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.

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

What Does An All-Electric Future Look Like For Logistics?

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Earlier this year, the UK Government announced that by 2050, all vehicles on the road should be electric as part of its ‘decarbonisation plan.’ That gives manufacturers and UK drivers alike roughly 30 years to overhaul their travelling and fuelling habits.

 

Though it might sound a long way off, this is a highly ambitious plan.

 

Billions of pounds in investment have already been pledged, including £2 billion in cycling and walking and a further £2.8 billion to support industry and motorists to make the switch to cleaner vehicles. You’ve almost certainly seen the electric charging points at supermarkets, car parks and elsewhere.

 

A Sign Of The Times

 

Car companies are certainly keeping up with the times, securing their future in the market. Currently, Volkswagen is investing US$48bn in battery and electric car production, aiming to make 50 million electrified vehicles by 2030. BMW plans to compete with Tesla in the affordable car segment, with the 2019 release of its BMW i4. Toyota, the world’s largest car maker, has been making non-plug-in hybrids and is now turning its attention to battery electric vehicles. It intends to have at least 10 battery electric cars on the road by the early 2020s. Between 2012 and 2018, Tesla’s sales grew by 25,000%. The company is now even outselling Jaguar, Porsche and Lexus.

 

Some logistics companies are already integrating electric vehicles into their fleets, such as DHL, which had committed to a net zero emissions goal by 2050 – not just in the UK, but across all its international fleets. But how would an all-electric system affect UK logistics specifically?

 

She’s Electric  

 

Legalisation that bans the selling of new diesel, petrol, and hybrid cars by 2030 has not been welcomed by everyone – with many doubts being cast over the infrastructure required to make these changes in logistics.

 

An industry-wide adoption of the policy may only be possible if the government takes urgent action to support the reinforcement of power supply infrastructure required to run electric fleets, as well as introducing a fairer and more equitable way of funding grid reinforcements and energy upgrades.

 

If the future for logistics is electric, then we need to see changes coming into effect soon which will allow for seamless electric driving that has long-distance capabilities. Plus, electric charging points will need to become as commonplace as fuel stations, unless we want a disruption to the speed and effectiveness of the supply chain.

 

Path To Success

 

Currently, if a logistics business does not have sufficient energy supply to power its electric vehicle fleet, they must pay to upgrade the entire local electricity hub themselves, which can cost more than £1million.

 

An ell-electric future for logistics promises to be a costly affair, and as such, is something that should be considered by governments as changes are enforced.

 

As of 2019, only 1% of HGV vehicles in the UK were run on electricity. The logistics industry is forward-thinking and committed to providing service that serves both the public and the planet; however, grid capacity must be considered for the electric vehicle revolution to truly succeed.

 

At The Barnes Group, we have our finger on the pulse when it comes to all things logistics.. You can find more updates on our Twitter and LinkedIn

What Does Euro-7 Mean For Logistics?

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

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

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

How Does Euro-7 Differ From Euro-6?

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

What Will Euro-7 Legislation Cover?

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

When Will The Legislation Come into Force?

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

Why Is Euro-7 Being Introduced?

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

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

Downsides Of Euro-7

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

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

6 Top Tips for Newly Qualified HGV Drivers

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

 

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

Preparation and planning

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

 

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

 

As Franklin once said:

“Fail to prepare, prepare to fail”

Check the height of your vehicle

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

Take a break

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

 

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

Vehicle checks

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

Be considerate and mindful on the road

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

Exercise

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

 

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

Is HGV Driving a Good Career Choice in 2021?

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If you’re considering a career as an HGV driver, you’re probably wondering what it’s like up in the cab – is it the right choice for you?

 

Is HGV driving a good career choice in 2021? You probably have many questions just like this, so we’ve put together our thoughts to help you determine whether a future in logistics is for you.

 

What does the job entail?

HGV stands for heavy goods vehicle; this transpires as any vehicle weighing over 3.5 tonnes (all the way up to 44 tonnes). As a driver you will be responsible for transporting goods from A to B. HGV drivers can work locally, nationally, or internationally depending on the company and/or the goods.

 

As you can imagine, lorry drivers spend a lot of time on the road and, depending on where they work, can spend a lot of time away from home. It’s common for a lot of HGV drivers to spend a night or two in the cab of their lorry and often they can be away for the whole working week. The hours of an HGV driver are long – typically between 45-50 hours each week.

 

Drivers are not just responsible for transport but also for the loading and unloading of goods as well as making sure you have all the correct documents you need on arrival and departure of your destination. HGV drivers often work alone, however this is frequently a positive for many people as they enjoy the freedom that this brings.

 

What qualifications do I need?

The most important thing you will need is obviously a valid UK driving license. You then need to acquire an HGV Class 1 and 2 training which will teach you how to drive any vehicle carrying goods of up to 44 tonnes. Training is a mixture of practical and theory followed by four final examinations.

 

Combined, preparations should cost around £3000 for a full licence and Driver CPC. Whilst this may seem a lot, when you compare it to the cost of many other vocational courses, including university degrees, it is definitely a more affordable road to go down!

 

Will I be able to get work easily?

There is no doubt that the UK is experiencing a driver shortage. The current lorry driver shortage is estimated at around 70,000 drivers and with demand consistently increasing this number is only going skywards. Companies are constantly on the lookout for newly qualified drivers meaning you are unlikely to struggle to find work. By training to become an HGV driver, your services and skills are likely to be in demand for some time.

 

What is the pay like?

With so much training to complete prior and the number of hours spent away from home, what’s the payoff?

 

Typically, an HGV driver’s starting wages are between £19-24k. The more training you receive and the more experience you have will see this number rise dramatically. The most experienced and qualified drivers can expect to earn over £40k per year.

Why should I become a haulier?

HGV driving is a valuable and rewarding career, and in the current climate, it is more important than ever. With a dramatic increase in e-commerce, especially over the past year, goods transportation is in high demand. Also, with the current shortage of drivers, you’re almost guaranteed a job with a reputable company and the chance to pursue a career that you want.

 

Want more information or looking for some advice? Get in touch via our Twitter or LinkedIn pages. Alternatively, email us at admin@barneslogistics.co.uk or visit our website.

Barnes Logistics on: The Hierarchy of Road Users

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Any sensible road user knows that we all owe the same duty of care to one another. Everyone needs to take reasonable care to not cause injury or damage to other road users.

 

There is currently no higher duty of care expected of lorry drivers, than there is of any other road user. However, this is likely to change soon, with new rules expected to be brought into the Highway Code for the first time in years.

 

The new rules will include an introduction to the new hierarchy of road users. These rules are set to place the emphasis on those who can do the greatest damage, ensuring that they will bear the greatest responsibility for the safety of all other road users.

 

These proposed changes aim to improve the safety of vulnerable road users. Currently, the Highway Code classifies vulnerable road users as:

– Pedestrians

– Cyclists

– Motorcyclists

– Horse riders

 

The code as it stands already advises motorists to take extra care around vulnerable road users (as well as children, the elderly, disabled people and learner drivers).

 

It also takes into the account the extra difficulties faced by large vehicles, such as lorries and HGVs. For example, Rules 221 & 222 of the Code emphasise the nature of difficulties specific to lorry drivers, such as their need for extra space when turning their large vehicles, the fact that lorry drivers will not be able to see vehicles which move into their blind spot and that lorries may be subject to lower speed limits or have speed restrictors fitted.

 

But how will these changes to The Highway Code affect lorry drivers?

 

As well as introducing a hierarchy of road users, the proposed changes plan to:

 

Clarify the current rules on pedestrian priority on pavements. Drivers and riders will need to give priority to pedestrians who are crossing or waiting to cross the road.

 

Set out safe passing distance guidance to motorists for when they overtake cyclists or horse riders and ensuring that both have priority at junctions when their intention is to travel ahead.

 

These new rules are indisputable. Few would argue against the introduction of further measures to protect the most vulnerable of road users.

 

Instead, what is concerning many in the haulage industry, is the idea of setting out a hierarchy amongst road users. Creating a “hierarchy” undermines the simple fact that we should all be responsible for our own safety on the road as well as others.

 

The new table of hierarchy will place ‘pedestrians’ at the pinnacle and at the bottom you will find ‘large vehicles’, with the latter bearing a greater responsibility to reduce the threat of danger they pose to all others above them in the hierarchical table.

 

Emphasis should remain on the fact that all road users need to bear equal responsibility for their safety, whilst not putting themselves in situations that could cause harm to fellow road users. Rules denoting the contrary will surely lead to disarray.

 

What are your thoughts on the new proposed rules? Join the conversation over on our Twitter or LinkedIn pages.

For more Barnes blogs, click here.

Mental Health Awareness Week and Beyond

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Nature was the theme of this year’s mental health awareness week.

 

During the long months of the pandemic, millions of us turned to nature. Going for walks outside was one of the top coping strategies for many of us holed up in our homes. Research by The Mental Health Foundation found that 45% of participants reported that green spaces had been vital to the upkeep of our mental health. Websites which showed footage from webcams of wildlife saw hits increase by over 2000%! It seems that people not only spent more time in nature but were actively seeking it more.

 

Nature is so central to our psychological and emotional health, that it’s almost impossible to achieve good mental health for all without a greater connection to the natural world. Think about how good it feels to take a breath of fresh air after being cooped up all day? Imagine feeling like that all the time. That’s the power nature holds. It’s up to us to reach out and grab it.

 

For most of human history, we have lived as part of nature. It is only in the last five generations that so many of us have lived and worked in a setting that is largely separated from nature. Being surrounded by concrete can become monotonous and bring down our mood. Nature however, with its ever-changing state can serve to evolve the landscape and break the monotony of your day to day.

 

In fact, a 1960s study in the US found that patients who were treated in hospitals with a view of nature recovered faster. Since then, science has started to unpack the extraordinary health benefits of nature. It has the unique ability to not only bring consolation in times of stress, but also increase our creativity, empathy and a sense of wonder. It turns out that it is not just being in nature but how we open ourselves up and interact with nature that counts. Even a little contact with nature can reduce feelings of social isolation and be effective in protecting our mental health and preventing distress.

 

Nature is our great untapped resource for a mentally healthy future.

 

Despite many of us being aware of this, we are not accessing or benefitting from nature. It can be hard for those living in built up cities and for the 13% of UK households that have no access to a garden. Nature should not be a luxury. It is a resource that must be available for everyone to enjoy – as basic as having access to clean water or a safe roof over our heads.

 

Looking to the Future

2021 is going to be a huge year for nature: a new Environment Bill will go through the UK Parliament which will shape the natural world for generations to come; the UK will host the G7 nations where creating a greener future will be a key priority and a historic international UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) will be hosted in Glasgow in November.

 

There could not be a more important time to understand the links between nature and mental health.

 

So get out there and experience your natural surroundings. Take time to recognise and grow your connection with nature. Take a moment to notice and celebrate nature in your daily life. Try welcoming a minute of silence to just listen to the birds in the early morning (especially if you’re up early enough to catch the dawns chorus!)

 

‘There is something to be wondered at in all of Nature’ – Aristotle

 

For more information about this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk/mhaw.

 

Also let us know how you’re doing or share some of your experiences with nature with us via our Twitter or LinkedIn pages.  For more blogs, click here.

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