Freightliner completes acquisition by CMA CGM Group

Date: January 29, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Freightliner has announced the successful completion of its acquisition by the CMA CGM Group. This milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter for Freightliner and further reinforces its position as the leading intermodal rail freight operator in the United Kingdom.

This acquisition confirms the shared commitment from Freightliner and CMA CGM to building a stronger, more integrated and sustainable intermodal offering for the UK and for customers worldwide. Freightliner consists of 10 terminals, circa 1.4m rail slots and 2,000 wagons, and owns one of the largest fleets of electric locomotives in the UK.

As previously reported Freightliner will remain a standalone, multi-user, multi-customer intermodal service provider serving the UK multimodal logistics market with a national sustainable network reducing thousands of tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Chris Lawrenson, Managing Director, Freightliner, said:

“We are incredibly pleased to announce our acquisition by CMA CGM. Becoming part of a global group of this scale gives Freightliner the means to accelerate its development and strengthen its role at the heart of UK intermodal logistics. By combining our deep UK rail expertise with CMA CGM’s maritime reach and global logistics capabilities, we are building a more resilient, integrated and future-ready supply chain for our customers. Our teams will continue to operate with the same autonomy, professionalism and reliability that Freightliner customers trust, now supported by the long-term vision and resources of a world-class logistics group.”

Heavy Haul Rail, previously part of The Freightliner Group, will operate independently remaining under the current shareholder ownership. This is the same for European businesses, Rotterdam Rail Feeding and Freightliner PL and DE, which will continue to operate independently from Freightliner Ltd – also remaining with current shareholder ownership.

Zencargo hires ex-Maersk UK MD Gary Jeffreys as SVP for EMEA

Date: January 30, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Zencargo, the AI-powered digital freight forwarder, has appointed Gary Jeffreys as Senior Vice President, EMEA, as the company accelerates its push into more complex, enterprise-scale supply chains. 

Jeffreys joins Zencargo to help take the business into its next phase of growth, working with larger, more sophisticated shippers that require greater control, intelligence and accountability across their global networks. His appointment reflects growing demand from enterprise customers for Zencargo’s platform-led model, underpinned by AI.

With more than 20 years’ experience in senior leadership roles across the logistics sector, most recently as Managing Director for UK & Ireland at A.P. Moller – Maersk, Jeffreys will lead regional strategy across EMEA, deepen executive-level customer relationships, and drive adoption of Zencargo’s technology across complex freight and supply-chain operations.

Commenting on Jeffrey’s appointment, Zencargo CEO and Co-Founder Richard Fattal said:

“Gary’s decision to join Zencargo is a real validation of what we’ve built. We’re seeing a clear shift from enterprise shippers who are no longer satisfied with fragmented providers and disconnected tools – they want intelligence embedded directly into execution.

“Zencargo was built for that next level of complexity. Our platform gives customers a degree of control and insight that simply doesn’t exist elsewhere in the market. Bringing in a leader of Gary’s calibre reflects both the scale of the opportunity ahead of us and our ambition to become the freight partner of choice for the most demanding global supply chains.”

The freight and logistics sector continues to face sustained disruption following Covid-19, Brexit and ongoing geopolitical challenges, including Red Sea instability. According to Jeffreys, however, the most pressing challenges for supply chain leaders today are operational rather than geopolitical.

“Disruption is now the norm. The biggest pain points for customers are managing exceptions, gaining real-time visibility, and reducing the number of handover points and manual processes across their supply chains. Technology, not capacity alone, will be the true differentiator going forward.

“Zencargo offers the strongest solution I’ve seen for visibility and collaboration. We provide what customers genuinely need, and I’m excited to take it to market.”

The news follows recent product updates, including the implementation of Luca AI, the intelligence layer underpinning Zencargo’s platform that enhances visibility and delivers predictive insights, while EMEA remains central to the company’s growth ambitions, with strong logistics demand expected in parts of the region.

Albacore completes full IT infrastructure refresh for TFS Cargo Services

Date: February 3, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Albacore Systems has successfully completed delivery of a comprehensive IT infrastructure refresh for TFS Cargo Services, supporting their drive toward greater performance, stability, and long-term resilience. The project modernised core systems, upgraded user workstations, strengthened network capabilities, and introduced a more secure and streamlined environment for day-to-day operations.

Working closely with the TFS team, Albacore built a stable and efficient server environment, prepared business applications and data for a smooth transition, and carried out extensive pre deployment testing to ensure a seamless go live. Enhanced security measures and improved remote access options now provide more secure and flexible ways of working.

Albacore engineers completed significant onsite work, ensuring hardware installation, network optimisation, and user support throughout the transition. The team also collaborated with third party software providers to guarantee application compatibility in the new environment.

The final cutover was completed with minimal disruption, with users fully briefed and trained to make the most of their refreshed systems. The result is a future ready platform that delivers greater efficiency and reliability.

Alan Kirby, Director of TFS Cargo Services said:

“We’re very pleased with the work completed by Albacore. Their team kept us informed throughout the process and made the transition smooth and straightforward. Everything was handled professionally, and the improvements to our setup have made a noticeable difference. We would happily recommend Albacore to any business looking for a dependable IT support team.”

Hi-Speed joins Palletforce to bolster coverage & service in Guildford

Date: February 3, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Hi-Speed Services has become the latest new member to join the award-winning Palletforce express pallet network, coming onboard to bolster service around its southern base in Aldershot.

It will take over the management of Palletforce operations in GU postcodes around Guildford, Aldershot and Farnham to ensure members and their customers receive the highest levels of quality service.

Hi-Speed was formed by Ian Dawkins in 1986 with just one vehicle and today it operates a fleet of 75 artics, rigid collection and delivery vehicles and courier vans.

It specialises in B2B and B2C palletised freight and parcel services, and offers a range of same-day and next-day distribution services.

Ian Dawkins, Hi-Speed CEO, said:

“The opportunity to join Palletforce was one we couldn’t turn down, and it provides us with the prospect to grow our palletised freight services across GU postcodes, supported by the strength and quality of their award-winning network.

“We are pleased to be trusted with operations in the area and to further develop our partnership with Palletforce and the entire membership.”

Chris Dennigan, Palletforce Member Relations Director, said:

“We continue to deliver on our strategy of providing an unrivalled customer experience by securing the best member hauliers in every postcode area.

“Hi-Speed is a great match for us as our businesses have a shared service ethos and put customers at the heart of everything we do. These values will prove a winning team and deliver long-term success for our partnership.

“Hi-Speed is an experienced and trusted business that understands the demands of the sector and we are delighted to have them onboard to handle a busy postcode area.”

Logistaas introduces new AI document reading tool for freight forwarders

Date: February 3, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Logistaas has introduced a new document reading feature within its transport management system (TMS) powered by artificial intelligence (AI), expanding its use of automation to support freight forwarders dealing with high volumes of operational paperwork.

The tool uses optical character recognition (OCR) and an AI engine, powered by Logistaas’ AI agent, Averroes, trained on complex shipping documents to extract and import data directly into the corresponding shipment record, removing the need for manual input.

Documents, that can often be inconsistent in format across carriers, shippers, and agents, formed the basis of the training model developed by Logistaas over the past year.

“Freight forwarders spend significant time entering information from documents they receive throughout the shipment lifecycle,” said Kareem Naouri, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Logistaas.

“This is exactly the kind of repetitive, costly task that AI can handle more reliably and at greater speed.”

With the new feature, users can upload documents, such as air waybills and related shipment files, allowing the system to automatically read and populate the required fields within the TMS, with translation to and from any language.

“The challenge in developing this tool wasn’t just the technology, it was teaching the AI to correctly interpret documents that differ widely in layout and terminology,” added Naouri.

“By focusing on real-world documents collected across the industry, we were able to train a model that performs consistently at the level freight forwarders need.”

The release marks the first phase of Logistaas’ broader AI strategy; the company has already begun developing a second AI tool designed to analyse shipment data and identify potential compliance issues based on route and destination requirements.

cargo-partner launches customs health checks to help UK businesses trade with confidence

Date: February 3, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

cargo-partner, part of the Nippon Express Group, is now offering complimentary Customs Health Checks through its AEO-certified UK operation. The service helps businesses importing to and exporting from the UK reduce risk, control costs, and stay compliant with evolving border regulations.

To help businesses start the year positively, cargo-partner UK’s Customs Health Check provides a fast-turnaround review of import and export operations, identifying compliance risks, cost-saving opportunities, and process improvements.

The review covers:

• Review of customs documentation and declarations
• Advice on Tariff Classification (HS codes)
• Valuation, duty payments, and origin
• Use of Free Trade Agreements and audit readiness

“Our Customs Health Check gives businesses real clarity,” said Oliver Iglesias, Customs Compliance Manager at cargo-partner UK.

“We often uncover hidden risks or unnecessary costs. This service shows exactly where a business stands and how to fix issues before they become costly problems.”

Delivered by an expert in-house customs team, cargo-partner UK offers full coordination of customs checks and formalities, support with permits and documentation, and guidance on products subject to specific controls, including health or animal-origin checks. The team works directly with HMRC and Irish Customs authorities.

As an AEO-certified company, cargo-partner UK meets strict criteria for customs compliance, financial solvency, and supply chain security. This status brings significant benefits to customers, including faster customs clearance, reduced inspections, and greater reliability in international trade.

GXO partners with Luton Airport to operate its first consolidation centre

Date: February 3, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

GXO Logistics and Luton Airport have announced a new partnership in which GXO will operate the airport’s first consolidation centre that will screen all airside deliveries into the airport.

In 2025, Luton welcomed more than 17.5 million passengers, up from 16.7 million in 2024. To address changing operational requirements, including rising passenger numbers and corresponding delivery volumes, the new consolidation centre will streamline efficiency to manage hundreds of thousands of airside deliveries.

“We are excited to partner with Luton Airport on its first consolidation centre,” said Martin Cooper, Managing Director, Technology and Consumer Goods, at GXO UK and Ireland.

“As air travel continues to grow, consolidation centres play a pivotal role in driving efficiencies and improving sustainability for airport groups. For almost two decades, we’ve operated in complex logistics environments, including airport consolidation, and we’re looking forward to streamlining Luton Airport’s delivery process, making it more efficient, further automated and secure.”

From high-end fashion to perfume and cosmetics, consumer electronics and items for Luton’s shops and restaurants, GXO will securely check and deliver every item that passengers can buy in the terminal whilst waiting for their flights, and all deliveries that support airside operations.

Neil Thompson, Chief Operations Officer at Luton Airport, commented:

“The opening of a dedicated, purpose-built consolidation centre provides Luton Airport with a smarter, more efficient and streamlined logistical approach to managing the hundreds of thousands of goods that are delivered to over 40 shops and restaurants across the airport each year. In 2025 alone, we welcomed five new shop and restaurant openings to the terminal, with more expected this year for our passengers to explore and enjoy. We’re delighted to be working with GXO to develop this facility that will allow us to accept deliveries into one central hub for secure and efficient screening.”

The consolidation centre will be located in one of three hangars, that are being repurposed as part of an £11.5 million refurbishment programme that includes two new aircraft engineering and repair hangars. The refurbishment programme will create 150 employment opportunities at the airport.

As part of the consolidation centre service, Luton’s concessionaires will benefit from multi-faceted customer service support, including real-time track and trace notifications, direct contact to the centre, and 24/7 access to a service-focused team for more streamlined trouble-shooting and improved on-time delivery results.

This is a significant expansion in the airport sector in the UK and Republic of Ireland for GXO which has been operating airport consolidation centres at major UK airports since 2006.

As part of this partnership, GXO will also implement a bespoke IT system, STREAM (Secure, Technical, Real Time, Electronic Alerts and Messaging), to monitor, report and manage service levels, ensuring continuous improvement.

For retailers, this ensures stores are consistently stocked with the right merchandise at the right time. STREAM maximises retail revenue and enhances passenger experience. Its flexibility also allows GXO to adjust delivery schedules dynamically, safeguarding multi-temperature goods and priority items—even during unexpected disruptions. Additionally, STREAM provides accurate performance data and actionable insights, supporting better planning and compliance for sensitive goods.

Co-op extends logistics contract Buffaload

Date: February 8, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Cambridgeshire-based haulier, Buffaload, has been awarded a new contract with Co-op, extending its more than 10 year partnership with the leading convenience retailer.

The new five year contract will now see Buffaload trunking ambient products from Co-op’s National Distribution Centre (NDC) in Coventry to 11 of the retailer’s regional distribution centres, which then deliver to local stores in communities in towns, cities and villages across the UK.

With a shared focus on cutting carbon emissions, last year Buffaload significantly invested in increasing its fleet of LNG (liquefied natural gas) vehicles. Buffaload has also committed to utilising bio-LNG, produced locally from food and agricultural waste, in a move that will enable its latest vehicles to reach significant tailpipe emission reductions*.

John Kerrigan, CEO of Buffaload, said:

“We are delighted to extend our partnership with Co op by adding ambient logistics to our well established temperature controlled network. This is testament to our long standing collaborative relationship with Co op, which reaches well beyond logistics, including support for shared charitable partnerships such as Barnardo’s and the role we play in working with Co op suppliers to provide carbon reduction solutions. We look forward to achieving even more together.”

Stuart Rendall, Co-op’s Head of Logistic Operations, said:

“Extending and deepening our work with Buffaload is an exciting development, we have a shared history of collaboration and innovation. We are focused on serving communities in every postal area of the UK and working round the clock to ensure a resilient and effective supply and logistics operation – enabling shoppers to pop to their local Co-op conveniently for their favourite meals or everyday essentials. With our successful work together over the years and shared commitments to carbon reduction we are really looking forward to the next chapter in our partnership.”

GXO renews with BAE Systems

Date: February 8, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

GXO Logistics has announced a contract renewal and expansion in the UK with BAE Systems, a leading provider of advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions.

The six-year agreement will usher the partnership into its third decade and further support BAE Systems in the development of world-class Type 26 frigates.

“For more than two decades, we have partnered with BAE Systems to deliver innovative, tech-enabled logistics solutions to support their role in strengthening the UK’s defence capabilities,” said Gavin Williams, Managing Director, GXO UK & Ireland.

“Extending our partnership reflects BAE Systems’ confidence in our ability to provide best-in-class solutions and marks an important milestone as the first realisation of GXO’s expanded defence capabilities following our acquisition of Wincanton.”

GXO’s dedicated team will provide warehousing solutions and materials handling at BAE Systems’ Scotstoun and Govan shipyards on the River Clyde in Glasgow, Scotland. Additionally, inbound to manufacturing and outbound volumes will be managed across an estate of warehousing facilities in the Central Belt of Scotland.

Additional support for inbound and outbound transport operations will be coordinated via GXO’s 4PL Control Tower for defence supply chains, and integrated technology solutions will provide enhanced visibility and coordination of inventory movements.

Jen Blee, Manufacturing and Facility Director at BAE Systems, Naval Ships said:

“This agreement with GXO will help us continue to improve the efficiency of our supply chain and shipbuilding operations as we deliver Type 26 frigates for the Royal Navy. Working closely with GXO gives us the flexibility and resilience needed to support this important programme.”

GXO has provided innovative logistics solutions for top global aerospace and defence organisations for more than two decades. Today, those operations span more than 30 global sites and have positioned GXO as a leading A&D provider in North America, the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

The agreement with BAE Systems follows GXO’s acquisition of Wincanton, which strengthened GXO’s capabilities and expanded its presence in strategic verticals, including aerospace and defence.

GXO selected to manage operations at BMW Group’s Swindon site  

Date: February 9, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

GXO Logistics has been selected by BMW Group, the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles, to manage operations at its Swindon manufacturing plant.

Under the new partnership, GXO will lead the warehouse operations of car parts in Swindon, optimising BMW Group’s supply chain and further strengthening automotive production resilience across the UK. The Swindon site plays a crucial role in producing pressed parts for the MINI vehicles assembled at the BMW Group plant in Oxford as well as BMW models produced at other international facilities within the BMW Group.

“We’re excited to begin this new chapter with BMW Group at their facility in Swindon,” said Martin Cooper, Managing Director, Technology and Consumer Goods, GXO UK&I.

“We’ve seen great success applying smart logistics solutions across a range of industries, and we look forward to driving efficiencies, strengthening resilience and building a future-proof platform for growth for BMW Group.”

Drawing on experience across multiple sectors, GXO will look to roll out smarter processes, upgrade technology and optimise the plant layout to support BMW Group’s drive for greater efficiency, innovation and resilience across their supply chain. These advancements will enable the Swindon site to meet the evolving production needs that the Oxford production plant demands.

The Swindon site, employing over 500 colleagues and spanning 425,000 square metres, has been a cornerstone of UK automotive manufacturing since 1955. It plays a vital role in the global production network for cars, manufacturing key body components and sub-assemblies such as doors, bonnets, tailgates and fenders for MINI vehicles, including the MINI Cooper 3 and 5 door hatch and the MINI convertible.

This partnership marks a milestone in GXO’s expansion in the UK automotive sector, leveraging its expertise in advanced automation, data-driven logistics and continuous improvement to support BMW’s evolving production needs.

Consortium announces €7.8 billion acquisition of InPost

Date: February 10, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

A heavyweight consortium comprising FedEx, Advent International, A&R Investments, and PPF Group has announced a recommended all-cash offer to acquire InPost S.A., Europe’s leading automated parcel locker provider (and owner of Yodel).

The deal values the company at approximately €7.8 billion.

The Consortium has proposed an offer price of €15.60 per share, representing a significant 50% premium over InPost’s undisturbed share price on January 2, 2026.

The ownership structure of the acquiring entity post-settlement will be:

• FedEx: 37%
• Advent International: 37%
• A&R Investments (Rafał Brzoska): 16%
• PPF Group: 10%

The transaction has already secured irrevocable undertakings from shareholders representing 48% of outstanding shares, including PPF Group and InPost founder Rafał Brzoska.

The acquisition aims to marry FedEx’s massive global logistics network with InPost’s dominant European “out-of-home” (OOH) delivery infrastructure.

InPost currently operates over 61,000 automated parcel machines (APMs) across nine countries. The Consortium plans to accelerate expansion in the UK, France, Italy, and Iberia.

Despite the partnership, FedEx and InPost will not fully integrate operations; they will remain independent competitors while entering commercial agreements to link FedEx’s 3 million business customers with InPost’s locker network.

The move capitalizes on the shift toward eco-friendly, contactless, and consumer-centric delivery solutions that reduce last-mile costs.

“This transaction provides the expertise and resources needed to redefine the European e-commerce sector,” said Rafał Brzoska.

“Our headquarters and innovation core will remain in Poland, which serves as the blueprint for our international strategy.”

WiseTech Global and Hapag-Lloyd launch IoT container tracking pilot

Date: February 10, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

WiseTech Global has announced a new partnership with Hapag-Lloyd, one of the world’s largest container shipping lines and first mover in equipping its 2 million container fleet with smart devices, to trial the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology for real-time global container visibility, tracking and data collection.

Through this initiative, Hapag-Lloyd’s fleet of 2 million containers are equipped with IoT devices that frequently transmit location updates directly to WiseTech’s ecosystem of platforms for the logistics, global trade and supply chain industry. This pilot specifically tests the ability to ingest and process millions of data points daily, applying advanced algorithms to transform the IoT data into meaningful milestones and products used to drive decision-making.

WiseTech can then distribute the location and positioning data to Hapag-Loyd’s customers via a range of channels such as the CargoWise Cargo Tracker and Container Automation solutions. More distribution channels are planned, including via GLO, INTTRA and Neo.

Moving beyond standard milestone updates, the collaboration aims to provide highly accurate, real-time insights on container positioning, transit conditions, and arrival predictions. Hapag-Lloyd’s customers will not only see where a container is, but also detect anomalies such as deviations or delays that might impact its arrival at the next critical handover point, delivering unprecedented accuracy for data-driven planning and execution.

In addition, Hapag Lloyd delivers the shipping industry’s first dynamic estimated time of arrival (ETA) prediction – Live ETA – that adjusts in real time based on actual movement and location data collected via IoT pings from GPS tracking devices on the containers, regardless of the mode of transport, to provide dynamic arrival time calculations. For shipments where Hapag-Lloyd manages the entire journey from port to customer location, this tool improves delivery time accuracy by 75% compared to traditional static schedule predictions.

By unlocking richer visibility and smarter forecasting, WiseTech and Hapag-Lloyd are setting the stage for a new era of data-driven logistics execution, empowering customers with unprecedented accuracy and control across global supply chains.

Zubin Appoo, Chief Executive Officer of WiseTech Global, said:

“The shipping industry has long relied on discrete and often inaccurate event updates that may lag by hours or even days. By bringing IoT-driven live container data and tracking into CargoWise, we’re revolutionizing supply chain visibility. This collaboration with Hapag-Lloyd harnesses data at significant scale to turn it into intelligence that customers can act on, to reduce uncertainty, improve efficiency, and make smarter decisions.”

Karsten Schmidt, Director Live Position & Track & Trace at Hapag-Lloyd, said:

“We’ve invested in equipping our entire dry container fleet with IoT technology to provide better service and reliability to our customers. Working with WiseTech, we can integrate the data from our smart containers into the systems our customers use every day, providing actionable predictive insights rather than just dots on a map. This partnership represents an important step toward a more transparent, resilient and digitally enabled global supply chain.”

As the trial progresses, both companies will review and refine the data quality, accuracy, and usability of live IoT feeds at full scale, while gathering feedback from joint customers to inform further product development and commercialization. The goal is to deliver a unique, value-added ocean container visibility solution that integrates seamlessly into WiseTech’s platforms.

This initiative marks a pivotal moment for the industry, as carriers and technology providers work together to bridge the gap between raw IoT data and actionable supply chain intelligence.