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Day: 24 May 2023

Manhattan Launches Yard Management Solution

Posted on by David Priestman

Manhattan Associates Inc. has announced its re-imagined Manhattan Active Yard Management solution to expand the company’s vision of a unified supply chain. By redesigning yard management to work seamlessly with its industry leading warehouse and transportation management solutions on a single cloud native platform, Manhattan is completing the digital unification of distribution and logistics where they come together in the physical world.

This unified approach creates optimisation opportunities that aren’t possible with traditional siloed systems. The cutting-edge solution offers a digital twin representation of the yard, providing users with real-time insights and dynamic updates to help teams identify risks and opportunities quickly. This gives users clear visibility to every dock door and yard position, the trailers at each location, trailer status, the contents of those trailers, real time progress of inbound and outbound warehouse operations, as well as information related to pending arrivals and movement within the yard.

“Manhattan Active Yard Management perfectly combines warehouse and transportation planning and execution to create a truly unified supply chain,” said Blake Coram, director of Product Management for Manhattan. “Infusing the yard decision process with intelligence from both warehouse and transportation drives optimal yard execution, more efficient warehouses, and faster and smarter transportation networks.”

 

Manhattan Launches Yard Management Solution

Posted on by David Priestman

Manhattan Associates Inc. has announced its re-imagined Manhattan Active Yard Management solution to expand the company’s vision of a unified supply chain. By redesigning yard management to work seamlessly with its industry leading warehouse and transportation management solutions on a single cloud native platform, Manhattan is completing the digital unification of distribution and logistics where they come together in the physical world.

This unified approach creates optimisation opportunities that aren’t possible with traditional siloed systems. The cutting-edge solution offers a digital twin representation of the yard, providing users with real-time insights and dynamic updates to help teams identify risks and opportunities quickly. This gives users clear visibility to every dock door and yard position, the trailers at each location, trailer status, the contents of those trailers, real time progress of inbound and outbound warehouse operations, as well as information related to pending arrivals and movement within the yard.

“Manhattan Active Yard Management perfectly combines warehouse and transportation planning and execution to create a truly unified supply chain,” said Blake Coram, director of Product Management for Manhattan. “Infusing the yard decision process with intelligence from both warehouse and transportation drives optimal yard execution, more efficient warehouses, and faster and smarter transportation networks.”

 

IFOY Test Report: AGILOX ODM

Posted on by Keith McKinley

In the run-up to the handing out of the IFOY Awards in Dortmund on June 22nd, we run through all the 2023 finalists and share the verdict from the IFOY test conducted during the evaluation by an expert jury in March. Our first entry (alphabetically speaking) is the AGILOX ODM from AGILOX.

Category: AGV / AMR

IFOY test verdict

Summary: The new AGILOX ODM omnidirectional dolly mover is an intelligent logistics robot for small load carriers. Thanks to the proven X-Swarm Technology by AGILOX integrated in the vehicle, it independently finds the fastest route through the production or logistics environment in real time.

Description: The new AGILOX ODM ensures the production supply with small parts. From now on, users can transport small load carriers such as containers or dollies with dimensions of 600x400mm and a maximum weight of 300kg from one station to the next and fill rails. As with other products in the AGILOX range, there is no need for additional infrastructure or navigation aids such as magnetic strips on the floor. Freely navigating and completely autonomous, the ODM enables production lines to be supplied flexibly. In this way, users set a new standard of agility in their production or logistics. With its omnidirectional travel system, even trips through the narrowest aisles are no problem for the AGILOX ODM.

Innovation: The new AGILOX ODM is part of an entire product group, which means that even driving with other vehicle types of the AGILOX family in combination is possible without any problems. Compared to similar products on the market, the AGILOX advantage is that it does not require additional infrastructure or navigation aids. Furthermore, our product innovation impresses with its omnidirectional drive system, which allows not only forward and backward movements, but also turning at a standstill or parallel movements. Numerous safety sensors ensure 360-degree personal safety.

Market relevance: The AGILOX ODM is particularly relevant for the pharmaceutical and electronics industries. Monotonous tasks no longer have to be performed by (over)qualified employees, but can henceforth be handed over to the intelligent logistics robot. The company is thus closing the gap from partial automation to full automation. AGILOX estimates the market potential for its own company at around €30 million.

Main customer benefits: AGILOX relies on the motto “Plug&Perform”. The first AGILOX can be put into operation in less than twelve hours, and each additional vehicle in just 15 minutes. Increasing demands should be child’s play for the intelligent intralogistics robot, which is unique in a market comparison, according to AGILOX.

The name says it all. AGILOX takes changing environmental or process conditions lightly.  Sounds exciting, and it is. After all, an AGILOX can also operate at different levels if it is connected via a lift. And even narrow aisles or oncoming traffic cannot harm the all-rounder. The advantage is obvious. Operating space costs money, and customers want to spend it on more sensible things.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: The new ODM vehicle developed by AGILOX automates the transport of floor rollers in the 400x600mm or 600x800mm format, on which stacked containers or comparable load carriers are transported. The market for this type of transport, correctly located by AGILOX itself in the pharmaceutical and electronics industries, is highly relevant there. However, transports with floor rollers and containers are by no means used in all companies, which is why the market relevance is only rated as balanced.

Customer benefit: The high manoeuvrability of the very compact vehicle and the software, which is designed to be easy to use, provide a high benefit for the user. The software demonstrates the provider’s extensive experience with autonomously operating vehicles, which are also well coordinated by the software as a fleet of different vehicle types from AGILOX on the same operating area.

Novelty / Innovation: In the vehicle class for transporting ground scooters with containers, solutions already exist, but the extremely compact design combined with the surface mobility of the ODM is definitely to be assessed as new. Since the technical solutions and the functions are already known from other vehicles of the same supplier and its market companions, an evaluation as extraordinarily innovative is not possible.

Functionality / Type of implementation: The presented vehicle offers relevant functions for the user, in particular autonomous functions for avoiding obstacles on the route or for reacting during load pick-up if load carriers are not precisely provided. A precise approach to the defined target positions is also possible during load delivery. In the demonstration, the functions mentioned were impressively and reliably demonstrated.

Verdict: Vehicles like the ODM have a market but transports with floor rollers in the 400x600mm or 600x800mm format are far from being used in all companies. The high manoeuvrability of the vehicle and the software, which is designed for easy operation, deliver a high benefit for users. In this extremely compact form combined with the surface manoeuvrability, the vehicle is new and offers relevant functions for the user.

Market relevance Ø
Customer benefit ++
Novelty / Innovation +
Functionality / Type of implementation ++
[KEY: ++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / — not available]

IFOY Test Report: AGILOX ODM

Posted on by David Priestman

In the run-up to the handing out of the IFOY Awards in Dortmund on June 22nd, we run through all the 2023 finalists and share the verdict from the IFOY test conducted during the evaluation by an expert jury in March. Our first entry (alphabetically speaking) is the AGILOX ODM from AGILOX.

Category: AGV / AMR

IFOY test verdict

Summary: The new AGILOX ODM omnidirectional dolly mover is an intelligent logistics robot for small load carriers. Thanks to the proven X-Swarm Technology by AGILOX integrated in the vehicle, it independently finds the fastest route through the production or logistics environment in real time.

Description: The new AGILOX ODM ensures the production supply with small parts. From now on, users can transport small load carriers such as containers or dollies with dimensions of 600x400mm and a maximum weight of 300kg from one station to the next and fill rails. As with other products in the AGILOX range, there is no need for additional infrastructure or navigation aids such as magnetic strips on the floor. Freely navigating and completely autonomous, the ODM enables production lines to be supplied flexibly. In this way, users set a new standard of agility in their production or logistics. With its omnidirectional travel system, even trips through the narrowest aisles are no problem for the AGILOX ODM.

Innovation: The new AGILOX ODM is part of an entire product group, which means that even driving with other vehicle types of the AGILOX family in combination is possible without any problems. Compared to similar products on the market, the AGILOX advantage is that it does not require additional infrastructure or navigation aids. Furthermore, our product innovation impresses with its omnidirectional drive system, which allows not only forward and backward movements, but also turning at a standstill or parallel movements. Numerous safety sensors ensure 360-degree personal safety.

Market relevance: The AGILOX ODM is particularly relevant for the pharmaceutical and electronics industries. Monotonous tasks no longer have to be performed by (over)qualified employees, but can henceforth be handed over to the intelligent logistics robot. The company is thus closing the gap from partial automation to full automation. AGILOX estimates the market potential for its own company at around €30 million.

Main customer benefits: AGILOX relies on the motto “Plug&Perform”. The first AGILOX can be put into operation in less than twelve hours, and each additional vehicle in just 15 minutes. Increasing demands should be child’s play for the intelligent intralogistics robot, which is unique in a market comparison, according to AGILOX.

The name says it all. AGILOX takes changing environmental or process conditions lightly.  Sounds exciting, and it is. After all, an AGILOX can also operate at different levels if it is connected via a lift. And even narrow aisles or oncoming traffic cannot harm the all-rounder. The advantage is obvious. Operating space costs money, and customers want to spend it on more sensible things.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: The new ODM vehicle developed by AGILOX automates the transport of floor rollers in the 400x600mm or 600x800mm format, on which stacked containers or comparable load carriers are transported. The market for this type of transport, correctly located by AGILOX itself in the pharmaceutical and electronics industries, is highly relevant there. However, transports with floor rollers and containers are by no means used in all companies, which is why the market relevance is only rated as balanced.

Customer benefit: The high manoeuvrability of the very compact vehicle and the software, which is designed to be easy to use, provide a high benefit for the user. The software demonstrates the provider’s extensive experience with autonomously operating vehicles, which are also well coordinated by the software as a fleet of different vehicle types from AGILOX on the same operating area.

Novelty / Innovation: In the vehicle class for transporting ground scooters with containers, solutions already exist, but the extremely compact design combined with the surface mobility of the ODM is definitely to be assessed as new. Since the technical solutions and the functions are already known from other vehicles of the same supplier and its market companions, an evaluation as extraordinarily innovative is not possible.

Functionality / Type of implementation: The presented vehicle offers relevant functions for the user, in particular autonomous functions for avoiding obstacles on the route or for reacting during load pick-up if load carriers are not precisely provided. A precise approach to the defined target positions is also possible during load delivery. In the demonstration, the functions mentioned were impressively and reliably demonstrated.

Verdict: Vehicles like the ODM have a market but transports with floor rollers in the 400x600mm or 600x800mm format are far from being used in all companies. The high manoeuvrability of the vehicle and the software, which is designed for easy operation, deliver a high benefit for users. In this extremely compact form combined with the surface manoeuvrability, the vehicle is new and offers relevant functions for the user.

Market relevance Ø
Customer benefit ++
Novelty / Innovation +
Functionality / Type of implementation ++
[KEY: ++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / — not available]

Hyster Previews Zero-Emission Terminal Tractor at TOC

Posted on by David Priestman

At TOC Europe 2023, Hyster will discuss solutions for port equipment electrification, giving visitors a first glimpse of the zero-emission terminal tractor Hyster is developing with Capacity Trucks at stand C11. The company will also be on hand to share updates on its hydrogen and lithium-ion powered Container Handlers.

“We are delighted to be back at TOC Europe to share our latest innovations that bring advanced power sources to port equipment and help support businesses with their zero-emission strategies,” says Jan-Willem van den Brand, Director Global Market Development at Hyster. “For us, bringing ‘Clean Power that Means Business’ to ports is about understanding the whole application, and its challenges, to provide solutions that support sustainability goals and also meet performance and productivity needs of the operation.”

Visitors to stand C11 will see a preview of the technologies that Hyster is developing with yard truck brand Capacity to provide its first zero-emissions terminal tractor for use in Europe to Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA). The machine will be powered by Nuvera hydrogen fuel cells and run on hydrogen fuel produced locally at the HHLA Hamburg Green Hydrogen Hub.

Electrifying Higher-Capacity Port Equipment

This zero-emissions solution is just the latest in a series of developments where Hyster is at the forefront of electrifying higher-capacity port equipment that has traditionally relied on internal combustion engine (ICE) power. The company is currently testing the first-ever, real-world pilot of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered container handler at the Port of Los Angeles. This project was also recently recognised as a finalist for the World Hydrogen Awards 2023.

In addition, Hyster is developing an Empty Container Handler powered by hydrogen fuel cells for HHLA in Hamburg, Germany and previously announced a pilot of a fuel-cell powered ReachStacker at the Port of Valencia as part of the European Horizon 2020 programme and H2Ports project. Furthermore, Hyster recently revealed that it will provide with CARU Containers B.V. with a 100% battery-powered Hyster Empty Container Handler for use in a depot in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The electric empty container handler will be powered by 650-volt lithium-ion batteries, with electricity sourced from solar panels on site at the CARU depot.

“Electrification is not just about buying a battery powered truck, there are also considerations that must be made around infrastructure,” says van den Brand. “For instance, we know how important standardised charging is for ports that are aiming to switch to a completely electric fleet, so the Hyster equipment we are developing aims to feature CCS (Common Charging System) capability across the range. This could help make the transition to zero-emission equipment easier, while supporting scheduled and opportunity charging in operations.”

Robotic Charging

Hyster is also helping customers explore the possibilities of robotic charging for electric trucks, and will share an example of an autonomous charging system on the Hyster stand at TOC Europe.

“We are developing the new Terminal Tractor to be ready for autonomous charging, so those choosing that route can do so easily and quickly,” says van den Brand. “However, this is just one example of how we are working with partners and championing new technologies to provide solutions that simplify the transition to electrification in ports and terminals.”

The development of hydrogen and lithium-ion powered equipment is moving ports closer to total electrification, which could help operations to reduce emissions, fuel consumption, and maintenance costs without compromising performance. However, to support a wide range of businesses on their journey towards electrification, Hyster lift trucks can also now utilise HVO 100 (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) as a fuel source to help reduce emissions. This may provide a stop-gap solution that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, meets Tier III, Tier IV, and Stage V emissions regulations, and can be applied to both new Hyster trucks and those already in the field.

“We know that every port and terminal is different, so we encourage attendees at TOC Europe to come to the Hyster stand to discuss their particular application needs, and learn why partnering with Hyster may help them identify the zero-emissions equipment solutions that they need,” concludes van den Brand.

 

Hyster Previews Zero-Emission Terminal Tractor at TOC

Posted on by Keith McKinley

At TOC Europe 2023, Hyster will discuss solutions for port equipment electrification, giving visitors a first glimpse of the zero-emission terminal tractor Hyster is developing with Capacity Trucks at stand C11. The company will also be on hand to share updates on its hydrogen and lithium-ion powered Container Handlers.

“We are delighted to be back at TOC Europe to share our latest innovations that bring advanced power sources to port equipment and help support businesses with their zero-emission strategies,” says Jan-Willem van den Brand, Director Global Market Development at Hyster. “For us, bringing ‘Clean Power that Means Business’ to ports is about understanding the whole application, and its challenges, to provide solutions that support sustainability goals and also meet performance and productivity needs of the operation.”

Visitors to stand C11 will see a preview of the technologies that Hyster is developing with yard truck brand Capacity to provide its first zero-emissions terminal tractor for use in Europe to Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA). The machine will be powered by Nuvera hydrogen fuel cells and run on hydrogen fuel produced locally at the HHLA Hamburg Green Hydrogen Hub.

Electrifying Higher-Capacity Port Equipment

This zero-emissions solution is just the latest in a series of developments where Hyster is at the forefront of electrifying higher-capacity port equipment that has traditionally relied on internal combustion engine (ICE) power. The company is currently testing the first-ever, real-world pilot of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered container handler at the Port of Los Angeles. This project was also recently recognised as a finalist for the World Hydrogen Awards 2023.

In addition, Hyster is developing an Empty Container Handler powered by hydrogen fuel cells for HHLA in Hamburg, Germany and previously announced a pilot of a fuel-cell powered ReachStacker at the Port of Valencia as part of the European Horizon 2020 programme and H2Ports project. Furthermore, Hyster recently revealed that it will provide with CARU Containers B.V. with a 100% battery-powered Hyster Empty Container Handler for use in a depot in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The electric empty container handler will be powered by 650-volt lithium-ion batteries, with electricity sourced from solar panels on site at the CARU depot.

“Electrification is not just about buying a battery powered truck, there are also considerations that must be made around infrastructure,” says van den Brand. “For instance, we know how important standardised charging is for ports that are aiming to switch to a completely electric fleet, so the Hyster equipment we are developing aims to feature CCS (Common Charging System) capability across the range. This could help make the transition to zero-emission equipment easier, while supporting scheduled and opportunity charging in operations.”

Robotic Charging

Hyster is also helping customers explore the possibilities of robotic charging for electric trucks, and will share an example of an autonomous charging system on the Hyster stand at TOC Europe.

“We are developing the new Terminal Tractor to be ready for autonomous charging, so those choosing that route can do so easily and quickly,” says van den Brand. “However, this is just one example of how we are working with partners and championing new technologies to provide solutions that simplify the transition to electrification in ports and terminals.”

The development of hydrogen and lithium-ion powered equipment is moving ports closer to total electrification, which could help operations to reduce emissions, fuel consumption, and maintenance costs without compromising performance. However, to support a wide range of businesses on their journey towards electrification, Hyster lift trucks can also now utilise HVO 100 (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) as a fuel source to help reduce emissions. This may provide a stop-gap solution that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, meets Tier III, Tier IV, and Stage V emissions regulations, and can be applied to both new Hyster trucks and those already in the field.

“We know that every port and terminal is different, so we encourage attendees at TOC Europe to come to the Hyster stand to discuss their particular application needs, and learn why partnering with Hyster may help them identify the zero-emissions equipment solutions that they need,” concludes van den Brand.

 

UK Hauliers Join Forces

Posted on by David Priestman

Specialist Logistics Services Ltd (SLS) is a UK freight forwarder that offer a turnkey service for the movement of out of gauge and abnormal cargo and has been successfully delivering to clients old and new, for many years. It says it prides itself in offering bespoke solutions for the movement of all challenging cargo.

Following a long and successful career in project cargo, its owner and founder Martin Burgess decided to retire from the board with effect from April this year.

Reimer Ltd, which also owns Doherty Heavy Haulage, is now the new owner of SLS and its partner company Martin Burgess Logistics Ltd.

The new Managing Director of SLS, Hasan Huseyin, says: “I’m excited about the new takeover. I have a fantastic and knowledgeable team working alongside me and we all look forward to the bright future ahead.” Huseyin will also remain at the helm of Doherty heavy haulage.

Luton-based Doherty is well established in the field of heavy haulage with an ever-growing fleet of low-loaders, variety of specialist trailers and equipment.  SLS and Doherty have worked together seamlessly for many years and described the takeover and merge of skills as an obvious choice and a smart business move.

This new takeover will enable SLS to directly utilise Doherty’s fleet of vehicles, offering more competitive rates on UK moves. However, both companies are still running independently.

Martin Burgess concludes: “I will always be indebted to my former directors and current colleagues for making the business the success it has become and the sheer hard work and effort has paid off in the end, allowing for the business to have bright future ahead of it under Reimer’s control.”

 

UK Hauliers Join Forces

Posted on by David Priestman

Specialist Logistics Services Ltd (SLS) is a UK freight forwarder that offer a turnkey service for the movement of out of gauge and abnormal cargo and has been successfully delivering to clients old and new, for many years. It says it prides itself in offering bespoke solutions for the movement of all challenging cargo.

Following a long and successful career in project cargo, its owner and founder Martin Burgess decided to retire from the board with effect from April this year.

Reimer Ltd, which also owns Doherty Heavy Haulage, is now the new owner of SLS and its partner company Martin Burgess Logistics Ltd.

The new Managing Director of SLS, Hasan Huseyin, says: “I’m excited about the new takeover. I have a fantastic and knowledgeable team working alongside me and we all look forward to the bright future ahead.” Huseyin will also remain at the helm of Doherty heavy haulage.

Luton-based Doherty is well established in the field of heavy haulage with an ever-growing fleet of low-loaders, variety of specialist trailers and equipment.  SLS and Doherty have worked together seamlessly for many years and described the takeover and merge of skills as an obvious choice and a smart business move.

This new takeover will enable SLS to directly utilise Doherty’s fleet of vehicles, offering more competitive rates on UK moves. However, both companies are still running independently.

Martin Burgess concludes: “I will always be indebted to my former directors and current colleagues for making the business the success it has become and the sheer hard work and effort has paid off in the end, allowing for the business to have bright future ahead of it under Reimer’s control.”

 

Kinaxia Agrees 5-Year Contract with ArrowXL

Posted on by David Priestman

Kinaxia Logistics has agreed a five-year contract to provide all domestic linehaul and trunking services for two-person home delivery specialist ArrowXL.

ArrowXL, which has its headquarters in Wigan and further sites at Worcester, Airdrie, Carrickfergus and Enfield, delivers more than two million customer orders a year for retailers, ecommerce companies and manufacturers. These include domestic appliances, furniture, sofas, beds and mattresses and garden items.

Kinaxia group company Mark Thompson Transport has been providing a large proportion of ArrowXL’s trailer-based client collections, returns and carousel movements since 2019.

Now the arrangement is being expanded and will see Mark Thompson Transport – which is part of Kinaxia’s primary sector division – assume responsibility for all domestic linehaul and trunking services.

Mark Thompson Transport already has operating centres and dedicated drivers based at ArrowXL’s hubs in Wigan and Worcester, and will open new ones in Enfield and Airdrie, as well as providing all units and trailers required to fulfil the contract.

Following the deal, 14 drivers employed by ArrowXL will transfer to Mark Thompson Transport under TUPE regulations and more drivers will be recruited in line with the expansion resulting from the deal.

Richard Smith, managing director of Kinaxia’s primary sector business, said: “We are excited to be extending our relationship with ArrowXL and welcoming new drivers into the Kinaxia family.

“This five-year contract is the result of a lot of hard work by the ArrowXL and Mark Thompson Transport teams and is a reflection of the service that we have been providing over the last four years.

“We are now able to build on this joint success and further cement our partnership.

“At the same time, the arrangement reinforces our nationwide capabilities in the primary sector and creates growth opportunities across a wide area of the UK as well as enabling us to offer more flexibility to our existing customers.”

Charlie Shiels, CEO of ArrowXL, said: “This decision is a natural extension of our current arrangements. We both work really well together, and this change will help us to create more and better opportunities for our many clients. This could be in improved first mile capability or higher levels of service excellence.

“ArrowXL and Mark Thompson Transport are a good cultural fit and both put customer service at the heart of their operational capabilities.

“We look forward to creating an even more innovative relationship as we get to know even more about each other’s strengths and capabilities.”

Kinaxia is a top 15 UK logistics group employing more than 1,600 staff nationwide with a fleet of over 850 vehicles which transport goods for the retail, leisure, food and drink and manufacturing sectors.

The group, which has its headquarters in Macclesfield, Cheshire, has 2.7 million sq ft of warehouse facilities nationwide, offering contract packing, e-fulfilment, returns management, storage services and a complete distribution service.

Kinaxia Agrees 5-Year Contract with ArrowXL

Posted on by David Priestman

Kinaxia Logistics has agreed a five-year contract to provide all domestic linehaul and trunking services for two-person home delivery specialist ArrowXL.

ArrowXL, which has its headquarters in Wigan and further sites at Worcester, Airdrie, Carrickfergus and Enfield, delivers more than two million customer orders a year for retailers, ecommerce companies and manufacturers. These include domestic appliances, furniture, sofas, beds and mattresses and garden items.

Kinaxia group company Mark Thompson Transport has been providing a large proportion of ArrowXL’s trailer-based client collections, returns and carousel movements since 2019.

Now the arrangement is being expanded and will see Mark Thompson Transport – which is part of Kinaxia’s primary sector division – assume responsibility for all domestic linehaul and trunking services.

Mark Thompson Transport already has operating centres and dedicated drivers based at ArrowXL’s hubs in Wigan and Worcester, and will open new ones in Enfield and Airdrie, as well as providing all units and trailers required to fulfil the contract.

Following the deal, 14 drivers employed by ArrowXL will transfer to Mark Thompson Transport under TUPE regulations and more drivers will be recruited in line with the expansion resulting from the deal.

Richard Smith, managing director of Kinaxia’s primary sector business, said: “We are excited to be extending our relationship with ArrowXL and welcoming new drivers into the Kinaxia family.

“This five-year contract is the result of a lot of hard work by the ArrowXL and Mark Thompson Transport teams and is a reflection of the service that we have been providing over the last four years.

“We are now able to build on this joint success and further cement our partnership.

“At the same time, the arrangement reinforces our nationwide capabilities in the primary sector and creates growth opportunities across a wide area of the UK as well as enabling us to offer more flexibility to our existing customers.”

Charlie Shiels, CEO of ArrowXL, said: “This decision is a natural extension of our current arrangements. We both work really well together, and this change will help us to create more and better opportunities for our many clients. This could be in improved first mile capability or higher levels of service excellence.

“ArrowXL and Mark Thompson Transport are a good cultural fit and both put customer service at the heart of their operational capabilities.

“We look forward to creating an even more innovative relationship as we get to know even more about each other’s strengths and capabilities.”

Kinaxia is a top 15 UK logistics group employing more than 1,600 staff nationwide with a fleet of over 850 vehicles which transport goods for the retail, leisure, food and drink and manufacturing sectors.

The group, which has its headquarters in Macclesfield, Cheshire, has 2.7 million sq ft of warehouse facilities nationwide, offering contract packing, e-fulfilment, returns management, storage services and a complete distribution service.

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