Boots has signed a long-term logistics partnership with XPO Logistics to manage transport distribution from two UK service centres, with a focus on supply chain integration, digital tracking and emissions monitoring.
The agreement builds on existing work between the companies. XPO has managed Boots' primary transport distribution from the two sites since March 2024.
Both service centres are in the East Midlands. One is a 279-acre site at Boots' headquarters in Beeston, Nottingham, and the other is in Burton-on-Trent, around 30 miles away.
Under the new operation, goods will move from both service centres to Boots cross-dock centres across the UK and Ireland, supporting large-scale distribution across the retailer's network.
XPO has assigned dedicated personnel and vehicles. Boots will have access to 23 XPO support staff, as well as two operational fleets with separate roles.
One fleet will handle scheduled product distribution routes. A second, smaller fleet will carry out shunting at both the Beeston and Burton sites, moving trailers and vehicles within and around the yards.
The operation includes 50 trunking drivers and 35 trunking vehicles, as well as 22 shunt drivers and 10 shunt vehicles. The fleets will operate seven days a week.
Digital tracking
The partnership includes a track-and-trace system to improve visibility across transport movements. Boots and XPO are also introducing a carbon-monitoring system to track the transport network's emissions footprint.
XPO said the work combines operational execution with digital tools, with changes expected in routing and fleet management. It also highlighted lower-emission transport as part of efforts to reduce the environmental impact of deliveries.
Dan Myers, Senior Vice President, Supply Chain - Europe, XPO Logistics, said the two businesses shared a focus on continuous improvement in supply chain operations.
"Our partnership with Boots is built on a shared commitment to continually improving the supply chain that supports their customers. We're combining operational expertise with increased digital visibility to enhance service reliability and make the network more responsive and efficient. Initiatives focused on fleet optimisation and lower-emission transport are helping to reduce the environmental impact of deliveries. This collaborative approach supports Boots' broader sustainability and customer experience goals."
Boots linked the decision to changes in customer behaviour and continued growth in online shopping. The retailer has expanded fulfilment options across stores and digital channels in recent years, while managing strong demand for health and pharmacy services.
Keiron Samways, Director of Warehousing - Transport & Distribution UK & ROI, Boots, said, "Our online operations continue to grow at pace as more customers choose to shop with us digitally. This long-term partnership with XPO Logistics strengthens our transport network across the UK and Ireland, giving us greater visibility, resilience and efficiency across our supply chain, supports our sustainability agenda and ensure we're well positioned to support our customers today and in the future."
Network scale
The deal centres on moving stock into cross-dock sites that feed stores and other fulfilment points. Boots operates more than 1,800 stores in the UK and employs more than 52,000 people.
The logistics footprint reflects the operational complexity behind Boots' mix of beauty, wellness and healthcare products. Volumes and service requirements vary across categories, with pharmacy and healthcare lines often running alongside seasonal promotional ranges and online order profiles.
XPO operates in European road freight and logistics, running 206 sites across 14 countries. It reports 14,000 employees throughout Europe, alongside a fleet of 20,000 trucks and trailers, and around 1,000,000 square metres of warehouse space. Its European headquarters is in Lyon, France.
Parent company XPO Inc focuses on less-than-truckload freight transportation in North America, reporting 592 locations and 37,000 employees across North America and Europe.
Boots is part of Boots Group, which operates in healthcare, pharmacy and retail. The retailer is best known for its high-street pharmacy presence and its beauty brands, including No7, Soap & Glory, Liz Earle Beauty and Sleek MakeUP.
The partnership positions XPO as a central transport provider for the service centres in Beeston and Burton-on-Trent, with daily trunking and site shunting expected to continue as Boots develops its online and store distribution network across the UK and Ireland.