure that the courier personnel is going to process your order quickly and without any problems.

Should you have any further questions, please contact our customer service team directly via TransglobalExpress.co.uk.

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