Looking After Your Mental Health As An HGV Driver

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2020 and 2021 have been difficult so far – especially for our HGV drivers who have been working tirelessly throughout this pandemic. Furthermore, Monday 18th January has been dubbed as “Blue Monday”, the most ‘depressing’ day of the year. At The Barnes Group, we recognise the importance of looking after your mental health as well as your physical health and aim to make next Monday just another day of the week.

Here’s some of our advice on how to take care of your mental health as an ever-important HGV driver.

Brew Up & Have Conversations

Instead of recognising “Blue Monday”, the Samaritans are running a campaign called “Brew Monday” which encourages us to enjoy a relaxing cup of tea, coffee or any drink you choose and have a virtual conversation with a friend, family member or co-worker. A problem shared is a problem halved and talking out issues can really help to clear your head, even if there isn’t something specific bothering you. You can find out more about Brew Monday on the Samaritans website.

Keep Active Responsibly

In between drives be sure to take a few moments to get a few steps in and some fresh air in the lungs. Moderate exercise is clinically proven to be a mood booster, it stimulates the production of endorphins, that are chemicals in the brain that are the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators. Remember to exercise responsibly in line with government guidelines.”

Switch Off, Wind Down

A consistent flow of negative news and tension is no good for mental health, so you may want to switch off your smartphones and even your TV for a few hours a day to get a well-needed break. Instead, why not enjoy a good book or some light exercise? Even taking just a small amount of time away from screens can have such a positive impact on your mental health. A great time to practice this might be the time between when you return home from work and going to bed. Try it and see if it makes a difference.

Take A Look At Your Diet

If you’re feeling a bit off, it might be worth taking a look at your diet and seeing where some changes can be made. Cutting back on added sugar can help keep your blood sugar levels stable, which can help balance your energy levels throughout the day. Magnesium has been shown to help alleviate headaches and fatigue too, which can help improve your overall mood. As an HGV driver, why not try bulk cooking healthy lunches to enjoy on your breaks whilst on the road. You can find out more about what foods to eat, and what to avoid, to manage stress by clicking here.

Appreciate The Outdoors

As an HGV driver, you’ll be on the road a lot and also have the chance to get outdoors too. Just being outside, especially when the sun is shining, is proven to boost both your serotonin and endorphin levels, both of which are known as “happy hormones”. Where you can, take a minute to breathe in the fresh air and embrace mindfulness.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to looking after your mental health as an HGV driver, but one of the most important things is knowing where you can find additional resources should you need them. Here are just some of the organisations that we’d recommend for more information…

Mind | https://www.mind.org.uk/ | 0300 123 3393

Samaritans | https://www.samaritans.org/ | 116 123

OCD UK | www.ocduk.org | 0333 212 7890

Anxiety UK | www.anxietyuk.org.uk | 03444 775 774

CALM | www.thecalmzone.net | 0800 58 58 58

Men’s Health Forum | https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/beatstress.uk

 

NHS | https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines

 

If you have any more advice you’d like to share, please let us know on Twitter or LinkedIn, we’d love to hear from you.

Renewable Fuel: A Step In The Right Direction For Road Transport Industry?

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New plans from the government pave the way to a net-zero future for the UK by 2050. Outlined in a ten-point plan, the Prime Minister has announced a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030. This will be a major turning point for the “green industrial revolution” in a bid to tackle climate change and create jobs in industries such as nuclear energy and offshore wind.

Many of us have taken small steps to become greener in our everyday lives, yet big changes like this can seem daunting. Abandoning the way we fuel our vehicles after so many years of relying on fossil fuels may seem an impossible ask but there are many benefits to the replacement.

Renewable fuels provider Gasrec recently conducted a government funded programme to trial, develop and demonstrate low emission vehicles for use in the road transport sector. The results of this trial highlighted the significant environmental and financial benefits of gas as a fuel over diesel, particularly in long-haul applications.

The Low Emissions Freight Trial (LEFT) report from the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership tested a range of gas-powered trucks from different manufacturers, including vehicles using spark ignition and compression ignition technologies. It also looked at the performance of vehicles running on compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquified natural gas (LNG), including their biomethane equivalents.

After 12 months of testing, the study found that spark ignition gas trucks achieved well-to-wheel greenhouse gas savings of between 69 – 81% when fuelled with RTFO-certified biomethane. This saving was found across all cycles including long haul, regional, urban and city centre runs.

A second trial was conducted with compression ignition gas trucks, where a small quantity of diesel is used as the ignition source for the LNG. In service data was collected for nine months, demonstrating this technology could generate well-to-wheel greenhouse gas savings of 8 -14% across all cycles even with fossil-based LNG, versus diesel. However, with biomethane, the well-to-wheel savings increased dramatically to 65% or more.

The results of this trial shed light on just how much of a difference switching to biomethane could have on our emissions. The significant CO2 savings unlocked with this fuel source, particularly for long-haul journeys, are going to have a huge impact on the future of our planet. Without this change our environmental situation could become too severe to come back from.

We know that many hauliers will be reluctant to make the change due to the added capital and maintenance costs that come with it. However, this expense can be recouped in just two short years. It was also reported that vehicle reliability was similar to diesel models.

Thanks to the low cost of this fuel, an HGV covering 160,000 km/year can return the costs of updating from a diesel engine in just 24 months. This puts gas and biomethane well within the reach for most long-haul fleets. In addition, gas-fuelled vehicles are expected to deliver increasing profitability over their typical three-to-five-year lives.

It is also worth noting that driver feedback collected during the trial also confirmed that gas trucks were noticeably quieter to operate, bringing real advantages for night-time deliveries.

When it comes to environmental impacts, only time will tell. The logistics sector has to be more tuned in than ever to facilitate the demands of our government as we navigate through this battle against climate change. There are plenty of uncertainties ahead for hauliers, but the transportation sector is well-prepared to handle it.

The Barnes Group are excited for the future of renewable fuels. Let us know your thoughts and join the discussion via our Twitter or LinkedIn pages.

Haulage In The Face Of The Pandemic

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The past 8 months have seen a whirlwind of change sweep the globe. Many industries have faced hard times and were forced to adapt just to stay afloat whilst others were not so lucky. Despite this, the haulage industry has fared better than most UK sectors during the second quarter of this year.

Throughout the pandemic, hauliers have been trucking up and down the country fulfilling deliveries to ensure that the country continues to operate as normally as possible. UK freight activity – consisting of essential services, necessary goods, such as food, medicine and post – has remained relatively high at roughly 90% – 95%

Although this outlook paints a rather positive standing for the haulage industry throughout the ongoing pandemic, it has not been plain sailing for many, and it will continue to see people fall on hard times.

Industry-wide Impacts

Haulage companies have been affected in different ways by the crisis. Those involved in food distribution have been particularly busy, as have those delivering online orders. However, others have seen their work dry up almost completely.

Among the worst hit were music event haulage companies. With all events either cancelled or postponed for the better part of six months, many firms have been affected considerably, facing no work for the foreseeable future.

Where some firms were able to provide full pay to those unable to work for various reasons or took advantage of the furlough scheme rolled out by the government, others weren’t able to offer more than statutory sick pay. This may have encouraged people to work whilst unwell for financial reasons.

Meanwhile, there have been some significant changes made to the way the transport and logistics sector operates. Such changes include a relaxation of driver hours to allow them to work longer hours and a relaxation of driver training requirements, all in an effort to aid the supply of goods. Whilst these are welcome changes in terms of keeping the economy moving, they are, however, likely to have had implications for the health and safety of drivers, with risks such as drivers working whilst tired and having insufficient rest periods.

Impacts on Drivers

Before the COVID-19 crisis, the transport and logistics sector was already facing a struggle to maintain staffing numbers given its high proportion of older workers approaching retirement and the limited numbers of younger drivers entering the industry. Given the associated risks of COVID-19 to older individuals and those who have underlying health conditions, there has been obvious concern around the health of professional drivers during the crisis.

There have also been reports of drivers being prevented from using toilets and handwashing facilities at premises they visit due to COVID-19 concerns. It is essential that drivers are able to access these facilities, especially when they are on the road for a long period of time.

At the same time, hauliers are also facing challenging situations that could have detrimental effects on their mental health and wellbeing. A study conducted by IAM RoadSmart reveals that concerns about catching the virus, plague many drivers’ thoughts daily, on top of that, they have to deal with the extension of working hours, increased work demands, increased isolation on the road, and reduced contact with people due to social distancing measures. The pandemic has also caused a lot of anxiety over job security and income concerns.

In light of this, we at The Barnes Group thank all hauliers and other key workers who have soldiered on through the pandemic and continue to do so as we enter a second national lockdown.

Show your support for all logistics services on our Twitter or LinkedIn pages. You can also follow us for regular updates on the logistics industry as well as information on our logistics and warehousing services.

Logistics Services: How Investing in Roads Can Help

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Logistics services are an important element of a successful supply chain that helps to increase the sales and profits of businesses that deal with the production, shipment, warehousing and delivery of goods worldwide. A reliable logistics service can not only boost the economic strength of any business but also help to maintain a positive public image.

It is therefore imperative that this service is able to operate as effectively and efficiently as possible and that is hugely reliant on the improvement and maintenance of UK roads. In August, Highways England unveiled the details of plans for a £27.4 billion investment in the strategic road network across the country.

They promise to deliver £14 billion of projects improving the quality, capacity and safety of the motorways and major A roads that have helped keep the country going during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The UK’s road network is a vital part of everyone’s life. It continues to serve the country well during the ongoing pandemic, keeping supermarket shelves stocked and enabling key workers to get where they need to be.

However, operations can only continue to run smoothly if proper funds are injected into the maintenance and improvement of this country’s roads. Over the next five years, Highways England plan to increase capacity where it is most needed and continue to upgrade more of the network which has suffered from decades of under-investment.

Improved roads could mean an easier drive for many hauliers. Less instances of acceleration and deceleration due to the lack of potholes, narrow roads and maintenance vehicles will mean a decrease in the level of fuel consumed during transport. If routes were more efficient or roads were improved, vehicles would produce less emissions. Not only would this lead to cheaper overall costs in terms of fuel but it would also contribute to the management of future environmental damage.

Further improvements will lead to a decreased need for maintenance on vehicles. Many roads have cracks that are just waiting to turn into dangerous potholes that could potentially cause collisions. Local roads where hauliers make their last-mile deliveries are often in an even worse state and the damage to HGVs – in particular, to their suspension systems – can have quite an impact. Resurfacing those roads would incur less damage to hauliers and other road users.

More potholes mean more breakdowns, more roadworks and more delays. These delays for a ‘just-in-time’ industry can be disastrous. Faster travel times with less obstacles and more efficient routes would make journeys faster and more reliable for haulage companies across the UK.

The FTA reports that improving the country’s roads is the most important thing politicians can do to support an efficient logistics industry. Implementing seamless logistics is a key element in keeping pace with consumer demands and outperforming competitors. In 2018, over 193 billion tonne kilometres of domestic freight was moved within the UK, of which 79% was transported by road. If these transport routes are not kept in tip-top shape, these figures will only decrease.

Share your view on this countries’ roads and the difference proper investment would make, on our Twitter or LinkedIn. You can also follow us for regular updates on the logistics industry as well as information on our logistics and warehousing services.

For more Barnes blogs, click here.

“Just In Time Logistics” – Why Should You Use It?

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Here at The Barnes Group, we specialise in Just In Time Logistics (JIT) – designed to make use of precise timings, ensuring maximum efficiency.  This type of logistics allows for goods to be re-stocked and distributed before they are sold.  Our highly trained warehouse operatives keep our warehouses running smoothly, allowing for efficient logistics targets to be met.

 

Through the clever calculation of lead times and reducing the cost of carrying extra stock inventory, JIT provides a desirable method to create more streamlined lead times and less money spent on inventory costs.

 

JIT is well thought of as a cost saving method – reducing the amount of inventory that is needed through the supply chain.  This is otherwise known as the pull-method, where goods are produced at each stage, but only when they are required at the next stage.  This process also prevents wastage caused by defective products, as every output is monitored before moving on to the next stage in the supply chain.

 

An optimised supply chain will help to deliver stock to customers in a timely manner, a strategy that spends as little money as possible.  In turn, a streamlined supply chain will have a positive effect on customer satisfaction.  Keeping down costs, reducing waste and keeping customers happy?  JIT is certainly worth considering.

 

Here at The Barnes Group, we run a successful JIT strategy, that is well synchronised at every stage – helping to compress time and reduce cost for customers.  With JIT, you have a faster turnaround on stock, therefore there is less of a need for so much warehouse or storage space.  This frees up cost for spending on other aspects of a business.

 

For smaller companies, JIT is ideal for inventory management, as the process doesn’t require the purchase of large amounts of stock in one go.  This logistics strategy instead, is economical and promotes a healthy cash flow for a business.

 

If you’re looking to introduce Just In Time logistics into your business plan, get in touch with The Barnes Group today on 0161 684 3070, to find out how our strategies can help to make your company more economical and reduce waste.

 

 

What Do Automotive Logistics Companies Like The Barnes Group Provide?

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There are many areas of logistical and warehousing support, they can include the transportation of groceries, household goods, weapons and ammunition, and even vehicles. Amongst others, automotive logistics is one service that The Barnes Group provides – so what does it entail?

What Does Automotive Logistics Include?

Automotive Logistics can be defined as the supervision of delivery of an automotive product, including procurement, production to the delivery of the final product.

The blanket term ‘automotive’ covers the design, development, manufacturing, marketing, and selling of motor vehicles.

Automotive logistics doesn’t always mean transporting a car from A to B, it’s essential in the safe passage of tools and materials needed to build them from the beginning too.

The Importance Of Choosing The Right Automotive Logistics Provider

Choosing the correct automotive logistics provider can help to keep the supply chain moving efficiently. It’s paramount to work with a transport company that’s reliable and efficient. The production of motor vehicles is an intricate, and expensive job, so trust is very important. It’s also crucial to ensure that parts are transported not only safely, but in good time to ensure that there are no disruptions to the production line.

You’ll also need to choose an automotive logistics provider that is clued up on current UK-EU regulations. If crossing borders, it’s important to be aware of certain legislations that are in place to ensure the speedy and secure passage of your goods.

It’s also worth considering a company that makes proficient use of available technology. At the Barnes Group, we utilise a Transport Management System that helps with all aspects of efficiency from job orders to invoicing, as well as live vehicle tracking versus plan, sign on glass, and immediate POD availability.

What Automotive Logistics Services Do Barnes Offer?

The UK automotive industry is a vital part of the UK economy. The sector is worth more than £82 billion in turnover and adds £18.6 billion value to the UK economy. In 2019 alone, as reported by SSMT, there were over 1.3 million cars, 78,270 commercial vehicles and 2.5 million engines built in the UK.

This is without a doubt a hugely important industry to the UK, as well as overseas, and therefore it is important to work with the right automotive logistics providers to ensure smooth transactions in the manufacturing and delivery processes.

Supplying ‘Just-In-Time Logistics (JIT)’ solutions to leading UK automotive manufacturers, we are well placed to meet your critical transport requirements. The Barnes Group has been operating in the high-profile sector of automotive logistics for over 15 years, meaning that our already extensive knowledge is backed up by invaluable industry experience to manage all your movement, whether time-critical or not.

Just-in-Time (JIT) logistics is the concept of receiving and transporting materials, products and parts as they are needed, rather than weeks before. We prefer this method of logistics support, as it means that our clients have less supplies on hand to store and are only using products as needed.  It also reduces waste and costs too. You can find out more about our Just-In-Time (JIT) services, for automotive and other sectors, on our blog.

Alongside providing automotive logistics services, the Barnes Group also offers:

  • Commercial vehicle maintenance
  • 50,000 sq ft of warehousing space
  • General logistical support and specialist support in areas such as automotive, weapons, ammunition, ADR transport and night trunking

We do all of this by having a large range of logistical equipment available, including:

  • Ekeri trailers
  • Bulk liquid tankers
  • Car transporters
  • Low loaders
  • Flat beds
  • Skeletals
  • Curtain sliders

Customer service is integral to our business, and we pride ourselves in a well-managed fleet of over 80 vehicles for our nationwide client base. You can find out more about the automotive logistics solutions that we offer in the UK, and contact us, on our website or by emailing admin@barneslogistics.co.uk.

What Is The Future Of Extended Supply Chains?

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The logistics sector has been met with unprecedented struggles in the face of the Coronavirus outbreak. This, along with other factors, may well have compromised the future of extended supply chains. Below, we discuss further.

Threats To The Future Of Extended Supply Chains

There are a number of things that can pose challenges to the future of extended supply chains, including protectionism, sustainability, and arguably most threatening: Covid-19.

Covid-19 & The Future Of Extended Supply Chains

At The Barnes Group, we believe that the best run businesses in the world build robust supply chains along with contingency plans.

Whilst these kinds of businesses were understandably impacted during the pandemic, under normal conditions they should be able to keep up with significant fluctuations in demand. Demand for certain industries has piqued during the outbreak of Coronavirus, much more than anybody could have planned for – it was inevitable that extended supply chains would feel a strain; however, when normality resumes, it has to be presumed that the process will recover.

Businesses should continue to work on the principle of supplying the best value products to their consumers, that will also allow them to run their supply chain at an acceptable level of cost and risk.

When a business decides whether to import product from the other side of the world, many factors are taken into consideration and plans are made to enable a smooth supply into their facilities. Changes to the status quo are always somewhat disruptive, and when Covid-19 is added to this equation, there is little hope of businesses being able to adjust quickly enough to the huge fluctuations in demand.

These swings beyond the edge of the normal distribution curve were pretty much unheard of until now. As such, there is no amount of planning that could protect the supply chain at a cost that would make businesses viable in normal times.

The biggest threat to a well-managed supply chain is undoubtably a global pandemic such as Covid-19, but it is not a threat that cannot be overcome in the long-run.

Will Lessons From Covid-19 Mitigate Future Threats?

When the Covid-19 outbreak is over, there are lessons to be learned. Whilst it’s fair to assume that all companies will adjust their policies to include guidelines to follow in the event of another pandemic, the question of whether a business should use extended supply chains will come down to whether their stock would be in demand.

It’s entirely possible that supply chains could shorten to be closer to home, so that:

  • Travel times are shortened
  • Changes can be made more swiftly
  • Volumes can be changed more quickly
  • Quality control is easier to manage

There are lessons to be learned from Covid-19. It was so unexpected and prompt in its arrival, that hopefully some contingency plans can be put into place from lessons learned that may pre-empt any future pandemics that can threaten the future of the extended supply chain.

What Options Do Supply Chain Professionals Have?

A recent study by RetailX revealed that as many as 24% of consumers said they will continue to follow their new adopted shopping habits that they have picked up during the pandemic, meaning retailers and hauliers will have to adjust their procedures – likely to account for an increase in ecommerce.

As normality (or a ‘new normal’) begins to resume, supply chain professionals will have to adapt and adopt. The options they have include:

  • Providing a first-class service, coupled with strong marketing & technology
  • Ensuring economy for the business
  • Adapting competitive pricing models
  • Exampling reliability within the organisation

Such attitudes will support the future of extended supply chains.

The Barnes Group is one of the UK’s leading providers of logistical support and warehousing to time-critical businesses. For support for your organisation, please contact us.

Transporting Weapons and Ammunition – What Does It Take?

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Behind every product sold and every service given, logistics would have had a part to play at some stage. That includes transporting weapons and ammunition. Handling such dangerous cargo takes the utmost reliability and professionalism, it’s a job that not everyone may be up to – but a crucial one all the same.

Did you know that amongst other services, The Barnes Group also offer the transportation of weapons, ammunition and explosives across the UK and beyond into Europe? To make this happen, our drivers need to be SC level security cleared, and our bespoke assets include EXIII tractors and Ekeri & EXII trailers. Ensuring the safe passage of sensitive cargo is vital and is only possible with dependable workers such as our own.

Military logistics is not often considered, but in truth – no conflict could ever be won without logistics. We’re going to explain a little more as to what transporting weapons and ammunition involves, and also what kind of individuals are required to complete the job.

What’s Involved in Military Logistics?

Often when we think of our armed forces, we mostly think about those on the front line and individuals who’re planning and strategising. An element that’s not so commonly spoken about, but ever crucial in the victory of any war, is logistics.

Be it a truck, a ship, a plane or a train, the safe passage of ammunition from one base to another is not only imperative in supporting any ongoing conflict, but also in maintaining the protection of the general population by shielding them from being in close encounter with the ammunitions cargo.

Historian Jon Peterson estimated that around 100 billion small rounds of ammunition were manufactured and transported during the second world war alone. That’s not to mention other artillery ammunition rifles and carbines, artillery pieces and military vehicles. Now, imagine the resources that are needed to actually move the ammunition and weapons from one place to another…

Military logistics involves, but is not limited to:

  • The secure storage and distribution of ammunition and weapons.
  • Supporting increased demand for medical support during periods of conflict by transporting emergency equipment and other supplies.
  • The provision of food, water, hygiene and sanitation products.
  • Disposal operations which include the safe and prompt removal of waste and faulty military items.

The latter 3 operations are not so in-demand during times of less conflict, but the storage and transport of guns and ammunitions is still indispensable. There is always a need for protection and security and so military goods are required to some degree. There is still a requirement of delivery of weaponry to the UK armed forces, AFOs in the police force and for overseas operations.

What Kind of Skills Are Required for Transporting Weapons and Ammunition?

There are a number of attitudinal qualities that a logistics worker involved in this type of transport should have, as well as being SC level security cleared.

Reliability is highly important. In a situation where a matter of urgency is vital, those overseeing the passage of cargo need a trustworthy individual to carry out a swift yet careful operation. Even during times where there is no direct discourse, military loads still need to be moved quickly as they are high-risk goods.

Further to this, sensitive haulage needs to be handled appropriately and with discretion. Trust in your workers is essential.

Finally, attention to detail is imperative. When transporting such delicate goods, it’s important for employees to do everything by the book. Not only does trust play heavily into this, but rigour too.

Military logistics requires a breadth, depth and complexity that perhaps isn’t always considered. The utmost security and thoroughness is required throughout all stages, by all workers. This type of transportation includes the planning as well actual transporting; it is crucial that every single step is performed to the letter.

Military Logistics – Guns & Ammunition Transportation by The Barnes Group

To find out more about our UK weapon and ammunition transportation services, please call us on 0161 684 3070 or get in touch via our contact form.

The Unseen Covid-19 Key Workers: Logistics

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The Department for Transport recently announced that the current limited drivers’ hours relaxation will be extended until at least 11:59pm on Tuesday 21 April 2020; this will apply to all road haulage operations. Why? Because logistics is a fundamental operation in the fight against Covid-19 right now.

This announcement came following the mounting pressure on transport and distribution as the Coronavirus outbreak has seen a sharp increase in demand in a number of industries. The Government has taken steps to ease the pressure on drivers and to ensure that the country is getting all of the supplies it needs right now.

Amongst the other vital key workers that are keeping the UK operating throughout this pandemic, there are numbers of delivery drivers who are also working tirelessly to keep our shops full, our pharmacies supplied and our country afloat.

Temporary Covid-19 Limited Drivers’ Hours Relaxation: What’s Been Lifted?

Before the Covid-19 epidemic, ‘HGV driver hours’ were in place, under current EU regulations (that still included those operating just in the UK), the rules were:

  • 9 hours daily driving limit (which can be increased to 10 hours, twice a week).
  • Maximum of 56 hours weekly driving limit.
  • Maximum of 90 hours fortnightly driving limit.
  • There should be a 45-minute break for every 4.5 hours of driving.
  • Breaks can be split into two (e.g. 15 mins and 30 mins) so long as they are both taken every 4.5 hours.
  • Drivers should take a daily rest period of 11 hours, this again can be split but both periods need to be uninterrupted, this can be reduced to 9 hours daily rest period but only 3 times per week.

However, since the Coronavirus pandemic changed life as we know it, these restrictions have been temporarily redacted to accommodate for the increased demand in transport and logistics across the board. This means that hauliers can operate outside of these rules and longer hours can be worked.  

Richard Burnett, Chief Executive of the HRA, commented that the relaxation: “Improves resilience in a way that ensures all goods can reach the area where they are needed.” 

What Do The Lifted Restrictions Mean For Hauliers?

In short, this temporary lift will mean that HGV drivers will be able to better accommodate the increase in demand for their services during this time.

It may see hauliers working longer hours, but as unseen key workers in the Covid-19 fight, their determination and willingness is what will help keep our economy ticking along in all respects.

How To Look After Your Mental Health While On The Road

There’s no doubt that these are concerning times for us all right now, whatever industry you operate in. Logistics drivers are, albeit rather unseen, instrumental key workers during this pandemic. As such, longer hours may sometimes be required, especially following the temporary pause on EU regulations.

Working under pressure and for longer in a day might bring about some strains on your mental health. Working in logistics is an opportunistic and exciting career, but as with any line of work, it has its challenges too. Here’s some of our top advice for looking after your mental health when working longer hours:

  • Open a window – when driving on A-roads and along streets, opening a window and allowing yourself to absorb some vitamin D may make a difference to your wellbeing. We’re fortunate to have pleasant weather in the UK at the moment (but who knows for how long) – make the most of it.
  • Play some music – clinical trials have proven that music can help boost your mood and reduce anxiety, the current climate is stressful, so allow yourself to relax a little with a playlist of your favourite songs.
  • Focus on the positives – make a note, whether that be a mental note or a written one, of all the things to be positive about, it’ll help to keep you grounded when things get stressful.
  • Remember you’re doing great – and finally, it’s important to remind yourself that you’re amongst Britain’s key workers, who are working tirelessly and selflessly in the face of a pandemic to keep the country running efficiently. Without HGV drivers, our shelves would be barren, our healthcare system would struggle and there’d be a plethora of other implications. When times get testing, remember why you’re working in logistics and who you’re working for.

What are your opinions on the Governments temporary relaxation of EU driving restrictions, do you welcome them or oppose them? Let us know on Twitter.

The Barnes Group is one of the UK’s leading providers of logistical support and warehousing to time critical businesses. With over 80 vehicles in our fleet, we support a nationwide client base. For more information about us and how we can support your business with logistics, in these unprecedented times and thereafter, get in touch.

Clear Air Zones UK – Good News Or Bad News?

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Clean Air Zones (CAZ) are areas in the UK that have been introduced by local authorities to improve air-quality by introducing fees for drivers. In a daring bid to reduce emissions, Clean Air Zones were first proposed in 2015, and have finally come into force this year. They fit into the UK’s target to be at almost a “net zero” emissions rate by 2050.

Originally, the UK was set a target to reduce their emissions by 80%. In 2019, they decided to do one better and announced that their revised goal was to achieve a “net zero” status, meaning they wish to eradicate emissions completely from homes, industries and transport in 30 years.

But are Clean Air Zones good news or bad news? Let’s think about the logistics industry and how CAZ may affect it.

How Will Clean Air Zones Affect The Logistics Industry?

There’s no argument that cleaner air is a universally desired outcome, we are all working towards creating an eco-friendlier environment with nearer to no emissions. However, are Clean Air Zones the best way to approach this?

It was recently announced that CAZ restrictions will be applied to non-compliant private vehicles. That’s as well as buses, taxis and most importantly HGVs – who’ve already been told that the charge will affect them. This latest development was big news for those following the evolution of this scheme, but for HGV drivers and logistics workers, ever since Clean Air Zones were first considered in 2015; we’ve always known they were to have some effect on our industry.

Clean Air Zones – How They’re Bad News

The government has made a bold statement that they not only plan to reduce emissions by a percentage by 2050, but rather strive for “net zero” status by this date. It is, of course, going to take some significant changes to accomplish this, and Clean Air Zones are just one contributing solution.

However, they are set to crucially impact the logistics industry and how it operates.

Clean Air Zones - What cities will they be in?

Image credit: Arrow Self Drive

Charges Could Have Financial Implications On The Logistics Industry

The charges are set to be steep for large vehicles such as HGV’s, with most fees ranging from £50-£100 per day depending on the city. The transport and logistics industry is crucial for the safe passage of goods from one place to another, and without HGV drivers, the world we’re used to would look rather different. These crippling charges are set to seriously impact the logistics industry and its revenues, which in turn could create a ripple effect wherein the distributions of goods are delayed, and services are impacted.

The Problem Could Be Worsened With Longer Driving Routes

Cities that are operating CAZ such as Birmingham, Leeds, Nottingham and London may find the problem becomes exasperated, rather than eradicated. It has to be assumed that some, who would like to avoid the fine, may choose alternative routes and accumulate more mileage. Therefore, outputting even more emissions. By actively discouraging drivers from entering these major areas, we’re left to wonder whether the knock-on effects could actually be worse than the situation as it is now, with increased fuel consumption and increased out-of-city traffic?

Vehicles On The Road Could See An Increase

We questioned back in November that if some areas replaced trucks with vans (as several local authorities are proposing in an effort to reduce emissions), will this end up increasing the number of vehicles on the road, along with their congestion and emissions? HGVs play an essential role in the national economy – irreplaceable in some respects. The largest truck can carry the load of 20 vans. Could disrupting the system we have in place now with introductions such as Clean Air Zones have adverse effects?

Clean Air Zones – How They’re Good News

By the same token though, we at the Barnes Group are committed to assisting the Government with their “net zero” emissions target and understand that re-evaluating the way the logistics industry operates has a vital part to play in this. Here are some reasons that we endorse the introduction of Clean Air Zones.

Certain Vehicles Are Exempt From CAZ Fees

Plus, not all vehicles will be subject to CAZ charges; compliant vehicles can enter zones free of charge, for HGV’s this includes Euro 6 engines, which are defined by all vehicles with 14 plate or newer. Buses and coaches that meet Euro VI emission standards, as well as cars, vans and taxis that meet Euro 6 (for diesel engines) or Euro 4 (for petrol engines) are also exempt, that’s as well as any ultra-low emission vehicles with a significate zero-emission range.

Clean Air Zones Work As Good Deterrents

There’s no doubt that Clean Air Zones will work well as a strong deterrent, resulting in some drivers avoiding major areas that are suffering from build-up. With this in mind, the idea of discouraging motorists in this way seems to be effective. We’re certainly an advocate of persuading individuals not to drive through populated areas when there’s no reason for them to do so.

However, this does leave us to wonder whether there are other means by which drivers could be motivated. Would the ‘carrot’ approach work better than the ‘stick’?

Ultimately, for the logistics industry, introducing extortionate fines only looks to cripple the sector financially. Is it fair to punish companies for simply operating as standard? It would be near impossible to halt HGVs driving through major cities completely, as every single one of us relies on logistics in our day-to-day lives. Without drivers such as ours at the Barnes Group, we’d all live a very different lifestyle.

Is there a better way to tackle the emissions crisis together, rather than working against one another?

Let us know your thoughts, or just keep up with what we’re doing on Twitter.

 

You can check whether your route will be effected by Clean Air Zones (CAZ) by clicking here.

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Contact Details

Tel: 0161 684 3070
Email: admin@barneslogistics.co.uk

About us

Barnes Logistics fleet operates from more than seven sites across the country and supports a nationwide client base.

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We supply ‘just in time’ logistics support and warehousing to business across the UK.

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Barnes Logistics Ltd
Cowm Top Lane
Rochdale
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