The Board of Directors of the CMA CGM Group have reviewed the financial statements for the first quarter of 2023.  After two exceptional years, the industry has entered a phase of normalisation due to the slowdown in global growth, inflation and a destocking phenomenon that is continuing in many parts of the world.

Despite this deteriorated context, the Company's first-quarter results are extremely solid. They are the fruit of investments - more than US$30.0 billion committed over the past two years - which enable it to constantly broaden and strengthen the range of transport and logistics solutions for customers.

Q4 2022’s trends remained in play in Q1, 2023, with challenging market conditions in the transport and logistics industry. Freight demand continued to slow, spurring a rapid normalisation of spot freight rates.

Revenue US$12.7 billion in Q1, 2023, driven mostly by the Group’s maritime shipping business. This was down 30.2%. EBITDA came to US$3.4 billion, representing a 61.3% decrease and an EBITDA margin of 27.0%, down 21.7 points. Net income, Group share amounted to US$2.0 billion, down from US$7.2 billion.

Consolidated revenue from maritime shipping operations amounted to US$8.9 billion, down 40.3% from Q1, 2022. EBITDA totalled US$3,0 billion, 64.3% lower than Q1, 2022. EBITDA margin came in at 34.4%, down 23.1 points. Average revenue per TEU amounted to US$1,766, down 37.0% from Q1, 2022.

In all, 5.0 million TEUs were carried in Q1, 2023, down 5.3% from the prior-year period. This decline was attributable to several factors:

> household consumption of goods in Europe and North America has fallen sharply amid i) price inflation and ii) a rebound in consumer spending on services, especially tourism, leisure, etc.
> inventory adjustments in these regions continued, weighing on imports, especially from Asia, particularly in the retail and lifestyle sectors.
> the relatively brisk activity in regions such as Latin America and Africa, together with eased congestion, were insufficient to offset the decline on the main East-West routes.

Revenue from logistics operations totalled US$3.9 billion in Q1, 2023, up 14.1%. EBITDA stood at US$343.0 million, a 36.9% increase on Q1, 2022.

This growth in activity reflects the inclusion of the acquisitions of Ingram CLS, Gefco and Colis Privé in the scope of consolidation as from Q2, 2022, while the sea and air freight activities were simultaneously returning to normal in line with market dynamics. The various acquisitions have strengthened CMA CGM's offering of end-to-end supply chain services for its customers. In Q1, 2023, the CMA CGM Group also signed an agreement with La Poste group to establish a closer business relationship capitalising on their respective expertise in parcel delivery, transportation and storage.

Looking ahead, macroeconomic forecasts for 2023 anticipate moderate global GDP growth over the year, in light of inflationary pressure which is dragging down consumer spending in OECD countries. However, this may stabilise later in the year. Nevertheless, new capacity delivered over the coming quarters is expected to continue weighing on freight rates in container shipping. In this environment, the first quarter is expected to be the best quarter of the year as the Group's financial results continue to return to normal. The Group is confident in its ability to weather the cycle thanks to its combined transport and logistics strategy and its financial strength. The Group will also continue to integrate its recent acquisitions while keeping operating costs under control.

MingZhu Logistics Holdings has entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (the SPA) to acquire 100.0% equity of Alliance Liquor Investment (BVI) Limited (Alliance Liquor), which operates its liquor distribution business through its variable interest entity Xiamen Alliance Liquor Industry Group Co., Ltd. (formerly known as Guizhou Minzusheng Liquor Co., Ltd.) in China.

The transaction is subject to the conditions that are customary for transactions of this type. The Company and Alliance Liquor had previously announced that they entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding on 21 February 2023, with the plan to further invest in and jointly develop a commercial liquor distribution business across China.

Under terms of the SPA, MingZhu shall acquire 100.0% of Alliance Liquor in exchange for the issuance of 4,569,095 ordinary shares of Mingzhu upon closing. The shareholder of Alliance Liquor shall receive additional First Earnout Payment of US$8,042,090 and Second Earnout Payment of US$8,042,090 respectively if the net income of Alliance Liquor is no lower than US$2.0 million for the fiscal year 2023 and 2024 respectively.

The acquisition is part of Mingzhu's previously announced strategic plan, under which the Company announced its intention to expand into the commercial liquor distribution market given the synergies and adjacency to its existing business. This initially included cooperating with a China-based distributor of liquor and other spirits to enhance its commercial liquor distribution business across China, subject to final agreement.

Alliance Liquor is a liquor distributor that focuses on distributing liquor brewed in Maotai town, Guizhou. Liquor is considered to be China's national drink and is the dominant spirits sold in the domestic China market, with the 'white liquor' a normal staple at occasions from family gatherings to business banquets while the Maotai town is the most well-known origin of liquor.

Mainfreight has released its financial statement for the year to 31 March 2023. Total Revenue increased by $457. million, or 8.8%, as profit before tax increased by $98 million, or 20.0%. Net profit increased $71.00 million, or 20.0%.

These results represent the 13th year of ever-increasing revenue growth and profitability increases for the Company. The Company considers them to be satisfactory, driven by a strong first half of the year. Trading during the second half fell short of expectations and against a very strong comparison period as international freight congestion unravelled, which included a swift reduction in sea and air freight rate structures. This has provided much-needed space availability for customers, but has impacted revenue growth. Operations in the US and Asia are the most affected.

The second half of the year saw freight volumes deteriorate due to slowing economic conditions, declining inventory activity, and less international supply chain congestion. For the full year period, air freight volumes fell 8.0% as ocean freight volumes declined 7.0%.

Inflationary pressures have also increased the cost to serve. Recovery of these increased costs is underway via freight rate increases across all regions and stronger overhead cost management.

Results by division saw:

> New Zealand revenue increase 13.7% as profit before tax climbed 24.1%
> Australia revenue increase 20.6% as profit before tax climbed 27.3%
> Americas revenue declined 11.9% as profit before tax decreased 11.5%
> Europe revenue increase 11.0% as profit before tax climbed 48.0%
> Asia revenue declined 33.9% as profit before tax increased 0.9%

Looking ahead, the Company is mindful of the current economic downturn and inflationary environment and therefore, will look for improved returns from the network rather than expansion for the sake of it.

Trading post result has continued to show a weakness in volumes and activity. Whilst management of overhead cost structures and the implementation of freight rate reviews have been successful, it is expected to be a challenging first six months of trading.

GEODIS has acquired Southern Companies, a leading drayage provider based in the US that handles all phases of the import and export process. The acquisition enhances GEODIS' end-to-end supply chain capabilities across the US, further strengthening its position as one of the world's leading providers of logistics services. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

Southern Companies is a family-owned business founded in Miami in 1965 and has moved more than 1.0 million containers. The Company runs operating terminals serving seven key ports: Port of Miami, Port of Everglades, Port of Houston, Port of Jacksonville, Port of Tampa, Port of Savannah and Port of Charleston. Southern Companies provides a range of import and export services, including warehousing and trucking, to ensure customer goods are moving swiftly through the supply chain.

Southern Companies has been a leader in drayage services, from warehousing to trucking, for nearly six decades and operates in ports that are critical to GEODIS' clients. From their people and culture to their expertise and capabilities, Southern Companies is viewed as an ideal fit for GEODIS and aligns with its Americas growth strategy.

The acquisition complements GEODIS in Americas' existing transportation and warehousing capabilities, providing customers with an efficient and reliable end-to-end logistics solution. More than 80 employees spanning Southern Companies' seven facilities throughout the Southeast will officially join GEODIS. With its Americas region headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee, GEODIS currently operates more than 150 warehouse facilities for its clients with over 4.6 million m2 of warehousing space in the US alone. GEODIS now has more than 17,000 employees across North America.

Xpediator Plc has announced its audited final results for the twelve months ended 31 December 2022. The year saw significant organic growth with Group revenue increasing 30.0% to a record performance of £386.7 million (2021: £296.6 million) with a particularly strong contribution from the Group's largest division, Freight Forwarding.

Freight Forwarding delivered revenue of £312.7 million, an increase of 34.0%. Warehouse & Logistics delivered revenue of £65.6 million, an increase of 16.0%. Transport Support Services delivered revenue of £8.4 million, an increase of 35.0%. Reported profit before tax reached £6.5 million (2021: £4.3 million).

The net debt position of £3.6 million (2021: net debt of £4.8 million) improved due to strong trading across the Group, particularly in Delamode Baltics, but also as a result of greater focus on turning around the loss-making UK entities.

71.0% of revenues came from the continent with the balance of 29.0% coming from the UK. The largest and most profitable business continues to be the Freight Forwarding operation in Lithuania.

2022 operational highlights included:

> Continued exceptional performance in the Freight Forwarding Division, especially in the Baltic region, the largest region for the Group in terms of revenue and profit.

> Profitable performances by both the Transport Support Services and Romanian Warehouse & Logistics Divisions helped the Group achieve a particularly strong second half performance.

> The UK Logistics Division, underwent significant change during the period, including post year end, the closure of the Beckton warehouse.

From a trading perspective, the UK businesses have lagged the performance of those on the Continent for some time both in Freight Forwarding and Logistics. UK Freight Forwarding has over the last six months improved under the leadership of Justas Versnickas, MD of Delamode Baltics UAB. Similarly, under Alberto Romero, Head of UK Logistics, this division has been restructured and is now on a much-improved footing, albeit with continual assessment of warehousing performance and with other remedial actions available that can be taken as required.

On 06 April 2023, Xpediator announced a recommended cash offer by DLM Bidco Limited. The Xpediator Directors consider the terms of the Offer to be fair and reasonable. Shareholder meetings will be held on 07 June 2023 at which eligible shareholders will vote on the proposed Offer.

Trading has begun positively in 2023 and the Company expect the business to continue to grow throughout the current year. At the same time, it remains aware of potential challenges. To date, it has managed to offset any reduction in trade due to the conflict in Ukraine with sales increases in other markets, and whilst globally markets remain challenging, it will continue to operate within its capabilities and not over extend itself.

Girteka has announced a strategic partnership with Citibank Europe plc (Citi) to take its financial operations to the next level. The partnership will allow Girteka Group to streamline its financial transactions and operations with the help of Citi’s advanced banking platform.

Girteka Group annually executes over 776,000 full truck deliveries throughout Europe. With a dedicated workforce of more than 23,000 colleagues, Girteka is rapidly expanding its operations in the cold supply chain market. The Company offers a flexible and dependable road transportation solution, boasting a fleet of over 9,200 trucks and nearly 10,000 trailers.

Information and quick reaction are critical elements in both financial transactions and logistics services. With dozens of entities within the Girteka Group across multiple jurisdictions, finding a quick, flexible, and integrated solution is essential. That is what it is looking for with Citi. This comprehensive financial solution will allow Girteka to not only manage daily banking operations more efficiently but will also enable the organisation to manage cash-flows and foreign exchange risk on the Group level effectively.

Girteka Group decided to start cooperation with one of the largest and most advanced banks – Citi, to enable advanced financial solutions and operate one banking platform instead of a multibanking approach. With an integrated solution for every entity in the Group, Citi offers not only a reduction of time in cash flow processing but also helps to automate solutions between companies in the Group, minimising efforts and time consumption as well as reducing risk.

Girteka Group will benefit from using bank accounts in multiple jurisdictions for all of its companies through Citi’s CitiDirect platform, where all bank accounts can be viewed on a single dashboard. This will provide the Group with cross-country multi-currency cash pooling capabilities, allowing for instant management of cash flows between companies.

Citi was able to cater a cutting-edge solution for Girteka, and to support Girteka’s pan European presence and Lithuanian operations through liquidity centres all across Europe leveraging the EEA’s common regulatory requirements in payments such as Same Day/Instant SEPA payments.

Girteka Group is on a path towards entirely digitised internal processes, and has found solutions provided by Citi to be very competitive and attractive, where not only flexibility but also an advanced digital platform is provided to coordinate and manage financial operations in the whole Group, as one of the crucial solutions towards future sustainable growth.

Girteka Group is, in fact, a group of companies working in close relations to provide best-in-class logistics services with digitally advanced solutions based on Artificial Intelligence (AI). The Group consists of several companies, with a customer-oriented focus, covering business services across Europe as Girteka Europe West, Girteka Nordic, TNDM Trucking, ClassTrucks transport asset management, supported by group functions including information and digital assistance, human resources and financial support.

Wincanton has announced its preliminary results for the year ended 31 March 2023. Full year revenue increased 2.9% to £1,462.0 million, as profit before tax declined 30.3% to £38.2 million. This was impacted by non-underlying items primarily reflecting a strategic transport reorganisation and cloud computing configuration and customisation costs.

Underlying EBITDA reached £121.9 million, an increase of 12.6% (2022: £108.3 million) and underlying profit before tax climbed 6.9% to £62.1 million (2022: £58.1 million).

Revenue increased by 2.9% versus last year with strong performances from core customers in all sectors. This was offset by a reduction in transport operations and lower customer volumes in the second half of the year. The Group continued to secure high value new business, although this new revenue was offset by a number of contract losses, particularly within standalone transport contracts. Revenue increased across all sectors with the exception of Grocery & Consumer, however, this sector secured a significant five-year Sainsbury’s contract which is expected to contribute to future growth.

Public sector performance was a highlight of the year, with HMRC and Defra contracts enhancing the Group’s profitability. Despite continuing inflationary pressures and lower volumes, foundation sectors performed consistently, with open book contracts providing substantial protection. Closed book warehouse services in high volume eFulfilment, as well as transport operations for two-person home delivery, consumer products and construction materials, were all impacted by the broader market pressures experienced in the current economic environment.

As a key strategic sector, eFulfilment grew revenues 13.8% to £254.1 million (7.6% excluding the full year trading for Cygnia). The organic growth includes the new business with The White Company and the extension of the Group’s relationship with Wickes. This growth is offset by the softening in core eFulfilment volumes, in line with the well-publicised decline in consumer demand. The sales pipeline has presented some good prospects for continued growth.

The Public & Industrial sector delivered flat full year revenue year on year at £285.2 million. The sector had growth from public sector contracts with Defra for border checks and clearance, and the DHSC contract which started at the end of the last financial year. Share of wallet growth with long term customers such as BAE and Howdens also contributed to the sector’s performance. This growth in non-transport activity is offset by the volume reduction in construction transport, with customers moving towards more in-house fleet and spot market haulage.

The net reduction in Grocery & Consumer (falling 1.0% to £512.5 million) reflects the softening in consumer demand, impacting both warehouse and retail transport activity levels, against a particularly strong comparator. General Merchandise grew revenues 3.5% to £410.2 million, primarily from the wins from prior year with Primark and MGA Entertainment. Similarly, the sector also saw a reduction in core volumes from lower consumer demand.

The contractual split of open to closed book business remains relatively unchanged with 73.5% under open book terms compared to 72.1% in the prior year. The Group continues to seek to balance the relative risks and opportunities presented under the different contractual arrangements. From a transport perspective, the Group will focus on its 4PL offering, together with supporting open book dedicated networks. This refocused transport offering necessitates a move away from closed book arrangements, where Wincanton has no protection, as the risk is unduly balanced towards Wincanton’s balance sheet.

During the year, the Group undertook a strategic restructure of its transport operations recognising a restructuring charge of £19.5 million. The Group is seeking to move to a digitally enabled transport system and this restructure triggered the Group to reconsider its current cash generating units (CGUs) from an impairment perspective.

Cloud computing configuration and customisation costs related to a major systems implementation which initially went live in July 2021. Additional costs have been incurred as the Group implemented Phase 2 which was the migration of its payroll from an outsourced provider to the in-house Oracle Fusion platform. The payroll implementation started in October 2022 and has been carefully managed around peak periods, albeit some challenges have been presented. The payroll team continues to work with an integration partner to progress system defects and rationalise processes further. Additional costs are expected in FY24 relating to the implementation of additional modules and associated restructuring considered critical to maximise the benefits of the new system.

Looking ahead, Wincanton expects the macro-economic environment, particularly regarding consumer spending, to remain challenging for the next 12 months and therefore the Group remains highly focused on short term delivery.

It is accelerating its automation and robotics plans, investing in resources to deliver more solutions to customers. As a result, FY24 will be the year where Wincanton first monetises technology delivery. It will also focus on a re-positioned transport offering whereby it will prioritise customers with large managed fleets or those looking to bring more technology to their sub-contracting arrangements.

Through an alliance with the local company TASA Logística, a family company specialised in comprehensive logistics solutions for mass consumption and founded in 1936, with operations in Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay, Geopost is establishing operations in Argentina to offer last-mile logistics solutions, by creating DPD Argentina.

The goal is to be a top last-mile player in Argentina in the next five years.

Online sales channels continue to develop and the momentum of eCommerce in Argentina is very strong. The 2020 pandemic has profoundly changed the sector and installed new uses, anchoring the importance of eCommerce. Home delivery continues to gain ground. This is one of the main segments to cover with DPD Argentina.

The Company has planned a progressive national rollout to complete the value chain with the last mile delivery. Home services are clearly a first step for 2023 as customers demand real-time info on delivery, multiple delivery options and of course reliable deliveries, and this is where DPD experience is hoped to make the difference, especially for tight time deliveries. But the Company also plan on developing services offers to reach global standards based on DPD’s recognised business services such as Out-of-home deliveries or everywhere in Argentina.

FedEx Express is enhancing its inbound shipment service to better serve customers importing to in the Mie Prefecture covering Yokkaichi City, Tsu City and Suzuka City. Importers and businesses can now receive their deliveries one day earlier for inbound shipments arriving from Europe and Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (AMEA) to Japan on a weekday.

The enhanced service applies to customers who are using FedEx International Priority (IP) and FedEx International Priority Freight (IPF), which typically deliver packages between 1 and 3 business days to customers in Japan, as well as major markets and territories worldwide. The upgrade also applies to the recently announced FedEx International Economy (IE) and FedEx International Economy Freight (IEF) services, which deliver packages to customers in Japan in 2 to 5 business days.

FedEx understands the growing demand of local import businesses and customers in the Mie Prefecture for faster and more reliable delivery of packages. With the surge in value of imports from Europe and Asia by 20.3% and 29.8% year-on-year respectively in 2022, the shorter transit time can support the recovery of Japan’s economy and benefit more customers in Japan who are able to receive their shipments much faster.

In 2022, FedEx improved transit times for packages arriving in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture, and shaved off transit time by one day for export packages from several cities in Saitama Prefecture. In the same year, the Company eliminated out-of-pick-up-area surcharges for export shipments from Japan to benefit customers in remote and less accessible locations across the country.

DACHSER has undergone good distribution practice (GDP) audits at its sites in Frankfurt, Madrid, Barcelona, and Mumbai, as well as at the Head Office in Kempten. An independent institute certified that DACHSER complies with the specifications relating to safe and secure transport chains in the pharmaceutical sector.

Life science and healthcare products are subject to strict requirements during transport, storage, and handling.

With the good distribution practice (GDP) certification, an external authority has vouched for DACHSER’s compliance with strict quality criteria as well as its performance in the field of life science and healthcare logistics. The logistics provider is receiving the certificate for its global quality management system and its strategic locations in Germany, Spain, and India. This certificate verifies that shipments in DACHSER’s Life Science and Healthcare network are handled in accordance with EU regulations.

Life science and healthcare products are subject to strict requirements during transport, storage, and handling. There are extensive regulations to observe, and customer, legal, and product specifications must be met. Medication, vaccines, and other pharmaceuticals are often temperature- and time-sensitive shipments that require GDP compliance. As an acknowledged industry standard, GDP-compliant certification attests to the safe handling and proper transportation of these products. 

The certification process consists of several audits conducted by an independent party. These audits evaluate quality aspects such as standard handling procedures, temperature-controlled life science and healthcare shipments, external and internal training, and risk management.
The GDP compliance certification in Mumbai, Madrid, Barcelona, and Frankfurt marks the beginning of the certification process for all strategic locations involved in the handling and transport of life science and healthcare products at DACHSER. 

In addition to GDP compliance certification, DACHSER also has IATA CEIV Pharma certification for its sites in Frankfurt, in Atlanta (US), in Mumbai and Hyderabad (India), and in Shanghai (China).

DP World has launched the first direct freight service between the UAE and Iraq to make the flow of goods between the two countries faster, safer and more efficient. '

The service caters for what the industry calls 'unaccompanied trailers -- trailers which can be transported by sea without the driver and truck cab travelling alongside them. Instead, the trailer is left at the quay side at the port by the driver and is then pulled on and off the ship alone.

This is the first service of its kind in the UAE and runs under the name of P&O Maritime Transports -- a DP World company.

The service takes approximately 36 hours to travel between Jebel Ali Port in the UAE and Umm Qasr Port in southern Iraq. It offers a new route between the two countries for road trailers, alleviating challenges faced by customers using cross-border land transport, which can take up to 14 days.

Unaccompanied trailers are loaded on to roll-on, roll-off (RORO) freight vessels, leaving the driver and cab behind at the port. Once the trailer reaches Umm Qasr Port, an Iraqi truck can drive it to its final destination anywhere in the country. Once delivered, the empty trailer is then returned to Umm Qasr and shipped by to Jebel Ali.

Until now, goods transported by road from the UAE to Iraq must be transloaded – a time consuming exercise of transferring cargo from the original truck to a locally-licensed vehicle. It is also risky, exposing the cargo in terms of damage, contamination and security.

DP World’s unaccompanied trailer service allows cargo owners and logistics companies to load a UAE-plated trailer in their local warehouse, ship it securely to Iraq and get the same trailer back, without the cargo having to change hands along the route.

This is especially useful for transporting palletised or project cargo – large, heavy duty, or complex pieces of equipment, due to the greater payload capacity of road going trailers. Purpose-built RORO freight vessels allow customers greater flexibility in the planning and movement of over-dimensional packages on low-bed and heavy-axle trailers. This generates significant cost savings versus traditional break bulk operations, as the cargo loaded on board a trailer is available to be delivered directly on site in Iraq.

The first customer to use the route was the ADSO Group, a UAE-based logistics firm (www.adsodxb.com). They benefit from cost-savings by reducing time spent on the road and crossing borders. Plus, the service provides a more sustainable solution, and by extension to its customers.

Pickup, a subsidiary of the La Poste group and the number one network of lockers and pickup points in France, is extending the number of its lockers in France - 1,000 to date - by joining the Esso network and more specifically its Esso Express service stations operated by Certas Energy France. This is a strategic move for Pickup, which is always looking for local solutions adapted to the daily life of e-buyers. By the end of the year, the Company aims to offer 2,000 lockers throughout the country.

The current popularity of parcel delivery in France is no longer in question. They have already become a must in the out-of-home market and are highly appreciated by individuals, who find them comfortable and practical.

Esso Express automated service stations are often located on the regular routes of people who drive, so they are the perfect place to be. In addition to gas pumps, they can also offer a variety of other services, such as self-service stores and a fully automated car wash. In addition to the existing range of services, there will soon be 200 connected Pickup lockers.

While eCommerce purchases are increasing, Pickup and Certas Energy France offer their customers, through this local service, to take advantage of their visit to the station to collect their Chronopost and Colissimo parcels ordered on one of the 90,000 eCommerce sites offering the Pickup out-of-home delivery service. By sharing their daily trips, customers can save a lot of time. The fully automated Pickup lockers allow customers to pick up their eCommerce orders in seconds and with complete autonomy. With Esso Express stations open 365 days a year, seven days a week, and 24 hours a day, customers also benefit from unparalleled flexibility, allowing them to easily fit this step into their schedule.

The 200 Esso Express stations concerned are all part of the network operated by Certas Energy France. They are located throughout the country, in large cities (Lille, Marseille, Cannes, Dijon, Rouen, etc.) and medium-sized towns (Tourcoing, Voiron, Vauxbruin, Saint Pol Sur mer, etc.). The installation of lockers has already started on these sites and will continue until the summer.

After widely deploying lockers in supermarkets and installing its first lockers in French metro and RER stations in 2021, Pickup is continuing to accelerate its locker-deployment strategy. With some 1,000 lockers installed to date, the Company is aiming to put in place a total of 2,000 lockers in France by 2023. This service offer will complement the 16,000 Pickup points already in place around the country.

KSGB EUROPE, based in the region of Lyon, is a company that designs and markets Palladium and K-SWISS brand shoes worldwide. This year, the ready-to-wear group has chosen to entrust ID Logistics, leader in contract logistics, with its logistics activities for receiving, preparing and shipping orders. Operating the Moreuil site in the Somme (80), ID Logistics was chosen for its perfect knowledge of the sector and for its unique know-how in the world of ready-to-wear.

KSGB is a company specialised in footwear, with a sustained and complex logistics activity. Experiencing two major peaks of activity during spring and autumn, regular restocking rotations and numerous references, KSGB needed to be accompanied by a logistician with a perfect knowledge of the sector, with proven processes to cope with the intensity of the activity, as well as a site with operational teams.

ID Logistics therefore supports KSGB on the Moreuil site in the Somme (80) for a period of six years.

This site, already in operation for other sportswear brands, benefits from teams present on site who have worked in ready-to-wear, and therefore a perfect knowledge of the management of products and references such as those of the Group. The job site employs up to 100 people during peak times.

This site, shared with other sports brands, has 50,000 m2 including 12,000 m2 dedicated to KSGB activities throughout Europe. This new partnership requires the ability to manage the receipt and shipment of more than 1.0 million pairs of shoes per year, intended for B2B resellers as well as B2C eCommerce orders.

ID Logistics has deployed the Infolog WMS for KSGB, which is the most suitable and flexible tool for this type of activity. Also, in order to speed up the unloading and receipt of the many packages, ID Logistics has deployed an automatic telescopic conveyor that will pick up all the packages in the container and deposit them for the pickers' care. Also, particular attention has been paid to the ergonomics of workstations, in order to ensure the safety, health and productivity of employees.

SEUR will be part of the next edition of the Madrid Book Fair as an official supplier. From May 26 to June 11, the Company will be responsible for the logistics management in the event and will provide delivery services to the booths located in the El Retiro area.

SEUR will make available to all publishers and participants in the Fair its store located on Fernán González street, which will serve as a logistics hub. From this point, they will be able to centralise the merchandise they need and SEUR will make the deliveries twice a day with a 100.0% electric vehicle, to avoid the emission of polluting gases throughout the space. This point of sale will maintain a continuous schedule all the week during the days of the event, moreover, it will open on weekends, so that uninterrupted service will be given during all the days of the Fair.

Also, on Friday, 02 June, the Company will have its own space in which it will carry out different activities for visitors, such as a photobooth to create their own bookmark or a face painting for the little ones.

This collaboration agreement between SEUR and the Book Fair reinforces the Company's commitment to sustainability and its support for culture. SEUR aims to become the international reference in sustainable distribution and, therefore, it has launched different strategies, such as the development of an ecological fleet that already accounts for 13.0% of the Company's total and that will increase by 2030 with the incorporation of 3,000 electric vehicles.

Likewise, SEUR has a large network of Out of Home solutions such as, for example, the Pickup network, which integrates more than 4,000 points between convenience stores and lockers. In this way, the Company offers a sustainable solution for the environment, by reducing by 63.0% the CO2 emissions associated with last mile services.

On the other hand, SEUR has deployed in Madrid and in several European cities a pioneering programme for the measurement of air quality, through sensors installed in delivery vehicles, pickup stores and urban hubs that, with Pollutrack laser technology, measure in real time, street by street, the quality of air particles.

GXO Logistics has signed an agreement to extend and expand its partnership with Kellogg, the world’s leading producer of cereal and a leading producer of snack foods. The renewed agreement includes solutions in the UK, Spain, Germany and Poland as well as a new facility in Belgium.

GXO will continue to make strategic investments in automation and apply its experience and expertise to help Kellogg optimise its production support, warehousing, delivery execution and co-packing activities.

The companies are partnering to implement technologies and industry-leading practices at seven sites across Europe by implementing continuous improvement initiatives to increase productivity and speed while reducing costs. These initiatives include technology investments, process improvements and knowledge-sharing.

GXO and Kellogg have enjoyed a longstanding partnership in several European countries.

In Belgium, GXO will operate and optimise Kellogg operations in a brand new 60,390 m2 semi-automated facility in Mechelen commencing in June 2023. GXO’s solutions at this facility will include warehousing and a transport shuttle service between the Kellogg factory and the facility plus an option for further value-add co-packing services.

In the UK, where the companies began working together in 2008, GXO manages three warehouses for Kellogg and employs approximately 350 team members.

In Spain, GXO and Kellogg began working together in 2018, and today GXO manages approximately 46,450 m2 of dedicated space in two warehouses with over 100 team members for Kellogg, enabling supply to the Iberian Peninsula, the South of France and the US.

In Germany, GXO and Kellogg recently extended their long-standing partnership at the site in Bremen, Germany, which employs 71 team members and serves the entire German market.

In Kutno, Poland, a 26,940 m2 warehouse employs about 120 people and provides storage, pick, pack and value add co-packing services. GXO recently deployed innovative automation and technologies at the Kutno site, including a Pallet Shuttle Racking System, improving storage density and efficiency. Through this automation, GXO has shortened the palletting process by 90.0% (from 24 to 1.5 minutes), reduced plastic consumption by 85.0% (from 15 to 1 layer) and improved ergonomics and safety for team members.

As part of the new agreement, GXO has implemented its Reflex web WMS at sites in Spain and the UK and will implement the same in Belgium. In addition, GXO is working with Kellogg to develop digital reporting metrics to further improve operational and service performance visibility and enable greater data-driven decision-making.

Kinaxia Logistics has agreed a five-year contract to provide all domestic linehaul and trunking services for two-person home delivery specialist ArrowXL. ArrowXL delivers more than two million customer orders a year for retailers, eCommerce companies and manufacturers. These include domestic appliances, furniture, sofas, beds and mattresses and garden items.

Kinaxia group company Mark Thompson Transport has been providing a large proportion of ArrowXL’s trailer-based client collections, returns and carousel movements since 2019.

Now the arrangement is being expanded and will see Mark Thompson Transport, a part of Kinaxia’s primary sector division, assume responsibility for all domestic linehaul and trunking services.

Mark Thompson Transport already has operating centres and dedicated drivers based at ArrowXL’s hubs in Wigan and Worcester, and will open new ones in Enfield and Airdrie, as well as providing all units and trailers required to fulfil the contract.

Following the deal, 14 drivers employed by ArrowXL will transfer to Mark Thompson Transport under TUPE regulations and more drivers will be recruited in line with the expansion resulting from the deal.

Team Holcim-PRB are back in The Ocean Race after having to retire from Leg 4 of the round-the-world sailing event when they lost their mast. And GAC helped make it happen. The boat’s mast broke when a fitting failed 20 miles off the coast of Brazil during the race from Itajai, Brazil, to Newport, Rhode Island, USA, in the early hours of 27 April. Fortunately, the yacht suffered no further damage and the crew were unhurt, but the loss of the mast meant they could not continue the race – a major setback for the team that had until then been the overall leader.

To re-join for the next leg, both the boat and a replacement mast had to be delivered to Newport in time for the repairs to be completed before the race fleet set off for the transatlantic stage to Aarhus in Denmark on 21 May.

That’s where GAC’s specialist marine leisure, sport and events division, GAC Pindar, came in. As the race boat and its crew headed for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, under jury rig, GAC Pindar began urgent discussions with Team Holcim-PRB’s management and The Ocean Race’s technical team to work out the options. Meanwhile, a member of their on-the-ground team flew out to Rio to meet the boat, after completing site operations in Itajai.

Within hours, several options were rejected that would not get the boat race-ready in time to take part in Leg 5 and a plan was drawn up to simultaneously ship the boat from Brazil and the spare mast from Lorient, France, to Newport. The new mast arrived first, while the IMOCA yacht was en route onboard the BBC Chartering vessel ‘ROSAIRE A DESGAGNES’ which BBC Chartering agreed to divert to Rio de Janeiro specifically to collect the boat, thanks to their long-standing relations with GAC. The vessel arrived on 17 May, leaving a tight window to rig the race boat and have it ready for the In-port race before Leg 5 set off.

Despite being forced to abandon the previous stage of the race, Team Holcim-PRB is still at the top of the leader board. As Leg 5 begins, they are the leader among the top three teams, who all sit within one point of each other on the race leader board. The next leg of the race counts for double points, making it even more crucial for Escoffier’s team to be ready to race.

According to local press reports, B&Q has opened a 42,735 m2 distribution centre in Bassetlaw, UK. It will enable B&Q to make it easier for customers to get thousands of gardening and outdoor leisure products, delivered into stores, for Click and Collect, or direct to customers’ homes and forms an integral part of the home improvement retailer’s network managed by their logistics partners GXO and Wincanton.

It represents a long-term strategic move for B&Q.

In partnership with GXO, the Blyth distribution centre is the retailer's first to serve both stores and home delivery, providing customers with greater flexibility in how and when they get what they need to get their garden and home improvement projects done.

FIEGE is expanding its location in Bülach, Switzerland. In the immediate vicinity of Zurich Airport, a new logistics centre offering 17,000 m2 of additional storage space is being built. The building is expected to be completed in the summer of 2024.

FIEGE has symbolically cut a late first turf for its new, ultramodern multi-user centre to be built in Bülach, Switzerland. Starting in the summer of 2024, FIEGE will be offering even more efficient logistical process flows and flexible growth horizons to its clients from the eCommerce, Retail and Industry sectors.

The fact that Zurich Airport is just a stone’s throw away and the Swiss-German border is nearby, provides for optimum access to the Swiss market and increases the location’s appeal. Add to this that the project greatly benefits from the new logistics centre being built right next to FIEGE’s already existing facility in Bülach. The proximity of the two logistics centres to each other will allow FIEGE to generate valuable synergy effects.

While the ground floor is to store mainly pallets in high-bay storage installations, FIEGE is planning an Autostore on the upper floor as an automated warehouse solution. This remains fully functional even when the air is withdrawn so that operations are ideally protected against fire. The logistics centre will be equipped with an on-demand LED lighting system and an air-source heat pump. FIEGE is planning to produce most of the required energy with a rooftop photovoltaic unit for captive use.

With its future-forward, energy-efficient construction, the property meets the Gold Standard of the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB). Moreover, FIEGE greatly values optimum working conditions, with light-infused offices and inviting recreational rooms a must. An absolute highlight is also a large rooftop terrace.

Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a Member of the SATS Group, has opened its air cargo terminal and cold chain facility at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR Airport) in India. WFS was awarded the 15-year licence to operate the international cargo terminal and cold chain facility in June 2022 by way of a partnership with Bengaluru airport operator Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL).

WFS will be responsible for the development, operation, management, and maintenance of the international cargo terminal and is also the exclusive operator of the dedicated cold chain facility at BLR airport. Plans are underway to double the terminal’s annual throughput to more than 250,000MT. WFS and BIAL will expand the capacity of the airport’s cold chain facility to 80,000MT and 150,000MT per annum over two phases.

India is the sixth-largest global economy and the single-largest provider of generic drugs globally. WFS is confident that it can add value to the Indian air cargo industry by introducing world-class practices, safety and security standards, sustainable practices and operational excellence to drive productivity improvements and achieve greater efficiency to enhance the Government of India’s National Air Cargo Policy and achieve related ambitions.

Bengaluru joins the combined SATS and WFS global network, which provides air cargo logistics, ground handling and technical services in over 200 locations across more than 20 countries. SATS Group, which recently acquired WFS, operates the air cargo terminal in Mumbai. WFS’s opening of the air cargo terminal and cold chain facility in BLR Airport will provide SATS’ and WFS’s customers with expanded cargo network connectivity in India to facilitate value-added and end-to-end air cargo services across the globe.

XPO has announced the opening of a new site, located only five kilometres away from the centre of Alicante, in the Llano del Espartal industrial estate. The 5,000 m2 facility, with 33 docks, is the Company's fourth transportation and distribution site in the Valencia region, along with two in Valencia and one in Castellón.

With this new site, XPO reaches 19,000 m2 of transportation and distribution surface area in the Valencian Community, which employs nearly 300 people throughout the region, providing direct and indirect jobs, and serves more than 750 customers. XPO's turnover has grown by double-digits in the last four years in the Valencian Community.

At the new Alicante site, XPO offers groupage and pallet distribution services, with more than 1,000 pallets moved per day, last mile and in-night deliveries solutions, serving customers in the omnichannel retail, food, industrial and automotive sectors, as well as large retailers. In terms of technology, the Alicante site is equipped with the latest innovative tools to provide the best service quality to its customers and prime attention to its transport partners, allowing significant progress in efficiency and real-time delivery monitoring.

The new Alicante site has the sustainability Leed Gold green building certificate and an outstanding installation of 100 solar panels 500W, which will achieve a reduction of around 40.0% in electricity consumption and a very high level of self-consumption, in line with XPO's commitment to reduce the carbon footprint of its logistics operations.

XPO´s pallet distribution network in the Iberian Peninsula has 229,000 m2 of own space and 1,020 loading and unloading docks, with a total of 72 transportation and distribution sites. Between 2020 and 2022, XPO has opened 10 new logistics sites in Alicante, A Coruña, San Fernando de Henares (Madrid), Castellbisbal (Barcelona), Benavente (Zamora), Heras (Cantabria), Irún (Guipúzcoa), Lugo, Valencia and Vitoria.

Panattoni already completed nearly 230,000 m2 of space for H&M Group with a very high environmental standard. This year, the Company will deliver another 82,000 m2 in the Poznan region. The developer will achieve a BREEAM environmental certification of at least Excellent. The facility will support the eCommerce of the H&M Group.

Panattoni and H&M Group are changing the industry. In February this year, the developer launched green development for H&M Group. The 82,000 m2 facility will be delivered in October this year as part of Panattoni Park Poznań A2 to help support the Company's eCommerce. The Company plans to achieve a BREEAM certification of at least Excellent.

The facility, like previous projects for H&M Group, will be built without the use of PVC, and the developer will adapt the roof for a photovoltaic installation with a capacity of 700 kWp. In addition, the tenant will benefit from an increased number of skylights, a BMS system, and intelligent lighting. In terms of water saving, Panattoni will prepare, among other things, a rainwater recovery system. A drinking water treatment plant will also be built on the site, and domestic sewage will be discharged to biological wastewater treatment plants.

The facility allows for a large number of employment and provides multiple benefits to employees such as chargers for electric cars, infrastructure for cyclists, an indoor and outdoor gym, an outdoor terrace, a volleyball court, a boules track, and a central office drinking water system.

Later this year, the space delivered by Panattoni for H&M Group in Poland will exceed a 300,000 m2. Each additional meter is a brick added to the green revolution in the entire industry. Facilities built without PVC, using RES, as well as numerous energy- and water-saving solutions are milestones for sustainable construction and an example for the entire sector of how green investment can be in many aspects.

Panattoni's cooperation with H&M Group - the Swedish apparel giant, which operates in 75 markets across the globe - has been going on almost from the beginning of the developer's operations in Europe, and all the projects delivered to date exemplify sustainable facilities of a very high standard. The first of the facilities Panattoni started in 2006, and it eventually occupied 82,000 m2. Solar panels for water heating were installed on the roof of the project; the developer increased daylight access and created a rainwater recovery system. Most importantly, however, there could be no PVC or Styrofoam among the materials used to build the hall.

CTP has expanded its partnership in Romania with Maersk and IB Cargo to a total surface of approximately 100,000 m2. Maersk and IB Cargo operate in CTPark Bucharest West, the regional distribution centre of one of the largest furniture retailers in the world, the Company’s products being delivered from Bucharest to stores in Southeast Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Maersk entered on the Romanian market in 2021, with the distribution centre operated in partnership with IB Cargo and located in CTPark Bucharest West, in west of Bucharest, on the A1 Highway at km 23. As the business developed, the spaced leased in CTPark Bucharest West increased over 30.0%, reaching now a total surface of approximately 100,000 m2.

CTPark Bucharest West, planned to become the largest industrial park in Europe, also continued to develop. In less than two years, the built-up area has increased with more than 100,000 m2, overpassing 770,000 m2 and another 160,000 m2 are now under construction. CTPark Bucharest West thus approaches the threshold of one million m2, consolidating its position as the largest industrial park in Romania, which also offers the best quality of life for warehouse employees.

Maersk and IB Cargo operate the largest warehouse in Romania for a major furniture retailer, which is also the largest operation of logistics service providers in this part of the world and serves Eastern Europe, the Balkans, the Middle East and Turkey from one location, CTPark Bucharest West. Initially the distribution capacity of the centre was over 100,000 pallets and the daily volume of operations was 70 trucks/day.

CTPark Bucharest West offers the highest quality services to its residents and hosts more than 2,000 employees who work for the companies in the park. Among the services offered are: medical point, canteen, cafe and relaxation areas, all located in a sustainable multifunctional space, called Clubhaus, which also functions as a platform for training sessions, with an amphitheater and meeting rooms available for tenants and their employees.

CTP owns a portfolio of approximately 2.5 million m2 of class A warehouses in multiple cities in Romania, including: Arad, Brașov, Bucharest, Oradea, Sibiu and Timisoara.

The express transport company TIPSA recently started logistics operations for the Levante peninsular area from its new Hub Levante in Cheste. This investment in infrastructure is part of the growth plan of the TIPSA Network, which has more than 330 agencies throughout Spain.

The new facilities, which came into operation on 04 May occupy an area of 10,000 m2 built on a plot of 15,000 m2. It incorporates 12 loading docks, four for trailers, two for trucks and six for vans, 10 sorting ramps and two feeding areas and a conveyor belt with a processing capacity of 3,000 boxes per hour.

This new incorporation streamlines and boosts logistics activity in eastern Spain, adding a new platform to the other 13 national ones, all of them with the most advanced sorting and parcel management technology. In this way, TIPSA consolidates its position as a leader in the Spanish and international logistics sector thanks to the quality and technological vanguard that characterises its entire network.

TIPSA is a company integrated in the international transport network GEOPOST, specialised in integral services of urgent transport of light parcels, courier and documentation, both nationally and internationally. Among its differential values are the capillarity of its network, formed by more than 330 agencies and 13 hubs.

Oceana Distribution has chosen the Agility Logistics Park in Maputo, the leading warehouse facility in Mozambique’s capital, as the location for its new office, storage and distribution facility in the country.

The newly opened 5,000 m2 facility is designed to handle more than 3,000 pallet positions. It includes an office area of 600 m2 and a cold room facility of 400 m2 to meet the end-to-end requirements of Oceana’s local and multi-national customers. Oceana’s best-in-class facility is equipped to support companies and brands in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector.

A safe, secure and efficient distribution network is fundamental to Oceana's business model. The Agility warehouses are new and provide the necessary infrastructure meeting international standards. That enables it to offer a consistent, reliable and efficient distribution experience for customers. Agility Logistics Parks also ensure that strict HSSE standards are followed within the park, something that is very important for Oceana operations.

The Agility warehouses are located on the Maputo Ring Road, at Chiango area in Marracuene District, and are strategically situated for distribution across the country and to Maputo. The park is within a 25-kilometre radius of the Maputo port and airport, the N4 highway to South Africa, and the capital’s Central Business District.

Agility is funding and developing 300,000 m2 of warehouses on the site, a centre of excellence for warehousing in the region, supporting businesses operating in and from Mozambique. The Agility warehouses provide the essential infrastructure required for both multi-national companies and local businesses that need storage, distribution, packaging, processing and light manufacturing space.

Rhenus has signed an agreement to rent 9,900 m2 of logistics space at the “SEGRO Logistics Centre Leipzig”. Rhenus Archive Services will in future use this facility to store the business documents of its customers operating in all kinds of sectors in Germany. Rhenus is already using two other units in the same logistics building for its Automotive business division. The warehouse area occupied by Rhenus now rises to 31,000 m2 through this new space.

The “SEGRO Logistics Centre Leipzig” offers Rhenus Archive Services adequate operating space to store the archive materials. Rhenus will in future use the space there for its tamper-proof file administration work and document archives.

The archiving specialist stores the archive materials in special filing boxes on storage systems that have been adapted for them. The companies, which put their archive materials into storage at the new business site, benefit from the high security measures, certified processes and the highest quality standards.

The logistics property in Leipzig is characterised by its sustainable design: overall, SEGRO uses energy-saving LED lamps to light up an area measuring 53,000 m2. The facility also has excellent infrastructure connections. Located very close to the BMW factory and the Leipzig Trade Fair area, the business site has direct access to the A14 motorway, which makes it possible to reach both Leipzig/Halle Airport and the A9 motorway in a few minutes by car. Thanks to the bus stops nearby, the logistics property is also connected to the local public transport services in Leipzig.

With Rhenus as a new customer, all the logistics and business space has now been fully leased at the site.

Walmart opened its first high-tech Market Fulfilment Centre in Arkansas, US, at Store 100 located at 406 S Walton Blvd in Bentonville, underlining the retailer’s strategic move toward expanding the use of its stores as fulfilment centres to enhance the shopping experience for customers everywhere.

The Market Fulfilment Centre (MFC) is built within the store and is powered by a proprietary storage and retrieval system – named Alphabot. Walmart believes fulfilment through digitisation and connecting its store and supply chain assets end to end will transform fulfilment. And along with it, customer satisfaction and associate opportunity.

Customers can expect to see the benefits of the MFC almost immediately.

Market fulfilment centres will significantly increase the number of orders the store is able to fulfil in a day, promising faster fulfilment with lower substitutions. Walmart+ members have even more to look forward to with free unlimited delivery. It also improves the in-store shopping experience by freeing up associates to help customers shopping in-store.

In addition to improving the customer and member experience, associates will also notice benefits from the new MFC. Associates can expect more time to focus on what’s important, including serving customers and supporting each other. In addition, working with the Alphabot system presents new leadership jobs in stores, like the newly created MFC Lead, and opportunities to learn and teach new tech-forward skills.

The market fulfilment centre in Bentonville, Arkansas is the first in the state. It’s the second nationwide, with the first being a proof of concept located at Store #2142 in Salem, New Hampshire. Walmart plans to continue opening MFCs in select stores in the coming years.

Dronamics announced the successful completion of the first flight of its flagship aircraft, the Black Swan, at Balchik airport in Bulgaria; demonstrating the potential for the logistics industry to enhance efficiency in the transportation of products.

Born out of two brothers' desire to find a quicker, greener and more affordable way to deliver goods, Dronamics is on a mission to enable same day delivery for everyone, everywhere. This significant milestone is the culmination of months of ground testing and subscale flights. The Black Swan aircraft was remotely piloted by two commercial airline pilots from the Dronamics ground control station.

The successful flight test validates the Company's licensed cargo drone technology for commercial flights in Europe, set to begin later this year, serving a variety of industries, with a fast and cost-effective solution to meet evolving consumer needs.

Dronamics can now focus on the next step, the roll-out of commercial operations.

Mars, Incorporated, maker of some of the world's most loved confectionery, snacking, food, and pet care brands, including M&M'S, SNICKERS, BEN'S ORIGINAL, PEDIGREE, and IAMS, has implemented a new warehouse management system (WMS) that was developed, tested and implemented across 10 North American Mars warehouse sites in just eight months.

As one of the world's leading treats, snacks and food manufacturers, Mars processes massive volumes of ingredients, packaging materials and finished products. So, when Carlos Miranda, a physical logistics functional expert, realised that revolutionising the WMS with more capabilities and a user-friendly interface would save the Company money to be reinvested in continuous improvement initiatives, he got to work.

Using the company's Five Principles (Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, Freedom) as their north star, Carlos and his team developed and pitched a plan to their leadership team outlining how to revolutionise the system. Once approved, Carlos' team was empowered to connect with vendors to develop the new system and introduce to Mars warehouse sites in the US, Canada and Mexico, some as big as 139,355 m2.

Mars built its new system to include:

> Cloud operating capabilities: Cloud capabilities offer cost savings since there's no need to maintain physical data centres. They're also updated every year as opposed to the industry standard of every 5-7 years for physical centres.
> Optimised task interleaving process: All components of the WMS are programmed to complete tasks as they proceed to their next location.
> User-friendly interface: With an improved interface, multi-step processes, like returning goods from packing to storage, can now be done with just one scan in the system.
> Train the Trainer programme: Mars has developed an educational programme focused on training key users ahead of implementation, so by the time the WMS goes live at a warehouse, users are already familiar with the system.

As Mars continues to optimise the system, other parts of the Mars business stand to benefit. In the coming months, the Company will continue to pilot this new system across the Mars portfolio.

Convoy has announced a collaboration with Volvo Autonomous Solutions (V.A.S.), securing autonomous freight capacity for customers once it becomes available on select routes in Texas. Through this partnership, Convoy and V.A.S. aim to drive better efficiency into the supply chain while allowing shippers in Convoy’s network to take advantage of autonomous transport solutions and be a part of the industry shift.

The reservation programme will use the hub-to-hub model. Convoy’s vast carrier network of small fleets and owner-operators will gain access to lucrative opportunities to deliver customer loads to the pick up hub in Texas, and then V.A.S.’ autonomous fleet will execute the long-haul to the next hub. A carrier in Convoy’s network would then deliver the load to its final destination.

Under the hub-to-hub model, autonomous trucks will operate on highways, providing continuous service between transfer hubs throughout the day and night. By improving the safety and efficiency of freight corridors, autonomous trucks will contribute to the growth of freight volume, increasing demand for truck drivers to deliver goods from the transfer hubs to their final destinations. This approach enhances the work-life balance of professional truck drivers by enabling local drivers to transition into short-haul jobs, granting them more time at home and improving their overall quality of life.

By leveraging trucks for highway segments and strategically scheduling loads during off-peak hours, the industry can minimise emissions, optimise fuel efficiency, and enhance the well-being of drivers. Convoy is particularly excited about how this model enhances the quality of life for small to midsize carriers who will support either leg of the transportation, but will be able to remain local more often and spend more time with their families.

Kerry Logistics has implemented sorting robots for a global fast fashion brand to enhance sorting productivity and delivery efficiency to meet the booming demand in eCommerce fulfilment. Named 'KOOLBee', the sorting robot is an intelligent and flexible sorting solution that boosts speed, productivity and accuracy in logistics operations.

The KOOLBee roll-out has taken place in phases across the logistics facilities in Hong Kong, Tianjin and Dongguan since November 2022. Requiring only a small area to operate, the robots have the advantage of being quickly deployed, reconfigured and scaled up, significantly increasing the accessibility and flexibility of sortation automation compared with traditional fixed automation. Utilising KOOLBee, the overall sorting productivity is increased by 270.0%.

The fashion eCommerce industry is rapidly evolving and consumers’ expectations for fast deliveries are getting higher every year. KOOLBee is the latest robotics roll-out under the ‘KOOL’ banner to optimise sorting operations and bolster order fulfilment efficiency according to the specific needs of each customer. It has proven beneficial in supporting customers in handling enormous orders during seasonal peaks and promotion-driven shopping sprees.

Kerry Logistics Network is a firm believer in the benefits of technological advances in enhancing productivity, increasing agility and adding value to customers’ global supply chains. In 2021, KLN launched both KOOLBotic and KOOLBay, innovative technologies that are dedicated to cold chain logistics operations in the F&B industry. KLN is constantly exploring technological innovations and solutions to future-proof its operations, increasingly adopting automation to secure its place in the future of logistics.

RigiTech, a growing provider of advanced drone delivery solutions, is partnering with Spright, an unmanned aerial system operator. This strategic alliance and commitment to deploy the Eiger delivery system further signals the reliability of RigiTech's cutting-edge technology and comprehensive solutions.

As part of this collaboration, Spright will become a key operating partner of RigiTech's systems in Europe and worldwide, playing a pivotal role in establishing new drone delivery networks for healthcare clients. RigiTech will be delivering the first six Eiger systems over the next few months and the training of Spright's key staff has already begun.

In the last year RigiTech has proven its drones can meet the strict requirements of European regulations and have started commercial delivery operations with select healthcare customers. It's now time to scale. The partnership with Spright will allow it to expand its networks more quickly, as it focuses efforts on ramping up its production line and its software infrastructure.

RigiTech's key to success has been a focus on building technology that can solve real challenges in healthcare logistics while providing a solution that exceeds ever-evolving aviation safety standards. The Eiger's unique independent safety systems and their deep integration with RigiTech's cloud-based control software have been instrumental in gaining flight permissions throughout Europe. RigiTech is now the only drone delivery company operating a daily commercial BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) route in Europe, highlighting its unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of the industry.

RigiTech proudly continues the expansion of its Eiger drone system and its plans to enter new markets. With increasing demand for efficient and reliable drone delivery services, RigiTech is set to enhance its production capabilities and explore opportunities for BVLOS operations in the US, Latin America, Middle East, and Asia.

Cainiao Network, the logistics arm of Alibaba Group Holding Limited, has successfully trialled the full-chain cargo data exchange on the Hangzhou, China to Liege, Belgium air route based on the One Record standard, the next-generation global air cargo industry data exchange standard initiated by International Air Transport Association (IATA).

One Record aims to establish an end-to-end digital supply chain for air logistics, allowing all relevant parties in the air cargo industry to easily and transparently interact with data. Cainiao Liege eHub is also confirmed by IATA to be the first air cargo hub in Belgium to have successfully applied the standard.

Cainiao’s trial has achieved several breakthroughs including the first application of radio frequency identification technology (RFID) technology which automatically and in real-time pushes the cargo status of four transportation nodes to One Record.

This eliminates the reliance on traditional phone and email communication and enables information exchange between IoT data and industry data. Cainiao has also simultaneously implemented the trial at both ends of the air route and is the first to be able to transmit key node data for single pieces of cargo.

Geek+ and NEXT have announced the success of their automation collaboration in NEXT's Dearne Valley Pallet fulfilment centre in the UK. In 45,000 m2 of warehouse space, 250 Geek+ robots handle both goods-to-person picking and order sorting processes for NEXT's eCommerce operations.

Faced with high demand in the volatile fashion industry, NEXT decided to streamline processes and scale up efficiently to meet new customer requirements. NEXT selected Geek+ as their robotic warehouse automation partner resulting in the successful co-development of a hybrid 'Pick-and-Sort' solution.

NEXT plan to replicate the success of this project in the extended warehouse as business expands.

Geek+ P800 robots retrieve pallets and move them to the storage area for picking. The robot transports the rack to a multifunctional workstation that is for the picking and sorting procedures. Once the picking is completed, the item was deposited onto the S20C sorting robot, which transfers it to the designated chute for depot.

With this solution, NEXT can process 16,000 units per day, twice the efficiency of manual picking according to the Company.

Geek+'s scalable solution allowed NEXT to handle a record volume last Christmas season without additional labour and push the cut-off time from 6 pm to 10 pm while still meeting their NEXT day delivery promise. To meet their growing demand, NEXT introduced 50 additional S20C robots earlier this year.

Electrolux has announced a new partnership with Freightos to improve its freight booking process across its forwarders and carriers. The partnership follows a successful proof of concept addressing efficiencies in cost estimation, booking, and end to end tracking and air freight visibility.

In a volatile international shipping ecosystem, pricing transparency, rapid capacity procurement and route flexibility are king. With Freightos Enterprise Solutions, Electrolux Group aims to optimise freight spend and improve freight decision-making to deliver supply chain agility and efficiency and, most importantly, to help its customers shape living for the better by getting its products to where they need to be - in the hands of consumers.

In addition to powerful analytics and workflows, Freightos Enterprise Solutions enables the Electrolux Group procurement team to make real-time, door-to-door air cargo procurement decisions including the ability to conduct instant electronic air cargo bookings with airlines via their existing logistics providers. The result is a dramatic cost and time saving while increasing supply chain visibility and agility.

Freightos' platform also has the option to select and book freight routes based on estimated carbon emissions. The Freightos solution will be a key enabler for process transparency, visibility and control. Carbon emissions will be one of the relevant elements that Electrolux will have the opportunity to govern, analysing past performances but even more important making CO2 as part of its decision process.

Electrolux Group's forwarders, including FedEx Logistics, welcomed the partnership with Freightos. It looks forward to providing service to Electrolux through its relationship with Freightos.

Scan Global Logistics (SGL) has partnered with Majid Al Futtaim, the leading shopping mall, communities, retail, and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia to launch a pilot project using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The pilot project launched in May aims to reduce carbon emissions for airfreight shipments of Majid Al Futtaim Lifestyle fashion products from Asia to the UAE.

SAF is part of SGL's portfolio of sustainable logistics solutions available for customers, including biofuel for ocean freight, road freight and electric trucking.

A key reason to focus on air freight when reducing emissions is that it is the most carbon-intensive mode of transport, with emissions per unit of goods transported significantly higher than ocean or road freight. As one of the main levers to achieve CO2 reductions within the aviation industry, investing in SAF creates real climate benefits and helps grow the demand for renewable fuels.

The SAF that will be used is made from sustainably sourced renewable waste and residue material. Over its lifecycle, SAF can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80.0% compared to conventional jet fuel.

The pilot project started on 01 May 2023 and will continue for over three months.

FedEx is harnessing scan data from its unparalleled global logistics network to enhance customer access to emissions information with the US launch of a new tool, FedEx Sustainability Insights.

Created by FedEx Dataworks, this revolutionary cloud-based engine uses near-real time FedEx network data to estimate CO2e emissions for both individual tracking numbers and FedEx.com accounts. Users can view historical emissions data by account as well as search by tracking number with their free FedEx.com login. Data is displayed in a variety of metrics such as mode of transport, service type, and country or territory for all eligible FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, and FedEx Freight shipments.

The capabilities presented by FedEx Sustainability Insights serve as the foundation for a new suite of tools for eCommerce customers. Through an application programming interface (API), customers can transfer their historical and predictive emissions data to their own internal systems. Machine learning powers the predictive API capabilities, which can help customers manage their supply chain, boost operational compliance, and integrate emissions estimates into their shopping cart for their customers.

These new offerings complement FedEx Corp. efforts to reduce emissions in its worldwide operations in pursuit of a goal of global carbon neutral operations by 2040. As the Company optimises its operations, FedEx Sustainability Insights will support this goal by providing insights into further opportunities for network efficiency with data-backed predictive insights and modelling.

To advance toward its 2040 carbon neutral operations goal, FedEx is focusing on areas such as electrification of FedEx pickup and delivery vehicles globally; more efficient facilities, fuels, and fleets; and investments in natural carbon capture.

Mahindra Logistics Limited (MLL) – country’s largest integrated logistics solutions providers along with LOGOS – leading Asia Pacific logistics specialist and Venture partner Ivanhoe Cambridge, transforms India’s largest warehousing facility, in a single park, towards net-zero. With this transformation in Luhari, MLL’s total renewable powered warehouses are now over 4MN sq. ft. in the country.

The facility now has a 500 KW installed roof top solar panel, providing for more than two-third of Mahindra Logistics electricity requirement saving circa 12,000 tonnes of CO2 over its lifetime. This saving is equivalent to the amount of CO2 absorbed by a 240-acre forest and is also equipped for solar charging of cargo and personal mobility vehicles.

In 2021, LOGOS and Mahindra Logistics entered into India’s largest lease with a single warehouse estate located off NH8 in Delhi-NCR region. LOGOS Luhari Logistics Estate is a 125-acres state-of-the-art warehousing park with industry-leading sustainability features including at least 10 acres of Miyawaki Forest Plantation, EV charging infrastructure, and IGBC-Platinum certified buildings.

This warehouse is a part of Mahindra Logistics Pan-India network of multi-client facilities that manage the fulfilment and distribution of its clients’ services within the eCommerce, consumer, and engineering industries. The facilities are designed in line with MLL’s sustainability standards, renewable energy, and waste management requirements including liquid discharge management as well as state-of-the-art automation.

The iconic Copenhagen Pride Parade will become the first Pride Parade in the world to change to use 100.0% electric vehicles. This is a huge step towards creating a more sustainable event while promoting human rights and LGBTI+ equality. And it could not have been done without the supportive partnerships of DFDS, Volvo Trucks, and PrideUP, Copenhagen Pride’s in-house agency.

In recent years, Copenhagen Pride has taken several steps to become a more sustainable event, such as opting for reusable cups and biodegradable confetti. This is part of a long-term strategy for the organisation, which recognises the importance of coming together for a greener future.

The collaboration with DFDS and Volvo Trucks on this project came to be through conversations with PrideUP about the importance of a sustainable agenda, something all four parties agree wholeheartedly on.

DFDS is dedicated to reducing emissions from all parts of its business. The goal is to reach complete climate neutrality in 2050 with a partial goal to reduce emissions by 45.0% by 2030. An important step towards reaching this goal has been to invest in 125 electric trucks which today make up the largest e-truck fleet in the Nordics. By the end of June, around 60 fully electric trucks will be running on European roads. And it is from this fleet that DFDS will provide the electric trucks offered to parade participants through PrideUP.

DFDS is pulling 30 trucks out of their current operation in Denmark and Sweden to accommodate the needs of as many participants as possible. The trucks have been prepared for the Copenhagen Pride Parade, complete with trailer and safety fittings by TIP. These can drive the whole Pride Parade with sound systems, toilets, and DJs powered from the truck battery, all with zero emissions.

The trucks in this year's fully electric fleet are manufactured by Volvo Trucks, one of the main partners of Copenhagen Pride. After launching the first electric trucks in 2019, and already with a full range of electric trucks in series production, Volvo has taken the lead in the market for heavy electric trucks after the first quarter of 2023, both in Europe and in North America.

IVECO is to support EDEKA Minden-Hannover – one of the leading food retailers in Germany – in converting the entire 700-vehicle company fleet from diesel to Bio-Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) propulsion by 2025. In a second step towards completing the conversion, EDEKA recently placed an order for 125 IVECO S-Way LNG trucks, adding them to the 150 ordered in 2022.

The IVECO S-Way LNG trucks, with their Cursor 13 NG engine by FPT Industrial, the powertrain brand of Iveco Group, are viable alternatives when switching to more sustainable freight transport. Converting its fleet to these vehicles, EDEKA will cut CO2 emissions by up to 95.0% compared to the diesel trucks it is replacing. The vehicles also have the low-noise advantage of a natural gas engine and are therefore perfect for environmental and traffic-calmed zones, as well as night deliveries to stores.

The 275 new trucks will be combined with another 80 LNG-powered IVECO trucks already operating in the EDEKA green fleet, which leverages the Bio-LNG filling station located at EDEKA’s logistics centre in Lauenau, Germany.

Iveco believe that natural gas is the only mature solution capable of significantly reducing CO2 emissions and Bio-LNG is the only scalable renewable fuel today.

Volvo Trucks has signed a letter of intent to sell 1,000 electric trucks between now and 2030 to Holcim, one of the world’s largest building solution providers. The deal is the largest commercial order to date for Volvo electric trucks, and the first 130 trucks will be delivered in 2023 and 2024.

Holcim is a global provider of building solutions, with headquarters in Switzerland. Now, the Company and its contractors have, with Volvo Trucks, agreed to plan for the deployment of 1,000 electric Volvo trucks across Holcim’s operations in Europe between now and 2030.

The first 130 heavy-duty electric Volvo FH and Volvo FM trucks will be delivered to markets including France, Germany, Switzerland and the UK during Q4, 2023 and throughout 2024.

The agreement is a result of a wider partnership between Holcim and Volvo Group.

The net-zero transition requires deep collaboration across value chains. Holcim is partnering with Volvo to decarbonise its European operations’ logistics with electric fleets, advancing a goal to reach 30.0% of zero-emission heavy-duty trucks by 2030.

By replacing 1,000 existing Volvo FH diesel trucks with Volvo FH Electric trucks using green electricity on a typical route, up to 50,000 tons of CO2 could be saved every year.

Both companies are committed to the Science-based targets initiative, which drives ambitious climate action in the private sector, and both are also founding members of First Movers Coalition, a coalition of companies that use their purchasing power to create early markets for innovative clean technologies across eight hard-to-abate sectors.

Toyota is decarbonising its logistics activities in Europe and Yusen Logistics Europe is partnering with Toyota Motor Europe in this proactive approach to alternative powertrain development. Together with VDL Special Vehicles, Yusen Logistics is honoured to be part of the team to help accelerate the decarbonisation of Toyota’s logistics network with the use of hydrogen fuel cell trucks.

Using Toyota’s fuel cell modules VDL will convert an existing vehicle into a zero-emission truck for Yusen Logistics to operate within Toyota Motor Europe's logistics network.

The innovative technology project is a significant step towards reducing both companies’ overall carbon footprint and aligns with Yusen Logistics’ wider commitment to working together with partners and communities towards a more sustainable future.

As part of the Mother's Day celebrations, Kuehne + Nagel, LATAM Cargo and Elite Group joined forces to purchase more than 25,000 litres of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to reduce the equivalent of the total emissions generated by a cargo flight on the Bogota-Miami route, during which time a large cargo of flowers, mostly roses, was transported.

In this case, the Sustainable Aviation Fuel purchased was produced from used cooking oil, which after being treated, is blended with traditional jet fuel. Taking into account that the SAF has an attributed CO2 reduction factor of around 80.0% in its life cycle compared to conventional fuel, the companies purchased a necessary amount that would allow a reduction equivalent to the total emissions generated by a flight on the announced route.

For Kuehne + Nagel, this represented a milestone in its goal to develop tangible solutions for all types of customers and industries, with the aim of reducing CO2 emissions in supply chains and their environmental impact.

This alliance with Elite Group and LATAM Cargo shows that collaboration between companies is the best way to carry out concrete actions, each partner contributing from their experience and expertise to collaborate under a common goal, to the benefit of all.

Stord has announced the addition of Brian Lemerise as Vice President of Fulfilment. Brian brings over 20 years of industry experience to his role and will drive Stord's continued growth trajectory while ensuring DTC and omnichannel brands deliver exceptional experiences for their customers.

As VP of Fulfilment, Brian is responsible for Stord's fulfilment capabilities, including the facilities network, performance, process within each facility, and the ultimate end-customer experience.

Having spent over 11 years at Quiet Logistics as President and COO, Brian has deep expertise in strategy development and execution across a nationwide omnichannel fulfilment network. During that time, revenue grew from <US$1.0 million to roughly US$300.0 million and he led innovations in urban fulfilment and advanced material handling strategies.

Brian brings extensive experience using advanced technology, homegrown supply chain systems, and real-time data to support industry-leading order fulfilment speed and accuracy. Prior to Quiet Logistics, Brian held distribution and logistics roles at UPS, TJX, and JCPenney.

DHL Global Forwarding has announced a change in its Asia Pacific management as Kelvin Leung, CEO, DHL Global Forwarding, Asia Pacific, retires from the Group after more than two decades of valued contribution. His successor, Niki Frank, currently CEO, DHL Global Forwarding South Asia, will assume his new role as CEO of DHL Global Forwarding for the Asia Pacific region, effective 01 July 2023.

Kelvin has had a long and illustrious career in the logistics industry, having joined Danzas AEI in 2002 and assuming various leadership roles in DHL Global Forwarding in the region before he took on the position of CEO, DHL Global Forwarding North Asia Pacific in 2008. In 2011, Kelvin’s leadership responsibilities expanded with his appointment as CEO of Asia Pacific. In this role, he achieved record revenue and tremendous market share growth. He was instrumental in transforming the region by improving freight forwarding solutions, making DHL Global Forwarding a pioneer of rail solutions between Asia and Europe, and growing the Intra-Asia business substantially.

Niki Frank brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role as CEO, DHL Global Forwarding Asia Pacific. He began his career at DPDHL Group in 2012, joining as Vice President of Corporate Strategy. Throughout his career at DHL Global Forwarding, Niki has held various leadership positions, significantly contributing to the company's growth and success. He played a major role in the Company’s turnaround programme and helped shape the “Simplify” Strategy. In 2019, he assumed the role of CEO, India before taking on additional responsibilities for the newly created subregion of South Asia in 2021. In recent years he has successfully driven performance along all three bottom lines to record levels and positioned India as a major profit contributor in the DHL Global Forwarding network. In addition, he managed to create substantial synergies across the countries of his subregion, strategically preparing them for future growth.

Scan Global Logistics (SGL) has appointed Nils Smedegaard Andersen, former CEO of Carlsberg and A.P. Moller - Maersk, as the first new board member and Chairman of the Board.

In February, Scan Global Logistics (SGL) announced CVC Capital Partners Fund VIII (CVC) as its new majority shareholder. The transaction has now closed, receiving all relevant regulatory approvals from authorities. As part of this, SGL Nils Smedegaard Andersen, former CEO of Carlsberg and A.P. Moller - Maersk is the first new board member and Chairman of the Board. Further announcements of board members are expected in the coming months.

Nils Smedegaard Andersen brings extensive experience from the international transport and logistics industry, having served nine years as CEO of the Maersk Group.

In 2022, SGL generated US$3.5 billion in revenue and aims to reach over US$5.0 billion within the next few years. With over 150 locations in more than 45 countries and +3,300 dedicated employees, the Company offers a complete logistics solution to their customers based on a customer-driven and flexible approach. Since 2017, SGL has delivered organic growth above market level and together with more than 30 acquisitions, the efforts have resulted in annual revenue growth of 33.0% during the period.

Magdi Batato, Executive Vice President and Head of Operations, will take a well-deserved retirement in early 2024 after a distinguished career of over 30 years at Nestlé. He has held various roles across three different continents. In his current position, Magdi Batato is responsible for the operations of hundreds of Nestlé factories across the globe. He oversees Nestlé’s procurement and logistics areas and leads Nestlé's sustainability work.

Stephanie Pullings Hart, currently Senior Vice President of Operations for Warby Parker, will return to Nestlé, effective 01 July 2023, as the Deputy Head of Operations. After a handover period, she will take over as the Head of Operations and become an Executive Board Member by 01 January 2024.

At Warby Parker, Stephanie Pullings Hart is responsible for manufacturing, supply chain and customer experience. Prior to Warby Parker, Stephanie Pullings Hart was the Senior Vice President of Global Operations for Beyond Meat, where she transformed the Company’s manufacturing and supply chain activities to help it achieve a significant sales increase. Until 2018, Stephanie Pullings Hart had a successful 23-year career at Nestlé, with roles of increasing responsibility in manufacturing, factory management, supply chain, research and development and human resources. She worked in several businesses and across multiple continents.