In the wake of COP26, we see that all aspects of life and business will increasingly need to be viewed through a green lens. This certainly includes distribution and logistics. As roads become ever more congested, even switching to electric vehicles or other green fuel sources will not overcome all the challenges ahead. Rail freight, so long a neglected cousin of road transport, is increasingly coming under the spotlight for its eco-friendly credentials, but is it yet a practical option for UK businesses?

The COP26 convention has thrown many aspects of logistics planning and management into sharp relief, highlighting the need to enhance the industry's green credentials. At all levels of the supply chain, from hauliers to retailers, empty running causes waste and inefficiency. This is now being recognised with a new campaign to end empty running with the potential benefit to both businesses and the planet, "It's What's Inside That Matters".

Automation is revolutionising industries across the globe. But some small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) are reluctant to embrace it fully. There's a great deal of potential in automating warehouse environments, for instance, and this would benefit entire supply chains. Yet, small warehouse businesses often fail to understand the types of automation available to them and their benefits.

Supply chain professionals have been faced with mounting challenges this year. As we advance toward the holiday season, these challenges are starting to permeate some sectors and have a knock-on effect on the wider industry. But what's causing the dominoes to topple and how can businesses break the cycle of supply chain disruptions – either this year or in the future?

While the coronavirus pandemic has harmed some sectors, such as the travel and hospitality industries, many online retailers and companies selling essential goods have experienced a dramatic increase in sales during 2020.

With the predicted online retail boom in full swing and the High Street experiencing a boom in demand following the second national lockdown, 3PLs need to have practical, Covid-secure transport strategies in place if they want to impress customers and reap the rewards of the economic recovery. Here are three steps that 3PLs can take to optimise their transport strategy to reduce delivery times and maximise throughput.

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the business world in many ways this year, with companies having to feel their way through rapidly changing circumstances and significant fluctuations in consumer demand for products.

If you want to get 2021 off to a flying start – and let's face it, who doesn't after the year we've had – you'll need to keep up to date with the latest developments in the logistics industry. However, there's so much going on in this fast-moving sector that it can be difficult for busy business owners and warehouse managers to know what to focus on. Here's a quick guide to three of the hottest trends and why you should be embracing them if you want your company to thrive during the Covid recovery.

In these difficult economic times, it's even more important for distribution and transport businesses to minimise their outgoings and increase efficiency. One of the most effective ways to do this is to optimise your supply chain management so you can satisfy your customers' requirements in a cost-efficient way. What actions can you take to improve your supply chain planning process?