United targets parcels
Page 10
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• The United Carriers Group is concentrating on improving profits at its parcels and freight network after posting reduced interim pre-tax figures.
In the half year to 2 July, pretax profits on continuing operations fell to £1.2m from £1.9m in the same period last year, on a turnover up from £51.7m to £59m.
The company predicted in its profits warning in May that it would suffer a sharp drop in volumes in its parcels and freight division.
Operating profits in the specialist transport and distribution division were also lower, mainly due to a reduced contribution from its car component distributor Mansped. However, Mansped is now seeing a steadily improving car market in the UK and on the Continent. The company hopes that margins in Mansped will be improved in the second half by the acquisition of 100 Van Hoot trailers which will reduce spending on spot hiring. It is investing about .12m on the trailers.