Category Archives: Transportation & Logistics

Consumer Services, Internet & Online, Retail, Shopping, Transportation & Logistics

Retail Results Highlight Importance Of Parcel Delivery Services, Says Parcel2Go

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Despite UK retailers feeling the pressure as consumers’ incomes continue to be squeezed and shoppers keep a tight rein on their spending, online channels are still delivering impressive results. According to online parcel delivery specialist Parcel2Go, businesses must look to capitalise on the opportunities available and encourage consumers to spend by providing a reliable service and rapid parcel delivery options.

Recent financial results from Marks & Spencer revealed a 22.8 per cent increase in e-commerce sales in the 13 weeks to March 31. That was despite a 0.7 per cent fall in like-for-like sales in the UK. Department store John Lewis also posted impressive online sales results in the week to April 14, with a 57.8 per cent year-on-year increase in sales at johnlewis.com. This followed a 39.1 per cent year-on-year increase the previous week.

According to Richard Mercer, marketing director at Parcel2Go, these latest results highlight just how important online channels have become to retailers, and should serve as a reminder that customers expect goods ordered online to arrive promptly.

He said: “As an increasing number of shoppers become comfortable with shopping over the internet, all businesses must appreciate how vital it is first of all to have an online presence, and then to ensure goods arrive with shoppers quickly and in tip-top condition.

“By calling on the services of reliable and affordable courier firms, all companies can put themselves in the best possible position to win repeat custom.”

Results of a survey released earlier this month showed that out of 2,000 online shoppers, 74 per cent had abandoned purchases because they felt the delivery charge was too high, suggesting that the issue postage rates is something else businesses trading on the internet must remain aware of.

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For further information contact:
Les Yates
Marketing Executive
Telephone: 08713 308066
Email: l.yates@parcel2go.com
Website: http://www.parcel2go.com

 

Automotive, Consumer Services, Internet & Online, Transportation & Logistics, Travel

Olympics Car Hire Advance Bookings on The Rise says Carrentals.co.uk

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Award-winning car hire specialist Carrentals.co.uk has reported high demand for rental cars ahead of the 2012 Olympic Games – and has advised people to be smart and book ahead to get a value for money deal around the Games. The website has seen a bump in the number of people booking advance car hire deals as they head to the London Olympics.

The statistics issued by Carrentals.co.uk demonstrate that up to four times as many people have reserved rental cars for the days between 20 July and 12 August this year in comparison with one year ago. 40% will be picked up from London’s Gatwick or Heathrow airport.

Most vehicles have been reserved for July 20 and 21 2012, ahead of the Olympic Games opening ceremony on July 27th. Carrentals.co.uk reports that around the Olympics the bulk of people are booking cars for 10 to 12 days, with half of bookings made registered for collection at Gatwick and Heathrow airports.

Carrentals.co.uk Managing Director, Gareth Robinson, says: “We’re definitely seeing more and more bookings ahead of this year’s Olympic Games in comparison with twelve months ago. This should go on rising too we think, with people needing to know that the various public transport resources will be under strain this summer.”

“Tickets to travel by train in the UK are pricey and there will be high demand for them, making getting around in big groups or with families quite difficult. Renting a car lets people travel at their own pace and enjoy events around the UK, not just in the capital.”

Carrentals.co.uk is the UK’s leading car rental comparison site, comparing deals from up to 50 rental companies including Alamo, Auto Europe, Budget, Holiday Autos and Sixt, in over 15,000 locations worldwide.

Media Contact
Jenny White/Verity Garber
Context
T: 01625 511966
F: 01625 511967
carrentals@contextpr.co.uk
www.contextpr.co.uk

Contact Details: Helen Young
press@asapventures.co.uk
ASAP Ventures Ltd
0844 448 1489
www.carrentals.co.uk

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Consumer Services, Internet & Online, Retail, Shopping, Transportation & Logistics

Parcel2Go Urges Companies To Take Note Of BRC Online Shopping Statistics

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An increasing number of consumers from outside the UK are going online to search for products from British firms that must now react, says Parcel2Go.

Britain’s largest online parcel delivery specialist believes businesses have an opportunity to increase the volume of goods they export to customers around the world if only they seize it. Parcel2Go currently helps businesses and individuals in the UK to send more than two million parcels to destinations around the world with courier companies every year.

Richard Mercer, marketing director at Parcel2Go, said research from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Google had revealed that during the first quarter of 2012, total search volumes from overseas consumers rose by 57 per cent year-on-year.

The BRC/Google search data showed developing countries including Mexico and Pakistan played a significant role in driving traffic to UK sites in the first quarter of the year, with year-on-year growth of 135 per cent and 101 per cent respectively.

Mr Mercer urged companies to take advantage of the fact that more and more foreign shoppers are interested in British brands and products.

He said: “The figures show this is the perfect time for companies here in Britain to capitalise on the interest being shown by foreign consumers in our goods and services. As well as having a strong online presence, businesses must make sure they are clearly offering a range of international parcel delivery options to entice foreign consumers and boost their sales.

“Parcel2Go works with the world’s leading parcel delivery companies and it’s with the help of cheap international courier businesses that firms here in the UK will be able to prosper in new overseas markets.”

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Automotive, Consumer Services, Internet & Online, Transportation & Logistics, Travel

Comparecarhire.co.uk Sources New French Car Hire Deals to Help Brits Save for Spring

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Car hire comparison site CompareCarHire.co.uk has this week sourced new deals designed to help people holidaying in France for spring save money on their car hire needs. The site has put together new offers which let users compare car hire from over 40 top providers to help get Brits the best possible value in Paris or Nice this year.

All the most famous car hire providers are reviewed to offer deals on the CompareCarHire.co.uk website, meaning site users can enjoy the best value offers from all over the web. Holidaymakers can compare the latest Paris deals for a romantic long weekend – deals presently start as low as £16 per day*.

The French Riviera is a great place to enjoy a drive around in a rental car, and the region’s public transport is somewhat limited and expensive. Picking up a rental car on arrival at Nice Airport allows the holidaymaker to start their trip immediately and head off under their own steam. CompareCarHire.co.uk is currently offering great value deals from just £16 per day**.

Andy Hemmington, spokesperson for Comparecarhire.co.uk, commented: “We’re pleased to help people save money on renting a car in France this spring, as we know that most people are still working to very tight budgets. We update deals on our site at all times to give our users regular access to the very latest and best value deals.”

CompareCarHire.co.uk is one of the leading car hire comparison websites in the UK, allowing users to compare car hire prices for over 40 suppliers in 15,000 locations worldwide including Spain, Portugal, the USA and Greece, with pick up locations at all local airports and city centres.

To check the latest deals visit www.comparecarhire.co.uk.

*Price correct for rental collected from Paris CDG Airport on April 27th, returned April 30th 2012, subject to change.
**Price correct for rental collected from Nice Airport on April 27th, returned April 30th 2012, subject to change.

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Automotive, Consumer Services, Internet & Online, Transportation & Logistics, Travel

New eRentals.co.uk Deals Help Tourists Enjoy Cheap South Africa Car Hire This Spring

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A family holiday exploring and enjoying the sights and scenery of South Africa can be done on a budget this spring thanks to new cheap car hire offers introduced on specialist website eRentals.co.uk. Travellers can look forward to getting out and about around places like Johannesburg, Durban or Cape Town without spending a fortune this year.

Being in the same time zone as the UK has helped to make South Africa a very popular destination with tourists from Britain, and people who want to get the most for their money while there can save with eRentals.co.uk. Car hire for a week or more need not cost the earth this spring thanks to the website offering bargain deals from all the top providers.

Many tourists choose to book a flight into Johannesburg and use the city as a base to see the sights and nearby tourist attractions. Renting a car gives the traveller the freedom to see the area under their own steam, and this spring eRentals.co.uk has new Johannesburg deals available starting as low as £14 per day.*

Briony Fairbairn, spokesperson for eRentals.co.uk, commented: “Our site users trust us to get them the very best value rental deals around, and this spring we can help people explore South Africa without spending the earth. We’re delighted to help people save money on holidays in places like Johannesburg, Durban or Cape Town this year.”

To compare the best car hire deals visit www.erentals.co.uk.

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Consumer Services, Internet & Online, Transportation & Logistics

Plan Parcel Delivery Needs And Don’t Get Caught Out By London 2012, Says Parcel2Go

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The UK’s largest online parcel delivery specialist has warned individuals and businesses not to get caught out by the inevitable disruption set to be caused by the London 2012 Olympics this summer.

The Olympic Games will take place at sports arenas across the United Kingdom between July 27 and August 12 this year, with the majority of events happening in London. Unsurprisingly, the anticipated influx of visitors to London will have a significant impact on the capital’s transport network and may also lead to disruption at Olympic sites across Britain.

Organisers of the Games have already told businesses that road closures and parking restrictions will impact on parcel deliveries and collections. The UK’s leading courier companies such as City Link, FedEx and TNT are all working to find ways to minimise the inevitable disruption to customers and are liaising with organisers as part of their attempts to provide reliable services during the Games.

Parcel2Go’s marketing director Richard Mercer said: “The London 2012 Olympics will be a huge international event and understandably the sheer volume of people set to descend on the capital and other UK cities will cause disruption and delays. Courier companies are working hard to formulate plans to counter the effect of road closures and parking restrictions, and have pledged to keep customers informed via Olympic delivery information pages.

“Parcel2Go is calling on people to plan ahead as much as possible and make parcel recipients aware of the situation. For now, the best thing is to keep regularly checking couriers’ websites for updates on how the Games is likely to affect day-to-day operations.”

The parcel tracking services available online through Parcel2Go play a vital role in helping individuals and businesses to remain aware of where their consignments are, and when they are likely to arrive. During the Olympics, these services are expected to be key in assisting customers to stay informed and up-to-date.

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Business, Industrial, Technology, Transportation & Logistics

Mettler-Toledo eyes bigger pie in Indian automation market Targeting Transport & Logistics Industry

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Mumbai, 11th April, 2012: Mettler-Toledo India, a wholly subsidiary of Mettler-Toledo Inc (NYSE: MTD), announced that it would accelerate its expansion in India with its latest technologies and series of new product launches in India to target bigger slice of Indian automation market catering to the transport and logistics industry.  METTLER TOLEDO has over 25 years of experience in providing solutions to the Transport and Logistics Industry and acts as a consultant for optimizing terminal productivity. It has the expertise to know exactly which solution will have the greatest impact on any operation.  It is focused on delivering high quality solutions that ensure customers meet their goals of operational efficiency, revenue recovery and space optimization.

 

Mettler-Toledo India offers complete automation in Indian transport and logistics industry with the following procedural automation steps alligned with its complete in-motion data capture sulution – TLX MultiCapture™, designed to target the Indian transport and logistics industry –

1. Implement an Efficient Identification Method

The first step is deciding how to identify the items you handle. Your decision will depend on how much information you want a label to carry. Matrix labels contain more data than barcodes but require camera scanning, which is often a larger investment. RFID may be the future of identification but is only an option in an extremely organized flow. Decide at what stage labelling should be done. The leaner you want your process to be the earlier labelling should be done.

 

2. Decide on Operational Flow

To optimize operational flow, consider throughput and the items to be conveyed. The distance that an object must travel will determine what type of solution you need. If long conveyor lines are needed, automatic data capture is most appropriate, if you operate in a small warehouse environment, with goods moving over less distance, static measuring may be the best option. Independent of flow, strive to capture data within the same area, in as few operations as possible.

3. Decide on Necessary Data

The more data captured, the better control you have. However, not everything needs to be done in one step. First, identify the specific challenges in your operation and the data that is essential for efficient operation. If insufficient time for measurement is a key issue, then automatic dimensioning and identification will be a fundamental step in your process. If miss-sorts and conveyor jams affect you, you should consider a solution that offers parcel positioning.

4. Establish a Procedure for Handling Rejects

On a fully automated line, there will be a certain number of no-reads and there are different ways of dealing with them. Your system can be configured to stop for human intervention if a label is un-readable. A reject line can be set up to allow all un-readable items to be diverted. If speed is your priority, you may decide to let the no-reads pass through, but do all you can to make sure you have equipment employed that offers the highest possible read rate.

5. Final Layout and Infrastructure

Based on your chosen data capture method, supporting IT infrastructure should be selected. It is recommended that customer data be stored in a certified database. Dynamic systems are often slowed down by the slow response of a computer host system; make sure that you spend enough time and effort on building up an adequate IT resource.

 

Mettler-Toledo India also confirmed its active participation in India Warehousing Show 2012  from 26th – 28th April, 2012 to showcase its latest technologies and products designed for transport and logistics industry in India. As a key sponsor of the event, Mettler-Toledo will be at the Booth No – A39 exhibiting the TLX MulticaptureTM dimensioning, weighing and scanning solution with conveyors and labelling system from FB Automazione.

 

“The transport and logistics industry in India is growing fast. Such growth requires reliable partners in automation. We can offer complete, turn-key solutions for automating the measuring process, improving overall handling and securing the revenue of our customers.” said Olav Stadaas, Managing Director of Mettler-Toledo Cargoscan. “Automation can be done step-by-step. Our goal is to find the level that is right for each customer’s operational requirement and budget. At our booth, we will demonstrate how to take those first steps towards automation, be it by improving the labeling of packages, the transportation of items through the terminal or by automating the measuring process.”

 

Address of Mettler-Toledo India in the India Warehousing Show 2012:

 

India Expo Centre, Hall 1,

Booth No: A39,

Expo Drive, A 11, Sec – 62

Noida, 201301 N.H. 24

N.C.R. Delhi India

 

Mettler-Toledo has also come up with a very attractive offer which can give you an opportunity to win an iPAD. If you register to visit the booth of Mettler-Toledo in the India Warehousing Show 2012, you will be entered into the prize draw to win a new iPad 2. For registration, please visit :

http://in.mt.com/in/en/home/events/fairs/IndiaWarehousingShow2012.html

 

About Mettler-Toledo :

Mettler-Toledo is the leading global supplier of weighing instruments and has the broadest range of dimensioning, weighing and identification solutions for the transport and logistics industry.  Our customer portfolio boasts some of the biggest names in the Express, Air Cargo, Freight Forwarding and Warehousing businesses. Having worked with transport and logistics companies worldwide for over 25 years, we have the expertise to know exactly which solution will have the greatest impact on our customers’ operations.  We are focused on delivering high quality solutions that ensure our customers meet their goals of operational efficiency, revenue recovery and space optimization.

About the TLX MultiCapture™ :

The TLX MultiCapture™ is a complete, in-motion data capture solution, designed to be integrated into parcel handling conveyor systems. The beauty of the TLX is that it can do almost anything. Handling everything from small flats to large, irregular shaped parcels, the TLX provides a complete data profile with dimensions, weight and identification on almost any object.  Easily integrated into a sorting environment, the TLX is the heart of your operation. Verify dimensions and weight for invoicing, build a full data profile for correct sorting and tracking and optimize inventory control.  With all components fully approved according to industry standards, the TLX offers full data integrity with proven laser range finder technology.

 

For more details, contact:

Sanjiv Arora
sanjiv@deeshapr.com
+91-22-32713357
Deesha Communications
http://www.deeshapr.com

Automotive, Consumer Services, Internet & Online, Transportation & Logistics, Travel

Carrentals.co.uk ‘Book & Donate’ Day Raises in Excess of £5K for StreetSmart

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The latest ‘Book & Donate’ day – where car hire comparison website Carrentals.co.uk donates money to leading UK homeless charity StreetSmart – has helped to raise over £5000 for the leading charity. Carrentals.co.uk customers have contributed to raising a grand total of £5,662 to help Streetsmart fund education, training, health and housing projects for over 90 homeless charities in 19 UK cities.

In addition to the fundraising ‘Book & Donate’ day Carrentals.co.uk hosted a pre-Christmas fundraising drive named the ‘12 days of Christmas’. This campaign raised £700 prize money for Streetsmart, which when added to the ‘Book & Donate’ total of £2,131 – and matched by the UK government – contributed to a total Streetsmart donation of £5,662.

Gareth Robinson, Managing Director of Carrentals.co.uk, says: “We’re both pleased and proud at home this campaign has turned out, and we’re delighted to help StreetSmart out in performing its very valuable work.”

“Between the recent ‘Book & Donate’ day and our 12 Days of Christmas campaign we raised a great amount – which was then supported by the UK government – to give Streetsmart a great total. We extend our thanks to all our customers for helping raise money for such a worthwhile cause.”

StreetSmart runs charity drives every November and December and works in partnership with leading UK restaurants including Nobu, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. Each restaurant adds one pound to bill totals to generate additional funds for StreetSmart’s great work.

Glenn Pougnet, Director of StreetSmart, commented: “It is great to hear that Carrentals.co.uk has made such a fine amount through its Book & Donate day. We look forward to receiving such a great amount of money which can contribute towards the projects we run in support of the country’s homeless.”

Carrentals.co.uk is the UK’s leading car rental comparison site, comparing deals from up to 50 rental companies including Alamo, Auto Europe, Budget, Holiday Autos and Sixt, in over 15,000 locations worldwide including Spain, Portugal and Greece. Deals on show at present for summer include Majorca car hire plus great deals in the likes of Faro and Crete.

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Consumer Services, Internet & Online, Small Business, Transportation & Logistics

Parcel2Go Backs Government Call For SMEs To Break Into New Overseas Markets

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A call by the government’s trade and investment minister Lord Green for more small businesses in Britain to attempt to break into new markets overseas has been backed by the UK’s largest online parcel delivery service.

Parcel2Go, which assists individuals and businesses in shipping more than two million packages across the globe with world courier firms every year, believes there are significant opportunities waiting for forward-thinking companies.

During a recent appearance in Gateshead, the minister said small businesses sending their products overseas were at the heart of the government’s plans to grow the economy. Lord Green said that while the domestic market continued to grow slowly, opportunities were going to come from overseas. He also stressed the importance of looking to new markets outside of the eurozone, such as Asia, the Middle East and the United States.

Parcel2Go’s marketing director Richard Mercer said: “Small businesses are certainly central to the economic recovery, and Lord Green is correct in highlighting the importance of overseas markets to businesses in the UK. There are opportunities out there and at Parcel2Go we want to help as many companies as possible beat the downturn and explore avenues for growth further afield.

“It is understandable that small firms especially might be hesitant about attempting to build new customer bases in countries a considerable distance from Britain. However, with the help of partners such as Parcel2Go, which can help take the hassle out of shipping goods abroad, it is possible for these firms to flourish overseas.”

Parcel2Go works with some of the world’s leading parcel delivery couriers, including Parcelforce, City Link and FedEx, to organise the delivery of parcels to countries across the globe, from Australia to Cyprus. International delivery services to fast-growing economies including Brazil, South Africa and China are also available through the website.

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Automotive, Consumer Services, Internet & Online, Transportation & Logistics, Travel

Latest Cheap Comparecarhire.co.uk Prices Offer Savings on Orlando Car Hire for Spring

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Comparecarhire.co.uk, the website which helps travellers source cheap rental deals from over 40 leading suppliers, has this week introduced new deals on its site to get families great value for money in Florida. The specialist comparator is now home to new cheap car hire deals at both Sanford and Orlando airports.

Tourists and travellers use the Comparecarhire.co.uk service to save money at dozens of leading name providers. The Comparecarhire.co.uk website is the place to go this spring to compare the very latest car hire Orlando prices from which they can source the perfect rental car at the right price for their spring holiday.

Florida offers tourists some of most fun places to drive to in all of the USA, with a family holiday in Orlando including trips to places like Universal Studios, Disney World and many other tourist attractions. The new choice of Comparecarhire.co.uk Sanford Airport deals are perfect for helping families get more rental car for their money when holidaying in Orlando this spring.

Andy Hemmington, spokesperson for Comparecarhire.co.uk, comments: “UK families do love a trip to Orlando, but we appreciate that Mums and Dads are still working to restricted budgets. Thanks to the new deals we have sourced and made available this week people can enjoy great value rentals from Orlando and Sanford Airport this spring.”

Comparecarhire.co.uk is one of the leading car hire comparison websites in the UK, allowing users to compare car hire prices for over 40 suppliers in 15,000 locations worldwide including Spain, Portugal, the USA and Greece, with pick up locations at all local airports and city centres.

To check the latest deals visit www.comparecarhire.co.uk.

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