German bulky parcels and ‘ugly goods’ specialist GEL Express has expanded its product portfoliowith three new products adapting to market developments in the B2C segment and has strengthened its
management team with two new executives.The cooperation network now offers an ‘afternoon appointment’ delivery service to complementits morning delivery service before 12.00. The new afternoon delivery option gives customers thepossibility to select delivery during the second half of the day. As a specialist for time-criticalshipments providing both time-definite and early delivery services, the company sees this serviceexpansion as a logical development.
With the new ‘Reverse Logistics’ service, GEL Express has reversed the logistics chain andhandles the returns of old electronics devices as well as old mattresses.
Focusing on customer communication to ensure efficient handling, GEL operates a three-stepcommunication model notifying customers electronically, coordinating the delivery and communicatingdirectly with the driver. The electronic transmission of dispatch data via SMS or e-mail nowcomplements communications with effect from this year.
Meanwhile, GEL Express has announced two new appointments reinforcing its management team andstrengthening its position as a system provider of shipping solutions with special requirements.Thomas Jarzinski (46) has taken the lead of partner management at the company while StephanNitzsche (35) is now responsible for marketing.
GEL Express offers delivery of bulky, fragile or other special parcels and freight items upto as much as 2.5 tonnes with a choice of time-definite next-day, 24-hour or 48-hour transit times.Launched in 1991, the company operates through a franchise network with more than 90 depots and 4logistics centres. With a total of 1,650 employees, it operates 900 vehicles and handles 1.7million consignments (equalling 94,000 tonnes) per year, generating revenues of €95 million. Theweight of consignments varies between 1 and 2,500 kg.
Last year, GEL Express added a one-man delivery service to its traditional two-man service, “GEL-Uno”, which provides deliveries of bulky shipments up to 35kg by only one employee in additionto the already established “GEL-Duo” with two deliverers who are able to carry heavier goods up to120kg. This move boosted its volumes by 400 per cent in the first half of 2012. The operator alsocreated a new subsidiary, TREX-Transport, last year covering 60 independent franchisees and 15additional locations, to complement its existing nationwide franchise system.
