Posts

A Look at What 2021 Holds for Logistics

/in , , , /by

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

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

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

Warehouse Automation

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

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

Sector Growth

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

Green, Green, Green

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

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

The Internet of Things

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

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

Do Clean Air Zones (CAZ) Have A Future?

/in , , /by

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

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

The Arguments Against Clean Air Zones

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

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

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

Do Clean Air Zones Have A Future?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let us know whether you think Clean Air Zones have a future and any other thoughts, on our Twitter or LinkedIn pages. You can also follow us for regular updates on the logistics industry as well as information on our logistics and warehousing services.

Transporting Weapons and Ammunition – What Does It Take?

/in , , /by

Behind every product sold and every service given, logistics would have had a part to play at some stage. That includes transporting weapons and ammunition. Handling such dangerous cargo takes the utmost reliability and professionalism, it’s a job that not everyone may be up to – but a crucial one all the same.

Did you know that amongst other services, The Barnes Group also offer the transportation of weapons, ammunition and explosives across the UK and beyond into Europe? To make this happen, our drivers need to be SC level security cleared, and our bespoke assets include EXIII tractors and Ekeri & EXII trailers. Ensuring the safe passage of sensitive cargo is vital and is only possible with dependable workers such as our own.

Military logistics is not often considered, but in truth – no conflict could ever be won without logistics. We’re going to explain a little more as to what transporting weapons and ammunition involves, and also what kind of individuals are required to complete the job.

What’s Involved in Military Logistics?

Often when we think of our armed forces, we mostly think about those on the front line and individuals who’re planning and strategising. An element that’s not so commonly spoken about, but ever crucial in the victory of any war, is logistics.

Be it a truck, a ship, a plane or a train, the safe passage of ammunition from one base to another is not only imperative in supporting any ongoing conflict, but also in maintaining the protection of the general population by shielding them from being in close encounter with the ammunitions cargo.

Historian Jon Peterson estimated that around 100 billion small rounds of ammunition were manufactured and transported during the second world war alone. That’s not to mention other artillery ammunition rifles and carbines, artillery pieces and military vehicles. Now, imagine the resources that are needed to actually move the ammunition and weapons from one place to another…

Military logistics involves, but is not limited to:

  • The secure storage and distribution of ammunition and weapons.
  • Supporting increased demand for medical support during periods of conflict by transporting emergency equipment and other supplies.
  • The provision of food, water, hygiene and sanitation products.
  • Disposal operations which include the safe and prompt removal of waste and faulty military items.

The latter 3 operations are not so in-demand during times of less conflict, but the storage and transport of guns and ammunitions is still indispensable. There is always a need for protection and security and so military goods are required to some degree. There is still a requirement of delivery of weaponry to the UK armed forces, AFOs in the police force and for overseas operations.

What Kind of Skills Are Required for Transporting Weapons and Ammunition?

There are a number of attitudinal qualities that a logistics worker involved in this type of transport should have, as well as being SC level security cleared.

Reliability is highly important. In a situation where a matter of urgency is vital, those overseeing the passage of cargo need a trustworthy individual to carry out a swift yet careful operation. Even during times where there is no direct discourse, military loads still need to be moved quickly as they are high-risk goods.

Further to this, sensitive haulage needs to be handled appropriately and with discretion. Trust in your workers is essential.

Finally, attention to detail is imperative. When transporting such delicate goods, it’s important for employees to do everything by the book. Not only does trust play heavily into this, but rigour too.

Military logistics requires a breadth, depth and complexity that perhaps isn’t always considered. The utmost security and thoroughness is required throughout all stages, by all workers. This type of transportation includes the planning as well actual transporting; it is crucial that every single step is performed to the letter.

Military Logistics – Guns & Ammunition Transportation by The Barnes Group

To find out more about our UK weapon and ammunition transportation services, please call us on 0161 684 3070 or get in touch via our contact form.

The Unseen Covid-19 Key Workers: Logistics

/in , , , /by

The Department for Transport recently announced that the current limited drivers’ hours relaxation will be extended until at least 11:59pm on Tuesday 21 April 2020; this will apply to all road haulage operations. Why? Because logistics is a fundamental operation in the fight against Covid-19 right now.

This announcement came following the mounting pressure on transport and distribution as the Coronavirus outbreak has seen a sharp increase in demand in a number of industries. The Government has taken steps to ease the pressure on drivers and to ensure that the country is getting all of the supplies it needs right now.

Amongst the other vital key workers that are keeping the UK operating throughout this pandemic, there are numbers of delivery drivers who are also working tirelessly to keep our shops full, our pharmacies supplied and our country afloat.

Temporary Covid-19 Limited Drivers’ Hours Relaxation: What’s Been Lifted?

Before the Covid-19 epidemic, ‘HGV driver hours’ were in place, under current EU regulations (that still included those operating just in the UK), the rules were:

  • 9 hours daily driving limit (which can be increased to 10 hours, twice a week).
  • Maximum of 56 hours weekly driving limit.
  • Maximum of 90 hours fortnightly driving limit.
  • There should be a 45-minute break for every 4.5 hours of driving.
  • Breaks can be split into two (e.g. 15 mins and 30 mins) so long as they are both taken every 4.5 hours.
  • Drivers should take a daily rest period of 11 hours, this again can be split but both periods need to be uninterrupted, this can be reduced to 9 hours daily rest period but only 3 times per week.

However, since the Coronavirus pandemic changed life as we know it, these restrictions have been temporarily redacted to accommodate for the increased demand in transport and logistics across the board. This means that hauliers can operate outside of these rules and longer hours can be worked.  

Richard Burnett, Chief Executive of the HRA, commented that the relaxation: “Improves resilience in a way that ensures all goods can reach the area where they are needed.” 

What Do The Lifted Restrictions Mean For Hauliers?

In short, this temporary lift will mean that HGV drivers will be able to better accommodate the increase in demand for their services during this time.

It may see hauliers working longer hours, but as unseen key workers in the Covid-19 fight, their determination and willingness is what will help keep our economy ticking along in all respects.

How To Look After Your Mental Health While On The Road

There’s no doubt that these are concerning times for us all right now, whatever industry you operate in. Logistics drivers are, albeit rather unseen, instrumental key workers during this pandemic. As such, longer hours may sometimes be required, especially following the temporary pause on EU regulations.

Working under pressure and for longer in a day might bring about some strains on your mental health. Working in logistics is an opportunistic and exciting career, but as with any line of work, it has its challenges too. Here’s some of our top advice for looking after your mental health when working longer hours:

  • Open a window – when driving on A-roads and along streets, opening a window and allowing yourself to absorb some vitamin D may make a difference to your wellbeing. We’re fortunate to have pleasant weather in the UK at the moment (but who knows for how long) – make the most of it.
  • Play some music – clinical trials have proven that music can help boost your mood and reduce anxiety, the current climate is stressful, so allow yourself to relax a little with a playlist of your favourite songs.
  • Focus on the positives – make a note, whether that be a mental note or a written one, of all the things to be positive about, it’ll help to keep you grounded when things get stressful.
  • Remember you’re doing great – and finally, it’s important to remind yourself that you’re amongst Britain’s key workers, who are working tirelessly and selflessly in the face of a pandemic to keep the country running efficiently. Without HGV drivers, our shelves would be barren, our healthcare system would struggle and there’d be a plethora of other implications. When times get testing, remember why you’re working in logistics and who you’re working for.

What are your opinions on the Governments temporary relaxation of EU driving restrictions, do you welcome them or oppose them? Let us know on Twitter.

The Barnes Group is one of the UK’s leading providers of logistical support and warehousing to time critical businesses. With over 80 vehicles in our fleet, we support a nationwide client base. For more information about us and how we can support your business with logistics, in these unprecedented times and thereafter, get in touch.

Clear Air Zones UK – Good News Or Bad News?

/in , , , /by

Clean Air Zones (CAZ) are areas in the UK that have been introduced by local authorities to improve air-quality by introducing fees for drivers. In a daring bid to reduce emissions, Clean Air Zones were first proposed in 2015, and have finally come into force this year. They fit into the UK’s target to be at almost a “net zero” emissions rate by 2050.

Originally, the UK was set a target to reduce their emissions by 80%. In 2019, they decided to do one better and announced that their revised goal was to achieve a “net zero” status, meaning they wish to eradicate emissions completely from homes, industries and transport in 30 years.

But are Clean Air Zones good news or bad news? Let’s think about the logistics industry and how CAZ may affect it.

How Will Clean Air Zones Affect The Logistics Industry?

There’s no argument that cleaner air is a universally desired outcome, we are all working towards creating an eco-friendlier environment with nearer to no emissions. However, are Clean Air Zones the best way to approach this?

It was recently announced that CAZ restrictions will be applied to non-compliant private vehicles. That’s as well as buses, taxis and most importantly HGVs – who’ve already been told that the charge will affect them. This latest development was big news for those following the evolution of this scheme, but for HGV drivers and logistics workers, ever since Clean Air Zones were first considered in 2015; we’ve always known they were to have some effect on our industry.

Clean Air Zones – How They’re Bad News

The government has made a bold statement that they not only plan to reduce emissions by a percentage by 2050, but rather strive for “net zero” status by this date. It is, of course, going to take some significant changes to accomplish this, and Clean Air Zones are just one contributing solution.

However, they are set to crucially impact the logistics industry and how it operates.

Clean Air Zones - What cities will they be in?

Image credit: Arrow Self Drive

Charges Could Have Financial Implications On The Logistics Industry

The charges are set to be steep for large vehicles such as HGV’s, with most fees ranging from £50-£100 per day depending on the city. The transport and logistics industry is crucial for the safe passage of goods from one place to another, and without HGV drivers, the world we’re used to would look rather different. These crippling charges are set to seriously impact the logistics industry and its revenues, which in turn could create a ripple effect wherein the distributions of goods are delayed, and services are impacted.

The Problem Could Be Worsened With Longer Driving Routes

Cities that are operating CAZ such as Birmingham, Leeds, Nottingham and London may find the problem becomes exasperated, rather than eradicated. It has to be assumed that some, who would like to avoid the fine, may choose alternative routes and accumulate more mileage. Therefore, outputting even more emissions. By actively discouraging drivers from entering these major areas, we’re left to wonder whether the knock-on effects could actually be worse than the situation as it is now, with increased fuel consumption and increased out-of-city traffic?

Vehicles On The Road Could See An Increase

We questioned back in November that if some areas replaced trucks with vans (as several local authorities are proposing in an effort to reduce emissions), will this end up increasing the number of vehicles on the road, along with their congestion and emissions? HGVs play an essential role in the national economy – irreplaceable in some respects. The largest truck can carry the load of 20 vans. Could disrupting the system we have in place now with introductions such as Clean Air Zones have adverse effects?

Clean Air Zones – How They’re Good News

By the same token though, we at the Barnes Group are committed to assisting the Government with their “net zero” emissions target and understand that re-evaluating the way the logistics industry operates has a vital part to play in this. Here are some reasons that we endorse the introduction of Clean Air Zones.

Certain Vehicles Are Exempt From CAZ Fees

Plus, not all vehicles will be subject to CAZ charges; compliant vehicles can enter zones free of charge, for HGV’s this includes Euro 6 engines, which are defined by all vehicles with 14 plate or newer. Buses and coaches that meet Euro VI emission standards, as well as cars, vans and taxis that meet Euro 6 (for diesel engines) or Euro 4 (for petrol engines) are also exempt, that’s as well as any ultra-low emission vehicles with a significate zero-emission range.

Clean Air Zones Work As Good Deterrents

There’s no doubt that Clean Air Zones will work well as a strong deterrent, resulting in some drivers avoiding major areas that are suffering from build-up. With this in mind, the idea of discouraging motorists in this way seems to be effective. We’re certainly an advocate of persuading individuals not to drive through populated areas when there’s no reason for them to do so.

However, this does leave us to wonder whether there are other means by which drivers could be motivated. Would the ‘carrot’ approach work better than the ‘stick’?

Ultimately, for the logistics industry, introducing extortionate fines only looks to cripple the sector financially. Is it fair to punish companies for simply operating as standard? It would be near impossible to halt HGVs driving through major cities completely, as every single one of us relies on logistics in our day-to-day lives. Without drivers such as ours at the Barnes Group, we’d all live a very different lifestyle.

Is there a better way to tackle the emissions crisis together, rather than working against one another?

Let us know your thoughts, or just keep up with what we’re doing on Twitter.

 

You can check whether your route will be effected by Clean Air Zones (CAZ) by clicking here.

International Women’s Day with The Barnes Group

/in , , , , , , , , , /by

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.

 

Five Things To Love About Working In Logistics

/in , /by

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we’re talking about something that we truly love – logistics! An opportunistic and exciting employment path, here we’ll discuss five things there is to love about this industry and why logistics is a great career.

Working In Logistics – What’s Not To Love?

We may be a little biased, but we think there are plenty of reasons to love working in logistics. In spirit of Valentine’s Day, we’ve cherry-picked five reasons below…

  1. You’ll Get To Visit New Places

HGV drivers travel around 18.7 billion kilometres every single year to ensure the safe transit of goods. Whilst that’s an impressive fact alone, it’s also worth thinking about where in the country those miles are spent. Being a logistics driver may well mean you’ll get to travel up and down the UK, giving you the chance to explore new places and see sights you may not see with any other job. Of those 18.7 billion kilometres, how many could you travel each year in your career in logistics?

  1. There’s Plenty Of Room For Progression

You can start your career in logistics as an HGV driver, but why stop there? The industry offers a wealth of opportunities for career progression, and roles include both on-the-road and in-office positions. The doors that logistics opens for you is just one of the many things we love about this sector.

  1. You’ll Be Met With Flexibility And Responsibility

No two days are the same in logistics. What’s more, given the nature of your job – you’ll have a lot of responsibility and flexibility. From being able to craft your own driving playlists when on the road, to being in charge of the safe passing of thousands of goods each year, if we had to pick just two words to describe what we love about working in logistics it would be the flexibility and the trust.

  1. You’ll Always Need Logistics

Though the industry is adapting and changing – from Brexit to Clean Air Zones – one thing never changes, and that is that you’ll always need logistics. Though robotics and AI is slowly starting to creep into other industries, we know that you’ll always need a reliable driver behind the wheel to get products from A to B. As such, logistics offers a safe and stable career for many years to come.

  1. You’ll Get To Meet Lots Of People

Lots of work is being done to combat the skills gap in logistics, which in turn means the industry is currently being populated with plenty of fresh talent. This is something we really love about working in logistics… The thought that there’s employees of all different ages, and of all different backgrounds. You can meet people you wouldn’t normally, all the while doing a job together that you all really enjoy. What could be better than that?

Is Logistics A Good Career?

Based on the above, and a whole host of other reasons, we (of course) would say absolutely yes. Working in the transport industry opens doors for your career progression, as well as giving you flexibility and responsibility in your job. What’s not to love about that?

Let us know what you love about working in logistics on Twitter.

Behind Barnes: A Day In The Life Of A Transport Planner

/in , , , , /by

We recently caught up with our very own Ben Alker, Transport Planner here at The Barnes Group to find out about his career journey and what a typical day looks like for a Transport Planner like Ben.

  1. What does your role as a Transport Planner entail?

I deal with the day to day operational running of the drivers and I plan each individual drivers’ day, including the organisation of what sites they are going to and where they are delivering. I monitor the drivers once they are on the road and advise customers if drivers are going to run into any delays.  Adhering to driving rules and regulations is something I have to carefully monitor every day to make sure drivers and vehicles are sent on the road legally.

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

I have 2 years previous experience working in the transport/haulage industry, working for Eddie Stobart. I enjoy the transport industry as I find it challenging and no two days are the same. I wanted to progress in the transport industry and build on the knowledge I already previously obtained.

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

A typical day for me would be to complete a plan for the following day. This would mean I have to make sure all our load requirements are confirmed and on the system. This is then followed by allocating a suitable driver and unit. Dependant on the day this can be a challenge and we may have to call in additional support from agency drivers in the local area.  After we plan for the following day, we monitor the current drivers that are on the road, constantly feeding back any problems we foresee to customers and drivers.

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

I would recommend for people to go for it, if they are looking to get into the transport industry.  I was quite lucky and fell into this career path, but I enjoy my work. This industry is fast-paced, challenging and good problem-solving skills are always crucial.

 

To find out more information on working life at The Barnes group, click here.

Tackling Climate Change: Who Foots The Bill?

/in , , /by

As a forward-thinking business in the industry, climate change and environmental issues are topics we have discussed at great length – from HGV Levies to emissions statistics. However, it has been noted by more than ourselves that the transport and logistics industry seems to take a disproportionate level of blame and, therefore, expectation for change.

 

Of course, all must work to reduce our carbon footprint, but the world cannot simply expect the logistics industry to foot the bill of climate change – both in terms of finance and convenience – of lowering the sector’s impact on the planet, whilst relying on it with increasing demands.

 

Never has this disparity become more starkly clear than in the results of a recent report from Barclays. The study looked at customers’ willingness to be greener with their retail deliveries.

 

Although respondents indicated that they expect businesses to offer more sustainable options for deliveries to help tackle climate change, they do not wish to share the increased cost associated with this. Customers are more likely to be swayed by businesses which offer green options for their deliveries, however, 62% said that they would not be willing to pay for these, and a large majority of older shoppers would expect the business to fully absorb the cost.

 

The study focuses on a respondent’s relationship with retailers, but the issue is inherently tied with retail business’ logistics providers. Although there are increasing demands from customers to have deliveries which are increasingly quicker and greener, the expectation is that this is not something worth paying for – a clear discrepancy between expectations and responsibilities.

 

The first step has been made with this study – it is important to discover more about consumers’ true feelings on eco-friendly deliveries and payment if plans are to be made to tackle a change in attitude.

 

Reducing the impact we have on our planet is an effort shared by all – where it is everyone’s responsibility, everyone should share the burden of cost. This could be in the form of higher delivery charges to cover the cost of eco-friendly fuels and lorries, or working with consumers to reduce the expectations of same- or next-day deliveries.

 

In time, it is hoped that the choice to be greener will be less costly as technologies advance; but, until then, let us remember that working to save our planet and tackle climate change is a responsibility and cost we all must carry together.

Smart Tachographs and Logistics Investment

/in , /by

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.

The Barnes Group Now Incorporating

GA Newsome

OUR ACCREDITATIONS

 

Contact Details

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

About us

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

Our Service

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

Registered Office

Barnes Logistics Ltd
Cowm Top Lane
Rochdale
OL11 2RG

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

OKLearn more