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Warehousing and Automation: The Benefits

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

 

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

 

PROS

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

WAREHOUSING TECHNOLOGY TRENDS 2021

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

What A Net Zero Future Looks Like For Logistics

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

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

Raising The Bar For Warehousing

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

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

Looking At Alternative Fuel

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

The alternative to electric is renewable fuel. The Low Emissions Freight Trial report from the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership tested a range of gas-powered HGVs from different manufacturers, including vehicles using spark ignition and compression ignition technologies. It also looked at the performance of vehicles running on compressed natural gas and liquified natural gas, and their biomethane equivalents. After 12 months of testing, the study found that spark ignition gas trucks achieved well-to-wheel greenhouse gas savings of between 69–81% when fuelled with RTFO-certified biomethane. This saving was found across all cycles including long haul, regional, urban and city centre runs. Not only this, but it was discovered that gas trucks were noticeably quieter to operate than traditional counterparts, which is a bonus when overnight trunking.

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

A Look at What 2021 Holds for Logistics

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

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

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

Warehouse Automation

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

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

Sector Growth

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

Green, Green, Green

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

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

The Internet of Things

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

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

How Black Friday Might Look Different This Year For Logistics

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Black Friday is historically a high-traffic time for those in the logistics industry. More resources are required to meet the higher-than-usual consumer demand in retail, both for eCommerce stores as well as traditional bricks and mortar outlets. Black Friday has seen a steady growth in recent years, originating from the U.S and now a phenomenon in the UK too, in 2019, Black Friday sales in Britain jumped by 16.5% compared with the previous year.

What was once celebrated on a single day, is now spread over several weeks – with some brands already kicking off their 2020 Black Friday deals, in light of this difficult year. The event is swiftly followed by Cyber Weekend (previously referred to as Cyber Monday), which offers similar deals and savings to customers – but is limited to online purchases only. This year, Black Friday will occur on 27th November, with Cyber Monday on 30th November.

How Will Black Friday Be Different This Year?

With the exception of supermarkets and other essential retailers, Black Friday, for the first time in its lifespan, will be mostly confined to online operations this year (rendering the notion of Cyber Weekend less novel than in recent years). This, of course, is due to the UK being in a second nation-wide lockdown that is projected to last until at least 2nd December, 5 days after the usual Black Friday event. What this means is that eCommerce procedures will be met with a much greater demand from their website hosting capabilities, right through to the capacities of their warehouses and couriers.

With attention taken away from the usual offline operation – which has been notorious in past years for long queues, packed out stores and even in rare cases, brawls – retailers will likely have more budget and labour to put into ensuring that their online presence can withstand more traffic and interest than what they might have had in previous weeks and months. Timed with the last payday for most people before Christmas, Black Friday has a reputation for being one of the busiest times for businesses, even without deals on display. It’s estimated that around £8.57bn was spent last year.

The notion of retail moving online is not necessarily a new one, and especially not for Black Friday. In fact, around 23.8% of shoppers prefer exclusive online deal-hunting and in 2019, UK shoppers were expected to spend more over Cyber Weekend than on Black Friday itself. However, this is the first year where operations have been forced online completely – retailers do not have a choice but to adapt if they wish to jump on the trend.

What this means for logistics, is undoubtedly an adjustment of usual procedures. Where transport workers were surely the unsung heroes during the first national lockdown, keeping supermarket shelves full and healthcare organisations supplied, businesses will now look again to logistics to accommodate the changing face of Black Friday. During times like these, where pressure is ramped up and circumstances are different than usual, Just In Time (JIT) logistics is an efficient and clever way to navigate the changing climate.

Is This A New Normal For Retailers?

The phrase “new normal” has been passed around a lot over the course of the last few months, with many thinking that trends such as working from home and social distancing may continue for years to come. Can this also be said for retail? Will there be a shift to eCommerce not only this Black Friday, but permanently?

Naturally, only time will tell, but if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that we value human interaction. With this in mind, it’s unlikely that all businesses will move online in their entirety, as the novelty of heading out and shopping in person is unlikely to be lost on people any time soon. Though the high street is without doubt in a difficult position, we are also seeing the likes of Primark completely resisting the shift to eCommerce, a controversial, but well-respected decision.

When it comes to logistics, the sector has to be more tuned in than ever to facilitate fluid demands as we navigate through these times. There are plenty of uncertainties ahead for retail, but the transportation sector is well-prepared to handle it.

Keep up to date with our latest news on our blog, LinkedIn or Twitter.

How Has The ‘On-Demand’ Economy Impacted Logistics?

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Since the Coronavirus outbreak, many things have changed in the world of business. However, even before that, we’ve definitely seen an increase in the past few years of an ‘on-demand’ economy – one shaped by the likes of retailers such as Amazon and services such as “30-minute click & collect”. The ‘on-demand economy’ is the business of delivering almost instantly. Amazon’s ‘same-day delivery’ to a hub locker and the now-abandoned Amazon Pantry in the US helped to give consumers something they now find hard to live without: online shopping that is delivered the same day. The convenience of your goods arriving almost instantly, without the hassle of going to a physical store.

Once an idea is alive, it’s hard to kill it. So, since the ‘on-demand economy’ begun to take shape, many retailers have had to move with it. Brands such as Superdrug have launched a ’30-minute click & collect’ service, whilst Tesco offer same day delivery, so long as your cart is checked out before 1pm. This idea isn’t just exclusive to retail either, the ‘on-demand economy’ has long been present in companies such as Uber, who enable users to request a ride instantaneously, and digital transformation means that when you order concert tickets, for example, they’ll be delivered to your smartphone right away.

The ‘On-Demand Economy’ And Its Impact On Logistics

One thing is for certain when it comes to talking about the ‘on-demand economy’, when consumers want something – they want it quickly. This presents a stocking issue, as it’s important to make sure there’s enough goods in stock to adhere to demand, but also not so much that warehousing space is wasted. There’s no real way to tell when a product might be popular and when it might not, other than speculating, retailers need a plan in place that means when a customer places an order – they’ll get it in good time. This in turn has an impact on logistics, those who transport a product from A to B. Retailers need to make sure that they are working with a trusted logistics provider who can meet timely demands. At The Barnes Group, we operate a ‘Just in Time (JIT)’ method of logistics, to keep up with consumer demand. This means that we avoid deadstock by only transporting goods where and when they’re needed. This might not always mean same or next day delivery, but it does mean swift and reliable transportation that doesn’t result in a lack of or a surplus of stock.

The impact of the ‘on-demand economy’ on logistics, creates the need for a fast turnaround for consumers. This isn’t exclusive to transportation either. Producers need to work to ensure they’ve made enough product to keep up with demand. Then at the other end of the funnel, retailers themselves need to be managing an operation allowing for a service that provides click and collect, or even same day delivery. Not every business can manage this logistically and even where they can – there’s a reliance on every step of the supply chain moving swiftly and efficiently. Though not impossible to service the ‘on-demand economy’, companies need to be able to work quickly without compromising on quality. Naturally, a lot of planning is required to ensure that production doesn’t fall behind and neither does the movement of goods during the next stage.

The important thing with the ‘on-demand economy’, is managing consumer expectations. Companies like Amazon are built around speed and they’ve been offering same and next day delivery for some time. This model will not work for every company and it’s important to keep that in mind.

Does The ‘On-Demand Economy’ Have A Future?

This method of operating isn’t feasible for every company and it would be fair to assume that not every consumer would expect such a speedy service from every business they interact with. For businesses that can adhere to the ‘on-demand economy’ such as Amazon, Superdrug, Uber, online course providers and supermarkets, then no doubt they’ll continue to thrive under this operation. Especially since the pandemic has increased reliability on eCommerce.

However, it would also be fair to say that if a business can’t keep up with the ‘on-demand’ economy, then they won’t necessarily be in trouble. Or at least not for now. For the most part, customers are happy to wait. Only time can tell if this changes in the future.

For more information on Just in Time (JIT) logistics and the other services that The Barnes Group provide, including warehousing solutions, please get in touch with our team on our website.

 

Logistics Services: How Investing in Roads Can Help

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Logistics services are an important element of a successful supply chain that helps to increase the sales and profits of businesses that deal with the production, shipment, warehousing and delivery of goods worldwide. A reliable logistics service can not only boost the economic strength of any business but also help to maintain a positive public image.

It is therefore imperative that this service is able to operate as effectively and efficiently as possible and that is hugely reliant on the improvement and maintenance of UK roads. In August, Highways England unveiled the details of plans for a £27.4 billion investment in the strategic road network across the country.

They promise to deliver £14 billion of projects improving the quality, capacity and safety of the motorways and major A roads that have helped keep the country going during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The UK’s road network is a vital part of everyone’s life. It continues to serve the country well during the ongoing pandemic, keeping supermarket shelves stocked and enabling key workers to get where they need to be.

However, operations can only continue to run smoothly if proper funds are injected into the maintenance and improvement of this country’s roads. Over the next five years, Highways England plan to increase capacity where it is most needed and continue to upgrade more of the network which has suffered from decades of under-investment.

Improved roads could mean an easier drive for many hauliers. Less instances of acceleration and deceleration due to the lack of potholes, narrow roads and maintenance vehicles will mean a decrease in the level of fuel consumed during transport. If routes were more efficient or roads were improved, vehicles would produce less emissions. Not only would this lead to cheaper overall costs in terms of fuel but it would also contribute to the management of future environmental damage.

Further improvements will lead to a decreased need for maintenance on vehicles. Many roads have cracks that are just waiting to turn into dangerous potholes that could potentially cause collisions. Local roads where hauliers make their last-mile deliveries are often in an even worse state and the damage to HGVs – in particular, to their suspension systems – can have quite an impact. Resurfacing those roads would incur less damage to hauliers and other road users.

More potholes mean more breakdowns, more roadworks and more delays. These delays for a ‘just-in-time’ industry can be disastrous. Faster travel times with less obstacles and more efficient routes would make journeys faster and more reliable for haulage companies across the UK.

The FTA reports that improving the country’s roads is the most important thing politicians can do to support an efficient logistics industry. Implementing seamless logistics is a key element in keeping pace with consumer demands and outperforming competitors. In 2018, over 193 billion tonne kilometres of domestic freight was moved within the UK, of which 79% was transported by road. If these transport routes are not kept in tip-top shape, these figures will only decrease.

Share your view on this countries’ roads and the difference proper investment would make, on our Twitter or LinkedIn. You can also follow us for regular updates on the logistics industry as well as information on our logistics and warehousing services.

For more Barnes blogs, click here.

Do Clean Air Zones (CAZ) Have A Future?

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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.

Will Freezing Fuel Duty Help Logistics Recover?

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According to FleetNews, Chancellor Rishi Sunak is considering ending a ten-year freeze on fuel tax in his upcoming Autumn Budget, which could see fuel duty increase by 5p. This measure is rumoured to be be considered due to the Coronavirus crisis and the impact that it has had on the country’s economy. However, organisations such as FairFuelUK which is backed by the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and Logistics UK (formerly FTA), has said it will “fight tooth and nail” against these plans.

Today, we’re looking at how a continued freeze of fuel duty will aid the recovery of the logistics industry following the hard times that it too has endured following the Covid-19 pandemic.

What Could A Hike In Fuel Duty Mean?

If the end to the freeze on fuel duty occurs during the Autumn budget, then this will bring a myriad of implications for those working in the logistics industry. From drivers, to company owners – the impact will be felt across the board.

According to FairFuelUK, UK drivers are still the most taxed in the world. They also predicted that had the fuel duty escalation continued as planned from 2011 onwards, as opposed to the freeze that was introduced, fuel duty today would be 83.33p per litre rather than 57.95p per litre, 43.8% higher. A serious expense for household drivers, as well as logistics companies.

A lift on restrictions on fuel duty this Autumn means that the price per litre that is paid for fuel can increase to no end. Currently, rates are capped at 57.95 pence per litre for petrol and diesel, but a lift of this freeze in prices could see this figure rise by as much as 5p.

An increase of this magnitude could seriously impact the recovery of the logistics industry following months of uncertainty. Higher fuel costs, meaning the price per job increases and either profit margins get lower, or prices have to increase. Either outcome is not favourable for logistics providers and their clients, this is why the industry must rally behind the likes of FairFuelUK, who are imploring the Government to consider the logistics sector, and what the end of the freeze on fuel tax could mean for it.

How Freezing Fuel Duty Will Aid Recovery

On the other hand, if a more favourable outcome is found in the Autumn 2020 budget, namely a continuation of the freeze on fuel duty, then this can help to aid the recovery of the logistics sector after months of hardship.

According to TouchStar, at the end of March, 76 per cent of respondents for a Logistics UK survey, reported a general downturn in business and by 3rd April, 69.5 per cent of companies had scaled back or suspended operations. Though many are now reporting an increase in normal supply chain performance, weeks of affected business has in no doubt put a strain on the industry. Whilst it recovers, a continued freeze of fuel duty would help contribute to the recuperation of the sector and ensure that profits do not take any further hits.

Not having to budget for an increased fuel cost, will mean more revenue can be set aside for innovation within businesses, as well as logistics recruitment. Both are important for the future of the sector, with the latter being crucial in targeting the skills gap in logistics.

A freeze will give the industry the chance it needs to get back on track, and to continue servicing the country in the way that it did post, and even during, national lockdown. What are your thoughts? You can interact with us on Twitter and LinkedIn, and remember you can engage with FairFuelUK to help to urge the chancellor to continue with the fuel duty freeze this autumn.

What Is Overnight Trunking – And What Are The Benefits?

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Overnight Trunking is a logistics service utilised by The Barnes Group, it helps us to keep up with supplier demand whilst keeping costs to a minimum. Below, we’re going to run through what Night Trunking (also known as Overnight Trunking) is, and what the benefits of it are.

What Is Overnight Trunking?

‘Trunking’ means making deliveries using a regular route. ‘Overnight trunking’ is when HGV drivers utilise twilight hours for their logistical services, getting their cargo from A to B in one journey overnight.

Trunking jobs are quite popular amongst drivers because the routes are typically regular, and the roads are usually quieter to navigate. But it’s not just logistics workers that overnight trunking benefits. In fact, utilising this method means we can add more benefits to our service for new and existing clients.

What Are The Benefits Of Overnight Trunking?

One of the biggest benefits of overnight trunking in logistics is that due to the roads typically being quieter, the process is streamlined. There’s less traffic meaning that transportation usually takes less time than it does during the daytime, and you’re also more likely to be driving without traffic jams. Less engine idling is better for the environment.

Night trunking also means that consumer demands can be met with more ease, sometimes a night or early morning delivery is better for a client, and therefore operating in twilight hours helps to make the supply chain more streamlined to meet business needs.

The Barnes Group offer ‘Just In Time’ (JIT) logistical services, which means that we make use of precise timings to ensure maximum efficiency. Goods can be re-stocked and distributed before they are sold, which saves on costs by reducing the need for carrying extra inventory. Lead times are also more appropriately managed. Overnight trunking helps us to keep the JIT logistics method operating smoothly, and to service demand appropriately.

Through overnight trunking, we can also offer adhoc services when a client’s demand requires extra vehicles, this can help keep costs to a minimum as the procedure can be used on an ‘as you need it’ basis.

Trunking tends to cover long-distance haulage on ‘trunk roads’, which means that despite being based in the North West, we can service a network of customers all over the UK. As mentioned above, overnight driving usually means quieter roads and streamlined journeys, this means our drivers can travel quite the distance in a shift. As a logistics provider, this is a great benefit to us and to our clients also.

Logistics Services At The Barnes Group

At the Barnes Group, we have been working with some of the largest overnight freight networks in the world for years, keeping UK consumers happy. We have found this sector to be expanding at a phenomenal rate, and it’s no surprise with the number of benefits to both workers and consumer. We are capable of offering a simple adhoc service when demand requires extras or running vehicles out of your own sites to keep costs to a minimum.

To find out more about overnight trunking, and our other logistical services, you can contact us by clicking here.

“Just In Time Logistics” – Why Should You Use It?

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Here at The Barnes Group, we specialise in Just In Time Logistics (JIT) – designed to make use of precise timings, ensuring maximum efficiency.  This type of logistics allows for goods to be re-stocked and distributed before they are sold.  Our highly trained warehouse operatives keep our warehouses running smoothly, allowing for efficient logistics targets to be met.

 

Through the clever calculation of lead times and reducing the cost of carrying extra stock inventory, JIT provides a desirable method to create more streamlined lead times and less money spent on inventory costs.

 

JIT is well thought of as a cost saving method – reducing the amount of inventory that is needed through the supply chain.  This is otherwise known as the pull-method, where goods are produced at each stage, but only when they are required at the next stage.  This process also prevents wastage caused by defective products, as every output is monitored before moving on to the next stage in the supply chain.

 

An optimised supply chain will help to deliver stock to customers in a timely manner, a strategy that spends as little money as possible.  In turn, a streamlined supply chain will have a positive effect on customer satisfaction.  Keeping down costs, reducing waste and keeping customers happy?  JIT is certainly worth considering.

 

Here at The Barnes Group, we run a successful JIT strategy, that is well synchronised at every stage – helping to compress time and reduce cost for customers.  With JIT, you have a faster turnaround on stock, therefore there is less of a need for so much warehouse or storage space.  This frees up cost for spending on other aspects of a business.

 

For smaller companies, JIT is ideal for inventory management, as the process doesn’t require the purchase of large amounts of stock in one go.  This logistics strategy instead, is economical and promotes a healthy cash flow for a business.

 

If you’re looking to introduce Just In Time logistics into your business plan, get in touch with The Barnes Group today on 0161 684 3070, to find out how our strategies can help to make your company more economical and reduce waste.

 

 

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

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

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