Category: Courier News

One of the leading international forwarding specialists, Rhenus Logistics, has urged businesses that work with chemical and hazardous goods to select a logistics partner with proven experience and a strong infrastructure.

Gary Dodsworth, director at Rhenus Logistics UK, comments: “The chemical logistics market is one of the world’s largest markets, expected to reach 3.6 trillion USD by 2025¹, and with freight demand only set to increase, first-rate logistics and supply chain management is absolutely imperative. Therefore, when looking to transport chemicals or hazardous materials, it is vital for customers to work with a logistics partner that they trust.” read more

Thermo King and Frigoblock, along with Marshall Fleet Solutions, are working with Castell Howell Foods, a UK food wholesaler, to operate a hybrid fridge system for undermount application on trucks and drawbar trailers.

This innovation, which was originally shown for the first time at the CV Show earlier this year, focusses on how transport and delivery companies can today future proof their refrigerated truck, trailer and home delivery operations and investments with solutions powered by electricity, data and clean technology. read more

Due to fluctuating airfreight capacities out of China and Southeast Asia, an increasing number of customers rely on cargo-partner’s alternative solutions via combined air and road transport. In addition to the existing service from Myanmar via Thailand, the logistics provider has now introduced a new service from China to Europe and the USA via Hanoi, Vietnam.

With its land-air service, cargo-partner reacts to the need for a reliable and cost-efficient alternative to direct flights out of Asia during airfreight peak times. As of November 2019, the company has introduced a new solution from China to Europe and the USA via Hanoi. Luca Ferrara, CEO Asia Pacific, Western Europe & Americas at cargo-partner, explains the situation: “Due to the current capacity backlogs for airfreight out of China, bookings need to be placed at least one week in advance. Even then, there is a risk that shipments will be offloaded and postponed to the next available flight, which could easily delay a shipment by an additional week.” read more

So delighted has Samworth Brothers been with the fuel-efficiency and uptime of the Mercedes-Benz Actros tractor units it acquired a year ago, that it has just taken delivery of a further 48.

The latest additions to the Leicester-based temperature-controlled distribution specialist’s fleet are all from the new-generation Actros range and arrived, like their predecessors, via East Midlands Dealer Mertrux Truck & Van.

Most are Actros 2545 models with flat-floored StreamSpace cabs and 12.8-litre in-line six-cylinder engines which produce 330 kW (450 hp). Ten, however, are Actros 2546 variants with 340 kW (460 hp) 10.7-litre ‘straight sixes’. They have 2.3m StreamSpace cabs, the narrower of the two widths available, and the 320mm engine tunnels which have earned this model a 3-star Direct Vision rating from Transport for London. read more

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service announce major savings, improved vehicle handling and a significant reduction in carbon emissions since installing the latest Josam wheel-alignment equipment from UK distributor, Automotive Equipment Solutions (AES).

The fire service opted for the latest Josam Cam-Aligner so that the 120 vehicles in their service and rescue fleet could be regularly checked for correct wheel-alignment and steering geometry.

Fleet Manager, Nigel Leppard explains:

“Our front-line firefighting appliances – all of which are heavy goods vehicles – and our blue light response light vehicles are often driven at high speeds when responding to a 999 emergency. As such, we must pay special attention to tyres, brakes and steering, and this is where the Josam equipment plays its part.” read more

FedEx Express (FedEx), a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX), the world’s largest express transportation company, announces a new collaboration with PayPoint (FTSE:PAY.L). Through the alliance with PayPoint, FedEx will join Collect+, the UK’s largest independent store-based delivery and returns service. The association with Collect+ offers added convenience to FedEx customers by providing collection services at Collect+ stores across the UK.

FedEx and Collect+ have rolled the service out to more than 2,300 Collect+ stores across the UK. This brings the total number of convenience locations where recipients can collect their parcels, to almost 11,500 across Europe. The service aims to increase access for all recipients outside of regular delivery and office hours, by offering a range of flexible and convenient locations where packages can be collected. read more

Sonic Rail Services (SRS) is one of the first operators in the country to enjoy the benefits of Michelin’s latest X Multi HD D tyres.

The rail infrastructure business is trialling the 315/80 R22.5 fitments on its flagship Volvo FH16 750 tractor unit and plans to roll out the tyres across the remainder of its heavy fleet.

Designed to be the most robust tyre in the market for versatile applications requiring a combination of high mileage potential and traction, the X Multi HD D – HD stands for heavy-duty and D for drive – is proving a great solution for SRS. read more

The parcel service GLS Ireland has more than doubled the number of its ParcelShops. Consumers can now conveniently post, collect or return GLS parcels at almost 400 service points.

Thanks to a partnership with ParcelDirect.ie, GLS Ireland has seamlessly integrated around 200 new service points into its existing GLS ParcelShop network. ParcelDirect.ie primarily collaborates with an association of Spar supermarkets and filling stations to also ensure good supply in rural areas. With this cooperation, GLS Ireland has now expanded its network for private individuals and small-scale business shippers to almost 400 ParcelShops spread throughout the entire country. read more

How can the environmental and climate impact of heavy goods traffic be reduced while the demand for transport continues to increase? Volvo Trucks, having recently started sales of electric trucks for urban transport, believes that electrification can become a competitive alternative also for heavier trucks. To explore and demonstrate the possibilities, Volvo Trucks has developed electric concept trucks for construction operations and regional distribution.

“We see great potential for heavy-duty electric trucks for regional transport and construction in the longer term. With our concept trucks, we aim to explore and demonstrate different solutions for the future while evaluating the level of interest in the market and in society. To increase demand for electrified trucks, the charging infrastructure needs to be rapidly expanded, while stronger financial incentives must be created for hauliers who act as pioneers by choosing new vehicles with a lower environmental and climate footprint,” states Roger Alm, President Volvo Trucks. read more

Michael Harry, Owner of MAH UK Transport Ltd has celebrated a special birthday with the delivery of a new Volvo FH16 750, 25 Year Special Edition tractor unit.

Supplied by Mark Reeves, Regional Aftermarket Manager at MC Truck and Bus Ltd, the 4.1m wheelbase FH16 tractor unit comes with a Globetrotter XL Cab, fixed pusher axle and a number of additional Kelsa LED light bars. Finished in a stunning Titan Silver metallic colour, the truck also features painted side skirts, chrome mud wing strips and additional cab paintwork. read more