WDS launches import service
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• Wincanton Distribution Services is collaborating with a freight forwarder to launch a -one-stop" service delivering Far Eastern imports to high street stores.
The service, Extramodal, is being formed with Londonbased Integrated Transportation. Wincanton will use its 11 depots and liveried vehicles to deliver goods inside the UK. The service will be separate from Wincanton's existing dedicated distribution contracts, with major customers such as Littlewoods. Integrated Transportation will handle customs and shipping for products ranging from electrical goods to sports gear made in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Bob Brown, managing director of Integrated Transportation, says he hopes to have six reasonably-sized" customers for the joint venture by the end of the year. A list of 100 potential customers has already been drawn up.
The company chose VMS as a partner so it would not have to subcontract to smaller hauliers or use the fleet of a competitor in the shipping industry. It says it wanted a partner which would be "totally answerable''.
The new service is likely to be expanded on to the Continent. Brian Astbury, WDS commercial manager, Midlands, will be responsible for developing Extramodal.