Cross-docking is a logistics process in which incoming goods are transferred directly from inbound vehicles to outbound vehicles with little or no storage time in between. Instead of putting products away in a warehouse, they pass quickly through a terminal where they are sorted and loaded again. This approach cuts out the traditional storage phase […]

A freight forwarding company is an intermediary that organises the movement of cargo on behalf of importers and exporters. It does not usually operate its own ships, trucks or planes, but plans routes, books space with carriers, prepares documentation, arranges customs clearance and often coordinates warehousing and consolidation. Europe is one of the most trade-intensive […]

Selecting a third-party logistics partner for Europe is less about glossy brochures and more about hard-edged fit: network coverage on the Trans-European Transport Network, proven operational scope, verifiable compliance, and transparent data and cost models. The checklist below focuses on criteria you can verify and benchmark across the EU/EEA and the UK.   Network & […]

Introduction The European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) is the core rulebook for classifying, packaging, documenting, marking/labeling, loading, and moving hazardous consignments by road across its Contracting Parties. ADR is revised on a two-year cycle by the UNECE Working Party on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (WP.15). The 2025 […]

Europe’s reverse logistics is shaped by strict consumer rights, harmonized parcel rules, and customs procedures that can either drain margin or unlock recovery value. Getting the details right – from label data to duty relief – turns returns from a drag on EBITDA into a fast, value-secure flow.   Anchor on EU rules that generate […]

Artificial trade terms rarely make headlines, but 2025 is a big year for how Incoterms interact with EU rules. While the Incoterms themselves have not changed, several EU regulatory milestones are reshaping who files what, when risk passes, and how costs are apportioned on EU lanes. For shippers and forwarders, the practical question this year […]

Retail logistics has become the hidden architecture of European commerce. Every click-to-cart moment sets off a chain of inbound replenishment, warehousing, order processing, and final-mile delivery that now must run at near-real-time speed. Europe’s business-to-consumer e-commerce turnover reached €899 billion in 2023, up 3.4% year-on-year, confirming that even traditional high-street retailers now operate as e-commerce […]

Lean Logistics adapts the well-known Lean Manufacturing mindset to material and information flows beyond the factory gate. By seeking continuous elimination of non-value-adding activities across transport, warehousing and order management, Lean Logistics has become a cornerstone of competitive freight forwarding, especially in Europe’s tightly regulated, sustainability-driven market.   Core Principles of Lean Logistics Lean Logistics […]

When the European Commission published the final bundle of implementing and delegated acts for the Electronic Freight Transport Information (eFTI) Regulation on 9 January 2025, the legal framework for paper-free freight in the EU was finally complete. The new rules close the last technical gaps, let Member States finish their inspection systems, and give businesses […]

Europe’s third-party logistics (3PL) sector sits at the heart of the continent’s supply chain modernization drive, providing shippers with rapid access to transport capacity, fulfillment infrastructure, and data-driven optimization tools. The market was valued at approximately €186.7 billion in 2024 and is forecast to expand at a healthy 5.6 % CAGR through 2030, underscoring the […]

Not a re-entry but a reboot Contrary to some early headlines, the United Kingdom never left the Common Transit Convention (CTC) when it exited the EU; it acceded in its own right in 2019 and has remained a contracting party ever since. The key date this year was 21 January 2025, when all 38 members […]

EU-funded researchers are accelerating the roll-out of autonomous heavy vehicles on public roads, positioning self-driving trucks as a practical answer to labour shortages and sustainability goals in European logistics. The International Road Transport Union (IRU) warns that 425,000 truck driver posts are already unfilled across Europe, a gap that automation could help bridge.     […]

Romania’s customs agency has recently activated two advanced X-ray scanners at major crossing points along its borders with Serbia and Ukraine in an effort to reinforce the EU’s outer borders. The stationary scanning units have been set up at Moravița, the largest border customs office on the border with Serbia and at Isaccea which ranks […]

Ukraine and the European Union have decided to renew their Road Transport Agreement which will remain in effect until the end of 2025. This arrangement was first put in place in response to the disruption of usual transport links caused by the situation in Ukraine, and it aims to ensure the ongoing movement of freight […]

European logistics companies operating in European tourist destinations encounter a number of challenges during peak seasons. Key hurdles include the surge in demand for certain goods, the need for quick turnaround, and intense competition for limited transportation capacity.   Surge in Demand European tourist destinations experience significant demand for commodities during peak seasons. In coastal […]

While within the Schengen Area of the European Union border controls are largely abolished, some states occasionally reinstall controls in response to specific security concerns. Moreover, forwarders also pass through border crossings from and to non-Schengen countries where their trucks may face idle times. To reduce these delays, border agencies offer measures such as advanced […]

Swiss President Viola Amherd and head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen declared the successful completion of discussions intended to strengthen the partnership between Switzerland and the European Union. This announcement was made in Bern in December 2024 after eight months of intense dialogue and 200 sessions. Аs a result, both parties consented […]

Understanding the financial and operational benefits of leasing versus owning containers is important for logistics providers. Each option offers unique advantages that can significantly impact a company’s flexibility, financial health, and strategic opportunities.   Leasing Containers Leasing eliminates the need for a significant upfront investment. This can free up capital for other areas of the […]

Road transport, maritime shipping, and air freight each play distinct roles in shaping the European logistics industry. These transportation modes cater to different industry needs, from just-in-time deliveries through road shipping to the vast capacity and reach of maritime transport and the rapid transit times offered by air freight.   Road Transport Road freight accounts […]

Freight villages optimize the logistics network by acting as hubs that streamline the shipping process to ensure efficient distribution. They focus on efficient sorting at the outset, monitoring throughout transit, and oversight at delivery points to ensure quality control and resolve any discrepancies.   Collection and Sorting Freight villages serve as central points where goods […]

Excessive moisture can have significant impacts on goods transported within European logistics network. Issues, among others, include the warping of packaging, damage to labels, increased cargo weight, and contamination of goods, which can affect the handling, transport, and overall condition of products.   Compromised Packaging Exposure to moisture, particularly during heavy rain, can cause warping […]

Warehouse placement significantly impacts European logistics operations and thus guides strategic location choices. These include proximity to high-demand zones, border crossings, labor-rich regions, and areas suitable for expansion.   Zones of High Demand Warehouses are often located around high-demand zones, including industrial parks, free trade zones, and transportation service hubs like bus or rail terminals […]

Navigating nighttime freight forwarding presents a unique set of challenges that go beyond those faced during daylight hours. IFA freight forwarders must contend with limited access to facilities, reduced visibility, and more complex weather conditions, all of which can affect their operations.   Restricted Access Hours In many smaller and municipality-managed locations, freight forwarders face […]

Freight forwarders who are heavily engaged in humanitarian logistics often deal with challenges when delivering supplies to disaster-stricken zones. They must navigate damaged infrastructure, stringent customs regulations, and coordination difficulties with governments, NGOs, and local authorities.   Damaged Infrastructure Infrastructure damage such as collapsed bridges, destroyed roads, or landslides can physically block routes and hinder […]

Shipping high-risk cargo in flood-prone areas demands specialized strategies to ensure safety. Three high-risk categories that require particular attention are electronics, pharmaceuticals and chemicals, and livestock, each needing distinct protective measures.   Electronics Electronics like smartphones, laptops, and televisions have circuits that direct electric signals along specific paths. When these devices are exposed to water, […]

Transporting goods to European islands presents logistical hurdles that impact the efficiency of transportation operations. Key challenges include limited port capacity for large ships, dependence on ferry services, volatile sea and weather conditions, and the geographic isolation of islands.   Capacity Limitations for Large Ships European islands often have limited capacity to accommodate large cargo […]

Transporting hazardous materials presents unique challenges for European logistics providers that vary greatly depending on the environment. Key areas of concern include densely populated regions, areas prone to natural disasters, and regions with poor infrastructure, each presenting distinct risks for safe transport.     Densely Populated Areas In densely populated areas, vehicles transporting hazardous goods […]

Drones face unique challenges when tasked with delivering small shipments to rural areas. Key issues include extended range, unpredictable weather conditions, and wildlife interference, each necessitating specific mitigation strategies to ensure efficient and safe operations.   Extended Range In rural areas, the distances between delivery points can be extensive, far exceeding the usual flight capabilities […]

The supply chain within the logistics sector faces significant challenges due to cybersecurity threats. These threats include exploiting GPS systems, conducting cyber espionage, and executing sabotage operations against goods in transit, all of which can lead to financial losses and damage to reputation.   Exploiting GPS Systems Attackers can exploit GPS systems in a variety […]

Advancements in technology enhance the transportation and storage of perishable goods, which results in both increased freshness and improved safety. Innovations such as controlled atmosphere technology, blockchain tracking, hyperspectral imaging, and drone inspections contribute to more efficient shipping, longer shelf life, and reduced waste.   Controlled Atmosphere Technology (CA) CA technology slows down the ripening […]

Advancements in container logistics have significantly enhanced the efficiency and security of sea freight in Europe. Integrating RFID technology, real-time alert systems, and energy-efficient technologies are reshaping how cargo is monitored, protected, and conserved during transit.   RFID Technology Container tracking systems utilize RFID tags to enable real-time monitoring and information management of cargo. These […]

The world of freight forwarding is undergoing rapid change with the introduction of innovative rail forwarding equipment. These advancements, from modern railcar design to more powerful engines, promise to increase storage capacity, speed up transit times, and enhance safety, among other benefits. With these innovations, freight forwarders stand at the threshold of a revolution that […]

Europe’s maritime trade has always depended on its ports. These ports are essential for the continent’s trade today, and many of them have histories that stretch back for centuries. Here is a closer look at five of the most important ones for the European logistics industry.   Rotterdam: A Giant of the Seas Located in […]

Freight congestion in Europe has long been a challenge, particularly in densely populated areas and around major transport hubs. This congestion results from various factors, including seasonal travel, the rapid growth of e-commerce, and urbanization. As urban centers continue to grow, the demand for goods increases and often overwhelms existing transport routes. The ripple effect […]

The future of logistics is already here, with freight forwarders leveraging innovative technology to enhance their operations. Drone delivery, once a concept of science fiction, is fast becoming a game-changer in the world of freight forwarding. This cutting-edge solution offers unparalleled speed with real-world efficiency, economic benefits, access to previously challenging locations, and an eco-friendly […]

Designed to maintain a product within a specified temperature range, cold chain freight forwarding is at the heart of many industries, from pharmaceuticals to fresh produce. As the demand for such logistics grows, challenges like maintaining temperature integrity, grappling with high operational costs, and addressing limited infrastructure in emerging markets have come to the forefront, […]

The current climate of the air freight industry may appear frail at first glance, yet optimism prevails among airlines, freight forwarders, and experts. While the situation seems bleak, they believe that it is unlikely to deteriorate any further. Indeed, in spite of recent downward trends and challenges, the industry’s outlook suggests an upcoming rise in […]

Reverse logistics – the process of managing the return of products from the end customers back to the seller, has become increasingly important for companies across Europe. The retail e-commerce industry continues to grow rapidly – according to Morgan Stanley’s forecast, the global e-commerce market is expected to expand from $3.3 trillion currently to $5.4 […]

The heartbeat of Europe’s economy, logistics, is experiencing a significant disturbance: a shortage of truck drivers. According to research published in 2022, Europe currently grapples with a shortfall of 380,000 truck drivers, accounting for roughly 10% of the total demand. This scarcity, primarily fueled by demographic shifts, the gender gap, image perceptions, and stringent regulations, […]

Freight forwarding plays a key role in facilitating trade and ensuring the efficient movement of goods across borders. Within Europe, several factors influence the freight forwarding industry, including geographical location and infrastructure, regulatory framework and customs procedures, market competition, and environmental sustainability. Understanding these factors is crucial for strategic decision-making, compliance, enhanced efficiency, market expansion, […]

With multiple laws, regulations, and international trade agreements, the European logistics industry is highly regulated, meaning that certain certifications, insurance coverage, and shipping documents are required to move goods across borders. Compliance is key to avoiding reputational risks, delivery delays, and penalties. At the same time, compliance can help freight forwarders gain a competitive edge […]

The freight forwarding industry is faced with a number of logistics challenges, including cooperation with various stakeholders, customs clearance, and optimizing transportation routes, to name a few. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in implementing AI technologies to improve cost-effectiveness, safety, and efficiency and enhance the customer experience. European freight forwarders are […]

Carriers often choose to form shipping alliances to benefit from competitive prices and wider service coverage. Such alliances are cooperative agreements that seek to utilize fleet space in the most efficient way rather than operate their own fleets separately.   How do Alliances work? The main areas of cooperation are problem-solving, scheduling, vessel assignment, and […]

If it is the first time you’re shipping from a European to an African country, there can be a level of uncertainty and unfamiliarity involved. Different countries have imposed different customs rules and regulations, with some challenges like strict regulatory regimes on imported goods.   Technical Regulations A number of countries across Africa have imposed […]

Antiques are among the most valuable items that customers ship, whether bought from specialized dealers, auction houses, or flea markets or passed down through generations. As they have а financial and sentimental value, leaving them behind or selling them is usually not an option. And whether shipping for individual customers, estate distributors, auction houses, or […]

A recent survey by Deloitte reveals that 59 percent of shipping companies are in the process of acquiring new core capabilities, while a similar share (60 percent) of carriers are looking to outsource their non-core capabilities. According to the study, these processes could complement each other, with shippers outsourcing support functions while building or expanding […]

Artificial intelligence can provide forwarders with an opportunity to enhance their decision-making capacity. Data transmitted by commercial vessels, for example, can be used for predictive guidance and performance monitoring, enabling businesses to forecast greenhouse gas emissions. This is a way to lower emission levels and ensure carbon transparency. Other implementations include automated processes, improved scheduling, […]

Logistics can be divided into a number of branches, each with its functions and specifics. The main branches are production, procurement, sales, and recovery logistics. These functional areas cover a wide range of activities such as packaging, transportation, inventory control, storage and distribution, materials handling, and order processing, to name a few.     Production […]

Warehouse automation is a major trend amidst a coronavirus pandemic that already entered its second year. The resulting global recession and lockdowns across the world brought industrial activity to a near halt. As manufacturers began to gradually reopen and resume operations, forwarders throughout Europe found themselves faced with multiple challenges – e-commerce logistics, a growing […]

With vaccines receiving regulatory approval for roll out by national authorities, hopes are high that the pandemic is slowly coming to an end. It has been a difficult year, however, with millions of people hard hit by restrictions, lockdowns, and school closures. Many industries have been affected as well and are still struggling to recover […]

If the vaccine by Pfizer and BioNTech gets approved, distribution and storage requirements can pose a significant challenge to mass immunization. Pfizer and BioNTech just announced that their vaccine is over 90 percent effective but must be transported at minus 70 degrees Celsius. Demand would be significant and immediate and far exceeding what manufacturers are […]

Shipping restrictions vary by country and may apply to items such as explosives, combustibles, firearms, and corrosives, which are subject to special controls. In the European Union, restricted or prohibited goods fall in three categories – pirated or counterfeit goods, dangerous chemicals, and endangered species.      Dangerous Chemicals Hazardous chemicals that are subject to […]

Earth population growth is not expected to slow down over the next 80 years, making global sourcing the key to meeting growing demand for agricultural products. Producers, farmers, and growers market and sell commodities that are shipped to different parts of the world. There are import requirements, regulations, and guidelines, however, that EU freight forwarders […]

Free movement of goods and people is a core value of the European Union, but this doesn’t mean that everything can be shipped. To ensure that small shipments and cargo pass customs, it is important to become familiar with the conditions under which items can be shipped between EU Member States. Alcohol The rules for […]

US President Donald Trump suspended all travel from and to Europe on 13 March, and many European logistics providers wonder whether cargo will be affected.   What Trump Said about Cargo Initially President Trump announced that the restrictions also apply to cargo shipped from Europe to the United States. He then tweeted to say that […]

Waste is shipped by sea, railway, and road transport across borders, and the goal is final disposal or recycling. Hazardous waste is also shipped from generator sites to processing facilities that can store, treat, and recycle shipments. Regulations In the European Union, freight forwarders that are shipping waste are subject to the ADR and IMDG […]

Demand for beauty products is constantly on the rise, including shower and bath products, deodorants, sun care, fragrances, and oral, skin, and hair care. What Counts as Cosmetics Beauty products that help alter or enhance appearance count as cosmetics. This category includes a wide range of products such as face masks, hair dyes, makeup, perfumes, […]

The Brexit deal is already a fact and transforming the logistics supply chain across Northern Europe. While retailers and consumers expect fast and efficient fulfillment of orders, movement of goods across borders may lead to delays in stock replenishment. What Brexit Means for Forwarders During the transitional period, freight forwarders may need to obtain international […]

While many freight forwarders still use low-tech solutions and manpower, more and more services providers adopt advanced solutions to meet ever-rising standards and expectations. Here are some of the tech trends that are quickly transforming the logistics industry. Blockchain Technology for Increased Automation Many services providers have embraced blockchain technology because of advantages such as […]

Robots are increasingly used by European logistics companies because they help automate processes and improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Logistics robots are mostly used in storage facilities and warehouses to move, store, and transport goods. Recent Developments and Future Trends According to the World Robotics 2018 Service Reports by the International Federation of Robotics, in 2017 […]

The busiest airports and ports in Europe handle large quantities of cargo thanks to their advanced technologies and strategic location. Some of the largest cargo hubs serve more than 400 destinations and ensure reliable and safe transport. International freight forwarders ship parcels and cargo from major ports and airports such as the Heathrow Airport, Brussels […]

Cargo insurance protects loads against risks such as theft, damage, loss, and other incidents. Unpredictable weather and local conditions, infrastructure quality, and policies and regulations make shipping and handling of cargo more complex. To this end, insurance helps protect cargo in storage and transit by compensating for the value of loads. Why Purchase Insurance The […]

The majority of the logistics managers from the European Logistics Network are faced with multiple challenges and need to multi-task on a daily basis. This is partly due to the boost of international trade and the increasing demand for timely, cheap and reliable international freight forwarding services but there are many other problems which need […]

For years, various logistics companies from the European logistics network have been using gamification as a tool for educating, motivating and improving the performance of the employees of the international freight forwarding companies. What is gamification and how it can affect the quality of the services provided by the International Forwarding Association Gamification is the […]

The logistics freight forwarding services are an essential part of the activities of many companies and people. With the growing demand for forwarding services due to the increasingly intensifying trade, online commerce and the mobility of the people who are moving to live, work or study in different places and countries, the expectations of the […]

Logistics is inextricably linked to business. Here are several tendencies for 2018 which are expected to improve the efficiency of the freight forwarding service this year: An increase of the profits from omnichannel supply Omnichannel supply will continue to play a significant role in the international freight services and the forwarding services will be organized […]

Driverless vehicles which use the combination between data from the road maps and the data from the vehicle sensors to get from one destination to another are already a fact. Most people associate this innovation with Google’s self-driving cars which work by implementing the road map and traffic data. They are made and function based […]

Modern technologies are widely implemented in logistics. The Freight forwarders association is taking advantage of all benefits and facilities provided by the electronic logging devices in order to keep track of the working hours of their drivers in charge of the international forwarding of cargo and goods.   What does the abbreviation ELD stand for? […]

The carnet de passages is an international customs declaration which is required for the temporary import of a vehicle from one country to another. It is issued in English and French languages. The import of vehicles is performed by the member companies of the European network of transportation.   The Carnet de Passages is part […]

The INCOTERMS rules are developed by the International Chamber of Commerce and are applied in international commerce. They are used for international trade deals and are also followed by the freight transport association when forwarding of goods is provided. The INCOTERMS rules clearly define the tasks, costs and risks involved in transporting and delivering goods, […]

Wooden furniture is a main product of the woodworking industry and is under constant demand. Thanks to the well-developed commercial ties within Europe, as well as the logistics services for the woodworking industry which are provided by the international freight forwarders network, customers from different countries on the continent rely on the import of furniture, […]

In order to best combine the freight forwarding services in Europe with the maximum care for the environment it is necessary to create routes for the shipments which have minimum negative impact on the environment, the air pollution, the earth and require the least possible amount of fuel.  The European logistics companies are actively involved […]

Safeguarding of the cargo during the forwarding provided by the freight forwarders is a major task. The need for safeguarding differs depending on the type of cargo and goods being transported, the type of transport used and other factors. The proper maintenance of the vehicles used and ensuring they are in good technical condition is […]

The globalization creates various possibilities for work in different countries, which is an important advantage for modern business including freight forwarding. In modern conditions, the specialization is becoming narrower, so training the personnel takes longer. Transferring employees from various branches of the freight forwarding companies to other European countries The companies are taking advantage of […]

The development of the relations among the European countries and the international tendencies will affect the European freight forwarding business this year. The European logistics network takes into consideration these relations and trends, in order to continue providing its customers with timely freight forwarding services at competitive prices.   In anticipation of Brexit: the conditions […]

European freight forwarding is an important element of the old continents’ economy. For freight forwarders Europe this is a daily striving for an increase of the service levels as well as the maintenance of optimal prices, despite the difficulties resulting from the current international situation. The Freight forwarders association is faced with the task to […]

Smart logistics, or Logistics 4.0 is already under implementation. It continues the connectivity called Internet of Things (IoT). This is connectivity from the supplier across the logistics service company and the transport company, for easy control at any time.   Controlling the processes – through data In controlling the processes, from the supply to the […]

The prices of the transportation services are growing continuously, and on the other hand the number of drivers is reducing. This leads to raising the transportation costs and in the near future we can expect raising the prices of the transport services.   Importance of transport for the manufacture The transport is a main activity, […]

The transport system in Europe increasingly facilitates the mobility and the transport of both people and goods. This is beneficial for the ever-growing demand for transport services due to the ever-increasing share of the trade, on one hand, and the mobility of the people in connection with a change of residence and workplace. Thus the […]

The electronic data interchange is expressed in the interchange of business documents between business partners via their computers. This type of communication is becoming more popular because of all of its advantages, including:   The speed of exchange of information The speed for processing information The reduction of risk of errors Paper conservation   The […]

Logistics for the pharmaceutical industry includes not only the transport of the pharmaceutical products, but their storage as well. This is why, when distribution logistics services are offered for these goods and forwarders throughout Europe have storage facilities in the main destinations in the different European countries. Apart from that, the pharmaceutical products reach the […]

Protecting the environment is among the top priorities of the international freight forwarders. This is achieved through shorter and optimised routes, as well as the use of eco-friendly packaging whenever it can be used instead of the popular plastic packing. Recycling the packaging must become a higher priority in freight forwarding, because it is one […]

The OBU device is used to measure the latitude and longitude of the vehicle.  These measurements are done with the help of satellites.  After that the measurements are compared to a digital map in the OBU.  This allows each travel on the road network to be registered in the device. Using the data from the […]

Car toll payments need to be made when international freight forwarding services are being carried out by the network of freight forwarders. These tolls are payed for using the highways.  They help improve the standard of the transport services, because better maintained highways means better care and safety of the cargo and goods in both […]

The generalised system of customs preferences in the EU is directed toward the developing countries (beneficiaries) by the developed countries, and this preferential treatment is non-reciprocal. There are special conditions which are in effect and are for the benefit of the poorest and least developed countries. Customs preference in the European Union based on the […]

In the world of trade, development is continuous and never-ending. World trade is now recovering from the economic crisis and its volume is expected to increase. The growth trend will surely continue, as globalization and the development of technologies open all regions of the world for the flow of goods from different countries.   The […]

The freight forwarding services worldwide are facing new challenges. In order to be able to offer new and lower prices for their services, to achieve an easing of the customs formalities and to join in the effort for the reduction of the negative effects on the environment, the freight forwarders need to face those challenges […]

What is Intermodal logistics? Intermodal logistics combines the advantages of different transport modes in order to overcome their disadvantages, which could lead to delay in transport or would unnecessarily raise the cost of transport services.   Advantages of the main transport modes Road transport can make deliveries door to door Railway transport is reliable and […]