Amazon expands 3PL services

Date: May 6, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Amazon has announced it is launching Amazon Supply Chain Services (ASCS), opening its full portfolio of freight, distribution, fulfillment, and parcel shipping capabilities to businesses of all types and sizes, not only Amazon sellers. With this launch, Amazon is expanding its third-party logistics capacity to support businesses in industries such as healthcare, automotive, manufacturing, and retail.

“Amazon is bringing the infrastructure, intelligence, and scale of its supply chain services—proven over decades—to businesses everywhere, much like Amazon Web Services did for cloud computing,” said Peter Larsen, Vice President of Amazon Supply Chain Services.

“Supply chain wasn’t just a function at Amazon—it was core to providing an exceptional shopping experience. Our differentiator. The reason we could offer fast, dependable delivery that nobody else could. And with the launch of ASCS, we’re confident we can give any other business access to the same cost efficiency, reliability, and speed that we’ve built for Amazon customers.”

Amazon states that whether you are a small retailer looking to grow your customer base on the Amazon store, or a global manufacturer looking to efficiently distribute raw materials to production facilities—ASCS will give you the flexibility to choose the services and level of support you need.

• Procter & Gamble is using Amazon’s freight services to transport raw materials to production facilities and move finished goods across its distribution network.
• 3M is using Amazon’s freight services to move products from its manufacturing sites to distribution centers worldwide.
• Lands’ End is using a unified inventory pool within Amazon’s network to fulfill orders across multiple sales channels.
• American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. is using Amazon’s parcel shipping network to deliver online orders from its American Eagle and Aerie website directly to customers nationwide.

“Amazon is one of our key ecommerce partners, and we’re excited to leverage Amazon Supply Chain Services to position inventory closer to customers so we can reach them even faster,” said Andrew McLean, CEO of Lands’ End. “This consistency is central to our solutions-based approach, enabling us to serve customers with confidence and agility, especially during peak seasons.”

Core offerings include:

• Freight: Amazon’s transportation network spans ocean, air, ground, and rail freight, built to help businesses move goods quickly and reliably at scale. Amazon offers dependable capacity with a range of speed and service options, including time-sensitive shipments, simplified booking, customs clearance, and end-to-end shipment visibility.
• Distribution and Fulfillment: Amazon enables businesses to import, store, and position inventory closer to demand—and fulfill customer orders across their sales channels, all within a single network. By using a unified inventory pool and advanced forecasting capabilities, businesses can improve delivery speed and accuracy across their own website, ecommerce marketplaces, social media channels, and physical stores.
• Parcel Shipping: Amazon provides shipping solutions for orders placed across all sales channels, with predictable two-to-five-day delivery speeds and seven-day-a-week service. Businesses can benefit from flexible pickup from their own warehouses or third-party providers and track shipments from label creation to customer doorsteps.

Amazon is exhibiting at Multimodal on stand 7090

London Gatwick secures long-term boost for freight growth

Date: May 7, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

London Gatwick has taken a significant step to strengthening the resilience and long‑term growth of freight across the South East by acquiring control of the World Cargo Centre.

The move brings one of London Gatwick’s most strategically important cargo locations fully under the airport’s operational control, helping safeguard the infrastructure that underpins international trade through the airport.

The 1,747 sqm World Cargo Centre sits immediately alongside the airfield and plays a central role in how freight moves smoothly through the airport.

Most freight currently handled at London Gatwick travels in the hold of long‑haul passenger aircraft, particularly serving key markets in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

By fully integrating the site into its operational estate, London Gatwick is ensuring these vital trade routes can continue to support UK businesses reliably and efficiently, while enabling future airfield investment linked to its Northern Runway programme.

Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer, London Gatwick said:

“Freight is a crucial part of how London Gatwick supports trade and economic growth across the South East and beyond. Bringing the World Cargo Centre fully into our estate secures the infrastructure that already keeps goods moving, strengthens resilience, and ensures we are ready to support future growth – while maintaining continuity for the businesses operating on site.”

The extension of London Gatwick’s cargo estate comes as demand for air freight continues to grow.

Government approval of plans to bring the airport’s Northern Runway into routine use alongside its Main Runway last September, will support up to 389,000 flights a year and increase cargo volumes to 161,500 tonnes by the late 2030s.

Independent analysis by Oxford Economics shows the value of imported cargo through London Gatwick to the UK economy could reach £9.8bn a year by 2038, more than twice the 2019 level and £2.1bn higher than would be achieved without the Northern Runway.

Freight growth is also forecast to support 167,500 jobs across the UK by 2038, an increase of 35,500 roles compared with no expansion.

Palletforce secures national distribution deal with Flue & Ducting

Date: May 7, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Flue & Ducting, an established UK supplier of chimney liner and flue products, has chosen Palletforce as its exclusive national distribution partner to drive operational consistency, enhance freight visibility and ensure the highest levels of service across the UK.

Flue & Ducting has depots in Stockport, Bromsgrove and Wellington and dispatches more than 50 pallets of freight a day to retail customers and trade installers alongside direct to customers and construction sites.

The decision to align distribution to Palletforce means each depot working with a dedicated Palletforce member business, delivering both unrivalled local expertise and service with national scale.

Flue & Ducting’s Wellington depot in Somerset has a long-standing partnership with Palletforce founding member C&D South West, having worked together for over nine years. Deliveries from its Stockport depot will be managed by Invo Fulfilment and Avon Freight is handling distribution from Bromsgrove in Worcestershire.

The decision to work exclusively with one network is a vote of confidence in Palletforce’s ethos of technology-enabled logistics and its ability to deliver award-winning kerbside deliveries to every UK postcode, every day.

The move has enhanced Flue & Ducting’s operational consistency, freight visibility, internal stock movement and staff confidence thanks to the use of a single system.

Palletforce’s superior tech systems, allowing every pallet to be weighed, scanned and pictured, alongside its live Pallet Selfies images, real-time tracking and Picture on POD services provide complete freight transparency throughout the pallet journey.

Flue & Ducting has benefitted from reduced training times, streamlined depot-to-depot stock transfers, greater day-to-day efficiency and immediate customer support via Palletforce’s dedicated teams.

Nick Maxwell, General Manager of Flue & Ducting, said:

“Partnering with Palletforce has brought enhanced consistency and transparency to our distribution operations. Having all depots aligned under one network, with local member expertise, reliable tracking and improved freight visibility, has streamlined customer deliveries and the movement of stock.

“Our diverse delivery locations include retail showrooms, trade installers, building sites and kerbside deliveries to consumers, and Palletforce offers an efficient and sustainable solution that allows us to easily scale our volumes.

“Pallet Selfies and Picture on POD are excellent tools when dealing with customer queries or resolving issues. They provide full transparency throughout the pallet’s journey and give us confidence that goods are being handled and delivered correctly.

Mark Tapper, Palletforce Chief Executive, said:

“Moving from a long-standing and successful single depot relationship to a full three depot network alignment means that Flue & Ducting will benefit from an outstanding local service from our three fantastic members, alongside an unrivalled national, express solution via our wider network of 120 members across the UK.

“With a focus on delivering a superb customer experience underpinned by service excellence, technology, our state-of-the-art SuperHub and the power of the Palletforce membership network, we look forward to building a long-term and successful partnership with Flue & Ducting.”

THG Fulfil powers BON CHARGE’s UK expansion

Date: May 7, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

THG Fulfil and  BON CHARGE™, a leader in premium science-backed wellness technology, have announced a new strategic partnership. This collaboration will see THG Fulfil manage BON CHARGE’s UK fulfilment operations from its state-of-the-art Omega distribution centre in Manchester, significantly enhancing delivery speeds and service for BON CHARGE’s growing UK customer base. 

The partnership was driven by rising consumer demand in the UK for BON CHARGE products and by moving fulfilment closer to UK customers, it optimises delivery speed and reliability, while reducing lead times. By leveraging THG Fulfil’s advanced automation and integrated technology stack, BON CHARGE can offer 12:30am next-day delivery cut-offs, extending purchase windows and enabling customers to receive products faster. 

BON CHARGE’s rapid growth is being driven by a multi-channel strategy, including direct-to-consumer sales, a partnership with leading wellness platform Healf and brand-building initiatives, such as its announcement as Fulham FC’s Official Red Light & Recovery Partner. This diversified approach is increasing demand and raising expectations around delivery speed and consistency, reinforcing the need for a highly agile and scalable fulfilment solution. 

In the past year, BON CHARGE has also partnered with Smartech to showcase its innovative wellness range with an exclusive shop-in-shop experience at Oxford Circus’ iconic Selfridges introducing a physical presence in the UK. Its visibility and commitment to UK customers has expanded with its innovative tools hosted in luxury wellness facilities, such as Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, whilst being spotlighted at monthly community wellness experiences.

BON CHARGE’s operations will leverage THG Fulfil’s cutting-edge facilities, including AutoStore and Geek+ robotics. This advanced infrastructure ensures quick, consistent dispatch and unparalleled reliability. The seamless integration of THG Fulfil’s order management system, with its advanced warehouse management system and end-to-end courier management platform will provide BON CHARGE with a truly scalable solution built for ecommerce. 

The brand was onboarded and live in 13 days, enabled by THG Fulfil’s Shopify Connect integration and pre-configured fulfilment architecture. This rapid deployment ensured immediate operational readiness across inventory, fulfilment, and reporting, with zero disruption at go-live, providing the agility required to not just meet, but to exceed the evolving demands of the wellness market. 

Looking ahead, BON CHARGE is set to go live in Poland for their European operations in June 2026, further demonstrating the scalable nature of the partnership and THG Fulfil’s capabilities, alongside increased demand of wellness technology globally. 

Tom Killeen, COO, THG Ingenuity, said:

“We are delighted to partner with BON CHARGE, as they share our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. This collaboration highlights our dedication to providing world-class ecommerce solutions, leveraging our expertise with AI-driven automation and cutting-edge robotics like AutoStore and Geek+. We are not just fulfilling orders; we aim to empower BON CHARGE to deliver on their promise of restoring balance, ensuring their customers receive premium wellness products with unprecedented speed and efficiency.” 

Tim Bailly, COO, BON CHARGE, said:

“THG Fulfil is the right partner to support BON CHARGE’s continued growth, particularly in elevating our customer experience across the UK market. The speed and quality demonstrated during the deployment process were a clear reflection of their capabilities and high standards, with the solution successfully going live within just one month. From day one, we have felt a true spirit of partnership, driven by the passion, dedication, and commitment of both THG Fulfil & BON CHARGE teams to deliver excellence at every stage.”

With modern life disrupting biology, BON CHARGE restores it by providing science-backed wellness tools across its categories of red light technology, blue light blocking, PEMF, EMF shielding and infrared sauna products. Product innovation is guided by its Scientific Advisory Board, leading experts in human performance, integrative medicine and longevity, who support its pillars of recovery, beauty, sleep and wellness.

GEODIS moves into new Manchester facility

Date: May 7, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

GEODIS has announced the opening of a temperature-controlled GDP-compliant pharmaceutical warehouse close to the airport in Manchester designed to support both inventory management and cross-docking operations, reinforcing its capabilities in the fast-growing Pharma & Healthcare sector in the UK and Ireland. The facility is scheduled to go live on June 1st, 2026.

The warehouse will offer 2,000 pallet positions and has been developed to accommodate sensitive pharmaceutical products that require strict temperature management and regulatory compliance. It will include dedicated short-term storage zones such as a fully temperature-controlled area maintained at controlled room temperature (15–25°C) and chilled environments (2–8°C), with the option to introduce frozen storage if needed. Additional capabilities include designated returns areas and continuous temperature monitoring supported by 24/7 alert systems to safeguard product integrity, while enabling both short-term storage and efficient onward distribution.

Strategically located close to the M6 and M62 transport corridors and near Manchester Airport, the site enables efficient nationwide distribution while maintaining strong international connectivity for air freight shipments. Manchester’s dynamic life sciences ecosystem and central location make it an ideal hub to support the growing demand for specialized pharmaceutical logistics services.

“This new facility allows us to provide highly reliable end-to-end solution for temperature-sensitive healthcare products,” said Paul Morris, Head of Pharma & Healthcare Vertical for GEODIS in UK. “With advanced monitoring systems, robust compliance standards and strong connectivity across the UK, we are well positioned to support pharmaceutical and biotech companies with safe, efficient and scalable logistics solutions.”

Operations will be supported by a validated Warehouse Management System (WMS) providing barcode scanning, batch traceability, full audit trails, and real-time inventory visibility to ensure compliance, transparency, and operational efficiency throughout the supply chain, whether for inventory holding or fast-moving distribution flows.

The Manchester site meets a wide range of international quality and security standards, including GDP/ WDA pharmaceutical compliance, as well as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 50001, TAPA, AEO, and Dangerous Goods certifications.

The warehouse has also been designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating energy-efficient refrigeration systems, LED lighting, and waste-reduction initiatives.

Pall-Ex Group to invest £8 million into new sustainable South West logistics hubs

Date: May 13, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Plans for two brand new South West hubs have been revealed by leading logistics network, Pall-Ex Group, as it earmarks an £8 million investment for strengthening its services across the region.

The South West peninsula, often known as the ‘final frontier’, has historically been one of the most challenging delivery locations in the UK due to its landscape. In spite of that, the region has been dubbed a ‘logistics hot spot’, with brands like Pall-Ex continuing to see year-on-year growth.

Now, businesses throughout the region will soon benefit from the launch of two new facilities in Willand, Devon (Pall-Ex South West), and Launceston in Cornwall (Pall-Ex Logistics), giving them access to a range of haulage services including next-day palletised freight distribution, warehousing and storage.

Pall-Ex South West’s 218,000 sq ft hub in Willand, Devon, is expected to be completed by Summer 2026.

While existing staff will relocate to the new site—located less than half a mile from the current facility—the expansion is expected to increase its local workforce by 15%, with roles spanning customer service and night planners, to warehouse and forklift operators. Its plans to recruit will enable the site to double its operational limits and process an excess of 60 vehicles per night across the two new sites.

Meanwhile, the Launceston hub—a 114,000 sq ft purpose-built facility—is already operational, where it offers increased storage capacity of up to 3,500 pallets and the movement of 650 pallets per day.

The successful relocation of its existing team will also be bolstered by a further 10 – 15% growth in its workforce; with roles in warehouse staffing, supervision and management roles soon to be available.

In addition to their enhanced service capabilities, both sites will benefit from a series of sustainability-focused features, including all-electric forklift truck fleets, solar panels and green water filtering—additions that will see them meet the highest sustainability ‘BREEAM standards’.

While the logistics provider already has existing hubs in the region, these have since reached capacity. This latest investment is a strategic move intended to give the company access to larger, purpose-built spaces, designed to better support its growing customer base.

Commenting on the investment, Barry Byers, chief operating officer for Pall-Ex Group, said:

“The South West has always been a challenging location for distribution companies. Yet in the past five years, we’ve generated unprecedented growth here, with more and more businesses around the region demanding a reliable and robust logistics network. With that growth, though, comes the need to evolve. That’s why the time feels right to make this significant investment to ensure that our distribution services are up to the challenge.

“The last 30 years have been all about adapting and future-proofing the business; whether through supporting our partners around the country, investing in the latest technology to provide them with unparalleled visibility, or by enhancing our regional distribution services. This announcement really is testament to the hard work put in to get us where we are now in the South West, so that we can make sure we’re perfectly positioned to tackle the regional challenges of the next three decades.”

News of the investment follows a landmark start to the year for the brand, as it celebrated its 30th anniversary. Since its incorporation three decades ago, Pall-Ex has evolved into a national and international powerhouse, with this latest South West expansion representing the next chapter in its commitment to growth.

Pall-Ex is exhibiting at Multimodal on stand 6052

Hapag-Lloyd and Kuehne+Nagel take their first joint step towards sustainable ocean shipping

Date: May 13, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Hapag-Lloyd and Kuehne+Nagel are further strengthening their long-standing partnership and, for the first time, collaborating on emission-reduced ocean transport solutions. As part of this agreement, Kuehne+Nagel will utilize Hapag-Lloyd’s “Ship Green” product to reduce the carbon footprint of its ocean freight shipments.

The agreement marks an important milestone in the relationship between the two companies. For the period from April to December 2026, approximately 3,300 TEU of cargo transported on the East Asia to North Europe trade lane will be covered under the agreement. Through the use of certified waste- and residue-based biofuels (SMF), the initiative is expected to avoid around 2,979 tonnes of CO₂e emissions on a well-to-wake basis.

“We are proud to take our partnership with Kuehne+Nagel to the next level,” said Danny Smolders, Managing Director Global Sales at Hapag-Lloyd.

“With Ship Green, we offer a scalable solution that enables our customers to actively reduce their Scope 3 emissions today. This agreement shows how strong partnerships can translate into tangible climate impact.”

Paolo Montrone, Head of Trade Global Sea Logistics at Kuehne+Nagel, added:

“Decarbonizing shipping requires transparency, collaboration and commercially viable solutions. By having strong partnerships, making emissions data transparent, and enabling scope 3 reductions, we help customers navigate in a credible, market-based way, designed to accelerate the uptake of alternative fuels. We are pleased to extend our collaboration with Hapag Lloyd to make this come true.”

The agreement is based on a book-and-claim chain-of-custody mechanism that allows customers to claim verified emission reductions, regardless of the physical fuel allocation to specific vessels or routes. Only emissions reductions from biofuel that has been used in Hapag-Lloyd’s operated fleet is allocated to Kuehne+Nagel. This model enables scalable climate action, utilizing waste-based biofuel as a bridge solution.

Both companies are committed to ambitious climate goals. Hapag-Lloyd aims to achieve net-zero fleet operations by 2045, while Kuehne+Nagel has committed to reaching net-zero emissions across the value chain by 2050. Offering sustainable logistic solutions to customers is a key lever to achieve these goals.

By working together and leveraging sustainable marine fuels and the book and claim approach, Kuehne+Nagel and Hapag-Lloyd are contributing to the shipping industry’s transition toward a more sustainable future and energy independence.

Kuehne+Nagel is exhibiting at Multimodal on stand 6050 and Hapag-Lloyd is exhibiting on stand 6070

DP World launches war risk insurance offering

Date: May 13, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

DP World has launched a first-of-its-kind cargo war risk insurance solution to help businesses navigate disruption across Middle East trade routes, where traditional insurance has become fragmented, costly and often unavailable.

The solution provides continuous coverage across the entire supply chain, from ocean or air transit through port storage and inland delivery, closing critical gaps left by conventional insurance policies, which typically insure a single leg of the journey. By leveraging its scale and relationships across global insurance markets, DP World has also secured pricing that is significantly more competitive than standard war risk premiums.

“This is about solving a real, immediate problem for global trade,” said Yuvraj Narayan, Group CEO, DP World.

“Supply chains don’t stop at the port or the shoreline, and neither should insurance. For the first time, cargo owners can access a single policy that protects goods across the entire journey, even in high-risk environments, helping keep trade moving when it matters most.”

The solution covers physical loss or damage caused by war-related risks, including conflict, civil unrest, seizure and derelict weapons, with all valid claims settled with zero deductible.

Available to all companies trading in or through the Middle East, the programme is designed to maintain supply chain continuity across key trade corridors, including the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea and surrounding inland routes. The programme offers a range of options, including:

• End-to-end protection from ocean or air transit through to inland delivery.
• Standalone ocean, air or land transit policies.
• Automatic port storage cover for up to 14 days.
• High coverage limits, including up to $400 million per shipment and $1 million per inland movement.

This flexibility enables cargo owners to adapt quickly to changing routes and operational realities.

The solution builds on DP World’s integrated logistics capabilities and deep relationships across global insurance markets. By combining operational expertise with financial risk solutions, DP World is extending its role beyond ports and terminals to become an end-to-end supply chain partner, supporting customers in even the most challenging environments.

Separately, DP World has announced it has been named the Official Logistics Partner of the Porsche Formula E Team in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, following its debut of the multi-year partnership earlier this season.

First activated at the Madrid E-Prix in March, the collaboration brings together two global brands united by precision, innovation and a shared commitment to a more sustainable mobility. It reinforces DP World’s automotive logistics expertise – from inbound components and EV battery handling to finished vehicle distribution – enabling resilient, end-to-end supply chain solutions. The partnership also reflects DP World’s broader investment in decarbonising global trade, from deploying renewable energy to electrifying equipment across its operations.

Beat Simon, Group Chief Commercial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Logistics of DP World, said:

“At DP World, our partners reflect our commitment to performance, precision and innovation – and Porsche Motorsport embodies engineering excellence at the highest level. This partnership builds on our existing relationship with Porsche, including smart logistics support for the Leipzig production centre, and provides a global platform to strengthen customer relationships and celebrate innovation in electric mobility.”

“We are delighted to welcome DP World as Official Logistics Partner of the Porsche Formula E Team,” said Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President Porsche Motorsport. “Competing at the highest level of global motorsport demands precision, reliability and seamless coordination across every race on the calendar. DP World’s expertise in smart end-to-end logistics and their global footprint make them a strong partner for our Formula E programme. Together, we aim to combine high-performance engineering on track with operational excellence behind the scenes.”

DP World is exhibiting at Multimodal on stand 5070

New feasibility study launches to explore the future of driverless autonomous freight in Teesside

Date: May 13, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Cenex, in collaboration with the International Centre for Digital Trade and Innovation (iC4DTI), has announced its participation in the Feasibility Studies 2 competition, part of the UK Government’s Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) Pathfinder programme. The competition supports projects that develop robust, investment‑ready business cases for deploying CAM solutions in near‑commercial environments.

Project TACTIC (Teesside Autonomous Corridor for Trade Integration and Clearance) is a six‑month feasibility study led by iC4DTI, with Cenex as project partner. The project aims to develop an investment‑ready business case for a driver‑out Connected Automated Mobility (CAM) freight service operating along the Teesport–Teesside International Airport corridor within the Teesside Freeport.

Teesside provides a compelling environment to launch at scale, supported by three large, secure estates: Teesside International Airport (~818 acres), Teesworks (~4,500 acres) and Wilton International (~2,000 acres). These sites allow for initial off‑highway deployment, enabling the operator model and Remote Operations Centre (ROC) procedures to be proven before potential extension along the A66 corridor.

Nick Davies, Director of iC4DTI, said the project is designed to demonstrate how emerging technologies can work together to transform the experience of UK firms looking to start or expand international trade.

“If successful, TACTIC will show both industry and government the benefits that can flow from trade digitalisation, and how this can contribute to the growth agenda everyone is prioritising,” he said.

A central focus of the feasibility study is a new approach to freight compliance. Today, customs and safety processes can introduce delays and congestion. TACTIC will explore a trade‑facilitation layer that brings together trusted, real‑time vehicle data—such as location, secure seals and weight—with digital trade documentation. This approach enables checks to be prepared and resolved while the vehicle is in motion, with the aim that autonomous freight vehicles arrive pre‑cleared, reducing dwell time and improving reliability for time‑sensitive goods.

Commercial viability is another key area of assessment. The study will examine whether such a service can operate without a safety driver in Teesside, defining the roles and responsibilities required for safe operation, identifying high‑level technology and control requirements, and setting out the steps needed from regulators and insurers.

As part of the project, Cenex will lead the economic analysis, examining costs, revenue options and the wider benefits of faster, more predictable freight flows. Steve Carroll, Head of Research and Technical Services at Cenex, highlighted the importance of this work, noting that “identifying early market opportunities and developing positive business cases is an essential part of accelerating CAM deployments in the UK.”

In parallel, opportunities for the UK supply chain will be identified, including in areas such as secure sensors, connectivity solutions and control software. By demonstrating how trusted digital data can support compliance “in motion”, TACTIC aims to position the UK for a first‑mover advantage in autonomous freight services that are faster, safer and easier to scale.

TACTIC is funded by the UK Government as part of the CAM Pathfinder programme, delivered by the Department for Business and Trade’s CAM team in partnership with Innovate UK and Zenzic.

Mark Cracknell, Programme Director at Zenzic, said:

“CAM solutions have the potential to unlock new business opportunities and wider economic growth. Through the CAM Pathfinder programme, these feasibility studies will help to articulate the impact that market ready CAM technologies can have in all corners of the country.

“Along with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), and Innovate UK, we are excited to start working with the organisations delivering each of the eight projects to further develop their businesses cases, demonstrate the commerciality of their solutions and paint a clearer picture of the viable CAM solutions coming down the road.”

Swizzels and IPP celebrate sweet success with contract renewal

Date: May 13, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

European pallet pooler IPP has renewed its contract with iconic confectionery brand Swizzels Matlow, marking a partnership spanning nearly two decades.

Coventry-based IPP and Derbyshire-based Swizzels have worked together for 17 years, dating back to 2009. IPP recently renewed its contract to supply sustainable wooden pallets to the confectionery giant, which is based in the aptly-named Candy Lane.

IPP, which specialises in providing reusable wooden pallets for major manufacturers and fast-moving consumer goods brands, has moved millions of sweets to date for Swizzels, renowned for its Love Hearts, Parma Violets and Drumstick sweets.

Swizzels’ Head of Customer Supply, Laura Winfield, said:

“Swizzels has worked with IPP for many years, building a strong partnership based on trust, reliability and a shared understanding of our business.

“IPP supplies the pallets that are fundamental to our operation, and over time they have developed a strong understanding of our requirements, from day-to-day volumes to seasonal demand.

“Their consistent quality, dependable supply and collaborative approach have been key to the longevity of the relationship.”

Swizzels products are delivered to UK supermarkets, wholesalers and sweet shops on IPP pooled pallets which are retrieved, repaired, repatriated and eventually recycled as part of the circular economy.

IPP utilises its ‘One Way Trip’ solution, which streamlines the process by collecting the empty pallets from Swizzels’ end customers, including major multiple retailers, cash and carry businesses and smaller confectioners – repairing them where necessary and seamlessly reintroducing them into the cycle.

The logistics specialist has supported Swizzels during its recent expansion, including the opening of its dedicated Squashies factory in Middlewich, Cheshire.

It is also on hand to deal with key holidays, which see a significant increase in demand, and invests in solutions to enhance visibility and efficiencies, supporting its partners as they grow.

Laura added:

“As volumes have increased, IPP has supported this growth by ensuring a reliable and scalable pallet supply that aligns with our evolving operational needs. Their flexibility and responsiveness have helped us maintain efficiency across our supply chain during periods of expansion, particularly during the time we opened our new dedicated Squashies factory.

“Seasonal peaks such as Halloween and Christmas are critical trading periods for Swizzels, requiring significant uplifts in pallet volumes.

“IPP supports these peaks through collaborative forward planning, flexible supply and a reliable service, giving us confidence that pallet availability is in place to meet increased production and distribution demands without compromising on service.”

Swizzels is now focusing on continued growth through new product development, innovation and increasing its market presence.

Laura added:

“As the business evolves, having a trusted pallet supplier like IPP – which understands our operation and can grow alongside us – will continue to be an important part of our supply chain strategy.”

Demi Crabbe, Commercial Director for IPP UK&I, said:

“Our long-standing partnership with Swizzels is testament to our shared values and ability to deliver results.

“We’re delighted to have seen how much this business has grown in recent years, and to continue providing the reliable, trustworthy and flexible service they know comes from working with IPP.

“We are constantly evolving and investing in digital and data-led solutions to enhance visibility and efficiencies across customer supply chains. These investments ensure our partners receive the best support as they continue to grow.

“The future looks sweet for Swizzels and we’ll be on hand wherever it may take them next!”

Award-winning customs software launches to solve industry demand for faster and accurate clearance

Date: May 15, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

DutyDeclared will be officially launched at this year’s Multimodal – offering a faster, simpler way for businesses to manage cross-border trade.

Founded in 2025, DutyDeclared was built with a clear ambition- to redefine the speed and ease with which goods move between the UK and the rest of the world. The platform has already gained HMRC recognition and a Tolley’s Taxation Award for the most innovate use of technology, to strip complexity out of customs.

By applying AI to tariff navigation, automated tax calculations and declaration submissions, DutyDeclared takes on the heavy lifting of interpreting complex tariff structures. The result is a streamlined, accurate and efficient approach to customs paperwork for freight forwarders, importers, exporters and logistics professionals.

The platform has already seen rapid adoption. Hillier Hopkins, a Top 50 UK tax firm, came on board as an early user. Ruth Corkin, Partner at Hillier Hopkins, said:

“The use of the DutyDeclared platform is particularly transformative – a step-change in the sector.”

Designed to support the entire customs ecosystem, DutyDeclared enables organisations and independent operators across the supply chain to manage compliance end-to-end. Visitors to Multimodal will see the platform in action, with live demonstrations showing how it integrates into existing workflows and accelerates customs processes.

Joshua Oliver, CEO of DutyDeclared, said:

“We built DutyDeclared from personal experience, to remove one of the biggest friction points in global trade. Customs has traditionally been slow, complex and manual – but it doesn’t have to be. Our goal is to give businesses a platform that makes moving goods internationally as seamless and straightforward as possible, saving time, saving money, and leaving no room for error. We look forward to demonstrating how it can help businesses at Multimodal.”

Visitors are invited to stop by the DutyDeclared stand 4010 to meet the team and see the platform first-hand. A live presentation will take place at 4pm on Tuesday, 30th June.

Getlink Customs Services acquires Bongers Customs Services in the Netherlands

Date: May 16, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Getlink has announced the acquisition of the Dutch company Bongers Customs Services. Specialising in customs services, it joins Getlink Customs Services, the division within the Getlink Group dedicated to customs and regulatory formalities.

Based on the outskirts of Rotterdam, Bongers Customs Services has been operating since 2001 as a one-stop shop for import, export and transit declarations. As an Authorised Economic Operator (AEO), Bongers Customs Services specialises in handling customs, health and phytosanitary formalities, amongst others between the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.

Its proximity to Rotterdam, Europe’s leading port in terms of volume and value, as well as to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, makes Bongers Customs Services a key link in trade flows between the UK and the European Union.

Julie Bagur, Managing Director of Getlink Customs Services, says: 

“Getlink Customs Services’ strength lies in supporting its clients from start to finish, thanks to its presence right at the heart of trade flows within strategic territories. Our teams ensure reliable, coordinated execution centered on customer experience. We share these values and this culture with Bongers Customs Services and I am delighted to see them join the Group, enabling us to offer our clients a service covering all the main European freight routes, with smart border services.”

With the acquisition of Bongers Customs Services, Getlink Customs Services is strengthening its service offering to provide a one-stop shop for flows between the Netherlands and the UK, thanks to a highly digital, automated service leveraging artificial intelligence for greater speed and reliability.

Getlink reaffirms its commitment to making Getlink Customs Services a trusted partner for customs operations, combining on-the-ground expertise, mastery of cross-border flows and innovative digital solutions, to deliver an exceptional customer experience and reliable execution right through to the actual crossing of borders.

Getlink is exhibiting at Multimodal on stand 6040