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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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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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Tackling Europe’s driver shortage

Posted on by David Priestman

Europe is facing a severe truck driver shortage – around 230,000 driver roles remain unfilled, and this gap could grow to as many as 745,000 vacancies in the coming years. This challenge, driven by an aging workforce and low numbers of recruits, threatens the smooth operation of supply chains across the continent. Many large transport companies, like Girteka, have turned to recruiting drivers from outside the EU. However, taking into consideration the needs and requirements of skilled drivers, driving tests are becoming increasingly important.

Driving tests: a key to securing skilled drivers

Comprehensive driving tests assessments are one effective way to ensure that only well-qualified drivers join the workforce. By putting drivers behind the wheel under controlled conditions in their own country, companies can verify that candidates meet the required standards in safety and driving skills.

Driving tests evaluations serve several essential functions. They allow companies to assess how drivers handle real-world conditions, confirm that drivers follow safe practices and check that drivers are comfortable with the digital systems integrated into modern trucks.

Today’s requirements for truck drivers in Europe

Today’s professional truck drivers in the EU must meet specific requirements, including:

· License requirements: Drivers need a C, C1, CE, or C1E license. For example, a C1 license is for lighter trucks (up to 7,500 kg), while a C license is for heavier trucks.

· Code 95: After initial qualification, drivers earn Code 95, which must be renewed every five years through refresher training.

· Mandatory training: EU Directive 2003/59/EC requires a standard level of training, including practical assessments and driving tests, to improve road safety.

· Regulatory compliance: Drivers must follow strict rules regarding driving hours, rest periods, specified in Mobility Package.

Similar systems exist outside Europe. In the United States, drivers must pass a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) test that covers pre-trip inspections, vehicle control, and on-road evaluations. While the U.S. system focuses on a one-time licensing test, Europe emphasizes continuous training and periodic driving tests assessments.

Industry leaders in driver training and driving tests

Several companies have set the standard by incorporating comprehensive driving tests assessments into their recruitment and training processes.

Girteka’s Driving Academy

Girteka, a market leader in road transport, has established its own Drivers’ Academy with centers in Lithuania and Poland and recruitment branches outside the EU. New drivers – especially those outside the EU – must complete a series of driving tests and practical assessments before coming to Europe. Arystan, a recent recruit from Kazakhstan, explained that “The driving test at Girteka’s academy was eye-opening. It gave me a clear idea of European road conditions and helped build the confidence I needed before starting my career here.” Another professional driver, Kadyr from Kyrgyzstan, noted that the thorough approach prepared him well for working in Europe by showing exactly what was expected in terms of safety and skills.

XPO Logistics’ Driver Excellence Academy

XPO Logistics has launched a Driver Excellence Academy across multiple sites in the UK. Their program features a staged training plan, supported by qualified instructors, and includes a four-week buddying process after the candidate passes their test. This structured approach not only improves driving skills but also helps address the driver shortage by building a pipeline of well-trained, confident drivers.

DHL Supply Chain’s Driving Ambition Program

DHL Supply Chain offers a “Driving Ambition” program to attract new talent. The program provides comprehensive training for candidates to obtain LGV licenses covering rigid and articulated trucks. With training centers across the UK, DHL focuses on creating long-term careers in the industry.

Why driving tests matter

Driving tests assessments are not just about verifying a candidate’s driving skills – they are a critical tool for ensuring a steady flow of professional drivers and stabilizing Europe’s supply chains. With conditions closer to real ones, these tests help companies identify any potential issues early, from handling adverse weather to mastering digital tools like tachographs and telematics. As Oksana Karpovičienė, Head of HR Expansion Department at Girteka, explains, “Driving tests assessments are crucial in securing quality drivers who meet European standards. This rigorous approach not only boosts driver confidence and competence but also reduces risks on the road, leading to improved safety and fuel efficiency.”

Ultimately, by integrating comprehensive driving tests evaluations into the recruitment and training process, companies can ensure minimum level of skills and further develop a comprehensive upskilling programs to meet demanding quality needs of logistics services in Europe.

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Weetabix Multi-warehousing Operation Deal

Posted on by Keith McKinley

XPO, a leading provider of innovative and sustainable end-to-end logistics solutions across Europe, has been named a new logistics partner for the UK’s number one cereal brand, Weetabix.

From the 27th of January, XPO will have started to run the Weetabix multi-warehousing operation at the company’s primary site at Burton Latimer near Kettering, as well as Corby in Northamptonshire. The focus will be on improving automation across the site and driving sustainable efficiencies while delivering for Weetabix´s customers.

Around 200 of the current Weetabix workforce at the site will become part of the XPO team. XPO will also develop and adopt new in-house systems to help Weetabix improve its current operations with synergised operations. One of the most important goals will be to create an optimal operation that prioritises work satisfaction for those working across the business.

Richard Spaughton, Head of Supply Chain, Weetabix, said: “We chose XPO as they clearly share our ethos regarding sustainable efficiencies, how we value our people and prioritising the customer. We are excited to move together into the next phase of our warehouse operations with XPO.”

XPO will also manage Weetabix’s global forwarding requirements through cross-border services, customs clearance and aligned transport projects. There will be a continual focus on improving and optimising processes to give the best customer service possible.

Dan Myers, Managing Director – UK and Ireland, XPO Logistics, said: “Weetabix is an iconic brand and a company with strong people values, something we share at XPO. Together we will continue to develop the supply chain roadmap and future warehousing strategy. The future is genuinely exciting, and working with Weetabix and our team, I look forward to seeing the delivery of our ambitious plans.”

XPO’s proprietary business intelligence technology will bring new visibility to how the site operates and encourage increased proactive decision-making, which in turn will help improve efficiency.

 

Princes Signs New Stock Management Deal

Posted on by David Priestman

International food and drink group, Princes, has established new partnerships with XPO Logistics and Knowles Transport for stock management, handling and shunting activity in the UK.

Transportation specialists Knowles Transport will provide stock management solutions at the Group’s warehouses in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, while XPO Logistics, a leading provider of innovative transport and logistics solutions in Europe has been awarded the contract for Princes’ Bradford warehouse.

Princes’ two Cambridgeshire warehouses hold stock produced at the Group’s Long Sutton and Wisbech sites, and all imported goods, including Princes tuna, Princes fruit and Napolina tomatoes and pasta. The Long Sutton and Wisbech sites are home to Branston Baked Beans, Crosse & Blackwell soups, Batchelors Peas and many more branded favourites and own-brand products manufactured by Princes.

Princes’ Bradford warehouse is part of its soft drinks facility in the area, which produces the Group’s Jucee squash brand and a range of own-brand soft drinks. All three warehouses are under long term leases and facilitate 90% of Princes Group’s UK stockholding – representing around 180,000 pallets at any given time.

Ian Rooney, Group Supply Chain Director at Princes, said: “We’re delighted to extend our partnerships into warehousing with Knowles Transport and XPO Logistics. The contracts will enable us to streamline ways of working and communications, whilst introducing innovation across our operations. This change also unlocks broader logistics synergies, providing an opportunity to reduce road miles and support our goal of minimising carbon emissions across the supply chain.”

Alex Knowles, Managing Director at Knowles Transport, added: “Princes is a long-standing customer of Knowles and we are delighted to be extending our offering to provide warehouse management solutions at the Group’s facilities in Cambridgeshire. Combining warehousing, co-pack and transport services enables us to fully maximise efficiency and service to Princes.
“With our relationship now spanning over 20 years, this latest contract is a testament to our positive, solution orientated relationship, which we are delighted develop further.”

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