limed launch for mags
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• Magazine distributor Time Sensitive Deliveries has announced it will launch its contracted-out national delivery network on 16 May, with 25 family-size haulage operators handling distribution in 45 regions (CM 4-10 February).
The operation is based on "high speed, small volume" delivery, using local hauliers with light vans who tendered for each route. All the firms have had to meet four conditions: they must be financially sound; already specialists in one type of delivery; proven in timesensitive distribution; and operate at least three vehicles.
It will have a limited launch with a handful of titles, though managing director Brian Martin hopes to capture much of the 300-title market for timesensitive magazines — those that must appear in newsagents on set days. He says this "working model" will attract publishers who have contracts with British Rail. Because magazines take second place to newspapers during peak delivery hours and are often delayed, there is a niche for a specialist to get time-sensitive publications to wholesalers. Many small publishers are already paying high prices to rail, he claims.
Newsflow, the National Carriers subsidiary which won a major Mail Newspapers distribution contract last week, is close to clinching a similar deal with rival Express Newspapers.