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Tag: logistics

U-Freight sees e-commerce logistics opportunities

Posted on by David Priestman

Commenting on a recent report that suggests the global e-commerce logistics market grew by 27.3% in 2020 and will hit EUR557 billion by 2025, Simon Wong, CEO of the U-Freight Group, says his company is ready to meet the ever-increasing challenges of providing logistics services to this rapidly expanding sector of global trade.

Wong says: “Transport intelligence (Ti), a major provider of market research solutions to the global logistics industry, says e-commerce has been one of the key growth sectors for logistics over the course of the pandemic with the rise in demand creating opportunities for LSPs and last mile providers to grow rapidly, as long as they can help retailers react to the changes in consumer demands and manage wildly changing trading conditions.

“That mirrors the U-Freight Group’s experience over the last 12 months where changes in demand patterns associated with the ongoing emergence of e-commerce, is also driving development in merchandising, warehousing, and distribution patterns.

“It certainly helps to justify our company’s early entry and on-going investment to meet the ever-increasing challenges of providing logistics services to this rapidly expanding sector of global trade.”

The CEO of the Hong Kong-based international freight forwarding and logistics group adds that at U-Freight, in its development of e-commerce logistics solutions, it is continually trying to address the key issues stemming from increasing volumes of business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce shipments and the time sensitivity thereof.

Examples of those efforts include investment in several of the company’s warehouse facilities to enable them to act as e-commerce fulfilment centres.

“We are a logistics partner of choice for the growing number of online channels and platforms which entrepreneurs are using to sell their own designs and products, including  global e-commerce shipping platforms, and are heavily involved in the Fulfilled by Amazon programme in several countries.

“In 2019, we launched e+Solutions, a new product to assist small businesses with their e-commerce logistics needs.

“We have also been qualified by China Customs and CIQ (China Inspection and Quarantine) as a licensed Cross-border E-Commerce Enterprise and as a Cross-Border E-Commerce Logistics Service Provider.

“All of these initiatives are helping us boost efficiency and capture more value, in order to capitalise on the opportunities that e-commerce is presenting.”

Beumer further invests in Codept start-up

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The logistic platform of the start-up company Codept simplifies the data interchange between e-commerce and fulfillment service providers. Right from the beginning, the young company was supported by the Berlin-based company builder Beam, a spin-off of Beumer Group.

Now, the system provider has further invested in Codept, acquiring the majority of shares.

Codept is a cloud-based logistic platform for e-commerce, which offers flexible warehouse management and fulfillment throughout Europe. Suppliers gain easy access to a wide range of different logistics service providers with just one IT interface. The start-up company was founded with the support from the Berlin-based, autonomous company builder Beam, a spin-off of Beumer Group. The system provider has now again invested in the start-up company via the Company Builder and has acquired the majority of shares.

“Thus, we strengthen our strategic partnership,” reports Beam Managing Director Robert Bach. “We support Codept even more intensively in establishing the logistics platform powerfully and sustainably on the market, scaling it faster and expanding it with additional features.”

Today, companies from a wide range of industries across Europe already rely on Codept’s expertise. This particularly applies in case of high volumes and demanding goods such as bulky, hazardous goods or organic food. The integrative platform immediately makes a decisive contribution enabling users in logistics to reduce costs. In the future, data and sequences will be optimised by artificial intelligence.

“We are happy to seal a long-term partnership with Beumer Group,” says Codept Managing Director Felix Ostwald. “During the past two years we have cooperated successfully and are therefore glad to intensify this cooperation.”

He and his partner Jonas Grunwald will continue to pursue together their vision of a technology-driven, scalable logistics platform, using the new capital to enhance the team and thus, advance their technology and accelerate their Europe-wide expansion.

 

 

 

GEODIS invests in Icheon multi-user facility

Posted on by Keith McKinley

GEODIS has opened a new multi-user logistics facility in Icheon, South Korea.

Responding to the recent surge in demand for supply chain services in South Korea brought about by dynamic changes in consumer buying habits through ecommerce channels, the new facility will provide additional warehousing and value-added contract logistics resources.

Located just 25km from central Seoul and a 90-minute drive from both Incheon International Airport and Port of Incheon, the new multi-user warehousing facility is strategically located in Icheon.

Completed in March 2021, the new premises provide a variable ambient environment with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 34°C. It will be maintaining a maximum humidity of 87% with ventilation system support and is compliant with the Korea Fire Safety Standards. This additional location brings GEODIS logistics footprint in South Korea to 65,000 sq m.

Sub-Regional Managing Director, North Asia, Chris Cahill, said: “In line with our vision of being the growth partner of our customers, this investment in additional warehousing resource is just another step in GEODIS’ commitment to support our Korean customers’ development ambitions and our own expansion into strategic markets.

“From inventory management of raw materials to finished goods, valued-added services and end-to-end solutions, our across-the-board provision logistics platforms facilitates faster speed to market for our customers’ products by being perfectly located to serve their target markets.”

Managing Director for GEODIS in South Korea, Benoit Brule, comments: “Our Icheon amenity is built to state-of-the-art specifications of a Grade A standard at a strategic location. The warehouse is open to all new business offering customers an all-in-one service, increased efficiency, full visibility and total control. Above all, we have a truly professional team of supply chain experts ready to support our clients in all their Contract Logistics requirements.”

Young Forwarder Network reaches half century

Posted on by David Priestman

Just two years after it was launched in March 2019, the British International Freight Association’s Young Forwarder Network (YFN) has passed the milestone of 50 events, which is made all the more impressive considering the massive disruption caused to the sector from COVID-19 and the UK’s exit from the EU.

In its first year, 741 individuals had attended 28 events organised by the YFN, which included regional launch events, airport and port tours, as well as talks by industry professionals.

In March 2020, COVID-19 led to the first national lockdown, which caused a temporary hiatus in planning, but events recommenced online in May 2020 with a virtual bake-off.

In the past 12 months, 1,222 participants have attended 23 online events with the 50th event, a virtual port tour of DP World London Gateway attracting a record 108 participants.

The Young Forwarder Network was launched in March 2019 to create several regional networking groups, run by young forwarders and designed to help early talent and young BIFA members develop their knowledge and professional skills, but in a more social environment.

Carl Hobbis, BIFA Executive Director, who has management responsibility for BIFA’s training and development services, says: “When the YFN was launched, we said we thought it would prove to be a major step forward for the industry in developing its future freight forwarding ambassadors and leaders.

“The young people who are participating in the events are improving their knowledge of the sector, trends within it, as well as building their skill sets and learning from others.”

BIFA’s Young Forwarder Network (YFN) is committed to providing opportunities for those new to the industry to develop their knowledge and professional skills. Membership is free and open to any employee of a BIFA Member company.

Robert Keen, Director General of BIFA adds: “50 events in two years is a remarkable achievement and a clear sign of the attraction of the YFN to the younger generation within the freight sector.

“The YFN is really helping improve the promotion of the sector, making it more attractive to younger people and providing forums from which to learn.

“We now need more BIFA members to take heed of this opportunity by encouraging attendance at YFN events; and making greater efforts to promote the freight forwarding and logistics sector in their locality.”

Hobbis concludes: “As we aim for a century of events, hopefully, we will be able to hold some in a face-to-face, more social environment, just like in the first 12 months of the YFN.”

DPD and ASOS launch clothing donations initiative

Posted on by Keith McKinley

DPD, which says it is the UK’s most sustainable delivery company, and ASOS, one of the world’s leading online fashion retailers, has announced a new circular economy initiative that will see DPD collect pre-loved clothing donations from ASOS customers’ doorsteps and deliver them to one of five leading UK charities, free of charge.

DPD’s ReLove service launched on 15th April 2021 to coincide with charity shops reopening in England and Wales. From that date, ASOS customers expecting a DPD delivery are able to use the YourDPD app to select the option to donate pre-loved clothing to one of five charities: Scope, Marie Curie, British Heart Foundation, British Red Cross or The Children’s Society.

DPD will then collect the pre-loved consignment at the same time as making the ASOS delivery.  Customers will be encouraged to re-use DPD or ASOS packaging and can either hand the package to their DPD driver or leave it for collection in their ‘safe place’.

The driver will check the packaging and take it back to the depot, where DPD will label it and deliver it to the selected charity, who can then sell it to raise money for their cause.

Donating garments to charity is currently one of the more responsible ways that consumers can dispose of pre-loved clothing in the UK, as charities sort through products to resell those that are ready for a second home and recycle any that aren’t fit for resale.

With no infrastructure or systems in place in the UK for households to recycle textiles themselves, an estimated 350,000 tonnes of clothing is sent to landfill each year in the UK, potentially worth around £140m. The ReLove initiative will support both customers and charities in diverting clothing from landfill in a simple and convenient way.

Olly Craughan, DPD’s Head of CSR, commented: “DPD leads the way on sustainability in the delivery space and I’m incredibly proud of the team for getting behind initiatives like this. We are continuing to invest in the decarbonisation of our fleet, but the challenge is about much more than just buying electric vehicles. We want to go a lot further. It is about pushing ourselves to look at every aspect of our operation to find the green alternative and the smarter way of doing things.

“ReLove is another way for us to help cut carbon emissions, reduce waste and raise money for charities at the same time.  It is also great to team up with ASOS on another really smart solution for their customers. We’re already delivering to these addresses, so it means one less trip and less miles travelled overall. The DPD app now has over 9 million users, and it has become a really powerful tool for us. It plays a key role in helping us deliver a fantastic service for customers and it is driving innovation like this.”

Patrik Silén, Chief Strategy Officer at ASOS, said: “Our focus has always been on providing our customers with an outstanding retail experience, and a key element of that is giving them opportunities to shop with us more responsibly. We know that our customers are very active in donating their pre-loved clothing and that they see it as a great way of keeping products in use and out of landfill, so partnering with DPD on the ReLove initiative is a natural fit for us. We’re proud to be joining forces with the team to drive sustainable solutions and look forward to seeing our customers’ response over the coming weeks.”

Cleveron unveils driverless last mile delivery vehicle

Posted on by David Priestman

Cleveron, one of the world’s leading parcel delivery robotics companies, has unveiled its new unmanned semi-autonomous last mile delivery vehicle, the Cleveron 701.

Designed for retailers and logistics companies looking to boost last mile delivery solutions and efficiencies, Cleveron 701 enables businesses to meet the growing demand for same-day delivery driven by the recent acceleration of e-commerce and rapidly changing retail landscape.

As the first company in Europe granted a pilot license to operate unmanned semi-autonomous vehicles in public streets across the country, Cleveron has piloted Cleveron 701 for the last six months in Estonia. The Company is scheduled to begin mass production in 2023.

The Cleveron 701 can drive in low traffic areas, like suburbs to deliver within 15–30 min driving range of a retailer, fulfilment centre or a dark store. Supervised remotely, it can deliver goods from a warehouse or store to nearby customers within an hour, enabling fast and convenient receipt of packages in a competitive timeframe compared to a trip to the store for kerbside pickup. The driverless delivery solution also decreases labour cost since one teleoperator is able to supervise 10 vehicles at the same time.

Cleveron 701 is also designed as an adaptable, semi-autonomous platform to which the operator can add suitable modifications for serving different delivery needs. For example, Cleveron 701 can be modified to operate as grocery delivery robot with temperature-controlled sections, a parcel delivery vehicle or even a high-tech coffee robot or an ice cream truck.

“We are very proud to announce Cleveron’s latest innovation in autonomous delivery vehicle market. With our new driverless semi-autonomous vehicle, we are enabling retailers and logistics companies to solve complex and costly last mile delivery challenges while satisfying consumer demand for same day, and in some cases, same hour deliveries,” said Cleveron’s CEO Arno Kütt.

“Since Cleveron received the first license in Europe to test drive an unmanned vehicle on the streets of Estonia last year without restrictions, we have been amazed at how easily Cleveron 701 has become an organic part of the city life. What’s more, consumers can get groceries, parcels, restaurant deliveries or even ice cream from an environmentally friendly delivery robot.”

The Estonian-based technology company is known for its parcel lockers, robots and grocery kiosk, used by top retailers all over the world. According to Kütt, Cleveron 701 is a new type of venture for the company, but the end-goal is the same as for all its products – to offer efficiency and convenience.

“We are used to building robots, where you can go and pick up your parcel within seconds. It is still the future for click and collect, but for us, we wanted to expand even further. The online shopping growth has turned e-commerce into just commerce. It is a natural part of shopping. But the delivery times and costs still present a problem, especially with groceries. Consumers want speed and convenience, but it comes with a cost. With driverless delivery, you can cut the last mile labour cost. There will also be less failed deliveries, since the 701 can be deployed from the local dark store quickly,” explained Kütt.

Cleveron 701 is being developed in company’s hometown of Viljandi, Estonia. It is a lightweight, electric vehicle with an option to use different rechargeable batteries. Max speed is up to 50 km/h. Load capacity will be up to 200 kg.

Tough Hyster trucks for metal coil handling

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Reliability, visibility, fleet management and parts supply are just some of the benefits that Hyster lift trucks and ReachStackers have brought to the Port of Oxelösund to support its tough metal coil handling requirements.

The Port of Oxelösund is around 100km south of Stockholm, Sweden. With a team of around 200 employees, operations at the Port are based on bulk goods for ocean-going vessels, alongside other packaged transportation solutions.

Metal coils arrive at the port by train from Borlänge and are unloaded with a crane, ready for forklifts to drive out and pick up the coils. When a ship comes in, the Port’s operators must then transport the metal coils to the port cranes which load coils onto the ships.

A combination of factors made the Port of Oxelösund choose a fleet of Hyster trucks for its demanding operations.

“Machines that are reliable. Strong machines,” says Christian Vallin, production engineer at the port. “That they [Hyster] had a solution on how to fix any problems. Supply of spare parts. A total solution that appealed to us.”

“Before selecting the new fleet, the Port of Oxelösund created a list of requirements for the vehicles. Its drivers also had a say from start to finish, with the opportunity to express how they wanted the vehicle to behave and what equipment the new lift trucks should have,” says Erik Pogrebnjak, sales representative for local Hyster distribution partner Nordisk Truck-Trans AB, which visited the site many times and provided feedback to help specify trucks to meet the port’s specific requirements.

After consulting with Hyster and the local dealer, the Port of Oxelösund eventually opted for two Hyster H32XM012 forklift trucks, two Hyster RS46-36CH ReachStackers and one 20 tonne capacity H20XM-9 Hyster lift truck. This equipment is reliable and strong, well suited to the tough portside conditions.

“Before ordering the trucks, the customer had the chance to see the trucks and ReachStackers in action at other Hyster customer sites and with Hyster dealers,” says Dmitry Dubrovsky, Big Truck Manager for Hyster. “They also had the opportunity to visit the Hyster factory in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, to test the trucks and ensure they made the right decision for their specific application needs.”

Optimising operator visibility

The Port of Oxelösund uses big machines and handles large metal loads, so that means an operator’s view backwards and forwards may be impaired.

Hyster helped by installing cameras at the back of the Hyster heavy-duty forklift trucks, as well as high cameras placed both on top of and under the fork stand. Operators have found that this has helped with the view of the quay when driving.

“What I like about the Hyster trucks is that they turn softly, they have brakes that brake securely, but not too much. I don’t feel stiff when I step out of the machine or have neck pain or anything like that. They are ergonomic and quiet,” said one of the Port’s operators.

Hyster Tracker provides control

An important part of the new fleet delivered is the Hyster Tracker wireless asset management system. Alongside a full range of fleet management benefits, this has given the Port of Oxelösund an opportunity to limit drivers, so only those who are authorised by the company can drive a truck during working hours.

Since the delivery of the trucks, Hyster and the dealer has worked with the customer to adjust and adapt the trucks even further based on the Port of Oxelösund’s specific business needs.#

“As a whole, we are very pleased with the deal and how it went from start to finish and our relationship with Hyster has further developed – the Hyster team takes time to call and ask how it is going,” says Christian Vallin, production engineer at Oxelösunds Hamn. “I would definitely recommend others to drive Hyster.”

Pallet production up despite pandemic

Posted on by David Priestman

The European Pallet Association e.V. (EPAL) has again recorded an increase in the production of EPAL pallets in 2020, after several years of growth. Despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and the hike in wood prices, production of EPAL pallets grew by 1.14% to 97.3 million pallets in 2020 (2019: 96.2m.).

Reported figures for repairs of EPAL pallets slightly decreased. Overall, there was an increase in production and repairs of EPAL pallets of 0.5% to 123.5 million pallets (2019: 123m pallets).

“This positive development is particularly remarkable in view of the economic slump resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic,” remarks Robert Holliger, President of EPAL. “The adverse effects on national and international supply chains was an unprecedented challenge for producers and users of EPAL Euro pallets, which we successfully tackled together.”

The production and repair of EPAL pallets is classed as “essential” by many European countries, because pallet logistics and, in particular, the open EPAL Euro pallet exchange pool is vitally important for goods transport. To maintain the supply of foods and other consumer goods to consumers, and to ensure the retail and industry supply chains, EPAL licensees were always, and still are, able to make deliveries at all times during the lockdowns.

“For us, it’s a particular mark of confidence that many transports of Covid-19 vaccines are made on EPAL Euro pallets. EPAL Euro pallets meet the most stringent requirements for safety and reliability for load carriers, and especially in extremely cold temperatures, such as with the transport of vaccines,” concludes Holliger.

Culina expands fleet with Schmitz Cargobull trailers

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Food and drink logistics specialist, Culina Group, has expanded its UK fleet with 127 new trailers from Schmitz Cargobull for use across three of its major brands.

The additions for Fowler Welch, Morgan McLernon and Warrens Group, join a 2,500-strong fleet and include a mix of box body semi-trailers and S.KO COOL mono-temperature reefers.

Mark Matkin, Group Fleet Director for Culina Group, says: “Our relationship with Schmitz Cargobull spans over 20 years and we can always rely on the outstanding build quality across each asset.

“We have to be sure that every piece of equipment we operate is up to the job and will be able to meet our busy schedule. Schmitz Cargobull trailers are some of the strongest and most robust we have come across, which is why we continue to specify them across our brands.”

All of the trailers, which were manufactured at Schmitz Cargobull’s production facility in Vreden, are high-quality and durable – meaning they can handle the demanding multi-drop work of Culina Group.

Built with Schmitz Cargobull’s FERROPLAST® panels, they are resistant to moisture, ensuring payloads are kept safe and insulation levels are maintained. If any damage does occur to the assets, the panels can be quickly and easily repaired rather than the trailer side requiring whole body repair.

Matkin adds: “The construction of the trailers means any downtime is minimised and when we do need maintenance, the process is simple and takes place in rapid time. Schmitz Cargobull always has our trailers back on the road as soon as possible.”

All the S.KO COOL trailers have been mounted with Thermo King SLX refrigeration units and come equipped with Schmitz Cargobull’s TrailerConnect® telematics system, providing Culina Group with real-time data of the location and temperature conditions of each asset.

Culina Group is a provider of high-quality logistics services for food and drink companies in the UK and Ireland. The group comprises of eight business units – CML, Culina Logistics, Fowler Welch, Great Bear, IPS, Morgan McLernon, MMiD and Warrens Group – and operates from 75 depots across the UK.

 

Clark appoints Luxembourg sales partner

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Clark Europe has appointed Europieces Luxembourg S.A. as a new sales partner for the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, thus further expanding its market presence in the Benelux countries.

“With Europieces Luxembourg, we were able to bring an experienced partner on board for our customers in Luxembourg,” explains Rolf Eiten, President & CEO of Clark Europe GmbH. “The Luxembourg economy is growing very strongly and will also grow more strongly than that of neighbouring countries in the coming years. We are pleased that we can participate in this growth with this strategic partnership.”

Europieces Luxembourg was founded in 1991 and specialises in the sale, rental and service of intralogistics solutions. In 2017, the company was acquired by the Kremer Group. As a market leader in industrial cranes and services, Kremer Group is also one of the main players in the field of machine training within LC Academie.

The training facility, which is well-known beyond the country’s borders, has also made a name for itself in the field of forklift driver training, a building block in the product portfolio that fitted perfectly into Europieces’ range of services.

The fortunes of Europieces Luxembourg are steered by CEO, Ralph Krips as well as Jeff Kayser, COO and Bernd Rickes, CTO. Today, the company focuses on the distribution of materials handling vehicles, work platforms, hand transport equipment, industrial shelving systems, loading and disposal technology, driver training and the used equipment business.

Europieces Luxembourg is located in Sassenheim in the canton of Esch on the Alzette – the southernmost canton of Luxembourg. The location covers a total area of 3376 sq m. In addition to the administrative area, the site includes a showroom, a spacious workshop area, a spare parts warehouse and eight training rooms.

With the inclusion of Clark materials handling vehicles in its product range, Europieces offers customers in Luxembourg the complete Clark service spectrum from a single source. In addition to all forklift classes and warehouse trucks, this also includes all accessories and spare parts as well as a comprehensive range of services including rental, financing and servicing for new and used Clark materials handling vehicles. With a total of ten employees – including five service technicians – the company ensures professional sales and service in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

“We see the partnership with Clark as another milestone in our strategic development towards becoming a ‘one-stop shop’ for intralogistics solutions in Luxembourg,” explains Ralph Krips, CEO of Europieces Luxembourg on the occasion of the partnership with Clark Europe. “The name ‘Clark’ has had a very high standing in the Luxembourg market for decades and is known for its low total cost of ownership. We look forward to offering our customers all the benefits of this strong brand combined with our first-class customer service in the future.”

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