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Day: 18 November 2024

UK Parcel Delivery to Lead Europe This Festive Season

Posted on by David Priestman

A new study released today by FedEx, forecasts that parcel carriers will collectively distribute 1.29 bn shipments across the UK between October and December 2024, 10.9% more than in the same period in 2023.

The independent study was conducted by Effigy Consulting, which analysed its courier, express and parcels (CEP) database with 500,000 data points on more than 300 carriers in 41 countries.

The data shows a significant increase on the UK figures for 2023, up from 1.17bn parcels to 1.29bn in 2024. The UK will be the busiest market for parcels this Peak season, representing 21% of the total deliveries made, equating to 12 parcels per person across the UK and Europe.

Germany and France will be the second and third busiest markets, with Germany accounting for 17% (1.1 bn) and France making up 8.4% (524 mil) of the total parcels delivered across Europe. This growth is being driven by a rise in e-commerce which accounts for nearly 70% of shipments going directly to consumers across the European market.

Alun Cornish, Vice President Network Operations at FedEx commented: “Peak season is a critical period for UK businesses, with many relying on transportation and logistics to meet increased demand and deliver for their customers. Online shopping, ecommerce, and a shift towards deferred services will continue through this year’s peak, reflecting changing consumer behaviour and ongoing cost-consciousness in the market.”

FedEx’s networks will scale and adapt to meet the UK’s increased demand, with options for air and road transportation, as well as more predictive technologies to manage potential disruptions and make the ‘golden quarter’ a success.”

Across the whole of Europe, 6.2bn shipments will be made between October and December 2024, 9.0% more than in the same period in 2023. The UK is one of the fastest growing major European countries with a growth of 10.9% on last year, outpaced only by Portugal and Poland and countries such as Turkey, Croatia and Bulgaria.

To illustrate the scale of the Peak, the total European volume (4.878 bn cubic feet) would equate to filling the entire structure of Wembley Stadium thirty-four times over. The total weight of goods transported across Europe at this Peak will be almost 7.5m tonnes, which equates to around 15 kg for every person living in the EU and the UK.

The countries with the highest volume of shipments during this Peak season are the UK (1.3bn) and Germany (1.1bn), followed by France with just over half a billion (524m), with twelve parcels sent for every person in the UK and EU during the three-month period.

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Navigating Black Friday Logistics

Decarbonising European Supply Chains with Intermodal Solutions

Posted on by David Priestman

Railways have long been a reliable mode of transporting goods. However, in recent years, road transport has taken the lead, offering faster and more flexible delivery options. Now, with decarbonisation goals in focus, rail is making a comeback as a powerful solution for reducing emissions.

Intermodal solutions, especially rail transport, have proven effective in reducing emissions. When powered by green energy sources, rail can significantly cut emissions by up to 65%1. Thanks to the long distances covered by a single train, equivalent to 20–30 fully loaded trailers, the railway network offers a safe, sustainable, and efficient way to transport goods for long distances across Europe.

High-value goods on trains

With supply chains accounting for a large portion of companies’ overall emissions, up to 90% in some cases 2, shifting a significant portion of transport to rail can greatly impact carbon footprints. One example is a leading cosmetics company that decided to move up to 80% of its high-value goods transport to the railway network. By transporting up to 1500 fully loaded trailers, only in 2022, the company achieved a significant 80% reduction3 in emissions compared to traditional road transport.

“We knew the company wanted to make significant strides in reducing emissions, so we explored possible solutions together, analyzing all available alternatives. Thanks to our extensive network and minimal changes to operations, we utilized rail transport effectively. Paired with our broad trucking network, from and to terminals, we have delivered a large volume of goods most conveniently and sustainably,” says Larisa Senkevičienė, Intermodal Business Development Manager from Girteka, the company securing the deliveries.

This case, as the majority of the loads were transported via railway, required precise coordination with the customer to plan both loading and unloading. Time slots were established to align with production and delivery schedules, knowing the need for smooth transitions between rail and road. Internally, planning teams collaborated with the customer to manage every step, adjusting resources to fit the rail transport requirements. This co-creation approach optimized logistics, allowing for on-time deliveries with minimal delays.

Combination of sustainable solutions

Though the railway network has its limitations, when combined with alternative fuels like HVO100 or battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), emission reductions can reach up to 100%, while using clean green energy. Another example from the food and beverages sector involved optimizing both the start and end of the transport process to reduce emissions. Due to network limitations, the company opted for a combined transport method, using both the railway network and HVO-fueled trucks for delivery to and from train terminals. The results were impressive.

“We had to approach this differently, as the entire supply chain couldn’t be covered solely by intermodal transport. However, with our trucks being compatible with alternative fuels like HVO, we used this option to handle the transport to and from the railway terminal. The outcome? A 90% reduction4 in emissions, which can be easily reported,” explains Senkevičienė.

Measuring Impact through Data

Reporting and data collection are crucial for evaluating the efficiency and real impact of sustainable solutions. The goal is simple: reduce emissions as much as possible without compromising the timing or stability of supply chains.

“Monitoring and data are essential for us, therefore we provide the option to oversee the full cargo journey, and our calculations of reduced emissions from chosen sustainable transport solution, customer can receive a comprehensive report on the exact number of kg of CO2 reduction. In a time of data approach and ESG reporting soon in place, this value information is additional benefit customer receive,” – emphasizes Senkevičienė.

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Sustainability through Circularity and Real-Time Solutions

Material Handling Upgrade for Heathrow Air Cargo Operator

Posted on by David Priestman

Davies Turner Air Cargo has made a significant investment in material handling equipment (MHE) at its Heathrow logistics hub.

This strategic upgrade by one of the UK’s largest independent air freight and logistics businesses is aimed at enhancing both operational efficiency and safety, solidifying the company’s commitment to maintaining industry-leading standards.

The existing fleet of materials handling equipment has been replaced with seven electric forklift trucks, three reach trucks and one battery changing truck. All are fitted with high tech batteries and chargers.

From the Bobcat MHE range, the 11 vehicles have been procured on a lease contract from Rushlift, a national full-service suppliers of multi-brand materials handling and ground support equipment, with which Davies Turner Air Cargo has partnered for nearly 30 years.

The new MHE fleet will ensure that Davies Turner Air Cargo’s Heathrow hub continues to operate at peak performance, even as demand and operational complexities grow.

Safety remains a top priority for Davies Turner Air Cargo, and the new fleet includes advanced safety technologies designed to reduce accidents and improve operational safety, underlining the company’s commitment to HSE matters.

Among the key innovations are perimeter proximity lights, which surround the equipment, enhancing visibility and safety in crowded or low-light conditions, which are complemented by the addition of flat LED chevron strip lights fitted on the counterweight.

Progressive directional arrow safety lights that appear on both the front and back of the equipment, depending on the direction of travel, have replaced the traditional blue spot reverse light, offering clearer directional guidance, when shone on the floor, in the directional path of the vehicle.

Fork cameras provide operators with better visibility when the forks are raised, or through the mast, reducing the risk of accidents during operation; whilst pedestrian detection cameras identify people within a set proximity, automatically slowing down the truck to prevent collisions.

Each truck is fitted with an RFID beacon to detect other trucks on a potential collision course. These beacons interact with red flashing beacons on door frames and blind spots to alert other operators, further reducing the risk of accidents.

“As part of one of the UK’s leading freight and logistics businesses, Davies Turner Air Cargo is always striving to improve our operational capabilities and the safety of our workforce,” said Oliver Simmons, general manager – Heathrow Services at Davies Turner Air Cargo.

“This investment in cutting-edge MHE technology at our Heathrow facility is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence in the logistics industry. We are confident that these upgrades will enhance our service delivery, ensuring that we continue to meet and exceed the expectations of our clients.”

Andrew Gazzard, key account manager at Rushlift added: “Working with Davies Turner over many years has enabled a true working relationship to develop, affording a greater understanding of ever-changing needs.

“Its commitment to ensuring it has the most up-to-date reliable and safe equipment, along with around the clock support has meant that with our flexible and consultative approach to business, our long partnership continues to thrive.

“We are pleased to introduce the new Bobcat range of forklift trucks along with recently launched safety innovations from our partners FTC, and where suitable, to supply equipment outside of the Bobcat portfolio with confidence.”

This significant investment reaffirms Davies Turner Air Cargo’s position as a leader in the logistics industry, with a focus on combining advanced technology with operational excellence.

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Sustainability through Circularity and Real-Time Solutions

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The UK logistics sector is evolving rapidly in response to rising demands for sustainability and advancements in technology, writes Paul Warburton, Chief Digital and Marketing Officer of NSC. To meet these challenges, logistics companies must innovate and adopt operational models that align with regulatory standards, reduce costs, and enhance resilience. Central to this transformation are principles of the circular economy and real-time service models, which have become crucial in establishing sustainable, efficient logistics operations.

As the industry moves towards a service-based economy within a ‘Mobility Society’, logistics providers must respond to changing consumer consciousness. Today’s consumers have substantial influence over corporate behaviour, expecting the companies they support to reflect their values. For logistics businesses, this requires alignment with a wider ecosystem, where corporate ethics, sustainability, and transparency are integral.

The future of logistics will hinge on the integration of services, connected devices, and collaboration across sectors. At the heart of this transformation is a focus on the evolving customer experience. Businesses that prioritise customer needs in their technology and service strategies are more likely to sustain relevance and success.

Tackling Scope 3 Emissions with Data Transparency

A critical sustainability challenge in logistics is reducing Scope 3 emissions, which are generated indirectly throughout the supply chain. Scope 3 emissions are notoriously difficult to track due to the extensive network of suppliers and partners involved. However, they include essential factors such as emissions from purchased goods, waste disposal, and fuel consumption, all of which significantly affect a company’s overall environmental impact.

Data observability is now key to logistics operations, underpinning real-time services that enhance asset utilisation and cut waste across the supply chain. With full visibility, logistics businesses can monitor emissions, identify critical areas for improvement, and target reductions more effectively.

Data observability platforms give logistics managers insights into emissions by supplier and across each stage of the value chain, allowing them to make data-driven choices on resource allocation, vendor partnerships, and emissions reduction. This transparent approach helps companies manage their environmental impact while meeting regulatory standards and aligning with growing customer expectations for sustainability.

Reinventing Ownership Models with Circular Principles

Traditional logistics models often follow a linear ‘purchase-use-discard’ framework, generating waste and high disposal costs. A growing number of companies, however, are shifting to circular models that emphasise reusing and reallocating resources. This approach not only maximises efficiency across the supply chain but also extends asset lifespans, cuts disposal expenses, and supports waste reduction—all essential for lowering Scope 3 emissions. By incorporating circular practices, logistics companies can optimise resources, meet sustainability targets, and reduce environmental impacts.

Building a Sustainable Future for Logistics

One effective approach is to create a segmented technology roadmap, identifying objectives across three horizons: Now, Near, and Far. This approach allows companies to address immediate operational needs, anticipate future technological shifts, and prepare for long-term adaptation. By focusing on the present, planning for near-term developments, and laying foundations for future innovation, logistics businesses can enhance their resilience and competitiveness in an unpredictable technological landscape.

Immediate steps might focus on fuel efficiency, while future plans might include transitioning to electric fleets and circular infrastructure within warehouses and distribution centres. By embedding circular principles, reducing Scope 3 emissions, and harnessing real-time data, the logistics sector can create resilient, efficient, and environmentally responsible operations.

These shifts are not merely about compliance; they represent an opportunity to transform supply chains for lasting success in a market that increasingly values sustainability. Embracing these changes now will lay the foundation for a future-ready, eco-friendly logistics industry.

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