The new 15,190 sq ft facility is located in Stafford, on the Beacon Business Park. It is the latest addition to the group’s parcels network and part of the DX Express division, which provides highly secure, tracked deliveries to both business and consumer addresses.

the group said that the depot will provide further capacity and improve operational efficiencies, by reducing stem mileage and carbon emissions, as well as enhancing customer service levels, which it said is a key focus for the group.

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It added that this latest opening is part of the group's ongoing major capital programme in the business as management "continues to drive the group’s growth and development."

Paul Ibbetson, DX Group chief executive, added: "The opening of the Stafford depot means that we have now reopened 13 of the 15 depots that we took on from Tuffnells’ Administrators in late June.

"It increases the capacity and capability of our Express Parcels operation, which is growing strongly, and delivers further efficiencies, environmental and customer service benefits.

“Expanding and improving the depot network underpins the continued successful delivery of our growth plans, and we look forward to reporting on further openings over the forthcoming months”.

The post DX opens thirteenth of 15 former Tuffnells depots appeared first on Motor Transport.

However the company revealed this week that it is seeing better times this year, with record volumes which it says are higher than at any point during COVID-19, adding that it is heading for the "busiest peak period in our history."

Reporting its results for the year to 25 February 2023, the parcel delivery giant said that whilst revenue remained virtually unchanged at £1.464m (2022: £1.465m) pre-tax profit tumbled by 56% to £51m (2022: £117m).

The company attributed the profit fall to economic and political factors in the period resulting in “significant inflation, higher interest rates and a weakening of consumer confidence.”

The year also saw greater volatility in customer demand which the company said was driven by continued economic uncertainty and the impacts of the cost of living crisis.

Its strategic review of the results said the company was also hit by the "anticipated post pandemic channel realignment, as physical stores were not subject to lockdown closures this year. As a result, parts of the online retail market have softened compared to previous years.”

Other pressures reported by the company included rising energy, fuel and wage costs, a continuing shortage of resources driven by Brexit and the pandemic, the cost of moving a number of Evri depots and the opening its new Barnsley superhub.

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The end of the Covid-19 lockdowns, during which parcel volumes had soared, also took its toll on the company. The review said: “Parcel volumes were broadly flat year on year against tough comparatives when physical shops were closed and volumes were up around 70% on pre-pandemic levels. This represents outperformance against a market which declined in 2022/23.

It added: “These factors, volatile consumer demand, resource shortages and rising costs have presented challenges across the parcel delivery industry, which have been further exacerbated by the disruption caused by the continued industrial action impacting Royal Mail during 2022/23.”

On the upside the report noted that, despite these challenges, Evri had driven new growth by winning new business and expanding into new markets, which “offset the unwinding of Covid lockdown volumes and the impact of macro-economic conditions on volumes in certain market segments.”

Looking ahead the company said it had continued to perform “robustly” despite challenging market conditions with volumes steady, despite a declining market.

The review concluded that the company remains confident it will see further growth driven by new volume pipelines and aided by “wide ranging” cost savings.

However it also warned that it is “not immune to the macro-economic conditions impacting customer demand and input cost in the short term.”

An Evri spokesperson said: "Our revenue and volume performance last year was robust and we outperformed the sector, a trend which continues as we win new contracts and grow our business into new areas.

"We are currently experiencing record volumes – higher than at any point during COVID-19 – growing at high double-digit rates and we are on track for the busiest peak period in our history.

" Our performance this year has enabled us to increase our investment in customer service and Christmas preparations including the recruitment of an additional 6,500 colleagues.

"The business has tripled in size over the last five years and is expected to double in size again over the next five years, boosted by last year’s opening of our super-hub in Barnsley and as we benefit from the rise of the marketplaces such as Vinted and Etsy.”

The post Evri sees “record volumes” this year after 2022 profit plunge appeared first on Motor Transport.

The company’s new delivery within business hours service will enable both new and existing customers to receive deliveries between the hours of either 08:00 and 16:00 or 09:00 and 17:00 on weekdays and weekends.

This latest offering closely follows Panther’s recently launched special operations services, which were introduced earlier this year in response to increasing demand to provide bespoke support solutions for its trade clients that often require higher volume deliveries and a more tailored solution.

Panther said this latest introduction to its portfolio of services is an example of how the business listens to its customers, delivering tailored solutions to meet the needs of a changing marketplace.

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Samuel Scott, sales director said: "We are delighted to have launched our delivery within business hours service which we expect will provide customers with greater flexibility and convenience.

“With delivery outside of business hours often being unsuitable for many B2B customers, we wanted to hone our offering in order to suit their specific delivery requirements at a day and time that suited them – in turn helping them to focus on what really matters, running their own business.

“At Panther the customer is at the very heart of all that we do which is why we strive to listen to the needs and adapt our offering to ensure that they have total autonomy over the delivery process.

"Our latest offering does just that allowing businesses that require more tailored distribution operations to benefit from the excellent services which Panther offer.”

The post Panther Logistics launches service offering delivery within business hours appeared first on Motor Transport.

The Deeside site is the first depot the group has launched in its new financial year and joins another nine depots which were opened by DX in its previous financial year, which ended on 1 July 2023.

The Deeside depot will serve the group’s parcels operation - part of the DX Express division which provides highly secure, tracked deliveries both to businesses and consumers.

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The 9,900 sq ft site is located on the Sandycroft Industrial Estate, situated to the east of Deeside town centre and eight miles from Chester with close transport links to the A55 North Wales Expressway and the M56.

DX Group said that, in addition to providing additional capacity, the new depot will help boost the division’s operational efficiencies, and its service levels, offering earlier deliveries and later collections, and local customer services.

The group is also planning further investment in its depot network this financial year, which is the final year of DX's current three-year, £20m-£25m investment programme in its delivery network, fleet, parcel-handling mechanisation, and new technology.

Paul Ibbetson, DX Group chief executive said: "We have substantially expanded our depot network over the last two years and this latest addition further increases our capability in the North West and North Wales. It is also in addition to the 15 former Tuffnells sites that we are in the process of taking on.

“As well as delivering additional capacity, the investments will ensure that we maintain our very high customer service levels as we continue to grow the business. Service is integral - and critical - to our ongoing successful growth and development."

The post DX Group opens new depot in Deeside appeared first on Motor Transport.

The funding, which will see 53 new electric vans added to the fleet, is the group’s second major round of funding in electric vehicles for its IKEA contract.

It follows the launch of an initial tranche of electric vans for IKEA in August 2022, and adds significantly to the existing £750,000 of investment in the IKEA-dedicated electric fleet.

The new vans will be operating from six DX/IKEA depots in Heathrow, Milton Keynes, Reading, Sheffield, Southampton, and Willenhall.

The vehicles are the Maxus e-Deliver 9 marque vans, and have an operational carrying capacity of 1,162kg and a single-charge range of over 219 miles, with zero output emissions. They will be dual-liveried with DX and IKEA branding.

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IKEA has been a DX customer for over seven years, and uses the group’s logistics and two-person services in support of its online and retail operations. DX is also IKEA’s largest provider of two-person home delivery services in the UK.

This £3m investment is in addition to DX’s wider £20m to £25m three-year, capital investment programme, which is now in its second year.

Investment to date has been focused on depots, equipment including vehicles, and in technology. DX is in the process of increasing the overall number of electric vehicles within its fleet, particularly for deliveries in Central London.

John Welsh, Ikea UK and Ireland fulfilment sourcing manager, said: “As our largest provider of two-person home delivery services in the UK, our partnership with DX is fundamental for IKEA in reaching our 100% zero-emission goals for home delivery. This latest investment therefore brings a significant and very positive development in our journey together.”

Ian Bolton, DX Logistics managing director added: "We share IKEA’s goal to move to more environmentally-friendly business practices, including the use of electric vehicles for deliveries, and are delighted that, with this investment, we will further reduce carbon emissions while maintaining the highest possible service standards.”

The post DX invests another £3m in EVs to support IKEA partnership appeared first on Motor Transport.

The recruitment drive is focusing primarily on those applicants with small and large vans, as well as zero emission vehicles in larger areas.

CitySprint is also looking to employ drivers for their electric vehicles, as company continues to expand its electric vehicle fleet to over 200 by the end of 2023.

Courier roles with CitySprint are available throughout the UK, with extra demand in Oxford, Cardiff, Bristol, Reading, Norwich, Warwick, Guildford and Glasgow, the company said this week.

The new recruits will provide support across all areas of the business, with a focus on supporting growth in retail sectors.

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The call for new couriers comes as the business reports significant uplifts in key logistics sectors, with "substantial" growth in key sectors and a welter of new clients.

Mark Footman, CitySprint chief operating officer, said: "It’s been another fruitful year for CitySprint, as the business has seen substantial growth in several key sectors. From winning an array of new clients, to the group acquiring London-based same day courier company, Absolutely.

“Despite a commendable 3.4 million deliveries in the past year, we want to strengthen our fleet further to ensure we can continue providing the best possible service over the busy summer months.

"We’re excited to welcome new suppliers on board, to help us deliver on these promises and stay ahead of our competitors, as the business grows.”

Ercan Bennett (pictured), a CitySprint courier who joined the company seven years ago,said: “I love the freedom of being a self-employed courier as well as the flexibility and pay schedule, which allows me to balance my work with my personal responsibilities."

The post CitySprint is on the hunt for 300 couriers appeared first on Motor Transport.

Sheffield-based Tuffnells called in joint administrators Rick Harrison and Howard Smith of Interpath Advisory on Monday (12 June) after battling against tough trading conditions, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and rocketing inflation. The IDW carrier's 2,200 employees have been told that the “majority” will lose their jobs.

Alex Jay, head of insolvency and asset recovery at law firm Stewarts, warned this week that more delivery companies could follow in Tuffnell’s footsteps.

He said: “Tuffnells’ demise is indicative of changing consumer habits driving competition in particular sectors – and proving too much in this case for Tuffnells."

"We can expect more of that, in the consumer retail sector,” he said, adding that rising interest rates could add momentum.

"It is interesting, as one might expect, to see the effect of interest rate rises driving restructurings and collapses, so we may well have yet to see the impact of that," he noted.

Jonathan Backhouse, director of transport law firm Backhouse Jones, said the haulage sector is one of the first to be hit in an economic downturn, adding that the only bright spot is that the industry’s skills shortage will make it easier for some Tuffnells employees to secure new jobs.

He told MT: “It is tragic for the staff, the suppliers and the owners but the real concern now is whether this is a one-off due to a specific set of circumstances or an early sign that the industry is beginning to struggle as a result of financial and economic issues that have arisen since the beginning of the Ukraine War. Only time will tell.”

Some companies went on line this week to offer Tuffnell employees their commiserations and to discuss the impact on the sector.

Writing on Linkedin Craig Kavanagh, ArrowXL sales director, estimates Tuffnells was shipping around one million consignments a month, to a mix of b2b and b2c customers.

The privately-owned IDW carrier, which operated under the 'The Big Green Parcel Machine' brand, had over 4,000 customers across the UK.

Kavanagh commented: “The bigger challenge starts now. Not just for the employees but for their customer base. Where is the capacity in this arena to handle an extra million consignments per month without impact on service levels?

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He added: “Perhaps that’s some of the problem for this type of traffic. It doesn’t work in the parcels carrier world at the rates retailers and consumers want to pay.

“The remaining small number of one person carriers who specialise in this sector will benefit significantly from this, revenue per consignment will now be enhanced.

“I believe we will now see an impact similar to the Covid-19 period where the larger products get squeezed out of networks to create capacity for more attractive freight.

He also warned Tuffnells customers to do their due diligence before finding a replacement carrier. “Some difficult decisions ahead for the customers impacted by this. It’s the time to choose your next delivery partner wisely.

"There is more to the cost of delivery than the headline rate. Loss, damage, impact on your call centres, negative feedback and reputational damage all need consideration.”

Hauliers also went on line this week to discuss the impact on the sector. Tony Spooner, owner of Wellingborough-based parcels and logistics firm AJS Express, said the sector is suffering from a race to the bottom on price.

He claimed that “every courier [is] under cutting other couriers with no standardisation or minimum pricing - I would bet my life there are some couriers that do some things for free to get other work”.

Michelle Blackwell, general manager at Sussex-based haulier Roberts Transport said pallet and parcel carriers should learn to decline some customers’ demands.

“What once was classed as ugly freight or oversize needs to go back to two man service and the customer needs to pay the right rates.

“Three pallet lengths of metal items weighing 1,000kg on a 18t going to private address should be going on a flat bed with grab or Moffitt. I'm pretty sure things have got to change in both sides of the delivery service soon. I hoped lessons had been learnt with the Citylink demise. So sad for the employees.”

Nigel Kime, managing director of Lincolnshire-based haulier George H Kime & Co, pointed to the impact of inflation on both the parcels and haulage sectors as key factors.

He said: “It is a very, very sad day. It’s a challenging market whether it be pallets or parcels or general haulage - so many companies thinking they can do the work for less than what we were all getting four to five years ago.

He said the current economic situation is reminiscent of the UK market following the 2008 banking crash. “It is 2008/9/10 all over again I’m afraid. I appreciate the fuel price has come down but everything else has gone up and we all know this," he said.

He pointed to the rising price of curtainsiders, tractors, forklift trucks, tyres, insurance, and repairs, as well as the demands of legislation and compliance and wage increases.

He added: “We strive to be as efficient as anyone else but there really is only so much we can do. It’s a good job we are all passionate about the road haulage industry.”

The post Tuffnells demise could be tip of iceberg, experts warn appeared first on Motor Transport.

The move follows a consultation on the DVS upgrade which found almost two thirds of freight industry respondents raised concerns about their ability to meet the launch date and the availabilty of the reqired kit, more than half criticised the lack of information on the required technical specifications and over a third feared the cost of the upgrade.

Launched in 2019 DVS aims to cut cyclist and pedestrian deaths in London involving HGVs, by making operators fit equipment - a Safe System - to minimise HGV blind spots.

TfL is now planning to make DVS rules even stricter from October 2024, with HGVs entering Greater London requiring additional safety equipment - the Progressive Safe System - or meet a three star DVS rating.

Hauliers whose trucks do not already have a three star rating have been given a three month grace period from 28 October 2024 to buy, fit and test any new safety equipment required.

However TfL has announced today (June 13) that the three month grace period could be extended, if a market readiness review finds that hauliers need more time to meet the standards. The grace period will only be offered to those operators which supply evidence showing that vehicles have an appointment with fitters to install PSS equipment.

A roundtable on the DVS held recently by MT in association with Brigade Electronics heard that there could be serious workshop and parts capacity issues as operators struggle to upgrade their vehicles.

"We estimate there are at least 211,000 vehicles with permits which will expire in October 2024 and every operator will have to reapply for a permit by showing the vehicle is rated at least three stars or has a Progressive Safe System fitted. It will be really difficult to do that in 16 months," said Mike Bennett, legislation engineer, DAF Trucks.

The review will be carried out by the London Councils Transport and Environment Committee in June 2024 ahead of the launch in October.

Referring to the grace period, TfL said: “This will be kept under review and in June 2024, London Councils Transport and Environment Committee will consider whether any further extension is needed.”

TfL's announcement follows its report, Making London’s Lorries Safer, on the findings of its consultation on the upgraded DVS critieria, which closed in April.

The report, published last week revealed that 63% of freight industry respondents raised concerns about the PSS launch date and whether the industry could purchase, fit and test the new system, given the volume of vehicles affected, by October 2024.

More than a third (35%) of freight industry respondents were concerned about the costs involved and 53% raised concerns that PSS technical specifications had not been provided, making it difficult to assess the level of equipment upgrade required.

Respondents also complained about wasted investment to date in the current Safe System and said the lack of detail undermined the consultation's validity.

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Another 44% of freight industry respondents questioned the new requirement for sensors to be fitted to articulated trailers, given cabs use multiple trailers. There was also calls for a more streamlined permit system including an on-line permit checker.

RHA and Logistics UK welcomed TfL's decision to allow a review ahead of the launch next year. In a joint statement they said: “The review is needed as significant questions remain over what the final DVS requirements will be.

“This includes the future status of kits, investments already made to ensure lorries are compliant and why potentially all existing kit will need to be replaced at potentially high costs to operators who have already invested significantly in good faith.

They slammed TfL for failing to provide this information, despite their repeated requests during the consultation on the changes, which has now closed.

They said: “Both associations are disappointed that, during the consultation process earlier this year, TfL did not release detailed technical specifications that could have resolved these issues.

“We are deeply concerned that TfL has a poor understanding of the lead-in times required, and the basis on which TfL are making decisions is not clear.”

They added: “Logistics businesses operate on very narrow margins and cannot afford to repeat these costs at a time when inflation and vehicle operating costs have risen, while also investing to meet the net-zero by 2050 deadline."

Both organisations insisted they support the move to improve vehicle safety to help cut deaths on London roads caused by lorries.

They added: “However, alongside the safe operation of vehicles within London, it is crucial that the well-being of our vital businesses are factored in.”

DVS, which was introduced in 2019 as part of London mayor Sadiq Khan's Vision Zero strategy, which aims to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries from London’s streets by 2041. DVS tackles road danger at its source by minimising HGV blind spots.

Since the introduction of DVS, fatal collisions involving HGVs and vulnerable road users, where vision was a contributory factor, have fallen by 75%.

The post Launch of stricter DVS rules could be delayed, TfL reveals appeared first on Motor Transport.

Palletforce has also announced this week that Sprint Xpress, another East Anglian haulier, has joined its network, having defected from United Pallet Network (UPN).

Snetterton-based Foulger Transport will cover central Norfolk, including Norwich and Dereham, whilst Sprint Xpress will cover NR postcodes around north and east Norfolk, including Fakenham and Great Yarmouth.

Foulger Transport, which specialises in general haulage, palletised freight and warehousing, operates a fleet of 60 vehicles and boasts a broad base of clients in the retail, manufacturing, food and pharmaceutical sectors.

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Mike Ketteringham, Foulger Transport general manager, said: “A number of other Kinaxia companies are members of Palletforce and they all talk about the collaborative approach that Palletforce fosters and its approach to quality.

“Palletforce will help provide us with the platform we need to extend network operations in the area and we look forward to leveraging the commercial opportunities that will provide.”

Sprint Xpress is a family owned company with a base next to Norwich Airport. It has operating licences for 11 trucks and six trailers.

Sarah Coulthard-Caine, Sprint Xpress depot principal, said: “The opportunity to join Palletforce was too good to miss. The network has a reputation for service prestige and we felt it was a great fit to help us take Sprint Xpress forward.

“Our major customers distribute time sensitive print and packaging products nationwide so the Palletforce network model offers reliability, efficiency and environmental benefits, alongside the confidence that the expertise of local members will ensure a premium quality service.”

David Breeze, Palletforce network development director, said: “We welcome both Foulger Transport and Sprint Xpress to Palletforce as we continue to add high quality members that focus on service excellence.

“They share our network’s collaborative approach, not only will that help them grow and develop their businesses locally but it will ensure our members’ nationwide customers will receive unrivalled service across Norfolk.”

The post Foulger becomes seventh Kinaxia firm to join Palletforce appeared first on Motor Transport.

Whistl's report, Continue to Thrive, published this week, found that cost of delivery is now top of consumers online shopping agenda (54%) rather than speed (24%), and that £5.95 is the highest price point for delivery before it has a negative impact on the ability to convert a sale.

The report, which was carried out early this year and involved a representative panel of 1,000 people in the UK, looks at the current health of the e-commerce sector.

It also provides insights into demographics, online expenditure and attitudes towards spending in 2023, as well as customer behaviour to returns, delivery, subscriptions, and social media use.

The report found that trading conditions remain highly competitive as economic pressure on household spending drives consumers to become increasingly price savvy. As the cost of living crisis continues the report also warns that online spending will drop by 3% this year.

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It also offers e-commerce retailers advice on how to target consumers and increase sales despite the economic challenges, for example by targeting households with an income over £70k, who are expected to increase spending online by 8%.

Opportunities for business growth include retail subscriptions, according to the report, pointing to research showing that 43% of the population are open to the idea. 

Almost half (47%) of consumers said they wanted discounts, whilst 39% favoured free delivery, both of which could be used to attract new customers, the report advises.

When looking at media habits, Facebook was the most frequently used social channel, the report revealed, with 61% using it daily. The most often used channel by men was YouTube and Facebook for females.

Nick Wells, Whistl executive chairman, said: “No doubt that the trading environment in the UK is challenging but it’s important that we help our e-commerce fulfilment customers navigate these times and help them to thrive. 

"Our report includes great insight into the current state of the market but most importantly profiles of what the consumer is thinking, which e-commerce retailers can use to enhance their online retail operations and grow their businesses.”

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