Archive for October, 2008

UPS displayed a prototype hydraulic hybrid vehicle in Minneapolis recently, saying that it would deploy two of them during the first quarter of next year. It will then add another five of the vehicles later in 2009 and in early 2010.

The new system replaces a truck’s transmission with hydraulics and that, combined with a low-emission diesel engine, yields a 45 percent to 50 percent improvement in fuel economy, according to UPS.

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United Parcel Service Inc. said it will make more loans available to small U.S. importers by using in-transit goods as collateral, according to Bloomberg News.

The UPS Capital insurance and lending unit will advance U.S. borrowers half the cost of the freight. The loans, designed for firms with annual sales of $50 million or less. must typically be repaid within 60 days, Atlanta-based UPS said in a statement.

FedEx Freight said it is offering next-business-day coverage between key Canadian gateway cities and several regions across the U.S., as well as further supporting shippers and customers operating fast-cycle logistics by streamlining cross-border processes.

Cross-border enhancements include next-business-day service between Toronto and key markets in the Great Lakes region. In addition, next-business-day LTL service has been introduced between Winnipeg, Manitoba, and the Upper Midwest, an area that is gaining more importance to both countries for cross-border trade.

FedEx Freight also provides next-business-day LTL service between Vancouver, British Columbia, and markets in the Pacific Northwest. Next-business-day service is also available between Montreal, Quebec, and points in the New England and Mid-Atlantic regions.

DHL is expanding its business with the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) region with an integrated product portfolio that will bolster transportation and trade between SAARC nations, according to The Hindu newspaper.

DHL said it plans to service the estimated 120 million euro Express market share in the region. DHL through Blue Dart has also started a new surface line service called Road Express which is offered exclusively within the India-Bangladesh trade lane.