NEWS AND ARTICLES
Relating to the Group and our Industry.
Maersk Cyber Attack
The world’s largest container shipping group, Maersk, has been hit by a major cyber attack that is affecting a number of major companies around the world, with Maersk’s IT systems down across multiple sites and business units. In a statement yesterday, parent company...
Blue Inc Tilbury Move
High street & online retailer, Blue Inc, recently made the transition to the Uniserve Super Distribution Centre in Tilbury, with the entire move being completed over one weekend. The complex operation - which included transferring their web operation - was up,...
Bangladesh Security Ruling
A new ruling by the European Union has led to an increase in security for all flights from Bangladesh, which has resulted in additional costs being imposed by all airlines. Security procedures for traffic moving into the EU were stepped up after recent...
New Partners in Italy
Uniserve have signed a new partnership with international forwarders EuroLogisco - further strengthening their scheduled services to and from Florence and Italy as a whole. The new partnership means Uniserve now have wet and dry bonded warehousing in both Florence and...
New Japanese Joint Venture
Following an initial announcement in October last year, Japan’s big three carriers Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd (K Line), Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd (MOL), and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) have announced today (Wednesday 31 May) that their new joint venture...
Lunch With Rugby Legends
Uniserve recently hosted a small private lunch event for customers and suppliers to meet some of England's rugby legends and to network to discuss global supply chain developments. The lunch event was an open table discussion with some of the players from yesteryear;...
UniOcean Lines Asian Schedule
The much anticipated 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 16 loops, that are otherwise marketed by the...
London Wine Fair Update
The London Wine Fair has been in action this week and as usual it's one of the busiest times of the year for our Drinks Logistics team. The fair, held annually at Olympia in London, is the UK wine industry’s main trade fair and provides an opportunity for agents...
Gary Presents at BenchBuy
Commercial Director Gary Cobbing recently presented how Uniserve deliver value into end to end supply chains at the launch of the new Benchbuy club in London Bridge. The Benchbuy club, an invite only club, has been formed to assist senior executives and business...
Hapag And UASC Complete
In a joint announcement today, Hapag Lloyd and UASC (United Arab Shipping Company) have confirmed that their much anticipated merger, to be one combined company, has completed. For the immediate future the two companies will continue to operate independently as they...
THI Taiwan Join UniOcean
THI Group and UniOcean Lines reached agreement last week for THI to represent the 21st century global carrier as their official liner agent in Taiwan. UniOcean are globally served by a hand picked collective of independent liner agencies, including Uniserve...
Asian E-commerce Opens Up
Uniserve's e-commerce logistics portfolio received a massive boost this week, with the strengthening of one of our key networks across China, Hong Kong and South East Asia. For many years, our multi-award winning airfreight products, to and from Asia, have been...
Felixstowe Site Steams Ahead
Since the February start, building work on Uniserve's Felixstowe development is now in full swing, with the completion of the first part of the project; Plateau C, expected this July. Plateau C will see the installation of a container storage and HGV parking...
Jon Becomes ‘Face of APM’
Uniserve property project manager, Jonathan King, recently completed a day of filming and photography to become a ‘Face of APM’ for the Association for Project Management (APM); the Chartered body for the project profession. On Thursday 27th April 2017, Jonathan...
Most Valuable Partner Award
Uniserve clinched another award when Group Managing Director, Iain Liddell, received the Most Valuable Partner Award from THI Logistics, during his recent visit to Shanghai. The accolade, presented by THI's president David Yen, was awarded for the...
Game-Changing New Indian Tax
Effective from 1st July 2017, the Indian government are introducing a Goods & Service Tax (GST) which will be a single tax on manufacture, sale and consumption of goods throughout India. The tax will work similarly to VAT, being collected at every stage of sale or...
Queens Award For Chelsom
Uniserve customer Chelsom have just received the prestigious 'Queens Award for Enterprise in International Trade', in recognition of its outstanding export achievements over the past three years. The Blackpool based decorative lighting manufacturer won Britain's most...
40 Strong Trailblazer Meeting
More than 40 participants attended a Trailblazer Group meeting last month (April 26), which was held and chaired by the Universe Group at the Supply Chain Academy in Upminster. Attendees came from a broad cross section of business, higher education and professional...
Shanghai Port Congestion
The world's busiest container port, Yangshan in China's business hub of Shanghai, is battling heavy congestion brought about by dense fog, higher-than-usual volumes and reportedly the shake-up in shipping alliances. Numerous container vessels have been delayed outside...
Supply Chain Executives Offer
The Supply Chain Academy are offering a promotional opportunity to executives for May; to try one of their leading edge masterclasses at an introductory price. The Leading Complex Change Through The Supply Chain masterclass would be extremely beneficial to...
Thames Crossing For Tilbury
Last week saw the chosen route for the new Thames Crossing announced, which will connect Tilbury and Gravesend, meaning journey times to Dover and mainland Europe will be reduced. The new route, which will be some years in construction, will bring much needed relief...
UK Easter Opening Times
For our overseas visitors: Please be aware that the UK has two public holidays over the Easter period, therefore our opening times are as follows: Good Friday 14th April - Closed Saturday 15th April - Closed** Easter Sunday 16th April - Closed Easter Monday 17th April...
Indian Sub Air Market Update
Air freight market conditions from the Indian Sub Continent are currently extremely busy, with demand often exceeding the uplift capacity. As with any squeeze on capacity, carriers are having to prioritise shipments, pricing is fluctuating and the industry is...
First Train To China Departs
The first rail freight service from the UK to China departed from London Gateway yesterday, commencing a 17-day, 7,500-mile journey to Eastern China. 30 containers left the Essex terminal with British produce, including whiskey, soft drinks, vitamins and...
New Faces For Customer Team
In a recent restructure of our award winning customer service and development team, Uniserve have added two new faces to the starting lineup. We are pleased to welcome Gary Haynes (left) to the team as Strategic Customer Development Manager based in the Midlands. Gary...
Puma Brand Secured for EGDC
Uniserve EGDC recently added Puma to its list of globally recognised brands operating through our multi country consolidation hub in Singapore. Working on behalf of Star Group 360, Uniserve EGDC are consolidating products from all around the...
Spring At The Academy
Its Spring at the Academy, so Michael Hurcum, our Group Marketing Manager, felt that was a great reason to get the camera out and take a tour of Upminster Court, home to the Supply Chain Academy and Uniserve Group Headquarters. If you would like to know more about...
David Decides On Tokyo
International table tennis player, David Wetherill, had to make an important decision recently after representing Great Britain in last year's Rio Paralympic Games. For the Uniserve sponsored Olympian it was time to decide whether to go for Tokyo and a fourth...
Academy Courses Head North
The Supply Chain Academy has recently launched a range of courses that will be great news for northern based supply chain professionals, as they are being delivered at Leeds Trinity University. In conjunction with our ongoing partnership with Leeds Trinity, to develop...
Hapag UASC Merger Update
While the merger between ocean carriers Hapag Lloyd and UASC (United Arab Shipping Company) was delayed last month, UASC have still deployed their ships as part of the THE Alliance network from April 1. The two steamship lines were originally set to merge during March...
New US Flights For Manchester
Uniserve Manchester received a boost this week as Virgin Atlantic launched two new US services to and from the UK's busiest Northern airport. Virgin Atlantic have become the first ever carrier to provide direct flights between Manchester and San...
Andreea Joins L&D Team
Uniserve Group and the Supply Chain Academy welcomed a new member of the team recently when Andreea Elefteriu joined as Training Manager. Andreea has over 20 years of experience in learning & organisational development (L&D) delivery and consultancy; gained...
Carrier Alliance Infographic
The first sailings of the new carrier alliances are fast approaching as we head into a new period for ocean freight. The alliances have been much publicised but Uniserve have prepared an easy to read pdf infographic for downloading, as a reminder of which carriers are...
New Largest Container Ship
The world's newest and largest container ship, capable of carrying over 20,000 twenty foot containers, has been completed and will make her maiden voyage during April. The MOL Triumph was received by MOL this week and is the first of six 20,000 TEU class container...
Michael Joins Marketing Team
The Uniserve Group marketing team received a welcomed boost recently when Michael Hurcum joined us as our new Group Marketing Manager. Michael is an innovative marketing and communications specialist with nine years' experience managing campaigns for the leisure...
Uniserve in Parliament
Uniserve attended parliament last week when Paul Stone, Group HR Director, met with MP's at the House of Commons to talk about, amongst other things, Uniserve's Degree Apprenticeship standard and the Supply Chain Academy's collaboration with Leeds Trinity University...
HK Fuel Surcharge Returns
Hong Kong's Civil Aviation Department has given the green light for airlines to implement Fuel Surcharge again on airfreight shipments from the region. Air Freight fuel surcharge from Hong Kong was temporarily suspended early last year when oil prices dropped...
Arthur Calls It A Day
Today is a sad day for Uniserve staff and customers as Arthur Latham is hanging up his boots and retiring after spending the last 17 years working for Uniserve. Arthur has been based in our Manchester Office since the turn of the millennium as a Client...
Storm Stella Impacts USA
Storm Stella has pounded the mid-Atlantic and the Northeast USA early on Tuesday, resulting in flight cancellations, closures, power outages and warnings from city and state officials to stay off the roads. The US National Weather Service has issued blizzard warnings...
Degree Gets Green Light!
The degree apprenticeship proposal, chaired by the Supply Chain Academy and Uniserve Group, was today given government approval and listed as the occupational qualification for Supply Chain & Logistics. In a letter to Paul Stone, Uniserve Group HR Director,...
Academy Partners Chamber
The Supply Chain Academy has officially partnered with the North London Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise (NLCCE) to equip members with end to end Supply Chain understanding through impartial advice and in the long term, training and consultancy. NLCCE are aiming to...
Drinks Team Germany Bound
Our Uniserve Drinks Logistics team is heading to Germany to attend one of the key events in the industry calendar, the ProWein International Trade Fair for Wines & Spirits. The fair takes place on 19th-21st March in Dusseldorf and this is the fourth year our...
Asia Export Capacity Squeeze
Some steamship lines have reportedly been refusing new bookings for containers from UK & European ports to the Middle East and Asia recently. The squeeze on capacity has been caused by cancelled sailings around the Chinese New Year period, largely influenced by...
Property Team Expands
Our property team expanded recently with the appointment of Jonathan King as our new Property Project Manager. Jonathan is an experienced Building Surveyor turned Project Manager (MAPM and IPMA Level C), with over 10 years surveying, project management and...
Bangladesh Strike Update*
** UPDATE Thursday 2nd March - Indications are that the majority of transport workers have returned to work and the situation is returning to normal. There will be some backlogs to clear. ORIGINAL POST: A nationwide indefinite strike by transport workers has...
Zenith Add Monster Trucks
Two new high spec monster trucks arrived at our Chepstow facility recently to enhance our South Wales & South West fleet. Zenith Logistics, our warehouse and distribution arm, received the MAN trucks last week to assist with increased local demand. The German TGX...
Alex Elected to CBI Council
Alex Mortimer, our Supply Chain Academy Director, attended his first meeting this week since his recent election to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) council. Alex was appointed following a contested election in which CBI members across the region voted. In...
Pakistan Port Congestion
Major congestion at Karachi is currently causing heavy delays and short shipments, with Port Qasim possibly the worst affected. The recent tensions and subsequent slowing down of cargo at the Afghanistan/Pakistan border has impacted the movement speed of goods through...
Half a Century for Leighton
Leighton Bonnett, our Airfreight Director, reached a very special milestone this month as he celebrated his 50th birthday, with almost half of that time being employed by Uniserve. Leighton joined our sales team way back in 1994, before moving over to operations, and...
Asia Visit Market Update
Post Chinese New Year is usually a time when container space is readily available on the Asian inbound market, since very little is produced in the preceding fortnight. However, this year has not followed tradition, with the major shipping lines preparing to move from...
The Alliance Confirms Sailings
The Alliance consortium has announced its schedule for their westbound loops from Asia to Europe this week, with the first sailing commencing on the 3rd of April. The Alliance includes the shipping lines Hapag Lloyd, K Line, MOL, NYK and Yang Ming and will be...
First Course at Leeds Trinity
CP Training, our supply chain staff development and qualifications arm, are hosting their first ever training course at Leeds Trinity University on 15th and 16th May. The two day Demand Planning course, is a first for CP delivered in Leeds, as we work with the...
Weather Impacts USA Flights
Current snow storms in the United States Northeast have resulted in over 2000 flights being cancelled and severe storm warnings being issued. Winter Storm Niko is largely affecting areas such as Boston, New York, and Philadelphia and snow is expected to continue at...
Help For Exporters
Uniserve and The Supply Chain Academy were both appointed as official partners of the governments 'Exporting is Great' campaign, which is a drive to encourage and assist new, occasional and regular British exporters, to develop and grow their overseas sales. The...
60,000 Views On New Web
The new Uniserve website went live in January and incredibly received over 60,000 views in its first month from 139 different countries around the world. We are delighted to have generated interest in the world's newest country, South Sudan, and even some of the...
One World China Expansion
Our One World technical team was boosted this month with the strategic agreement to add more members to our Tianjin team following the recent trip to China by One World Director, Steve Davies. The growth and success of One World, our highly intelligent and...
New Tax On Indian Exports
A surprise new ruling from Indian authorities means that all export shipments to the country will incur their service tax with immediate effect for Ocean Freight shipments to India. The service tax itself is not new, but had previously been collected from importers...
Dover Set for Expansion
The Port of Dover’s flagship capital building programme has received a major boost after receiving approval for a £200m package of loans from a consortium of UK & European lenders. The Dover Western Docks Revival project will create a purpose-built cargo and...
Spring Festival Commences
As celebrations get underway for Chinese New Year what do we know about this major festival? The celebration is also known as 'The Spring Festival' and is marked by the lunisolar Chinese calendar, so the date changes from year to year. The new year begins on Saturday...
Degree Apprenticeship & Levy
Last year we told you how we are leading the design of the world’s first supply chain degree apprenticeship and the project is very much underway. The intention is for this to be ‘business led’, so there is still an opportunity for further participants to be involved...
Weather Impacts Ports
Freezing conditions in the UK’s South East are having an impact on airports and ports, with weather conditions set to continue over the next 48 hours. Dense fog has continued to disrupt London’s runways with more than 100 departures from Heathrow and London City being...
Sally Joins The Academy
The Supply Chain Academy’s team was strengthened this month when Sally Gale joined them as Operations & Events Manager. Sally has been with Uniserve Group for 19 years, 18 of which as Personal Assistant to our Group Managing Director, Iain Liddell. Iain commented...
Fifth BIFA Airfreight Win!
Uniserve were presented with the prestigious ‘Air Cargo Service Award 2016’ at the British International Freight Association (BIFA) awards ceremony last night. The annual event was held at The Brewery London and attended by hundreds of industry representatives,...
Transport Secretary Visits Us
Last Friday we were one of the stops for Transport Secretary Chris Grayling when he visited our Chepstow operation along with other dignitaries including Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns. The visit was part of an announcement to half the toll prices on the Severn crossings...
Chinese NY Over Capacity
Container bookings from Asia to Europe are running over capacity in the build up to the Chinese New Year (CNY) period, which starts at the end of this month. The capacity problems are causing a spike in spot rates and space issues, with suggestions that some steamship...
New China Freight Train
The first ever freight train service has been launched from China to London, with the first products already on their way. The weekly service departing from Yiwu in China, with an 18 day transit to East London, is expected to help bridge the gap between the longer...
2016 in Review
As we approach the new year we would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous 2017. We say farewell to 2016, which has certainly been a rollercoaster of a year on both the world stage and in logistics. Below is a review of some of...
New Balls Please
For many years table tennis balls have strangely been classified as dangerous goods by the UN, but seemingly there is good news for ping pong as we move into 2017. The balls, which are made of celluloid or similar flammable plastics, have been on the list of goods...
Holiday Opening Hours
From everyone at Uniserve, Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Prosperous 2017! We look forward to working with you long into the future and sharing many more special occasions! Please find our UK opening hours for the Christmas and New Year holiday period. ...
Oscar Hits Target
We are delighted to hear that that the OSCAR campaign has reached its £1.5m fundraising target for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH). This campaign is the Ocean and Shipping Community Advancing Children's Health and Research. Between us, we have...
Hyundai Sharing Slots
Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) has agreed a three-year slot purchase and exchange deal with the 2M alliance, but was not granted full membership. The alliance agreement, more recently referred to as the '2M + H" cooperation will also see Maersk Line and MSC take over...
Asian Rates Rise
Ocean Freight rates from Asia to North Europe have continued to increase over the past week, reaching a level barely seen on the route in recent times and following an approximate jump of 20% the week before. Some carriers are reportedly still stalling 2017 contract...
Something Fishy
Last week a few of our brave staff and some braver customers, travelled to Hampshire for our corporate fishing event, at Dever Springs Trout Fishery, near Andover. Standing by a lake on a cold overcast day may not be everybody's cup of tea, but these brave souls...
Indian Banknote Crisis
India’s logistics industry has been left confused and concerned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unexpected decision to ban the issue of 500 & 1,000-rupee banknotes. These denominations currently represent around £6 and £12 respectively. According to the All...
One World Direction
There is exciting news from our One World development team as we welcome the new Transport and Warehousing module to the family shortly! The new module will be going live for internal testing and training from the 1st December and should make full release in the new...
Hapag Merger Approved
The European commission has given the go ahead for Hapag Lloyd to complete the 'acquisition of/merger with' UASC (United Arab Shipping Lines). With a combined capacity of almost 1.5 million TEU, the merger will make the new company the world's fifth-largest shipping...
Fuel Duty Frozen
Chancellor Phillip Hammond announced a freeze on fuel duty for a seventh consecutive year during his Autumn Statement recently. However freight and transport groups are reportedly suggesting that he did not go far enough to aid struggling smaller transport and freight...
Lets Talk Turkey
As we approach that time of year when we start to think about Christmas dinner, we want to talk Turkey of another kind. Reports in the Turkish trade suggest one of the oldest and largest operators, Ulusoy Logistics Group, are closing down their international trailer...
Apprenticeship Degree First
A new degree apprenticeship qualification for supply chain professionals is being developed as the first of its kind in England. On 6 April 2017, the way the government funds apprenticeships in England is changing. Some employers will be required to contribute to a...
Uniserve Make BIFA Finals
After last weeks major success, winning The Global Freight Awards, Uniserve received more good news this week when reaching the final in three categories at this years BIFA awards. The BIFA Freight Service Awards competition has been running now for over 25 years and...
Alliances Unveil Services
This week THE Alliance has announced its service plans for next April. THE Alliance includes the three Japanese carriers plus Hapag Lloyd and Yang Ming. The group, with a capacity market share of 28%, will offer 5 vessel loops between Asia and Northern Europe. Last...
Japanese Lines Merger
Recently announced is the merger of the container divisions of the three main Japanese shipping Lines; K-Line, MOL & NYK. The Japanese companies are already committed together in THE Alliance slot sharing agreement during next year's carrier shake up, but have now...
Uniserve Win Global Award
Uniserve collected another major industry accolade last night by winning The Sea Freight Solutions Provider of the Year 2016 at the Global Freight Awards. Steve Ireland, our Sea Freight Business Leader, received the prestigious award from TV funnyman Milton Jones...
Uniserve Delivering Charity
Uniserve welcomed two new vehicles to our ever growing transport fleet, as we recently took delivery of our brand new charity liveried trucks. The vehicles are now out on the road, so you may see them passing through your area or driving through your gates to deliver...
Far East Air Demand Update
Following on from our update in September regarding airfreight from HKG and China, demand has increased due to further electronic product launches and an up turn in retail volumes for end of year sale. The Hong Kong Civil Aviation Authority has enforced the...
Hanjin Break Up Begins
Reports suggest that Hanjin Shipping has received bankruptcy court approval to sell assets against their $5.5 billion debt. This may include the sales offices, overseas companies and port assets for their largest trade route, between Asia and North America. There are...
Delays at Felixstowe Port
Felixstowe Port is currently facing significant delays which are resulting in longer unpacking times and additional quay rental charges. Hanjin Shipping's demise has resulted in excess of 10,000 teu being held on quay which added to an already stocked situation. Costs...
Air Delays In Bangladesh
Importers and Exporters have witnessed much disruption to the Bangladesh market over the last 5 months as the issue of aviation security has impacted the transit of Air Freight from Dhaka (DAC) through to Europe and the UK. Issues relate back to April and May, when...
Brexit Conference at HQ
Our very own Supply Chain Academy is hosting it's follow up 'Brexit Mini Conference' at the group's headquarters on Tuesday 1st November 9.30 am-12.30pm. Due to the incredible success and popularity of the first 'Brexit The Future of the Supply Chain' conference on...
Hanjin Unloaded at Ports
Latest reports on the Hanjin situation are that almost one third of their ships have now been unloaded. 28 vessels from a fleet of 97 have been discharged at ports around the world. After the effective demise of the world's seventh largest shipping line, it was...
Dover Office on the Move
Customs Insights, our group customs experts, have now completed their move to new premises in Dover. We are ideally positioned for managing future change that may occur as a result of Brexit. They provide a range of services including customs consultancy and duty/tax...
Typhoon Hits Far East
Super Typhoon Meranti, the strongest storm on record anywhere this year, wreaked havoc as it brought gusts of up to 140mph to mainland China and Taiwan on Thursday. Xiamen airport was badly damaged, resulting in flights being delayed or cancelled. Some parked aircraft...
Space – China Airfreight
Several factors in China and Hong Kong during the coming months may have an impact on air freight cost and capacity. September traditionally sees increased market demand as we approach the last quarter and Golden week. This 'peak' has been fairly short over recent...
Uniserve Partner Government
Uniserve have been appointed as the official British logistics partner for the UK government's 'Exporting is Great' campaign. The campaign's initiative is to provide opportunities for British exporters overseas and to introduce new companies to export. The government...
G20 Summit Golden Week
The next Group of Twenty (G20) Summit will be held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Providence, China, on the 4th & 5th September. To minimize pollution, the Chinese government has ordered the closing of factories within 150 KM of Hangzhou from August 26 until September 6....
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