Category Archives: Logistics

Awards, Logistics, Newport, News

Monex Distribution recognised as only Welsh recipient of 2024 Platinum Award

Newport’s Monex Distribution has been recognised as one of only 10 UK winners, and the only recipient in Wales of the 2024 Platinum Award, which recognises outstanding performance across the highest level of service for customers across the Palletways UK network.

Depots are awarded Platinum status based on service levels, delivery and collection stats, growth of network, service sustainability, customer sustainability and new customer accounts.

Kelly Hinchcliffe, Director, Monex Distribution said: “This award is absolutely testament to our committed members of staff, as well as our loyal customer base. We work extremely hard to ensure our levels of service match the unrivalled levels of technology that we can provide our customers with across the network. From our tracking capabilities to the friendly team on-hand for enquiries at any time, I’m absolutely thrilled to say we’re yet again a Platinum Award recipient.”

Warwick Trimble, Network Director, Palletways UK said: “We have 10 winners and 10 highly commended depots, and I would like to congratulate everyone involved in those depots for their achievement. Award certificates will be presented to the winners and those who were highly commended during the Gala dinner on 16th May 2024.”

Harnessing the power of the Palletways network, Monex Distribution transports palletised consignments anywhere throughout the United Kingdom and Europe.

For pallet transport enquiries or further information, visit https://monex-group.com/

Fleet Management, Logistics, Logistics Tech, News, Technology

Haier Europe Uses Surecam’s Video Telematics Ecosystem to Deliver Fleet Management and Risk Reduction Improvements

Haier Europe, part of Haier Smart Home and the number one group globally in domestic appliances, has achieved significant fleet improvements following the adoption SureCam’s advanced video telematics ecosystem. The company rolled out the integrated technology across 250 vehicles, used by a team of engineers to support its Candy, Hoover and Haier brands, to target a reduction in fleet risk and associated costs, while streamlining management processes.

“The seamless sharing of footage and data between complementary fleet products and systems is making it possible for us to gain more from video telematics than ever before,” explains Neil Parsons, Fleet & Facilities Operations Manager, Haier Europe. “It has enabled us to take control of multiple aspects of our fleet, freeing up management time, saving operating costs and ultimately improving the safety of our drivers.”

 

Haier Europe teamed up with longstanding video telematics partner, SureCam, to take advantage of the modular ecosystem that delivers the most comprehensive range of integrated technologies to meet precise fleet and risk management requirements. As well as upgrading its existing vehicle camera solution, the company took advantage of integrated mileage capture and 24/7 incident reporting from SureCam partners The Miles Consultancy (TMC) and Sopp + Sopp.

Following the ongoing success of the video telematics, Haier’s insurance partner paid a 5% net premium bursary, which has been invested in 250 online risk assessments and 25 one-to-one driver training sessions to further support road safety improvements. The system has proved particularly useful in successfully challenging third party claims where the Haier Europe driver was not at fault. During 2023, the company also took the decision to upgrade to dual-camera dashcams that provide added context of what has occurred on the road and inside the cab, with plans to adopt AI-powered driver status monitoring this year.

 

Meanwhile, SureCam’s platform was integrated with TMC’s software to provide precise mileage and journey data for the recording and auditing of employees’ business mileage and fuel expenditure. This is enabling Haier Europe to automate reporting processes, dramatically reducing the administrative burden for drivers and fleet professionals. Drivers had previously needed to log each individual trip (10-11 per day) and manually input details, whereas now all the data is automatically uploaded, and the driver simply needs to confirm the information.

 

Haier Europe opted for an integrated monitoring service from Sopp+Sopp, where uploaded footage is reviewed and graded, with incidents reported back within one hour. This has meant the 0.7% of triggered videos made up of collisions, near misses or events of interest were quickly identified, with a further 43.9% providing useful driver behaviour insight and the remainder filtered out as false positives. By video-enabling management processes, Sopp+Sopp can effectively validate driver welfare, streamline claims handling, and reduce insurance costs.

“We needed a technology partner that could develop an innovative video-enabled solution to better manage our vehicles and drivers. The last 12 months has been hugely exciting, with SureCam’s integrated video telematics taking massive strides forward in terms of technology, system and service development,” adds Neil Parsons.

 

Sam Footer, Partnership Director at SureCam commented: “Vehicle operators with an installed SureCam device are now able to take advantage of an array of fleet products and systems. Working with our customers, we are evolving our modular video telematics ecosystem to help them target continuous improvement in terms of improving road safety, cutting fleet costs, freeing up management time, and making the most of available resources.”

Logistics, News

How The Red Sea Disruption Is Affecting Industry

With several big shipping companies diverting their routes away from the Red Sea due to current conflicts, the delivery of shipping containers and consumer goods is taking longer than usual.

As a result of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, the Houthi group in Yemen – who is openly backing Hamas – has said it is attacking all ships heading towards Israel. However, it is unclear whether all the targeted vessels are actually travelling to Israel, meaning many shipping firms have opted to avoid the busy shipping lane altogether.

In fact, over the past few months, a number of Maersk and MSC container ships have been assaulted by Houthi rebels, which has reinforced the importance for shipping companies to map out alternative routes for the security of their crew members and container cargo.

So, what does this mean for businesses awaiting commercial deliveries? Cleveland Containers, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of shipping containers, explains how the Red Sea disruptions are affecting industries across the country.

What is happening in the Red Sea?

Since the beginning of the Israel-Hames conflict in October, Houthi rebels have been launching rockets and drones against foreign-owned ships navigating through the strait of Bab al-Mandab. This is a 20-mile wide channel separating Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula side and Eritrea and Djibouti on the east African coast.

Andrew Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of the Cleveland Group, which consists of Cleveland Containers, Cleveland Hire and Cleveland Modular, said, “Generally, ships enter the strait of Bab al-Mandab from the south to cross the Red Sea and reach the Mediterranean via Egypt’s Suez Canal.

“But the threat of potential attacks has forced global shipping firms to amend their itineraries, with vessels now cruising around the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) and then all the way up the west side of the continent.

“This is causing severe delays to shipping deliveries, as the alternative route can extend transit times to at least two or three weeks. And, in turn, the delays are also having a knock-on effect on the operations of sectors and companies all over the UK, impacting stock availability and delivery pricing.”

What sector is being affected the most?

Many sectors, such as retail and construction, are being significantly affected by the Red Sea disruptions, as companies deal with supply chain logjams due to the rerouting of deliveries.

Manufacturing is no doubt one of the industries that has to tackle the harsh consequences of the ongoing situation, too. For example, at the start of 2024, big automakers such as Volvo, Tesla, and Suzuki had to suspend some production across Europe because of shortages in components.

In particular, the UK manufacturing sector has witnessed a decline in operations in recent times, and the Red Sea problems have contributed to hindering the situation even further. As of January 2024, its purchasing managers’ index (PMI) stood at 47.0, with any reading below 50 indicating a contraction.

The current delays are prolonging expected deliveries, causing disruptions to production schedules and increasing financial pressures at a time when companies are already struggling to make ends meet.

The additional costs behind the Red Sea disruptions

The ongoing disruption in the Red Sea means that the cost of delivering goods worldwide is increasing, too.

The forced change in route has increased sailing times by 30%, leading to a rise in fuel consumption and extended work shifts for ship crews.

Not to mention that shipping companies are facing additional port fees as vessels need to stop more often along the way, as well as higher freight expenses overall.

So, ultimately, this is why businesses across the UK are currently having to spend more money on the delivery of products, items, and materials to keep their operations going.

It is also worth noting that the delays of goods leaving China and other parts of the world are escalating demand and impacting availability. Some sectors might be experiencing significant stocking issues, whereas others may not have the materials they need to fuel their industrial processes.

In short, the Red Sea disruptions are causing a slowdown in production, resulting in lower output and an overall loss in revenue for companies all over the country.

As things stand, the threat of Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea is setting back transit times, increasing shipping costs, and putting the financial wellbeing of several sectors to the test.

While it is difficult to make predictions at this stage, the hope is that the situation will ease over the coming months to restore some sort of normality worldwide.

Sources

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/maersk-continues-schedule-suez-journeys-despite-houthi-attack-2024-01-02/

https://container-news.com/red-sea-detours-will-prolong-transit-times-by-30/

https://www.reuters.com/business/factbox-sectors-most-exposed-disruption-red-sea-attacks-2024-01-16/

https://www.pmi.spglobal.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/f449dc6cc7a649c1a25e026a1681ef8e

Appointments, Logistics, News

Kinaxia Logistics strengthens senior team with key appointments

Kinaxia Logistics has strengthened its senior team as part of a management restructure which will see it focus on further developing its customer proposition, driving operational efficiencies and unlocking the potential within the business.

Simon Nelson has been appointed to the new position of chief operating officer and Mark Tabor has joined Kinaxia as commercial director.

Chief executive Michael Conroy said the duo have vast experience at board level and possess great commercial acumen.

He said the appointments form part of Kinaxia’s strategy to work more closely with its customers and deliver high-quality services which are more tailored to their needs.

Simon joined Kinaxia and became managing director of its contract distribution operations after the company acquired Nelson Distribution from KNP Logistics Group last September.

Mark has over 35 years’ experience in UK and European logistics, working with a number of leading businesses including FedEx, Palletforce and Online MBT.

As Palletforce’s European development director, he oversaw the expansion of its cross-border pallet network from 11 to 30 countries and quadrupled turnover.

Michael said: “The new position of COO has been created to ensure our services more closely match our customers’ requirements. This will enable us to get closer to them, better understand their needs and deliver a service which reflects this.

“In addition, Simon will also drive efficiency across the business using technology-enabled solutions that will boost productivity while further enhancing sustainability, allowing us to generate additional value for our customers.

“Mark will play a major role as we continue to align our commercial proposition to best serve the needs of our customers with the agility to flex to quickly meet the demands of a changing marketplace.

“His appointment further reinforces our strategy to be completely aligned with our customers to deliver a stand-out experience to them and ensure we operate in a manner which drives long-term success for the business.

“With some of the highest-quality warehousing facilities in the UK, a depth of regional transport expertise and heritage that is unmatched, skilled and motivated people and a powerful palletised freight offering, we have a full end-to-end solution that can quickly adapt to our customers’ needs.”

Kinaxia, which has its headquarters in Macclesfield, Cheshire, employs more than 1,700 staff nationwide with a fleet of 800 vehicles transporting goods for the retail, leisure, food and drink and manufacturing sectors.

It has 2.7 million sq ft of strategic national warehousing facilities offering contract packing, e-fulfilment, returns management, storage services and a complete distribution service.

Fleet Management, Ireland, Logistics, Logistics Tech, News, Tech, Technology

Rosie’s Bakes Selects Integrated Fleet Technology Solution from Inseego and Pocket Box

Rosie’s Bakes, a commercial bakery based in Northern Ireland, has partnered with Inseego and Pocket Box to adopt a telematics-enabled fleet management solution.  The company has rolled out the integrated system across a 29-strong commercial fleet, including temperature-controlled vehicles, which handle the delivery of traditional baked goods, ready meals and snacks to over 300 convenience stores.

“Following a period of rapid growth, we recognised the need for more robust and less labour-intensive fleet management processes that would deliver a higher level of efficiency, safety and compliance,” explains Lynne Murphy, Sales & Marketing Manager at Rosie’s Bakes Ltd. “The Inseego and Pocket Box software interact brilliantly together so we can keep on top of all our fleet-related tasks within the business, making the management of our drivers and vehicles much easier and more effective.”

The Inseego telematics system incorporates front-and rear-facing vehicle cameras, sat nav and two-way messaging to provide an effective way of tracking, monitoring and communicating with vehicles and drivers. Rosie’s Bakes is now able to upload routes and drop details to an in-cab device for each shift with the aim of reducing delivery miles, improving service levels, and providing a safer alternative so drivers are not tempted to use their mobile phones.

The fleet and video telematics solution ensures that Rosie’s Bakes has complete peace of mind that its drivers are safe and acting responsibly, especially as many are working alone, from the early hours of the morning across remote locations. Not only does the company have exact location and status information in the event of a collision or breakdown, so the necessary support can be provided, but also access to insight regarding near misses and driver behaviour to gain a detailed understanding of fleet risk.

Meanwhile, the Inseego software has been integrated with Pocket Box Fleet, so live data – such as mileage, utilisation and driving styles – can be shared to further automate and simplify vehicle and driver management processes. All essential vehicle and driver records – plus supporting documentation – are stored electronically on the system, so Rosie’s Bakes can keep on top of key renewal dates and quickly access information whenever and wherever it is needed. The Pocket Box Fleet app also allows drivers to electronically complete vehicle checks and sign a declaration form that they are fit and eligible to drive.

“The Pocket Box software has already proved to be an invaluable tool during a recent HSE inspection, where we were able to quickly share any requested information and show that we had all our driver and vehicle records and documentation in one place, with a complete audit trail. It made the entire procedure stress free and we were subsequently praised for the quality of our improved fleet health and safety processes and systems,” added Lynne.

 

Steve Thomas, Managing Director of Inseego UK Ltd commented: “By bringing together complementary fleet software and hardware, we are providing added value and return on investment to our customers. Companies, such as Rosie’s Bakes, are using these integrated fleet technology solutions to dramatically reduces workload and cut costs, while keeping drivers safe, their business compliant and vehicles on the road.”

 

Jason Laight, Chief Operating Officer at Pocket Box Ltd said: “We have worked closely with the team at Rosie’s Bakes to deliver an advanced fleet management solution that meets the precise needs of their business. This approach is helping us meet growing demand from a diverse range of companies for digitised solutions that maintain compliance, reduce risk and save time and money.”

Logistics

Revolutionising the Freight and Logistics Industry

In the vast and intricate realm of global freight and logistics, a multitude of players including shippers, carriers, and manufacturers weave a complex web of operations. On average, a shipment might traverse through approximately 12 touchpoints within the supply chain, with numbers potentially escalating to 20 for a single conveyance. This makes the journey of goods from supplier to consumer not just complicated but also significantly data driven.

Amidst this complexity, the industry faces a notable challenge: the reliance on manual processes and multiple outdated systems. This reliance renders the shipper and carrier data susceptible to errors, with an alarming 20% of freight invoices reportedly containing discrepancies. Considering the sheer volume of freight moving daily, particularly in the US where around $53 billion worth of goods are transported, these errors represent a substantial financial leak, yet they also unveil an opportunity for substantial cost savings through a method known as freight audit.

 

What Exactly is a Freight Audit?

Freight audit and payment is a critical process where a shipper meticulously reviews a freight invoice issued by a carrier. This scrutiny aims to ensure accuracy and prevent overcharging. Through freight bill audits, shippers analyse costs related to trucking, air shipping, demurrage, and more, against estimates provided on rate cards by carriers, enabling them to reclaim any undue charges.

 

Unravelling the Complexity of Freight Audit

The freight audit process is daunting, primarily due to the diverse formats of thousands of freight invoices it encompasses. Compiling and standardising this data, which is scattered across emails, spreadsheets, and PDFs, poses a significant challenge, making the audit process not only tedious but also time-consuming.

Yet, the drive to surmount these challenges stems from a singular compelling motive: the pursuit of cost savings.

 

Navigating Error-Prone Freight Invoicing

A considerable portion of freight bills bear errors, burdening importers of record with unnecessary financial losses. The use of dated transportation management systems, fragmented data sources, and manual interventions contribute to inefficiencies in the freight invoicing process. The lack of seamless integration among various touchpoints exacerbates data misinterpretation, further complicating accurate cost forecasting and potentially incurring hefty penalties due to delayed payments to carriers and partners.

 

The Intricacies of Freight Contracts

Freight contract complexities further compound the challenge, with costs influenced by variables such as fuel surcharges and accessorial charges. The diverse calculation methods across different freight lanes and the sheer volume of shipments and invoices necessitate a vigilant audit process to track and validate each cost meticulously.

 

The Manual Burden and the Path to Automation

The manual nature of freight audits, coupled with the complexity and time consumption, underscores the need for improvement. Automating the freight audit process can significantly reduce the manual workload, enhance data reliability, and unlock considerable time and cost efficiencies.

By leveraging automation, companies can streamline their freight bill audit workflows, ensuring precision and fostering better decision-making through trustworthy data integration. This transformation not only recoups costs but also reallocates valuable human resources to more strategic roles, ultimately bolstering profitability and efficiency in the global freight and logistics industry.

In essence, the freight and logistics sector stands at a transformative juncture. By embracing freight audit and leveraging technological advancements to automate and refine this process, businesses can navigate the complexities of the supply chain with greater ease and efficiency. This strategic shift not only promises significant financial savings but also propels the industry toward a more sustainable and streamlined future.

Logistics, Logistics Tech, News, Transport, Transport Tech

Middlegate Europe Selects Surecam Video Telematics To Protect Fleet and Drivers

Middlegate Europe, the international transport and logistics specialist, is targeting insurance, safety and efficiency improvements with a video telematics solution from SureCam. The company has installed forward-facing dashcams on its UK fleet of over 40 HGVs to capture vital video evidence of driving incidents and gain access to advanced GPS tracking. This will help Middlegate to safeguard drivers, vehicles and other road users, along with the reputation of the business.

 

“We needed a camera solution to effectively dispute liability and challenge 50/50 or false claims by providing complete visibility of what has taken place,” explains Ricky Gatrill, Transport & Operations Manager at Middlegate Europe Ltd. “The SureCam system, however, gives us so much more, meaning we can use it to influence driving behaviour and support the wellbeing of our team on the road.”

 

The forward-facing dashcam captures footage and supporting vehicle data for all collisions, near misses and harsh driving events, enabling Middlegate to better handle insurance claims, investigate complaints and improve driver performance. The driver scoring feature is helping the company to alter behaviour by identifying those drivers that would benefit from engagement or training. Meanwhile, real-time tracking and live view allows Middlegate to check on the welfare of drivers and vehicles.

 

“SureCam has worked closely with us to develop and roll-out a reliable and simple to use camera solution that meets the needs of our transport, health and safety, and customer service teams. They are always on hand to provide support and have proved to be a fantastic technology partner,” adds Gatrill.

 

Joshua Godfrey, National Sales Manager UK at SureCam commented: “We are partner of choice for a growing number of road transport operations, based on our ability to create industry-leading video telematics that improves safety, limits liability, reduces costs, and maximises performance. As a result, companies, such as Middlegate Europe, are using our technology solutions to protect their drivers and businesses, as well as the communities and customers they serve.”

Logistics

Parcelhero’s move into the £14bn B2B logistics market creates exciting new opportunity for investors

The international delivery expert Parcelhero is introducing Parcelhero Pro, a revolutionary B2B SaaS platform. Its launch creates a new opportunity for potential investors looking to enter the fast-growing B2B logistics market.

The launch of a revolutionary SaaS (software as a service) platform from the international delivery expert Parcelhero creates an exciting opportunity for potential investors looking to get into the £14bn B2B (business to business) logistics market.

Parcelhero Pro’s cutting-edge technology will enable businesses to ship in bulk, optimise cost and completely outsource their after-sales customer support. It is set to disrupt the domestic and international B2B logistics industry when it launches in Q2 2024. Now the company is looking for investors large or small to fund its plans for the growth and marketing of its new platform.

Parcelhero’s Head of Public Relations and Consumer Research, David Jinks M.I.L.T., says: ‘Businesses spend between 5% to 30% of their entire annual revenue on shipping, with billions of pounds wasted every year on inefficient processes and often inflated costs. That’s why there is an urgent need for Parcelhero Pro, which we have invested £15m in developing. It uses groundbreaking technology to give retailers and other growing businesses an end-to-end shipping solution that will enable them to manage and automate every aspect of their shipping, saving time, money and hassle.

‘Enabling companies to choose the best option for each shipment will save them up to 60% on deliveries with the world’s leading couriers. Parcelhero Pro’s revolutionary tracking technology will instantly notify recipients of delays, empowering them to self-serve and proactively resolve their delivery issues. This will reduce the administrative burden on retailers and turn delivery challenges into a competitive advantage.

‘The Parcelhero Group is now launching a campaign on the fundraising platform Floww to fuel our targeted investment in Parcelhero Pro’s marketing and sales. This will help fulfil our aim to become the world’s leading one-stop-shop shipping solution.

‘Currently, most Parcelhero customers are consumers and micro-businesses. By targeting the fast-growing B2B logistics market through our new Parcelhero Pro platform, we will be on an exciting path for further growth over the next five years. The Parcelhero Group has already outpaced all its competitors with 17% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in revenue between 2012 and 2022 (including 21% CAGR from 2019-22), making it the UK’s fastest-growing logistics comparison group. It had revenues of £25m in 2022 and is forecast to achieve a revenue of £99m in 2028.

‘To realise our vision, we are inviting support from forward-thinking investors. That’s why we are now launching our equity funding campaign on Floww. Floww is an internationally respected fundraising and investment platform, enabling high net worth individuals (HNWI), angel investors and venture capitalists to invest in private companies.

‘Having invested £15m in developing our unique logistics software platform, we’re looking to achieve initial funding of £700k to ensure Parcelhero Pro’s successful market debut. For the first time in our history, we’re offering investors a chance to back this established, highly profitable logistics business that has both a compelling vision for the future and the technology that will take us there.

‘For further information or to register your interest, see our investors page at https://www.parcelhero.com/fundraising-2024

 

 

 

 

 

ENDS

 

 

 

Caption: The revolutionary SaaS platform Parcelhero Pro launches in Q2, 2024.

Logistics, News, USA

Watch out for Presidents’ Day: it’s the US holiday only 30% of British businesses plan for.

Monday, 19 February is Presidents’ Day in the USA. It’s an (almost) national holiday impacting UK-US businesses, trade and banking, warns the UK-US delivery specialist ParcelHero.

UK companies doing business in the US should be prepared for the impact of a holiday most Brits have never heard of, warns the UK-US delivery specialist ParcelHero. Research by ParcelHero reveals 70% of UK firms doing business with the US don’t plan for this major American national holiday, which occurs every third Monday in February and has 15 different official names, depending on which state you are in.

Presidents’ Day (as it’s most widely known) sees many US businesses closed, postal deliveries suspended for the day, Post Offices and Government-run organisations shuttered and the New York Stock Exchange and banks shut.

ParcelHero’s Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks M.I.L.T., says:  ‘While Americans’ trust in their Government has tumbled to a near-70 year low, Presidents’ Day is still a cause for celebration. Banks, Government offices and many businesses will close for the day. The United States Postal Service (USPS) won’t deliver regular mail or packages on Monday, 19 February, and all US Post Offices will be closed.

‘For UK-US businesses operating to tight timetables or running Just-in-time production schedules, Presidents’ Day can be an unwelcome surprise – even though it happens every year. We surveyed a selection of UK SMEs who trade with the US and found only 30% plan for the impact of this major US holiday. This is perhaps because its date changes every year or, in the case of Delaware and a number of other states, it’s not recognised as a legal state holiday at all.

‘What exactly shuts on this holiday? Federal (national) and state (local) government services close, together with federal and state courts. Schools are generally closed. Until the late 1980s, most corporate businesses also shut but many now remain open, especially major retail store chains offering special sales. Amazon.com is worth looking at for special deals.

‘While most Brits are familiar with major US holidays such as Independence Day and Thanksgiving, there isn’t the same awareness surrounding Presidents’ Day on our side of the Pond. That’s hardly surprising, given that the various states use 15 different names for the event, if you include the wandering or disappearing apostrophe. These include Washington’s Birthday, Presidents’ Day, President’s Day, Presidents Day, and Washington’s and Lincoln’s Birthday. In Arkansas, George Washington’s Birthday and Daisy Bates Day celebrates the achievements of the first President and a civil rights activist on the same day.

‘Presidents’ Day evolved to celebrate either George Washington’s birthday (22 February) or Lincoln’s birthday (12 February), depending on where in the USA you lived. Many states used to hold the holiday on Washington’s birthday itself. In 1968, it was decided to mark the day on the third Monday in February. Just to confuse things further, Presidents’ Day is still officially called Washington’s Birthday by the US Government, as its Committee couldn’t agree over the name change.

‘US workers have fewer holidays than their European counterparts. However, there are a few core dates almost everyone gets off:

  1. New Year’s Day (1 January)
  2. Memorial Day (last Monday in May, honouring people who have died in service)
  3. Independence Day (4 July)
  4. Labor Day (first Monday in September, honouring US workers)
  5. Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November)
  6. Christmas Day (25 December)

‘The impact of other holidays, such as Presidents’ Day, is more varied. For anyone needing access to the US Postal Service, here’s a full list of 2024 dates the USPS don’t deliver letters and parcels and Post Offices are closed:

  • New Year’s Day: Monday, 1 January
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, 15 January
  • Presidents’ Day: Monday, 19 February
  • Memorial Day: Monday, 27 May
  • Juneteenth: Wednesday, 19 June (honouring the emancipation of slaves)
  • Independence Day: Thursday, 4 July
  • Labor Day: Monday, 2 September
  • Columbus Day: Monday, 14 October (also known as Indigenous Peoples Day)
  • Veterans Day: Monday, 11 November (honouring all military veterans)
  • Thanksgiving: Thursday, 28 November
  • Christmas Day: Wednesday, 25 December

‘While US postal services may not be available on these days, courier services such as UPS and FedEx will be operating on many, including Presidents’ Day. ParcelHero services to and from the USA will also be available for collection and delivery on 19 February.

‘Next year, Presidents’ Day falls on 17 February, 2025. We do advise everyone sending items to the US to regularly check ParcelHero’s USA page, which gives full details on any US courier holidays, changes in prices, Customs advice, and details about sending food etc.

‘The US is ParcelHero’s biggest individual overseas market. For expert advice on UK-US shipping, including useful frequently asked questions (FAQs), help for exporters and prohibited items details, see: https://www.parcelhero.com/en-gb/international-courier-services/usa-parcel-delivery

Logistics, News

Warburtons adds 38 Tiger Trailers rigid box vans to its fleet

Warburtons, Britain’s largest bakery brand, has chosen Tiger Trailers to provide 38 rigid box vans to join its nationwide fleet of vehicles delivering fresh bread to 18,500 stores across the country every day.

Approaching Tiger in the winter of 2022, Warburtons needed the vehicles to be designed to meet its unique operational requirements. Set to join a highly active store delivery fleet, a bespoke, intelligent, and ergonomic design was required, with durability and accessibility as cornerstones of the build.

With regular visits to Tiger’s factory and 3D-model review sessions during the initial design phase, Warburtons was impressed by Tiger Trailers’ thorough build quality, consistency, and attention to detail displayed in their vehicles, as well as an ultra-modern facility and assurance of on-time delivery.

Steve Gray, Head of Transport at Warburtons, comments: “It has been reassuring to have been involved throughout the design and manufacturing process. We have taken delivery of 10 of the vans already and are very impressed with the final product. We are looking forward to a further 28 due joining our fleet in spring this year.”

Built on 14-tonne DAF chassis from local firm Lancashire DAF, each rigid is fitted with Warburtons-specification racking along its sides, along with adjustable centre aisle load bars to suit the customer’s loading requirements. The rigids also boast crew doors on each side of the body’s rear to expedite the loading process, access to which is covered with a hinged alloy floor section, maximising load capacity. The Dhollandia tail lift aids drivers with large loads, and the two Labcraft B3 Banksman reversing lights help in low-light conditions. They are finished in Warburtons’ trademark orange, painted in house at Tiger.

Tom Stott, Technical Sales Manager at Tiger Trailers, comments: “It’s been a pleasure to work closely with Steve and his team at Warburtons. At Tiger we are proud to offer competitive lead times, and guarantee a premium product without compromising on quality. To have done so for one of Britain’s most-recognisable brands is something to be celebrated, and we are hopeful to build on the relationship we have established with Steve and Warburtons in the future.”

Ten of Warburtons’ new Tiger rigids, delivered in late 2023, can already be seen out on the roads, operating out of several of Warburtons’ 22 nationwide depots.