InPost Acquire Delivery Company Yodel

European e-commerce logistics provider InPost has announced its acquisition of parcel delivery company Yodel, aiming to accelerate its expansion in the UK market.

InPost stated that the acquisition will unify out-of-home and doorstep delivery solutions under a single brand, enhancing its operational scale, broadening its service offering, and delivering greater convenience for both retailers and customers.

As part of the deal, InPost has acquired 95.5% of the share capital of Judge Logistics Ltd (JLL), the parent company of Yodel Delivery Network. PayPoint will retain a minority stake of 4.5%.

Following the transaction, InPost UK’s market share has grown to around 8%, positioning it as the third-largest agnostic e-commerce logistics carrier in the country. This move builds on InPost’s previous acquisition of Menzies Distribution in October 2024, which granted it full control over its logistics operations in the UK.

Rafał Brzoska, founder and CEO of InPost Group, described the deal as a major milestone in the company’s strategy to transform the UK delivery landscape and strengthen its pan-European presence. He noted that the acquisition accelerates what would have taken five years of organic growth and underlines the company’s long-term commitment to the UK, a market with significant growth potential.

Neil Kuschel, CEO of InPost UK, called the acquisition a transformative step for the company’s UK operations. He highlighted the integration of doorstep deliveries with InPost’s extensive locker network as a key advantage that will allow the company to offer increased reliability, flexibility, and efficiency to customers and e-commerce retailers. “By combining Yodel’s trusted to-door service with our market-leading out-of-home offering, we are creating a carrier that genuinely responds to how people want to send and receive parcels in today’s fast-paced, convenience-focused world,” Kuschel said.

With this acquisition, InPost aims to realize several strategic objectives. It anticipates rapid growth in the UK, delivering over 300 million parcels annually and serving more than 500 e-commerce merchants. The company’s market share has already reached approximately 8%, supported by 10,000 automated parcel machines and over 18,000 out-of-home delivery points.

The acquisition enables InPost to offer a unique and comprehensive service, combining next-day home delivery with a vast out-of-home network under one brand. It also diversifies InPost’s business both geographically and by customer segment, with the UK now contributing around 30% of the Group’s total revenue. From a financial standpoint, the deal is seen as a strategically sound investment, significantly boosting InPost’s presence and long-term growth in the UK market.

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DSV announces changes to its executive management

Girteka Logistics Business Appoint New CEO

Effective April 7th, Nikolay Pargov has been appointed CEO of Girteka logistics business (currently named Girteka Europe West UAB). He’ll continue to focus on growth of the logistics business, driving commercial and operational excellence, enhancing efficiency, and creating value for all stakeholders.

“With a strong and committed team, we’re well-positioned to deliver outstanding service and reliability to our customers,” says Nikolay. “I’m honored by the trust placed in me and look forward to continuing our mission of being Europe’s leading provider of temperature-controlled and high-care cargo transportation.”

Pargov joined the company in September 2024. He brought over 20 years of experience in logistics, having worked with companies such as DHL, C.H. Robinson Europe, and Transporeon.

New Name Reflects Strategic Focus

To better reflect the core of its business, Girteka Europe West UAB will officially become Girteka Logistics UAB as of the 2nd of May.

“The name “Girteka Europe West” no longer reflects the essence of our business and how we are structured today. “Girteka Logistics” better aligns with our core business and future direction – delivering operational excellence and driving growth in logistics,” says Edvardas Liachovičius, Girteka Group CEO.

Business Structure of Girteka Group

Girteka Group operates through main business areas. Girteka Logistics specializes in temperature-controlled and high-care cargo transportation across Europe. TNDM Trucking delivers dedicated fleet services tailored to customers. ClassTrucks ensures supply, management and sale of trucks and trailers, supporting efficient transport asset management. Girteka Group also owns Thermo-Transit which provides logistics services in fresh fish, food, and beverages delivery to and from Scandinavia.

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Show-Stopping Trailers Unveiled by Transport Company

Cargo Capacity Boosted to Meet Growing Demand

Etihad Cargo, the logistics and cargo division of Etihad Airways, has enhanced its operations to respond to rising customer demand across Greater China. The carrier is increasing its total number of flights between China and other markets from 11 in 2024 to a projected 18 by 2025, reinforcing trade connections between major global regions.

To support this growth, Etihad Cargo will utilize a wet-leased 747 freighter, bolstering freight capacity on high-demand lanes and offering customers enhanced flexibility for shipments to and from key global destinations.

In response to the surging market demand, the airline has introduced three more weekly freighter services to Shenzhen and added two additional flights per week to London. These new routes will significantly improve connectivity between China, Europe, and the Middle East, with expanded capacity for the transport of e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, perishables, and other time-sensitive goods.

This strategic capacity increase aligns with Etihad Cargo’s broader objective to expand its global footprint and deliver dependable, customer-focused logistics solutions. The airline remains dedicated to providing agile, efficient freight services while advancing Abu Dhabi’s role as a premier global logistics center.

Commenting on the expansion, Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer at Etihad Cargo, said: “Etihad Cargo is continuously investing in network growth and capacity enhancements to support the dynamic needs of global commerce. The added services to Shenzhen and London Stansted reflect our dedication to meeting customer expectations through increased access and stronger trade route connectivity.”

By deepening its footprint in China and strengthening links with Europe, Etihad Cargo is unlocking greater freight capacity to facilitate the smooth flow of goods across international markets.

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Show-Stopping Trailers Unveiled by Transport Company

Two specially modified and uniquely liveried Schmitz Cargobull S.KO COOL box-body semi-trailers have been unveiled to join family-owned business C&M Transport’s fast-growing fleet in Wrexham. C&M Transport, a temperature-controlled specialist, places huge value in the presentation of its vehicles and uniformed drivers. On that basis, it decided to put Schmitz Cargobull’s ability to customise trailers to the test to give its latest purchases added character.

The result was two S.KO COOL trailers featuring a wealth of after-market additions via Truck Center Vreden, a Schmitz Cargobull Service Partner.

Jonno Williams, Operations Manager at C&M Transport, says: “Having something that stands out from the crowd is important to us. So, when we learnt that Schmitz Cargobull offers a customisation service, we knew we had to try it. The trailers were delivered quickly and look great, so we’re really pleased we did.”

The mono-temp reefers, which are equipped with Carrier Transicold refrigeration units, feature extra strip lights along the rear, side and top of the trailers, as well as upgraded rear-light clusters, stainless steel wheel arches, illuminated stainless steel fuel guards, and Alcoa Dura-Bright alloys to add a smart, personal touch.

The trailers also feature bespoke wraps after the business ran a competition inviting local schools to supply designs showcasing Wrexham to demonstrate that there’s more to the city than a football club owned by two Hollywood film stars.

The winning designs by Holly Jones, from Ysgol Bryn Alyn; and Juliette Devereux, from Ysgol Morgan Llwyd, were transformed into full-length wraps by ASAP Signs on the first trailer. They highlight the UNESCO-recognised Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and the Gresford Colliery memorial, respectively. The work of local artist Mikey Jones, showing the Wrexham skyline, features on the second trailer.

Underneath the unique designs, Schmitz Cargobull’s proven FERROPLAST technology combines the increased insulation of a polyurethane hard foam with a durable and resistant covering of multiple layers of coated metal. The result is a self-supporting product without any thermal bridges that may affect cooling performance. If any damage does occur, the panels can be easily repaired rather than the trailer side requiring whole body repair.

Each trailer will be covering 2,000 plus miles a week over the breadth of the UK and Continental Europe, something their strong galvanised MODULUS bolted chassis are ideally suited to handle. Each chassis comes with a 10-year warranty against rust-through on all galvanised parts, too.

“I can’t fault the build quality, it’s excellent. The interior width of the trailers has also been a big hit with our drivers. Most of what we move is palletised but some goods – such as ice cream and fresh cut flowers on Danish flower dollies – extend beyond the pallets. That’s normally a headache but it’s no longer a problem with these new reefers,” adds Williams.

The deal was facilitated by Geoff Ward, Regional Manager for the North West, Wales and the West Midlands at Schmitz Cargobull UK & Ireland.

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CMA CGM Group to acquire 35% stake in Dry Port

Following French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Egypt, and in the presence of H.E. Kamel El Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport and Industry, the CMA CGM Group, a global player in maritime, land, air, and logistics solutions, officially signed a strategic partnership agreement with October Dry Port (ODP), marking a significant milestone in advancing Egypt’s logistics infrastructure and supply chain capabilities.

Through a shareholding participation of 35% and a management agreement, the CMA CGM Group will become an active operational partner in the activities and development of the logistics and rail platform  of October Dry Port. The Group will bring its expertise in managing inland terminals while providing reliable and cost-efficient services to all customers. The completion of the acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

The agreement was signed by Christine Cabau Woehrel, Executive Vice-President Assets and Operations of the CMA CGM Group, and Eng. Ahmed Elsewedy, President & CEO of Elsewedy Electric, during a ceremony attended by His Excellency Egypt’s Minister of Transport, Kamel El-Wazir as well as senior officials from both entities. This collaboration establishes a direct partnership between CMA CGM and ODP to enhance port operations, optimize cargo movement, and provide seamless logistics services to customers in Egypt’s expanding industrial zones.

October Dry Port, Egypt’s first dry port and the first public-private partnership (PPP) project in the Egyptian transport sector under the EBRD Green Cities program, was developed, built, and operated by Elsewedy Electric in partnership with the General Authority for Land and Dry Ports (GALDP). The project was funded by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and officially commenced operations in November 2023. Recognized for its commitment to sustainability, the dry port was awarded the “Best Sustainable Infrastructure Project” for its environmentally conscious design, energy-efficient operations, and alignment with Egypt’s green transformation strategy.

Strategically located in the heart of the New Industrial Area in 6th of October City, ODP is directly connected to all of Egypt’s seaports and serves as a critical logistics hub, facilitating faster cargo clearance, reducing seaport congestion, and supporting Egypt’s growing industrial and export ecosystem.

Through this partnership, CMA CGM will leverage ODP’s state-of-the-art facilities to serve its expanding customer base across Greater Cairo and Upper Egypt, providing integrated inland transport, customs clearance, and advanced logistics services. Already operating the Tahya Misr container terminal at the Port of Alexandria and the new terminal of Sokhna which will open early next year, the CMA CGM Group further strengthens its strategic positioning in Egypt, the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, especially through innovative and sustainable intermodal solutions. The CMA CGM Group will offer regular round trip rail services between the major seaports of Alexandria and Ain Sokhna to the Great Cairo area, boosting the competitivity of intermodal solution for Egyptian customers.

During the signing ceremony, H.E. Kamel El Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport affirmed that Egypt is open to cooperation with all international companies, including CMA CGM, which has a distinguished strategic partnership with the Egyptian side through its management and operation of the “Tahya Misr” multipurpose terminal at Alexandria Port. This terminal was inaugurated by H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in June 2023 and currently plays a vital role in maritime transport, global trade, and transit trade. The Minister also noted the cooperation in one of the terminals at Sokhna Port through CMA CGM’s partnership with a global alliance, inviting CMA CGM to inject further investments into Egypt, especially given the country’s promising investment climate.

Christine Cabau Woehrel stated: “The CMA CGM Group values a lot this new partnership with Elsewedy on the October Dry Port logistics platform. This is a unique opportunity to foster the development of low-emission intermodal solutions in Egypt through efficient rail connections. This new investment confirms the Group’s long-term commitment to Egyptian supply chain growth. It combines beautifully our worldwide maritime network to and from Egypt, our investment in the terminals of Alexandria and Sokhna, with the capacity to offer door to door efficient and competitive solutions to our Egyptian customers, opening a new more sophisticated vision of Egyptian supply chain development.”

Ahmed Elsewedy added: “Welcoming CMA CGM as a partner is a major step forward in positioning ODP as a national and regional logistics hub. Our shared vision for sustainability and efficiency makes this collaboration even more impactful.”

This agreement reinforces Egypt’s position as a regional logistics gateway and supports the country’s broader goals of promoting industrial growth, sustainable development, and global trade connectivity.

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Endangered Bongos Flown to Kenyan Sanctuary

DHL Express has partnered with Tusk, a charity dedicated to accelerating the impact of Africa-driven conservation, to transport 17 critically endangered mountain bongo antelopes from the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation (RSCF) in Florida to a sanctuary on the slopes of Mount Kenya, run by the Meru Bongo and Rhino Conservation Trust. Bred in Florida, mountain bongos are on the verge of extinction with fewer than 100 left in the wild due to poaching, forest degradation and habitat fragmentation.

As a partner of Tusk, DHL used its expert and specialist logistics services to provide point-to-point air transfer for the bongos. Meeting the requirement that the full herd be transported together; DHL provided a dedicated aircraft which carried the antelopes 7146 nautical miles directly from Palm Beach International Airport (Florida) to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya.

The bongos were transported in custom-built crates, alongside 6 tonnes of pelleted feed and 3 specialist animal care staff including a veterinarian and 2 bongo specialists from the US. The mountain bongos were released into a 20-acre sanctuary, which has been set aside for their long-term management and recovery by the Kenya Forest Service. The sanctuary plays a critical role in the national recovery plan and is key to the ongoing success of the project.

Formed by 12 female and 5 male bongo antelopes, the herd will remain in the paddocks to safely breed. The offspring will then slowly be reintroduced into Mount Kenya’s forest ecosystem, from which they have been absent for over 40 years.

Mike Parra, CEO DHL Express Europe, says: “We are so proud to be able to leverage the power and expertise of our global network to assist in transporting these critically endangered bongo antelopes to their new sanctuary in Kenya. The logistics of moves such as this are incredibly complex, with the welfare of the animals being everyone’s top priority. A huge thank you to our partners at Tusk, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, and everyone involved in making this important conservation mission a success”.

Mike Watson, CEO of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy which helped to coordinate this complex repatriation, says: “Bringing the bongos back to Kenya is a great moment in the restoration of the country’s natural heritage. For decades, these animals have been largely absent from the very forests where they belong, and this project will be crucial in reversing that loss. Seeing them set foot on Kenyan soil again is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when organizations work together.”

DHL Flies Bongos

Dr. Paul Reillo, RSCF Founder and President, says: “There is simply no higher calling for humanity than to protect what remains of nature. The mountain bongo’s story of decline and recovery has been entirely on our watch, and the species’ future lies with all of us. The bongo’s resilience is a story of hope for wildlife and people alike, merging elevated partnerships, proven expertise, vital resources and amazing courage. This humbling, profound project exemplifies true wildlife conservation in real time.”

Charlie Mayhew, Founder and President of Tusk, says: “The return of 17 critically endangered mountain bongos from Florida to Kenya is a significant step in restoring this critically endangered species to its native habitat, and demonstrates the conservation progress that can be made through collaboration. We are hugely grateful to our global partner DHL Express for their generous support in transporting the bongos – yet another key milestone in the partnership between our organizations. DHL’s dedication to environmental sustainability, and its role as a responsible corporate partner in supporting Tusk’s mission to protect Africa’s wildlife and natural habitat, is invaluable.”

Led by the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (LEWA), the relocation of the bongos was a collaborative effort supported by the Meru Bongo & Rhino Conservation Trust (MBRCT) and the RSCF. The local communities surrounding the sanctuary will play a key role in running the conservation program, creating education and employment opportunities that will support the region. In this context, Tusk acts as official partner of DHL Express, working closely together with LEWA, MBRCT and RSCF to provide highly efficient solutions for funding wildlife conservation programs.

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New Thames Crossing Gets Go-Ahead

The UK logistics and freight community has welcomed the news that the Lower Thames Crossing has been granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Transport.

The announcement, made by the Department for Transport, follows a detailed examination process and represents a key milestone for what is set to become a major new route beneath the River Thames, connecting Kent and Essex.

This 14.5-mile project, lead by National Highways, features two tunnels under the River Thames, aiming to alleviate congestion at the Dartford Crossing by rerouting 13 million journeys annually.

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) praised the decision, noting the long-running support from industry stakeholders.

“This is a great result for the campaign, backed by politicians and businesses, as well as BIFA, for a project that was first mooted in 2009 as a means of addressing the problems that congestion at the Dartford Crossing causes,” said Steve Parker, BIFA Director.

“Media reports indicate that work will commence in 2026 and could be complete by 2032. Our members, who manage the transport of a considerable amount of the UK’s visible trade, will be delighted.

“Delays in transit pose a risk to their reputations, and have significant financial consequences.”

The Dartford Crossing remains one of the UK’s busiest road links, and the new tunnel is expected to provide an alternative route to help alleviate traffic pressure. The decision to grant consent follows a period of extensive consultation and planning, and the project will now move into the next stages of development.

The Labour MP for Dartford, Jim Dickson said “This decision will unlock economic growth across the country and finally deliver a solution to the traffic chaos faced by my constituents on a daily basis.”

According to the government, the crossing is a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project and is designed to support long-term growth, enhance road connectivity, and reduce congestion in a key part of the strategic road network. Construction is slated to begin in 2026 or early 2027, with the crossing expected to open by 2032. This development promises to enhance connectivity between the south and the Midlands, linking key ports and stimulating regional economic growth.

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Food Manufacturer Transforms their Pallet Management

Chelmer Foods, a leading supplier of dried fruits, nuts, seeds, and pulses for industries including cereal manufacturing, bakeries, snack foods, and food service suppliers, has partnered with Tosca to streamline its pallet management operations. By switching to Tosca’s pooled plastic pallets, Chelmer Foods significantly reduced complexity, achieved quality consistency, and bolstered customer satisfaction.

Addressing Operational Challenges with Innovative Pallet Management

Due to its business growth, Chelmer Foods faced mounting challenges associated with managing thousands of pallets across four internal locations. With a global sourcing network spanning over 20 countries, Chelmer Foods was managing around 6,000 second-hand plastic pallets, whose inconsistent quality led to ongoing issues with durability and reliability, creating operational inefficiencies. Breakages and repairs not only took up valuable resources but also impacted customer satisfaction. Additionally, Chelmer Foods needed a reliable, efficient solution to meet its customers’ fast-growing demand for food-grade plastic pallets.

Chelmer Foods recognised that a more sustainable, efficient approach was essential to meeting both operational needs and customer expectations. Simon Heather, Director at Chelmer Foods, reflects on their initial situation and the search for a dependable partner: “Since the initial discussions with Tosca began, the process has been extremely straightforward and has genuinely reduced the noise surrounding plastic pallets & associated issues.”

Tosca’s Solution: Reliable, Cost-Effective, and Customer-Centric

Chelmer Foods switched to Tosca’s MP3/DIC 1210 pooled reusable plastic pallets, immediately experiencing the benefits of this solution. Tosca’s food-grade MP3/DIC 1210 pallets offered consistently high quality, immediately eliminating the issue of broken pallets that had previously complicated Chelmer Foods’ operations. The seamless transition not only improved customer satisfaction but also built on existing relationships, as many of Chelmer Foods’ customers were already familiar with Tosca’s reliable service.

Tosca’s pooling system also relieved Chelmer Foods of the burdens associated with pallet maintenance, repairs, and logistics. No longer needing to worry about pallet tracking or breakages, Chelmer Foods was able to refocus efforts on its core business. With Tosca handling all aspects of pallet management, the efficiency gains also extended to significant savings, as the time and effort Chelmer Foods previously spent on pallet repairs and collections were drastically reduced.

The switch to Tosca’s pooled reusable plastic pallets enabled Chelmer Foods to meet the growing demand for plastic pallets and strengthened its customer relationships, as well as improving supply chain reliability. Additionally, Tosca’s established connections with many of Chelmer Foods’ customers, ensured a seamless and trusted process.

Simon Heather, Director at Chelmer Foods, is impressed with the smooth transition to Tosca’s solution: “Tosca’s pre-existing relationships with our customers have certainly made for a smooth transition, and it has gone exactly as planned.”

Collaborating for a Sustainable and Forward-Looking Supply Chain

Looking ahead, Chelmer Foods is actively collaborating with Tosca on several initiatives supporting its efficiency and sustainability goals. The two companies are exploring the potential use of Tosca pallets for inbound overseas deliveries, an initiative that would further streamline the supply chain. Chelmer Foods is also considering the introduction of Tosca’s foldable bins, aligning with industry trends that increasingly favour plastic for regulatory compliance.

Heather speaks to the value of Tosca’s adaptability and long-term collaboration, sharing, “Looking forward is always slightly tricky with demand from our customers ever-changing, but in Tosca, I know that we have a partner that is flexible and has a willingness to try to solve those demands alongside us.”

Through its partnership with Tosca, Chelmer Foods has redefined its pallet management approach, achieving operational efficiencies, enhancing customer satisfaction, and embracing a sustainable future. This successful collaboration showcases how a tailored, high-quality pooling solution can address complex supply chain needs, empowering businesses to meet evolving market demands while reducing operational burdens.

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Decarbonising European Supply Chains with Intermodal Solutions

Railways have long been a reliable mode of transporting goods. However, in recent years, road transport has taken the lead, offering faster and more flexible delivery options. Now, with decarbonisation goals in focus, rail is making a comeback as a powerful solution for reducing emissions.

Intermodal solutions, especially rail transport, have proven effective in reducing emissions. When powered by green energy sources, rail can significantly cut emissions by up to 65%1. Thanks to the long distances covered by a single train, equivalent to 20–30 fully loaded trailers, the railway network offers a safe, sustainable, and efficient way to transport goods for long distances across Europe.

High-value goods on trains

With supply chains accounting for a large portion of companies’ overall emissions, up to 90% in some cases 2, shifting a significant portion of transport to rail can greatly impact carbon footprints. One example is a leading cosmetics company that decided to move up to 80% of its high-value goods transport to the railway network. By transporting up to 1500 fully loaded trailers, only in 2022, the company achieved a significant 80% reduction3 in emissions compared to traditional road transport.

“We knew the company wanted to make significant strides in reducing emissions, so we explored possible solutions together, analyzing all available alternatives. Thanks to our extensive network and minimal changes to operations, we utilized rail transport effectively. Paired with our broad trucking network, from and to terminals, we have delivered a large volume of goods most conveniently and sustainably,” says Larisa Senkevičienė, Intermodal Business Development Manager from Girteka, the company securing the deliveries.

This case, as the majority of the loads were transported via railway, required precise coordination with the customer to plan both loading and unloading. Time slots were established to align with production and delivery schedules, knowing the need for smooth transitions between rail and road. Internally, planning teams collaborated with the customer to manage every step, adjusting resources to fit the rail transport requirements. This co-creation approach optimized logistics, allowing for on-time deliveries with minimal delays.

Combination of sustainable solutions

Though the railway network has its limitations, when combined with alternative fuels like HVO100 or battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), emission reductions can reach up to 100%, while using clean green energy. Another example from the food and beverages sector involved optimizing both the start and end of the transport process to reduce emissions. Due to network limitations, the company opted for a combined transport method, using both the railway network and HVO-fueled trucks for delivery to and from train terminals. The results were impressive.

“We had to approach this differently, as the entire supply chain couldn’t be covered solely by intermodal transport. However, with our trucks being compatible with alternative fuels like HVO, we used this option to handle the transport to and from the railway terminal. The outcome? A 90% reduction4 in emissions, which can be easily reported,” explains Senkevičienė.

Measuring Impact through Data

Reporting and data collection are crucial for evaluating the efficiency and real impact of sustainable solutions. The goal is simple: reduce emissions as much as possible without compromising the timing or stability of supply chains.

“Monitoring and data are essential for us, therefore we provide the option to oversee the full cargo journey, and our calculations of reduced emissions from chosen sustainable transport solution, customer can receive a comprehensive report on the exact number of kg of CO2 reduction. In a time of data approach and ESG reporting soon in place, this value information is additional benefit customer receive,” – emphasizes Senkevičienė.

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Freight Crimes Could Drain £6.1 Billion from the Industry by 2049!

In the UK, an alarming £250 million is estimated to be lost annually to freight crimes, totaling a predicted £6.1 billion by 2049, research by SNAP, the haulage industry’s digital marketplace, has revealed. With inflation rising this figure could even reach a staggering £7.9 billion. Across Europe €8.2 billion is lost to cargo theft, every year.

How Criminals Are Attacking the Logistics Industry

Criminals are using increasingly bold and sophisticated methods to exploit weaknesses in the logistics industry. Here are some specific examples of how they’re targeting businesses:

  1. Truck Hijacking: Thieves are intercepting trucks on highways or at rest stops. They use fake police checkpoints or forceful takeovers to seize high-value goods, such as electronics or pharmaceuticals, costing companies millions in losses.
  2. Warehouse Infiltration: Organized gangs are breaking into warehouses during low-security times, such as shift changes or holidays. They exploit gaps in surveillance and security to steal large quantities of goods.
  3. Cyber Manipulation: Hackers are targeting logistics companies by altering delivery routes, rerouting shipments, or stealing sensitive information from poorly protected systems. These attacks disrupt supply chains and can lead to major financial damage.
  4. Insider Fraud: Employees with inside knowledge are leaking shipping schedules or tampering with deliveries. Some insiders collaborate with external crime rings, allowing them to intercept goods more easily.
  5. Fake Orders and Fraudulent Pickups: Criminals place fake orders or use forged documents to claim shipments. By impersonating legitimate customers or delivery agents, they reroute products before they reach their intended destinations.

With the haulage industry making technological advancements in other areas, like autonomous trucks and EV vehicles, decision-makers are questioning why the industry does not leverage available technology and incorporate the latest security features to help fight freight crimes.

Based on the newest crime-fighting innovation from across the world, it is anticipated that by 2049:

  • Truck parks will have 24/7 security, including the use of robot policing, such as dogs and patrols that provide autonomous surveillance, allowing all areas of truck parks to be monitored, without a human needing to be present.
  • Secure entrances and exits will be introduced, which will only be accessed by pre-booked trucks, and monitored via license plate recognition.
  • AI criminal pattern predictions, to anticipate crime.
  • Facial recognition.
  • Thermal cameras, to detect any unusual activity.

Other predictions include using information from tachographs to monitor truck drivers, helping to predict when drivers will need to reach truck stops, and keeping drivers rest safely away from roadsides.

Matthew Bellamy, managing director at SNAP said “There is an urgent need for investments in the safety and security of truck parks across the UK and Europe, truck drivers are the lifeblood of our economies and ensure that the public gets what they need. We need to encourage more people into the industry by offering a safe and secure environment for all. This highlights the need to protect drivers’ wellbeing, keeping them physically and mentally safe, alongside the financial benefits for supply chain operators and improved services for the nation”

Recent investments include €750 million from the IRU advocacy and £16 million from the UK government to transform truck parks. £16 million is just 6.4% of the £250 million and under 0.3% of the predicted £6.1 billion lost due to freight crimes in the UK, alone. Whilst we are pleased to see investments across Europe, it will be important to start seeing changes in action.

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