UPS to increase its fuel fleet by 30%

UPS is expected to expand its fleet of alternative technology by up to 30%. The US parcel delivery giant is due to achieve this by the use on a single large investment in compressed natural gas systems. UPS has said it plans to build up to 15 additional natural gas (CNG) refuelling throughout the US.

Michael Nichols, UPS Senior Vice President of Transportation and Engineering, has said: "Today's CNG announcement demonstrates UPS's plans to expand use of widely available natural gas. CNG is an important building block in our long-term fleet strategy and offers environmental and economic advantages."

UPS already has 8 existing CNG fuel stations situated in California, Colorado, Georgia and Oklahoma, in addition to operating CNG vehicles in Germany, the Netherlands and Thailand. The deployment of the new CNG vehicles will be within 15 US cities, including Atlanta, Dallas, Kansas, Pennsylvania and Louisiana.

UPS has already reduced its use of conventional fuel by 34 million gallons since the year 2000, however the new CNG investment is anticipated to displace the use of 54 million gallons of conventional diesel and gasoline in a year.

Obama to provide $20 billion in financial aid for USPS

President of the United States of America, Barack Obama, has introduced a new Budget that acquires more than $20 billion in regards to financial and operational help for the US Postal Service.

The new Budget will offer to return $5 billion in pension surpluses to the US Postal Service over a period of 2 years. This will see the company's health benefits pre-funding system to likely contribute up to $9 billion in relief by 2016.

Obama's Budget proposes also operational changes with regards to the US Mail. Initial changes will start with a removal of Saturday mail delivery, moving to a five day schedule during the week instead.

The White House, Washington, USA

The Budget may see USPS move forward with curbside delivery, moving away from the delivery of mail to the doorstep. It has been said this will be applied "where appropriate" in the bid to save costs. Additionally to this, the Budget will also see the company able to associate more with both local and state governments to produce more revenue.

The White House is also preparing to permanently extend demanding and above-inflation postal rate increase which was introduced in December of last year by the Postal Regulatory Commission. It has been said by the White House that the postal company has "enormous value" in relation to the society's business communications and commerce, therefore there is a need for improvement to secure its future.

"The Budget proposals specific authorities to improve USPS efficiency and net revenue, along with financial relief measures, grounded in principles of fiscal responsibility as well as sound financial management," the White House has said.

Postal reform advocate, Senator Tom Carper, has commented on the proposed Budget saying: "I appreciate the president's continued support for postal reform, and welcome his budget's inclusion of a number of key principles." Carper appeared positive regarding the accurate calculation of postal retirement costs, the restructuring of the postal service's health benefits, as well as the decision to permanently expand the exigent rate increase.

Customers of USPS have conveyed unsure feelings towards the idea of the Budget forcing the company to make extreme cut backs to their "essential services." This thought has been agreed with by Vice President of Postal Affairs, Rafe Morrissey, who has described the move as potentially leading to a "weaker Postal Service." However, Morrissey has also said while this causes disappointment, "such a move offers much greater savings potential while maintaining a competitive level of service."

Sending a parcel to the United States

The USA is one of the most popular destinations for parcel deliveries from the UK. If you've never sent a parcel to the States before, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the range of delivery services available and the numerous regulations related to US imports. We've therefore compiled this list of handy guidelines to make your delivery to the US go as smoothly as possible, at the best possible price. 

Cost
Given the sheer volume of imports to America every day, sending a parcel across the pond can be much more economical than you expect. For international delivery to the USA, our rates are amongst the most competitive around and start from less than £20 per single kg ranging to £2.29 per kg, depending on the weight of the parcel you want to send. Click here to get a quick quote.

Carrier

While cost is a huge factor in selecting which courier service to use, you should also consider which is the best carrier for your destination and delivery time frame. The American logistics giant UPS arguably has the best USA distribution network, but DHL, FedEx and TNT Express have expansive networks in the States as well. Our UPS Express Saver service has an average transit time of two days and is also our cheapest US service when sending parcels weighing up to 70kg. 

Customs

Import laws to the US are deliberately tough. Many of the relevant legislation is intended to crack down on illegal imports and to comply with recent anti-terrorism laws though, so the majority of commercial and personal parcels reach their destination without problems. If you're unsure as to whether or not your parcel is  acceptable by American customs, check our list of prohibited and restricted items. In addition to those items on our list, the US prohibits the importation of gambling devices, asbestos and ivory.

For further information, please call our customer services on 0845 145 1212 (Monday-Friday 9:00- 5:30 pm) or use our online live chat feature.

FedEx Express COO welcomes US-Japan Trans-Pacific Partnership agreements

Michael Ducker, Chief Operating Officer of American courier company FedEx Express, released a statement this morning welcoming the conclusion of bilateral TPP negotiations between the US and Japan.

The Trans-Pacific Partnership agreements are a US-led initiative aiming to promote free trade amongst nations of the Americas and Asia-Pacific.

Following over a year of difficult negotiations over issues such as US access to Japanese insurance and automobile markets, agreement between the two nations about the terms of Japan's entry into the trade talks were reported by the Wall Street Journal on Friday 12th April.

The FedEx leader commented, "As the third-largest economy in the world, and the United States’ fourth-largest trading partner, Japan’s entry into the TPP would add significant economic importance to these negotiations.  Removing barriers to trade with Japan will help the U.S. economy and create new business opportunities for our customers."  

Ducker was pleased to note that the United States Trade Representative (USTR) had indicated express delivery as one of its priority sectors. "We look forward to working with USTR to ensure equivalent conditions of competition for our business,” he said.

Sources: FedEx, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times

How to send a parcel to USA

Depending on the size of your shipment, time scale and budget, there are various ways to send a parcel to USA.

Transit Times

First of all, be aware that transit times may vary between 1 and 6 working days – the deciding factors being prices and the type of service, for instance air or road delivery. Think about the urgency of your delivery.

Is a client expecting your goods within the next couple of days? It this case you could be best of paying a little bit extra and increase your chances to receive good feedback which would reflect positively on your business.

If your shipment is not urgent and you would like to save money, send your parcels to USA via a cheap courier service. By choosing this option, your parcels should normally get delivered within 5 or 6 working days providing that it passed U.S. customs without any problems.

Online Tracking

No matter which parcel service you choose, free online tracking should always be offered by your chosen courier service. This will enable you to follow every step of your parcel delivery to USA. Thanks to today’s high-tech software systems, you will also be able to see a confirmation of collection and delivery in online tracking account.

Insuring your parcel

If you are sending valuable items and would like to insure them, a premium can be added at the end of your order. This way your shipment will be ensured against any loss or damage up to a certain value such as 1,000 GBP. Contact the courier service of your choice for further details. 

Measurements & extra charges

Lastly, always measure your parcel twice – once before your booking and the last stage of your order. This will give you peace of mind and hopefully prevent you from a bad surprise such as having to pay extra charges due to false measurements. 

Once your booking has been completed your parcel will be collected by a courier driver alongside the necessary paperwork (labels, packing list, customs forms if applicable) and be shipped to the USA whilst you can follow up on every transit stage online.

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

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

UPS delivery times changed for early morning courier services in USA

Thousands of U.S. businesses can now benefit from a change in UPS delivery times. According to the courier services provider, 8am deliveries would now be available to more ZIP codes than ever before. In addition to that, a further number of ZIP codes has been added for regular UPS services delivering consignments by 10.30am. 

Already 2,600 early AM and Next Day Air Zip codes are affected by the UPS delivery times expansion. UPS also promised 80 percent of all businesses in the USA to receive their parcels by 8am.

Alan Gershenhorn, chief sales and marketing officer at UPS, said that “(…) earlier deliveries can be the customer experience difference, and they provide all companies a real competitive advantage. Business know they can depend on UPS for fast and reliable service.”

If you consider sending parcels to the USA and would like to take advantage of UPS quick and renowned parcel services, visit TransglobalPremium.co.uk.

Sources: UPS / Transglobal Express

FedEx Express proposes plans for North Pacific Regional Hub in Japan

Come 2014, Japanese customers will be able to send parcels to the USA via FedEx’ latest facility at Kansai International Airport in Osaka. The FedEx North Pacific (NPAC) Regional Hub will act as a consolidation point for shipments to America. 

 

More flexibility, better operational facilities

The FedEx NPAC Regional Hub is going to combine customs clearance with ramp, sort and transhipment operational facilities. Due to the fact of having 24-hour operations and the huge range of services offered, FedEx hope that this new facility is going to operate with a high level of flexibility in order to meet the needs of its Asian customer base. 

David L. Cunningham, Jr., president, Asia Pacific FedEx, stated that “Asia is said to be the powerhouse of the world economy, and its trade volume is expected to reach US $14 trillion by 2015. With the establishment of the FedEx NPAC Regional Hub, we will be able to provide a superior level of service to our customers within and outside of the APAC region.”

 

Conquering the Asian market

As an expert in global express transportation of shipments, FedEx have had great success in the North / South American and European markets in the past. Now the transportation company tries to manifest its position as a key player in the Asian logistics market.

Shinichi Fukushima, president of Kansai International Airport Co. Ltd, has no doubts about the project’s success potential. 

“I know that the NPAC Regional Hub will have a major impact on global shipping, and we are prepared to fully support FedEx via our 24-hour operations and by offering plenty of space for further development. We look forward to growing into a facility that can truly meet the needs of customers from around the world and contribute to their business”, said Fukushima. 

The expected opening date of the FedEx NPAC Regional Hub is set for spring 2014. 

Source: FedEx

New Office Openings for FedEx Trade Networks

Yesterday, the freight forwarder, FedEx Trade Networks, announced this is going to open three new U.S. offices in Phoenix (Arizona), St Louis (Missouri) and Milwaukee (Wisconsin).

The new FedEx offices are a result of the company’s global plans to upgrade and expand its facilities in order to respond to the demands of its growing customer base. All FedEx Trade Networks clients will benefit from a full suite of services including air and ocean freight forwarding as well as customs brokerage solutions.

Andy Henry, vice president of U.S. Operations for FedEx Trade Networks, said that “opening additional U.S. offices is also a key component of our ongoing global expansion. Over the few years we have  established operations in some of world’s most significant freight forwarding markets to support our growing customer base.”

Over the the last four years, the freight forwarder opened 50 new international offices in various locations such as Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America. 

Source: FedEx

UPS Store raises $2 million for Toys for Tots Literacy Program

In 2008, Toys for Tots Literacy Program, which provides economically disadvantaged children with educational resources, was launched and has ever since been supported by the international courier and logistics service provider, the UPS network. 

Over the last four years the programme has raised over $2 million. A large amount of this donation came from the sales of donation cards in the UPS Store locations in November and December. Beyond that, both, the UPS Store franchise, Mail Boxes Etc. Inc., and the UPS Foundation donated grants worth more than $150,000 in total. 

Image c/o Toys for Tots

Great courage and support towards this unique cause was also shown by UPS Store franchisees like Hal Berens or Larry Adler.

“It’s great to see first-hand the impact these donations make on my community. These schools and organisations need the funds now more than ever”, said Hel Berens from Reston, Va.

Larry Adler, a Hawaii-based franchisee, has been on the frontline of Toys for Tots supporters since it started. “This programme provides us with the unique opportunity to work with a nationally recognised organisation yet make a local impact.”

More info:

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not for profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of Defence to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program.

Source: UPS

UPS Freight delivers NCAA Mens Final Four court

Image c/o moneysaving.com

UPS Freight, logistics partner for this year’s NCAA® Men's Final Four® recently announced plans to deliver the hardwood centrepiece made by Connor Sport Court International to various cities in the U.S. as part of a seven-city tour.

During the three weeks running up to the Final Four at the Superdome in New Orleans (31st March to 2nd April), the championship court is going to go on a road trip to seven cities including Columbus, Louisville, Atlanta and others before arriving at its final destination in New Orleans on 23rd March.

“Logistics done right requires ‘the three P’s – planning, preparation and precision’ (…)”, said UPS vice president, sponsorships and events, Ron Rogowski who also stated that UPS were honoured to participate in such an event. 

Similar feedback came from Ron Cerny, President and CEO of Connor Sport Court who described the partnership as “a great pairing” and also said that “it [would be] a pleasure to partner with the eminent UPS brand on [their] tour.”

Together with Connor Sport Court, the international freight forwarder, UPS Freight, have arranged for various events and activities to take place in each of the tour destinations. 

The Men’s Final Four tour dates are as follows:

• 16th March UPS hub in Columbus, Ohio
• 19th March UPS Freight facility, Atlanta
• 20th March Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
• 21st March University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg
• 22nd March LSU Baton Rouge
• 23rd March New Orleans
  
  

Source: UPS

UPS Parcel Service delivers reconstructed sailors' faces

Today, the UPS parcel service made and delivered history as it transported the reconstructed faces of two former sailors of the USS Monitor.

Reconstructed by the FACES lab at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, the global courier and logistics company flew the sculptures from Louisiana to Dulles airport before driving them to Washington, D.C. 

UPS said that its extensive preparations had paid off. The United Parcel Service used bespoke shock-proof containers, especially engineered for this event.

Image c/o sunherald.com

The sculptures are regarded as symbols marking the beginning of ironclad naval warfare. On 9th March 1862 the USS Monitor fought the CSS Virginia just off the coast of Hampton Roads, Va. Unfortunately, the USS Monitor including the mentioned two sailors sank in a terrible storm.

With the help of UPS parcel service and LSU Faces lab, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) aims to identify the two men whose sculptured faces are now on display at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Watch the video "UPS Delivers Maritime History" below.

Source: UPS

Send Baby Milk Powder / Follow-On Formula Milk

Since 1915 baby milk powder has been exported to various corners of the earth. For many years this special formula milk has been a popular nutritional replacement amongst mothers who decide not to, or are unable to breastfeed their babies.

One Century of Formula Milk

What all started off as a powdery formula made of cow’s milk, lactose and natural oils almost 100 years ago, has turned into an highly popular product. 

Since the early 20th century, formula milk has been improved immensely and has expanded into a range of follow-on formula milk. These days women can choose from protein, dried, soya or skimmed baby milk powder - only to name a few.

The international market share of baby formula milk powder has grown steadily and many traders have recognised the product’s high profit margins within the global markets. 

For this reason, many traders send baby milk powder to various international destinations including the USA and the Philippines.

Exporting Baby Milk Powder

In the USA more than 70% of all hospitals currently use follow-on formula milk. Beyond that, the Philippines report annual sales figures of $469 million.

Search interest for baby milk powder  (graph c/o Google)

If you wish to export baby milk powder or import it to the UK, generate your free quote online.

UPS Store gives $300,000 VetFran fund to military veterans of Operation Enduring Opportunity

Image c/o franchise.theupsstore.com

As part of the White House's "Operation Enduring Opportunity" initiative, the UPS Store agreed to financially support up to 10 U.S.-American military veterans wanting to set up their own franchise establishments in new locations. 

UPS Store said that it would pay out a franchise fee of $29,950 for up to 10 qualified veterans and aspiring first-time franchisees. Such will then have to sign a letter of intent until 30th June this year in order to receive the VetFran incentive.

Tim Davis, vice president of operations at UPS Store and a former Marine himself, said that the parcel delivery provider was

"(...) extremely proud of our franchisees, especially those who are military veterans. 'Operation Enduring Opportunity' will as many as 75,000 veterans and their family member find new career paths in franchising, provide them with great jobs and help boost our nation's economy."

Researchers say that there are currently about 66,000 veteran-owned franchises in the USA. 

Further organisations and institutions to support Operation Enduring Opportunity include the International Franchise Association (IFA), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Mail Boxes, Inc. (MBE).

Steve Caldeira, IFA president and CEO, spoke off a multitude of training and leadership opportunities for the military veterans as well as the "need for operational excellence (...) and productive participants in the U.S. economy."

Interested in UPS parcel services? Then visit Transglobal Premium.

Source: UPS

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

Here is a quick guide for addressing parcels/letters to USA. There are two main types of U.S. addresses:
residential addresses & PO boxes. 

(1) Residential Address

Example

UK address format	U.S. address format
Mr John Smith Apartment 7 118 Hammersmith Grove	Ms Amanda Smith Apartment 1b 213 Pond Street
London	Boston, MA  02130
W6 7HB	USA
UK

UK and U.S. residential addresses have very few differences. As similar as the two might seem, it is important not to get the UK and the U.S. letter address format mixed up.

• (1) Firstly, write the state of the city  / town / village which you would like to send your parcel to after the its name.
• (2) Secondly, in the USA the postcode comes after the name of the state.

(2) PO Box

Example

UK address format	U.S. address format
Mr John Smith Apartment 7 118 Hammersmith Grove	Mr Kyle 200 Boston Ave PO Box 104
London	Seattle, WA 98109
W6 7HB	USA
UK

• (3) If you would like to send a parcel to a PO box, insert its number below the address of the the receiver. Make sure to contact your carrier before booking your parcel delivery to USA. Some carriers may have PO box restrictions.

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

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