Farewell and hello for Lynx firms
Page 11
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• by Jez Abbott Lynx Express is recruiting hauliers after launching a parcels delivery service in the same week it announced the closure of Red Star Parcels.
Lynx aims to corner the billion-euro market for parcels from the UK and the Continent to the USA after teaming up with United States Postal Service. It will run the new operation, Priority Mail, from its Nuneaton HI), offering collection, line haul, clearance and a six-day-a-week service.
David Burtenshaw, chief executive of Lynx Express, plans to recruit 100 HGV Class-1 drivers, sorters and clerical staff for the September launch. Subcontractors may also be called in; he reports: "At present around 70% of Lynx collection and deliveries are made by owner-drivers."
Burtenshaw says the UK market is worth 0200m. He believes customers are Increasingly frustrated by pricing and the standard of customer care and want an "alternative, credible offering".
Burtenshaw blames the Hatfield rail disaster for "decimating" rail operations and helping to finish off Red Star Parcels.
Most of the 250 job losses are parcel
point staff, with "just a handful of drivers".
He adds: "We have decided to pull the plug on the rail operations; it amounted to 2% of our overall business. The relationship with staff and unions has been exceptionally good." But the RMT union position is less pasi tive. It says staff took a 10% cut four year ago to help the firm, which was bought b Lynx from British Rail in 1999. Assistan general secretary Bob Grow describes th situation as "a total outrage'.