Multimodal Birmingham, NEC is arguably the UK’s Leading Supply Chain Conference & Logistics Expo.

Since 2008, Multimodal has been successfully building a supply chain and logistics community of shippers,  retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers, importers  and  exporters  and  the suppliers who support them through the UK’s biggest logistics expo.

As the industry’s annual meeting place for cargo owners, shippers, and other supply chain professionals, Multimodal offers attendees and exhibitors a space to innovate, connect and make logistics more sustainable. Over 300 companies exhibited at Multimodal offering solutions across all modes, together with the latest technological advances, to help you make your supply chains more sustainable, cost-effective and efficient.

The logistics trade show runs the gamut from awards and networking to expo spaces for trucking, freight, and rail companies representing the best and brightest in the industry. It celebrates logistics in all forms and strive to create events where you can grow your business and discover untapped potential.

Multimodal 2024 was an all-round amazing success with 13,003 attendees packing out Hall 4. Feedback from both exhibitors and visitors alike was outstanding. The free-to-attend supply chain conference streams were well respected across the industry with a theme of sustainability, resilience, technology and people.

Sessions in 2025 will once again be presented by Logistics UK, CIOE&IT, RFG, BIFA, UKWA, CILT and more, to ensure that topical aspects are at the forefront of the sessions and delivered by top-level speakers. Google Digital Garage will host three days of social and digital marketing and provided one-to-one mentoring opportunities.

New for 2025 will be AI Clinics featuring interactive sessions and personalised consultations. These clinics are an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about how AI can transform their business. Whether you have a specific AI issue or just want to understand how it can help improve your supply chain operations, the experts from Problems Solved will be on hand to provide practical advice and clear answers.

Catch a snapshot of our events from 2024 below and see what awaits you at one of our shows. Whether you’re looking for a supply chain conference where you can network, a logistics trade show to discuss the market, a trucking expo for experienced hauliers, or an award ceremony to celebrate the best and brightest, we have you covered.

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DP World is making a £60m investment in the UK’s trading capacity with an order of four new quay cranes for its Southampton container terminal.

The new cranes will be the largest quay cranes in Europe and can perform quad lifts, moving two 40ft containers together from ship to yard in a single move, reducing the time taken to load and unload large container vessels.

The quay cranes, which stand taller than Big Ben and each weigh more than 2,000 tonnes, are scheduled to arrive from mid-2026. Designed to service the largest ships currently in operation, including 24,000 TEU megaships, the cranes have an operational lifespan of approximately 25 years and are a key investment to future-proof DP World Southampton’s trading capabilities.

Aart Hille Ris Lambers, Vice President – Commercial, Ports & Terminals at DP World in the UK, said: “Our order for these new large quay cranes comes at a crucial time for DP World Southampton. We are continually innovating and investing to enhance our operations to give our customers, who operate the world’s largest container vessels, a smooth and efficient service.

“As our productivity and handling rates at Southampton continue to grow year-on-year, and we develop our nationwide end-to-end supply chain network, we’re always looking for ways to improve our infrastructure and our offer to customers, while serving the national interest.”

The order of the new quay cranes follows the announcement that DP World Southampton was presented with a ‘Productivity Improvement Award’ from global shipping giant ONE (Ocean Network Express), recognising the logistics hubs efforts to significantly increase handling rates between 2022 and 2023, further demonstrating the growth and innovation across DP World’s UK terminals.

In addition to its hubs at Southampton and London Gateway, DP World’s offer includes logistics, forwarding and European transport capabilities, all of which are being integrated into the company’s global network. Operating in 78 countries, DP World handles 10 per cent of global containerised trade.

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The Board of Directors of Manhattan Associates Inc. has announced that Eddie Capel, Manhattan’s President and CEO, retired from his position on 12th February. He will continue to serve Manhattan in the role of Executive Vice-Chairman of the Board, assisting with CEO transition and special projects. Mr. Capel will be succeeded by Eric Clark, who has been serving as CEO of NTT Data North America. Mr. Clark will also join the Manhattan Board.

Capel joined Manhattan in June 2000, and, after serving in various operations and technology roles, became its Chief Operating Officer in January 2011 and President and CEO in January 2013. Clark joined NTT Data Services in 2018, leading the development of capabilities and insights to help clients modernize and transform their technology operations. In October 2022, he became CEO of NTT Ltd. Americas, a leading IT infrastructure and services company that combined with NTT DATA in April 2024, upon which Clark became CEO of the combined entity NTT Data North America. Earlier in his career, Clark held numerous global, senior leadership positions with ServiceNow, Dell, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Arthur Andersen Business Consulting, Ernst & Young and Bank of America.

John Huntz, Manhattan’s Chairman, commented, “Eddie Capel has accomplished a great deal as CEO setting our strategic direction, building our winning team and creating shareholder value. During his tenure as CEO, Manhattan solidified its position as a leading global technology provider and innovator in both supply chain and omnichannel commerce. The Board thanks Eddie for his dedication to Manhattan over the last 25 years and for working diligently with the Board during our comprehensive CEO succession planning process over the last 24 months. We look forward to his continued involvement as Executive Vice-Chairman and as a member of the Board of Directors.”

Capel stated, “This is an ideal time for a CEO transition. Our company is in an exceptionally strong position strategically, competitively, operationally and financially. I want to thank our management team and our entire workforce, which is second to none, for their hard work and dedication to our mission of advancing global commerce through advanced technology. I look forward to working closely with Eric and continuing to contribute to our product vision, interacting with our customers and partners, and ensuring the growth and success of Manhattan Associates. And I have confidence that under Eric’s leadership, the team will continue to capitalize on our many market opportunities and extend our global leadership position.”

Regarding his appointment, Eric Clark commented, “Manhattan’s impact on global commerce continues to be considerable, and the greatest opportunities clearly are still in front of us. I could not be more excited to work with Eddie, the Board and the management team to build on Manhattan’s prior achievements and chart the course for our future success.”

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As the world’s leading trade fair for logistics, mobility, IT, and supply chain management, transport logistic in Munich brings together the entire industry. Decision-makers, experts, and innovators gather here to discuss the latest trends and developments and explore business opportunities. Join us and take advantage of this unique platform to propel your company forward and become part of the future of logistics.

air cargo Europe is the world’s largest exhibition for the air cargo industry. It takes place June 2–5, 2025 in Munich as part of transport logistic. Key players from all over the world will showcase their products and services on around 15,000 square meters of exhibition space.

Despite the weak economy, transport volumes are rising. Sustainability is becoming mandatory, while the logistics engine is running at full speed. The industry will be discussing how artificial intelligence can help at transport logistic in Munich from June 2 to 5, 2025. With international exhibitors and high-caliber speakers, the world-leading trade fair provides an overview of the diverse approaches to sustainable logistics.

In the future, many companies will not only have to act more economically, ecologically and socially, but also have to meet reporting obligations. For that, the logistics industry is increasingly relying on AI systems that optimize planning and forecasts, calculate efficient routes, or control inventories. AI is a strong lever for sustainability and hence a key topic at transport logistic.

Logistics affects everyone

In view of the ambitious climate targets, supply chain players need to network along the entire logistics chain and collect, analyze and exchange information more efficiently. That applies to anyone who transports or handles goods. The topic of AI in connection with sustainability is therefore not concentrated solely on the exhibitors with an IT focus in Hall B1. It runs through all twelve halls. 150,000 square meters of exhibition space will become a huge platform for infrastructure providers, transport companies, equipment suppliers and service providers to network with shippers from all over the world. The forums will focus on how the environment, business and people can benefit from AI. The Campus Plaza is devoting an entire day to both topics. International representatives from business and science meet at the world-leading trade fair to discuss the potential of AI and sustainability as exhibitors, speakers or visitors.

AI on the rise

More and more logistics companies are investing in new technologies for greater sustainability. The more complex the relationships, the more AI can help. The conference program is showcasing innovations and effects across all sectors, modes of transport and logistics disciplines. Fraunhofer (IML) is working on AI in transport logistics for small and medium-sized enterprises. The German Transport Forum (DVF) will be discussing AI in connection with platforms under the title “Next Generation Logistics” and highlighting its use in complex logistics chains in the context of “Reshaping Combined Transport”. The AI approaches for more sustainability on the last mile, which the German Parcel and Express Logistics Association (BPEX) is highlighting, are similarly complex. Sustainability and AI will be the focus for transport carriers, for example, at the air cargo Europe conference, and for industry logistics providers, for example, in the Lebensmittel Zeitung panel.

Additional effort for reporting obligations

ESG requirements such as the European CSR and CSDD directives and the EU taxonomy are placing increasing demands on the industry. Low threshold values and trickle-down effects in the market are also putting more pressure on medium-sized freight forwarders, who have to disclose sustainability measures and absorb the additional costs for reporting obligations and CO2 monitoring. Frank Huster, Managing Director of DSLV Bundesverband Spedition und Logistik e. V., explains: “Although the logistics industry will not let up in its sustainability efforts, the current level of bureaucracy is tying up too many resources and reducing productivity in companies. However, value creation is a crucial prerequisite for being able to act sustainably.” Against this backdrop, the DSLV will be discussing the special challenges facing medium-sized freight forwarding companies in a forum at transport logistic. The German Logistics Association (BVL) will also be addressing this topic under the title “Bureaucracy or opportunity? Deciphering the added value of CSR and the like.”

Logistics leading the way once again

Artificial intelligence is conquering everyday logistics. According to Trendradar, the exhibitor DHL sees the key trends in this area primarily in generative AI, AI ethics, audio AI, computer vision, and advanced analytics. “Logistics companies are often among the pioneers. After new drive technologies, sustainable fuels, and renewable energies, the industry is currently focusing on artificial intelligence as a top topic,” says Dr. Robert Schönberger as Global Industry Lead transport logistic exhibitions, and continues: “A leading international trade fair like transport logistic is the platform for all the players to discover new fields of application together.”

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As an official media partner to Deliver Europe, Logistics Business is proud to be involved with this top-level event as it celebrates its 10th anniversary in Amsterdam, reports Peter MacLeod.

Deliver Europe, which takes place on June 4th-5th, stands out from many other hybrid conference/exhibition events I have attended over the years thanks to ultra-high levels of delegate
engagement. With a programme of highly relevant conference content, and a line-up of qualified exhibitors, Deliver has repeatedly, well, delivered on its promises.

But its success is not down to pure luck – no, the Deliver team works hard to ensure delegates extract the maximum from their experience. The event was founded by Deliver Chairman & CEO
Stephane Tomczak, who gave me insight into some of the secrets behind Deliver’s growth and popularity.

Deliver has grown from what was initially a small gathering into a major event, continuously adapting to meet the needs of the supply chain and retail industries. It has become a prominent
logistics and supply chain industry event that now includes a wide range of features, better engagement strategies, and an increasingly diverse audience of more than 2,000 delegates, with a goal
of surpassing that threshold in 2025.

Deliver’s reach has expanded across the entire supply chain, representing various facets of the industry. As a carbon neutral event, it is renowned as a vocal advocate for sustainability, with
discussions centred around minimising environmental impact and developing solutions that support the future of the industry. And it practices what it preaches by compensating for all delegate emissions down to Scope 3 and by investing 100% of its profits into companies that make a positive impact on the environment.

High Engagement Levels

A key factor behind Deliver’s continued success is its high levels of engagement. Deliver focuses on creating an intimate atmosphere where delegates are actively involved. With a carefully curated approach, every delegate is treated as an individual, ensuring that their objectives are clear and that each can make the most out of their time. “There are various factors at play here,”
Tomczak tells me. “First is the intimacy of the event. Two thousand people is, for us, a huge number, but when you compare it to other trade shows it’s tiny. Second is because we carry out
a very vetted process. We know our delegates one by one – behind each delegate at Deliver someone within our team is taking care of that person. Everyone comes with the purpose to make business at Deliver. Retailers and shippers come because it’s extremely convenient for them to see all those power sellers under the same roof.”

Deliver is structured so that each delegate is paired with vendors who are best suited to their needs, and the matchmaking process is highly personalised. Unlike other events where random encounters often occur, Deliver places a significant emphasis on pre-arranged meetings and on ensuring that the right people meet at the right time. Furthermore, Deliver stands out for the technology it integrates into the experience. With a team of nearly 40 working behind the scenes, it benefits from a strong backbone that helps streamline the process of connecting delegates and vendors. Over the years, it has invested in developing its own platform to match delegates with the right vendors, enhancing the overall experience. Tomczak believes this in-house development of technology gives Deliver a competitive edge, as it ensures Deliver’s team has crafted a platform that caters specifically to the needs of its customers and delegates.

Standing Out

With so many industry events taking place each year, Deliver Europe stands out in a crowded marketplace. Tomczak says this is down to its unwavering focus on supply chain and retail logistics. Unlike many other shows that try to encompass a broader range of industries, it has stayed true to its niche, creating a focused environment for professionals in these sectors. To conclude, Tomczak summarises why delegates should attend and what they can expect to take away.

“Firstly, they can speed up their market benchmark and their decision making process of where to navigate a very rapidly evolving landscape,” he tells me. “With us they can do that in two days, rather than six months or more. Secondly, thanks to our highly curated programme, they get to hear about the latest trends. We go into use cases to get the takeaways, not just the buzzwords. Thirdly, networking is at the very core of our concept. And fourthly is the attention to detail we’re putting into crafting the best possible experience and to make it seamless for people to have a good experience with us.”

It’s clear to me that this event has become much more than just a conference. It has evolved into a crucial part of the European supply chain and retail landscape, offering valuable insights, innovative solutions, and a space for meaningful connections. With an exciting speaker programme soon to be announced alongside other ‘tricks up the sleeve’ to mark its landmark anniversary, Deliver Europe’s growth trajectory looks solid.

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Europe is facing a severe truck driver shortage – around 230,000 driver roles remain unfilled, and this gap could grow to as many as 745,000 vacancies in the coming years. This challenge, driven by an aging workforce and low numbers of recruits, threatens the smooth operation of supply chains across the continent. Many large transport companies, like Girteka, have turned to recruiting drivers from outside the EU. However, taking into consideration the needs and requirements of skilled drivers, driving tests are becoming increasingly important.

Driving tests: a key to securing skilled drivers

Comprehensive driving tests assessments are one effective way to ensure that only well-qualified drivers join the workforce. By putting drivers behind the wheel under controlled conditions in their own country, companies can verify that candidates meet the required standards in safety and driving skills.

Driving tests evaluations serve several essential functions. They allow companies to assess how drivers handle real-world conditions, confirm that drivers follow safe practices and check that drivers are comfortable with the digital systems integrated into modern trucks.

Today’s requirements for truck drivers in Europe

Today’s professional truck drivers in the EU must meet specific requirements, including:

· License requirements: Drivers need a C, C1, CE, or C1E license. For example, a C1 license is for lighter trucks (up to 7,500 kg), while a C license is for heavier trucks.

· Code 95: After initial qualification, drivers earn Code 95, which must be renewed every five years through refresher training.

· Mandatory training: EU Directive 2003/59/EC requires a standard level of training, including practical assessments and driving tests, to improve road safety.

· Regulatory compliance: Drivers must follow strict rules regarding driving hours, rest periods, specified in Mobility Package.

Similar systems exist outside Europe. In the United States, drivers must pass a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) test that covers pre-trip inspections, vehicle control, and on-road evaluations. While the U.S. system focuses on a one-time licensing test, Europe emphasizes continuous training and periodic driving tests assessments.

Industry leaders in driver training and driving tests

Several companies have set the standard by incorporating comprehensive driving tests assessments into their recruitment and training processes.

Girteka’s Driving Academy

Girteka, a market leader in road transport, has established its own Drivers’ Academy with centers in Lithuania and Poland and recruitment branches outside the EU. New drivers – especially those outside the EU – must complete a series of driving tests and practical assessments before coming to Europe. Arystan, a recent recruit from Kazakhstan, explained that “The driving test at Girteka’s academy was eye-opening. It gave me a clear idea of European road conditions and helped build the confidence I needed before starting my career here.” Another professional driver, Kadyr from Kyrgyzstan, noted that the thorough approach prepared him well for working in Europe by showing exactly what was expected in terms of safety and skills.

XPO Logistics’ Driver Excellence Academy

XPO Logistics has launched a Driver Excellence Academy across multiple sites in the UK. Their program features a staged training plan, supported by qualified instructors, and includes a four-week buddying process after the candidate passes their test. This structured approach not only improves driving skills but also helps address the driver shortage by building a pipeline of well-trained, confident drivers.

DHL Supply Chain’s Driving Ambition Program

DHL Supply Chain offers a “Driving Ambition” program to attract new talent. The program provides comprehensive training for candidates to obtain LGV licenses covering rigid and articulated trucks. With training centers across the UK, DHL focuses on creating long-term careers in the industry.

Why driving tests matter

Driving tests assessments are not just about verifying a candidate’s driving skills – they are a critical tool for ensuring a steady flow of professional drivers and stabilizing Europe’s supply chains. With conditions closer to real ones, these tests help companies identify any potential issues early, from handling adverse weather to mastering digital tools like tachographs and telematics. As Oksana Karpovičienė, Head of HR Expansion Department at Girteka, explains, “Driving tests assessments are crucial in securing quality drivers who meet European standards. This rigorous approach not only boosts driver confidence and competence but also reduces risks on the road, leading to improved safety and fuel efficiency.”

Ultimately, by integrating comprehensive driving tests evaluations into the recruitment and training process, companies can ensure minimum level of skills and further develop a comprehensive upskilling programs to meet demanding quality needs of logistics services in Europe.

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Repsol, one of the world’s leading global integrated energy companies, has selected IBS Software to transform its primary logistics operations across multiple locations. The partnership will see Repsol adopt IBS Software’s iLogistics Control Tower solution streamlining logistics and providing an end-to-end view of the supply chain to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency.

The adoption of IBS Software’s iLogistics Control Tower module will enable Repsol to advance its digital transformation journey. IBS Software’s innovative platform delivers real-time dashboards and continuous shipment updates, functioning as a centralised communication hub for suppliers, freight forwarders, and oil and gas operators. With features like end-to-end shipment traceability and proactive alerts on supply chain events, the solution will empower Repsol to improve efficiency, collaboration, and transparency across its logistics operations.

Managing complex cargo movements from supplier sites to final delivery locations, often involving multiple transportation modes such as vessels, trucks, and aircraft, is a significant challenge for any operator in the sector. With the iLogistics Control Tower solution, Repsol can overcome these hurdles by providing a centralised platform for shipment tracking, document management, and real-time status updates against purchase orders. By integrating critical shipment data into a single source of truth, Repsol aims to achieve improved supply chain visibility, reduced manual effort, and increased logistics reliability.

Repsol’s success in piloting iLogistics for its Peru operations has already delivered measurable improvements in logistics efficiency, paving the way for further deployment. The tool’s ability to enhance supply chain visibility and foster collaboration among stakeholders underscores its transformative potential and was pivotal in the decision to expand its usage.

“Our partnership with Repsol showcases the capabilities of our iLogistics platform to address the unique challenges of global energy logistics,” said Tarek Muradi, Regional Director at IBS Software. “Our solution will empower Repsol to achieve operational excellence and set the stage for similar innovations in the Latin American energy sector.”

“At Repsol, we are committed to innovation and operational excellence in every aspect of our business. Our collaboration with IBS Software allows us to enhance the reliability and efficiency of our primary logistics, ensuring smooth and safe operations in even the most challenging environments,” said Numa Torres Moneo, Logistics Manager at Repsol.

By leveraging the iLogistics Control Tower, Repsol joins a growing list of companies embracing digital transformation to drive efficiency and innovation in supply chain management.

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Warehouse automation pioneer Libiao Robotics has unveiled a new-look logo, designed to reinforce its values of guardianship and efficiency.

In 2016, Libiao Robotics was officially launched when the first of its ‘Mini Yellow’ autonomous robots was deployed at a customer site. Since then, Libiao has grown to become a globally trusted supplier of logistics automation, with over 60,000 robots deployed and 600+ projects completed worldwide.

These numbers reflect the company’s experience and expertise in delivering innovative solutions that handle billions of valuable consignments – ranging from everyday items to high-value merchandise – with precision and care.

From pioneering robotic sorting solutions to today’s AI-driven integrated systems for dense storage, rapid sorting, and unmanned handling, Libiao has stayed true to its mission: to make the world more efficient. Deploying cutting-edge technology backed by relentless innovation, Libiao is dedicated to safeguarding its customers’ time. 

Now, after millions of successful projects and robots deployed worldwide, it’s time for the brand to evolve to the next level.

Guardianship

At the heart of Libiao’s mission is guardianship. Just like the convoys and escorts of historic times who protected valuable goods, Libiao’s robots are designed to ensure every consignment reaches its destination safely and on time.

Its new logo features a shield shape, symbolising its role as a ‘Guardian of Time.’ The two ‘I’s within the shield stand for ‘I’ and ‘Internet’, representing the seamless connection between people, technology, and the digital world. This design reflects Libiao’s commitment to safety, trust, and innovation in logistics automation, making it a powerful symbol of the brand.

Libiao’s guardianship goes beyond just protecting parcels – it’s about safeguarding time. In a world where every second counts, Libiao’s solutions empower its customers with true efficiency, optimising every step of the process to deliver maximum value.

With this brand renewal, Libiao is stepping into a new era, driven by both technological excellence and a stronger brand identity. Together with its customers, it is pushing the boundaries of global logistics efficiency.

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