Tradeteam toasts AB InBev win

Tradeteam has been named AB InBev UK's primary logistics partner, as the drinks manufacturer prepares to axe in-house operations and partnerships with a number of subcontractors.

A spokeswoman for AB InBev says: "I can confirm the company has written to members of our haulage partnership scheme to advise that the scheme will terminate at the end of March 2010.

"All members have been put in touch with Tradeteam to discuss the opportunity to work together."

The Stella Artois brewer has awarded Tradeteam primary logistics operations from its Magor, Preston and London breweries to several DCs including Enfield and Knowsley. Tradeteam already runs secondary operations for the firm.

A spokesman at Gloucester-based CM Downton, which was working with AB InBev, tells Motor Transport: "We are happy to be working with Tradeteam and wish it every success."

Simon Chamberlain, MD at Crewe firm Chamberlain Transport, adds: "We were doing some work for AB InBev and are now in negotiations with Tradeteam; we are hopeful of getting a working relationship with it."

AB InBev has also entered into consultation with a number of its own logistics staff and their representatives "on a number of proposals", including the possibility of transferring to Tradeteam under TUPE regulations.

While AB InBev did not reveal how many HGV drivers are involved in the consultation, VOSA records show the firm has an O-licence for 184 vehicles and 436 trailers.

"In making these proposals, our aim is to put the business on a sustainable footing for the future and to increase focus on our brands. Implementing the proposals would be a responsible way for our business to address the challenging economic environment, which has now been exacerbated by record duty increases," the AB InBev spokeswoman adds.

Tradeteam declined to comment.