Logistics & Warehousing
We have a dedicated team of lawyers who specialise in supporting both customers and suppliers of all sizes with their logistics and warehousing needs, providing us with a holistic understanding of the market place.
Logistics & warehousing expertise
The logistics and warehousing sector has experienced seismic change over recent years, from advancements in technology and innovation, to shifting consumer lifestyles and customer behaviours, leading businesses to adapt the way they procure, store, manage and distribute goods.
We have seen supply chains come under significant pressure following the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit, creating additional risks for businesses to manage, from a shortage of drivers and warehouse staff to border delays and increased costs.
At Freeths we have a dedicated team of lawyers who specialise in supporting both customers and suppliers of all sizes with their logistics and warehousing needs, providing us with a holistic understanding of the market place.
Watch our short animation below to find out more about our expertise:
How we can help your business
We can provide support on a wide range of matters including:
- Contracts for the provision of logistics services
- Investment in infrastructure
- Development of warehouses
- Procuring materials handling equipment
- Advice on international and national distribution systems
- Outsourcing
- HMRC and HSE investigations
- Dispute avoidance and resolution
- Employee training and compliance
- Business immigration
- Automation and other technological developments
- Procurement, leasing and maintenance of fleet (including rail, road and aircraft)
- Environmental and sustainability issues
- Regulatory matters
- Road traffic offences
- Advice on operators licenses and responding to investigations by the traffic commissioner
Key contacts
Why choose our expertise?
We have an integrated national team offering the complete range of services needed for businesses within the logistics and warehousing sector.
Our experts understand the pressures and challenges this sector presents and they work collaboratively to stay on top of key market developments, regulatory issues and innovative solutions for their clients.
The team acts for a wide range of businesses within the sector from SMEs to major national and international groups and have particular expertise in:
- Retail logistics
- Transportation
- Warehousing and fulfilment
- The development, construction and operation of major regional and national distribution centres, with complex MHE
In addition we provide further support for those in the logistics and warehousing community through a programme of free webinars, blogs and other thought leadership initiatives to ensure they keep up to date with all the latest insight and legislative changes affecting the sector.
If you are not already signed up, please join our mailing list >
“Rena has acted for DPD Group UK Ltd for over 21 years. I have been with DPD Group throughout that time and myself and my team have worked closely with Rena. she has an in-depth understanding of our business and provides us with a first class service in all aspects of employment law. Her professionalism and responsiveness is exceptional and I would not hesitate to recommend Rena to any future business partner or company.”
Sharon Hughes, MCIPD
Director of People and Talent
Logistics & warehousing podcast series
Episode 1 - supply chain challenges
Featuring Tony Mannix, CEO of Clipper Logistics, who talks to us about supply chain challenges, collaborative working & the modern workforce.
Episode 2 - eCommerce growth
Featuring Clare Bottle, CEO of the UK Warehousing Association who talks to us about the growth of eCommerce.
Episode 3 - emerging technologies
Featuring Neil Ashworth, Portfolio Director & Non-Executive Chair, who talks about his career, the rise of data & technology within the supply chain and emerging sector technologies.
Episode 4 - net zero
Featuring Anthony Tattersall, Managing Director of Darcica Logistics, Phil Reed, Managing Director of Varamis Rail and Iain Bowler, Partner and National Head of Commercial at Freeths who talk about net zero.
Episode 5 - women in logistics
Featuring Melanie Tattersall Director of Sustainability & Communications at Darcica Logistics, Kate Lester, Founder of Diamond Logistics and Philippa Dempster, Senior Partner and London Managing Partner at Freeths who discuss women in logistics.
Episode 6 - warehousing
Featuring Jamie Hartles, CEO of Howard Tenens Logistics, Shashi Chambers, Real Estate Partner & Nigel Gardner, Commercial Partner at Freeths, who discuss warehousing, the current property market, net zero, and the role technology plays within the sector
Episode 7 - grocery market
Featuring Richard Wilson, Inbound Logistics Director at Arla Foods, James Hartley, Partner and National Head of Dispute Resolution & Iain Bowler, Partner and National Head of Commercial at Freeths, who discuss consumer logistics, the grocery market, and trends across the wider logistics sector.
Episode 8 - driving efficiency
Paul Brooks talks to Alex Hislop, Chief Customer Officer, DHL Supply Chain UK & Ireland, and Nick Sutton, Dispute Resolution Partner at Freeths about driving efficiency and visibility within UK supply chains and much more.
Our clients & recent work
- Aldi
- Bristol Airport
- Chancerygate
- DPD
- Eddie Stobart
- FedEx
- GEFCO
- London Luton Airport
- Rhenus Warehousing Solutions
- Tarmac
- Travis Perkins Group
- Advice in connection with the construction, operation and maintenance of an automated regional distribution centre and complex MHE
- Outsourcing of regional transportation services for a leading construction materials business
- Arrest and recovery of a vessel from European jurisdiction
- Global distribution arrangements for a leading online fashion retailer
- Licences of cutting edge warehouse management software
- All aspects of employment law and HR support for an international parcel carrier company
- Leases of large strategic warehouse and distribution centres for an international multi billion pound logistics business
- Persuaded HMRC to withdraw alcohol duty assessment of £20m against one of the world’s largest hauliers
- Sale of a portfolio of warehouses across the UK
- Acting on behalf of a Turkish airline carrier in respect of defending a claim following the catastrophic failure of its aircraft
Meet our team
Philippa Dempster
Senior Partner & London Office Managing Partner
James Hartley
Partner & National Head of Dispute Resolution
Jackie Heeds
Partner & Joint Lead of Major Projects
Chris Holwell
Partner & National Head of Construction & Engineering
Rena Magdani
Partner & National Head of Employment, Pensions & Immigration
Contact us today
Whatever your legal needs, our wide ranging expertise is here to support you and your business, so let’s start your legal journey today and get you in touch with the right lawyer to get you started.
Get in touch
For general enquiries, please complete this form and we will direct your message to the most appropriate person.