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How To De-Stress Whilst Driving Your HGV

April 20, 2022/in HGV, News /by The Source Partnership

It is so important to be aware of how you feel, reduce work related stress and pressures, and take the time to care for your mental health and wellness when driving. Increased stress can lead to more serious mental health issues and already in England, 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem every week.

Maintaining a good sense of mental health awareness will get you through some of the toughest times on the road. Long hours out alone, overnight trunking, navigating notorious UK traffic, working around other road users, and trying to remain calm when you are under pressure to deliver on time, all of this can really take it out of you if you don’t ensure you have effective coping mechanisms and stress relieving techniques that work for you to hand.

We care about our drivers, so here is some of our advice on de-stressing whilst driving your HGVs and LGVs.

Causes Of Stress

Stress can often come from being overworked but the HGV driving hours are there to protect you as a driver and to ensure your health is considered and maintained. Sticking to your timings and maximising your downtime and breaks is vitally important for making sure you are awake and alert whilst driving.

 

Being away from loved ones or simply confined away in your cab for hours or days on end can also cause stress. So make sure you are creating a clear work life balance! Humans are inherently social beings and no matter how much you may enjoy your alone time; loneliness has a way of creeping up on you.

Tackling Stress

Stress Can Often Trigger Burnout. But the good news is, there are ways you can avoid this with the added bonus of lowering your stress levels as you go:

  1. First up, eat good, wholesome foods to keep your energy up and tiredness at bay
  2. Avoid sugary processed foods where possible, you may feel you need the sugar high but that high is always followed by the inevitable low
  3. Make sure you maximise your rest periods by taking power naps and doing some gentle stretching exercises; scientists say a power nap should be taken in groups of 20 minutes (20mins, 40mins, 1hr etc.) as this is the average time it takes to complete one complete sleep cycle
  4. Finally, drink plenty of fluids whilst on the road but don’t overload on caffeinated beverages

Keeping Stress-Free On the Road

Try to keep a cool head and avoid getting frustrated by other road users. We know this is always easier said than done but we’ve put together a couple ways to manage feelings that may arise whilst driving:

  1. Be vigilant of your surroundings, keep your eyes on the road and be mindful of other drivers
  2. Similar to the first, anticipate other drivers’ behaviours but remember to expect the unexpected
  3. Take deep breaths – it’s obvious but so important
  4. And finally, listen to some music, a podcast, or an audiobook to occupy your mind

Moving Your Body

Your physical fitness is just as important to be aware of and maintain as your mental health. There is often a correlation between how physical health and fitness can affect mental health, and vice versa.

Comfort eating, lethargy, aches, pains, low self-esteem, and feelings of insecurity can create a harmful cycle of behaviour that is increasingly difficult to break. Just a little stroll to stretch your legs and get some fresh air could make all the difference.

At the end of the day, stress is unavoidable. We are all going to be faced with it throughout our lives but it’s how we manage and deal with it that matters most. Hopefully these tips can help to de-stress you, should you find yourself tensing up or finding days too hard. Remember, it’s little and often and the stress will surely ebb away.

If you are struggling or need someone to talk to there are many ways to reach out and get help:

Samaritans – Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair. Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline). Website: www.samaritans.org

CALM – CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35. Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight). Website: www.thecalmzone.net

Looking for more tips for being on the road? Check out some of our previous blogs.

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Considering A Career In Transport Instead Of Higher Education

April 19, 2022/in Driving, HGV, Logistics, News, Uncategorized /by The Source Partnership

Perhaps not the first thing that springs to mind when considering a job or your next move after education, logistics is often overlooked. However, the transport industry is absolutely crucial to the supply chain. A fast-moving and thriving sector, there are an abundance of career opportunities in this world.

Your Options After Education

When choosing from your many options after finishing school, you may be presented with the traditional routes of apprenticeships, college or sixth form – some of which inevitably lead on to studying at university. But, if you desire to head straight into the working world with a rewarding and fulfilling career that’ll have you set for life, then you may consider heading into the logistics industry instead. Something not so common but absolutely an intelligent choice to make.

Why A Career In Logistics?

Logistics and supply chain management is regional, national, and global – it is everywhere. Without the sector, the wheels of industry and ultimately the UK economy would grind to a halt. There would be no stock on the shelves, no online shopping, no transferral of goods and so on. Doesn’t that sound an exciting and rewarding career to undertake?

Plus, logistics is a key part of the UK economy, contributing over £127 billion in revenue each year and employing 1.7 million people. That’s around 5% of the entire UK workforce!

Every retail organisation has a supply chain, so this is an area where there are multiple opportunities for employment. Apprenticeships and other higher education alternatives are plentiful in this sector. If you’re looking for an alternative to university, you can study for a logistics or supply chain apprenticeship and get first-hand experience right from the start. Then, come and join one of the many fantastic logistics operators there are in the country, such as Barnes.

Can You Work In Logistics Straight After Education?

It’s also possible to enter the profession straight from school in a planning or transport-related role and then gain the relevant skills on the job.

Whilst once considered ‘trucks and sheds’ and an industry for those low-skilled workers, logistics and supply chain management is today emerging as a highly desirable sector for employment providing an exciting high-tech career for all walks of life. One that is suitable for women as well as men too (to bust a common misconception)

This is thanks in no small part to the deployment of cutting-edge technologies in many of the key areas such as transport management and warehousing. The introduction of AI and robots is set to be an exciting time for the industry.

If you’re thinking of a career in the industry, you’ve come to the right place! Check out our web page for the latest vacancies we have to offer – we’d love to welcome you to the Barnes family.

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10 Best Podcasts To Listen To On The Road

January 12, 2022/in Driving, HGV, News /by The Source Partnership

There’s a podcast about pretty much anything these days. Hundreds of thousands of podcasts exist over multiple platforms, so figuring out what to listen to next can be challenging. Sifting through what’s actually good and what isn’t up your alley can be a tough task, but fear not, we’ve done the hard work for you! Whether you’re looking for transport industry news, true crime or light-hearted conversation, there’s something here that will grab your interest and make long trips fly by in an instant. For all of our drivers out there, here are our top 10 best podcasts to listen to on the road.

5 Logistics-Based Podcasts To Listen To On The Road

Talking Logistics Podcasts

Talking Logistics is an online video talk show and blog run by supply chain and logistics analyst Adrian Gonzalez. Gonzalez runs the show like a conversation with friends, making it easy to follow. Featured guests include supply chain and logistics executives, to leading manufacturing and retail companies, as well as professors from leading academic institutions, executives from third-party logistics and technology companies, and authors. Topics covered include emerging trends, technologies, and services.

The SupplyChainBrain

The SupplyChainBrain podcast broadcasts in-depth conversations with industry practitioners, academics, consultants, and other experts from every imaginable aspect of supply chain management and international trade. The podcast touches on important topics like retail shifts, supply chains innovations, and labour shortages.

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

The Logistics of Logistics podcast is dedicated to exploring how things get from A to B. Join host, Joe Lynch, for conversations with the people who get them there. Joe talks with logistics and transportation industry leaders about innovation, technology, trends, and the future of freight.

Inbound Logistics

 A product of the leading magazine Inbound Logistics, this podcast provides relevant information within the supply chain management world, as told by influential thought leaders in the industry. Each episode features a different special guest, bringing their unique opinions regarding topics such as logistics, supply chain, cargo, freight, transportation, and education.

The Logistics Podcast

The Logistics Podcast, brought to you by SHD Logistics Magazine and presented by editor Kirsty Adams, discusses key challenges and opportunities faced by logistics operators. Touching on everything from the kings of retail to the surges of Black Friday.

5 Other Podcasts To Enjoy

Rabbit Hole

Easily bingeable, Rabbit Hole takes a look into how the internet affects our lives and our politics every day and in insidious ways, plus how it got to that point. Unparalleled in its research and production, The New York Times’ eight-part series is haunting at times, but the story it’s telling about how we interact with the internet is profound and hard to forget. Well worth your time and easy to get lost in.

Pop Culture

If you’re that person who’s always wondering “Whatever happened to that guy from the thing?” well, wonder no more because this podcast is way ahead of you! It gives updates on all of the obscure pop culture things you probably haven’t thought about in a long time. Anyone remember the Ice Bucket Challenge?

Sincerely X

As gripping as it is enlightening, Sincerely, X is a Luminary-exclusive TED podcast that plunges into the hidden stories that surround us. Each week, host Sarah Kay guides listeners through stories that are “too risky, painful, or controversial” to be shared openly, told by the anonymous people who lived them. From the woman who shares the details of her life in and after a cult to the ex-con who used the pain of his prison experience to lend a helping hand to other inmates.

Radiolab

Radiolab is almost as tough to describe as it is rewarding to listen to. Equal parts science, philosophy, politics, history, and humanity, the show is incredibly wide in scope and rich in heart, and one of the best science podcasts. If you are looking for a driving soundtrack that’s sure to spark endless thought and will have you lost in an endless array of worlds you didn’t even know existed, Radiolab is a must-listen.

A Very Fatal Murder

True Crime will, ironically, probably never die, but its recent spike in popularity on every medium from TV to podcasts may have you feeling a little disenchanted with the genre, however, this podcast offers a slightly different humorous take that may intrigue you. If you’re looking for an irresistible crime story without the forced realization that the world is a cruel, helpless place, well, then this one’s for you!

And as a treat, here’s an extra one for those overnight trunking…

The NoSleep Podcast

Another sure-fire cure for road boredom is the terror that comes from listening to scary stories on a desolate motorway in the middle of the night. The NoSleep Podcast is the perfect elixir of spookiness for anyone for whom horror stories are a guaranteed ticket to sleeplessness. While creepiness is a constant theme, subjects range from paranormal events to monsters to tales of stalkers and shadowy figures. The show is currently in its tenth season, so there’s plenty of content to get stuck in to.

Have any recommendations of podcasts to listen to on the road? Get in touch via Twitter or LinkedIn and have your say. For more information on what we do, visit our website, and for more blogs, click here.

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2021, A Year In Review

January 6, 2022/in HGV, News /by The Source Partnership

2021 has been an eventful year to say the least. Still reeling off the back of 2020, this year has been just as turbulent as its predecessor. Yet despite the challenges this year has thrown at us we are entering 2022 with a positive outlook that things will get better, in fact they are already starting to!

 

But first let’s review 2021. The logistics industry has faced many an issue this year but as the calendar resets, things are looking up.

 

January

January saw the UK thrust into its third national lockdown just six days into the new year. Global manufacturing in China was still feeling the impact, being the epicentre of the pandemic and also a major consumer of products. Travel restrictions, implemented worldwide, were also having a knock-on effect on distribution chains.

 

March

In March 2021, the Suez Canal in Egypt was blocked for six days after a 20,000 TEU container ship, Ever Given, grounded laterally, preventing an estimated US$9.6 billion worth of trade.

 

June

June saw the RHA upgrade its estimate of the shortage of HGV drivers in the UK to 100,000 as delays at testing stations prevent newly qualified drivers from getting on the road. Concerns also rose to the point where army reserves were considered as supplements for the supply chain.

 

July

A few months ahead of COP26, the government launched a groundbreaking transport decarbonisation plan to create cleaner, quieter cities and communities for better quality of life and to improve the way people and goods move around as we build back greener. This put time constraints on hauliers as they were further tasked with phasing out diesel HGVs earlier than expected.

 

September

In September the government confirmed that 10,500 poultry workers, fuel tanker and food lorry drivers would be eligible to work in the UK for three months, until Christmas Eve. Queues were beginning to form, and some fuel deliveries were being affected. Remember the fuel panic?

 

September also saw the Department for Transport announce that up to 50,000 more HGV driving tests would be made available, with drivers now only having to take one test to drive both a rigid and articulated lorry. The tests were also made shorter by removing certain elements which could be tested separately.

 

October

October saw the introduction of the idea of free intensive ‘boot camps’ to train 5,000 people to become HGV drivers, with another 1,000 to be trained through courses funded by the adult education budget. The government also began writing to nearly one million drivers who hold an HGV licence to encourage them to return to the industry in a bet to decrease the shortage of drivers. Monetary incentives were also rolled out by some companies to encourage drivers to join.

 

November

In November, Black Friday accelerated demands and put extra pressure on the already strained supply chain. Delivery times increased; however, extra measures were introduced to increase the number of places for veterans to train as HGV drivers in order to better prepare service leavers for employment following their military careers.

 

December

And that brings us to now. With the number of drivers increasing steadily and the busiest times of the year (Black Friday and Christmas) out of the way, the strain on the supply chain is beginning to ease. The free bootcamps have been put into action and everyone is looking forward to what 2022 will bring.

 

The global pandemic has been an incredibly challenging time for the logistic sector and arguably the world’s first circumstance of the supply chain being impacted on mass. Despite this, the sector has persevered and with new drivers joining every day, the supply chain is firmly planting its feet.

 

What are your thoughts? Get in touch via Twitter or LinkedIn and have your say. For more information on what we do, visit our website, and for more blogs, click here.

 

 

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Challenging The Myths About HGVs

January 4, 2022/in HGV, News /by The Source Partnership

The logistics industry is frequently covered in the media, but it’s no secret that HGVs and their drivers often get (unwarranted) negative press. It’s always unfortunate when a sweeping generalisation is made of those who are simply doing their job; but unfortunately, this is still sometimes the case.

 

Without the HGV drivers who work their hardest to deliver the things we buy in the supermarket or while online shopping, our lives would be very different. Particularly during this time of the year, when the industry is up against a driver shortage, those drivers inside their cabs still work their hardest to deliver.

 

So, we’ve decided to challenge some of the myths that can be presented about HGVs and their drivers.

 

 

Challenging the myths about HGVs

 

 

Myth 1: The job is dangerous

 

The media is known for covering HGV accidents, and the blame is usually on the HGV driver – whether rightly or wrongly. Perhaps with trucks being the bigger vehicle, this is where the accountability incorrectly ends up, even in situations where the cause hasn’t been found yet.  In an article written by Transport Topics in 2018 it was reported that 80% of car-truck crashes are caused by car drivers. However, truck drivers are still frequently blamed.

 

These kinds of media stories tend to be written purely to stir up outcry. There’s plenty of discussion over how damaging this can be for a number of industries, as well as the individuals involved.  With road accidents, often comes a convoluted situation with eye witnesses describing differing accounts for what happened.  This is why more and more fleet managers are having vehicle cameras in trucks to use as evidence, if ever needed. These are becoming more and more popular, as they show clearly what a driver is doing at the time of an accident – making it easy to see they’re blameless and were fully concentrating.

 

While being an HGV driver certainly can’t be described as an easy job, it’s far less dangerous than perceived in the media. Professional HGV drivers are the safest, most advanced, and closely monitored drivers in the UK, outside of the emergency services.

 

So be sure to not let that put you off a career in the industry!

 

 

Myth 2: All drivers are men

 

It’s true that the industry is largely populated by men. As of July 2018, just 5% of HGV licence holders were women.

 

But the numbers of women in the industry is growing year-on-year, and women are just as capable as men in this industry! We would encourage any women who are thinking of becoming an HGV driver to not let stereotypes or fear of being perceived negatively put them off pursuing a career as an HGV driver. There are also now a number of committees, such as Women In Logistics, dedicated to addressing the gender imbalance in the industry and allowing female talent to shine.

 

 

Myth 3:  HGV Drivers are under-appreciated

 

Of course, there is always room for improvement when it comes to the perception of HGV drivers!

 

However, comparatively, there couldn’t be a better time to become a driver. The pandemic, combined with issues caused by Brexit, has raised the public’s consciousness around just how important HGVs are to the everyday running of things. Having been officially classed as essential workers over the pandemic, the preconceptions of HGV drivers has certainly begun to swing towards being more positive.

 

The wage hike caused by the current drivers shortage also means that financially, too, HGV drivers are getting the recognition they deserve.

 

It’s also never been easier to qualify for the role, as the testing process has now been streamlined to get many more drivers on the roads.

 

 

At Barnes Logistics, we have our finger on the pulse when it comes to HGVs. Want more information or looking for some advice? Get in touch via our Twitter, LinkedIn, or on our website.

 

 

 

 

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The challenges posed by the recent driver shortage

September 27, 2021/in Driving, HGV, News /by The Source Partnership

The nationwide driver shortage has highlighted many problems within the industry, and the government’s understanding of how to deal with it. Many issues are simply the result of unresolved flaws in the driving industry that have remained low on the radar for years, such as persistent low wages, reliance on workers from the EU, and an ageing workforce.

 

The amenities and infrastructure on UK roads, or lack thereof, as well as long hours have also driven a younger workforce away from the industry. All of this, combined with a pandemic, has meant that the lorry driver shortage in the UK – roughly 100,000 at the moment – must be met with change and improvement in order to solve the crisis.

 

Testing, testing

 

One of the potential solutions to the driver shortage is by creating an improved testing system in order to help reduce the backlog of tests, which were briefly stopped during the pandemic.

 

At the moment, the government is expected to streamline the qualifications required to drive class C large rigid lorries and class C & E heavy goods vehicles into a single test. The current requirements for those wanting to become lorry drivers have to get a car licence, a provisional class C licence and then the full C licence, before applying for the provisional class C & E licence and then going on to pass that test.

Ministers are also expected to allow another element of the tests, showing an ability to conduct manoeuvres such as reversing, to be carried out without the current requirement for a driving examiner.

 

This would help drivers become qualified quicker and more easily. But would this be the solution to everything?

 

Mapping the future

 

Another challenge posed by the driver shortage is how to attract the younger generation to the roles. There were plans to subsidise the workers who have left the UK by enrolling members of the army, however, this has now been delayed until March 2022.

 

In the meantime, drivers who are over the age of 45 account for almost two-thirds of the workforce, a rate that has been increasing since the early 2000s. The industry needs to ensure that it is an attractive role for those who are looking for work under the age of 45, before the shortage increases even further.

 

That might mean providing better wages – which we have seen is now in motion. Research by Indeed has shown that wages have been hiked seven times the UK average, which may well help roles become more appealing to younger people.

 

At Barnes Logistics, we prioritise the welfare of our drivers and are helping to ensure logistics is an attractive and viable option for those looking for a career. We’re proud to call ourselves one of the UK’s leading providers of logistical support and warehousing to time-critical businesses.

 

What are your thoughts? Get in touch via Twitter or LinkedIn and have your say. For more information on what we do, visit our website, and for more blogs, click here.

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Tips For HGV Drivers In The Summer Heat

August 23, 2021/in Driving, HGV, News /by The Source Partnership

Though it might not always feel like it, we’re very much still in the throes of summer at the moment. That means that hot and sunny days are still ahead of us, we hope! Spending long stretches of time on the road means you might get hot and bothered, if you don’t take precautionary measures. We have plenty of experience in driving HGVs and working in warehouses, so here are our team’s top tips for HGV drivers to cope with the heat this summer.

 

  1. Stay hydrated

 

It’s an obvious one – but there are no downsides to keeping a water bottle close to you at all times. Keeping hydrated has been scientifically linked to positive concentration levels, feelings of alertness, and it even helps keep your mood at a healthy baseline. According to the NHS, you need to be drinking 6-8 cups of water per day.

 

You’re bound to sweat more on a hot day, so your body will need to be replenished more than usual to make up for this.

 

So, we suggest investing in a big water bottle so you can go for long journeys without needing a refill. Keep your body hydrated and happy! To keep extra cool, you could even freeze your bottle beforehand to get ice-cold water on the road.

 

  1. Use SPF

 

It’s easy to forget that while we’re on the road, our skin is exposed to rays of sunlight for the entirety of our journey. Some experts even speculate that, on cloudy days, we’re actually more likely to burn due to the fact we’re less inclined to wear SPF, leaving UV and UVB rays to penetrate our skin. Those with skin that burns easily, or who have lots of moles or freckles, should take extra care to look after their skin on the road.

 

So apply your SPF in the morning, but don’t just apply just once and go! To retain the benefits of the sun cream, it should be reapplied every few hours. Remember that the SPF factor (15, 30, 50 etc.) indicates the time it may take before your skin begins to burn. For example, SPF 15 will give you 15 times the number of minutes before you burn than you’d have with no sun protection at all. The more you know!

 

  1. Use whatever else is available to block out the sun

 

Sunglasses, a cap, your windscreen visor – use everything at your disposal to keep the sun away from your eyes and body. Not only do you want to do this for safety reasons, but keeping the sun off you as much as possible is bound to make you feel cooler, and happier!

 

  1. Keep cool, calm and collected

 

When your body releases adrenaline that sends blood to the muscles, your circulation increases, giving you an unexpected flash of heat. That’s one thing you don’t need on an already hot day! Try and keep calm and collected on the roads. You can keep the stress minimal by being organised and giving yourself plenty of time to go where you need. Being well-rested will also help with this, so get your eight hours at all costs!

 

Do you have any tips that you think we’ve missed out? Get in touch with us via Twitter and LinkedIn today.

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Tackling The Driver Shortage – The Do’s & Don’ts

August 12, 2021/in Driving, HGV, News /by The Source Partnership

The driver shortage has reached crisis level in the UK, with demand increasing across supply chains as the country recovers from Covid-19. Leading voices within the logistics sector have been meeting with, and appealing to, the Government in an attempt to tackle the ever-increasing shortage of drivers within the sector. Unfortunately, positive outcomes seem few and far between. Here are our “Do’s and Don’ts” for tackling the obvious driver shortage in the UK supply chain.

 

DO Increase the Number of Overnight Parking Spaces

 

The lack of available overnight parking spaces has always been, and continues to be an obstacle in attracting more people to the industry. More than 1,400 HGV drivers are forced to spend the night sleeping in their vehicles every day. Despite previous assurances from the Government that provision of adequate locations for drivers to take their legally mandated rest breaks – including short stops and overnight stays – would be prioritised, a lack of progress means that drivers are still being forced to put themselves and their loads at risk. This can result in new entrants being deterred from applying for roles within the sector. Back in 2018, the government promised to supply 1,500 parking spaces for HGVs but is yet to deliver. Without safe and secure locations to take legally mandated rest stops, it’s difficult to attract new talent to the industry.

 

DO Improve Driver Testing

 

Currently a potential deterrent to new talent entering the sector, DVSA driver testing needs to be prioritised and the frequency of testing needs to be increased. This will hopefully then welcome a new wave of desperately needed drivers to the workforce. At the moment, the DVSA are facing a backlog of 25,000 tests that are estimated at current rates to take 27 weeks to perform (until the end of January 2022). However, new consultations propose allowing drivers to take one test to drive both an articulated and rigid lorry. This, says the Government, would streamline the process for new drivers to gain their HGV licence and would increase lorry test appointment availability. Although the Government has placed urgent focus on increased testing, the proposals for a reformation of the vocational driving test process to increase test capacity will take time to come into effect, and even longer before the full benefit can be felt.

 

DO Implement Flexible Delivery Times

 

The Government has also called on local councils to be flexible around delivery times relating to supermarkets and other retailers, which would allow drivers to make deliveries earlier in the morning or later in the evening where necessary. This relaxation of delivery hours combats reports of fresh food rotting in delivery depots due to a lack of haulage drivers to ship goods across the country, which has led to bare supermarket shelves in some regions.

 

DO Diversify The Workforce

 

Currently, it is estimated that less than 1% of the HGV drivers working on the UK’s roads are female. Looking at this statistic, it seems that there needs to be a bigger effort made to encourage women into the sector. How is the logistics industry meant to recover and grow if it’s only attracting male recruits? There is more to be done in attracting talent across all genders into the industry.

 

DON’T Simplify Training

 

Hauliers are wrongly criticised enough as it is in the media. When it comes to traffic accidents, HGV drivers are forced to take the brunt of the blame as their vehicle can cause the most damage; even though they have been disproved as the leading cause of traffic accidents. One only needs to take a look at the new ‘hierarchy’ of road users in the Highway Code to understand this. The last thing the logistics sector needs is undertrained drivers, so we need to ensure that testing is fair and abundant, but also appropriate.

 

DON’T Relax Driver Hours Further

 

The recently announced temporary relaxation of drivers’ hours rules allows HGV drivers to make slightly longer journeys, but this must only be used where necessary and must not compromise driver safety. This should not become permanent in any case, as the fixed hours ensure that drivers take enough breaks and get sufficient rest in order to maintain focus on the UK’s roads.

 

 

What are your thoughts? Get in touch via Twitter or LinkedIn and have your say. For more information on what we do, visit our website, and for more blogs, click here.

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What Does Euro-7 Mean For Logistics?

July 27, 2021/in HGV, Logistics, News /by The Source Partnership

With Euro-7 emissions standards set to be introduced before the end of 2025, UK hauliers will have to start preparing for yet another assortment of emissions regulations.

The rules will apply not just to trucks, but to cars, buses and vans too. According to Diesel Information, Euro-7 is an opportunity to introduce a regulatory framework that focuses on real-world emissions, improving European air quality and protecting the public’s health and well-being. Diesel Information also states that Euro-7 will “be biofuel and technology-neutral and legislate based on a total system approach and on a whole vehicle basis.”

This means that it doesn’t matter whether you’ve got a 2-litre or a 7-litre Euro-7 engine, because the technology used inside both will be regulated in the same way. The ability for biofuels to power the new engines improves the transport sector’s sustainable credentials, and some hauliers may opt to ditch the diesel entirely in favour of greener options, like biodiesels made from olive and vegetable oil.

How Does Euro-7 Differ From Euro-6?

Euro-7 legislation differs from Euro-6 because the regulations concern the emissions generated by vehicles during real-world driving conditions. Currently, the measurement of on-road pollutant emissions data goes through post-processing, which excludes the highest emission levels. Conversely, Euro-7 will count the emissions emitted by HGVs and other heavy-duty vehicles that Euro-6 failed to acknowledge.

What Will Euro-7 Legislation Cover?

The European Union’s Euro-7 rules will measure a vehicle’s daily tailpipe emissions, which ensures emission control systems continue to evolve to cope with the variation in real-world pollutants.

When Will The Legislation Come into Force?

Said to be introduced around 2025, Euro-7 regulations will come into effect at a time when emission laws surrounding city and town centres are stricter than ever before. Ultra-Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) and Low Emission Zones are slowly being introduced across the country, too, the largest of which is in London.

Why Is Euro-7 Being Introduced?

The primary purpose of Euro-7 is to help reduce the level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, while simultaneously lowering the risk to public health. The key, according to the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA), is to create a “sustainable way of reducing air pollution using a coherent strategy”.

The EPHA also states that Euro-7 will see the introduction of the “most efficient internal combustion engines ever” ahead of 2030’s petrol and diesel ban. The Alliance adds that the new units will be “the healthiest and the lowest polluting” engines ever seen on UK roads, and probably the last.

Downsides Of Euro-7

Cost. When Euro-6 was introduced back in 2014, many hauliers’ fleets, especially in and around London due to incurring costs associated with operating in the capital, were subject to huge refreshes which left many out of pocket. But others were able to retrofit their Euro-5 trucks with devices that lowered the emissions of their engines, which made them compliant with Euro-6 standards. This costed considerably less than buying a new vehicle, too.

In summary, there is no doubt that Euro-7 welcomes a new era of efficiency and health-conscious powerplants that will help to improve the efficiency of fleets across the UK. But vehicles with these engines may prove more costly to purchase.

https://barneslogistics.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/pexels-mike-133826-scaled.jpg 1440 2560 The Source Partnership https://barneslogistics.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Barnes-Logistics-01.png The Source Partnership2021-07-27 10:40:452021-07-27 10:40:45What Does Euro-7 Mean For Logistics?

6 Top Tips for Newly Qualified HGV Drivers

June 23, 2021/in Customers, Driving, HGV, LGV, Logistics, lorry, News, safety, Uncategorized, weather /by The Source Partnership

If you’ve just gotten your HGV license, a career on the open road could be a hugely exciting prospect. However, it isn’t without its stresses and pressures due to varying workloads and challenging driving conditions. Whatever part of the country you’re in, each has its share of testing issues, even for the most experienced driver!

 

Having said that, there are a few nifty tips and tricks we’ve picked up over the years to help things run smoothly and we’d like to share them with you. Check out some of these top tips to prepare you for your new driving career.

Preparation and planning

Perhaps this is one of the most important points when looking at top tips around HGV jobs. Taking the time to map out your route can save you so much time and energy (not to mention fuel) in the long run. You will need to remember to plan rest stops, refuelling and anything else that may be required on your journey.

 

If you’re new to a job, getting to know routes takes time, and in some cases, Sat Nav’s can take you down wrong roads and dead ends. By taking the time to check out the details of your route before you head out, it will help to relieve any stress or anxiety on your first trips. Plus, you’ll get where you need to be in plenty of time.

 

As Franklin once said:

“Fail to prepare, prepare to fail”

Check the height of your vehicle

Before you begin your journey, you need to be aware of the height of your vehicle and your trailer. Bridge collisions are a common occurrence with lorries and trailers, as drivers think they can squeeze through. If you’re unsure when you get to a bridge that you weren’t anticipating, it’s not a good idea to just go for it. Lorries getting stuck under bridges can cause severe traffic disruption and will not make you popular with your employer.

Take a break

It’s essential as an HGV driver to be alert at all times; however, you can’t do this if you push your body to the limits. A tachograph will monitor your driving times, and there are set rules that are essential to adhere to. If not followed, you could face major fines and even driving bans. These rules are set in place to help you avoid exhaustion and make the roads safe for everyone.

 

Make sure to take these breaks at regular intervals to ensure your attention span remains at full capacity whilst on the road. Rest your eyes or get some fresh air, the roads can become dangerous if you are not paying attention.

Vehicle checks

You wouldn’t drive a car that wasn’t fit for purpose, and the same goes for an HGV. Before you head out on any journey, it’s vital to complete a full vehicle check to ensure its suitable to drive. It is your responsibility to do a physical examination and report anything back to management to ensure it is resolved before you head out on the road.

Be considerate and mindful on the road

It is not just yourself you have to look out for, but you also need to keep a careful watch on your fellow drivers. It is a good idea to learn how to understand when motorists want to overtake you, getting a feel for things like that, and reacting quickly and accurately to other motorists’ actions can be helpful. Always be on guard as to what other motorists may do and be ready to react safely to help avoid accidents. Not everyone is clued up to your blind spots and could easily put themselves in danger around you and your vehicle.

Exercise

The thing with HGV driving is that you are required to sit for long periods. This can take its toll on your body as well as your mind. When you get the chance, exercise a little. Go for a walk or do some stretching to get the blood flowing. Driving can also have effects on your mental health so ensure you’re taking time out to focus on self-care and fitness to keep on top of your overall health.

 

Want to share your own tips, get in touch via our Twitter or LinkedIn pages. Alternatively, email us at admin@barneslogistics.co.uk or check out our website.

https://barneslogistics.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/pexels-mike-192364-1-scaled.jpg 1920 2560 The Source Partnership https://barneslogistics.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Barnes-Logistics-01.png The Source Partnership2021-06-23 14:28:512021-07-27 10:37:516 Top Tips for Newly Qualified HGV Drivers
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