Demand for warehouse and distribution space, driven by ecommerce growth, supply chain restructuring and the expansion of last-mile delivery networks, continues to support new logistics parks across the UK. Yet the construction environment behind these developments has become increasingly complicated.

Logistics projects are frequently delivered on brownfield land, rely heavily on steel-intensive construction and often require substantial off-site infrastructure works.

As global supply chains remain volatile, with recent geopolitical tensions, including the conflict in Iran, affecting energy markets and shipping routes, these are contributing to renewed inflationary pressure on the cost of construction materials.

For developers and contractors, the challenge is no longer simply delivering warehouse space, but managing the legal risks associated with ground conditions, supply chain volatility and infrastructure obligations.

Ground risk and contaminated land

Many logistics developments are located on former industrial or manufacturing sites. While brownfield land can offer planning advantages, it often presents complex ground conditions and contamination risks that affect construction delivery.

Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, local authorities have powers to require remediation of contaminated land where it presents a risk to human health or the environment. Where the original polluter cannot be identified, liability may ultimately fall on current landowners or occupiers.

From a construction law perspective, these risks frequently emerge during early site works. Even where Phase I and Phase II environmental investigations have been undertaken, unknown contamination or unstable ground conditions can still arise once excavation begins. The key legal question is how that risk is allocated under the construction contract.

Under some contracts ground risk generally remains with the employer unless expressly transferred. Alternative NEC Engineering and Construction Contracts address unexpected physical conditions through compensation event mechanisms that allow cost and programme adjustments where conditions differ materially from those anticipated.

English case law also underlines the importance of contractual risk allocation where site conditions are concerned, and the Court of Appeal has confirmed contractors cannot rely on unforeseen ground conditions where the contract places responsibility for investigating site conditions on them.

For large logistics schemes involving extensive earthworks or remediation works, the treatment of ground conditions within the building contract can therefore have a significant impact on both programme certainty and project cost.

Inflation, steel and supply chains

Modern distribution facilities depend heavily on structural steel frames, cladding systems and mechanical installations, meaning logistics developments are particularly sensitive to supply chain volatility.

Recent geopolitical instability has reinforced that exposure. The Iran conflict has raised concerns about disruption to global shipping routes and energy markets, increasing freight costs and placed upward pressure on construction materials such as steel.

For developers procuring logistics schemes, the question quickly becomes one of contractual risk allocation, particularly who carries the risk of inflation. Traditional procurement models rely on fixed-price construction contracts that place cost escalation risk on contractors. However, sustained material price volatility has made contractors increasingly reluctant to absorb open-ended price exposure.

Standard form contracts offer different responses. JCT contracts include optional fluctuation provisions, although these are frequently excluded in commercial developments, while NEC contracts, particularly under target cost arrangements, allow greater flexibility in managing cost change.

Supply chain disruption can also translate directly into programme delay. Shortages of structural components, façade systems or mechanical plant may trigger extension of time claims and threaten completion dates — particularly problematic where logistics developments are pre-let to tenants with fixed operational timelines.

Again, English case law also illustrates the importance of clear contractual drafting in allocating delay risk, and the Court of Appeal has confirmed parties are free to allocate responsibility for delay through their contract, even where doing so alters the traditional operation of the prevention principle (the rule that a party cannot insist on contractual completion dates where its own actions have caused delay).

Highways and infrastructure interfaces

The high traffic volumes generated by distribution facilities, particularly heavy goods vehicle movements, often require mitigation works to surrounding transport infrastructure. These works are commonly delivered through Section 278 agreements under the Highways Act 1980, allowing developers to fund and construct works to the public highway.

Under Section 278 agreements, highway authorities must approve detailed designs and supervise works carried out within the highway network. Where access roads or junction improvements are linked to project completion, delays in highway approvals or construction can affect programme certainty and practical completion.

For large logistics parks, where vehicle access is central to operational viability, misalignment between highways obligations and construction programmes can create significant delivery risk.

The post Contracts Manage Warehouse Construction Risk appeared first on Logistics Business.

What advice would you give to facilities managers who want to take a more proactive approach to maintenance and repairs this year?

“The key is to not wait for minor issues to become major problems. Seasonal changes, particularly the colder, wetter weather in winter, often leads to damage and hazards. Scheduled inspections and checklists for floors, steps and drainage points can prevent costly accidents and disruption.

“Using the right materials from the outset also makes a huge difference. Durable industrial floor coatings, e.g. Watco’s ‘Epoxy Gloss Coat’ help protect high-traffic areas, while anti slip coatings such as our ‘Safety Coat’ can be applied to the floor around entrances, ramps and wash-down zones to reduce slip risk from surface water. For small areas of surface damage, fast-setting repair solutions allow teams to carry out repairs quickly and get areas back into use with minimal downtime.”

How should warehouse layouts be reviewed to improve safety and flow efficiency? Is zoning essential?

“Warehouse layouts should be reviewed regularly, especially when operations change or new equipment is introduced. Many sites evolve organically over time, which can create pressure points where pedestrians, forklifts and automated vehicles meet. These areas not only slow operations down but also increase the risk of collision accidents.

“I do believe that zoning is essential for safe, smooth-running facilities today. Introducing clear pedestrian paths, and categorising facility areas based on usage e.g. parking bays and storage areas helps to ensure clear boundaries and safer behaviour.

“We offer both paint and tapes for teams to identify whether they want to line mark a boundary on the floor, or paint the whole section in a designated colour for illustrating zones. Watco’s ‘Epoxicote High Build’ and ‘Safety Tapes’ are ideal for defining zones quickly and clearly as they can be applied with minimal operational disruption. Observing how people and vehicles actually move through the warehouse is also important; layouts should reflect real-world use, not just plans on paper.”

How can health & safety costs in warehousing be monitored and evaluated?

“Many operators focus on direct costs such as PPE or training, but the indirect costs can be far greater. Lost time, damaged goods, insurance claims and reputational impact all add up quickly. Tracking near-misses, minor injuries and urgent repair requests provides valuable insight into underlying issues and helps prioritise investment.

“For example, repeated floor repairs in the same location often indicate that a more permanent solution is needed. Logging defects, repairs and associated downtime allows operators to identify trends, justify preventative spend and, over time, reduce both maintenance demands and overall health and safety costs.”

How do you recommend FMs get on top of flooring inspections and repairs?

“The most effective way to get on top of flooring inspections and repairs is to build them into everyday routines. Assigning responsibility for inspections e.g. a checklist that is tackled by a rota, ensures issues are spotted consistently, not just when problems become obvious.

“Inspections should focus on high-traffic routes, loading bays and areas exposed to moisture or chemicals, with findings logged so recurring issues can be tracked and prioritised. Smaller areas of surface damage such as hairline cracks, loose edges or shallow holes should be addressed quickly, before they develop into larger, more disruptive repairs.

“Planning for frequent, small-scale repairs also makes a difference. Using fast-curing repair materials allows work to be carried out in live environments with minimal disruption, which removes one of the main barriers to acting early.”

Warehouse floor paint

We talk a lot about warehouse automation, but many distribution centres are still untidy and cluttered. How can that be avoided?

“Automation doesn’t remove the need for good housekeeping – in fact, it makes it even more critical. Automated systems rely on clear routes, smooth floor conditions, and well-defined zones. Cluttered floors, damaged markings or poorly stored pallets can quickly undermine the benefits of automation.

“Avoiding this comes down to culture and clarity. Visual management, such as clear line markings and signage reinforces expectations. Temporary overflow should not become permanent, and regular audits help maintain standards. When staff understand the ‘why’ behind keeping areas clear, compliance improves and automated systems can deliver maximum value.”

How much downtime is typically involved in line marking, re-painting, matting, and taping work in warehouses?

“Downtime is often the biggest concern, but modern materials and methods have reduced disruption dramatically. Many line marking paints and floor coatings are fast-curing and can withstand traffic within two hours. Work can also be phased or carried out in quieter shifts to minimise operational impact.

“Similarly, high-quality matting and surface treatments can be installed quickly, providing immediate safety and efficiency benefits. The short-term inconvenience is minor compared to the long-term gains: reduced accidents, fewer urgent repairs, and a more productive warehouse.”

The post A Lick of Paint for Warehouses appeared first on Logistics Business.

In environments with constant forklift traffic, painted and printed signs and floor markings can wear away quickly, becoming faded, damaged or unclear. As a result, critical safety messages can lose impact and require frequent maintenance.

Projected Image says projected safety signage is unaffected by constant forklift movement, offering a longer-lasting – and safer – solution that remains clear even in high-traffic areas.

“The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) estimated that approximately 2,000 accidents involving forklifts were reported in Great Britain in 2018/19, so clear, instantly recognisable safety messaging is more important than ever for facilities using forklifts!” says Ian Spoors, Managing Director of Projected Image.

“While traditional painted or vinyl markings wear and typically require maintenance twice a year, projected signage provides a bright, highly visible image that doesn’t fade or wear under forklift traffic – with a maintenance-free five-year lifespan.”

By projecting sharp, vivid safety signs – such as zebra crossings and warning signs – directly onto floors, walls and doors, projected signage helps to clearly define walkways, exclusion zones and vehicle routes while tackling ‘sign blindness’ – which is particularly important where workers and vehicles operate in close proximity.

“Sign blindness occurs when constant exposure to static signage means safety warnings are overlooked, which is incredibly dangerous in forklift environments. Light-based projected signage is more visually stimulating than printed floor markings, making warnings harder to ignore” adds Spoors.

Projected signs can also be automated using sensors, so they only activate when a forklift approaches a specific area, further reducing sign blindness by ensuring warnings appear only when relevant.

“This dynamic approach to safety not only improves awareness but also supports more efficient operations. We recently provided automated projected signage for a leading renewable energy manufacturer, warning pedestrians of forklift movements near roller doors. The site now benefits from a brighter, clearer and safer solution,” Spoors states.

Projected Image supplies both high-performance, IP-rated LED gobo projectors and custom gobos, providing a complete solution designed for demanding industrial environments.

“The high-visibility and flexibility of projected signage make it a safer, more durable option for facilities operating with forklifts. It helps protect the workforce, reduce maintenance and keep operations running smoothly in even the busiest environments” concludes Spoors.

The post Projected Safety Signage is Safer Option appeared first on Logistics Business.

The challenge is not only the rise in air cargo volumes, but the highly time-sensitive nature of operations. Companies are under pressure to meet tight deadlines and customer expectations, while there are also clearly defined regulatory processes for handling air cargo. An ever-growing volume has led to congestion at major hubs, creating possibilities for smaller airports to expand into air cargo, or shift from handling cargo in warehouses further away from airports.

Bart Sloot (pictured, below), Sales Manager, Air Cargo Equipment, at Joloda Hydraroll, explains the importance of efficient and safe air cargo handling systems at these airports to improve productivity and build a scalable business operation.

Expanding Market

The explosion in e-commerce business from the Far East continues to increase air cargo, with the Airports Council International’s latest dataset revealing air cargo volumes climbed 9.9% year on year to a record 127m tonnes in 2024. This boom is changing the dynamics of the air cargo industry, especially across Europe. In addition to significant new facilities, which include extensive air cargo facilities, existing airports are also ramping up to support this new business.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has clearly defined global standards for air cargo operations, including handling procedures and safety protocols. Yet while there is widespread understanding throughout global aviation about the safe way to process ULDs (Unit Load Devices), such as to meet and manage the demands created by e-commerce, and significant investment from air cargo handlers to increase front line facilities, these often fall short – and demand exceeds capacity.

The result is inevitably slower and reduced throughput, as well as heightened risk of pallet/cargo damage. Efficient ground handling is vital to improve productivity and create the scalability required to maximise profitable growth.

Compliant and Efficient Air Cargo Handling

Effective ground handling is also key to ensuring the safety of both operators and goods. Manual handling of air cargo specifically breaches IATA guidelines, which specify that ULDs should never be moved directly by a forklift truck, for example. They should also never touch the concrete floor to reduce the risk of damage. With the pressures created by increasing volumes, tight turnaround times and the need to ensure a safe working environment, it is vital to use the right material handling equipment and systems. Safe, compliant handling of ULDs requires both powered and unpowered roller beds and a height-adjustable truck dock that uses motorised rollers to accelerate and streamline operations. Installed at the critical interface between the land side and air side, powered roller beds automate the movement of ULDs, improving both the speed and consistency of air cargo transfers. Modular roller beds with powered drive motors can also be retrofitted to existing trailers to propel air cargo continuously and safely between warehouses and trailers.

To manage the movement of air cargo around the warehouse, handlers can use mobile workstations (also known as slave pallets) to allow safe movement. These mobile workstations, which can be moved or removed easily when not in use, allow ULDs to be transported with little effort across the warehouse floor. This minimises the physical strain on workers and speeds up the manual positioning of air cargo units.

Consultative Approach

Adapting to the demands of rapidly escalating e-commerce volumes requires a different approach for air cargo handlers. It requires a risk assessment to ensure processes are undertaken in line with both IATA requirements and, potentially, airline audits. In addition to adopting systems such as roller beds, working with an experienced partner can ensure environments are optimised for efficiency and safety.

This process reduces handling steps and improves process flow, whilst also supporting compliance with health and safety protocols. The consultative approach can also assess the potential for additional innovation, allowing companies to make the best use of busy or constrained warehouse layouts.

It is, of course, operationally possible to handle air cargo at any location. Is it, however, the most efficient approach? Or cost effective? Or scalable? Any processes that place a limit on the volumes that can be handled will inevitably constrain expansion, potentially add workforce risk and challenge regulatory compliance. Ensuring the correct handling equipment and systems are in place is mission critical, underpinning not only safety and efficiency but also compliance with IATA standards.

Adding powered roller beds and mobile workstations to the air cargo handling process can not only transform productivity and throughput, it can also protect staff, equipment and ULDs while providing the foundation for rapid expansion to support new business opportunities.

The post Scale & Safety for Ecommerce Air Cargo Handling appeared first on Logistics Business.

Energy efficiency and operational resilience have long been key priorities within the logistics sector, with organisations intensifying their focus on warehouse optimisation. Rising energy costs, sustainability targets and increasing regulatory demands are placing increased pressure on warehouse and loading bay operations, which in turn, can expose inefficiencies that were previously overlooked. By adopting innovative and adaptable solutions early, as well as targeting areas of waste, organisations can remain resilient for the unexpected.

The growing importance of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance is a major driver behind this shift. Many organisations are obliged to record the environmental impact of their operations in order to understand, measure and manage their total carbon footprint. Some firms, such as Rite-Hite, have invested in third-party consultants and enhanced tracking capabilities to formalise the process in the name of improving transparency and visibility.

At the same time, the global energy landscape has become increasingly unpredictable. Energy prices have fluctuated significantly in recent years, often in reflection to ongoing and arising geopolitical issues. Post-COVID recovery increasing demand, followed closely by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the resulting sanctions and supply chain uncertainty have only fuelled its volatility.

One of the most underestimated areas for energy loss in the warehouse is at the loading bay. Despite being a constant point of activity, it remains a significant source of energy loss. Inefficient doors, trailer door hinge ‘gaps’ and dock leveller ‘gaps’ can lead to a needless escape of heat but also introduce safety risks and unplanned downtime. While these gaps can seem small in isolation, a build-up, like holes in a ship, they accumulate into a significant waste of energy.

Seal the gaps

As energy costs continue to rise, addressing these inefficiencies does not necessarily require large-scale refurbishment. In many cases, relatively simple changes can deliver meaningful returns. Sealing gaps around an exposed leveller pit can generate annual energy saving of up to several thousand Euros per dock position. Effective exterior doors with improved seals and cycle time speeds reduce heat loss with every use, while dock shelters help prevent unwanted airflow from entering further into the warehouse, keeping conditioned air inside.

Beyond energy efficiency, these measures also play a key role in enhancing safety and operational continuity. Dock shelters, for example, help protect people, materials and goods by preventing wind, rain, snow, dust and pests from entering the warehouse. At the loading bay itself, unintended trailer departures can pose a significant risk to both personnel and product. Solutions such as Rite-Hite’s Manual Ergonomic Wheel-Lok provide a robust, user-friendly vehicle restraint that allows drivers to secure trailers independently. Integrated signal lighting provides clear status updates ensuring safer, more coordinated access between drivers and warehouse teams.

Solutions can also further enhance overall efficiency at the warehouse. Traditionally, replacing an ageing or defective dock leveller would be a complex and expensive process, often involving extended operational downtime and costly construction work. During this period, organisations continue to incur costs from energy loss and labour. To address this challenge, however, new solutions are available.

Designed for rapid installation, Rite-Hite’s G96000 Replacement Dock leveller can be welded directly onto an existing frame, provided the underlying concrete and steel profiles are stable. This eliminates the need for disruptive concrete work or custom adaptations. In most cases, installation can be completed in a single day, saving time and costs with minimal operational downtime while addressing a critical source of energy loss with an integrated gap sealing protection as standard.

When adopted in unison, these targeted solutions protect both the operational and environmental integrity of the warehouse. Helping to save on costly energy losses and safety hazards, businesses are empowered to meet regulatory requirements and advance on sustainability goals whilst supporting the wellbeing of the workforce. Simple, yet effective solutions, from dock leveller sealing, maintaining proper restraints and optimising airflow have the potential to save thousands of Euros. Investing in these solutions is no longer a luxury, but a business imperative.

The post Warehouse Energy Savings appeared first on Logistics Business.

As modern warehouses continue to grow in scale and complexity, one design trend is becoming increasingly clear: fewer columns, but much bigger ones, to maximise available storage space. To optimise storage density and vehicle movement, developers are opting for wider structural pillars, and unlike in the past, not all of them are of uniform size. While this makes architectural sense, it presents a real challenge when it comes to protecting those columns from impact damage.

Sentry Protection Products believes it has the answer, with its Column Sentry FIT System and a newly launched online configurator designed to take the guesswork out of specifying protection.
“The reality is, not every column is the same size anymore,” explains Jim Ryan, the founder of Sentry Protection Products. “Newer facilities are being built with bigger columns, and there can be a lot of variation across a single site. We wanted to give people a solution that adapts to that environment without a struggle.”

Flexibility

At the heart of the system is flexibility. The Column Sentry FIT range includes Small Fit and Medium Fit modules, along with a new variation called the Fit Combo. This combines two small and two medium pieces to form a rectangular protector, a configuration that Jim believes is unique in the market.

“That pretty much makes a rectangular protector, which I don’t see anybody else having out there,” he says. “It gives us another option to deal with these larger, wider columns.”

The system can be further extended using dedicated extension pieces, allowing protection to be built up to suit a wide variety of column dimensions. The result is a modular approach that can be tailored precisely to each site, rather than forcing operators into a ‘one-size-fits-all’ compromise.

Intuitive and Practical

However, with flexibility comes complexity, and Sentry has been keen to remove any barriers that might discourage customers from investing in protection.

“With so many possibilities, if people are trying to figure it out by themselves, it can get really confusing,” Jim admits. “If they’ve got a lot of different column sizes and different things going on, it’s not easy to work out what they need.”

That challenge led directly to the development of Sentry’s new online configurator tool. Designed to be intuitive and practical, it allows users to enter the number of columns, the size of each column and other relevant details. The tool then calculates exactly how many FIT pieces and extension components are required.

Crucially, it doesn’t stop there. The configurator also generates a visual diagram showing how the protection will look once installed, and will even produce a costed quote via Sentry’s reseller portal.
“It will tell you exactly how many pieces you need, exactly how many extension pieces you need, and show you a diagram of what it’s going to look like,” Jim explains. “And it will even give them a quote on how much it’s going to cost.”

For many warehouse operators, uncertainty around fit, cost and complexity can be an easy excuse to delay or avoid investing in safety. Sentry’s approach is clearly aimed at removing those objections.
“There’s often this reluctance to invest in safety,” concludes Jim Ryan. “People say ‘I can’t afford it’, or ‘I don’t think it will fit’, or ‘my site is unique’. We hope that tools like this will help counter all of that by making it simple, upfront and transparent.”

In an industry where damage to columns can have serious structural, financial and safety implications, the combination of a highly adaptable protection system and a user-friendly configurator represents a significant step forward. For operators dealing with today’s bigger, broader and more varied columns, Sentry’s FIT System could be a very fitting solution indeed.

The post Smarter Column Protection appeared first on Logistics Business.

If workers like a personal protective equipment (PPE) product they will use it. Setting a high bar for quality is therefore a good strategy, as we all learned from Covid. That premise underpinned a discussion at the Amazon Business Reshape conference.

Antoine McNeal is the head of Global Health and Safety (H&S) Procurement for Amazon. His team utilise data-driven decisions in PPE and material handling equipment (MHE) sourcing, partly because of the sheer volume of products involved. His budget is a staggering $200bn and is helping to lead a change in safety practices and equipment. One specific example is the introduction of enhanced hand protection to avoid finger injuries: the ‘Impact Glove’.

Asking why safety is critical in warehousing and distribution may seem naïve or callous, but it gets to the root of the issue. With 1000 H&S staff out of a workforce of one million, Amazon aim to be the benchmark for safety in logistics. McNeal revealed that 2024 saw a 6% fall in injuries (across both delivery and warehouse operations).

Predictive Analytics

“Safety first, people always,” is McNeal and Amazon’s declared mantra. If safety is improved the company benefits from the reduction in time off work by staff. “We can move the market,” McNeal states, “by engaging demand for new or more products.”

When Amazon buy, the volumes involved can create their own supply, either by new suppliers emerging or via product innovation. A robust catalogue of PPE products available has been created, with supplier locations all checked.

Every country that Amazon operates in has different H&S standards, so data sets are required to drive decision-making. Data is collected based on the demand for and consumption of PPE. Forecasts can then be made. “Having no stock-outs is imperative, so we check inventory and spot risks,” says McNeal. “We can normalize data based on standards used internationally for items like boots and gloves.” PPE is sourced from as many as 2500 suppliers, globally.

Stay in stock

Incident data is also analysed, of course, as well as employee feedback. “We treat them like our customers,” McNeal insists. Amazon’s ‘Dragon Fly’ tool allows its staff to submit ideas and raise problems regarding safety. Inputs are managed at local sites, but the data is also fed into a global set for analysis – 130,000 submissions per year.

Once Bitten…

Speed matters in business, a concept that Amazons arguably understands better than anyone else. If there is an incident or accident a solution is required, as soon as possible. “We try to solve these problems in advance,” states McNeal, “by working in partnership with our PPE suppliers. Time is critical. If we know what products are needed, how do we shorten the lead time?”

Having PPE on-site, when and where needed, is one answer. PPE vending machines, unlocked and accessed by staff using RFID, are being installed. “If we know what’s used and when, and what’s not getting used, we have the data in our dashboard to improve distribution,” McNeal concludes. Amazon state that PPE is 30% cheaper when vending machines are used as there is less waste and more re-usage.
Other examples of H&S assistance include delivery drivers being given extra lights for when working in hours of darkness, being advised about bad weather via their driver App and even warned about aggressive dogs in the vicinity, something I wish I had as a paperboy way back when!

The post Health and Safety at Scale appeared first on Logistics Business.

DriveWell Fleet is built to help insurers grow profitably while improving safety and delivering premium savings to policyholders. DriveWell Fleet addresses three key challenges for commercial insurers:

• Coverage – Achieve broad fleet coverage using CMT’s Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) platform for connected vehicles and proprietary Tag Pro and Tag Max hardware for unconnected vehicles.
• Data quality – Access normalized, high-frequency telematics data that improves risk selection, segmentation, and pricing accuracy.
• Ease of integration – Accelerate program adoption with streamlined consent flows and fleet onboarding.

For more than a decade, CMT has partnered with the world’s leading personal auto insurers to reduce risk, prevent crashes, and save lives. Now we’re bringing that same proven approach to commercial auto with DriveWell Fleet… By providing AI-powered driving insights from fleets, we’re helping them strengthen pricing decisions, better protect fleets and their drivers, and make roads safer for families and communities everywhere. At CMT, our vision has always been bigger than insurance – it’s about building a future where mobility is safer, smarter, and more human. Expanding into commercial auto is another critical step toward that future.

said William V. Powers, Co-Founder and CEO of CMT.

Today, fewer than 5% of commercial policies are priced with telematics data, even though over 30% of vehicles are already connected to TSPs. For connected fleets, CMT’s BYOD platform integrates directly with leading TSPs, including Samsara, Verizon Connect, Lytx, Netradyne, and Linxup, covering over 80% of the connected commercial vehicle market today with 90% coverage expected later this year. Connected fleets can enroll in DriveWell Fleet using their existing devices, with no extra setup required.

Netradyne’s mission has always been to transform fleet safety with AI, real-time coaching, and a positive approach to driver performance… By partnering with CMT, we’re extending that impact — helping insurers access high-quality driving data, deliver more accurate pricing, and accelerate the shift toward safer roads and smarter fleets.

said Adam Kahn, Chief Business Development Officer of Netradyne.

This collaboration demonstrates how bringing together CMT’s data-driven telematics platform and trusted fleet solutions providers creates meaningful value for the industry. By combining advanced risk insights, insurers and fleet managers gain the ability to improve safety, lower costs, and streamline day-to-day operations.

“Linxup’s fleet tracking solutions equip small and mid-sized fleets with the insights they need to easily run safer, more efficient operations — combining real-time location data, driver behavior analytics, and AI dash cams to cut costs and boost performance,” said Drew Reynolds, Chief Executive Officer at Linxup. “By partnering with CMT, we’re helping SMBs turn their safety investments into lower insurance premiums, stronger ROI, and safer roads — all through a simple, accessible platform built for growing businesses.”

For unconnected fleets, CMT offers two fast, hassle-free hardware options that require no phones, cellular plans, or complex installation:

• Tag Pro: Ideal for smaller fleets, Tag Pro is a low-cost Internet of Things (IoT) device that sticks to the windshield and uploads data through CMT’s proprietary mesh network. No phone, cellular plan, or external power source is required.
• Tag Max: Specialized for commercial heavy vehicles, including long-haul fleets, Tag Max delivers granular risk measurement with LTE connectivity. Like Tag Pro, Tag Max discreetly sticks to the windshield, with no phone or cellular plan required.
  

DriveWell Fleet addresses another key hurdle for insurers: providing policyholders a clear, streamlined consent process for fleets, ensuring opt-in transparency while making participation easy. Whether using the BYOD platform, CMT hardware, or both, insurers can access fleet- and vehicle-level insights through the CMT Portal, unlocking faster underwriting, better segmentation, and improved pricing accuracy.

The post Fleet Telematics Platform Expands appeared first on Logistics Business.

Challenges in narrow aisles

Multidirectional sideloaders are frequently utilised in narrow-aisle warehouses. To maximise storage capacity, these vehicles operate within guidance systems with very limited safety clearance, often with less than 100 millimetres on each side. This increases space efficiency but restricts the driver’s visibility. It becomes particularly critical when long items are stored at an angle or when neighbouring loads are inadvertently moved during retrieval. Parts may protrude into the aisle and aren’t always visible in time from the cabin, especially on the engine side. This can lead to contact issues and costly damage to the chassis, battery, cabin or rack system. In the timber, metal and general industrial trade, with hundreds of moves per day, this scenario is commonplace.

Monitoring with laser-based sensors

The system utilises Lidar sensors to assess vertical planes in the vehicle’s environment. Sensors are mounted at suitable positions based on vehicle configuration and scan both forwards and in reverse. This ensures early detection of protruding loads, whether the forklift enters the aisle forwards or backwards. The monitored area dynamically adjusts to key parameters, with speed, lift height and configuration determining the size of the protective zones. This allows for precise, needs-based detection of potential collision zones without burdening the driver with additional tasks.

The Clear Aisle Assist does not replace personal protection technology but supplements it with collision protection for loads protruding from the rack system. If the system detects an obstacle, it issues a warning first. If necessary, the system automatically reduces speed to avoid contact or minimise its consequences. The goal is an assistance system that effectively enhances the driver’s focus and maintains material flow in tight layouts.

“Our aim was to develop an assistance system that actively supports the driver without adding extra burden”, states Michael Röbig, Head of Product Management at HUBTEX. “The Clear Aisle Assist recognises dangerous situations early and can, if needed, not only warn but also automatically reduce the vehicle’s speed.”

The system is now available for the PHOENIX series and complements existing personnel protection scanners by providing protection against goods protruding into the aisle.

The post Narrow Aisle Collision Risk Assistance appeared first on Logistics Business.

However, the complexity and scale of ASRS introduce several challenges, particularly around meeting safety standards and preventing system downtime (which can result in reduced overall productivity and financial loss). In addition, their moving parts and automated components pose potential hazards to personnel who may need to access the aisles and therefore appropriate measures to reduce risk must be implemented.

Challenges in Selecting ASRS Safety Solutions

The increase in scale and complexity of ASRS present a range of technical and operational challenges when selecting and integrating the right interlocking solutions. Key considerations include:

• Conformity with globally recognized standards – Identifying the right solutions to meet safety standards can be difficult across regions (e.g., EN 528 – the European standard about rail dependent storage and retrieval equipment). Fortress machinery safety expertise and configurable solutions help organizations meet safety standards wherever they operate.
• User-friendly operations – Ensuring operators can work without unnecessary complexities is essential to enhance workflow efficiency. This can be achieved by integrating key-operated switches, pushbuttons, and other functionalities within the same unit.
• Network integration capability – Many warehouses face challenges integrating safety devices within their existing systems. Whether using PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, or EtherCAT, network-enabled interlocks and control pods can allow for rapid installation, reduced wiring, and simple troubleshooting, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.
• Scalability across ASRS environments – As warehouse operations evolve, safety solutions need to adapt to changing business needs and growth. All-in-one ASRS interlocking solutions are highly versatile and suitable for both small-scale and large-scale operations while maintaining optimal performance.
• Durability in demanding settings – Industrial settings call for rugged equipment that can withstand long-term use. Fortress devices are engineered for longevity, with robust, heavy-duty designs that ensure performance over extended periods, reducing maintenance costs and enhancing long-term safety.

Comprehensive Interlocks for ASRS Safety

With over 40 years of experience in machinery safety and interlocking, Fortress Safety has become a trusted provider across all industries and applications, including logistics, warehouse automation, and ASRS.

Interlocking devices for aisle access incorporate essential features for optimal protection and compliance, including:

• Guard locking functionality for enhanced personnel safety
• Escape release for quick exit in case personnel becomes trapped
• Integrated pushbuttons to improve user efficiency and streamline operations
• Network connectivity to enable seamless integration with multiple communication protocols

There are also several optional features that can be configured into each device, such as RFID readers to manage and control access, personnel keys to prevent unexpected start-up, and more. Products are designed with flexibility in mind and can be configured to meet the requirements of each facility.

As automation continues to redefine industries, Fortress remains committed to delivering world-class solutions for ASRS safety that prioritize personnel protection without compromising efficiency. With a dedicated team of experts, international support networks, and configurable options, Fortress facilitates seamless integration into any warehouse environment.

The post Improve ASRS Safety with Interlocks appeared first on Logistics Business.