NEWS AND ARTICLES
Samantha Celebrates 10 Years
This week Uniserve Group's Samantha Rankine will be celebrating a major milestone after serving the company loyally for the past 10 years. In July 2008, Samantha joined our award winning airfreight import department where she looks after key accounts amongst her...
Last Call for EU Customs Deal?
According to various reports this week, the EU's initial response to the 'chequers agreement' has been a polite decline of the concept, in what may be the last chance for a simplified customs deal between the UK and Europe. It has also been reported that Teresa May...
Career Opportunities with Job Feed
Our revamped careers page now includes an automated live job feed, which means would-be candidates are now able to apply for positions directly from our site. Only the most recent roles are advertised right now, but going forward new positions will be viewable on our...
Felixstowe Delays May Continue
We reported last month that the introduction of a new operating system at Felixstowe was reported to be causing delays at the port. The most recent news appears to suggest that there is no immediate end in sight to the issues. The disruption, which is often resulting...
First Learners Start SCM Degree
This week has been very exciting for Uniserve Group, as the first round of learners have started the much sought after Supply Chain Leadership Professional Degree Apprenticeship. The learners were enrolled after the standard for the degree was approved by the...
EU & US Retaliate on Duty Tariffs
The EU and the US appear to be in the middle of a trade spat after both parties have been retaliating to duty increases from the other. Last week the EU launched counter tariffs against US Exports after US President Donald Trump imposed steep duties on steel and...
15 Years And Counting For Adam
This week Uniserve Group's Adam Entwistle will be celebrating a major milestone after serving the company impeccably for the past 15 years. Adam joined our team as an Import Operator on 23rd June 2003, and has deservedly worked his way up to become Senior Airfreight...
101 Ovations
Uniserve Group will be holding a family fun day as a thank you to all of our long-serving team members on 1st July 2018. The event, which will celebrate the achievements of 101 of our loyal employees, is being held for everyone who has completed 10 years of service or...
New System Delays Felixstowe
A new operating system at Felixstowe is reportedly responsible for current delays at the port, as drivers face queues to collect and deliver containers. Turnaround times on the quay have been ranging from 15 minutes up to 12 hours, despite claims on local radio of one...
Chinese Truckers Stage Strike
Truck-drivers and haulage contractors across China staged a nationwide strike at the weekend to protest over low fees and rising fuel prices. The strike was called via an anonymous social media post, which called for 30 million truckers across the country to refuse...
China Waste Ban Impacts Asia
China's recent ban on plastic waste imports is beginning to impact countries around Asia, as scrap is being diverted to other destinations. The knock-on effect is particularly hitting South-east Asian countries, such as Malaysia and Vietnam. Although the general...
World Oceans Day
As one of leading global ocean freight providers, Uniserve Group would like to raise awareness and support for World Ocean's Day, Friday 8th June. An estimated 12.7 million tonnes of plastic – including plastic bottles, bags and packaging – end up in our oceans each...
Join Our World Cup Predictor
Uniserve have launched our World Cup predictor game and its available for any customers, suppliers, staff, partners, friends or followers of Uniserve Group companies. Do you rate your footballing knowledge? Rate your ability to predict outcomes? Fancy your chances of...
Heathrow Team On The Move
In order to support ongoing success and development, Uniserve Group's Heathrow team have now completed their move from Slough to Feltham, and we are pleased to confirm they are now fully operational in their new facilities. As well as housing their London Heathrow...
Supply Chain Infographic
Uniserve Group are pleased to share another logistics infographic, as we continue to develop a series of easy to read educational documents for the industry. This logistics infographic explains and demonstrates how a theoretical supply chain looks. This logistics...
Meet The SCA Faculty
Welcome to the tenth in our popular series of podcasts, where we regularly talk ‘all things supply chain’ with industry experts and leaders, including our very own faculty members. The podcast included Jeremy Johnson, Procurement & Supply Chain Specialist...
Brazil Impacted by Strikes
Truckers in Brazil have been on strike for the past week, which has resulted in major disruption to logistics within the country. While reports suggest that an agreement between hauliers and the Brazilian government was reached yesterday, which could stop the protests...
Uniserve Duo Celebrate 10 Years
Two loyal Uniserve Group employees are celebrating major anniversaries this week, with both serving the company admirably for the past 10 years. Deborah Tomlinson joined our Shenstone team as a European Operator on 22nd May 2008 and according to colleague James Jones...
UK Network Manager Appointed
Uniserve are pleased to confirm another appointment in what has become an exciting week for the group. Rupert Kay has joined us as UK Transport Network Manager and will be working with our logistics teams to maximise the effectiveness of our distribution network....
Innovation And Productivity
Welcome to the ninth in our popular series of podcasts, where we regularly talk ‘all things supply chain’ with industry experts and leaders, including our very own faculty members. The podcast included Professor Tazeeb Rajwani, Head of Executive Education at the...
Uniserve Appoint New Group COO
Uniserve are delighted to confirm the recent appointment of Kim Overman as their new Group Chief Operating Officer. The new position has been created to support the ongoing growth and build on the success of the UK’s largest independent logistics and global trade...
Bath Rugby – Our First Season
The first season, that Uniserve have officially partnered with Bath Rugby as sponsors, has just drawn to a dramatic close. So, following on from our mid season article (December), here's our review of the second half. When we last updated you, Bath were progressing...
Fog Delays China Ports
Recent fog and high winds have resulted in disruption to port operations at the Chinese ports of Shanghai, Ningbo and Qingdao. While operations are back to normal, a backlog has been caused by the adverse weather and is expected to continue for a few more days. The...
Brexit – Is UK Business Prepared?
Recent reports in the Lloyds Loading List, suggest that more than a third (36%) of UK traders are not yet preparing for post Brexit customs procedures, even though most rely heavily on just-in-time delivery of their import and export products. The survey, of over 800...
Accelerate Innovation: Why Smart Executives Fail
Welcome to the eighth in our popular series of podcasts, where we regularly talk ‘all things supply chain’ with industry experts and leaders, including our very own faculty members. The podcast included Adjunct Professor Viren Lall, Managing Director of Change School,...
Government’s Customs Union Stance
Ahead of a symbolic vote, the UK government has this week reiterated its commitment to leaving the EU's customs union, after last week suffering defeat on the EU Withdrawal Bill. Prime Minister May, whilst on a visit to the West Midlands, said leaving the customs...
The Need For Supply Chain Education
Welcome to the seventh in our popular series of podcasts, where we regularly talk ‘all things supply chain’ with industry experts and leaders, including our very own faculty members. Hosted by Supply Chain Academy (SCA) Director, Alex Mortimer, we continue the series...
Global Shipping Make Climate Deal
The global shipping industry made a historic decision recently, as they agreed to cut their emissions of greenhouse gases, after holding talks in London at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The deal will reduce emissions by 50% by 2050 compared to 2008...
China Air Market to Rival US?
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) have reportedly predicted that China will overtake America as the world's biggest aviation market in the next four to five years. The ambition being shown by China is evident in the plans for Beijing's newest airport...
Trump Spat Delaying COSCO Takeover?
Recent suggestions have indicated that the current spat between Donald Trump and China may be having an affect on COSCO Shipping's takeover of fellow steamship line - OOCL. The Chinese state-owned shipping line had moved closer to incorporating the publicly-owned Hong...
New UniOcean Schedule Released
The latest instalment of the UniOcean Lines Asian Service Directory has just been released, which includes all inbound and outbound loops and services currently available in the trade. In total, the in-depth schedule offers all 19 Asian origin loops, that are...
Latest Trends in British Manufacturing
Welcome to the sixth in our popular series of podcasts, where we regularly talk ‘all things supply chain’ with industry experts and leaders, including our very own faculty members. Hosted by Supply Chain Academy (SCA) Director, Alex Mortimer, we continue the series by...
Global Holiday News
Did you know Friday 6th April is/was a public holiday for Ching Ming Festival in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan? Or that it is also a holiday in Thailand for Chakri day? Uniserve have just published a new page on this website which highlights the national holidays in...
2018 Carrier Alliance Infographic
Since Uniserve first released our Ocean Carrier Alliance infographic last year, we have had another twelve months of change, culminating in the merging of the Japanese carriers into ONE. With this in mind Uniserve have prepared our 2018 version of the popular easy to...
Uniserve Staff Help For Heroes
Uniserve Group staff raised almost £400.00 to support the Help for Heroes charity last week by arranging an Easter raffle during a sponsored dress down day. The money donated will support Help For Heroes so that they are able to offer comprehensive support to those...
Best Practice in Global Trade
Welcome to the fifth in our popular series of podcasts, where we are regularly talking ‘all things supply chain’ with industry experts and leaders, including our very own faculty members. Hosted by Supply Chain Academy (SCA) Director, Alex Mortimer, we continue the...
Final Weekend For Bath Rugby
Uniserve Group are looking forward to a major rugby match this Easter weekend, as Bath take on Exeter Chiefs in the final of the Anglo Welsh Cup Final. The two West Country rivals lock horns on Good Friday, and as proud sponsors of Bath Rugby we are hoping the boys...
New Trends in Supply Chain
Welcome to the fourth in our popular series of podcasts, where we are regularly talking ‘all things supply chain’ with industry experts and leaders, including our very own faculty members. Hosted by Supply Chain Academy (SCA) Director, Alex Mortimer, we continue the...
New Supply Chain Event
Uniserve Group member, the Supply Chain Academy, have confirmed two new thought leadership events this week that are focused around innovation in the supply chain. The first of these events, being held in May at the IOD's prestigious Pall Mall headquarters, is aimed...
A View of the UK from China
Welcome to the third in our popular series of podcasts, where we will be regularly talking ‘all things supply chain’ with industry experts and leaders, including our very own faculty members. Hosted by Supply Chain Academy (SCA) Director, Alex Mortimer, we continue...
An Evening with Blackadder & Co
Bath Rugby recently hosted a Uniserve Group event at their prestigious Farleigh House training headquarters, which was attended by staff, customers and a number of their own familiar personalities. Speaking at the dinner were Bath's Director of Business Development...
The Old Man and The Sea
Further to the milestone we brought you earlier this week, the marketing team have learnt of another important anniversary, this time for Uniserve Group's Seafreight Director - Steve Ireland. In the week that Steve started with Uniserve, the Beatles were in the...
New Development for Tilbury Port
P&O Ferries announced this week that a £150m river berth is to be built for ferries sailing between the UK and mainland Europe. The plans for the Thames berth are at Tilbury, where P&O currently run a ferry service between the port and Zeebrugge. This development will...
Ten and Counting for Scott
Consolidation man, Scott Arnott, celebrated a major milestone in his Uniserve career last week, after completing 10 years with our award winning ocean freight team in Tilbury. When Scott joined us, back in February 2008, Amy Winehouse was in the music charts with...
Innovation and Productivity
Uniserve Group member - the Supply Chain Academy - have just launched their second in the already popular series of podcasts, where they are regularly now talking ‘all things supply chain’ with industry experts and leaders, including their own faculty members. Hosted...
Social Media & Uniserve Group
As some of you will be aware, we have recently stepped up our efforts to ensure industry, company and global news is circulated regularly through our social media channels. Social media provides the opportunity for sharing more content easily and also offers a more...
Bangladesh Security Ban Lifted
The UK government has withdrawn the ban on Dhaka-London direct air cargo, which had been imposed due to poor security at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The announcement was made recently at a press conference jointly organised by the UK High Commission in...
Uniserve Confirm SCM Degree
Uniserve Group are very proud to announce that the Degree Apprenticeship in supply chain leadership has now been approved by the 'Institute for Apprenticeships', and will be deliverable by the middle of this year. Uniserve, supported by the Supply Chain Academy and...
Orchestrating Competitive Advantage
Uniserve Group member - the Supply Chain Academy - have just launched their first in a new series of podcasts, where they will be regularly talking ‘all things supply chain’ with industry experts and leaders, including their own faculty members. Hosted by Supply Chain...
Group MD Discovers Falklands Rose
During a recent trip to Buenos Aires, Uniserve Group Managing Director Iain Liddell, and wife Fiona, were amongst the first to handle one of the roses of peace crafted by famous Argentine goldsmith - Juan Carlos Pallarols. Juan Carlos is known for crafting the...
Asian Holiday Dates By Country
As we approach the Chinese New Year period once more, and as factories across Asia are expediting products prior to national close downs, now seems a good time to share the public holidays throughout the region. Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival in...
Be Lucky This Chinese New Year
With Chinese New Year upon us, tradition will see many of Asia's people considering their chances of a prosperous year ahead, and maximising the chance of one that is full of good fortune. This year's Spring Festival begins Friday, when the current Year of the Rooster...
Asia Market Outlook – Ocean
Varying reports in the media this month are suggesting a levelling out of rates may occur during 2018 for ocean freight from Asia. We have summarised some of the observations being reported. The capacity outlook had previously revealed an industry facing an...
Approved Apprenticeship Provider
Uniserve Group had some exciting news this week when it was confirmed that CP Training Services – the training and qualifications arm of our Supply Chain Academy - have now been approved as an apprenticeship training provider. The Education and Skills Funding Agency...
Supply Chain Offer for Customers
Uniserve Group customers and friends are able to benefit from an exclusive 30% discount on a brand new course from the Supply Chain Academy, held in partnership with the University of Essex. This is a great opportunity to secure one of the last remaining places on...
Asia Market Outlook – Airfreight
A number of reports this month are suggesting that recent high airfreight rates from Asia could be maintained, or even continue to rise for the foreseeable future. Space has been at a premium over recent months, which has resulted in a sharp increase in costs....
China E-commerce Drives Airfreight
Airfreight volumes to China are continuing to be driven by the demand of the e-commerce market, which was reflected in the growth of Uniserve's air export volumes during 2017. China continues to be the world's largest and fastest growing e-commerce market, with its...
Alex Joins IOD Committee Board
Uniserve Director Alex Mortimer was recently elected to serve on the Institute of Directors (IOD) committee board, representing the Essex and Herts region. With a membership of over 30,000 leaders, the IoD is British business’s leading voice and campaigner on a vast...
The Ocean Carrier Merry-go-round
During the past few years, in the often manic world of container shipping, we have witnessed a major transformation of carrier alliances and steamship line businesses, which appear to be showing signs of a return to order during 2018. We've witnessed a major carrier...
Brexit May Mean VAT Upfront
Tens of thousands of UK businesses could be forced to pay VAT upfront post Brexit, on goods imported from Europe, in controversial new legislation being considered by MP’s on Monday. The chair of the Treasury select committee has urged MP’s to investigate the matter...
Uniserve EGDC Website Relaunched
A new year and an updated website has been launched by our Singapore based business - Uniserve EGDC. Uniserve EGDC (Express Global Distribution Centre) was established in 2013 to facilitate our Group’s natural organic growth and directly support our customers to grow...
ONE Line Gearing For Launch
ONE Line (Ocean Network Express) are gearing up for their official April launch with a recent order of new containers and a new website. The newly branded shipping line, being created by the merging of the three major Japanese carriers K-Line, NYK and MOL, have...
Merry Christmas from Heathrow
As we prepare to lock down for the festive season, and with only three sleeps to go until the big day, our guys at Uniserve Heathrow are mid way through their annual Christmas jumper day. We brought you the Christmas jumper pictures from Tilbury earlier in the week...
Bath Rugby – Season So Far
This is the first time that Uniserve have officially partnered with Bath Rugby as sponsors, so with the season almost half complete, and only a few sleeps until Christmas, what better time to have a mid term review of how the team are doing. European Champions Cup...
Our Holiday Opening Hours
Please be advised of our Christmas and New Year opening hours. Merry Christmas to all of our friends and colleagues from everyone at Uniserve. We are very much looking forward to another successful year together in 2018. Please follow us on social media. PLEASE FOLLOW...
And All For A Good Cause
The Christmas spirit was on display at our Tilbury Super DC last Friday, when members of the Uniserve team turned up for work dressed-to-impress in support of charity. Dressed in christmas jumpers, shirts and dresses for the day, our boys and girls made Santa's nice...
Lewis Hamilton Makes Podium
Formula One World Champion - Lewis Hamilton - was recently pictured on an 'All-British Winners Podium' that also included Uniserve's Iain Liddell (centre) and Darren Baker (left). Our guys recently met with Lewis at an exclusive gathering in the City of London, which...
Uniserve Sponsor The Big Match
Uniserve have recently confirmed their third time sponsorship of the Fence Club's bi-annual charity football match, which is being held in Hong Kong in January. The event pits a team of 11 Toy Importers against a Hong Kong Club Select XI and is being sponsored by...
China Cuts Import Duties
China announced a new round of cuts to their import duties recently, which include products such as foods, pharmaceuticals, health supplements and clothing. The finance ministry’s announcement came very close to Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, where copious...
SKU Join Uniserve Group
Uniserve recently welcomed a new member to the Group after acquiring a 50% share holding in the SKU Logistics. Southern based SKU Logistics currently provide retail led fulfilment and e-commerce online operations from three locations around the M3/M4 corridor. In...
New Man for One World
As part of our continuing development of the exclusive highly sophisticated One World global operating platform, Uniserve have employed the services of retail expert Paul Miller. Paul connects with the team after previously spending 13 years in senior supply chain and...
Award for Hunter & Gather
Uniserve customer Hunter & Gather Foods have been celebrating recently, after winning a sought after industry award in a ceremony hosted by 'Food Matters Live' at London’s ExCeL last week. Hunter & Gather won the main event, the prestigious Innovative...
Plastic and Our Oceans
Liz Watson – Sustainability Project Leader – at Comply Direct (a Uniserve Group partner company) – recently posted the following article on their website, and it makes very interesting reading. Comply Direct offer a host of compliance services, now in their 11th year...
Zenith and the Chocolate Factory
Last week saw a 'magic moment' for Group partners Zenith, as the first delivery for a new trailer unit was made to the village of Rode, near Bath, home of chocolate retailers - Choconchoc. The Somerset based confectioners, who specialise in luxury hand made British...
New Futuristic Electric Truck
Electric carmaker Tesla unveiled a sleek futuristic electric truck prototype at its design studio in California yesterday, which has been making headlines through global media channels today. The truck will offer 400 miles of range with just a 30-minute charge from a...
Seasonal Demand on Asia Airfreight
The current demand for airfreight shipments from a number of key locations across Asia, including Hong Kong and mainland China, has resulted in a shortage of space, and in some cases a sharp increase in freight costs over recent weeks. An increase in demand leading up...
The Choice for Retail Customers
Uniserve Group recently transferred the entire fulfilment operation for high street and online fashion brand - Blue Inc - to our Tilbury DC, in under 48 hours. The move, completed over one weekend, was in itself an incredible team achievement, but it signified a more...
New Look Insights Website
Uniserve Group member Customs Insights have a new look and feel to their website this month and will be venturing into the world of social media to keep us up to date with customs Brexit developments and new legislations. Customs Insights Managing Director Terry Clear...
Leading Apprenticeship Change
Uniserve Group and the Supply Chain Academy are leading the drive to change the government’s approach to supply chain apprenticeships and to enable business to spend their apprenticeship levy on a single unified methodology for developing carrier paths in our sector....
Hijacked Ship Cost Ruling
In a landmark decision last week, the US Supreme Court upheld an original ruling that ‘General Average’ should apply to costs incurred when ships are hijacked by pirates. The dispute relates to the vessel ‘Longchamp’, a petroleum gas carrier, that was taken by Somali...
Academy Partners University of Essex
The Supply Chain Academy has this week confirmed a new partnership arrangement with the University of Essex, which will include the development and delivery of a unique new programme designed for supply chain leaders and their teams. Working in partnership, the Supply...
Felixstowe Rail Scheme Approved
A new £60m scheme to improve rail links from the Port of Felixstowe has been given the green light by UK Transport Minister - Chris Grayling. The multi-million pound scheme will dual part of the Felixstowe-Ipswich branch line to increase its rail freight cargo...
Storms Damage Port Infrastucture
Extreme storms in South Africa last week have caused major damage to the port of Durban and its infrastructure, which have inevitably resulted in carriers adjusting schedules. According to the Transnet Ports Authority it is still too early to assess the full extent of...
Graduate Lands In Singapore
Uniserve Group Graduate Management Trainee - Lauren Liddell - has entered the last leg of her 15 month induction program, after touching down in Singapore last month to start her 3 month overseas placement. The scheme has been extremely successful over recent years,...
Diwali, Festival of Lights
We are fast approaching the Diwali (or Deepavali) festival season, which will mean a public holiday in some Uniserve Group global locations during the next week. Diwali is otherwise known as the festival of lights, and is celebrated every year by the Hindu religion...
Major Brexit Event Success
In conjunction with the IOD (Institute of Directors), the Supply Chain Academy hosted a major Brexit focused dinner last week, which was enthusiastically attended by numerous UK supply chain leaders and experts. Speaking at the major industry event was Uniserve Group...
Largest Container Ship Race
Owning the world's largest container ship has been a sought after accolade for many years, and the universally accepted measure of this is the maximum number of TEU's (Twenty Foot Equivalent Units) that the vessel can carry. The past 12 months have seen the prize...
China Crackdown Affecting Waste
Recent factory closures and stricter import controls on waste paper and plastics, driven by China’s Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP), are believed to be having a detrimental impact on the waste product industry. China has recently been taking radical steps...
Luck of the Ireland
Uniserve Seafreight Director Steve Ireland, is gaining a reputation as a major trophy magnet when it comes to awards, as the Lloyds List Global Awards 'Containership Operator of the Year' was presented to APL last week. Steve was a guest at APL's table during the...
Moving Floors Join Fleet
Uniserve Group's technologically advanced fleet received some exciting additions recently when group member Zenith Logistics took delivery of five new ‘Legras’ 13.5m tri-axle moving-floor trailers. The new equipment will be largely servicing a newly secured wood-chip...
China Factory Closures
Factories throughout China are preparing for shut down during the country’s National Holiday next week, but many have already been forced to close by government officials enforcing anti-pollution regulations. Northern China has seen thousands of businesses shut down...
Miss Brexit Presents at Academy
Renowned Brexit expert, Allie Renison from the Institute of Directors (IoD,) will speak with business leaders at a thought leadership dinner to be held at the Supply Chain Academy’s Headquarters, Upminster Court on Thursday 5 October. Allie Renison, fondly known as...
Uniserve Sponsor Bath Rugby
The UK’s leading international logistics and supply chain management company, Uniserve, have teamed up with Bath Rugby in a sponsorship agreement to coincide with the new 2017-18 season. The multi award-winning, global British business will feature on the back of the...
Bangladesh Delays Continue
Delays from Bangladesh are set to continue with an increase in backlogs since work stopped during Eid al-Adha (The Sacrifice Feast). Congestion at Chittagong port has heightened considerably in recent months, with the average time in port for vessels rising to almost...
Port Update Post Irma
Hurricane Irma ranked as one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record, wreaking havoc across the US South Eastern States and The Caribbean. While there may be some delays to logistics in the region, the major US ports and airports are all expected to be back...
Uniserve Avoid Turkish Delays
Recent track subsidence on German railway lines has wreaked havoc with some logistics routes from Southern Europe and Turkey into the UK. The majority of intermodal services utilise the ro-ro ferry service from Istanbul to Trieste (Italy), before transferring to a...
Providing a Noble Service
Energetic, Honest, Passionate, Loyal, Hardworking, these are all words that could easily be associated with the one and only Uniserve team. However, they are also words that describe one of our well known recent customers; West Ham captain Mark Noble. We were recently...
US Storm Update
Ports in and around Houston have reopened in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, despite ongoing reports of flooding and damage to roads and rail lines. With one destructive storm now in the past, Texas are among many southern US states bracing themselves for any...
The Holding Centre Completed
Uniserve's new container storage facility, The Holding Centre (THC) - formerly Plateau C - is now complete and ready for operation. The facility will provide container storage for new and existing customers at the Port of Felixstowe. Spread over five acres, The...
Weather Update: Typhoon Hato
Please be advised that Typhoon Hato is approaching Southern China, and is expected to make landfall in Guangdong province tomorrow. The tropical cyclone has continued to intensify in the past few hours and may pass within 100 kilometers south of the global financial...
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