November 2002

A new division has been created by parcels carrier ANC to specialise in overnight deliveries to field service teams and other clients with comparable requirements. It is called ANC Logistics.

The operation is based on a business called Esprit which ANC acquired five years ago; but the proposition is now being extended. Esprit specialised in "in-boot" operations (deliveries into the cars of field staff), whereas ANC Logistics will also make "keyholder" deliveries directly to premises, as well as deliveries into drop-box systems.

The business also intends to handle installation and "swap-outs" of equipment. Managing director Mike Conroy told e.logistics Magazine its capability in this area was likely to be beefed up with an acquisition early in the new year.

Conroy says it can also handle local storage of mission-critical parts, and has already added same-day deliveries to its portfolio.

The business has its own infrastructure, but will also make use of the main ANC network of 85 depots. The basic operation uses northern and southern hubs, and deliveries are divided into eight regional areas and handled by a dedicated fleet of Sprinter vans. Collections are made up to 9pm for delivery by 7am the following day.

In support of the business, ANC has developed a new in-house IT system called EMBRACE, which aims to provide management information and a high degree of visibility to customers.

• ANC Logistics is one of four new divisions created by the parcels group. Another is ANC Worldwide, a dedicated international operation which offers a range of express services to 180 countries, mostly handling items of up to 30kg.