2005 December

Riders Digest - Roger - One hundred deliveries. Roger Tuson turned out his January edition of Riders Digest to celebrate one hundred issues. Between 1997 and 2005 Rogers biker focused mag has carried a healthy run of courier editorial and its self tracked a changing industry that has seen growth and improvement in the last eight years.With the 100th issue adds carry the message of company bikes available, new client markets, more jobs and work on the increase. Andrew Barnard of City Sprint reports five thousand feet of expansion in the City and Dave Gurman, new to be editor, highlights Mercury and Express as two of the oldest bike companies still in business today and followed up with a report on the courier museum at Camelot Training. Rogers last comment, 'After 100 issues of TRD I feel rightly proud of the magazine' the courier industry supports his pride.

 

Date for the big one is December 13th. The estimated 3.7 billion quid take-over of Excell by Deutsche Post DHL is set to be on December 13th creating the worlds largest logistics operator. The Deutsche post annual report is published March and should make interesting reading for the new year.

Point to Point on the look out for Addison Lee. Point to Point boss Kevin Grey is on the look out for the Addison Lee biker who found the lost wallet of one of the Point to Point team, the anonymous Addison Lee person returned the wallet (full of a lot of cash) to its address. Christmas cheer abound Kevin seeks the person for a just return. Point to Point 0208 960 2222

2005 November

November 29th Institute of Couriers Briefing. Leon Manning, immediate past chair of the BMF  briefed IOC members on a year of statistics and politics in transport on November 29th in the lecture room of London based Camelot Training. Leon holding a recent doctorate with a thesis on transport policy delivered a very interesting view of congestion, road space and journey times in London that directly effected the same day delivery industry in mileage and time related costs. Journey times, congestion zones, bus use and diesel pollution thoughts lead to the reality of extended timescales for cross city travell. The afternoon rounded up with seasonal mince pies and a hearty session of networking that was well received by all those in attendance.

Bike Show - Top man changes places - free cd of the lot for IOC. The International Bike Show at the NEC Birmingham was another bumper bash, many new bike launches and Yamaha even displayed their water jet bikes ready for the ocean. Lots of real bike tests outdoors and even a chance to test a supermoto across pavements in a sliding extravaganza of speed. Meanwhile youngsters from the age of five could get their first taster at an indoor ring where mini bikes with two stop cords awaited them. Young couriers or what? The show opened with Steve Norris handing over his top slot job as president of the Motorcycle Industry Association to David Jamieson ex Labour Transport Mnister. Jamieson gave positive views on the industry, it is he who launched the safety award for the National courier Awards and he vows to be back at the 2006 courier bash in London in the summer. The Institute of Couriers organised a birds eye view of the show for their members by distributung a free photo shoot cd of the best of the action, bikes, babes and technology all brought to the computer screen in front of you.

2005 October

Dyson cleans up for TNT but not with a cleaner! TNT driver Paul Dyson is Driver of the Year after a day long competition. Paul beat off 40 other finalists on the day and the rest of the 2,600 fleet drivers. Paul from Rotherham works for TNT Logistics collecting newspapers for onward distribution to the East coast he has been driving for more than 20 years.

APC Gets Freehold. Vince Friary, Director of communications for APC and Director of Swift Despatch says that the purchase of the hub will now allow APC to control and plan for the long term. "We have previously outgrown hubs four times in nine years and now we can consolidate our headquaters here for many years to come" APC Overnight have leased a second sight to accomodate the traffic bound for Scotland.

Green TNT. TNT have been awarded the ISO14001 environment standard acoss the UK. The certification, for reducing pollution and increased recycling, was first awarded to TNT's Wellington depot after a three-day intensive audit.

CitySprint win the top award. The Institute of Transport Management awarded CitySprint with the UK's Best Courier Network Award 2005. In awarding this acholade to CitySprint ITM said "ITM have an objective to find a company that offered unequivocal standards of customer service and overall professionalism and reliability. It was found that Citysprint distinguished itself in these areas"

DHL ready for Exel. Deutsche Post has now made its bid for Excel and is just waiting for the shareholder to say yes. UPS believed to be preparing a bid, having just brought Lynx Express. If and probably when this goes ahead it will bring Deustche Post to create the worlds largest logistics organisation.

 

2005 September

Logistics Links. Exhibition of all things Express! Doncaster is proud to present the largest gathering of all things logistic on the 21st & 22nd September, over 120 suppliers of products, services and systems covering all facets of the logistics and express service will be there.

This unique one-stop shop by meeting face to face those who can improve and keep you updated with the latest in technology, cost analysis and innovative solutions to your problems. Register online at www.logisticslink.co.uk

John Reynolds supports THINK!. " For me, riding skilfully on the road is harder than racing at 180mph on the track". Superbike rider John Reynolds, Rizla Suzuki team has put his support behind the Department for Transports THINK! road safety campaign, encouraging his fellow riders to save racing for the track and improve their riding skills. John says that "complete machine control is crucial for good riding. You've really got to feel as one with the bike. That means having confidence in your bike and your ability to control it".

UPS swallows Lynx and now bids for Exel! UPS global parcel giants acquired UK Carrier Lynx in a £55.5m deal which marks the end of the Lynx brand. UPS were looking to increase its coverage of the UK market. Richard Currie, a director of UPS UK says Lynx is a good strategic fit for the firm. He believes that the customer will get exactly the same thing but on a global scale.UPS have not said if this will mean redundancies but as most transport analyst belive they will look for certain synergies. The fact that the Lynx name will disappear adds weight to this arguement. John Manners Bell, chief analyst at Transport Intelligence predicts that Business Post will be the next UK firm to be bought out by its current global partner FedEx, marking the end of stand alone domestic carriers. UPS is now considering making a bid for Exel but will wait for Deutsche Post to put their bid on the table before they make their move.

TNT Goes from Orange to Green. TNT have had the pilot scheme running at it s Ramsbottom, Lancashire depot since last August and have now extended it to cover a further seven depots in the north of England. Director of Operations Nigel Barton says that with a 3,500 strong fleet using some 27 million litres of diesel a year "so a 2% improvement in fuel economy would make a significant impact on fuel consumption and potentional cost". TNT wait to be convinced that fuel supplier Petroplus will be able to deliver throughout the TNT network. This should be supported by the fact that government support is strong and the demand for greener diesel is growing.

Drivers go on strike! More than 4,000 DHL workers, including drivers are to balloted on strike action over pay. Over 89% of GMB members said they wanted to vote on industrial action in a consultative ballot held at the beginning of August. "The GMB members of DHL Express are up for a fight over low pay and rotten working conditions that they have put up with up until now" said Mick Rix, GMB National Executive Officer. "I urge DHL management to get back to the negotiating table" DHL say that it is concerned by a number of comments made by GMB which it terms as "factually inaccurate and misleading" "In addition, comments made by the GMB relate only to the domestic next-day parcel division of DHL and not the wider DHL organisation says a spokesman.

DHL Boss Quits - UK Managing Director quits months after integration of UK parts group. John Hogan has been replaced by Chris Muntwyler a Swiss National who was running the Central Europe region. The company turning over £1.4bn in the uk says "Hogan has left to pursue other interests", although the spokesman said he wouldn't be surprised if Hogan popped up again in the industry. It is also suggested that Hogan struggled to adjust to the matrix management philosophy and the influence of the German Head Office.

Industry sources are hoping but maybe not expecting an end to what has been extreme price-cutting in the parcels sector. DHL is market leader and has been driving rates down, leading rival firms say "They've been out there buying business" says Nigel Barton, Operations Director TNT Express. Paul Jackson, Chairman at express sector consultancy Triangle, says there is little chance of rates going anywhere but down. He predicts falls of at least 5% a year for the next ten years and further consolidation.

Nightfreight Services are swooped up by Amtrak - Amtrak Chief Executive Jonathon Smith steps up to group chief executive following the acquisition of Nightspeed Services. Smith moved fast to take Nightspeed which was in administration, and says it will take a couple of weeks to work out what overhead savings can be achieved.Both Brands can be retained.The deal adds 23 depots to Amtrak's 100 sites and some will be retained. Amtrak has focused itself squarely at home delivery but still carries out B2B business.

2005 July

Friday 8th July - London is still mobile. How were your deliveries affected by the disruption? Please email your comments or stories to mail@ioc.uk.com

Courier Industry presses on. - With London seeing its first major attack on the city since 9/11 in America it was marvellous to see the people of London cope so well. The first reports came into the courier offices around 9.45 and by 10.30 most companies knew of the explosions. Head counts were made, all circuits were checked for package status and in coming calls slowed down to almost nothing. The out of London Courier Companies found that all their staff we able to make deliveries and get out and that followed by no further calls for deliveries to London once the news was released live.

City based Courier Companies were quick to make the call out to all couriers and each circuit accounted for all it’s staff. The industry continued to press on with deliveries and to date all deliveries were made or held for delivery today (Friday). The industry grieves with those who have lost loved ones and for the distress caused to our fellow transport workers. Managers and directors alike in all companies were making sure that staff were safe, as customer’s kept making the bookings companies were consolidating deliveries to ensure the roads were clear for the emergency services.

Today (Friday) courier companies are reporting that it is business as usual.

One of the first known instances of the bombings came from a Camelot Courier Trainee who was outside Aldersgate Tube station. Carl Lomas, Director of Camelot Courier Training said “As soon as the trainee’s call us we called all our trainees in off the road. They all came back to base without any difficulties.”

Steve Purkiss, Manager Reuter Brooks said “It all went very quiet at 10.30, we carried out a head count to make sure everyone was fine and we continued delivering all day. Today (Friday) is a normal day but a little quieter”

Jon Barber, Director Scarlett Couriers said “Our couriers who were in London managed to make all their deliveries but we lost them off air for a while. One of couriers was close to a blast and suffered smoke inhalation, went to hospital but was absolutely fine”

Martin Plummer GLH said “We were stuck with quite a few deliveries as offices closed down especially Baker Street and Russell Square but these were delivered this morning (Friday) and everyone is out today”

Reported by Tracey Worth

2005 June

National Courier Awards- The Winners- June 21st
Two Wheels - Riders category. Individuals must have been involved in something above the norm which demonstrates quality and professional image. The 2005 winners are -  Stanley Andrews, Lewis Day - Max Liberson, Reuter Brooks - Gary Ormesher, TNT - Tony Turbin, MPC
Four Wheels - Drivers category. Individuals must have been involved in something above the norm which demonstrates quality and professional image.The 2005 winners are - Kulbir Bachra, TNT - Andy Patrick, UK Today - Yassar Shariff, CitySprint
Contract. As above for people who have demonstrated actions above the norm.The 2005 winners are - Mark Fisher, GLH - Dan Leahy, UK Today
Office category. Involvement with a major step forward for the courier company or industry in areas such as systems management of radio, computer or other technology or direct quality effect on people, customer services, IIP or champions of ISO standards. The 2005 winners are - Kay Baker, DHL - Lisa McManus, MPC Quicksilver - Russell Reid, Quicksilver,
A special award for services to the courier industry - Jeffrey Ritterband, Lewis Day

2005 May

National Courier Awards- June 21st will see the tenth anniversary of the National Courier Awards. Five times world motorcycle champion Geoff Duke has pledged to be there, Norton & Gillera World racer supremo and ex army despatch rider Duke will be the VVIP biker guest. Steve Norris returns to celebrate the decade of excellence. Instigator of the awards Carl Lomas comments 'This year will be a special one, a role of honour for the last ten years of winners. To be held in the shadow of St Paul's Cathedral at Stationers Hall there will be an area awash with two wheels. Hawk will have their latest British Superbike Kawasaki race bikes on show, a world class superslide sidecar will be there amongst an array of courier bikes from blue light specials to a restored CX500 famous as the courier bike of the eighties.'

2005 April

National Courier Awards- The 2005 panel of judges - In a House of Lords reception, Lord Falkland alongside Steve Norris and Tracey Worth announced the 2005 panel of Judges for the National Courier Awards. In alphabetic order they are, Jon Barber - Scarlet Couriers, Judy Benn - Arrow Express, Tricia Bing - Connections, Marc Cheauveux - MPC, Mick Davies - Ears, Carl Lomas MBE - Camelot Training, Trevor Magner - BMF, Ian Mutch - MAG, Alan Savage - London Lonk, Steve Smith - Professional IT. Individuals generally take a two year role in the hot seat. Their task to judge the bet of the best same day. New boys on the list for 2005 are Jon Barber of Scarlet Couriers in Slough and Alan Savage of London Link in Milton Keynes. Instigator and mentor Carl Lomas has done the full ten years. Trevor Magnor and Ian Mutch bring a strong independence to the panel representing the UK rider groups, BMF and MAG

TNT Marathon Special for one million drinks - The Flora London Marathon on Sunday April 17th was supported by the logistics of TNT. TNT operations boss Dave Cox bagged a National Courier Award in 2004 for heading up the operation which was then a fifteen year partnership, For 2005 one million drinks were delivered in a ninety minute window between road closures and the race. Even more spectacular was the mobile cloakroom, competitors dropped of cloths and possessions in Greenwich with TNT and as they finished in the Mall their items were waiting for them, sorted and ready, with thirty thousand runners and London's most road closed day of the year it was a feat any post room would have been proud of. National Courier Association / Despatch Association Joint AGM - The April 9/10th event of the joint AGM for the National Courier Association and Despatch Association AGM took place in Cheltenham. National Courier Association Chairman remains Alan Savage, President Stefan Law who took over from Ian Dafter stepped down a little over a hundred couriers sat down for their annual dinner and enjoyed an excellent weekend.

Motorbike Chauffeurs in MCN red seat - April 6th copy of Motorcycle News put four motorbike chauffeurs in the red hot chair for some editorial on their thoughts of bike delivery for people.The Virgin Limo bike riders, Peter Hazek 43 from Corringham, Rhys Boyd 44 from Mitcham, Damien Rowley 32 from Sunbury & Danny Hill 39 from Brighton reported on longest trips and most famous folk on the back who included Ewan McGregor, S Club 7, Girls Aloud, Ronan Keating & Brian Mcfaden.

2005 March

David Churchill Go-Betweens - Fondly known as 'Doc', David Churchill was unexpectedly killed in a road accident, late March, while on Easter holiday in Egypt. Doc was one of the original members who formed a co-operative to begin the courier company Go-Betweens. The long established independent courier company has a strong reputation for quality service supported by a strong team of management and riders based in London WC1. Doc had become well known in the same day courier industry and will be missed by many. A celebration of his life attended by many London Couriers took place at Kenwood on Sunday 20th March. Bike Couriers on the EMAP MCN Sofa - Motorcycle News tours a red sofa for informal editorial chats with bikers. It caught up with five motorcycle couriers at the Ace Cafe in North London for the 9th March issue. Headlined 'High mileage hard men' 'They spend seventeen hours a day on a bike... all while battling traffic in London' The famous five were Paul Picton, Thornton Heath - David French, West London - Fred Dunn, Braintree - Andrew Fuller, East London - Jullian Shirokanski, Hampstead. TNT Boys praised by United Nations - Steve Halhead and Colin Baines from Derby & Essex who work for TNT at East Midlands and Stanstead airport have been praised by the United Nations. They both took on a months work at the World Food Programme distribution in Banda-Aceh to help with a UN relief effort in Indonesia supporting the Tsunami relief. The TNT duo help unload up to 200 tons of aid a day in 90 degree heat as part of a 1.8 million pound aid package supplied by TNT in a five year partnership with the World Food Programme.

Taxibikes to go - Transport for London announces it will ban motorcycle taxis from the streets of London from March 2005. The Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998 will be changed  by TfL because it is believed vehicles with less than four wheels are not suitable for licensing. Key operators of motorcycle taxi type bikes are Virgin Limousines, Addison Lee and London Executive. The Motorcycle Action Group MAG has outlined not a single passenger has been killed or seriously injured in London in the ten years the bikes have been used. MAG director, Trevor Baird commented, ' With a private members bill specifying a minimum age for motorcycle pillion passengers already afloat and now this proposal it is clear that a body of opposition to the idea of pillion riding is growing.'

Top transport award for courier industry - The livery company responsible for transport in London has awarded the 'Herbert Crow Award' to Camelot Courier Training boss Carl Lomas. It is only the fifth time in the history of the livery awards that the Herbert Crow cup has been given, it is given in 2004 for work in establishing courier standards and training, significantly furthering knowledge and development in transport.The award was presented to Carl Lomas by the Lord Mayor at Mansion House in the City of London. City courier VIP guests - Andrew Barnard, City Sprint - Marc Cheauveux, MPC - John Lister, Reuter Brooks - Jeffrey Ritterband, Lewis Day - Kevin Walsh, Clockwork - Martin Williams, Quicksilver.

2005 February

Second Amtrak for Val Phillips - Val Phillips has run the Warrington Amtrack franchise for over ten years, for 2005 she has taken on Liverpool adding it to her Warrington operation. Val commented,- Liverpool is home to some key catalogue firms, with internet shopping and retail strength in the area this is a good location. Trading as Amtrak Liverpool with eight vans half a million parcels are expected to be shifted in the next year.

Challenge video finds courier test in London - The Motorcycle Industry put almost quarter of a million pounds into safety with the creation of a video to be given free with all new bikes in the coming year. The ninety minute story follows three challenges, the open roads, the race track and the streets of the City of London. An intro day to the busy City traffic proves too much and the contestants change to scooters for a challenge to collect and deliver packages in the City. Red route parking and taking in the sights such as Big Ben follows a focus on defensive ridding in multi lane areas such as Tottenham Court Road. One experience finds a package left on the bike soon stolen before race rider Chris Walker delivers to win the top prize of the challenge.

2005 January

Business Post makes FTSE - Business Post is the first British owned courier company to step into the FTSE250 share index list. The 250 list holds companies following the FTSE 100. Paul Carvell, chief exec commented:- It came earlier than expected but has been on the cards for a while, Business Post has been on the threshold of entry for some months.

Couriers at British Library for top recognition . The minister for Education congratulated Camelot Training at the launch event for the Adult Learning Inspectors annual report by David Sherlock. Camelot was recognised in November of 2004 for top level training scores and bagged a place in to top thirty list for best provision of training. The list recognises very best practice in training in any sector and any location in the UK. Couriers training in the London courier school are getting the best possible start in their industry.

Following on from 2004 success - couriers go to show . Organisers of the Alexander Palace London Bike Show, EMAP MCN again supported London motorbike courier school Camelot Training to allow trainees to visit the bike show free. 2005 highlights included Charlie Boardmens appearance with his Long Way round BMW, the arena show with MX jumps and super motor racing plus many clothing bargains the show has become renowned for.

A to Z leave N1 for WC1 . One of the oldest courier companies in the business, AtoZ established by the Dally brothers and taken over by the Rentokill Initial group has been relocated into WC1 with a deal by Mach One Couriers.

Anderson Young to Addison Lee . The car section of the long established family run courier firm Anderson Young finds a new home in the hands of Adisson Lee. This brings the Addison Lee fleet to nine hundred vehicles. Anderson Young bike couriers take on a new name to become MY Despatch. MY is to be run by Michael Young in a new nine thousand square feet office in Bethnal Green. One of the old guard names in the courier industry Anderson Young had a twenty four year record. Based in Fulham their latest move had been the acquisition of Southbank Couriers forming AY East.One of their bike couriers Daren Andrew took a national courier award in 2001 and Claire Young joined the panel of judges for the 2002 National Courier Awards.

ANC gets White . The Swindon Depot of ANC has gained a new general manager, Andy white joins from Geopost who he was operations support manger for Interlink Express with. Andy had a further background with Parceline and Nightfreight.

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