Stating that Panalpina already has "an excellent ground and air network throughout the United States for moving export and import shipments of all sizes," David Beatson, CEO of Panalpina's North American region called the domestic heavyweight service offering a logical extension of the freight forwarder's capability.
Panalpina's NOW service is for rush delivery via air or ground. Its next level of service, Priority, is for next day delivery by 5 p.m. The third level of service, Standard, is a second day service that delivers by 5 p.m. of the second business day. Economy is a three- to five-day delivery service. The company said domestic customers will be able to book, track, and trace their shipments online through a Web portal. The service will also provide single-point billing, automated event notification and customized reports.
In other news, Panalpina announced it had "taken over" Scottish freight forwarder Grampian International Freight Ltd. Headquartered in Aberdeen, Grampian has operations in England and The Netherlands. The company was established in 1984 and specializes in transportation and logistics for the oil and gas industry. Grampian will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Panalpina UK and will maintain its company name and brand.
Grampian's 2003 turnover was approximately $50 million (at current exchange rates).
