TNT Express Expands its Enhanced Tracking Service

Jul 25, 2006

Amsterdam, 25 July 2006 - TNT Express - the leading global business to business express delivery company - today announced plans to install 14,000 extra 'Mobile Worker' communication units in delivery vehicles across its global network over the next two years.

The handheld units - which enable delivery drivers to send and receive delivery information in real-time through one smart scanner - are already operational in 25 countries and will be introduced to depots in countries including China, South Africa and Italy in Q2 and Q3 2006, and in an additional 17 countries by the end of 2008.

"The decision to introduce 14,000 extra 'Mobile Worker' units in vehicles across our global network was made following successful trials in Finland, UK, Italy and Singapore and will significantly improve the speed and efficiency of our global delivery operations," said Shwan Moubarak, Director of Information and Communication Services, TNT Express.

Introduced as part of a global strategy for an integrated communication system across the world-wide delivery network, the in-cab 'Mobile Worker' units communicate directly with TNT's main server in the UK. This enables hi-speed wireless communication of large quantities of data between depots and drivers, which improves driver efficiency and productivity.

"We are committed to the ongoing improvement of our services by implementing the latest technologies. 'Mobile Worker' consolidates seven different communication systems into one unified and multi-functional solution and, in doing so, enables customers across the world to track their shipments within five minutes of pick up. This is particularly useful for those operating time critical businesses," continued Moubarak.

By implementing this 'single system' solution, TNT Express can deploy 'Mobile Worker' technology across the globe without the need to install and maintain a server infrastructure in each participating country. Furthermore, the introduction of 'Mobile Worker' will create savings of up to 70 per cent in software and technology upgrades in the future, as there is no longer a need to upgrade seven different operating systems.

The significant expansion of the 'Mobile Worker' communications system follows the recent launch of TNT Express' Enhanced Tracking service, which allows customers to track and filter multiple shipments at every stage of the delivery process with one click of a mouse.