Trading conditions ‘improving’ say TNT

TNT, the global transportation and distribution giant, say that trading conditions in the last quarter of 2009 were “improving”. This came as they unveiled a full-year revenue of £570.1m, which is £263.9m on 2008’s figure (863.9m).

TNT’s CEO, Peter Bakker, says that

“operating results in Q4 2009 were relatively solid in a trading environment that continued to improve, leading for the first time since Q2 of 2008 to a higher group operating income than the same quarter last year.”

He does say, however, that the levels are still clearly below the 2006 economic activity levels. He thinks that a focus on cash and significant cost savings have helped TNT to come through the recession and emerge in a stronger position.

Peter Bakker also adds that the company “remain confident” of their capitalising on an economic rebound and “eventual recovery”. He emphasised how optimistic he was about the improving economic climate, but that they will continue managing TNT from

“cautious assumptions, leading to continued strong focus on cash and cost.”

These words will be very reassuring to the hundreds of LGV / HGV driving companies and freight companies the world over, as this recessions has almost seemed unending. Hopefully the upward turn for TNT signals an upward turn for the rest of the world.