How To De-Stress Whilst Driving Your HGV

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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.

Considering A Career In Transport Instead Of Higher Education

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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.

Changes To The Highway Code In 2022 Our Drivers May Need To Know

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As you might already be aware, there have been some changes to the Highway Code, effective from January 29th 2022.

 

This includes updates to the hierarchy of road users, overtaking cyclists or horses, and even the ‘Dutch reach’ – a method of opening your vehicle door to enable you to see over your shoulder properly!

 

Read on to see the changes most relevant to HGV drivers…

 

Changes To The Highway Code In 2022 Our Drivers May Need To Know

 

  1. The Hierarchy of Road Users

There are 3 new rules about the new ‘hierarchy of road users,’ which places those road users most at risk in the event of a collision at the top of the hierarchy.

It’s important that all road users:

  • Are aware of The Highway Code
  • Are considerate to other road users
  • Understand their responsibility for the safety of others

 

Of course, it remains important to remember that the people you encounter may have impaired sight, hearing or mobility and that this may not be obvious.

 

The main change to the hierarchy of road users is regarding cyclists, with the new rules saying that:

“You should not cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse drawn vehicles going ahead when you are turning into or out of a junction or changing direction or lane, just as you would not turn across the path of another motor vehicle. This applies whether they are using a cycle lane, a cycle track, or riding ahead on the road and you should give way to them. Do not turn at a junction if to do so would cause the cyclist, horse rider or horse drawn vehicle going straight ahead to stop or swerve.”

You should stop and wait for a safe gap in the flow of cyclists if necessary. This includes when cyclists are:

  • Approaching, passing or moving off from a junction
  • Moving past or waiting alongside stationary or slow-moving traffic
  • Travelling around a roundabout

 

  1. People Crossing the Road at Junctions

The updated code clarifies that:

  • When people are crossing or waiting to cross at a junction, other traffic should give way
  • If people have started crossing and traffic wants to turn into the road, the people crossing have priority and the traffic should give way
  • People driving, riding a motorcycle or cycling must give way to people on a zebra crossing and people walking and cycling on a parallel crossing

 

  1. Positioning In the Road When Cycling

     

There is updated guidance for people cycling about positioning themselves too, which includes:

  • Riding in the centre of their lane on quiet roads, in slower-moving traffic and at the approach to junctions or road narrowings
  • Keeping at least 0.5 metres (just over 1.5 feet) away from the kerb edge (and further where it is safer) when riding on busy roads with vehicles moving faster than them
  • People cycling in groups

The updated code explains that people cycling in groups:

  • Should be considerate of the needs of other road users when riding in groups
  • Can ride 2 abreast – and it can be safer to do so, particularly in larger groups or when accompanying children or less experienced riders

People cycling are asked to be aware of people driving behind them and allow them to overtake (for example, by moving into single file or stopping) when appropriate.

  • People cycling passing parked vehicles

The updated code explains that people cycling should:

  • Take care when passing parked vehicles, leaving enough room (a door’s width or 1 metre) to avoid being hit if a car door is opened
  • Watch out for people walking into their path

  1. Overtaking When Driving or Cycling

There are new rules on safe passing distances and speeds for people driving or riding a motorcycle when overtaking vulnerable road users.

This includes:

  • Leaving at least 1.5 metres (5 feet) when overtaking people cycling at speeds of up to 30mph, and giving them more space when overtaking at higher speeds
  • Passing people riding horses or driving horse-drawn vehicles at speeds under 10 mph and allowing at least 2 metres (6.5 feet) of space
  • Allowing at least 2 metres (6.5 feet) of space and keeping to a low speed when passing people walking in the road (for example, where there’s no pavement)

Wait behind them and do not overtake if it’s unsafe or not possible to meet these clearances.

 People cycling passing slower-moving or stationary traffic

The updated code confirms that people cycling may pass slower-moving or stationary traffic on their right or left.

They should proceed with caution as people driving may not be able to see them. This is particularly important:

  • On the approach to junctions
  • When deciding whether it is safe to pass lorries or other large vehicles

 

  1. Parking Vehicles

The code recommends a new technique when leaving vehicles, which is sometimes called the ‘Dutch Reach.’

Where people driving, or passengers in a vehicle are able to do so, they should open the door using their hand on the opposite side to the door they are opening. For example, using their left hand to open a door on their right-hand side.

This will make them turn their head to look over their shoulder behind them. They’re then less likely to cause injury to:

  • People cycling or riding a motorcycle passing on the road
  • People on the pavement

 

This is by no means the full, updated Highway Code, which you can read on the UK Government’s website for free or buy a physical or digital copy. However, we hope this gives our fantastic drivers an overview of the changes that are coming into forces. At Barnes, we encourage safe trucking and are proud of our proactive team that get the job done in a reliable way.

 

HGV drivers, what are your thoughts on the new changes to the Highway Code? Voice your opinions via our Twitter or LinkedIn.

 

 

What The Future Of Logistics Could Look Like

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We know the past few years have been somewhat turbulent, but at Barnes Logistics, we like to look on the bright side. And we think the future of logistics is a positive one!

 

With the average wage of an HGV driver having increased significantly in the past 2 years, combined with an increase in employment opportunities for those looking to go into the industry, it’s not unlikely that the future of logistics will continue along this trend of improvement.

 

So without further ado, here are some predictions we have for how the future of logistics might look…

 

 

 

  1. Sustainably focused decisions

 

 

The world is slowly but surely moving towards sustainability, and logistics will be no exception. Companies such as DHL have already made the shift, adding hundreds of electric vehicles to their fleets.

 

While the infrastructure in the UK is yet to be befitting of its net zero goals, the government has set targets for 2030 for only electric vehicles to be sold – that means no more diesel and petrol cars will be on our roads. And with over 42,000 electric car charging points in place around the UK, it looks likely that, soon, you’ll be driving a much quieter vehicle up and down the motorway! In addition, the current woes around fuel prices also provide another reason for the move to electric.

 

This shift won’t be an easy one, but it’s going to benefit us all in the long term – so we certainly think that’s going to be a positive change.

 

 

  1. Improvement of infrastructure

 

It’s well known amongst drivers that infrastructure in the UK leaves much to be desired. Compared to our counterparts in countries such as France and Germany, there are far too few facilities to accommodate our heavily congested roads, railway lines and airports. According to a report by McKinsey and Co., the UK’s roads carry more freight per kilometre of motorway than any other major economy apart from Japan.

 

However, there’s reason to believe that things will improve. The report highlighted that between 1998 and 2005, construction productivity in the UK increased by 1.7 percent a year compared with 0.3 percent in Germany and 0.1 percent in Spain. There is still a long way to go to catch up with our counterparts on the continent, but with the government being pressured to increase these improvements by those in the industry, the outlook is hopeful.

 

 

  1. An increase in wages

 

Multiple factors caused the recent hike in drivers’ wages – we couldn’t be happier about it! HGV and other logistics drivers help keep the country ticking along smoothly: it’s only fair they’re fairly compensated for it.

 

Reports at the tail end of 2021 showed that some drivers’ wages were increased by as much as 40%, and there is still an estimated shortage of around 100,000 drivers, according to the BBC.

 

With the shortages impacting everything from Wetherspoons’ beer supplies to Christmas dinners, the likelihood is that this trend will either continue or stay consistently improved. After all, during the pandemic we all saw the kinds of chaos that can ensue when there are shortages of products – nobody wants a repeat of 2020!

 

 

With all this in mind, it’s likely that the future of logistics is a brighter one. Do you have your own thoughts on this? We’d love to hear from you! Be sure to tag us on Twitter and LinkedIn with your opinions.

The Women Behind Barnes – International Women’s Day 2022

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Whilst logistics currently mostly has a male-based workforce, it’s important that we don’t forget the valuable contribution of the women who keep everything running smoothly here at Barnes and further afield in the industry too! From HGV drivers to recruitment consultants, the transport industry is reliant on the efforts of the hard-working individuals who help keep things ticking – no matter their gender.

 

And what better time to celebrate the contributions of women at Barnes then on International Women’s Day 2022? Below, you can read our interviews with 4 women who work for us, each in different roles – but all equally as valuable!

 

Chrissy Mahony, HGV Driver

 

 

  1. What is your job title?

 

My name is Chrissie Mahony (nickname Diesel Doris!) and I am based at our North East depot, working on the Fed Ex contract. I’ve been an HGV driver for 36 years. Quite a long time for someone who only got into logistics ‘by accident!’

 

  1. How long have you been working in the transport industry?

 

Just after my 17th birthday I joined the RAF, lured into the trade of MT Driver by the recruiting officer in Middlesbrough, with the promise of becoming CO’s driver once I’d passed my test. He painted a lovely picture of my days being spent dressed in my No. 1 uniform and driving staff cars with pennants flying on the bonnet, chauffeur to the elite, and all that went with it. I signed on the dotted line, swore my allegiance to the Queen and promptly got the first big shock of my life known as basic training… Crawling around in the freezing February snow in the Black Mountains of Wales, washing in streams and sleeping in a bivouac, with all of my clothes on so as not to be found frozen to death in the morning! (This actually stood as good training in later civilian life while tramping with no night heater).

 

  1. How did you come to work in logistics?

 

I managed to get through the survival training and then moved onto RAF St. Athan driver training school, to get the second biggest shock of my life… After passing my driving test I would be back every six months to get qualified on the next vehicle category up. I would be driving HEAVY GOODS vehicles! I was petrified! During the six month intervals I would also be trained on refuelling tankers, forklifts, motorcycles, ADR and City & Guilds in vehicle mechanics… I was 17 years old!

 

However, by the time I was 19 I was qualified on and driving just about everything, and I loved it!

 

I had found something I was really good at and enjoyed. I served for 13 years and carried on with my passion for trucking in civvie street, tramping for the first 6 years. This really did build my experience and confidence. Sadly, in those early years of HGV driving I hardly saw any other female drivers, it was very much a male dominated profession. I am so happy to see so many more female drivers in the industry now. It can be a challenging job occasionally but that side is far outweighed by the good.

 

Not only have the trucks come a long way since I first started but the working conditions and the willingness of employers to work with you in helping to get you in the right job with the right shift pattern is all so much for the better.

 

  1. What is your favourite thing about working at Barnes?

 

I really like working for Barnes because we are treated with respect and made to feel valued as part of a team, which I think is important.

 

  1. What would you say to young women wanting to join the sector?

 

I’m often asked what I would say to young women wanting to become an HGV driver. My answer is to go for it, it can be a very rewarding profession, although it’s quite male dominated there’s nothing about it that a female can’t do just as well – and that trucking bug won’t just get under your skin, it’ll get in your blood!

 

Hollie Hartley, Transport Supervisor

 

 

 

  1. What is your job title?

 

I’m Hollie and I’m the Transport Supervisor of the Rochdale Depot.

 

  1. How long have you been working in the transport industry and how did you come to work in logistics?

 

I have been in the transport industry for 5 years in total, and I joined because it was an appealing opportunity offered to me at the time. I’ve not looked back since!

 

  1. What’s your favourite thing about your role and Barnes?

 

I enjoy that every day is not the same, there is different work, different tasks that keep you on your toes and give you a large variety of challenges.

 

  1. What would you say to young women wanting to join the sector?

 

I would say to women to not be afraid of joining a more male orientated sector, you will find it can sometimes be more fun and challenging.

 

Amanda Boland, Organisational Development Manager

 

 

  1. What is your job title?

     

I’m Amanda and I’m the Organisational Development Manager. I am based at Rochdale but work across the group which also includes our Wardle, North East and Coventry depots.

 

  1. How long have you been working in the transport industry and how did you come to work in logistics?

     

Almost 1 year exactly! I got into the industry mainly by chance. I previously worked in healthcare.

 

  1. What’s your favourite thing about your role and Barnes?

     

I most enjoy the variability of my role. The logistics sector can be fast-paced and changeable, meaning no two days are the same. I am constantly learning and adapting which keeps me motivated and interested. My favourite thing about Barnes as a company is the amount of positivity, support, and encouragement available for creativity and improvement.

 

  1. What would you say to young women wanting to join the sector?

There is plenty of space in the industry for female talent. If you are hardworking, resilient, and looking for a new challenge, the logistics sector would be worth considering. Don’t be discouraged by a lack of direct experience. Transferable skills are hugely important.

 

 

Cath Walls, LGV Driver

 

 

  1. What is your job title?

 

My name is Catherine and I’m an LGV Driver C+E. I work at the Rochdale depot on the Amazon contract.

 

  1. How long have you been working in the transport industry?

 

24 years. I was an LGV driver as well as an owner operator from 1985-1997, then from 1997-2000 I was working as just an LGV driver, before beginning a career in care. My career in care continued until my return to the transport industry in 2013, returning as a LGV Driver C+E.

 

  1. How did you come to work in logistics?

 

My father’s family have been in transport since the inception of the canal industry and he was a lorry driver whilst I was growing up. My Auntie Catherine was also a lorry driver during WW2! Both were influential figures in my choice of career within the logistics industry.

 

  1.   What is your favourite thing about your role and Barnes?

 

My favourite thing is to have my “MAN” lorry (Poppy) primarily to myself, except when the weekly rest period is required! I take great pride in my vehicle as one should, as I am a custodian of any vehicle assigned to me by Barnes. I also really enjoy the autonomy and trust put in me to carry out my duties in a professional manner.

 

  1. What would you say to young women wanting to join the sector?

 

Personally, I would highly recommend it as a career for women! Once you have acquired a LGV licence, it is an industry that caters for drivers who require either full time or part time employment – you’re guaranteed to find LGV work to suit your personal circumstances.

 

Please do not be put off a career as an LGV driver based on outdated stereotypes! We are living in the 21st century – this is now an inclusive industry that’s completely open to women (who do not need to be one of the ‘lads’!). If you have doubts, it’s important to remember that workplace gender discrimination  is a dismissible offence.

 

LGV vehicles today are state of the art. Electric steering, reversing cameras, satellite navigation, and air conditioning can provide you with a proverbial ‘home from home.’

 

Our wages are market driven, meaning you do not require years of training and dedication to immediately benefit. As an LGV driver, I feel I am afforded a measure of financial independence regardless of educational achievements. If you have a basic education and reasonable communication skills, pass your test and off you’ll go, gaining experience with every mile!

 

To find out more about Barnes and what we do, you can follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn.

What Does A Career In Warehousing Look Like?

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Ever thought of a career in warehousing? What does it look like? What does it entail? Well, you’re in luck because we have all the answers to those questions below. At Barnes, we operate a 50,000 sqft space in Rochdale which employs a number of people. Warehousing is seen to be an exciting, hands on career for those who work in the industry.

Day-to-day tasks

In a warehousing job, you’ll find yourself carrying out a variety of different roles and each day can look different. Warehousing consists of storing deliveries of goods and raw materials, and checking for damaged or missing items from the delivery. After that you may move stock around the warehouse using lifting equipment and make sure the goods are stored correctly and safely. Other duties include packing and wrapping goods, loading inventory ready for dispatch, stocktaking, and cleaning the warehouse.

Working environment

Most work environments are team environments, and for a career in warehousing, this is no different. Whether dealing with your teammates face-to-face or simply communicating over radio, being a team player will serve you well. You will most likely be working in a large warehousing facility. Your working environment may be at height, physically demanding, and outdoors some of the time so being somewhat physically fit and not afraid of heights is a big benefit when working in this industry. You may need to wear protective clothing as well as high visibility items, and sometimes, in the colder months (or if working in refrigerated warehouses), extra layers!

Career path and progression

Let’s take a look at progression in warehousing and similar opportunities. With experience, you could become a team leader, shift supervisor or warehouse manager. Being diligent and a reliable member of the team always pays off! However, if you ever feel warehousing isn’t for you anymore or you simply fancied a change of pace, you could also move into quality control, freight planning or distribution fairly easily.

What it takes to pursue a career in warehousing

To undertake this role, there are a few things you need to have:

  • The ability to work well with others
  • The ability to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • The ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • The ability to be flexible and open to change
  • The ability to organise your time and workload
  • Excellent verbal communication skills
  • The ability to work well with your hands
  • Thinking and reasoning skills
  • The ability to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

It may also be beneficial to have a forklift truck driver licence, however, this is not compulsory, and some positions may even offer you training as part of your contract.

Here at Barnes, we’re proud of our modern racked warehouse facilities that utilise wire-guided VNA trucks to maximise the efficiency of space. Our bespoke warehouse management system allows us to track product location whilst on site. Pick and pack operations are available, as well as full pallet movements.

If you’re looking to join our team or you simply want more information about a career in warehousing, get in touch via Twitter or LinkedIn or call us on 0161 684 3070. For more information on what we do, visit our website, and for more blogs, click here.

Photo by ELEVATE from Pexels

Beating The January Blues On The Road

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Unless you have some special occasion during January, there isn’t much fun about it. It’s cold, dark and Christmas has left us with a (much) lighter wallet than we’re used to! On top of all that, things at work might be a little more frantic, as we prepare for the year ahead and the aftermath of Christmas frenzy for the logistics industry!

 

Luckily, everyone feels pretty much the same as each other, meaning you’re not alone if you feel a little blue during the first month of the year.

 

Below, we’ve put together some of the ways in which you can beat the so-called ‘January blues’ whilst at work and on the road. We hope they can lift your spirits a little and help you keep on ‘trucking’ until the lighter mornings, and warmer evenings!

 

How to Beat the January Blues at Work

  1. Get as much daylight as possible

 

It’s essential to get vitamin D whenever you can. Getting daylight is essential to help improve your mood. Studies have found that there is a strong link between depression and a deficiency in Vitamin D. While you can’t control the weather, even on cloudy days, getting out and about will be beneficial for you.

 

If you work in an office, why not go for a walk during your lunch break to ensure you aren’t facing four walls all day? If you’re out and about driving, roll down your window and get as much fresh air as possible. Yes, there’s even scientific evidence that points to the benefits of this on mental health, too!

 

When overnight trunking, if you can, aim to wake up in time to catch some daylight before getting out on the road, or at least appreciate the sunrise and the morning air before heading off for some well-deserved rest.

 

Don’t forget to take breaks where you can, either. Service stations are there for a reason!

 

  1. Stay active

 

You probably know by know that there are endless benefits to keeping active – not for the body, but for the mind, too. While it might be difficult to keep to a strict exercise regime at work, particularly when your job involves sitting for long periods and driving, we would definitely recommend using some of your spare time to do something physical and get your body moving. Experts say that the optimal time per day for exercising is just 30 minutes, so you don’t need to do burpees for hours on end, just a regular amount of gentle exercise will get you feeling great. Take a walk to stretch your legs, or why not enjoy a light swimming session before or after work?

 

  1. Don’t make unrealistic resolutions

 

New Year’s resolutions aren’t for everyone. Some people love to make a long list of things they’d like to do to improve in the coming year, and that’s great! However, not everyone can be so stringent with themselves and that’s okay. Putting extra pressure on yourself to achieve a certain goal might do you more harm than good. January’s hard enough without expecting too much of yourself.

 

  1. Eat well

 

Diet and mental wellbeing have long been linked to one another. If you’re spending a lot of time on the road, and find yourself grabbing high-fat, ultra-processed snacks to keep you going, you might be doing yourself a disservice without realising it. One relatively easy way of improving your mental wellbeing is by eating healthily. They say the stomach is the “second brain,” after all!

 

Check out our previous blog on ways to keep healthy whilst on the road.

 

  1. Reach out if you’re struggling

 

The winter blues are a common occurrence, with roughly 3% of people in the UK suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). However, if you find yourself struggling to sleep, work, or do general everyday activities, you might want to go one step further and reach out to a professional. Remember, there’s no shame in seeking help. Head to the NHS website for help and advice.

 

At the Barnes Group, we take the welfare of our drivers seriously. We’d love to hear your tips and tricks for beating the January blues whilst on the road or in your office, why not let us know via our LinkedIn and Twitter pages?

10 Best Podcasts To Listen To On The Road

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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.

2021, A Year In Review

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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.

 

 

Challenging The Myths About HGVs

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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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Email: admin@barneslogistics.co.uk

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

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

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Barnes Logistics Ltd
Cowm Top Lane
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