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EUDR

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Smart Logistics

Posted

June 27, 2025 at 14:15

New EUDR regulation reinforces commitment to sustainable logistics

Regulation (EU) 2023/1115, known as EUDR, establishes that certain products traded in the European Union must be verified as free of deforestation and forest degradation, as well as comply with the legislation of the country of origin. It will enter into force on 30 December 2025 for medium and large companies, and from 2029 for small companies.

This regulation directly affects products such as palm oil, soy, cocoa, coffee, rubber, timber and beef. Its implementation will impact the global supply chain and will require geographic traceability back to the production parcel as well as a due diligence declaration. For the logistics sector, it represents a great opportunity to lead the transition towards greater transparency, efficiency and sustainability in this industry.

A new scenario for logistics companies

The EUDR redefines the role of logistics – it is no longer just about transporting goods, but about ensuring that what is moved meets environmental and legal criteria. Traceability will no longer be optional: every batch of product will have to be linked to its exact location of origin and have documentary evidence that it does not come from deforested areas.

Against this new backdrop, logistics companies will have to:

  • Integrate real-time tracking and tracing technologies.
  • Strengthen coordination with producers, importers and technology platforms.
  • Ensure that sustainability data travels with the goods from origin to destination.

In this context, Smart Logistics, as an integrated logistics operator that is part of Alonso Group, is positioned as an ally in the adaptation to the EUDR. Thanks to its capacity for integration and focus on continuous improvement, the company is working together with its customers to facilitate compliance with these new requirements, providing practical solutions that reinforce sustainability in each link of the chain.

Freight transport with a sustainable approach

Beyond regulatory compliance, freight transport has a key role to play in the decarbonisation of the sector. The EUDR reinforces the urgency of adopting more sustainable logistics practices, from the origin of the product to its final delivery.

Fleet modernisation with cleaner vehicles, smart route planning, load consolidation and the use of reusable packaging are already key strategies to reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency. In addition, having tools that measure and report the carbon footprint of each shipment is becoming a real competitive advantage. This new regulation is, in short, the roadmap to accelerate the transformation of transport towards a more responsible model.

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Air freight

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Actualidad, Air freight, Smart Logistics, Transporte aéreo, Transporte aéreo

Posted

May 29, 2025 at 12:37

Spain breaks air freight records

Air freight in Spain experienced a historic year in 2024. According to data from Aena, the country’s airport network moved a total of 1.28 million tonnes of goods, a record figure that reflects the sustained growth of the logistics sector and the consolidation of Spain as a strategic node in international trade.

This progress also translates into the strengthening of Spain’s position in the European context, with three national airports included in the continent’s top 30 air cargo airports. At the forefront is Madrid-Barajas airport, which continues to be the country’s air cargo engine, with 60% of domestic freight traffic. Its inclusion in the European top 10 reaffirms it as one of the main logistics hubs in southern Europe. It has an infrastructure that is increasingly adapted to international freight transport standards.

Rounding out the Spanish representation in the ranking are Barcelona-El Prat and Zaragoza airports, which maintain a relevant role thanks to their growing specialisation in cargo operations and their connectivity with key markets. In particular, Zaragoza has established itself as a strong point for the transport of high-value goods and fast logistics, while Barcelona benefits from its intercontinental projection and its diversified route network.

This boost in the global supply chain is also accompanied by an evolution in logistics operators. Smart Logistics, an internationally operating freight forwarder, has a large airfreight capacity with integrated solutions that combine efficiency, traceability and advanced technology. This allows it to adapt to the new demands of global trade and to have a smooth management of goods on international routes.

The situation in Europe

At the European level, the biggest change has come from Istanbul, whose airport has succeeded in overtaking Frankfurt and Paris-Charles de Gaulle as the leader in air cargo. With almost 2 million tonnes handled, the Turkish airport is now number one on the continent. This transformation of leadership responds in part to international geopolitical tensions, which have altered traditional trade routes and have favoured Istanbul’s positioning as a logistical bridge between Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

This new scenario underlines the dynamism of the air cargo market in Europe and the increasingly important role of countries in the south and east of the continent. In this context, Spain emerges as a robust logistics platform, with the capacity to continue to grow and respond to the challenges of global trade.

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Alianzas marítimas y aranceles

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International logistics, News, Smart Logistics, Tariffs

Posted

April 30, 2025 at 13:29

Shipping alliances and tariffs: the new shipping scenario

Global seaborne trade is in a period of redefinition. Shipping alliances, which for years have been key to ensuring operational efficiency and international coverage, are changing in the face of strategic fragmentation and trade tensions.

At the same time, the tariffs imposed by the United States are introducing a factor of instability that may alter the balance of maritime transport achieved in recent decades. In this context, Smart Logistics, an international logistics operator, is closely monitoring these changes and analysing their impact on the sector in order to adapt to the new dynamics of global trade.

New maritime alliances

Maritime alliances are essential to ensure global connectivity, optimise cargo volumes and ensure economies of scale. In 2025, that model is changing. The dissolution of the historic 2M alliance has given way to new partnerships more focused on operational efficiency and sustainability.

One example is the Gemini Cooperation (a joint venture between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd), which operates almost 300 vessels on key routes between Asia and Europe. Other major alliances, such as the Ocean Alliance, comprising CMA CGM, COSCO Shipping, Evergreen and OOCL and THE Alliance, comprising ONE (Ocean Network Express), HMM and Yang Ming, maintain their leadership by strengthening services especially on the transpacific axis. The Ocean Alliance manages a combined capacity in excess of 4 million TEUs, while THE Alliance exceeds 3 million TEUs, enabling them to sustain regular frequencies and global coverage in an increasingly competitive market.

These clusters allow infrastructure sharing, cost reduction and wider route coverage without the need for very large individual fleets. However, their structure must also adapt to a stricter legal environment, such as the end of the European CBER framework, which regulated these collaborations with certain exemptions.

Tariffs: risk to shipping stability

As shipping lines redraw their alliances, new challenges emerge on the political and trade front. The US has implemented high tariffs on goods from around the world. This tariff policy, which affects a wide range of goods from manufactured goods to raw materials, is putting significant economic pressure on the global logistics industry. According to experts, these tariffs could represent a cost overrun of up to $20 billion per year for the industry.

These trade barriers not only make shipments more expensive, but also chill possible agreements between companies in Asia, Europe or America, alter routes and cargoes, and push up freight rates. Political decisions that force shipping lines and logistics operators to redefine strategies in the short and medium term.

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Logística de última milla

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Last mile Logistics, News, Smart Logistics

Posted

March 31, 2025 at 14:31

The last mile, between innovation, traceability and urban challenges

Last mile logistics, which encompasses the final leg in the delivery of products to the consumer, has become an essential component in today’s supply chain. The growing demand for fast and efficient deliveries, coupled with traffic restrictions and the decarbonisation of transport, has prompted companies to look for innovative solutions to optimise this process.

In this context, Smart Logistics distinguishes itself by offering a personalised service, a global network of agents and tailor-made solutions for the last mile. As a leading logistics operator in emerging markets, the company works to ensure that every link in the supply chain is efficiently fulfilled, guaranteeing optimal shipment management and a service tailored to each customer’s needs.

Traceability: key to efficiency and safety

The implementation of advanced traceability systems is essential to improve efficiency and safety in last mile logistics. Through innovative technology, companies can monitor the movement of goods and vehicles in real time, optimising delivery times, reducing costs and ensuring greater control over every stage of the logistics process.

In addition, the automation and digitisation of these systems provide greater visibility in the supply chain, facilitating the detection of possible incidents and ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards.

Challenges in urban environments

Last mile distribution in urban areas faces multiple challenges:

– Congestion and urban restrictions: population growth and urban sprawl have increased traffic congestion. Many cities have implemented low-emission zones and time restrictions for freight vehicles, sometimes hindering deliveries.

– Operational costs: The last mile can account for 40% to 53% of the total shipping price. Factors such as fragmented deliveries, driver shortages and failed attempts contribute to this high percentage.

– Consumer demands: Today’s customers expect fast and flexible deliveries, forcing companies to optimise processes without increasing costs.

– Sustainability and emissions reduction: Stricter environmental regulations are driving companies to adopt sustainable fleets, such as electric vehicles or multimodal transport solutions.

To face these challenges, solutions such as urban micro-hubs, the use of electric vehicles and cargo bikes, route optimisation through artificial intelligence and collaborative delivery models are being implemented. These strategies aim to improve efficiency and minimise the environmental impact of last mile distribution.

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Sustainable logistics

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International logistics, News, Smart Logistics, sustainability

Posted

February 24, 2025 at 14:04

Sustainability in logistics: between challenge and necessity

On the road to a more sustainable future, the transport and logistics sector is facing regulatory changes that will define its operations. Various initiatives and projects from 2025 onwards will play a leading role in reducing emissions and integrating clean technologies.

In this sense, logistics companies have a key role to play in this decarbonisation of the sector. Smart Logistics, a logistics operator integrated in the logistics division of Alonso Group, applies measures to improve operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact, such as route optimisation and intermodality. The integration of these sustainable practices contributes to more environmentally responsible logistics within a comprehensive approach to solutions.

Some of the main measures that will change the logistics landscape in the coming years:

1. Implementation of the FuelEU Maritime Regulation

From 1 January 2025, the FuelEU Maritime Regulation has entered into force, obliging ships over 5,000 tonnes to progressively reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity of the fuels used. An initial target of 2% is set for 2025, with a gradual reduction to 80% by 2050. This legislation will encourage the use of cleaner fuels and investment in sustainable propulsion technologies.

2. Entry into force of the EU ETS (EU ETS)

In turn, since 2024, shipping has been included in the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS), which obliges shipping companies to pay for their CO₂ emissions. During 2025, this scheme will apply to 70% of emissions from journeys between the EU and third countries, with full coverage expected by 2026. This measure aims to accelerate the decarbonisation of maritime transport.

3. Increase of the Maximum Authorised Mass (MMA) to 44 tonnes

For land transport, the new regulation allows for an increase in the Maximum Authorised Mass (MMA) to 44 tonnes, thus optimising logistical efficiency. With trucks capable of carrying more cargo in a single trip, a reduction in emissions per tonne transported is expected, a move in favour of sustainability on the road.

4. Rail as a tool for decarbonisation

Rail transport is consolidating its position as the most sustainable alternative for reducing emissions in the logistics sector. The European Commission continues to promote its use to decongest roads and reduce the carbon footprint. By 2025, an increase in investment in rail infrastructure and intermodality is expected, facilitating the combination of different modes of transport with lower emissions.

5. Electrification of transport and use of renewable energies

Finally, the electrification of transport is advancing with new regulations promoting the use of electric vehicles, biofuels and green hydrogen. In addition, the expansion of charging infrastructures and the obligation to reduce emissions from logistics fleets are driving an accelerated transition to cleaner energy sources.

As regulations become more demanding and technologies more accessible, the ability of companies to adapt will be critical to remain competitive. The logistics of the future will not only be measured by its economic efficiency, but also by its commitment to sustainability, setting a new standard for global industry.

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