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Tag: logistics

Williams Shipping Expands in Scotland with Acquisition and New Site

Posted on by Will Priestman

Southampton-based logistics and maritime services specialist Williams Shipping has strengthened its presence in Scotland with the acquisition of GIF Transport and Logistics and the purchase of land in Dyce, Aberdeen, earmarked for further expansion. The move builds on an already strong working relationship between the two companies, with GIF set to continue trading under its existing brand and management to ensure uninterrupted service for customers.

Williams Shipping Logistics Managing Director Jonathan Williams said the partnership was founded on shared values and a mutual commitment to delivering first-class service. GIF director Brian Pirie echoed the sentiment, noting that the collaboration would allow both companies to build on their strong reputations and offer greater value to customers across the UK logistics market.

The Dyce site will become GIF’s new headquarters and will also house Williams Marine Lubricants and the company’s specialist container division, Willbox. The location is set to play a key role in the group’s operations in the north, with phased development already under way and full operations expected to commence later this year.

For the UK logistics sector, this acquisition and expansion represent a significant strengthening of Williams Shipping’s network. By integrating transport, marine lubricants and container solutions under one hub, the company is set to enhance efficiency, improve customer service, and increase its agility in serving both regional and national markets.

Global Logistics Shake-Up: Pentagon Joins JAS

Posted on by Will Priestman

Pentagon Freight Services has announced it is joining global logistics giant JAS Worldwide, marking a major milestone in the company’s 50-year journey as a specialist freight forwarder. The acquisition represents a strategic step forward for both organisations and is set to strengthen JAS’s capabilities across key industry verticals.

A New Chapter for Pentagon

The announcement, shared by Pentagon on 1 August 2025, confirms that the two companies have signed a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA). The transaction is expected to close later this year, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions.

For Pentagon, which operates more than 65 offices and employs over 1,200 staff globally, this move signals a new phase of growth. Known for its expertise in logistics solutions for the energy sector and beyond, Pentagon brings extensive experience in handling complex, project-based freight across demanding environments.

Strategic Alignment with JAS

Pentagon highlighted that the decision to join JAS was driven by shared values and a strong cultural fit. The company described JAS as an organisation with “a clear and ambitious growth strategy, coupled with a highly complementary global network.” The acquisition is expected to provide expanded opportunities for both employees and customers.

In the official statement, Pentagon noted:

“This exciting development will allow us to further enhance our service offerings, broaden our global reach, and provide our clients with even more innovative and efficient logistics solutions.”

Focus on Continuity and Opportunity

The leadership at Pentagon reassured staff and customers that it will remain “business as usual” in the short term, with no immediate changes to operations or service levels. The company also emphasized its commitment to continuity, while looking ahead to the long-term advantages that the integration will bring.

Pentagon concluded the announcement by thanking its team, customers, and partners for their continued support and said it was “excited for the journey ahead.”

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XPO and PepsiCo Announce UK Transport Partnership

Posted on by David Priestman

XPO Logistics has entered into a major new partnership with PepsiCo to become their chosen core transport partner for England and Wales. The partnership with XPO Logistics will operate across all four of its main UK distribution sites in Leicester, Lutterworth, Coventry, and Warrington.

PepsiCo is one of the world’s leading food and beverage manufacturers. Every day, millions of people across the UK enjoy PepsiCo’s snacks, oats and carbonated soft drinks. The company’s portfolio encompasses world famous brands such as Pepsi MAX, Doritos, 7UP Zero Sugar, and Quaker Oats, alongside its much-loved, local and regional brands, including Walkers, Wotsits, Monster Munch, and Pipers.

Beyond the cupboard staples and snack-time favourites, PepsiCo is a business committed to driving positive action for the planet and people, through its PepsiCo Positive (pep+) agenda. Launched in 2021, pep+ is PepsiCo’s end-to-end sustainability and business strategy. It’s a framework that drives action across agriculture, supply chains, product portfolios, and communities. To support this vision, PepsiCo has selected XPO Logistics as a key partner to advance its decarbonisation strategy in the UK.

Under the new partnership, XPO Logistics will deploy state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz eActros electric vehicles, converting more than 1 million road kilometres annually from diesel to battery electric. This transition represents a reduction of over 1,200 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year from PepsiCo’s transport operations — a critical step on the road to net zero emissions by 2050.

But sustainability is about more than just trucks. At the heart of the initiative is XPO Logistics’ proprietary CO₂ Reporting Dashboard, a cutting-edge tool powered by AI-driven scenario modelling, live data analytics, and proactive planning insights. This system enables PepsiCo to track, verify, and optimise carbon reduction strategies in real-time, while improving logistics efficiency and service to customers.

Dan Myers, Managing Director – UK and Ireland, XPO Logistics, said: “Sustainability is in our DNA. We are proud to partner with PepsiCo on this journey, combining investment in electric mobility with advanced technology and operational excellence. Our shared ambition goes beyond compliance — it’s about transformation. I believe this is just the beginning of what we can achieve together.”

This collaboration forms a key part of PepsiCo’s broader decarbonisation journey, demonstrating how purposeful partnerships can accelerate climate action and improve value chain resilience. With shared values, shared investment, and a shared vision, PepsiCo and XPO Logistics are delivering a positive impact for consumers, the supply chain, and the planet.

Heiko Selzam, Managing Director, Daimler Truck UK, said: “We are very proud to strengthen our partnership further with XPO Logistics with this order of our award-winning eActros 600s for the PepsiCo partnership. This commitment underscores the recognition of both companies of the critical role these vehicles will play in achieving their sustainability goals. Following extensive collaboration, this order firmly establishes the eActros 600 as a leading solution in the electric truck market. We are looking forward to seeing these trucks operational from 1 August.”

Andrew Smethurst, UK Logistics Director, PepsiCo, said, “XPO Logistics has shown itself to be the ideal partner to help advance our PepsiCo Positive ambition. From their industry-leading sustainability credentials to a strong safety culture and transparent operational model, their team has consistently delivered innovation and value. This new partnership will play a vital role in further reducing our logistics emissions as we move iconic products like Walkers crisps and Doritos to our customers across the UK.”

XPO Logistics is a leading innovative supply chain company in Europe, offering end-to-end logistics solutions that combine full-truckload, less-than-truckload, pallet distribution, last-mile delivery, global freight forwarding, and warehousing services. The company tailors its solutions to the specific needs of its customers in a wide range of industrial and consumer sectors.

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Tesco Announces Logistics Centre at London Gateway

Tesco Announces Logistics Centre at London Gateway

Posted on by David Priestman

Tesco has announced a major investment in a new distribution centre at DP World London Gateway, which it expects to open in 2029.

This investment represents Tesco’s continued commitment to ensuring its distribution network remains fit for the future – which is critical to the business’s success and to ensuring it can continue to meet the demands of its growing store network and best serve its customers.

The new distribution centre will be a modern, energy-efficient site, equipped with the latest technology to support Tesco’s growth and is expected to achieve BREEAM Outstanding certification, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable building practices.

Tesco is collaborating with Witron, an experienced logistics partner with a strong legacy of retail partnerships, to bolster its network capacity at the site.

Andrew Woolfenden, Tesco UK Distribution & Fulfilment Director, said:

“Our distribution network is vital for ensuring customers receive products at the right place, time and condition. As demand grows across our store network, we’re excited to partner with Witron and DP World to develop a distribution centre that leverages the latest technology, enhancing our supply chain and supporting our decarbonisation goals. By locating at London Gateway, we can also take full advantage of the seaport and rail infrastructure.”

Helmut Prieschenk, CEO at Witron, said:

“It’s an honour and pleasure for us to be part of this outstanding logistics initiative, which represents the introduction of more intelligent logistics production. With the latest technology and machinery, once fully operational, this represents a large-scale project for dry grocery distribution. In terms of end-to-end integration this is a lighthouse project for Witron – which ensures premium store service, an ergonomic, safe and sustainable environment and benefits the whole value chain.”

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, DP World Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said:

“DP World London Gateway is helping to make Britain’s trade flow by sea, road and rail, connecting businesses across the UK with global markets and boosting the resilience of national supply chains. The significant investment announced today by Tesco, one of the world’s leading retailers, is a proud moment for DP World and a vote of confidence in the growing role London Gateway plays in the UK economy.”

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Tour de France Logistics Partnership Renewed

Posted on by David Priestman

XPO Logistics has officially extended its role as Official Transport Partner of both the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift through 2030, continuing a collaboration that has spanned over four decades. The agreement highlights XPO’s pivotal role in supporting the logistical backbone of the world’s most prestigious cycling events since 1980.

Each year, XPO deploys a specialised team of drivers, logistics coordinators, and a dedicated fleet of vehicles to move and set up key race infrastructure—including barriers, podiums, signage, timing systems, and broadcast equipment. These complex daily operations are managed under tight time constraints and often on challenging terrain, requiring precision planning and real-time adaptability.

Sustainability is a core pillar of the renewed partnership. XPO will expand its use of its proprietary biofuel solution, LESS® HVO, which reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional diesel. The logistics provider will also continue operating a Euro 6-compliant fleet and plans to introduce fully electric trucks on select stages in 2025, underscoring both companies’ commitment to more sustainable operations.

The Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift provide a real-world platform for testing and deploying these low-emission technologies. Last year alone, XPO’s use of HVO biofuel helped avoid more than 223 tonnes of CO₂ emissions across the two events.

This renewed partnership also reflects the growing scale and complexity of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, which has seen strong growth since its reintroduction in 2022. XPO’s continued support ensures parity in logistics quality and environmental standards between the men’s and women’s races.

The directors of both organisations praised the renewal as a symbol of mutual trust and a shared ambition to drive excellence, innovation, and sustainability in large-scale event logistics. As the Tour evolves, so too does the opportunity for XPO to demonstrate how the logistics sector can meet the demands of high-performance, low-impact supply chain operations on a global stage.

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Podcast: AI for smarter, more efficient and resilient business

Posted on by David Priestman

In this insightful transport management focused episode of Logistics Business Conversations, Peter MacLeod sits down with Jonah McIntire, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Trimble, to explore how artificial intelligence—particularly generative AI—is reshaping the logistics and transportation industries.

Jonah challenges the misconception that AI must be fed a company’s proprietary data to be useful. Instead, he explains that modern generative AI systems can thrive even in messy, incomplete environments, learning patterns and improving performance with limited structure. These AI systems function less like traditional software and more like digital colleagues—adaptive, communicative, and capable of learning from real-world complexity.

This transport management podcast conversation, delves into Trimble’s Transport platform, a multi-party ecosystem connecting shippers, carriers, and retailers. AI plays a pivotal role in helping these parties work together more efficiently, solving shared problems like real-time ETA prediction, theft detection, and enhanced visibility. Jonah offers a compelling example: onboarding new users to the platform, a process that previously required a large team, is now being handled autonomously by AI agents, speeding up operations and freeing up human talent for strategic tasks.

Jonah also outlines a future where logistics professionals evolve into managers of AI teams—overseeing intelligent agents that handle tactical execution while humans guide direction and decision-making. Rather than replacing workers, AI is augmenting their capabilities, enabling smarter decision-making and greater resilience across the supply chain.

This transport management podcast episode offers a realistic and optimistic view of AI’s role in logistics, showing how it’s not only improving business performance but also redefining how people work within the industry. A must-listen for logistics professionals looking to understand how to harness AI for smarter, faster, and more collaborative operations.

Click here to listen

Amazon to Invest £40 Billion in UK Logistics and Infrastructure

Posted on by David Priestman

Amazon has announced a major investment of £40 billion (US$54 billion) in the United Kingdom over the next three years, marking one of its largest-ever financial commitments outside the United States. The move will significantly expand Amazon’s logistics, fulfilment, cloud computing, and content production capabilities across the UK, while creating thousands of new jobs and reinforcing its strategic position in the market.

As part of the investment, Amazon plans to open four new fulfilment centres in Hull, Northampton, the East Midlands, and one additional location yet to be confirmed. The Hull and Northampton sites alone are expected to generate around 2,000 permanent jobs each. In addition, more than 100 existing logistics sites — including delivery stations and operations buildings — will be upgraded, supporting faster and more efficient distribution nationwide. New delivery stations will also be developed to strengthen last-mile delivery performance and meet growing consumer demand.

Beyond logistics, the company is also committing significant resources to technology and infrastructure. This includes an £8 billion investment in Amazon Web Services (AWS) data centres, announced last year and set to be rolled out through 2028. These facilities will support the growth of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and big data services across the UK economy. Additional spending will go toward two new corporate office buildings in London and the redevelopment of Bray Film Studios in Berkshire, supporting Amazon’s growing content production efforts.

Amazon currently employs around 75,000 people in the UK, making it one of the country’s top ten private employers. With this new investment, the company aims to create thousands of new full-time roles across logistics, tech, and cloud services. The expansion not only deepens Amazon’s operational footprint in Britain, but also supports the broader economic agenda set out by the newly elected UK government.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the announcement as a “massive vote of confidence in the UK as the best place to do business.” The investment aligns closely with the government’s newly launched Modern Industrial Strategy, which emphasises growth through private investment, innovation, green energy, and skills development.

From a logistics perspective, this development is transformative. The addition of new fulfilment centres and delivery stations will substantially enhance Amazon’s warehousing capacity, regional reach, and delivery speed. Locating facilities in areas such as Hull and Northampton enables more distributed operations and helps relieve pressure on London-based infrastructure. Meanwhile, investments in AWS and AI-driven data centres will further strengthen the integration of automation, predictive analytics, and smart logistics into Amazon’s supply chain — setting new benchmarks for operational efficiency and scalability.

While the long-term benefits to the UK economy are clear, Amazon still faces regulatory scrutiny. The company is currently under review by the UK’s grocery watchdog over concerns about delayed supplier payments, indicating that its growing influence will continue to be monitored by public authorities.

For the logistics industry, Amazon’s £40 billion commitment represents a decisive shift. The scale of investment will reshape the competitive landscape, fuel demand for third-party services, and open up new opportunities in warehousing, transport, and supply chain innovation. As Amazon doubles down on UK infrastructure, the entire sector may need to raise its game — or find smart ways to complement, not compete with, a rapidly evolving logistics giant.

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Coca-Cola HBC Adds Extra Fizz to its Partnership

Posted on by Will Priestman

Coca-Cola HBC, the strategic bottling partner of the Coca-Cola company on the island of Ireland, has extended its long-term partnership with Wincanton, the leading supply chain partner to UK businesses. 

The contract extension until the end of 2026 builds on the two brands’ strong partnership which began in 2016 and marks a decade of collaboration.

As part of this collaboration, Wincanton will continue to provide warehouse operations management at Coca-Cola HBC’s dedicated facility in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, which handles over 52 million cases of popular brands such as Coca-Cola, Fanta and Monster per year.

Wincanton is also responsible for delivering operational efficiencies, incorporating volumes driven by the Deposit Return Scheme in the Republic of Ireland whilst also bringing logistics expertise to the facility to support the company’s ongoing growth.

Joanna Sneddon, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland Supply Chain Director said:

“Delivering high-quality products and service to our customers is our priority. We are pleased to grow our partnership with Wincanton on our journey to develop world class logistics service over the coming years.”

James Hurrell, MD for Grocery & Consumer at Wincanton, added:

“With its vision to be the world’s leading 24/7 beverage partner, we’re delighted to be supporting Coca-Cola HBC and its unique portfolio on its journey to exponential growth. 

“We look forward to continuing our work together and celebrating a decade of growth, innovation, and automation together.” 

The extended partnership also reflects a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation. Both companies are actively investing in greener supply chain practices, with Wincanton introducing initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and Coca-Cola HBC advancing its World Without Waste goals. This continued alignment on responsible logistics and environmental stewardship ensures that the partnership not only delivers operational excellence but also supports broader sustainability objectives.

Alongside its extended partnership with Coca-Cola HBC, Wincanton is undergoing significant transformation as it strengthens its market position through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. In early 2024, the company was acquired by GXO Logistics in a £762 million deal, which is currently under review by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). While the regulatory process continues, Wincanton remains focused on innovation and operational excellence. In a move to advance its automation capabilities, Wincanton also acquired inteq, a UK-based specialist in warehouse execution software and robotics integration. This acquisition brings inteq’s proprietary technology and expertise into Wincanton’s portfolio, enhancing its ability to deliver cutting-edge, efficient logistics solutions across its network.

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Podcast: Maximising Warehouse Efficiency

Posted on by David Priestman

In the latest episode of Logistics Business Conversations titled ‘Maximising Warehouse Efficiency’, host Peter MacLeod sits down with Brian Kirst, Chief Commercial Officer at SnapFulfil, to explore the surprising findings of a new survey focused on warehouse automation and efficiency. While headlines continue to emphasize labor shortages and high operational costs, this data tells a different story — and it’s one that every warehouse and supply chain professional needs to hear.

The core takeaway? Labor isn’t the biggest barrier anymore. Instead, integration challenges have emerged as the top issue preventing warehouses from operating at full efficiency. From clunky legacy systems to siloed platforms that don’t communicate, the real drag on productivity lies in fragmented digital ecosystems — and many companies are finally waking up to this reality.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Brian and Peter unpack:

  • Why system integration is now seen as the #1 bottleneck in warehouse performance

  • How mid-sized operators are leading the charge toward automation

  • The most in-demand WMS features according to industry professionals

  • What the shift in mindset means for warehouse tech providers

  • How SnapFulfil is helping companies overcome integration hurdles and adopt smarter, more scalable systems

They also explore how customer expectations, digital maturity, and the pace of automation have evolved dramatically in just a few short years — and what that means for the future of the industry. With actionable insights and data-backed trends, this episode is a must-listen for logistics leaders, warehouse managers, and tech vendors alike.

If you’re looking to improve operational performance, evaluate your WMS, or better understand what’s driving change in today’s warehouse landscape, this conversation offers both clarity and direction.

️ Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.
https://www.logisticsbusiness.com/podcasts/ 

Google’s Logistics Partner of the Year Announced

Posted on by Will Priestman

Manhattan Associates Inc has received ​the 2025 ​Google Cloud Partner of the Year Award for Supply Chain and Logistics. This prestigious award highlights Manhattan’s role as a​n​ innovator within the Google Cloud ecosystem, its commitment to driving customer success, and its pioneering application of Agentic AI and Generative AI (GenAI) within the Manhattan Active® Suite over the past year.

“Google Cloud’s Partner Awards recognize partners who have created outsized value for customers through the delivery of innovative solutions and a high level of expertise,” said Kevin Ichhpurani, President, Global Partner Ecosystem, Google Cloud. “We’re proud to announce Manhattan Associates as a 2025 Google Cloud Partner Award winner and celebrate their impact enabling customer success over the past year.”

“We are honored to be recognized as Google Cloud’s 2025 ​Business Applications Partner of the Year Award for Supply Chain and Logistics​,” said Sanjeev Siotia, executive vice president and CTO, Manhattan Associates. “This award is a testament to the deep collaboration between Manhattan and Google Cloud, as we work together to bring cutting-edge cloud infrastructure, data analytics, Agentic AI and GenAI capabilities to our joint customers. We look forward to continuing this partnership and driving the future of resilient, AI-driven supply chains and omnichannel commerce.”

At the core of Manhattan’s AI-powered innovations is Manhattan Active® Assist; an intelligent, contextual GenAI assistant designed to transform how users interact with the Manhattan Active solutions. Included with all Manhattan Active subscriptions, Manhattan Assist provides a natural language summary of how applications are currently configured and gives instant, accurate responses to questions about product functionality, API structures and more, across multiple personas, roles, and functions.

Manhattan Active® Maven is the company’s Agentic AI offering – an AI powered agent infused with order, payment, store location, and product availability information to deliver personalized, contextual customer service, akin to those delivered by human agents. Built on an Agentic AI platform and Google Gemini​ models​, Manhattan Active Maven is easy to implement and embeds seamlessly with websites and mobile applications, deflecting customer service inquiries, while boosting customer satisfaction and loyalty.

“Manhattan Active Assist and Manhattan Active Maven showcase the real-world power of AI in supply chain and logistics, driving unprecedented levels of personalization, productivity, and cost-savings. Manhattan’s continued partnership with Google Cloud enables us to deliver scalable, resilient and innovative solutions that address the complex challenges of modern supply chain networks,” Siotia finished.

Recently, Manhattan and Google Cloud collaborated on the second edition of the Unified Commerce Benchmark—the industry’s only analysis of unified commerce in specialty retail based on real-world purchases, returns, and customer interactions across digital and physical channels.  The 2025 edition revealed the common attributes of the most successful retailers, tangible retail best practices, and key opportunities to enhance customer value through modernized operations.

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