Retail logistics has become the hidden architecture of European commerce. Every click-to-cart moment sets off a chain of inbound replenishment, warehousing, order processing, and final-mile delivery that now must run at near-real-time speed. Europe’s business-to-consumer e-commerce turnover reached €899 billion in 2023, up 3.4% year-on-year, confirming that even traditional high-street retailers now operate as e-commerce […]

Lean Logistics adapts the well-known Lean Manufacturing mindset to material and information flows beyond the factory gate. By seeking continuous elimination of non-value-adding activities across transport, warehousing and order management, Lean Logistics has become a cornerstone of competitive freight forwarding, especially in Europe’s tightly regulated, sustainability-driven market.   Core Principles of Lean Logistics Lean Logistics […]

When the European Commission published the final bundle of implementing and delegated acts for the Electronic Freight Transport Information (eFTI) Regulation on 9 January 2025, the legal framework for paper-free freight in the EU was finally complete. The new rules close the last technical gaps, let Member States finish their inspection systems, and give businesses […]

Europe’s third-party logistics (3PL) sector sits at the heart of the continent’s supply chain modernization drive, providing shippers with rapid access to transport capacity, fulfillment infrastructure, and data-driven optimization tools. The market was valued at approximately €186.7 billion in 2024 and is forecast to expand at a healthy 5.6 % CAGR through 2030, underscoring the […]

Not a re-entry but a reboot Contrary to some early headlines, the United Kingdom never left the Common Transit Convention (CTC) when it exited the EU; it acceded in its own right in 2019 and has remained a contracting party ever since. The key date this year was 21 January 2025, when all 38 members […]

EU-funded researchers are accelerating the roll-out of autonomous heavy vehicles on public roads, positioning self-driving trucks as a practical answer to labour shortages and sustainability goals in European logistics. The International Road Transport Union (IRU) warns that 425,000 truck driver posts are already unfilled across Europe, a gap that automation could help bridge.     […]

Romania’s customs agency has recently activated two advanced X-ray scanners at major crossing points along its borders with Serbia and Ukraine in an effort to reinforce the EU’s outer borders. The stationary scanning units have been set up at Moravița, the largest border customs office on the border with Serbia and at Isaccea which ranks […]

Ukraine and the European Union have decided to renew their Road Transport Agreement which will remain in effect until the end of 2025. This arrangement was first put in place in response to the disruption of usual transport links caused by the situation in Ukraine, and it aims to ensure the ongoing movement of freight […]

European logistics companies operating in European tourist destinations encounter a number of challenges during peak seasons. Key hurdles include the surge in demand for certain goods, the need for quick turnaround, and intense competition for limited transportation capacity.   Surge in Demand European tourist destinations experience significant demand for commodities during peak seasons. In coastal […]

While within the Schengen Area of the European Union border controls are largely abolished, some states occasionally reinstall controls in response to specific security concerns. Moreover, forwarders also pass through border crossings from and to non-Schengen countries where their trucks may face idle times. To reduce these delays, border agencies offer measures such as advanced […]

Swiss President Viola Amherd and head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen declared the successful completion of discussions intended to strengthen the partnership between Switzerland and the European Union. This announcement was made in Bern in December 2024 after eight months of intense dialogue and 200 sessions. Аs a result, both parties consented […]

Understanding the financial and operational benefits of leasing versus owning containers is important for logistics providers. Each option offers unique advantages that can significantly impact a company’s flexibility, financial health, and strategic opportunities.   Leasing Containers Leasing eliminates the need for a significant upfront investment. This can free up capital for other areas of the […]

Road transport, maritime shipping, and air freight each play distinct roles in shaping the European logistics industry. These transportation modes cater to different industry needs, from just-in-time deliveries through road shipping to the vast capacity and reach of maritime transport and the rapid transit times offered by air freight.   Road Transport Road freight accounts […]

Freight villages optimize the logistics network by acting as hubs that streamline the shipping process to ensure efficient distribution. They focus on efficient sorting at the outset, monitoring throughout transit, and oversight at delivery points to ensure quality control and resolve any discrepancies.   Collection and Sorting Freight villages serve as central points where goods […]

Excessive moisture can have significant impacts on goods transported within European logistics network. Issues, among others, include the warping of packaging, damage to labels, increased cargo weight, and contamination of goods, which can affect the handling, transport, and overall condition of products.   Compromised Packaging Exposure to moisture, particularly during heavy rain, can cause warping […]

Warehouse placement significantly impacts European logistics operations and thus guides strategic location choices. These include proximity to high-demand zones, border crossings, labor-rich regions, and areas suitable for expansion.   Zones of High Demand Warehouses are often located around high-demand zones, including industrial parks, free trade zones, and transportation service hubs like bus or rail terminals […]

Navigating nighttime freight forwarding presents a unique set of challenges that go beyond those faced during daylight hours. IFA freight forwarders must contend with limited access to facilities, reduced visibility, and more complex weather conditions, all of which can affect their operations.   Restricted Access Hours In many smaller and municipality-managed locations, freight forwarders face […]

Freight forwarders who are heavily engaged in humanitarian logistics often deal with challenges when delivering supplies to disaster-stricken zones. They must navigate damaged infrastructure, stringent customs regulations, and coordination difficulties with governments, NGOs, and local authorities.   Damaged Infrastructure Infrastructure damage such as collapsed bridges, destroyed roads, or landslides can physically block routes and hinder […]

Shipping high-risk cargo in flood-prone areas demands specialized strategies to ensure safety. Three high-risk categories that require particular attention are electronics, pharmaceuticals and chemicals, and livestock, each needing distinct protective measures.   Electronics Electronics like smartphones, laptops, and televisions have circuits that direct electric signals along specific paths. When these devices are exposed to water, […]

Transporting goods to European islands presents logistical hurdles that impact the efficiency of transportation operations. Key challenges include limited port capacity for large ships, dependence on ferry services, volatile sea and weather conditions, and the geographic isolation of islands.   Capacity Limitations for Large Ships European islands often have limited capacity to accommodate large cargo […]