Despatches news

This month in Despatches

It is difficult in the current economic climate to find much upon which to comment that doesn’t either directly or surreptitiously refer to the impact that climate has on our industry. -
This stands to reason, I suppose, but the evidence over the last 20 years or so suggests that the logistics industry in general and the courier sector specifically have withstood the slings and arrows of large-scale monetary policy (or lack thereof) much more robustly than have other industries.....more

• DA Action for Couriers
  Hot From Our Advice and Information Helpline ....more

• Money News
  The Code of Good Practice, recently launched by the government and developed with the Institute of Credit Management and supported by major businesses, aims to establish a clear and consistent policy in the payment of business to business bills... more
• Road Transport
  Commission to relax self-employed rules. The European Commission is set allow self-employed drivers to work more than the standard 48 hours laid down for employed drivers. ... more
• Focus on Business
  Dismissing the dismissal ‘black book’ A government-sanctioned national blacklist of staff sacked for dishonesty is struggling to attract employers because they are too worried about the bad press. The National Staff Dismissal Register, launched by a government-funded body in May last year, had less than 10 businesses signed up as of 1 December 2008. ..... more
• End Piece Phillip Stone
  Fighting the recession - Here are two views on what attention should be paid reducing costs in a period of economic decline..... more
• HaHaHa
  your latest and greatest gags

• City Sprint offer a way forward for those wanting to exit the industry -
  After 16 years of growth the Office of National Statistics has continued to paint a gloomy picture of the economy. In its January (23rd) announcement it commented that the economy fell by 1.5 per cent in the last quarter of 2008 followed by a 0.6 per cent contraction in the previous quarter. Essentially these figures = recession. .... more

• Scientists Discover Heaviest Element known to mankind! -
  Lawrence Livermore Laboratories has discovered the heaviest element yet known to science. The new element, Governmentium (Gv), has one neutron, 25 assistant neutrons, 88 deputy neutrons, and 198 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312. ... more

• Paragon sponsors rowers in world record breaking Indian Ocean Race -
  Paragon Software Systems, the vehicle routing, scheduling and transportation solutions specialist, is sponsoring two intrepid rowers in their world record attempt to row across the Indian Ocean. The Indian Ocean Rowing Race will see a number of solo, two-man, and larger teams attempt to row the 3,780 nautical miles from Perth Australia to Mauritius.... more

About The Despatch Association

working the industry for you

The Despatch Association is the trade association for the UK Courier and Despatch Industry.

It exists to protect the interests of its members while raising the profile of the industry and our aim is to support our members and to maintain standards in the industry.

The Main Benefits of Belonging to the DA

Free subscription to Despatches Magazine, and Despatches online.
Intertrading and national coverage to help you market your services through our 250 members around the UK
Build up your business with our Code of Practice, the DA logo, our model Terms of Trade and Conditions of Carriage and many other resources
Advice and Information on anything to do with the industry, with running a small business and on new products available to courier firms.
Your business entered in the DA dierctory, a national source of contact for new clients.
Local, regional and national representation in ensuring the courier industry's voice is heard and our interests preserved.
A platform for your ideas to let you speak directly to others in the industry.

Join the DA here ...
NEW for owner drivers, Join the RDA for only £58.75 inc vat

DA Member Deals .....

Deal One: DA CourierPRO Insurance -

Cheaper, yes, CHEAPER (in over 75% of the time, so I’ve been assured by our brokers) Goods in Transit insurance is now available through our dedicated insurance scheme, DA CourierPRO. And not only that, but DA CourierPRO allows you to insure either by weight or value of goods, whatever you prefer, and therefore obtain the insurance package that is right for you. The scheme also extends to cover public liability and employers’ liability. For contact information, ring or email me at the DA Office.

Deal Two: Complete Software for Courier Companies -

DA Systems, the IT solutions provider for courier companies in the UK, is offering a 10% discount to DA members on their Advanced Courier Interface (ACI) software systems. ACI was recently installed by CityBikes Couriers and will be adopted by Diamond Logistics later this year. For more information and to take advantage of this special discount, contact Sandra at DA Systems on 01494 512626, or visit www.da-systems.co.uk

Hot off the press is a new batch of DA Stickers.

Get noticed by clients, competitors and potential drivers, riders and office staff alike with this striking addition to your livery. Available in 2 sizes, 12”X10” and 6”X5”, they sell at cost price and really can make a difference to your vehicle and company; they tell the world you’re a cut above (by being a DA member, of course). Contact me for an order form.

Find out all the benefits of joining the DA by ringing Phillip Stone on 01553 813479 or email him at phil@despatch.co.uk