XPO Logistics Extends Partnership with Outokumpu to Provide Sustainable Distribution Services

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XPO Logistics, a leading global provider of transport and logistics solutions, has renewed its UK partnership with Outokumpu, a global leader in stainless steel. The long-term contract extends XPO’s relationship with Outokumpu to nearly two decades.

As Outokumpu’s supplier, XPO is responsible for transporting stainless steel products from the manufacturer’s plant in Sheffield to its UK construction customers. XPO recently invested in new, fuel-efficient trucks and trailers outfitted in Outokumpu livery, and developed a digitised customer experience. Outokumpu’s customers will have the benefit of electronic communications from dispatch through delivery, such as a ‘next stop’ alert that provides enhanced visibility into time of arrival.

The new 26-tonne rigid trucks XPO will deploy for Outokumpu this month use Euro 6d-compliant engines and include two bespoke stainless steel coil carriers. Euro 6d technology is estimated to improve fuel consumption by approximately 10% and will be enhanced by Isotrak telematics fitted to the Outokumpu vehicles to monitor driver performance. The new trailers utilise an innovative design that reduces overall weight without compromising safety or durability. Each trailer can transport up to three tonnes more per load, accommodating larger customer orders without the need to add trips.

Ian Holdsworth, vice president – West Europe and MEA, Outokumpu, said: “Outokumpu is the leading producer of sustainable stainless steel globally, and we have the lowest carbon footprint in the industry – less than 30% of the global industry average. We are delighted that our continued strategic partnership with XPO allows us to improve the environmental impact of our UK transport even further. We look forward to collaborating with XPO on optimising customer service and ensuring that Outokumpu remains the customer’s first choice in sustainable stainless steel.”

Dan Myers, managing director, transport – UK and Ireland, XPO Logistics, said: “We thank Outokumpu for the trust they continue to place in XPO. The longstanding success of our relationship is a testament to the way the teams’ partner to deliver value over the long term. We’ve now digitised the Outokumpu customer experience with a dashboard that provides updates on transit conditions, ETAs and real-time electronic proof of delivery.”