Transport & Logistics

"Many of Europe's post offices are struggling due to varying degrees of privatisation and declining mail volume. As such, many are reinventing themselves, particularly as online retailing continues to grow and demand for parcel delivery solutions, e-fulfilment services and cross-border European solutions increases.

The UK's Royal Mail is a classic example. In the midst of its privatisation process, it saw letter volumes decline 9% in 2012. However, its parcel subsidiary, Parcel Force, accounted for half of the group's revenue. As a result, the Royal Mail announced plans to invest £75m in Parcel Force's network, including a new parcel processing centre in Chorley, new depots in Cornwall and Hampshire, and the expansion or relocation of nine further depots over the next four years. Parcel Force's IT will also be upgraded, replacing existing legacy systems."

"The shift in shopping from the high street to online is highlighted in the Christmas figures from retailers and analysts and has put the focus firmly on delivery quality with one UK newspaper suggesting that 225,000 parcels a day failed to arrive as promised during the festive period.

Both credit agency Experian and accountancy firm BDO reported a 30 per cent rise on online sales in the run-up to Christmas. And Boxing Day hit a new record for online sales with 113 million visits to retail web sites – up 17 per cent on the year before, said Experian."

Prospects for the Asia-Europe container trades are looking more promising after a challenging period, a new analysis concludes, although the outlook for other routes is less encouraging.
According to the January edition of our sister publication Containerisation International’s data hub Freight Forecaster, the likely effect of supply and demand on future freight rates covering the key Asia to Europe trade lanes in 2013 is positive.
However, other European routes may suffer from poor vessel utilisation.

"Global Logistic Properties Limited (GLP) announced that it has leased approximately 10,400 sq m to Tesco, one of the world's largest supermarket chains, at GLP Park Jiashan, Zhejiang Province in Eastern China.

This marks the first direct leasing agreement between Tesco and GLP China. Tesco also operates in another GLP property in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province through a contract with a third party logistics provider."

"China Merchants Holdings (International) has purchased shares in the port of Djibouti from the local authorities for US$185 million, expanding its foothold at the mouth of the Red Sea.
The move has fuelled speculation that the Chinese state-owned port operator will target terminal interests in the Europe and the US. "

"Port operator Grand Port Maritime de Marseille (GPMM) is positioning its eastern basin as the major transhipment hub for the Mediterranean, by creating a combined-transport terminal that will provide improved links to the rest of Europe.
Although the facility can only take vessels up to 7,000teu, the port authority believes its location, facilities and improvements in productivity made since the French port reforms last year are enough to bring back much-needed traffic. "

"Asia Pacific's logistics industry continues to develop at a fast rate despite the economic weakness of its two largest trade partners – the EU and the US. Ti's latest report, Asia Pacific Transport & Logistics 2013, suggests that shifting trade lanes, the growth of the ASEAN community and intra-regional trade have prompted a transformation of the region's logistics market and significant investment by logistics providers."

At the annual State of the Industry press conference, MHI predicts slow but steady growth in 2013 and 2014. MHI also announces co-location of supply chain event at Modex.

The materials handling industry is expected to grow at a slower clip in 2013 and 2014, but continue to grow. Meanwhile, Supply Chain & Transportation USA will co-locate with Modex at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center in March 2014. Those were two of the announcements at MHI’s annual State of the Industry press conference on Tuesday at ProMat.

"Outsourcing logistics can be hectic and stressful, especially if you deal with a provider more interested in the next shipment than the one en route right now.

Imagine a third-party logistics provider (3PL) that does whatever it takes to fix shipping problems, believes there is no such thing as “just a transaction,” and whose drivers smile when they make deliveries and are happy to go the extra mile for your customers. Imagine a company that believes every delivery involves a shipper and a receiver— and a chance to build a trusting relationship."

Britain’s shipping industry is rounding off a good year in which it managed to perform well during a tough economic climate with several mentions in the 2013 New Year Honours list.
Helen Deeble, chief executive of P&O Ferries and current president of the UK Chamber of Shipping, has been made a CBE.
Deeble is the first woman to be elected president of the chamber which is enjoying a resurgence right now, with membership growing and some considerable successes on behalf of British shipping being achieved.

A new haulage market report which looks into the financial performance of the UK’s largest 1,000 operators, has found that average growth could be as high as 7%.
However the Plimsoll Portfolio Analysis – Road Haulage concludes that this is by no means widespread, as this successful growth is being driven by a just quarter of the industry – an elite band of 241 companies.