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CIRRO E-Commerce Integrates with 17TRACK

Posted on 17 July, 202431 July, 2025 by David Priestman

CIRRO E-Commerce, a leading e-commerce logistics solutions provider, announces its integration with 17TRACK, a global shipment tracking service platform. This partnership is designed to improve the customer experience by providing seamless, real-time tracking information and robust customer support.

The integration between CIRRO E-Commerce and 17TRACK improves access to tracking information for marketplaces, e-commerce merchants, and consumers. By automatically sharing tracking data with 17TRACK’s partners and users, it becomes easy for all stakeholders to stay informed about their orders. The tracking platform enhances traceability, ensuring updates are always available and accurate. This, in turn, boosts CIRRO E-Commerce’s reliability, as timely tracking builds trust and confidence among consumers.

“Welcoming CIRRO E-Commerce to 17TRACK has enlarged our carrier network, marking a key milestone in our strategy to expand in the North American market. We remain dedicated to increasing transparency and reliability through our tracking platforms, alongside ongoing development of advanced technology solutions for the e-commerce sector,” said Ria, Head of Global Marketing Operator at 17TRACK.

“We are delighted to partner with 17TRACK. With transparent tracking information and streamlined operational processes, we collectively optimize the post-purchase experience for e-commerce merchants and consumers,” said Vincent D’Amato, Head of Sales at CIRRO E-Commerce North America. “We will continue to forge collaborations with upstream and downstream companies, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction and driving e-commerce growth.”

New Fulfilment Centre Opened by CIRRO

Visibility Platform for Warehouse Optimisation and Accuracy

Posted on 15 July, 202431 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Unipart, the supply chain solutions and performance improvement technologies partner, provides advanced warehousing solutions to deliver dynamic multi-channel fulfilment. To ensure it continues to meet customer demands and to provide real-time visibility of its warehouse operations at its Nuneaton site, the company has deployed global visibility platform DexoryView, from Dexory, a global leader in AI-powered robotics and visibility solutions. In the first few months since deployment, Unipart no longer needs to carry out manual, time-intensive tasks, allowing the company to use its resources more efficiently.

Since implementing DexoryView, Unipart is able to scan its entire warehouse overnight, ensuring the team has up-to-date data available to them for the start of the next day. This level of accuracy was not possible before with the stock team performing random checks of up to 20 locations. With DexoryView, Unipart can scan more than 10,000 locations per hour, which has resulted in greater efficiency and allows the company to use its resources better to ensure Unipart provides the highest standards of efficiency and reliability to its customers.

“The deployment of DexoryView allows us to gain further insights into our operations,” says James Hayden, automation engineering manager at Unipart. “This strategic investment underscores Unipart’s dedication to delivering cutting-edge solutions that drive tangible value for our customers. Dexory has provided us with transformative technology that ensures we have real-time data at our fingertips. This enables us to optimise our space utilisation to be even more efficient in fulfilling customer orders. In turn this enhances Unipart’s reputation for excellence in supply chain management.”

The deployment of Dexory’s technology reflects Unipart’s ongoing commitment to innovation and continuous improvement in warehouse management practices. As the company looks ahead to the future of supply chain logistics, it remains steadfast in its mission to deliver innovative solutions that drive sustainable growth and create value for its stakeholders.

“Working with forward-thinking organisations, such as Unipart, highlights the importance of achieving visibility in their warehouse operations,” says Dexory Chief Commercial and Product Officer and Co-Founder, Oana Jinga. “Together, Dexory and Unipart are setting new standards of efficiency and productivity in warehouse operations, empowering businesses to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape. Their commitment to innovation and relentless pursuit of excellence aligns seamlessly with our own values.”

In the future, Unipart is exploring opportunities for further integration of DexoryView across its warehouses in the United Kingdom.

Dexory Raises $19M for Warehouse Visibility

Pre-Seed Funding for Berlin Supply Chain SaaS Firm

Posted on 10 July, 202431 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Berlin-based startup Northbound has successfully closed a pre-seed financing round of €1.3 million to expand its software-as-a-service solution. The company is developing a SaaS platform to streamline operational control within the container supply chain. Northbound optimizes the flow of goods from the port to the warehouse, considering penalty fees (e.g. demurrage and detention,
“D&D”), capacities, and delivery promises. The solution protects companies from inefficiencies and errors, such as multi-million-euro container D&D charges and late deliveries that frustrate customers.

The round was led by Apex Black and included participation from id4 ventures, IBB Ventures, Schenker Ventures, MVP Factory and several prominent business angels. Northbound was founded by Andreas Canel and Rahul Yadav (pictured) and received initial backing and acceleration from global logistics service provider DB Schenker and MVP Factory. The funding will be used to expand the platform’s AI capabilities, grow the team with key hires in go-to-market and software engineering and acquire additional customers.

Up to 40 percent of containers remain in port terminals or storage locations for too long, resulting in up to multiple thousand Euros in penalty costs per container. Northbound offers businesses an intuitive dashboard that provides real-time data on the location, status and impending D&D charges of containers. This enables prioritized and coordinated control of container shipments, optimized flows of goods and fulfilled delivery promises.

“International importers frequently incur millions in D&D penalties without having real control over them. Major shipping lines profit from these fees and have little incentive to change. Our vision is to empower importers to independently prevent these fees through active control and automated optimization of container flows,” explains Canel, co-founder and CEO of Northbound.

Enhanced AI-Driven Decision Making

Northbound has already successfully validated its software with various pilot customers, including a leading German sporting goods manufacturer. It was proven that over 90 percent of D&D costs within a two-month period could have been avoided through the increased cost transparency and optimized control that the AI solution offers. Northbound’s AI algorithm automatically flags incorrect invoices, enabling disputes on up to 20 percent of all invoices and preventing unjustified payments.

According to DB Schenker and numerous customer interviews, oftentime the majority of D&D fees can be avoided. Without a solution, these costs are commonly caused by a lack of awareness and suboptimal planning.

“Northbound’s innovative approach to optimizing the container supply chain, including the reduction of demurrage and detention charges, addresses a critical need in the market. The technology empowers importers with real-time cost transparency and intelligence, enabling precise and timely decision-making and significant cost savings,” said Rani Saad, Founding Partner at Apex Black.

Validation through Startup and Domain Expertise

In the early stages of the company, Northbound collaborated closely with DB Schenker to validate and test its idea and solution.“ Northbound’s strength lies in its ability to address a highly relevant customer problem today, while simultaneously paving the way for autonomous, fully automated logistics processes of tomorrow. A robust solution combined with a strong vision,” says Patric Hoffmann, SVP Global Ventures & Innovation, DB Schenker. This partnership ensured that Northbound was addressing a significant and relevant industry problem.

In addition to the collaboration with DB Schenker, Northbound benefited early on from its partnership with MVP Factory, which offers a strong network and valuable company-building expertise: “Northbound impressively demonstrates how the collaboration of DB Schenker and MVP Factory creates sustainable added value for the industry. We combine outstanding founding teams and renowned VCs with the network and domain expertise of a leading global logistics group to successfully develop and scale these solutions,” says Johannes Simon, Managing Partner of MVP Factory.

Samskip Makes Changes to North Sea and Baltic Reefer Services

Switch to Tow Tractor is Sweet

Posted on 2 July, 202431 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Histon Sweet Spreads Ltd (part of the Hain Daniels Group) produces some of the UK’s best known preserve brands, including such staples of the British breakfast table as Robertson’s ‘Golden Shred’ marmalade and Hartley’s jam.

The company’s production facility in Cambridgeshire is in operation 24/7 and some one million cases – or 1500 tonnes – of product is manufactured at the site each and every week. With residential property bordering the busy operation Histon Sweet Spreads go to great lengths to minimise the amount of noise generated by arriving and departing delivery vehicles and other essential activities that might disturb or disrupt their neighbours.

“A certain amount of noise from commercial or industrial premises is to be expected but we have always been very aware of the fact that excessive or unreasonable sound could constitute a problem for the people that live in the houses nearby, especially if the noise continues through the night,” explains Danny Ivatt, Histon Sweet Spreads’ Site Services and FLT Supervisor.

When a resident of one of the domestic properties that adjoin the production site’s boundary drew Histon’s attention to the noise created by a lift truck that uses an unmade road to shuttle between different areas of the site, Histon Sweet Spreads immediately set about finding a way to nullify the problem.

The company consulted its long-term materials handling equipment provider Toyota Material Handling (UK) for a solution. Studies undertaken by Toyota highlighted that it took the lift truck six minutes to cover the distance between the site’s ‘jelly line’ and the finished goods warehouse. Once a pallet of ‘jelly’ had been deposited within the finished goods store, the forklift made the return journey – which involved another six minutes of travel time.

With loads coming off of the ‘jelly line’ at a rate of 5 or 6 per hour the lift truck’s 12 minute return trip to the storage unit and back via the rough surface of the road often meant the truck operator was up against the clock. Toyota recommended replacing the forklift with a tow tractor. Because a tow tractor fitted with a trailer allows several loads to be transported by one vehicle, the number of journeys between the ‘jelly line’ and the finished goods store has been cut to one every hour, instead of the five or six 12 minute forklift trips that had previously been necessary.

Furthermore, an immediate noise reduction dividend comes courtesy of the elimination of the sound produced when the forklift’s mast is raised or lowered, due to the simple fact that a tow tractor doesn’t have a mast!

The tow tractor supplied is a Simai 4-wheel sit-in model with an 8-tonne capacity. The electric-powered machine’s robust design is better suited to the terrain of the unmade link road than the fork truck, which means Histon’s monthly service costs have been reduced. And, because the tow tractor is only required to make one return trip per hour, it is also being used to manage the movement of waste and empty raw material barrels around the site. This has allowed Histon to cut the number of hours each of the six trucks in its gas-powered counterbalanced forklift fleet has to work in and around the yard area – further reducing noise pollution.

Toyota report that, driven by changing manufacturing trends, sales of tow tractors are increasing across its business. “Many manufacturing companies are reconfiguring their internal logistics systems to maximise efficiency of lineside parts delivery processes,” says Toyota Material Handling Senior Sales Executive, Ronnie Finney.

He continues: “In a lot of cases, manufacturers are adopting the ‘milk run’ principle as the most efficient way of getting parts to the production line. This involves delivery of parts on a defined route around the factory, often to a set timetable. In simple terms, tow tractors leave the warehouse with a full load of parts. They drop off a full SKU of parts at the production line and take-away an empty SKU for replenishment. This system was first used in the automotive sector but is being adopted by smaller companies across a range of industries as the ‘scheduled’ parts delivery service approach gives greater structure to the production process.”

More Towing Capacity on Offer with Tow Tractor Range

New Rail Freight Connection between Poland and Spain

Posted on 1 July, 202431 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Geodis, a leading intermodal operator, has expanded its rail freight services with another fixed schedule connection. As of June 11th, the freight train between Łódź and Barcelona was operable, representing the first direct rail connection between the two countries.

On the inaugural trip customers’ goods in 44 containers and/or swap bodies, each capable of carrying a payload of 26 tons set off from the freight terminal in Łódź, reaching Barcelona after just three days, from where ‘last mile‘ distribution will take place by road. Later on that day of arrival, the train returns to Poland with imported goods from Spain. Successive trains have also a capacity of 44 units, replacing the same amount of trucks that might otherwise be used.

The service is an example of GEODIS’ ability to go beyond a pure intermodal offering and provide a truly multimodal option, which combines road transport with rail seamlessly, enabling a secure flow of goods and more flexibility in managing peaks in demand.

Moving more goods safely with less energy consumed

Delivering goods on rail emits five times less CO2 than covering the same distance by road and is 12 times lower than the equivalent air transport. The rail link allows the delivery of as much as 1,000 tons of goods from various industries.

The rail route between Łódź and Barcelona, although longer than the road journey by almost 160 km, reduces CO2 emissions by up to -79%. Moreover, energy consumption is around 57% lower.

Dynamic development of rail transport services

In the first stage of the development of this project, the schedule provides for one train per week, leaving Łódź every Tuesday. In the other direction, the train will depart from Barcelona on Fridays.

“The launch of the new Łódź – Barcelona rail connection provides customers a large number of benefits, as it will enable punctual transportation of shipments, while considerably limiting CO2 emissions,” said Marc Vollet, Chief Operations Officer at GEODIS European Road Network. “GEODIS is one of the leading intermodal operators, and we are proud to continue in this vein by developing this road-rail solution in Europe, enabling our customers to benefit from even more solutions and optional routings. We have great ambitions for this new line, as we plan to increase the frequency to two trains per week in the near future.”

This new multimodal block-train is an addition to the existing GEODIS multimodal route network which operates nearly 120 trains a week throughout Europe.

Rejuvenation of Lodz Logistics Hubs

Clustag Selected for Item-Level RFID Solution

Posted on 1 July, 202431 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Clustag by Rielec, a global leader in innovative RFID solutions, has announced that it has been appointed by global warehouse robotics provider Exotec as a strategic partner to deploy item-level RFID solutions in selected Skypod® System projects. The technology will be deployed in some specific projects in the Netherlands for a globally known fashion brand

Headquartered in Lille, France, Exotec combines hardware and software to offer warehouse robotic systems that drive operational efficiency, add resiliency, and improve working conditions for warehouse operators. The Skypod System is an order-picking solution for retail, e-commerce, and industrial use. Robots can climb racks up to 12 metres in high and retrieve products autonomously, before delivering totes to human-staffed or automatic picking stations.

Warehouse automation systems like Exotec allow efficient use of height without impacting performance or flexibility. The Skypod System is fully scalable, so storage capacity and picking performance can be increased when required or adapted to the architecture of a warehouse. The system can run continuously throughout the year without impacting performance. In addition, more robots can be quickly added to increase throughput during peak periods. Exotec’s comprehensive software simplifies management of the entire system.

“We selected the Clustag solution by Rielec because we were impressed by its elegant design, proven reliability, and the ability to be delivered quickly by highly competent teams. It perfectly meets our quality and customer satisfaction requirements,” said Chloé Marechal, Supply Chain Manager Western Europe at Exotec.

As part of the partnership, Clustag by Rielec will provide Exotec with its patented RFID MOT Station technology. The MOT Station design provides complete reliability and flow data available to users. The technology can be fully integrated into processes and aggregates three key pieces of data: RFID identification, case volume, and case weight during operation to improve the inventory management process.

The technology can scan the contents of cases with dimensions up to 850 x 650 x 650 millimetres, scanning 400 tags per case at speeds of up to 1,000 cases per hour. The RFID station is UL certified and CE-marked. Used within the fashion industry, the MOT Station combined with Clustag’s ZENTUP software enables retailers to keep pace with fast-moving fashion cycles. Once items are scanned, ZENTUP provides retailers with complete product data, incorporating product types, colours, and sizes to facilitate high-quality stock decision-making, quickly.

ZENTUP will integrate with Exotec’s Warehouse Execution System to provide users with accurate, real-time data. This provides the foundation that enables retailers to deliver efficient and effective order fulfilment for customers.

In the words of Manolo Reguart, Director of Strategy and Business Development at Clustag by Rielec: “RFID technology plays a pivotal role in creating enhanced inventory accuracy within the warehouse. The successful integration of our MOT Stations into some Exotec’s projects will deliver unparalleled inventory visibility for end users”.

With the implementation of Clustag by Rielec technology in Exotec’s warehouse solution, smarter supply chain and order fulfilment decisions can be made that improve sales opportunities and the long-term business success of both brands.

LAC to represent Exotec in the UK

Clark Announces American Homecoming

Posted on 25 June, 202431 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Clark Material Handling is pleased to announce the establishment of its Global Headquarters in the United States. This move returns a premier American brand, the creator of the modern forklift, from Korea back to the US and lays the foundation for a global growth strategy that begins with a homecoming.

Clark’s Global Headquarters will merge with Clark Material Handling Company (CMHC), in Lexington, Kentucky, North American operations, leveraging the strengths of both companies and positioning Clark for further global growth in the coming decades. The integrated organization will be effective July 1, 2024, and will be located in Dallas, Texas, upon the official opening of the new Headquarters planned for January 1, 2025.

Mr. Chuck Moratz, Clark’s current Global President, will lead the integrated organization and serve as CEO at CMHC. Moratz has over 30 years of extensive forklift experience and an unwavering commitment to the Clark company. He has held various pivotal positions at CMHC, including Engineering Director, Vice President of Truck Operations, and COO. His global roles have included Vice President of Global Engineering and President of Global HQ. In addition, he has overseen the introduction of numerous IC and electric new products, including the bullet-proof S-Series product line. Moratz holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from West Point and has served in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) in Korea.

“Clark remains steadfast in its promise to deliver the highest-quality products and services worldwide. By relocating and combining our operations, we will accelerate new product development and the integration of new technologies to meet the changing needs of our customers while providing the best service and lowest cost of ownership in the industry”, says Moratz. “We appreciate the continued support of our employees, dealers, customers, and the market as we embark on this exciting new chapter. Together, we will build on our legacy of over 100 years of excellence and drive Clark to new heights.”

Since the forklift was invented by Eugene Clark in Buchanan, Michigan (USA) in 1917, CLARK has been one of the worldwide market leaders in the material handling equipment business. With more than 100 years of experience in the sector, and over 1.4 million forklifts sold worldwide, the CLARK brand, which is proud of its roots in the United States of America, is associated with modern and robust product design, progressive, sophisticated technology, and excellent customer service. Since 2003, CLARK has offered a complete product portfolio consisting of forklift trucks with electric or combustion engines and load capacities from 1.5 to 8 tons, reach trucks, warehouse trucks, tow tractors and a comprehensive range of services.

New Sales & Marketing Director

New Fulfilment Centre Opened by CIRRO

Posted on 25 June, 202431 July, 2025 by David Priestman

CIRRO Fulfillment officially announces the opening of its 21st fulfilment centre, Ergo Fradley 354, which is now operational in the well-established Fradley Park, Lichfield, Staffordshire, UK. The new facility spans 33,000 square meters.

Ergo Fradley 354 is a joint venture between NFU Mutual and Ergo Real Estate, it is a top-tier facility built to the highest standards, achieving EPC A, BREEAM Excellent and Planet Mark Certification, to allow for sustainable, reliable, and efficient operations. The facility is equipped with 50-meter secure yards, controlled access, and advanced surveillance systems to store the products more safely. With a 15-meter height, 50 KN/m² floor loading capacity, and 36 dock levelers, the facility offers spacious storage, accommodates heavy products and ensures fast product circulation.

The strategic location enables CIRRO Fulfillment to serve a densely populated region of over one million people within a 30-minute drive of Lichfield, Burton, and Birmingham. Situated on the A38, it offers excellent accessibility, quickly reaching the northern areas of Lichfield and the Midlands via the M6. Moreover, the M1 provides convenient access to the rest of the UK, including London in the south and Leeds in the north.

With this addition, CIRRO Fulfillment now operates 15 centres across the UK, totaling over 200,000 square meters of fulfilment space. On a broader scale, the inclusion of the new fulfilment centre expands the company’s footprint across 14 European countries, bringing the total storage capacity to over 500,000 square meters. This extensive network supports companies in scaling their e-commerce operations efficiently.

“We are excited to unveil the launch of our new fulfilment centre in the UK,” said Charles Lu, Head of Business Development at CIRRO Fulfillment Europe. “This expansion enhances our warehousing capacities, alleviates regional storage capacity pressures, and better serves the growing demands of the e-commerce market.”

E-merchants seeking dependable and affordable fulfilment solutions, primarily for the UK and European markets, are encouraged to contact CIRRO Fulfillment to discuss their requirements.

Fulfillment Experience Insights Dashboard

Dana Delivers 1,000th Transmission for Kalmar Reachstackers

Posted on 19 June, 202431 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Dana Incorporated today announced that the company has supplied the 1,000th Spicer® HVT2 powersplit transmission for Kalmar® Eco Reachstackers used in port logistics operations worldwide.

Kalmar has configured the transmission in its lineup of high-efficiency reachstackers since 2015. Testing on equipment in real-world port operations has shown that Kalmar Eco Reachstackers equipped with the Spicer HVT2 reduces fuel consumption by up to 40% while improving productivity by up to 10% when compared with equipment using conventional transmissions.

“The energy transition is a journey, but OEMs and equipment buyers are collaborating with Dana to integrate solutions that assist in reducing their carbon intensity today,” said Jeroen Decleer, President, Off-Highway Drive and Motion Systems for Dana Incorporated. “Our collaboration with Kalmar demonstrates how the Spicer HVT2 contributed to reduced fuel consumption and the associated greenhouse gas emissions in a plug-and-play solution that fits within current vehicle design envelopes.”

Spicer HVTs play an integral role in supporting Kalmar reachstackers at major ports around the world, including Australia, Belgium, China, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Italy, the Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, and the United States.

Driving Superior Performance and Fuel Efficiency

Spicer HVTs significantly reduce fuel consumption by decreasing engine speeds throughout the duty cycle and at idle when speeds can drop to as low as 600 rpm. Application analysis demonstrates the possibility of further savings without compromising performance through engine downsizing.

The Spicer HVT2 handles up to 235 kW (315 HP) of input power for reachstackers, empty container handlers, and other port material-handling applications. Dana also offers the Spicer HVT1, engineered for 80 to 115 kW (110 to 155 HP) of power input for mid-sized applications such as agriculture and construction telehandlers.

Leading the Decarbonization of Port Equipment

As global ports face stricter government regulations mandating lower emissions, Dana’s drive and motion solutions for reachstackers, empty container handlers, terminal tractors, and large automated guided vehicles (AGVs) provide superior performance, durability, safety, and reduced-carbon operation.

Dana supports the development of electrified mobile port equipment with the Spicer Electrified™ eSP502 e-Transmission, a dual-motor, two-speed powershift transmission providing superior performance at maximum efficiency in a compact package.

Its dual-motor concept enables the use of one or two motors depending on the duty cycle, providing superior efficiency, reducing system costs, and helping vehicles reach higher travel speeds. The eSP502 features a transmission integrated with Dana TM4™ motors, inverters, and a driveline controller in a completely electrified system solution.

In addition to the eSP502, Dana also offers highly engineered Spicer Electrified e-Axles and e-Hub drives, offering port equipment OEMs a range of drivetrain options depending on packaging, duty cycle requirements, and user preferences.

Kalmar celebrates delivery of its 1,000th medium-range G-generation forklift truck

Descartes Acquires BoxTop Technologies

Posted on 18 June, 202431 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Descartes Systems Group, a global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, announced that it has acquired BoxTop Technologies Limited, a provider of shipment management solutions for small- to mid-sized logistics services providers (LSPs).

Based in the UK, BoxTop helps LSPs digitize their operations and connect to the wider logistics community to manage the lifecycle of shipments. LSPs use the BoxTop platform to manage the secure and efficient movement of goods from quoting through to routing, booking, and final delivery. BoxTop is an existing Descartes partner, leveraging the Descartes Global Logistics Network (GLN) to help their clients gain visibility into shipments across multiple modes of transportation and to complete electronic customs filings.

“We’ve been working successfully with BoxTop for a number of years, and this was the next logical step in our partnership,” said Scott Sangster, General Manager Logistics Services Providers at Descartes. “BoxTop has an excellent solution for small- to mid-sized LSPs and we see an opportunity to integrate it with more solutions on the GLN. This will help us deliver more value to BoxTop customers and expand the geographic footprint into more countries in Europe.”

“LSPs will continue to play a vital role in trade in the global economy,” said Edward J. Ryan, Descartes’ CEO. “As LSPs continue to digitize their operations, we want to make sure that small- to mid-size LSPs have access to the same breadth of solutions to manage the lifecycle of shipments in a secure and efficient manner. The acquisition of BoxTop puts us in a better position to deliver even more value to this community. We’re excited to welcome the BoxTop employees, customers and partners into the Descartes family.”

BoxTop is headquartered in Windsor, England. Descartes acquired BoxTop for approximately £10.25 million ($US 13 million), satisfied from cash on hand.

How to Win During Peak Shipping Season