Cloud Logistics and Internet of Things 

Several logistics companies are already using cloud-based services, and many others will follow suit. Thus, the future of the logistics sector lies in remote-hosted data and processes. Cloud services offer flexibility and real-time access to critical operations and intelligence software, enabling the scaling of highly responsive on-demand. These pay-per-use business models are now becoming the trend in the logistics industry. While data security and migration can be complicated to set up and heavy data traffic could slow processing times, they can lead to significant savings in both cost and time, making cloud logistics an increasingly attractive option.

Managing a supply chain can be challenging and requires you to use all possible tools at your disposal. Cloud services can add some convenience and offer other benefits to the operations of logistic companies, with long-term impact. They help get things done faster and minimize errors in logistics. For instance, cloud computing works by integrating automation into the supply chain. Cloud software can help accomplish several tasks for you even with little to no supervision. In addition, cloud software allows logistic companies to set reminders and one-click authorisations, optimising efficient management of supply chain chores. These capabilities help companies meet targets and deadlines that may otherwise not be possible due to missed assignments.

The connectivity brought about by the Internet of Things (IoT) can help minimise costs and boost the operational efficiency of logistic companies, optimise usage, and improve overall operational security. The constant flow of data between the logistic providers and devices has helped supply chains to become self-maintaining and self-monitoring. In a warehouse setting, smart sensors can signal robots to replenish items or inform them if it’s already time to pick and pack orders. Meanwhile, onboard telematics can help optimise delivery routes in autonomous vehicles, transforming how logistic companies run their operations now and in the future.

Innovative Robots 

Having efficient supply chains can help logistics companies be more competitive. One study shows that more than fifty per cent of companies agreed that supply chain management gives them an edge over their competitors, allowing them to develop their business further. With the advent of data automation and analytics, supply chain processes have improved significantly. The integration of technological solutions such as innovative robots in warehouses is rapidly transforming supply chain strategies. By integrating technical advancements, the logistics industry has become faster and more efficient than before.

As anyone in the logistics industry is aware, warehouse operations involve process-oriented, repeatable, and error-prone processes. Robotics can take over these repetitive tasks from humans resulting in more accurate, consistent, and productive operations.

Implementing robotics and automation can also help to improve employee engagement and increase retention rates as it keeps employees from performing the dullest and most repetitive warehouse tasks. As a result, they will carry out more critical roles, such as maintenance, operations analysis, and customer service. This can also result in a safer environment since automation helps to keep humans away from machinery, heavy equipment, and all sorts of hazardous working environments.

With the boom of robotics use in warehouses comes the need to hire robotics engineers who can maintain and programme them. Although some of the main jobs of a robotics engineer in the logistics setting is to operate and manage robots, they also help people carry out their jobs faster, safer and more efficiently. They can tap on their knowledge of electronics, mechanics, and computer science to develop machines to assist workers in the logistics sector. Furthermore, they can design innovative robotic systems to work autonomously and improve warehouse productivity and efficiency.

Big Data Analytics

Big data analytics is the complex process of analysing big data to uncover information, including customer preferences and market trends, that can help logistics companies make better decisions on business operations. On a bigger scale, data analytics technologies help companies analyse data sets and gather new information. Big data analytics is a type of advanced analytics involving complex applications with elements like predictive models, what-ifs analysis, and statistical algorithms.

Logistics companies can use big data analytics and software in making data-driven decisions to improve business operations and outcomes. Some of the benefits of implementing big data analytics are new revenue opportunities, effective marketing strategies, customer personalisation, and improved efficiency of business operations.

Implementing big data analytics requires specialist electronic recruitment of  engineers. Their role is to network and program machinery and ensure that the logistics managers receive more critical information regarding efficiency. They also help collect, process, clean, and analyse the increasing volumes of structured transaction data and other forms of data not used by conventional analytics programs.

The complexity of big data analytics presents unique challenges for logistics companies, especially in security. Addressing security concerns in the complicated big data ecosystem can be difficult. Moreover, it can be confusing to choose from the vast array of big data analytics tools and platforms available in the market now. Companies must know how to choose the right tool that complements their needs and infrastructures. With the potential lack of skills in internal analytics and the high cost involved in hiring experienced engineers and data scientists, some companies are finding it a challenge to fill the gaps.

In recent years, a wider variety of industries have been embracing big data analytics to drive digital transformation. Aside from the logistics sector, other companies that have implemented big data analytics are those in the financial services firms, retailers, healthcare organisations, insurance companies, energy companies, and manufacturers.

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Here’s how freight companies are improving in 2022.

1. Robotics 

Since the popularity of e-commerce, getting goods to the customer’s doorsteps from warehouses and factories have become a massive responsibility for freight companies. Thus, many of them have turned to robotics. Thanks to robotics, production has become more innovative and faster. Implementing robotics in logistics and freight services has led to an increased uptime compared to manual labour while also improving productivity.

Big companies like DHL have already deployed robots in their fulfilment centres and warehouses. Online trading has become even more popular during the pandemic, keeping freight volumes high. Digitisation in warehouses is the key to speeding up processes. However, having smooth and intelligent systems are also required to guarantee a robust and efficient supply chain. Thus, utilising warehouse robots is a must. They help make things easier for staff when picking and fulfilling customer orders.

By assigning some warehouse tasks to robots, freight companies can function more efficiently since humans will have more free time to perform more essential duties. Furthermore, assigning menial tasks to robots can help improve human safety. Studies also show that leveraging robotics in freight and logistics could cut around 70% of labour costs and help businesses function both day and night with minimal expenses.

2. Health and Safety 

Freight companies must ensure the storage and delivery of goods on time. Their operations involve not only haulage and distribution but also warehousing. Unfortunately, the hazardous nature of their operations means that they have high accident rates, mainly because of the weight and size of the loads involved and the equipment and vehicles needed to transport them.

Every year, there’s usually an accident involving transport services, with some of them resulting in fatal consequences. So many people get knocked down, ran over, or crushed against vehicles, such as trailers and plants. There are also incidences where people fell from cars while getting on or off and loading or unloading stuff. Thus, one way in which some freight companies are improving is by implementing more health and safety awareness training on manual handling, working from heights, and being more aware of slips and trips.

Freight companies should consider whether there’s an easier and safer way of performing specific tasks. The risk assessment should consider all workplace transport activities, including loading and unloading. Moreover, the vehicles and the people moving around the workplace must be carefully inspected. There should be proper markings on traffic and pedestrian movements. The drivers should also be involved as they are usually the most vulnerable. 

3. Recruitment 

Working in the freight industry is what many people enjoy and benefit from. But it’s not easy to look and select the most suitable candidates. Some roles will require organisation skills, while others need negotiation skills. Meanwhile, some positions require constant communication with clients and shippers, while others require spending most of their time working alone. Aside from the recruitment aspect, you also need to think of payroll and benefits. Because of this, many freight companies are now choosing to recruit their own internal payroll and HR departments.

Aside from having a team dedicated to selecting and hiring the right people, having an internal HR department can help cultivate the company values and culture and improve employee engagement through face-to-face conversations. Since the HR team will know your employees personally, the staff will more likely feel comfortable working and will not hesitate to bring up any issues against the company. The HR team can also help address and resolve any conflict between employees and the company, which boosts employee morale and satisfaction.

An internal HR team can also help nurture company culture by hosting open discussions and engaging events according to the staff’s personal needs and interests. Another advantage of having an internal HR is gaining insight and maintaining control over internal practices. If you have an internal HR team, you can keep your intellectual property and organisational practices internal. This helps to secure confidential company information, monitor the productivity of your employees, control the organisation, and minimise unethical practices within the organisation.

4. What More Can Improve 

While many things have improved, there is still plenty of work to be done, especially in terms of safety in freight companies. Injury statistics have highlighted a long-term descending trend in both non-fatal and fatal injuries across all sectors, although the statistics have been broadly flat in recent years. An average of 26 fatalities have been recorded across all industries in the last five years, mainly being hit by moving vehicles. While these are not warehouse-related, this remains a cause for concern for freight companies.

Companies must develop better leading indicators since they are far more effective at addressing risks in the workplace. Risk assessment, compliance, and better communication are still the most effective solutions to safety in freight industries.

Although more and more companies rely on robots to improve the supply chain, they still need to make several improvements. Companies should ensure that warehouses are highly automated and consider using small mobile robots armed with grabbers when fetching items before delivering them to human pickers to be packed before sending them out for delivery. Companies should also consider computer simulations of warehouses before deciding to build them and demonstrate how robots can move across the grid. The simulation can help make predictions on the movement of robots and collect real-time data on errors. In the future, augmented reality will continue to transform how warehouses work. They must do testing before integrating robots into freight operations. That way, these robots can safely collaborate with humans and improve optimisation.

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The decision has been made in consultation with the community due to the announcement on Covid restrictions by the Government in Belgium last week. The situation looks likely to continue for the weeks ahead, directly impacting Easyfairs’ ability to serve the industry in the best possible way.

AntwerpXL, which during its incredible first edition attracted key visitors and exhibitors from across the industry’s biggest, best and most innovative players, will be held at the Antwerp Expo in Antwerp, Belgium in October 2022.

Sophie McKimm, Event Manager of AntwerpXL, says: “After the success of the inaugural event, we know how valuable holding an event in person is to the industry. In an industry survey, over 82% of respondents choose a live exhibition similarly to previous years as their preferred format for a future event, once safe to do so. We are confident that, with the new dates we will achieve great success!”

Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of Port of Antwerp, says: “We were all looking forward to meeting each other live again at this Christmas edition. After all, the breakbulk community relies strongly on interpersonal relationships and the COVID situation has been testing us for a long time now. As difficult as this decision was, it is best for everyone’s safety. Easyfairs can count on our continued support to reunite the breakbulk community in Antwerp on 4 – 6 October 2022.”

XL Connect, AntwerpXL’s 1-2-1 meetings programme, will continue to facilitate networking online from 7 – 9 December 2021. Those looking to connect with industry peers and enable business can still do so by registering for the 2021 event. Once registered you will receive your personal link and more information on how to book your meetings on this networking platform.

AntwerpXL provides all year-round knowledge and resources, feeding into a platform for the industry to come together, networking with people from across the industry and find the products and solutions needed for their businesses. For more information about the event, visit www.antwerpxl.com.

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SGS has supported the market in many ways, such as providing the export paperwork, which includes the T1 (Transit document), and assisting with Traces and a robust reliable import process.  In the clearance process, where the inspection takes place, our agent works with the inspection office to assist with the process when required. It does not take much to cause a delay: paperwork not correct, or closure of the T1 document, just two of the challenges that can be compounded if your agent does not operate seven days a week.

I have the privilege to work with several wholesalers and fish suppliers and fully understand their frustrations. We have worked together to make their process more palatable by having in place a tight communication process throughout the supply chain, to call or email any time of the day and night. It also is imperative that the clearance process where the inspection takes place operates seven days a week and there is effective communication with the driver and shipper. The feedback I have received has been that they cannot believe the speed of clearance and when there has been an issue they were contacted straight away. The outcome has been the consignment has arrived at the destination within an acceptable time frame, which has helped to gain repeat business.

The UK has a long history of fishing in UK waters since the 14th century and SGS is keen to support an industry that has been in decline for a number of years and has been impacted by Brexit.

If you would like more information on how we can support your business, please do not hesitate to contact Sue Ladd on: [email protected] or 01749 340259.

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Mark Barlow brings over 20 years of logistics experience to the position, including extensive knowledge of the sector, having previously held roles in other UK pallet networks.

Based at Pall-Ex’s head office, Mark will be tasked with strengthening network membership across the Group, with a focus on building the Fortec Distribution Network membership in several strategic locations across the UK.

The appointment follows the launch of Fortec’s shareholder model in late 2020, which has already seen over 50% of its independent depots become shareholder members.

Mark comments: “As Network Development Director, I will be driving forward member recruitment through specific projects to reinforce and build on Pall-Ex Group’s already solid foundations.

“Building volume within the Fortec operation is one of my key aims. By creating greater drop density and opportunity for the members, along with capitalising on the synergies available within the Group, we can reinforce Fortec’s position as a major player in the pallet sector.

“With market-leading technology, a robust International solution and the unique, fair and progressive shareholder model, the Pall-Ex and Fortec member offering is an attractive choice for a forward-thinking, eager to succeed, logistics business.”

Sue Buchanan, Group Network Director, comments: “Mark’s appointment is a key part of our growth strategy and his experience within the pallet sector will be invaluable as we continue to develop both UK networks.

“Mark is highly knowledgeable and his energy and enthusiasm for the industry is already proving to be of great benefit to networks.

“We have some exciting developments happening in 2021, along with a revitalised network team that are looking forward to building on the foundations we have and supporting both UK networks with support, service excellence and exceptional technology.

“This is an exciting time to be part of Pall-Ex Group and we look forward to growing the network with Mark’s support.”

Mark adds: “I enjoy the fast paced nature of the logistics sector along with the challenges that are multi-faceted and complex; one solution doesn’t fit all scenarios and flexibility is the key.

“In this role the strength is about the whole membership moving as a collective, emulating Pall-Ex Groups ethos of working together, winning together!”

For more information about our shareholder opportunities or to speak to Mark directly please email: [email protected]

Pall-Ex Group is an award-winning network of hauliers comprising two leading UK pallet networks (Fortec Distribution Network and Pall-Ex UK), four subsidiary UK logistics businesses and ten European networks. A renowned name in logistics, Pall-Ex delivers an efficient and reliable palletised freight distribution service, backed by innovative technology and a first-class network of established shareholder SMEs. With its headquarters and central UK hub located in the heart of the Midlands, Pall-Ex is driving excellence in all areas, transporting more than 40,000 pallets across the globe every day.

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Chicago, IL, April 13, 2021 — With bottlenecked ships making their way to ports in the wake of the Suez Canal incident, cumulative delays for cargo ships are at 1,017 days, threatening to swamp ports with bottlenecked cargo for weeks to come. With more than 1.9 million TEU of capacity involved in the incident, supply chain visibility company project44 is warning shippers that their headaches are not yet over. 

At major ports such as Singapore, more than 370,000 TEU of capacity are en route to the port, where 83 vessels representing 299,310 TEU were already at the port or anchored and waiting to unload as of April 12. 

The picture is similar at Rotterdam, where 15 ships representing 196,600 TEU will arrive over the next week, lining up behind 85 ships already at port or waiting to enter the port.  

Other major ports bracing for the influx of volume are New York, with 76,500 TEU either having arrived or still inbound from the Suez Canal incident; Port Kelang, at 103,900 TEU; and Jebel Ali, at 75,879 TEU.

According to project44’s port delay tracking, the influx of ships will also exacerbate port delays measured in days. With delays on major trade routes like Shanghai — Rotterdam already close to the one-week mark —a worrying increase over 2020, when median port delays on the same route were 2.79 days.

Other routes where delays are on track to get worse include Shanghai — New York, where the median March delay was 8.05 days (up from 1.09 days in March 2020);  Shenzhen — Hamburg, where median delays last month were 9.23 days (up from 3.52 days in March 2020); and Shenzen — Newark-Elisabeth, where median delays reached 12.92 in March (up from 0.29 days in March 2020).

Project44’s ongoing post-incident analysis provides the maritime shipping industry stakeholders with a clearer understanding of the incident, providing the analytical tools to create more robust supply chains in the future. 

”The Suez Canal incident brings home the message that shippers must be prepared for unexpected disruptions in their supply chain. With real-time visibility and advanced alerting capabilities, disruptions as well as the ability to form strategies to avoid them, are more manageable than ever before.” —Josh Brazil VP Marketing project44

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Both the Pall-Ex and the Fortec network are reassuring customers that services are continuing, with additional support available to help businesses continue trading internationally.

While goods being transported to and from Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and mainland Europe have faced delays, Pall-Ex’s two network memberships have ensured they have the resources needed to adapt to the new rules.

Its preparation for Brexit has kept disruption for customers to a minimum by providing guidance on changes to paperwork, freight labelling and EU pallet regulations, plus the addition of EORI numbers.

An Economic Operator Registration and Identification number is an identification code now required by every business trading with the EU to track and register customs information.

Its well-established network of haulage partners across Europe ensures that our entire membership can continue to deliver palletised freight to countries in the European Union.

Mark Steel, Managing Director of Pall-Ex’s International Business Units comments: “Our main aim is to ensure that local businesses who need to export to Europe or Ireland can continue to do so with minimal disruption.

“Our team has been working flat out to support businesses that are having to adapt and accommodate these new processes at short notice from the Government.

“The last 12 months have been difficult enough for businesses serving European customers, as Covid-19 lockdowns both here and in other countries have delayed the movement of freight.

“We want to emphasise that businesses should not be deterred by these challenges and instead should give customers in the EU confidence to continue buying goods from the UK.

“We recommend maintaining communication with customers to manage expectations and choosing a logistics provider with sophisticated tracking technology that gives customers clear visibility of their goods during transit.”

Kevin Buchanan, Group CEO at Pall-Ex Group, comments: “The timing of the UK’s exit from the EU over the Christmas period means many businesses were on the backfoot with preparing for the changes.

“We have seen some major players in the logistics sector choose to suspend their services between the UK and Europe, but the entire Pall-Ex Group remains fully operational and we retain strong links with our international partners.

“We want to reassure customers that we are here to support them through these challenges and that we remain committed to working together through this tough transition period.”

Additional information on exporting freight is available in Pall-Ex Groups Guide to Logistics & Haulage after Brexit.

Pall-Ex Group is an award-winning network of hauliers comprising two leading UK pallet networks (Fortec Distribution Network and Pall-Ex UK), four subsidiary UK logistics businesses and ten European networks. A renowned name in logistics, Pall-Ex delivers an efficient and reliable palletised freight distribution service, backed by innovative technology and a first-class network of established shareholder SMEs. With its headquarters and central UK hub located in the heart of the Midlands, Pall-Ex is driving excellence in all areas, transporting more than 40,000 pallets across the globe every day.

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The Basildon-based logistics firm, which services large parts of Essex is an Owned Operation of Pall-Ex (UK) Ltd, and is now being headed up by Brian Devine, who brings with him a wealth of logistics industry experience.

Having spent over 20 years working in a variety of roles within the sector, including General and Regional Manager positions with an array of industry giants, including DPD, Hermes and City Link, he has the industry knowledge and experience to drive the company forward in 2021.

Brian’s appointment is the second high-profile arrival in recent months for the business, after Jackie Marks joined as the Business Development Manager in the latter stages of 2020.

Speaking about what he hopes to bring to his new role, Brian comments: “After carrying out a regional role for the last four years, I was looking to get back into a depot management and team environment. Pall-Ex London offers a fantastic opportunity to develop existing business and expand into new areas too.

“I spent some time away from the industry a few years ago and I missed the buzz and the unpredictability. There is nowhere else I would rather be.

“No two days are the same in this sector and I am great believer that you never stop learning, which is a mentality I try to instill in the team too.”

Following a challenging 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Pall-Ex London is looking to see growth this year, with Brian at the helm.

On this, he comments: “We need to diversify the business model to ensure we continue to succeed.

“I’m looking forward to driving our standards upwards to deliver excellence across the board.”

As an Owned Operation of Pall-Ex (UK) Ltd, Pall-Ex London works closely with the head office, located in Ellistown, Leicestershire.

Colin Hawkins, Director of Owned Operations at Pall-Ex explains why Brian was the right choice for Pall-Ex London.

He comments: “We have every confidence that Brian’s extensive experience and industry knowledge are what Pall-Ex London needs to progress the business to the next level.

“As Pall-Ex London continues to grow, in-spite of external forces, I look forward to working with Brian and the rest of the team in Basildon as we drive towards achieving excellence together.”

For more information about Pall-Ex London and the range of palletised freight services it can offer, please visit: www.pallexlondon.co.uk

Pall-Ex Group is an award-winning network of hauliers comprising two leading UK pallet networks (Fortec Distribution Network and Pall-Ex UK), four subsidiary UK logistics businesses and ten European networks. A renowned name in logistics, Pall-Ex delivers an efficient and reliable palletised freight distribution service, backed by innovative technology and a first-class network of established shareholder SMEs. With its headquarters and central UK hub located in the heart of the Midlands, Pall-Ex is driving excellence in all areas, transporting more than 40,000 pallets across the globe every day.

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The intent is for both parties to be strategic partners and shareholders committed to the partnership. This new development comes after nearly a decade of successful cooperation between the two companies.

Both Vertom Group and Cory have built strong brands, with professional and personal dedication to their customers and are industry-leading in their own territories. Sharing complementary cultures and values, this alignment will create a broader platform with USA, Singapore and pan European coverage, allowing stronger organic and acquisitional growth.

Fundamental to its success is both companies’ commitment to delivering excellent customer service, digital technology, structured compliance, and a healthy and safe working environment.

Vertom Agencies Group MD, Maurice Lelieveld commented: ” We have built our business on excellent service, reliability and strong, lasting partnerships. I’m looking forward to expanding our business together with Cory Brothers.”

Cory Brothers Group MD, Peter Wilson added: ” This is a substantial development for Cory Brothers: a natural alignment of two like-minded, well suited and forward-thinking companies.” Peter, continues “VertomCory will offer top-class services to our customers in all segments of today’s shipping industry”.

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