UPS

Transportation and logistics bellwether UPS announced this week that it has expanded its UPS Express Freight service into Nicaragua and Honduras.

While the freight economy is faring better now than it was during the depths of the recession, there are still many hurdles to cross, especially for the less-than-truckload (LTL) industry.

The company’s U.S. Domestic and Supply Chain and Freight segments paced quarterly growth for the company, with 13 and 19 percent gains in operating profit, respectively.

FedEx said this morning it is in discussions about a potential plan to acquire TATEX, a France-based B2B express transportation company focused on heavy shipments. This potential deal follows FedEx’ early April acquisition of Poland-based courier company Opek Sp.Z o.o.

In an effort to augment challenges pertaining to over-the-road cross-border shipping, UPS said this week it has rolled out UPS Cross Border Connect, which it described as a ground freight service between the United States and Mexico focused on easing heavyweight freight supply chain challenges for companies investing in cross-border trade.

CEO Fred Smith says FedEx has a profitable multi-billion dollar business in Europe and it is growing strongly.

In what can potentially be viewed as a significant game changer for the global logistics and express delivery sectors, UPS and Netherlands-based TNT NV, a provider of mail and courier services and the fourth largest global parcel operator, said today they have reached an agreement in which UPS will acquire TNT Express for roughly $6.77 billion ($5.16 billion euro). The agreement is an all-cash offer of $9.50 per ordinary share for TNT Express.

Following reports that talks focusing on UPS trying to acquire the express business of Netherlands-based TNT NV, a provider of mail and courier services and the fourth largest global parcel operator, “have slowed” due to various issues, UPS said today that it “remains in constructive discussions” with TNT regarding a potential transaction to acquire the entire issued share capital of TNT Express.

A Wall Street Journal report said that talks focusing on UPS trying to acquire the express business of Netherlands-based TNT NV, a provider of mail and courier services and the fourth largest global parcel operator “have slowed” due to various issues.

Company officials said this computer—the fifth generation Delivery Information Acquisition Device (DIAD V)—accelerates the delivery of package information to the UPS network and its customers.

While UPS has made a bid and FedEx has yet to join the party, TNT focuses on recovering recent losses.

Reports out of Europe today are stating that Netherlands-based TNT NV, a provider of mail and courier services and the fourth largest global parcel operator, rejected an offer by UPS for TNT’s express business.

UPS said this week it has acquired Brussels-based Kiala, a technology provider with a platform that allows e-commerce retailers (e-tailers) to offer consumers the option of having goods delivered to a convenient retail location.

Earlier today, transportation and parcel bellwether UPS reported that fourth quarter revenue jumped 6 percent annually to $14.2 billion, and adjusted operating profit was up 17.3 percent at $2.024 billion. Earnings per share at $1.28 saw a 21 percent improvement, topping Wall Street estimates of $1.26 per share.

Spurred to a large degree by a decent holiday shopping season, December retail sales showed sequential and annual growth, according to data released by the United States Department of Commerce and the National Retail Federation (NRF).