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Month: June 2025

First Freight Train via UK East-West Rail

Posted on by David Priestman

Maritime Transport, one of the UK’s leading providers of integrated road and rail freight logistics, has launched a new rail freight service connecting DP World Southampton with its Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton (SLPN).

Maritime Intermodal Six arrived in Northampton on 16th June – the first freight train to enter service at Maritime’s 35-acre SRFI, and the first to operate the full length of the newly reinstated section of East West Rail (EWR) between Oxford and Bletchley.

Part of a government-backed programme to re-establish a strategic rail corridor between Oxford and Cambridge, the reinstated Oxford-Bletchley route restores vital east-west connectivity across central England and offers a practical alternative to traditionally congested north-south routes. The introduction of Maritime’s latest service on the newly reopened stretch is a milestone for the UK rail freight sector, unlocking new cross-country options for domestic and containerised cargo, and bringing nationally significant infrastructure into operational use to support regional economic growth.

Operated by DB Cargo UK, the service runs five days a week, with a capacity of up to 68 TEU per train, and provides a new, direct inland link to one of the UK’s busiest deep-sea ports. The service has been supported by Network Rail’s Track Access Discount Scheme, an important initiative to promote modal shift and encourage new rail freight business, whereby relevant access charges are waived for six months whilst new traffic is being established.

The launch follows two additional paths introduced by Maritime in recent weeks, linking DP World London Gateway with its rail terminals at Hams Hall and Doncaster (iPort). Two further services are scheduled to follow, connecting London Gateway and the Port of Felixstowe with Northampton as part of a three-phase expansion programme to increase low-carbon rail capacity across the company’s national network.

Maritime’s SRFI at Northampton forms part of a wider £200 million infrastructure investment by SEGRO and connects directly to the West Coast Main Line via the Northampton Loop. Network Rail’s modern design of the railway junction allows trains to move between the main line and interchange at speeds of up to 40mph instead of a standard 5mph – getting freight trains on their way faster and reducing impact on other trains on the network. Formally integrated into the national rail network earlier this year, the SRFI sits at the heart of a major logistics hub adjacent to Junction 15 of the M1.

John Bailey, Managing Director – Intermodal, Maritime Transport, said: “The arrival of our first service via EWR is an important step in expanding UK rail freight capacity, providing businesses with a direct, low-carbon route from Southampton to the heart of the UK’s golden logistics triangle. This development demonstrates how infrastructure and private-sector investment can deliver a more efficient and sustainable supply chain, while easing pressure on a congested road network.”

Roger Neary, Chief Sales Officer, DB Cargo UK, added: “Having recently operated the first locomotive into SEGRO Northampton Gateway to ‘prove’ the infrastructure, DB Cargo UK is proud to once again be partnering with its long-standing and strategic customer on this significant inaugural flow into Northampton Gateway. Not only does this new flow facilitate additional capacity into this important region of the country, it will do so in a sustainable manner utilising new Network Rail infrastructure and – crucially – funding, delivering benefits to Maritime Transport and their own customers alike.”

Brian Paynter, Capital Delivery track director, Network Rail, said: “Seeing both this new rail connection to Maritime’s SRFI and the East West Rail route in commercial freight use for the first time are huge moments in both projects. Opening up this economically important rail route will give much more flexibility for our freight operators greatly improving connectivity across the country, while benefiting the environment through taking HGVs off roads – providing a lasting legacy for communities and business.”

Kate Bedson, Senior Director, National Markets, SEGRO, commented: “We’re excited to see real momentum building at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton, marked by the completion of the rail freight terminal infrastructure, the arrival of the first train and the completion of Yusen Logistics’ new facility – the first warehouse to be constructed on the park. Each freight train can remove up to 76 HGVs from the road with a consequential reduction in carbon emissions, making this a crucial step towards more sustainable logistics. With rail freight contributing £1.7 billion to the economy, this milestone is not only a shot in the arm for growth, it also supports a greener, more efficient supply chain.”

Tate and Lyle Sugars goes all-in on electric HGVs

Posted on by David Priestman

Tate & Lyle Sugars continue to push sustainability with the introduction of two brand-new 100% electric Volvo lorries, operating around London from April 2025.

Transport emissions are one of the leading contributors to urban air pollution, and Tate & Lyle Sugars’ investment in fully electric lorries marks a step towards supporting cleaner, healthier cities and reaching its carbon neutrality targets in the UK by 2041.

Unlike traditional diesel lorries, which emit pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide that exacerbate air pollution and climate change, these electric alternatives produce zero tailpipe emissions.

The investment highlights Tate & Lyle Sugars’ ambition and commitment to becoming the most ethical and sustainable cane sugar refiner in the world, and its pledge to reduce emissions, thereby improving urban air quality.

To honour its heritage while working for a cleaner future, Tate & Lyle Sugars unveiled one of its new electric lorries outside the British Commercial Vehicle Museum in Leyland, Lancashire, which charts the UK’s commercial vehicle history since the 1800s and proudly exhibits a number of the company’s retired commercial vehicles. Chorley is also a neighbouring Lancashire town where sugar merchant, philanthropist, and one of the founders of the company Sir Henry Tate, was born in 1819.

To emphasise its evolution, a number of historic vehicles were proudly lined up and displayed outside the museum, including a horse and cart, used by Tate & Lyle Sugars to move sugar within the refinery until 1954, and two vintage vehicles; a 1913 McCurd and a 1932 Latil.

The McCurd is the only surviving vehicle of its type in the world and even appeared in the film ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’. It was restored as a box van in the ‘Tate Sugars’ livery after being used by troops during the war.

The French manufacturer, Latil, produced the versatile Latil four-wheel drive road tractor under licence in England by Shelvoke and Drury and it was used by Tate & Lyle Sugars throughout the 1930s.

Two cutting-edge Volvo electric lorries are now in operation at Tate & Lyle Sugars, serving key logistics routes in East London. One vehicle handles palletised product transfers from the Thames Refinery to an external warehouse, while the other manages bulk deliveries to major customers within the M25 and also handles sugar movements between the Thames Refinery and Plaistow factories.

Volvo has provided comprehensive hands-on training to drivers, ensuring optimal performance and battery efficiency. They will also repurpose end-of-life EV batteries for second-life energy storage to minimise waste.

A recent survey by Tate & Lyle Sugars revealed that 67%² of consumers view businesses more positively when they utilise electric vehicles, further reinforcing the necessity of sustainable operations within the supply chain.

Saving 55,000 diesel miles annually, this is roughly the distance of driving from London to Sydney and back twice, 7 round-trip flights from London to New York, 82 return coach trips between London and Edinburgh or traveling the entire length of the UK (Land’s End to John o’ Groats) 63 times.

Andrew Jones, President of Tate and Lyle Sugars, commented:

“The introduction of our 100% electric lorries marks another step forward in our commitment to being one of the world’s most ethical and environmentally responsible cane sugar refiners.

“We continually explore ways to make our logistics more sustainable — from optimising vehicle payloads to choosing greener transport methods — and remain focused on working with our customers and suppliers to build a more sustainable supply chain.

“The commemorative event at the British Commercial Vehicle Museum also celebrated this progress, showcasing our journey from 1878 to today.

“This latest move honours our heritage while accelerating our vision for a cleaner future.”

New MD for Van and Truck Hire

Posted on by Will Priestman

SIXT has announced the appointment of Yvonne Gabler as the new Managing Director for SIXT van & truck in the UK, effective from May 2025. Yvonne succeeds David Saint, who led the UK business with passion and commitment for almost four years.

With over a decade of experience in the automotive and mobility sector, Gabler brings a deep understanding of both B2B sales and commercial vehicle rental. She has relocated from Germany to Scotland to take on the new role and spearhead the next phase of growth for SIXT van & truck in the UK.

Dr. Peter Beermann, Executive Vice President SIXT van & truck commented: “Yvonne has a deep understanding of our business and a proven track record of driving growth through innovation and leadership. Her appointment marks an exciting step forward for SIXT van & truck in the UK. I’m confident she will lead the team to even greater success, and I’m personally happy to see such a strong female leader from within our own ranks take on this important role.”

Gabler began her career at SIXT Leasing in 2012 and has since progressed through a series of strategic leadership roles. In 2018, she transitioned from “SIXT Leasing” to “SIXT rent a car” division, leading the Special Sales Department, overseeing diverse B2B segments including luxury, movie production, van & truck, and replacement sales.

Her outstanding performance led to further promotion and most recently, in January 2023, Gabler took on a pivotal role focusing on van & truck B2B sales, helping to build and strengthen the international van and truck B2B sales organisation, leading teams dedicated to telesales, area sales, and key account management across the globe.

Now, in her new role, Gabler’s strategic focus will be on scaling the business, increasing brand awareness across the UK, and positioning SIXT van & truck as a bold and innovative force in the commercial vehicle rental sector.

“SIXT is already the most innovative player in the mobility market when considering hiring a car,” said Gabler. “We want to achieve the same level of brand recognition in the UK when hiring commercial vehicles. The goal is to grow and scale the business and to become a very competitive player in the commercial vehicle market.”

She added: “I am super delighted about having the chance to extend my responsibilities and to grow the already existing business with the experienced and highly motivated van & truck team here in the UK. The whole team has the ambition to grow and is ready to prove that SIXT has built a strong product and a compelling business proposition for the UK market.”

From Drive Systems to Solutions

Posted on by David Priestman

Whether conveying goods or lifting heavy loads, every movement needs drive. However, different applications have different requirements. As a developer of drive solutions, NORD offers via its modular product range all components of drive technology that can be combined in various configurations.

NORD implements the appropriate selection, design and calculation of the drives. Drive systems consisting
of gear unit, motor and drive electronics thus become tailor-made solutions for specific industry applications. Hence, the company is able to fulfil a wide range of specific requirements.

A modular system offering numerous solutions

One example is the requirement for energy efficiency. NORD has electric motors that can be used worldwide and comply with all relevant international regulations. With its IE5+ synchronous motors, the developer surpasses the efficiencies of the currently highest defined energy efficiency class (IE5). They are also part of the integrated gear unit/motor concept DuoDrive that combines the IE5+ motor with a single-stage helical gear unit in one housing. DuoDrive achieves one of the highest efficiencies on the market within this power class. Users also benefit from expertise and additional services, such as the NORD ECO efficiency analysis that allows the implementation of upcoming drive tasks with optimal energy consumption.

Another current example is condition monitoring that NORD can integrate into its drive solutions. With an IIoT solution, it is possible to determine and analyse drive and status data via the integrated PLC of the frequency inverter. The data can also be made available to the central systems of the users. This provides important information for predictive maintenance, allowing machinery and equipment to be maintained proactively, while reducing downtimes and increasing overall system efficiency.

Solutions to optimise user performance

“Requirements are changing – and we are actively following this path” reports Jörg Niermann, Head of
Marketing at NORD. “We are continuously developing our drive components to provide our customers with
solutions that help them progress technically, economically and environmentally.” By combining a wide
modular product range with technical expertise and knowledge in more than 100 industries, NORD creates
drive systems that are tailored to specific needs and delivered as complete solutions from a single source.

Amazon to Invest £40 Billion in UK Logistics and Infrastructure

Posted on by Will Priestman

Amazon has announced a major investment of £40 billion (US$54 billion) in the United Kingdom over the next three years, marking one of its largest-ever financial commitments outside the United States. The move will significantly expand Amazon’s logistics, fulfilment, cloud computing, and content production capabilities across the UK, while creating thousands of new jobs and reinforcing its strategic position in the market.

As part of the investment, Amazon plans to open four new fulfilment centres in Hull, Northampton, the East Midlands, and one additional location yet to be confirmed. The Hull and Northampton sites alone are expected to generate around 2,000 permanent jobs each. In addition, more than 100 existing logistics sites — including delivery stations and operations buildings — will be upgraded, supporting faster and more efficient distribution nationwide. New delivery stations will also be developed to strengthen last-mile delivery performance and meet growing consumer demand.

Beyond logistics, the company is also committing significant resources to technology and infrastructure. This includes an £8 billion investment in Amazon Web Services (AWS) data centres, announced last year and set to be rolled out through 2028. These facilities will support the growth of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and big data services across the UK economy. Additional spending will go toward two new corporate office buildings in London and the redevelopment of Bray Film Studios in Berkshire, supporting Amazon’s growing content production efforts.

Amazon currently employs around 75,000 people in the UK, making it one of the country’s top ten private employers. With this new investment, the company aims to create thousands of new full-time roles across logistics, tech, and cloud services. The expansion not only deepens Amazon’s operational footprint in Britain, but also supports the broader economic agenda set out by the newly elected UK government.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the announcement as a “massive vote of confidence in the UK as the best place to do business.” The investment aligns closely with the government’s newly launched Modern Industrial Strategy, which emphasises growth through private investment, innovation, green energy, and skills development.

From a logistics perspective, this development is transformative. The addition of new fulfilment centres and delivery stations will substantially enhance Amazon’s warehousing capacity, regional reach, and delivery speed. Locating facilities in areas such as Hull and Northampton enables more distributed operations and helps relieve pressure on London-based infrastructure. Meanwhile, investments in AWS and AI-driven data centres will further strengthen the integration of automation, predictive analytics, and smart logistics into Amazon’s supply chain — setting new benchmarks for operational efficiency and scalability.

While the long-term benefits to the UK economy are clear, Amazon still faces regulatory scrutiny. The company is currently under review by the UK’s grocery watchdog over concerns about delayed supplier payments, indicating that its growing influence will continue to be monitored by public authorities.

For the logistics industry, Amazon’s £40 billion commitment represents a decisive shift. The scale of investment will reshape the competitive landscape, fuel demand for third-party services, and open up new opportunities in warehousing, transport, and supply chain innovation. As Amazon doubles down on UK infrastructure, the entire sector may need to raise its game — or find smart ways to complement, not compete with, a rapidly evolving logistics giant.

Kmart Automates new Omni-channel Facility

Posted on by Paul Dixon

Vanderlande has been selected by Kmart to automate its new logistics facility at the Moorebank Intermodal Precinct in Sydney. To meet the complex needs and demands of one of Australia’s most iconic retail brands, the state-of-the-art warehouse will feature Vanderlande’s FASTPICK goods-to-person
order fulfilment system.

The Kmart Group serves millions of customers per week in over 450 Kmart and Target stores across Australia and New Zealand, as well as through its online platforms and mobile apps. Kmart’s long-term growth ambitions will focus on this omni-channel approach, and address the current challenges of labour availability, rising order volumes, and increasing customer expectations.

The partnership reflects Kmart’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and future-proofing its supply chain as it continues to expand across the region. The new 100,000m² omni-channel facility will be equipped with Vanderlande’s advanced FASTPICK solution, combining the intelligent ADAPTO automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) with ten ergonomic goods-to-person (GtP) workstations.

The system has been designed to maximise picking speed, flexibility and efficiency, so that the full complexity of both business-to-business (store deliveries) and business-toconsumer (online orders) operations can be seamlessly integrated within a single omnichannel fulfilment centre. For retail distribution, a high-speed crossbelt sorter will handle both cartons and polybags with a high level of precision.

In addition, the Moorebank site will deploy a large fleet of Toyota AGVs and VNA (very narrow aisle) trucks to support internal pallet transport and high-density storage. The entire operation will be controlled by Vanderlande’s VISION warehouse control system, ensuring the intelligent coordination and
management of all processes. Together, these integrated technologies will form a scalable, future-ready platform that is tailored to meet Kmart’s operational requirements.

“The investment in the new Moorebank omni-channel fulfilment centre will be an important part of our long-term strategy to modernise our supply chain and simplify store operations,” explains Phillip Irvine, Kmart’s General Manager – Next Generation Supply Chain. “Ultimately, this approach is about delivering even more value to our customers, which is central to who we are.”

“We are excited to join Kmart on this journey to optimise its supply chain and ensure that this is ready for the future,” says Jordan Thrupp, Vanderlande’s Managing Director Australia. “The strong partnership we’ve built with their team has been instrumental in delivering the best possible solution, and we remain committed to supporting Kmart’s ongoing success.”

Stephan Heessels, Vanderlande’s Executive Vice President for Warehouse Solutions adds: “This project reflects our dedication to delivering scalable systems with fast and efficient order fulfilment. FASTPICK is the optimal solution for leading retailers, such as Kmart, facing unpredictable long-term growth across their store and e-commerce operations.”

New Rail Services Launched From London Gateway

Posted on by David Priestman

Maritime Transport has launched two new intermodal rail services connecting DP World London Gateway with its inland terminals at Hams Hall and iPort Doncaster.

Running Monday to Saturday, the new services commenced last week and are operated in partnership with GB Railfreight. Both services have been introduced in response to growing volumes at DP World London Gateway – where a £1bn expansion is set to begin this month to increase capacity at the Port – and reflect Maritime’s continued investment in expanding its rail network and infrastructure, improving inland connectivity, and driving modal shift across key UK routes.

John Bailey, Managing Director – Intermodal, Maritime Transport:

‘London Gateway is seeing strong growth in container volumes, supported by its role in the Gemini Cooperation’s Asia–Europe network and a major expansion project that will further strengthen its position as one of the UK’s leading deep-sea ports. As throughput increases, so too does the need for reliable inland connections. These new rail services provide the additional capacity needed to support that growth, enhance our national network, and enable a more meaningful shift from road to rail as part of a lower-carbon, more efficient UK supply chain.’

London Gateway Maritime Transport

Maritime plans to introduce additional services in the coming weeks, expanding connectivity between major UK ports and its network of nine strategic rail freight terminals. New routes currently in development include Felixstowe to Manchester, DP World London Gateway to the East Midlands, and Southampton to Maritime’s SRFI at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton – the latest addition to the company’s growing rail terminal portfolio which is now fully integrated into the national rail network.

Julie Garn, Intermodal Director, GB Railfreight:

‘Rail plays a hugely important role in our national supply chains. In addition to driving our economy, moving goods by rail reduces emissions and supports the UK’s transition to more sustainable transport. Using rail freight reduces carbon emissions by c.76% compared to road. These new services are a great example of what long-term collaboration can achieve, delivering practical, lower-carbon alternatives to road that benefit the wider supply chain.’

Rugged Computing Tech

Posted on by Paul Hamblin

Rugged devices and mobile computers can improve supply chain performance for transport operations, field workers, drivers and delivery teams, according to one manufacturer, Getac.

One of the key lessons learnt by the global supply chain industry over the last few years is the critical importance of having robust supply chain processes in place, particularly because customers today demand short lead times and fast delivery.

Developing resilient supply chains won’t come overnight, but having the right technology in place is fundamental to achieving it. In particular, the use of rugged devices and solutions is seeing significant growth throughout the transport and logistics (T&L) sector as whole. In fact, a recent study by IDC and Getac found that 65% of T&L organisations are now spending at least 10% of their IT budget on rugged devices, with 51% planning to increase their spending over the next 12-18 months.

Overcoming Industry Challenges

Rugged technology can help enhance efficiency and resolve many of the ongoing challenges that the T&L sector faces: whether that’s a need to improve transparency in the supply chain, eliminate inefficiencies in data gathering or meet health and safety, environmental and sustainability regulations.

Unexpected events from severe weather to ‘black swan’ events can impact T&L operations overnight, which is why the sector needs ready access to technology that can provide visibility and deliver valuable insights. Rugged technology does just that, enabling companies to better track key performance indicators, identify inefficiencies, and make data-driven decisions that optimise processes and reduce costs.

A growing number of T&L companies also now use IoT sensors on assets and goods, which give them real-time information on a range of parameters such as humidity and temperature while in transit. When integrated into supply chain management systems, these insights can help inform decisions on things like delivery schedules, with rugged devices serving as the platforms through which drivers/managers access and receive this information.

At the same time, real-time GPS tracking can help keep workers safe in adverse weather conditions, while dispatchers can use it in combination with real-time traffic data to route drivers via the most eco-friendly routes possible, helping to reduce their carbon footprint.

The operational visibility that rugged technologies offer also helps track energy consumption and optimise productivity. IDC’s study found a growing number of T&L organisations were looking to integrate rugged devices into warehouse management, customer relationship, and supply chain management systems, all in a bid to improve efficiencies in the supply chain and boost worker performance.

The Business Case

The business case for rugged devices extends far beyond durability alone. The combination of powerful specification, extensive connectivity and reliability makes them ideally suited to T&L environments, where a single device can travel hundreds of miles a day and be used in a wide range of locations, temperatures, and weather conditions. Most rugged device fleets can also be scaled up easily, using centrally managed security protocols that make it easier for IT teams to protect sensitive data, regardless of where the device physically is.

While upfront capital investment in a rugged device stack might be a little higher than consumer-oriented equivalents, the total cost of ownership (TCO) shakes out in favour of rugged devices. Digital transformation in all sectors, including in T&L, depends on reliable, always-available, accurate data, which can also help automate supply chain processes. The ability to deliver this data when needed means rugged devices can unlock a range of efficiencies across the entire supply chain.

Whether companies are looking to improve their customer service metrics, boost sustainability initiatives, comply with regulations, cut down on waste in last-mile logistics, or improve worker productivity, rugged devices are essential in helping meet these goals.

Implementing Rugged Devices

Rugged devices might be a must-have for T&L operations but making a wise investment decision means considering the following factors in TCO calculations:

Ease of integration with in-house supply chain software systems: For rugged devices to do their job, which is to facilitate access to data, they need to integrate with software systems for that information. Companies need to ensure that rugged devices will work with existing supply chain and warehouse management systems. Integrating rugged devices with inventory management systems such as ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID is crucial to optimise inventory processes and improve efficiency.

One of the key concerns that many companies have is that rugged devices expand the company’s data systems to the edge. Trusted rugged device vendors have robust security protocols in place to keep data secure. Likewise, organizations must evaluate the range of operating conditions that their fleet of rugged devices will need to withstand and pick the right devices accordingly, using the device vendor’s industry experience to guide their decision-making.

The best practises for integrating rugged devices into T&L operations extend beyond the ones listed here. Companies should conduct a comprehensive TCO assessment and ensure a ramp-up period to iron out any potential issues that might surface. Most importantly, the C-suite needs to ensure workforce buy-in, so team members see the devices as aids that help them do their job better while improving efficiency.

No one can predict when the next supply chain shock will occur but being able to access data in real time keeps T&L companies agile and able to withstand ups and downs. Now is the time to invest in rugged devices to make T&L operations function smoothly and ready to take on any challenge.

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