The Celtic Couriers view of what's in store for 2013

Ivor Skinner, director of Burry Port-based courier and delivery firm Celtic Couriers, said –
“The logistics industry as a whole continues to feel the effects of the price of fuel combined with a hardening of the insurance market, resulting in higher premiums for fleet operators.
“However, the outlook for express overnight parcels business in 2013 is optimistic.
“The advent of internet shopping has seen volumes continue to rise year on year.
“With this growth comes a number of challenges, not least the ability to achieve first time deliveries, particularly to private addresses.
“There is also the thorny issue of who picks up the tab for returns. Retailers cannot push all the problems on to the distribution companies and expect them to absorb all the costs. This is most definitely a shared issue.
“With the introduction of route optimisation there is now an ability to reduce our carbon footprint by reducing the number of miles we travel and thereby reducing the amount of fuel we use.
“Investment in IT has brought about online booking facility for customers combined online tracking of their parcels with real time proof of delivery. In addition, they have the ability to send their customers an email advising them when their parcel will be delivered.
“In 2013 the need to continue to invest in IT and training will be paramount. This will enable us to continue to maintain high standards of quality service with that so important personal touch.
“In turn, we hope such strong emphasis on quality service will help provide more employment opportunities, jobs which are much needed and highly valued in this past of West Wales.”
Celtic Couriers was formed in 1989 by Gail and Ivor Skinner, who are still the directors of the company. Celtic Couriers are shareholders in APC Overnight, the largest next day parcel delivery network with more than 120 depots in the UK.
http://www.celticcouriers.co.uk