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.

How Has The Shift To Ecommerce Impacted Logistics?

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It’s no secret that in the last few years, there has been a huge shift to ecommerce from traditional bricks and mortar stores. This has only been accelerated by the pandemic, that has forced many of us to shop online throughout 2020. Logistics for ecommerce businesses does differ to the traditional supply chain that results in products on store shelves – so what impact has this recent shift had on the industry and what can we expect from the future?

Logistics For Ecommerce Businesses

Thanks to the on-demand economy, logistics for ecommerce businesses requires a degree of organisation, speed of service and a rigid supply chain. The likes of Just In Time (JIT) logistics works particularly well for goods sold online, as it means there’s less excess stock held up in warehouses, allowing products to be distributed more quickly. Just In Time logistics is offered by The Barnes Group and means that logistical services are provided in line with demand and sales, it reduces surplus stock and is also a more cost effective means of transportation.

Most ecommerce sites offer next day, or 3-5 delivery. This means that a product needs to go from a sale online, to being on that person’s doorstep, usually in less than a week. When it comes to logistics, retailers need providers to keep their warehouses stocked with products that are selling, and then also supporting in getting orders to couriers, who in turn will deliver them to the customer. This speed of service is crucial for many online retailers, as in a recent survey of over 8000 participants, 41% said they would abandon their basket if they were faced with long delivery times.

As you can imagine, for ‘next day’ sales, this process happens very quickly and requires a streamlined approach. A strong team is needed across multiple departments, including logistics.

The Shift & Its Impact

According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), as of October 2020, 28% of all sales made in the UK were made online. Naturally this peaked in May of this year when the country was under lockdown restrictions. During this time, this figure was a massive 33%. The shift to ecommerce has been steady but certain in recent years, with the market only predicted to grow. There are just a handful of large companies resisting the change, such as high-street fashion store Primark, but many now have some degree of online presence.

Though the pandemic pressed the accelerator, this move to an online way of shopping has not been unprecedented, meaning the logistics industry has had time to prepare. The impact will mean more providers needing to understand the difference of services required for ecommerce businesses, as opposed to traditional bricks and mortar operations. Given that change won’t happen overnight, though, the sector is well equipped to embrace the switch and will bolster the changing landscape of retail.

What Does The Future Hold For Logistics?

For as long as you will need to buy and sell products, you will always need logistics. Though the way we purchase continues to change, transportation will always be required in retail and therefore the future remains bright for our sector. Naturally, as circumstances change, we will need to change also, but with operations such as Just in Time logistics under our belt, we are well placed to adapt.

If you’re an ecommerce or retail business looking for logistical support, please get in touch with our team for more information. Or keep up to date with The Barnes Group on our blog, Twitter or LinkedIn.

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.

How Black Friday Might Look Different This Year For Logistics

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Black Friday is historically a high-traffic time for those in the logistics industry. More resources are required to meet the higher-than-usual consumer demand in retail, both for eCommerce stores as well as traditional bricks and mortar outlets. Black Friday has seen a steady growth in recent years, originating from the U.S and now a phenomenon in the UK too, in 2019, Black Friday sales in Britain jumped by 16.5% compared with the previous year.

What was once celebrated on a single day, is now spread over several weeks – with some brands already kicking off their 2020 Black Friday deals, in light of this difficult year. The event is swiftly followed by Cyber Weekend (previously referred to as Cyber Monday), which offers similar deals and savings to customers – but is limited to online purchases only. This year, Black Friday will occur on 27th November, with Cyber Monday on 30th November.

How Will Black Friday Be Different This Year?

With the exception of supermarkets and other essential retailers, Black Friday, for the first time in its lifespan, will be mostly confined to online operations this year (rendering the notion of Cyber Weekend less novel than in recent years). This, of course, is due to the UK being in a second nation-wide lockdown that is projected to last until at least 2nd December, 5 days after the usual Black Friday event. What this means is that eCommerce procedures will be met with a much greater demand from their website hosting capabilities, right through to the capacities of their warehouses and couriers.

With attention taken away from the usual offline operation – which has been notorious in past years for long queues, packed out stores and even in rare cases, brawls – retailers will likely have more budget and labour to put into ensuring that their online presence can withstand more traffic and interest than what they might have had in previous weeks and months. Timed with the last payday for most people before Christmas, Black Friday has a reputation for being one of the busiest times for businesses, even without deals on display. It’s estimated that around £8.57bn was spent last year.

The notion of retail moving online is not necessarily a new one, and especially not for Black Friday. In fact, around 23.8% of shoppers prefer exclusive online deal-hunting and in 2019, UK shoppers were expected to spend more over Cyber Weekend than on Black Friday itself. However, this is the first year where operations have been forced online completely – retailers do not have a choice but to adapt if they wish to jump on the trend.

What this means for logistics, is undoubtedly an adjustment of usual procedures. Where transport workers were surely the unsung heroes during the first national lockdown, keeping supermarket shelves full and healthcare organisations supplied, businesses will now look again to logistics to accommodate the changing face of Black Friday. During times like these, where pressure is ramped up and circumstances are different than usual, Just In Time (JIT) logistics is an efficient and clever way to navigate the changing climate.

Is This A New Normal For Retailers?

The phrase “new normal” has been passed around a lot over the course of the last few months, with many thinking that trends such as working from home and social distancing may continue for years to come. Can this also be said for retail? Will there be a shift to eCommerce not only this Black Friday, but permanently?

Naturally, only time will tell, but if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that we value human interaction. With this in mind, it’s unlikely that all businesses will move online in their entirety, as the novelty of heading out and shopping in person is unlikely to be lost on people any time soon. Though the high street is without doubt in a difficult position, we are also seeing the likes of Primark completely resisting the shift to eCommerce, a controversial, but well-respected decision.

When it comes to logistics, the sector has to be more tuned in than ever to facilitate fluid demands as we navigate through these times. There are plenty of uncertainties ahead for retail, but the transportation sector is well-prepared to handle it.

Keep up to date with our latest news on our blog, LinkedIn or Twitter.

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.

How Has The ‘On-Demand’ Economy Impacted Logistics?

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Since the Coronavirus outbreak, many things have changed in the world of business. However, even before that, we’ve definitely seen an increase in the past few years of an ‘on-demand’ economy – one shaped by the likes of retailers such as Amazon and services such as “30-minute click & collect”. The ‘on-demand economy’ is the business of delivering almost instantly. Amazon’s ‘same-day delivery’ to a hub locker and the now-abandoned Amazon Pantry in the US helped to give consumers something they now find hard to live without: online shopping that is delivered the same day. The convenience of your goods arriving almost instantly, without the hassle of going to a physical store.

Once an idea is alive, it’s hard to kill it. So, since the ‘on-demand economy’ begun to take shape, many retailers have had to move with it. Brands such as Superdrug have launched a ’30-minute click & collect’ service, whilst Tesco offer same day delivery, so long as your cart is checked out before 1pm. This idea isn’t just exclusive to retail either, the ‘on-demand economy’ has long been present in companies such as Uber, who enable users to request a ride instantaneously, and digital transformation means that when you order concert tickets, for example, they’ll be delivered to your smartphone right away.

The ‘On-Demand Economy’ And Its Impact On Logistics

One thing is for certain when it comes to talking about the ‘on-demand economy’, when consumers want something – they want it quickly. This presents a stocking issue, as it’s important to make sure there’s enough goods in stock to adhere to demand, but also not so much that warehousing space is wasted. There’s no real way to tell when a product might be popular and when it might not, other than speculating, retailers need a plan in place that means when a customer places an order – they’ll get it in good time. This in turn has an impact on logistics, those who transport a product from A to B. Retailers need to make sure that they are working with a trusted logistics provider who can meet timely demands. At The Barnes Group, we operate a ‘Just in Time (JIT)’ method of logistics, to keep up with consumer demand. This means that we avoid deadstock by only transporting goods where and when they’re needed. This might not always mean same or next day delivery, but it does mean swift and reliable transportation that doesn’t result in a lack of or a surplus of stock.

The impact of the ‘on-demand economy’ on logistics, creates the need for a fast turnaround for consumers. This isn’t exclusive to transportation either. Producers need to work to ensure they’ve made enough product to keep up with demand. Then at the other end of the funnel, retailers themselves need to be managing an operation allowing for a service that provides click and collect, or even same day delivery. Not every business can manage this logistically and even where they can – there’s a reliance on every step of the supply chain moving swiftly and efficiently. Though not impossible to service the ‘on-demand economy’, companies need to be able to work quickly without compromising on quality. Naturally, a lot of planning is required to ensure that production doesn’t fall behind and neither does the movement of goods during the next stage.

The important thing with the ‘on-demand economy’, is managing consumer expectations. Companies like Amazon are built around speed and they’ve been offering same and next day delivery for some time. This model will not work for every company and it’s important to keep that in mind.

Does The ‘On-Demand Economy’ Have A Future?

This method of operating isn’t feasible for every company and it would be fair to assume that not every consumer would expect such a speedy service from every business they interact with. For businesses that can adhere to the ‘on-demand economy’ such as Amazon, Superdrug, Uber, online course providers and supermarkets, then no doubt they’ll continue to thrive under this operation. Especially since the pandemic has increased reliability on eCommerce.

However, it would also be fair to say that if a business can’t keep up with the ‘on-demand’ economy, then they won’t necessarily be in trouble. Or at least not for now. For the most part, customers are happy to wait. Only time can tell if this changes in the future.

For more information on Just in Time (JIT) logistics and the other services that The Barnes Group provide, including warehousing solutions, please get in touch with our team on our website.

 

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.

Do Clean Air Zones (CAZ) Have A Future?

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Clean Air Zones (CAZ) are being gradually rolled out across towns with major traffic gateways in a bid to reduce emissions. Manchester is one of the most recent locations that is set to implement Clean Air Zones. Consultations are to begin in October and will ask members of the public to give their views on the boundary zones, as well as charges, discounts and exemptions. The CAZ in this major city is due to be introduced in 2022.

Manchester, along with other large cities face C Class CAZs, which means that vehicles including buses, coaches, taxis, PHVs, HGVs and LGVs will have to pay a fee to enter the zone and travel in or around the city.

The Arguments Against Clean Air Zones

Naturally, the decision to implement Clean Air Zones is one not necessarily welcomed by the logistics industry, as these zones and subsequent charges could have a detrimental impact on services and the day-to-day running of logistics providers. We have recently discussed Clean Air Zones, and whether they’re good news or bad news. In short, some downfalls of this initiative include…

  • Encouraging additional traffic outside of cities, moving the problem as opposed to eradicating it
  • Fees would mean that costs would spike, meaning job threats and a risk of increased service costs
  • Longer driving routes which means more time on the roads and more emissions
  • Delayed service times, which could impact industries with a need for speed such as medical and groceries

The controversial zones have also been met with disdain from others outside of the logistics industry. Last year, Birmingham’s CAZ plans sparked calls to abandon the scheme after they were delayed initially from early 2019 to summer 2020. The plans have since been delayed further and commuters, taxi companies and residents seem to be in agreement with this outcome.

Do Clean Air Zones Have A Future?

With public outrage and a lack of support from UK industries, do Clean Air Zones have a future?

It’s unlikely that plans would be abandoned altogether, as there are already several areas that have been mandated by the Government to introduce a Clean Air Zone: Birmingham, Leeds, Nottingham, Derby and Southampton.

However, of these cities, none have CAZs fully in place at present. Birmingham’s plans are delayed until at least January 2021, as is the introduction of the zone to Leeds. In Derby, it’s not expected that a CAZ will be introduced at all now and Nottingham City Council has cancelled its plans for a CAZ too. In Southampton, there is a non-charging CAZ in operation that was introduced in 2017.

There’s been little progress in the way of introducing paid-for Clean Air Zones to target cities and although it’s unlikely they’ll be ruled out altogether, this does mean that their future becomes more of a grey area. It could be the case that other deterrents are considered instead of fees, or that non-charging zones become commonplace as they are in Southampton.

Southampton could be a possible indication for what might happen in the future. After deciding against a charge, the city has instead introduced measures that include…

  • Offering opportunities for businesses to assess and trial freight consolidation, removing HGV trips in the city
  • Introducing a traffic regulation condition to ensure large vehicles such as buses meet emission standards
  • Revising taxi licenses to remove vehicles with high emissions, and including a low emission scheme to support more operators in making environmentally friendly choices

It’s been estimated that thanks to £15m funding in these areas, in 2020 Southampton should have reduced nitrogen dioxide levels by 24% in the most polluted areas, without the need for a charging zone.

Similar rules could be laid out for the other mandated cities, instead of looking at hard charges that they are currently facing. Costs in Birmingham, for example, could be around £8 per day for cars and £50 per day for HGVs. Instead of introducing costs that could cripple the logistics industry and impact commuters and residents, perhaps a revision of the schemes is what the future might hold for CAZs. A solution that benefits all involved is vital.

Let us know whether you think Clean Air Zones have a future and any other thoughts, 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.

Will Freezing Fuel Duty Help Logistics Recover?

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According to FleetNews, Chancellor Rishi Sunak is considering ending a ten-year freeze on fuel tax in his upcoming Autumn Budget, which could see fuel duty increase by 5p. This measure is rumoured to be be considered due to the Coronavirus crisis and the impact that it has had on the country’s economy. However, organisations such as FairFuelUK which is backed by the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and Logistics UK (formerly FTA), has said it will “fight tooth and nail” against these plans.

Today, we’re looking at how a continued freeze of fuel duty will aid the recovery of the logistics industry following the hard times that it too has endured following the Covid-19 pandemic.

What Could A Hike In Fuel Duty Mean?

If the end to the freeze on fuel duty occurs during the Autumn budget, then this will bring a myriad of implications for those working in the logistics industry. From drivers, to company owners – the impact will be felt across the board.

According to FairFuelUK, UK drivers are still the most taxed in the world. They also predicted that had the fuel duty escalation continued as planned from 2011 onwards, as opposed to the freeze that was introduced, fuel duty today would be 83.33p per litre rather than 57.95p per litre, 43.8% higher. A serious expense for household drivers, as well as logistics companies.

A lift on restrictions on fuel duty this Autumn means that the price per litre that is paid for fuel can increase to no end. Currently, rates are capped at 57.95 pence per litre for petrol and diesel, but a lift of this freeze in prices could see this figure rise by as much as 5p.

An increase of this magnitude could seriously impact the recovery of the logistics industry following months of uncertainty. Higher fuel costs, meaning the price per job increases and either profit margins get lower, or prices have to increase. Either outcome is not favourable for logistics providers and their clients, this is why the industry must rally behind the likes of FairFuelUK, who are imploring the Government to consider the logistics sector, and what the end of the freeze on fuel tax could mean for it.

How Freezing Fuel Duty Will Aid Recovery

On the other hand, if a more favourable outcome is found in the Autumn 2020 budget, namely a continuation of the freeze on fuel duty, then this can help to aid the recovery of the logistics sector after months of hardship.

According to TouchStar, at the end of March, 76 per cent of respondents for a Logistics UK survey, reported a general downturn in business and by 3rd April, 69.5 per cent of companies had scaled back or suspended operations. Though many are now reporting an increase in normal supply chain performance, weeks of affected business has in no doubt put a strain on the industry. Whilst it recovers, a continued freeze of fuel duty would help contribute to the recuperation of the sector and ensure that profits do not take any further hits.

Not having to budget for an increased fuel cost, will mean more revenue can be set aside for innovation within businesses, as well as logistics recruitment. Both are important for the future of the sector, with the latter being crucial in targeting the skills gap in logistics.

A freeze will give the industry the chance it needs to get back on track, and to continue servicing the country in the way that it did post, and even during, national lockdown. What are your thoughts? You can interact with us on Twitter and LinkedIn, and remember you can engage with FairFuelUK to help to urge the chancellor to continue with the fuel duty freeze this autumn.

What Is Overnight Trunking – And What Are The Benefits?

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Overnight Trunking is a logistics service utilised by The Barnes Group, it helps us to keep up with supplier demand whilst keeping costs to a minimum. Below, we’re going to run through what Night Trunking (also known as Overnight Trunking) is, and what the benefits of it are.

What Is Overnight Trunking?

‘Trunking’ means making deliveries using a regular route. ‘Overnight trunking’ is when HGV drivers utilise twilight hours for their logistical services, getting their cargo from A to B in one journey overnight.

Trunking jobs are quite popular amongst drivers because the routes are typically regular, and the roads are usually quieter to navigate. But it’s not just logistics workers that overnight trunking benefits. In fact, utilising this method means we can add more benefits to our service for new and existing clients.

What Are The Benefits Of Overnight Trunking?

One of the biggest benefits of overnight trunking in logistics is that due to the roads typically being quieter, the process is streamlined. There’s less traffic meaning that transportation usually takes less time than it does during the daytime, and you’re also more likely to be driving without traffic jams. Less engine idling is better for the environment.

Night trunking also means that consumer demands can be met with more ease, sometimes a night or early morning delivery is better for a client, and therefore operating in twilight hours helps to make the supply chain more streamlined to meet business needs.

The Barnes Group offer ‘Just In Time’ (JIT) logistical services, which means that we make use of precise timings to ensure maximum efficiency. Goods can be re-stocked and distributed before they are sold, which saves on costs by reducing the need for carrying extra inventory. Lead times are also more appropriately managed. Overnight trunking helps us to keep the JIT logistics method operating smoothly, and to service demand appropriately.

Through overnight trunking, we can also offer adhoc services when a client’s demand requires extra vehicles, this can help keep costs to a minimum as the procedure can be used on an ‘as you need it’ basis.

Trunking tends to cover long-distance haulage on ‘trunk roads’, which means that despite being based in the North West, we can service a network of customers all over the UK. As mentioned above, overnight driving usually means quieter roads and streamlined journeys, this means our drivers can travel quite the distance in a shift. As a logistics provider, this is a great benefit to us and to our clients also.

Logistics Services At The Barnes Group

At the Barnes Group, we have been working with some of the largest overnight freight networks in the world for years, keeping UK consumers happy. We have found this sector to be expanding at a phenomenal rate, and it’s no surprise with the number of benefits to both workers and consumer. We are capable of offering a simple adhoc service when demand requires extras or running vehicles out of your own sites to keep costs to a minimum.

To find out more about overnight trunking, and our other logistical services, you can contact us by clicking here.

The Barnes Group Now Incorporating

GA Newsome

OUR ACCREDITATIONS

 

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.

Our Service

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

Registered Office

Barnes Logistics Ltd
Cowm Top Lane
Rochdale
OL11 2RG

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