Best Practices

With every fifth truck in the European Union driving with no cargo, empty runs are the stone pulling the transport sector financials into the abyss of losses. Technological tools can be a key factor in reducing cargo-less trips and thus help firms reduce their operational costs.

In the environment of global logistics operations, where thousands of shipments move between markets every day, achieving real transportation cost reduction requires more than just renegotiating rates. Manufacturers must look for scalable solutions that are resilient to supply chain volatility and capable of integrating with the global IT ecosystem.

Global supply chains are becoming increasingly complex, and growing regulatory requirements (ESG, emissions reporting, Data Act compliance) and cost pressures mean that lack of standardization is becoming a key barrier to scaling transport.

Just-in-Time is a delivery strategy allowing for significant cost cutting and increased efficiency. Not an easy task to handle, it is becoming more and more feasible to achieve due to the expansion of real-time tracking solutions and more precise arrival time estimates.

In 2024, EU road freight transport recorded an increase of 0.6%, reaching 1,869 billion tonne-kilometers. This is a clear signal of the end of the downward trends of previous years and the related recovery of transport volumes. At the same time, the market is observing the intensification of logistics processes, which in Europe, however, takes place in conditions of significant systemic complexity.

For many European companies, road transport costs account for 6% to 10% of total revenue. Yet a significant portion of this spend remains under the radar. These are the hidden costs: they don’t appear in quotes or invoices, but they erode margins, affect punctuality, and reduce operational efficiency. Understanding where they arise is now a strategic priority.

The Fast Moving Consumer Goods industry (FMCG) sector is one that by definition requires swift transportation from the point of manufacture to consumers. Supply chain disruptions in recent years have nonetheless revealed pain points where these goods are not as fast moving as they should be. For instance, delays at warehouses or regional distribution centres (RDCs) are still more commonplace than they should be.

Is collaboration both the key solution and the biggest challenge in building a more sustainable supply chain? At CargoON, we are conducting a study in partnership with UPF Barcelona School of Management, exploring how collaboration can drive greater efficiency and competitiveness in supply chains while overcoming structural barriers.

In the dynamic and competitive landscape of the European market in 2025, logistics managers face mounting pressure to adopt strategies that enhance efficiency and drive cost savings.

Every technological transformation begins with a challenge: persuading internal decision-makers to embrace change. Despite obvious inefficiencies, companies often resist adopting new solutions, even when they promise clear benefits. Luckily, many of these barriers can be overcome with a strategic approach and a touch of persuasion.

Excel might seem like a great ally, but is it really the right tool to help your business grow? Let's dive through the factors that could slow your logistics and alternatives for rethinking the supply chain management of the future.

The importance of optimizing capacity and tapping into backhauls is well-known among carriers, and there’s no reason why retailers with their own fleets can’t also benefit.

In today's fast-paced logistics and supply chain industry, efficient management of loading and unloading operations is vital to ensuring smooth supply chain flow. Yet, many businesses still face persistent challenges at their warehouse docks - challenges that result in costly delays, excessive wait times, and operational inefficiencies. Factors like fluctuating demand, labor shortages, and uncoordinated processes only magnify these issues, making dock operations a critical area for improvement.