for marine net gain (MNG) & carbon sequestration
The future of green logistics?
The main barriers for entry according to Aramex
FEATURING...
...THE FUTURE OF MOBILE PAYMENT TECHNOLOGY
AIR FREIGHT
If it flies and it's freight, we'll feature it.
SEA FREIGHT
If it floats and it's fr... you get the idea.
By far the largest share of cargo transport.
The second stalwart; road's right-hand man.
Oversized, heavy, high-value or mission-critical stuff.
Gateways to the wider world.
From data to drones. Welcome to the future.
From promo to expo, don't risk FOMO.
If only COVID had been subject to this...
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Everything from freight forwarding to insurance.
The latest emergency, from money to monkeypox.
Growing, perfecting, and certifiying your business.
The other way to grow your company.
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A system of transporting goods by aircraft.
Related topics
AOG (aircraft on ground)
OBC (on-board couriers)
Air charter
Sponsored by
British cargo airline, One Air, connected 28 global airports in its first year of operations, carrying over 17 million kilos of cargo, and is now preparing to embark on the next phase of its fleet expansion with a third Boeing 747-400F entering service by the end of August.
One Air operated its inaugural flight on 24 July 2023, carrying a 100-tonne payload from Jinan-Shandong in eastern China to London Heathrow. Since then, it has been providing regular weekly full charter capacity linking Asia and Europe as well as for performing ad hoc global charter services.
Key milestones in One Air’s first year of operations saw the addition of a second B747-400F to its fleet in November to support growing demand for cargo capacity ex-China and Hong Kong to Europe, and its decision to make East Midlands Airport a regular origin and destination point in the UK. Establishing a base at East Midlands has enabled One Air to benefit from easier slot availability and fewer restrictions around night flying compared to other airports.
The first year of operations for a new airline can be a voyage of discovery. I am delighted to say that at One Air, our first 12 months have seen steady growth as we lay the foundations for our long-term ambitions. We greatly appreciate our global sales agency partner, Air One Aviation, for driving demand, and the freight forwarders, charter brokers, and logistics providers for their trust in us as a new airline. The arrival of our third aircraft in August will expand our offerings, and by the end of 2025, we hope to have doubled our fleet based on promising growth opportunities. Reflecting on the past year, what makes me most proud is our amazing team. Our achievements are the result of their extraordinary efforts, often meeting challenges at short notice and in difficult circumstances. We accomplished all this while living by One Air’s values, which were clearly defined when we established the airline.
Chris Hope, Chief Operating Officer, One Air
Year one has seen One Air build a team of highly experienced and accomplished aviation and cargo specialists at its UK headquarters. Starting with an initial team of six people, One Air now employs over 115 industry professionals, including pilots which have joined from a host of other global airlines.
Air China has extended its longstanding cargo handling contracts with Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a member of the SATS Group, in France and the United Kingdom, by a further three years.
The airline has been a major customer of WFS at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport since the early 1990s. This latest contract extension in Paris sees WFS handling cargo carried onboard 12 to 14 passenger flights per week connecting the French capital with Beijing, Chengdu, and Shanghai as well as 10 weekly freighter services linking Paris with Chengdu and Hangzhou.
Additionally, the contract in Paris, which also includes ramp handling, enables Air China and its cargo customers to benefit from WFS’ national trucking network in France and offline handling services at more than 10 regional French airports.
In the United Kingdom, Air China has awarded contract extensions to WFS at London’s Heathrow and Gatwick Airports.
At Heathrow, Air China operates 24 passenger flights per week carrying cargo to and from Beijing, Chengdu, and Shanghai. WFS is also contracted to provide cargo handling services for the airline’s 14 flights which connect London Gatwick with Beijing and Shanghai each week.
WFS is also providing countrywide road transport services and offline handling at other major regional airports for Air China in the UK.
Air China is a major customer of WFS across our international network. Our strong global partnership continues to grow, based on our ability to meet all the airline’s service and growth expectations.
John Batten, Chief Executive Officer, Europe, Middle East, Africa, & Asia (EMEAA), WFS
Silk Way Airlines is proud to announce the successful transportation of two beluga whales from an aquarium in Ukraine to their new home in Spain. This extraordinary mission, completed under challenging circumstances, highlights Silk Way Airlines' commitment to animal welfare and its capability to handle delicate and complex cargo.
The two beluga whales, which were evacuated from an aquarium in Ukraine, were transported to a new facility in Spain where they will receive the care and environment they need to thrive. This mission was undertaken with meticulous planning and coordination, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the whales throughout the journey.
Due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, direct flights were not possible. The belugas were transported from Ukraine to Moldova by land, where Silk Way Airlines then flew them safely to Spain. Silk Way Airlines leveraged its extensive experience in handling special cargo to ensure that the belugas were transported under optimal conditions. The airline's specialized team worked closely with animal care experts and veterinarians to monitor the whales' health and comfort during the flight. The transportation involved a series of carefully planned steps, including the use of specialized equipment
and containers designed to provide a stable and secure environment for the animals. Silk Way Airlines collaborated with Oceanografic and a group of international animal transporters specializing in marine mammals to make this mission a success.
We are honored to have been chosen for this critical mission. Our team's dedication and expertise in managing sensitive and unique cargo ensured the successful and safe relocation of these impressive creatures. I would like to thank the entire rescue team engaged in this mission and especially the crew for their exceptional efforts during takeoff, flight, and landing. They ensured the journey was smooth and stressfree for the animals, and delivered them safely to their new home. This operation was very difficult and sensitive, but together we undertook a painstaking job that lasted about 3 months in total, ensuring it would be a success. We are proud to have been part of this unique mission to rescue these two magnificent whales.
Mustafa Azimov, First Deputy Director, Silk Way Airlines
The successful completion of this mission underscores Silk Way Airlines' capacity to handle complex logistics and special cargo, further cementing its position as a leading regional air cargo carrier.
20 AUGUST 2024 | Source: VIENNA AIRPORT
17 per cent growth in H1 2024 – growth trend continues in July
The positive growth trend in airfreight at Vienna Airport seen since the start of this year continued in the second quarter of 2024: Vienna Airport handled 141,118 tons of air cargo between January and the end of June. This represents a year-on-year growth of 20,861 tons or 17%. This level is also 4% higher than pre-pandemic levels. Pharma handling also continued to rise, with 1,825 tons or 8.2% more handled at the airport in the first half of the year. Cargo volumes also continued to increase in July 2024: with 24,808 tons of air freight, the airport recorded an increase of 21.1% compared to the previous year.
This positive development is underpinned by the growth in passenger traffic, which is creating additional capacity for belly freight in airline cargo holds. The tonnage of belly freight soared by 47% to 57,594 tons in the first half year 2024 compared to the same period last year. By contrast, volumes carried by freighter aircraft fell by 8% to 41,142 tons amidst a growth in capacity, the shift to passenger aircraft, and one-off effects in the previous year. The increased volume of trucked air freight contributed to the strong half-year performance, with a 17% growth to 42,382 tons.
This growth is divided equally between imports and exports. Some 78,029 tons of air freight arrived at Vienna Airport for distribution to Austria and neighboring markets in Central and Eastern Europe. This was 11,004 tons or 16% more than in the first half of 2023. In the opposite direction, goods with a total weight of 63,089 tons landed at destinations all over the world via the Vienna air freight hub. This figure was 9,857 tons or 19% more than in the same stretch in 2023.
Cargo volumes are developing extremely well. In July 2024, air cargo volumes were already higher than in 2019, the year before the coronavirus pandemic. This shows that our strategy is working. We are focusing on innovative logistics solutions, first-class infrastructure and the highest handling quality. This positive development strengthens our location and underscores our importance as a central hub for global airfreight, Julian Jäger, Joint CEO & COO, Vienna Airport
“We seamlessly continued the positive development that we have seen since the beginning of the year during the second quarter. Demand remains robust, particularly on routes to North America and Asia. Vienna Airport offers outstanding conditions for handling growing cargo volumes quickly and reliably. The handling services provided by our Pharma Handling Center are also more sought-after and are well equipped for further growth,” commented Michael Zach, Senior Vice President Ground Handling & Cargo Operations at Flughafen Wien AG.
The growth trend continues at Vienna Airport in July 2024: With 24,808 tons of air cargo handled, the airport recorded an increase of 21.1% compared to the previous year. The airport thus overtook the pre-crisis level of 2019 by 12.0%.
2 AUGUST 2024 | Source: IAG CARGO
IAG Cargo reports revenues of €566 million for H1 2024
Tonnage was up 7.8 per cent for H1 2024 vs H1 2023
Implementing new technologies, investing in facilities and expanding transport solutions have been key to enhancing the customer experience and improving operational efficiency
IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG) reports its financial results for H1 2024. The business reported commercial revenues of €566 million for the period from January 1 to June 30, 2024.
IAG Cargo’s H1 2024 tonnage was up 7.8 per cent, versus H1 2023; revenues represent a decrease of 6.1 per cent. Yields for H1 2024 were below those of H1 2023.
We achieved solid results with year-on-year volume growth in a global market characterised by less supply chain constraint than we experienced last year. This positive momentum is a testament to our strategic investments across our business, which are already delivering substantial value, choice and flexibility for our customers.
David Shepherd, Chief Executive Officer, IAG Cargo
IAG Cargo has been actively implementing transformative initiatives across its operations, focusing on enhancing the customer experience and driving operational efficiency. The commitment to industry-leading standards is highlighted by IAG Cargo joining the IATA Digital Charter and signing up to the One Record protocol in Q2 2024, further streamlining data exchange and transparency within the air cargo supply chain.
We are committed to leveraging technology to enhance our operations and are actively expanding our IT and digital team to accelerate these initiatives. Our new pricing system is providing greater agility in offering market-relevant rates to our customers, while the implementation of a cutting-edge AI-powered camera solution at our London Heathrow hub is optimising efficiency in cargo loading planning and ultimately improving customer CiQ quality.
During the first half of the year, IAG Cargo expanded its ground transportation solutions across North America and Europe, providing customers with greater flexibility and access to key gateways such as Madrid, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York.
Further strengthening its commitment to providing best-in-class facilities, IAG Cargo completed a €1.5 million expansion of its temperature-controlled perishables facility in Madrid during the second quarter – enhancing the vital connection between LATAM and Europe for perishable goods. This latest investment is part of a broader €12 million investment in the Spanish hub over the past six years.
Our investments in digital capabilities, network reach, state-ofthe-art facilities, and most importantly, our people, are laying the foundation for sustained growth and a stronger future for IAG Cargo, concluded Shepherd.
BlueBox Systems, one of the leading developers of intelligent air freight tracking solutions, has gained a new customer for its state-of-the-art air freight tracking programming interface: Logicsols. The platform of the digital logistics solution provider from New York, USA, allows its customers to manage their entire logistics operations, including features like shipment visibility, data analysis, and document legalization. Logicsols can now integrate BlueBox Systems' tracking data into its own platform and offers its customers even more accurate data.
The enhanced data availability has convinced Saif Uddin, Digital Delivery Leader at Logicsols: BlueBox Systems offers a wider range of data points for air freight shipments compared to other providers. This includes real-time location updates, weather impact information and potential delays due to customs clearance, for example. BlueBox Systems boasts a comprehensive global network for air freight tracking and delivers tracking data of more than 130 airlines, 1600 airports and about 40 million status updates per day, which is another reason for Logicsols to choose the Bonn-based company.
A third decisive factor is the excellent data quality. This is especially important for us, so we can offer our customers a clear and dependable picture of their air freight movements , says Saif Uddin. We've also trust BlueBox Systems because of its proven track record and its strong reputation within the air freight industry. Another advantage: the seamless API integration.
Due to the API solution, the applications of BlueBox Systems and Logicsols can communicate independently and exchange data in realtime. This enables customers to gain important information about ETA changes or delays. Carriers gain access to real-time shipment data to optimize routes, reduce costs and allocate resources efficiently. Manufacturers can get up-to-date shipment tracking information to plan production and proactively manage inventory. All parties along the supply chain can retrieve the most up-to-date and efficiently accurate information. At the same time, the API solution ensures end-to-end data security by providing controlled data access allowing only authorized parties to access and use shared information, safeguarding sensitive cargo details and maintaining the supply chain integrity.
Our robust API allows for swift and straightforward integration, empowering business with real-time air and ocean freight visibility. We provide a user-friendly and efficient API integration that ensures a smooth data flow and minimizes technical challenges for our customers.
Martin Schulze, CEO, BlueBox Systems
Logicsols is one of many companies like Siemens Digital Solutions, 4Flow, Thinkprime, Klog or Otonomi, who are already successfully using the API solution of BlueBox Systems and offer their customers unrivaled data quality.
A system of transporting goods by ship.
Related topics
Shipping lines
Biofuels
Ships' parts
Sponsored by
Min Jiang Kou has capacity for 7,500 vehicles and uses a greener LNG dual-fuel engine
Jebel Ali Port handled 616,000 vehicles in 2023 with strong volumes continuing into 2024
DP World has welcomed COSCO Shipping's state-of-the art vehicle carrier, the ‘Min Jiang Kou,’ to Jebel Ali Port for the very first time.
The LNG dual-fuel vessel, one of the largest in the world with a capacity for 7,500 parking spaces, called on Jebel Ali Port on her maiden sailing from Shanghai, carrying 4,800 vehicles.
Alongside its sister ship, the ‘Liao He Kou,’ the vessel is part of COSCO's innovative new automobile fleet, designed with multiple advanced green technologies to reduce carbon emissions and conserve energy consumption.
The vessel was welcomed at Jebel Ali with a special ceremony involving His Excellency Zhang Yiming, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the UAE along with senior leadership of COSCO Shipping and DP World.
We are proud to be the first port in the region to welcome COSCO’s dual-fuel RoRo vessel, the Min Jiang Kou. The vessel is at the forefront of green shipping and represents the gearshift taking place in our sector as we continue to decarbonise the global supply chain. With Dubai being a major global hub for the automotive industry, we look forward to strengthening our partnership with COSCO and seeing Min Jiang Kou and her sister vessels many more times to come.
Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO & Managing Director, DP World GCC
We are delighted to see Min Jiang Kou make her maiden call at Jebel Ali Port, a key hub for automotive trade. As the largest RoRo vessel in our fleet, the Min Jiang Kou enhances our ability to efficiently transport vehicles while promoting sustainable maritime practices. By leveraging LNG dualfuel technology and other green solutions, we are significantly reducing our environmental footprint. Our partnership with DP World is crucial in advancing our shared goals of sustainability and efficiency in global trade.
Zhang Chi, Deputy General Manager,
COSCO Shipping Specialised Carriers
Featuring 13 decks, including four rise-and-fall decks, the vessel can accommodate a variety of vehicles such as passenger cars, trucks, and self-propelled engineering machinery. In 2023, DP World handled 616,000 car equivalent units (CEUs) at Jebel Ali Port, with more than 130,000 coming from China, making it the top trade partner for vehicles.
DP World also operates Dubai Auto Zone, the largest used car marketplace in the GCC, and has recently announced plans to develop the world’s largest car market in Dubai, spanning 20 million square feet.
20 AUGUST 2024
Autonomous ships transporting goods along coastlines, inland waterways, within cities and even perhaps on the high seas. Does that sound like science fiction? A recent forum convened by HPC Hamburg Port Consulting (HPC) as part of its CONNECTING PORTS talk show series discussed in full these very possibilities, and this future seems anything but remote.
Talk show moderator Christina Prieser, Associate Partner at HPC, delved deeply into the future world of water-borne logistics together with three experts: Ørnulf Jan Rødseth, General Manager, Norwegian Forum for Autonomous Ships (NFAS); Marc Holstein, Head of the Remote Operation Center at SEAFAR in Antwerp and Antoon van Collie, CEO of ZULU Associates.
Rødseth opened the debate with strong evidence that semi-autonomous vessels are already operating on coastal services in Norway. Since spring 2022, the world's first semi-autonomous container ship has been transporting mineral fertilizer from the Yara production facility in Porsgrunn to the regional export port in Brevik. The vessel is actually autonomous but still operates with a crew of three and is remotely controlled from a control center, he reported.
Seafar technology is currently deployed on over forty vessels mostly inland ships, of which a majority are already operating with reduced crew and are remotely controlled, remarked Holstein. Three of these vessels navigate the Rhine between the Netherlands and Bonn. We have been operating crew-reduced and partially automated ships from a control center for four years. The demand is there and the system can be seamlessly integrated into the existing infrastructure and traffic flow, especially in Belgium.
As far as developments in France are concerned van Collie of ZULU Associates gave a summary, Since May 2024, the French authorities have issued a decree allowing the operation of autonomous ships in French territorial waters. As a designer of such vessels, we are in close talks with the state waterway authority VNF (Voies Navigables de France) to hopefully operate unmanned or partially unmanned ships by next year, he said.
The moderator HPC’s Prieser turned to the application of autonomous vessels for distribution and logistics within cities. In New York, the plan is to load pallets into small containers on small inland vessels, which will then transfer the goods to cargo bikes or electric vehicles for the last mile using their onboard cranes. While in Paris two small ZULU inland vessels are already employed for urban logistics. One of these is capable of being fuelled by hydrogen. Van Collie envisions this concept for cities like Hamburg or Berlin as well.
In Norway, by 2026 the food retailer ASKO plans to replace 50 road trailers per day to water using two battery-powered, semi-autonomous ro-ro ships on the Oslo Fjord. Ro-ro ships have the advantage of requiring minimal infrastructure, Rødseth told the talk show audience.
Members of the audience were curious about the risk of vessel failures and accidents. Holstein explained that remote control actually increases the levels of operational safety. Eight-hour shifts for captains onshore are significantly less tiring than the 12-14 hour shifts often required on board. Rødseth commented on the easing of crew stress levels through automation eases the crew's burden of a ‘tedious 30-day straight course across the Pacific,’ for instance.
Considering the global initiatives to become nature positive by 2030 and the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals, the concepts of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and Marine Net Gain (MNG) are gaining traction. Here we explore the potential of marine restoration in contributing to MNG, carbon sequestration, and port decarbonisation, addressing the critical need for effective marine restoration strategies in the face of climate change, marine pollution, and overfishing. We find that the positive impacts of restoration and reviving marine habitats are wide-ranging, from enhancing biodiversity and supporting sustainable fisheries, improving water quality, to contributing to carbon offsetting efforts. All helping to combat climate change, mitigate its effects on our planet, and secure a more sustainable future.
The Ocean, covering 71% of the Earth's surface, is home to approximately 80% of all life on Earth. Healthy marine ecosystems generate 50% of the oxygen that we breathe and absorb 25% of all CO2 emissions. The Ocean and its marine habitats also play a crucial role in regulation the Earth's climate by absorbing up to 90% of the additional heat generated from anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Accordingly, marine restoration holds immense importance in safeguarding the health and vitality of our oceans. As human activities continue to take a toll on marine ecosystems, restoration efforts offer a glimmer of hope. A wide range of methods and techniques are employed in marine restoration projects, depending on the specific ecosystem and the restoration goals. By restoring damaged habitats, such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests, we can create resilient ecosystems that can withstand the impacts of climate change and support a diverse array of marine life. On top of being crucial for marine biodiversity, these restoration efforts can provide shoreline protection, carbon sequestration, and the provision of food and livelihoods for coastal communities. Several marine restoration projects have achieved remarkable success in recent years,
showcasing the potential for positive outcomes and significant carbon sequestration potential. In the United States, oyster reef restoration in Chesapeake Bay has improved water quality and biodiversity. These projects highlight the benefits of dedicated restoration efforts, which can act as catalysts for positive change and provide valuable insights for future projects. Through restoring and protecting marine ecosystems, as well as engaging with local communities and stakeholders in marine restoration projects, we can raise awareness about the importance of ocean conservation and foster a sense of stewardship, all ensuring the long-term sustainability of these services, benefitting both the environment and human societies.
The potential benefits of marine restoration for MNG and carbon offsetting
The Science Based Targets for Nature (SBTN) states that “There is no net zero without meaningful action on Nature”. Marine restoration efforts offer significant opportunities for integrating Marine Net Gain (MNG) and carbon offsetting to effectively address climate change. MNG, a relatively new concept being discussed in the UK, aims to enhance marine habitats through development projects, moving beyond traditional methods of merely minimizing harm to the environment. Under the MNG approach, similarly to biodiversity net gain (BNG), developers would be required to deliver measurable improvements
to marine habitats to compensate for any loss to marine habitats that may occur due to their projects. This can be achieved through the restoration or creation of new habitats, as well as the implementation of measures to reduce impact and protect vulnerable species. By prioritizing MNG, marine development projects can contribute to the conservation and restoration of marine ecosystems, even in areas where habitat loss is unavoidable. This approach not only benefits the environment but also ensures the long-term sustainability of development activities by integrating environmental considerations into their planning and implementation. Simultaneously, marine restoration and MNG efforts represent a significant opportunity for carbon offsetting. This being an approach which allows individuals, organizations, or governments to compensate for their carbon emissions by investing in projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. While mostly associated with land-based activities, such as reforestation and land-based renewable energy projects, marine habitats play a major role in carbon sequestration. Healthy marine ecosystems have the capacity to sequester and store vast amounts of carbon. As such, there has been an exponential increase in marine restoration efforts and marine renewable energy projects, both playing a critical role in carbon offsetting. Marine restoration projects can also indirectly contribute to carbon offsetting by reducing the need for destructive practices that release large amounts of carbon, such as bottom trawling or dredging. By restoring and protecting these marine ecosystems, we can enhance their biodiversity and carbon storage potential. Thus, contribute to global efforts to help mitigate the biodiversity loss crisis and carbon emissions, both promoting a more sustainable future.
Anthropogenic activities such as fishing and shipping have significantly impacted marine habitats around ports. Direct engagement with these industries offers an opportunity to alleviate environmental pressures and adopt sustainable practices, yielding extensive environmental benefits. As such, we explore the feasibility of restoring and reviving marine habitats within port locations as these subsea habitats hold significant potential for both biodiversity conservation and carbon offsetting. Targeted restoration efforts should be considered due to the typical impact of fishing and shipping activities on marine ecosystems, including habitat degradation and pollution. By revitalizing subsea habitats, such as seagrass meadows (or coral reefs depending on location), we can create essential corridors that support a rich tapestry of marine life. The restored habitats act as natural buffers, enhancing biodiversity by providing shelter, breeding grounds, and feeding areas for a myriad of species. The revitalized ecosystems can also contribute to carbon offsetting, with the potential to sequester substantial amounts of carbon dioxide. It is crucial to integrate a variety of species suited to the specified habitat to maximize biodiversity gains, ecosystem resilience, and carbon offsetting potential. Habitat restoration efforts often go hand in hand with the removal of invasive species and the implementation of stricter regulations to prevent further degradation such as MNG. These measures help create a conducive environment for the success of restoration projects and ensure the long-term sustainability of restored ecosystems. By investing in marine restoration projects that incorporate the concepts of MNG and carbon offsetting at port locations, governments, businesses, and organizations can
enhance their social responsibility and demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices. As ships traverse these rehabilitated areas, they not only will navigate through healthier marine environments, but will also support the creation of marine biodiversity and carbon offsetting credits contributing to global climate goals.
While the promotion of MNG and carbon offsetting through marine restoration projects within ports holds great promise, it does not come without its challenges. Key hurdles include ensuring long-term sustainability and securing substantial funding necessary for such projects. Similarly to BNG in England and the enforced long-term management plan, the success of marine restoration projects combining MNG and carbon offsetting, would depend on accurate measurement and longterm monitoring of the restored habitats, as well as securing funding from various sources. Success relies on collaborative efforts involving governments, organizations, and individuals. Governments play a crucial role in creating and enforcing regulations that protect marine ecosystems and incentivize restoration efforts. Additionally, they can provide financial support and facilitate partnerships between different stakeholders. Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and research institutions also play a vital role in advancing the science and practice of marine restoration. By conducting research, raising awareness, and advocating for policy changes, these organizations contribute to the overall success of restoration initiatives. Furthermore, businesses and corporations can make a significant impact by integrating marine restoration, MNG, and carbon offsetting into their strategies. By adopting sustainable practices, investing in restoration projects, and engaging in responsible coastal development, companies can contribute to the preservation of marine ecosystems and help build a more sustainable future.
For sources, see the online version of this article here: FORWARDERmagazine.com /restoring-marine-habitats-for-marine-net-gain
Marine restoration holds immense potential for mitigating climate change and addressing the challenges facing our oceans. The urgent need for marine restoration is evident, given the escalating impacts of human activities on marine ecosystems. The examples of successful projects discussed in the article illuminate the tangible benefits of these endeavours, not only for biodiversity but also for climate mitigation and community livelihoods. The potential of integrating marine habitat restoration, MNG, and carbon sequestration in port developments, presents an innovative way to promote port decarbonization as well as minimize our environmental impact and promote sustainable practices. However, the challenges of financing, long-term sustainability, and effective monitoring must be addressed through robust partnerships among governments, NGOs, businesses, and local communities. By fostering a collaborative and inclusive approach we can secure a healthier future for our oceans and our planet.
A system of transporting goods by road.
Related topics
Groupage
Couriers
Last mile
Sponsored by
Innovation project commenced for faster safety checks in intermodal transport
CargoBeamer, Europe's leading logistics service provider for the intermodal transportation of non-craneable semi-trailers, is driving further innovations toward greater efficiency in rail freight transport. Together with the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (Fraunhofer IML) and the Studiengesellschaft für den Kombinierten Verkehr e.V. (SGKV), the Leipzig-based company has now launched an innovation project to accelerate the inspection of intermodal wagons. The aim is to develop an overall solution to speed up the process of checking the operational safety of freight wagons and loading units, which takes place during the handling of every combined transport train.
As part of a wagon inspection, a wagon inspector manually checks intermodal trains for roadworthiness and defects before departure, sometimes under great physical strain. The ‘DIMI - Digital Inspection by Machine Intelligence’ project is now driving forward the automation and digitalization of document handling and transfer of important subprocesses of this inspection. Using state-of-the-art sensor technology and camera AI systems, relevant wagon and load parameters will be digitally recorded and made available to the wagon inspector via an app. All data is collected automatically and made available in real-time, significantly reducing the time it takes to carry out the safety check.
Fraunhofer IML and SGKV benefit from predecessor projects
The project is part of the federal program ‘Future Rail Freight Transport’ (‘Zukunft Schienengüterverkehr’) and is being funded by the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport with around 1 million Euro.
With a duration of 27 months, it is scheduled for completion in summer 2026. As project manager, CargoBeamer is responsible for the areas of terminal construction, automation, and sensor technology, while Fraunhofer IML provides expertise in the field of artificial intelligence and software solutions. SGKV is responsible for process analysis and internal project management. Both Fraunhofer IML and SGKV benefit from past projects that have researched and advanced the automation and digitalization of individual tasks of the wagon master. This holistic approach is intended to significantly accelerate the wagon inspection process as part of the DIMI project.
The wagon inspection process in its current form offers enormous potential for improvement and digitalization to achieve higher throughput rates and greater efficiency in intermodal terminals. To better utilize existing and new terminals, it is important to support manual processes with state-of-the-art technology and thus significantly accelerate them. Thanks to sensor technology, AI, and the digitalization of document handling, we want to carry out a wagon inspection in under 60 minutes instead of several hours in the medium term - an important step towards promoting the competitiveness of rail over road.
Dr.-Ing. habil. Hans-Jürgen Weidemann, Chief Technology Officer, CargoBeamer
Prof. Dr. Uwe Clausen, Head of Logistics, Transport and Environment at Fraunhofer IML, adds: In many areas of logistics, we see great opportunities in the digitalization and automation of processes that are still too often carried out manually today. Particularly given the shortage of skilled workers, it is important to create attractive jobs in the rail sector that are efficiently supported by sensors and data networking, for example.
After successful trials, leading supply chain management company Armstrong Logistics has added a new Volvo FM Electric truck to its 86 strong fleet of vehicles, which is now primarily 100% Volvo.
It is a first for the expanding business and will operate out of its 377,000 sq ft consolidated distribution centre at Magna Park, Lutterworth.
The new Volvo FM features three electric motors producing 666hp with an I-shift automated 12-speed gearbox and suitable for gross train weights up to 42 tonnes. The total energy storage of the vehicle, equipped with the maximum six batteries, is 540 kWH to provide instant power and energy savings. The charge time for the vehicle is between 8-10 hours with an AC charger, or around 2.5 hours with DC power.
The 4x2 wheeled tractor unit has full air suspension to provide for a smooth ride. It also features the GSR2 safety package which includes moving off information, cyclist and pedestrian side sensors, reverse camera, driver alert support, tyre pressure monitoring, intelligent speed assist, alcohol lock preparation interface, emergency brake lights and a FORS 3 camera system with left turn speaker.
The new electric vehicle, together with its Gray and Adams trailer, will feature specially designed livery. Its electric powertrain also means quiet operation and zero tailpipe emissions, making it ideally suited for local deliveries.
The Volvo FM Electric is one of several new vehicles in which Armstrong Logistics has invested. In the last three years alone, the company has taken delivery of a whole fleet of Volvo FH with I-Save, Volvo FM LNG
and regular FM diesel models, all acquired with a view to helping the company to accelerate its decarbonisation goals. Armstrong is also ordering a Volvo FL Electric rigid.
All the vehicles have been supplied by Volvo dealer Truck and Bus Wales and West with which Armstrong Logistics has had a relationship for many years. The FM Electric is on a full five-year repair and maintenance contract.
Armstrong is one of only a handful of UK customers to have embraced every aspect of the Volvo powertrain line-up – including electric, diesel and LNG models. The introduction of our environmentally friendly, fuel saving and zero tailpipe emission trucks are making a significant contribution to Armstrong’s sustainability targets and we look forward to continuing to support them in achieving their goals.
Billy Nairn, Managing Director, Truck and Bus Wales and West
Armstrong Logistics Chairman Justin Armstrong is excited about the new opportunities the electric vehicle will bring to both the company and its customers and praised Volvo for its quality and reliability.
Our new Volvo vehicles have played a major role in helping to reduce our carbon footprint and improve our sustainability as we continue on our net zero journey. Making positive contributions to reducing our emissions is something that is continually top of mind at Armstrong Logistics and an ethos which we look to apply to every aspect of our operation. This latest addition to our fleet is a positive milestone for the business. We are incredibly proud to be showcasing our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint by embracing the latest vehicle technologies currently on the market with the new Volvo FM Electric.
Bowker Transport is set to improve driver safety, reduce fuel use and cut CO2 emissions, thanks to an integrated Webfleet fleet management and VisionTrack camera system, supplied by Daisy Communications across its fleet of 225 HGVs.
One of the UK’s longest-standing logistics operators, the company has leveraged Webfleet’s open API to integrate powerful telematics data with incumbent technology.
Before Webfleet, we had to collate information from three different systems. Now we can see everything we need to know instantly via the Webfleet dashboard.
Mark Brewell, IT Manager, Bowker Transport
The company’s driver app is being integrated with the Pro8475 ruggedised tablet, allowing jobs and instructions to be sent directly to the tablet, while Webfleet’s truck-specific navigation helps drivers to avoid not just traffic, but also low bridges, narrow roads and sharp turns.
OptiDrive 360’s active driver feedback has also proved popular.
Our drivers have described it as a real game changer, giving them immediate advice and feedback to help them drive more safely and efficiently.
Webfleet’s powerful insights are being used to confirm the comparative fuel efficiency of different truck brands to check that they are delivering on their performance promises.
A Direct Vision Standard (DVS) 2024-ready, 360-degree, AI-based camera solution from VisionTrack has been integrated into the same system, allowing Bowker Transport’s traffic desks to view vehicle data alongside camera footage on the same screen.
If there is a customer issue or an incident, we can view the camera images in seconds. Unlike our previous system, it is automatically uploaded into the cloud, added Brewell.
The investment is an important step in Bowker’s journey towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions goals. The company is running a 12-month trial switching its fleet and forklift trucks at the Droitwich depot to HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) fuel which produces 90% less greenhouse gas emissions than diesel – with no vehicle modifications needed.
The company has also invested in one of the UK’s first fully electric Volvo FE 6 wheel rigid trucks which will operate from its Preston depot.
This is an excellent example of how Webfleet’s open API approach can enrich multiple third-party applications in real time, providing efficiencies not seen before and a market-leading safety package, all through a single interface.
Mark Dermody, Daisy Communications
16 AUGUST 2024 | Source: LOGISTICS UK
Almost 25 of the UK’s most pioneering van businesses have been shortlisted as finalists across five categories in Logistics UK’s prestigious Van Awards 2024. The winners will be announced during a gala lunch to be held at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham on Friday 13 September 2024, when the van sector will celebrate its achievements and gain recognition for the role it plays in keeping the UK’s supply chain moving.
Supported by Logistics UK’s Van Gold Partners – The AA, Brigade Electronics, Clearquote, Lex Autolease, Webfleet – the awards champion companies which have made a significant contribution to the industry over the past 12 months.
Vans are the workhorses of the UK economy with 3.4 million people employed across industries ranging from engineering and construction to emergency and rescue services relying on a van for their job. It is only right that the sector is recognised for what it achieves and the contribution it makes to UK Plc, which is why we are proud to be celebrating Logistics UK's Van Awards again this year. Being selected as a finalist is recognition itself, and I would like to congratulate all our shortlisted entrants and wish them the best of luck.
David Wells OBE, Chief Executive, Logistics UK
All winners of Logistics UK’s Van Awards will be shortlisted for the Van Business of the Year category at the prestigious Logistics UK Logistics Awards 2024, which will be taking place on 12 December at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London.
• Carnell
• Clancy
• Mark O’Shaughnessy - Purrfect Pet Transport Murphy Group
• Sciensus
• Speedy Hire
Innovative Van Business of the Year
• ArrowXL
• Carnell
• Geotab
• HBC Logistics Ltd
• Octopus Electroverse
• With Wise Ltd
Keeping Your Show on the Road
• 101 Pet Express
• ArrowXL
• Clancy
• Murphy Group
• Prigmore Haulage Ltd
Van Decarbonisation Award
• Aspire Defence
• Dundee City Council
• John Lewis Partnership (JLP)
• Reflex Vehicle Hire
• Speedy Hire
• The AA
Van Safety and Compliance Award
• ArrowXL
• Murphy Group
• North Ayrshire Council
• Prestige Pipelaying JV Ltd
• RED Corporate Driver Training
• SMS
Transport
A. Plessas
Growth We
Energy industry workers and tenured logistics professionals are realizing how electrifying fleets is a crossover of priorities. Electric vehicles in logistics for environmentally savvy companies are an expectation because of how severe carbon emissions from transportation are worldwide. They alleviate logistics departments’ eco-aware woes because of their widespread positive impacts.
Electric fleets fix numerous problems simultaneously, which is a rarity for many green innovations. Incorporating EVs into logistics, the energy industry and manufacturing does more than reduce footprints and fossil fuel reliance — it saves reputations, conserves money and advances infrastructure.
From traditional trains to massive shipping vessels, logistics-related transportation emits 8% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. The number increases if including essential peripherals like ports or warehousing. Smaller commercial vehicles like trucks account for 65% of that total GHG contribution. The fact notifies professionals how urgent it is to mitigate this number before focusing on larger freights with deceptively lower footprints.
Some energy professionals are unaware or complacent about logisticsrelated transportation emissions. This is because of a need for sustainability-related accountability, standardization and reporting. Supply chains require many vehicles and fossil fuel-powered machinery from corporate walls to customer doorsteps.
The EV shift would be most noteworthy in last-mile delivery. There has been a radical spike in e-commerce since the COVID-19 pandemic, making the final haul of smaller commercial fleets more ecologically damaging. Unrealistic delivery times are another reason the last mile is one of the most harmful ecological influences on the planet. If last-mile freights do not transition to EVs, the 78% increase in demand will yield a 30% jump in urban delivery emissions.
Governments and corporations are instituting mandates and providing incentives to forward-thinking agencies, literally driving the change to electric vehicles in logistics. Data denotes how EVs are an answer to removing most logistics transportation emissions.
The future of green logistics requires electrification to instigate industrywide improvements. EVs for logistics give supply chains a competitive advantage. An environmentally motivated company that commits to ESG goals is likelier to be a sector innovator than those that do not.
Businesses that implement EVs before others have a chance to be the first influencers of sustainable policy and lawmaking. Regulators will recognize them for their firsthand experience and unique perspectives from being large-scale testers of recent technologies. Supply chains make themselves thought leaders, solidifying their credibility for improved customer relations and competitive advantage.
Having input means supply chains and logistics stay ahead of upcoming standards and mandates for electrification and carbon emissions reduction. For example, many nations want to phase out internal combustion engines in the next decade. Early adopters pursue stress-free operations, while others might fall behind in waitlists or scramble to find room in their budgets too close to deadlines. Preemptive action boosts a supply chain’s chances of refining procedures for achieving compliance.
Some industries worry about the price of electric vehicles in logistics. However, not only does electrification earn government incentives and tax breaks that save bottom lines, but it lowers expenses all around a company. Supply chains and logistics will use less energy and materials while improving efficiency and customer loyalty, leading to subsequent eco-friendly implementations that garner even more savings.
EVs propel green logistics because they force supply chains to undergo process discovery. For example, countless manufacturing floors and supply chains need optimized routes. Packages travel around in circles, wasting fuel and energy instead of using the most straightforward path. Redesigning pathways so supplies get to their destination efficiently is crucial for boosting the value of EV implementation.
One way to optimize warehouses is to replace forklifts and other delivery vehicles with electric versions. Some EVs are designed with warehouses in mind. They have a higher ground clearance for easy maneuverability and can carry payloads of up to 1,400 pounds.
By switching over to electric vehicles, distributors can save money on fuel and maintenance costs since all EVs typically require less maintenance than conventional transportation.
Redesigning commercial fleets must also reduce returns and increase first-attempt delivery accuracy. Emissions from each are why logistics transportation has such a high carbon footprint. However, switching to electric does not dismiss a supply chain’s responsibility to continue minimizing these statistics for efficiency and resource awareness.
Accountability comes with transparency and market research. Relay to third parties, customers’ and stakeholders’ delivery expectations, and accurate product descriptions. Use the Internet of Things and sensor technology to create more precise delivery windows. A business may also change to a stricter return policy in light of electrification and other environmental efforts.
The hope EVs bring to eco-friendly logistics must motivate companies to prioritize breaking down barriers preventing adoption and transparency. For example, EV batteries have a contentious origin story, as lithium and cobalt mining damages nations. Unfortunately, inadequate recycling infrastructure tarnishes what could be a circular life cycle for the battery.
If logistics teams adopt EVs without lobbying for systemic change to EV manufacturing, green energy adoption and infrastructure modernization will stall. Logistics and energy professionals must understand their EV usage sets a precedent for global use.
Integrating EVs into logistics will pose more issues if the world does not collaborate to identify ubiquitous raw material sources. A handful of nations control most of the elemental production required for EV batteries. These monopolies — alongside customer demand — prevent adequate funding and time for research. Therefore, subpar EV models become commonplace instead of seeking improvements.
These influences stunt the potential for more easily recyclable, Earthfriendly EV parts. Logistics teams must perpetuate the necessity of research, such as sodium-ion or solid-state batteries. They must also realize how advancements impact more than just transportation within the industry. High-quality, carbon-positive electric vehicles in logistics decrease carbon emissions for commuters and public transit. It leads to upgrading failing national electrical systems, more accessible charging stations, and improved economic circumstances for all vehicle operators.
EVs inspire logistical transformation, but there is no comprehensive solution regarding sustainability. A combination of big-picture and micro efforts must amplify EV legitimacy in commercial fleets.
Endeavors include corporate advocacy for other green initiatives. Simultaneously, a company must get curious about how to undergo route optimization to improve energy efficiency by small percentages. EVs cut logistics footprints immensely, but they must catalyze continued environmental awareness and goal setting for a holistically green sector.
19 JULY 2024 | Source: BREEDON
Two renowned businesses from Suffolk – a freight company and an electrical cable distributor – are celebrating 20 years of working together which has seen the relationship go for gold
Family-owned Bartrums in Eye, a founder shareholder member of the Pallet-Track network, first started distributing goods for Goldwing Cable in Beccles in 2004 when Pallet-Track launched.
Such has been the success for both businesses that Bartrums now delivers more than double the number of palletised shipments for Goldwing Cable compared to just 10 years ago.
Central to the success of the close-working relationship is having full tracking on all pallets during the distribution process, as well as the rapport that has developed between personnel from both companies at all levels.
I work on a daily basis with the drivers from Bartrums and they are great. We do have certain demands, but they will always do anything to help us, such as drivers are more than happy to wait past their collection time.
Steve Hines, Warehouse Manager, Goldwing Cable
Goldwing Cable distributes its electrical cables for the industrial, commercial and transportation sectors all over the UK and Europe, including direct to site.
Speed of delivery is often a key criteria for Goldwing Cable, a factor that Bartrums has vast experience accommodating, as well as providing the latest fleet with GPS tracking and fully integrated Electronic Data Capture (EDC) systems.
Robert Bartrum, managing director at The Bartrum Group, which was established over 90 years ago, said: “We deliver palletised orders for Goldwing Cable on a daily basis and they are a customer you would love to have.
Over 20 years, we’ve come to know each other very well and I believe we provide the same high-level of service today as we did when we first won their business in 2004. It’s also great to see two businesses from Suffolk fly the flag for East Anglia and I look forward to working with Goldwing Cables for at least another 20 years to come.
A bulk haulier says its transport management system (TMS) is making compliance easy while also saving time on planning.
BI Halder provides nationwide bulk haulage for the agricultural sector and is certified through TASCC, the Trade Assurance Scheme for Combinable Crops. TASCC is recognised by the food industry as essential to maintaining the traceability of assured combinable crops after they have left the farm.
BI Halder can easily demonstrate compliance with TASCC thanks to its TMS from HaulTech. HaulTech simplifies the TASCC audit process, enabling BI Halder to store all the evidential information they need in one place.
Traceability is extremely important for TASCC and HaulTech makes it easy. TASCC compliance is built into HaulTech, which makes it very straightforward for us.
James Halder, Transport Manager, BI Halder
Based in Driffield, East Yorkshire, BI Halder has been offering grain haulage for 55 years. The family-owned company provides nationwide bulk haulage under TASCC and is also certified on the Fertiliser Industry Assurance scheme.
HaulTech Executive Director, Clare Chidlow, says the TMS supports TASCC compliance by helping hauliers to evidence the job history of specific trailer loads, and provides strong sub-contractor certification documentation.
Users can search for loads via trailer numbers for quicker audit evidence collection. In addition, the system stores electronic copies of all documents to avoid paperwork being lost or incorrectly manually inputted.
The TMS also links trailer and TASCC job ID numbers through a single point of data entry for faster transport planning, and features collection and delivery documentation to assist with accurate and timely invoicing. Outside of TASCC, the system further reduces administration time for hauliers – typically clients report a 40% saving in the time it takes to complete their tasks.
BI Halder uses the TMS for transport planning and also has HaulTech’s live vehicle tracking system. HaulTech is very easy to use, and we like the fact that all the features are rolled into one system, added James. The tracking and the planning features work together very well.
The tracking platform, HaulTech.Live, provides real time telematics and tachograph data, enabling the user to monitor and track drivers and vehicles. Functionality also includes remote tacho download.
Tracking helps with traceability on TASCC but for us it is also invaluable for wider compliance. HaulTech gives us real time information on how many hours a driver has left. Bulk haulage is a constantly changing environment, every day is different as you rarely have the same load twice on a bulker. HaulTech enables us to keep on top of it all in a fast-paced business. It is a reliable and user-friendly system that is well suited to our needs.
9 JULY 2024 | Source: HAULTECH
The autonomous truck industry is experiencing a revival after the initial hype, with vehicle delivery numbers continuously breaking records. Companies in Asia, Europe, and the United States are eagerly entering the commercialization testing phase. Autonomous trucks are addressing real-world problems by saving transportation costs and optimizing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) through practical calculations. By 2044, it is expected that the global trucking fleet will be supported by an additional half a million L4 autonomous drivers, while the remaining drivers will either act as supervisors or work in less developed regions. The autonomous truck industry is projected to have an annual growth rate of 25.6% over the next 20 years. This is one of the key findings from the new IDTechEx research report, Autonomous Trucks 2024-2044: Technologies, Trends, Forecasts.
Trucks have long been regarded as having great potential in commercializing autonomous driving systems. Compared to robotaxis and other mobility-service-oriented autonomous platforms, companies do not need to focus as much on user experience or integration within society. The purpose of autonomous driving systems in trucks is to address several critical issues within the industry, with driver management being the most prominent. Unstable social conditions and COVID-19 have deterred many from becoming truck drivers. Many young people are reluctant to spend their lives on the road when homeworking has become a viable way to build a career. The aging population exacerbates the labor shortage, making waning driver numbers cause a bottleneck in land transportation. Fewer drivers mean carriers are forced to increase wages to attract new and suitable drivers, thus raising operating costs.
Safety is another crucial consideration in the trucking industry.
According to Intelligent Safety White Paper for China’s Road Freight Industry, there are 3.7 accidents per million kilometers in China's freight industry – equivalent to one traffic accident per driver every 16 months. The annual insurance payout is about RMB 30,000 per vehicle (US$4,286), with 37% of accidents attributed to driver error and 35% related to the lack of assisting equipment. Data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration indicates that heavy-duty trucks and buses in the United States have 0.1 accidents per million kilometers, with 1% being fatal. The significant disparity arises from differences in road
traffic infrastructure between western and eastern China, differences in management regulations between developed and underdeveloped areas, and reduced insurance costs and personal injury compensation.
Using autonomous long-haul trucks has the potential to reduce the number of accidents, as autonomous driving systems do not get distracted and can facilitate more efficient and effective communication with other vehicles or devices. IDTechEx’s new report delves deep into the pain points of commercializing autonomous trucks, highlighting the reasons why the industry is choosing autonomy.
In 2024, autonomous truck companies are actively conducting commercial testing in the hope of addressing the paint points listed above. After studying more than ten of the largest autonomous truck companies, IDTechEx has outlined two main commercialization paths. These paths are influenced by government regulations on autonomous vehicle testing in various countries, with some regions providing detailed policy support specifically for autonomous trucks.
Led by Inceptio, the first path involves gradually upgrading the in-vehicle autonomous driving system from Level 2 (L2) to Level 4 (L4). The goal is to utilize L2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to pave the way for commercialization and gather real-world data to prepare for L4 autonomous driving systems. Although L2 cannot replace drivers, it can alleviate fatigue, extend driving distances, and enhance safety. In the Chinese market, carriers can drop from two drivers to just one on longer routes thanks to the convenience and safety available from L2-L3 ADAS trucks.
The second path focuses on establishing high-quality L4 fixed routes (called hub-to-hub) for short-distance (200-400 miles) autonomous or unmanned transportation. Sweden's Einride is a notable example of a company doing this, with three route plans in the UK, Norway, and Sweden. Companies need to pre-plan the routes for downstream transportation customers and set up related auxiliary facilities along the way to ensure the smooth operation of L4 autonomous driving. As an electric truck company, Einride has designed an autonomous
driving network called Grids to address fleet optimization, tractor swaps, and battery management optimizations. Einride is already operating independently in Europe and the United States.
IDTechEx's report provides an in-depth analysis of these two commercialization paths and offers region-specific and marketspecific forecasts.
IDTechEx believes that at the current stage, L4 autonomous trucks require more efficient route planning to reduce uncertainties along the way, thus improving the quality of the Operational Design Domains (ODD). The L4 hub-to-hub transport can consolidate cargo from multiple clients and maximize the use of the same ODD for L4 level transportation. This approach can save vehicle energy and enhance vehicle utilization.
Commercialization representatives in three continents
IDTechEx has tracked global and regional leaders in autonomous truck sales and found increasing disparities among them. The market environments in each of the three major continents have fostered their own leading companies.
China was the first to achieve the mass production and commercial delivery of autonomous trucks. Inceptio and DeepWay have made significant sales in their respective sectors—internal combustion engine
(ICE) and pure electric. These companies leverage vertical integration, supply chain dominance, and economies of scale to solidify their early lead and extend their dominance into foreign markets.
Einride stands out as a leader in Europe, achieving L4 level commercial operations in three regions. Einride boasts a highly integrated management platform that oversees fleet operations, energy management, and freight volumes.
The United States was the earliest to begin L4 level truck road testing, with numerous players involved. Kodiak and Aurora have accumulated leading global test mileage. However, regulatory challenges have slowed commercialization progress, with mass production expected in the coming years.
The IDTechEx report, Autonomous Trucks 2024-2044: Technologies, Trends, Forecasts , provides detailed insights into the market share and growth prospects of key regions, including China, the U.S., and Europe. In addition to routes to commercial L4 deliveries, the report also includes assessments of technical maturity, value chain positioning, business models, and practical calculations to determine the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for different levels of autonomous systems (L0, L2, L3, L4) across various markets.
Shihao Fu, Technology Analyst, IDTechEx
Responding to the National Audit Office report: The condition and maintenance of local roads in England , Michelle Gardner, Deputy Director Policy at business group Logistics UK, says:
The report makes sober reading and is a sad reflection on the state of disrepair of England’s roads. Potholes cost the UK’s economy over £14.4 billion1 a year and there is now an opportunity for the new government to implement the report’s recommendations and repair the infrastructure relied on by businesses and the wider population every day. The NAO recommends that the DfT works with HM Treasury to set out how it will provide longer-term funding certainty to local authorities, and this, together with the current lack of accurate data on the condition of local roads, is something we are urging the new government to address as soon as possible. Long term funding will enable local authorities to implement preventative road maintenance which, as the NAO recognises, delivers better value for money for taxpayers, is more cost effective than reactive, short-term maintenance activity and will keep deliveries moving to support the UK’s economy.
Comprehensive
The use of railroads and trains to transport cargo, as opposed to human passengers.
Related topics Belt & Road Initiative
HS2 Rail terminals and depots
GEODIS, a leading intermodal operator, has expanded its rail freight services with another fixed schedule connection. As of June 11th, the freight train between Łódź and Barcelona was operable, representing the first direct rail connection between the two countries.
On the inaugural trip customers' goods in 44 containers and/ or swap bodies, each capable of carrying a payload of 26 tons set off from the freight terminal in Łódź, reaching Barcelona after just three days, from where 'last mile' distribution will take place by road. Later on that day of arrival, the train returns to Poland with imported goods from Spain. Successive trains have also a capacity of 44 units, replacing the same amount of trucks that might otherwise be used.
The service is another example of GEODIS’ ability to go beyond a pure intermodal offering and provide a truly multimodal option, which combines road transport with rail seamlessly, enabling a secure flow of goods and more flexibility in managing peaks in demand.
Delivering goods on rail emits five times less CO2e than covering the same distance by road and is 12 times lower than the equivalent air transport. The rail link allows the delivery of as much as 1,000 tons of goods from various industries.
The rail route between Łódź and Barcelona, although longer than the road journey by almost 160 km, reduces CO2e emissions by up to -79%. Moreover, energy consumption is around 57% lower.
In the first stage of the development of this project, the schedule provides for one train per week, leaving Łódź every Tuesday. In the other direction, the train will depart from Barcelona on Fridays.
The launch of the new Łódź - Barcelona rail connection provides customers a large number of benefits, as it will enable punctual transportation of shipments, while considerably limiting CO2 emissions. GEODIS is one of the leading intermodal operators, and we are proud to continue in this vein by developing this road-rail solution in Europe, enabling our customers to benefit from even more solutions and optional routings. We have great ambitions for this new line, as we plan to increase the frequency to two trains per week in the near future.
Marc
Vollet , Chief Operations Officer, GEODIS European Road Network
This new multimodal block-train is an addition to the existing GEODIS multimodal route network which operates nearly 120 trains a week throughout Europe.
As Eurotunnel celebrates its 30th anniversary, one of its largest commercial users is marking 2,600 journeys through the tunnel every month – more than 30,000 annually.
Europa Road, the dedicated European road freight division of Europa Worldwide Group, was one of the very first transport companies to establish express services into mainland Europe, and started using, LeShuttle Freight service, shortly after it opened in 1994.
It remains one of the greatest transportation innovations of a generation, being the longest undersea tunnel in the world, spanning 50km. Open 24/7, 365 days a year, LeShuttle Freight offers remarkable flexibility for frequent users like Europa Road, who transport a variety of time-critical groupage, part load and full load consignments from the UK’s largest groupage 1Hub in Dartford.
Cementing the UK’s trade ties with continental Europe, LeShuttle Freight offers the prospect of high-speed freight services, shorter journeys and a sophisticated IT/data transfer infrastructure allowing smooth border crossings. A truck crossing the Channel on LeShuttle Freight our freight service emits 12 times less carbon emissions than by ferry. Through the use of its specific and bespoke IT integration, LeShuttle Freight’s infrastructure is customer-centric and easing trade burdens post-Brexit.
Eurotunnel opened access to new European markets for British businesses, offering faster transit times (of just 35 minutes compared to 90 minutes by ferry), fewer carbon emissions, and fewer disruptions associated with weather or traffic congestion at ferry ports. There have of course been challenges along the way. Everything changed when the UK left the customs union and more complex border controls came into force after Brexit. Freight businesses transporting goods to the EU via France needed a more sophisticated IT infrastructure to improve operational efficiency, communication between stakeholders, and track & trace capabilities. Dan Cook, Group Operations Director, Europa Worldwide Group
To overcome these challenges, Europa invested over £10 million on its bespoke freight management software Leonardo. Developed in-house and managed by a global team of 100 experts, the system has expanded to provide customers across road, air and sea freight with enhanced management and consignment visibility and tracking.
Dan continues: Since Brexit, we have been able to fully integrate Leonardo to transfer customs data directly into the LeShuttle Freight IT infrastructure and border-related service offering out to Border Control in France. The whole process, occurring multiple times a day, every day, is slick and paperless, making the transportation of goods reliable and efficient from start to finish.
As a company constantly innovating to better support its customers, Europa Road is utilising LeShuttle Freight’s flexibility alongside its own technology to achieve a seamless transportation of goods. This is further demonstrated by its Brexit solution Europa Flow, launched in 2021 following an investment of more than £5m, which was developed by Europa’s in-house team to remove the complexity associated with customs paperwork and duty payments.
We're delighted with the continued strong business partnership we've built over the years with Europa. We are looking forward to working together for many more years to come, making freight more flexible.
Carsten Pikkemaat , Sales Director, LeShuttle Freight
Dan Cook concludes: 30 years on, this partnership has driven our own innovation, ensuring we can provide a seamless movement of goods for our customers. Europa Flow is a prime example of this, our ‘frictionless customs product’ is powered by the latest technology supporting the specialist delivery duty paid (DDP) service.
Stobart Ports, the UK’s leading Logistics Supply Partner for Container Transport, announce the commencement of a second daily train service between the Port of Felixstowe and Widnes. This new service, launched in partnership with GB Railfreight, comes as a response to the substantial demand following the initial service's success since October 2023.
Stobart Ports will now operate an additional five trains weekly, elevating the total number of services between Felixstowe and Widnes to eleven per week. This enhancement underscores Stobart Ports' commitment to sustainable transport solutions and operational efficiency. By introducing this new service, approximately 500 HGV movements will be removed from the UK’s road network each week, significantly alleviating congestion and enhancing road safety.
Rail reduces carbon emissions by up to 76% compared to road transport, which is why we continue to invest heavily in rail logistics. This year alone, Stobart Ports have moved over 100,000 containers by rail, cutting road miles and saving around 20,000 tonnes of CO2. Our ongoing investment in rail not only maintains our leadership in UK rail logistics but also supports our environmental goals.
Sean French, Managing Director, Stobart Ports
The Widnes site, which is ETSF and AFSO accredited, offers comprehensive final mile and storage solutions, further complementing the rail services. The strategic location and state-of-the-art facilities ensure that Stobart Ports can provide unparalleled service to its customers, fostering the modal switch to rail.
We are delighted to accept another GB Railfreight service from the Port of Felixstowe into Stobart Ports Widnes, added French. This expansion enhances our rail schedule to over 50 rail services per week, demonstrating our dedication to providing efficient and ecofriendly logistics solutions.
We’re delighted to introduce this new service with Stobart, effectively doubling the volume we transport between Felixstowe and Widnes. Having already moved 100k boxes in and out of the Port of Felixstowe in 2024, we aim to double this figure by year’s end.
Julie Garn, Head of Intermodal, GB Railfreight
The partnership between Stobart Ports and GB Railfreight highlights a shared vision of growth and sustainability. As the logistics industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint, the expansion of rail services stands out as a critical solution. The benefits of this expanded service extend beyond environmental gains. The reduction in road traffic contributes to safer roads and reduced wear and tear on infrastructure, which is advantageous for communities and local governments. Additionally, by enhancing connectivity and efficiency in freight transport, Stobart Ports supports the broader economic landscape, facilitating smoother trade and commerce.
The transportation of large, heavy, high-value or critical (to the project they are intended for) pieces of equipment.
Related topics
Heavy lift
Abnormal load
OOG (out of gauge)
Sponsored by
As part of a hydro project, Express Global Logistics (EXG) have successfully completed the multimodal transportation of four lots of shipments from India to Brazil.
This journey covered a total distance of 500km by road and several days of voyage by sea before arriving at the final destination. The cargo was divided into four lots, including general cargo, over-dimensional cargo, and 8 breakbulk pieces.
The containers were transported using high-bed trailers, while the breakbulk pieces – measuring 6.0 x 6.0 x 1.5m and weighing 32mt each – were transported on SLBT trailers.
The road transportation of 500 km from the pick-up point to Nhava Sheva Port presented several challenges. The occasion of a national festival, which could have significantly delayed their schedule, was deftly managed by coordinating with local authorities and rescheduling movements to avoid peak times.
In accordance with Brazilian government regulations, mandating the fumigation of cargo secured within wooden boxes or pallets, EXG effectively conducted the necessary fumigation ahead of schedule, ensuring completion before the cargo reached the terminal.
This achievement highlights our reliability and adaptability as a global logistics partner.
2 AUGUST 2024 | Source: PROJECT CARGO NETWORK
The project logistics division of Polaris Shipping Agencies, our members from the United Arab Emirates began July with a significant cross-trade contract involving shipments from multiple CIS destinations.
These shipments were consigned to Polaris for storage and refurbishment. Utilising their Jebel Ali Free Zone Logistics License, Polaris were able to import the shipments duty-free and VAT-exempt into the Jebel Ali Free Zone, with no time restrictions for export.
The project involved approximately 2,800 freight tons of RO/RO units, each with a maximum unit weight of 25 MT.
These units were meticulously inspected and refurbished at the Jebel Ali facility to meet the receiver's requirements before being shipped to Myanmar. To avoid additional charges at the destination, shipments were dispatched in multiple lots as per the receiver's instructions.
The shipments were made on container vessels using special equipment such as flat racks, open tops, and as breakbulk.
Polaris' scope of work covered the following:
• Collection from various suppliers in the CIS
• Multimodal transportation via Georgia and Turkey to Jebel Ali
• Receipt of units in the Jebel Ali Free Zone facility
• Condition surveys of all units upon receipt, refurbishment, and export, with direct reporting
• Refurbishment according to the receiver's requirements
• Coordination and arrangement of all inward and outward formalities
• Stuffing and lashing on special equipment for containerised units and delivery under tackle for breakbulk shipments
• Competitive ocean freight solutions to Port Myanmar
We extend our gratitude to all stakeholders, including our overseas associates, partners, and esteemed clients, for their trust in Polaris, which enabled us to complete the project on schedule.
Muscat International Shipping & Logistics (MIS) are pleased to share details of a recently completed project shipment his project shipment consisted of thirty-two pieces of breakbulk cargo which included nine OOG FRs.The cargo was loaded at Sohar, Oman on MSC Flagship, which was on her direct industry service maiden call to Sohar for this cargo only. The vessel was rerouted to Sohar to collect and carry this breakbulk
As well as complete handling of the cargo, MIS also performed the loading, lashing, customs clearance and transport to the port with a
Pictured below are the loading operations and the cargo inside the vessel.
Any place where goods are allowed to pass, by water or land, into and out of a country and where customs officers are stationed to inspect or appraise imported goods | logistics hubs where goods are stored under ideal conditions, for onward distribution.
Related topics
Cargo handling
Container terminals
Drayage
Warehousing
Pick ‘n’ pack
Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a member of the SATS Group, is starting a three-month trial using HVO biofuel in its airside transport fleet at London’s Heathrow Airport in support of SATS’ environmental, social and governance (ESG) group priorities Heathrow’s goal for all airport vehicles to be zeroemission or using biofuels by 2030.
Commencing on 1 July 2024, the trial Initially involves two of WFS’s airside transport vehicles. Based on the successful outcome of the trial, WFS will begin increasing the use of biofuel across its fleet of 77 airside vehicles, which conduct approximately 130,000 truck movements a year at Heathrow in support of 10 airline customers.
The biofuel provider for the trial is Airport Energy, part of WP Group.
WFS has already transitioned its airside vans from diesel to a fully electric fleet to support Heathrow Airport’s sustainability strategy ‘Heathrow 2.0’ and WFS’s sustainability initiatives. Its airside fleet also meets the Euro 6 environmental standard, which limits harmful exhaust emissions and improve local air quality.
This trial will help us determine if biofuel is suitable for our operation and, if it is, we will move more vehicles over to HVO (hydrotreated or hydrogenated vegetable oil) over the next 12 months. As part of our close working relationship with Heathrow, we are committed to supporting the airport’s sustainability goals, and the use of cleaner biofuels is just one of the ways we aim to do this.
Paul Carmody, Managing Director UK Cargo, WFS
Heathrow is committed to decarbonisation, and as part of our Heathrow 2.0 sustainability strategy and cargo strategy the end goal is for all airside vehicles to be zero emissions. Biofuels play an incredibly important role in this journey, so we support WFS’ biofuel trials across their diesel trucks, which will help reduce lifecycle carbon emissions at Heathrow, benefiting both people and planet.
James Golding, Head of Cargo, Heathrow Airport
In addition to this latest biofuel trial, WFS has commenced a transport fleet renewal and upgrade programme to meet new environmental standards. It is also preparing to trial an electric truck in its Heathrow transport operation and championing environmentally friendly driving standards by upskilling its driving team through increased training support and assessment.
Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a member of the SATS Group, has increased cargo handling capacity by 60% at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport with the official opening of its fifth cargo terminal.
The new facility, which secures WFS’ position as Madrid’s largest independent cargo handling provider, was formally opened in a ribboncutting ceremony by John Batten, Chief Executive Officer, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia (EMEAA) at WFS, and Humberto Castro, Managing Director of WFS in Spain & Italy.
The new terminal increases WFS’ total cargo facility footprint in Madrid to 17,000 square metres and will support the growing volumes of its thriving client base of 65 airline customers as well as providing expansion opportunities. In the last 12 months, WFS has renewed cargo contracts in Madrid with customers including Air China, Air Europa, Etihad Airways, Pegasus, Turkish Airlines and World2Fly, and signed new agreements with CMA CGM and TAAG Angola Airlines.
It is a proud day for WFS to be opening another state-of-the-art cargo handling facility in the EMEAA region. New cargo terminals provide us with the opportunity to embrace our sustainability and digitalisation programmes from day one of the operation. This facility demonstrates our long-term commitment to Madrid and our current and future customers serving this growing airport, John Batten said.
WFS has been a leading provider of cargo, ground handling, and national and European road feeder services for airlines in Madrid since 1998 and has consistently invested to increase and upgrade its handling infrastructure. WFS has previously opened additional facilities in Madrid in 2001, 2018, and 2019.
In support of its long-term commitment to the airport and its airline community, WFS has signed a 30-year lease on the new building opening, which sits on a 12,500 square metres site with 6,500 square metres of warehouse, connected to the airport tarmac.
This new building is located alongside the main freighter parking area and close to Terminals 4 and 4S, shortening cargo transport times. It has also been designed to support WFS’ commitment to sustainability and digitisation.
Th facility is powered by 100% renewable energy which provides the LED lighting supply, warehouse climatization, and electric battery chargers for cars and warehouse GSE. Indoor AGV (Automated Guided Vehicles) will also be introduced in the second half of 2024. The facility uses Cargospot mobile warehouse technology, the CargoKiosk digital system to automate and expedite truck processing times, and a Warehouse Workflow Monitoring System to meet customer KPIs and ensure consistent levels of efficiency.
Humberto Castro added: Madrid is strategically important to WFS as a premier European hub for Central and South America cargo volumes, as well as its easy connections for goods moving across the EU and to the Middle and Far East markets. It is also one of the preferred e-commerce destinations in Europe, which is an area of major growth today. Our continued investment at the airport shows WFS’s intention to remain the leading provider of cargo and ground services in Madrid and to remain a key part of the airport’s continued success.
In sprawling warehouse districts across the globe, a critical issue is casting a long shadow over the lives of those residing in nearby communities; the incessant buzz of heavy trucks, transporting goods 24/7, contributes not only to economic vitality, but also to a spectrum of severe environmental and health repercussions for local populations.
Recent statistics and studies highlight significant concerns regarding the impact of truck emissions on air quality and health in communities near warehouse districts. One Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) study found that approximately 15 million people in the U.S. live within half a mile of a warehouse, with a disproportionately high impact on communities of color and low-income areas; these communities are exposed to increased levels of air pollution due to the high volume of diesel truck traffic associated with nearby warehouses, leading to an array of health issues, such as asthma, heart disease, and even cognitive decline.
This reality has prompted urgent calls for stricter trucking regulations aimed at mitigating the adverse effects on warehouse communities and fostering a safer, more sustainable coexistence.
The overlooked plight of warehouse neighbors
Warehouse districts typically buzz with activity, their operations crucial to the logistics and supply chains that feed consumer demands. Still, the convenience of next-day deliveries comes at a high cost for those living in proximity to these hubs; residents face a barrage of challenges, from deteriorating air quality to incessant noise pollution, both stemming largely from the diesel-powered trucks that frequent these areas.
Numerous studies have pointed out the direct correlation between proximity to warehouse districts and diminished air quality. Diesel exhaust - characterized by a high concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen oxides - is a known carcinogen, and has been linked to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and premature death; children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions in these communities bear the brunt of this pollution, facing higher risks of asthma and other chronic conditions.
The surge in truck traffic also elevates the risk of road accidents, affecting not only the truck drivers, but also local residents. Increased truck movements can lead to congested roads, higher noise levels, and more frequent traffic collisions, all posing continuously elevated safety threats to pedestrians and cyclists.
Heavy trucks contribute significantly to the wear and tear of local roadways, leading to frequent repairs and maintenance that strain municipal budgets and disrupt daily life. This degradation of infrastructure necessitates significant public expenditure - a financial burden that often falls on the shoulders of local taxpayers.
The adverse health impacts of truck emissions are not just localized, but are a widespread concern across different states. In California, for example, where significant steps have been taken towards reducing emissions, one in six new medium- and heavy-duty trucks sold in 2023 were zero-emission vehicles. This move aligns with California's Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulation, aiming to phase out diesel trucks in favor of cleaner alternatives, and showing a proactive approach to mitigating these issues.
Given these impacts, the call for stricter trucking regulations is both urgent and necessary. Advocates argue for a multi-faceted regulatory approach that includes:
Implementing stringent emission standards for trucks, similar to those in the automotive industry, can drastically reduce the levels of harmful pollutants released into the atmosphere. Transitioning to electric or hybrid models, although costly, offers up a long-term solution that could alleviate the health burdens faced by warehouse communities.
Zoning laws that restrict heavy truck traffic during peak hours in residential areas can significantly decrease noise pollution and road congestion. Furthermore, establishing designated truck routes away from schools and residential zones can minimize the daily disruption faced by these communities.
Investments in infrastructure improvements, such as better road surfaces, noise barriers, and more efficient traffic flow designs, can help to mitigate the physical and auditory impacts of truck traffic. Additionally, supporting the development of more localized distribution centers could reduce the need for long-haul truck journeys, thereby lessening the overall traffic through residential areas.
Achieving these reforms requires the collaboration of multiple stakeholders, including government authorities, industry leaders, and community advocates; a team effort this must be, as public awareness campaigns and community engagement initiatives will prove vital in mobilizing local populations to advocate for change and participate in the regulatory process.
In response to the critical air quality issues in warehouse districts, the implementation of air quality sensors has emerged as a key technological solution. These sensors provide real-time data on pollutant levels, enabling better monitoring and management of air quality in affected communities. By strategically placing air quality sensors throughout these areas, local authorities and health agencies can more accurately assess the impact of diesel truck emissions and enforce regulations based on empirical data. This technology not only helps in identifying pollution hotspots, but also plays a crucial role in evaluating the effectiveness of newly implemented trucking regulations and emission controls; moreover, the data collected can inform residents and help mobilize community response to advocate for necessary changes, ensuring that measures taken are both timely and effective.
As e-commerce continues to grow and the demand for faster deliveries escalates, the pressures on warehouse communities will only intensify. Stricter trucking regulations are not merely beneficial, but essential for safeguarding the health and well-being of these communities; it’s imperative that we address these issues promptly, ensuring that economic progress does not come at the expense of public health and safety. The time to act is now, with a concerted effort from all sectors to bring about meaningful change and protect our most vulnerable populations.
Jackson Maven
Despite volatile economic conditions recently due to labour shortages and rising costs, Europa Warehouse has secured thirteen new customers and gained over £11m worth of additional revenue, in the past six months.
Spread across its portfolio of three sites (in Dartford, Birmingham, and Corby) Europa has secured new customer contracts from multiple e-commerce and retail sectors, including drinks, packaging, toys, luggage, apparel, industrial and nutrition.
In the 2024 Big Sheds Prospects report, growth in demand for online retail year on year, and an increase in manufacturing-related take up in warehouses, will equate to the need for up to 48 million sq.ft of additional 3PL space by 2027.
Experiencing this demand firsthand, Europa Warehouse, which is the 3PL division of the UK’s largest independent logistics provider Europa Worldwide Group, is providing thirteen new customers – including global eCommerce brands launching in the UK for the first time – with the fulfilment expertise, scalability and flexibility needed to succeed.
The Great British Exchange, a company helping small suppliers into the UK’s leading retailers, is working with Europa’s Birmingham team.
We approached Europa needing a full-service fulfilment solution; something we could easily integrate our suppliers into, with opportunities to scale up in the future. The moment we walked through the doors of Birmingham, we knew we were in a safe pair of hands. The team was enthusiastic, dedicated and open to collaboration, and Europa’s general approach to fulfilment can take the pressure off us, allowing us to invest in growing the brands we work with. The team very much felt like an extension of our team.
Stephen Fletcher, Chief Operating Officer at Arovo – GB Exchange’s parent company
Europa’s new customers are utilising the complete mix of warehouse fulfilment services from Europa’s three sites, from shared-user automation to kitting, de-nesting and returns. Common requirements for these brands include the need for an experienced 3PL supplier that would scale to fit their needs, with a customer-centric and collaborative approach.
These new contracts mark the exciting next phase of growth and we’re delighted to have welcomed new brands to the Europa Warehouse family. Our new customers will benefit from our enhanced capabilities and investment in both manual solutions and shared-user automation over the past 18 months. The scale of this success shows that the market is very responsive to our value proposition, our scale and ability to meet customer demand. Our warehouses are strategically located to have direct access to inbound and outbound onward distribution networks which, when combined with the ability to onboard business quickly, offers our customers a high-quality, futureproofed service and good value for money.
Dionne Redpath, Chief Operating Officer & Head of Warehouse, Europa Worldwide Group
Europa Warehouse has three warehouses in total, offering over 1million sq. ft. of 3PL fulfilment space. Two are centrally located within the Midland’s ‘golden’ logistics triangle and in all cases, customers have access to our market leading road, air and sea divisions giving us a unique opportunity to manage customers’ end-to-end supply chains.
In addition, its Dartford facility is close to both London for global businesses, some of which are launching in the UK for the first time, and the Dartford Crossing for European goods.
A strategic location is one vital element which is supported by the Europa Warehouse service offer, providing brands access to shared-user automation, market-leading solutions for manual fulfilment, pick and pack, repacking, palletising and compelling storage rates.
Europa Warehouse has higher-than-average racking, narrower aisles and a sophisticated optimised security system in place – guaranteeing brands the surety, protection and reliable storage of goods
All locations are customs authorised for both Wet and Dry bond, allowing goods to be stored ahead of seasonal peaks without warehouse customers footing heavy duty costs immediately.
Dionne added In addition to exceptional service levels, approach and location many of the new contracts are utilising additional Europa services, such as road, sea or air freight – ensuring a consistent, seamless approach. These entrepreneurial companies regardless of the sector or requirement all want consistency, and high-quality services from a trusted supplier who is passionate about doing the best job for them.
Digitalisation: leveraging digitisation to improve business processes.
(Digitisation: converting information from a physical into a digital format. Digital Transformation: the use of new, fast and frequently changing digital technology to solve problems.)
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Artificial intelligence is fast becoming established as key to many business management software systems but yet to become a standard feature of a typical TMS. Clare Chidlow, Executive Director at Haultech, explains why transport managers should look favourably on its inevitable arrival.
While media debate rages on about the best uses of AI - and whether it will steal our jobs – fleet operators will soon find it playing an indispensible role in everyday logistics and vehicle management.
AI will come to represent a step change in how a transport management system can boost efficiency and safety for logistics operations. However, it is likely to remain very much a tool for transport teams rather than a direct replacement for them – think of it as a supporting character rather than taking the star role.
In a modern TMS, the software already exists to provide numerous solutions and data, but AI is widely expected to do the heavy lifting and greatly enhance existing TMS performance. An algorithm can make millions of calculations in a very short space of time, which enables it to find the best efficiencies much faster than a human or team of humans could ever achieve.
In addition, AI will work behind the scenes to enhance productivity in other areas. The simple ability to import data at the click of a button is already a huge time-saver; and with AI fleet managers will be able to interrogate the data provided by their TMS with greater speed and to more effective ends. This should mean improved uptime, enhanced customer service, reduced administration, and better compliance and safety.
Furthermore, AI-driven algorithms are brilliant early warning systems. They can spot patterns that a human might easily miss, which can help identify an issue and take action to address it before major problems occur – attributes which may be beyond the reach of existing fleet software packages.
Logistics is a very fast-paced business, with even the best laid plans often requiring anything from deft tweaks to major surgery as the day unfolds. This typically means you must take important operational decisions on the spot. A TMS enhanced by AI will inevitably help transport teams make more informed decisions, or in some cases come up with definitive answers and options in a matter of seconds.
Transport management is the brains of the organism that is your business. This brain makes dozens of decisions every day which can either improve or reduce your margins. Eliminating guesswork from the decision-making process for a busy fleet operation is therefore a huge benefit.
However, let me be clear that the AI within a TMS will not replace the transport manager as the brain. AI cannot usurp the skills and supply chain experience of a competent fleet manager.
AI will likely assist at virtually every level of operational and financial management, thereby freeing up the transport team to focus on strategic planning and the day-to-day decisions that guide and develop a successful business.
A TMS is a platform to reduce costs, improve compliance and enhance the customer experience. TMS providers do not intend for AI systems to replace experienced transport or distribution managers at this stage. Right now, we should look towards AI within a TMS as a valuable tool in the right hands, rather than a direct replacement for a transport team.
CargoAi, a leader in digital freight solutions, is excited to announce a strategic partnership with MASkargo, the cargo airline and subsidiary of Malaysia Aviation Group. This collaboration aims to revolutionize airfreight booking and payment processes across nearly 100 countries worldwide through CargoWALLET, CargoAi’s innovative payment solution.
This partnership integrates MASkargo’s extensive airfreight services into CargoAi’s ecosystem, arming freight forwarders with the ability to book and pay for shipments directly through CargoWALLET.
Matt Petot, CEO of CargoAi, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, We are thrilled to collaborate with MASkargo to bring our innovative CargoWALLET solution to a broader audience. This partnership underscores our commitment to streamlining the airfreight process, reducing transaction costs, and facilitating global trade. By integrating MASkargo’s services into our solution ecosystem, we are providing our common users with enhanced access to a vast network of destinations and seamless payment options at the lowest cost.
Chief Executive Officer of MASkargo, Mark Jason Thomas, said:
We are thrilled to announce the partnership between MASkargo and CargoAi. This collaboration signifies a resounding success for us in simplifying customer transactions through the CargoWALLET platform. Not only does this partnership elevate MASkargo's position in today's digital world and technology era, it also streamlines the process for customers, enabling them to easily track from the initial stage to acceptance within an incredibly innovative ecosystem. Our joint solution promises to make processes easier, faster, more cost-efficient, and ultimately deliver maximum value to our customers' experience.
From its hub in Kuala Lumpur, MASkargo is significantly accelerating the digitalisation of air cargo in the APAC region by offering all its worldwide cargo capacity, belly, and freighters on www.CargoAi.co. The new synergy between CargoAi and MASkargo will open up a more extensive network to all forwarding agents worldwide.
CargoWALLET’s advanced capabilities include instant payment processing, eliminating the need for bank guarantees, and offering a variety of preferred payment methods, such as local transfers and credit card payments. This not only removes the reliance on cash payments but also ensures secure and efficient financial transactions.
Moreover, the reconciliation process is automated within CargoWALLET, reducing administrative burdens, and enhancing operational efficiency for freight forwarders. Importantly, freight forwarders using CargoMART do not need to provide a bank guarantee or pay yearly subscriptions to access CargoWALLET, simplifying their financial processes and reducing overhead costs.
This partnership with MASkargo demonstrates CargoAi’s dedication to driving innovation and delivering unparalleled value to its customers. By leveraging CargoWALLET, freight forwarders can now enjoy a more streamlined, cost-effective, and efficient booking and payment experience.
Customers gain instant booking for WestJet Cargo’s impressive Canadian connectivity and extensive capacities throughout the Americas, Caribbean, Europe and Asia
Canada’s second largest carrier partners with category-leader cargo.one to boost its global reach, lower cost per sale, and guarantee a world-class digital experience
WestJet Cargo, the cargo division of Canada’s second largest carrier, and cargo.one have launched the airline’s capacity on the market-leading air freight platform. For the first time, the global freight forwarding community gains instant and fully digital access to book WestJet Cargo’s services around the clock. WestJet Cargo has turned to the industry-leader to supercharge its digital distribution, rapidly gaining digital best practices and valuable new visibility in all its relevant markets worldwide.
WestJet Cargo is renowned for fulfilling the diverse needs of the Canadian air cargo market with its unrivaled local expertise and an impressive network of 45 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. The airline offers freight forwarders great flexibility across its 180 aircraft fleet, including its modern Boeing 737-800 BCF freighters, and substantial belly capacity within wide body long haul and narrow body passenger aircraft.
Freight forwarders globally now enjoy seamless, user-friendly and 24/7 access to WestJet Cargo offers, with instant confirmation. Within a few clicks, forwarders can now discover, book, amend and track bookings, including import bookings, for general cargo and perishable shipments.
cargo.one’s joyful booking process and WestJet Cargo’s famous Canadian care-driven approach combine to ensure that every customer receives an exceptional experience from end to end.
This strategic partnership is a logical step in our digital transformation, accelerating our growth in digital bookings. Partnering with cargo.one aligns perfectly with our vision of delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Kirsten de Bruijn, Executive Vice-President, Cargo, WestJet
WestJet Cargo stands out as having a particularly strong alignment with cargo.one’s agility and mindset for prioritizing the customer experience. Our teams are together applying cargo.one technology and best practices to fully maximize WestJet Cargo’s digital sales journey.
Moritz Claussen, Founder & Co-CEO, cargo.one.
The partnership with cargo.one is the latest step in WestJet Cargo’s extensive digitalization program, focused on delivering customers enhanced efficiency and service delivery. cargo.one is applying its digital sales expertise to help WestJet Cargo broaden its footprint and optimize market-fit for all its markets. With tactical experience gained from launching fully digital distribution for over 50 airlines worldwide, cargo.one supports airlines to accelerate online sales progress and uplift a range of efficiencies.
WestJet Cargo capacity is currently available on cargo.one, including popular destinations across the Americas, such as Calgary, Halifax, Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Miami, Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta and Cancun, and in Europe including London, Paris, Dublin, Barcelona, Milan and Rome.
6 AUGUST 2024 | Source: CARGOAI
CargoAi, the industry's fastest-growing digital enabler, is excited to announce the launch of its newest innovative feature, the Shipper Quotation Module, on CargoMART. This latest addition provides small, medium, and large freight forwarders with a powerful tool to create and customize real-time quotations for their customers, significantly reducing the back-and-forth routine between procurement and sales teams.
In an industry where efficiency and accuracy are critical, CargoAi’s Shipper Quotation Module revolutionizes the way freight forwarders generate and manage quotations with their own clients.
The feature allows users to create detailed, real-time quotes tailored to their customers' specific needs, streamlining the sales process and enhancing customer satisfaction. By integrating this module into CargoMART, CargoAi continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing comprehensive digital solutions that drive operational efficiency and business growth.
Key benefits of the shipper quotation module
• Speed: The module enables forwarders to generate quotations in real-time, significantly reducing the time spent on back-and-forth communications between procurement and sales teams. This acceleration in the quotation process allows forwarders to respond to customer inquiries promptly and efficiently.
• Autonomy: Forwarders have full control over the quotation process, from creation to customization. This autonomy allows users to manage their quotations independently, ensuring that they can provide accurate and competitive quotes without relying on intermediaries.
• Flexibility: The Shipper Quotation Module offers the flexibility to modify and cancel quotations directly from the CargoMART account. Users can adjust their quotes to reflect changing market conditions and customer requirements, ensuring that they remain competitive and responsive to their clients’ needs.
A commitment to innovation and excellence
CargoAi continues to set the benchmark for technological advancement in the freight industry. The Shipper Quotation Module is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing processes, offering a hassle-free experience for freight forwarders. This new feature underscores CargoAi’s dedication to providing state-of-the-art solutions that meet the evolving needs of its users.
Our new Shipper Quotation Module represents a significant leap forward in our mission to digitize and simplify the air cargo booking process. By providing a tool that allows forwarders to create and customize realtime quotations, we are not only enhancing their operational efficiency but also empowering them to offer superior service to their customers. This is a game-changer for freight forwarders of all sizes.
Matt Petot , CEO, CargoAi
Partnership means Condor’s entire global network will be available for instant digital booking on cargo.one
Condor and cargo.one teams closely collaborate to enrich offer quality and boost digital adoption rates
cargo.one will help Condor to maximize belly capacity digital sales for its super-efficient Airbus long-haul fleet
Condor, Germany’s most popular leisure airline, has entered a new expanded partnership with cargo.one to make its entire global network available on the market leading digital procurement platform. The airline is now working closely with cargo.one to target thousands of freight forwarders across cargo.one’s vast footprint of markets. Condor will work with cargo.one experts to bolster digital sales efforts in key forwarding markets such as Europe and USA.
With almost 70 years of air cargo experience and a world-famous bold livery, Condor is a key carrier in the DACH aviation sector. Utilizing belly capacity from a fleet of more than 50 aircraft and ground facilities in Frankfurt, Dusseldorf and Zurich, Condor offers capacity to over 100 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Indian Ocean, North America and the Caribbean. Condor’s cargo operations benefit from its growing fleet of ultra modern and fuel efficient Airbus A330neo wide body aircraft.
Freight forwarders will benefit from the most seamless and user-friendly way to discover, quote and book Condor capacity around the clock. cargo. one is the go-to industry choice for procuring the best capacity and end to end buy rates, and making highly accurate, confirmed bookings at speed.
It is imperative to our digital cargo strategy that Condor services are present on the most popular and relevant booking platforms. Benefiting from our long-standing cooperation, cargo.one can guarantee that every Condor customer receives an excellent experience. We value the commercial expertise that cargo.one brings in supporting Condor to best target market potentials.
Thilo Schäfer, Head of Cargo, Condor
We have great pride and affection towards our collaboration with Condor. Having kicked off Condor’s digital distribution with its cargo partners back in 2020, we are excited to now be supporting the airline directly to accelerate its digital sales trajectory, and fully capitalize upon its many market potentials.
Moritz Claussen, Founder & Co-CEO, cargo.one
Partnering with cargo.one delivers airlines like Condor a rapid increase in sales reach for valuable global markets such as the Americas, Asia and Africa. In time, Condor aims to launch its general cargo, passive temperature controlled and perishables capacity in all relevant markets taken from cargo.one’s community in 121 countries.
Using a top-quality live integration to Condor and in-house offer excellence experts, cargo.one supports the airline to guarantee the best possible offer accuracy. cargo.one’s unique Airline Growth teams assist Condor to compliantly learn about and address optimal market opportunities.
From July 2024, freight forwarders using cargo.one can book Condor capacity firstly for destinations in Europe, USA and Canada, with more regions worldwide being added in the coming weeks.
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Subsidiaries of Österreichische Post AG in Slovakia and Hungary are honoured for best operational quality, sales and customer service
Two winners: German trans-o-flex shares prize for best customer service with Express One Hungary
The award ceremony takes place in Istanbul this year
For the first time since the introduction of the annual quality competitions at EURODIS, the network for the joint international transport of parcels and pallets, all three prizes went to one group of companies. The prize for best operational quality was awarded to Express One Slovakia, while sister company Express One Hungary won in the sales and customer service categories. The German company trans-o-flex Express was another winner in the customer service competition. Both companies achieved the same number of points.
The competitions help us to continuously improve our processes and enable our partners to learn from best practice examples. This is another reason why our quality level is generally at a very high level with all our partners today.
Jens Reibold, Managing Director, EURODIS GmbH
The awards are traditionally presented by EURODIS at the annual partner meeting, which this year took place in the Turkish metropolis of Istanbul. The network focuses exclusively on international shipments and operates in 38 European countries.
EURODIS uses the quality competition to measure the operational excellence of its partners. The ranking is based on the criteria of transit times, data transmission, status information and proof of delivery.
This operational data is measured and analysed daily in order to steer and continuously improve processes.
EURODIS members apply for the sales competition with proven sales concepts and success stories. The idea behind this is best practice learning. In a cooperative network like EURODIS, we encourage our members to learn from each other. We invite them to adopt the best solutions for their country.
The main criteria for the prize for best customer service are the speed and quality of the response to enquiries from members. A ticket system measures how quickly a customer enquiry is taken up and dealt with by a partner. The winner of this competition is chosen in two stages.
Every customer service team knows the ranking of the ticket system. The customer service teams vote on the winner so that other aspects of the collaboration can be taken into account in addition to this purely number-based evaluation.
This year, Express One Hungary and trans-o-flex received exactly the same number of votes.
That's why we had two winners in one category for the first time.
9 AUGUST 2024
Logistics UK’s Digital Transformation in Logistics conference is returning for its second year, as part of the programme for Birmingham Tech Week – the UK’s largest regional tech festival and conference. The event at The Studio in Birmingham on Tuesday 22 October is a “must attend” for logistics professionals wishing to use innovation and digitalisation to enhance efficiency, streamline operations and gain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving logistics landscape.
The conference, sponsored by ABBYY, SmartDrive, Solera Fleet Solutions and Unipart, will feature inspiring and informative presentations and panel sessions, exploring the latest trends and strategies driving the future of logistics. During the one-day event, renowned experts in successfully implementing digital transformation initiatives in the logistics industry will share best practice, outline the key challenges to overcome and showcase the transformative impact technology can have on logistics operations.
Digital Transformation in Logistics is a vital event for organisations seeking to leverage digital transformation to enhance efficiency and gain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving logistics landscape. The conference will explore the practical ways technology is facilitating a digitally empowered logistics industry and the benefits this provides. There will also be the opportunity to engage in discussions with other senior leaders, exchange insights and explore innovative solutions to stay ahead in this ever-changing industry.
Kevin Green, Director of Policy & Communications, Logistics UK
• AI and autonomy - transforming logistics
• Digital innovation today
• Delivering change by bringing people with you
• Cyber security
• Technology to make international trade easier
• How to fund and get support with innovation
• Big data and supply chains
The event is open to everyone in the industry and registration details are available at... logistics.org.uk/events /currently-live/digital-transformation-in-logistics
Logistics UK members receive discounted entry and it is one of several events which Executive Members are able to attend for no charge as part of the Executive Membership programme. Further information on Executive Membership is available at... logistics.org.uk/executivemembership/home
Grundfos is one of the world’s leading water technology companies with a mission to deliver solutions to the world’s water and climate challenges. The Grundfos Supplier Awards celebrate strong partnerships built on a foundation of trusted collaboration recognizing suppliers who have gone above and beyond in 2023. The annual awards are both a reminder of and testimony to these partnerships, which are built on mutual respect, shared values and a commitment to excellence.
The global partnership between GEODIS and Grundfos spans 38 years. GEODIS provides Grundfos with end-to-end logistics services, air and ocean freight as well as warehousing services around the world. Since the beginning of 2022, GEODIS has been working closely with Grundfos to reduce CO2 emission on port-to-port sea freight through the use of the GEODIS Sustainable Marine Fuel insetting program which covers 100% of the CO2 emissions. As a result of these efforts, Grundfos has achieved a reduction of 6,500 tons of carbon emissions in 2023 and 2022.
Our suppliers play a crucial role in helping us achieve our goals, innovate, and deliver exceptional products to our customers worldwide. We continuously raise the bar for excellence, particularly in sustainability and quality. This means that our requirements for suppliers are also becoming increasingly stringent. We are committed to professionalizing our supplier collaboration processes and are immensely grateful to have such outstanding suppliers like GEODIS who share and support our ambitions. Together, we are driving progress, sustainability, and success, creating a brighter future for everyone involved.
Silvio Vanzo, Chief Purchasing Officer, Grundfos
We are deeply honored to receive the Indirect Sustainability award. We are fully committed to a process of reducing our carbon emissions through the application of a science-based approach. We recognize the significant impact that logistics and transportation activities can have on the environment. We are also very aware that there is much to be done and we would like to thank Grundfos for the opportunity to collaborate and advance our efforts in developing responsible and sustainable logistics.
Virginie Delcroix, Executive Vice President Group Sustainable Development, GEODIS
Since 1986, GEODIS has proudly partnered with Grundfos, delivering end-to-end logistics globally. Our collaboration is characterized by innovative solutions, such as our Sustainable Marine Fuel program. Committed to sustainability, we have ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions generated by our fleets of vehicles and our buildings by 42% and the carbon intensity of subcontracted transport by 30% by 2030. Through the partnership with Grundfos, we are setting new standards in sustainable logistics, driving mutual growth and environmental stewardship.
Onno Boots, Regional President & CEO, GEODIS APAC & Middle East
Third-party logistics specialist Rhenus Warehousing Solutions UK has won the Infrastructure award at the 2024 UKWA (United Kingdom Warehousing Association) Awards for Excellence.
Rhenus Warehousing Solutions UK was crowned the winner in the Infrastructure category at the UKWA Annual Lunch & Awards on 10 July 2024 in London. The UKWA Award for Excellence in Infrastructure celebrates the achievements of an organisation that has opened a new or improved logistics building or development that brings additional capacity to the market.
The award win showcases the company’s brand-new, sustainable warehousing development in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, that was officially opened in April of this year, and brings almost one million square feet of high-quality warehousing capacity, to the market, and provides significant new employment to the local area.
The two warehouses are certified ‘BREEAM Outstanding’ with over 160,000 pallet spaces and 130 dock doors and are ideally situated in the heart of the ‘Golden Logistics Triangle’, a prime location nearby the M1, M69, M6 and M42, which is ideal for quick and easy access to all the major transport links and parcel hubs, thereby allowing businesses to benefit from later order cut-off and collection times.
Rhenus Warehousing Solutions UK offers companies dependable and flexible solutions, providing B2B and B2C warehousing, customs bonded warehousing, fulfilment, value-added services, returns management and distribution for a variety of multi-channel retailers and high-profile UK and International brands, across a range of sectors including FMCG, toys, nursery, fashion, homeware, sporting goods and health and beauty.
In addition to this award win, Rhenus Warehousing Solutions UK were also winners of the UKWA Award for Excellence in Sustainability last year, for its pioneering sustainability measures at the Nuneaton Campus, highlighting how the company is focused and committed to energy efficiency, carbon reduction and implementing environmental initiatives.
We are immensely proud to have won the 2024 UKWA Award for Excellence in Infrastructure for our brand-new facility in Nuneaton that brings almost a million square feet of ‘BREEAM Outstanding’ certified warehousing capacity to the market. And with our award win at last year’s UKWA Awards in the Sustainability category too, we couldn’t be more thrilled that our efforts and dedication have been recognised once again by such an important industry association, which confirms how we stand out amongst our competitors to be a market-leading and award- winning logistics provider.
Harry Wheelhouse, Business Development & Marketing Director, Rhenus Warehousing Solutions UK
Businesses looking to transform operational performance in the warehouse should not be limited in their choices. Visitors to this year’s Tomorrow’s Warehouse Conference & Exhibition – 20th June 2024, CBS Arena, Coventry – will be free to explore the full range of technologies and options available to them by talking with Invar Group, one of the industry’s leading independent integrators of advanced warehouse automation.
Being independent, Invar Group is able to offer an unbiased approach to finding the optimum solution. And as Invar has the in-house expertise to provide clients with the software, integration and controls elements of a project, the business can efficiently bring together best-of-breed technologies in a seamless solution.
Openness and collaboration are essential in bringing innovation to life. As a stand-alone business within the Wincanton Group, Invar embraces ‘Open Innovation’. Speaking at the conference on ‘The Power of Collaboration’ will be Claire Charlton, head of Wincanton’s W2 Innovation Programme. Open Innovation is not just a buzz phrase – it’s a strategic approach to solving complex problems and creating value through collaboration with external partners, says Charlton. She will be sharing insights from the programme’s journey, since its foundation in 2017, revealing highlights from the latest start-ups that have entered the W2 Lab’s accelerator programme. Join her enlightening session, starting at 14:20.
Deciding when to automate your warehouse is a critical decision that can impact your business goals and needs. Our experts will be available to discuss the factors to consider when looking to automate and how to ensure a seamless integration. New, agile systems such as AMRs combined with intelligent software and pick-to-light technology can boost order picking performance from under 100 units per hour using traditional methods, to up to 600 picks per hour. As independent integrators we are free to specify and supply the most appropriate and cost-effective technology for the task – and attending Tomorrow’s Warehouse 2024 presents us with a fantastic opportunity to engage with businesses, to explore what’s possible.
Craig Whitehouse, Managing Director, Invar Group
Invar Group, headquartered in Cranfield UK, is focused on delivering complete turnkey warehouse automation solutions using advanced technologies such as industrial robotics, AMR goods-to-person solutions, pick-to-light technology, sortation systems, as well as conventional warehouse automation. The Group comprises: Invar Systems, a developer of warehouse control and management systems; Invar Integration, a front runner in solutions design, hardware integration and project management; and Invar Controls, specialists in the design, implementation and maintenance of PLC software and hardware.
Invar Group has supplied systems to many of the world’s leading brands, such as: ERIKS, SuperDry, and Pets at Home.
Documented permission to pass that a national customs authority grants to imported/exported goods so that they can enter/leave the country.
Related topics
Bonded warehousing
Customs brokerage
Duties & taxes
Sponsored by
12 JUNE 2024 | Source: MULTIMODAL
Multimodal 2024 has seen a record number of visitors through the door at this year's event, running from 11th to 13th June 2024. With queues forming ahead of the doors opening on the second day of the exhibition, many made the most of the fantastic transport links into Birmingham’s NEC.
Those attending were treated to in-depth sessions demystifying the upcoming changes to UK-EU customs regulations, an issue that has been at the forefront since Brexit in 2020. However, with the introduction of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), UK businesses face additional complexities and are navigating uncharted waters.
Michael Boulanger and Anne Samson from RM Boulanger provided a deeper understanding of CBAM, and how UK exporters can transform what could be seen as potential barriers into avenues of opportunities. The new policy introduces rules on imports of certain products with a high carbon intensity. Those products need to report the greenhouse gas emissions embedded in their imports.
The focus of talks also shifted to rail, following the government’s recent target setting aimed at growing rail freight up to 75% by 2050. A group panel moderated by Maggie Simpson OBE, Director General for Rail Freight Group, discussed the challenges and opportunities achieving the target will present.
The expert panel from the Rail Freight Group, Logistics UK, Associated British Ports, Freightliner, Solent Stevedores and DP World, were on hand to offer a range of perspectives. The industry must address the capacity and capabilities to achieve such challenging targets.
Over 140 speakers will have taken to the stage over the three-day event, spanning esteemed organisations including Unipart, Boohoo, Kingfisher PLC, Europa Worldwide Group, Howard Tenens Logistics, Freightliner Group Ltd, Kuehne+Nagel Ltd, CEMEX UK and Amazon.
Event Director Robert Jervis commented on this year’s speaker line-up: This year's event has seen so many fantastic sessions, covering a wide range of industry topics. No stone has been left unturned when considering sustainability, technology and customs requirements. The future is bright for the logistics industry, and this event continues to be a fantastic moment for those across the full supply chain to connect and network.
On Thursday 13th June, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal will be visiting the show in her capacity as Patron of Transaid, the international development charity founded by Save the Children, The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), and HRH The Princess Royal.
According to one of the country’s leading global logistics providers catering for SMEs, Aramex, small and mediumsized businesses in the UK are increasingly turning to international markets to seek out new growth opportunities despite ongoing economic uncertainty.
The prospect to diversify revenue streams in new and emerging markets is indeed becoming an attractive option for UK businesses, with HSBC estimating last year that around 450,000 brands have ambitions to seize international opportunities.
While international trading has the potential to open doors to new dimensions of possibility and enhanced growth, the pathway to global expansion can also be fraught with complex and multifarious challenges.
According to Umar Butt, Regional CEO of Europe at Aramex, although there is growing confidence amongst SMEs to turn their gaze towards international markets, there still remain numerous barriers to entry, namely an understanding of the regulatory landscape in each market and a lack of awareness of the latest customs tariffs, which businesses need to be mindful of.
Despite economic uncertainty and ongoing geopolitical turbulence there remains a strong air of positivity from UK businesses regarding propelling their plans to trade internationally this year which is great to see. However, businesses ultimately need to be aware of the intricacies involved in international trade as without a solid level of understanding, or the right consultative advice to hand, such misgivings can lead to issues ranging from operational disruptions as a result of delays, to significant financial losses. For instance, each market has its own set of import and export regulations, which to the untrained eye can be difficult to understand. Without a thorough grasp of these rules, businesses run the risk of delays, fines, or even having their goods rejected at the border. The same applies with customs charges, which can vary from country to country and can quickly change due to trade agreements or geopolitical shifts. Staying up to date with regulatory changes and tariff adjustments is fundamental, but this can equally be particularly challenging for small businesses with limited resources. By partnering with experienced logistics partners, businesses can offload these complexities and will be given the right support that will enable them to navigate these challenges effectively, while also ensuring that regulatory compliance is maintained, and customs charges are accurately accounted for.
Looking to the future, there is growing optimism surrounding the prospect of trading internationally as businesses seek out new ways to drive profit and source customer pools.
From our own analysis, we are seeing a swelling volume of small businesses becoming increasingly motivated by the potential for market diversification and revenue growth. This optimism has largely been driven by a predisposition to tap into new customer bases and reduce dependency on a single market by diversifying revenue streams and finding fresh ways to improve their bottom line. Equally, increasing consumer confidence in purchasing goods from overseas businesses, lucrative opportunities presented by new trade deals, and improved logistics and supply chain solutions have all played an individual role in encouraging small businesses to broaden their horizons beyond just the UK market. While there are still obstacles in place, it’s clear that achieving sustainable and successful global expansion is becoming far more accessible for SMEs, especially when leveraging the expertise of experienced logistics providers, and we are excited to see more brands turn to international markets in the coming years as confidence continues to grow.
Technomar Shipping Inc., the technical manager of 97 ships, including the 68 containership fleet of Global Ship Lease, Inc. (NYSE: GSL), and RINA, the inspection, certification and consulting engineering multinational, are proud to announce Technomar’s successful completion of the "RINA Cyber SecurityVerification for ships in service" and the award of the certificate. The handover ceremony took place at the RINA Booth during the Posidonia international shipping exhibition last month in Athens.
The ceremony was attended by representatives from Technomar, RINA, and Global Ship Lease. Mr. Thomas Lister, CEO of Global Ship Lease, Mr. Paminos Youroukos, Strategic Planning & Compliance Executive at Technomar Shipping Inc. and Aggelos Karantonis, Vessels IT Manager at Technomar Shipping Inc, were present to receive the certificate. From RINA, Mr. Giosuè Vezzuto, Marine Executive Vice President, and Mr. Spyridon Zolotas, South Europe & MEA Marine Senior Director, officiated the event.
The RINA Cyber Security – Verification for ships in service is a testament to Technomar's commitment to managing cyber risks with appropriate policies, procedures, and technical controls onboard. This certification ensures alignment with IMO, IACS requirements, and industry best practices. It is particularly noteworthy as it addresses the operational need for ships in service, which will continue to be in use for many years, to have a similar level of cybersecurity protection as newbuilds.
Our customers, such as Global Ship Lease, are increasingly focused on using high-frequency operational data to drive energy efficiency gains and decarbonization across their fleets. At Technomar, we are supporting these initiatives by proactively upgrading cybersecurity infrastructure onboard, integrating advanced technologies, and investing in our people to ensure that they are well-equipped to safely manage the technology and associated processes and procedures. Through RINA’s verification we are pleased to attest and certify the level of security achieved, ensuring that our ships in service, personnel, and operations are properly protected.
Mr. Paminos Youroukos, Strategic Planning & Compliance Executive, Technomar Shipping Inc.
Cybersecurity is crucial for forward-thinking companies like Technomar, which leverage digital tools to enhance operational performance and onboard connectivity. Given that cyber threats target both active vessels and new builds indiscriminately, Technomar's successful completion of the Verification process is significant. It confirms that the company is not only secure in the present but also well-prepared for future challenges.
Michael Vrettos, Senior Cyber Security Expert, RINA
Business West has been busy preparing for the launch of Genesis for the last few months…
Working with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
Training with Preferential Rules of Origin expert Frank Bertens from the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce
Trips to the ICC in Paris for our team to learn about the intricacies of Free Trade Agreements and rules of origin…
It’s been fun! And now we are here…ready to launch Genesis.
Genesis is a new digital trade tool for verifying and certifying preferential origin declarations made by exporters within the framework of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). It aims to reduce importers' risk of mistakes, fraud, and fines, facilitate smoother customs checks of origin declarations, and simplify customs control procedures.
According to the World Customs Organisation study on the Digitalisation of Certificates of Origin, released in June 2023, it was noted by some members that there was a low level of knowledge about the requirements for self-certification resulting in higher irregularity/error rates in cases of self-certification.” And that “The development of an online system for the declaration of origin can be very effective in enabling the importing Customs to check quickly and easily that a declaration/certification was made by the entity stated and has not been altered.
In light of this, we have teamed up with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to develop an online system, Genesis, to tackle the difficulties and challenges faced by SMEs, customs, importers and exporters in origin self-declaration.
Exporters can contact Business West and ask for our International Trade specialists to verify and certify their invoice declarations, providing all supporting documents to prove that they can benefit from the preferential origin.
We invite all exporters to register on the Genesis Gateway and submit their invoice origin declarations for verification and certification. The International Trade team will check if there is a valid FTA in place, and check the commodity codes listed and whether the preferential rule of origin is applicable to those commodity codes. Once certified, the importer and importing Customs can verify the authenticity of the certification on the ICC Genesis Gateway verification platform.
1 AUGUST 2024 | Source: BUSINESS WEST
It's time to lighten the load on customs!
Let’s streamline your processes and take the stress out of clearing your goods.
Gaston Schul is Europe’s leading independent, full-service customs specialist, with a trusted global network and over 175 years of navigating international trade complexities. Specialising solely in customs services, we enable trade facilitation, risk mitigation, duty optimisation, and operational excellence.
Our unique position as a neutral customs broker promotes long-term, solution-oriented partnerships. With 350+ professionals across Europe, our passion, knowledge, and innovative digital solutions allow us to navigate the complexities of customs, providing our customers with visibility, control, and certainty in all customs matters. Trust Gaston Schul to be your guide in making international borders invisible.
Responding to the announcement that the government is today legislating to enable French border officials to process passengers at the expanded Western Docks in the Port of Dover ahead of the planned autumn introduction of the EU’s Entry Exit System (EES), Nichola Mallon, Head of Trade and Devolved Policy at business group Logistics UK, says...
The Short Straits is a critical UK-EU supply chain route and anything that helps ease congestion at the Port of Dover is to be welcomed. A quarter of all food imported into the UK from the EU passes through the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel, and delays at the border have knockon effects which can disrupt supply chains nationwide. The increase in the border zone area will help with the flow of traffic within the port, but with the system set to be rolled out without the availability of an app or web-based registration system, similar to “online check in” which everyone is familiar with nowadays, queues and delays at peak periods are inevitable. It is now critical that the government does all it can to secure a phased approach to the planned implementation of EES this autumn, and that industry gets clarity on what mitigations will be put in place to reduce congestion and disruption. The industry also needs confirmation on the date when the registration app will be ready and rolled out. The logistics industry is still pressing government to share its data analysis and scenario modelling with key strategic partners as an urgent priority. This will enable partners on the ground and industry to coordinate planning and response efforts, and government must provide sufficient resources to flex up the response as needed so that the nation’s supply chains are protected.
Logistics UK is one of the UK’s leading business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit logistics.org.uk
As many people who work in international trade know, one of the hardest tasks in any exporting role is keeping up with the number of acronyms used in day-to-day trade! In this Business West summer update, we focus on three relatively new terms affecting exporters.
One of the biggest changes to policy in recent years has been the introduction of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which will replace the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). The six sectors which are currently affected are:
• Iron and Steel
• Aluminium
• Cement
• Fertiliser
• Hydrogen
• Electricity
These six commodities have been identified as some of the most carbon-intensive industries. The EU aims to put a fair carbon price on goods entering the EU. Ultimately, the EU importer oversees submitting a report; however, exporters need to correctly measure their carbon output when sending goods to the EU and provide these measurements to the importer.
With a UK CBAM due to be announced soon, companies (including those in the Glass and Ceramics sectors, which will be affected by the UK CBAM) will need to act now to stay ahead of the competition.
Business West are one of the first companies in the UK to have completed a CBAM audit for a customer and can help companies stay on top of changing legislation so that you can confidently calculate the data needed for CBAM reports and potentially win new EU trade by displaying CBAM compliance.
The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is another green policy introduced by the EU. It aims to combat goods imported from deforested areas. The new rules will replace the EU Timber Regulations (EUTR) but will not just affect the timber industry. The cattle, Cocoa, Coffee, Palm Oil, Rubber, and Soya sectors will also be affected. The new regulation requires companies to perform due diligence checks on the goods entering their supply chain. Attention will need to be focused on exactly where the goods were harvested and their traceability.
The UK still adheres to UK Timber Regulations (UKTR), so currently, companies will only need to adhere to EUDR if exporting to the EU. The ability to display due diligence within the supply chain is likely to prompt exporters to act fast so that EU importers can keep on top of reporting once the first report is due in December 2024. If your company trades with any of the affected commodities, it would be worth contacting Business West. We can advise on what data is needed to be compliant with EUDR.
The introduction of the Common User Charge (CUC) in April, as part of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) rollout, has caused some confusion for businesses that import plants and food that are considered a risk when entering the UK.
Businesses that trade in affected commodities will now need to pay a charge when importing goods into the UK, based on the risk factor of the food or plant being imported. Goods will need to be declared on import of products, animals, food and feed system (IPAFFS), with a maximum charge of £145 per consignment. Failure to comply has resulted in consignments being seriously delayed at Sevington, along with fines being applied for goods that have been wrongly declared.
The UK's fresh produce sector is sounding the alarm about the potential cost implications of upcoming border checks on imported goods from the European Union.
The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) warns that the sector, which includes fruit, vegetables, cut flowers, and plants, could see significant price increases unless the UK government takes action to delay or revise the planned checks set to commence in January 2025.
Nigel Jenney, Chief Executive of the FPC, expressed deep concerns during an interview with BBC Radio 4 today, highlighting that the industry remains in the dark about the specifics of these checks.
Despite ongoing consultations with the government, there is no definitive confirmation regarding the scope of the regulations or which products will be affected.
This is a hospital pass from the previous government, Jenney remarked, emphasising the frustration within the industry. We are simply waiting for confirmation of when these checks will begin to occur and which products will be within the controls, and we simply don’t have it at this time after years of waiting.
The implications of these checks are far-reaching. If the regulations go into full effect, it could mean over 2,000 vehicles per week bringing fresh produce into the UK will be subject to stringent controls.
Jenney pointed out that the industry has already invested heavily in proactive measures to ensure the biosecurity of imports, but these efforts are being undermined by the government's indecision.
While the FPC acknowledges that these checks are a consequence of Brexit and necessary for maintaining biosecurity, they are advocating for a cost-effective and clear implementation strategy. The uncertainty around the timing and scope of the checks is creating an untenable situation for businesses that are already operating on thin margins.
The FPC is calling on the government to provide immediate clarity on when the checks will be implemented and which products will be affected.
Without this information, the sector faces potential disruptions that could lead to higher prices for consumers and reduced availability of fresh produce.
In the face of post-Brexit challenges, the UK’s fresh produce sector continues to navigate uncharted waters. The coming months will be crucial as the government’s decisions on border checks could significantly impact both the industry and consumers.
Clarity and proactive measures from the government are not just necessary—they are essential to ensure that fresh produce remains accessible and affordable for all.
CDN’s elite team of approved documentation officers are on hand to advise and produce a full range of export documents. Our own dedicated fully trained couriers ensure all documents are lodged securely. Once completed they are again checked for accuracy before being returned to you.
Typical documents we process include:
• Arab Certificates of Origin
• EC Certificates of Origin
• Commercial Invoices
• EUR1’s and ATRs
• Translations
• Foreign & Commonwealth Office Authentication
Organisations and bodies that provide essential support to the freight and logistics industries.
Related topics
Warehousing
Insurance
Vehicles
Sponsored by
JULY
DoKaSch Temperature Solutions, a specialist in temperaturecontrolled active packaging, has opened new Opticooler® stations in Miami, USA, and Dublin, Ireland. These strategic locations enhance DoKaSch TS’s reach and provide better access to our reliable packaging solutions in the Americas and Europe, supporting the global supply of life-saving medicines.
Located near Miami International Airport (MIA), this new station will increase the availability of Opticooler® in the southern US and offer more flexibility to customers in the region as well as Latin America. The station has an initial capacity of 30 containers and is to be expanded further in future. Miami International Airport, the tenth busiest in the US, is a major hub for air traffic between the Americas and Latin America. The airport handles over 451,000 square feet of specialized facilities for temperature-sensitive goods, making it an ideal location for pharmaceutical distribution. In 2023 alone, $3.9 billion worth of medical products were managed at MIA.
The Dublin station, with a starting capacity for 40 containers, highlights Ireland's growing importance in the life sciences sector. Ireland is home to manufacturing facilities for the world's top ten pharmaceutical and biopharma companies and is the fifth-largest exporter of pharmaceutical products, according to the OECD.
The new Opticooler® stations in Miami and Dublin align perfectly with DoKaSch Temperature Solutions' comprehensive Free Delivery Areas. This service ensures that the Opticooler® RAP and RKN containers are delivered directly to the loading point, with DoKaSch handling the organization and coordination. Large Free Delivery Areas are available in Europe and the United States, with smaller regions covered in Asia,
offering significant transport cost savings. Our goal is to deliver the Opticooler® the evening before the rental period starts, ensuring the container is fully conditioned and ready for use. Even outside the Free Delivery Zones, DoKaSch provides worldwide delivery, ensuring clients benefit from cost savings, enhanced efficiency, and improved flexibility. With the opening of the new stations, these benefits are now more accessible, enhancing their global network and connectivity.
The new stations in Miami and Dublin are significant milestones in our expansion strategy. Our goal is to ensure the best availability of our Opticooler® worldwide and provide a reliable cold chain. These new locations will enhance our reach to customers in the Americas and Europe.
Andreas Seitz , Managing Director of DoKaSch Temperature Solutions
DoKaSch’s Opticooler® is known for its exceptional reliability and thermal stability in transporting sensitive pharmaceutical products. The containers feature advanced batteries and technology to maintain constant temperatures, ensuring product quality and eliminating the need for reloading and intermediate storage.
With these expansions, DoKaSch TS continues to strengthen its global network, ensuring the safe and efficient distribution of pharmaceutical products across key markets.
Demand for used materials handling equipment is likely to increase as companies strive to meet ever more stringent sustainability targets. That is one of the conclusions of ‘Logistics Trends 2024,’ a new report from Toyota Material Handling that delivers an overview of the developments impacting the European supply chain sector.
The report points to the growth of the ‘circular economy’ - a way of doing business that prioritises reusing products and equipment to cut down on the amount of usable material that ends up in landfill – as one of the factors that it believes will increase demand for ‘second life’ forklifts.
The ‘circular economy’ concept is gaining traction as companies across all industry sectors adopt its principles as a vital step towards reducing waste.
And the growing pressure that businesses are coming under to minimise the environmental impact of what they do is, Toyota say, prompting more companies to choose ‘blended’ forklift fleets.
‘Blended’ lift truck fleets are a mix of new and used machines. So, for example, a customer with a requirement for 30 counterbalance trucks may take delivery of 25 new forklifts and five used models.
Approved Used Toyota trucks for the UK market are refurbished to the highest standards at the company’s Fleet Management Centre in Leicestershire.
Machines are fully inspected, and any necessary repairs are carried out, including replacing all worn or defective parts. The trucks are fully valeted and repainted before being reassembled and safety tested.
At Toyota, we’re proud of the quality of our second life trucks. We have a dedicated and skillful team who work tirelessly to restore our entire range of trucks to the highest standard. We’re confident our customers will be completely satisfied with our products, all with the added benefit of saving money and contributing to their sustainability efforts. Toyota is the world’s leading supplier of materials handling equipment, and every Toyota Approved Used Truck has been rebuilt to the exceptionally high standards set out in the world-renowned Toyota Production System. So, you can rest assured that when you choose an Approved Used Truck from Toyota, you are always choosing guaranteed quality. But don’t just take our word for it. New or existing customers are always welcome to come and visit our used truck showroom in Leicestershire, to see for yourselves.
Amanda Rodger, Used & Trade Operations Manager,
Toyota Material Handling
Imagine a world where your business can seamlessly process payments, manage card transactions, and tap into the vast potential of open banking—all from a single, robust platform. Welcome to Lynkpay—the ultimate solution for businesses ready to streamline their payment processes and drive growth.
• Unified payment solutions:
Whether card processing or open banking dispersals, Lynkpay handles everything. No more juggling multiple platforms —just one powerful tool to manage every transaction.
• Speed & security:
Our cutting-edge technology ensures fast, secure, and compliant transactions, giving you peace of mind while you focus on what matters—growing your business.
• Scalability:
From startups to enterprises, Lynkpay scales with your business. As your needs evolve, our platform adapts, offering flexible solutions that grow with you.
• Global reach, local expertise:
With Lynkpay, you can expand your business across borders without worrying about payment complexities. We bring local expertise to international transactions, ensuring you stay compliant and competitive.
• Innovative insights:
Tap into advanced analytics and real-time data to make informed decisions and optimise your payment strategies. Lynkpay is not just a service—it's your partner in success.
Thousands of businesses are already transforming their payment systems with Lynkpay. Don’t get left behind. Whether you're looking to simplify card processing or harness the power of open banking, Lynkpay is your one-stop solution.
Visit Lynkpay.com and discover how we can help you unlock new opportunities and drive your business forward.
— The Future of Payments, today.
The UK taxi sector has dramatically transformed over the past few years, driven by the rapid shift from cash-rich operations to digital processes. As the industry pivots to embrace in-app bookings and compete with on-demand ride-hailing apps, the role of advanced payment services has become increasingly crucial. Lynkpay has been at the forefront of this transformation, offering innovative solutions that reshape the landscape for taxi operators, drivers, and passengers.
Five to seven years ago, taxi operators primarily handled cash transactions, which, while lucrative, also presented significant challenges, such as handling large amounts of physical money and managing cash flow. The shift towards digital processes has created a need for more efficient, transparent, and reliable payment systems.
Lynkpay has provided a solution that allows operators to easily transition to digital payments, integrating seamlessly with in-app booking platforms. By leveraging Lynkpay’s open banking EMI (Electronic Money Institution) services, operators can manage costs more effectively, ensuring that drivers are paid promptly—weekly or daily. This flexibility enhances operational efficiency and allows operators to remain competitive in a fast-evolving market.
For drivers, the shift to digital payments and app-based bookings has been both a challenge and an opportunity. With the decline in cash transactions, drivers have had to adapt to new technologies and payment methods. The pressure to accept more app-based or prepaid fares has highlighted the need for a payment solution that is both fast and easy to use.
Lynkpay has answered this call by offering a frictionless onboarding process that takes 2-3 days, significantly faster than other services that can take weeks or even months due to cumbersome KYC (Know Your Customer) processes. With Lynkpay, drivers can quickly accept digital payments, ensuring they are paid promptly without the lengthy delays associated with traditional banking methods. This rapid onboarding and payment flexibility have made Lynkpay a game-changer for drivers, empowering them to focus on providing excellent service rather than worrying about cash flow.
As passengers increasingly prefer the convenience of app-based bookings, their expectations for seamless, secure, and efficient payment options have grown. The integration of Lynkpay into the taxi sector has benefited passengers by providing a reliable and user-friendly payment experience. With more drivers equipped to accept digital payments, passengers enjoy the flexibility of paying through apps, reducing the need for carrying cash and enhancing the overall convenience of their journey.
Moreover, Lynkpay’s robust security measures and compliance with open banking standards have increased trust among passengers, reassuring them that their payments are processed safely and efficiently.
The UK taxi sector’s rapid shift from a cash-rich industry to one dominated by digital payments is a testament to the necessity of adapting to changing consumer behaviours and technological advancements. Lynkpay has been instrumental in driving this change, offering solutions that benefit operators, drivers, and passengers alike. By enabling fast, secure, and flexible payment processing, Lynkpay is helping the taxi industry compete with on-demand ride-hailing apps and paving the way for an entirely cashless future.
As the industry continues to evolve, Lynkpay will remain at the heart of this transformation, ensuring that the UK taxi sector is equipped to meet the demands of the digital age with ease and efficiency.
The idea behind the FORWARDER network is offer clients great value marketing in FORWARDER magazine and app, premium listing in FORWARDER directory and access to our amazing network of freight forwarders and trusted suppliers, both in person at our regular events and by exposure through our social media.
We tend to attract genuine, down to earth SMEs who are serious about growth, not only of their businesses and network, but also of the freight industry as a whole.
Platinum member badge and mention at all FORWARDER events and on all adverts
Platinum member badge and mention at all FORWARDER events and on all adverts
Monthly Press Release guaranteed in the FORWARDER magazine or FORWARDER directory, online and e-shot to our database
Monthly Press Release guaranteed in the FORWARDER magazine or FORWARDER directory, online and e-shot to our database
Up to 10 countries listed in FORWARDER directory with a branded strip advert (or lower number with larger adverts)
Up to 10 countries listed in FORWARDER directory with a branded strip advert (or lower number with larger adverts)
Up to 4 FREE tickets for every FORWARDER event
Up to 4 FREE tickets for every FORWARDER event
1 filmed presentation at our event or in our offices, or 1 front cover on FORWARDER magazine FORWARDER directory and a write up about your company
1 filmed presentation at our event or in our offices, or 1 front cover on FORWARDER magazine FORWARDER directory and a write up about your company
A full page advert in the FORWARDER magazine or FORWARDER directory once a quarter
A full page advert in the FORWARDER magazine or FORWARDER directory once a quarter
£2,000 +VAT p/m
Investment: £2,000 +VAT p/m
Gold member badge and mention at all FORWARDER events and on all adverts
Gold member badge and mention at all FORWARDER events and on all adverts
Bi-Monthly Press Release guaranteed in FORWARDER magazine or FORWARDER directory, online and e-ehot to our database
Bi-Monthly Press Release guaranteed in FORWARDER magazine or FORWARDER directory, online and e-ehot to our database
Up to 5 countries listed in FORWARDER directory with a branded strip advert (or a lower number with larger adverts)
Up to 5 countries listed in FORWARDER directory with a branded strip advert (or a lower number with larger adverts)
Up to 3 FREE tickets for every FORWARDER event
Up to 3 FREE tickets for every FORWARDER event
1 filmed presentation at our event or in our offices, or 1 back cover on FORWARDER magazine or FORWARDER directory and a write up about your company
1 filmed presentation at our event or in our offices, or 1 back cover on FORWARDER magazine or FORWARDER directory and a write up about your company
A full page advert in the FORWARDER magazine or FORWARDER directory once a quarter
A full page advert in the FORWARDER magazine or FORWARDER directory once a quarter
£ 1,500 +VAT p/m
£ 1,500 +VAT p/m
Silver member badge and mention at all FORWARDER events and on all adverts
Silver member badge and mention at all FORWARDER events and on all adverts
Quarterly Press Release guaranteed in the FORWARDER magazine or FORWARDER directory, online and e-ehot to our database
Quarterly Press Release guaranteed in the FORWARDER magazine or FORWARDER directory, online and e-ehot to our database
Up to 3 countries listed in the FORWARDER directory with a branded strip advert (or a lower number with larger adverts
Up to 3 countries listed in the FORWARDER directory with a branded strip advert (or a lower number with larger adverts
Up to 2 FREE tickets for every FORWARDER event
Up to 2 FREE tickets for every FORWARDER event
1 inside back cover or inside front cover (full-page advert)
1 inside back cover or inside front cover (full-page advert)
Investment: £ 1,000 +VAT p/m
Investment: £ 1,000 +VAT p/m
Bronze member badge and mention at all FORWARDER events and on all adverts
Bronze member badge and mention at all FORWARDER events and on all adverts
Bi-Annual Press Release guaranteed in FORWARDER magazine or FORWARDER directory, online and e-shot to our database
Bi-Annual Press Release guaranteed in FORWARDER magazine or FORWARDER directory, online and e-shot to our database
Your flagship service listed in FORWARDER directory with a branded strip advert
Your flagship service listed in FORWARDER directory with a branded strip advert
Up to 2 FREE tickets for every FORWARDER event
Up to 2 FREE tickets for every FORWARDER event
A full page advert in FORWARDER magazine or FORWARDER directory once a year
A full page advert in FORWARDER magazine or FORWARDER directory once a year
Investment: £500 +VAT p/m
Investment: £500 +VAT p/m
Think customs... ...think Gaston Schul.
We’ve been navigating the complexities of international trade for over 175 years. Today, we’re trusted by leading logistic service providers, multinational enterprises and small to medium businesses to make borders invisible and give them certainty in all customs matters.
Gaston Schul is Europe’s leading customs specialist. Companies big and small trust us to oversee all customs activities, including import and export declarations, consultancy and advisory topics, representation, and even in-house training. Discover how Gaston Schul can help you, and see why policymakers consult us when determining the future of international trade. GET IN TOUCH
Visit gaston-schul.com or contact our team directly on +44 (0) 1394 763060 or at m.ablett@gaston-schul.com
At Avalon Green Consultancy Ltd, we specialise in transforming the freight industry through comprehensive sustainability solutions. Our mission is encapsulated in three pivotal actions:
Measure, Manage, Minimise.
Measure: We offer meticulous carbon footprint analysis, providing businesses with accurate insights into their environmental impact. Our in-depth assessments cover scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions, enabling companies to understand their current position on the sustainability spectrum. This foundational step is crucial for strategic planning and impactful change.
Manage : Our team guides businesses in seamlessly integrating sustainability into their operations. We focus on efficient project execution, ensuring that sustainability initiatives are both effective and practical. By incorporating eco-friendly practices, we help our clients achieve significant and lasting environmental improvements.
Minimise: We empower businesses to make informed, eco-conscious choices. By revolutionising procurement processes and sourcing sustainable solutions, we enhance both environmental and economic performance. Our approach benefits the planet and supports the bottom line, ensuring that sustainability is a strategic advantage.
What we hope to achieve from joining FORWARDER network...
‘To act for forwarders in servicing their legal needs. We suspect that the SME sector is the ones who would benefit most and on the grounds that the larger players in the filed will already have retained service providers.’
Looking for specialist legal adivce in the shipping, rail and logistics industry? Get in touch with Myton Law, providing cost-effective, pragmatic approcah to legal matters.
Visit www.mytonlaw.co.uk or contact our team directly on +44 (0)1482 485020 or at john.habergham@ mytonlaw.co.uk
28 AUGUST 2024 | Source: TT CLUB
Prompted by the recent spate of container ship fires, international freight and logistics insurance provider TT Club has stressed the greater need for all players in the global supply chain to recognise their responsibility for accurate and effective communication between all parties for the transport of dangerous goods.
The occurrence of four major incidents aboard container ships, two in port and another two at sea within the last four months has prompted TT to reiterate its long standing fervent message for shippers and those facilitating the supply chain to be more diligent over how their cargoes are classified, packaged, packed, declared and handled.
The sad list of both explosions and fires extends from ‘Northern Juvenile’ in the South China Sea in May, to ‘Maersk Frankfurt’ in the Indian Ocean to more recent incidents in quick succession, which involved ‘MSC Cape Town III’ in Colombo and ‘YM Mobility’ in Ningbo.
The causes remain under investigation. However, there are strong indications that potentially explosive chemicals and fire accelerators, such as lithium-ion batteries, may be involved in at least two of the cases. As with historic incidents, it is likely that various errors occurred as the shipments were initiated and the exact nature of the cargoes was communicated to supply chain counterparties, giving rise again to ‘perfect storms’. Every participant in the process needs to act in the best interests of safety at every point in these cargoes’ journeys. Peregrine Storrs-Fox, TT Club
This spike in serious container ship fires is reminiscent of the spate in 2019, although the 30 year average frequency may remain one every 60 days – but any life-threatening event is one too many. Of the recent four, unusually two took place while the ship was berthed and shore-side
emergency services responded quickly to minimise damage and loss of life – although pollution and potential berth blockage risks emerged. When incidents occur at sea much more serious consequences can develop, as exemplified by ‘Maersk Frankfurt’, where one crewman lost his life, the fire burnt for several days and the ship remains with salvors at sea.
The exact number of containers carrying dangerous goods that are shipped annually is difficult to estimate due to mis- and non-declaration. Partly in response to the issues around inaccurate declaration, the IMO amended the ‘Guidelines for the implementation of the inspection programmes for cargo transport units’[1] in 2022 to urge governments to inspect all types of unit, regardless of the declared cargo. The recently released consolidated results, from just eight countries (or 5% of the signatory states), for 2023 evidence continuing safety concerns.
Although, from the minute sample size of about 0.03% of containerised traffic, ‘placarding and marking’ shows some improvement, this deficiency, being for first visual alert for many stakeholders and particularly emergency responders, remains stubbornly above 40%. Further, reports noting deficiencies in ‘Stowage and Securing’ (within units) – a core CTU Code issue – indicates a rapidly worsening trend over the last five years and the worst position since reports began in 2001. Also of note is the five year worsening trend relating to errors found in documentation, another key risk indicator. Care of every shipment requires good communication along the supply chain, due diligence undertaken by every player and a culture of ‘know your customer and operating partner’.
In this regard, we applaud the recent statement by China’s Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) that underlined shippers’ responsibilities, in addition to those of the carriers’[2]. Such warnings and encouragements by regulatory authorities are to be welcomed. However, TT would reiterate the statement that regulations merely set the baseline.
Freight
Limited
Warehousing
Corporate
Every logistics company must contend with masses of data, and some of the most important information is held in forms and documents. Whether declarations for customs or important facts regarding contents, quickly interpreting this data for key decision making can accelerate any operation. Now, solutions such as Prime Vision’s Form Recognition are leveraging the power of optical character recognition (OCR) and large language models (LLMs) to read and understand documents automatically, greatly reducing manual intervention and improving efficiency.
Sahar Yousefi, Lead Computer Vision Engineer at Prime Vision, explores the technology and benefits of Form Recognition for logistics operations.
Documents in logistics come in many forms. Some are for customs processing, and readers of these labels on parcels will find key package content information such as items, weight, value and product identification numbers (HS tariff codes). All will have different templates, and many will feature multiple languages. Until now, due to the challenging nature of understanding the relationships between text and graphical elements on these forms, processing this information has been done manually, which is a very time consuming, error prone process that requires lots of labour work.
This is frustrating for logistics companies because their aim is faster processing of forms to make key decisions quickly, with the end goal of improved efficiency and profitability. What operators need is a system that can automatically recognise and understand key information and its semantics on forms. Thanks to recent advances in AI-powered OCR and LLMs, the human understanding of text and graphics can now be replicated by machines, allowing documents to be read and data extracted quickly.
There are two key aspects to an automatic form recognition system: understanding the visual semantics and understanding the text.
OCR allows images of typed or handwritten text to be converted so that it’s readable by machines. By taking images of a form, OCR can extract the text directly from it. While not a universal solution, improvements in OCR have increased its usefulness when processing complex forms, allowing more information from complex templates to be extracted faster. The improved reliability of the technology is illustrated by the performance of systems from Prime Vision, which can offer read rates of up to 99% in some applications. Furthermore, OCR can be integrated into existing hardware, utilising cameras that are already present in a facility.
The next stage is to understand the machine-readable text, which is where LLMs come in. Combined with a language processing compartment within an AI model which can understand graphics too, the system can interpret textual and visual information. The language processor can be designed to be a multi-lingual interpreter, which allows forms that feature both English and Chinese to be understood and key data extracted. By assessing the differing formats used for descriptions and specific terms with the same meaning across multiple languages, the LLM can interpret and categorise information automatically. This is not simply confined to spoken languages either – the system is also adept at understanding signs such as checkboxes, formulas and signatures.
Achieving a successful implementation of a form ‘understanding’ system relies on some key strategies and components.
First, it’s essential to design a language processor with a vocabulary set taken from forms handled by the customer and introduce it to the LLM. This way, the model can learn relevant terms and descriptions and interpret them properly. While pre-trained models are available, customising the system to improve its effectiveness relies on access to a large, customer-centric data set. Managing this can be challenging, but this is a common hurdle in any machine learning process.
In terms of hardware, there are no limitations on cameras, so long as they can capture an image clear enough for the form to be readable. Preferably, the system will operate using hardware accelerators such as Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) or Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) for increased speeds, but central processing units (CPUs) are also suitable if real-time processing is not required. Systems are typically localised and segmented to ensure security.
While such a solution can theoretically tackle any problem regarding the recognition and understanding of documents, no system can offer a 100% success rate. For example, small fonts still present a challenge. However, continual exposure to customer examples can improve results as the system learns more about forms encountered by the customer.
Thanks to advances in AI-powered OCR and LLM, critical information can be automatically interpreted and extracted from a diverse range of complex forms and documents. Now, machines can comprehend a staggering variety of languages and expression – a capability that was once exclusive to humans. The end results are faster processing and decision making, unlocking new efficiencies and profitability in logistics.
Prime Vision currently operates its Form Recognition system at leading logistics companies, harnessing cutting edge advances in artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce manual involvement in the reading of documents. By partnering with a knowledgeable expert, customers can reach a higher plane of understanding and efficiency for processing important forms.
Japan's contributions to the global economy are tremendous, driven by innovation, strategic partnerships and a deep-rooted commitment to quality. This impact is particularly evident in industries such as semiconductors, automotive, aerospace and food & drink. As a part of the Nishitetsu Group, NNR Global Logistics , with its strong Japanese heritage, is uniquely positioned to support and enhance this global trade dynamic.
Japan’s semiconductor industry has witnessed a remarkable revival, with significant investments that position the country as a critical player in global technology supply chains; supporting renowned market leaders and innovators, such as Tokyo Electron, Sumco and TSMC.
TSMC, the world’s largest contract semiconductor manufacturer, recently established its first Japanese factory in Kikuyo, Kumamoto Prefecture. This has attracted a significant increase in related investments across Kyushu. The forthcoming second plant, focusing on advanced 6nm semiconductors with an investment exceeding USD 20 billion (around ¥3 trillion), highlights Japan’s essential role in securing global tech supply chains amid geopolitical uncertainties.
We are proud to support this rapidly growing industry by ensuring the efficient transport of essential semiconductor components through our strong logistics network. The recent opening of our Kumamoto office and our innovative use of Aso Kumamoto Airport for international logistics are just some of the steps we have taken to meet the increasing demand in this sector.
In 2023, the global aerospace and defence industry reached a record revenue of USD 829 billion, an 11% increase from the previous year (Statista). Japan is integral to this sector, notably in producing key components for aviation and aerospace. Japan's aerospace exports also saw significant growth
in 2023, reaching USD 5.02 billion (approximately ¥702.93 billion), up from USD 3.93 billion (¥549.39 billion) in 2022. This growth reflects Japan’s highquality manufacturing and innovation. At NNR, our operations in Osaka are central to our aerospace efforts. As the industry advances with innovations like electric propulsion and new materials, we adapt our logistics services to ensure Japan’s aerospace contributions reach global destinations efficiently and securely through strong partnerships with Tier 1 suppliers.
Japan’s automotive industry, centred in Osaka, is home to major brands like Toyota, Nissan, Mazda and Daihatsu. With a growing focus on electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous driving, Japan is set to play a significant role as the global EV market is projected to exceed USD 800 billion by 2027 (Statista).
NNR work closely with Tier 1 suppliers and OEMs alike to ensure the smooth delivery of automotive components, from engines to electronics. Our logistics solutions are tailored for precision and justin-time delivery, essential for the automotive sector. Our expertise and presence in Osaka position us as a key player in the global supply chain for this influential industry.
Japanese cuisine and beverages, from sushi and sake to innovative health foods, have gained immense popularity worldwide. In 2023, Japan’s exports of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products, along with foodstuffs, rose by 2.9% compared to the previous year, reaching USD 10.36 billion (¥1.45 trillion), according to a report from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Logistics plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of these products as they travel from Japan to the world. Our cold chain logistics services ensure that temperaturesensitive products arrive at their destinations in perfect condition.
As Japan continues to solidify its position in key global industries, from semiconductors and aerospace to automotive and food & drink, the role of logistics in supporting these sectors cannot be overstated. With over 30 locations in Japan and a strong presence worldwide, we are well-positioned to facilitate the complex logistics needs of Japan's key industries and we are proud to be a part of this ongoing success story.
NNR Global Logistics UK contact@nnrglobal.com
The leading German Organic vegetable freezing company Westhof BIO has selected easily accessible, plug and play automation in the form of a stow Racking silo served by Movu atlas 2D pallet shuttles. Part of an integrated intralogistics solution from systems integrator Körber, the silo and shuttles play a key intralogistics role in Westhof BIO’s brand new, highly automated production facility, located near Hamburg in Germany.
Due to go live in June 2024, the Movu system provides reliable and efficient automated flow of goods and high density storage in a six-level silo to hold over 5000 pallets of frozen vegetables in the cold store.
Westhof BIO processes around 10,000 tonnes of fresh produce annually providing an organic frozen range. Its new climate- and resource-saving organic freezing plant gives the company room to expand and represents a major step forward for the company. The ultra-modern and automated freezer warehouse stores the frozen vegetables to allow their delivery on pallets to manufacturers of organic food and baby food all year round.
The company looked for a high density storage solution for the vegetables in its minus 24 degrees centigrade cold store that offers reliability and scalability as well as efficient and accurate flow of goods.
The automation solution consists of six Movu atlas shuttles, one of which transports the pallets on each of the six levels of the stow silo, which measures 60 m long x 31 m wide x 17 m high. Providing deep, multi-pallet channel storage, the silo maximises space by minimising the number and width of driving aisles – this installation has just one.
Efficient and quick to set up, the plug and play Movu atlas system fits all buildings to ensure no warehouse is left behind when it comes to automation. Even if a shuttle goes down or requires maintenance, it can be easily removed and replaced with a new shuttle within a day, with Westhof BIO ’s WMS directing goods to one of the other silo levels. The easily scalable atlas system allows the addition of shuttles to increase throughput and store greater quantities of vegetables during harvest peak.
We are delighted to have successfully handed over another Movu project to our customer. With the combination of the stow silo and the Movu atlas 2D shuttle, Westhof BIO could trust on consistent high engineering and Project Management standards with a reliable project lead time. The Movu atlas 2D Shuttle is a true example of simple and easily accessible plug and play automation in challenging cold storage environment. It´s scalability provides Westhof BIO with automation that handles peaks and adapts easily to future requirements.
Stefan Pieters, CEO, Movu Robotics
We are extremely satisfied with the automation solution that has been realized and with both the engineering and execution of the project. We hope that when we start running, the automation solution from Movu will make a significant contribution to optimising our entire production and warehouse processes, making them much more efficient and flexible.
Berit Carstens-Lask, Managing Director, Westhof BIO
• Self sign-up, cloud-based
• Just switch on and go!
• Pay as you go
• No minimum term
• Designed by freight forwarders
• Intuitive and user friendly
• Speedy support via email
• Cloud-based
• Available anywhere, any time on any device
• Data migration available
• 1 user
• 30 jobs / month
• No time limit
• 2-5 users
• Brokerage jobs
• Invoices/Credit Notes
• Sales CRM & Quotest
£100/month
• 6-15 users
• All of LITE
• Groupage Jobs
• Xero/Sage Sync
£250/month
• 16+ users
• All of STANDARD
• Customer Portal
£500/month STANDARD
• Container Tracking
The true power of logistics lies in the synergy between operational excellence and customer-centric service.
Logistics has long been perceived as a transactional industry, where the primary focus is on hard factors like efficiency, speed, and cost reduction. These elements are undoubtedly crucial, but they tell only part of the story.
In reality, the success of logistics goes beyond just moving goods from point A to point B. It’s about building and maintaining strong relationships, understanding customer needs, and delivering exceptional service. To serve customers better, efficiency and relationship management must go hand in hand—because timely, reliable delivery is as much about trust and communication as it is about speed and precision.
The competitive landscape will remain strong with the global forwarding market projected to accelerate 1.7% in 2024 and grow 3.3% between 2024 and 2028, as reported by Transport Intelligence.
Developing meaningful, customer-focused relationships is key to gaining a competitive advantage. It’s an important way to retain market share at a lower cost than acquiring new customers. Although it varies by industry, it can be extremely costly to acquire a new customer compared to retaining an existing one.
By offering a great customer experience, forwarders can establish a higher level of business stability. Loyal customers provide a steady, more predictable revenue stream, reducing the ups and downs of constantly seeking new clients. This stability allows forwarders and logistics providers to be more resilient in response to market volatility and everchanging rate fluctuations.
1
Understand your client’s business and plan accordingly: Know their operations, unique product or industry needs, and expectations. Collaboratively, develop strategic plans that address the clients’ supply chain requirements. Address market and geopolitical challenges and disruptions with strategies to address supply chain risks.
2
People focused: Provide a personalized, consistent, and responsive customer experience to build longstanding, trusted relationships. Customers appreciate outstanding service and are more likely to stay with a company that consistently meets or exceeds their expectations.
3
Proactive partner : When it comes to managing dayto-day freight flows, customers value a proactive logistics partner. One that consistently tracks end-to-end shipments and assists in managing exceptions, drayage pick-ups, detention and demurrage charges, and collaboratively resolves issues and manages cargo flows. Moreover, when exceptions inevitably occur, proactive relationships support better coordination between a forwarder’s team and a shipper’s operations and logistics group to re-establish operational and logistics schedules. This collaboration expedites the development of alternative solutions to get cargo flows back on track. Logistics partners achieve greater customer satisfaction with this proactive and timely outreach. Digital solutions are a must to streamline and automate data sharing and communication and provide a great customer experience.
4
Logistics technology : Logistics technology is an important enabler of the human relationship and enhances all aspects of the give and take between forwarders and customers. Web-based solutions are easy to access, and enhance communication and visibility to freight flows. Forwarders can add significant value by boosting efficiency and data accuracy, streamlining logistics processes, and providing the data insights customers need to deliver to ‘their’ customers as promised.
A cloud-based digital platform, such as the Magaya Digital Freight Platform, enables forwarders to optimize the entire origin-todestination logistics chain with flexible, interoperable, and modular cloud-based software. It provides customers with an online resource for all aspects of their end-to-end logistics network. For example, self-service tracking provides up-to-date information eliminating the need for emails and phone calls. Additionally, personalizing customer communication to address specific client concerns and preferences can strengthen relationships and build trust.
5
Innovative technology : Modern innovations such as AI (artificial intelligence) and advanced analytics are front and center in the news media, at events, and conferences. Customers value forwarder partners that adopt advanced technology that improves time and cost savings, data quality, and quickly enhances logistics processes and performance. Clients are more likely to stay loyal to a logistics provider that embraces innovation and continually improves its services to their benefit.
6
Timely, transparent communication : Clients appreciate timely updates and transparency regarding all aspects of their logistics operations, from freight rates to shipping industry insights. When clients call, they appreciate being greeted by a friendly, caring, and empathetic partner who knows them and responds to their needs.
7
Consistent and reliable performance : Consistent service customers can count on is critical for maintaining customer loyalty. Clients need to trust that their logistics provider will deliver on its promises and handle their shipments with care. Implementing quality control measures and maintaining high standards can help ensure consistent performance. Highlighting a track record of reliability can also build confidence and loyalty among clients.
8
Company culture focused on the customer : Fostering a customer-centric company culture at every level and in every function is key to shaping employee behavior. When a company clearly outlines its core values centered around the client experience and defines how staff should interact with and service customers, everyone wins. With a customer-centric culture, staff members know what is expected, which guides their daily interactions.
Fostering a high level of customer satisfaction increases customer loyalty which is crucial for the long-term success of forwarders and logistics providers. By delivering exceptional service, consistent communication, utilizing logistics technology applications, reliable service performance, and cultivating strong relationships, forwarders can drive sustained growth. Investing in loyalty not only boosts profitability but also ensures long-term business stability—making it a smart strategy for achieving success.
Ultimately, building strong client relationships that foster loyalty is the linchpin to long-term success in the logistics industry.
Dawn Russell, Chief Customer Officer, Magaya
From money woes to monkeypox, from climate change to COVID, there's usually something going on that needs close monitoring. Here we'll report your stories about emergency management.
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19 JULY 2024 | Source: XENETA
A global IT failure impacting major airports and airlines will cause disruption and delays to air cargo services that could take days or even weeks to fully resolve.
The IT failure, which took place today, Friday, affects Microsoft systems and has seen thousands of flights grounded or delayed at the world’s largest air freight hubs in Europe, Asia, and North America.
Air supply chains are highly complex, so a global disruption of this scale could have a severe impact. Planes and cargo are not where they are supposed to be, and it will take days or even weeks to fully resolve.
Niall van de Wouw, Chief Airfreight Officer, Xeneta
Latest data from Xeneta – the leading ocean and air freight rate benchmarking and intelligence platform – shows air cargo supply chains were already under pressure prior to the IT failure.
Global demand in June increased by +13% compared to the same month in 2023, continuing an upward trend seen throughout 2024 to date.
At the same time, air freight supply has increased by a much lesser +3% year-on-year.
The result is less available capacity in the market and increasing costs for shippers, with the global air cargo spot rate climbing +17% year-on-year in June to stand at USD 2.62 per kg.
Van de Wouw said: Shippers already had concerns about air freight capacity due to huge increases in demand in 2024, driven largely by the extraordinary growth in e-commerce goods being exported from China to Europe and the US. Available capacity in the market is already limited so airlines are going to struggle to move cargo tomorrow that should have been moved today. These incidents can take three times as long to resolve as the length of time they last, but that is very much dependent on the scale of the IT failure and the market conditions at the time it occurs.
Van de Wouw believes it is another reminder of the vulnerability of the world’s supply chains.
We have seen in 2024 how vulnerable our global maritime supply chains are following the disruption caused by conflict in the Red Sea. Now we see vulnerabilities exposed in our air supply chains due to IT failure. We benefit greatly from technology and have grown dependent on it – but there is a price to pay when things go wrong.
ALS Customs Services has been working with the Home Office, the UK Fire and Rescue Service and the charity Fire Aid to ensure the smooth passage of humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
ALS's expertise in customs documentation and logistics was vital in the successful deployment of Convoy 07, which departed from the port of Dover for Ukraine in April. Convoy 07 included one fire control vehicle, two vans, seven fire command units, one curtain side and 21 fire appliances.
To ensure donations were transported legally and efficiently, ALS worked in close partnership with the UK’s Border Force, HMRC, Fire Aid and various fire chiefs across the UK to guarantee the success of the mission. ALS provided all customs documentation for the convoy, including delivery notes and manifests, while briefing 120 fire fighters on customs procedures to ensure the convoy could move legally, without delay.
ALS Customs Services has a rich history of facilitating humanitarian aid across Europe. Coordinated by Richard Catt, International Relations Director, ALS Customs Services has previously supported numerous small convoys and large-scale operations, including whole trains ranging between 12 and 14 rail wagons filled with essential supplies. The company
was recently thanked personally by UK Police, Fire and Crime Minister Chris Philps for its support in ensuring the ongoing operational success of these projects.
We were delighted to support this important mission, which is testament to the power of collaboration in providing humanitarian support. Richard Catt , International Relations Director, ALS.
ALS Group operates globally as a customs services provider. Its team of over 500 professionals in 38 locations supply comprehensive and compliant customs solutions worldwide.
Ivca Kaiserova, Senior Manager EMEA Security & Loss Prevention at Amazon, is the 2024 winner of the ‘Young Supply Chain Resilience Professional of the Year’ Award, cosponsored by the Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) region of the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) and TT Club, the independent provider of mutual insurance and related risk management services to the international transport and logistics industry.
In its second year, the award aims to recognise the outstanding young talent excelling in the supply chain security industry and help to promote careers in the sector.
Entrants were asked to produce a 1,500-word submission on an innovative cargo security or supply chain resilience initiative they have developed or contributed significantly to, including addressing new or emerging security threats to supply chains.
Ivca’s winning entry was based on her work on ‘The Predictive ThreatBased Design’ – a solution using data sources and other external intelligence data to minimise supply chains losses. The tool analyses all absorbed data and, using machine learning, monitors trends to predict which loads and lanes need to be categorised as A, B or C risks. These respective categories of risks are then matched with a pre-defined security package.
The need for resilient supply chains has never been greater and to make this sustainable, our industry needs to attract new talent, recognise their capabilities, and nurture the next generation of leaders. We are living in a world where economic, geopolitical, health and environmental challenges continue to present unprecedented and diverse challenges. We are also working in a world where the risks to cargo security and supply chain resilience are at their highest level for a generation. Through this award, we can identify people who are rising to these challenges and who are contributing to innovative solutions to tackle these risks, which also include the growing threat posed by organised crime groups.
Thorsten
Neumann, President & CEO, TAPA EMEA.
We congratulate Ivca on her great achievement. TT Club is proud to support TAPA EMEA in sponsoring this award. The entries demonstrated a vast array of innovative ideas and methods of ensuring supply chain resilience, all of which are to be commended. For TT, it is vital to celebrate young talent in the industry and we want to make sure that these individuals have the resources and encouragement to innovate, collaborate, and strive for ever greater levels of security throughout the supply chain sector.
Josh
Finch, Logistics Risk Manager, TT Club
The application process for the 2025 ‘Young Supply Chain Resilience Professional of the Year’ Award will open at the end of Q1 next year.
Damage to brand reputations spikes as fraud grows
Stock value and customer loyalty also hit by fraud, which further impacts brand image
More businesses turn to artificial intelligence to fight back
Failing to tackle online fraud is increasingly damaging the brand reputation and the bottom line for thousands of businesses around the globe, new research reveals.
Almost two-thirds of all ecommerce brands (61%) have found themselves at the centre of highly damaging public media storms when fraud hits, according to fraud prevention company Ravelin’s Global Fraud Trends 2024 Survey.
Of those polled, 40% (and 41% in the UK) say their brand image has been affected by fraudulent activities. This varies by sector – 40% of retailers, 36% of those in travel, 45% in digital goods, and 38% in marketplaces.
Overall, fraud has increased for 74.8% of companies around the world, with some regions suffering more than others. The UK has seen the biggest increase, at 84%.
The results of such negative publicity can be devastating for e-commerce brands.
Fraud also negatively impacts stock prices for 20% of larger companies, and across the board, responders said fraud affected growth the most, at 51.8%.
One in four say they lose over $15m (£12m) to fraud yearly, and over half (51.8%) say fraud stifles company growth, leading to broader knock-on impacts. Customer loyalty also takes a hit for 37% of companies, further impacting reputation.
Interestingly, 31% (39% in the UK) of respondents polled by Ravelin cited worries about public image as an obstacle to fighting fraud more efficiently. The key concern was adding friction to the customer journey, which impacts loyalty and reputation.
In a highly connected world where reputations can be globally trashed with just a few keystrokes, brands must do more to mitigate against fraud. A company’s reputation means everything and must be protected as if it’s a matter of life and death – from a business perspective, that’s exactly what it is. Machine learning is recognised as crucial to fighting fraud without adding friction and enabling brands to spot issues before they escalate and impact reputation.
Martin Sweeney, CEO, Ravelin
The benefits of AI-powered solutions
Automation in the form of machine learning is widely seen (66.2%) as the most useful implementation of artificial intelligence for fraud prevention, ahead of LLMs (46%), generative adversarial networks (GANs) (38.7%) and big data analytics (36.8%).
Across the board, two-factor authentication (2FA) – which includes technologies such as 3D Secure and biometric verification – is the most popular fraud-thwarting tool (54.1%).
A more detailed picture of how fraud affects UK businesses can be seen in the UK-specific report by Ravelin, here.
In March 2024, Ravelin carried out an online survey of 1457 fraud and payments professionals from around the world, with a focus on the UK, USA, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, Brazil, and Mexico.
Participants belonged to the C-suite or fraud/risk, finance/payments, compliance/operations or product teams of enterprises in the following industries: Retail, Marketplace, Digital Goods, Travel & Hospitality.
Survey participants all worked for businesses with more than $50 million in annual revenue and/or over 500 employees, which sell their products either online or both online and offline. They were asked questions around their observations, attitudes and predictions related to fraud and payments in the past 12 months, at present, as well as in the future.
Organisations and bodies that provide and train staff for the freight and logistics industries.
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Sponsored by
Following the launch of Pall-Ex’s CPC Training Academy in September 2023, the industry-first initiative is on track to train a minimum of 250 people by the end of the year following an increase in courses.
Established with the objective of improving road safety, Pall-Ex has led from the front by being the first pallet network to offer in-house CPC training to its staff and network members. To date, over 106 drivers have been trained across 11 sessions.
Offered on-site at Pall-Ex's Leicestershire HQ and remotely, the CPC academy is managed by Craig Brown, an in-house, fully qualified trainer with 25 years of driver training experience, who tailors the sessions to the exact requirements of each driver.
After renewing its membership to the Road Transport Industry Training Board (RTITB) for another 12 months, Pall-Ex will continue to offer the leading, nationally recognised course for groups of up to 20 people, increasing the course delivery to a minimum of three sessions per month.
With the aim of improving road safety and driving standards, the Driver CPC qualification modules cover legal requirements plus health and safety training. It is a necessary requirement for anyone with a Category C or D licence, with fines of up to £1000 for those who either drive without it or do not renew their training.
Since establishing the training, Joe Murfitt, Pall-Ex’s Central Hub Manager is increasing the number of courses offered this year, commenting, The ongoing success of the CPC training means we are now able to increase the number of courses being offered to Pall-Ex drivers and drivers within our UK member network. With road safety paramount to
commercial teams, we can maintain high standards by ensuring drivers across the UK are qualified and have up to date knowledge. Our aim is to deliver the training at our regional hubs and depots to ensure as many of our UK network drivers as possible can access the training onsite.
The course comprises two modules which can be completed over eight hours in one day. There is an element of online training, but the bulk is done in person with a qualified trainer. All sessions are held on a Saturday to avoid disrupting general driver working patterns. Those attending the course need to provide a photocard driving licence, a valid passport, digital tachograph card or a Driver CPC card.
Each driver receives a certificate of attendance upon completing the course, and there are no exams or tests during the session. Paperwork is completed by Pall-Ex, who will add the training session to each attendee’s Driver CPC training record within a few days of taking the course.
In August 2022, logistics recruitment was in the doldrums, with the majority of young people surveyed failing to even acknowledge the employment opportunities offered by one of the UK’s biggest industries. Driver shortages hit the headlines and, with an ageing workforce, prospects for future recovery for the logistics workforce looked dire, with long term skills shortages a real prospect.
Yet, in less than two years, a first-of-its-kind industry awareness campaign, Generation Logistics has started to address this challenge, changing perceptions of the sector and raising understanding of the wide range of exciting job opportunities available in a sector that underpins all economic activity in the UK. About to enter its third year, the campaign is now open for sponsorship from businesses across the sector which are committed to futureproofing the workforce and ensuring the security of the supply chain for years to come. As Phil Roe, Executive Sponsor of the campaign explains, the work must continue if logistics is not to lose future talent to other sectors:
The response to the Generation Logistics campaign has been incredible: in less than two years, working with our supportive sponsors and partners, we have generated more than 1.4 billion opportunities for our target audience to learn more about the sector, with information about real people doing real jobs as well as a call to action to become the logisticians of the future. From a standing start, this is incredibly encouraging but we must be under no illusion that the job is done. Other sectors across the economy are also experiencing their own skills shortages and we need to maintain our awareness and appeal to embed logistics as an exciting, fulfilling lifelong career to rival better-known “traditional” occupations like retail or manufacturing. In addition to communicating direct to young
people of all backgrounds through our creative and engaging social media activity, the second year of the campaign has extended awareness to educators, with more than 3,000 downloading our curriculum-mapped classroom materials and the first Generation Logistics Week shining the spotlight on the sector for teachers and pupils alike. Our ambition for year three of the campaign is to extend our reach to younger pupils in primary education, while continuing our communication to embed logistics as a career of choice for those of all backgrounds.
However, as Roe continues, the continued success of the campaign depends on the support of businesses from across the logistics sector:
The ownership and success of the Generation Logistics campaign rests with every business of all sizes from across our industry, for whom involvement as a sponsor will to raise their profile as an employer of choice to young people across the UK. While we have been very successful in our first two years of activity, the job is far from completed. We need to ensure that we can shape and futureproof the sector by keeping the campaign front of mind for those making career choices, reaching as many people as possible, so that logistics becomes embedded in their minds as their top choice. I hope that we can continue to rely on the support of the whole sector and look forward to welcoming forward-thinking businesses to keep sharing the message that logistics offers a fulfilling, exciting role for everyone.
Those interested in becoming a sponsor of Generation Logistics for year three of the campaign can find out more by emailing generationlogistics@logistics.org.uk. The campaign is managed by CILT (UK) and Logistics UK, and has been supported by more than 50 businesses and industry bodies
Award-winning pallet shipping network Pall-Ex Group is investing in its employees with a bespoke learning and development programme that is unique to the industry. The Logistics Excellence Achievement Programme (LEAP) is designed to support, upskill, and develop the Pall-Ex Group workforce to be the best in the business at every stage of their career.
Following feedback from its annual employee engagement survey, Pall-Ex Group recognised a demand for increased development opportunities and routes for progression, something that was echoed in exit interview feedback. In a sector heavily impacted by staff shortages, nurturing and retaining staff is also essential for the future of Pall-Ex Group.
In response, the company established an innovative, industry-leading development programme that has revolutionised how it trains staff. With a firm focus on employee well-being, LEAP provides everyone at Pall-Ex Group with the tools to upskill, obtain knowledge, gain qualifications and feel motivated and fulfilled.
Engaging with all levels of the business, Pall-Ex Group identified gaps in training to inform what LEAP would cover. As a result, LEAP is fully aligned with the business and its goals, with clear objectives and learning outcomes for staff, who are more invested in the company’s future.
Pall-Ex Group also uses Skill Scans to ensure every employee receives training tailored to their role and ambitions. This simple scoring
mechanism highlights areas for improvement and provides a practical foundation to prioritise learning and monitor progress.
LEAP was first rolled out for the Customer Service Delivery department and saw all customer-facing employees receive functional skill training. This consisted of 15 modules, each allowing employees to learn at their own pace and see a clear path for development. LEAP also adopts a blended learning approach that caters to all learning styles and staff availability, combining classroom and virtual learning, self-learning, and coaching and mentoring.
The initial success of LEAP has since been replicated across the business, with the launch of LEAP for Leaders extending this training to the Pall-Ex Group leadership team. Sophie Adkins, Customer Service Supervisor, said of the programme: “The Leap for Leaders programme has been an invaluable journey. The comprehensive modules, from Emotional Intelligence to Recruiting and Retaining, have equipped me with the skills and mindset to mould me into the leader I aspire to be.”
Elsewhere in the business, the LEAPIn onboarding programme applies the same structured approach to integrating new employees into the business. Meanwhile, the LEAP15 initiative encourages staff to set aside 15 minutes a day for self-learning.
LEAP has been a great success for Pall-Ex Group and has fostered a culture of continuous learning and development, where staff are more engaged and motivated. This investment in learning and development
supports attract, With LEAP success.
Freight management, a critical component of trade and logistics, is evolving rapidly. As the industry adapts to new tech and regulatory landscapes, the role of health and safety becomes increasingly vital. Ensuring the wellbeing of workers, the integrity of goods and the efficiency of ops are paramount. We explore future trends in freight management and underscore the importance of robust health-and-safety services.
1
Automation & AI integration: Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming freight management. Automated systems, from robotic warehouse solutions to AI-driven route optimization, enhance efficiency and reduce human error. However, the integration of these technologies necessitates comprehensive health and safety protocols to manage new risks associated with automation, such as equipment malfunctions and cybersecurity threats.
2 Sustainable practices: Sustainability is becoming a key focus in freight management. Companies are investing in ecofriendly technologies and practices to reduce their carbon footprint. Electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as more efficient logistics processes, are being adopted. Health and safety services play a crucial role in ensuring that these green technologies are implemented safely and effectively, protecting both workers and the environment.
3
Real-time data & IoT: The Internet of Things (IoT) and real-time data analytics are revolutionising freight management. Sensors and tracking devices provide continuous monitoring of shipments, enabling real-time decision-making and improving supply chain transparency. Health and safety services are essential in ensuring that the data infrastructure is secure and that workers are trained to handle and interpret this information correctly.
4
Enhanced cybersecurity measures : With the increasing reliance on digital technologies, cybersecurity is a growing concern in freight management. Protecting sensitive information and ensuring the integrity of logistics networks require robust cybersecurity protocols. Health and safety services are integral to developing and implementing these protocols, ensuring that digital transformations do not compromise safety standards.
The crucial role of health & safety services
As freight management evolves, the importance of health and safety services cannot be overstated. These services provide a framework for mitigating risks, ensuring compliance with regulations, and fostering a culture of safety. Here are key aspects of how health and safety services contribute to the future of freight management:
1
Risk assessment & management : Health and safety services conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential hazards in freight operations. By evaluating risks related to new technologies, environmental factors, and operational processes, these services help companies implement effective risk management strategies.
2
Regulatory compliance: Freight management companies must comply with a myriad of health and safety regulations. Health and safety services ensure that companies stay up-todate with current laws and standards, helping to avoid legal penalties and ensuring safe working conditions.
3
Training & development : Comprehensive training programs are a cornerstone of health and safety services. These programs educate workers on best practices, safe handling of equipment, and emergency procedures. In an industry that is constantly evolving, continuous training ensures that the workforce is prepared to handle new challenges safely.
4
Incident response & management : Despite best efforts, incidents can occur. Health and safety services provide robust incident response protocols, ensuring that any accidents or breaches are handled swiftly and effectively. This minimises damage, protects workers, and maintains the integrity of the supply chain.
5
Promoting a safety culture : Beyond policies and protocols, fostering a culture of safety is essential. Health and safety services help cultivate an environment where safety is prioritised at every level of the organisation. This cultural shift leads to more proactive safety measures and a more engaged workforce.
Conclusion
The future of freight management is being shaped by technological advancements, sustainability initiatives, and enhanced data capabilities. In this dynamic landscape, the role of health and safety services is more critical than ever. By providing risk assessment, regulatory compliance, training, and incident management, health and safety services ensure that freight management companies can navigate the complexities of the future safely and efficiently.
Investing in comprehensive health and safety services not only protects workers and assets but also enhances operational efficiency and sustainability. As the freight management industry continues to evolve, prioritising health and safety will be key to achieving long-term success and resilience.
4 JULY 2024
Award-winning pallet shipping network Pall-Ex Group is investing in its employees with a bespoke learning and development programme that is unique to the industry. The Logistics Excellence Achievement Programme (LEAP) is designed to support, upskill, and develop the Pall-Ex Group workforce to be the best in the business at every stage of their career.
Following feedback from its annual employee engagement survey, Pall-Ex Group recognised a demand for increased development opportunities and routes for progression, something that was echoed in exit interview feedback. In a sector heavily impacted by staff shortages, nurturing and retaining staff is also essential for the future of Pall-Ex Group.
In response, the company established an innovative, industry-leading development programme that has revolutionised how it trains staff. With a firm focus on employee well-being, LEAP provides everyone at Pall-Ex Group with the tools to upskill, obtain knowledge, gain qualifications and feel motivated and fulfilled.
Engaging with all levels of the business, Pall-Ex Group identified gaps in training to inform what LEAP would cover. As a result, LEAP is fully aligned with the business and its goals, with clear objectives and learning outcomes for staff, who are more invested in the company’s future.
Pall-Ex Group also uses Skill Scans to ensure every employee receives training tailored to their role and ambitions. This simple scoring mechanism highlights areas for improvement and provides a practical foundation to prioritise learning and monitor progress.
LEAP was first rolled out for the Customer Service Delivery department and saw all customer-facing employees receive functional skill training. This consisted of 15 modules, each allowing employees to learn at their own pace and see a clear path for development. LEAP also adopts a blended learning approach that caters to all learning styles and staff availability, combining classroom and virtual learning, self-learning, and coaching and mentoring.
The initial success of LEAP has since been replicated across the business, with the launch of LEAP for Leaders extending this training to the Pall-Ex Group leadership team. Sophie Adkins, Customer Service Supervisor, said of the programme: “The Leap for Leaders programme has been an invaluable journey. The comprehensive modules, from Emotional Intelligence to Recruiting and Retaining, have equipped me with the skills and mindset to mould me into the leader I aspire to be.”
Elsewhere in the business, the LEAPIn onboarding programme applies the same structured approach to integrating new employees into the business. Meanwhile, the LEAP15 initiative encourages staff to set aside 15 minutes a day for self-learning.
LEAP has been a great success for Pall-Ex Group and has fostered a culture of continuous learning and development, where staff are more engaged and motivated. This investment in learning and development supports existing employees while ensuring that PallEx Group can attract, develop, and educate the next generation of logistics leaders. With LEAP firmly established, Pall-Ex Group can continue to drive for success.
Pall-Ex Group is an award-winning network of UK SMEs comprising of two leading UK pallet networks (Fortec Distribution Network and Pall-Ex UK), four subsidiary UK logistics businesses and ten European networks. With a renowned name in logistics, PallEx delivers an efficient and reliable palletised freight distribution service, backed by innovative technology and a first-class network of established shareholder SMEs. With its headquarters and central UK hub located in the heart of the Midlands, Pall-Ex is driving excellence in all areas, transporting more than 40,000 pallets across the globe every day.
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COREX LOGISTICS
STEVE HEALY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER TO WELCOMING
IN THE POSITION OF
COREX LOGISTICS APPOINTS NEW CEO TO EXPAND
Clinical trial and pharmaceutical logistics specialists COREX Logistics have announced the appointment of Steve Healy as its new CEO of the organisation.
Healy, COREX Logistics’ former Vice President of Business Development, has been appointed CEO as the company looks to accelerate its global growth, expanding its operations and services.
Healy has more than 20 years of extensive expertise and leadership experience working within the pharmaceutical logistics sector with a focus on commercial pharmaceutical distribution and clinical trial supply chains.
In his new position Healy will oversee the long-established company’s vision for further future internationalising of the business with expansion into new markets, and continued development of operations in its traditional markets across Eastern Europe and Asia.
Healy said: I welcome the trust the company has in me to lead the next phase of COREX’s journey. We will continue to evolve as a business and build on the company’s proven success to further develop our operations in patient centric services to meet the continually changing complex needs in clinical trials. Positive patient outcomes are paramount to the COREX Logistics team, and we will continue to also focus on our outstanding customer service delivery as we grow our business and invest in operational excellence.
COREX Logistics Founder, Andrey Tarakanov, who will remain in the business to focus on specific projects, welcomed the appointment adding: I am delighted Steve will be leading us through the next stage of our significant global growth. His experience in the specialist sector and deep understanding of our customer’s complex requirements mean he is the right leader to create substantial lasting growth for the business going forward.
With extensive knowledge of Good Distribution Practise and complex temperature-controlled supply chain solutions, including airfreight, road freight and specialist courier services, Healy, who held previous leadership roles with va-Q-tec, Peli BioThermal and DGP Intelsius, has worked with pharmaceutical companies, central labs, and CROs to improve their logistics operations and supply chains. He also worked with public sector institutions in the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines and other public health initiatives
TO WELCOMING
LOGISTICS UK
IN THE POSITION OF
JEMMA JAMES DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Logistics UK has announced the appointment of Jemma James as the business group’s new Digital Development Director. Formerly the Managing Director of the Microlise Group’s TruTac tachograph business, Ms James brings an extensive track record in business development and commercial management.
We are delighted to welcome Jemma to Logistics UK. Jemma will be responsible for the development of our portfolio of digital products, including our market leading Vision platform, and Tachograph Analysis service. Her extensive sector knowledge and background in digital product development will be a great asset for our organisation.
David Wells OBE, Chief Executive, Logistics UK
Ms James comments: It’s an honour to join Logistics UK’s executive team in this pivotal role and help define an exciting new digital strategy for the organisation. My background as MD of a successful SaaS (Software as a Service) company means I’m well placed to evolve Logistics UK’s digital offering in line with members’ needs. Logistics UK is the leading voice in supporting
and promoting efficient logistics. They recognise digital innovation is key for operational compliance and supply chains. With their own in-house development team, they are uniquely placed to deliver first class digital services, backed up by exceptional customer support and regulatory knowledge. This new digital landscape is exciting. Digital services transformation will not only increase member benefits, but will help future-proof our current digital services and support to members.
Logistics UK is one of the UK’s leading business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit logistics.org.uk
LEEDS, FELIXSTOWE, HEATHROW
Salary: £40,000–£55,000 per annum + commission, benefits
Position Summary
Join our leading global freight forwarder as a Business Development Manager in Air & Ocean Logistics. Drive growth in key logistics sectors, engage with SMEs, and build strong client relationships. Remote and office-based work for flexibility and collaboration. Apply now to contribute to our global freight forwarding business in Leeds, Felixstowe, or Heathrow. Take your career to new heights with a competitive salary, lucrative commission structure, and comprehensive benefits. Join our thriving air and ocean logistics team and make an impact today!
LEEDS (HYBRID)
Position Summary
Join our client in Leeds as a Road EU Freight Business Development Manager and take your logistics career to new heights. Earn £50,000 - £75,000 per annum + bonuses and benefits. Drive revenue through strategic sales planning and relationship building. Proven business development experience in the road EU freight industry required. Excellent communication skills and knowledge of the Leeds and EU logistics landscape. Apply now and make an impact in a leading logistics company!
LEEDS (HYBRID)
Position Summary
Join our client in Leeds as a Road EU Freight Sales Manager and propel your logistics career. Earn £50,000 - £70,000 per annum + bonuses and benefits. Drive revenue through international agent setups and new trade lanes. Proven experience in road EU freight sales management required. Excellent communication skills and knowledge of the Leeds and EU logistics landscape. Apply now and make an impact in a leading logistics company!
BRISTOL
Permanent
Salary: £40,000 - £55,000 per annum (dependent on experience) + commission and benefits
Position Summary
Join our global freight forwarder in Bristol as a Business Development Manager. This hybrid role offers a blend of remote and office-based work, providing flexibility and work-life balance. Drive the growth of our sea logistics business by engaging with SMEs, nurturing client relationships, and leveraging your industry knowledge. Take on responsibilities such as business development, market research, presentations, collaboration, market analysis, quotations, and CRM management. If you have a proven sales track record, excellent communication skills, and a target-driven mindset, apply now for this exciting opportunity. Join our supportive team and contribute to our global freight forwarding success in Bristol
PLANO TX
Salary: up to $120,000
Responsibilities:
• Oversee human resources, legal, compliance, and administration functions.
• Manage all HR functions, including the recruiting process, job description creation, coordinating interviews with candidates and appropriate company employees, employee training, coaching, counseling, and handling sensitive internal HR issues, including terminations.
• Update required HR materials such as handbooks, policies, and procedures.
• Review all legal agreements.
• Ensure compliance with the Parent Company’s compliance programs and provide appropriate training.
• Participate in risk management reviews and coordinate issue resolution with the parent company’s insurance department and broker.
• Engage in insurance claims activity, including reporting to senior management and creating policies and procedures.
REMOTE, USA
Salary: $Negotiable
Responsibilities:
• Forecasting and targeting sales goals on a monthly and annual basis
• Creating and presenting proposals for the ocean, air, import-export, and warehousing solutions
• Researching and prospecting for new customers through phone, email, cold call, and other channels
• Updating management on progress to sales goals
REMOTE, USA
Salary: $Negotiable
Responsibilities:
• Develop new business through research, prospecting and qualifying new opportunities. This will include customer visits & developing relationships within the defined geographical area.
• Increase market share within assigned territory and achieve assigned financial budget for volume, revenue, and profit.
• Successfully close new business and onboard new clients.
• Increase market share within existing client base.
• Maintain contact with all clients to ensure high levels of client satisfaction
MIAMI, FL
Salary: $60,000–$75,000
Responsibilities:
• Excellent command of English and Spanish, knowledgeable in TSA & Bonded, Excel, leadership ability to ensure optimal function and fulfillment of the operation.
• Lead Warehouse & Transport to ensure optimal management of the operations in charge and attention to corporate customer requirements.
• Lead strategies to ensure project profitability and compliance with Ebitda and cash flow requirements.
• Lead the design and implementation of logistics projects to meet business growth expectations.
• Propose initiatives that seek continuous improvement of processes, and lead optimization projects.
• Execute the logistic planning of the operations in charge.
• Ensure the supply of the necessary resources to fulfill the service promise to customers.
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Sponsored by F REIGHT
Following clearance by all relevant regulatory authorities, TraXall International announces the completion of the acquisition of Fleet Logistics Group from its shareholders Volkswagen Financial Services and TÜV SÜD.
The combination of the two organisations creates Europe’s largest independent mobility & fleet management provider with some 400,000 contracts under management. Its joint client portfolio includes many of the world’s leading companies, in both local and global markets.
We are delighted that the significant acquisition of the Fleet Logistics Group has been successfully completed and we are hugely excited for what the future holds. One highlight for me will be meeting and getting to know our new colleagues over the coming weeks and months. At the same time, now the real work starts together – to expand on our mutual strengths, invest in future-facing systems, understand synergies and efficiencies, all of which leads to building and delivering the best of the best experiences for our customers and our people, advancing the future of fleet and mobility management. The completion of this deal also couldn’t happen at a better time. It is widely reported that businesses are seeing substantial cost increases, particularly across their fleets, as Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) remains volatile. In attempts to counter this, we are seeing our customers (and the wider market) recognising the need to adopt new practices to control costs as it is no longer enough to pull the same levers to create cost improvement. TraXall International and Fleet Logistics remain uniquely positioned to help our customers do exactly this – control costs which have increased
in all countries due to widely-reported EV residual value challenges aside from market dynamics, economic and geo-political issues. The strength of the unique approach and stability which both TraXall International and Fleet Logistics bring, will continue to drive efficiencies, and sustainably protect our customers’ cost bases and future strategies.
Ross Jackson, CEO, TraXall International
We are thrilled that the acquisition of Fleet Logistics Group has been completed and are eager to shape the future strategy for the combined business. I am very proud of the entire Fleet Logistics team who throughout this process has shown great resilience and determination. We are very much looking forward to working with our new colleagues to create THE most innovative fleet and mobility management company. Together, we have what it takes to shape our industry.
Steffen Schick, CEO, Fleet Logistics Group
WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC), developer of leading logistics execution software CargoWise, today announced it has acquired Singeste - Sistemas de Informática, Lda (Singeste), a leading developer of IT solutions for the customs sector in Portugal.
Founded in 1986, and headquartered in Seixal in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, Singeste’s flagship solution, GIDWin, communicates directly with Portugal’s Tax and Customs Authority, to facilitate and optimize customs processes for customs brokers and freight forwarders. Singeste’s customers include international freight forwarders and shippers that operate in Portugal, such as DHL, FedEx, UPS, MSC and Expeditors.
Portugal has the fifth highest container port throughput in Southern Europe. It is a strategic gateway between Europe, Africa, and the Americas with its ports in Lisbon and Porto serving as key hubs for maritime trade. While Portugal has traditionally exported agricultural products, textiles and clothing, exports of technological equipment are increasing. Its main exports are to Spain, France, Germany, US and UK, while imports are from Spain, Germany, France, China and the Netherlands.
Singeste brings three decades of experience and technical expertise in meeting the customs needs of Portugal and the European Union that will become available as part of the CargoWise global customs solution. This acquisition further confirms our relentless commitment to developing a truly global customs platform, the value of which is confirmed as more large global freight forwarders increase their use of our CargoWise global customs capability. With the addition of Portugal, our global customs system will cover more global manufactured trade flows, taking us closer to our 90% target.
Vlad Bilanovsky, Chief Execution Officer, WiseTech Global
Singeste’s operations will be integrated within the WiseTech Global group and remain under the current leadership of Pedro Bacelar. Singeste will continue to deliver its solutions directly to its customers and offer other CargoWise solutions over time.
By joining WiseTech Global we not only have the opportunity to make GIDWin available to CargoWise customers doing business in Portugal, our customers will also be able to access CargoWise’s customs and compliance capabilities in other countries, simplifying customs processing for international trade. We also look forward to offering other CargoWise modules to our customers over time. I’ve long had an ambition to develop customs compliance in multiple countries and am excited to work with the WiseTech team on this revolutionary global project.
Pedro Bacelar, CEO, Singeste
Freight Mergers are specialists in selling owner-managed freight forwarding, transportation and logistics businesses. For most company owners, selling their business is the most important financial transaction of their life. Therefore, we tailor our services to each individual client’s needs, utilising our mastered, proactive approach to selling businesses that connects strategic buyers with sellers who are aiming to realise the value of their business. We have over ten years of experience in the sector and, due to our specialist approach and unparalleled network, we can put you in touch with international and domestic trade buyers.
Transformative acquisition expands Asyad's footprint adding critical operational hubs across the world’s busiest markets, offering customers market access through Oman’s central location on the global trade map
• Asyad Group’s first international acquisition in core logistics activities
• Asyad expands into key cargo origin economies with active operations in China, India, Europe and the United States alongside the GCC
• Access to a well-established, dynamic network in over 90 geographies across six continents
• Integration of Skybridge's Freight Solutions (SFS) boosts Asyad's comprehensive end-to-end integrated logistics offerings
• Latest acquisition aligned with Asyad’s expansion strategy to provide customers with unparalleled multimodal solutions and unrestricted access to global markets
Asyad Group, Oman's pioneering end-to-end global logistics provider, has acquired Skybridge Freight Solutions (SFS), a leading global freight forwarding company. The landmark acquisition is the group’s first international acquisition in core logistics activities and marks a strategic move to significantly expand Asyad’s footprint through active operations in key trade hubs and the major economies of China, India, the USA and the GCC, supported by unhindered access to SFS’ well-established, dynamic network that covers over 90 geographies across six continents.
Now acquired by Asyad Group, SFS is a premier freight solutions provider offering leading freight forwarding services across air, sea and land in addition to warehousing and distribution. The fast-growing company boasts a strong financial footing and caters to a diverse array of major industries including food, energy, automotive, pharmaceuticals and construction. The company serves over 1,400 customers, including Fortune 500 and blue-chip companies, leveraging its longstanding relationships with global freight forwarding networks, government bodies, shipping lines and airlines to carve a substantial competitive edge and open multiple avenues for growth.
With this acquisition, Asyad aims to bolster its competitiveness in the global marketplace by magnifying its end-to-end capabilities in providing unparalleled multimodal logistics services to meet evolving customer needs. The impacts of the recent acquisition are far-reaching and will extend across the entire logistics ecosystem, with more capabilities in freight forwarding leading to advances in supply chain, e-commerce, ports and container lines.
Additionally, Asyad will now have active operations in key cargo origin economies. As a result, the group – now leveraging SFS’ capabilities and network of associates – will reinforce its position as the partner of choice for international enterprises seeking comprehensive GCC logistics solutions under one integrated entity, setting itself apart by leveraging its advanced capabilities and Oman’s unique location and innate advantages.
Acquiring SFS will play a significant role in bolstering Oman’s connectivity with vital global trade routes. By unlocking new connections and strengthening existing ones with the world’s biggest markets, all logistics players will reap the benefits of unrestricted multimodal access and amplified trade opportunities resulting in higher volumes.
With these targeted moves, Asyad aims to ultimately redraw the global trade map. The SFS acquisition marks a significant milestone for the group and underlines its integrated logistics model that has consistently set new standards and trends in the logistics industry. The new addition is a critical step to pursue Asyad’s portfolio diversification plans and uphold the group’s unwavering commitment to its customers of increasing global service coverage.
By integrating the capabilities and market access of SFS, Asyad’s flag will consistently make its way into prime global markets, opening new avenues for exponential growth and cementing the group’s position as a reliable global logistics powerhouse. With SFS now part of Asyad Group, the integrated logistics provider will take its bullish approach to global expansion forward with future plans focused on long-term financial returns and an enhanced offering of globally competitive logistics solutions to trade communities around the world.
Both Asyad and SFS customers will be the first to experience the returns of this integration through improved reach and heightened service excellence, exemplified by multimodal freight forwarding solutions. Asyad will equip players in GCC markets with stronger connectivity to major cargo origin markets through SFS’ network of associate offices that covers key trade location around the world from China and India in the east to the United States and Europe in the west.
Asyad Group's year-over-year growth reflects a robust commercial mindset built around operational excellence and dynamic decision-making. In 2023, the group reported a 21% compound annual growth rate in revenue and 73% compound annual growth rate in profits, two record numbers in its history. The recent acquisition will further support Asyad’s ongoing streak of double-digit year-on-year growth by providing new opportunities and resources, ensuring sustained success and market leadership.
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Premium white glove UK delivery pioneer Panther Logistics is entering one of the most exciting chapters in its history by rebranding to AIT Home Delivery.
The rebrand follows the two-person delivery specialist’s acquisition in November 2020, by AIT Worldwide Logistics, reinforcing the foundations which have been built over the past 3.5 years for the expansion of AIT Home Delivery in both the UK and Europe.
AIT Worldwide Logistics is a globally recognized supply chain solutions leader. With nearly 45 years of experience expanding companies’ access to markets throughout the world, AIT and Panther Logistics have been working hand-in-hand to further develop the two-person delivery specialist’s presence in the marketplace.
Panther Logistics has dominated the two-person home delivery market since it launched its game-changing next day offering nearly 15 years ago. Now operating under the AIT Home Delivery banner, the business will continue to extend its footprint and expand its range of services to further reinforce its market-leading position.
The rebrand will allow AIT Home Delivery to secure its position as the leader in specialist two-person delivery, while adding the ability to offer integrated freight forwarding solutions that are customized to fit any retailer’s requirements. We look forward to offering AIT’s worldclass first and middle mile services to home delivery customers in the UK while working to expand two-person delivery into Europe.
Vaughn Moore, Chairman & CEO, AIT
With its headquarters in Northampton, Panther covers the UK via a network of eight strategically located regional hubs, employs a workforce of over 475, and offers an end-to-end e-fulfilment service.
Gary McKelvey, AIT’s Vice President, Global Home Delivery Operations, is excited about the journey ahead and stressed that it is very much business as usual. He said, We have been providing best-in-class twoperson, next day and final mile home delivery services throughout the United Kingdom since 2010 and will continue to do so. Our rebrand to AIT Home Delivery will further define the home delivery product and enable us to expand the two-person operation across Europe. Most importantly, fully integrating with the parent company allows us to offer seamless first and middle mile services for our customers who are importing goods that are ultimately delivered to consumers’ homes in the UK.
29 APRIL 2024 | Source: GEBRÜDER WEISS
A Hull-based haulier has been gifted a celebratory dual-liveried trailer by Pallet-Track to mark 20 years of exemplary service for the pallet network.
Distribution specialists Harrison Solway received the new trailer after being voted Shareholder Member of the Year by Pallet-Track’s 90-plus shareholder members.
The livery features both Harrison Solway and Pallet-Track branding, underlining the pallet network’s ongoing commitment to its members while raising the profile of its award-winning member.
The gifted dual-branded livery was revealed at Pallet-Track’s annual shareholder members meeting in Coventry and is part of the pallet network’s 20th anniversary celebrations.
To be deemed as the best shareholder member by our fellow members and partners is truly humbling and really cements just how amazing our Harrison Solway team are. I was absolutely lost for words, as the trailer was a total surprise not only for me personally, but for everyone who attended our shareholder members meeting. It only hit home when the conference room curtains were opened and there it was, right outside the room, the eye-catching dual-liveried trailer as a gift from Pallet-Track to Harrison Solway.
Lee Solway, Director, Harrison Solway
Harrison Solway is a highly-respected shareholder member of PalletTrack with an exemplary service record. The team’s commitment to customer service and their fellow members underlines everything that Pallet-Track strives for. We wanted to celebrate this and to thank the team for their hard work over the last 20 years, and we look forward to seeing the trailer out on the road.
Stuart Godman, CEO, Pallet-Track
Lee added: I am unbelievably proud that in 2023, our team delivered a perfect 100 per cent delivery success rate in our ‘HU’ postcode after successfully delivering more than 31,000 pallets without a single failure. We hadn’t been involved in a pallet network prior to joining Pallet-Track in 2004, but we saw the direction the UK logistics sector was travelling in and the merits of being involved, and to this day it’s still the best business decision we have made in nearly 25 years of trading. Here’s to the next 20 years of being part of something very special, the best pallet network with the best people, with a very bright future.
Harrison Solway was established in 2000 with 10 vehicles and 35,000 square feet of warehousing.
The family-run firm joined Pallet-Track in 2004, supporting its growth to include 35 vehicles and 50 trailers and 100,000 sq ft of warehousing.
Pallet-Track launched in 2004 with 46 members and handled 852 pallets during its first night of operation. Its shareholder network now includes more than 90 members, who collectively move four million pallets per year.
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1 AUGUST 2024 | Source: BUSINESS WEST
We're thrilled to share that Business West has issued the first UK ATA Carnet to Peru on behalf of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce. This milestone facilitated a unique charitable venture: a rowing trip up the Amazon River to raise funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital.
The ATA Carnet, often called the ‘passport for goods,’ will streamline temporarily exporting the necessary equipment to Peru, including the team's rowing boat, ensuring a hassle-free journey. This event marks a first for temporary export and showcases the power of international collaboration in supporting vital fundraising projects.
Celebrating Peru's entry into the ATA Carnet scheme in April was just the beginning of our exciting journey with Peru. Issuing the first UK ATA Carnet to this vibrant country, especially for such a fantastic cause, has caused much excitement in our team. Having shared our event with an alpaca and llama from a local farm, we feel a special connection to the spirit of Peru. This milestone underscores our commitment to facilitating temporary trade and showcases how these efforts can support incredible charitable endeavours like the Amazon rowing trip for Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Catherine Stephens, Head of International Trade Services, Business West
Stobart, part of the Culina Group, has further cemented its long term commitment to sustainability with the announcement of an important new initiative – The Stobart Sustainability Fund.
The Stobart Sustainability Fund provides sharp end support to Not-for-Profit Organisations, Community Groups, Schools and Colleges, involved in sustainability initiatives. Direct funding is provided to specific projects that tackle climate change, reduce carbon emissions, or protect and enhance the environment. Stobart is actively welcoming applications for any green projects and initiatives requiring funding support.
As an organisation Stobart are fully committed to reducing our carbon footprint. However with The Stobart Sustainability Fund we’re looking to take things a stage further by doing more to help others to do the same. We want to help improve the natural environment, and to encourage long term sustainability. The Stobart Sustainability Fund promotes community engagement and participation in environmental and sustainability projects. The Stobart Sustainability Fund aims to support these community-led projects and initiatives to help the evolution of a greener and more sustainable world.
David Pickering, CEO, Stobart
Stobart is already driving forward a range of initiatives including use of alternative fuels and electric vehicles, minimising energy and water consumption, and minimizing waste and travel across its business units.
Stobart has fully incorporated sustainability into our overall business strategy. All our key decisions are made with forensic consideration of their impact on the environment. Having spent over fifty years developing the largest, most efficient multi-modal logistics network in the country, our aim now is to be the most sustainable UK LSP.
Stobart is the first major 3PL to fully commit to SBTi targets. SBTi is a collaboration between CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project), the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), World Resources Institute (WRI), and the World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The initiative defines, promotes and showcases best practice on setting science-based targets to reduce emissions, and independently assesses and approves targets set by committed companies.
The Stobart Sustainability Fund is the next phase in Stobart boosting its commitment to driving forward the sustainability agenda. The Stobart Sustainability Fund will help educate younger generations on how they can make a positive difference to protect and improve the environment, by giving support to diverse projects and initiatives making a positive change.
Pall-Ex Group hosted the annual Pall-Ex vs Fortec charity football match on the 25th of May, helping to raise £2032 for Armed Forces charities, SSAFA and Combat Stress.
At Leicester City’s King Power Stadium, teams made up of employees and members from across the Pall-Ex and Fortec networks faced each other in the hopes of securing victory in the third instalment of the charity shield.
The match kicked off at 2pm, with Pall-Ex looking to retain their winning streak after a tense 4-3 win over Fortec in 2023. In front of a crowd of 200 supporters, an action-filled match resulted in Fortec coming out victorious with a 5-1 win.
With Fortec captain Stuart White scoring an early goal just two minutes into the match, the domination from Fortec continued with the first half finishing 4-0. Shortly after coming back out for the second half, Fortec scored once again to make it 5-0, before Pall-Ex managed a consolation goal in the form of a penalty in the 85th minute, making it a 5-1 victory to Fortec.
Following the match, further funds were raised through a penalty shootout enjoyed by both children and adults alike, with each person paying £1 per go to support the charity initiative.
The football match raised a total of £1016 on the day through ticket sales and donations, with the Pall-Ex Group Charitable Foundation matching the figure to bring the total to £2032. The money raised will go towards offering life-changing support services to veterans struggling with complex mental health issues.
With a long-standing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces, PallEx Group is a proud partner of both Combat Stress: The UK’s Leading Charity for Veterans’ Mental Health and SSAFA the Armed Forces charity.
In 2022, Pall-Ex Group achieved the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence, in recognition of the commitment shown to the Armed Forces community. Alongside providing support to military personnel who are looking for work after leaving the forces, its pledges include enhanced leave for Reservists and Cadets within the business and ongoing fundraising for veterans’ mental health charities.
At the Pall-Ex Group ‘World of Excellence’ annual awards evening in February of this year, SSAFA received a donation of £10,000 and recently employees from across Pall-Ex Group took part in Combat Stress’ March in March campaign, raising over £4200 throughout the month.
We are immensely proud to be able to host such fantastic events and in turn support the hard work that both Combat Stress and SSAFA do to aid veterans. Our pledge to the Armed Forces community is something that we are honoured to uphold at Pall-Ex Group and we are committed to supporting the invaluable work that both of our charity partners carry out with further events throughout the year. I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the team at Leicester City Football Club for their support with hosting our event over the last three years.
Kevin Buchanan, Group CEO, Pall-Ex Group
2 JULY 2024 | Source: WCAWORLD FOUNDATION
During the WCA Regional conference in Marrakesh, WCAworld Chief Executive Officer, Dan March, and General ManagerWCAworld Specialty Networks, Adam McKenna, visited the Dar Tifl Orphanage in Marrakesh. They were shown around the facility by Aziz Addi, Director of the institution and Dr Abdallah Squalli, President of the Sidi Bel Abbes Association.
Following the devastating earthquake that struck Morocco in September 2023, the WCAworld Foundation, using donations from members and WCAworld founder, David Yokeum, struck a partnership with Dar Tifl and contributed funds to help the orphanage cope with a large new influx of children that had lost their entire families in the tragedy.
Aided locally by WCAworld member Younes El Ouali El Alami, from Transports Internationaux Philippe Peschaud, WCAworld managed to quickly get funding to Dar Tifl to help the children settle.Dar Tifl is an amazing organisation that provides a safe and secure haven for orphans and helps educate and rehabilitate the children in a supportive and caring environment.
It was truly humbling meeting over 400 children that have had such a tough start in life. The hugs and greetings myself and Adam received from them is a reflection of the amazing work the staff do there in creating a culture that allows them recover and grow in a loving and secure way. The fact that the WCAworld Foundation is playing a role in supporting this vital work is a source of great pride to us, said Dan March.
WCAworld Foundation is funded by staff and members and guarantees that 100 per cent of all donations go directly to worthy causes around the world. It manages all charitable work through direct contact with members and organisations in areas affected by natural disasters and poverty.
For more than 25 years, Transaid has supported people across sub-Saharan Africa to build the skills required to transform their lives - ith a focus on improving road safety and increasing access to healthcare.
3
new bicycle ambulances delivered 4
3 videos developed to raise awareness amongst riders around helmet sa et 23 000 & shared with over riders in Kenya ,
journal articles published
19 AUGUST 2024 | Source: PALLET-TRACK
Pallet-Track has pledged to raise £75,000 by the end of 2025 to fund a new critical care car for its nominated charity, Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.
The Wolverhampton-based pallet network has already raised nearly 65 per cent of its target to put the charity’s critical care car on the road as quickly as possible.
Pallet-Track has committed to funding the new vehicle to support the charity’s nighttime operations and ensure 24-hour emergency coverage for those in need.
Pallet-Track’s fundraising activities have raised £48,142 for the charity to date and included its Annual Shareholder Gala, golf day, a hub-tohub cycle ride, charity casino night, volunteer days and shop donations, which were supported by its colleagues and pallet network members.
It costs Midlands Air Ambulance Charity £13 million to £14 million per year to maintain its three aircraft, fleet of critical care cars and deliver its lifesaving services. Each air ambulance mission costs an average of £2,950, while a critical care car mission costs £288 on average.
The charity was chosen following a company-wide vote, as it operates within the region of Pallet-Track’s hub in Millfields Road. The company and its team are proud to have developed a meaningful, long-term relationship with Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.
Our advanced crew of critical care paramedics and doctors attend 12 missions each day. Pallet-Track’s outstanding fundraising activities have ensured our service can continue to reach and treat those in critical need. A huge thank-you to everyone at Pallet-Track for their continued, unwavering support.
Jon Cottrell, Senior Partnerships Executive, Midlands Air Ambulance Charity
We are very proud of the team and our network for going above and beyond with their fundraising efforts to get this new vehicle into the community as quickly as possible. It is a real achievement to have raised such a significant sum so quickly. Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s 24-hour service was launched this year, so we are pleased to have started this journey with them and to be able to support people in the community in their time of need. It has been fantastic to see our team getting involved by volunteering with the charity and taking on challenges, and we look forward to smashing our fundraising goal by the end of 2025.
Stuart Godman, CEO, Pallet-Track
A leading transport and logistics firm in Liverpool has partnered with the NHS to promote organ donation across the country.
Sovereign Transport, a member of the Palletways network, wrapped one of its double-decker trailers with ‘NHSBT Lifesaver’ branding after a specialist nurse from the North West Organ Donation Services Team reached out about the ongoing collaboration.
The branded trailer is now on the road on a daily basis, delivering freight between Liverpool, Leeds, the Midlands and Scotland.
We wanted to use a local company to help raise awareness about organ donation and hopefully encourage more people to save or transform the lives of others by agreeing to register. Sovereign Transport seemed particularly approachable as it has already been involved in charity work.
Catherine Ellis, Specialist Nurse in Organ Donation for NHS Blood and Transplant
The top logistics firm has a proud culture of philanthropy and has been involved in a number of initiatives to support The Owen McVeigh Foundation – which is committed to ‘creating life memories for children suffering from cancer’. Most recently, Sovereign’s Managing Director Adam Radcliffe took part in the London Landmarks Half Marathon to raise funds for the local charity.
Speaking on the NHS collaboration, Adam said: We are not only committed to delivering an exceptional and efficient service for our customers, but are also passionate about projects and campaigns that allow us to make a wider positive impact. As luck would have it, we had just ordered a new vehicle when we were approached by the NHS and decided that displaying organ donation messaging, in place of our own branding, would allow us to play our part in spreading this critical message on a national level.
Sovereign Transport is a first-rate firm and one of our top performing UK members. We were recently delighted to award it with a Platinum Club award at our 30th anniversary gala dinner, not just because of its dedication to sustainability and operational excellence, but also because of its social responsibility and continued action to raise awareness on key issues.
Warwick Trimble, Network Director, Palletways UK
In addition to Sovereign’s double-decker trailer, the NHS has used a fleet of other vehicles – including fire engines and buses – to promote organ donation across the UK.
Sovereign Transport is one of over 120 independent transport providers are part of the Palletways UK network. They benefit from shared expertise and resources from within the group to deliver consignments of palletised freight to market faster and more cost-effectively than ever before. The Palletways Group, renowned for its industry-leading IT developments and operational systems, comprises 450+ depots and 20 hub operations, through which it provides collection and distribution services across 24 European countries, including the UK.
7 AUGUST 2024 | Source: SOVEREIGN TRANSPORT
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