Cardinal Logistics, a major player in New Zealand’s third-party logistics (3PL) sector, is reshaping the FMCG supply chain with a bold automation strategy that’s improving order accuracy and throughput, delivery reliability and cost-efficiency across the country’s freight corridors and into major retailer stores.
Backed by global finance partner DLL, Cardinal’s transformation is setting new standards for how goods move from warehouse to customer.
Customer-centric operations
From freight-forwarder integration and container handling to warehousing and national transportation via road, rail and sea, Cardinal’s infrastructure spans the full logistics spectrum. CEO Brendon Furness says the company’s focus on fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) has driven its need for speed, precision, consistency and scalability.
“We’re privately held and have focused almost exclusively on FMCG in New Zealand with our customers, to develop the automation infrastructure,” he explains.
“Automation is helping us bring world-class IP to our customers and now expand into new industries and regions, while strengthening our transport capabilities.”
Cardinal operates nine warehousing sites and two third-party locations, all tightly integrated with its national container transport network. The company’s decision to invest in automation was a strategic move to improve delivery performance and meet rising customer expectations.
“Our environment is fast-paced and continuous,” Furness says.
“Automation helps us smooth volumes, balance workloads and improve health and safety – benefits that flow directly into our transport operations.”
Automation that accelerates delivery
Cardinal’s two new automated warehouse in Auckland features 125,000 pallet positions of Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems, or ASRS, racking and a 62,000-carton goods-to-person buffering system designed to handle the high-volume demands of FMCG distribution.
“Order output has increased by up to 400 per cent,” Furness says.
“That means faster turnaround times, fewer delays and more predictable delivery windows for our transport partners.”
By streamlining warehouse operations, Cardinal is helping carriers reduce idle time, avoid bottlenecks and optimise route planning. The result is a more agile and reliable transport ecosystem, which is critical in a market where timing is everything.
The ‘Perfect Pallet’ advantage
To further enhance delivery integrity, automation has enabled Cardinal to further evolve its “perfect pallet” initiative – integration of a physical and system quality assurance system that tracks every pallet from warehouse to customer.
“Each pallet is verified at multiple touchpoints,” Furness says.
“It’s about achieving complete accuracy, eliminating errors, reducing shrinkage and ensuring optimal asset utilisation across a seven-day week.”
For transport operators, this means fewer disputes, faster reconciliation and stronger trust with end customers. The system adds a layer of reliability that’s increasingly vital in high-volume, high-value supply chains.
DLL: more than a finance partner
Cardinal’s automation journey has been powered by DLL, a global financial solutions provider with deep expertise in intralogistics and transport infrastructure.
“We needed a partner who understood the complexity of automation and the dynamics of the Australasian market,” Furness says. “DLL brought both scale and strategic insight.”
Steven Davey, DLL’s Intralogistics Lead for Australia and New Zealand, says the relationship goes far beyond financing.
“We’re embedded in Cardinal’s long-term goals,” he explains.
“Our role is to understand not just the assets, but the strategy behind their transport and automation vision.”
DLL’s tailored financial solutions have enabled Cardinal to move quickly, manage risk and future-proof its operations, all while maintaining financial sustainability.
Sustainable transport, scalable growth
Cardinal’s new site also reflects a commitment to greener logistics. Rooftop solar panels, battery storage, recycled plastic pallets and regenerative crane technology are just a few of the initiatives driving environmental performance.
“We’re building the future of supply chain now,” Furness says.
“Automation is changing the identity of our business and DLL is a deeply integrated partner now. We’re excited to share that journey with our transport partners.”
As Cardinal continues to expand its automated footprint, the company is setting a new benchmark for what’s possible in Australasian logistics, where technology, finance and transport converge to deliver smarter, faster and more reliable supply chains.
About DLL
DLL is a global asset financing partner servicing the transport industry, among a variety of others. It operates in over 20 countries and has almost 60 years of experience to call upon.
Read more about DLL here
Disclaimer: Finance is provided by De Lage Landen Pty Limited (ABN 20 101 692 040) (DLL). Equipment to be used for business purposes only. Subject to DLL’s standard credit criteria, fees and terms and conditions apply.