23 September, 2025

Advanced Sorting Solution for Johannesburg DC

Posted on 23 September, 202525 September, 2025 by David Priestman

City Logistics, a logistics partner in South Africa, have selected automation and software supplier FORTNA, to design and implement a new state-of-the-art material handling and sorting system at its Johannesburg distribution centre. The solution is designed to significantly boost speed, accuracy and productivity.

With a robust distribution network across the Southern African region and strong partnerships with leading retail brands, City Logistics continues to invest in infrastructure to meet increasing customer expectations and market demands. Efficient sorting and shipping operations are central to the City Logistics service model, and the new system will enable them to scale their capabilities with confidence.
The FORTNA solution is designed for high-speed, high-volume environments, empowering City Logistics to optimize its parcel operations. The automation system will not only boost throughput and efficiency but will also ensure accuracy and reliability in every delivery.

Capable of handling both standard parcels and non-conveyables — items traditionally difficult to automate — the system will reduce manual touchpoints while ensuring full item traceability throughout the process.

“We selected FORTNA after a robust review process of several solutions. Factors that we considered were the overall solution design, experience in retail logistics, which is core to City Logistics’ strategy, and global experience successfully implementing large-scale sortation projects. Our team is looking forward to working with FORTNA on this project,” says Ryan Gaines CEO, City Logistics.

“This solution enhances performance and drives operational efficiency, supporting City Logistics’ position as a trusted logistics partner for leading brands across the region,” says Thomas van Workum, President, International at FORTNA. “In a competitive and evolving landscape, adopting robust and future-proof technology is essential to staying ahead.”

Leveraging global expertise and deep regional insight, FORTNA will also provide comprehensive after-sales support to ensure continuous system uptime and sustained long-term performance. With a strong local presence, the company aims to be a trusted partner, bringing the capacity, expertise, and end-to-end solutions that help customers.

Hauliers Urged to Stay Focused on ICS2 Customs

Posted on 23 September, 202523 September, 2025 by David Priestman

Hauliers should not become complacent about Import Control System 2 (ICS2) Phase 3, despite many EU members delaying the introduction of the cargo information system, according to Colin Robb, Head of Operations & Sales at Derry Bros. He warns that the latest postponements have resulted in a fragmented implementation for road freight, which has caused confusion in the cross-border freight marketplace and left many road-based operators unprepared for the changes.

“There is certainly some nervousness about how best to tackle the new requirements, and latest delays have only added to the uncertainty,” explains Robb. “We now have a situation where compliance is still mandatory for some EU countries, while others are waiting for the end of 2025. However, a wait and see approach is not an option, so hauliers need to adapt their IT systems, update shipping processes, and train teams to handle the changes.”

ICS2 is an EU customs initiative to enhance border security for goods entering the EU, Switzerland, and Norway that has undergone a phased rollout since 2021. The focus of ICS2 is on earlier and more comprehensive data submission, enhanced risk assessment, and shared responsibility with customers and partners. It is designed to improve supply chain visibility, facilitate faster risk assessment and clearance, and support early and coordinated intervention for unsafe goods.

“It will be crucial for hauliers to get to grips with the ICS2 requirements, because failure to comply is expected to lead to stricter fines and penalties, as well as refused entry of goods and delays at EU borders. We are offering guidance and support to help operators adapt customs processes or software integrations, so they can avoid any supply chain disruption,” adds Robb.

In addition, Derry Bros new self-service customs solution, SelfClear, can also generates Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) for ICS2 and the company has introduced an AI assistant that simplifies error messaging and then provides options to rectify the issue. The tool has been developed to simplify customs requirements for the movement of goods across UK and EU borders, which is helping users to mitigate administrative issues and avoid non-compliance.

Derry Bros has more than 60 years of experience in the freight and logistics industry, serving the UK, EU and beyond. With a comprehensive range of managed booking, customs and consultancy services, it is helping businesses to navigate some of the most complex challenges facing cross-border trade and transport. The company’s success and proven track record is underpinned by award-winning technology systems, developed in-house, including the all-in-one digital customs solution, Digicom.

Freight Forwarders Pro Gatwick Second Runway

Posted on 23 September, 202525 September, 2025 by David Priestman

Gatwick’s second runway project is a £2.2 billion privately financed scheme that will see the airport’s existing standby runway shifted 12 metres north, enabling it to operate alongside the main runway for the first time. Alongside this change, the plans include new taxiways, expanded terminal facilities, and improvements to road and rail access, as well as noise and environmental mitigation measures.

The development is expected to transform Gatwick’s capacity, adding around 100,000 flights a year and increasing annual passenger numbers from around 45 million to 75 million by the late 2030s. For the freight community, cargo volumes are forecast to more than double, growing from approximately 150,000 tonnes in recent years to as much as 350,000 tonnes by 2047. This is seen as a major boost to the reliability and competitiveness of Gatwick as a hub for bellyhold cargo.

The British International Freight Association welcomes the news that London Gatwick Airport’s £2.2 billion second runway project has secured government approval.

This is another important step in the planning process, but BIFA notes that the project could be delayed if the Gatwick scheme is subject to a judicial review. Steve Parker, BIFA director general said:

“The airport has become an increasingly important hub for air cargo and volumes are expected to climb sharply once the second runway is operational. Hopefully, the additional runway capacity will strengthen the airport’s position as a critical gateway for time-sensitive goods that move via aircraft.”

Second Opinion

Alun Cornish, Managing Director Ramp and Gateways at FedEx Europe, told us:

“We welcome the Transport Secretary’s support for Gatwick’s expansion, we’ve seen first-hand how vital air cargo is to Britain’s growth – helping businesses in the South East expand overseas and tap into global markets. Air connectivity isn’t just a convenience; it’s the backbone of international trade and economic strength.”

“We support appropriate airport expansion to deliver economic growth to the UK, but to unlock its full potential, cargo growth must remain a priority alongside passenger flights. Air freight is critical to modern supply chains and Britain’s global standing. Policymakers must act to ensure the UK remains a trading powerhouse. We look forward to what the future holds.”

Stewart Wingate, VINCI Airports Managing Director for United Kingdom said:

“After a lengthy and rigorous planning process, we welcome the Government’s approval of plans to bring our Northern Runway into routine use, ahead of the expected deadline.

This is another important gateway in the planning process for this £2.2bn investment, which is fully funded by our shareholders and will unlock significant growth, tourism and trade benefits for London Gatwick and the UK and create thousands of jobs.

As we’ve said previously, it is essential that any planning conditions enable us to realise the full benefits of the project and do not impose unnecessary constraints that make it uneconomic to invest in. We now need to carefully examine the details of the planning consent. Once we have done that, we will be able to comment further.”

Strategically, Gatwick’s progress comes at a time when Heathrow’s long-debated third runway remains stalled. By moving ahead, Gatwick positions itself as the more realistic expansion option in the South East, offering a vital additional gateway for both passengers and freight in a region critical to UK logistics.

Second Opinion

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