tech

Metro MVT: Optimising supply chain visibility and customer value through innovation

Feb 18, 2026 | , ,

2025 marked a breakthrough year for Metro as we continued to advance the MVT digital platform, delivering new applications, enhanced visibility, and significant improvements to our underlying infrastructure. 

These investments reflect our commitment to helping customers operate more efficiently, make better-informed decisions, and maintain complete control of their global supply chains.

Over the past year, we rolled out a series of major upgrades across MVT, including the launch of our Invoice App and E‑Bookings, making it easier than ever for customers to manage essential logistics processes from one integrated platform. We also completed a substantial investment in real‑time airfreight tracking, now fully embedded into Track and Trace. This enhancement provides accurate milestone visibility, fewer information gaps, and a more reliable digital airfreight experience strengthening Metro’s position as a leader in technology‑enabled freight solutions.

A select group of customers also gained early access to MVT Reporting & Analytics, a powerful new analytics suite designed to unlock deeper insight into supply chain performance. This comprehensive reporting tool provides dynamic dashboards, trend analysis, and operational KPIs that enable smarter planning and problem‑solving. Successive release phases will continue until the end of Q2 2026, with general release beginning 1 March 2026 for all customers.

Delivering Measurable Value for Our Customers

The expansion of the MVT application suite delivers tangible benefits that help customers run more agile and resilient supply chains, including:

  • Enhanced end‑to‑end visibility: Real‑time tracking across multiple modes allows for faster exception management and improved operational confidence.
  • Greater efficiency and workflow automation: Digital tools reduce manual activity, eliminate duplication, and accelerate core logistics processes.

Looking Ahead: What’s Coming to MVT in 2026

With an ambitious roadmap for 2026, Metro is continuing to expand and enhance the technology experience in MVT to support our customers’ evolving needs.

Q1 2026 Highlights

We look forward to sharing these imminent product releases and will provide more information via your Metro dedicated customer relationship management contacts and future newsletters.

  • Web‑based Booking App – A streamlined, modern interface that simplifies the placing of multimodal shipment bookings for our customers.
  • Port Congestion App – Real‑time insight into port performance, dwell times, and congestion risks, empowering customers to plan proactively.
  • Enhanced RoRo Vessel Tracking – More accurate sailing milestones, live ETAs, and improved visibility of delays, critical for automotive, machinery, and high‑value supply chains customers that rely heavily on RORO movements.

Q2 2026: Introducing the Schedules App

The new Schedules App will provide customers with comprehensive global carrier schedules for ocean movements. This capability enables better planning, transit‑time comparison and service selection, helping customers make informed decision around optimise their supply chain performance.

We will also release significant improvements to road freight visibility through an externally‑facing Carrier App that integrates road freight milestones directly into MVT in real time.

Continuing the Journey: Q3, Q4 and Beyond

Further enhancements through the second half of 2026 include:

  • Advanced customer‑configurable notifications across all MVT applications.
  • DCM (Demurrage, Detention & Free Time) upgrades to give greater visibility of risk and help customers manage free‑time allocation more effectively.

Simultaneously, our product and development teams will be focusing on detailed research and scoping for new digital capabilities, including customer rate tariff management and automated digital quoting, planned for release between late 2026 and early 2027.

These investments reflect Metro’s ongoing commitment to building a modern, connected, and data‑driven supply chain experience for our customers.

At Metro, our digital solutions are shaped by the people who use them every day. The MVT platform, and the wider suite of Metro applications, are developed with direct input from our customers ensuring the tools we create solve real‑world challenges and deliver meaningful value. 

We are always keen to hear from customers about their experiences with our existing products, as well as the pain points, bottlenecks, and opportunities they see across their supply chains. This insight is essential in guiding future development, influencing new product ideas, and helping us prioritise the digital capabilities that matter most. Your feedback fuels our roadmap, strengthens our innovation, and ensures Metro continues to deliver technology that truly supports your business.

For any enquiries, further information or feedback on Metro digital products and developments, please EMAIL Ian Powell, Customer and Technical Solutions Director

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Metro attains Government-backed Cyber Essentials certification

Nov 12, 2025 | , ,

Metro has achieved Cyber Essentials certification, the UK Government-backed baseline for protecting organisations against the most common cyber threats.

Achieving Cyber Essentials builds on our ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification awarded in July, reinforcing a layered, standards-led approach to information security across our operations and supply chain.

With business and procurement leaders reporting a marked rise in attacks and cascading disruption risks, strengthening first-line cyber controls at each node in the chain is now a business continuity priority, not just an IT task. Our Cyber Essentials certification evidences robust baseline controls, while ISO 27001 provides the governance, risk and assurance framework above them.

Cyber Essentials focuses on five technical controls proven to block or defend against the most prevalent cyber-attacks:

  • Firewalls & internet gateways to prevent unauthorised access
  • Secure configuration of devices, software and services
  • User access control with least-privilege principles and strong authentication
  • Malware protection to detect and stop malicious code (including ransomware)
  • Patch management to close known vulnerabilities promptly

Certification is independently assessed and renewed annually, driving continual improvement and accountability.

A continuum of assurance

  • ISO/IEC 27001:2022 (achieved July 2025) sets the overarching Information Security Management System (ISMS) covering policy, risk assessment, controls and audit.
  • Cyber Essentials complements this with mandated, practical safeguards at the device and network edge. A tangible signal to customers that foundational defences are in place and verified. 

UK guidance continues to emphasise board-level accountability for cyber resilience, reflecting the escalating tempo and impact of attacks. Metro’s combined certifications align with this direction of travel and with customer expectations for measurable, third-party-validated controls across their logistics partners.

What customers can expect

  • Trusted handling of data and systems across bookings, visibility tools and integrations
  • Consistent security standards applied to partners and internal processes
  • Ongoing improvement via annual Cyber Essentials renewal and ISO 27001 surveillance

Cyber Essentials certification is a further step in our long-term programme to deliver secure, technology-driven solutions that help you operate with confidence in an increasingly digital trading environment.

To discuss secure integrations, data exchange or platform connectivity, EMAIL Ian Powell, Customer & Technical Solutions Director.

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H1 2025: Six Developments Reshaping Global Trade

Aug 19, 2025 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The first half of 2025 has been one of the most turbulent periods for supply chains in recent memory. From renewed tariff wars to fresh geopolitical flashpoints, logistics professionals have had to contend with a constantly shifting landscape.

At the same time, structural challenges around skills, safety, and sustainability have continued to grow. Here we review six developments that defined H1 2025.

1. Tariffs return to the fore
The pause in US tariff escalation ended in August, with the White House reintroducing “reciprocal” tariffs that apply baseline duties of 10% to all countries and higher rates of 10–41% depending on origin. The UK sit at the low end, while Syria faces the steepest levels. Brazil has been singled out further, hit by an additional 40% levy. Canada also saw tariffs raised from 25% to 35% on certain goods, justified by Washington’s claim that Ottawa has not done enough to curb fentanyl flows.

The executive order applies from 7 August 2025, with a grace period allowing cargo already loaded onto vessels before that date to arrive until 5 October 2025. To add complexity, US Customs will also impose new fees on Chinese-built or operated vessels from 14 October, potentially forcing alliances such as the Ocean Alliance into costly fleet reshuffles. Carriers are already working through how to redeploy capacity to avoid penalties, with COSCO and OOCL particularly exposed.

2. New shipping alliances reshape networks
The recomposition of global shipping alliances in Q1 has reshaped carrier strategies. The launch of the Gemini Cooperation between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd marked one of the most significant realignments in recent years, focused on achieving 90%+ schedule reliability. Shippers are already seeing more dependable services, but questions remain about whether premium pricing will follow.

Other alliances, particularly Ocean and THE Alliance (now Premier Alliance), are recalibrating networks, with competition sharpening across Asia–Europe and transpacific trades. For shippers, the alliance changes mean rethinking service contracts and adapting to new network structures that could endure for much of the decade.

3. Houthi attacks deepen Red Sea crisis
The Red Sea crisis, triggered by Houthi rebel attacks, has now stretched on for nearly two years. In July 2025 the threat escalated further with the sinking of the Magic Seas, a Greek-operated vessel targeted for its links to companies calling at Israeli ports. Analysis suggests that one in six vessels globally could now be considered threatened under the Houthis’ broad definition of violators.

For container lines, this effectively rules out a return to Suez Canal routings before 2026 — and possibly not until 2027. Rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope adds up to two weeks to Asia–Europe journeys, pushing up costs and insurance premiums, and putting additional strain on fleet capacity. The Red Sea instability has been a reminder of how localised conflicts can have global consequences for supply chains.

4. Logistics skills shortages persist
The UK continues to face a significant shortfall in logistics skills, with the Road Haulage Association estimating a deficit of around 50,000 HGV drivers. The ONS also reports 6,000 fewer courier and delivery drivers than the previous year. With 55% of HGV drivers aged between 50 and 65, the demographic imbalance remains a long-term concern.

Factors include reduced access to EU workers post-Brexit, poor industry perception, and limited uptake of government training schemes. Although the crisis is not as acute as during the height of the pandemic, the ageing workforce and lack of young entrants mean structural shortages will continue. Rising wage costs, recruitment struggles, and bottlenecks in road transport all add to the burden on UK supply chains.

5. EV shipping challenges raise alarm
The growth of electric vehicle (EV) trade has created new safety risks at sea. Several high-profile fires on car carriers have been linked to lithium-ion batteries, sparking concern among insurers, regulators, and shipowners. Insurers are pushing for tougher loading protocols, enhanced crew training, and more advanced fire suppression systems.

For supply chains, this adds cost and complexity to automotive logistics, with carriers facing higher insurance premiums and the need to retrofit vessels. It is also slowing the momentum of EV exports, just as demand for cleaner vehicles accelerates globally.

6. Sustainability regulations tighten
Sustainability regulation is reshaping procurement strategies. The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is beginning to impact trade in carbon-intensive products such as steel, aluminium, and cement, with importers required to report embedded emissions.

At the same time, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is moving toward a tipping point. UK and EU mandates are pushing airlines to integrate SAF into their fuel mix, with new investments underway to scale production.

While tariffs and geopolitics grab headlines, sustainability is quietly becoming a decisive factor in supplier choice, cost structures, and long-term resilience planning. For many organisations, compliance with emissions and ESG frameworks is no longer optional but critical.

Outlook
H1 2025 has exposed the vulnerability of supply chains to political shocks, armed conflict, safety risks, and structural labour shortages. Tariffs, alliances, and attacks have disrupted networks, while long-term challenges around sustainability and skills remain unresolved.

The message for supply chain leaders is clear: resilience, agility, and visibility will be critical in the second half of 2025, as disruption becomes the new normal.

H1 2025 has underlined how vulnerable global supply chains have become and staying ahead demands visibility, expertise, and a trusted partner by your side.

Metro’s account management team works proactively with customers to anticipate risks, share insights, and design solutions that are resilient and adaptable to change.

Our expertise encompasses dangerous goods and lithium battery shipping, customs, and multimodal freight, backed by a strong people strategy that includes apprenticeships, engagement programmes, and our Great Place to Work certification.

We are also leading the way on sustainability. Metro has been carbon neutral for five years, pioneering the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), while our MVT ECO platform helps businesses forecast, measure, and offset emissions across their global supply chains.

EMAIL Andrew Smith, Managing Director, to learn how Metro can build resilience into your supply chain.

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Security Alert: Sophisticated Email Scam Targeting Businesses

Aug 5, 2025 | , ,

Metro has recently detected and blocked a highly targeted spear‑phishing campaign designed to deceive recipients and obtain sensitive information. 

The emails are sophisticated, imitating genuine correspondence and attempting to impersonate known contacts.

Our investigation shows that the campaign originated from a third‑party domain and compromised credentials. Thanks to our robust cyber‑security monitoring and the vigilance of our team, this activity was quickly identified, contained, and prevented. Metro’s systems, data, and banking details remain completely secure and  not compromised.

We are actively assisting the affected third party with their investigation and continue to strengthen our own security policies to protect against evolving threats.

How to Protect Yourself

To help safeguard your information and ensure secure communication with Metro, please keep the following in mind:

  • Bank account updates – Metro follows strict verification procedures before making any changes. We will never rely on instructions sent by email alone.
  • No banking changes – Metro’s bank details have not changed. Any message claiming otherwise is fraudulent.
  • Stay alert – Treat unexpected or suspicious emails with caution, especially those requesting sensitive information or payment details.
  • Verify requests – Always confirm any unusual request by contacting Metro directly using the official contact details you already have.
  • Report it – Forward any suspicious messages to our security team: servicedesk@myvisibilitytool.com

Protecting your information and ours is a top priority. We are continually monitoring for emerging threats, enhancing our security measures, and working closely with trusted partners to safeguard your business.

Thank you for your continued trust. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Metro’s IT/Security team at servicedesk@myvisibilitytool.com.

Category: Technology

Metro | MVT | Technology

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