LogTech News 04/2025

Dear Reader

At MotionTools and in the logistics world, a lot has happened this month. We have compiled the most interesting topics for you in this April edition of our LogTech News.

We look forward to feedback or references to articles and topics that should not be missed in our next issue. Just write us an email at news@motiontools.com

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In this issue (5 min reading time)

📢 Industry news

Space logistics gets real! - Atmos Space Cargo tests reentry of their cargo capsule
DoorDash aims to bag Deliveroo for $3.6 billion
Is common sense returning? What the german coalition agreement means for logistics

✅ Best practices

Logistics 2025: Between Innovations and Crisis

🤝 Community updates

MotionTools Worldwide - Rio Tinto Simfer relies on MotionTools for personnel transport

🦾 Release notes

April 2024

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📢 Industry news

Space logistics gets real! - Atmos Space Cargo tests reentry of their cargo capsule

Atmos Space Cargo from Lichtenau (Germany) aims to revolutionize space transport. The startup is banking on a reusable capsule that can return cargo to Earth at one-tenth of current costs. A ceramic composite heat shield deploys during reentry to protect the cargo, which can weigh up to 100 kilograms.

During the first test flight of the "Phoenix 1" transport capsule, flexibility and quick reactions were essential: Originally scheduled to splash down in the Indian Ocean, a last-minute trajectory change forced the team to redirect the landing to the Atlantic. During reentry, the capsule entered the atmosphere at a steeper angle than planned, increasing the stress on the vessel. Despite partial loss of contact during reentry, the startup considers the flight a success, as important data was collected for further development.

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DoorDash aims to bag Deliveroo for $3.6 billion

DoorDash is causing a stir in the delivery market: The US giant wants to acquire Deliveroo for $3.6 billion. The announcement sent Deliveroo's stock soaring with an 18 percent gain. Deliveroo is recommending its shareholders accept the offer and has halted a £100 million share buyback program announced in March. Following the Just-Eat-Takeaway acquisition by Prosus, this would be the second major coup in the industry this year.

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Is common sense returning? What the german coalition agreement means for logistics

The new coalition agreement brings important changes for Germany's logistics industry. The german government plans to abolish the Supply Chain Act (LkSG) and replace it with streamlined regulations. The LkSG currently requires companies to monitor and report on human rights and environmental standards throughout their supply chains. The reporting obligation ends immediately, and until the new law is in place, sanctions will only apply in cases of severe human rights violations.

The planned abolition has prompted mixed reactions in the industry. While NGOs are very critical and warn of setbacks in human rights and environmental protection, Industry associations welcome the decision and see it as an opportunity for less bureaucracy and greater investment freedom.

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✅ Best practices

Logistics 2025: Between Innovations and Crisis

Recent months in logistics have been marked by innovations – particularly AI automation, which we've covered in previous newsletters – as well as ongoing and emerging crises.

This month started just as dramatically with Trump's tariff announcement. While speculation continues about how the US government will proceed in the coming weeks, one thing is certain: the new tariffs will put additional strain on the already tense logistics industry. Even before this development, surveys identified cost pressure as one of the biggest challenges for 2025. This situation will now intensify due to rising import costs, potential export suspensions, and the necessary restructuring of supply and production chains.

The fact that the logistics world must "prepare for a new world order" is also highlighted in the similarly titled Trend Report by Logistikweisen, published in March, which identifies four key areas of action for 2025:

Decarbonization: Logistics must become more sustainable. Despite improved political conditions, high costs for green technologies and insufficient infrastructure hinder progress. While new regulations drive change, practical implementation remains a challenge.
Digitalization: Technological investments are essential. Automation, data analysis, and digital platforms help increase efficiency. However, there's still a need to catch up in integrating new business models and digitalizing processes.
Demographic Change: The skilled worker shortage remains a critical issue, particularly for IT specialists and operational professionals. Demographic change exacerbates this, requiring companies to enhance their employer attractiveness and develop innovative recruitment approaches.
De-Risking: Geopolitical crises and supply chain problems require better risk management. Companies must diversify their supply chains, build regional alternatives, and invest in flexible structures to remain operational even in challenging times.

In the next LogTech News edition, we'll dive deeper into digitalization and provide you with concrete recommendations to position your company for the digital future.

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🤝 Community updates

MotionTools Worldwide - Rio Tinto Simfer relies on MotionTools for personnel transport

Last month, we announced that we would share more about exciting MotionTools use cases worldwide - today we're getting started!

Rio Tinto Simfer uses MotionTools to transport employees safely and efficiently to and from remote mine sites in Africa. Previously requiring extensive coordination and paperwork, the process now runs smoothly through a fully digital system: booking, dispatching, and communication are all seamlessly organized through MotionTools. This showcases MotionTools' versatility as a platform for fleet-based operations—whether transporting goods, packages, or people.

A special highlight: Although we haven't yet experienced the mine operations firsthand, we had the opportunity at bauma 2025 to see some of the impressive machines that Rio Tinto uses in their mines. We snapped a few photos to share with you!

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🦾 Release notes

Feature highlight: Driver ranking and gradual rollout

We’ve introduced a new way to assign drivers to tours. For each tour, drivers are getting ranked based on how suitable they are. The dispatch engine then gradually offers the tour to drivers, starting with the top-ranked drivers. As each preferred driver is notified, the tour becomes visible to more drivers until one accepts it.