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Day: 13 May 2026

Driver of the Year Awards in Manchester

Posted on by David Priestman

Christopher Sullivan of Aldi has been named as the 2026 Microlise Driver of the Year at a glittering awards ceremony at Manchester’s Co-op Live. Held alongside the Microlise Transport Conference, the awards recognises HGV drivers across the country for their exceptional performance, professionalism and dedication.

Logistics firms in attendance included major UK supermarkets such as Tesco, Waitrose, Co-op and Sainsbury’s, as well as specialist road haulage firms including GXO, Gist and Maritime. In addition to the ultimate prize on the evening, Sullivan also took the title of Long Distance Driver of the Year, part of the data awards category determined by anonymised driver data gathered via Microlise’s in-vehicle technology.

From a pool of more than 200,000 drivers, these awards showcase the best drivers in the business with drivers grouped by short, medium and long distance, plus a separate award recognising the Most Compliant Driver of the Year and an award celebrating the overall Operator of the Year.

Elsewhere, drivers nominated by their peers were recognised across several additional categories, including Rookie Driver, Commitment to Improve, Extra Mile, Outstanding Driver Mentor and Driver Hero. The Lifetime Achievement award was also presented on the night to Graham Whitby of Matthew Clark, recognising a career spent delivering outstanding service behind the wheel.

Commenting on the awards ceremony, Microlise CEO Nadeem Raza said: “The Driver of the Year awards is our annual celebration of all that is good in the road haulage industry, and we are delighted for Christopher and his thoroughly well-deserved success.

“Research from the Road Haulage Association has estimated that more than 200,000 new drivers will be needed over the next five years. It is therefore our privilege to highlight what a dynamic sector road transport logistics is and to promote the importance of bringing new drivers into the industry. It is vital that we recognise the extremely talented individuals working as drivers who deserve the plaudits for the great work they are doing so early in their careers,” he added.

SIL Barcelona to Showcase Innovations & Startups

Posted on by David Priestman

SIL Barcelona, the leading Iberian trade fair for logistics, transport, intralogistics and supply chain management organised by the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona (CZFB), will become from 3 to 5 June the main showcase for the latest innovations applied to the logistics sector. This will be achieved through the more than 160 new developments that participating companies will present on site at the 28th edition of the fair, as well as through the participation of nearly 80 startups showcasing all kinds of solutions aimed at addressing the technological, sustainability, energy and talent challenges facing the logistics industry.

Air logistics using drones in airport and urban environments, artificial vision systems on cranes for ship loading, fully electric loading docks, energy communities and smart grids in logistics parks, 100% recyclable agricultural fibre pallets, customised charging points for electric vehicles, automated measurement systems for bulky goods, conversational Artificial Intelligence for logistics decision-making, and AI applied to human capital transformation to ensure generational renewal in road transport, are among the solutions that can be found at this year’s fair.

In the words of Pere Navarro, Executive Chairman of the CZFB and President of SIL Barcelona:

“these are just some examples of the more than 160 innovations that will be presented over the three days of SIL Barcelona. In this edition, the countless applications of Artificial Intelligence in the logistics sector will undoubtedly stand out, but also other types of technological, sustainable and energy efficient solutions, which are increasingly being seen in logistics environments.”

All these innovations will be eligible for the SIL 2026 Best Innovation Award, which will be presented during the fair. The jury will be made up of journalists from specialised logistics and transport media.

Investor Day

Meanwhile, close to 80 startups will present their innovative solutions applied to the logistics sector at SIL Barcelona. These emerging companies will be located in the Startup Meeting Area, where they will be able to share their solutions with exhibitors and visitors. This space will be located next to the stand of the Logistics 4.0 Incubator, promoted by the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona, in collaboration with the Incyde Foundation. The 21 selected startups will have the opportunity to present their projects in a pitch format to a specialised audience and will be eligible for the Best SIL 2026 Startup Award.

Blanca Sorigué, General Director of the CZFB and of SIL Barcelona, points out that:

“startups are gaining increasing acceptance among logistics-consuming companies. At least, this is what has been expressed by the directors of these visiting companies at SIL Barcelona who took part in the Barometer of the Círculo Logístico. 66.4% of these professionals view positively the possibility of hiring or outsourcing services to startups specialised in logistics. In fact, 26.2% already collaborate with one of them, a figure that surpasses the 24.8% who stated they did so last year. At SIL Barcelona, they will have the opportunity to discover new solutions that may fit into their projects”.

As a new feature of this edition, the pitches will take place as part of the Investor Day, an event that will bring together the main players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem to foster innovation and collaboration opportunities. The programme will kick off with an investor session analysing trends, investment criteria and market challenges, followed by the presentation of the projects. The finalist startups competing for the award are: Beyond Reality AR, Bluepoint AI, ControlT, Ddigital Warehouse, Dronomy, DS4T, Elevenais, Greenpath Logistics, IA Drivers, IberMove, Kamport, Logistics WMS, MAR Technologies 5.0, Methanol Reformer, Multidepot, Netretina AI, OrbisLinks, Signos IoT, Tennders, Urkolitics and Vanguard Technology & Innovation. Finally, the closing ceremony will be held, during which the award will be presented.

Heavy Weight Express for Shipments up to 3000kg

Posted on by David Priestman

DHL Express today announced the worldwide expansion of its ‘Time Definite International’ portfolio with the introduction of Heavy Weight Express (HWX), an express air solution for shipments up to 1,000 kilograms per piece and 3,000 kilograms per shipment. With this launch, DHL Express strengthens its role as a leading global integrator capable of moving heavyweight cargo with express speed and reliability across more than 220 countries and territories, supported by a dedicated aviation and ground network that ensures stable uplift, predictable transit times, and globally consistent handling standards.

Heavy Weight Express is designed to meet the needs of industries where shipment reliability and timing are critical business drivers. The service integrates fast, time-definite delivery with full end-to-end control, proactive monitoring, and transparent all-in pricing that eliminates the rate volatility and cost uncertainties associated with other areas of freight. Customers benefit from guaranteed express transit times, comprehensive shipment visibility at every stage, and DHL’s uncompromising operational standards, including stringent handling procedures for shock-sensitive, high-value, or regulated goods.

DHL Express CEO John Pearson said:

“Heavy Weight Express represents a strategically important step for our business, expanding the value that DHL Express brings to global supply chains. As industries face rising volatility, increasingly complex production cycles, and significant financial exposure from delays and supply chain disruption, our ability to offer express-level speed, access to capacity and higher reliability for shipments up to 3,000 kilograms fundamentally changes the service levels that customers can expect from their logistics provider.”

The introduction of HWX is supported by the introduction of dedicated Heavy Weight Priority Desks around the world. These specialized teams are responsible for proactive tracking, early exception detection, real-time intervention, and direct communication with customers to ensure uninterrupted shipment flow. Each heavyweight shipment receives dedicated case ownership, giving customers predictability and personal attention often associated with smaller or specialist logistics providers, but with the additional advantage of DHL’s global integrator infrastructure, standardized processes, and 24/7 operational control.

The solution directly addresses six critical heavyweight use cases observed across global industries: avoiding production downtime, managing program and product launches with immovable timelines, optimizing working capital by reducing inventory buffers, supporting procurement-driven large-scale shipping environments, complying with stringent special handling requirements, and stabilizing complex multi-site supply chains. These use cases are especially prominent in the technology sector, automotive manufacturing, engineering and machinery, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and the oil and gas and energy sectors – industries where even small delays can result in severe financial impacts.

Reducing shippers’ dependence on fluctuating airline capacity and removing the cost variability of add-on fees and handling surcharges, HWX offers customers the stability of a single carrier from pickup to delivery. DHL Express manages its own aircraft fleet, hubs, gateways, customs operations, and last-mile delivery — providing customers with predictability even during periods of global disruption or limited air capacity.

New Distribution Centre and AutoStore Solution

Posted on by David Priestman

Bleckmann has officially opened a new distribution centre in Roosendaal, the Netherlands. As part of its continued investment in innovation and growth, the facility also marks the ‘go-live’ of a new automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS), the integrated AutoStore solution with automated packing.

The expansion underlines Bleckmann’s commitment to building future-ready logistics hubs across Europe, while addressing labour scarcity and meeting the growing demand for faster, more efficient fulfilment.

Less space, more speed

The newly launched AutoStore system provides a streamlined alternative to traditional rack storage, using up to seven times less space while dramatically increasing storage capacity. This enables more SKUs (from multiple customers) to be stored simultaneously and reduces the risk of stock shortages.

Items are retrieved by radio-controlled robots, eliminating manual picking and significantly accelerating processing. “From the moment a product enters the AutoStore until it leaves the warehouse in a carton, it will have only been touched by a single pair of hands”, explained Mark de Graaf, project manager at Bleckmann. “This reduces the time between order receipt and dispatch by up to 60%.”

An integrated, scalable solution

The Roosendaal site features not only AutoStore, but also an advanced conveyor system, carton erectors, and an autonomous packing line with carton height reduction. This integrated solution allows Bleckmann’s clients to benefit from later cut-off times for next-day delivery, intelligent demand forecasting, and faster dispatch of top-selling items during peak periods. “The AutoStore system is designed with flexibility in mind”, said Kevin Paindeville, director warehouse solutions and innovation at Bleckmann. “We can start with a basic set-up and expand it quickly when clients need extra capacity – for example, during Black Friday – without disrupting operations.”

Lights-out logistics and sustainability gains

The AutoStore technology also contributes to sustainability. Ten robots consume the same amount of energy as a household vacuum cleaner, and they can operate in the dark, enabling additional energy savings. The system also minimises picking errors, improving overall quality and efficiency.

A milestone in growth strategy

With the opening of the new Roosendaal DC, Bleckmann strengthens its position as a leading logistics partner in Europe. “We are proud to open this new facility in Roosendaal and bring the AutoStore solution to life here”, concluded Kevin. “This is a milestone in our automation and growth strategy enabling us to make fulfilment safer, greener, and faster for our clients and their customers.”

Bale Arm Crates Maximise Space

Posted on by David Priestman

goplasticpallets has expanded a large range of high-quality plastic crates and boxes with the launch of two new bale arm crates, designed to help retailers and fulfilment centres optimise their supply chains and maximise storage space across their facilities. The additions – the largest bale arm crates in the company’s portfolio – provide customers with greater choice as they seek innovative handling solutions for bulkier goods.

The new GoMaxi 64300 bale arm crates are available in both perforated (GoMaxi 64300P) and solid wall (GoMaxi 64300S) versions. Measuring 600mm x 400mm x 300mm, both crates have a volume of 58 litres and are manufactured from durable polypropylene in a vibrant blue, with a 100% recycled material option also available. Designed for robust day-to-day use, each unit has a maximum carrying capacity of 20kg, making them suitable for a wide range of storage, handling and distribution applications.

These two new products are the deepest and largest bale arm crates currently available on the market, making them ideal for handling bulkier items. Despite their generous capacity, they offer significant space-saving benefits. When not in use, the units can be nested within one another, reducing required storage space by up to 80% on the warehouse floor and during return journeys, compared to traditional stacking containers. This not only improves operational efficiency but also helps to lower transport costs and reduce carbon emissions across the supply chain.

With its perforated design, the GoMaxi 64300P enables increased airflow, making it particularly well-suited for food processing operations and retailers handling fresh produce, as well as for in-store applications. In contrast, the GoMaxi 64300S features solid walls that provide enhanced protection for goods, making it an ideal solution for fulfilment centres storing and distributing larger or more sensitive items.

The new crates are manufactured by Gamma-Wopla and exclusively available to the UK market via goplasticpallets.com.

Dan Starnes, Sales Director at goplasticpallets.com, said: “We have worked closely alongside Gamma-Wopla for many years and we are excited to exclusively offer these two fantastic products to the UK market. We are always delighted to offer our customers access to high-quality, innovative solutions that address real operational challenges.

“These new GoMaxi crates provide a genuine new option for supply chain managers handling larger or bulkier items, helping to optimise storage, improve handling efficiency, and make better use of available space across their facilities. This is absolutely crucial as the cost of warehouse space increases. We are seeing growing demand for bale arm crates, folding large containers and sleeve packs, and we will continue to expand our range to support our customers with practical, space-saving solutions.”

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