Metro Archives | Page 13 of 33

Enhanced groupage services to France and Germany

Oct 2, 2024 | 4PL, Automotive, Chemical, EU, Exports, Foodstuffs, France, Metro, Road

In our continued efforts to provide exceptional trans-European logistics solutions, we have recently upgraded our groupage services to France and Germany, offering greater speed and efficiency, alongside competitive rates and our top-tier customer care.

Our French groupage services continue to excel, offering regular, efficient departures and seamless distribution throughout the country. In addition, we have expanded our reach in Germany, a vital hub for European trade. With frequent departures, including into the Ruhr area, one of Germany’s most important industrial regions, we ensure that goods are swiftly distributed across the country thanks to our trusted network of partners.

In today’s fast-paced and ultra-competitive markets, it’s not just about speed and cost—it’s about communication, reliability, and trust. By carefully selecting carrier and network partners in France and Germany, who share our customer-first mindset, we ensure that our clients benefit from smooth communication, timely updates, and a full door-to-door (DDP) solution. Our goal is to make European shipping as hassle-free as possible, providing a service that values our customers’ time and business.

However, businesses shipping to and from Germany should be aware of some potential changes that may impact the logistics landscape. Recently, Germany has enforced stricter border controls aimed at curbing migrant activity. While the long-term effects on freight traffic remain unclear, it is a development that could impact trucks entering and leaving the country.

Additionally, as of November 2024, UK passport holders will be required to register their biometric details, such as fingerprints or a photo, when entering the Schengen area, which could cause some delays for trucks crossing from the UK into the EU.

Despite these challenges, our French and German groupage services remain reliable and dependable, ensuring that goods are delivered efficiently while providing the highest level of customer care.

Metro’s road transport solutions incorporate dedicated vehicles moving on set routes for security, with defined delivery deadlines and GPS tracked trucks, to provide full transparency on transit schedules throughout the UK and continental Europe.

Our road freight teams are located close by major manufacturing and transport hubs across the UK. To explore the potential of our German and other European services EMAIL Richard Gibbs to begin a conversation.

Evaluation of September Survey Feedback

Oct 2, 2024 | Metro

The recent customer survey results, gathered on 19th September, have provided valuable insights into customer satisfaction and service priorities, highlighting our continued efforts to enhance service offerings. A comparison with May’s results also identifies areas for further development.

Customer satisfaction and service quality
Overall satisfaction with Metro’s service remains high, with 49% rating our service as “excellent” and 46% as “good.” While 5% rated the service as “OK,” no respondents rated us in the lowest quartile. This is a positive reflection of our service quality.

The feedback also highlights the strength of our problem-resolution capabilities, with 83% of customers rating our ability to resolve issues as either “excellent” or “good.” This demonstrates our ongoing commitment to addressing challenges efficiently and maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.

Strengthened use of ocean freight
Customer reliance on ocean freight full container load (FCL) has grown considerably. In May, 65% of respondents identified FCL as their preferred mode of transport, while by September, this had increased to a full 100%. This upward trend shows that our efforts to enhance our FCL services have been well-received, making us a trusted partner for customers relying on this mode of transport.

Consistent problem-resolution capabilities
While our problem resolution ratings in May were already strong, we have maintained consistency in this area, with both “excellent” and “good” ratings holding steady. In May, 70% of respondents rated our problem-solving abilities as “excellent,” and in September, 83% rated our problem resolution as either “excellent” or “good.” This reflects our ongoing focus on resolving issues effectively, ensuring that our customers feel supported at every stage of their logistics journey.

Growth in customer satisfaction with technology
Our continued investment in technology has been positively received. While interest in our MVT platform stood at 40% in May, the September survey results show that 36% of respondents are now calling for further enhancements in this area. This indicates that customers recognise the improvements we have made and are eager for more. This feedback highlights that our technological developments are moving in the right direction, but there is still demand for more advanced features.

Increased value of market insights
One of the most notable improvements is the increased value customers place on our market insights and newsletter content. In May, 35% of respondents stated they “always” found the market insights valuable, with 60% finding them valuable “sometimes.” By September, this figure had significantly increased, with 54% now “always” valuing the insights provided, while the remaining 46% still found value “sometimes.” This growth highlights the success of our efforts to provide relevant and timely information that directly benefits our customers’ supply chains.

Conclusion
The September survey results showcase key improvements in areas such as the value of our market insights, the increased use of our ocean freight services, and the continued strength in our problem resolution capabilities. Our focus on enhancing services, communication, and technology has been recognised by our customers, and we will continue building on this momentum to meet their evolving needs.

The modest shift from “excellent” to “good” ratings is something we will focus on addressing and reversing for the next survey.

The demand for further technological enhancements is noteworthy, and we encourage respondents who indicated a need for more advanced features to contact us directly so we can progress this critical area.

The interest in broader service information is significant, with 36% of respondents requesting more details on all available services. This will be a key focus moving forward.

We sincerely thank all respondents for their valuable feedback in this survey. For those who were unable to participate, we hope to have your support in the next round.

Your insights are essential to us, and we will use your comments to make meaningful adjustments to our operations, ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional service.

Driving the future: Welcoming our new generation of talent

Sep 17, 2024 | Careers, Metro

Logistics is often misunderstood and associated with outdated stereotypes, but through our apprenticeship programmes, we are reshaping these perceptions and introducing young talent to the industry’s diverse and rewarding opportunities.

These apprenticeships, spanning operations, finance, and HR, provide the next generation with invaluable hands-on experience in a dynamic and vital industry that plays a key role in global commerce.

With a significant portion of supply chain professionals approaching retirement age, attracting young talent is crucial to maintaining the industry’s vitality. Companies must take proactive steps to redefine logistics for young people, showcasing its integral role in globalisation, multiculturalism, and environmental sustainability.

In a world where millennials and Gen Z are passionate about global connectivity and climate action, the logistics sector holds a unique position as a key player in both areas. Highlighting the industry’s contributions to reducing carbon footprints and facilitating cross-border collaboration should entice young people who are eager to make a meaningful impact on the world.

At Metro, we are doing exactly that by actively welcoming the next generation of logistics professionals through our apprenticeship programmes. This week, we proudly welcomed our latest cohort of apprentices, reaffirming our commitment to nurturing fresh talent and bringing innovative ideas into the sector.

While the logistics industry can be challenging, with its fast-paced environment and demanding roles, the rewards are substantial. From the chance to travel and experience different cultures, to collaborating with industry leaders on cutting-edge technologies, logistics offers unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth. The global market, predicted to reach $13.7 trillion by 2027, is brimming with potential for those who are ready to take on new challenges and drive the future of commerce.

By embracing and supporting young talents, we’re not only addressing the need for a new workforce but also shaping the future of the logistics industry.

As we continue to invest in apprenticeships and create a thriving workplace for these future leaders, we are confident that their fresh perspectives will help propel the industry forward into an exciting and innovative future.

If you, or someone you know, would like to work with a progressive colleague-focused business, please EMAIL Paul Moss a CV, with covering letter.

Metro support JCB’s ambitious fundraising campaign for NSPCC

Sep 3, 2024 | Metro

JCB, a longstanding Metro customer, has embarked on its most ambitious fundraising campaign to date, aiming to raise £2 million for the NSPCC by 2025, when JCB celebrates its 80th anniversary and 40 years of support for the charity.

A JCB spokesperson commented on the campaign, “The NSPCC’s work safeguards over a million children through its school programmes, national helplines, and specialist centres, and the support JCB offer to the NSPCC makes a tangible difference to children in our communities.”

The appeal has already seen a variety of fundraising activities, including Fun Runs, a Three Peaks challenge, a bake-off competition, and a football tournament.

Inspired by JCB’s fundraising Sportive cycling event, members of the Metro team contributed to the cause by cycling 50 miles over the Bank Holiday weekend, raising an impressive £15,000.

We extend our sincere thanks to all who donated and supported the Metro team. The event was a great success.

JCB expressed their gratitude, stating, “Just wanted to give your guys a significant shout out for the efforts and commitment on Sunday’s mammoth bike ride. Firstly, Metro are thanked for joining up with JCB’s fund raising appeal for the NSPCC. Not only are your teams and sponsors making a huge difference to our target but importantly to the many children who will benefit from this fantastic charity.”

If you would still like to donate, it is not too late and our collection page is still open!

JCB NSPCC Fundraiser (collectionpot.com)

Anything you can give will be greatly appreciated!