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Month: June 2024

Second-hand Truck Pre-sale Preparation

Posted on by David Priestman

As the demand for new trucks tends to outpace their supply in times of global supply chain disruptions, the second-hand truck market emerges as a vital alternative. To help buyers navigate this market, ClassTrucks, a company specializing in the maintenance and sales of used trucks and semi-trailers, provides expert advice on how to prepare trucks for resale and what buyers should focus on during vehicle inspection.

European Truck Market

Even though the new truck market saw a 16.3% increase in demand in 2023 compared to 2022, supply chain issues and rising production costs have made new trucks expensive and scarce. High costs and long delivery times due to supply chain disruptions have significantly impacted the availability of new vehicles. Additionally, increased raw material prices have further driven up costs, making new trucks less affordable for many potential buyers.

The recent situation in the road freight market, with excess capacity and a weakened demand for the transportation of goods, has also dissuaded logistics companies from buying new trucks to expand their fleets. Consequently, many businesses are now exploring the second-hand truck market, which offers cost-effective and immediate options.

Documentation is Key

To ensure the buyer’s satisfaction and operational safety, it is imperative that second-hand trucks meet high standards of quality and reliability. Thorough preparation and inspection of the vehicle is therefore essential to secure substantial return on investment.

This involves several critical steps, including checking the body, chassis, engine, electrical systems, and any other items, according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and warranties.

Verifying that all documentation and servicing records are complete, consistent and issued by authorised institutions is essential. Sellers must collect and provide the buyer with a complete service history, including repair receipts.

“Proper official documentation should also include’ a technical inspection certificate, insurance policy, tachograph inspection certificate, registration certificate, and a COC (Certificate of Conformity) that ensures the vehicle meets the European Union’s (EU) technical requirements,” says Simas Erslavas, Transport Fleet Manager at ClassTrucks.

Checklist for Buyers

When purchasing a second-hand truck, buyers should be able to evaluate the vehicle’s s reliability, performance, and legal compliance. Here are the key areas to focus on:
• Mechanical and Structural Integrity:
• Check the engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension for wear or damage.
• Inspect for rust, structural issues, and previous repairs.
• Use a comprehensive checklist to cover all critical aspects and reduce risks.
• Operational Efficiency:
• Evaluate fuel consumption and emissions compliance.
• Test drive to assess handling, comfort, and performance under various conditions.
• Compliance and Certification:
• Ensure the presence of a technical inspection certificate, insurance policy, tachograph inspection certificate, registration certificate, and COC certificate.
• Verify that all documentation is up-to-date to guarantee legal compliance.

By following these guidelines, buyers can make informed decisions and select high-quality, reliable second-hand trucks. Proper inspections and verifications ensure that the purchased truck meets the necessary standards and operational requirements.

Ensuring Quality and Reliability

While checking the quality of a truck, it is suggested to use authorized diagnostic systems to evaluate engines and other critical components, ensuring they meet operational standards. Regular maintenance and repairs should also be logged and verified.

“The interior condition of a truck significantly impacts driver comfort and functionality. Properly fixed interior panels and replaced storage compartments can bring additional value to drivers. And if the preparation of the truck involves a full chemical cleaning of the interior to eliminate unpleasant odours and ensure cleanliness, we can be reassured that we are purchasing the highest quality truck,” explains Erslavas.

Technological upgrades in the cabin, such as driver-assist systems and safety features, are becoming more and more important for buyers. Customers are choosing vehicles equipped with safety systems like electronic driver assistants more often.

As a potential buyer, you need to know that all repair work, whether performed during operation or the preparation for sale, was logged in and archived. This detailed record-keeping ensures transparency and provides buyers with a complete service history.

ClassTrucks performs rigorous pre-sale preparation and testing of vehicles to ensure a seamless handover to the buyer. The quality and reliability of a truck for sale is ensured through a 67-point in-depth technical inspection authorized by the manufacturer.

Additionally, the trucks operated by ClassTrucks (part of Girteka Group) have a clear single ownership and full-service history, with all the necessary technical documentation provided to the buyer to establish pre-sale value. By following expert recommendations, buyers can confidently navigate the second-hand truck market, securing reliable vehicles. Ensuring each truck undergoes rigorous preparation, thorough inspections, and proper documentation is key to meeting quality standards. This approach helps buyers make informed decisions and maximize their return on investment.

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UK Trade Bodies Blast UK Government Brexit Preparations

 

Descartes Acquires BoxTop Technologies

Posted on by David Priestman

Descartes Systems Group, a global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, announced that it has acquired BoxTop Technologies Limited, a provider of shipment management solutions for small- to mid-sized logistics services providers (LSPs).

Based in the UK, BoxTop helps LSPs digitize their operations and connect to the wider logistics community to manage the lifecycle of shipments. LSPs use the BoxTop platform to manage the secure and efficient movement of goods from quoting through to routing, booking, and final delivery. BoxTop is an existing Descartes partner, leveraging the Descartes Global Logistics Network (GLN) to help their clients gain visibility into shipments across multiple modes of transportation and to complete electronic customs filings.

“We’ve been working successfully with BoxTop for a number of years, and this was the next logical step in our partnership,” said Scott Sangster, General Manager Logistics Services Providers at Descartes. “BoxTop has an excellent solution for small- to mid-sized LSPs and we see an opportunity to integrate it with more solutions on the GLN. This will help us deliver more value to BoxTop customers and expand the geographic footprint into more countries in Europe.”

“LSPs will continue to play a vital role in trade in the global economy,” said Edward J. Ryan, Descartes’ CEO. “As LSPs continue to digitize their operations, we want to make sure that small- to mid-size LSPs have access to the same breadth of solutions to manage the lifecycle of shipments in a secure and efficient manner. The acquisition of BoxTop puts us in a better position to deliver even more value to this community. We’re excited to welcome the BoxTop employees, customers and partners into the Descartes family.”

BoxTop is headquartered in Windsor, England. Descartes acquired BoxTop for approximately £10.25 million ($US 13 million), satisfied from cash on hand.

read more

How to Win During Peak Shipping Season

 

Descartes Acquires BoxTop Technologies

Posted on by David Priestman

Descartes Systems Group, a global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, announced that it has acquired BoxTop Technologies Limited, a provider of shipment management solutions for small- to mid-sized logistics services providers (LSPs).

Based in the UK, BoxTop helps LSPs digitize their operations and connect to the wider logistics community to manage the lifecycle of shipments. LSPs use the BoxTop platform to manage the secure and efficient movement of goods from quoting through to routing, booking, and final delivery. BoxTop is an existing Descartes partner, leveraging the Descartes Global Logistics Network (GLN) to help their clients gain visibility into shipments across multiple modes of transportation and to complete electronic customs filings.

“We’ve been working successfully with BoxTop for a number of years, and this was the next logical step in our partnership,” said Scott Sangster, General Manager Logistics Services Providers at Descartes. “BoxTop has an excellent solution for small- to mid-sized LSPs and we see an opportunity to integrate it with more solutions on the GLN. This will help us deliver more value to BoxTop customers and expand the geographic footprint into more countries in Europe.”

“LSPs will continue to play a vital role in trade in the global economy,” said Edward J. Ryan, Descartes’ CEO. “As LSPs continue to digitize their operations, we want to make sure that small- to mid-size LSPs have access to the same breadth of solutions to manage the lifecycle of shipments in a secure and efficient manner. The acquisition of BoxTop puts us in a better position to deliver even more value to this community. We’re excited to welcome the BoxTop employees, customers and partners into the Descartes family.”

BoxTop is headquartered in Windsor, England. Descartes acquired BoxTop for approximately £10.25 million ($US 13 million), satisfied from cash on hand.

read more

How to Win During Peak Shipping Season

 

Ardian Negotiating to Acquire Majority Stake in Alstef

Posted on by David Priestman

Ardian, a private investment house, has announced it has entered exclusive negotiations to acquire a majority stake in Alstef Group, a leading provider of automated and robotic solutions for the airport, logistics and parcel sorting markets, alongside the Group’s management team and 260 employee shareholders. As part of this transaction, the founders (Pierre Marol and Jean-Luc Thomé) and Future French Champions, the joint venture between Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and Bpifrance, will also reinvest in the company.

Founded in 1961 and headquartered near Orléans in France, Alstef Group is an established player in the design, integration and supply of equipment and proprietary software for intelligent handling solutions. For over a decade, the Group has experienced double-digit growth and rapid international expansion, supported by the acquisition of Glidepath, an airport-baggage and parcel-handling company in 2020, and parcel sorting company SNS in 2023. The Group has a global presence, with 16 subsidiaries around the world and systems installed in 93 countries. It is one of the world leaders in airport baggage sorting and has a blue-chip customer base in the intralogistics and parcel sorting markets.

Its collaborative approach is well-suited to complex operational environments and modernization projects. Its commitment goes beyond the provision of solutions: All teams are actively involved in design, planning, procurement and innovation to ensure the optimum delivery of its projects with minimal disruption to existing operations or environmental impact.

Alstef Group’s robust business model is based in particular on its asset-light strategy, its ability to maintain critical systems for its customers over the long term, and its presence in three complementary segments: baggage handling, intralogistics and parcel sorting. Support from Ardian’s Expansion team will enable the company to accelerate its international development and growth ambitions.

“Alstef Group’s outstanding positioning is underpinned by an excellent management team that has consistently delivered a culture of innovation and a customer-focused approach. This ethos is an asset for continuing to develop the business. We look forward to working with the Alstef Group team to expand the group’s presence and continue its growth in its target markets,” said Maxime Sequier, Managing Director for Expansion at Ardian.

“We are delighted to become Alstef Group’s new partner for the next phase of its development. We have every confidence in the management team and will use our expertise and access to the Ardian platform to support the group’s growth,” added Arnaud Dufer, his colleague.

“We are delighted to welcome Ardian as a majority shareholder to support us in the next stages of our development. This transaction recognizes the expertise we have developed over more than 60 years and the success of the strategy we have implemented at Alstef Group to date. Ardian’s support will help to accelerate a new chapter in our history as we pursue our international growth ambitions,” said Pierre Marol, President and co-founder of Alstef Group.

“It is with great determination that we embark on this new stage in our development, and we are confident that this partnership with Ardian will enable us to achieve our objectives quickly and efficiently. The common values we share, including our commitment, trust, know-how and a sustainable and socially conscious approach to our activities, will be the driving force behind our success. This is the beginning of a fruitful and lasting collaboration that will create value for our employees, our customers and our shareholders,” added Nicolas Breton, CEO of Alstef.

The completion of the transaction is subject to the legal usual conditions and the approval of the relevant regulatory authorities.

read more

B2A Technology Becomes Alstef Group

 

Ardian Negotiating to Acquire Majority Stake in Alstef

Posted on by David Priestman

Ardian, a private investment house, has announced it has entered exclusive negotiations to acquire a majority stake in Alstef Group, a leading provider of automated and robotic solutions for the airport, logistics and parcel sorting markets, alongside the Group’s management team and 260 employee shareholders. As part of this transaction, the founders (Pierre Marol and Jean-Luc Thomé) and Future French Champions, the joint venture between Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and Bpifrance, will also reinvest in the company.

Founded in 1961 and headquartered near Orléans in France, Alstef Group is an established player in the design, integration and supply of equipment and proprietary software for intelligent handling solutions. For over a decade, the Group has experienced double-digit growth and rapid international expansion, supported by the acquisition of Glidepath, an airport-baggage and parcel-handling company in 2020, and parcel sorting company SNS in 2023. The Group has a global presence, with 16 subsidiaries around the world and systems installed in 93 countries. It is one of the world leaders in airport baggage sorting and has a blue-chip customer base in the intralogistics and parcel sorting markets.

Its collaborative approach is well-suited to complex operational environments and modernization projects. Its commitment goes beyond the provision of solutions: All teams are actively involved in design, planning, procurement and innovation to ensure the optimum delivery of its projects with minimal disruption to existing operations or environmental impact.

Alstef Group’s robust business model is based in particular on its asset-light strategy, its ability to maintain critical systems for its customers over the long term, and its presence in three complementary segments: baggage handling, intralogistics and parcel sorting. Support from Ardian’s Expansion team will enable the company to accelerate its international development and growth ambitions.

“Alstef Group’s outstanding positioning is underpinned by an excellent management team that has consistently delivered a culture of innovation and a customer-focused approach. This ethos is an asset for continuing to develop the business. We look forward to working with the Alstef Group team to expand the group’s presence and continue its growth in its target markets,” said Maxime Sequier, Managing Director for Expansion at Ardian.

“We are delighted to become Alstef Group’s new partner for the next phase of its development. We have every confidence in the management team and will use our expertise and access to the Ardian platform to support the group’s growth,” added Arnaud Dufer, his colleague.

“We are delighted to welcome Ardian as a majority shareholder to support us in the next stages of our development. This transaction recognizes the expertise we have developed over more than 60 years and the success of the strategy we have implemented at Alstef Group to date. Ardian’s support will help to accelerate a new chapter in our history as we pursue our international growth ambitions,” said Pierre Marol, President and co-founder of Alstef Group.

“It is with great determination that we embark on this new stage in our development, and we are confident that this partnership with Ardian will enable us to achieve our objectives quickly and efficiently. The common values we share, including our commitment, trust, know-how and a sustainable and socially conscious approach to our activities, will be the driving force behind our success. This is the beginning of a fruitful and lasting collaboration that will create value for our employees, our customers and our shareholders,” added Nicolas Breton, CEO of Alstef.

The completion of the transaction is subject to the legal usual conditions and the approval of the relevant regulatory authorities.

read more

B2A Technology Becomes Alstef Group

 

Why You Must Consider Logistics Early in Your Project

Posted on by David Priestman

Logistics is an important cornerstone of every industry, with statistics indicating that 2.7 million logistics roles accounted for an estimated 8.2% of total employment in the UK. With it being such a prominent factor of the economy in the country, it should be something that’s at the forefront of business minds.

Wincanton, logistics partner and expert in the field, outlined that logistics within the construction industry alone has been criticised for being “poorly planned, uncoordinated, disruptive, and wasteful.” Experts believe in integrating logistics as a key factor in delivering a smooth-running project, with the benefits showing why it should be considered and planned in the early stages.

Improved scheduling with better quality

Whether it’s delays in the delivery of materials required for a project or a lack of the appropriate equipment or machinery, downtime can have a huge impact on when your project is delivered. Data taken from nPlan’s analysis of project delays found that a staggering near quarter of all projects end up being delivered more than 250 days late.

Integrating logistics from an early point in project planning can improve efficiency in scheduling. This way, you can guarantee that your labourers and workforce have the correct materials and tools to get started and deliver results to deadlines. This means less delays and downtime from the workforce onsite, in addition to staying within budget.

By improving the scheduling process, more time can be allocated towards stocking materials while placing greater emphasis on enhancing the quality of workplace life for labourers. This not only helps to streamline the project timeline but also ensures that it stays on schedule.

Cost saving and procurement

Planning logistics in the early stages of the project means significant cost savings across the board. Wincanton’s research found that as high as six per cent of a project’s total value is made up of logistics. While this might not seem like much, for bigger infrastructure projects that can reach £1 billion, this would equate to £60 million dedicated to logistics.

This is where integrated approaches to logistics can help to save on costs. Research has shown that this approach could save 20% through consolidating delivery costs, as well as limiting the over-ordering that can occur on projects. Not only can these streamlined logistics approaches save costs on delivery and the amount of materials ordered, but they can also help remove the hidden costs that occur during the procurement phase. Especially when integrated earlier in the planning process, local suppliers can be contacted and used to ensure that all costs and spending are kept within regions to help local economies.

Sustainability and accountability

Industries putting sustainability and holding themselves accountable for their carbon footprint is a huge conversation that has made its way into logistics. Clients want to be assured that their projects are green-focused to maintain positive perceptions from customer and their partners.

Integrating logistics in a timely fashion before the beginning of the project can help not only reduce the number of vehicles travelling and delivering to sites but also allow you to evaluate how your deliveries are carried out. This could be done by exploring other delivery methods rather than trucks and road vehicles, opening possibilities of rail, water, and other methods that could be greener and result in less carbon emissions.

Alternatively, it can allow projects to review the type of fleets used for these deliveries and how the fuel utilised could help further reduce the environmental impact on residents and communities in the area. This could be done by using electric vehicles (EVs) or naturally occurring compressed or liquified gases (CNG and LNG, respectively).

Project visibility and reporting

Planning for logistics and partnering with specialists can ensure end-to-end visibility across the supply chain. This offers:
• Full visibility on what materials, items, and equipment have been ordered, when they’re due to arrive, where they are in transit, and if there are any issues or delays.
• Updated compliance data with route information, which can be used to engage with local communities and their standards.
• Reporting data that can range from the emissions produced from your logistics, inventory onsite, and total vehicle movements to help make informed decisions at every project stage.
• Tracing and tracking of every component and product to ensure every item arrives at its target location.

read more

Complete or Phased Approach to Warehouse Automation?

 

Why You Must Consider Logistics Early in Your Project

Posted on by David Priestman

Logistics is an important cornerstone of every industry, with statistics indicating that 2.7 million logistics roles accounted for an estimated 8.2% of total employment in the UK. With it being such a prominent factor of the economy in the country, it should be something that’s at the forefront of business minds.

Wincanton, logistics partner and expert in the field, outlined that logistics within the construction industry alone has been criticised for being “poorly planned, uncoordinated, disruptive, and wasteful.” Experts believe in integrating logistics as a key factor in delivering a smooth-running project, with the benefits showing why it should be considered and planned in the early stages.

Improved scheduling with better quality

Whether it’s delays in the delivery of materials required for a project or a lack of the appropriate equipment or machinery, downtime can have a huge impact on when your project is delivered. Data taken from nPlan’s analysis of project delays found that a staggering near quarter of all projects end up being delivered more than 250 days late.

Integrating logistics from an early point in project planning can improve efficiency in scheduling. This way, you can guarantee that your labourers and workforce have the correct materials and tools to get started and deliver results to deadlines. This means less delays and downtime from the workforce onsite, in addition to staying within budget.

By improving the scheduling process, more time can be allocated towards stocking materials while placing greater emphasis on enhancing the quality of workplace life for labourers. This not only helps to streamline the project timeline but also ensures that it stays on schedule.

Cost saving and procurement

Planning logistics in the early stages of the project means significant cost savings across the board. Wincanton’s research found that as high as six per cent of a project’s total value is made up of logistics. While this might not seem like much, for bigger infrastructure projects that can reach £1 billion, this would equate to £60 million dedicated to logistics.

This is where integrated approaches to logistics can help to save on costs. Research has shown that this approach could save 20% through consolidating delivery costs, as well as limiting the over-ordering that can occur on projects. Not only can these streamlined logistics approaches save costs on delivery and the amount of materials ordered, but they can also help remove the hidden costs that occur during the procurement phase. Especially when integrated earlier in the planning process, local suppliers can be contacted and used to ensure that all costs and spending are kept within regions to help local economies.

Sustainability and accountability

Industries putting sustainability and holding themselves accountable for their carbon footprint is a huge conversation that has made its way into logistics. Clients want to be assured that their projects are green-focused to maintain positive perceptions from customer and their partners.

Integrating logistics in a timely fashion before the beginning of the project can help not only reduce the number of vehicles travelling and delivering to sites but also allow you to evaluate how your deliveries are carried out. This could be done by exploring other delivery methods rather than trucks and road vehicles, opening possibilities of rail, water, and other methods that could be greener and result in less carbon emissions.

Alternatively, it can allow projects to review the type of fleets used for these deliveries and how the fuel utilised could help further reduce the environmental impact on residents and communities in the area. This could be done by using electric vehicles (EVs) or naturally occurring compressed or liquified gases (CNG and LNG, respectively).

Project visibility and reporting

Planning for logistics and partnering with specialists can ensure end-to-end visibility across the supply chain. This offers:
• Full visibility on what materials, items, and equipment have been ordered, when they’re due to arrive, where they are in transit, and if there are any issues or delays.
• Updated compliance data with route information, which can be used to engage with local communities and their standards.
• Reporting data that can range from the emissions produced from your logistics, inventory onsite, and total vehicle movements to help make informed decisions at every project stage.
• Tracing and tracking of every component and product to ensure every item arrives at its target location.

read more

Complete or Phased Approach to Warehouse Automation?

 

GAC to Acquire Ship Agency Business

Posted on by Keith McKinley

GAC Group, a leading provider of shipping, logistics and marine services in the Asia-Pacific market, has entered into an agreement with Quadrant Pacific to acquire its agency business, formerly its network partner in New Zealand. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in the company’s long-standing presence in the region.

Since its establishment in 2008, GAC New Zealand has operated in partnership with Quadrant Pacific. With this acquisition, GAC New Zealand is set to elevate its operations by directly managing ship agency services at all ports across the country.

“We are excited to take this next step in our journey in New Zealand,” said Scott Henderson, Managing Director for GAC Australia and GAC New Zealand. “Quadrant Pacific has been an invaluable partner over the years, and we appreciate the opportunity to integrate their expertise into our operations. This acquisition aligns with our commitment to delivering top-notch service to our customers across all sectors of the market.”

Director of Quadrant Pacific, Alistair Skingley says: “QPL and GAC have enjoyed a strong relationship, with QPL acting as Agent in New Zealand for GAC for over 16 years. This agreement will allow us to focus on our core business areas of domestic and international shipping, cargo management and logistics, while providing continuity to our customers with the support of one of the largest global agency networks.”

“The acquisition of Quadrant Pacific agency assets in New Zealand underscores GAC’s strategic focus on enhancing our capabilities and presence in markets where customers need us,” says Daniel Nordberg (pictured below), GAC’s Group Vice President – Asia Pacific & Indian Subcontinent. “This move solidifies our position as a leading provider of comprehensive shipping solutions in the country and the wider Australasia.”

The acquisition will be finalised by 1 July 2024, with integration of agency staff members from Quadrant Pacific into GAC New Zealand’s operations.

Henderson adds: “We look forward to welcoming the talented team from Quadrant Pacific and working together to drive success in the market.” With a wider network and enhanced capabilities, this strategic development bolsters GAC’s ability to provide comprehensive shipping services that meets the evolving needs of its customers.

read more

GAC opens four new logistics offices in North America

 

DHL Supply Chain Passes 500 Million Picks using AMRs

Posted on by David Priestman

Locus Robotics, a leader in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for fulfillment warehouses, has announced that its valued customer, DHL Supply Chain reached the milestone of 500 million picks accomplished using Locus’ innovative LocusBot robots. This achievement underscores the transformative impact of Locus’ AMR technology on productivity and operational efficiency at an unprecedented scale.

The historic 500 millionth pick occurred on May 18, 2024, at DHL’s Toledo, Spain facility, where a LocusBot retrieved a consumer home goods product. While it took 2.5 years for DHL to reach the first 10 million picks, the next 100 million picks were accomplished in just 28 months. Remarkably, the last 100 million picks took a mere 154 days. Attaining this milestone exemplifies the power of human-robot collaboration and the exponential growth of the technology, with LocusBots seamlessly augmenting DHL’s human workforce to deliver unparalleled performance.

“At DHL, we are relentlessly focused on driving innovation and operational excellence through our Accelerated Digitalization strategy aimed at deploying automated solutions at scale,” said Sally Miller, Chief Information Officer at DHL Supply Chain. “Locus Robotics has been a trusted partner in this effort and this milestone achievement underscores the improved productivity, accuracy, and employee ergonomics we’ve enjoyed across our global network.”

With LocusBots deployed at more than 35 DHL-managed sites worldwide, the partnership between the two companies continues to thrive, setting new benchmarks for efficiency and performance in the logistics industry.

“We are thrilled to celebrate this momentous achievement with our esteemed partner, DHL Supply Chain,” said Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics. “Their unwavering commitment to innovation and their trust in our LocusBot solution have been instrumental in attaining this remarkable milestone. We are proud to play a pivotal role in DHL’s ongoing success and look forward to many more milestones as we continue our collaboration.”

Locus Robotics’ multi-bot solution incorporates powerful and AI-driven, intelligent AMRs that operate collaboratively with human workers, dramatically improving productivity while reducing labour requirements compared to traditional fulfillment systems. This award-winning technology helps solve challenges faced by companies across multiple industries, including labor shortages, inefficient processes, and the need to meet ever-increasing throughput demands.

read more

Locus picks 230m units during holiday peak

 

DHL Supply Chain Passes 500 Million Picks using AMRs

Posted on by David Priestman

Locus Robotics, a leader in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for fulfillment warehouses, has announced that its valued customer, DHL Supply Chain reached the milestone of 500 million picks accomplished using Locus’ innovative LocusBot robots. This achievement underscores the transformative impact of Locus’ AMR technology on productivity and operational efficiency at an unprecedented scale.

The historic 500 millionth pick occurred on May 18, 2024, at DHL’s Toledo, Spain facility, where a LocusBot retrieved a consumer home goods product. While it took 2.5 years for DHL to reach the first 10 million picks, the next 100 million picks were accomplished in just 28 months. Remarkably, the last 100 million picks took a mere 154 days. Attaining this milestone exemplifies the power of human-robot collaboration and the exponential growth of the technology, with LocusBots seamlessly augmenting DHL’s human workforce to deliver unparalleled performance.

“At DHL, we are relentlessly focused on driving innovation and operational excellence through our Accelerated Digitalization strategy aimed at deploying automated solutions at scale,” said Sally Miller, Chief Information Officer at DHL Supply Chain. “Locus Robotics has been a trusted partner in this effort and this milestone achievement underscores the improved productivity, accuracy, and employee ergonomics we’ve enjoyed across our global network.”

With LocusBots deployed at more than 35 DHL-managed sites worldwide, the partnership between the two companies continues to thrive, setting new benchmarks for efficiency and performance in the logistics industry.

“We are thrilled to celebrate this momentous achievement with our esteemed partner, DHL Supply Chain,” said Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics. “Their unwavering commitment to innovation and their trust in our LocusBot solution have been instrumental in attaining this remarkable milestone. We are proud to play a pivotal role in DHL’s ongoing success and look forward to many more milestones as we continue our collaboration.”

Locus Robotics’ multi-bot solution incorporates powerful and AI-driven, intelligent AMRs that operate collaboratively with human workers, dramatically improving productivity while reducing labour requirements compared to traditional fulfillment systems. This award-winning technology helps solve challenges faced by companies across multiple industries, including labor shortages, inefficient processes, and the need to meet ever-increasing throughput demands.

read more

Locus picks 230m units during holiday peak

 

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