Subscribe

Tag: last mile

JD Sports selects ZetesChronos POD solution

Posted on by David Priestman

International sports-fashion retailer, JD Sports, has selected supply chain technology company and integration specialist Zetes for its new pan-European proof of delivery (POD) solution. ZetesChronos will provide real-time traceability of all retail deliveries from JD Sports’ distribution centres (DCs) to its retail fascias across Europe.

With a rapidly expanding international operation, JD Sports was looking for a pan-European provider who could offer a flexible, feature-rich solution that allows for growth in line with the retailer’s strategy. As a modular solution, ZetesChronos offers the required level of scalability as well as real-time visibility and enhanced levels of reporting that enables JD Sports to gain insight and increase the efficiency across its delivery network.

ZetesChronos connects with drivers and integrates with its ERP and WMS systems to automate processes. The solution also shares instant updates on the location of goods and vehicles to ensure the right delivery at the right time, every time.

“Having an efficient supply chain is integral to our future growth plans across Europe. We are pleased to select Zetes as our long-term partner given their expertise in supply chain, as well as their strong presence within Europe,” comments JD Sports.

Not only will ZetesChronos help to improve efficiency, the software also has functionality that supports wider business requirements such as data analytics and health and safety. As JD Sports explains, “ZetesChronos gives us real-time information so we can ensure efficient, secure and fast delivery.”

Amir Harel, UK Managing Director, Zetes, adds: “Supply chains are coming under increased pressure from growing consumer demands for an extensive range of services and delivery options. We are delighted to be working with JD Sports to provide them with a solution tailored to their exact requirements that will help future-proof their supply chain and support the continued growth of the company. The combination of both software and hardware will also result in the increased productivity and safety of drivers.”

 

ZF collaborates with Mercedes-Benz on eTrucks

Posted on by Keith McKinley

ZF has joined forces with Mercedes-Benz Trucks to equip its electric trucks with eWorX, ZF’s electrified Power Take-Off (PTO) system. The eWorX all-in-one solution offers vehicle body manufacturers a known mechanical interface to drive work equipment. The two companies are also closely collaborating with Palfinger, a leading producer of crane and lifting solutions, to equip a Mercedes-Benz eActros demonstration truck with a skip loader.

Additionally, ZF has applied eWorX to an eActros equipped with a hook loader from Meiller, a global leader in tipping trailers, hook lifts and skip handlers. Both demonstration vehicles will be unveiled at Munich’s IFAT 2022 global trade fair on 30th May.

“In close partnership with Mercedes-Benz Trucks, this further expansion of our eMobility portfolio represents another proof point for the Group’s Next Generation Mobility strategy,” said Wilhelm Rehm, member of the ZF Board of Management with responsibility for ZF’s new Commercial Vehicle Solutions division. “eWorX is supporting the electric transformation of the commercial vehicle industry for a more sustainable future.

“As the number one global supplier to the commercial vehicle industry, ZF has a deep systems knowledge of the complete vehicle. With eWorX, our electrification portfolio goes beyond the driveline.”

All-In-One Solution

As a fully integrated system, ZF eWorX offers significant value for vehicle and body manufacturers as a modular, standardised and intelligent system that combines all the functions required for the electrification of on-board equipment in a single compact unit. ZF’s eWorX represents a major step in the electric transformation of commercial vehicles, the solution delivers zero local emissions and significantly reduces noise levels which facilitates easier operation in cities and residential areas.

The eWorX system installed in the demonstration vehicles features an electric motor with nominal power of 50kW, an inverter and a control unit with application-specific software as well as a cooling system and a hydraulic pump. eWorX acts as a gateway between the vehicle and its on-board equipment, with seamless communication via a connection to the vehicle’s CAN bus.

The system operates independently from the driving system and so can be used with electric axle drives and central drives. The traction battery of the eActros provides electrical energy to the ZF eWorX system. With this, the eWorX electric motor in turn drives the hydraulic pump for the tipper. A mechanical connection to the traction motor is therefore not required.

Launched on January 1, 2022, ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) division has a mission to help shape the future of commercial transportation systems by being the preferred global technology partner to the commercial vehicle industry. Employing approximately 25,000 people across 28 countries, the division powerfully combines ZF’s commercial vehicle systems expertise, extensive technology portfolio and global operations, to innovate and supply components and advanced control systems for increasingly autonomous, connected, and electrified (ACE) vehicles.

ZF CVS division unites ZF’s former Commercial Vehicle Technology and Commercial Vehicle Control Systems divisions, the latter being formed following ZF’s acquisition of WABCO in Spring 2020.

 

Logistics Technology firm DoDo Raises €60m

Posted on by David Priestman

Czech firm DoDo Group, specialists in last-mile B2B logistics technology, has attracted €60m in Series B funding led by EC Investments and J&T Capital. The funds will be used to further develop DoDo’s data-driven logistics platform and drive the group’s expansion into Western and Southern Europe.

The funds represent the firm’s largest investment to date, following a year which saw it nearly double its annual revenue to almost €40m. DoDo’s network of over 2,000 couriers in seven countries combined to deliver over four million shipments in 2021, and it is looking to repeat last year’s growth by doubling turnover once again to over €80m in 2022.

With Covid-19 accelerating the shift to ecommerce, and supply chains increasingly strained, demand for efficient logistics technology is strong. In particular, consumer demand for next and even same-day delivery is driving the need for data-driven urban logistics that can optimise delivery. As leaders in this field, DoDo Group says it will use the investment to further develop its GAIA platform – using real-time data and predictive analytics to maximise efficiency and sustainability. DoDo Group will also use the new funds to achieve its ambition of maintaining its position as a top-three last-mile logistics operator in Europe.

The investment was co-led by Czech businessman Daniel Křetínský’s EC Investments, who is well-known in the UK for his major ownership stakes in West Ham United and The Royal Mail. He was joined by Patrik Tkáč, founder of J&T Capital Partners and co-owner of EP Global Commerce alongside Mr Křetínský. Their investment sees them increase their minority stakes, providing the capital and expertise to accelerate DoDo’s growth. Rockaway Capital also participated in the round.

London-based Royal Park Partners, the specialist fintech corporate advisory firm, acted as exclusive strategic and financial advisors throughout the fundraising process. Royal Park Partners are EMEA’s most active fintech advisors, raising over $1bn for clients in 2021.

Michal Menšík, CEO of DoDo Group, said: “DoDo has grown from a start-up into a champion of its field and we make no secret of our ambition to continue to join Europe’s premier business league. We have a great service that has stood up to even the biggest and most demanding multinational retail chains at home and abroad. Now is the time to leverage our technological edge and operational capabilities and start changing the established standards of last mile delivery in other European markets. I believe we have found the best possible partners for our ambitious goals, who have extensive experience in building a pan-European business.”

Branislav Miškovič of EC Investments said: “The investment in DoDo is attractive to us in a number of ways, the main one being that the company combines last-mile logistics with retail in an interesting and innovative way, areas in which we are investing significantly within the wider EP Corporate Group. Thanks to the know-how of the DoDo team and the breadth of our portfolio, I am confident that we will be able to collaborate on further exciting joint projects in the future.”

 

How big and bulky retailers can improve the final mile

Posted on by David Priestman

The retail of big and bulky goods is often fraught with logistical issues and delays, writes Danny Hudson, Director of Retail & CPG at FarEye. The last mile stage of delivery is often the most difficult and expensive part of the process and can lead to frustrations for both suppliers and customers.

While this stage is considered to be the most problematic by carriers, technological innovation has progressed to offer solutions. Smart technology is taking the logistics industry by storm and specially developed software now offers full traceability and visibility across the last mile. Functionality such as automated item tracking mean that all stakeholders can gain the visibility they need during the last mile. But one aspect that visibility This, among other things, can ensure that bulky and bulky items are delivered in line with ever-heightening consumer expectations.

The rise and rise of customer experience

The delivery of large and unwieldy items is often frustrating for customers. They place an order and expect the same level of service they receive with a smaller parcel. While we know that larger items may take longer to arrive, we have become impatient with these longer timeframes.

Consumers are now used to next-day, if not same-day, delivery. So waiting for weeks or even months for an order can not only be frustrating, but can significantly influence their decision on which retailer to shop with.

Stakeholders across the supply chain are trying to meet these needs by providing faster delivery when it comes to larger items. Creating or using tools that allow for quick, efficient, and on-time delivery can make this process much simpler. It also allows retailers to gain visibility of and easily connect with any third parties that are required during the last mile process.

As a customer, most will need to work from home, or take time off, thus why use of technology is so important. Softwares which can trace parcels and communicate directly with the customer is essential for success in this case. It reduces administrative work, as it is updated in real time, and customers have a clear understanding of when their package will be arriving.

Order Delays, ETAs & Visibility

Order delays are another potential hindrance to customer experience in big and bulky goods delivery. Having an accurate timeframe for delivery can prove difficult due to a range of factors including traffic delays, fleet availability, and driver availability, not to mention that most companies often outsource this process.

All these factors lead to reduced traceability, visibility, and transparency. Overall, this process comes with a lack of overview for customers. ETAs aren’t updated in real time, resulting in confusion overall. Windows for these can often be very non-specific with delays not updated. Use of tools such as AI, or even our driver app, can help mitigate these effects. These tools work in tandem to update the customer in real time as to where their package is, meaning no upset customers and no stressed drivers.

Facilitation of this process through use of automation, ML, or AI can make the whole process, from first mile to last, much easier. These technologies can be used on both big and small packages. Things like IoT, RFID, and blockchain tracking can all be implemented for general admin. These same things can also be used to provide stakeholders with live updates. These items can also easily be traced, so if anything does happen these items can be easily found. Importantly, all these systems should be able to talk to one another. Integration throughout the whole process, from warehouse to driver to customer, makes communication much easier.

Tools of the Trade: Resources and Cost reduction

The hardest part of the big and bulky delivery process is the last mile. It’s often the most expensive and time consuming. A special fleet and team is needed, and particular equipment along with packaging. It is also important to mention that these deliveries require additional safety protocols, meaning they can be more time consuming. Finding processes which make this more seamless can make all the difference in preventing delays, which in turn results in happier customers. It also allows for time sensitivity during last mile delivery, and an overall better experience.

As well as using third-party suppliers to deliver big and bulky goods, retailers or consumers may also need their services to install items such as large TVs, home gym equipment and kitchen appliances. All of which will add further delays and require consumers to put time aside to be at home to accept delivery. Oftentimes, these costs either need to be paid by the supplier or the customer, which results in higher costs for all involved. By using integrated technology, these processes can be streamlined and automatically shared with the customer, resulting in more transparency during the delivery process. This also allows for a more sustainable approach to last mile delivery, as it makes the whole experience more efficient for all stakeholders.

While big and bulky parcels have a reputation, there are easy tools to mitigate the normal hassles which come during delivery. Customer experience is integral to keeping these businesses afloat, and to keep these customers coming back. While delays may be inevitable, by using processes or tools to keep things visible and transparent to all stakeholders, companies can achieve good results.

 

UPS releases first-quarter earnings

Posted on by Keith McKinley

UPS has announced first-quarter 2022 consolidated revenue of $24.4bn, a 6.4% increase over the first quarter of 2021. Consolidated operating profit was $3.3bn, up 17.6% compared to the first quarter of 2021, and up 12.1% on an adjusted basis. Diluted earnings per share were $3.03 for the quarter; adjusted diluted earnings per share of $3.05 were 10.1% above the same period in 2021.

For the first quarter of 2022, GAAP results include a net charge of $19m, or $0.02 per diluted share, comprised of after-tax transformation and other charges of $43m offset by an after-tax gain of $24m resulting from the curtailment of benefits in a Canadian retirement plan.

“I want to thank all UPSers for their outstanding efforts during a challenging first quarter to serve the needs of our customers,” said Carol Tomé, UPS chief executive officer. “The agility of our network and the continued execution of our strategy delivered another quarter of strong financial performance, putting us on our way to achieving our 2022 consolidated financial targets.”

Study: mixed consumer sentiment on home deliveries

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Descartes Systems Group, a global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, has released the results of a consumer sentiment study of ecommerce home delivery. The study of over 8,000 consumers across 10 European and North American countries provides retailers and logistics organisations with critical insights into consumer purchase and delivery preferences and concerns.

“Ecommerce and home delivery present opportunities and challenges to retailers and logistics organisations. In our study, consumers indicated they will increase their ecommerce purchases in the future, but 73% of them said they experienced a delivery failure in the last three months,” said Chris Jones, EVP, Industry and Services at Descartes. “The results of poor delivery performance can be catastrophic for retailers with almost one-quarter of the respondents in our study citing that they did not order from that retailer again.”

The study analyses consumer ecommerce buying behaviour, what is causing ecommerce purchases to increase or decrease, the kinds of goods purchased, their frequency and which ones are being delivered. In addition, it provides insight into delivery services, charges and performance. Most importantly, it analyses the importance that consumers place on delivery performance and the impact of delivery failures on future purchases. To learn more, read the full study: Descartes Research Report: Ecommerce—Is Retailer Fulfilment and Delivery Performance Keeping Up with Sales Growth?

Descartes’ ecommerce logistics solutions help retailers and logistics services providers deliver a superior customer experience. The home delivery solution covers a wide range of critical capabilities including delivery appointment booking, route planning, mobile applications and customer communications. They engage the customer at the point of purchase through order fulfilment and the successful completion of the delivery, provide opportunities to upsell value-added delivery services and keep customers up-to-date with the status of their delivery.

The warehouse management and integrated parcel shipping solutions help small- to mid-size retailers to use the right carrier and service to minimise shipping costs as well as to scale their ecommerce business by improving fulfilment reliability, speed and productivity.

London van drivers lose a week p.a. looking for parking

Posted on by Keith McKinley

AppyParking+ has unveiled research showing the potential impact that limited parking, lack of parking information and confusing signage – alongside the increase in fuel costs – can have on small businesses and tradespeople across London.

Basing the research on the fact that London has 221,000 registered van drivers, the AppyParking team calculated that these van owners and tradespeople are losing up to two working days per year as a result of the time spent looking for places to park when attending jobs. The average London driver spends up to 12 minutes per trip looking for on-street parking spaces, and as a result drives an extra two miles on average per trip looking for parking – an extra 211 miles annually.

AppyParking+ sought to highlight how using its parking app, as well as employing other methods of planning journeys, van drivers and tradespeople could find on and off-street parking faster and also be able to better understand parking restrictions.

London’s van drivers also receive over 838,000 PCN fines per year, costing tradespeople £54,470,000. By better planning of journeys, AppyParking+ can help van drivers avoid this additional cost by providing an easy way to research what the parking looks like around their destination before they head off.

Dan Hubert, CEO and founder of AppyWay, parent company to AppyParking+, commented: “As van owners continue to move from job to job, parking can sometimes be a real concern, where it is not readily available or located in busy areas. The outcome of this time spent not only empties fuel tanks, but it empties pockets as well.

“Although just a small part of the bigger picture for businesses, spending one minute searching for parking instead of five minutes can make all the difference. AppyParking+ helps businesses and individuals save time and money by taking you straight to your space, where you know exactly the cost and the time it will take to reach your destination, removing the rush and panic to find a space in unfamiliar or busy areas.”

Since the start of 2022, fuel prices are also on the up which is only adding to the issue. Rising by 21p per litre in the first three months of the year alone, there is also a risk that trade rates are going to increase, deferring the cost to the pocket of London’s citizens.

By providing van drivers with a way of avoiding additional costs incurred through searching for parking or parking fines, AppyParking+ can help to bring down unnecessary costs during a time where every penny counts for many.

How it was calculated

Using data that shows the average London driver spends 12 minutes per day searching for parking, and based on a Ford Custom Transit van – the UK’s most-sold van – driving at an average speed of 10mph in London at 40mpg, this is two miles extra per trip, and 211 miles per year.

The average day rate for a tradesperson in London ranges from £150 to £275 per day, meaning that most are losing up to £1,400 whilst looking for somewhere to park by spending 48 hours searching for parking spaces each year.

For some the total could be as high as £2,000 – bringing a whopping £300m bill to the doorstep of the 221,000 London trade community.

Technology changing last-mile delivery sector

Posted on by David Priestman

COVID-19 has accelerated the use of technology across almost every industry and sector, with businesses adapting to digital and remote approaches on a wide range of their traditional processes. One area of logistics which has benefitted from this influx of technology is the last-mile delivery sector and specifically the way it engages self-employment.

Historically, self-employment has always brought up connotations of stressful admin, particularly around tax and finance, which have dissuaded many people from this type of employment. With many last-mile delivery firms heavily relying on self-employed drivers to get parcels out to individuals, this created an ongoing workforce issue which is only being exacerbated by the steady rise in ecommerce.

In a recent survey commissioned by UK self-employment technology specialist, Wise, 22% of people explained one of the barriers holding them back from self-employment is the sheer amount of admin you are required to complete. Within delivery and logistics firms, lots of this relates to onboarding and the documentation needed not only to get started, but to confirm your employment status and compliance status – traditionally, onboarding a new self-employed driver with all of the required paperwork could take as long as three hours.

Now, Wise is tackling these issues around self-employment within UK logistics by creating a revolutionary digital platform that is helping both the delivery firms and their subcontractors to save time, money and stress. Currently working with over 250 UK logistics companies, its digital system helps these firms to streamline their recruitment and onboarding processes whilst also providing vital support on both legal and compliance matters.

Tom Hills, Chief Operating Officer at Wise, said: “As a country, we understand now more than ever how important a role self-employed drivers are playing within the UK supply chain, getting goods around the nation and to our doorsteps. With our innovative platform, we’re delighted to be able to play a part in improving the self-employment experience for these subcontractors and the delivery firms which engage them.”

 

Electric motorbikes optimised for mobile workforces

Posted on by Keith McKinley

CAKE, the Swedish maker of premium lightweight, electric motorbikes, has launched CAKE :work; a new series of powerful and durable electric utility vehicles designed and developed for professional applications such as delivery drivers (food and parcel), craftsmen, and service professionals.

With the launch of the :work series, CAKE will speed up the transition to sustainable cities and facilitate significant cuts in emissions by offering solutions and opportunities for businesses striving to develop environmentally sustainable and more efficient services and logistics. The new series of professional-grade electric two wheeled vehicles addresses several urgent challenges facing metropolitan areas worldwide.

Globally there are two billion fossil fuel-driven vehicles on the road that emit five gigatons of CO2 annually – driving climate change. To date, more than 150 cities worldwide have announced restrictions on combustion engine transportation. Innovation and investment in sustainable transportation must happen at haste, to navigate tighter emissions targets and restrictions on fossil-fuelled vehicles.

“The CAKE :work series offers the immediate potential of moving last-mile deliveries and mobile workforces away from traditional solutions for urban transportation, clearly exceeding the efficiency of both cars and bicycles, making this initiative our single most important contribution to date in speeding up the process towards a zero-emission society,” says Stefan Ytterborn, founder and CEO of CAKE.

“Any industry that handles large volumes of short-haul transportation of both people and goods understands the daily struggle with traffic jams, parking fines, and the need to find both economical and sustainable fossil fuel-free vehicles. At CAKE, we truly believe that the future for last-mile deliveries will be electric and run on two wheels.”

CAKE for professionals

Designed and developed in close collaboration with different professional user groups, the new :work series builds upon CAKE’s three existing platforms: Kalk (high performance off road), Ösa (modular utility bike), and Makka (urban commuter).

Optimising power, reach, efficiency, and capacity, the adjustments and reinforcements specific to the :work series include an increased range that allows the bike to run for the full working day, and power support which enables workers to power electronic tools or regulate the temperature of food delivery boxes, for example.

Additionally, :work has an increased towing capacity as well as a more compact design, such as narrower handlebars, allowing riders to more easily weave between cars. That will allow riders to modify and customise their machines in more than one hundred different configurations to suit their type of work.

The :work series is built to endure the demands of the working professional, offering a low total cost of ownership and, as a result, increased profit margins. Additionally, much like the other series, they are designed to have minimum impact on the environment. This makes it an ideal solution for last-mile deliveries (an industry which is expected to be worth over $200bn by 2027), the e-commerce delivery sector (growing by more than 78% in 100 of the world’s largest cities), and food deliveries, which are predicted to grow by 60%.

The bikes

Makka :work – the lightweight and agile urban shuttle comes in two new models (45km/h and 25km/h). Now with more peak power, up to 110km range and new accessories to carry more loads. The new Makka model comes with external power outlets, allowing users to supply off-grid power to electric gadgets as well as heavy-duty power tools like grinders, drills, and more.

Ösa :work – the powerful workbench and towing truck on two wheels. Comes in three models, with top speeds of 90, 45 and 25km/h, with more peak power, up to 160km range, and new trailers to haul loads of up to 1,500 litres. As with the original Ösa, these bikes can also supply off-grid power to heavy-duty tools and gadgets through the bike’s battery system.

Kalk :work – the efficient outbound explorer. Its 18” off-road tires and unique :work ride modes makes for a bike ideal for surveillance, service, patrolling or similar, to reach remote places through rough terrain. The new Kalk :work is street-legal and comes with a new rack to bring work tools or gear along.

All bikes come with new :work ride modes, adapted for professional user needs. They also come with custom ride modes, available to customise directly in the CAKE Connect App.

A wide range of new accessories have been added, as well as new pre-configurations. Among the highlights are the rear and front carrier, together carrying loads of up to 150kg. The new big Carla Cargo trailer pulls loads of up to 150kg and the compact Fårö trailer carries up to 50kg of weight.

 

Inchcape partners with Horizon in the Americas

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Inchcape Shipping Services and Horizon Air Freight have formed a new partnership they say will streamline Inchcape’s last-mile spares logistics and door-to-deck delivery throughout the Americas.

The alliance is set to strengthen Inchcape’s new Marine Supply Chain Solutions (MSCS) service line that manages integrated marine services for shipping companies across all ports, for enhanced customer efficiency, simplicity and value.

Inchcape customers can now use the Horizon WorldTrack portal, which gives them real-time, consolidated updates on all their purchase orders.

“Prior to partnering with Horizon, management of this service was a detail-intensive process internally. Horizon has really streamlined that process, allowing our customers to log in and extract any documents or data they require,” said Crystal Waldroup, senior manager of MSCS – Americas.

Inchcape, as one of the world’s oldest and largest port agency and marine services providers, has created MSCS as part of its vision for a “smoother, smarter ocean”.

In this connection, the company needed a logistics partner with excellent internal processes, timely communications, resourceful solutions and technical sophistication – and Horizon fit the bill.

“I was in search of a marine logistics company which would partner closely with us as we built this service line together,” Waldroup explained. “I wanted a partner which had a global network of transportation companies already in place, and could handle both last-mile and door-to-deck deliveries anywhere in the world.”

She added: “Horizon was the obvious choice. We had worked informally with Horizon before and knew their reputation as the logistics company that could solve the most complicated shipping challenges. The time was right to formalise a true partnership.”

Horizon CEO Steve Leondis said: “I couldn’t be happier with this new partnership. Inchcape shares our commitment to do whatever it takes to keep ships sailing safely and on schedule. We look forward to serving their customers throughout the Americas.”

Subscribe

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