New Freight Partnership Set to Transform UK–Portugal Logistics

Two European independent freight forwarding companies have partnered to combine strengths, expertise and local market knowledge to deliver enhanced transport and logistics services in the trade between the UK and Portugal.

Davies Turner and the Torrestir Group are now working together to enhance their established import and export services to offer operational efficiency across the supply chain. 

This will be delivered via improved connectivity, increased capacity, and faster transit times, strengthening logistics support for businesses trading between both countries.

Overland trailer services will offer multiple weekly departures in both directions, connecting Torrestir’s logistics hubs in Lisbon and Porto with direct links to five of Davies Turner’s UK regional hubs: London, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, and Glasgow.

The services will offer full load, part load, and express options, using curtainsider and box trailer vehicles according to cargo requirements.

In both countries, Customs clearance on arrival will be available at each company’s customs bonded warehouses or at the border for northbound traffic using Davies Turner’s Smart Border service.

To date, Torrestir’s northbound shipments have utilised a centralised model with a single entry hub in London.  Moving to a network of direct connections with five of Davies Turner’s UK freight hubs will enhance responsiveness and strengthen proximity with customers and partners.

This transformation will raise our service standards in groupage and open new opportunities in the LTL market… Together with our partner, we are expanding into the ADR market for the carriage of dangerous and hazardous goods by road.

said Hélder Silva, managing director of Torrestir Transitários.

This represents a significant opportunity, particularly in imports, and aligns with our strategy for growth and innovation.

The partnership reinforces Davies Turner’s long-standing presence across the Iberian Peninsula. Torrestir already serves as a key partner to Salvat Logistics, Davies Turner’s long-term Spanish agent, creating a seamlessly connected and highly aligned service network across both Portugal and Spain.

This partnership with Torrestir reflects our commitment to continued investment in high-quality, reliable European logistics solutions… By partnering with a well-established and reputable independent forwarder, we are reinforcing our commitment to service excellence and delivering seamless freight solutions for our customers.

said Jason Edwards, director of Davies Turner & Co.

Luís Torres, CEO of the Torrestir Group, added:

At Torrestir, we believe the best partnerships are built on shared values and a common vision of the future. Davies Turner embodies that same philosophy — a family business with tradition, rigour, and a focus on service quality. Together, we are strengthening our international presence and our ability to provide logistics solutions that are more efficient, and more sustainable.

Partnership to Enhance Fleet Risk Management

Samsara Inc. and Allianz UK have signed a strategic partnership to make cutting-edge risk management technology more accessible to a broader range of UK fleets. This strategic partnership provides Allianz-insured commercial customers with preferred access to Samsara’s award-winning AI dual-facing dash cams and connected operations platform. Allianz UK’s Motor Fleet policyholders can access exclusive discounts on Samsara’s technology through a referral programme. The initiative is designed to help more fleets leverage data-driven insights to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

Gerry Ross, Head of Motor Fleet at Allianz UK, commented,

“The strategic partnership between Allianz UK and Samsara was established to address the growing need for advanced risk management solutions to our policyholders. We’re committed to offering innovative and effective solutions that help protect our customers by leveraging cutting-edge AI technology which can help our customers to proactively identify and positively impact their fleet risk.”

Samsara’s platform has already yielded tangible benefits for a number of joint customers, including Vp Brandon Hire Station, who are successfully using the technology to improve fleet performance and reduce risk. The platform provides a holistic view of operations, enabling fleet managers to:


• Improve Safety: Use AI-powered incident detection and real-time in-cab coaching to proactively reduce risky driving behaviours.
• Boost Efficiency: Plan routes to optimise fuel consumption, and streamline workflows to lower operational costs.
• Enhance Sustainability: Track emissions and support the transition to electric vehicles (EVs).


Antony Draper, Director of HSEQ at Vp Brandon Hire Station, commented, “Implementing the Samsara platform has been a game-changer for our fleet’s safety and efficiency. We’ve seen a remarkable 40% reduction in accident-related costs, which has directly and positively impacted our bottom line. Our relationship with Allianz has been incredibly beneficial; they recognise and value the demonstrable risk mitigation that Samsara’s technology provides.


“This has allowed us to not only improve our safety standards but also to reduce the cost of insurance and doing business — a powerful competitive advantage in today’s market. With trusted data from Samsara, our proactive approach to safety and risk management is delivering tangible financial benefits that are acknowledged and supported by our key partners like Allianz UK.”

Jack Burton, EMEA Partnerships Manager at Samsara, added: “This strategic partnership with Allianz marks a significant milestone in our commitment to revolutionising fleet insurance. We’ve seen first-hand how our connected operations technology empowers fleets to gain deeper insights into their operations, enabling them to improve safety and mitigate risks. Our shared success with Allianz is built on a foundation of trust and a mutual commitment to empowering our customers with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving landscape. Together, we’re helping fleets make proactive decisions that not only protect their assets but also drive tangible returns on investment.”


To support the relationship, both Samsara and Allianz UK are conducting regional enablement sessions across the UK, ensuring teams are equipped to articulate the value of Samsara’s offerings. The collaboration underscores both companies’ shared commitment to innovation, customer success, and providing proactive, data-driven solutions that redefine fleet risk management.

PODCAST: Boosting Warehouse Throughput with Automation & WMS

In the latest episode of Logistics Business Conversations, hosted by Peter MacLeod, Konecranes unveils its Agilon product. Stephen Grundy, Agilon Business Development Manager, shares insights into how Konecranes has transitioned from traditional crane products to cutting-edge automation solutions. The Agilon system is designed to enhance warehouse efficiency, reduce inventory loss, and optimize space utilization. Developed and manufactured in Finland, Agilon addresses key industry challenges, including labor shortages, and offers strategic value across various sectors such as automotive and pharmaceutical. With a focus on sustainable growth and strategic partnerships, Konecranes continues to lead the way in warehouse innovation. Discover how Agilon’s unique features set it apart from competitors and provide a reliable return on investment.

Key Highlights:

Expansion from crane products to automation Agilon’s efficiency and inventory management benefits Addressing labor shortages in logistics Strategic value in space utilization and cost savings Unique features and sustainable growth ambitions

For more insights, listen to the full episode and explore how Konecranes is transforming the logistics industry.

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