How UK Logistics Companies Are Responding to the 2026 Fuel Crisis

The UK logistics sector is facing one of its most significant operational challenges in recent years. The 2026 fuel crisis, driven by rising diesel prices and global supply chain pressures, is forcing transport companies to rethink how they operate, and how they keep their customers’ goods moving efficiently and reliably. For companies like Simarco International, the challenge is not just about absorbing higher costs, it is about adapting logistics strategies across road, sea, rail and air freight to maintain service levels while helping customers manage rising expenses.

Fuel costs have always been a critical component of logistics operations, but the current crisis has elevated efficiency to the top of the industry agenda. UK logistics companies are deploying a range of measures to reduce fuel consumption without compromising service. Route optimisation has become a standard practice, leveraging technology to ensure trucks travel the shortest and most efficient paths. Load planning is also evolving to minimise empty running, and delivery schedules are being consolidated to make each journey as cost-effective as possible. Head of Transport, Gary Thurlow says, “Despite unprecedented fuel price volatility, we are proactively adapting our pricing approach and investing in efficiencies to maintain service quality. With continued partnership and support, we can ensure stability and ongoing success for all.”

One of the most immediate responses to rising fuel prices is the increased use of groupage, or less-than-truckload (LTL) services. By sharing vehicle space with other shipments, businesses can spread fuel costs across multiple consignments, reducing the cost per shipment. This approach is particularly effective for smaller businesses or those with variable shipment volumes, allowing them to maintain competitive pricing despite rising operational costs. Here at Simarco, our groupage services play a key role in helping customers stay cost-effective. By only paying for the space they use, businesses can maintain flexibility without compromising reliability.

Fuel pressures are also prompting companies to reconsider the modes of transport they use. Sea freight is increasingly being leveraged for non-urgent shipments due to its cost efficiency, while air freight remains the solution of choice for critical, time-sensitive deliveries. Many companies are adopting multimodal strategies, combining road, sea, rail and air to optimise both cost and speed. We work closely with our customers to review their transport mix. By balancing cost efficiency with transit times, we can identify opportunities to save fuel and manage budgets effectively without impacting service quality.

With volatile fuel prices, maintaining transparency with customers has become essential. Many logistics companies have introduced fuel surcharges or adjusted pricing more frequently to reflect market realities. Clear communication ensures businesses can plan effectively and avoid unexpected cost spikes. Transparent pricing and proactive communication are central to our approach. Our customers can anticipate changes and plan their supply chains, accordingly, helping to reduce surprises during this challenging period.

Ultimately, cost management is only part of the challenge. Customers expect reliability, visibility, and transparency in delivery schedules. Rising fuel prices have made meeting these expectations more difficult, yet they remain a priority for leading logistics providers. Sales Director, Chris Bentley, says, “Even in challenging conditions, maintaining consistent service levels is our top priority. By keeping customers informed at every stage, we ensure supply chains continue to operate smoothly despite external pressures”.

The 2026 fuel crisis is reshaping the UK logistics landscape. Companies that act proactively optimising operations, leveraging multimodal solutions, consolidating shipments, and investing in technology, are better equipped to navigate the challenge. At Simarco International, we are committed to helping our customers adapt to these changes. Through tailored, flexible solutions, we aim to keep goods moving efficiently and supply chains resilient, even in uncertain times. For UK businesses, the takeaway is clear: rising fuel costs are forcing logistics providers to innovate, collaborate, and adapt. Partnering with experienced, forward-thinking providers like Simarco ensures that rising costs don’t translate into disruption, and that supply chains continue to deliver value and reliability.

Simarco raise money at Witham Town FC

What a fantastic evening we had in March at our Charity Quiz Night at Witham Town Football Club

Thanks to an incredible turnout and plenty of competitive spirit, we’re delighted to share that we raised £740 for our two nominated charities, Trust Links – Community Mental Health and The Peter Pan Centre for Children with Special Needs 😊

🎤A big shoutout goes to our very own Warehousing General Manager, Rob Shrimpton who stepped up brilliantly as Quiz Master and kept everyone entertained throughout the night!

We’d also like to extend a special thank you to the generous local businesses who donated prizes for our charity raffle!

Events like this are only possible thanks to the amazing people and community around us.

Thank you to everyone who came along, donated, and helped make the night such a success!

Investing in Leadership: Team Development Day at Stoke by Nayland Resort

Earlier this week, leaders from across the business came together at Stoke-by-Nayland Resort in Colchester for a fantastic day of learning and development, led by Amanda Sokell, Productivity and Cultural Specialist.

It was a great opportunity for our leadership team to step away from the day-to-day, share ideas, and focus on strengthening the skills and mindset that help us grow as individuals and as a business. Sessions like these not only build knowledge but also encourage collaboration, fresh thinking, and stronger connections across teams.

Investing in our people is at the heart of everything we do, and internal development is something Team Simarco truly values. By continuing to learn from experts like Amanda and from one another, we’re ensuring our teams are equipped to lead with confidence and support the continued success of the business.

A big thank you to Amanda for delivering such an engaging and insightful session, and to everyone who took part and contributed to a brilliant day.

Why Visibility Matters as Much as Speed in Freight Forwarding and Logistics

Here at Simarco International, we’ve spent nearly three decades helping businesses manage their logistics, freight forwarding, and warehousing needs across the UK, Europe, and international trade routes. We’re proud of our heritage and the longstanding relationships we’ve built, but if there’s one lesson the last few years have reinforced, it’s this: in modern freight forwarding and logistics, visibility and speed are equally important.

Everyone talks about being faster, and speed will always matter. But what our clients consistently tell us is that clarity, reliability, and control over their supply chain are just as critical as how quickly something arrives.

Over the years, we’ve built our business around values that shape everything we do: a commitment to customer service, a focus on innovation, accountability, integrity, and the desire to form lasting partnerships rather than transactional relationships. These values guide how we approach both speed and visibility, because delivering one without the other simply isn’t enough.

“Everything we do is guided by our values. Transparency, accountability, and proactive communication are at the heart of how we deliver logistics solutions that clients can trust,” explains Managing Director, Trevor Scott.

Speed can be impressive. Visibility can be reassuring. But it’s the combination that truly delivers confidence. Real-time insight and the ability to understand what’s happening at every stage of the journey ensure that fast delivery is supported by informed decision-making.

What our clients consistently value is the confidence that comes from knowing exactly where their inventory is, what condition it’s in, and how soon it will be ready for the next step, alongside the assurance that it’s moving efficiently through the supply chain.

“End-to-end visibility across operations is essential to the success of our customers’ supply chains – that’s why visibility and transparency is at the heart of the service we provide,” says our Head of UK and European Warehousing, Steve Pyne.

This is especially true in our contract logistics and warehousing operations, where visibility isn’t simply a feature, it’s a core part of the service we offer. In our warehouses, we provide clients with live inventory tracking so they know exactly where every item is at any time; real-time order status updates so they can see when goods are being picked, packed, and dispatched; and proactive alerts for exceptions, so issues can be resolved before they escalate.

At the same time, operational efficiency ensures goods move swiftly and accurately through each stage. Decision-makers aren’t left waiting for end-of-day reports, they have information they can act on immediately, while their operations continue at pace.

“We measure success not just by how fast a pallet moves through our warehouse, but by how clearly our clients can see and manage every step along the way,” notes our Warehouse Manager.

We’ve invested significantly in technology that supports both speed and visibility, including our portals and reporting systems that link processes and data to maintain ongoing control. But technology alone isn’t enough. It’s our people, trained, experienced, and aligned around our values of communication, accountability, and innovation, who ensure that insight is interpreted correctly and shared in a meaningful way.

“Technology is only as good as the people interpreting it. Our team brings insight, context, and proactive recommendations to every client interaction,” says our Warehouse General Manager.

It’s also why we make both speed and visibility central to how we build long-term partnerships. We don’t just share status updates, and we don’t just focus on transit times. We work with clients to understand their unique challenges, align our systems with theirs where possible, and tailor solutions that meet their needs today and adapt as those needs change.

“Cannot fault the service received from Simarco. They offer reliability and can assist at the 11th hour,” says a customer from the Energy Manufacturing industry.

Importantly, we focus our advanced visibility efforts where we can have the greatest impact, in our own contract logistics and warehousing. For road, sea, and air freight, external carriers and global partners operate their own systems, which we integrate with fully, allowing us to share updates whenever our customers need them, while ensuring freight continues to move efficiently across global networks.

Across supply chains today, uncertainty is the only constant. From evolving regulations to fluctuating demand and unexpected disruptions, organisations need more than just speed, and more than just information. They need both, the ability to move quickly and to see clearly, so they can make informed decisions and adapt with confidence.

“Simarco’s flexibility and clear understanding of our requirements, can-do attitude and first-class customer service makes Simarco the ideal partner,” says a Distributor of Power Products customer.

In today’s logistics landscape, speed keeps supply chains moving. Visibility keeps them controlled. Together, they build trust, reduce risk, and ensure operations continue smoothly, even under pressure.

Simarco Celebrates a Milestone Partnership with ebm-papst UK

We are proud to be celebrating our longstanding relationship with ebm-papst UK, supporting the safe and reliable delivery of their market-leading products to customers across the UK.

Built on trust, collaboration and shared values, our partnership continues to go from strength to strength.

ebm-papst UK Managing Director, Jamie Slowgrove said, “We recently celebrated our 50th anniversary in the UK market, a milestone which would not be possible without valued partners such as Simarco International Ltd beside us. The reliability and professionalism they consistently deliver for us aligns perfectly with our own business values. I would like to thank Trevor Scott, Simarco International Ltd Managing Director and Gary Thurlow , Head of UK Transport and their team for their continued support.”

At Simarco International Ltd, we pride ourselves in working closely with our customers to deliver flexible, reliable logistics solutions, from UK distribution and transport through to warehousing, freight and wider supply chain support, always tailored to meet individual customer needs.

Managing Director Trevor Scott said, “We are delighted to formalise our longstanding partnership with ebm-papst UK. This contract reflects the strength of our relationship, built on trust, collaboration and shared values. We are proud to support ebm-papst UK in delivering their market leading products reliably and safely to their customers across the UK, and we look forward to continuing our work together for many years to come.”

A big thank you to everyone involved on both sides. Partnerships like this don’t happen without great people behind the scenes.

Behind the Screens: The Real Day‑to‑Day Challenges of Freight Forwarders in 2026

Freight forwarding is often portrayed as a backend part of global trade, invisible screens, automated tracking, and cargo in motion. But in 2026, the industry is still very human at its core. Behind every shipment status update, customs code, and routing decision are teams contending with market volatility, ever‑evolving regulations, technology pressures, and customer expectations. At Simarco International, we experience these dynamics firsthand and like many freight forwarders in the industry, we are adapting daily to challenges that spreadsheets and dashboards can’t fully capture.

Managing Director, Trevor Scott says, “From the outside it looks automated, but behind every update is a person making judgement calls in real time. Automation supports speed and accuracy, but it’s human judgement that manages risk, handles exceptions, and delivers the service our customers rely on.”

Market Pressures and Margin Squeeze in a Post‑Pandemic World

Freight forwarding in 2026 is operating under sustained economic headwinds. Recent industry analysis shows that 92% of forwarders expect margin pressure to intensify this year due to softening freight rates and ongoing geopolitical disruptions, risks that stem both from external market forces and internal operational inefficiencies.

For operations teams, this is not just a chart or trend line, it’s real work.

A Simarco Senior European Operator says, “Some days it feels like we’re managing expectations more than movements. Every shipment can become a puzzle of rate changes, carrier shifts, and compliance checks before we even talk about transit.”

This sentiment aligns with conversations freight professionals are having online, many of whom report that responding to client enquiries and managing rate upheavals dominate their days.

Digital Transformation: Opportunity and a New Source of Stress

Technology, especially AI and automation, holds promise for freight forwarding in 2026. Predictive analytics, real‑time tracking, automated documentation, and integrated platforms are transforming how shipments are managed.

Yet digital transformation brings its own challenges.

Forwarders are adopting systems faster than ever, but not always with the support needed to safeguard them. Increased network connectivity and data usage expose companies to cyber risks if security is not kept pace with automation. Simarco’s IT Team spend meaningful time not only enhancing tools but protecting them.

Commercial Operations Director, Mark Wraight said, “Technology should make freight forwarding more human, not less. The best digital tools won’t replace the relationships we must continue to build with our clients, suppliers, and wider partner networks. They remove the unwanted noise in the business and give our teams more time to focus on high value work; solving problems, responding faster, and making better decisions that still rely on staff experience and judgement.

What people don’t always see is the work behind the scenes that keeps everything resilient and reliable. Every tool that promises speed and visibility also needs constant attention. There are silent heroes keeping data secure, making sure licensing is right, and ensuring integrations between systems are robust, supported, and genuinely usable for the people relying on them every day.

Digital transformation is not just buying software, it’s building and maintaining staff trust in it.”

Regulatory Compliance and Customs Complexity

One of the most challenging aspects of freight forwarding has always been regulatory compliance, and 2026 is no different. Trade agreements, customs protocols, tariffs, and environmental reporting rules continue to shift in real time. Even small changes can have big consequences for shipments moving through Europe, Asia, or beyond.

Customs compliance is not just paperwork; it’s an operational necessity that affects timelines and delivery commitments. At Simarco, our dedicated customs specialists monitor changes and update clients daily to avoid costly delays, keeping operations smooth even when regulations change overnight.

The Sustainability Imperative

Sustainability is no longer optional for freight forwarders; it’s an expectation from clients and a business imperative. Forwarders are now expected to provide emissions data, optimise routes for fuel efficiency, and support sustainability initiatives throughout the supply chain.

Human Challenges: Workload and Workforce Shifts

Even with the growth of digital tools, freight forwarding remains a deeply human-driven industry. Each day calls for problem-solving, adaptability, and close collaboration, qualities that are reflected in the active, solution-oriented conversations shared among freight professionals. Much of the work involves staying on top of operational details, from responding to status updates to maintaining rates and tracking line changes, all of which keep supply chains moving smoothly.

At the same time, the industry is becoming more aware of the importance of supporting its people. Conversations around workload, documentation, and resourcing are driving meaningful discussions about how to improve sustainability and long-term career satisfaction across operations and customs roles.

Workforce dynamics are also evolving in encouraging ways. Our teams bring together a growing diversity of skill sets, combining technology expertise with deep logistics experience. This balance enables modern freight forwarding to navigate increasing complexity while continuing to value practical knowledge and human judgment.

Network Disruptions and External Shocks

Freight forwarders don’t live in a vacuum. Geopolitical tensions, trade wars, and unexpected route changes continue to disrupt planning.

One recent example beyond 2025 shows how trade disputes led to cancelled sailings and regional supply chain stress, a reminder that global events can reshape cargo flows at a moment’s notice.

At Simarco, contingency planning has become as essential as day‑to‑day operations. Teams model alternative routes, adjust cargo consolidations, and keep clients informed well before disruptions escalate.

Conclusion: Freight Forwarding in 2026 Is Human First

In 2026, freight forwarding may be digitalised, automated, and data‑driven, yet at its core it is still powered by real people solving real problems every day. Margin pressures, compliance complexity, client expectations, disruptive events, workforce stresses, and technology integration form the backdrop of forwarders’ daily work.

Managing Director, Trevor Scott said, “Technology helps us move freight, but people build relationships. That’s what keeps global trade functioning. Systems can streamline processes, but trust, communication, and experience are what hold supply chains together when challenges arise”.

Simarco International Supports Student Careers at Maltings Academy Year 11 Mock Interview Day

Our People Operations Lead, Karen Jayne Harris, was kindly invited to return to Maltings Academy, Witham, to take part in their Year 11 Mock Interview Day.

The initiative was designed to give students a real-life interview experience, helping them prepare for their next steps after school, whether that’s college, further education, an apprenticeship, or entering the world of work. The day also covered CV and cover letter preparation, along with practical interview techniques.

Leaving school and stepping into the workforce is a significant milestone, and it’s always a pleasure to support students by helping provide the confidence and foundations they need to take that next step.

People Operations Lead, Karen Jayne Harris said, “It was an absolute pleasure to attend the Year 11 Mock Interview Day at Maltings Academy in Witham and meeting the students. They were extremely polite, courteous, and approached the day with a high level of maturity and professionalism.

On behalf of Simarco International Ltd, it was a privilege to play a small part in helping them prepare for their first steps into the world of work or college, and from chatting with them, I’m sure they have very bright futures ahead in whatever paths they choose.

As always, the day was exceptionally well organised, with some delicious refreshments to keep us going throughout the day – Thank you for such a warm welcome to your school!”

At Simarco International Ltd, we take pride in recruiting, developing, and mentoring talent through our apprenticeship schemes. We offer a wide range of opportunities across the business, including Warehousing, Customer Service, Human Resources, and IT Infrastructure, to name just a few.

To find out more about our apprenticeship programmes, visit: https://lnkd.in/emdQ-KSJ

Simarco Supports Essex County Council’s Device Donation Appeal with Laptop Contributions

Proud to Support Essex County Council’s Device Donation Appeal!

We’re thrilled to share that we have recently donated a number of electrical items, including laptops, to Essex County Council to help support children across local schools.

Mark Wraight, our Commercial Operations Director said, “When we heard about the ECC’s Device Donation Appeal, we were delighted to support this initiative. By donating laptops, we’re helping children in Essex schools stay connected, engage fully with their studies, access online resources, and develop essential digital skills, ensuring no child is left behind because of a lack of equipment.

At Simarco International Ltd, we believe in supporting the communities where we live and work. This initiative not only gives every child the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed, but it also aligns with our commitment to sustainability and to our social and environmental responsibilities.”

Team Simarco is proud to play a small part in helping young learners thrive, and we hope our contribution makes a meaningful difference in their educational journey.

France’s VAT Shake-Up: The 2026 Rule Change that will reshape UK–EU exports

At the end of 2025, a quiet but powerful shift will take place in European trade. For thousands of UK exporters, many of whom we at Simarco support daily, France, long a favoured gateway into the EU, is about to change the rules of the game.

From 1 January 2026, the French government will end limited tax representation for non-EU businesses under its Regime 42 customs procedure. The change may sound technical, but as we’ve seen in similar VAT reforms, the operational impact will be anything but small.

For UK businesses currently shipping DDP Regime 42 (Delivered Duty Paid) into Europe via France, this means one thing: it’s time to rethink your VAT and logistics setup.

What’s Changing and Why it Matters?

For years, UK exporters have been able to appoint a French “limited tax representative” (a local partner with a French VAT number) to manage their EU import clearances under Regime 42. This system allowed goods to be imported into France, cleared through customs, and then shipped across the EU without the exporter registering for French VAT, or the EU buyer being the Importer of Record.

It was a win-win arrangement:

• Exporters could offer DDP terms and manage duties and taxes on behalf of their customers.
• EU buyers enjoyed a seamless experience, free from the burden of customs formalities.

From 2026, that bridge disappears. France will no longer allow non-EU businesses to rely on a representative’s VAT number to import goods under Regime 42. Instead, UK exporters will face two main choices if they wish to continue shipping DDP style.

Option 1: Take Control – Register for French VAT

The first path is to register for French VAT and become the Importer of Record (IoR). This option gives exporters full control over customs, VAT, and EU-bound logistics.

With your own VAT registration, you can:

• Import goods directly into France under your company’s name.
• Distribute those goods freely across the EU.
• Hold stock in France for faster redistribution.
• Sell directly to both B2B and B2C customers without involving buyers in import procedures.

While this route involves administrative responsibilities, VAT filings, compliance checks, and setup costs, the benefits are significant for high-volume exporters.

At Simarco, we help clients implement this end-to-end approach, from VAT registration and fiscal representation to bonded warehousing and EU distribution. Our integrated logistics network allows exporters to manage customs, storage, and delivery processes seamlessly through a single provider.

Option 2: Pass the Baton – The Buyer as Importer

For smaller exporters, or those serving a few key EU customers, a second option may prove more practical: shifting import responsibility to the EU buyer.

Under this “buyer-as-importer” model:

• The UK exporter arranges transport and works with a French customs broker.
• The EU buyer becomes the Importer of Record (IoR), granting Power of Attorney (PoA) to the exporter’s broker for clearance.
• Simarco’s fiscal partners use a global VAT number to ensure VAT is deferred to the buyer’s home country, maintaining neutrality.

This model can preserve much of the old DDP experience but requires a willing and VAT-registered buyer comfortable with import liability. For strong, long-term trading relationships, it’s a workable and compliant solution. However, for exporters juggling dozens of EU buyers, it might be a tougher sell.

Choosing the Right Path

Your decision depends largely on scale and frequency:

Export Profile	Recommended Option	Key Benefits
High-volume, multi-EU customer exports	Register for French VAT	Control, consistency, faster EU distribution
Low-volume, limited EU customers	Buyer as Importer	Lower admin burden, avoids VAT registration

Whatever your route, plan early!

• Begin reviewing DDP/DAP terms with EU customers.
• Assess whether VAT registration is commercially viable.
• Start the registration process early — VAT setup can take several weeks, and a surge in late-2025 applications is likely.

Transition Support from Simarco

Our Customs and VAT Specialists are already supporting UK exporters through this transition, offering tailored solutions based on shipment frequency, product type, and buyer setup.

We manage the entire process, from fiscal representation and VAT filings to freight forwarding and EU distribution, ensuring your compliance and continuity under the new regime.

We’re also collaborating with our fiscal partners to offer discounted registration fees for early adopters and hands-on guidance throughout the process.

What’s Next?

France’s decision to end limited tax representation forms part of a broader EU push for VAT transparency and harmonisation. Other member states are likely to follow in the coming years.

For UK exporters, this isn’t just a rule change, it’s a strategic turning point. Companies that act now will gain smoother access to EU markets, stronger compliance credentials, and greater control over their logistics and client relationships.

Mark Wraight, Commercial Operations Director at Simarco, puts it simply: “From 2026, UK exporters can no longer rely on a French partner’s VAT number to move goods duty-paid into the EU. You’ll need to decide whether to:

1. Register for French VAT and take full control of your EU trade; or
2. Shift import responsibility to your EU buyers with their consent.

Whichever route you choose, the message is clear – review your setup and act now. The sooner you plan, the smoother your transition when France’s VAT reform takes effect.”

Simarco Expands Fleet with New Volvo FH500 Aero Trucks for Greater Efficiency and Driver Comfort

We’re thrilled to share that we’ve recently added two brand-new Volvo FH500 Aero 6×2 GTXL trucks to our ever-growing fleet!

These state-of-the-art and luxury vehicles take driver comfort to the next level, making life on the road that little bit more comfortable.

A huge thank you to Volvo Group and MC Truck and Bus Ltd for their continued partnership and support in helping us keep our fleet modern, efficient, and driver focused.

We’re committed to investing in the best technology and comfort for our team and customers, ensuring we stay ahead in both performance and sustainability. Here’s to more miles, more efficiency, and happy drivers!