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Month: March 2025

Handle and Load Cargo with Care

Posted on by David Priestman

Loading and unloading trailers and containers is an important stage in the supply chain, requiring skill and the right equipment if it is to be completed quickly and correctly, writes Wouter Satijn (pictured), Chief Revenue Officer of Joloda Hydraroll. Many companies continue to rely on forklift trucks and manual processes for loading and unloading goods, but this can lead to high instances of product damage and result in delays and financial losses that add up to more than you might think.

Industry estimates suggest that, on average, 2% of unit loads arriving at a distribution centre have some level of case damage. In some instances, this figure can rise as high as 11%. As logistics operations become more complex and time-pressured, businesses must take proactive measures to ensure goods are handled with care, transported safely, and arrive at their destination in perfect condition.

Common loading mistakes that lead to product damage

There are several ways damage can occur when loading and unloading goods. For example:
• Forklifts that are not properly aligned with pallets when lifting them can puncture loads or push them off the racks.
• Some operators may double-stack pallets that aren’t designed to bear extra weight. This can crush the pallets underneath – and the products within – and cause them to become unstable during transportation.
• Old, rotten, or otherwise compromised pallets that have not been inspected before use may also collapse under weight or when moved.

How to reduce product damage when loading

A combination of the following best practices, employee training, and the right equipment can all but eliminate the risk of product damage during the loading process:
1. Improve loading practices
Pallets should be loaded uniformly, with weight evenly distributed to prevent crushing or instability. Pallets should be regularly inspected for weaknesses and not double-stacked. Liquids should always be placed below dry goods to minimise the risk of contamination in case of leaks, while dunnage can be used to fill up any empty spaces, provide cushioning and prevent goods from shifting.
2. Ensure pallets are secure
Using the right wrapping method can significantly reduce damage. Wrapping should be firmly secured at the pallet base, then spiral upwards to ensure stability. A 360-degree wrap is needed two to three times over to cover the stack and secure the stock.
3. Choose the right containers
It’s important to select the right sized container to match requirements and that doesn’t exceed weight or size limits at any stage of the shipping process. Climatic changes that could affect the cargo should also be considered to protect products such as perishables from spoiling or deteriorating.
4. Keep the facility clean and tidy. A clutter-free warehouse or loading dock is a non-negotiable so that forklift operators have a clear path to manoeuvre safely. Designated areas for storage or waste should be assigned and adhered to for an efficient and hazard-free environment.
5. Regularly inspect equipment and processes
Routinely checking for signs of equipment wear and tear can prevent accidents, while regularly reviewing loading procedures help ensure employees follow best practices and adhere to safety protocols. It’s important that time is taken to check the container/ trailer, too – for structural damage, but also residues that could go on to contaminate the next load of goods.
6. Prioritise employee training
The biggest risks come from workers who might not feel confident they know how to operate equipment or perform tasks correctly. An effective training programme is key to ensuring safety and minimising product damage. Employees should receive regular refresher courses to ensure they remain up to date on safety procedures and equipment use.
7. Invest in the right handling equipment
Finally, ensure all equipment is well-maintained and fit for purpose and consider automated loading solutions that minimise manual handling. These systems can make the loading process far more efficient and cost-effective, while greatly reducing the likelihood of human error and forklift mishaps.

Goods are at risk of all kinds of damage, depending on how they are stored, how they are loaded, and how they are secured during loading. By providing employees with frequent training, conducting regular inspections, and investing in the right equipment and automation for the job, businesses can ensure efficient loading and unloading processes that protect more than their cargo – they can protect their employees and their bottom lines, too.

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Supplier Collaboration Value

Posted on by Keith McKinley

With cost cutting still very much at the top of the business agenda, companies across the world have already started creating improvement plans to tackle operational expenses, writes Simon Thompson (pictured), VP Northern Europe at JAGGAER.

Businesses are focusing on driving value through supplier partnership and are prioritising visibility of stock and procurement strategies optimisation. In fact, one typical business area that is usually seen as no more than a cost centre is procurement and, more specifically, the supply chain. As a result, savvy businesses are reassessing their approach to supplier relationship management, enacting measures that amount to a complete paradigm shift to transform this function in a value centre that can create long-term value as well as reduce costs.

Traditional cost-cutting strategies, that prioritise short-term savings and negotiating the lowest possible prices with suppliers, can backfire over time, potentially leading to quality issues that may escalate into expensive product recalls, customer dissatisfaction, and reputational harm. Strategic partnerships and collaboration within the supply chain can instead become an opportunity to create additional value that goes beyond simply reducing costs, allowing the procurement officer to consolidate spending or uncover shared efficiencies to encompass a range of key issues and benefits such as promoting sustainability, co-investing in innovation and finding new avenues to enhance customer satisfaction. These partnerships can help mitigate supply chain risk, improve resilience, foster digital transformation and facilitate regulatory compliance.

Collaborative procurement strategies

Effective cost management in supply chains therefore extends far beyond reducing raw material costs and covers every stage of the supply chain, from sourcing and logistics to inventory management and payment terms. That’s when collaborative procurement strategies come into play. These strategies are based on building trust and transparency, fostering beneficial partnership with the supplier with the aim of achieving cost saving without compromising quality. Open dialogue and transparency are at the core of this approach, allowing buyers and suppliers to collaborate openly, sharing objectives and creating mutual benefits. Sharing demand forecasts helps suppliers optimise production processes, minimising waste, lowering operational costs and reducing prices.

Key to achieving this transparency are real-time procurement platforms that grant visibility to both companies and suppliers and can also improve demand management and inventory needs synchronisation, prevent overproduction, as well as enabling more efficient resources allocation, production schedules and inventory management, ultimately reducing unnecessary costs. While it’s important for procurement to have visibility, trust is a two-way process and a sometimes overlooked component of supplier collaboration is committing to on-time payments. Consistently paying suppliers on time fosters trust, which can lead to improved payment terms or pricing advantages.

Thanks to these platforms it is also possible to enable Just-In-Time (JIT) processes. In fact, partnering with suppliers to implement JIT inventory systems can help minimise excess stock and storage costs, while ensuring timely delivery of goods. This is particularly relevant for industries handling bulky items, perishable goods, or material requiring strict temperature control, such as those managed within the cold chain. In the pharmaceutical sector, for instance, JIT helps reduce waste and improve efficiency by ensuring medicines or devices are ordered and delivered only as needed for production, significantly reducing the likelihood of having to deal with unused or out-of-date stock.

Efficiency gains

Conducting regular supplier relationship evaluations using scorecards provides another avenue for efficiency gains by identifying areas for improvement, uncovering potential cost-saving opportunities, and strengthening collaboration. These evaluations also offer a transparent foundation for discussions and renegotiations with suppliers and offer the opportunity to raise issues or share ideas for improvements such as a new supply route or material. Centralized platforms that automate transactions, facilitate communication, and provide advanced analytics allow businesses to identify inefficiencies and optimize procurement strategies. By leveraging intelligent technologies, companies can enhance decision-making, mitigate risks, and access diverse data sources, without overburdening internal teams or suppliers with excessive manual data entry and updates.

Procurement’s focus is shifting from cost control to driving value creation, and supplier collaboration is emerging as a pivotal strategy for achieving not only sustainable cost savings but also broader operational improvements. Success in this area hinges on building trust, ensuring transparency, and adopting a comprehensive approach that balances cost savings with other factors like quality, supplier diversity, long-term sustainability, and risk management. This approach relies on a strong data foundation across the entire source-to-pay process, supported by advanced spend analytics. With these tools, procurement leaders can develop and implement strategies that deliver significant value for both buyers and suppliers, while nurturing strong, cooperative relationships with every actor of the supply chain.

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Rise of the Cobots

Posted on by David Priestman

Edward Hutchison, Managing Director of BITO Storage Systems, explains how robots can work with people to positively change the picture of traditional retail warehouse operations.

Counterbalanced and warehouse forklift trucks moving goods to and from storage locations in racking and shelving forms a familiar image of work inside a typical retail warehouse. But with drivers being a growing cost factor, some foresee this picture changing in the future. Many operations will of course continue to rely on forklifts, but automation is coming to the fore and, according to market intelligence company Interact Analysis, the UK is set to become Europe’s largest warehouse automation opportunity.

Driverless Internal transport systems are one such interesting opportunity because they are extending their role beyond merely transporting goods by gaining an ability to interact with racking and shelving, without the need for human intervention.

Edward Hutchison

Take BITO’s LEO flow, for example. This low cost, simple plug and play AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) is equipped with a belt conveyor top and an automatic lifting mechanism, making it ideal for picking up and delivering goods to and from conveyor systems. Without the need for expensive software or infrastructure, it can carry a 600 x 400 mm load of either bins or small parts, which it can pick up and discharge sideways to the direction of travel using the belt automatically.

Goods can be fed directly to and from an Automated Storage and Retrieval System or LEO can deliver goods directly to the flow lanes of a Carton Live Storage system. Sensors allow bins to be transferred seamlessly from LEO to back of the flow lane, allowing personnel at the front of the lane to carry out the productive task of picking orders without running out of stock. With a payback period often in one year or less, this collaborative operation between people and robots is a great example of how a new image of work inside an retail warehouse can be created.

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Reduce eCommerce Packaging

Posted on by David Priestman

Danish homeware chain Søstrene Grene has deployed automated packaging equipment from CMC to help optimise its eCommerce operations. Søstrene Grene is a retailer with more than 50 years of history, yet is relatively new to eCommerce, having only started offering online shopping to customers four years ago. With a retail presence in 16 countries and an online offering to 11, the firm offers a wide range of competitively priced homeware and accessories, crafts, kitchenware, gardening equipment and other goods.

A particular challenge when fulfilling eCommerce orders is the size and shape of the typical basket, and the variation of products therein, which could range from a small set of pens up to a full-sized chair, for example. The time it was taking to pack an order in its current DC in Denmark – soon to be joined by a new facility in the Netherlands – led to Søstrene Grene’s Chief Supply Chain Officer, Claus Tjærby, to lead a project to both reduce this time as well as reduce the amount of packaging used.

“Picking the order was not that challenging, but packing the order was very time consuming for us,” he says, “so the combination of time consuming orders, a lot of fragile items, and then the fact that our business was just growing massively meant we had a huge labour pool when working in peak seasons.”

Multiple Benefits

Through its Danish distributor Antalis Packaging, Italian sustainable packaging equipment manufacturer CMC Packaging Automation helped meet that challenge, bringing multiple benefits including a reduction in Søstrene Grene’s carbon footprint by supplying its CartonWrap technology to the Danish company. The automation in the DC means goods dispatched by Søstrene Grene to its online customers are now packed more efficiently and effectively. “Now it’s not one of 200 individuals who decide how they want to pack, it’s automated,” continues Tjærby, “and we use less packing material. Also, the size of the shipping box itself is much tighter now, so basically we can put more boxes on one pallet, which reduces transportation costs and, more importantly, reduces CO2 emissions from the transportation side of our business.”

The CMC solution means Søstrene Grene is able to pack its goods more densely, reducing the amount of air inside the individual parcels and packages. “With this system from CMC, we not only use less packing material, but we have also been able to shift from plastic packing – bubble plastic to protect the products – to paper-based packaging. So, all in all, a lot of individual contributions to an overall lower emission.”

Today’s younger consumers are increasingly seeking out sustainable retailers, and the packaging in which their items arrive is subject to considerable scrutiny, especially on social media where the worst offenders are routinely named and shamed on platforms such as Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. But when it comes to who will bear the cost of greater sustainability in retail, the answer is not often the end consumer. No, as businesses vie to attract buyers with competitively priced goods, it’s sometimes not feasible to pass on any additional costs to the customer. Furthermore, margins are tight in retail – tighter today than they’ve ever been – so any sustainability initiative cannot come at a high cost to the retailer.

Sustainable Solution

In light of this, Søstrene Grene has managed to offer a sustainable solution whilst reducing its overall packaging costs. “As a business, [moving to sustainable packaging] is something we want to do,” says Tjærby. “And then you also have the requirements from the authorities, legislation, which is becoming more and more strict. With different kinds of taxes applying to the amount of packaging material, there is an obvious cost saving factor in reducing paying material.“

The addition of a faster packaging solution from CMC that right-sizes outbound goods also greatly smooths flow through the warehouse. “It has helped the flow because we can pre-pack a lot of our more fragile items, such as glasses. When you ship them, they have to be wrapped first. With the CMC machines, we can now pre-pack it and then, once we get the order, we have a much more consistent flow, which is much easier for us to handle. And when you don’t have such a vast number of people on the floor – people running around all the time, with a lot of boxes, with a lot of paper – you can design a cleaner flow way. It’s much more easy to control and to oversee the operation.”

Although this was CMC’s first Scandinavian project, Tjærby couldn’t be more complimentary about the service offered: “We had very good cooperation with CMC. We are happy with the support and with the cooperation from their side. We feel that they were quite eager to make this a success, because we were a platform for their market entry, so from their side we had their attention. Their Scandinavian distributor for the products, Antalis, is now giving us the support, which is also what we need. So, in terms of cooperation with CMC and their distributors we are happy.“

With both the hardware and the packaging materials coming from a single supplier, compatibility is assured, says Tjærby: “It is an advantage to have one point of contact; with one supplier for the machine and another supplier for the consumables if something is not functioning well they can point the finger of blame at each other. It is not a possibility here, because they are the same company, and have the full responsibility to make it a smooth flow. That’s definitely an advantage, no argument about that.”

Whilst investing in a full automated packaging machine has reduced the need for Søstrene Grene to recruit so many temporary workers during its mid-October to early-January peak, there are still some aspects of its picking and packing process that still need to be automated. “That will be something we will dive into this year,“ concludes Tjærby. “We hope to be able to also optimise the last manual parts of our operation.”

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Asset Tracing and Transport Flow Optimization with ANT Locator

Posted on by David Priestman

Autonomous navigation and fleet management equipment supplier BlueBotics – whose ANT navigation technology drives over 6,000 AGVs and AMRs around the world – has announced ANT locator, a new and highly flexible vehicle tracking and mixed fleet management solution that will be commercially available from June 2025.

“Based on our proven vehicle positioning technology, ANT locator allows companies to understand exactly where their forklifts are, and therefore where their pallets are too, whether inside or outdoors,” explains Dr. Nicola Tomatis, CEO of BlueBotics. “ANT locator also addresses an evolving challenge for internal logistics teams: how to ensure effective interactions between manual forklifts and driverless AGVs and AMRs, by enabling traffic light systems for mixed vehicle types, smart interactions in pre-defined zones, and the integrated monitoring of all vehicles.”

ANT locator is natively integrated with BlueBotics’ popular ANT server AGV/AMR fleet manager. It can also be integrated with a customer’s existing WMS, MES, ERP, or fleet management system. Further add-ons are also available, for example for outdoor use, and to manage the tracking of other mobile assets – such as pallet jacks, or staff – within shared spaces.

Designed to meet the needs of AGV/AMR and manual forklift producers, third-party software providers, and end users alike, ANT locator’s functionality spans three key use cases:

1. Optimization of transport flows on mixed vehicle sites
While automated vehicles like AGVs are a proven productivity booster, operating these in the same spaces as manual trucks is a challenge, especially on complex, confined sites. How can transport flows be optimized? Who has right of way? How can efficiency-killing deadlocks and accidents be avoided?

With ANT locator, the live coordinates of manual trucks are integrated directly into BlueBotics’ ANT server AGV fleet manager. This precise positioning data enables the software to automatically manage interactions between automated vehicles, manual trucks, and even human staff – for example, via the use of traffic light systems – helping companies to use their space as intelligently and safely as possible.

2. Precise tracing of manually moved goods

For material handling to run efficiently, knowing the precise location of every pallet is key. But while the drop-off points of automated vehicles are pre-programmed, knowing the precise location of every manual truck’s drop-off is far from guaranteed. With ANT locator integrated into every manual truck, the precise positions of these vehicles can be communicated continuously to a company’s existing WMS/logistics software, allowing material handling teams to trace the exact location of every payload – at pick-up, at drop-off, and everywhere in between.

3. Improvement of manual truck operations through data analytics

One of the biggest barriers to optimizing forklift use is not knowing how they are currently being used. Which flows are most common? Are drivers using the most efficient routes? The precise positioning data and analytics that ANT locator supplies allow companies to improve their manual truck flows, by understanding and optimizing their usage based on real-world insights. No asking, no watching, no guessing — just track, analyze, adjust, and advise.

Positive market feedback

German warehouse management software supplier, SEP Logistik, is an early adopter of ANT locator. “We use ANT locator in our RELAG-System to determine the exact position of each forklift. The system, which provides a real-time 3D visual of the warehouse to the operator, then can show them the most efficient path to reach their target location. ANT locator even enables us to offer this functionality outdoors,” explains Markus Fischbacher. “On one project for example, thanks to the efficiency gains achieved, we enabled a sheet metal producer to reduce the number of forklifts they required by 20%. With ANT locator inside our RELAG-System, our customers can enjoy greater intralogistics transparency and traceability, without needing to leave the office.”

Tomatis of BlueBotics concludes, “For manufacturers and warehouse operators looking to improve the efficiency of their internal logistics, ANT locator is a great fit. It provides the accurate vehicle positions and usage data they need to optimize truck flows, track pallets, manage mixed vehicle interactions and enhance on-site safety.”

Safety can be further boosted with additional collision avoidance solutions from Ubiquicom, which ZAPI GROUP acquired in October 2024. These solutions include proximity sensors that can be integrated into ANT server to create additional smart behaviors related to the operation of manual vehicles, AGVs, and AMRs. Conversely, ANT locator is able to interface seamlessly with Ubiquicom’s range of ‘Forklift Ecosystem’ solutions, enabling ZAPI GROUP to meet the needs of every internal logistics and warehouse management team.

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Taxi for Pallet Storage

Posted on by David Priestman

Moffett Automation was founded in 2017 with a small, dedicated team and a vision for innovation and global impact, writes Shane Clarke.

“Since those early days our ambitions have driven remarkable growth: today, we are proud to employ over 100 talented professionals who contribute to our expanding portfolio of industry-leading solutions. Our engineering excellence has garnered significant recognition, highlighted by the 2022 Manufacturing Supply Chain Awards. This momentum continued in 2023 when Ernst & Young honored our Managing Director, Sam Moffett, with the prestigious ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ award in Ireland. Building on this achievement, Sam was subsequently nominated as an International Entrepreneur of the Year contender in 2024.

“As our expertise and reputation have grown, so too has our global reach. Our Moffett Taxi Systems (pictured) have been implemented in over 20 locations worldwide, establishing our presence as a trusted partner in automation on an international scale. Each system reinforces our commitment to excellence and demonstrates our ability to deliver high-quality, cutting-edge technology solutions that meet the evolving needs of the warehouse and logistics industries. Our global footprint continues to expand as we work with partners and clients across multiple sectors and territories, ensuring that our solutions remain at the forefront of efficiency and reliability.

“Our fully automated warehouse storage solutions are powered by our highly regarded four-directional Moffett Taxi pallet shuttle. This system revolutionizes warehousing by optimizing space, reducing manual labor, and increasing operational efficiency. We take great care to understand the unique needs of each customer, designing and implementing bespoke pallet storage solutions that align perfectly with their requirements. Our customer-centric approach ensures that each solution maximizes productivity and streamlines operations.

Seamless movement

“The Moffett Automation VTUs (Vertical Transfer Units) allow our taxis to move seamlessly in all directions. These VTUs enable the taxis to travel between multiple levels, ensuring that any taxi can carry any pallet to any storage space within the system. This innovative flexibility eliminates bottlenecks and enhances the overall efficiency of warehouse operations. Our customers benefit from a system that not only optimizes storage capacity but also delivers unparalleled speed and reliability.”

Each Moffett Taxi is engineered to handle heavy pallet loads of up to 1500kg, demonstrating its robust and durable design. The system is also built to withstand challenging environments, operating efficiently in temperatures as low as -25°C, making it ideal for a wide range of industries, including food storage and pharmaceuticals. The taxis boast an operational period of 8 hours in ambient storage conditions and 6.6 hours in chilled storage, ensuring that they maintain high performance levels even in the most demanding settings.

“Our cutting-edge software plays a crucial role in the functionality and reliability of our automation systems, adds Clarke. “It enables remote monitoring and control, allowing for real-time adjustments and preventative maintenance. Key features include automated heat sensor monitoring, motor deceleration and acceleration adjustments, and remote operation. This guarantees rapid response to any technical issues, minimizing downtime and preserving system integrity.

Pallet Taxi

“One of the defining aspects of Moffett Automation is our commitment to in-house manufacturing. The Moffett Taxis, VTUs, and conveyors are built at our factory in Ireland, giving us the control to maintain the highest standards of quality and innovation.

“Looking forward, Moffett Automation remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of warehouse automation. Our ongoing investment in research and development ensures that we continue to lead the industry with pioneering solutions. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, engineering excellence, and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, we are shaping the future of automated storage and logistics on a global scale.”

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Gebhardt to Provide Ocado Storage and Retrieval System in DACH

Posted on by David Priestman

Gebhardt Intralogistics Group and Ocado Intelligent Automation (OIA) are entering into a relationship wherein Gebhardt will provide the Ocado Storage and Retrieval System (OSRS) to customers in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other territory where it operates. The non-exclusive collaboration also positions Gebhardt to provide installation and maintenance support services for the OSRS.

“To continue our growth in the global logistics and supply chain market, we welcome Gebhardt into the Ocado Intelligent Automation ecosystem as a solutions provider,” said Mark Richardson, CEO of Ocado Intelligent Automation, part of Ocado Group. “Gebhardt has a stellar reputation in the sector and across Europe, and we trust them to bring deep value and expertise to customers in the region.”

The OSRS is an ultra-high-density cubic storage and retrieval system that combines world-proven automation with advanced warehouse execution software. It seamlessly integrates Ocado’s unique Robotic Pick technology, which is already deployed at scale and has performed billions of real-world picks.

The system’s ability to manage and scale high throughput operations makes it an excellent solution for a wide variety of industries, especially fashion and apparel, e-commerce, distribution, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare organizations, which need to efficiently process and pick a large volume across a wide product range.

The OSRS claims market-leading storage density, and its lightweight grid structure supports a bin capacity of up to 21 bins high. Because it’s modular, systems providers and logistics teams can deploy it at any scale, safe in the knowledge that the OSRS can expand as their operations evolve.

“Gebhardt has been seeking a high-throughput cubic ASRS to add to our portfolio. The Ocado Storage and Retrieval System fills that unique need, empowering large-scale fulfillment operators to compete at the next level,” says Marco Gebhardt, CEO of Gebhardt Intralogistics Group. “This is what the 70-year Gebhardt reputation is built on, providing a wide variety of flexible, modular solutions to support customers as they grow.”

“Integrators can play an essential role in the adoption and successful execution of advanced robotics and automation,” added Monique Apter, Chief Revenue Officer, OIA. “Gebhardt and OIA share the same outlook on customer relationships. Their highly trained experts will be on the ground, engaging with customers, providing service, and training associates in a meaningful way that’s rooted in the knowledge of how those customers like to work.”

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Pacifying Air Cargo

Posted on by David Priestman

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is a vast aviation centre and officially the busiest cargo airport in the world. Home carrier Cathay Pacific naturally has a substantial cargo operation there, as David Priestman reports.

Half the world’s population live within five hours of Hong Kong. With 1100 daily flights to 220 destinations, and three runways, HKIA, also known as Chek Lap Kok, is a true 24/7 operation. Annual cargo capacity is 5 million tonnes, with 2023 throughput of 4.3m tonnes, which is back to pre-covid levels. This ranks HKIA above Memphis (home of FedEx), Shanghai Pudong, Anchorage (surprisingly), Incheon (Korea), Louisville (UPS base), Miami and Doha.

Amongst HKIA’s particular freight advantages are the cold chain facilities, which are IATA accredited for temperature-control. This means pharmaceutical and specialised freight can be well catered for. The airport authority also is also highly-focused on ecommerce, connectivity and digitalization.

Sensitive Handling

Tom Owen is Cargo Director for Cathay. Speaking at the ALMAC conference in Hong Kong (see pages 6-10) he set out the company’s targets. “We’re a top 5 combination cargo carrier,” he stated. Cathay Pacific utilises its own dedicated cargo fleet, including twenty Boeing 747 freighters, and its passenger aircraft belly capacity. Six new A350F have been ordered, with an option for twenty more. The company has a handling capacity of 2.7m tonnes at HKIA. “We’re focused on our ability to handle sensitive, temperature-controlled and dangerous cargo, as well as time-sensitive items,” he added. “We have a net zero target of 2050, using carbon offsetting with our ‘Fly Greener’ initiative, and already 10% of our jet fuel is sustainable (SAF).”

Cathay also owns 60% of Air Hong Kong, which operates an express cargo network to nine countries. DHL owns the other 40% stake and uses Air Hong Kong extensively for regional freight carriage (see page 46). Cathay Cargo also benefits from HKIA’s Dongguan Logistics Park, up the Pearl Delta of the Greater Bay Area in mainland China, by being able to ship manufacturer’s cargo from there directly to an airside intermodal cargo pier at the airport. Export cargo can therefore be processed upstream at a lower cost.

Cathay Cargo’s terminal at HKIA is the newest one there and eleven years old. Import and export, transhipment and cross-border land express freight is managed from here, for ULD containers and other cargo, such as pre-packed pallets (handled by a fleet of Unicarriers forklifts), special goods (including live animals), bulky and loose items. The warehouse has an impressive 2445 container storage positions, featuring Dambach cranes in the bulk store, and 170 truck docks or loading bays. With 1800 staff, including contractors, it is a 24/7 operation, every day of the year.

Getting Fresh

Cargo Terminal Chief Operating Officer, Mark Watts, explained the total cold chain solution on offer, which is secured via the usage of thermal dollies, inflatable truck door seals at the loading bay and multi-temperature cold rooms – one of which I can testify to being bracingly cold in contrast to the ambient weather here! Cathay has developed its own design ULD – ‘MobiFresh’ (pictured). Temperature in them can be remotely controlled and they feature location tracking.

“While Cathay Cargo Terminal is a 100% subsidiary of Cathay Pacific and our largest customer is the Cathay group, including Cathay Cargo, Air Hong Kong and HK Express, our terminal business is run at arms’ length from the airline side of the business and we also serve a diverse range of airlines such as ANA Cargo, China Cargo Airlines, Lufthansa Cargo, Swiss World Cargo, EgyptAir Cargo and others,” Watts told me.

An end-to-end digital import process is the goal, with business customers using online bookings and epayment methods. Lithium battery screening in the warehouse is an unique selling point for Cathay Cargo. Watts is also keen to emphasise the significant recycling of plastic wrap in the facility, which is being increased in a bid for circularity.

November 2024 tonnage was 15% higher year-on-year. Cathay Cargo observed healthy market momentum during the peak season, driven by e-commerce sales events, while the cargo load factor (a metric that measures how well a vehicle’s cargo capacity is being used) rose to 62%. There was high demand for perishables from the Americas and Southwest Pacific, with significant deliveries to Hong Kong and other regional routes in Asia. Additionally, there was an increase in tonnage for the ‘Cathay Expert’ solution due to transportation of machinery and engines, especially from Japan. November also saw the successful launch of the ‘Cathay Courier’ campaign and this year the airline is adding flights to Rome to its schedule.

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New Automatic Wheel-blocking System

Posted on by David Priestman

Hörmann UK have introduced a new Automatic Wheel-blocking system (AWB) for the ultimate in loading bay safety. Designed to counter the risk of the premature departure of a vehicle and ‘vehicle creep’ during loading and unloading operations, Hormanns’ AWB detects a reversing vehicle and securely blocks the rear wheel preventing it from moving – helping to eliminate human error and keeping warehouse personnel and drivers safe.

One of the most versatile automated vehicle restraint systems available on the market, the Hörmann AWB is suitable for use with all types and models of vehicles, from small parcel vans to large articulated lorries. Built to withstand the rigorous conditions of busy loading bay operations, it is rugged in its construction, with all the hydraulic and electronic components being contained within a sturdy galvanised housing which provides protection against dirt and adverse weather.

The system provides a working range of 2825mm and a blocking height of 300mm removing any possible collision with mudguards and vehicle trims.To take account of any unevenness on site it is height adjustable by up to 50mm and is available in either left or right-handed versions. It is quick and easy to fit as it only requires a few anchor points.

Once a vehicle is safely positioned at the loading bay the integrated wheel guide can be activated inside the building at the touch of a button. The driver remains within the vehicle with a warning light/traffic light system on the loading bay to indicate when it is safe to move off. The easy-to-use Hörmann AWB controller can be used as a stand-alone solution or integrated into other Hörmann control systems. It can be simply updated and interrogated using mobile data.

Commenting on the new AWB, Phil Thorpe Industrial Division Manager at Hörmann UK said, “The new AWB from Hörmann is what the market would expect, a robust, well-engineered and practical solution to a problem often seen during loading operations. Suitable for all types of warehousing and logistics facilities we see this product playing a key role in improving workplace safety, reducing accidents, and keeping loading operatives safe in what can be a dangerous area. Our AWB system has been designed with ease of installation, operation, and maintenance in mind, all helping our customers to maximise their loading efficiency and ensure that any downtime is kept to an absolute minimum.”

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Advice from Women Working in Logistics

Posted on by David Priestman

With International Women’s Day being tomorrow, Saturday 8th March, we received advice from women working in the logistics sector, including Menzies, Dexory and three of Yodel‘s team.

Women Working in Logistics
Women Working in Logistics
Oana Jinga
Oana Jinga, Dexory

Michalina Zielinska (pictured, left), Shift Manager, Hatfield Sort Centre, says: “Women in logistics should always support and build a positive work environment by actively listening to colleagues and appreciating diverse perspectives. My experience as a woman in in the logistics industry has taught me the importance of being confident and assertive, navigating challenges with resilience, and always seeking to elevate those around me. Remember that your unique perspective as a female in operations can bring valuable insights to the table! Always strive to be a role model for other women entering the field and believe in yourself when opportunities come along.”

Oana Jinga, CC&PO and co-founder at Dexory (pictured right)

“This International Women’s Day we celebrate the women who drive innovation, break barriers and lead with purpose. At Dexory we know diverse leadership isn’t just important – it is essential for shaping the future of business. Empowering women in leadership roles and in STEM careers fosters fresh perspectives, stronger teams and better decision making.

“Where it is widely recognised diversity is essential for innovation, these conversations need to go beyond rhetoric. There is still a growing need to make the industry more attractive and accessible to women and girls. There are many wonderful technological breakthroughs taking place, but it is important women working on these innovations are visible and their achievements are celebrated.”

Juliet Thomson, Chief People Officer, Menzies Aviation, said: “At Menzies Aviation, we understand that diverse leadership drives innovation, enhances decision-making and strengthens company culture. Achieving 25% representation of women in our senior leadership community is an important step, but we recognise there is more work to be done. Diversity is not just a goal, it is a business imperative, and by continuing to break barriers, we can create a future where leadership truly reflects the diversity of our workforce and the communities we operate in. We remain committed to advancing gender equity and building an even more inclusive workplace for all.”

 

Claudia Chirila, Yodel
Lara Piggott, Yodel

Lara Piggott, Director of Planning and Business Control at Yodel, says: “Within our current operational team, there is no gender divide, hard work and results are rewarded, and I’m not treated any differently to my male colleagues. I’m just part of the team. My advice to any other women looking to forge a career in Logistics is to firstly be authentic, it’s something that will stand you apart. Work hard and don’t be afraid to ask for more responsibility with the associated benefits and try to push aside those imposter syndrome niggles. Logistics is a great industry to work in, you won’t regret it.”

Finally, Claudia Chirila, PM Team Manager, Hatfield Sort Centre, commented: “The logistics industry has showed me that not only men but also women can thrive and bring unique perspectives to drive innovation. My advice to other women looking to work in this industry is to be confident, keep learning, and build a strong support network. Persistence and expertise speak louder than any stereotypes, so remember to believe in yourself and never hesitate to take on new challenges. The logistics industry is evolving all the time, and more women are stepping into leadership roles. Our presence is making a difference, so be yourself and show yourself – you can do it!”

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