Alconedo transport

Joseph Joseph extends partnership with XPO Logistics

Joseph Joseph extends partnership with XPO Logistics

Joseph Joseph, the design-led British brand known for innovative kitchenware and home organisation products, is extending its partnership with XPO Logistics to handle its global forwarding from China to XPO Logistics’ warehouse in Rugby, Warwickshire, UK. 

XPO Logistics has already been working with Joseph Joseph for six months as it augments its logistics strategy to scale its UK and international operations across direct-to-consumer (D2C), business-to-business (B2B), retail, and e-commerce channels. Extending this contract to now include global forwarding means XPO Logistics will manage Joseph Joseph’s orders, supplier profiles, the logistics of moving freight from China to the UK, and the end delivery to the e-fulfilment hub in Rugby, UK. XPO Logistics will manage the entire supply chain, from source to end-customer delivery.

The beauty of XPO Logistics’ proprietary technology is that it gives Joseph Joseph true end-to-end visibility from order creation through delivery to the end customer. The portal connects every milestone in real time: orders, purchase orders, container movements, customs milestones, arrivals, and final distribution.

Behind the scenes, AI-driven automation accelerates the customs clearance process by validating data, flagging discrepancies, and streamlining documentation long before the shipment reaches the border. This reduces delays, improves accuracy, and ensures shipments flow through customs faster and more predictably.

Sacha Vaughan, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Joseph Joseph said:

“We’ve been delighted with the progress we’ve made with XPO Logistics since our partnership began six months ago. So, expanding the partnership to include our global forwarding needs was an obvious choice. The dedicated account management team we’re working with are experts in their field, whether in global forwarding or integrating their excellent technology with our own. I’m happy to know that all our logistics needs are being taken care of by such a highly experienced partner.”

At every origin and destination, dedicated XPO Logistics experts provide deep local logistics knowledge while leveraging the same technology platform. This combination of people and technology ensures stock is always in the right place, at the right time, at the right cost, with full transparency at every stage of the supply chain.

Christophe Verot, Senior Vice President, Forwarding – Europe, XPO Logistics, said:

“We are thrilled to be expanding our existing partnership with Joseph Joseph into global forwarding, an area we excel in. Our portal offers not just real-time tracking but the assurance that every logistical aspect is always in hand, something we can promise thanks to our expertise across all aspects of logistics. This means our shared vision for exceptional customer service is consistently built on solid foundations.” 

XPO Logistics’ services extend beyond global forwarding. As an end-to-end logistics provider, we offer a wide range of services. These include multimodal solutions, 4PL, Control Towers, logistics services, and more. 

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Waterland Private Equity takes majority stake in Palletways

Waterland Private Equity takes majority stake in Palletways

European private equity firm Waterland has entered a strategic partnership with Palletways, Europe’s leading palletised freight network, to support the company’s next phase of European expansion and deliver operational excellence.

Waterland has acquired a majority stake in Palletways and will work closely with the Company’s management team, led by CEO Luis Zubialde, to build on its position as Europe’s largest and most trusted palletised freight network. The partnership will enable Palletways to accelerate its expansion across Europe, strengthen its network capabilities, and invest further in technology, infrastructure, and customer experience.

The transaction has been structured to support and benefit Palletways’ members, with the business continuing to prioritise exceptional service delivery to its member network.

Founded in 1994, Palletways has grown to serve thousands of customers across key markets including the UK, Germany, Italy, Iberia, the Benelux region and Hungary. Its model combines advanced digital logistics systems with a network of high-quality local transport partners, enabling fast, reliable, and cost-efficient pallet distribution. With headquarters in Lichfield, Staffordshire, UK, Palletways operates 23 hubs across 25 countries in Europe, handling over ten million pallets annually.

The Company’s continued investment in digital platforms, such as Palletways Portal, has enabled real-time tracking and enhanced operational efficiency, supporting Palletways’ position as a leader in palletised freight distribution.

The partnership with Waterland marks an important milestone in Palletways’ evolution. Waterland’s deep experience in scaling logistics, industrial services, and technology-enabled platforms across Europe will support Palletways in expanding its footprint, enhancing service capabilities, and pursuing selective acquisitions to complement its network.

Waterland is an experienced investor in these areas with a strong track record across Europe, demonstrated by its partnerships with among others leading e-commerce fulfilment company QLS and formerly with just-in-time maritime logistics provider GTS (Global Transport Solutions).

Luis Zubialde, CEO of Palletways, commented:

“Partnering with Waterland marks an exciting new chapter for Palletways. Their understanding of our sector, combined with their strong track record in supporting international growth, makes them the ideal partner for our next phase of development. Together, we will continue to invest in our network, our technology, and our people to deliver even greater value to our customers across Europe”.

A platform for long-term, sustainable growth Waterland selected Palletways as a partner due to its strong market position, resilient business model, and the structural growth drivers underpinning the European logistics sector, including the rise of e-commerce, increasing supply-chain complexity, and the need for efficient, sustainable freight solutions.

Wendy McMillan, Partner at Waterland, said:

“Palletways is a clear European leader in palletised freight distribution, with a proven model, a strong brand, and a highly capable management team. We are delighted to partner with them to support their ambitious growth plans. With their strong network, investment in technology, and operational excellence, Palletways is well positioned for the future.”

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Descartes expands AI innovation on Global Logistics Network with AI agents for freight visibility

Descartes expands AI innovation on Global Logistics Network with AI agents for freight visibility

Descartes Systems has announced expanded artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities on its multimodal Global Logistics Network (GLN) with the introduction of Descartes MacroPoint™ OpsForce, a suite of AI agents designed to automate freight visibility workflows, maintain tracking continuity and improve execution across complex, inter-enterprise supply chains.

Built on the scale and real-time data of the GLN, OpsForce leverages trusted, clean and formatted network intelligence to power automated driver engagement, exception management and documentation workflows for shippers, brokers, carriers and logistics service providers. In just months, over 435,000 more drivers have been connected to the GLN through 720,000+ AI-powered driver outreaches. In addition, since first launched, OpsForce has helped our customers eliminate up to 100% of manual check calls and achieve, on average, a 30% increase in no-touch tracking automation, 1.5x productivity gains for tracking teams, and 15% faster settlement through automated proof of delivery (POD) capture.

“AI innovations in our real-time visibility solution are designed to improve accuracy and responsiveness across freight execution,” said Dan Cicerchi, General Manager, Transportation Management at Descartes. “Even with electronic logging devices (ELD), transportation management system (TMS) connections, and geofencing, brokers and shippers still face manual follow-ups, tracking drops, uncertain arrival events and missing documentation. By applying intelligent agents to these exception workflows, OpsForce eliminates repetitive tasks while connecting brokers and shippers to more carriers, improving data accuracy, strengthening customer satisfaction and accelerating order to cash cycles with no action required from their people.”

As part of the GLN, Descartes MacroPoint connects to hundreds of thousands of carriers and logistics service providers globally, along with millions of individual drivers to deliver real-time shipment visibility. When needed, the solution’s AI agents are automatically activated to:

  • Guide mobile app onboarding to expand tracking coverage
  • Restore tracking if it fails to start or stops unexpectedly
  • Confirm arrival and departure milestones when geofence data is uncertain
  • Collect missing proof-of-delivery documentation

By automating these exception-based workflows, OpsForce reduces manual check calls, increases no-touch tracking, and enhances tracking compliance against customer visibility mandates.

“As customers expand their own AI strategies, the need for large volumes of trusted, real-time inter-enterprise data becomes even more critical,” said Ken Wood, EVP Product Management at Descartes. “The GLN delivers that data at scale, connecting hundreds of thousands of trading partners and continuously processing real-world transactions to keep goods moving efficiently and securely. By combining agentic AI with the reach and collective intelligence of the GLN, we’re helping customers automate execution while strengthening the data foundation that powers smarter supply chain decisions.”

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Teesside Airport secures landmark air freight deal with global carrier

Teesside Airport secures landmark air freight deal with global carrier

Cargo flights to China are set to take off from Teesside International Airport following a landmark agreement to establish a major new long-haul air freight link – delivering a significant boost for regional trade and global connectivity.

Leading UK-based global air freight carrier European Cargo has confirmed a deal to create a new operational base at Teesside Airport Business Park, in a multi-million-pound investment strengthening the airport’s position as a key logistics gateway for the North of England.

The agreement will see the launch of five weekly cargo flights to a key strategic trade hub starting this month.

The service provides the capacity to transport up to 375 tonnes of freight each week, opening up faster, more direct export routes for UK manufacturers and businesses.

This new European Cargo base is set to drive local job creation and solidify Teesside’s status as a premier UK hub for global logistics.

Teesside Airport Managing Director Phil Forster said:

“This is a transformational agreement for our airport and a further major milestone in delivering on our ambition to establish Teesside as a leading UK centre for the aviation and logistics industry.

“Securing a new freight base and direct links to China is a pivotal moment that significantly strengthens our commercial offering and demonstrates the confidence global operators have in what we are building here.

“The impact of this deal will be substantial – not only in boosting cargo operations and revenue, but in firmly positioning the airport as a strategic location for aviation, freight and future investment. It underlines our ambition to develop a highly commercially successful airport that plays an essential role in driving the region’s economic future.”

European Cargo’s Chief Operating Officer Iain Edwards said:

“We are incredibly pleased to establish this new operational base at Teesside International Airport, which marks a significant step forward in our mission to connect UK businesses with global markets.

“By launching five weekly flights to a key strategic trade hub, we are providing 375 tonnes of much-needed weekly capacity and offering a faster, more reliable export route for manufacturers across the North of England.

“Our investment in Teesside reflects our confidence in the region’s infrastructure and its potential as a premier logistics gateway. We are proud that this expansion will drive local job creation and provide a meaningful boost to the regional economy, while further cementing Teesside’s status as a world-class centre for air freight and international trade.”

The new service will fly direct from Teesside with European Cargo’s dedicated fleet of Airbus A340-600 long-haul freighters which can transport up to 76 metric tonnes of cargo – the equivalent of 12 adult African elephants.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said:

“This is a hugely significant announcement for Teesside Airport and for our wider local economy.

“The decision by European Cargo to establish a new base here and launch dedicated freight flights is a clear vote of confidence in the airport’s future and in our region as a place to do business.

“Growing commercial operations is central to our long-term plan to make the airport financially sustainable, while also creating more well-paid, high-quality jobs for local people.

“It shows our airport is not only connecting people but opening up global trade routes that will support local firms, attract further investment and help drive economic growth across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.”

The European Cargo deal builds on multiple multi-million-pound investments from the private sector at Teesside Airport in the past year.

These include Willis Aviation Services Limited’s recently opened £13.5million aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facility, the development of two aircraft painting facilities operated by Airbourne Colours and the construction of a new £7million hangar by aerospace firm Draken.

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Centrad Camera Systems to be fitted at the Port of Felixstowe

Centrad Camera Systems to be fitted at the Port of Felixstowe

Centrad has been appointed by Hutchison Ports Port of Felixstowe to supply and retrofit 2-camera systems onto 76 of its Terminal Tractor Unit fleet.

Centrad has also previously retrofitted 49 Tractor Unit vehicles with four-camera systems at Felixstowe Port.

Alongside the camera systems, each vehicle was equipped with a five-channel DVR featuring a 2TB hard drive. The units are also 4G-ready, meaning remote access can be activated at a later stage.

With high-quality video backed by a robust 2TB storage system, and optional 4G connectivity available when required, managers will be able to retrieve and review footage quickly without taking a vehicle off the job or disrupting operations.

This not only speeds up the overall process, but having clear, indisputable video evidence on hand helps to support driver welfare and on-site safety, while also streamline the insurance claims process in the event of an incident.

The ability to live-stream activity is available as an additional layer of reassurance. With 4G connectivity available, operational teams have the option to monitor situations as they unfold, respond quickly to incidents, and make informed decisions in real time.

Alongside incident review and operational monitoring, the footage is also being used as a practical training tool. Drivers and staff can watch real-life examples of day-to-day operations to see what works well and where improvements can be made.

By learning from actual real-life situations, employees will gain a better understanding of safe manoeuvring and decision-making in a busy port environment, encouraging a culture of ongoing learning and safety across the fleet as a preventative measure to prevent incidents.

Speaking on the installation, Centrad’s Managing Director Geoff Cross, said:

“We were delighted to support Hutchison Ports in rolling out camera systems on 76 of their Terberg Tractor Units.

“Ports are high-traffic hubs where vehicles, heavy machinery, and personnel constantly operate in very close proximity, which ultimately creates a higher risk of accidents and near-misses. CCTV systems provide an essential layer of visibility, helping to improve safety and giving managers real-time insight into vehicle movements, driver behaviour, and site activity, while offering tangible evidence in the event that incidents may arise.

“Having that evidence to hand not only helps to resolve incidents both quickly and fairly from a claims perspective, while also avoiding any hidden costs associated with that, but they give everyone on site greater confidence that their safety is being taken seriously.”

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Pretoria Roadgas launches the UK’s first pay-per-mile Bio-Truck

Pretoria Roadgas launches the UK’s first pay-per-mile Bio-Truck

Pretoria Roadgas, the UK’s leading producer of Bio-Liquified Natural Gas (Bio-LNG) announces a unique decarbonisation offering to the UK haulage industry.

Complimenting its rapidly expanding network of refuelling stations, Bio-Truck is a Capex-free package for single HGV operators and national fleets alike.

 And here’s the unique bit; operators are provided with the class-leading Volvo Aero Bio-LNG trucks, complete maintenance and their renewable fuel supply, all wrapped into a simple, predictable, pence-per-mile model.

The market adoption of LNG is increasing by 15-17% year-on-year as operators strive to meet their ESG commitments, delivering a genuine long-term carbon impact. Bio-LNG delivers over 80% CO2 reduction helping fleets to make both measurable and sustainable progress.

Beyond the environmental impact, Bio-LNG provides a 10-25% fuel saving compared with diesel at a time when operators are facing escalating fuel prices and tightening margins.

Bio-Truck offers proven traction from Volvo’s FH460 Aero Bio-LNG. A high-efficiency gas powered driveline delivering exceptional long-haul performance. The 460hp engine delivers up to 2500Nm of torque, matching diesel capability across a range of demanding operations. With the right LNG tank configuration, operators can achieve up to 1000km range, giving high productivity across UK trunking routes.

With the Pretoria Roadgas support framework, Bio-Truck operators have complete assurance in the reliability, performance and long-term durability of their Bio-LNG fleet. Included in the package is servicing by Volvo’s authorised network to the manufacturers Gold standard, using genuine OEM parts and advanced diagnostic tools, ensuring maximum uptime and uncompromising safety and reliability.

Bio-Truck fully inclusive fixed-term packages are now available from Pretoria Roadgas for 5, 6, or 7 years giving operators the flexibility to choose a contract that best serves their operational strategy and fleet renewal cycle.

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Speakers 2026

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Conferences 2026

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Tayto signs ten-year multi-million euro deal with Primeline Group

Tayto signs ten-year multi-million euro deal with Primeline Group

Tayto Snacks has signed a multi-million euro warehousing and distribution agreement with the Primeline Group. The new ten-year agreement builds on a long-standing partnership between the two companies.

Under the terms of the contract, tens of thousands of boxes of Tayto, Hunky Dorys, King, O’Donnells, Hula Hoops, Popchips, Pom-Bear, KP Nuts, Penn State and McCoy’s products will move through Primeline’s state-of-the-art warehousing and national distribution network each week, reaching more than 2,000 retail locations across Ireland.

Managing Director of Tayto Snacks, John O’Connor, said:

“Primeline has consistently delivered high standards of service and reliability. Renewing this partnership for a further ten years ensures we can continue to meet demand across Ireland and keep our products available to consumers nationwide.”

Chief Executive Tim Cummins added that the agreement marks another major milestone in the company’s growth:

“This is a significant vote of confidence in Primeline’s capability and people. Tayto is one of Ireland’s most recognisable household brands, and we are proud to continue supporting their growth with a first-class warehousing and distribution service.’’

Primeline first began working with Tayto Snacks in 2015 and has steadily expanded its services for the company since then.

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FPC brings fresh energy to Multimodal 2026

FPC brings fresh energy to Multimodal 2026

Multimodal 2026 will welcome a fresh new voice to the logistics and supply chain conversation this year as the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) confirms its participation in the event.

Taking place from 30 June – 2 July at the NEC Birmingham, the UK’s leading supply chain and logistics exhibition will feature FPC for the first time, bringing the dynamic and fast-moving world of fresh produce logistics into the spotlight.

Representing the UK’s fresh fruit, vegetable, cut flower and plant supply chain, FPC will showcase the critical role that efficient logistics plays in keeping Britain supplied with perishable goods. The organisation will also highlight the sector’s unique challenges around border processes, cold-chain management, sustainability and international trade.

Visitors to the event will be able to meet the FPC team on the exhibition floor in partnership with several of FPC’s members, learn more about the challenges facing the fresh produce supply chain and explore opportunities for collaboration across logistics, transport, technology and trade.

As part of the programme, Nigel Jenney, Chief Executive of FPC, will take to the stage as one of the event’s key speakers, sharing insight into the operational realities of moving fresh produce through complex global supply chains.

Nigel Jenney, Chief Executive of FPC, said:

“Fresh produce logistics is one of the most demanding supply chains in the world. Products are highly perishable, timelines are incredibly tight, and the sector is heavily influenced by international trade policy and border procedures.

“We are delighted to be bringing the Fresh Produce Consortium to Multimodal 2026 and to introduce a fresh perspective to the conversation. The event provides an excellent platform to connect the logistics community with the businesses responsible for keeping Britain stocked with fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers and plants every day.”

FPC’s presence at the exhibition will underline the scale and importance of the UK’s fresh produce supply chain, which relies on seamless collaboration between growers, importers, logistics providers, ports, airlines and retailers.

Event organisers say the addition of FPC reflects the growing importance of temperature-controlled and time-sensitive supply chains within the wider logistics landscape.

Robert Jervis, Event Director at Clarion Events, organisers of Multimodal, said:

“We are delighted to welcome the Fresh Produce Consortium to Multimodal 2026. The fresh produce sector represents one of the most sophisticated and time-critical supply chains anywhere in the world, and its presence will bring valuable insight for our visitors and exhibitors.

“Nigel Jenney is a highly respected voice in the industry, and we are very pleased that he will be joining our speaker programme to share his expertise.”

With thousands of supply chain professionals expected to attend, Multimodal 2026 will provide a major platform for dialogue between logistics providers and the fresh produce sector — a partnership that is essential to ensuring that fresh food continues to move efficiently from field to fork.

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InXpress completes 100,000 specialist deliveries as e-commerce reshapes franchise logistics

InXpress completes 100,000 specialist deliveries as e-commerce reshapes franchise logistics

InXpress, a specialist in international and complex logistics solutions, has reached a key milestone after completing over 100,000 specialist delivery loads through its strategic partnership with TEG, the leading fintech-enabled platform serving transport and logistics, as e-commerce growth reshapes customer expectations.

For InXpress, this challenge became critical as rapid global e-commerce growth fundamentally changed customer expectations – driving demand for same-day delivery, white glove services, and bespoke urgent shipments that traditional franchise networks couldn’t provide.

“We were at risk of losing customers who needed same-day delivery, white glove handling, or urgent shipments that our network couldn’t provide,” said Jon White, Chief Commercial Officer EMEA at InXpress. “This partnership combines our customer relationships and local presence with TEG’s carrier network and technology. Together, we’re enabling same-day, white-glove and urgent services”

Through TEG’s end-to-end platform, InXpress franchisees across 450 offices in 14 countries gained seamless access to specialist carrier networks without building new infrastructure, enabling them to compete for business previously beyond their reach. The integration provides franchisees with improved service reliability, real-time tracking, and data-driven performance benchmarking.

Through the platform, InXpress franchisees have won contracts with e-commerce businesses and retailers demanding premium services. “The scale InXpress has achieved shows how the right platform gives distributed networks the same capabilities as centralised operations – without the infrastructure costs. Technology removes barriers to scale – enabling distributed networks to compete at any scale without capital investment,” added Sam Wilkinson, Chief Revenue Officer at TEG.

InXpress is now targeting 1,000 franchise locations in key markets as it capitalises on the e-commerce boom, supported by TEG as it accelerates plans to scale operations through 2030.

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GBRf launches major fuel additive trials with Fuelcare

GBRf launches major fuel additive trials with Fuelcare

GB Railfreight has begun a new programme of fuel additive trials in partnership with Fuelcare, a specialist in industrial fuel biocides and additives and Treyarnon Consulting.

The trial will assess whether the additive can enhance diesel engine performance, reduce emissions and extend the distances GBRf locomotives can travel between refuelling.

Running over two weeks until 22 March, the initiative represents one of the largest fuel additive trials undertaken by any rail freight operator in the UK. If successful, the results could support further improvements in operational efficiency across GBRf’s locomotive fleet and build on the business’s commitment to a greener and more sustainable railway.

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