survey

Sharing our customer survey results: May 2024

May 30, 2024 |

Gathering regular feedback from our customers provides us with the essential insights we need to improve our services to better meet your needs and direct the continued development of our customer focused business.

These customer surveys provide an invaluable channel in understanding customer priorities, evolving needs and issues that should be addressed.

Interpreting your feedback helps us enhance existing services and create and introduce new bespoke services and platforms.

Thank you to all the respondents of our most recent survey on the 9th May, your feedback will help us:

– Refine our carrier relationships
– Plan our global resource levels
– Develop new services and creative solutions
– Improve communications and market intelligence awareness
– Prioritise technical development in areas where it is needed

We understand how busy our customers are, which is why our surveys are always quick and easy to complete, with the latest version comprising just nine questions, which could be completed in a couple of minutes.

1. In 2023 16% of respondents were anticipating a reduction in freight volumes, while this year’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, with 100% expecting volumes to increase, or stay the same.

2. Full container loads (FCL) is the favoured transport method of 72%, with road transport second at 52%, while air freight is an important mode for an impressive 24% and LCL is close behind for 20% of respondents.

3. We asked which non-freight Metro services were of most interest, with technological solutions scoring highest. The MVT supply chain platform appeals to 40%, with 28% selecting the CuDoS automated customs brokerage solution. Bringing up the rear was 4PL with 12% and a supply chain health check for 4%.

4. In 2023 83% of survey responders rated Metro’s service above competitors and in 2024 100% of you rate our services as ‘excellent’ (71%) or ‘good’ (29%).

We welcome your positive feedback, but we are not complacent, because we know that keeping our customers’ confidence is the most important factor for continued success, which is why we will now endeavour to raise that 71 to 100%.

5. Dealing with issues, before they become complications is our primary focus, but it is gratifying to see that 68% of you rate us as ‘excellent’ and 28% as ‘good’ in resolving problems.

6. Track and Trace (64%) and CuDoS (14%) were the most popular MVT apps that most interested you, with ECO, PO management and Delivery Control Management in joint 3rd place.

The final questions related to the Metro Newsletter, every issue of which is read by 48% of respondents, with just 4% reading it rarely. The market insights it contains are always valuable to 40%, with 56% getting value sometimes.

Very interesting to see that the joint most popular subject matter requested for future issues (alongside ocean freight) is news and updates relating to Metro.

Our regular survey (not too regular you will be pleased to know) is a valuable tool for us to continue to improve and optimise the solutions that we deliver to our customers. However, nothing replaces good old fashioned conversation, meetings and proactive updates to ensure that we deliver satisfaction and, hopefully, exceed expectations. Your support and collaborative partnership approach is valued and encouraged every day that we operate.

We would like to thank all our respondents you for your feedback in this survey and hope that, if you didn’t participate this time, we can count on your support in the next survey.

We will use your feedback and comments to make necessary adjustments to our operations, so that that we continue to deliver excellence.

Your account management team will be in contact with you in the near future to discuss our findings and the areas that we can add that little bit extra ‘oomph’ to our proposition and solution.

Trailer

Metro continues French expansion

May 1, 2024 | , ,

Expanding Metro’s road freight coverage and service offerings in France adds further capability to the company’s strong network and enhances closeness with customers in the region.

For retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers, distributers and all types of shipper, our French import and export services support your deadlines consistently, to make your supply chains more efficient and support your cross-Channel relationships. 

Reacting positively to customer demand, Metro is expanding coverage in France to serve 80 locations across the country, with daily groupage services to/from Paris, Lyon and surrounding areas, providing the ideal balance of lead-time, capacity, frequency and cost.

In addition to daily groupage services, our road freight team offer express, part load and full load services, with equipment for every type of cargo, including refrigerated, hanging garments, outsize and hazardous goods.

Cargo is received continuously at our freight centres for daily groupage departures to and from destinations across France and for urgent shipments we provide an all-in price, transit time and booking for Express van shipments, including guaranteed next day delivery. 

To ensure that your cargo has a smooth and hassle-free Channel-crossing our driver’s customs compliance documentation is barcoded for swift and seamless ‘Smart Border’ transition. Along with dedicated ETSF (External Transit Shed Facility) in the UK and France for document discharge and customs control of inventory consignments.

And because your French customer may not want to arrange import clearances we have solutions which mean you can complete transactions with them as simply and seamlessly as if it were a domestic transaction.

The Delivered Duty Paid or ‘DDP’ Incoterm means the exporter takes responsibility for the transport of the goods and customs formalities in France, and by clearing the goods into free circulation in France and the EU you have taken the burden away from your customer.

Leverage our extensive knowledge, local expertise and unrivalled customer service to enjoy efficient, tailored solutions that meet your supply chain needs, with end-to-end supply chain visibility and milestone tracking.

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

Our road freight teams are located close by major manufacturing and transport hubs in Birmingham, Desford and Wythenshawe. To explore the potential of French services EMAIL Richard Gibbs to begin a conversation.

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Supporting the Monsoon Accessorize Trust

Apr 28, 2024 | ,

The Monsoon Accessorize (MA) Trust was formed in 1994 to give back to the communities that the business source from. It has financed 262 sustainable development projects around the world, to deliver life-changing support to over 240,000 people and with your support it could do even more.

Helping women and children through education, health and income generation, the MA Trust has also supported emergency relief campaigns in India, Ukraine and most recently the Earthquake in Turkey and Syria, as well as for charities in the UK, such as  Grenfell.

The genesis of the MA Trust came after founder, Peter Simon’s overland journey to Asia, where he developed a strong compassionate interest in supporting women and underprivileged children, by tackling the key issues of healthcare and education.

Over the last 25 years MA Trust have worked with over 200 partners to deliver some life-saving and impactful developmental projects; from supporting survivors of domestic and sexual abuse by building a refuge centre to creating a sustainable livelihood for elderly women.

Since its formation in 1994 the MA Trust has raised over £7 million, providing grants for education, tackling poverty and community healthcare, while also running charitable projects that generate income and empower people.

This year, The Monsoon Accessorize Trust turns 30 and to celebrate this milestone and especially their projects and people on the ground, they are running a charity week from Monday 20th to Sunday 26th May, with a target of £150,000 to give back to vulnerable communities.

As a valued partner of Monsoon Accessorize we have contributed towards their target and would like to invite you to celebrate with us by making a contribution to the Monsoon Accessorize Trust. Simply click HERE to make a donation.

From raffles and pub quizzes, to sponsored marathons and charity bike rides, there are many ways you can help contribute to the cause. Click HERE to get the MA Trust Fundraising Pack.

 

India office workers

Strengthening global partnerships: India

Apr 17, 2024 | , , , , , ,

Metro’s main board recently completed a multi-city tour across India, as part of a strategy to fortify existing partnerships with key suppliers and to carve out new avenues for growth, by direct engagement with prospective customers.

The visit spanned several major cities including Mumbai and Bangalore, with multiple engagements and discussions focused on exploring opportunities within this key market.

The carefully curated itinerary and interactions were aimed at reinforcing the supply chain robustness, quality and continuity of the products and services offered.

Positive engagement with Jeena, Speedmark, 20Cube and Hapag-Lloyd strengthened existing relationships and laid the groundwork for future collaborations. The agenda was clear: to reinforce Metro’s commitment to its partners and to explore avenues for mutual growth and development.

India, with its vast industrial landscape, is a pivotal market in key verticals including automotive, industrial, retail, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and it is the potential for growth in these areas that triggered discussions on long-term strategies and partnerships that would benefit all parties.

Signalling the board’s intent to expand Metro’s regional footprint, meetings were held with several large prospective customers, which focused on understanding their needs and aligning the business to support their success in the longer term.

The visit is a testament to the company’s proactive approach to business development and recognition of the importance of strong partnerships. By investing time and resources into these face-to-face interactions, the company is setting the stage to drive continued growth and success in the economically vibrant market in India and the wider sub-continent.

As a business we have several promising leads and look forward to further developing these opportunities through strengthened relationships that solidify Metro’s presence in these key global markets. The road ahead is promising, and with the insights gained from this tour, the company is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of this market with confidence.

We look forward to sharing future updates.

Our commercial and operations teams work closely with our partners across India and surrounding regions, processing air, sea and sea/air shipments.

If you have any questions, rate requests or would like any further information on our capability in India, please EMAIL our Chief Commercial Officer, Andy Smith.

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