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Johnston Logistics unveils new website

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Leading logistics provider Johnston Logistics UK has unveiled its new website. The growing company’s new online presence better represents its growing reputation as a provider of warehousing and logistics for leading brands and retailers.

“When I look back at recent years, we’ve developed a lot; both as a business and as a team. We want to continue this journey and it’s important to have a website that better reflects both where we are and where we’re going,” says Rob McIndoe, Director of Johnston Logistics UK.

With an increased focus on its 40 years of experience and use of new technology, the website reflects the growth in Johnston Logistics UK’s reputation and was built by Full Mix Marketing who deliver all the logistics expert’s marketing.

“In the almost four years we’ve worked with Johnston Logistics UK, it’s clear they’ve grown in stature, capabilities and success. We wanted to ensure their website helped communicate just that to all the visitors driven to the website by marketing,” says Sarah West, Managing Director of Full Mix Marketing.

Through search engine optimisation (SEO) and content marketing, the B2B marketing agency reports that the existing Johnston Logistics UK website has received a four-fold increase in impressions on leading search engines over the past 12 months.

Johnston Logistics UK was formally established in 2010 but can trace its history back to 1978. It now handles over 320 million individual items each year. As a Primary Consolidation Centre for ASDA, over 50% of the wine sold in their supermarkets passes through Johnston Logistics UK’s Snetterton site.

As well as investing in digital marketing, the logistics expert has recently made a significant further investment in technology with a state-of-the-art Warehouse Management System (WMS). The new software has enhanced efficiency and the ease with which Johnston Logistics UK can integrate with its customers’ own systems and provide them with real-time information.

“It’s been an unprecedented 12 months with the pandemic. Our team has worked exceptionally hard to support existing clients and a growing number of leading businesses. But it’s still been important to invest in our future and the website is one way we can show clients we’re always developing and looking to become even more supportive,” continues Rob McIndoe.

From its 700,000 sq ft of warehousing in Norfolk, Johnston Logistics UK delivers storage, logistics and fulfilment for businesses in sectors including wine, food, other fast-moving consumer goods and commercial products. It offers a complete range of services including palletised warehousing, HMRC customs and bonded warehousing, eCommerce fulfilment and complete third-party logistics.

Johnston Logistics unveils new website

Posted on by David Priestman

Leading logistics provider Johnston Logistics UK has unveiled its new website. The growing company’s new online presence better represents its growing reputation as a provider of warehousing and logistics for leading brands and retailers.

“When I look back at recent years, we’ve developed a lot; both as a business and as a team. We want to continue this journey and it’s important to have a website that better reflects both where we are and where we’re going,” says Rob McIndoe, Director of Johnston Logistics UK.

With an increased focus on its 40 years of experience and use of new technology, the website reflects the growth in Johnston Logistics UK’s reputation and was built by Full Mix Marketing who deliver all the logistics expert’s marketing.

“In the almost four years we’ve worked with Johnston Logistics UK, it’s clear they’ve grown in stature, capabilities and success. We wanted to ensure their website helped communicate just that to all the visitors driven to the website by marketing,” says Sarah West, Managing Director of Full Mix Marketing.

Through search engine optimisation (SEO) and content marketing, the B2B marketing agency reports that the existing Johnston Logistics UK website has received a four-fold increase in impressions on leading search engines over the past 12 months.

Johnston Logistics UK was formally established in 2010 but can trace its history back to 1978. It now handles over 320 million individual items each year. As a Primary Consolidation Centre for ASDA, over 50% of the wine sold in their supermarkets passes through Johnston Logistics UK’s Snetterton site.

As well as investing in digital marketing, the logistics expert has recently made a significant further investment in technology with a state-of-the-art Warehouse Management System (WMS). The new software has enhanced efficiency and the ease with which Johnston Logistics UK can integrate with its customers’ own systems and provide them with real-time information.

“It’s been an unprecedented 12 months with the pandemic. Our team has worked exceptionally hard to support existing clients and a growing number of leading businesses. But it’s still been important to invest in our future and the website is one way we can show clients we’re always developing and looking to become even more supportive,” continues Rob McIndoe.

From its 700,000 sq ft of warehousing in Norfolk, Johnston Logistics UK delivers storage, logistics and fulfilment for businesses in sectors including wine, food, other fast-moving consumer goods and commercial products. It offers a complete range of services including palletised warehousing, HMRC customs and bonded warehousing, eCommerce fulfilment and complete third-party logistics.

Webinar on France: The Post-Brexit Logistics Hub

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The United Kingdom’s exit from the EU is forcing companies on both sides of the Channel to rethink value and supply chains. For British and Irish companies willing to keep taking advantage of the European market, France offers an array of solutions and resources: from smart borders to multimodal solutions, world class infrastructure, available real estate & turnkey sites and more.

Join Logistics Business and Business France as well as our panel of expert speakers for a virtual round table discussion and learn more:

  • What does France offer to support logistics solutions managers’ strategies?
  • What has been the experience so far of companies already using logistics solutions in the country?
  • How can businesses successfully set up operations in France?

Our moderator, Paul Hamblin, Editor-In-Chief of Logistics Business, will be joined by:

  • VIP Guest Speaker: Frank Riester, French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade & Economic Attractiveness
  • Anne-Marie Idrac – Chairwoman of France Logistique, Former Secretary of State for Transport and Foreign Trade
  • Olivier Thouard, President of the International Commission of TLF Overseas (French Transport & Logistics Association), Chair of TLF/TLF OVS Brexit Working Group and Customs & Fiscal representation Director at GEFCO
  • Richard Catt – Director, PSL Freight
  • Rob Burrows, Managing Director, UPS France
  • Christopher Devernay, Senior Director, Procter & Gamble Amiens Plant Manager

WHEN IS THE WEBINAR ON FRANCE AS A LOGISTICS HUB?

Wednesday 21st April 2021
17:00 PM – 18:00 PM CEST (16:00 – 17:00 BST)

You will have the opportunity to ask your questions. Please feel free to send any questions you wish to ask the panel to: invest.ukireland@businessfrance.fr

Click here to register to attend for free now.

Webinar on France: The Post-Brexit Logistics Hub

Posted on by David Priestman

The United Kingdom’s exit from the EU is forcing companies on both sides of the Channel to rethink value and supply chains. For British and Irish companies willing to keep taking advantage of the European market, France offers an array of solutions and resources: from smart borders to multimodal solutions, world class infrastructure, available real estate & turnkey sites and more.

Join Logistics Business and Business France as well as our panel of expert speakers for a virtual round table discussion and learn more:

  • What does France offer to support logistics solutions managers’ strategies?
  • What has been the experience so far of companies already using logistics solutions in the country?
  • How can businesses successfully set up operations in France?

Our moderator, Paul Hamblin, Editor-In-Chief of Logistics Business, will be joined by:

  • VIP Guest Speaker: Frank Riester, French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade & Economic Attractiveness
  • Anne-Marie Idrac – Chairwoman of France Logistique, Former Secretary of State for Transport and Foreign Trade
  • Olivier Thouard, President of the International Commission of TLF Overseas (French Transport & Logistics Association), Chair of TLF/TLF OVS Brexit Working Group and Customs & Fiscal representation Director at GEFCO
  • Richard Catt – Director, PSL Freight
  • Rob Burrows, Managing Director, UPS France
  • Christopher Devernay, Senior Director, Procter & Gamble Amiens Plant Manager

WHEN IS THE WEBINAR ON FRANCE AS A LOGISTICS HUB?

Wednesday 21st April 2021
17:00 PM – 18:00 PM CEST (16:00 – 17:00 BST)

You will have the opportunity to ask your questions. Please feel free to send any questions you wish to ask the panel to: invest.ukireland@businessfrance.fr

Click here to register to attend for free now.

FLTA Awards for Excellence winners announced

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The much-anticipated FLTA Awards for Excellence was streamed live on Saturday 10th April to reveal who would finally be crowned winners.

Having been twice postponed due to the pandemic, the event was taken online – a first for the FLTA in its history of holding the Awards.

Audiences tuned in for an evening of cocktails and celebrations, hosted by compere Rebecca Mordan. Throughout the evening, familiar faces from across the industry made an appearance to announce the winners in 10 categories.

The first winner of the night was B&B Attachments, who won Supplier of the Year, sponsored by Yale. This award speaks volumes about B&B Attachments as it is voted for by FLTA members themselves.

The remaining award winners were selected by a jury of industry experts, with Dealer of the Year, sponsored by Combilift, going to Truckmasters Handling.

With safety being a cornerstone of the FLTA, the Safe Site Award is always an inspirational one. This award, sponsored by Carrylift, went to Devenish Nutrition for its proactive approach and commitment to improving safety across multiple sites.

The most hotly contested awards of the night are always the sought-after Pick of the Year product accolades.

The Environment Award was sponsored by TVH, and went to JCB for its 30-19E — the world’s first electric telescopic forklift. This new product has zero emissions and minimal sound pollution, making it ideal for urban environments.

Earning its 10th award to date, Combilift received the Innovation Award, sponsored by IBCS. Its Electric Front and Rear Wheel Drive Combination impressed the panel with its clever design and how it handles long loads in the tightest spaces while minimising tyre wear.

When it comes to keeping operators comfortable, Linde proved top, with its N20C Steering Wheel winning the Ergonomics Award, sponsored by Triathlon Battery Solutions. The ergonomics of the steering wheel were truly designed with the operator in mind, removing a great deal of stress and strain throughout long shifts.

The Safety Award, sponsored by F-TEC, went to Hyster for its hinged elevating operator cabin for the Hyster® RS46 ReachStacker. The jury noted the excellent visibility afforded by the cabin, eliminating the need for cameras or spotters, who would potentially be at risk.

Sponsored by Doosan, the Apprentice of the Year Award honours the hard work and dedication put in by the industry’s newest recruits. Kieran Hale was named winner, and received a cheque and certificate.

The Services to the Industry Award, sponsored by Flexi, was won by Richard Hayes, in recognition of his work at Brindley Lift Truck Services as well as his invaluable contributions to the FLTA and CFTS over the years.

The final honour of the night was the Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Toyota Material Handling. Given his extraordinary career at Hitec and unwavering commitment to customers and staff alike, Lifetime Achievement was awarded to Prospero Girardi, who now finds himself in exclusive company as only a handful of people have ever received this award.

FLTA Director Tim Waples said: “The FLTA Awards for Excellence highlights the remarkable accomplishments of the sector and this year was no exception. We would like to offer a big congratulations to our well-deserving winners.

“It is also important to recognise the efforts of the other nominees in each category. All of the entries we received represent a clear commitment to delivering unrivalled services and ingenious products designed to make a real difference to the industry.”

As well as coming together to celebrate the sector’s best and brightest, ticket holders were also entered into a Grand Prize Draw, sponsored by Hubtex. Premium prizes were awarded to winners throughout the night, adding a few extra surprises for a lucky few.

“It was a fantastic night and even though the music and dancing couldn’t happen in person, we hope the audience had fun continuing the after-party at home,” added Tim Waples.

“We would like to sincerely thank all our sponsors: Combilift, Carrylift, Yale, Toyota Material Handling, F-TEC, IBCS, TVH, Triathlon Battery Solutions, Flexi, Doosan and Hubtex; our supporters: Transmon Engineering, JCB and DLL; and our media partner Handling and Storage Solutions.

“I look forward to the time when we can once again gather together to celebrate the achievements and innovations within our industry.”

The 26th FLTA Awards for Excellence is available to watch on YouTube here.

 

FLTA Awards for Excellence winners announced

Posted on by David Priestman

The much-anticipated FLTA Awards for Excellence was streamed live on Saturday 10th April to reveal who would finally be crowned winners.

Having been twice postponed due to the pandemic, the event was taken online – a first for the FLTA in its history of holding the Awards.

Audiences tuned in for an evening of cocktails and celebrations, hosted by compere Rebecca Mordan. Throughout the evening, familiar faces from across the industry made an appearance to announce the winners in 10 categories.

The first winner of the night was B&B Attachments, who won Supplier of the Year, sponsored by Yale. This award speaks volumes about B&B Attachments as it is voted for by FLTA members themselves.

The remaining award winners were selected by a jury of industry experts, with Dealer of the Year, sponsored by Combilift, going to Truckmasters Handling.

With safety being a cornerstone of the FLTA, the Safe Site Award is always an inspirational one. This award, sponsored by Carrylift, went to Devenish Nutrition for its proactive approach and commitment to improving safety across multiple sites.

The most hotly contested awards of the night are always the sought-after Pick of the Year product accolades.

The Environment Award was sponsored by TVH, and went to JCB for its 30-19E — the world’s first electric telescopic forklift. This new product has zero emissions and minimal sound pollution, making it ideal for urban environments.

Earning its 10th award to date, Combilift received the Innovation Award, sponsored by IBCS. Its Electric Front and Rear Wheel Drive Combination impressed the panel with its clever design and how it handles long loads in the tightest spaces while minimising tyre wear.

When it comes to keeping operators comfortable, Linde proved top, with its N20C Steering Wheel winning the Ergonomics Award, sponsored by Triathlon Battery Solutions. The ergonomics of the steering wheel were truly designed with the operator in mind, removing a great deal of stress and strain throughout long shifts.

The Safety Award, sponsored by F-TEC, went to Hyster for its hinged elevating operator cabin for the Hyster® RS46 ReachStacker. The jury noted the excellent visibility afforded by the cabin, eliminating the need for cameras or spotters, who would potentially be at risk.

Sponsored by Doosan, the Apprentice of the Year Award honours the hard work and dedication put in by the industry’s newest recruits. Kieran Hale was named winner, and received a cheque and certificate.

The Services to the Industry Award, sponsored by Flexi, was won by Richard Hayes, in recognition of his work at Brindley Lift Truck Services as well as his invaluable contributions to the FLTA and CFTS over the years.

The final honour of the night was the Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Toyota Material Handling. Given his extraordinary career at Hitec and unwavering commitment to customers and staff alike, Lifetime Achievement was awarded to Prospero Girardi, who now finds himself in exclusive company as only a handful of people have ever received this award.

FLTA Director Tim Waples said: “The FLTA Awards for Excellence highlights the remarkable accomplishments of the sector and this year was no exception. We would like to offer a big congratulations to our well-deserving winners.

“It is also important to recognise the efforts of the other nominees in each category. All of the entries we received represent a clear commitment to delivering unrivalled services and ingenious products designed to make a real difference to the industry.”

As well as coming together to celebrate the sector’s best and brightest, ticket holders were also entered into a Grand Prize Draw, sponsored by Hubtex. Premium prizes were awarded to winners throughout the night, adding a few extra surprises for a lucky few.

“It was a fantastic night and even though the music and dancing couldn’t happen in person, we hope the audience had fun continuing the after-party at home,” added Tim Waples.

“We would like to sincerely thank all our sponsors: Combilift, Carrylift, Yale, Toyota Material Handling, F-TEC, IBCS, TVH, Triathlon Battery Solutions, Flexi, Doosan and Hubtex; our supporters: Transmon Engineering, JCB and DLL; and our media partner Handling and Storage Solutions.

“I look forward to the time when we can once again gather together to celebrate the achievements and innovations within our industry.”

The 26th FLTA Awards for Excellence is available to watch on YouTube here.

 

Report highlights impact of Brexit and COVID-19 on supply chains

Posted on by David Priestman

Descartes Systems Group, a global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, has announced the findings of its latest Brexit research report: Beyond Brexit: The Realities of Brexit for UK-EU Cross Border Trade.

Following its 2020 research on Brexit preparedness of UK companies, this latest report analyses how business has been affected by both Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic and the level of uncertainty around the future. Undertaken by SAPIO Research during March 2021, the interviews with supply chain managers assessed the specific elements of EU trade that have been affected, the resulting disruption and the expected performance of supply chains in 2021.

Key findings include:

  • Mixed performance: 43% of businesses have been impacted negatively by Brexit in 2021 – but 19% of businesses are thriving in a post-Brexit world
  • Disruption reality: 90% of businesses have faced disruption since the end of the Brexit transition period
  • Economic impact of Brexit: 53% expect their 2021 turnover to be lower than if the UK had remained in the EU – and the average reduction is 29%
  • Pandemic impact: 76% had their Brexit response disrupted by COVID-19
  • Early preparation has proven key to success, with those businesses that started their customs filing preparations in 2019 (24%) and early 2020 (33%) thriving most

As predicted in Descartes’ 2020 research, Brexit has had a negative impact on both business and the economy. Of the companies surveyed, 90% have experienced disruption in their ability to trade in and out of the EU in 2021 – with 20% experiencing significant disruption since the transition period ended. Despite the high level of concern revealed in the 2020 survey, 40% of companies have actually experienced worse-than-expected EU supply chain performance, according to Descartes’ latest report.

Additional key findings include:  

  • 80% of businesses reported disruption to their cross-border trade with the EU or Northern Ireland (NI), rising to 93% for medium and large enterprises
  • 40% have experienced delays in their supply chains
  • 37% have experienced increased cost of imports
  • 36% have had to manage customs declarations

The combination of COVID-19 on top of Brexit created unprecedented challenges for businesses of every size, in every market. Confidence has been affected. Three quarters (76%) of companies confirm that COVID-19 disrupted their Brexit response.

However, a significant finding is that almost one fifth (19%) are actually thriving in a post-Brexit economy, with 35% of electronics, computer and telecommunications companies enjoying a positive outcome. Preparing early proved essential, allowing these companies to take a holistic approach by working closely with experts who understand the complexities of global trade and by putting solutions in place for customs declarations.

The research findings underline that with the next phase of Brexit changes – an end to deferred import declarations from July 2021, and safety and security filings required from 1st January 2022 – there are lessons to learn about the value of preparation and acting ahead of deadlines. When it comes to successful global trade, planning is not just essential for compliance – it makes a tangible difference to successful business operations.

“Brexit has thrown many businesses into a spin, but the companies that prioritised Brexit preparation are thriving and provide a best practice blueprint that the rest of the market can now follow,” said Pol Sweeney, VP Sales and Business Manager UK, Descartes. “Our research highlights that with the changes due from July through to January 2022, early preparation is, once again, crucial to avoiding expensive disruption.”

For the full research findings, see Descartes’ Brexit Realities Report and for additional Brexit resources visit Descartes’ Brexit Resource Centre.

Report highlights impact of Brexit and COVID-19 on supply chains

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Descartes Systems Group, a global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, has announced the findings of its latest Brexit research report: Beyond Brexit: The Realities of Brexit for UK-EU Cross Border Trade.

Following its 2020 research on Brexit preparedness of UK companies, this latest report analyses how business has been affected by both Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic and the level of uncertainty around the future. Undertaken by SAPIO Research during March 2021, the interviews with supply chain managers assessed the specific elements of EU trade that have been affected, the resulting disruption and the expected performance of supply chains in 2021.

Key findings include:

  • Mixed performance: 43% of businesses have been impacted negatively by Brexit in 2021 – but 19% of businesses are thriving in a post-Brexit world
  • Disruption reality: 90% of businesses have faced disruption since the end of the Brexit transition period
  • Economic impact of Brexit: 53% expect their 2021 turnover to be lower than if the UK had remained in the EU – and the average reduction is 29%
  • Pandemic impact: 76% had their Brexit response disrupted by COVID-19
  • Early preparation has proven key to success, with those businesses that started their customs filing preparations in 2019 (24%) and early 2020 (33%) thriving most

As predicted in Descartes’ 2020 research, Brexit has had a negative impact on both business and the economy. Of the companies surveyed, 90% have experienced disruption in their ability to trade in and out of the EU in 2021 – with 20% experiencing significant disruption since the transition period ended. Despite the high level of concern revealed in the 2020 survey, 40% of companies have actually experienced worse-than-expected EU supply chain performance, according to Descartes’ latest report.

Additional key findings include:  

  • 80% of businesses reported disruption to their cross-border trade with the EU or Northern Ireland (NI), rising to 93% for medium and large enterprises
  • 40% have experienced delays in their supply chains
  • 37% have experienced increased cost of imports
  • 36% have had to manage customs declarations

The combination of COVID-19 on top of Brexit created unprecedented challenges for businesses of every size, in every market. Confidence has been affected. Three quarters (76%) of companies confirm that COVID-19 disrupted their Brexit response.

However, a significant finding is that almost one fifth (19%) are actually thriving in a post-Brexit economy, with 35% of electronics, computer and telecommunications companies enjoying a positive outcome. Preparing early proved essential, allowing these companies to take a holistic approach by working closely with experts who understand the complexities of global trade and by putting solutions in place for customs declarations.

The research findings underline that with the next phase of Brexit changes – an end to deferred import declarations from July 2021, and safety and security filings required from 1st January 2022 – there are lessons to learn about the value of preparation and acting ahead of deadlines. When it comes to successful global trade, planning is not just essential for compliance – it makes a tangible difference to successful business operations.

“Brexit has thrown many businesses into a spin, but the companies that prioritised Brexit preparation are thriving and provide a best practice blueprint that the rest of the market can now follow,” said Pol Sweeney, VP Sales and Business Manager UK, Descartes. “Our research highlights that with the changes due from July through to January 2022, early preparation is, once again, crucial to avoiding expensive disruption.”

For the full research findings, see Descartes’ Brexit Realities Report and for additional Brexit resources visit Descartes’ Brexit Resource Centre.

DHL Express predicts considerable B2B e-commerce growth

Posted on by David Priestman

DHL Express, the international express service provider, has released a new Whitepaper “The Ultimate B2B E-commerce Guide: Tradition is out. Digital is in“.

The study predicts strong growth for the B2B e‑commerce market in the coming years: by 2025, 80% of all B2B sales interactions between suppliers and professional buyers will take place in digital channels. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the pace of digitalisation and the purchasing behaviour of technology-savvy millennials, who are now of an age to be the professional B2B decision-makers, are the main drivers of this global e-commerce growth.

What is predicted for the future of the B2B sector has already been visible in the significant B2C e-commerce rise over the last years, where DHL Express experienced high growth rates particularly during the holiday peak seasons (e.g. Easter, Christmas) and mega shopping days (e. g. Black Friday, Cyber Monday). In total the B2C e‑commerce volumes within the DHL Express network increased in 2020 by approximately 40%, compared to 2019.

This positive business development is also reflected in the FY2020 financial results of the company: With a total revenue of €19.1 billion (+11.9% year-on-year) and EBIT of €2.7 billion (+34.9%) the Express division of Deutsche Post DHL Group closed 2020 with the best result in its more than 50 years’ history. With its worldwide network and breadth of industries served, DHL Express was able to accommodate fast-changing trade flows.

Furthermore its presence in more than 220 countries and territories helped consumers and businesses to stay connected by enabling them to trade around the world – also during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Even in times of worldwide shutdowns, globalisation has shown its resilience, fuelled by digitalisation and the power of global trade”, says John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express. “These trends have led to an ever-growing number of consumers to shift their shopping activities online. The pandemic has accelerated this development like never before, with a sharp rise in businesses selling their goods in the global marketplace. E-commerce and global logistics thus provided the key to unlock local shutdowns, keep economies running and mitigate the impact of Covid-19 for many of our customers.”

It was not only B2C e-commerce that was growing due to ongoing digitalisation and changed shopping behaviour of consumers. In 2019, before the pandemic, global sales on B2B e-commerce sites and marketplaces had already increased by 18.2% to reach USD 12.2 trillion, outpacing the market size of the B2C sector. Through Covid-19 and the resulting acceleration of digitalisation, this global B2B E‑commerce volume is estimated to reach USD 20.9 trillion by 2027.

“We have been facing the pandemic for over one year now,” says Michiel Greeven, Executive Vice President Global Sales at DHL Express. “A year that showed how nearly a decade of digital evolution happened in just a few months’ time, with online shopping and cross-border shipping as the new normal. And this is true not only for B2C retailers, but also in terms of B2B e-commerce as companies started recognising that online selling platforms are crucial for their business success, today and in the future. As a result, there will also be an additional need for global Express shipping and DHL Express is well positioned to support all B2B companies on their journey.”

The Whitepaper also uncovers factors driving the growth of the global B2B e‑commerce market: besides general trends such as globalisation and digitalisation, a new technology-oriented generation of millennials is starting to make its mark. Already, millennials account for 73% of all professional B2B purchasing decisions. As digital natives, their experiences in the B2C-sector translate to high expectations when making B2B transactions, pushing companies to invest in digital solutions, such as selling platforms, while offering great growth potential.

“If B2B businesses want to make the most out of the new cross-border and e-commerce opportunities they need to start adapting to the changing buying behaviours. Especially with the upcoming generation of millennial as B2B decision-makers, who are further driving the digitalisation of the sector. B2B customer experiences have to be more aligned with the digital B2C experiences. As international e-commerce specialists, we have the know-how and insights to support businesses to adapt to the ongoing changes and unleash their full potential” says Leendert van Delft, Vice President Global Sales Programs and Global E-commerce.

In 2020, DHL Express delivered 484 million shipments in total for its customers (B2C and B2B) around the globe, around 9% more per day than in 2019. To adapt to this significant growth of its network, DHL Express continues to invest annually more than €1 billion in new state-of-the-art facilities around the world to multiply its sorting capacity (+65% since 2013), hires new employees (+10,000 year-on-year) and adds new freighter aircraft to its fleet (+20 units year-on-year). In this context, DHL Express recently announced the purchase of eight more Boeing B777 wide-body freighters and a partnership with Smartlynx Malta to add two Airbus A321 to its fleet. With these measures, DHL Express ensures that its worldwide customers can benefit from the global
e-commerce boom.

DHL Express predicts considerable B2B e-commerce growth

Posted on by Keith McKinley

DHL Express, the international express service provider, has released a new Whitepaper “The Ultimate B2B E-commerce Guide: Tradition is out. Digital is in“.

The study predicts strong growth for the B2B e‑commerce market in the coming years: by 2025, 80% of all B2B sales interactions between suppliers and professional buyers will take place in digital channels. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the pace of digitalisation and the purchasing behaviour of technology-savvy millennials, who are now of an age to be the professional B2B decision-makers, are the main drivers of this global e-commerce growth.

What is predicted for the future of the B2B sector has already been visible in the significant B2C e-commerce rise over the last years, where DHL Express experienced high growth rates particularly during the holiday peak seasons (e.g. Easter, Christmas) and mega shopping days (e. g. Black Friday, Cyber Monday). In total the B2C e‑commerce volumes within the DHL Express network increased in 2020 by approximately 40%, compared to 2019.

This positive business development is also reflected in the FY2020 financial results of the company: With a total revenue of €19.1 billion (+11.9% year-on-year) and EBIT of €2.7 billion (+34.9%) the Express division of Deutsche Post DHL Group closed 2020 with the best result in its more than 50 years’ history. With its worldwide network and breadth of industries served, DHL Express was able to accommodate fast-changing trade flows.

Furthermore its presence in more than 220 countries and territories helped consumers and businesses to stay connected by enabling them to trade around the world – also during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Even in times of worldwide shutdowns, globalisation has shown its resilience, fuelled by digitalisation and the power of global trade”, says John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express. “These trends have led to an ever-growing number of consumers to shift their shopping activities online. The pandemic has accelerated this development like never before, with a sharp rise in businesses selling their goods in the global marketplace. E-commerce and global logistics thus provided the key to unlock local shutdowns, keep economies running and mitigate the impact of Covid-19 for many of our customers.”

It was not only B2C e-commerce that was growing due to ongoing digitalisation and changed shopping behaviour of consumers. In 2019, before the pandemic, global sales on B2B e-commerce sites and marketplaces had already increased by 18.2% to reach USD 12.2 trillion, outpacing the market size of the B2C sector. Through Covid-19 and the resulting acceleration of digitalisation, this global B2B E‑commerce volume is estimated to reach USD 20.9 trillion by 2027.

“We have been facing the pandemic for over one year now,” says Michiel Greeven, Executive Vice President Global Sales at DHL Express. “A year that showed how nearly a decade of digital evolution happened in just a few months’ time, with online shopping and cross-border shipping as the new normal. And this is true not only for B2C retailers, but also in terms of B2B e-commerce as companies started recognising that online selling platforms are crucial for their business success, today and in the future. As a result, there will also be an additional need for global Express shipping and DHL Express is well positioned to support all B2B companies on their journey.”

The Whitepaper also uncovers factors driving the growth of the global B2B e‑commerce market: besides general trends such as globalisation and digitalisation, a new technology-oriented generation of millennials is starting to make its mark. Already, millennials account for 73% of all professional B2B purchasing decisions. As digital natives, their experiences in the B2C-sector translate to high expectations when making B2B transactions, pushing companies to invest in digital solutions, such as selling platforms, while offering great growth potential.

“If B2B businesses want to make the most out of the new cross-border and e-commerce opportunities they need to start adapting to the changing buying behaviours. Especially with the upcoming generation of millennial as B2B decision-makers, who are further driving the digitalisation of the sector. B2B customer experiences have to be more aligned with the digital B2C experiences. As international e-commerce specialists, we have the know-how and insights to support businesses to adapt to the ongoing changes and unleash their full potential” says Leendert van Delft, Vice President Global Sales Programs and Global E-commerce.

In 2020, DHL Express delivered 484 million shipments in total for its customers (B2C and B2B) around the globe, around 9% more per day than in 2019. To adapt to this significant growth of its network, DHL Express continues to invest annually more than €1 billion in new state-of-the-art facilities around the world to multiply its sorting capacity (+65% since 2013), hires new employees (+10,000 year-on-year) and adds new freighter aircraft to its fleet (+20 units year-on-year). In this context, DHL Express recently announced the purchase of eight more Boeing B777 wide-body freighters and a partnership with Smartlynx Malta to add two Airbus A321 to its fleet. With these measures, DHL Express ensures that its worldwide customers can benefit from the global
e-commerce boom.

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