NIO, a global smart electric vehicle company, has chosen DHL as logistics partner for its European aftermarket services. This includes both, NIO premium models and the brand-new firefly brand, offering premium compact electric vehicles for urban mobility. From the DHL automotive campus in Holtum, The Netherlands, DHL will manage storage, distribution, and customs clearance of parts and accessories for customers across Northwestern Europe.

The partnership underscores The Netherlands role as a fast-growing logistics hub for the European EV market. DHL’s automotive campus, strategically located near major European transport corridors, provides NIO with fast delivery times and flexible capacity. To achieve this, DHL used the combined expertise of DHL Supply Chain, DHL Global Forwarding, and DHL Freight to provide an integrated supply chain solution.

NIO is known for their innovative concepts such as Power Swap Stations and NIO Houses, including a flagship store on Leidsestraat in Amsterdam. With DHL as a new partner, NIO is building a strong ecosystem across Europe, driven by innovation and local expertise and aligned with its long-term vision and sustainability ambition. The company also strengthens its logistics foundation to further enhance its user experience and to support the development of a resilient, future ready ecosystem for electric mobility.

Thijs Meijling, Head of NIO Europe Business:

Europe is at the heart of NIO’s journey. To deliver on our promise of a truly user-centric experience, we rely on strong partnerships with Europe’s best. With DHL, we gain a global logistics player whose dense network enables us to react quickly and flexibly to our users’ needs in aftersales services – from warehousing to distribution. This collaboration is another milestone in building NIO’s European ecosystem, where innovation, design and sustainability come together to set new standards for mobility.

Franz Riedlberger, Director Procurement at NIO added:

This partnership reflects a strong alignment in operational standards, quality expectations, and long-term vision. Together with DHL, we have established a logistics setup that supports efficiency, scalability and reliability – all essential as we continue to grow our presence in Europe and enhance the experience for our users.

Rik van den Broeck, Business Unit Director South East at DHL Supply Chain, said:

We are proud that NIO has chosen DHL. This collaboration reflects our shared ambition to accelerate sustainable mobility. With our automotive campus in Holtum and our specialized expertise in the automotive sector, we can support NIO with efficient and future-ready logistics.

Fathi Tlatli, Global Auto Mobility Sector President at DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation, commented:

Partnering with NIO underscores the momentum we see across the electric mobility ecosystem and reflects our commitment to supporting the next generation of sustainable transport. With DHL’s proven expertise in EV logistics and our global network of specialists, we provide compliant, cost-efficient, and future ready supply chain solutions that enable innovative players like NIO to scale their European footprint with confidence.

Morrison Global announces establishment of Polaris, an APAC cold chain platform, through the completion of the acquisition of SuperFreeze Singapore, a Singapore-based cold chain logistics provider serving the food & beverage and pharmaceutical sectors. The acquisition includes an automated cold storage facility in Tuas, SuperFreeze Tuas (SFT).

Singapore’s heavy reliance on imported food – and the refrigerated storage it requires – combined with its role as a major transshipment hub, continues to drive robust, sustained demand for cold storage capacity. Structural constraints in industrial land allocation have reinforced a persistent shortage of modern facilities.

William Smales, Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Morrison, said: 

Morrison is committed to investing in the essential infrastructure that underpins resilient, modern economies. With demand for highly automated cold-chain capacity continuing to outpace supply across the Asia-Pacific region, our investment in SuperFreeze positions us to help close that gap and establish a scalable, best-in-class platform. It reflects our strong conviction in Singapore and our ambition to lead the evolution of the cold chain logistics sector across the region.

Rajiv Khakhar, Executive Director at Morrison, said: 

Cold storage logistics play a vital role in enabling regional APAC trade through the storage and transshipment of temperature-sensitive goods, while also ensuring stable food and pharmaceutical supply in high import-dependent economies. We look forward to working with the management team to unlock strategic opportunities across Asia and deliver significant long-term value by addressing a critical, enduring local societal need.

Troy Shortell, CEO of the platform, added: 

This acquisition represents a natural progression in our growth journey and further strengthens our mission to transform critical cold supply chain infrastructure across the region. Building on an already solid foundation, SuperFreeze is now even better positioned to expand our network of advanced cold logistics facilities that leverage high-efficiency refrigeration and distributed energy systems to further reduce our carbon impact. Morrison’s deep expertise in global infrastructure and financial strength reinforces our long-term commitment to leading the transition toward a more sustainable cold chain — increasing food and pharmaceutical availability while preventing waste and minimizing our environmental footprint.

Ground-breaking is an everyday phrase that is usually meant metaphorically. But it was literally the case when David Priestman witnessed the commencement of a new distribution centre at Daventry’s international rail freight terminal logistics park in Northamptonshire in January.

Farmer-owned dairy cooperative Arla Foods and XPO Logistics have extended their strategic partnership by creating a future-ready, resilient chilled foods operation – through a 285,000 sq.ft. new UK national or central distribution centre (CDC) that will handle all Arla’s British chilled palletised products.

Currently under development at Prologis’s vast intermodal DIRFT complex, which is adjacent to the M1 and M6 motorways plus the west coast railway mainline, the new facility will bring Arla’s chilled dairy products (cheese, butter, yoghurts), into a single, centralised location. “It’s the most established warehouse location in the UK,” Phil Oakley, SVP, Prologis UK, told me. DHL, Tesco, GXO, Bleckmann and Sainsbury’s have DCs here already. This new development aims to strengthen Arla’s supply chain resilience, reduce road freight miles and support more efficient distribution across Britain.

Fran Ball, SVP UK Supply Chain for Arla Foods UK, commented: “Consolidating our chilled pallet operations into a single, advanced facility in Northamptonshire is a strategic leap forward for Arla. By partnering with XPO Logistics and Prologis, we are improving the resilience of a critical part of our supply chain and making meaningful progress on reducing waste and road miles.”

Cold Pallets

XPO Logistics is project managing the delivery of the CDC and will operate the site from late 2027, when it becomes operational, thus making this a fast construction and quick implementation. As part of a continued, long-term partnership, XPO is supporting Arla beyond day-to-day operations, bringing expertise in transformation, automation and scalable operating design. The new CDC will create around 400 new jobs.

Investment in automation, via systems integrator Dematic, will create skilled warehousing roles, including automation operations, maintenance, quality, inventory control, safety and management. Appropriate training and upskilling for advanced automation will be provided by XPO as part of the recruitment and onboarding process. The CDC will have 40000 pallet locations and 850 pick faces in the picking tunnels. It will make extensive use of Movu’s ‘Atlas’ 4D pallet shuttle. “Each shuttle is an individual unit, so it is scalable,” says Dan Myers, Senior Vice President, Dedicated Supply Chain – Europe, XPO Logistics. “We can add shuttles at peak periods.”

Human Leagues

One of the challenges with cold stores is maximising space utilisation. “Chill as little as possible,” Myers advises. “Arla stands for quality; their products are loved and trusted by households. This future-ready CDC is designed to handle projected growth and will play a key role in ensuring that Arla continues to deliver great products whilst improving the resilience, sustainability, and efficiency of its supply chain. Working together, we’re driving positive strategic change which will support Arla’s business to continue to prosper today and tomorrow.”

I asked Myers about the challenges of recruitment. “You can hire people, of course,” he replied. “Growing 10% a year means we’re people-based, so the challenge is recruiting enough staff. Our values are important.” As well as training and a vocational approach XPO offer a benefits package.

Pride in the Facility

The new CDC is being constructed to meet BREEAM outstanding accreditation and an EPC A* rating. At 22.5m high and with 48 dock doors, the CDC will have a PV solar array to bolster its power supply. “This will generate a surplus of electricity, and the logistics park has ample energy as well,” Oakley told me. “Partnerships and developments like this play an important role in creating long term economic value, helping to attract investment and underpin jobs across the region,” he added. “At DIRFT, we’ve built a community with the capacity and skills to support high-performing logistics operations like this one.” It’s the company’s second largest logistics park in the world and features walking routes, sports facilities and green spaces.

Most DIRFT warehouse occupiers make use of the rail connectivity, which is a distinct advantage of this location. XPO will utilise the west coast mainline to move products to and from Scotland, where Arla has another major hub (for UHT and lactose-free milk). “Rail freight is optional here,” Oakley stated. “The capacity is there and will increase once HS2 (high-speed rail) is complete,” which is between three and seven years away. “More places to offload rail containers are needed, however.” For every rail service used 70-80 lorries are taken off the roads, so it should be a win-win.

I asked Oakley if Prologis have finally run out of space at DIRFT. “We have 1.8 million sq.ft. left to develop, making a total of 8 million sq.ft. on the park,” he informed me. “This is the third phase. Land is prepared and has planning consent.” Some new ‘on-spec’ warehousing will be ready this summer. Get it while you can.

A major new logistics development in Reading, UK is approaching completion, set to transform the town’s supply-chain landscape. The hub, part of the Reading International Business Park, comprises four high-specification warehouses covering 8.5 acres, designed to meet rising demand for modern logistics space in one of the UK’s tightest industrial markets.

Situated at Reading International Logistics Park, near Junction 11 of the M4 motorway, the site offers strategic access for regional distribution and last-mile delivery. The scheme is being delivered by Graftongate in a joint venture with JP Morgan Asset Management, with Magrock appointed as principal contractor for the design and construction of the units.

Construction has progressed steadily, and the hub is expected to provide modern facilities for third-party logistics operators, retail distribution centres, and other supply-chain users. Local authorities have highlighted the project as a key development to support business growth and strengthen supply-chain resilience in the South East.

Beyond boosting operational capacity, the development is expected to generate jobs in warehousing, transport, and related services. Planning records indicate the scheme progressed smoothly, aligning with the council’s strategy to enhance regional logistics infrastructure. Once operational, the hub will reinforce Reading’s role as a vital node in the UK’s supply-chain network, bringing lasting economic and community benefits.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves met haulage and logistics leaders in the Midlands last week – aiming to map out “routes to growth” for a sector at the heart of the UK economy. The roundtable took place at LTS Global Solutions, Coleshill – bringing together senior industry figures and Treasury representatives. Key focus: tackling cost pressures – fuel, labour, and investment hurdles. Sector stakes: millions of jobs and critical supply chains nationwide. Industry voice: Logistics UK warns fuel duty hikes could stifle growth – urges targeted government support.

The meeting covered investment, efficiency, and future growth. Official details are limited – but the talks form part of Reeves’ wider outreach on regional economic strategy. Industry priorities include cost certainty, regulatory clarity, and greener logistics solutions.

The session is part of a bigger government push – Chancellor Reeves emphasizes no region locked out of investment. This was reinforced at the Regional Investment Summit in Birmingham. In the West Midlands, a £2.4bn transport boost aims to expand trams, improve infrastructure, and unlock private investment. Multi-billion-pound local transport packages target better connectivity, economic growth, and new jobs.

Industry reaction is cautious but positive. Haulage firms welcome the dialogue but stress that challenges remain. Fuel costs, post-Brexit adjustments, and global competition continue to pressure the sector. Businesses are calling for strategic support – infrastructure, tax incentives, and investment in green technologies.

Looking ahead, Reeves’ Plan for Change focuses on boosting private and public investment across UK regions. Businesses will watch closely – will these high-level discussions translate into real action? Midlands logistics hubs could be a key test of the government’s regional growth strategy.

Among the most followed faces of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics is undoubtedly Jutta Leerdam. Dutch speed skating champion and pure talent on short and medium-short distances, Leerdam has already wongold in the 1,000 meters and a silver medal in the 500 meters, an explosive race where every penny can make a difference.

What sets her apart, in addition to her athletic achievements, is her public image: very strong presence on social media, modern visual language, and a narrative that goes far beyond the ice. Her career perfectly represents the new generation of female athletes capable of combining top-level competitive performance and global personal branding.

His media profile is also intertwined with that of his partner, Jake Paul, a youtuber entrepreneur and boxer known for turning personal communication into a viral phenomenon of spectacular events, provocations, and high-impact storytelling.

When Jutta Leerdam landed in Venice to participate in the Milan – Cortina 2026 Olympics aboard a private jet, the news quickly overtook the sports plane. The trip – along the Amsterdam-Schiphol route – Venice Marco Polo – has been transformed from a simple logistical move to a topic of debate and a ground for confrontation between sports, public image and social values.

Jutta: to the Olympics by private jet

In itself, transferring by private jet is as good a logistical solution as any. In the Olympic context, however, it inevitably takes on symbolic value. The moment images of the flight and arrival are shared on a profile followed by millions, such as Jutta ‘s, the journey is no longer just a displacement: it becomes an integral part of the athlete’s public narrative.

Moving by private jet is not just a matter of luxury. For an elite athlete like Jutta Leerdam, it is a strategic and professional choice to reduce travel stress and optimize time. However, in Jutta‘s case, the strength of the media persona-amplified in part by her relationship with Jake Paul-has meant that the focus is on travel rather than challenges on the track.

Where the controversy involving the Olympic skating champion stems from.

Reactions focused mainly on a few points:

1. Perception of poor adherence to team spirit
2. environmental impact of private flight
3. social exposure of the experience
4. Association with a public image perceived as provocative

Interestingly, the discussion quickly shifted from sports performance, to lifestyle narrative.

Jutta’s private jet: luxury or super professionalism?

In the modern sports world, performance and energy management are central.
A private flight allows:

• total control of departure time
• Simplify complex airport procedures
• configure the aircraft cabin To minimize travel fatigue and stress
• greater privacy confidentiality
• ideal environment for recovery and mental preparation

Of course, private jet travel is not a solution designed for mass tourism, nor could it be. Private aviation is a niche service designed for specific business, safety, and even sports performance needs.

Sports, branding and public perception

The case of Olympic champion Jutta Leerdam highlights a broader phenomenon: in contemporary sports, the athlete is no longer just a performer, but a brand.

Every choice-from the business partner to the means of transportation-contributes to the construction of public identity.

In this context, the private jet becomes part of an interweaving narrative:

• sporting excellence
• personal branding
• lifestyle
• digital communication

Whether it is a conscious strategy or simply a consequence of one’s status, the story shows how today even a move to a competition can turn into a global debate.

But while the Web discusses lifestyle, a medal is being decided on the ice against some of the fastest athletes on the planet. And that’s where, in the end, it’s all measured.

The sporty side of Jutta Leerdam: gold medals in the 1,000 meters and silver in the 500

Beyond the media controversy, Jutta Leerdam remains first and foremost one of the most solid and spectacular performers in modern speed skating.

A specialist in short and medium-short distances, he has built his career mainly in the 1,000 meters, a race in which he has shown his ability to handle power and progression to the fullest. At the Milan-Cortina Games he confirmed his status in his preferred distance, establishing himself as a technical and athletic reference.

She did not disappoint in the 500 meters either, where she won the silver medal after an even more explosive and unpredictable event, where margins and times are decided by hundredths of a second. And it is there, on the ice, that the media narrative gives way to the reality of the sport: Chronometer, technique, power. Everything else stays off the track.

Pro-risk; fail fast; do more with less – all mottos of behemoth Amazon. But what does that mean for one of the world’s largest supply chain organisations? David Priestman attended the Amazon Business Reshape conference in Seattle.

Global upheavals in recent times, which are too numerous and obvious as to not need reminding you of, have caused logisticians to urgently re-wire and re-think strategies. The IMF’s ‘world uncertainty index’ is at its peak. How do supply chains gain more resilience and thus reduce inherent risk? Answers have included nearshoring, increasing stock levels and utilising technology platforms to boost flexibility.

These are four supply chain priorities:

• Strengthening Resilience – requires using real-time analytics to have true visibility
• Technological Transformation – being brought about by automation and more integration
• Retain Talent – improve the worker experience and raising their productivity
• Net Zero – goals are essential for both sustainability and affordability. Sourcing local and diverse suppliers is therefore green and responsible

Everything, Everywhere all at once

We know what IQ and EQ are. Shelley Salomon, VP of Amazon Business, speaks of the ‘Adaptability Quotient’ – AQ. “We’re in the age of adaptation,” she told me. “Generative AI is automating processes, including guided buying.” Amazon Business offers corporate accounts for procurement of anything and everything.

Amazon has access to millions of sellers, with multiple supplier options and JIT delivery goals. The organization aims to build-in ‘supplier redundancy’ to reduce the risk from having a single source for items. The product lines available on its platforms run to the hundreds of millions. Amazon is able to consolidate personal and business purchases for delivery to major customers, such as a University.

Customers are beautifully, wonderfully dissatisfied…they want something better…we invent on their behalf.

Jeff Bezos, Amazon Founder and Executive Chairman.

Amazon’s business sprawls from the ultimate B2C platform, Amazon Business (B2B), MGM and Prime (entertainment), Twitch, AWS (web services), Alexa, Ring (doorbells), Audible, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods and Zappos. The robotics division keeps the company at the forefront of warehouse automation technology.

Agile, Nimble, Automated

But how should enormous supply chains such as Amazon’s meet its stated priorities? Four ambitions were outlined at Reshape:

• Predict supply chain challenges before commencing manufacture by using AI analytics
• Implement same day delivery capability
• Dedicated Amazon Business truck fleet
• Multi-product pallet delivery to customers

Be agile. What is the speed of your supply chain’s response to maintaining inventory levels? Start by understanding the current conditions. How durable are they? How competitive are your suppliers, in terms of quality and quantity?

Be nimble. AI can help sift through data more quickly and to dive deeper. It can also end the drudgery of human admin tasks.

Get automated, efficiency is key. AI is a real-time asset in risk management, fraud detection and for spotting anomalies. Take paper-based data and use AI to analyse it. Supplier vetting can be done by AI.

Phrase the Prompts

Luddites look away now, for the message is to embrace new technology. Interrogate the AI agent and use your curiosity. Find the truth and then do something about it when faced with supply chain challenges.
A supply chain can be a strategic advantage for a business if you have a strong team of logisticians, negotiate well and build alliances and partnerships. Agile sourcing makes for supply chain security. Sermon over.

Join Ian Wright, Peter MacLeod, and Caroline Barber in our latest episode as they discuss the incredible impact of TransAid’s work in Africa. Ian’s upcoming cycling challenge from Kilimanjaro to the coast aims to raise vital funds for TransAid, a charity that leverages transport solutions to save lives and improve road safety across the continent.

TransAid’s innovative programs, such as providing bicycle ambulances and improving driver training, have dramatically reduced child mortality and enhanced healthcare access. These initiatives are made possible through the generous support of industry partners and individual donors. By supporting Ian’s ride, you contribute directly to these life-changing efforts.

You can make a difference by donating to Ian’s JustGiving page. Your contribution will help fund essential programs that deliver healthcare and safety to remote communities. Visit Ian’s JustGiving page to support his ride and be part of this transformative journey.

Listen to the full episode to learn more about how you can get involved and support TransAid’s mission. Together, we can drive positive change and create a safer, healthier future for communities in need.

At LogiMAT Stuttgart, Irish manufacturer Combilift will showcase its latest material handling solutions designed to help companies move, store, and manage loads more safely, efficiently, and sustainably. – all while optimising valuable warehouse space.

Visitors can explore a comprehensive overview of Combilift’s wide range of innovative handling solutions. With a strong focus on greener technologies, 98% of Combilift’s R&D investment is dedicated to energy-efficient and electric equipment, now making up over 70% of production.

Combilift’s CEO and Co-Founder Martin McVicar explains: “Sustainability is at our core – we’re highly focused on making our vehicles more environmentally friendly and helping our customers maximise their warehouse efficiency.”

Warehousing range

A key highlight of the stand will be the live demo area, where visitors can see Combilift’s warehousing range in action. The Aisle Master articulated forklift range is engineered to operate safely in aisles as narrow as 1,6m and with lift heights of up to 15m. Their exceptional versatility allows them to work on any floor surface, indoors or outdoors, eliminating the need for separate reach and counterbalance machines.

Also on display will be Combilift’s electric pedestrian range, offering compact, highly manoeuvrable solutions that enhance operator safety and efficiency in confined spaces.

The pedestrian range includes Combilift’s unique, patented multi-position tiller arm. This enables the operator to stand at the side of the unit rather than at the rear (as is the case with other walk behind brands), giving excellent visibility of even the bulkiest loads and their surroundings. This position also eliminates any possibility of crush risk when working in confined areas and prevents product damage.

Multidirectional forklifts for handling long loads

Another focal point will be Combilift’s multidirectional forklift range: the C-Series and Combi-CB, which allows long and bulky loads to be handled with ease in confined spaces, both indoors and outdoors.
A particular emphasis will be on the Red Dot and UKWHA Archies award-winning Combi-CB70E : the most compact 7t capacity counterbalance forklift in the market.

This multidirectional model combines zero-emission operation with the ability to handle long and bulky loads safely, demonstrating how electrification can deliver high performance while supporting sustainability goals.

McVicar said: “Almost every model in our extensive range of products is now available with electric power. The ever-increasing lift capacities will answer the demand for more powerful products, which at the same time help companies to achieve their aims for more sustainable operations.”

Beyond Manufacturing: Optimising Space and Software

Combilift will also showcase Combi-Connect, its smart cloud-based telematics system, which provides real-time insights into truck performance, utilisation, and operator behaviour—helping customers improve safety, reduce downtime, and optimise fleet management.

In addition, Combilift experts will be available to discuss how businesses can increase storage capacity and enhance workflow efficiency using Combilift’s versatile material handling solutions. Combilift’s dedicated in-house team of design engineers and layout consultants also offers a free, no-obligation warehouse and yard optimisation service. This service illustrates how warehouse space can be configured around the capabilities of Combilift’s products — in some cases doubling available storage capacity.

With nearly three decades of expertise and over 100,000 machines in operation worldwide, Combilift continues to drive lifting Innovation, helping businesses make their material handling operations safer and more efficient while optimising their existing facilities.