TMS and Telematics - Logistics Business News https://logisticsbusiness.com/category/it-in-logistics/tms-telematics/ News, Podcast, Magazine and More Fri, 20 Mar 2026 09:09:11 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://logisticsbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/cropped-LB-32x32.png TMS and Telematics - Logistics Business News https://logisticsbusiness.com/category/it-in-logistics/tms-telematics/ 32 32 Samsara Launches its Most Compact Asset Tag https://logisticsbusiness.com/it-in-logistics/samsara-launches-its-most-compact-asset-tag/ Fri, 20 Mar 2026 09:09:08 +0000 https://logisticsbusiness.com/?p=66211 Samsara Inc. has announced its latest-generation Asset Tag and all-new Asset Tag XS, designed to help operations and fleet equipment managers track and recover high-value assets of all sizes. Powered by the expanded Samsara Network, the new tags are equipped with an AI-powered theft and loss workflow to help customers proactively identify, investigate, and recover […]

The post Samsara Launches its Most Compact Asset Tag appeared first on Logistics Business.

]]>
Samsara Inc. has announced its latest-generation Asset Tag and all-new Asset Tag XS, designed to help operations and fleet equipment managers track and recover high-value assets of all sizes. Powered by the expanded Samsara Network, the new tags are equipped with an AI-powered theft and loss workflow to help customers proactively identify, investigate, and recover mission-critical assets in record time.

“By integrating Samsara Asset Tags, we’ve gained real-time visibility over £7.2 million worth of specialist equipment. What used to take weeks to locate is now found in minutes, allowing us to prevent theft and loss to the tune of £60,000 annually,” said Amber Kirkby, Product Owner of Samsara at Lanes Group. “It has transformed our operational efficiency by ensuring our teams always have the right tools exactly when they need them.”

Operations network just got better

Over the last two years, Samsara’s Network has doubled in density, reinforcing its position as one of the industry’s leading industrial-grade Bluetooth networks. This expansive mesh network leverages millions of Samsara-connected devices. By using industrial-grade Bluetooth signals to continuously ‘listen’ for Asset Tags, a single Asset Tag can be detected in real time.

To provide an even more comprehensive view, Samsara has integrated Hubble’s Terrestrial Network, comprised of 90M consumer smartphones. This integration builds on Samsara’s presence on roads, at job sites, and in residential areas by extending visibility into buildings.

“The integration with Hubble complements Samsara’s existing network,” said David Gal, VP of Connected Equipment at Samsara. “The Samsara Network leverages millions of gateways on assets from construction sites to motorways to rubbish trucks, while Hubble’s network uses primarily consumer smartphones, ensuring no lost or stolen asset can hide, even inside buildings. The best network in the business just got better, delivering unprecedented asset visibility.”

Intelligence delivers increased visibility and rapid asset recovery

With Samsara’s end-to-end theft and loss workflow, organisations can now detect at risk assets sooner, investigate incidents, and coordinate fast recoveries.
● Proactively identify at-risk equipment: With the new Left Behind Incident feature, managers are immediately notified when an asset is separated from its vehicle outside a trusted geofence. Rather than discovering the loss days or weeks later, customers can respond in real time to recover assets and prevent costly disruptions.
● Investigate with real-time information: Customers can mark an asset as missing and see critical context, such as photos of who last had the asset, which vehicle it was last seen with, and more, powered by StreetSense. This rich context helps determine the most efficient recovery method and allocates the resources needed for a successful retrieval.
● Rapidly recover assets and avoid lost time: Customers can coordinate quick asset recovery by dispatching a driver or sharing asset location with local authorities. Once dispatched, crews can quickly pinpoint an asset’s exact location using Compass Mode.
● Demonstrate return on investment: The new Asset Tag Overview page analyses asset photos with AI to calculate the value of assets protected and recovered. By tracking the total monetary value of assets, managers can demonstrate financial impact on the business.

Sized for equipment big and small. There’s nothing you can’t track.

The new Asset Tags are ruggedised devices engineered to operate in the most extreme and remote environments. With the compact Asset Tag and ultra-compact Asset Tag XS, equipment managers can mix and match devices based on the equipment’s size and shape.

● Asset Tag: Designed for both large and small equipment, the Asset Tag provides up to six years of maintenance-free battery life—a 50% increase over the previous generation.
● Asset Tag XS: Ideal for even smaller, high-value handheld tools or specialised equipment such as gas meters or IV pumps, the ultra-compact Asset Tag XS offers three years of battery life and flexible mounting options for the most obscure equipment.

“The scale of equipment loss in physical operations goes far beyond the cost of the tools themselves—it’s about lost productivity and project delays,” said David Gal, VP of Connected Equipment at Samsara. “To solve this, we’re doubling down on innovation, laying the foundation for new use cases. We’ve supercharged the network, the hardware, and the recovery workflow, and with the Asset Tag XS, now even the smallest assets stay within reach.”

New research reveals the multi-million dollar impact of asset loss

In physical operations, small assets play a big role in getting the job done; however, keeping track of these mission-critical tools is a growing challenge.

Research from Samsara’s forthcoming State of Connected Operations: Asset Theft & Loss report shows that in the past 12 months, 77% of organisations say a missing critical asset has resulted in a significant operational shutdown or delay. Moreover, asset shrinkage costs the average organisation without an asset tracking solution nearly £9.6 million annually, with smaller assets driving more than 70% of that cost.

The post Samsara Launches its Most Compact Asset Tag appeared first on Logistics Business.

]]>
Compliance Software for UK CV Fleets in Europe https://logisticsbusiness.com/transport-distribution/lorries-vans-trailers/compliance-software-for-uk-cv-fleets-in-europe/ Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:28:35 +0000 https://logisticsbusiness.com/?p=66207 AiDEN, in collaboration with Volvo Group, has announced a new solution designed to simplify regulatory compliance for truck drivers and fleet operators across Europe. For UK-based fleets — many of which operate extensively across EU markets — this development has important implications for managing cross-border complexity, improving efficiency, and supporting ongoing digitalization efforts post-Brexit. With […]

The post Compliance Software for UK CV Fleets in Europe appeared first on Logistics Business.

]]>
AiDEN, in collaboration with Volvo Group, has announced a new solution designed to simplify regulatory compliance for truck drivers and fleet operators across Europe. For UK-based fleets — many of which operate extensively across EU markets — this development has important implications for managing cross-border complexity, improving efficiency, and supporting ongoing digitalization efforts post-Brexit.

With UK logistics companies continuing to play a critical role in European supply chains, solutions like this can help streamline operations, reduce friction at borders, and improve overall driver experience —particularly for fleets navigating evolving regulatory requirements across multiple countries.

In December 2024, a new regulatory requirement was introduced in Poland related to SENT (System for Electronic Transport Supervision) for tracking high-risk goods transported within the country. In regard to this, a project to validate one of AiDENS services/products within the platform was initiated. This was done in a project with Volvo Trucks through CampX, Volvo Group’s global innovation arena for technology and business transformation.

It was a successful project leading to high value for the fleet owner and truck drivers enabling seamless compliance with Poland’s SENT without the need for external GPS devices or aftermarket installations. Due to the successful outcomes from the initial project, another phase is now initiated with Volvo Trucks to evaluate further commercial markets during 2026.

We asked Niclas Gyllenram, CEO of AiDEN Auto, to explain further:

How does AiDEN’s integration with Volvo Trucks address regulatory compliance challenges that are comparable to those faced by UK fleet operators, particularly in areas like customs, cabotage, and emissions reporting?

What we’ve demonstrated with SENT in Poland is that compliance can be embedded directly into the vehicle, rather than managed as a separate operational burden. While the UK has its own regulatory landscape — whether that’s post-Brexit customs processes, emissions zones, or cabotage rules — the underlying challenge is the same: fragmented systems and manual workflows. Our approach is to unify those requirements into a single, in-vehicle interface that automates data capture and reporting. That reduces errors, improves traceability, and ultimately gives operators more confidence that they are compliant without adding complexity to their day-to-day operations.

    The UK logistics sector is dealing with increasing operational complexity post-Brexit—how could a built-in, OEM-native compliance solution like AiDEN’s help reduce administrative burden and cross-border friction for UK hauliers?

    Post-Brexit, UK operators are navigating a much more complex cross-border environment, with additional documentation, checks, and reporting obligations. Traditionally, this has meant more paperwork, more devices, and more time spent managing compliance rather than moving goods. By embedding compliance into the truck itself, we remove much of that friction. Data is captured automatically, reporting can be handled in real time, and drivers don’t need to interact with multiple systems. That translates into fewer delays at borders, fewer compliance risks, and a more streamlined operation overall.

    Given that the initial use case focuses on Poland’s SENT regulation, what lessons from this deployment are most relevant for the UK market, where digital compliance requirements are also evolving?

    One of the key lessons is that operators don’t want more tools — they want fewer, better-integrated ones. In Poland, the biggest value came from eliminating the need for external GPS devices and separate applications, while still meeting strict regulatory requirements. That principle applies equally in the UK. As digital compliance frameworks evolve, success will depend on how seamlessly these requirements can be integrated into existing workflows. If compliance becomes invisible — something that just happens in the background — then adoption becomes much easier and the value becomes immediate.

    UK fleets often rely on a mix of legacy systems and aftermarket solutions—how significant is the shift toward fully integrated, in-vehicle compliance tools in terms of cost savings, uptime, and driver experience?

    It’s a fundamental shift. Aftermarket solutions typically introduce additional hardware, installation time, maintenance, and points of failure. They also create a fragmented experience for drivers, who may need to manage multiple devices or interfaces. By moving to an OEM-native solution, you eliminate those layers. There’s no additional hardware cost, no installation downtime, and far fewer integration challenges. From a driver’s perspective, everything is accessible through a familiar interface. From an operator’s perspective, that means lower total cost of ownership and improved fleet uptime.

    From a broader transportation perspective, how do you see embedded compliance and connectivity platforms reshaping fleet management, safety, and operational efficiency across the UK logistics ecosystem?

    We see this as part of a broader transition toward software-defined vehicles. Compliance is just one entry point, but once you have a secure, connected platform in the vehicle, you can layer in additional services— everything from safety features to operational analytics. For UK fleets, that means moving from reactive management to real-time, data-driven decision-making. It improves safety by ensuring regulatory adherence, enhances efficiency through better visibility, and creates opportunities to optimize routes, reduce emissions, and improve overall performance.

    Following the successful proof-of-value project with Volvo Trucks and the planned evaluation of additional commercial markets in 2026, what are AiDEN’s priorities for expansion into the UK and other European markets, and what criteria determine where you scale next?

    The success of the initial project has validated both the technology and the business case, which is why we are now moving into the next phase to evaluate additional markets. Our expansion strategy is guided by a few key factors: the level of regulatory complexity, the digital maturity of the market, and the presence of strong OEM and fleet partnerships. The UK is naturally a market of interest because of its scale and the operational challenges fleets are facing today. Ultimately, our goal is to bring the same value we’ve demonstrated in Poland — simplifying compliance and reducing operational friction — to fleets across Europe, adapting to each market’s specific regulatory environment while maintaining a consistent, integrated user experience.

      The post Compliance Software for UK CV Fleets in Europe appeared first on Logistics Business.

      ]]>
      Food & Beverage Supply Chain Planning https://logisticsbusiness.com/it-in-logistics/wms-scm-software/food-beverage-supply-chain-planning/ Mon, 16 Mar 2026 11:58:42 +0000 https://logisticsbusiness.com/?p=66115 Manhattan Associates Inc.  has announced that Rainforest Distribution Corp., a full-service food and beverage distributor, has selected Manhattan Active® Supply Chain Planning (SCP) to unify its supply chain functions, transform its end-to-end planning processes, drive higher service levels, and support continued growth. This will result in greater agility enabled by unified planning, enhanced forecasting accuracy […]

      The post Food & Beverage Supply Chain Planning appeared first on Logistics Business.

      ]]>
      Manhattan Associates Inc.  has announced that Rainforest Distribution Corp., a full-service food and beverage distributor, has selected Manhattan Active® Supply Chain Planning (SCP) to unify its supply chain functions, transform its end-to-end planning processes, drive higher service levels, and support continued growth. This will result in greater agility enabled by unified planning, enhanced forecasting accuracy powered by AI-driven insights, and seamless alignment between planning and execution systems.

      Rainforest Distribution chose Manhattan Active Supply Chain Planning to modernise its demand planning, forecasting, and replenishment processes, all on a single unified, cloud-native platform. By moving away from fragmented legacy tools to a single planning solution, Rainforest will gain real-time visibility and continuously balance service levels, cost, and capacity across its network, while responding faster to changing customer demand.

      “As our business continues to scale, the complexity of our supply chain has increased exponentially,” said Alexander Ridings, CEO, Rainforest Distribution.

      “We needed a modern planning solution that could keep pace with that growth, give our teams a single, trusted view of demand and inventory, and help us serve customers with greater reliability. Manhattan Active Supply Chain Planning gives us the unified, intelligent platform we were looking for to align our planners, our operations, and our strategic growth ambitions.”

      “Rainforest Distribution operates in an environment where agility, accuracy, and responsiveness are critical,” said Stewart Gantt, executive vice president of Global Services, Manhattan Associates. “We are excited to partner with them on this transformation to help them unlock new levels of efficiency and build a more resilient, data-driven supply chain.”

      Manhattan Active Supply Chain Planning aligns planning and execution around a shared strategy, helping organisations eliminate systemic and operational silos and drive coordinated, enterprise-wide decision-making. Built on Manhattan’s cloud-native, microservices-based Manhattan Active® Platform, the solution is engineered to adapt in real time to shifts in demand, labour, orders, and capacity, aligning planning functions with execution across distribution and transportation operations.

      The post Food & Beverage Supply Chain Planning appeared first on Logistics Business.

      ]]>
      Yard Management for Smaller Logistics Facilities https://logisticsbusiness.com/it-in-logistics/tms-telematics/yard-management-for-smaller-logistics-facilities/ Fri, 13 Mar 2026 13:17:37 +0000 https://logisticsbusiness.com/?p=66098 INFORM software has announced the launch of ‘YMSlite’, an entry-level yard, dock, and gate management solution for small to mid-sized warehouses, distribution centres, carrier and container yards, 3PLs, and manufacturing sites with yard operations. The easy-to-use software gives operators a straightforward way to organize and monitor yard operations in real time. In many smaller facilities, […]

      The post Yard Management for Smaller Logistics Facilities appeared first on Logistics Business.

      ]]>
      INFORM software has announced the launch of ‘YMSlite’, an entry-level yard, dock, and gate management solution for small to mid-sized warehouses, distribution centres, carrier and container yards, 3PLs, and manufacturing sites with yard operations. The easy-to-use software gives operators a straightforward way to organize and monitor yard operations in real time.

      In many smaller facilities, yard operations remain one of the least digitized areas in the supply chain. Trucks wait at the gate, dock doors are occupied longer than necessary, and teams rely on phone calls, radios, and manual lists to keep track of trailers and containers. This leads to unnecessary dwell times, higher detention and demurrage costs, and a constant risk of miscommunication between warehouse staff, transport partners, and gate personnel.

      “In Europe, a lot of everyday yard operations still run on clipboards, spreadsheets, and local knowledge,” says Gary Van Tassel, Director of Sales for Terminal & Distribution Center Logistics at INFORM. “At the same time, customers feel growing pressure from rising transportation costs, driver shortages, and increasing service expectations. YMSlite gives small and mid-sized facilities a practical way to gain control over their yards. With real-time visibility, better dock planning, and fewer surprises at the gate. Without the overhead of a big system implementation.”

      Yard, dock, and gate in one platform

      As a standalone system, YMSlite combines yard, dock, and gate operations in a single web-based application. Operations teams can configure their yard layout – including parking spots, docks, and bulk areas – and track trailers, containers, and chassis in real time. A live yard overview shows where each unit is located and for how long it has been there, allowing teams to reduce search times and act early when dwell times become critical.

      Within the application, users can assign equipment to doors, block and unblock locations, and move trailers between parking slots and docks. Gate staff benefit from a clear overview of expected arrivals and departures and can mark check-in and check-out directly in the system, linking each truck to the relevant unit and yard location. A compact KPI view provides insights into yard occupancy, dock utilization, gate activity, and dwell times to support data-driven decisions.

      Built for smaller facilities – fast start, low risk

      YMSlite is tailored for small and mid-sized warehouses, distribution centres, carrier and container yards, 3PLs, and manufacturing sites that need professional yard management without the complexity of enterprise systems. The user interface is intentionally simple and immediately understandable for operational teams on the ground – so users can get started without extensive training. Setup is equally straightforward: new sites can be configured within 30 minutes, enabling teams to work with the software quickly and productively. Fully cloud-based, YMSlite can be implemented directly without dedicated IT projects or in-depth IT know-how.

      YMSlite is offered with a transparent subscription model, with a flat monthly rate and no hidden fees or long-term commitments. A free trial of 15 days allows interested companies to test the solution with their own data and processes before making a decision.

      “Over the past decades, INFORM has built a strong portfolio for complex logistics operations all over the world,” says Karsten Schumacher, Product Manager YMSlite, Terminal & Distribution Center Logistics at INFORM.

      “With YMSlite, we are deliberately extending this portfolio to smaller logistics facilities. Many of these sites face the same visibility and efficiency challenges as large operations but have lacked a solution that fits their scale and resources. YMSlite closes exactly this gap and allows us to support customers from small businesses through to global enterprises with the right level of functionality in each case.”

      Developed with and for smaller logistics facilities

      During customer pilots of YMSlite, companies were able to replace paper-based yard lists and manual gate logs with a shared digital view of all trailers, docks, and appointments. Participants reported faster access to information, fewer misunderstandings between staff, and more predictable yard flows, particularly during peak periods.

      “YMSlite has been a clear step up from working in Excel. The interface is clean, the system is easy to understand, and we were up and running in about five minutes. Cloud access means we can reach the same up-to-date information from anywhere and don’t have to worry about different file versions. If you’re looking for a straightforward, more structured alternative to spreadsheets, I’d recommend giving YMSlite a try,” says a Warehouse Manager for a leading regional 3PL and YMSlite Beta User.

      Ongoing feedback from beta users continues to shape the product’s evolution. Upcoming enhancements in analytics and reporting will expand the system’s capabilities without compromising its intuitive, user-friendly design.

      The post Yard Management for Smaller Logistics Facilities appeared first on Logistics Business.

      ]]>
      Instant Visibility & Automated Logistics Execution https://logisticsbusiness.com/it-in-logistics/tms-telematics/instant-visibility-automated-logistics-execution/ Tue, 10 Mar 2026 13:35:29 +0000 https://logisticsbusiness.com/?p=66011 Efficiency, sustainability and transparency are the key success factors of modern transport networks. The increasing complexity of global supply chains, the shortage of skilled labour and the growing pressure to meet environmental targets require solutions that intelligently connect data, processes and operational control. Against this backdrop, the new strategic partnership between EPG (Ehrhardt Partner Group) […]

      The post Instant Visibility & Automated Logistics Execution appeared first on Logistics Business.

      ]]>
      Efficiency, sustainability and transparency are the key success factors of modern transport networks. The increasing complexity of global supply chains, the shortage of skilled labour and the growing pressure to meet environmental targets require solutions that intelligently connect data, processes and operational control.

      Against this backdrop, the new strategic partnership between EPG (Ehrhardt Partner Group) and Bluerock TMS, a provider of a globally deployed transport management system, is creating a platform that combines mathematical route optimization with real-time transport management. The goal of the collaboration is to integrate EPG’s routing engine ‘Greenplan’ directly into Bluerock’s cloud-based TMS platform. This will give companies access to a fully connected system that unifies planning, execution and analysis of their transport operations in one central process.

      As a global company with locations in Europe, North America and Asia, Bluerock coordinates millions of shipments each year through its modern and comprehensive TMS. Greenplan enhances these capabilities with a decisive next step.

      While Bluerock provides full transparency on delays, capacity constraints, and operational deviations, Greenplan takes action where visibility alone reaches its limits. Greenplan doesn’t just calculate optimal routes that meet all customer criteria but continuously reoptimizes them. Using advanced mathematical models, routes automatically adapt to changing conditions in real time and can be released instantly at the push of a button.

      The result is a genuine ‘beyond visibility’ effect: companies no longer just see what is happening, instead, they receive immediate, data-driven solutions and concrete options for action. This translates into measurable cost savings, improved on-time performance, and reduced emissions.

      Dr. Clemens Beckmann, CEO Greenplan at EPG, explains: “With this partnership, we are combining mathematically precise route optimization and high-performance transport management in one system for the first time. Companies gain not only trans-parency but also immediate ability to act – automatically and in real time.”

      Efficiency as a Key Competitive Advantage

      Global supply chains are becoming increasingly volatile and interconnected. Fluctuating demand, traffic congestion and rising sustainability requirements increase operational pressure on fleet operators and shippers alike. Static or rule-based route planning methods that used to be sufficient can hardly keep up with these new challenges. The Greenplan algorithm analyzes traffic flows, delivery priorities, time windows and vehicle capacities simultaneously and simulates multiple scenarios within seconds. The most efficient routes are identified and automatically adjusted to current conditions.

      Combined with Bluerock TMS, this creates a learning system that not only detects disruptions but can also react automatically upon them. Dispatchers immediately see delays, late arrivals or capacity constraints in the Bluerock dashboard, and Greenplan generates the optimal alternative without manual intervention. Rico van Leuken, CEO of Bluerock, adds: “Greenplan expands our TMS with a dimension that goes far beyond traditional visibility. Our customers receive a solution that combines the power of a globally deployed transport management system with the precision of mathematical optimization. The result is resilient, dynamic and future-ready networks.”


      Global Reach and a Sustainable Outlook

      Bluerock is used today by companies on three continents and is known for its intuitive usability and strong transparency features. With the integration of Greenplan optimization, the TMS gains an additional dimension and route planning becomes an active con-trol tool that unites economic efficiency with environmental responsibility.

      For EPG, this partnership marks another milestone in expanding its international partner network. The company aims to connect technological innovations worldwide and to establish new standards in digital transport logistics together with leading providers. The combination of Greenplan’s routing technology with Bluerock’s global reach creates a strong foundation for this vision. “Sustainability and efficiency are not opposites but mutually reinforcing factors,” concludes Dr. Beckmann. “The same data that helps reduce costs also enables precise measurement and reduction of emissions. Modern logistics is becoming more economical and more responsible.”

      The post Instant Visibility & Automated Logistics Execution appeared first on Logistics Business.

      ]]>
      Specialist Deliveries in Franchise Logistics https://logisticsbusiness.com/packaging-ecommerce/last-mile-lockers/specialist-deliveries-in-franchise-logistics/ https://logisticsbusiness.com/packaging-ecommerce/last-mile-lockers/specialist-deliveries-in-franchise-logistics/#comments Tue, 10 Mar 2026 09:01:49 +0000 https://logisticsbusiness.com/?p=65911 InXpress, a specialist in international and complex logistics solutions, has reached a key milestone after completing over 100,000 specialist delivery loads through its strategic partnership with TEG, a fintech-enabled platform serving transport and logistics, as e-commerce growth reshapes customer expectations. For InXpress, this challenge became critical as rapid global e-commerce growth fundamentally changed customer expectations […]

      The post Specialist Deliveries in Franchise Logistics appeared first on Logistics Business.

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

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

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

      said Jon White, Chief Commercial Officer EMEA at InXpress.

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

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

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

      The post Specialist Deliveries in Franchise Logistics appeared first on Logistics Business.

      ]]>
      https://logisticsbusiness.com/packaging-ecommerce/last-mile-lockers/specialist-deliveries-in-franchise-logistics/feed/ 1
      Dispatch Smarter: Turning GPS Data into Better Routing https://logisticsbusiness.com/it-in-logistics/tms-telematics/dispatch-smarter-turning-gps-data-into-better-routing/ Tue, 03 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://logisticsbusiness.com/?p=65813 The Global Positioning System is a technology that has been in existence for decades, but the greatest benefits of it are increasing each year. Many transportation companies use GPS to identify where their drivers are in relation to the destination. For some, this may be enough, but they lack insight into the ways that GPS can transform route development and optimization. […]

      The post Dispatch Smarter: Turning GPS Data into Better Routing appeared first on Logistics Business.

      ]]>
      The Global Positioning System is a technology that has been in existence for decades, but the greatest benefits of it are increasing each year. Many transportation companies use GPS to identify where their drivers are in relation to the destination. For some, this may be enough, but they lack insight into the ways that GPS can transform route development and optimization. With this guide, transportation professionals will see how GPS data can turn into better routing decisions. 

      Obstacles in Dispatching 

      In a highly competitive environment, where efficiency might mean the difference between success and insolvency, route optimization is everything. The company that survives is the one that is better at getting the vehicle to the destination, while keeping drivers safe and happy and cutting costs along the way. Many businesses rely on GPS merely as a tool to help them generally assess the position of the fleet or determine the distance to a particular vehicle’s destination. While GPS handles these tasks effectively, the technology could be doing so much more. 

      Benefits of Implementing GPS Telematics Into Routing Strategies 

      Integrating GPS telematics into routing strategies requires planning and investment, but the advantages are significant. Businesses can streamline their processes, reduce wasted time and fuel, and improve customer and driver outcomes. 

      Reduce Idle Time 

      Idle time is costly for any business that relies heavily on transportation and logistics. Idling means that the vehicle is burning fuel and battery life, without getting to the destination. Drivers who spend too much of their time idling may be more likely to engage in unsafe driving practices to get to their destinations on time. The use of GPS data can help dispatchers optimize routes in real time by analyzing historical traffic patterns and driver behaviors. This technology can help drivers avoid high-traffic areas or construction. 

      Lower Fuel Costs 

      Inefficient routing contributes to delivery delays and higher fuel costs, as drivers sit in traffic or waste miles taking longer routes. Without a real-time route optimization system, dispatchers may direct drivers on paths that get them to the destination using inefficient routes and traffic congestion. Integrating route optimization tools into GPS systems can assist dispatchers in creating more efficient routes that reduce distance and idle time, which can lower fuel costs and stress on the vehicle. 

      Boost Fleet Capacity 

      Increasing efficiency through the use of GPS software and a vehicle tracker company can help to boost fleet capacity. Companies may have no idea how many customers they can realistically serve until they optimize every aspect of the process. By cutting down on the time spent getting to the destination, organizations can serve more customers with each vehicle. This increase in fleet capacity can allow businesses to expand operations or reduce the number of vehicles, thus improving their operational resilience. 

      Improve Quality of Service 

      Modern technology has put more information into the hands of customers than ever before. Logistics companies can use GPS data to improve customer service outcomes, increasing satisfaction and trust. GPS can identify precisely where a vehicle is on route to the destination, providing a tool that customers can also access. When customers can easily see where the truck is located, they are less likely to ask for updates and satisfaction and trust go up. Optimized routing also reduces time between deliveries or service calls, which can contribute to long-term customer satisfaction. 

      Increase Driver Satisfaction 

      Driver turnover is a persistent challenge in the transportation industry. Training and onboarding can be expensive, which emphasizes the importance of keeping drivers happy and committed.  

      When drivers have to spend extra time navigating construction, predictable traffic, or slower routes, they may cut corners to meet service or delivery goals. An optimized routing system reduces the time and hassle of getting to each destination. As such, efficiency can increase a driver’s willingness to stay with the company, which can lower recruitment and retention costs. 

      For logistics organizations, route optimization is a critical tool for efficiency. By integrating data from GPS technology into route development, companies can reduce costs, improve service quality, boost fleet capacity, and enhance driver satisfaction. 

      The post Dispatch Smarter: Turning GPS Data into Better Routing appeared first on Logistics Business.

      ]]>
      Broken Supply Chain? https://logisticsbusiness.com/it-in-logistics/tms-telematics/supply-chain-software/ Mon, 02 Mar 2026 23:35:00 +0000 https://logisticsbusiness.com/?p=65768 Here’s how a decision-centric model can fix a broken supply chain, according to Allan Dow, EVP/General Manager of Aptean Supply Chain. When Steve Jobs stepped onto the stage at the Macworld Expo in August 1997, he wasn’t introducing a groundbreaking new product (he would announce the iPhone at the same event a decade later). At […]

      The post Broken Supply Chain? appeared first on Logistics Business.

      ]]>
      Here’s how a decision-centric model can fix a broken supply chain, according to Allan Dow, EVP/General Manager of Aptean Supply Chain.

      When Steve Jobs stepped onto the stage at the Macworld Expo in August 1997, he wasn’t introducing a groundbreaking new product (he would announce the iPhone at the same event a decade later).

      At the time, software was rigid. Systems were siloed. Data arrived late. People worked within the confines of the technology, content to be limited by its many shortcomings. Jobs was casting a vision for his company and the customers who would refuse to settle for the status quo.

      It was a rejection of the way people were being forced to work with technology, and a promise and an invitation to think different and change the world. The modern supply chain took shape at the same time, and its software solutions were built around batch planning, static forecasts, and point-in-time data.

      These weren’t the ideal solutions. It was simply what the technology could support. For a long time, it worked. Disruptions existed, but they were exceptions, not norms.

      Today, global supply chains are more expansive than ever before, operating with more velocity and precision but vulnerable to disruption. As one survey of 1,000 senior supply chain leaders concludes, ‘Supply chain disruptions are no longer rare — they’re the new normal.’

      Why Two Decades of Technology Spending Left Supply Chains Brittle

      Two decades and $200 billion in supply chain management technologies have left many supply chains reactive and convoluted. This staggering investment has not delivered the expected resilience; global disruptions now cost the average company 8% of its annual revenue. McKinsey & Company estimates that extended supply chain disruptions lasting more than a month now occur every 3.7 years and can cost a business up to 45% of a year’s profit over a decade.

      Despite this significant spending, most organizations are still operating on their heels, trapped in a cycle of:

      ● Making decisions based on fixed time horizons that ignore the fluidity of global trade
      ● Relying on data that is outdated by the time it reaches the dashboard
      ● Operating in silos, where teams are neither connected nor informed
      ● Reacting to crises rather than adapting to trends.

      First-wave supply chain management solutions were designed to record and report, not to decide. They rely on fixed time horizons and historical data to inform the future. When disruption, uncertainty, and change are the norm, it’s clear that we need to think differently about our supply chain software.

      Transitioning from Reactive Networks to Adaptive Decision Engines

      Decision-making itself has become a first-class enterprise capability. It’s why a decision-centric approach is the defining framework of successful, agile enterprises.

      Yes, it involves a new technology schema. Yes, it puts data at the centre of everything. It’s also more than that. It’s a new operating model where decisions are explicit, intelligence is continuous and adaptive, execution is connected, and humans and technology collaborate at scale.

      Decision-centric organizations are not just focused on data collection, but also on applying this information to drive specific business outcomes. For supply chain entities, this means using available intelligence and analytical tools to become more forward-looking and responsive to market shifts before they become crises. These initiatives are undoubtedly powered by artificial intelligence (AI).

      Making Intelligence Operational

      AI is ubiquitous in the supply chain sector. A quick Google search reveals countless think pieces on the subject, and executives are eager to talk about how they are deploying the latest to achieve the elusive promise of total visibility.

      What it actually does for them is a different story. AI-powered, decision-centric supply chains are defined by three pillars that produce real results.

      1: Centralizing Data
      Best-in-class supply chain entities are centralizing their data into a single, unified platform. AI-powered supply chain optimization doesn’t work if data silos and disparate teams are running the show. Integrate and unify data so AI models can train on a complete, vertical, end-to-end picture of the operation, rather than on conflicting or incomplete datasets.

      2: Intelligent Responses
      Decision-centric companies turn insights into action. They rely on clean, centralized information to identify problem root causes and respond in real time. Even better, generative AI solutions make information searchable, allowing decision-makers to query data to derive actionable insights, and machine learning helps teams arrive at complex, data-driven decisions.

      3: Predictive Sales and Operations Planning
      AI-driven demand sensing turns real-time data from the external world into insights that anticipate and understand subtle shifts in customer behaviour, market trends, and potential disruptions before they impact the bottom line.

      Rather than relying on last year’s information, supply chain entities can use this technology to adapt to real-time, even unprecedented, circumstances, responding with robust solutions that clarify uncertainty and create opportunities from disruption.

      For instance, 76% of fashion executives believe tariffs and trade volatility will be the defining issues of 2026, requiring this heightened level of agility. Generative AI-powered digital twins can help retailers understand the financial or operational implications of any given decision or scenario.

      This AI-first approach connects planning, execution, and analytics in real time to deliver speed, resilience, and measurable business impact. When implemented effectively, it changes how supply chains work, converting reactive networks into adaptive decision engines.

      A New Era of Strategic Advantage

      When Steve Jobs challenged Apple and its audience to ‘think different’ he was redefining the relationship between creators and their tools, businesses and their processes and potential. It was a response to a status quo that desperately needed updating.

      The logistics and supply chain sector is ready for a similar revolution. Specifically, the modern supply chain must be built to be actively anti-fragile. The transition to a decision-centric enterprise marks the end of an era defined by reactive management.

      For decades, we required supply chain professionals to serve the limitations of their software. We’ve left expert planners firefighting exceptions in spreadsheets, while reaching the company’s strategic goals have remained elusive.

      Adopting a decision-centric model changes this dynamic. It empowers people and their teams to think differently. They can be different, operating with a level of specificity and agility that meets this disruptive moment.

      The post Broken Supply Chain? appeared first on Logistics Business.

      ]]>
      cargo.one Acquires Ocean Platform Cargofive https://logisticsbusiness.com/it-in-logistics/tms-telematics/cargo-one-acquires-ocean-platform-cargofive/ Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:40:20 +0000 https://logisticsbusiness.com/?p=65785 cargo.one has announced the acquisition of ocean rate platform Cargofive and the launch of what it clains is the industry’s first AI-native operating system for multimodal freight. The platform unifies air and ocean freight data into a single robust foundation, powering accurate agentic workflows to operate natively alongside teams. The strategic move was complemented by […]

      The post cargo.one Acquires Ocean Platform Cargofive appeared first on Logistics Business.

      ]]>
      cargo.one has announced the acquisition of ocean rate platform Cargofive and the launch of what it clains is the industry’s first AI-native operating system for multimodal freight. The platform unifies air and ocean freight data into a single robust foundation, powering accurate agentic workflows to operate natively alongside teams. The strategic move was complemented by around $20M investment from investors including Bessemer Venture Partners.

      Freight forwarders and carriers alike are investing heavily in AI programs, but most solutions remain bolt-on tools that sit disconnected from the most relevant knowledge source: structured data. The result is a fragmented technology landscape where AI promises efficiency but delivers complexity and does not progress beyond the pilot phase. cargo.one’s multimodal AI-native operating system addresses these challenges with a unified approach where agentic workflows and operational data exist natively in a single system.

      The acquisition of Cargofive, which closed on February 25th, fundamentally expands cargo.one‘s rate data foundation by adding connections to the top 10 ocean carriers and scalable ocean rate data ingestion and management capabilities. Cargofive offers a full spectrum of ocean rates spanning four million trade lanes and is trusted by hundreds of forwarders globally. cargo.one can now enable freight forwarders to automate air and ocean workflows from a single platform, rather than managing fragmented tools.

      As an AI partner, cargo.one combines technology quality, fully integrated rate data, and in-house logistics expertise. cargo.one’s AI-native operating system equips logistics companies to deploy ready-made AI agents or build custom ones using open protocols like MCP servers. Built on comprehensive multimodal rate data, the infrastructure includes RAG-based knowledge retrieval and supervision layers that monitor AI outputs to ensure accuracy and reliability.

      Unlike bolt-on AI tools that require integration with separate systems and third-party data, cargo.one’s workflows operate natively within the same platform. Humans and AI work side by side using the same data, ensuring teams maintain full control while automation handles repetitive tasks.

      “Most AI projects in logistics fail to deliver ROI because they lack access to robust, structured data,” says Moritz Claussen, Founder and Co-CEO of cargo.one. “Real returns come from unified data infrastructure operating at enterprise scale. With Cargofive, we’re expanding the foundation already embedded inside many of the world’s top forwarders’ operations to encompass ocean needs, and we are delivering what makes AI actually work in production.”

      Sebastian Cazajus, Founder & CEO of Cargofive, added:

      Across the industry, forwarders are asking for integrated air and ocean solutions that eliminate data silos. cargo.one has already set the standard in air. Together, we are bringing that same quality and scale to ocean freight, creating a truly multimodal operating foundation to enable agentic workflows.

      “Data and AI are inseparable – quality data is the foundation for quality AI,” says Stefan Borggreve, Member of the Management Board at Hellmann Worldwide Logistics. “cargo.one has built a comprehensive operating system that our teams trust. When AI workflows operate using the same reliable data our people use daily, we can confidently deploy automation and focus on delivering the best customer experiences.”

      When evaluating AI partners, logistics leaders should look beyond individual features to the underlying foundation… Features become commoditized quickly; what matters is having a partner with comprehensive data infrastructure and industry-specific expertise that can evolve with your needs.

      says Bob Goodman, Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners.

      cargo.one’s AI-native operating system is available now, enabling freight forwarders and carriers to run agentic workflows, including those for rate management, quoting, booking, and customer support, using consistent data and under their teams’ full control. The first customers have already been onboarded to its ocean rate management and quoting solution, with cargo.one’s wider customer base to benefit in the coming weeks.

      The post cargo.one Acquires Ocean Platform Cargofive appeared first on Logistics Business.

      ]]>
      Go Modular in the Supply Chain https://logisticsbusiness.com/magazine-features/go-modular-in-the-supply-chain/ Mon, 02 Mar 2026 09:26:21 +0000 https://logisticsbusiness.com/?p=65763 Will modular supply chains overtake monoliths? And, if so, why? We asked three experts from Infios to explain. Don Mabry, SVP Global Trade Solutions: “Supply-chain transparency is rapidly shifting from a competitive advantage to a regulatory expectation. What was once considered best practice is becoming the minimum standard, as regulators extend their focus beyond border […]

      The post Go Modular in the Supply Chain appeared first on Logistics Business.

      ]]>
      Will modular supply chains overtake monoliths? And, if so, why? We asked three experts from Infios to explain.

      Don Mabry, SVP Global Trade Solutions:

      “Supply-chain transparency is rapidly shifting from a competitive advantage to a regulatory expectation. What was once considered best practice is becoming the minimum standard, as regulators extend their focus beyond border clearance to the full lifecycle of goods. Increasingly, compliance is judged not by how quickly shipments move, but by how confidently organisations can explain where products came from, how they were sourced, what they cost, and why those claims can be trusted.

      “This shift is exposing a structural weakness across global trade operations. Many trade processes were built to optimise throughput, not withstand audit-grade scrutiny. Paper documentation, email chains, and spreadsheets may still move goods, but they cannot reliably support multi-tier supplier visibility, cost validation, or origin proof at scale. As enforcement intensifies, the inability to produce accurate, timely, and traceable data is no longer an operational inconvenience – it is a compliance risk.

      “At the same time, the physical dynamics of trade are changing. In-transit inventory is on track to surpass on-hand stock in value, effectively turning the ocean into the world’s largest warehouse. Longer transit times, buffer-stock strategies, and geopolitical volatility mean more working capital is tied up between origin and destination. Yet visibility often disappears once goods leave the factory or port, leaving organisations exposed during the most financially significant phase of the journey.

      “The implication is clear. Future-ready trade operations will be defined by less-touch execution, automation by default, and data that can be verified rather than inferred. Compliance must be designed into trade processes, not reconstructed after the fact. The ability to prove origin, validate costs, model tariff exposure, and demonstrate compliance on demand will matter as much as speed or service levels.
      “Ultimately, the organisations that succeed will not be those that move goods the fastest, but those that can explain – clearly and confidently – how their supply chains stand up to scrutiny. In a transparency-first world, velocity without visibility is no longer an advantage. It is a liability.”

      Richard Stewart, EVP, Product & Industry Strategy:

      “In 2026 and beyond, logistics will move decisively into a new era of precision and autonomy – powered by artificial intelligence. The question will no longer be whether AI has a role to play, but how deeply it can be embedded into everyday operations and decision-making.

      “Clearly defined use cases will emerge as intelligent systems anticipate needs, optimize workflows, and manage complexity quietly in the background. Humans will remain in the loop – where their insight or approval truly adds value. This collaborative model between people and technology will make problem-solving faster, more accurate, and less reactive.

      “As AI maturity deepens, pre-built solutions will evolve into configurable platforms that allow organizations to shape bespoke, AI-enabled operations tailored to their unique challenges. Each proven use case will spark new ideas and innovations, as customers begin to imagine and create what’s next.

      “The most forward-thinking companies won’t just adopt AI – they’ll design it. And as this transformation continues to unfold, logistics will look increasingly intelligent, resilient, and self-optimizing: systems that learn continuously, adapt seamlessly, and empower humans to focus on higher-value, strategic work.”

      Omar Akilah, SVP of Product Strategy:

      “In 2026, modular supply chain execution will finally overtake the traditional monolithic platform. The era of 18–36-month implementations is ending, replaced by composable, fast-to-value architectures that let companies plug in capabilities exactly where they’re needed. Instead of ripping out entire stacks, organizations will fix specific pain points with targeted modules that deliver immediate ROI, eliminate shelfware and dramatically reduce transformation risk. Digital transformation will shift from a one-off overhaul to an ongoing operating rhythm – enabling supply chains to adapt faster, innovate with confidence and evolve continuously in real time.”

      The post Go Modular in the Supply Chain appeared first on Logistics Business.

      ]]>