Europe's Weekly Rundown: Transformative Logistics Innovations
The e-commerce logistics industry in Europe is rapidly evolving, driven by groundbreaking innovations from its leading providers. This week, PostNL, PostNord, Kuehne+Nagel, CEVA Logistics, and UPS have unveiled transformative initiatives that promise to reshape the future of supply chains. From cutting-edge technology deployments to sustainability breakthroughs, these updates highlight the industry’s relentless drive to adapt to the demands of e-commerce growth, global connectivity, and environmental responsibility. In this roundup, we explore how these logistics giants are setting new standards and leading the way in addressing the challenges of a fast-changing market.
PostNL is Among the Most Sustainable Companies in the World
PostNL once again is one of the world's most sustainable companies in 2024, according to S&P Global's Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI), which evaluates corporate environmental and social performance. In December 2024, it ranked first among the world's other ecommerce logistics players after finishing sixth overall in the index.
(Image source: PostNL)
For many years, PostNL has ranked among the most sustainable businesses in the transportation industry. As Herna Verhagen, CEO of PostNL, points out, "Sustainability is not an option; it is our responsibility." This acknowledgment of the efforts as one of the world's most sustainable firms is a watershed moment that PostNL could only have achieved thanks to the unwavering devotion and determination of the whole team. "By engaging in benchmarks like these, we continue to raise the bar for ourselves and strive for continual progress. So, this is not just acknowledgment, but also a fantastic drive to take the next step ahead - and as a huge organization, we want to play an active part," she said.
PostNord Finland is Testing the Boundaries of Electric Trucks
Electric vans have previously been successfully implemented throughout the Nordic region as part of PostNord's efforts to decrease environmental and climate impact. Finland is taking a huge step toward fulfilling its climate goals by launching an ambitious pilot project to test and introduce electric heavy-duty trucks.
The new electric vehicle, which will begin operations in March 2025, will drive over 700 kilometers per day between the Vantaa and Turku terminals, representing a new milestone in PostNord's commitment to decreasing emissions and setting the way for a more sustainable future for the ecommerce logistics industry.
(Image source: PostNord)
"We are heavily focused on electric vans; they are our top priority," says Ilmo Strömberg, Climate Lead at PostNord Finland. "But we also want to know what is achievable in the heavy-duty electric truck side. It's consistent with our goal of becoming fossil-free by 2030.
If the pilot is successful, it will hasten the transition away from diesel trucks, contributing to collaborative efforts to achieve carbon-neutral, fossil- and emission-free logistics. In addition, the project's data will give vital insights regarding electric vehicle capabilities, cold weather performance, and total payback time.
Kuehne+Nagel is Operating Central Logistics Center for Schaeffler in the Asia Pacific
Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions Asia Pacific has chosen Kuehne+Nagel to handle its Central Logistics Center in Thailand. This 3,000-square-meter assembly and packaging factory is conveniently positioned in the Si Racha free zone region, near the Schaeffler manufacturing plant in Chonburi. This Central Logistics Center will be in charge of operating tasks such as kitting, receiving items, and shipping. It is intended to streamline logistics procedures and boost delivery capacity, guaranteeing continuous high delivery service levels for Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions clients throughout Asia Pacific.
(Image source: Kuehne+Nagel)
Micah Shepard, President of Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions Asia Pacific, says, “This Central Logistics Center will be a critical supply center for the Asia Pacific area. With Kuehne+Nagel as our experienced and dependable logistics partner, our goal is to increase the accessibility and efficiency of spare parts distribution by focusing more on innovation, advancement, and client orientation.”
"Our long-term relationship with Schaeffler has evolved over time due to our shared dedication and collaborative spirit. Together, we have made great progress and will continue to build on this solid basis while seizing the possibilities that lie ahead," says David Roussiere, Managing Director of Kuehne+Nagel Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar.
CEVA Logistics is Supporting Volkswagen’s Growing Business
The Volkswagen Group is a German automobile company that distributes its vehicles in 153 countries. In addition to Volkswagen, popular vehicles include Audi, Bentley, SEAT, Porsche, and Ducati. In 2023, the Volkswagen Group delivered more than 9 million vehicles to consumers worldwide, an 11.8% increase over the previous year.
CEVA Logistics offers Volkswagen warehousing and distribution services for automotive parts and accessories and logistics for exporting to over 30 countries. PAC is Latin America's largest automotive parts distribution centre and the largest operated by CEVA. It serves over 600 car dealers and is the Volkswagen Group's only distribution center in Brazil, providing a crucial site for expansion and distribution across Latin America.
(Image source: CEVA Logistics)
Over the past 12 years, CEVA’s relationship with Volkswagen has significantly transformed, characterized by productivity and prosperity. Volkswagen is investing R$13 billion in logistics in São Paulo, part of which will be directed to the Parts and Accessories Center to support the facility's automation and digital transformation. CEVA is already making significant advances in digitalization and artificial intelligence technologies across its Latin American sites to promote operational efficiency and sustainability.
UPS is Adding Two New Cross-docks in Europe
New healthcare treatments are transforming the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in Europe, where 80% of pharmaceutical items require temperature-controlled transportation. The demand for dependable, temperature-specific supply chain solutions has never been higher.
To satisfy these growing demands, UPS Healthcare is establishing cutting-edge cross-dock facilities worldwide, most notably in Milan, Italy, and Frankfurt, Germany. Cross-docks reduce the requirement for warehousing in a typical supply chain, resulting in faster delivery by moving products straight from the point of origin to the point of sale. These two new facilities ensure critical healthcare products reach patients safely and on time.
(Image source: UPS)
Milan: Simplified shipping for faster deliveries: The 28,500m2 cross-dock in Milan accommodates approximately 20,000 pallet placements and shipments requiring temperatures between 2 and 8°C. The facility is strategically located near the airport and minimizes unnecessary storage time by transporting goods straight from arrival to outgoing vehicles, which means even faster delivery times.
Frankfurt: A central hub for global reach: The 7,200m2 Frankfurt cross-dock offers temperature-controlled storage in three temperature ranges: -25 to -15°C, 2 to 8°C, and 15 to 25°C. Its prominent location near our European air hub in Cologne provides quick access to important transportation hubs such as Amsterdam, Antwerp, Liège, Rotterdam, and Warsaw. This means short transit times, including speedy next-day and two-day service to destinations worldwide.
Conclusion
The innovations from Europe’s top logistics carriers are setting the pace for the industry, highlighting the importance of efficiency, sustainability, and adaptability. By embracing new technologies and forward-thinking strategies, companies like PostNL, PostNord, Kuehne+Nagel, CEVA Logistics, and UPS are not only meeting today’s demands but also shaping the future of global logistics. These developments encourage other players to innovate, ensuring the entire sector moves toward a more connected, efficient, and sustainable era.
