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Month: July 2026

Next-generation high-speed doors make UK debut

Posted on by Will Priestman

As logistics operators continue to look for ways to improve energy efficiency while maintaining fast-moving operations, warehouse infrastructure is increasingly becoming a focus for investment. A recent project at PRL Logistics’ Rotherham distribution facility has seen the first UK installation of a new generation of high-speed industrial doors, alongside wider upgrades designed to improve traffic flow, climate control and fire safety.

ASSA ABLOY has supplied and installed a comprehensive range of industrial door types for PRL Logistics, a logistics services provider for leading supermarkets.

Having previously supported PRL Logistics at their Premier Park site in Doncaster, ASSA ABLOY worked with contractor Fit Out UK to improve a high-traffic zone within the Rotherham facility, delivering the UK’s very first installation of the next-generation ASSA ABLOY RT1000 spiral high-speed doors. This landmark upgrade, alongside doors for their new extension, has successfully bridged the gap between maximising operational speed and climate control.

Philip Whiteley, High Speed Doors and Docking Sales Manager at ASSA ABLOY explains:

PRL Logistics operate in a fast-paced environment, moving goods, counters and fridges for major supermarkets. With two buildings including an extension on-site, it is imperative staff can move between buildings efficiently and safely. Our range of rigid high-speed doors offers the perfect hybrid solution, providing high-speed performance and security for the external building envelope.

Supplying for the extension first, ASSA ABLOY installed four Crawford OH1042S fast overhead sectional doors, providing efficient and reliable level access between internal and external areas. Operating faster than a standard sectional door, they help to reduce waiting times and improve traffic flow, particularly in areas with regular movement of pedestrians and material handling equipment such as pallet trucks and forklifts. Designed for frequent daily use, the doors deliver dependable performance while supporting smooth and safe movement through a busy logistics environment.

Alongside these solutions, a key element of the installation was a geared drive fire shutter, designed to provide essential fire protection within the building layout. Positioned centrally within the transition area and flanked by insulated roller shutters, the system plays a critical role in compartmentalising the space. In the event of a fire, it helps contain the spread of flames and smoke, protecting both personnel and assets.

Engineered for reliability, the geared system ensures controlled, fail-safe operation, automatically closing when triggered by the building’s fire alarm system—even during power loss. This allows the site to maintain high levels of safety compliance without impacting day-to-day operations. By integrating the fire shutter with the surrounding insulated roller shutters, ASSA ABLOY delivered a balanced solution that combines safety, regulatory compliance, and operational flexibility in a key working zone.

The older building previously had slow roller shutters, with staff leaving the shutters in the open position for speed and accessibility. Unfortunately, in the colder months, this meant the internal environment was exposed to the elements.

To address this challenge, ASSA ABLOY recommended the installation of four RT1000 spiral doors.

Marking the first installation of the new ASSA ABLOY RT1000 spiral doors in the UK, the high-performance design reportedly increases energy efficiency, security and durability in demanding industrial environments. Engineered for rapid operation and long service life, they state that the RT1000 is ideally suited to logistics, warehousing, manufacturing and car dealership environments seeking to enhance operational flow and reduce energy loss.

Operating at high speeds, the rigid aluminium door panels roll up into a circular “spiral” guide track at the top. Because the panels do not touch each other as they roll up, they open quickly, operate quietly, and experience very little wear and tear.

To further enhance operational efficiency and safety, the RT1000 doors at PRL Logistics are fully automated with radar activation on both sides, enabling hands-free opening and closing for smooth, uninterrupted traffic flow between the building and yard.

To connect the two buildings, ASSA ABLOY enhanced insulated roller shutters were installed. These doors act as a connecting gangway between the buildings while also forming a secure containment area. Because this area is not used frequently, high-speed doors were not required; instead, the insulated shutters provide a practical solution for storing plant and equipment, which can be easily accessed and moved into the main yard when required.

The project reflects the growing emphasis within the logistics sector on modernising warehouse infrastructure to improve efficiency, reduce energy loss and strengthen safety measures. As distribution centres handle increasing volumes of traffic, investments in high-performance access solutions are becoming an important part of maintaining productivity while meeting operational and environmental targets.

FastMove unveiled for long-distance pallet transport

Posted on by Will Priestman

As warehouses face mounting pressure to move higher volumes while improving efficiency and extending the life of existing automation, Swisslog has repositioned its long-established monorail technology under a new identity. The company says its newly branded FastMove system reflects an increased focus on helping operators boost throughput, reduce lifecycle costs and modernize existing intralogistics infrastructure without the need for wholesale replacement.

FastMove is a high-capacity electrified monorail system designed to move palletized goods efficiently across complex warehouse environments. Building on more than 40 years of proven Swisslog technology, this next-generation monorail solution enables companies to optimize material flow over long distances while maintaining high throughput and gentle handling of goods.

Driving high pallet throughput while maintaining flexibility

With enhanced throughput management, Swisslog strengthens its commitment to delivering measurable operational advantages. FastMove allows customers to significantly increase throughput, with transport speeds of up to 2 m/s and system capacities exceeding 600 pallets per hour. This high-performance capability helps operators meet growing demand and manage peak volumes more efficiently.

Compared to conventional conveyor-based transport systems, FastMove offers a more favorable cost position, particularly in applications requiring long transport distances or high throughput. Its ability to transport large volumes over extended distances with fewer system components contributes to reduced installation and operational costs, while also improving space utilization within the warehouse.

The system has been designed with flexibility and scalability at its core, allowing customers to adapt their intralogistics infrastructure as business requirements evolve. Its modular track design supports complex layouts and can be adjusted with minimal effort. Throughput scales simply by modifying the number of vehicles operating within the system, enabling a phased investment approach that aligns with business growth and demand fluctuations.

Extending service life: Upgrade packages for modernization

FastMove also offers clear advantages for existing operations. Its components are well suited for modernization and retrofit projects, enabling customers to upgrade performance and extend the service life of their intralogistics infrastructure without requiring a complete system replacement.

Current upgrades are applied primarily at the controls and software level, with mechatronic requirements addressed where needed, protecting existing investments while ensuring installations remain current and compliant.

The next product release, available by the end of 2026, is designed to meet the requirements under the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) and machinery regulations.

Designed for demanding environments and diverse industries

FastMove is engineered to perform reliably under a wide range of operating conditions. It operates in environments from deep-freeze temperatures of -30°C to ambient conditions of up to 50°C and handles loads of up to 1,500 kg, or up to 3,000 kg with twin-load configurations. These capabilities make it a versatile solution for the food and beverage, consumer goods, and retail sectors, where performance and robustness are non-negotiable.

Seamless integration with intelligent software

FastMove integrates into existing warehouse IT infrastructure through Swisslog’s SynQ software platform, enabling intelligent control of material flows and synchronization between automated and manual processes. Transparent, data-driven operations are supported throughout, meeting the growing demand for connected intralogistics solutions.

The relaunch comes as warehouse operators increasingly look to maximize the performance of existing assets while investing in automation that can scale with future demand. With growing pressure to improve throughput, resilience and regulatory compliance, technologies that combine modernization with long-term flexibility are expected to play an increasingly important role in the next generation of warehouse operations.

FastMove represents the next step in the evolution of monorail technology at Swisslog… By combining high performance with modular scalability and cost efficiency, we provide our customers with a future-ready solution that supports growth, modernization, and long-term operational excellence.

said Giovanni Franco, Product Manager, Pallet Transportation at Swisslog.

Cargo Volumes Surge Despite Global Disruption

Posted on by Will Priestman

Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and operational disruption, the air cargo sector continues to adapt to an increasingly complex trading environment. Airports and logistics hubs are balancing shifting freight flows, fluctuating belly capacity and evolving trade routes while investing in infrastructure to support long-term growth. Brussels Airport’s latest cargo figures reflect this trend, with freight volumes rising during the first half of 2026 despite the challenges facing the wider aviation and logistics industry.

Against this backdrop, Brussels Airport strengthened its cargo operations during the first half of 2026, supported by the continued expansion of its cargo network and wider international connectivity. The airport’s latest results reinforce its position as one of Europe’s leading logistics gateways.

The first half of the year was marked by several external events affecting the aviation and logistics industry, including industrial action and the conflict in the Middle East. The conflict disrupted air services to parts of the region and impacted belly cargo capacity, highlighting the wider challenges facing global supply chains.

Cargo volumes continue to grow, up 8.3%

During the first half of 2026, Brussels Airport handled nearly 420,000 tonnes of cargo, representing an increase of 8.3% compared to the same period in 2025. This performance confirms Brussels Airport’s position as one of Europe’s leading cargo gateways and highlights the resilience of its development model, built on diversifying both the goods transported and the markets served.

The increase was driven by growth across several cargo segments. Total flown cargo volumes rose by 7%, while the full freighter segment recorded growth of 16.7%. Trucked cargo volumes increased by 16.2%, reflecting continued demand for multimodal logistics solutions. Belly cargo posted a slight increase of 0.1%, although this segment remains the most affected by the conflict in the Middle East due to the suspension of certain routes and reduced frequencies to destinations across the region.

Growth in cargo volumes was supported by the continued expansion of the cargo network, alongside increased frequencies and higher volumes on existing routes. Brussels Airport also continues to invest in the modernisation and optimisation of its cargo zone to sustainably support growth and respond to the evolving needs of logistics operators and the wider supply chain industry.

June 2026: Cargo volumes continue their growth trajectory (+12.2%)

Total cargo volumes through Brussels Airport reached 70,895 tonnes in June, representing an increase of 12.2% compared to the same month last year. Flown cargo grew by 8%, driven in particular by continued growth in the full freighter segment (+16.5%), while trucked cargo volumes increased by 42.4%. After a slight decrease in May, belly cargo rose by 12.2%. Only the integrator segment recorded a slight decrease of 0.5%.

The main import regions remain Asia and North America, with North America recording the strongest growth. Africa saw a slight decline in imports. These three regions also remain the main export markets, with North America showing modest growth.

While overall commercial flight movements were broadly stable in June, cargo flight movements declined by 4.9%. Despite this, cargo throughput continued to increase, underlining the efficiency of existing operations and the ongoing demand for air freight services across the logistics industry.

Transport safety: don’t replace, but upgrade

Posted on by Will Priestman

As the freight and haulage sector continues to strengthen vehicle safety standards, Human Form Recognition (HFR) technology is becoming an increasingly important consideration for fleet operators seeking to reduce collision risks.

HGVs frequently operate in environments where pedestrians, cyclists, loading staff and customers are present, making blind spot management and driver support a critical challenge for operators.

Many transport businesses are now looking for practical ways to introduce Human Form Recognition technology without replacing existing camera systems across large fleets.

Jordan Marshall, Brigade’s UK marketing manager, says:

“Human Form Recognition is becoming an increasingly important consideration for operators looking to improve safety around vehicles and equipment… As the industry continues to strengthen its safety expectations, many operators are looking for practical ways to prepare for these evolving requirements without the disruption and cost of replacing entire camera systems… This is where Brigade’s new AI HFR Box comes in as a cost-effective, practical and sustainable solution for upgrading existing systems to HFR.

Brigade’s recently launched AI HFR Box enables fleets to upgrade existing safety camera systems with AI-powered Human Form Recognition technology, allowing operators to retain their current camera infrastructure while adding intelligent people detection capabilities.

This retrofit approach offers significant advantages for operators, particularly for those managing large numbers of vehicles already equipped with safety cameras.

By avoiding the need to remove and replace functioning hardware, businesses can reduce installation costs, minimise vehicle downtime and extend the lifespan of existing safety systems, helping support both financial and environmental objectives.

The approach also aligns with the industry’s growing focus on sustainability, circular economy principles and reducing unnecessary electronic waste across fleet operations.

Jordan continued:

The Brigade AI HFR Box provides a more cost-effective and sustainable route to introducing Human Form Recognition technology because it allows operators to upgrade existing safety cameras with AI capability rather than starting from scratch. That means less downtime, less waste and a more accessible way for fleets to improve safety standards across their operations.

The system uses AI-powered analysis to identify human forms around vehicles and provide real-time visual and audible alerts to drivers, helping reduce the risk of collisions in high-risk environments where visibility can often be limited.

Designed for demanding operational conditions, the system supports drivers where interactions between vehicles and pedestrians are common.

As the industry continues to prioritise safety, retrofit Human Form Recognition technology is expected to become an increasingly valuable tool for helping future-proof fleets while supporting both safety and sustainability targets.

Warehouse Gamification Platform Finds New Home

Posted on by Will Priestman

As warehouses become increasingly automated, logistics businesses are recognising that technology alone is not enough to maximise operational performance. With labour shortages, rising customer expectations and pressure to improve productivity, many organisations are investing in digital tools that not only optimise processes but also enhance workforce engagement. Gamification and real-time performance insights are emerging as effective ways to motivate frontline employees while improving warehouse efficiency.

Infios is the latest company to invest in this approach, announcing that vaibe will join its suite of Intelligent Supply Chain Execution solutions. The gamification platform is designed for warehouse environments, using game mechanics to increase frontline engagement, motivation and productivity while strengthening the Infios portfolio with workforce performance capabilities.

Originally developed through Körber’s internal digital innovation process, vaibe has evolved into a differentiated solution that addresses the critical human dimension of supply chain operations. Now joining Infios—a joint venture of global technology company Körber and global investment firm KKR—vaibe further strengthens the company’s ability to deliver measurable improvements in both workforce engagement and operational productivity.

Vaibe brings a highly practical dimension to how we think about performance in the warehouse… It strengthens our ability to connect system intelligence with day-to-day execution, helping customers drive better outcomes not just through technology, but through how work actually happens.

said Eugene Amigud, Chief Innovation Officer at Infios.

From a technology perspective, vaibe was designed to integrate seamlessly into warehouse workflows while delivering real-time feedback that drives behavior… Becoming part of Infios allows us to scale that architecture, embed deeper into operational ecosystems and accelerate how data translates into meaningful action on the floor.

said Tiago Sottomayer, Chief Technology Officer at vaibe.

This integration reflects a shared commitment to purposeful innovation, leveraging technology to make supply chains more efficient, agile and intelligent. Together, Infios and vaibe will help organisations strengthen the connection between frontline workforce engagement and measurable business outcomes across the supply chain.

Vaibe started with a clear focus—make work on the warehouse floor more engaging and impactful… Joining Infios gives us the opportunity to expand that mission globally and bring those benefits to many more customers.

said Nick Retzmann, Chief Growth & Product Officer at vaibe.

The announcement marks the next stage in vaibe’s evolution—from an internal innovation initiative to an established solution within the Infios portfolio—further strengthening Infios’s commitment to modern, human-centred supply chain operations.

New £5M dry bulk rail terminal at the Port of Middlesbrough

Posted on by Will Priestman

AV Dawson has announced a £5 million investment in a new dry bulk rail terminal at the Port of Middlesbrough, reinforcing its long-term commitment to Teesside and creating additional capacity to support UK manufacturers, importers and exporters.

The facility will increase unloading speeds by 40% to 500 tonnes per hour, significantly increasing capacity and improving overall operational efficiency. The terminal will also feature five rail lines, with additional rail sidings to feed rail wagons into the new unloading pit and conveyor system.

The family-run business, which owns and operates the Port of Middlesbrough on the River Tees, is expanding its multimodal logistics hub by developing its fifth rail terminal to unlock valuable supply chain opportunities for North East freight businesses, enabling them to engage more easily with national and international clients.

Specifically for the dry bulk market, the new facility will expand the company’s rail freight capabilities, the new facility will expand the company’s rail freight capabilities, increasing capacity for customers and supporting the efficient movement of freight by road, rail and sea. With direct access to the East Coast Main Line and key road links via the A19 and A1, the site offers excellent connectivity. The rail network also provides a direct connection to the port’s quayside operations, enabling seamless rail-to-port transhipment supporting both UK and international trade.

As the owner of the largest independent rail freight facility in the North East, AV Dawson has made its latest investment to enable innovation in its 120-acre Middlesbrough-based logistics hub and provide efficient, sustainable solutions for its customers.

Charlie Nettle, Group Managing Director at AV Dawson, said:

For more than 85 years, we’ve invested in Teesside, continually evolving to meet our customers’ changing needs. This latest investment reflects our confidence in the region, our people and the future growth of rail logistics… Our fifth rail terminal strengthens our multimodal offering by expanding our presence in the dry bulk market and reinforces our commitment to delivering integrated logistics solutions across rail, land and sea.

The project is being delivered alongside two other family-run businesses, Seymour Construction from Hartlepool and Atherton Material Handling. Construction includes a new unloading pit, rail line, bespoke conveyor system and dedicated storage warehouse. A new concrete loading pad will provide customers with both indoor and outdoor storage options.

Charlie continued:

Rail has a vital role to play in the future of UK freight, and with the Government setting ambitious targets to increase rail freight by 75% by 2050, investments like this are key to enable this… With rail producing around 74% less carbon than road freight, we work closely with customers to help them reduce both emissions and costs through greater use of rail, while combining it with our own road haulage fleet to deliver seamless, integrated logistics solutions 

The terminal will support the handling of commodities including fertilisers, aggregates, salt, industrial minerals, steelmaking raw materials and energy products, further expanding the Port of Middlesbrough’s capabilities for UK manufacturers, importers and exporters. The project is scheduled for completion in spring 2027.

Extending The Lifecycle Of Specialised Trailers

Posted on by An Industry Expert

Logistics and supply chain operators face a lot of pressure to keep specialised trailers moving while capital budgets stay tight. At the same time, trailers sit at the centre of safety, compliance and uptime strategies. More than interchangeable assets, they work as engineered platforms for very specific loads and operating environments. 

Deciding whether to repair or replace a specialised trailer no longer hinges on age only. It requires a lifecycle view that weighs operating hours, route severity, corrosion exposure and evolving cargo profiles. 

The decision also intersects with broader fleet strategy, including: 

  • Whether the operation needs standardised specifications across locations 
  • How quickly regulations and customer requirements change 
  • What level of redundancy the network can tolerate 

When logistics professionals treat maintenance data, downtime metrics and structural inspection results as core planning inputs, they turn the decision to replace or repair from a reactive debate into a predictable component of asset strategy. 

Understanding Specialised Trailer Lifecycles 

Specialised trailers typically move through three broad lifecycle phases: 

  • Early Use: Focuses on inspections, lubrication and tightening critical fasteners, which sets a baseline for predictive maintenance and helps catch manufacturing or spec issues before they turn into chronic failures. 
  • Mid-Life Wear: Usually years four through seven for high-utilisation assets. This period brings visible component fatigue, such as recurring brake replacements, alignment issues and door or ramp problems that begin to influence uptime. 
  • Long-Term Structural Risk: Attention shifts to the core structure, including floors, frame rails, suspension hangers and electrical systems. This type of wear directly affects the integrity and safety of the trailer. 

Maintenance Intervals and Uptime 

Most fleets treat structured inspection intervals as non-negotiable and often combine pre-trip checks, monthly or quarterly inspections and yearly deep structural inspections. Regular service every three to six months, adjusted for mileage and duty cycle, allows technicians to detect corrosion, cracks and suspension or brake degradation before they trigger read failures or roadside inspections. 

Documented schedules that track what technicians inspect at each interval also help asset managers correlate certain duty patterns or lanes with accelerated wear and refine replacement forecasts over time. 

When Repair Makes Strategic Sense 

Repair delivers the greatest value when a specialised trailer still aligns with current and near-term operational requirements and retains sound structural bones. Component-level work, such as brake system refreshes, suspension rebuilds, landing gear replacement or targeted electrical reharnessing, often restores reliable performance at a fraction of the replacement cost. 

In corrosion-heavy environments, targeted steel replacement, seal replacement and anti-corrosion treatments can stop deterioration and push the useful life of the trailer for several more years, especially when the original specification fits the cargo mix. 

Refurbishment also plays a role in sustainability and standardisation initiatives. Planned mid-life refurbishment programs that include structural reinforcement, floor replacement, lighting upgrades and updated conspicuity markings allow fleets to modernise safety performance while avoiding the full embodied cost of a new trailer. Skilled welding and fabrication shops can reconstruct damaged subframes, coupler structures or custom mounting points to original or improved specifications, which often matters for highly specialised equipment carriers or tank applications. 

Indicators That Replacement Creates More Value 

Certain indicators consistently suggest that replacement, not further repair, will better serve uptime and total cost goals. When a trailer spends more time in the shops than on the road, with one failure after another in unrelated systems, repair bills and lost utilisation usually outstrip the asset’s remaining economic value. Frequent structural work, such as repeated crack repairs, patching rusted frame sections or addressing sagging decks, signals that the asset has likely reached the end of its safe structural life. 

Misalignment between trailer capabilities and current freight also pushes replacement to the forefront. If operators routinely overload a trailer, lack tie-down points for present cargo or struggle with outdated interior configurations, no amount of repair will resolve the underlying mismatch between asset design and operational reality. 

Finally, trailers without modern safety technologies or current regulatory features, such as adequate conspicuity, appropriate brake performance or compatible load securement geometry, may expose fleets to compliance risk that new designs mitigate more efficiently. 

Balancing Lifecycle Cost, Safety and Fleet Strategy 

Effective repair-versus-replacement decisions combine engineering judgment with asset-level economics. Many fleets use a threshold, such as when projected repairs over the next 12 to 24 months approach a fixed percentage of replacement cost, while also factoring in expected downtime, resale value and the strategic value of newer specifications. 

Newer trailer designs may bring lower tare weights, better aerodynamics, improved corrosion resistance and standardised components that simplify parts inventory and technician training, all of which influence total cost per loaded mile. 

The most resilient logistics operations integrate trailer decisions into broader network planning. That planning extends beyond individual assets to include standardised specs across terminals, alignment with tractor technology and planned refresh cycles that avoid large one-time capital shocks. 

When maintenance teams, safety leaders and fleet planners share data and align on risk tolerance, they extend the lifecycle of specialised trailers where it makes sense and replace them where modern designs, safety gains and compliance advantages will deliver measurable returns. 

Europe’s congestion is costing fleets millions

Posted on by Will Priestman

Traffic congestion continues to place growing pressure on urban freight operators across Europe, driving up fuel costs, reducing productivity and increasing transport-related emissions. With fleets spending more time stationary in increasingly congested city centres, unnecessary engine idling has become a significant source of both financial waste and environmental impact, prompting businesses to seek more efficient ways to manage vehicles and routes.

New research highlights the scale of the issue. Analysis of connected vehicle data from seven major European capitals found that more than 1.58 million litres of fuel were burned while vehicles sat stationary in traffic during 2025, equating to an estimated €2.6 million in wasted fuel over a 12-month period.

The findings come from Geotab’s European Urban Freight Efficiency Index, which analysed a full year of connected vehicle data across London, Berlin, Amsterdam, Dublin, Rome, Paris and Madrid. The study, released by connected vehicle and asset management provider Geotab, underscores the significant operational and environmental costs associated with prolonged idling in urban traffic.

The €2.6 million figure reflects 2025’s average European fuel prices. European diesel has risen above €2 per litre in the first half of 2026, a 30% increase triggered by geopolitical instability in the Middle East. These fuel prices would bring the cost of the same volume of idle waste to approximately €3.6 million.

London: Europe’s unpredictable stop-start capital 

Across the seven cities in the study, the relationship between congestion and fuel efficiency diverges sharply depending on how traffic moves, not just how much of it there is. The most congested city is not necessarily the one costing fleets the most in fuel.

London represents one of the most challenging operating environments for fuel efficiency among the seven cities. Ranked sixth (out of seven) in the Index, its stop-start traffic patterns prevent engines from reaching operating temperature, while its unpredictability compounds the problem. London recorded the highest passenger vehicle fuel consumption of any city analysed, at 15.60 litres per 100 kilometres, almost two-and-a-half times higher than Paris. 

Of every litre of fuel burned in London by passenger vehicles, 13.6% is consumed while stationary. Commercial trucks idle at 11.1% of total fuel consumed. Lower than the passenger rate, but still among the higher truck figures across the study, reflecting the loading restrictions, bus lane exclusions and concentrated delivery windows that make London uniquely challenging for commercial vehicle operations.

The findings also show that slow traffic and wasteful traffic are not always the same thing. Berlin leads the overall Index and records lower truck idle waste than London, at 8.5% compared with 11.1%, while Amsterdam ranks second and keeps passenger vehicle idle waste to 10.5%, below London’s 13.6%. Dublin sits third overall but shows a similar passenger vehicle idling issue to London, with 12.9% of fuel consumed while stationary, although its trucks perform better at 5.8%. Rome and Madrid are the clearest counterpoints: both record just 2.8% truck idle waste, the lowest in the study, because traffic may be slow but continues to move. Paris shows the reverse pattern, with predictable journey times but the highest truck idle waste rate in the study, as commercial vehicles lose almost one in every five litres of fuel while stationary. 

Edward Kulperger, Senior Vice President, EMEA at Geotab, said:

Congestion has traditionally been measured through the lens of time. How long journeys take, how busy roads become and how delays affect operations. What this analysis shows is that there is another layer of cost sitting beneath that discussion… When vehicles are idling, fleets are effectively burning money. Our data shows it costs them millions: fuel consumed with engines running and wheels going nowhere. Every litre of that is also an emissions cost. Beyond the time lost, the burden of congestion is financial and environmental. The fleets navigating it best are those with the clearest picture of where those costs are falling.

Read the full report here.

The data-driven corridor: optimising freight between urban nodes

Posted on by An Industry Expert

The movement of goods between major urban nodes is under increasing pressure as urbanisation grows and regulations such as low emission zones, vehicle weight restrictions, time-access windows tighten, making traditional inter-urban transport models less effective. To maintain efficiency, the sector is shifting towards “smart mobility,” using technologies such as high-precision mapping, real-time data and AI-driven decision support. As a result, logistics is moving from static planning to more dynamic, data-driven coordination across freight networks worldwide.

Fragmented data and urban friction

Urban freight between cities faces four major challenges: fragmentation, unpredictability, inefficient capacity use and the difficulty of decarbonising without affecting service levels. Disconnected systems limit coordination across the supply chain, while congestion, unreliable ETAs and missed time slots create delays. Trucks often run partially empty or arrive too early or too late, further reducing efficiency. At the same time, cutting emissions requires more than electrification – it also depends on better routing, stronger load consolidation and smarter network design. A significant share of inefficiency also comes from the gap between planning systems and the vehicle. Standard navigation tools often fail to account for HGV constraints such as bridge heights, axle-weight limits or restricted delivery windows, forcing trucks into detours that increase fuel consumption and delays. In a sector where profit depends on timing, a single routing mistake can delay an entire supply chain and even minor delays quickly reduce margins through wasted fuel and missed delivery windows.

Precision routing: the foundation of smarter freight  

The foundation of smarter inter-urban freight lies in commercial-grade mapping technologies. Unlike consumer GPS systems, specialised cloud based mapping systems are designed for heavy goods vehicles, integrating legal restrictions and vehicle-specific parameters into route planning. By ensuring routes are compliant before departure, these solutions reduce ‘empty miles’ caused by routing errors, support emissions compliance and fuel efficiency. This transforms transport from a reactive process into a predictable, engineered flow. By utilising a single, unified source of routing algorithms, map data and customer site information, these tools provide a consistent “single source of truth” from initial planning and real-time execution to post-trip analysis.

The integrated network

A cloud-based connected ecosystem provides the infrastructure to connect shippers and retailers with carriers. This means the entire shipment process can be managed, from initial planning to freight audit. By processing daily transports on a single platform that combines commercial grade routing with live tracking, the industry can coordinate freight using the same set of data. AI-enabled solutions like Autonomous Procurement further optimise this data by instantly matching spot loads to reduce empty runs, while real-time visibility tools predict ETAs and anticipate disruptions. These efficiencies extend to the facility level, where dock and time slot-management tools work in parallel to eliminate congestion.

Solving the yard bottleneck 

The most critical friction point in inter-urban freight is the yard – the transition from the highway to the urban warehouse. Congestion at these nodes leads to truck idling, which contributes to urban air pollution and driver fatigue. The integration of cab-level data with dynamic time slot management using AI’s predictive intelligence to create a self-correcting schedule. If a truck is delayed, the system automatically updates the dock appointment at the destination. This synchronisation ensures that the yard operates at full capacity and prevents trucks from idling in urban centres.

A connected logistics ecosystem

By connecting strategic planning in the back office with real-time execution in the cab, logistics is moving towards seamless mobility. Smart freight is no longer driven by a single technology but by the orchestration of data, visibility and execution across the network. When these elements are connected from one node to the next, freight flows become more efficient, transparent and resilient, helping reduce inefficiencies while supporting more sustainable logistics operations.

by Philipp Pfister, Sector Vice President Transporeon at Trimble 

Logistics Undersupply Drives UK Warehouse Development

Posted on by Will Priestman

The UK logistics and warehousing market is entering a new phase, with a sharp slowdown in speculative development following higher construction costs and tighter financing conditions. While overall availability has increased due to a rise in second-hand space, the supply of modern Grade A logistics facilities—particularly large-scale speculative units—continues to tighten. Recent market data shows speculative starts are at their lowest level in almost a decade, with occupier demand remaining firmly focused on high-quality, energy-efficient warehouses in strategically connected locations, particularly across the UK’s established logistics corridors.

Mountpark has secured planning consent for its largest speculative logistics development in the UK, Unit 3, a landmark 640,000 sq ft XL unit at Mountpark Ferrybridge in Yorkshire.

The commitment reflects the developer’s confidence in the UK big-box logistics market and responds directly to the continued shortage of speculative development supply. It also marks the next significant step in the transformation of the former Coal Yard at Ferrybridge Power Station into a major infrastructure and logistics hub.

Over 50 per cent of Mountpark Ferrybridge has now been pre-let / pre-sold following a 65,800 sq ft pre-let to Warburtons and the disposal of a further 40 acres to a data centre developer. Unit 1, a 40,000 sq ft speculative unit is also under offer and due to complete later this year.

Brett Huxley, Development Director for Mountpark UK & Ireland, said,

The decision to develop Unit 3 at Mountpark Ferrybridge, our largest ever speculative development at 640,000 sq ft, reflects not only our commitment to the UK logistics market and the tightening development supply line, but also to delivering new life to this iconic Yorkshire site. Ferrybridge benefits from a number of fundamentals occupiers are prioritising: certainty of delivery, power, connectivity to the national strategic road network and an established labour pool. It is ideally placed to support the continued growth of the North’s infrastructure economy and we have every confidence that it will become one of the UK’s leading logistics hubs.

Infrastructure and on-plot enabling works for the XL facility (Unit 3) are well progressed and due to complete in August 2026. Mountpark will then commence the immediate vertical build of the facility in September with practical completion anticipated in Q4 2027. The property will deliver best-in-class warehouse accommodation including 21 metre clear internal eaves, two 50 metre service yards and Grade A headquarter-style office space. The building can also offer up to 13MVA of power supply to occupiers with energy intensive requirements targeting BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ certification and EPC A+. Mountpark Ferrybridge also has the ability to connect into rail to assist their decarbonization strategies.

Located at the intersection of the M62 and A1(M), Mountpark Ferrybridge offers strategic motorway connectivity alongside access to critical power infrastructure. It offers a prime location for major logistics operations, infrastructure, advanced industrial occupiers and large-scale investment in one of the UK’s most connected freight corridors.

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