Logistics Business Conversations

Hosted by Logistics Business Publishing

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Logistics Business Conversations, are monthly, topical and exclusive talks with key informative spokespeople from the supply chain industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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60 recent

October 19, 202634 min

How One Packaging Change Could Save £200,000 a Year

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 12, 202632 min

How Close Are We to a Fully Automated Warehouse?

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 5, 202622 min

Why Small Parcels Are Changing Logistics

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 28, 202630 min

Why Data Strategy is No Longer Optional in Logistics

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 21, 202629 min

AI in Logistics: Hype or Real Business Value?

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 14, 202616 min

Why the Best Automation Isn’t Always More Automation

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 7, 202627 min

Why Customs Delays Are 100% Avoidable

Cross-border trade has become more complex, more volatile and potentially more expensive — but are businesses making it harder than it needs to be? In this episode of Logistics Business Conversations , Paul Hamblin speaks with Patrick Frith of Avalara , a global trade and customs compliance expert with more than 20 years of experience. They explore the hidden costs behind international trade, why HS classification can make or break a shipment, how rapidly changing tariffs are reshaping global trade lanes, and the four pieces of the compliance puzzle businesses need to get right. Patrick also explains why he believes customs delays can be completely avoidable , how automation and AI are changing trade compliance, and why geopolitics could make international logistics even more complicated in the years ahead. For businesses involved in cross-border logistics, customs, global trade, tariffs, supply chains, imports or exports , this episode reveals where the biggest risks really lie — and how technology could help remove them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 31, 202631 min

Why Harder Doesn’t Always Mean Safer in the Warehouse

What really happens when a forklift strikes warehouse racking or a structural column – and why isn’t harder impact protection always safer? In this episode of Logistics Business Conversations , Peter MacLeod speaks with James Ryan, founder of Sentry Protection Products , to explore the science and engineering behind warehouse impact protection and how the right approach can protect people, infrastructure and productivity. James explains the physics of forklift impacts, why effective protection needs to absorb and dissipate energy, and how warehouse operators can reduce the hidden costs associated with damaged racking, columns, vehicles and operational downtime. They also discuss the development of adjustable column protection, collision avoidance technology for blind corners, and why simple, easily implemented safety solutions could prove just as important as automation in the warehouses of the future. The conversation also looks ahead to increasingly automated warehouses and asks how businesses can maintain warehouse safety as forklifts, autonomous vehicles and people continue to operate alongside one another. Topics include: warehouse safety, forklift safety, impact protection, pallet racking protection, warehouse racking, column protection, collision avoidance, materials handling, intralogistics, warehouse automation, workplace safety and distribution centre productivity. 🎧 Listen now to discover why smarter warehouse protection isn't simply about making barriers stronger – it's about understanding the energy behind an impact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 24, 202632 min

Why Warehouse AI Fails Without Accurate Physical Data

In this episode of Logistics Business Conversations , host Peter MacLeod speaks with Oana Jinga, Chief Commercial and Product Officer at Dexory , about why the future of warehouse AI starts with something much more fundamental: accurate, trustworthy physical data. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in logistics and warehousing, Oana explains why poor inventory and operational data can undermine even the most sophisticated AI systems. They explore the growing role of Physical AI , how real-time warehouse data can improve decision-making, and why inventory accuracy is the foundation for greater productivity, customer service and profitability. The conversation also looks at how warehouses could become increasingly autonomous, whether AI can ever replicate the knowledge and intuition of experienced warehouse managers, and why businesses should focus on the operational problem they need to solve before investing in new technology. Topics include warehouse AI, Physical AI, inventory accuracy, warehouse automation, robotics, WMS data, real-time warehouse visibility, intralogistics, supply chain technology, inventory management, warehouse efficiency, AI-powered decision-making and the future of warehousing . 🎧 Listen now to discover why better AI may ultimately depend on better knowledge of what is really happening on the warehouse floor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 17, 202629 min

Cargo Theft is Going Serious - and AI is Helping

Cargo theft and freight fraud are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with organised criminals using digital tools and AI to exploit vulnerabilities across the supply chain. In this episode of Logistics Business Conversations , Peter MacLeod is joined by Ewa Węgorkiewicz from Trans.eu to explore how freight crime is evolving and what the industry can do to stay ahead. They discuss corporate identity hijacking, fraudulent carriers and the growing role of AI on both sides of the fight against cargo theft. Ewa also explains why continuous digital verification is becoming essential and how Trans.eu's partnership with TAPA (Transported Asset Protection Association) is helping create trusted networks for high-value freight. The conversation explores TAPA's security standards, the launch of a dedicated Trusted Carrier Exchange, and why security and verified trust could become a genuine competitive advantage for carriers. Listen now to discover how technology is changing the fight against freight crime – and what secure freight networks could look like in the years ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.