DHL reveal goals to become e-commerce global leader

DHL has recently revealed its ambitions to be the leading global company in logistics for e-commerce, as claimed by CEO Frank Appel.

Appel said: "We have big plans for this year and beyond. We are laying the foundation for the future: with our Strategy 2020 we have set our priorities for the coming years." He continued: "We want to be the global market leader in logistics for e-commerce."

In the bid to successfully reach this goal, the company is due to export its model of DHL Parcel in Germany to other markets. The group has aimed to set its target at an increased operating profit to between 3.05 billion Euros and 3.2 billion Euros for 2015.

Appel also added: "Our Strategy 2020 gives us a roadmap for our further improvement and organic growth. When people think logistics, we want them to think of Deutsche Post DHL.

TNT opens 'super hub' in Sydney

TNT has recently opened a new, state-of-the-art 78,000 square metre sized 'super hub' located at Erskine Park, Sydney which is aimed at handling both domestic and international shipments.

Being able to process up to 25,000 parcels per hour, the new facility will be installed with the most up-to-date sorting technology with a warehouse space of over 30,000 square metres. Shipments considered as 'incompatible' freight will benefit from the high speed automatic sortation system which boasts the ability to handle items exceeding 1.5 metres in size and 30kg in weight. A new automatic pallet deconsolidation process which will reduce the need for manual handling.

Erskine Park was chosen as the site of the new building due to its close proximity to many of TNT's high volume customers. Posing in an excellent position between Brisbane and Melbourne, the new hub has the ability to absorb high volumes of shipments on a daily basis.

Managing Director for TNT's domestic division, Marco van Kalleveen, ha said: "This new super hub enables us to streamline processes and implement some of the most advanced parcel sortation systems available." Kalleveen continued: "The reduced processing times, increased accuracy and faster delivery outcomes will help us provide even better service to our customers."

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.

FedEx to open gateway facility in Copenhagen in late 2015

FedEx Express has revealed its completion of the external structure on a new gateway facility situated at Copenhagen Airport, Denmark. The new build, worth 4 million Euros, measures at 8,000 square metres, with its opening date due at the end of 2015.

With the external building complete, the US company is next due to install "state-of-the-art" automated sorting systems, which have the ability to process up to 11,500 packages on a daily basis. Approximately 120 staff will be employed at the new facility.

The new facility is expected to use energy recovery technology on its conveyor belts which will capture energy from its movement and convert this into usable electricity.

Vice President for Finance, Europe, at FedEx Express, Helena Jansson, has said development so far has been "right on track." Jansson added: "It means we will be ready to help our customers in Denmark and Sweden boost their cross-border business during the busy peak season at the end of this year."

FedEx has recently been working alongside Danish social enterprise, Incita, to test the new facility's equipment. Christina Grontved, CEO of Incita, has said: "We are excited to play a role in testing the new FedEx Express facility. Fifteen employees at Incita are involved in producing 5,000 packages in all shapes and sizes in our workshop,, which will be used to test the new sorting system at the facility." She continued: "We hope that this project will help some of our employees re-build their confidence so that they can move on to new opportunities."

Packaging Your Goods: Tips & Tricks from Transglobal

At Transglobal Express, we understand that you want your goods to arrive at their destination in perfect condition. To achieve this, it is extremely important to ensure your shipment is packaged properly both on the outside and inside. Keep reading for tips and tricks on how to best protect your parcel during transit.

Preparing your Shipment

It is important to choose a suitable shipping carton - this is the box in which you place the goods you wish to send. At Transglobal Express, we believe your shipping carton should be:

• an appropriate size - ensure the box you choose is not too big or too small. Overloaded boxes may burst while under-filled boxes are likely to collapse.
• strong - your box needs to be able to cope with the weight of your goods. Heavy duty, corrugated cardboard boxes are ideal.
• high quality - ensure the shipping carton you're using is high in quality and in a good enough condition to withstand transit.

Remember! Do not use boxes which have dangerous or hazardous symbols on them. These will be stopped and incur costly fines by the carrier.

Inside your Shipment

It is important to ensure your goods are protected inside your carton. Using materials, such as bubble wrap, is ideal for preventing your goods moving or breaking during transit. We suggest that particularly fragile items are placed near the centre of the package, making sure they do not touch the sides of the carton being used.

Transglobal's Top Tip
Fill in any remaining space within your box with additional cushioning materials. This will minimise potential impact on your items during transit.

Did you know? We have recently launched our brand new online shop!

You can now purchase high quality and affordable packaging supplies and accessories from our new online shop. Visit today to browse our wide variety of products, including bubble wrap, cardboard boxes and tape. Your parcel is precious, package it with care!

For further help and advice, visit the packaging information page on our website.

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.

UPS prepare for busy week in the US

UPS has said it is expecting its parcel volumes to soar next week as consumers start to return Christmas gifts to retailers. The US parcel delivery giant has said January 6th is to be the busiest, with it being labelled “UPS National Returns Day.” The carrier is expecting more than 800,000 packages to be shipped on the day. By the end of the first full week in January, UPS is anticipating the transport of 4 million return packages and parcels in the USA alone.

UPS Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Alan Gershenhorn, has said: “As e-commerce continues to grow, simple returns services have become an essential part of the overall consumer shopping experience with 66% reviewing a retailer’s return policy before making a purchase, and 68% said they would complete an online purchase if the retailer simply offered a free return shipping label.”

In a bid to keep its customers informed, UPS has recently updated its website and mobile app to help those looking to return items to find a convenient drop-off location. The firm has recently expanded its network by introducing 400 new UPS Access Points across the US.

UK carriers suffer from Black Friday and Cyber Monday rush

Records are showing parcel volumes in the UK as struggling as carriers face difficulties keeping up as a result of last-minute changes to available services for e-commerce retailers. This comes as a result of the UK's recent adoption of the American Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions.

This week, e-commerce company eBay extended its delivery estimates for all Royal Mail deliveries within the UK by one working day as a result of "record-breaking" parcel volumes.

Parcel courier Yodel has had to fully suspend its parcel collections as a result of the effects of Cyber Monday, giving the company opportunity to catch up after "unprecedented" parcel volumes.

Hermes, meanwhile, suffered differently this week when a small fire broke out at one of its facilities. The fire, which started on one of its conveyor systems, saw the facility out of action for one day with delays to delivery times of up to five days. Since the occurrence, the company has managed to reduce its estimate to two days. Hermes confirmed: "Further to our hub fire last week we are pleased to announce that nobody was hurt, no parcels were damaged, the hub machines are now repaired and we are fully operational again."

Alternative delivery options could be "tipping point" for UK e-commerce during the Christmas period

In a survey conducted by parcel delivery specialist company GFS, it has been reported that UK shoppers are using a range of alternative means as to how they receive their e-commerce deliveries in the run up to Christmas.

GFS has reported that approximately 12% of online orders are now delivered through 'click and collect' type channels. Commercial Director for GFS, Daniel Ennor, has said the forthcoming holiday could be the "tipping point" for some retailers when taking delivery methods such as parcel shops and parcel lockers into consideration. Ennor said: "Consumers have grasped the benefits of moving from high street to home delivery to 'click and collect'. There's no doubt from the volumes of parcels that we're managing on behalf of clients that shoppers are being more adventurous than ever before in how they receive their purchases."

Ennor continued: "Urgent official efforts to ensure consumers have a greater breadth of delivery options available are only going to fuel adoption still further. With the possibility of regulation around the corner, this peak season could be something of a 'tipping point' in terms of shoppers being made aware of even more choice."

UK online retailers to start Christmas early: survey shows advance in promotions to boost international sales

It has been reported that UK SME online retailers have begun their Christmas promotions this week - a week earlier than last year research from Royal Mail has revealed.

From the 300 SMEs that were studied, 57% surveyed said it planned to use price promotion to secure sales this Christmas. Free delivery and free returns are other promotions tactics companies are set to use.

64% of businesses are expecting its international orders to increase this year. Last year's run up to Christmas saw 51% of retailers expecting international sales growth. This year USA is anticipated to act as the largest international market, with France at close second place.

Royal Mail's Director of Royal Mail Parcels, Nick Landon, has said: "Royal Mail's study of UK SME online retailers shows competition for customers will start earlier this year, with price promotions the key tactic for online retailers as well as offering free delivery and returns to their shoppers."

Landon added: "Royal Mail has also been preparing for the busy festive period and is opening a dedicated network of parcel sort centres to handle the additional volume we experience every Christmas."

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."

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.

UPS to rebrand Kiala locations to expand delivery options

UPS has announced it will be making efforts to rebrand various Kiala locations throughout Spain to make these co-branded as UPS Access Point locations. This will be an initial step in the bid to transform all Kiala locations to UPS Access Point locations, which is due for completion in 2016.

Online retailers in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and the UK can now have their goods shipped directly to a UPS Access Points/Kiala location as an alternative to home delivery, in addition to providing an opportunity for retailers and consumers to meet with growing cross-border e-commerce.

Within Spain, consumers who are not available for a residential delivery will be able to have their parcels and package re-directed to a UPS Access Point/Kiala location, giving them opportunity to pick up their shipments at their own convenience. In most instances, shipments will be able to be collected from the location point the same day.

Christoph Atz, Managing Director for UPS Spain has said: "These additional services address the results of our 2013 Pulse of the Online Shopper survey in which consumers indicated that they want more control over when and where their purchases are delivered, and a convenient returns process. Additionally, it contributes to our sustainability efforts by reducing the number of return trips a driver needs to make to an address, which lowers carbon emissions."

TNT Express to invest $85m into building regional hub near Brisbane, Australia

TNT Express is due to invest 85 million Australian dollars into building a new headquarters distribution centre located near Brisbane, Australia. The new site will reach 72,000 square metres in size, situated at Redbank within the city of Ipswich. With construction to begin this month, its expected completion date is June 2015.

TNT Express has said the new depot will provide state-of-the-art parcel sorting technologies that will be able to process 15,000 parcels per hour, whilst also being able to cut carbon emissions by up to 20%.

The parcel delivery company is said to recruit from the local area; the facility is expected to introduce 300 full-time jobs.

Regional Director for TNT Express Queensland, Peter Gutsche, has commented: "The new TNT Express Redbank logistics hub will be a major facility in this important and growing area of Queensland. It will contain some of the most technologically advanced and innovative parcel sorting technology available to improve the operational efficiency and security of our customers' shipments."

The new construction is part of a broader investment for TNT Express in Australia, including the introduction of new "super hubs" in Sydney and Melbourne, due for completion in 2015.

E-commerce strengthens as rules for EU purchase returns change

Recent news has revealed that as of June 13th, new rules regarding consumer rights will be launched across the European Union, offering online shoppers a longer period for cancelling an online purchase. The new rule is set to provide even bigger business for postal operators and parcel carriers throughout Europe.

The new ruling is due to take place as of June 13th
throughout Europe

The new ruling will enable consumers with the right to cancel their order within 14 calendar days from the day the purchase received, including the opportunity to send it back. The new "cooling off" period is an extension of the original seven days. Following the change of rules, retailers will now be expected to provide a refund within 14 days of the order's cancellation, in additional to the refund of any shipping charges paid for as part of the order.

However, the new ruling will not apply to tickets or hotel bookings, in addition to those companies that provide regular food and beverage deliveries, such as supermarkets.

Additionally to the new return period of 14 days, consumers will also have the right to a a full year to decide if they are to keep their purchase if the retailer does not inform them correctly and clearly of their rights to return.

Business manager at Itella, the Finnish postal company, Anders Falck, has said: "An online store should make it clear whether returning is subject to a charge or not, and how it is done in practice."

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."

Toronto Blue Jays player, Joe Carter, delivers surprise to fans with help from UPS

Having been proud sponsor of the Toronto Blue Jays for the third year running, UPS decided to mark its partnership with the baseball team by having Toronto Blue Jays alumni and World Series champion Joe Carter surprise a select few fans of the team. Carter surprised a number of season ticket holders at Toronto's UPS Store.

Blue Jays season ticket holder and avid baseball fan, Jeffery Dorfman, said: "When Joe Carter walked out from behind the counter I was speechless. I've been a season ticket holder since 1988, aside from a repeat of the 92/93 World Series, there is nothing that could make me happier!"

Joe Carter welcomed the loyal customers of The UPS Store with a personalised photograph and autographed Toronto Blue Jays merchandise.

Toronto Blue Jays alumni, Joe Carter

Stephen Brooks, Senior Vice President of Operations for the Blue Jays commented: "The Toronto Blue Jays were excited to provide a unique and special experience for our season ticket holders with the help of Joe Carter and UPS. The Blue Jays would like to thank all the fans and UPS for their support and tremendous interest in the ballclub and encourage them to come out to Rogers Centre this season."

Jim Bena, Vice President of Marketing at UPS Canada commented: "The relationship with the Toronto Blue Jays is founded on shared values - integrity, precision and the consistent drive for excellence; the sponsorship underscores our commitment to these traits." However, Bena also added: "But it's more than that. There's nothing more satisfying than seeing the look on a customer's face when they've received that special something. The Toronto Blue Jays share this analogy in the joy they bring to fans during every game. Makings customers happy if our number one priority."

UPS are to continue its support of the Canadian baseball team, as well as expand its abilities surrounding package deliveries.