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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.

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.

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.

 

 

International Women’s Day with The Barnes Group

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As part of our nod to International Women’s Day, we’ve taken the opportunity to talk to our very own Karen Cusick about her role at The Barnes Group, her career journey and her advice to other women considering joining the sector.

  • What is your job title at The Barnes Group and where are you based?

I’m an HR Manager at The Barnes Group and I’m based in Rochdale. 

  • How did you come to work in the logistics industry?

Purely by chance – the company was located near to my home.

  • How has your background helped influence your career at The Barnes Group?

My previous role was managerial. When I joined the company there were no female employees. My influence on the company definitely opened opportunities for more female employee roles.

  • What would you advise to other women who might be looking to venture into the world of logistics?

Go for it, it’s not a man’s world! 

  • What woman inspires you the most?

No one specifically but women who have the ability to run a household, look after children and also work full time are certainly inspiring. 

  • What have you learned on your career journey?

To keep fighting for what you believe in.

Women are already in the world of logistics; they just need to stand up a little taller!

Here’s to Karen and the role she plays here at The Barnes Group – if you’re interested in a career at The Barnes Group, click here.

 

Behind Barnes: A Day In The Life Of An HR/Administrator Assistant

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For our latest ‘Behind Barnes’ blog, we caught up with HR/Administrator Assistant, Laura Tomlinson.  We asked her about her career journey, what her role entails at The Barnes Group and the advice she has for other people looking to work in HR.

What does your role at The Barnes Group entail?

I work alongside Karen the HR Manager for Barnes Group. I assist her and others in the office to ensure the working day runs a little more smoother for everyone. I ensure all checks are up to date on each driver, that we have all the required documents that we need for ourselves and our supplies. One of the checks is to ensure all licences are in date and audit checks have been completed, alongside our health declarations.

Can you tell us about your career journey, how did you get your job at The Barnes Group?

I was at my previous job for 2 years, which was a personal injury firm. Where I built myself up to senior admin assistant, I was in charge alongside the manager of the whole admin team and general running of the office – based in Manchester city centre.

I applied for the job at Barnes due to my extensive office experience and dealing with difficult and different scenarios every day.  The HR side of the role was the part that appealed to me the most, the growth aspect and the possibilities the company could provide for me. Also finding a company that has ambition to reach each goal they set, to be bigger and better each year!

What does a typical day (or week!) look like for you?

On a typical day, I am handling a number of tasks to ensure the company runs smoothly for the following day:

  1. Each day I upload Optac downloads, this being what the drivers use to download their card to prove they have completed work
  2. Populate Fri, Sat, Sun and enter hours for wages for each region
  3. Opening letters and handing out to the relevant people
  4. Creating and sending POs
  5. Check wage reports
  6. HR Electronic and manual filing
  7. Unit checks
  8. Check DBS report for out of date certificates

What would you recommend to others looking to join the industry?

I would recommend others who are looking in to going into a HR industry to go for it, if you have experience even just in admin!  I was quite lucky and fell into this career path but I enjoy my work. The HR industry is fast paced, challenging and good problem solving skills are crucial.

I love the opportunity to make people’s working lives better, even in a small way.  The variety of work that comes into the department each day. We work with everything from recruitment, benefits, pay administration and workforce development. It keep you on your toes and mind challenged.

Smart Tachographs and Logistics Investment

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The DVSA have recently announced that they will not be investing in the technologies to read data from new smart tachographs. Following recent EU legislation which lead to the mandatory move from digital to smart tachographs in new commercial vehicles this summer, the agency stated that the cost of these new technologies are too high to justify the benefits.

 

So, how do these new smart technologies differ? Data from smart tachographs will be able to be read remotely and in real time, rather than vehicles having to be pulled over and stopped for this data to be read by enforcement agencies.

 

The idea behind these new tachographs would seem to benefit all parties – enforcement agencies will save a significant amount of time with all the necessary data at their fingertips, professional drivers’ schedules will not be disrupted and, most importantly, increases compliance, ensuring the safety of HGV drivers and other road users.

 

It can be understood why the DVSA has made this decision – with only new vehicles fitted with smart tachographs, they must still invest in manpower to maintain the physical checks necessary for current vehicles’ digital tachographs. This decision will have been further influenced by the fact that the same regulations which mean new vehicles must be fitted with smart tachographs only require that agencies employ full use of monitoring technologies in 2034 – 15 years away.

 

But where does this leave the logistics industry? And what does this say about the investments made to improve our sector?

 

It shows an inconsistency within policies. The latest technologies are being pushed on industry professionals – but, despite this, drivers are still being held to old rules by other parties, meaning that we cannot fully reap the benefits.

 

Surely, as an industry, embracing new technologies should be encouraged and made as easy and attractive as possible. Legislations which enforce new technologies which cannot be monitored by the appropriate enforcement parties can leave the industry feeling flat – as if the new advances in safety and efficiency are not taken as seriously as they should.

 

Should all bodies not be working together and moving at the same pace? The RHA certainly seems to think so – they have recently expressed their disappointment, with Tom Cotton, head of licensing and infrastructure at the RHA, stating: “Our members have invested in this technology to become compliant with these new regulations, so why is DVSA not prepared to show the same commitment?”

 

Surely, rather than holding off until more lorries are fitted in the future, a middle ground should be met which proportionately matches the use of new smart technologies and can be increased as more vehicles are equipped with them?

 

What are your thoughts on this latest decision? Let us know in the comments below or by tweeting us.

OUR ACCREDITATIONS

 

Contact Details

Tel: 0161 684 3070
Email: admin@barneslogistics.co.uk

About us

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

Our Service

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

Registered Office

Barnes Logistics Ltd
Cowm Top Lane
Rochdale
OL11 2RG