Logistics Business Conversations

Could your business be wasting hundreds of thousands of pounds on packaging without even realising it?In this episode of Logistics Business Conversations, recorded at Parcel+Post Expo in London, host Paul Hamblin speaks with Victor Queiroz from CMC Packaging Automation about why optimising packaging involves far more than simply making boxes smaller.Victor reveals how one customer identified an opportunity to save £200,000 annually on corrugated packaging materials through a relatively simple change to its automated packaging operation.But the savings don't stop there. From reducing material waste and shipping costs to improving warehouse efficiency, managing returns and integrating with automated fulfilment systems, the conversation explores the hidden costs businesses frequently overlook.They also discuss the growing importance of data-driven packaging decisions, how automation can deliver a return on investment in as little as 12–18 months, and why the next generation of packaging technology could play a vital role in fully autonomous warehouses.Is your packaging operation really as efficient as you think?Listen now to discover why the true cost of packaging goes far beyond the box.

Robotics is transforming the warehouse — but how close are we really to fully automated logistics?In this episode of Logistics Business Conversations, Paul Hamblin is joined by Volker Sadowski of BEUMER Group to explore how robotics is changing parcel handling, warehousing and distribution.They discuss robotic picking, the challenge of handling exceptions, why AMRs are becoming increasingly attractive for flexible operations, and how automation can help address labour shortages and difficult working environments.The conversation also looks at why the final few percentage points of automation are often the hardest — and most expensive — to achieve, plus the potential for humanoid robots to work alongside people in logistics sooner than many might expect.From robot picking to the future of truck unloading, this is a fascinating look at where warehouse robotics is heading next.

Small parcels are creating big challenges for logistics operations.Recorded live at Parcel and Post Expo in London, Paul Hamblin is joined by Gert-Jan Veelenturf of Eurosort to explore how the rise of e-commerce has transformed parcel profiles and placed new demands on sorting operations.They discuss why today’s mix of lightweight, irregular and awkwardly shaped items can be difficult for traditional systems to handle, how sorter technology is evolving to improve throughput and make better use of limited warehouse space, and the growing role of automation in reducing reliance on manual processes.The conversation also looks at labour shortages, the importance of designing operations for future growth, and where technologies including robotic induction could take parcel sorting over the next five years.An insightful discussion on how postal and logistics operators can build faster, more flexible and more efficient sorting operations for the changing world of e-commerce.

Recorded at Parcel & Post Expo in London, Paul Hamblin is joined by Robert Jordan, CEO of iFactory, to explore why data strategy is becoming increasingly critical across logistics.From AI and anomaly detection to profitability, operational visibility and the growing volumes of information generated across supply chains, Robert explains how businesses can turn data into better decisions rather than simply collecting more of it.The discussion also looks at how AI could reshape the relationship between people and automated processes, why bringing together data from across finance, sales and operations matters, and the emerging challenges around data security, sovereignty and what Robert calls the coming “data junkyard”.Plus, Robert shares his practical advice for logistics businesses looking to get more value from their data today — and considers how the industry could change as we move further into the age of AI.

AI is everywhere in logistics – but where is it actually delivering real business value?In this episode of Logistics Business Conversations, Paul Hamblin is joined by Conor Baker from Descartes to separate the reality of AI in transport from the hype.They explore how AI and machine learning are already helping logistics operations create more accurate route plans, improve delivery predictions and make better use of historical operational data. The discussion also looks at driver safety, where AI can help transport managers identify meaningful behavioural patterns, improve coaching and reduce accidents, infringements and compliance risks.They also discuss the importance of choosing technology based on genuine operational problems rather than simply investing in the latest AI-labelled solution, as well as the potential future role of agentic AI and unified logistics data.A practical look at where AI is making a measurable difference in transport management today – and where it could take the industry next.

Automation can transform logistics operations – but only when it solves the right problem.In this episode of Logistics Business Conversations, Antonio DiCarlo of Intralox joins us to discuss why successful automation projects should start by understanding the customer’s operation, rather than choosing the latest piece of technology.Drawing on 30 years in the industry, Antonio explores the misconceptions companies often have about automation, why semi-automation can sometimes deliver better results than full automation, and how pilots and prototypes can build confidence before wider deployment.We also discuss how to measure the real value of automation beyond throughput, including productivity, ergonomics, maintenance and total cost of ownership – and why choosing the right solution can be a little like buying a car.Finally, Antonio looks at how parcel logistics has changed over the past three decades, what the next generation of simpler, lower-complexity automation could look like, and why delivering every parcel successfully has become such an important part of modern society.