British parcels operator APC Overnight has launched a new cost-effective magazine delivery serviceoffering a new option for printers, publishers and mail-order firms to distribute their
publications. The service is suitable for all types of less time-sensitive printed materials suchas catalogues, magazines, directories and reports that do not require a customer signature and aredeliverable within one to three days.Steve Calvert, Director, APC Express Logistics in Nottingham, said that one of his depot’scustomers has put the new service to the test. The client already utilises other APC Overnightservices and agreed to trial the magazine service against its current catalogue delivery provider,Royal Mail.
“Both Royal Mail and APC Express Logistics were given 850 consignments each, with the client’s expectation for all deliveries to be made in around three days. Ninety per cent of APC Overnightconsignments were delivered next day. Royal Mail took an average of three days to deliver, with upto seven days for some consignments. The customer was delighted with APC Overnight, not only withthe time scale and but also that all the consignments via our service were delivered. We have nowbeen invited to quote for the customer’s main annual run of 10,000 catalogues,” said Steve Calvert.
With over 125 APC Overnight depots strategically located throughout the UK, the magazineservice provides a nationwide money-saving alternative to more costly hardcopy publicationdistribution services available via Royal Mail and Business Post.
Magazine service customers can use plain or own-branded packaging and package weight can beup to 2kg, with a minimum run of 50 items. This allows customers to simply switch over from theirusual supplier without changing their publishing and packaging operation.
“The magazine service will reduce distribution costs for printers, publishers and mail-ordermarketers. We have trimmed down the costs to provide precisely what customers are looking for in amagazine service. We believe that this is an exceptional offering that will benefit many UKorganisations that are looking to control their publication distribution costs without cuttingcorners in service quality. The service can be booked via the customer’s local APC Overnight depotto arrange collection from their own premises or directly from the printer,” said Jon Barber,Marketing Director, APC Overnight.
