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Logistics done differently

16 October 2024 By db staff writer

Placing goods closer to your core and growing markets improves your ability to respond to fluctuating demand while creating a more sustainable supply chain, says DP World.

DP World is at the forefront of global trade, providing end-to-end logistics solutions that drive efficiency and sustainability. Its innovative approach creates high-performing and resilient supply chains that unlock new commercial gains for our customers while future-proofing their business.

The team of logistics experts located across the UK are specialists in the design and implementation of a unique UK port-centric logistics model. This approach offers the optimal logistics solution for organisations needing quick access to the UK market and multiple markets across mainland Europe, ensuring faster, more cost-effective and more reliable delivery.

The company’s unwavering commitment to steering global trade towards a resilient, efficient and sustainable future is at the heart of everything it does. The global DP World sustainability strategy, ‘Our World, Our Future’, helps to drive its internal business, as well as inform customers operations.

DP World’s customers benefit from the firm’s extensive knowledge of embedding sustainable thinking across supply chains, while also taking advantage of its broad range of logistics services.

London Gateway Port and Logistics Park: 28 miles from the centre of London and on the doorstep of the densely populated Home Counties

The challenge

With an international presence served by a single distribution hub based in Central America, DP World’s customer struggled with longer transit times, increased shipping distances and higher freight costs to move their brand across the globe, due to their reliance on multiple suppliers. This inefficiency not only slowed their supply chain, but also hindered their ability to respond quickly to local market fluctuations, risking potential sales losses.

The solution

The DP World customer required a complementary distribution centre in Europe in order to improve lead times, as well as a partner who could offer a one-stop shop to provide smoother, simpler and more efficient supply chain and warehousing solutions.

• Customs clearance and duty management

• Express quay collection and shunting

• Container devanning and secure product storage

• Outbound deliveries or export consolidation for European fulfilment

By partnering with DP World, customers were able to streamline their logistics operations, reducing transit times and shipping costs while enhancing their ability to quickly adapt to market demands. DP World’s comprehensive, end-to-end supply chain solutions ensured faster, more efficient delivery, ultimately boosting their market responsiveness and sales, by designing and implementing a tailored solution utilising the logistic company’s impressive UK infrastructure.

The below annual savings will be realised by the DP World customer:

• 2,998,100km goods travelled

• 4,200 voyage days

• 617,000kg CO2

Smarter and faster

DP World customers who adopt a port-centric logistics model create lasting benefits. Improved resilience and efficiencies are achieved through a unique, asset-owned infrastructure. Within the UK, customers can access a logistics eco-system across two of Britain’s largest deep-sea ports, London Gateway and Southampton, and leverage a UK Freeport Zone via Thames Freeport. These government-designated special economic zones offer significant tariff benefits, including duty referral, while the goods remain on site and subject to duty inversion if the finished goods exiting the Freeport attract a lower tariff than their component parts. This strategic approach not only streamlines operations, but also maximises cost savings and operational flexibility.

Utilising extensive expertise, DP World’s UK team manages clearance of all inbound and outbound distribution, as well as accessing on-site warehousing facilities at the London Gateway Logistics Park. Benefitting from inbound warehousing and outbound services underpinned by leading technology, customers have greater control and visibility of their cargo.

Mark Viner, UK commercial manager, explains: “By storing goods close to customers, beverage producers can quickly respond to market demand. We know that the industry is often driven by seasonal trends and that peak times offer opportunities to maximise sales. We are essentially helping our customers manage stock and distribution to create a more responsive and efficient supply chain.

“Interestingly, we are seeing a growing trend within the hospitality sector where global brands are leveraging the Freeport Customs benefits, which works especially well when meeting the requirements of cruise ships.”