Subscribe

Day: 8 January 2026

Fleet expansion supports men’s mental health charity

Posted on by Will Priestman

McCann Logistics has strengthened its UK fleet with 12 new Renault Trucks T High 480 6×2 TML Turbo Compound tractor units, marking the company’s first-ever move to the Renault Trucks brand. Two of the vehicles will feature ANDYSMANCLUB’s “It’s okay to talk” message, reinforcing McCann’s support for the men’s mental health charity.

The Immingham-based operator chose the T High after a competitive tender process, praising Renault Trucks and local dealer Thompson Commercials for their driver-focused approach, responsive service, and strong whole-life cost proposition. “From day one, Thompson Commercials listened,” said Mark Brighton, General Manager at McCann Logistics. “They delivered everything we asked for – from driver comfort to a maintenance programme we could trust.”

Powered by Renault Trucks’ DE13 Turbo Compound 480hp engine, the new trucks are designed for long-distance haulage and feature fuel-saving technologies such as Optivision map-based gear shifting and Smart Torque Control. The high-cab units have been customised with rear lockers, microwaves, and inverters for driver comfort, following trials and feedback from McCann’s drivers.

McCann, part of the Brickability Group, operates more than 180 trailers and a 12-vehicle UK truck fleet, serving construction and industrial customers nationwide. The new Renaults will each cover around 1,400 miles per week, supporting both group and third-party deliveries.

The partnership with ANDYSMANCLUB began at a local Armed Forces Day event. Two of the new trucks will carry the charity’s branding, including a personal tribute to a McCann driver’s late son, Sean Dawson. Brighton added: “Supporting AMC is incredibly important to us. If even one man decides to attend a support group because they saw one of our vehicles, then it’s worth everything.”

Sean Gill, Regional Lead at ANDYSMANCLUB, said: “Every journey they make takes our message into towns, villages, and workplaces we may never physically reach. McCann Logistics aren’t just supporting a charity; they’re helping carry hope, connection, and support to men who might be one moment away from needing it.”

Thompson Commercials will maintain the fleet and provide ongoing driver support. Keith Ottley, Sales Projects Manager, commented: “We are delighted McCann has chosen Renault Trucks and proud to support the vital work of ANDYSMANCLUB through this fleet.”

Report calls for radical UK supply chain reforms

Posted on by Will Priestman

The UK government must adopt a bold, coherent supply chain strategy to address urgent economic and geopolitical vulnerabilities, according to a new briefing paper published by Ti Insight and the Foundation for Future Supply Chain.

The paper, titled Changing Course: a new direction for the UK in a ‘post-global’ world, warns that the UK’s reliance on globalised supply chains has left it exposed to shocks from pandemics, geopolitical tensions, and international transport disruptions. It calls for a policy of “Strategic Autonomy” that would not only strengthen the country’s resilience but also stimulate economic growth.

Professor John Manners-Bell, the report’s author, stresses that supply chains are no longer obscure business processes – they underpin modern life, influence public policy, and enable the delivery of essential services. He highlights that past government policies have created dependencies on “strategic adversaries,” particularly for critical products and materials sourced from countries such as China, and left the UK ill-prepared to respond to crises.

The paper sets out ten broad recommendations, including diversifying critical supply sources, forging trade deals with friendly nations, and strengthening protection of trade lanes through enhanced naval capabilities. It also calls for urgent re-industrialisation of the UK economy to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign markets, alongside smarter investment in transport infrastructure and development of the circular economy to recycle critical materials. Other priorities include digital security, workforce training for an AI- and automation-driven future, reforming government policy-making to address fragmented approaches, and encouraging environmentally friendly domestic production through “green-shoring.”

Professor Manners-Bell warns that supply chains are increasingly “weaponised,” with countries using raw materials, energy, and manufacturing capabilities as political leverage.

Without shrewd and careful planning, there is a significant risk that the UK becomes a virtual client-state, accepting the role of rule-taker in a hostile world. Radical action by politicians is required if this outcome is to be avoided,

Professor Manners-Bell said.

The report concludes that growth and resilience are not mutually exclusive. By addressing vulnerabilities, the UK can create new economic opportunities while safeguarding its supply chains against future shocks.

Logistics in 2026: Technology Trials to Execution

Posted on by Will Priestman

A Year Focused on Delivery, Not Experimentation

As the logistics sector moves into 2026, the emphasis is shifting decisively from experimentation to execution. After several years of pilot projects and reactive investment, operators are now focused on deploying technology in ways that deliver measurable, long-term operational value. Labour availability, customer service expectations and sustainability targets are all shaping priorities this year – with integration and scalability emerging as defining themes.

Automation Moves from Pilots to Core Operations

A key trend for 2026 is the move away from isolated automation projects towards connected, enterprise-level systems. Warehouses that once trialled individual robots or conveyor lines are now scaling these technologies across entire operations. Yusen Logistics’ Northampton distribution centre, where more than 165 Geek+ shelf-to-person robots are in operation, demonstrates how automation is becoming business-critical rather than experimental. A similar approach can be seen at THG Fulfil’s Warrington facility, where goods-to-person robotics are supporting growing e-commerce volumes while maintaining service levels and accuracy.

AI and Data Drive Faster, Smarter Decisions

Alongside physical automation, 2026 is shaping up to be a year in which AI-driven decision-making becomes standard practice. Traditional WMS platforms are no longer sufficient on their own. Logistics leaders are increasingly turning to AI and advanced analytics to predict bottlenecks, optimise resources and respond faster to disruption. Insights shared on our podcast by CargoON highlight how AI is being used to connect data across the supply chain – turning information into actionable intelligence rather than retrospective reporting. In parallel, Dexory’s warehouse intelligence platform is helping operators move from reactive problem-solving to real-time operational control.

Integrated Automation Architectures Take Shape

Another defining trend this year is the growing focus on fully integrated automation architectures. Rather than deploying technology in silos, logistics operators are combining robotics, AS/RS, conveyors and execution software into cohesive systems. Portwest’s automated storage and retrieval installation with Daifuku at its Barnsley distribution centre is a strong example, delivering significant capacity and throughput gains. In the healthcare sector, Phoenix Healthcare Distribution’s Pack2Patient solution from KNAPP shows how tailored automation can meet the demands of high-volume, highly regulated logistics environments.

Automation as Workforce Support, Not Replacement

Automation in 2026 is increasingly viewed as a way to support people, not replace them. Many projects featured on LogisticsBusiness.com show technology being used to reduce physical strain, improve safety and allow staff to focus on higher-value tasks. This human-centric approach is becoming a critical factor in tackling long-standing labour challenges across warehousing and fulfilment.

Sustainability Moves into Everyday Operations

Sustainability is also moving from ambition to action. With pressure mounting from customers and regulators, logistics companies are embedding sustainability into day-to-day operations. Energy-efficient warehouses, smarter use of existing space and optimised workflows are all playing a role. Discussions on our podcast with MiTek, in the episode Building the Future: The Role of Mezzanines in Automated Warehouse Design, underline how infrastructure decisions can support both automation and sustainability goals by maximising capacity within existing buildings rather than relying on new construction.

Outlook for 2026

Looking ahead, 2026 is likely to reward logistics organisations that prioritise integration over isolated technologies, data-driven decision-making over instinct, and long-term partnerships over short-term fixes. The examples already emerging across the sector suggest the year ahead will be less about adopting new tools – and more about deploying the right ones, in the right way, to build resilient, efficient and future-ready supply chains.

Subscribe

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