Cost to serve news

As online grocery continues to grow, it is accounting for a greater proportion of retailers’ business. However, due to the profitability challenges this shift is creating, it is increasingly important for retailers to seek more efficient fulfilment methods. A range of fulfilment strategies are currently being used by grocers globally, including store pick, dark stores, centralised fulfilment c...

The UK’s largest retailer has exceeded its targets for the rollout of rapid delivery service Whoosh by 25%, and it is now officially announced to be available in 1000 Tesco Express stores. Whoosh is online service that offers customers the chance to order food from a selected list from about 2,500 to 4,500 essential products in as little as 30 minutes, with delivery set at £2.99 for shopping b...

1,200 employees will be impacted by Amazon's decision to close three UK warehouses this year as the internet retailer makes cost-cutting measures in response to a decline in consumer spending. The three sites affected are as follows: Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire Doncaster, South Yorkshire Gourock, Scotland Workers affected by the closures will be offered alternative roles at...

Tesco’s distribution teams are partnering with 15 of its major suppliers to reduce the number of trucks used for deliveries this Christmas. Consolidating and streamlining inbound deliveries The ‘road traffic control’ team has been identifying which suppliers deliver to the same locations, uncovering opportunities for streamlining and consolidating deliveries inbound to its distribution cent...

A.P.Møller-Mærsk reported strong Q3 results, with higher earnings in its three main businesses (Ocean, Logistics & Services and Terminals) compared to the same quarter in 2021. Operating profit up 60% versus Q3 2021 Both EBITDA and EBIT increased by approximately 60% versus Q3 2021. This marks a 16th consecutive quarter of year-on-year earnings growth. The company said the main drivers h...

UPS is looking to combine the capabilities of its standalone digital services to build a logistics-as-a-service offering. The digital services involved include Roadie (a crowd-sourced same-day delivery provider), Coyote Logistics (3PL), Delivery Solutions (delivery platform) and UPS Capital (financial service provider). The partnership with CommerceHub will also be a part of the new service of...

On 18 th October, a new Nestlé Waters distribution centre was opened in Buxton, Derbyshire by Stefano Agostini, CEO of Nestle UK & Ireland. £31 million investment Work began at the Waterswallows site in 2019, which received a £31 million investment. Construction included an extension of the warehouse facility and creation of a new state-of the art logistics operation, which has enabled ...

Walmart’s acquisition of Alert Innovation is a signal that it’s ramping up its plans for automated micro-fulfillment (MFC). It’s been a long time coming. What does this move mean for Walmart, the future of MFC, and other companies in the sector? What are the impacts of the acquisition? Walmart can move at pace in this area. The deal brings new expertise to Walmart, enabling it to acceler...

The Italian chain is looking to optimise its logistics network through the “Conad Logistics Project”. An initiative which launched in 2020. Network Optimisation Conad is implementing a range of measures.  These include optimisation of vehicles and travel, improving working conditions of operators, and protecting the environment and its resources. Solutions that deliver success Conad h...

Maritime Transport, one of the UK’s largest transport companies, has commenced operations at Hams Hall Rail Freight Terminal, after reaching a long-term agreement with Associated British Ports (ABP) to operate the facility. Centrally located, only ten miles from Birmingham Location - The terminal is adjacent to the Nuneaton-to-Birmingham railway line, M42 junction 9 and close to the...