Brisk start for Amtrak
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• Amtrak, the new Bristolbased express parcels carrier, says that it has had a successful first six months, boosting its franchises from 15, on 1 June, to 60 at the end of the year. According to managing director Roger Baines: "We have more franchises in place today than our target for the whole of our first year." Another 18 franchise depots will open in January.
Amtrak's operation is based on a nationwide network of franchised depots, each of which is responsible for collecting and delivering parcels within a defined area. National distribution is handled by Amtrak itself through a central hub in the Midlands.
Franchise holders pay 28,500 and provide their own van and premises. Amtrak says that it "guarantees" cashflow. There are 120 franchise areas in the Amtrak plan, and many franchisees collect from more than one area.