Subscribe

Month: June 2025

Brexit didn’t Break UK-EU Supply Chains, it Rewired Them

Posted on by David Priestman

Brexit’s second chapter shows that UK-EU Supply Chains have survived, but adapted. Logistics must evolve, not just recover, writes Stephen Williams, director and co-founder, Fidelity Fulfilment  (pictured with co-founder Simon Vincent).

As the UK and EU enter a new phase of Brexit, we’re seeing that it demands a deeper reassessment of how logistics and fulfilment truly work across borders.

For the past few years, businesses on both sides of the Channel have been in reactive mode, patching up supply chains, firefighting disruptions, and doing whatever it took to keep goods moving. But we’re now beyond short-term fixes. In many ways, Brexit didn’t just disrupt logistics, it fundamentally reshaped it. The challenge now is not just to restore the old ways of working, but to embrace new models that reflect the reality of a structurally changed trade environment.

Drawing on my experience working across both the UK and EU fulfilment landscapes, it’s clear that this phase isn’t just about recovery, it’s about fundamental evolution.

Dual-entity warehousing as the new normal

One of the most significant shifts we’ve seen is the widespread adoption of dual-entity warehousing. For brands serious about serving both UK and EU markets, operating separate fulfilment entities is now standard practice. It might not be as lean or simple as pre-Brexit operations, but it’s faster, more compliant, and dramatically reduces the friction associated with customs delays, VAT complexity, and regulatory bottlenecks.

At Fidelity Fulfilment, we’ve helped brands set up mirrored infrastructure across borders. The result? Predictable delivery times, better customer satisfaction, and greater operational control. This isn’t just a workaround, it’s the future of cross-border commerce.

The SPS agreement as a B2B turning point

The new SPS agreement could be the most meaningful development for cross-border logistics since Brexit itself, particularly in regulated sectors like food, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. While it’s still early days, this agreement offers the potential for reduced inspections, faster clearance, and more streamlined compliance processes.

For B2B operators – especially those dealing with high-sensitivity goods – this could unlock real efficiency. But it also raises the bar: only those with robust traceability systems, digital documentation, and tight supply chain control will be able to fully leverage these improvements.

Automation is no longer optional

Another major transformation is how technology has become central to fulfilment. Customs automation, smart inventory management, and real-time compliance tracking used to be nice-to-haves. Now, they’re mission-critical.

Providers that manage high-volume or complex shipments can’t compete without deeply integrated systems that can keep pace with constantly changing rules and consumer expectations. We’ve invested heavily in these areas, not just to meet compliance requirements, but to enable scale. Technology isn’t just making fulfilment more efficient, it’s turning it into a growth engine.

EU brands are returning, but with caveats

Interestingly, we’re seeing more EU-based brands re-entering the UK market. After the initial Brexit shock, many paused or pulled back entirely. Now, with systems stabilised and clearer pathways to market, they’re returning, but with a new level of scrutiny.

These brands are laser-focused on cost-benefit analysis, especially in low-margin categories. That puts pressure on fulfilment providers to be more than just logistics partners. We’re expected to deliver flexibility, speed, and transparency, while also helping clients manage risk and protect margins. It’s raised the bar, and in the long run, that’s a good thing.

Fulfilment as a strategic partner

With the UK fulfilment market expected to more than double by 2030, it’s clear that fulfilment can’t be treated as a backend function anymore. It determines how fast you can enter new markets, how well you serve your customers, and how resilient you are to future shocks.

But unlocking that potential requires the right kind of relationship. A fulfilment partner shouldn’t just be a service provider, they need to be a true collaborator, culturally aligned with your brand, and invested in solving problems together. While technology remains important (though it is less of a differentiator as most providers will catch up), it’s the businesses that embrace this more strategic, relationship-driven model that will be better positioned to lead.

Brexit may have drawn new lines on the map, but it’s also redrawn the rules of engagement. The next chapter won’t be about getting back to normal – it’ll be about building something better, with the right partner by your side.

similar news

UK-EU Deal Boosts Cross Channel Freight

 

EU Road Transport Toll Exemption Extended

Posted on by David Priestman

The European Commission’s proposal to extend toll exemptions for zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles is a welcome step but broader Eurovignette reforms are still urgently needed.

IRU welcomes the European Commission’s proposal to extend toll exemptions for zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles, including trucks, to help encourage their market uptake. The Commission’s proposal extends the current exemption from road tolls and user charges for zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles from 31 December 2025 to 30 June 2031. Announced in the Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector, the measure aims to support the competitiveness of sustainable road transport to help boost the market uptake of zero-emission vehicles and align with the EU’s CO₂ emission performance standards, which target a 43% reduction in emissions from new heavy-duty vehicles by 2030.

IRU EU Advocacy Director Raluca Marian said, “Extending toll exemptions is a much-needed signal of support for early movers investing in zero-emission vehicles. It acknowledges the reality that incentives, not penalties, are what truly accelerate decarbonisation in commercial road transport. However, IRU urges EU policymakers to address key gaps in the broader Eurovignette framework to ensure a fair and effective transition to low- and zero-emission road transport.”

IRU stresses the need for urgent action in the following key areas:

1. Including other low-carbon fuels: Vehicles powered by alternative liquid and gaseous fuels, such as e-fuels, carbon-neutral fuels, biofuels, and biofuel blends, should also benefit from substantial toll reductions to support immediate lowering of CO₂ emissions in transport through the uptake of clean fuels.

2. Earmarking of CO₂-related revenues: A temporary, mandatory allocation of all CO₂-related toll revenues to support the commercial road transport sector’s decarbonisation efforts is essential.

3. Avoiding double taxation: The current framework allows Member States to impose multiple CO₂-related charges (e.g. rate variation and external cost charges), which risks overburdening operators and undermining investment in clean technologies.

“At this critical stage, when the sector must scale up its investment in zero-emission vehicles, which remain significantly more expensive, a temporary earmarking of CO₂-related toll revenues to support this transition is essential,” concluded  Marian. “Without this, many operators will struggle. Moreover, the Eurovignette framework must go further by recognising the contribution of low-carbon fuels already reducing CO₂ emissions. An inclusive and balanced approach is the only way to ensure a fair and effective green transition.”

The proposal will now be reviewed by the European Parliament and the Council under the ordinary legislative procedure.

Similar News

Tate & Lyle Sugars goes all-in on electric HGVs

 

AI-Powered Robotics Boost Warehouse Efficiency

Posted on by David Priestman

One of the UK’s largest and longest-standing redistributor and retailer of surplus products, Company Shop Group (CSG), has announced a strategic partnership with Dexory, a leading provider of real-time warehouse visibility and automation solutions, to transform inventory accuracy, reduce waste, and improve product flow within its ambient warehouse operations.

The partnership, which uses Dexory’s autonomous robot and AI-driven platform, is delivering transformational results across CSG’s Barnsley, South Yorkshire warehouse, which holds a wide range of surplus stock across food, homeware, personal, and pet categories.

Due to the fast-paced nature of surplus redistribution, accurate and timely stock processing is critical. Historically, inaccuracies in stock levels have led to some picking and dispatch delays. By deploying Dexory’s real-time data and automation solution, CSG is now able to track stock with a level of accuracy and speed not previously possible – with an increase of over 300 pallets added to the warehouse management system (WMS) during the trial period alone.

AI-Powered Robotics

“The Dexory solution stood out as the most effective and least disruptive option after reviewing several providers,” said Martin Upton, Operations Director, Company Shop Group. “It’s fast, flexible, and has integrated seamlessly with our existing warehouse management system. The system has also significantly increased visibility into our Dispatch area – something we had limited access to before. This has dramatically increased efficiency and enabled smoother product flow throughout our operation.”

Dexory’s solution is now used not only for stock integrity – ensuring stock is stored in the right location and allowing for rapid issue resolution – but also to support dispatch operations by providing by-date priority lists and real-time views of dispatch pallets. The robot’s ability to perform multiple autonomous scans per day empowers operational teams to act quickly, identify root causes of issues, and implement targeted training and continuous improvement efforts.

“We’re proud to support a mission-led business that is tackling waste reduction across the industry,” said Oana Jinga, Chief Commercial & Product Officer and Co-founder of Dexory. “By combining our AI-powered robotics and real-time data platform, we’re enabling their team to spot issues sooner, react faster, and ultimately deliver a more effective and efficient end-to-end process – turning warehouse visibility into tangible operational and environmental impact.”

Oana Jinga
Oana Jinga, Dexory

The project has already freed up valuable time for the client’s stock control team, enabling them to focus on wider efficiency initiatives across operations. With the proven benefits in inventory control and process flow, Company Shop Group sees this partnership as a key pillar in achieving its long-term goal: creating a world where no surplus product goes to waste.

similar news

Dexory Raises $19M for Warehouse Visibility

 

Tariffs Trigger Firms to Shift Operations Closer to Home

Posted on by David Priestman

While headlines have focused on the economic shocks of US trade policy, research shows UK companies are taking proactive steps to localise supply chains, safeguard operations, and offset inflationary pressures.

“Tariffs and trade shocks have put UK firms under real pressure – but they’re not retreating, they’re rewiring. This is a strategic reset – not just a stopgap. The UK is leading Europe in nearshoring and local sourcing, not just to cut costs but to take control. This is a strategic reset – not just a stopgap,” says Matthew Woodcock, Regional VP, CVM/Supply Chain Strategy (EMEA & APAC), Coupa.

Businesses are responding to rising global tariffs and supply chain volatility by taking decisive action. According to new research from Coupa, a leading AI-native total spend management platform, 85% of UK companies are increasing or planning to increase nearshoring over the next 12 months to shift operations closer to home – more than any other country surveyed, including the US (74%), Germany (74%), and France (66%).

Rather than absorb cost shocks passively, UK businesses are strategically reshaping their supply chains to prioritise local suppliers, reduce dependencies on high-risk regions, and build greater resilience into business operations.

Pricing remains a primary pressure point. 61% of UK suppliers plan to raise prices by five to ten percent – the highest share across any country surveyed – with a further 22% expecting to increase prices by more than ten percent. These hikes are expected to hit consumers directly in the coming months, with rising supplier costs likely to be passed along the value chain. To manage margin erosion, businesses are turning to mitigation strategies such as stockpiling inventory (38%) and increasing local sourcing (37%), signalling an urgent shift to contain upstream costs and safeguard downstream stability.

While almost half (49%) of UK firms report that recent US trade policies have negatively impacted their bottom line, only six percent forecast revenue losses above ten percent. This suggests businesses are feeling the pressure but remain comparatively confident in their ability to adapt.

This resilience is underpinned by decisive sourcing shifts. UK companies are moving away from perceived high-risk regions, with 31 percent pulling back from the US and 27 percent from China. Instead, they are increasingly prioritising domestic and European partners, with 41 percent sourcing more from the UK itself, 41 percent from Germany, and 31 percent from France. In total, 75 percent of UK suppliers now prioritise local sourcing in their future strategies – a higher proportion than in Germany (70%) or France (67%).

At the same time, the criteria UK buyers use to select suppliers is shifting. While price remains important, businesses are placing greater emphasis on reliability and compliance. 53% of UK buyers cite proven quality and reliability as a top priority. Stable and competitive pricing (57%) and full regulatory compliance (47%) is also important. These figures point to a clear pivot from cost-efficiency to risk reduction and supply assurance.

Woodcock adds: “Periods of disruption always create space for reinvention – and the smartest companies are using this moment to sharpen their competitive edge. UK firms aren’t just surviving – they’re simplifying, localising, and building supply chains fit for the future.”

similar news

Tariffs and Trade Barriers as Top Concern of Supply Chain Leaders

 

When Measurement Goes Wrong, Everything Slows Down

Posted on by David Priestman

Across freight, highways, and complex industrial environments, one quiet challenge creates delays, adds risk, and costs businesses more than they realise: inaccurate or incomplete measurement.

Picture this: a freight truck is being loaded. The cargo list is logged, the space is mapped out, and the deadline is tight. But something doesn’t add up. A load doesn’t fit as expected. A repack is needed. Time is lost. Multiply that by dozens of deliveries a day — and across hundreds of logistics hubs — and the margin for error suddenly becomes very expensive.

Now shift scenes. A maintenance team heads out to assess a stretch of highway infrastructure. They arrive with measuring wheels and manual tools, needing hours — sometimes days — to gather data that may already be out of date by the time it’s uploaded. It’s tedious, repetitive work that carries real safety implications when precision is off.

Or think about how often precise measurement plays a role in everyday operations — whether it’s mapping out storage space in a warehouse, checking clearances on a factory floor, laying out structures on a construction site, or planning safe movement in a transport hub. These environments are constantly changing, and even small inaccuracies can cause delays, create safety concerns, or force costly adjustments. Without dependable, real-time data, decisions are made on assumptions — and that’s when problems start.

In all of these scenarios, the same problem quietly holds things back: a lack of fast, accurate, and trustworthy measurement data.

That’s the challenge GPC, a UK-based software company, is solving — with a suite of intelligent 3D measurement systems designed to bring clarity and control to complex environments. GPC’s approach is rooted in precision — providing consistent, real-time data that helps teams move forward with confidence. GPC’s software is built to bring accuracy where it matters — supporting real decisions in fast-moving, real-world environments.

In freight, GPC’s software automatically measures cargo dimensions, reducing manual checks and helping operators optimise every inch of space — without guesswork or delay. In highways, GPC provides highway scanning for potholes and defects, this replaces slow, error-prone fieldwork with digital accuracy. Teams get the data they need safely and quickly, so projects stay on schedule.

And in bespoke environments — factories, warehouses, utilities, and more — GPC designs custom 3D solutions built around the client’s specific requirements. No unnecessary tools. No generic templates. Just systems that fit and function exactly where they’re needed.

The power of GPC’s solutions isn’t just in the measurement itself — it’s in the integration. Designed to work with existing control systems, planning tools, and digital platforms, GPC’s technology ensures that precise data doesn’t sit in isolation — it’s immediately actionable. The result? Fewer delays. Smarter planning. Safer outcomes.

similar news

Right for Size: SICK Upgrades Volume Measurement System

 

First Freight Train via UK East-West Rail

Posted on by David Priestman

Maritime Transport, one of the UK’s leading providers of integrated road and rail freight logistics, has launched a new rail freight service connecting DP World Southampton with its Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton (SLPN).

Maritime Intermodal Six arrived in Northampton on 16th June – the first freight train to enter service at Maritime’s 35-acre SRFI, and the first to operate the full length of the newly reinstated section of East West Rail (EWR) between Oxford and Bletchley.

Part of a government-backed programme to re-establish a strategic rail corridor between Oxford and Cambridge, the reinstated Oxford-Bletchley route restores vital east-west connectivity across central England and offers a practical alternative to traditionally congested north-south routes. The introduction of Maritime’s latest service on the newly reopened stretch is a milestone for the UK rail freight sector, unlocking new cross-country options for domestic and containerised cargo, and bringing nationally significant infrastructure into operational use to support regional economic growth.

Operated by DB Cargo UK, the service runs five days a week, with a capacity of up to 68 TEU per train, and provides a new, direct inland link to one of the UK’s busiest deep-sea ports. The service has been supported by Network Rail’s Track Access Discount Scheme, an important initiative to promote modal shift and encourage new rail freight business, whereby relevant access charges are waived for six months whilst new traffic is being established.

The launch follows two additional paths introduced by Maritime in recent weeks, linking DP World London Gateway with its rail terminals at Hams Hall and Doncaster (iPort). Two further services are scheduled to follow, connecting London Gateway and the Port of Felixstowe with Northampton as part of a three-phase expansion programme to increase low-carbon rail capacity across the company’s national network.

Maritime’s SRFI at Northampton forms part of a wider £200 million infrastructure investment by SEGRO and connects directly to the West Coast Main Line via the Northampton Loop. Network Rail’s modern design of the railway junction allows trains to move between the main line and interchange at speeds of up to 40mph instead of a standard 5mph – getting freight trains on their way faster and reducing impact on other trains on the network. Formally integrated into the national rail network earlier this year, the SRFI sits at the heart of a major logistics hub adjacent to Junction 15 of the M1.

John Bailey, Managing Director – Intermodal, Maritime Transport, said: “The arrival of our first service via EWR is an important step in expanding UK rail freight capacity, providing businesses with a direct, low-carbon route from Southampton to the heart of the UK’s golden logistics triangle. This development demonstrates how infrastructure and private-sector investment can deliver a more efficient and sustainable supply chain, while easing pressure on a congested road network.”

Roger Neary, Chief Sales Officer, DB Cargo UK, added: “Having recently operated the first locomotive into SEGRO Northampton Gateway to ‘prove’ the infrastructure, DB Cargo UK is proud to once again be partnering with its long-standing and strategic customer on this significant inaugural flow into Northampton Gateway. Not only does this new flow facilitate additional capacity into this important region of the country, it will do so in a sustainable manner utilising new Network Rail infrastructure and – crucially – funding, delivering benefits to Maritime Transport and their own customers alike.”

Brian Paynter, Capital Delivery track director, Network Rail, said: “Seeing both this new rail connection to Maritime’s SRFI and the East West Rail route in commercial freight use for the first time are huge moments in both projects. Opening up this economically important rail route will give much more flexibility for our freight operators greatly improving connectivity across the country, while benefiting the environment through taking HGVs off roads – providing a lasting legacy for communities and business.”

Kate Bedson, Senior Director, National Markets, SEGRO, commented: “We’re excited to see real momentum building at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton, marked by the completion of the rail freight terminal infrastructure, the arrival of the first train and the completion of Yusen Logistics’ new facility – the first warehouse to be constructed on the park. Each freight train can remove up to 76 HGVs from the road with a consequential reduction in carbon emissions, making this a crucial step towards more sustainable logistics. With rail freight contributing £1.7 billion to the economy, this milestone is not only a shot in the arm for growth, it also supports a greener, more efficient supply chain.”

AGV Gearboxes Launched

Posted on by David Priestman

Powerful, high performance GV/GVR-Series of planetary gearboxes with rigidity for high radial load has been launched by Apex Dynamics. Designed specifically to meet the needs of Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) applications, the GV/GVR Series is a new generation of planetary gearboxes, featuring minimised gearbox length for high reduction ratio and optimised space arrangement inside mobile automation machines.

Its compact footprint and range of mounting options provide a solution to space problems and the new gearboxes can be tailored to suit design needs. The robust new series of planetary gearboxes provide a long service life and come with a five-year warranty and fast, guaranteed delivery times.

Growing popularity and complexity

With the growing popularity of AGVs and the increasing complexity of mobile automation, Apex Dynamics has created a tailored gearbox series designed to meet the industry’s need for high torque and high driving transmission.

The tough GV/GVR-Series’ high precision taper roller bearings equip the gearboxes with high loading capacity, meeting the needs of dynamic mobile machinery. High torsional rigidity and wheel hub supporting high vertical load capacity ensure the gearboxes are capable of handling maximum vertical loads of up to 1,450 Kg and output torque ranges from 54 Nm – 418 Nm.

Delivering optimised moment of inertia, the high efficiency planetary gearbox series from Apex Dynamics has low backlash, ring-gear housing rotation and 100% optimised helical bevel gearing hardened to 840 HV for high efficiency and precision.

Available now to order, with Apex Dynamics’ exceptional guaranteed delivery times, the GV/GVR range is easy to install. The GV Inline comes with keyed hollow shaft input connection, while the right-angled GVR has servo motor flange plain shaft input connection.

Mike Gulliford, Apex Dynamics UK, says, “The GV/GVR Series of planetary gearboxes are optimised for use in AVR applications, making them the ideal choice to withstand the complex and high vertical load demands of autonomous vehicles. We are delighted to expand the range of products we offer to industry even further with a gearbox that meets the specific needs of the growing AGV market with the high precision and performance synonymous with Apex Dynamics products.”

similar news

Things for Mobile Robot Manufacturers to Consider

 

Southworth International Acquires Gruse Maschinenbau

Posted on by David Priestman

Southworth International Group, Inc., a global provider of ergonomic material handling solutions, announced that it has acquired Gruse Maschinenbau GmbH & Co., an established manufacturer of engineered industrial lifting solutions located in Aerzen, Germany.

“Gruse is a natural fit for SIGI,” stated Southworth International Group Inc.’s president and CEO, James Cabot (pictured, below). “They offer a well-recognized and long-tenured German brand, a strong history of quality and innovation, a similar customer-focused culture — as well as a physical presence in the centre of the European market.”

James Cabot

Cabot continues, “This acquisition supports SIGI’s strategic plans to strengthen our portfolio of material handling solutions in German-speaking Europe and reinforces our overall position as a European leader through increased engineering and technical capabilities and expanded production capacity. We are excited to welcome Gruse to our organization.”

Southworth International Group Inc. (“SIGI”) is a privately held company with a global reach including locations in North America, Europe, and China. SIGI provides material handling solutions for a variety of market sectors and applications, while promoting safer work environments, improved productivity, and workforce optimization.

SIGI is headquartered in Falmouth, Maine, employs 500 people across its global locations, and serves customers in 60+ countries around the world.

similar news

PalletPal now under Hymo Brand in UK after VPG Acquisition

 

Wheel Restraint System Firm’s New Hire

Posted on by David Priestman

GMR Safety, a global supplier of wheel restraint systems, is pleased to announce the appointment of Benoit Dubeau as sales director.

In Dubeau’s new role, he will be responsible for achieving sales targets, developing and executing strategic sales plans, building and maintaining key client relationships, and driving sales growth.

Bringing decades of industry leadership experience in operations, sales, business development and strategic account management, Dubeau has held a variety of positions, including vice president of operations and sales, vice president of sales, sales director, key account director, and human resources director.

“From his knowledge of commercial strategy to his respected reputation within the field, Benoit will undoubtedly strengthen GMR’s future,” said Gaétan Jetté, founder and CEO of GMR Safety. “Dubeau brings decades of leadership experience across operations, sales and HR making him a strong asset to our team.”

Dubeau holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Quebec in Montreal.

Headquartered in Quebec, GMR Safety is a global designer and manufacturer of wheel-based vehicle restraint systems for all types of vehicles operating in logistics warehouses and loading areas. Since 1996, the company has been committed to the safety and success of its customers and partners by providing innovative, reliable and simple solutions with the same fundamental principle at heart: designed to last.

GMR Safety has grown to become one of the world’s top manufacturers of dock safety products, achieving a 25 percent annual growth rate in the last eight years by installing more than 35,000 systems in more than 30 countries worldwide.

similar news

Vehicle Restraint System Launched for Accident Prevention

 

Samsara Unveils Major Safety and AI Upgrades

Posted on by David Priestman

Samsara has just launched more than a dozen new safety and AI-powered tools designed to make physical operations safer, smarter, and more efficient than ever before. Launched at its annual Beyond conference in San Diego, David Priestman reports.

Fuelled by Samsara’s open platform, these first-of-their-kind solutions empower organisations to operate smarter and fundamentally alter the industry’s approach to the safety of frontline teams. These new solutions include AI-powered safety tools, a new connected wearable, advanced routing and navigation capabilities and enhanced maintenance tools.

“We’ve entered the age of intelligence, and AI is helping our customers operate smarter,” said Sanjit Biswas, CEO and co-founder of Samsara. “We’re partnering with our customers to build products that help them run safer, more efficient operations and protect frontline workers while saving millions of dollars.”Samsara has invested more than $1bn in research and development to date. By leveraging its more than 14 trillion data points, the company is continuing its innovation leadership with the launch of several new products and enhancements.

Reward drivers, spot risks and prevent incidents in real time

Driving ranks among the top 10 most dangerous jobs. Over the past decade, there has been a 49% increase in fatal crashes, coupled with a 40% increase in associated insurance premiums in the USA. Samsara offers advanced technology to help detect risky driving events, such as phone use or speeding; now, several new AI-fuelled features have been added to improve fleet safety and reward safe driving:

● AI Multi-Cam: Drivers can now add up to four additional HD cameras, providing a 360-degree view to reduce blind spots, all accessible via an in-cab monitor. In addition, the AI Multi-Cam actively notifies drivers in real time of hazards, such as pedestrians and cyclists. Whether using a Samsara camera or a third-party device, administrators can retrieve historic video footage and corresponding audio to help quickly resolve incidents.

● Weather Intelligence: Administrators can now overlay real-time weather data pulled from the National Weather Service onto the existing dashboards to view and alert workers of imminent threats such as fire risks, heavy rain and more.

● Safety Coaching for Lean Teams: A new set of customisable features helps administrators with lean safety teams to scale driver coaching and recognition with AI and automation. AI analyses hundreds of risky driving events – considering factors such as severity, frequency, road conditions and total drive time – and automatically sends low-risk behaviours to drivers for self-coaching and escalates higher-risk events to managers. Furthermore, AI provides insight into big-picture behavioural trends across drivers and trips, so managers can coach based on driving patterns rather than just isolated incidents.

● Revamped Driver App: As the No. 1 driver app in both major app stores, the Samsara app now includes TikTok-style training videos to boost engagement and end-of-day reviews to help with driver coaching. Designed to act as a companion for drivers throughout the day, the app now offers new gamification features and recognition tools to reinforce positive, safe behaviour. For example, administrators can send gift cards that can be redeemed at popular dining, entertainment and shopping locations directly through the app.


“Getting drivers home safe is one of our primary goals at Samsara, a priority we share with every one of our more than 10,000 customers,” said Johan Land, SVP of Product and Engineering at Samsara. “Thanks to rapid advancements in AI technology, we’ve been able to build new products that are now empowering drivers to make better decisions on the road and equipping safety teams with the tools for faster, more effective feedback. AI is increasingly becoming a powerful ally in protecting drivers, and Samsara is at the forefront of this trend.”

Worker Safety Beyond the Vehicle: New wearable joins the fleet

The need to keep frontline teams safe extends beyond the vehicle to both local jobsites and remote locations. To help protect frontline workers outside of the vehicle, Samsara is introducing the Samsara Wearable. The new connected device is powered by the Samsara network of millions of devices and enables quick response and protection in any environment. With the addition of the wearable, organisations now have access to a holistic safety offering that can help predict risk, reduce accidents and alert administrators to urgent needs of their frontline workers. The new Samsara Wearable offers several benefits, including:

● More than one year of battery life: The Samsara network replaces the need for cellular connectivity, equipping the Samsara Wearable with a battery life of more than one year. This charge life far surpasses the industry standard of 24 hours, providing reliable access to everywhere customers operate.
● One-click protection: With one click, workers can connect to emergency services, who can immediately pinpoint their precise location and access a real-time audio recording of the situation. The small, lightweight device is easy to use and gives workers an added layer of protection in the field.
● Fall detection: The Samsara Wearable can automatically detect and respond to falls in situations such as slips on icy pavements and falls from heights such as scaffolding, cranes or trailers.
● Proactive threat alerts: In the case of severe weather or wildfires, fleet managers can proactively check in on workers and alert them of the unsafe conditions via push notifications to the device.
● One platform: Samsara connects driver and worker safety in one system, allowing for faster response times and visibility across the entire fleet.

Smarter, Easier Routing

Historically, commercial fleets have relied on a patchwork of incomplete maps and manual processes to plan routes and guide drivers. These legacy maps are updated as infrequently as every one to five years, leading to inefficient routes, missed delivery windows and increased driver stress. Samsara’s new Route Planning and Commercial Navigation products offer a modern, integrated alternative that helps fleets cut costs, stay compliant and deliver more reliably.

● Route Planning: Building on existing routing capabilities, Samsara now integrates directly with fleet operators’ sales systems to pinpoint the most efficient routes and delivery schedules for customers’ fleets. These advanced routing capabilities consider variables such as vehicle limitations, compliance requirements for drivers, customer delivery windows, as well as traffic and weather patterns, to stay within promised delivery windows and avoid unnecessary fuel usage. Early Samsara data suggests a 15% reduction in the number of vehicles required for deliveries and a reduction of manual back-office routing time, turning routing into a competitive advantage.

● Commercial Navigation: Samsara can now overlay fleet-specific restrictions such as weight, height and hazmat directly onto standard digital maps to provide more accurate turn-by-turn directions. By combining this insight with information such as hours of service within the Samsara Driver App, drivers can access everything they need in a single location to remain compliant and on time.

“Samsara has made a significant impact on our operations, saving $7.75 million annually across our three fleets by helping us optimise planned versus actuals route improvements,“ said Andy Yearout, VP of Transportation & Logistics at Mohawk Industries. “With the new Route Planning capability, we expect to see a reduction in daily route planning time from hours to minutes.”

Asset Maintenance and Visibility

Vehicle maintenance violations comprise 60% of all US Department of Transportation offences, resulting in substantial financial penalties and costly vehicle downtime. To help minimise these disruptions, Samsara has introduced several new preventative maintenance features, including Vehicle Inspection, Fault Code Intelligence, Automated Work Orders and Level Monitoring.

● Vehicle Inspection: Now, drivers can simplify the vehicle inspection process by automatically converting inspection notes from voice to text. In turn, managers can ensure that reports are properly completed by viewing drivers’ walkaround paths, the duration of the inspection and quality of the report photos. To help maintain compliance, the platform triggers real-time alerts for missing vehicle inspections, monitors FMCSA data, reviews inspection result and violations and audits driver behaviour. This AI-powered functionality works in low-connectivity and loud environments and results in faster inspections and streamlined repairs and maintenance.
● Fault Code Intelligence and Automated Work Orders: This optimisation extends to the back office, where fleet administrators can view the Vehicle Inspections in a unified dashboard. Fault code intelligence automatically deciphers the codes and uses AI to create maintenance work orders. In addition, Samsara now offers AI invoice scanning to help quickly upload external vendor invoices into the platform, reducing administrative time and errors associated with manual entries.
● Level Monitoring: With level monitoring, organisations have near real-time visibility into levels across a wide range of tank types. This insight enables improved tank utilisation and the ability to optimise inventory.

“Physical operations organisations are at the forefront of adopting AI because it saves lives. It also drives a more efficient use of labour, fuel and energy savings, and higher utilisation of capital assets,” said Kiren Sekar, Chief Product Officer, Samsara. “With the rollout of Samsara’s new AI-powered solutions, we are giving physical operations leaders a real partner on both safety and efficiency.”

HappyRobot Integration

Continuing its commitment to bring cutting-edge AI to its customers, Samsara today announced a new partnership with HappyRobot, a pioneer in AI-powered voice solutions for the logistics sector. Samsara Ventures also announced an investment in HappyRobot to reflect our belief in its vision and the transformative potential of agentic AI.

HappyRobot offers truly human-like agentic AI to automate communications via phone, email and text to boost efficiency and improve customer satisfaction. Organisations can use agents to automatically call drivers or customers to notify them of shift details or order status, to navigate phone trees, negotiate contracts with freight brokers and even for screening, hiring and onboarding.

HappyRobot users are automating more than 20 million conversations annually, reducing call times by half and cutting operational costs by a third. Existing Samsara customers like Werner are seeing tremendous value from HappyRobot’s technology.

similar news

AI-powered Transport Operations Platform Upgraded

 

Subscribe

Get notified about New Episodes of our Podcast, New Magazine Issues and stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter.