European Spotlight: This Week’s Logistics Breakthroughs
As the e-commerce boom continues across Europe, the logistics sector faces increasing pressure to meet the demands for speed and sustainability. Major ecommerce logistics providers like PostNL, DACHSER, DB Schenker, Scan Global Logistics, and Maersk are driving this transformation with significant developments. These innovations not only address the challenges of today’s logistics landscape but also pave the way for a more efficient and eco-conscious future. Let’s explore how these industry giants are shaping the future of logistics and e-commerce in Europe.
PostNL Makes Postbox Collection More Efficient
Beginning in February 2025, PostNL will start staggered collection from postboxes throughout the day. This approach is more efficient, decreases the number of kilometres driven, is more environmentally friendly, and saves money, all of which assist in keeping postal services affordable in the Netherlands. Postboxes in busy areas, such as retail malls and stations, will still be collected after 5:00 p.m.
(Image source: PostNL)
Maurice Unck, Director of Mail NL, explains the decision: "Keeping a dependable and accessible postal network for everyone in the Netherlands remains a top priority for us." Presently, mail from all postboxes is collected after 5:00 p.m., necessitating the emptying of thousands of them in a short period of time - between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. This requires a large number of vehicles, drivers, and kilometres driven, making it expensive, inefficient, and unsustainable. "With this step, we're making sure that postal services stay accessible and affordable for everyone in the Netherlands," he said.
DACHSER Builds New Logistics Center in Zaragoza, Spain
DACHSER is investing 14 million euros in the expansion of its logistics facilities in northeastern Spain. The new facility in Zaragoza is slated to open in early 2026.
DACHSER's new logistics centre increases transport capacity for its regional customers while also improving its position on the Iberian Peninsula and throughout Europe. "We are developing an infrastructure that will support our future expansion. With the new logistics facility, we can manage more products and improve our operations. "We also have more storage capacity and loading ramps for heavy trucks," explains Moisés Beltrán, DACHSER Spain European Logistics' General Manager for Aragon and La Rioja.
(Image source: DACHSER)
The DACHSER branch's present 75,000 m² property will be used to build the new logistics facility. The new structure will cover around 12,000 m², comprising warehousing and offices. There will be 100 loading ramps for various truck types, as well as parking for swap bodies, trucks, and cars. The location is also open to future development.
"With our investment in Zaragoza, we reaffirm our commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. This cutting-edge logistics facility will not only increase our operating capacity but will also generate development for our local clients with export business owing to its strategic position," explains Celestino Silva, Managing Director European Logistics Iberia at DACHSER.
DB Schenker Deploys 40 New Volvo FM Electric into its German Fleet
With the addition of 40 Volvo FM Electric trucks to its fleet in Germany, DB Schenker, one of the world's top logistics service providers, is taking the next critical step toward a more sustainable future. The electric 20-ton trucks, which can operate with trailers, are ideal for both urban and regional transportation.
"By deploying an additional 40 electric Volvos for last-mile delivery, DB Schenker underlines its commitment to leading the transition to sustainable drive systems and strengthens its partnership with Volvo Trucks," says Cyrille Bonjean, Executive Vice President Land Transport at DB Schenker in Europe, adding, "We will be able to offer low-emission transportation solutions to our customers across the country."
(Image source: DB Schenker)
On the way to sustainable logistics, DB Schenker is constantly investing in new, low-emission land, air, and sea freight solutions to fulfill rising customer demand for low-emission supply chains and assist them in attaining their sustainability goals. Using electric trucks like the Volvo FM Electric helps reduce CO₂ emissions in land transport. Another advantage of the electric drive is that it operates much more quietly than a typical combustion engine. These two attributes make the Volvo FM Electric perfect for urban areas.
Scan Global Logistics Signs an Agreement to Acquire ITN Logistics Group
Scan Global Logistics (SGL)'s growth path continues with the expansion of its Canadian operations. The addition of ITN Logistics Group (ITN) to the network would greatly expand SGL's service options and footprint in Canada. The acquisition of ITN will boost SGL's Canadian business by increasing size, locations, and market share.
SGL's Global CEO, Allan Melgaard, states, "Acquiring ITN is a strategic move that strengthens our presence in Canada and North America." We've worked with ITN for many years, and their customer-centric approach, as well as their entrepreneurial attitude, complements ours. It will be a pleasure to welcome all of the talented people with extensive industry experience to our business.
(Image source: Scan Global Logistics)
Monica Kennedy, Major Shareholder and President of ITN, explains why ITN decided to be acquired by SGL: 'Our customers and workers have always been at the heart of our success. It was critical to find a partner that shared our values and goals; SGL is an excellent cultural and strategic match, assuring ongoing development and care for our team and customers.
OMODA & JAECOO and Maersk Collaborate to Provide Top-Notch After-Sales Services
OMODA & JAECOO, an innovative automotive brand that is shaping the future of mobility, has announced a strategic relationship with A.P. Moller - Maersk (Maersk), an integrated logistics business. This agreement creates a warehouse and distribution solution for spare parts, finished vehicles, and PDI, ensuring efficient vehicle storage and distribution throughout the UAE.
Maersk's sophisticated warehouse and distribution capabilities will assure 98% spare parts availability and speedy delivery throughout the UAE in 24 to 48 hours. This collaboration reinforces OMODA and JAECOO's commitment to providing an outstanding customer ownership experience. The solution is intended to secure the availability of necessary replacement parts for all OMODA and JAECOO models, including the flagship OMODA C5 and JAECOO J8.
(Image source: Maersk)
The solution, developed in collaboration with Maersk, meets high workflow requirements while combining efficiency and precision. It is intentionally intended to satisfy dealer and customer requirements quickly while preserving best-in-class industry practices and providing smooth after-sales support.
Conclusion
The innovations brought by industry leaders like PostNL, DACHSER, DB Schenker, Scan Global Logistics, and Maersk are crucial to the continued growth of Europe’s logistics sector. By embracing new partnerships, sustainability practices, and more efficient delivery models, these companies are not only improving operational efficiency but also responding to the evolving demands of consumers. As the industry adapts to new challenges and opportunities, these developments will play a key role in ensuring that European logistics remains competitive, efficient, and sustainable in the years to come.
