Hellmann sets up own arm in Colombia

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July 16, 2025

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics has opened a fully-owned subsidiary in Colombia as part of its network expansion in the Americas. The German-owned forwarding and logistics company has been active in Colombia for almost 30 years through local partner companies. Earlier this year its acquired its perishables partner HPL Apollo, including the HPL entity in Colombia. Following this the company has formally established its own subsidiary specializing in general cargo and other verticals including airfreight, seafreight, customs brokerage, and contract logistics supported by an experienced team of supply chain professionals, using Colombia as a strategic hub for both inbound and outbound flows.

Chief executive Jens Drewes, said: “Following the takeover of HPL Apollo in the US and the inclusion of its Colombian operations, establishing a fully integrated own country organization in Colombia marks another milestone in our global expansion strategy. The Americas is a key market for us, and this development strengthens our presence and enhances our ability to serve customers across this strategically important region.”

Regional chief executive, Americas, Peter Huwel, added: “After seven successful years of collaboration with our local partner ABC Cargo Logistics, we are proud to take the next step by establishing our own Hellmann operations in Colombia. This launch strengthens our ability to deliver the high-quality, integrated logistics solutions our customers expect from Hellmann, while positioning us to drive continued growth across the region.”

FedEx moves to new Manchester hub

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Chris Lewis

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July 16, 2025

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Federal Express has relocated its Manchester, UK operation to a new logistics hub half a mile from the international airport. The 38,000sq ft facility features an advanced automated sorting system and X-ray machines, which will increase throughput, speed, and customer service.

The Northwest corridor accounts for 22.5% of the UK’s total freight GDP, says FedEx.

Managing director, UK Air Operations Steve Johnson, said: “The opening of our enhanced facility in Manchester is a significant milestone for FedEx and our valued customers as we continue to advance our freight capabilities in the UK. With the rising demand for cargo aviation and the rapid growth of e-commerce, we recognise the need to reconfigure our network to prioritise both speed and efficiency.’

‘’We are committed to setting our customers up for success in what continues to be a dynamic period for trade and logistics. We have seen first-hand the positive impact our investment in technological capabilities has had at our Stansted Airport facility for small and medium sized enterprises. Our goal is to ensure businesses in the Northwest experience the same benefits.”

Longest ever shipment for Prestwick

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Chris Lewis

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July 16, 2025

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Chapman Freeborn, the air charter arm of Avia Solutions Group, recently completed shipment of the longest piece of cargo at Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK).

The shipment included a 67-foot-long, 24-tonne component, transported on three 20-foot connecting pallets, along with two additional 40-foot components for the oil and gas industry, transported aboard a B747F nose loader from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The shipment arrived at Prestwick following a stopover at Liège Airport, where it underwent a security screening. In Glasgow, the cargo was unloaded in just 30 minutes using three main deck loaders and two cranes.

Cargo Charter Broker at Chapman Freeborn, Adam Duckworth, said: “This operation required close coordination between our UK team and the airline, working alongside the CAA to ensure the cargo arrived on schedule. The handling agent’s team, Prestwick Cargo Services, did an exceptional job coordinating the offloading operation.”

Emirates Courier Express goes Down Under

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Chris Lewis

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July 16, 2025

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Emirates has expanded its Emirates Courier Express solution to Australia. It will fly directly into Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney on 70 flights per week using the existing passenger schedule and serving the whole country.

Breaking the traditional hub-and-spoke model, Emirates Courier Express provides direct connectivity, via Dubai, significantly reducing time in transit and handling. Emirates Courier Express is equipped to transport all verticals, from consumer goods to products that require specialist handling, such as critical medical equipment.

It can also be directly integrated into customers’ existing software with tracking and real-time updates.

The International Trade Administration reports that only 6% of international shoppers currently buy from Australia. Challenges with delivery and logistics play a key role, as fluctuating costs and long timelines deter consumers from placing orders. Despite that the inbound small parcel volume to Australia has increased by 45% in the last two years, and a record number of households are shopping online.

New chief for DHL Global Forwarding

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Chris Lewis

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July 15, 2025

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Deutsche Post has appointed Oscar de Bok as chief executive officer of DHL Global Forwarding, Freight. De Bok, succeeding Tim Scharwath, who is retiring. Oscar de Bok has been a member of the management board since 2019 and is currently chief executive of DHL Supply Chain, a role that will be taken up by Hendrik Venter, currently responsible for Supply Chain Mainland Europe, Middle East, and Africa.

DHL unveils Dublin multi-user hub

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Chris Lewis

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July 15, 2025

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DHL Supply Chain has opened a new multi-user facility in Dublin optimised for customers in the technology, life sciences and healthcare sectors.

The site, at Quantum Distribution Park in Kilshane,has 265,000sq ft of operating space, including 60,000sq ft of mezzanine flooring and 33,000 pallet spaces.

The building is certified as BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and LEED ‘Gold’, featuring several sustainable solutions including solar panels. The fleet operating out of the Dublin facility also harnesses renewable energy with a mix of electric vehicles and biomethane trucks.

Managing director Ireland, DHL Supply Chain, Patrick Corbett, said, “As the technology, life sciences and healthcare sectors continue to scale rapidly in Ireland, we are delighted to be opening a cutting-edge facility that caters to their needs with our specialist services. These are sectors which need flexible and resilient operations and our innovative supply chain solutions help them to maximise growth opportunities while minimising risk. The new site has been designed with longevity in mind, building in sustainable solutions across warehousing and transport.”

Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment added: “DHL’s latest investment in Ireland marks a bold step towards the future of sustainable and high-tech logistics. By embracing innovation and sustainability, DHL is not just expanding its footprint but setting new standards for the industry. DHL’s investment in their cutting-edge Quantum facility will support our drive to build on our nation’s international competitiveness.”

WFS opens Copenhagen site to speed Scandi e-commerce

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Chris Lewis

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July 15, 2025

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Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a SATS company, has opened a fourth warehouse at Copenhagen Airport to support e-commerce and freight forwarder handling (EFFH) services in Scandinavia.

It covers an area of 4,800sq m and takes WFS’ cargo handling footprint at the airport to over 21,500sq m, including its dedicated temperature-controlled pharma facility in Copenhagen.

WFS’ EFFH service makes freight Ready-for-Carriage, captures weight and cargo measurements, provides security screening, consolidation, and transportation to and from handling agents. It also covers deconsolidation, sorting, and preparing shipments for customs clearance, and onward transportation by road, plus shipment labelling, repacking, crating, and customised screening services.

WFS e-commerce solutions deliver a full day time reduction for international shipments to reach Scandinavian e-commerce customers through fast import sorting and scanning to expedite customs clearance.

Freight industry is a winner in Trump’s budget, say forwarders

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Chris Lewis

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July 11, 2025

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Executive director of the Airforwarders Association, Brandon Fried, has described President Trump’s budget bill – signed into law on July 4 as “a landmark moment for the air cargo and logistics industry.”

He said: “This legislation delivers the modernization our industry has long needed from billions in Federal Aviation Administration funding to overhaul outdated radar, telecommunications, and air traffic control systems, to major investments in runway safety and airport surveillance.

“Just as importantly, it reflects our members’ successful advocacy, together with the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America, to address airport truck congestion, with the Government Accountability Office now conducting a crucial study to help clear landside bottlenecks.”

He added: “Significant changes to the De Minimis exception, due to come into effect in less than 30 days, alongside a surge in Customs and Border Protection funding, will reshape how we handle e-commerce and cross-border compliance. I will continue to engage and support our members through this period.

“While challenges lie ahead, this Bill is a clear win for forwarders, infrastructure, and the future of air cargo.”

Air Canada steps up Latin America network

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Chris Lewis

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July 10, 2025

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Air Canada is to resume flights to Lima, Peru in its winter schedule with twice weekly flights from both Montreal and Toronto. It is also adding three new routes to Central America and Mexico including, Montreal-Belize, Toronto-Puerto Escondido (subject to prior authorization by the Mexican government) and Vancouver-Tepic, Riviera Nayarit (subject to approval). As well as serving passenger markets, the new routes are intended to take advantage of cargo opportunities in the region.

FedEx opens new Netherlands site

By

Chris Lewis

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July 9, 2025

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FedEx has opened a facility in Vianen, near Utrecht in the Netherlands. It includes 5,865sq m warehouse space, ten dock doors for trailers – one equipped with a scissor lift and nine with loose load capabilities – 48 direct loading positions for vans and maximum sorting capacity of 3,600 parcels per hour.

There is also a parcel X-ray, a customs cage, a designated aviation security area for processing secure air freight and a caster deck to efficiently unload unit load devices from trailers.

The site also has 14 charging stations for electric vehicles and four charging points for the general public. The site is also equipped with LED lighting and automated lighting sensors to minimize energy consumption. FedEx has scheduled an initial three electric vehicles for deployment in 2025, as part of the company’s phased approach to electrification.