- Shell and BP are to explore the feasibility of integrating their forecourt shop supply chains which are currently run separately by Hays Food Logistics. Combining the two operations, which would continue to operate and trade in competition with each other, is expected to bring enhanced operational efficiencies. - Safeway is upgrading its fleet with bigger trailers from Gray & Adams. Its new 12.9m and 10.4m command axle trailers replace its standard 10m and 8.3m reefers, and provide the extra carrying capacity and manoeuvrability to deliver to stores where access is restricted in some way. It has also bought 12.3m, 12.9m and 13.4m dual compartment trailers fitted with Vector refrigeration, disc brakes and electronic braking systems. The trailers bear Safeway's new fruit and bread livery, depicting freshness. - Chilled and frozen food distributor Reed Boardall, the only single site consolidator for the major multiples, is to expand its North Yorkshire coldstore by 35%. The site, which supplies customers such as Tesco and Asda with instant stock information 24 hours a day, currently handles over £1bn worth of chilled and frozen food a year. - Exel's merger with Ocean last year to create the world's second largest supply chain company means it is now able to provide retailers with a fully integrated service for the supply of globally sourced products. President retail worldwide Stewart Oades says Ocean's services include air and sea freight forwarding, extensive port and airport facilities, supply chain tracking, plus responsive and accurate automation and sortation systems. "As well as meeting the needs of retailers for inbound globally sourced products, we're also able to meet their needs for outbound distribution into regions into which they wish to export," says Oades. {{FOCUS SPECIALS }}