Stress Awareness Month: Move More & Reduce Stress

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It’s Stress Awareness Month and so we wanted to talk about moving more and reducing stress. We know that getting active is not easy in this profession. Being behind the wheel for long hours leaves little room to stretch your legs. This can sometimes lead to a build-up of tension and stress. Fortunately, we have some simple steps to help you relieve such feelings.

 

Many of these steps can also help improve your overall health as well, including your mental health. Exercise is one of the best strategies for combating stress and supporting your mental wellbeing. Getting active can help lower your overall stress levels and improve your quality of life, both mentally and physically. It can also improve the quality of your sleep, which can be negatively impacted by stress, depression, and anxiety. Another positive is that it can also boost your confidence levels.

 

How Does Exercise Help with Stress?

Getting active, even if it is just a short walk, improves your body’s ability to use oxygen and also improves blood flow. Both of these changes have a direct effect on your brain. Exercise also increases your brain’s production of endorphins. Endorphins are the “feel-good” neurotransmitters that can boost your mood and help you build healthy habits.

 

Physical activity can also help take your mind off your worries. The repetitive motions involved in exercise promote a focus on your body, rather than your mind. By concentrating on the rhythm of your movements, you experience many of the same benefits of meditation. Focusing on a single physical task can produce a sense of energy and optimism. This focus can also help provide calmness and clarity.

 

Some people notice an improvement in their mood immediately after getting some exercise. But the great thing is these feelings aren’t just a one-time thing, they build up over time and boost your mood. Stress Awareness Month is a great time to start considering what you can do for yourself to help reduce stress.

 

In addition to having a direct effect on your stress levels, regular exercise also promotes optimum health in other ways. Improvements to your overall health may help to indirectly moderate your stress levels.

 

Among some of its additional benefits, exercise can help:

 

  • Strengthen your muscles and bones
  • Boost your immunity, which can decrease your risk of illness and infection
  • Lower your blood pressure, sometimes as much as some antihypertensive medications
  • Increase levels of good cholesterol in your blood
  • Improve your blood circulation

Help you sleep better at night

 

What Types of Exercise Help with Stress?

There are many ways to get moving but what are some of the most effective?

 

You don’t need to be a marathon runner or elite athlete to experience stress relief from exercise. Almost any kind of exercise can be helpful.

 

For example, consider trying moderate aerobic exercises such as:

 

  • Biking
  • Walking
  • Jogging
  • Swimming
  • Playing tennis or other racquet sports
  • Football

 

Even something as simple as gardening or choosing to take the stairs rather than the elevator can give you an emotional lift. Any type of exercise can increase your fitness and decrease your stress. However, it’s important to choose an activity that you enjoy rather than dread. If you don’t like the water, don’t choose swimming as your activity. If the thought of running makes you anxious, training for a 5K race won’t help relieve your stress. Try a variety of activities until you find some you enjoy. When you’re having fun, you’ll be more likely to stick with your workout routine.

 

If you have any tips for getting active that you’d like to share, during Stress Awareness Month and beyond, please let us know on Twitter or LinkedIn, we’d love to hear from you.

 

To read more of our blogs, click here.

 

2021: The Road Out Of Lockdown

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2020 and 2021 have brought us some of the most challenging months of our lives so far. Coming up on a year now since the first national lockdown began, we are finally beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.

 

The recent announcement from Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined the government’s proposed plan to cautiously ease lockdown restrictions in England, revealing that we could be free of all restrictions as early as 21st June.

 

Following the announcement, government published a four-step roadmap to ease restrictions across England and provide a route back to a more normal way of life. Each step is to be assessed against four tests before restrictions ease. The PM was also clear that the decision on each stage will be based on data not dates.

 

What are the four tests for easing restrictions?

Each stage of easing lockdown will be a minimum of five weeks apart, but four conditions must be met at each stage before proceeding to the next one:

  • The coronavirus vaccine programme continues to go to plan
  • Vaccines are sufficiently reducing the number of people dying or needing hospital treatment
  • Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospital admissions
  • New coronavirus variants do not fundamentally change the risk of lifting restrictions

 

If all these criteria are met, the country progresses to the next phase of reduced restrictions. Currently, as of the 8th March, all children and students have returned to face-to-face education in schools and college and people can also leave home for recreation outdoors such as a coffee or picnic with their household or support bubble, or with one person outside their household.

 

Step 2

This will remain the case until the 12th April at the earliest. If all goes according to plan, we will enter Step 2 on this date meaning more restrictions are lifted. Changes include but are not limited to:

  • All non-essential retail, personal care premises, such as hairdressers and nail salons, and public buildings, such as libraries and community centres, will be allowed to reopen
  • Most outdoor attractions and settings, including zoos, and theme parks, will also reopen (with added safety). Drive-in cinemas and drive-in performances will also be permitted.
  • Indoor leisure facilities, such as gyms and swimming pools, will also reopen.
  • Hospitality venues will also be allowed to serve people outdoors only. There will be no need for customers to order a substantial meal with alcohol, and no curfew – although customers must order, eat and drink while seated.

 

Step 3

The next step is set to come into effect no earlier than 17 May. This will lift more restrictions; however, it is only permitted should the four criteria be met. The new restrictions will include:

  • The lifting of most outdoor social contact rules – although gatherings of over 30 people will remain illegal.
  • The reopening of indoor hospitality, entertainment venues such as cinemas and soft play areas, the rest of the accommodation sector, and indoor adult group sports and exercise classes.
  • Larger performances and sporting events in indoor venues with a capacity of 1,000 people or half-full (whichever is lower) to be allowed, as will those in outdoor venues with a capacity of 4000 people or half-full (whichever is lower).
  • In the largest outdoor seated venues where crowds can spread out, up to 10,000 people will be able to attend (or a quarter-full, whichever is lower).

 

Step 4

And finally, the 21st June is upon us. It is hoped that by then, all legal limits on social contact can be removed and large events and performances can go ahead.

 

What does this mean for logistics?

From now on, the demand for logistics services will only increase as people filter back to their normal lives. The logistics industry is set to go from strength to strength as its services will be required to support the reopening of all non-essential shops, recreational activities and other businesses shut down by the pandemic.

 

What are your thoughts on the current roadmap out of lockdown? Will we be spending 21st June in the pub or in our pyjamas? Let us know via our Twitter or LinkedIn pages.

 

HGV Drivers: The Importance Of Sleep

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Sleep is arguably the most important factor in maintaining a healthy body and mind. Without it, our minds become sluggish, and our bodies weary. HGV drivers are often working long shifts and on the road for many hours, so it is crucial for their physical and mental health that they take breaks and get the sleep that they need during in-between and overnight stopovers.

 

Most adults need between 7–9 hours of sleep per night, according to the Sleep Council. Getting the right amount of rest is essential for our long-term health and mental performance, and when we don’t get enough over a consistent period, our overall alertness and concentration is badly affected. If we’re starved of sleep for long enough, the neurons in our brain stop functioning properly, leading to temporary mental lapses and reduced reaction times.

 

Sleep for the Body

Not getting enough sleep can seriously impair your health. In addition to the common side effects, a lack of sleep over a prolonged period of time can cause cardiovascular problems; lead to obesity and Type-2 diabetes; and reduce immune system functioning.

 

Getting plenty of high-quality sleep, on the other hand, is very healthy. Your body is getting enough time to heal damaged cells, lower your blood pressure, and boost your immune system as well as making sure it is properly regulated.

 

If you have any infections or feel ill, sleep is your body’s chance to do the repairs that it needs to do. Most of the physical benefits of sleep occur during NREM (non-rapid eye movement) sleep, which makes up around 75% of your total sleep.

 

Sleep for the Mind

Sleep is also directly related to your mood, and in the long term, to your mental health. If you don’t get enough sleep for one or two nights, you may notice yourself getting grumpy and irritable. Lack of sleep over long periods can be a factor in depression in anxiety.

 

The other type of sleep is REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. This makes up around 25% of total sleep. You may already know that it is during this time that we dream, even if you don’t remember having one. Dreams help us to process our emotions, memories and reduce the stresses of the day. It’s important to get a good night’s sleep so that you get time in both NREM and REM sleep. This way, your body and mind can recover fully, and you will wake up the next day feeling refreshed.

 

Staying Safe

Not getting enough sleep affects your ability to perform physical and mental tasks. After a bad night’s sleep, you may notice that you have difficulty with concentration, as well as absorbing and processing information. If you drive for a living, it’s especially important that you get a good night’s sleep, falling asleep at the wheel or even driving drowsy could have serious repercussions. A report by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that drivers who only got 5-6 hours of sleep (as opposed to the optimal 7-9 hours) were 1.9 times more likely to be involved in an accident than those who got 7 hours sleep or more. Those who got less than 4 hours sleep were 11.5 times more likely to be in an accident.

 

What Can You Do to Improve Your Sleep Habits?

When it comes to getting enough sleep, there’s only so much an employer can do. As a driver, you have a personal responsibility to be well-rested on the job and must do what you can to try and get the best sleep possible.

 

If you are struggling to get the recommended amount of sleep, then there are a number of things that can help:

 

Optimising sleeping environment: Blackout blinds or curtains can be especially helpful for shift workers.

Ensuring bedding is comfortable: A mattress should support the hips and spine completely, and a pillow should keep the neck in alignment with the body. Natural-fibre bed linen can also help keep the body cool at night.

Consider a daylight lamp: Daylight lamps can boost natural waking. They’re especially useful for shift workers, who may need to get up at night.

Reduce blue light before bed: The blue light on our phones and computers interferes with the body’s circadian rhythm, so electricals should be swapped for a book at least an hour before bed.

Learn more about your unique sleep pattern: We’re all different, so you should pay attention to your own unique needs. For instance, some people can fall asleep very easily, while other people are more sensitive to caffeine, alcohol or certain foods, which can keep them awake. You need to know your own body and try to avoid things you know will keep you up.

Maintain the rhythm: It is also important to maintain your sleep habits whilst at home or on days off. This will make it easier to get the correct amount of sleep when you return to work and avoid having to reintroduce yourself to a certain sleep pattern.

 

If all these measures fail, or you should feel tired on the road, you should drink some caffeine and take a short nap which can provide a burst of energy during a long shift. Studies have shown napping after caffeine can boost your energy more than normal upon waking. You should also know what you can do if a lack of sleep is becoming a problem, including reporting it to your manager and seeking medical treatment.

 

If you have any other tips or tricks for a better nights sleep you’d like to share, please let us know on Twitter or LinkedIn, we’d love to hear from you.  To read more of our blogs, click here.

 

 

Warehousing and Automation: The Benefits

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Automation is a powerful tool and comes in many shapes and forms. In warehousing, automation is generally used to improve existing methods by increasing efficiency, speed, reliability, accuracy and (eventually) cost savings.

 

Robotics in manufacturing has been well established for many years and applications within warehouse operations will become more mainstream. We’ve compiled a list of pros for modern warehouse solutions.

 

PROS

  • Modern warehouse automation technologies are more flexible and scalable compared to older automation solutions like conveyors, which are bulky and fixed in place.

 

  • Warehouse operators can rent additional robots to accommodate increased demand during peak season, returning them when demand returns to normal.

 

  • Collaborative mobile robots also don’t require infrastructure changes, unlike conveyor systems, so they’re easier to implement.

 

  • Space optimisation is another benefit of warehouse automation, allowing warehouses to maximize the use of vertical space by storing items in higher locations that are typically difficult for warehouse operatives or forklifts to reach. Drones, cranes and some AS/RS solutions make it easier to access these higher storage locations, so warehouses can monetize more cubic feet.

 

  • Many automated and robotic systems are well developed, and it is often a case of establishing suitability of the technology within the logistics operation.

 

  • The potential flexibility of some of the robotic technologies may reduce the risks traditionally viewed with large automated systems.

 

  • Robotics will no longer be the domain of just the larger businesses who have driven much of the development to date. Some of these robotic solutions can be adapted and utilised in a small traditional warehouse to support existing staff.

 

 

WAREHOUSING TECHNOLOGY TRENDS 2021

Many warehouse operations have some form of mechanised material handling solutions to improve productivity; forklift trucks, conveyors, sorters, product to picker systems to automatic storage and retrieval systems (ASRS). The easier jobs in the warehouse have always been the quick wins for automation.

 

Pallet stacking robots and robot de-layering are well established undertaking repetitive tasks that can be mechanised reasonably easily.

 

Collaborative robots are becoming increasingly common directly supporting human activity such as independent load carrying robots that can move a completed pallet to a loading bay determining their own route through a warehouse.

 

Piece picking robots are another area of development, with the ability to move around a warehouse and pick items from shelves at multiple levels using an extendable arm with grip and sucker technology. They will become more sophisticated as they are developed for differing operations in conjunction with AI.

 

Other systems are based upon the product to picker concept. These robots sequence the product presentation, usually the shelving unit and appropriate pick shelf to the pick station, reducing picker travel time, improving pick productivity and space utilisation.

 

Here at Barnes, we maintain 50,000 sqft of modern racked warehousing which uses wire guided VNA trucks to maximise efficiency of space. We also have a bespoke Warehouse management system that allows us to track product location whilst on site. We also offer pick and pack operations, as well as full pallet movements to fit your needs.

 

Investing in the right warehouse automation solutions could be a smart financial decision. With technology ever evolving more trends will come and go so keep your eye on the world of warehouse automation.

 

Get in touch to find out how our warehouse solutions can support your business.

 

 

What A Net Zero Future Looks Like For Logistics

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In 2019, the UK became the first major economy to pass the net zero emissions law, this means that we will end our contribution to global warming by 2050. The original target was to create at least an 80% reduction in gas emissions from 1990 levels, this has since upgraded to the aim of being entirely net zero within the next 29 years. The country has already reduced emissions by 42% and has put clean growth at the heart of our modern industrial strategy. According to the Government website, this could see the number of “green-collar jobs” grow to 2 million and the value of exports from the low carbon economy grow to £170 billion a year by 2030.

Net zero means achieving carbon neutrality, which refers to having no carbon dioxide emissions – this is done by balancing carbon dioxide emissions with removal, or simply eliminating carbon dioxide emissions altogether. But what does a net zero future look like for the logistics industry?

Raising The Bar For Warehousing

When it comes to logistics, we shouldn’t overlook the importance of warehousing space. Crucial to the supply chain, the target of net zero by 2050 will certainly affect how warehouses operate too. Utilising efficient energy sources will be the first step, for example by taking advantage of solar panels for power. Older warehouses can be adapted to meet net zero targets, but the best way to achieve our goals is from the very beginning, by ensuring that any future builds are adept to use resources such as solar and rainwater to replace non-renewable energy options.

With the appetite towards achieving the net zero target increasing, we wouldn’t be surprised to see more smart developers coming out with innovative ways to help the logistics industry achieve its emissions goals. We certainly look forward to being involved in this, here at The Barnes Group.

Looking At Alternative Fuel

According to the Energy Saving Trust, more than 60% of road journeys are by car and almost 80% of all goods that we consume travel across the country in vans and trucks. Of vehicles on the road, around 0.08% are electric, but to achieve net zero by 2050, a phase-out of traditional petrol and diesel vehicles needs to happen soon. If we assume around an average 14-year lifespan, then the production of traditional fuel vehicles will need to cease on or around 2032, meaning by 2050, we will mostly see electric vehicles on the roads. Large operators such as DHL are already trialling electric vehicles to meet their internal targets.

The alternative to electric is renewable fuel. The Low Emissions Freight Trial report from the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership tested a range of gas-powered HGVs 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 and liquified natural gas, and 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. Not only this, but it was discovered that gas trucks were noticeably quieter to operate than traditional counterparts, which is a bonus when overnight trunking.

Whichever route the UK decides to go down, the logistics industry is well prepared to adapt to change and work towards a greener future for everybody. To let us know your thoughts on our net zero future and what that might mean for logistics, get in touch via Twitter. Or, to read more insights from the warehousing and logistics industry, check out our blog.

A Look at What 2021 Holds for Logistics

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It’s no surprise that 2020 has been challenging but with 2021 only just beginning we have hope for a brighter year. In light of this, we are taking a look at what the new year holds for logistics – hopefully, less of the same four walls.

Despite the challenges last year brought, logistics as a whole carried the nation forward, delivering goods throughout the pandemic. And with the impact that lockdown had on the UK’s online shopping habits, business was as demanding as ever. According to the Office for National Statistics, internet shopping in May 2020 accounted for 32.8% of total retail sales, up from 18.1% the previous year.

This momentum is expected to carry on throughout this year, especially as the economy battles through a transition from recession back to the booming economy that we all enjoyed before COVID-19

Warehouse Automation

In a socially distanced world, we can expect to see an increased reliance and investment in both warehouse automation and artificial intelligence (AI). Warehouse automation, such as pick and place technologies, improve efficiency, speed and productivity by reducing human interventions. AI is set to play a key role in logistics in future years, with uses in haulage when it comes to route planning and prediction, as well as in warehouse management through the prediction of rotation of supplies.

Logistics companies are also aiming for a more elastic approach to cope with demand spikes or falls caused by major events such as holidays and lockdowns. Elastic logistics typically means using a transportation management system (TMS). When combined with AI advancements, a TMS acts as an early warning system to help to forecast risks, costs and demand to ensure the “on-demand” delivery that consumers now expect.

Sector Growth

According to JTL Truck Driver Training’s Trucking Industry Outlook for 2021, increased driver hiring, wages, and demand are all expected for 2021. As the Coronavirus vaccine is distributed across the UK, more specialised cold chain equipment and drivers will be needed. Between shipping the vaccine and accompanying goods as well as essential items, trucking companies will need more drivers to deal with the increased demand. This increased demand means drivers will be better paid and have higher job security.

Green, Green, Green

The drive towards net-zero will play a significant role in the future of logistics. The sustainability drive is particularly integral to future transport developments, including vehicle pollution problems. In central London, for example, 2019 saw the introduction of the world’s first Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and Clean Air Zones (CAZs) are set to launch in Bath on 15 March 2021 and Birmingham on 1 June 2021.

With further CAZs forecast, the logistics sector will have to juggle efficiency with sustainability measures. In the short term, this might mean fitting abatement technology to purify emissions or upgrading transport methods to fully electric.

The Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) will help to drive value within the supply chain by connecting nearly everything together, from people to parcels. The data provided by IoT devices allows logistics companies, among other benefits, to track shipments in live time and predict crucial maintenance. The same technology allows consumers to check when their much-needed parcel has left the warehouse and been delivered to their door, helping to reduce theft. And if internet shopping is to maintain its increase in numbers then this data will be invaluable to both logistics operators and the consumer.

With 2020 behind us, and a look forward providing much to talk about, join the conversation via our Twitter and LinkedIn pages. What do you think 2021 holds for the future of logistics?

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.

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