logistics Archives - Barnes Logistics

Is HGV Driving a Good Career Choice in 2021?

June 15, 2021/in Customers, Driving, HGV, LGV, Logistics, lorry, News, safety /by The Source Partnership

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

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

What does the job entail?

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

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

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

What qualifications do I need?

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

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

Will I be able to get work easily?

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

What is the pay like?

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

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

Why should I become a haulier?

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

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

Barnes Logistics on: The Hierarchy of Road Users

May 26, 2021/in Customers, Driving, HGV, LGV, Logistics, lorry, News, safety, Uncategorized, weather /by The Source Partnership

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

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

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

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

– Pedestrians

– Cyclists

– Motorcyclists

– Horse riders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more Barnes blogs, click here.

Mental Health Awareness Week and Beyond

May 17, 2021/in Customers, Driving, HGV, LGV, Logistics, lorry, News, safety, Uncategorized, weather /by The Source Partnership

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.

Covid Testing: A Haulier’s Guide

May 4, 2021/in Customers, Driving, HGV, LGV, Logistics, lorry, News, safety, Uncategorized, weather /by The Source Partnership

Covid testing – with rules and regulations getting increasingly complex, it’s hard to keep track of what applies to you. In light of the recent change in restrictions, we have compiled all the latest info from the Government.

When do I test? How often do I test? Do I even need to test? These are all questions we have asked ourselves recently. It can get confusing at times but hopefully this guide will shine a light on the course of action right for you.

COVID-19 Testing After Entering England

Hauliers arriving in England from abroad must take a COVID-19 test if they are staying for more than 2 days. You will need to take a further test every 3 days after that, if you are still in England. This applies to both UK-based and non-UK hauliers.

If you do not have proof of a negative COVID-19 test, you could be fined up to £2,000.

When Is Covid Testing Not Needed?

You do not need to take a test if you will be in England for 2 days or less.

You also don’t need to take a test if you arrive in England from the Common Travel Area (CTA). The CTA is the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. You must have only been in the CTA in the 10 days before arrival. If you have been outside the CTA in the 10 days before you arrive in England, you must take the tests.

When Do I need to Get Tested?

You must take the first test within 2 whole days of your arrival. The day of your arrival is counted as day 0.

You must take the second test between 3 and 5 days after your arrival.

You must take your third test between 6 and 8 days after your arrival.

The date and time of your arrival will be collected and recorded in the passenger locator form, which you are required to complete.

What Happens If I Can’t Get A Test?

If you cannot get a test at a time when one is due, for example because of temporary closure of testing facilities or lack of provision in the area, you should take a test as soon as possible once you can access a testing site.

You are only required to take these tests while you are in England.

If you are in another part of the Common Travel Area (UK, Ireland, Channel Islands and Isle of Man) when a test is due, you do not need to take that test until you return to England. You should take the test as soon as you can when you return to England.

Where Can I Get A Test?

Free testing for hauliers is available at haulier advice sites around the country.

You do not need to book a test in advance, but you should check the list of sites to make sure they open and if they are likely to be busy.

You can also use:

Workplace Testing: if your company has bought the tests from an authorised test provider

Community Testing: check for community testing sites in your area

home-based testing

(Community testing facilities are not accessible to HGVS. There are no HGV parking provisions, so this option is available only to hauliers who can access sites by foot or car. You may need to make an appointment for a test at a community testing facility.)

Where UK-based international hauliers use workplace or home testing, they will be expected to register the fact of the test on the NHS app. This registration can then be used as evidence.

What Happens at the Covid Testing Site?

When you get to the test site do not leave your vehicle except to use the rest facilities or when asked to by a member of staff.

A member of staff will give you a test kit. You then administer the test yourself by taking a swab at the back of your throat and the inside of your nose using a long cotton bud.

After you’ve taken the test you will need to return to your vehicle and wait for 30 minutes for the results.

If Your Test Result Is Negative

You will receive proof of your negative result if you test negative.

Staff will then direct you to your departure point and you’ll be able to continue your journey.

Keep the result safe. If you lose it, you’ll need to take another test.

If Your Test Result Is Positive

You cannot continue your journey if the test result is positive.

What you do next depends on where you can safely self-isolate.

For more information on this please consult GOV.UK.

Hopefully this answered all of your questions. If you have any further queries, get in touch with us via our Twitter or LinkedIn pages and for more blogs from us, click here. And most importantly, stay safe!

Warehousing and Automation: The Benefits

February 22, 2021/in Customers, Driving, HGV, LGV, Logistics, lorry, News, safety, Uncategorized, weather /by The Source Partnership

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

February 19, 2021/in Driving, HGV, News /by The Source Partnership

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

February 3, 2021/in Driving, HGV, Logistics, News /by The Source Partnership

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

November 20, 2020/in Logistics, News /by The Source Partnership

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 27^th November, with Cyber Monday on 30^th 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 2^nd 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?

October 16, 2020/in Logistics, News /by The Source Partnership

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

October 16, 2020/in Customers, Driving, HGV, LGV, Logistics, lorry, News, safety, Uncategorized, weather /by The Source Partnership

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.

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