Subscribe

Tag: LSP

UK 3PL Experiences Impressive Growth

Posted on by David Priestman

Cargo Express, a transport, warehousing, and logistics management company based in the West Midlands, has experienced an impressive period of growth, resulting in huge developments to its fleet, workforce, and services. Cargo Express work with companies located around the world with their fast and reliable, road, sea, and air freight solutions.

The company has invested an impressive £2 million over the past year into an already extensive fleet, including Scania’s, DAF’s Renault’s and various trailers. Bringing in more vehicles results in a more diversified fleet, allowing the service of more clients at any one time, and provides Cargo Express with more ways to better meet client needs when transporting across the UK and internationally.

It also allows for greater flexibility with non-standard and irregular goods, a speciality of which the company are well regarded in the transport and logistics industry.

The company has been part of a government trial that has tested the use of longer semi-trailers for more than eight years. The trial itself ran for 11 years, and the trailers, which are 2.05 metres longer than standard-sized trailers are now approved for use on UK roads.

Cargo Express have recruited and employed new staff across the business, resulting in the rapid expansion of the international team. These new team members have then inherited specific skills, growing both sea and air freight offerings and the customs department.

In fact, the logistics firm recently achieved AEO (Authorised Economic Operator) status, granted directly from HMRC in recognition of secure and trustworthy businesses within the supply chain.
The accreditation gives approved logistics companies access to more streamlined customs processes, reduces the risk of theft due to a lower risk score, and allows them to benefit from trade agreements with the EU, Japan, China, the USA, and more.

Additionally, Cargo Express has expanded its warehousing offering to include “pick & pack” and stock control services to its clients, giving them greater and more fine-tuned control of their supply chain operation. The strategic location of their warehouses in the West Midlands also helps with quick distribution for their same- and next-day delivery services.

Cargo Express is a DVSA Earned Recognition operator, proving their commitment to meeting driver and vehicle safety standards. The accreditation requires the logistics provider to provide data straight to the DVSA and, in turn, ensures the fleet and transport operation is compliant and efficient on the road.

 

NHS Supply Chain: Bids for Logistics Services Provider

Posted on by David Priestman

NHS Supply Chain in the UK has formally commenced the procurement process for the management of its logistics services with a planned award date of late 2024. These services form part of its ongoing Target Operating Model (TOM) programme which aims to deliver improved efficiencies and greater value for the NHS. The contract for the current outsourced Logistics Services Provider expires in 2024.

NHS Supply Chain is seeking a single Logistics Services Provider to manage both core logistics services and Home Delivery Services (HDS).

Andrew New, chief executive officer of NHS Supply Chain said: “This is an exciting time of transformation for NHS Supply Chain as we align with the strategic priorities of the wider NHS and scale our operation to support this. Our requirements for logistics services reflect this growth and our change in approach. We have learnt lots from the pandemic and are looking for innovation from bidders with the ability to invest and partner with us to support our long-term vision and strategy of how we can do things differently. This includes increasing our organisational flexibility, capabilities and building more resilience into our supply chain, while limiting our environmental impact.”

The contract includes:
• Creating an integrated logistics network to serve the future needs of the NHS for medical devices, clinical consumables, facilities (including office solutions) and food
• Future development of a warehouse network which is currently made up of nine facilities strategically located across England
• The capability to provide national pandemic response logistics services such as storage and distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Implementation of a new warehouse management system (WMS), a significant IT programme of investment
• Provision of the Home Delivery Service and
• Building capability to provide an inbound international logistics service.
The Invitation to Tender (ITT), published on 29 June 2023, invites submissions from bidders interested in operating as the Logistics Services Provider on behalf of NHS Supply Chain to store and deliver products to the NHS.

Bidders then submit a completed Supplier Questionnaire (SQ) and if successful will be shortlisted to submit initial tenders.
NHS Supply Chain’s Logistics Service Provider contract will be for an initial period of seven years with a possible extension of up to 36 months.

NHS Supply Chain is part of the NHS family and manage the sourcing, delivery and supply of healthcare products, services and food for NHS trusts and healthcare organisations across England and Wales. It manages more than 8 million orders per year across 129,420 order points and 16,705 locations, delivers over 35 million lines of picked goods to the NHS annually and its systems consolidate orders from over 1100 suppliers. This enables us to bring value to our NHS partners, helping them save time and money in removing duplication of overlapping contracts. NHS Supply Chain aims to leverage the buying power of the NHS to drive savings and provide a standardised range of clinically assured, quality products at the best value.

Fleet Tracking for Long Haul Truck Deliveries

Posted on by David Priestman

LogiNext, a logistics automation firm, announces the launch of ‘Tracking 2.0’ for long haul truck deliveries. The product is introduced to offer real-time alerts for any anomalies or deviations and share visibility on transport fleet performance through multiple indicators tracked in real-time. Through such features, LogiNext aims to minimize risks involved in the logistics industry, while helping enterprises to optimize their delivery operations.

LogiNext Fleet Tracking is built with data mapping and data analytics services, bridging the gap between technology and trucking. This makes it possible to track end-to-end long haul movement via a single platform. Enterprises can now track vehicle data tracking points like GPS location, fuel consumption, updates on truck movement, temperature of holds and much more. LogiNext has released this product with new features for the industry, offering a set of proactive alerts that promises enhanced visibility and proactive risk mitigation for long-haul fleet operations via a single control panel.

“LogiNext’s Fleet Tracking functionality can help identify and address various challenges faced by the logistics industry. We have seen interest from our existing enterprise customers on adopting this functionality for varied use cases including temperature tracking for cold chain deliveries, enhanced security management of their critical long haul deliveries, and many more. We are working towards creating impactful outcomes from this technology, as a part of our vision to make the industry safer and efficient.” said Dhaval Thanki, Vice President – APAC & MEA, LogiNext.

With visibility on KPIs like tracking vehicle location, harsh braking, speed, driver seat-belt status and door open status, the software would provide alerts to notify central teams of any deviations, delays or anomalies in fleet movement. The temperature sensor data tracking would help healthcare and food cargo carriers to ensure that the high value cargo maintains its integrity during the long-haul fleet movement.

Based on historical data, enterprises can make better & informed decisions around fleet operations planning with an aim to reduce the risk of anomalies and optimize the fleet performance.

By bringing end-to-end tracking of fleet operations, LogiNext aims to contribute to an efficient and safer long-haul logistics operational practice for the industry.

With real-time alerts for any anomalies and visibility into truck performance, the new product uses latest data analytics technologies to reduce anomalies and make fleet operations more efficient across the globe.

Biggest Employee-owned Logistics Firm

Posted on by David Priestman

Manchester-born logistics services provider, Cardinal Global Logistics is marking 25 years in business by transitioning to an employee-ownership model – making the firm the biggest employee-owned company of its kind in the world.

Launched in Eccles in 1998 with a £15,000 business loan, Cardinal has since blossomed into an international firm with over 40 offices, 6,000 clients and revenues exceeding £500 million. It is now celebrating its quarter-century by creating an environment where every employee has the same opportunity to become a Partner.

The leading logistic services provider joins the growing number of national employee-owned businesses, with around 1000 similar models currently operating in the UK today. Cardinal’s democratisation model means every member of staff now gets to share in the profits that the company generates each year.

In addition to financial benefits, employees will have input regarding the direction of the Cardinal Partnership, helping to shape its future with an increased sense of ownership over their roles in the business. The employee-owned nature of the business also means more open and transparent communication channels, as Partners have a direct stake in the overall success of the firm.

This move also represents an active effort to preserve the employee-first company culture Cardinal has worked hard to establish over the past 25 years, functioning as a powerful tool for creating a more engaged, motivated and innovative workforce, whilst benefiting the sustainability and viability of the business in the longer term.

The Cardinal Partnership merges two cherished brands, Far Logistics and Cardinal Global Logistics, and the group has earned recognition in the logistics sector for its tech-powered approach, transparency, innovation and determination to deliver exceptional service and value.

Brian Hay, CEO of The Cardinal Partnership, said: “Our decision to become an employee-owned business will be transformational. We believe that excellence and dedication should be rewarded, and we have some of the most talented operators in our industry.

“During our first 25 years as a business, we have been able to take the company from a £15,000 investment to one of the UK’s most respected and sizable logistics businesses. Undoubtedly, this transition will allow us to take our business to the next level and I’m looking forward to what’s to come.”

Cardinal worked with an investment banking company, Houlihan Lokey, to pursue a liquidity event for shareholders when establishing its employee ownership trust. Gareth Owen, Capital Markets Director at Houlihan Lokey, said: “Cardinal is a high-quality logistics services provider, providing reliable, market-leading service to its clients on a global basis. The company is a great example of delivering strong growth whilst maintaining its core values. We have thoroughly enjoyed working closely with management on this transformational step in its history, and look forward to watching the next phase of their journey.”

Fleet Managers Reveal Priorities

Posted on by David Priestman

UK fleet managers have modernisation clearly in their sights for 2023, against a backdrop of fluctuating fuel prices and driver shortages. That’s according to a survey of 150 fleet managers, commissioned by Samsara, which reveals key priorities include upgrading vehicles (98%), increasing the sustainability of the fleet (82%), and moving to electric or hybrid vehicles (82%).

The research, presented in a new Samsara report — 2023: The Road Ahead — highlights a long list of operational challenges that fleet managers need to overcome, which includes improving road safety, increasing efficiency, and recruiting more drivers.

In response, 94% of fleet managers are investing in new technology in 2023 to boost operational modernisation and improve the driver experience. The majority see clear benefits to introducing connected technologies such as sensors and dashcams, including reduced paperwork (82%), improved supply chain efficiency (75%) and the ability to more easily transition to EVs or hybrid vehicles (68%).

The move will be welcomed by drivers too, with a Samsara-commissioned survey of 1,000 commercial drivers of small and large vans, HGVs, and other vehicles revealing large numbers believe a variety of connected technologies would have a positive impact on their job, including dashcams (78%), GPS routing (77%), and mobile-based workflow tools (68%).

“Fleet managers recognise that technology can play a big role in creating a modern fleet and — critically — so do their drivers,” said Philip van der Wilt, SVP and General Manager EMEA, Samsara. “More importantly, fleet managers understand the importance of data to power their operations to make them safer, more efficient, and more sustainable.”

“Our findings confirm what we have known for some time — that if fleets want to future-proof their operations, they need to modernise and embrace technology. All of the challenges detailed in this report — from high fuel costs and driver shortages to regulatory changes, road safety, and the transition to EVs — can be mitigated by using smart, connected technology. As this report shows, fleet managers are moving to embrace technology to modernise their fleets. Those who don’t will be in danger of getting increasingly left behind and losing competitive advantage,” added van der Wilt.

Tony Draper, head of SHEQ, M Group Services, a long-standing Samsara customer, added: “For too long, commercial fleets have been underserved by the types of technology that have transformed other sectors and industries. Thanks to affordable, connected, smart tech, fleets have the opportunity to make their operations safer, more efficient, and more sustainable.”

Samsara commissioned Vitreous World to carry out online interviews with 150 fleet or logistics managers in the UK with direct responsibility for vehicles, drivers, logistics, supply chain and/or field service operations, from 15 to 24 February 2023. A further survey of 1,000 UK commercial drivers was also carried out between 14-21 February 2023 by Good Broadcast. All research conducted adhered to the UK Market Research Society (MRS) code of conduct (2019).

Lead Logistics Provider Service Launches

Posted on by David Priestman

Unipart Logistics has launched a major new service offering, positioning itself as a Lead Logistics Provider (LLP). The company believes now is the ideal time to unveil its new proposition with supply chain uncertainty caused by events such as Brexit, Covid and the Ukraine conflict. It says businesses are increasingly looking for a single, trusted and independent LLP which can enable them to achieve strategic transformation through increased resilience, productivity and sustainability across the supply chain.

Central to its proposition is a bespoke, fully integrated LLP platform providing real-time visibility and control to manage a customer’s supply chain, now and into the future. Unipart Logistics, whose customers include Jaguar Land Rover, Airbus, Sky and NHS Supply Chain, has invested significantly in the development of its LLP proposition including a dedicated team of specialists in operations, business development and data analytics.

Ian Truesdale, Managing Director of Unipart Logistics, said: “Until the last few years, we had had a reasonable amount of supply chain stability, but more recent events have changed this and we are now in a period of immense geo-political uncertainty. Our LLP proposition is a natural extension of the services we already provide to many of our customers, including some of the biggest names in automotive, tech and healthcare. We have built true collaborative partnerships with many of our customers, often over many years, and we will bring the same approach as an LLP. The total visibility and real-time information our platform offers businesses make it truly unique. The launch of the LLP offering is an important part of our own growth plans, but also has the potential to accelerate the growth of our customers.”

Adam Jones, Business Development and Sector Strategies Director, is spearheading the LLP service and industry engagement. Adam joined Unipart Logistics in December after 15 years’ experience in supply chain logistics across multiple sectors for companies including DHL Supply Chain, ArrowXL and Wincanton. He added: “Unipart Logistics has the history, knowledge and expertise to deliver an outstanding LLP experience. Our unique platform gives customers the ability to control, design and manage everything in one place and, crucially, in real-time, driving continuous operational improvement.

“Our data-driven platform allows businesses to make decisions today, but also supports planning five years and beyond, future-proofing their supply chain and enabling strategic decision-making.
In addition to increased resilience and productivity, the other major benefit of our platform is its capability to support an organisation’s sustainability goals and net zero targets. We can work with our customers to embed greater sustainability across the supply chain considering the business imperatives of speed, cost savings and efficiencies alongside net zero targets.”

Businesses reviewing their end-to-end supply chain can take advantage of the recently launched Advanced Supply Chain Institute at Unipart House in Oxford where they will be introduced to the new LLP integrated platform inside Unipart’s dedicated supply chain technology and innovation space.

Multimodal Specialist Appoints new Directors

Posted on by David Priestman

KRL, a UK and Ireland based multimodal freight-forwarding business, move into 2023 by announcing two highly significant appointments to support its exciting development plans. David Flaherty becomes Operations Director UK & IE, and Greig Allan becomes Commercial Director UK and IE.

Both are internal promotions of longstanding highly valued employees who have shown clear dedication to the company and its mission, and bring great experience into their important new roles.
“We are thrilled to have David and Greig join the leadership team at KRL,” said Peter Phythian, -KRL Managing Director, “Their dedication to the company and their industry expertise make them invaluable assets, and we have no doubt that they will continue to drive the success of the business in their new roles.”

Greig Allan began his career in logistics at P&O Nedlloyd in Southampton as a transport planner. He then moved to the export desk at P&O in Glasgow before joining JH Hillebrand, a company specializing in the drinks and beverage sector. From there, he worked for DHL Global Forwarding managing a control tower before transitioning to sales with Expeditors. He then joined Kingscote Rojay Limited (KRL) as a sales executive, later becoming the Regional Manager for the north and then the Commercial Manager for the UK. Greig has been instrumental in the growth of KRL’s Scottish branch and has contributed to several milestones and achievements within the company.

David Flaherty began his career in the aviation industry, starting with Aer Lingus in the ground operations department at Dublin Airport. He then moved into the freight world, working in both the import and export departments for Aer Lingus Cargo, before transitioning to the sales department. In this role, David was responsible for supporting all Aer Lingus customers, both big and small, within the Dublin-based freight forwarding community. After a few years, David became the Branch Manager of GeoLogistics Shannon, where he learned to become a multi-modal freight forwarder. In 2008, he opened his own business, Air Aqua Forwarding, which was purchased by the KRL Group five years later. Since joining KRL, David has held several positions within the company, including Ireland Manager, Facilities and Purchasing Manager, Operations Manager UK & IE, and now his current role as Operations Director UK & IE.

KRL is committed to providing opportunities for career progression and development within the company, as demonstrated by the promotions of David and Greig. These promotions not only demonstrate the trust and confidence in the abilities of these individuals, but also serve as a reminder that progression is available at all levels within the organization. From entry-level positions to the highest level of management, KRL encourages employees to take ownership of their professional development and grow within the company. This dedication to internal advancement is key to KRL’s continued success and growth. We look forward to seeing the impact both Greig and David will make as Directors.

Based out of Crawley for over 30 years, KRL provides Multimodal capabilities to it’s client base from its 7 locations across the UK and Ireland, through its team of dedicated freight forwarders customers have access to the full suite of Air, Ocean, Road, Logistics and Customs expertise on a daily basis.

For more than 25 years, KRL has been providing multi-modal and logistics services to clients importing and exporting goods across the borders of the UK and Ireland. KRL have steadily built up an extensive network of partners at over 400 facilities and 13,000 locations across the world that works with KRL to make timely and cost-efficient delivery, collection, and transfer of cargo. Within the UK and Ireland, KRL operate 10 hubs and a modern road haulage fleet. This allows KRL to easily facilitate the pick-up and delivery of consignments to client premises or its hubs, as desired. KRL also offer warehousing facilities, custom packing, and pick and pack services. These value-added services help KRL to better support its specialist supply chain solutions.

Colombian Logistics Service Provider Acquired

Posted on by David Priestman

Leschaco (Lexzau, Scharbau GmbH & Co. KG) announces the acquisition of the activities of the Colombian logistics service provider Coltrans S.A.S. as of December 28, 2022. For more than 30 years, Coltrans has been part of the Leschaco Group’s agent network, so that a trusting and close business relationship already exists on many levels.

With the acquisition, the 500 employees will also move under the Leschaco umbrella. This was the second acquisition in 2022. In February, the Leschaco Group had already taken over Transantartic S.A.C. (TPL), a freight forwarding company based in Lima, Peru. In the Americas, Leschaco has been represented for decades by its own subsidiaries in the USA, Brazil, Mexico and Chile and continues to expand its network in a customer-oriented manner.

Colombia is one of the largest emerging markets in Latin America and offers great growth potential on all global transportation routes.
“We are very pleased to welcome our new Colombian colleagues and customers. The acquisition fits ideally into our already existing network and has a high strategic importance for us. It strengthens our business activities in one of the most attractive economies in Latin America. With this step, we are further expanding our presence in the Americas region, which is key for us, for the benefit of our customers,” says Constantin Conrad, Managing Partner of the Leschaco Group.

Grupo Empresarial Coltrans S.A.S. started its operations in 1988 and is today one of the leading local logistics companies in the Colombian market. The company provides global logistics services including import and export services in different transport modes, as well as customs clearance, warehousing and intermodal transportation. Headquartered in Bogotá, the company also operates offices in the logistics strongholds of Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, Bucaramanga, Pereira, Buenaventura, Cartagena and Ipiales.

“The entry into the Colombian market and the acquisition of the Coltrans product portfolio are an excellent strategic addition to Leschaco’s existing global network. Our local and international customers will benefit from this,” says Martin Sack, Regional Head Americas.
With the new locations in Colombia, Leschaco is now represented in 24 countries. Services in the core business areas of sea and air freight, tank containers and contract logistics are offered at all locations. A variety of value-added services and multimodal transports round off the product portfolio.

The Leschaco Group is a traditional, owner-managed logistics service provider and offers intercontinental logistics solutions for sea and air freight as well as contract logistics and tank container operation. As proven partner for leading companies in plant construction and mechanical engineering, automotive, chemical and related industries, producers of consumer goods and pharmaceuticals. Leschaco offers comprehensive logistics solutions from one single source. Our globally standardised IT–environment guarantees the required high process transparency. The company was founded under the name of Lexzau, Scharbau by Wilhelm Lexzau and Julius Scharbau in Hamburg in 1879. Today, the group is represented in 24 countries worldwide. This network is supported by a carefully selected network of agents. The company insists on a sustainable business development and its headquarters are in Bremen.

Ecolog Makes Senior Appointment

Posted on by David Priestman

Ecolog International, a leading global provider of integrated services and logistics solutions for life support, supply chain, energy and healthcare industries, announced the appointment of Juan Chaparro as Executive Chairman of the Board, as of 01 January 2023.

With over 30 years’ experience as an executive in supply chain management, procurement and sourcing, having worked for globally recognized companies such as Zara (Inditex), Esprit and Primark, Mr. Chaparro brings a wealth of expertise in complex logistics management in fast-paced environments as well as the B2C focus. This aligns with Ecolog’s vision and growth strategy and makes him a valuable addition to the leadership team.

Commenting on his new role, Juan Chaparro said, “Ecolog is a unique organization with distinguished history and the potential to help improve all aspects of the lives of the people it serves, from water and sanitation to catering, healthcare and the wider environment. Its people-driven focus and family-like culture, both internally and externally, are among the many reasons I am excited to be joining.”

Mr. Chaparro’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as Ecolog progresses with expanding its service offering into customized healthcare solutions, clean water and renewable energy as well as sustainable food technologies. With projects in both emerging and established markets catering to various institutional clients, Ecolog is set to leverage its scale and footprint to also provide direct services to consumers.

“This is an exciting phase of the company’s development, investigating how we can mobilize our most valuable asset – our people and their skills – to grow their abilities and expand our capacity to assist more people in more ways. I am eager to contribute in my new role and honoured to lead our incredible team towards new heights of success”, said Juan Chaparro.

About Ecolog

Ecolog International is a global provider of integrated services and sustainable solutions tailored to the needs of diverse range of customers in the humanitarian, healthcare, energy, mining and infrastructure industries. Incorporated over two decades ago in Germany, with the footprint in nearly 40 countries, the company’s service portfolio includes life support, supply chain management, construction, engineering, healthcare and environmental services. Driven by the passion to serve people and communities, Ecolog has an extensive experience in providing fast response solutions, integrated and complex logistics as well as mission-critical operations.

Subscribe

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