Driving Change: How sustainability and last-mile innovation are shaping the future of freight

The freight and logistics industry is at a crossroads. With global net-zero targets looming, tightening environmental regulations, and shifting customer expectations, companies must rethink how they move goods, especially in the fast-paced, high-demand world of last-mile delivery.

At the heart of this transformation are two critical drivers: decarbonisation and last-mile innovation. The question isn’t whether to adapt, but how fast and how well.

Why Can’t Decarbonisation Wait?

The UK government, alongside others worldwide, has set ambitious targets to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The transport sector alone accounts for nearly a quarter of the country’s emissions, making it a prime focus for change. To meet these targets, regulators are cracking down on high-emission vehicles, especially in cities.

Low Emission Zones (LEZ) and Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) are expanding across major urban centres, imposing strict charges or outright bans on older diesel and petrol trucks. For freight companies, this means accelerating fleet upgrades from electric vans to hydrogen-fuelled trucks; this is no longer a choice, but a necessity.

At Simarco, we’re always looking for ways to make our operations cleaner and more sustainable. That’s why we’ve been trialling alternative fuels such as HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) and Biomethane, both of which offer significant reductions in carbon emissions compared to traditional diesel. These trials are an important step in our journey towards a greener future, helping us understand how these fuels can work across our diverse fleet and logistics network.

Customers Demand More and Greener

Today’s customers expect more than just timely deliveries they want their goods moved responsibly. Sustainable supply chains are becoming a non-negotiable factor for many businesses, especially those in sectors like pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and aerospace.

Our AEO-accredited status adds an extra layer of assurance for clients who need compliance, security, and sustainability, ensuring shipments not only arrive faster and safer but with a reduced environmental impact.

The Last-Mile Challenge: Speed vs Sustainability

The rise of ecommerce has transformed delivery expectations. Same-day and next-day deliveries have become standard, with customers demanding flexibility and real-time updates. But this surge puts immense pressure on fleets, especially in congested urban areas where pollution regulations bite hardest.

To address this, logistics providers are innovating fast:

• Micro-fulfilment centres: bring goods closer to customers, reducing travel distances.

• Electric vans and cargo bikes: replace diesel vehicles for urban drop-offs.

• Smart route optimisation: software cuts unnecessary miles and idle time.

• Consolidation hubs: reduce multiple delivery attempts.

Here at Simarco we ensure our electric vehicles are used for all final mile courier deliveries reducing our carbon footprint even further.

Beyond Transport: Greening the Entire Supply Chain

Sustainability isn’t just about the vehicles on the road. It’s about the entire operation. From energy-efficient warehouses to solar-powered facilities, companies are seeking ways to shrink their carbon footprint across every touchpoint.

We are continuously investing in our greener infrastructure, including the installation of motion sensor LED lighting in our Stoke and Witham distribution warehouses which include daylight and occupancy sensors which automatically adjust to the correct brightness. Our Stoke depot also includes rooftop solar panels offsetting our grid electricity usage and the implementation of a rainwater harvesting system which collects roof runoff for toilet flushing or landscape irrigation.

Moreover, our logistics teams work closely with clients to implement sustainable packaging solutions. Such as the removal of all plastic when packing orders, helping to recycle and reuse materials wherever possible, reducing waste and closing the loop on circular supply chains.

In addition, Simarco is committed to reducing waste across every stage of our operations. We’ve introduced recycling and waste segregation initiatives with a zero waste to landfill program and shredding our cardboard for package filler. All of these initiatives are helping build a logistics model where nothing goes to waste.

Looking Ahead: Leadership Through Action

Decarbonisation and last-mile innovation are reshaping logistics and companies that act decisively will lead the pack. Simarco’s approach blends compliance with creativity, regulatory readiness with customer-centric solutions.

By pioneering electric fleets, adopting smart delivery tech, and embedding sustainability into our core services, Simarco not only future proofs our operations but offers clients the confidence that their goods are moving securely, efficiently, and responsibly.

For businesses navigating the complex landscape of international freight, choosing a partner who understands both the challenges and opportunities of sustainability is crucial. Simarco stands ready to lead the way.

Managing Director, Trevor Scott, said “At Simarco we believe that sustainability and innovation are not optional, they are fundamental to how we deliver value. Our approach is built around our three pillars of People, Planet and Prosperity; enabling us to help protect the environment, uplift our communities and generate long-term stakeholder value.

From investing in alternative fuels like HVO, installing solar power, rainwater harvesting and LED lighting in our depots, we are embedding sustainability into every part of our logistics chain.

I am proud that we are proactively transforming how goods move, how our facilities operate and how we partner with like-minded clients and partners to pursue greener, smarter delivery solutions. In today’s world, decarbonisation and last-mile innovation are no longer a ‘nice to have’, they define the leaders of tomorrow’s logistics’ industry”.

Expanding Our Ocean Freight Services from Ipswich

We’re excited to share that our service offering has grown with the opening of a new office in Ipswich, ideally located near the Port of Felixstowe, the UK’s busiest container port.

Our experienced Felixstowe team operating from this strategic location, will continue to deliver dependable and efficient Ocean Freight solutions. From Ocean imports and exports to Customs clearance, container haulage, and fully bonded/ ETSF Warehousing for devanning containers.

This expansion strengthens our presence in the region and enhances the support we provide to businesses across the UK and beyond, all as part of the wider Simarco International network.

Kinga Smashes Potters ’Arf Marathon and Supports Local Children’s Charity

A big congratulations to our amazing European Operations Administrator, Kinga, who smashed the Potters ’Arf Marathon last week!

Not only did she take on one of Stoke-on-Trent’s most challenging routes, with its famous hills and incredible community spirit, but she also raised funds for a cause close to her heart The Peter Pan Centre for Children with Special Needs

A shoutout also goes to Sheila from our Reception Team, who volunteered her time to support the event on behalf of The Peter Pan Centre for Children with Special Needs. Her help behind the scenes made a real impact, and we’re so proud of both of them for getting involved in such a meaningful way.

The Potters ’Arf is a beloved local event known for its tough course, enthusiastic supporters, and strong community vibes. And Kinga absolutely nailed it!

We’re so proud to have people like Kinga and Sheila on our team, determined, passionate, and always thinking of others. Well done!

Simarco Bets on the East: How UK Logistics is Finding New Growth in Romania

When most people picture European trade, their minds jump instinctively to the familiar corridors of the EU core: Germany’s autobahns, France’s highways, the Dutch and Belgian ports that have long been the arteries of commerce. But increasingly, that picture is incomplete. A quieter shift is unfolding to the east, and companies like us are putting ourselves at the forefront.

For ourselves, the new battleground is in corridors that were once overlooked such as, UK–Romania. These routes long considered niche or ‘special projects,’ are starting to show the kind of volume and reliability that can change the logistics map of Europe.

From overlooked to essential

The pivot is no accident. In July, DP World completed a round of upgrades at Romania’s Port of Constanța, installing new scanning and yard automation technologies. The impact has been immediate: average transit times in the region have been cut almost in half.

At the same time, trade between Britain and Romania is growing faster than many expected. UK government figures released in August put bilateral trade at £9.9 billion in the year to Q1 2025, with exports from the UK to Romania up 11.3 percent. That’s no longer fringe business, it’s enough volume to demand regular services.

Romania itself is helping fuel the trend. Early August saw the first stretch of the new Aleșd–Hungarian border rail line enter service, a small but symbolic piece of a much larger infrastructure puzzle. Add to that fresh EU funding for rail and cross-border projects announced in July, and the region’s east–west links look set to strengthen even further.

Simarco’s move

Against this backdrop, we are pushing to make ‘beyond-core’ corridors feel mainstream. We are committed to regular UK–Romania groupage departures, giving exporters predictable services rather than ad-hoc arrangements.

But speed is only part of the story. What really matters for shippers is confidence. You can promise transit times, but unless you have local partners clearing customs, moving goods inland, and solving problems quickly, it doesn’t stick. That’s where we have invested.

Those investments include a strong partner network in Romania, as well as improved digital tracking systems that offer more transparency on shipments. For customers, especially SMEs exporting to new markets, the combination of predictable schedules and better visibility makes the difference between experimenting with a new trade lane and making it a regular part of their supply chain.

Over the last four years, we have also extended our partnerships across Europe, giving clients a one-stop solution for their shipping requirements, including emerging markets beyond the European Union. This strategy not only strengthens our network but also increases our ability to capture market share in new territories.

Beyond Romania: A wider European footprint

Our push east does not stop at Romania. We also offer:

• Norway: Weekly groupage departure from Stoke to Oslo.
• Hungary: Weekly direct departures in partnership with our Budapest-based partner.
• Romania: Weekly direct departures with our Timisoara-based partner.
• Bulgaria: Service available via our Hungary hub.
• Serbia: Twice-weekly direct departures to Belgrade, used as a gateway into the Balkan countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Kosovo, and North Macedonia.
• Switzerland: Twice weekly export and import groupage trailers between the UK and Switzerland

This wider network means our customers are not restricted to Western Europe’s traditional corridors. Instead, they gain seamless access to high-growth regions that are becoming central to the continent’s logistics future.

A wider trend in the Black Sea

Simarco is not alone in seeing the opportunity. Ro-ro and short-sea operators reported stronger August volumes through the Black Sea, suggesting that what was once a workaround is fast becoming a stable corridor. Industry coverage also highlights a surge in shipping activity in the region, even as operators work to manage security risks.

That momentum is important: forwarders can only offer reliable weekly services when they can count on carriers, ports, and inland networks to back them up. With the pieces falling into place, the east–southeast lanes are finally reaching that critical mass.

What it means for business

For manufacturers and exporters, the implications are tangible. Instead of defaulting to Western Europe’s congested corridors, UK companies with customers in Bucharest, Cluj, or Timișoara can look east with confidence. Faster transit, more stable pricing, and stronger infrastructure mean these routes are no longer the exception but an increasingly smart choice.

The bigger story is that logistics players like us are helping to normalise this shift. By marrying infrastructure gains with on-the-ground partnerships and dependable schedules, we are turning ‘underused’ corridors into Europe’s next growth lanes.

Over the past year, Team Simarco raised £2,000 to support mental health initiatives and children with special needs through local UK charities including Trust Links and The Peter Pan Centre.

We’ve raised £2,000 for charity!

Over the past 12 months, Team Simarco has come together to raise an incredible £2,000 in support of some amazing causes close to our hearts.

We’re proud to support Trust Links – Community Mental Health in Essex and The Peter Pan Centre for Children with Special Needs in Stoke, in addition to a number of other fantastic local charity and fundraising events throughout the year.

Trust Links – Community Mental Health – a mental health and wellbeing charity based in Essex, helping people improve their lives through therapeutic gardening, recovery programmes, and strong community support.

The Peter Pan Centre for Children with Special Needs in Stoke – a specialist nursery supporting children with additional needs, giving them the best start in life through tailored care, education, and family support.

A huge thank you to everyone who took part, donated, baked, ran, walked, volunteered and everything in between. Your kindness makes a real difference!

Here’s to making even more impact in the year ahead!

Is Road Freight Groupage the Secret Weapon Against Rising Freight Costs?

Simarco’s Perspective on Consolidated Loads

The European Road freight market in 2024 and 2025 is defined by volatility. Diesel prices are again trending upward; national toll structures are evolving; with several states implementing CO₂-based charging and the driver shortage shows no signs of easing. At the same time, inflationary pressures on wages and operational costs continue to push freight rates higher. Even in periods of steady demand, the cost of moving goods across the continent has become increasingly unpredictable.

For exporters and importers, that volatility is exhausting. And it’s why a lot of cost-conscious businesses are asking: Could groupage be the practical fix?

Instead of committing to a full truckload (FTL) for every shipment, regardless of utilisation, a growing number of businesses are adopting groupage (less-than-truckload, or LTL) services to pay only for the space they require.

Groupage: A Cost-Efficient Alternative

In practical terms, road freight groupage functions are much like a shared transport service. Multiple shippers’ consignments are consolidated into a single trailer, each paying proportionally for the pallet space they occupy.

Historically, groupage was often perceived as a solution for smaller shippers unable to fill a vehicle. However, the economics of 2025 are making it equally attractive to larger organisations, particularly those experiencing fluctuating weekly or seasonal volumes.

Key Cost Drivers in 2025

Several structural cost factors are reinforcing the case for groupage:

• Fuel Costs: Diesel prices remain significantly above pre-2022 levels, maintaining elevated fuel surcharges across the industry.
• Tolls: European adoption of CO₂-based truck tolls is expanding, while other jurisdictions have already increased rates. Future contracts are being priced with these increases in mind.
• Labour Pressures: The shortage of qualified drivers across Europe continues to drive up wages, directly impacting freight rates.
• Freight Rate Trends: According to the latest market data, freight rates are 32.2% higher than the baseline (typically set at 100). Although short-term (spot) shipping prices have gone down, long-term (contract) rates have increased, making it more important for businesses to stay flexible with their transport options to manage costs effectively.

These pressures make unused trailer capacity an expense most companies can no longer justify.

The ‘Half-a-Truck’ Threshold

For many lanes, the financial break-even point between groupage and FTL is in the 8–12 pallet range. Shipments below this threshold typically see cost benefits from groupage. Above it, FTL can often be more competitive, especially when speed is a critical factor.

Longer cross-border hauls tend to amplify groupage savings, as fixed costs such as tolls and fuel are distributed among multiple shippers. Furthermore, consolidated loads inherently reduce empty space on the road, contributing to lower CO₂ emissions, a growing priority for both customers and regulators.

Simarco’s Groupage Advantage

Here at Simarco we operate one of the UK’s most extensive pan-European groupage networks alongside our FTL and domestic services. Our approach is designed around operational flexibility.

David Knowles, European Operations Director, said “Over the years of the continued development of our European groupage product, Simarco have been able to offer a ‘best in class ‘solution for our customers ensuring service levels and transits times is met at a highly competitive price point. From one carton to 33 pallets we are in the position to flex as required.   Flexibility is key and our European infrastructure allows for this”.

Our model features regular scheduled departures to all major European destinations, supported by a network of partner depots to expedite deconsolidation and final delivery. This consistency mitigates the additional day or two typically associated with consolidation compared to a direct FTL service.

Market Sentiment

Feedback from industry forums and professional networks indicates a noticeable shift. Businesses that once defaulted to full loads are now benchmarking groupage more frequently, particularly for volatile-volume lanes. Case studies frequently cite savings of several hundred euros per trip when moving eight pallets via LTL compared to a dedicated vehicle, without measurable service degradation.

Best practice from these shippers is clear: conduct a lane-by-lane cost comparison whenever volumes approach the 8–12 pallet range, factoring in not just base rates but also tolls, surcharges, and any handling fees.

Final Word

Road freight groupage is not a universal solution. For full trailers of urgent cargo, FTL remains the preferred choice. However, for variable or sub-FTL volumes, groupage offers a viable, cost-efficient, and environmentally advantageous alternative.

Simarco’s ability to seamlessly transition customers between groupage and full loads provides a competitive edge in a market characterised by unpredictability. In today’s operating climate, that operational agility is not merely a convenience, it is an essential component of effective freight cost management.

Simarco International: Proud to Call Stoke-on-Trent Home for Over 30 Years

Celebrating community, commitment, and the city’s centenary

As Stoke-on-Trent proudly celebrates its 100th birthday in 2025, marking a century since it was officially granted city status, there’s another local success story worth highlighting. Simarco International, a leading name in UK logistics, has been part of the Staffordshire landscape for over 30 years.

In December 2019, we marked a major milestone with the launch of our flagship 108,000 sq. ft. facility, operating 24/7 to support the ever-evolving demands of global trade. This strategic investment not only enhanced our capabilities but cemented our Stoke site as a key logistics hub for the North of England and the Midlands.

From European cross-dock services and air/ocean freight to courier, customs clearance, domestic transport, and 3PL solutions, our Stoke site plays a pivotal role in the Simarco network.

Supporting Local Business with Personalised Solutions

Our connection to Staffordshire goes well beyond our people, trucks, bricks and mortar – we work closely with many local businesses throughout the region, building lasting partnerships based on trust, reliability, and service. Whether it’s a small manufacturer looking to expand internationally, or a growing company, we pride ourselves on offering personal, tailored logistics solutions to meet their specific needs.

No two businesses are the same, our clients across Staffordshire benefit from the flexibility, attention to detail, and dedicated support that only a service-led logistics partner like Simarco can provide.

Powered by Local People

People are the driving force behind our success. We’re proud to be a customer-focused, service-led business that draws from the strength and experience of our local team. Many of our employees have been with us for decades, and their knowledge is passed on to new recruits and apprentices, helping to shape the next generation of logistics professionals.

Proud Members of the Chamber of Commerce

Our long-standing ties to the region are also reflected in our active membership with the Chamber of Commerce, where we work alongside other local businesses to strengthen the economy and build a thriving business community. Through this partnership, we stay connected, informed, and committed to collaborative growth and opportunity across Staffordshire and beyond.

Giving Back to the Community

At Simarco, being part of Stoke and the wider Staffordshire community means more than just doing business here, it means giving back. We are proud to be deeply involved in the local community, supporting a wide range of charities, causes and events throughout the year.

Our current charity partner, The Peter Pan Centre, provides essential care and education for children with special needs, a cause close to the hearts of our entire team.

We also proudly support other local organisations and individuals, including:

• Project Indi – championing inclusion and diversity
• Newcastle Wanderers Youth Squad – nurturing local sporting talent
• Circus Starr – the circus with a purpose
• The Macari Centre – providing shelter and hope for the homeless
• The Salvation Army – offering vital support to vulnerable individuals and families
• Ruby Moores – a local BMX star and proud Simarco sponsor, who recently achieved World Number 7 in her sport

These initiatives are more than just sponsorships, they are part of the Simarco way, a company-wide culture of giving, supporting, and being present in our community.

Looking Ahead

Simarco International is honoured to celebrate Stoke’s centennial alongside the city we call home. From expanding operations and creating jobs to supporting local charities and strengthening our partnerships with Staffordshire businesses, we’re proud of what we’ve built here, and we’re just getting started.

Here’s to the next exciting 100 years, and to continuing our journey, together.

Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence: Rob Cooper’s Journey from Office Junior to Assistant Manager at Simarco

Please join us in congratulating our European Operations Assistant Manager, Rob Cooper on an incredible milestone, 20 years with Team Simarco! From starting out as an office junior to becoming a key part of our European export operations, Rob’s journey is a true testament to hard work, growth, and commitment.

Join us as we sit down with Rob to reflect on his career so far:

Can you take us back to your first day at Simarco?

My journey began in August 2005, when it was still IFB Ltd. I joined as an office junior in the courier department at just 18 years old and fresh out of college! I still remember how warm and welcoming everyone was, which made settling in so much easier. We were a small team; labelling and processing packages bound for destinations around the globe. It was my very first full-time job and a great place to start.

What initially drew you to logistics and Simarco?

Like many in logistics, I kind of fell into it! I spotted a job ad in a local newspaper and applied. I’ve always had a decent sense of geography, which I thought might come in handy. Plus, with my dad being a forklift driver and my grandad a wagon driver, perhaps logistics was always in my blood!

How has your role evolved over the last 20 years?

After three years in the courier team, I moved into the trailer department, which I’d always had my eye on. Since then, I’ve worked across multiple European export markets, from Spain to Scandinavia and built strong relationships with partners and hauliers and learnt the ins and outs of vehicle planning. Today, I help oversee European exports at Simarco Stoke, supporting the team, sharing my knowledge, and occasionally jumping back into ops when needed.

Your proudest achievement?

Honestly, it’s been a series of small wins that have added up, working my way up from office junior, becoming a homeowner, husband, and father… and yes, keeping my trusty 20-year-old blue Renault Clio running too!

Advice to someone starting in the industry today?

Work hard, stay open to advice, and be ready for opportunity, it’s an ever-changing industry, and there’s always room to grow for those who want it.

Any fond or funny memories?

Plenty of office laughs and great social events over the years! One standout memory is the 2009 fire at our site. Despite the devastation, the team came together, relocated, and had trailers loaded from a temporary yard that same Friday. The teamwork and commitment were nothing short of amazing.

20 years in three words?

Listen. Learn. Grow.

Congratulations on this incredible achievement, Rob! Thank you for everything you bring to the Simarco team.

Building the Future of Logistics: Workforce and Talent Development

In July 2025, the logistics industry stands at a critical crossroads. While demand for transportation, warehousing, and last-mile delivery continues to grow rapidly, companies across the globe are facing a major workforce challenge: labour shortages. From HGV Drivers to Warehouse Operatives and Planners, skilled talent is increasingly hard to find, and this gap is reshaping how the industry thinks about workforce development.

The shortages aren’t just temporary hiccups. They reflect long-term demographic shifts, an aging workforce, and changing expectations among younger job seekers. Today’s logistics workers are looking for more than just pay, they want career progression, flexibility, and meaningful roles that embrace technology and sustainability. In response, logistics companies are shifting gears and investing heavily in both people and automation to ensure the wheels of global supply chains keep turning.

Across the UK and beyond, many logistics firms are turning to robust training programmes and apprenticeships to build talent from within. Apprenticeship schemes, particularly those targeting young people, career changers, and underrepresented groups have become vital pipelines for new talent. These programmes offer hands-on experience combined with classroom learning, preparing individuals for everything from warehouse operations to transport planning and even managerial roles.

Here at Simarco, we continue to play a key role in this transformation. With a focus on developing people internally and building long-term career paths, we continue to invest in team development as part of our core strategy. We emphasize training not just as a necessity, but as a way to deliver better service to our customers while creating a more motivated, skilled, and future-ready workforce.

At the same time, automation is becoming an indispensable part of the logistics equation. With fewer hands available to perform tasks like sorting, packing, and scanning, companies are rapidly adopting technologies such as autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), AI-powered route optimisation, and robotic picking systems. While automation helps fill the labour gap, it also creates new roles, like robotics technicians, automation analysts, and systems engineers that demand higher levels of digital literacy and technical know-how.

Interestingly, the rise of automation isn’t seen as a threat to jobs, it’s an opportunity to elevate them. Many logistics firms are now pairing automation with upskilling initiatives that empower existing staff to take on more advanced and rewarding responsibilities. Forklift drivers are being trained to operate automated systems, and warehouse staff are learning how to troubleshoot robotics software. In essence, humans and machines are learning to work side-by-side.

Recruitment practices are also evolving to attract the next generation of logistics talent. Gone are the days of dry job boards and lengthy paper applications. Today, companies are engaging young people on platforms they use, such as TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn – offering clearer career roadmaps, mentorship opportunities, and even sustainability-focused roles that appeal to environmentally conscious candidates. Flexible hours, mental health support, and onsite wellness benefits are also becoming standard offerings to retain staff in a highly competitive market.

As logistics moves into a more tech-driven future, the industry’s workforce is adapting in stride. What we’re seeing in 2025 is not just a response to a staffing crisis, but a long-overdue modernisation of how logistics companies attract, train, and retain people. The emphasis is no longer solely on filling vacancies, but on building a sustainable, skilled, and tech-savvy workforce capable of navigating the complex demands of global trade.

Ultimately, logistics in 2025 is being shaped by two powerful forces: human potential and technological innovation. By investing in both, the industry is not only solving today’s labour shortages, it’s laying the foundation for a smarter, more resilient supply chain for years to come.

Simarco International at Witham Carnival 2025 – Proud to Support Our Local Essex Community

We had an absolute blast earlier this month as we proudly rolled into Witham Carnival! Held on Saturday 12th July under the vibrant Country & Western theme, the streets of Witham were alive with community spirit, music, and creativity.

As a local logistics provider, it’s always a pleasure to be part of such a cherished annual tradition. Our team got fully involved, decorating trucks, acting as marshals, and joining in the fun. We loved seeing families, local groups, and carnival royalty celebrating together, all in support of community charities.

A huge shoutout to the organisers from Witham Carnival Association for another fantastic event and to everyone who brought their energy and enthusiasm. It’s moments like these that truly showcase why we love being part of Witham and the local community!

Thanks to all who came along to wave, cheer, and share the fun with us. Here’s to our wonderful town, community connection, and many more carnival memories to come!

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