The International Forklift & Intralogistics Awards (IFOY) continues to evolve, keeping pace alongside ongoing developments in the transport, logistics and warehousing sectors. What began as an initiative to honour the best in materials handling has spread its wings to include IT, warehouse management systems and automation.
For this year’s awards eighteen products, solutions and services from a total of forty nine submissions were nominated from fifteen companies spread across six mainly European and Asian countries. The nominated companies were aluco, Blickfeld, ecoro, enabl, EP Equipment Germany, Exotec, Filics, Geekplus Europe, Hubtex, Interroll, Jungheinrich, Logitrans, Plancise, Still, and Verity.
IFOY AWARDs 2025: The Best in IntralogisticsTested!
As part of the adjudication process, each finalist had to go through a three stage audit, with the final stage held during the IFOY Test Days at Messe Dortmund, Germany. At this now regular venue, the shortlist of candidates were accessed from scientific, technical, theoretical, physical and operational points of view, with the judging panel consisting of 25 trade experts and specialist journalists from all over the world. Fleet Transport/Handling Network represents Ireland.
“The nominated innovations are never directly compared with each other but are evaluated in the context of comparable market solutions. This ensures an objective assessment of performance and degree of innovation. The equipment undergoes the comprehensive IFOY test protocol with around 80 criteria, evaluating aspects such as cost-effectiveness, sustainability, energy efficiency, safety, and ergonomics,” explained Anita Wűrmser, Chair, IFOY Awards.
This year’s nominations were entered into eight categories, with all the shortlisted contenders listed and described below:
Counter Balan C e t ru C k
eP equipment
eFl 10t eV
Heavy duty electric forklift (10-tonne+), from the Chinese brand, that is priced similar to the diesel variant. Operational indoors and outdoors. Battery management is enhanced by an accompanying large power bank system. Not very comfortable to drive on long shifts. On sale at around €100k.
Jungheinrich
eFG 425
A new compact 3.5-tonne electric forklift that ticks many boxes for efficient manoeuvrability, in an economical way. Has five settings, with number three best suited for most operators. Entry and exit is convenient with great visibility all around. An ideal replacement for conventional ICE powered trucks.
Hubtex Flux 30
Similar to an already successful electric multi-directional forklift truck that’s made in Monaghan, Flux 30 from the Dutch manufacturer Hubtex copes with any indoor or outdoor tasks, combining usual load lifting and loading with side loading capabilities. Iron cast for better counterbalance, the Flux 30 is one of 3 models in the range.
Ware H ouse t ru C k
eP equipment
X Mover eXP 15
An automated version of EP’s pallet truck, it’s based on a successful model with over one million sold worldwide. Simple to set, engage and put into work, the EPX 1,500 kg version tested cuts out mundane ground floor warehouse pallet movements in one go. A one person operation for multiple units. On sale at €12k.
Jungheinrich et V 214i
The ETV 214i is designed for those who need a high performance compact electric 1.5t forklift truck that also comes with a low entry cab and offers excellent visibility. Sets a benchmark for the industry. Energy consumption is also extremely low. Developed based on customer feedback and recommendations. A long day’s shift is no bother.
Geek
Combining two systems: a classic mobile robotic fulfilment system, and a pallet warehouse with 3D shuttles, allowing pallet based storage to be directly linked to the system used for picking. Chinese company Geek is expanding its broad range of product lines and services across the EU, including Ireland. More to follow.
exotec
New degrees of innovation with a new generation of conveyer type load box movers that are more ergonomic for hand pickers. The system can be extended to whatever height is required within the warehouse. Sequencing is possible at different points. Certainly an eye catcher at the event!
Designed to make warehouse management, resource forecasting and seasonal fluctuations easier. The software package, which takes 3-4 weeks to install and train up warehouse personnel, deals with one of the biggest issues: lack of transparency throughout the supply chain with regards to staffing and return on investment.
r o B ot Ware H ouse s yste M
skyPod system
+ skyCube
Intralo GI st IC s s o F t Ware
Plancise Workforce Management for logistics
Geek + G-Plan
These software functions are directed towards the technical sales processes of the Geek+ robotic systems. Interactive 3D visualisation, real time simulation and feasibility assessment are all involved here. Strong market relevance as the G-Plan systems and solutions are multi adaptable, as each business case differs.
sP e CI al o F t H e year aluco strix
A unique system that measures freight of any size or quantity from different load carriers, with measurements taken as it passes through on a towing vehicle or forklift. The 2D/3D input results are then processed to further increase efficiencies for both route scheduling and planning. Aluce was established in Germany in 2022, with an owl in its branding.
Interroll MCP Play
With high market relevance, this variable and modular conveying platform from the Swiss company offers high throughput as its planning, commissioning and operational software systems are very useful. For objects up to 50kg, 100% more throughput is achievable, with up to 30% energy savings and smoother operations.
From scalability to fast response to flexible prioritisation for fast output, Geek + offers a broad range of storage and robotic solutions with zero picking errors at a competitive price. Innovations and systems installed in Dr. Max’ pharma warehouse in Italy were presented as an example of where productively has doubled with 80% less space required.
Inte G rated Custo M er s olut I on
Geek + roboshuttle + P40 tote to Person solution with dr. Max
Jungheinrich
Jungheinrich & MHP @wildeboer
To cater for a mixed fleet of tote and pallet AGVs for Wildeboer Bauteile, a medium sized production company, Jungheinrich and MHP came up with a software system to create the shortest load movements and coordinate the six ERC 213a mobile robots on the shared traffic areas within the warehouse.
Verity
Verity Inventory tracking system at Ingka Group
The advent and progress of drone technology into everyday industry is to be seen here with Verity, offering inventory calculations and controls. Barcode reading and case counting is also included. Autonomous operation and battery charging as well. Easy integration into WMS systems.
s tart-u P o F t H e year
Blickfield QbProtect
Securing valuable assets within Warehouse and Logistics centres, with 3D scanner technology, which features evaluation software and hardware directly on the sensor. Its LiDaR system does not require the complex use of a rotating mirror system and operates in all weathers. The on-screen demonstration was most interesting.
ecoro ecoro PX2
Fast, simple, efficient and a low cost system of moving pallets within a compound. A two pallet transporter was on display for evaluation and there is also a four pallet carrier (2.4t) in the offing. Quicker movements than AGVs. Further potential is evident as labour costs are reduced. Certainly an eye catcher at Messe Dortmund.
enabl
Forklift remote automation
The focus is on companies seeking flexible, cost-saving alternatives for their internal material handling or who are unable to adopt fully automated solutions This system combines remote forklift control with AI-supported automation as a service and can either operate autonomously or be remotely controlled. It’s a pay-per-use business model .
Filics
Filics unit
Multidirectional, autonomous double skids or forks that move pallets in and around warehouse and storage units. Alternative to hand pallet trucks. Can provide direct access to trucks and bodies at loading bays. Maximum payload is 1 tonne at 1.6 metres per second. Simple to set up, engage and easily charged.
Fest IV e aWards Cere M ony I n July
The winners of the coveted IFOY AWARD trophies, also known as the “Oscars of Intralogistics”, will be unveiled at the IFOY AWARD Night on July 3, 2025, in Dortmund’s Phoenix des Lumières, Germany.
Masterlift: Supplying forklifts across Ireland for almost four decades
It is nearly 40 years since Masterlift opened its doors in Dublin, offering forklift trucks for sale and hire. In 1995 it opened its Galway site and to this day it is still 100% Irish owned and supplying a full range of material handling equipment to some 2,500 customers across Ireland.
Masterlift has a hire fleet of over 400 machines, from electric, diesel and LPG forklifts, to pallet stackers, reach trucks, pallet trucks, Combilift side-loaders, and narrow aisle articulated forklifts. It supplies brands such as Hyundai, Combilift, JCB Teletruk, Aisle Master, Bravi Platforms, Midac Batteries and more.
The company has a staff of 30 people, including 12 engineers on the road, two driving training instructors, a sales team, and several apprentices. Engineers based at the workshops in Dublin and Galway service and refurbish machines for sale as well as handling customer maintenance and repairs.
Three years ago the original founders Dermot and Anne Carroll passed the firm into the capable hands of MD John Forde and General Manager Yvonne Gillick via a
management buy-out.
Yvonne explains that after analysing each business’ needs to offer the optimum solution, the Masterlift team works together to ensure customers have 24 hour cover for repairs as well as regular maintenance and refurbishments.
This is all made possible with 11 fully stocked mobile service vehicles which carry a range of diagnostic equipment, all despatched via Masterflift’s Protean field service management software which plans maintenance works along with fleet and parts inventory, invoicing, and daily schedules for drivers.
But the relationships built with customers are perhaps more important than any IT system, says Yvonne. She explains how this comes into play when prioritising emergencies. “A lot of smaller companies would only have one machine, where they might actually be a one and a half truck application, but they won’t get two machines… So when a truck breaks down, we know that’s critical. The whole thing is we have a personal relationship that’s key to the service we provide.”
Relationships depend on the right people. Yvonne herself started at the firm in 1991 as a receptionist and worked her way through practically every role in the place before taking on the mantle of GM. Three Masterlift engineers have clocked up over 20 years each with the company, and
at least one – a service manager – began his career with the firm as an apprentice.
In terms of apprentices, Yvonne says it’s been a case of quality over quantity recently, and she reckons it’s something like a vocation that calls a chosen few into the fold.
“It’s a passion. It’s a hobby that they have from when they’re younger, they’re fixing cars or fixing motorbikes with their dad or their uncle in the farm, that becomes a hobby that they’re getting paid for… A lot of our engineers have a background that means they’re getting paid for the passion, paid for the hobby.”
And she is hopeful that the benefits of a practical career are winning over the right candidates. “Young people are starting to look back into the industry of getting their hands dirty and more hands on roles… It’s all about job satisfaction, and I get a great satisfaction from what I do.”
Looking to the future, Yvonne reveals that Masterlift plans to open a new driver training centre. But in its 40th year, she says customer relationships remain at the heart of the business.
Text: Johanna Parsons - contributor@fleet.ie
CBRE and Kingspan, in conjunction with specialist sector research agency analytiqa, and supported by the Freight Transport association Ireland (FTaI) has published the tenth in a series of annual surveys to assess confidence and expectations in the Irish logistics and supply chain sector.
Launching the report, Garrett McClean Executive Director, Head of Industrial & Logistics CBRE, said: “Little did we know following our first edition in early 2016, that the UK’s referendum that Summer and its subsequent decision to leave the European Union would begin nine years of geo-political uncertainty, heightened by conflicts around the world. This was exacerbated by the challenges and disruption caused by the Covid-19 global pandemic that began in early 2020, with its shock waves impacting global supply chains in subsequent years.”
For the 2025 report, senior decision makers have once again expressed their views and insights to facilitate this important industry research. Respondents included CEOs, Managing Directors and senior management of some of the largest logistics providers and buyers of supply chain services across the island of Ireland.
“As we celebrate a decade of the Confidence Index report in Ireland, we continue to be grateful for the support of our loyal respondent base that provides us with really valuable consistency of participation,” continued Garrett.
“The resulting report examines key performance indicators for businesses operating within the logistics and supply chain sector. It provides insights from both logistics buyer and service provider perspectives giving us a 360-degree view of sentiment.”
This survey mirrors similar analysis that is undertaken by Analytiqa in other countries on this specialist sector of the economy. Respondents were asked about current business conditions and forecasts for the future. They expressed their views on growth plans of their companies in terms of anticipated changes in turnover, profitability, logistics and supply chain related capital expenditures and expected changes to employment.
“Our report also focuses on the most important trends and issues facing logistics and supply chain operations, such as skills shortages, property requirements, managing e-commerce growth and sustainability. As geo-political and economic uncertainty continues to shape decision making around the globe, we identify the most important opportunities for growth and ask our respondents how Government policy can support these objectives,” explained Garrett.
This year’s survey reports a marginal increase in confidence amongst supply chain professionals across the island of Ireland and, unusually, reports on a more positive outlook for both logistics providers and manufacturers/retailers at the same time. Most importantly, though sentiment strikes a note of
caution for the year ahead, overall the sector continues to retain optimism in its outlook, with strong intentions amongst companies to invest in their businesses in 2025.
A global surge in demand for industrial and logistics (I&L) facilities in Ireland including distribution hubs, warehouses and storage facilities accelerated from 2018 and 2019 onwards. This growth in demand was underpinned by the increasing use of e-commerce in the retail sector, combined with the near-shoring of global supply chains. Furthermore, in Ireland increased demand has been due to other variables, including Brexit, data centre development and domestic economic growth.
All of these demand drivers remain in place today, both in Ireland and globally, and these factors will continue to drive demand for industrial and logistics facilities over the long term. The Irish market is currently characterised by an extremely low vacancy rate, just 2% in Dublin and a similar level in Cork.
oCC u PI er Pro FI le
A broad mix of occupier types have been active in the Dublin I&L leasing market over recent years. Demand has been driven by retailers and related supply chain services, e.g., shipping groups and third-party logistics providers.
While pharmaceutical manufacturing is a huge contributor to the Irish economy, the larger pharma groups in Ireland tend to own buildings as opposed to leasing them, particularly in regional areas.
The prevalence of international corporate occupiers who are active in Dublin is particularly noteworthy. Examples include Amazon, DHL, DSV, FedEx, IKEA/Wincanton, Maersk, Rhenus Logistics and Smurfit Westrock; all blue-chip international groups with strong covenants who have signed long-term leases in Dublin since 2019.
l eas I n G aC t IVI ty & d e M ands
Over the last 10 years, take-up in the Dublin market has averaged nearly 306,000 sq.m. (3.3 million sq.ft.) per annum. The current total of modern logistics stock in Dublin which CBRE tracks is approximately 3.97 million sq.m. (42 million sq.ft.). Turnover of stock can range from 7.5% to 10% per annum.
The record year for take-up activity was in 2015 (426,000 sq.m.), but since 2018, annual take-up has exceeded 300,000 sq.m. in four separate years (the years 2018 to 2020 and in 2022). Several quarters since 2018 also set all-time highs for quarterly levels of take-up.
In 2024, annual take-up in Dublin
fell by 50% to just under 150,000 sq.m., the lowest level since 2011. Increased levels of near-shoring and Ireland’s strong economic performance should be positive catalysts for Dublin to see improved activity in 2025. Retail-led expansion has been prevalent in the last year, with Sports Direct and JYSK involved in the two largest Dublin occupational transactions of 2024. Ireland’s strong consumer spend should underpin continued retail-led take-up in 2025.
At the end of Q1 2025, demand requirements for Dublin industrial and logistics stock totalled 176,000 sq.m. (1.9 million sq.ft.). There is strong demand evident across all unit sizes. Logistics and storage occupiers are the tenant group that account for the highest proportion of demand at 46% of all requirements. This is followed by light industrial occupiers at 20%.
r ents
In the last 10 years, prime Dublin industrial and logistics property rents have more than doubled, with annual growth averaging over 8%. Assuming a unit size of 4,645 sq.m. (50,000 sq.ft.), prime stock is defined as a property that has a 12-15 m eaves height, a minimum LEED ‘Silver’ accreditation, and is located in a prime M50 Logistics Park.
In 2024, despite a slower leasing market, prime rents rose by 4% to €145.30 per square metre (psm) (€13.50 per square foot (psf)), with higher build costs associated with new building fire safety regulations. CBRE is expecting strong rental growth in 2025 in response to both improved demand and inflation in build costs driven by enhanced fire regulation in new buildings. “We are forecasting prime rents to grow to €14.50 psf (€156 psm) in 2025,” added Garrett.
s usta I na BI l I ty
In recent years there has been an increased focus on sustainable development in the I&L sector. Developers are particularly focused on delivering the requisite sustainability credentials to enhance the investment value of the subject property. The delta for sustainable building valuations to a non-sustainable building is 10-15% and growing.
“We are seeing an increase in the number of developers now targeting a minimum of LEED Gold credential along with a minimum BER rating of A3,” said Garrett. “Currently, there are no new buildings under construction in Dublin
that aren’t targeting a minimum LEED ‘Gold’ and BER A3.”
Similarly to the office sector, investors and global corporate occupiers have sustainability requirements that are set out under corporate governance objectives.
“We are seeing more examples of occupiers coming to the end of leases in older buildings, and company corporate governance is dictating either a refurbishment of the current older space or a move to a more sustainable building.”
‘Prime Rental values in the Dublin market are currently at €145.30 per square metre’
In V est M ent & Valuat I ons
Of the traditional core investment sectors in the Irish market, the industrial and logistics sector currently displays the strongest occupational fundamentals, with strong demand and little supply. As such, it continues to enjoy increased focus from investors. Prime logistics buildings with Tier-1 covenants remain one of the most attractive investment propositions for long-income core money in the Irish market, and a limited number of prime investable opportunities arise each year.
In 2024, I&L investment declined to €258m (-50% year-on-year). Deka made its debut Irish logistics acquisition, buying Primeline Group’s Ashbourne Business Park distribution units, the largest investment transaction of the year. Should the occupational market improve, at least one institutional-grade portfolio is likely to come to market in 2025, which will attract sustainability-focused investors.
Excluding 2023, when it was the most invested sector for the first time on record, investment in the I&L sector has historically accounted for 10-15% of Irish investment, and this is again likely in 2025.
Prime yields will hold at 5% in 2025, while secondary Dublin yields are priced at 6% and are also stable.
Text: Howard Knott - howard@fleet.ie
at the LSM Innovative Waste Solutions event held last year in Portlaoise, the new LSM Roller Crush was introduced, and is already making its mark in the industry.
Eoin Brislane, National Sales Manager at LSM describes the Roller Crush as “a high-performance pallet crushing machine designed to efficiently reduce bulky waste, including timber pallets, wood recycling materials, and large-scale industrial waste. Engineered with a robust steel-welded design and an electro-mechanical drive, the Roller Crush helps businesses optimise wood waste management by significantly reducing the volume of waste transported, cutting down on logistics costs and environmental impact”.
A recent report highlighted a significant uplift in wooden pallet reuse, emphasising the growing need for efficient timber and wood waste recycling solutions. The LSM Roller Crush aligns perfectly with this need, enabling businesses to compact and ready timber and wood waste for reuse and recycling.
S UITABLE SECTORS FOR THE LSM T IMBER R OLLER C RUSH
The LSM Roller Crush is particularly beneficial for industries that generate large volumes of bulky waste, including:
n Manufacturing (timber processing, kitchen manufacturers, packaging facilities)
n Logistics & Distribution Centres
n Construction & Demolition Sites
n Retail & Warehousing
With reduced waste movement and increased container load capacity, businesses can cut down on operational costs while improving sustainability efforts. The Roller Crush can process up to 40 CBM containers, achieving weight capacities of 5 to 7 tonnes, making it a
LSM Roller CrushOne Mean Crushing Machine!
valuable solution for heavy wood waste management and timber disposal.
K EY F EATURES
Rugged & Reliable construction
n Built with a durable steel-welded frame to withstand heavy-duty industrial applications.
n Epoxy-coated finish (RAL 6018 Green) for corrosion resistance and longevity.
n Equipped with a powerful hydraulic system for smooth and efficient operation.
Advanced electro-mechanical drive system
n The machine operates via an electro-mechanical drive with a 400V/50Hz, 5.5 kW motor.
n User-friendly control panel with multiple functions, including:
n Start/Stop buttons
n Up/Down movement control
n Operating time adjustment via PLC
n Emergency stop feature for enhanced safety
n Oil level and container fill indicators
Compatibility with standard containers
n The Roller Crush can be used with all standard roll-on-off containers (maximum height: 2,700 mm).
n Minimum waste level inside container: 500 mm to ensure efficient compaction.
n The container is precisely centred and guided by steel tracks for secure alignment during operation.
HYDRAULIC S YSTEM O VERVIEW
The LSM Roller Crush is powered by an advanced hydraulic system, designed for optimal performance and longevity.
Key components include:
n Hydraulic pumps and motors connected via coupling to an electrical motor.
n Valve unit directing oil flow to hydraulic cylinders and motors.
n 150-litre hydraulic oil reservoir with an optical level indicator.
n temperature control system: The installed sensor automatically turns off the machine if the oil temperature exceeds 70°C.
n Filtration system: Equipped with an oil return filter to protect pumps and system components, reducing
downtime and increasing operational lifespan.
O PERATIONAL E FFICIENCY & B ENEFITS
n High Compaction efficiency: Reduces bulky waste by 3 to 5 times, significantly decreasing the number of required waste collections.
n Consistent, even Compaction: The toothed roller moves in a reciprocating motion, effectively compressing materials like wooden pallets, timber waste, cartons, tins, and even household waste.
n Versatile & easy to operate: Functions in both manual and automatic modes for flexible operation.
n Cost & space savings: Minimises logistics costs and storage requirements by maximising waste density.
n enhanced safety Features: Includes automatic shutdown for overheating or low oil levels, ensuring safe operation at all times.
I N B RIEF
LSM’s Roller Crush Machine offers a robust solution for efficiently compacting bulky and tough materials like timber pallets, layer by layer. Compatible with all standard containers up to 2700 mm in height and able to handle waste levels as low as 500 mm. Containers are centred and guided by steel tracks attached to the machine, ensuring precise alignment.
A variety of roller-teeth options ensures even compaction for effective waste management.
K EY B ENEFITS:
n Efficiently compacts bulky waste, layer by layer.
n Achieves high container loads with even compaction.
n Simple operation and maintenance.
n Rollway extends up to 7 metres.
n Multiple roller-teeth options available.
n Designed for containers up to 3.1 metres in overall height.
Effective from 1 May 2025, the Mediterranean Sea has been added to the locations defined as being Emission Control areas. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has introduced new environmental regulations and controls planned to limit sulphur emissions from ships operating in the region. Similar regulations have already been implemented in other regions where there is significant marine traffic. Several lines operating throughout the region have accordingly introduced a Low Sulphur Surcharge which is being applied to vessels entering, exiting or transiting though the Mediterranean ECA zone. The revenue from the surcharge is applied by the carrier to meet the additional cost of using alternatives to the heavy fuel oil traditionally used to power ships. At present Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) costs approximately $50 per tonne more than the standard Heavy Fuel Oil.
Cargo owners should keep a close eye on the trends in these fuel prices. In the fortnight 26 March to 8 April the cost of VLSFO dropped from $510 to $440 at Rotterdam. In a time of political uncertainty these prices can vary very considerably.
CONTAINER S HIPPING R ATES
REMAIN VOLATILE
Maritime Consultant, Drewry, has calculated that the average freight rate for containers coming out of Asia and destined for Europe has almost
halved in the period from January to the beginning of April 2025. The startof-year figure was $4,000 and the 22 March figure $2,200. Rates elsewhere, particularly in the North Atlantic have varied greatly during the period with westbound rates being a multiple of four times those for containers laden with Europe bound US manufactures. While US trade policy, along with disruption caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Isreal/Gaza conflict, has disrupted the normal flows of global freight traffic and caused rates to spike and plummet, there is an underlying trend of long-distance seafreight rates dropping. Cargo owners reviewing their annual freight contracts with the Shipping Lines or Large Forwarders should begin to see a slippage in the rates and surcharges on their traffic, due mainly to an economic slowdown in most major markets as well as the delivery of the very large number of vessels ordered during the Covid boom times to customers. These vessels are coming into a marketplace in which there is a low level of demand for older ships and scrapping rates are low.
The introduction of the new tonnage does, however, enable shipowners to improve the environmental credentials of their fleets.
IAG C ARGO UPS ITS GAME WITH NEW S UMMER S CHEDULE
Aer Lingus, along with partners in the IAG Group, British Airways, Iberia and Vueling, has substantially increased the capacity on its cargo services over Summer 2025. In a statement Camilo Garcia Cervera, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at IAG Cargo, said that IAG Cargo continues to offer extensive capacity across six continents via its primary hubs in London, Madrid, Dublin and Barcelona. IAG Cargo offers capacity aboard over
Lines introduce Low Sulphur surcharges
600 wide-body aircraft services out of London alone. Dublin serves as a key transatlantic gateway, boasting over 80 weekly wide-body rotations. In addition to using the underfloor capacity on wide-body aircraft which can be up to 25 tonnes, IAG also uses underfloor capacity on narrow-body aircraft which can be up to 5 tonnes.
N EW T ERMINAL T RACTORS F LEETS SPEED THROUGHPUT AT R OSSLARE AND H OLYHEAD P ORTS
Both Holyhead and Rosslare Europort have, in recent months, made significant investments in the provision of additional Terminal Tractors and drivers to facilitate the faster loading and discharge of unaccompanied trailers at the Ports.
The reduction of the Holyhead Ro-Ro facility to a single berth giving a turnaround time for each vessel of under three hours has meant that, while self-drive trucks and cars can be accommodated, Stena and Irish Ferries have had to restrict the number of unaccompanied trailers that could be handled with the existing resources. This meant that a higher proportion of cargo would have to be driver accompanied and this has driven up costs for the cargo owners. Short vessel turnaround times and increased ferry capacity along with tighter schedules led to similar issues at Rosslare. Both ports now have significantly more tractors and drivers, and the situation has become easier allowing better utilisation of equipment and cost reduction.
