The UK logistics sector has continued to evolve at a rapid pace in 2023, driven by increased consumer demands, environmental/sustainability regulations, and innovations in software and automation technologies. In this article, we’ll look at the main trends that have shaped the sector this year, examining the influence they hold on businesses, and the implications they carry for the future of the logistics industry.

Amazon is frequently held up as the gold standard for logistics and distribution businesses (frustratingly, it has to be said), and while the e-commerce giant certainly sets a high benchmark in terms of what businesses can achieve with the right organisation and technology, the Amazon warehousing system doesn’t work for all companies.

There are many challenges with a new warehouse. If you are considering a new build, one of them is the time it takes to get planning permission. The government’s own statistics for April to June 2023 admitted that only 20% of major applications submitted at the district planning authority level in England were completed within the statutory period of 13 weeks. Unfortunately, once the application is submitted, and as long as it is correct and compliant, there isn’t much you can do to speed the process.

A big change is coming to the UK’s roads and logistics sector, after the UK government greenlighted Longer Semi Trailers (LSTs) for general use on 30th May 2023.

Readers of a certain age may remember when schooling was based around the so called three R’s of Reading, wRiting, and aRithemetic, and since then various other sectors have developed their own 3R’s, including the Reduce, Reuse & Recycle mantra of the sustainability movement.

The world of warehouse automation has changed and there are now new technologies and new systems available as well as developments of existing, to change and improve your warehouse and distribution operations.

Warehouse pallet racking is critical to the efficient operation of a warehouse, as well-designed systems can increase productivity, versatility, and space. Preventing damage to your warehouse racking assets is, therefore, crucial. What steps can you take to avoid damage and downtime?

When your business is thriving, but your warehouse is too small for your rising stock levels, you face a dilemma. Moving to a new warehouse is expensive and logistically challenging; however, taking no action will limit your inventory and risk the loss of lucrative sales in the long-term.

Efficiency underpins all successful supply chains. With modern customers and clients expecting rapid fulfilment – and prepared to shop elsewhere if goods don’t arrive quickly enough – every part of the supply chain needs to be meticulously monitored to ensure that products reach their destination on time.

2020 was a pivotal year for global supply chains as Covid-19 wreaked havoc on virtually all aspects of society but, while the shadows of the pandemic linger, other problems have surfaced which continue to present challenges for supply chain managers. In this article, we discuss some of the main supply chain problems and explain how, at LPC International, we can help you to overcome these.