TNT looks to hauliers
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• TNT plans to expand its Parcel Office operation by signing up 100 new franchises during the next 12 months. With 440 existing depots, Parcel Office is TNT's fastest growing express parcels division, and since its change of name from Despatch Post at the start of this year, it has geared itself up for a major marketing campaign.
General manager Ken Young says hauliers with the right sort of premises could prove "ideal" franchise holders, since they could act as a parcel office while undertaking a certain amount of collection work. There is most room for growth in two particular areas: Scotland and Greater London. "TNT is a proven success story," says Young, "and our franchise holders can be part of that success." Franchises vary in price, from £5,000 for a prime site or £3,000 for a secondary site, to £1,500 for a mini site.
Almost all TNT Parcel Office franchises now offer parcels collection and this could favour hauliers because of their experience in operating vehicles in their areas.
The campaign is designed to strengthen TNT's attack on the Post Office's market for business packages. Parcel Office outlets have been opened at a wide range of businesses, from petrol stations to pet shops. Each outlet offers the full range of TNT parcels services and is linked to the local TNT area depot.
Since the start of the year, when Young took over as general manager, TNT has been adding new Parcel Office franchises to its network at the rate of two or three a week.
The company is also now experimenting with the use of postboxes for its Supamail service, located in offices, hotels and petrol stations.