Building An Environmentally Friendly Logistics Industry

Local Buzz Marketing Latest news February 15, 2021eco-friendly, environment, fuel efficiency, goals, haulage, haulage companies in huntingdon, logistics chain 0 Comment

Nurturing an environmentally friendly, sustainable supply chain will benefit the environment and the future of the industry significantly. Across the entire national (and international) economy, the environment is a topic that has risen to the top of the agenda in recent years and become a priority for the majority of companies.

The logistics industry is undoubtedly one of the most significant contributors to environmental issues as a result of the high number of deliveries and distributions that take place every day. However, that is all beginning to change as eco-friendly becomes the new trend. Courtesy of Swannells Transport, here are a few ways your transportation and warehousing network can go green.

Set Goals

One of the most motivating ways to do anything, in fact, is to set goals. Ambitious goals will spark action within the workplace e.g. Nestlé has committed to cutting food loss and waste in half by 2030. Setting a goal such as improving fuel efficiency or recycling more etc. will drive initiative for all of the team involved and get things done.

Improving Fuel Efficiency

The amount of fuel we use and waste during a journey is a particular factor that has seriously affected the environment in recent years. Analysing driver performance and efficient journey preparation will provide an opportunity to resolve this issue. This includes identifying how drivers function, whether drivers are taking efficient routes and what are the changes that can be made to improve fuel efficiency within your supply chain.

A top tip would be to prepare for your journeys ahead. This includes having a full tank before departure, planning your route and anticipating traffic/roadworks, as well as bringing along any necessary food, drink or accessories that will prevent any detours or stops.

Reduce Wasted Driving Time

“Empty miles” is a term often used to describe a driver’s non-revenue or “deadhead” mileage. These refer to the miles used that are not earning money or pays a large cost to the economy… essentially wasted miles. It would be beneficial to implement an effective strategy that will reduce the number of empty miles used in the business e.g. limit number of stops or route planning.

Packaging

As well as switching up driving techniques, there are also several ways you can make a big difference in your warehouse space. One of the most praised changes is switching to eco-friendly packaging. This can include choosing locally sourced packaging rather than nationally shipped or reducing the amount of plastic or non-recyclable materials you use to pack.

Analyse Warehouse Space

Haulage companies in huntingdon — Haulage companies in Huntingdon – Analysing Your Warehouse Space

The space within your warehouse is genuinely important when it comes to design and management efficiency and there are plenty of ways you can adjust this without having to spend a penny. For example, organising your warehouse into a layout that cuts the distance traveled between actions, reducing both labour and energy costs.

In addition to this, a clean and systematic layout allows many warehousing teams to work quicker and more sensibly, as well as within a smaller facility, or avoid expanding.

A Less Wasteful Warehouse System

A less wasteful warehouse will help reduce the amount of waste that can be problematic to the environment. Proper disposal and recycling within the supply chain will improve resourcefulness and minimise the amount of wasted resources overall. Be sure to educate all warehouse (and driver) staff of these new rules for sustainability.

Swannells Transport – haulage companies in Huntingdon

Here at Swannells Transport, we are aware and fully comprehend the seriousness of improving our carbon footprint and economical value within the industry. However, many businesses searching for a haulage companies in Huntingdon will often find us. We have built an enviable reputation as a warehousing and distribution company you can trust to provide a high quality, supportive service. Give us a call today on 01487 822065.

Tesla’s Electric Lorry – Swannells – Haulage Companies in Huntingdon

Local Buzz Marketing Latest news January 2, 2018haulage companies in huntingdon

Tesla has unveiled its first articulate electric lorry, with production due to start in the US at some point in 2019.

CEO of Tesla, Elon Musk said the Semi truck is capable of travelling 500 miles on an electric charge and went on to say that it will cost less than a diesel alternative after you take into consideration fuel savings, maintenance costs and other factors.

When speaking to Tesla fans in California, he said: “We’re confident that this is a product that’s better in every way from a feature standpoint,”

Tesla did not reveal the price of the vehicle but have said customers can put down a $5,000 (£3,778) deposit on a truck.

The Key Features

The truck will have an autopilot system, which is able to maintain a set speed or slow down accordingly when in traffic.

It will also have a system that automatically keeps the vehicle in its lane/

Tesla lorries will be able to travel in a convoy, autonomously following each other.

Tesla also revealed plans to create a global network of solar-powered “megachargers” that could get the trucks back up to 400 miles of range after only charging for half an hour.

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Other Announcements

Tesla also made a surprise announcement with an updated version of its first sports car, the Roadster. Teslas said the new edition will have 620 miles of range and a top speed of around 250 mph.

However, this won’t come cheaply, the Roadster will have a base price of $200,000 (£150,000) and won’t be available to buy until 2020.

Tesla has been manufacturing cars for more than a decade, and it has more recently starting making solar panels.

It is now looking to break into the haulage industry to helps its goal of shifting to sustainable transport.

CEO Elon Musk is involved in a number of other projects and announced plans he says could allow his SpaceX company to colonise Mars in September. He has also just launched a new company that is digging tunnels beneath Los Angeles to alleviate traffic congestion.

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Uber to Fight London Ban – Swannells Transport – Haulage Companies in Huntingdon

Local Buzz Marketing Latest news October 4, 2017haulage companies in huntingdon

The new CEO of Uber Technologies Dara Khosrowshahi, who is less than a month into his job will meet with the head of London’s transport system this week to try and regain the license for its taxi service.

Transport for London (TfL), which regulates and operates the transport network of the capital, stunned Uber last week when it decided it would not renew its licence after the end of September.

TfL said that Uber was unfit to operate in London and cited its approach to reporting serious criminal offences and background checks on drivers, since the ruling, other major countries around the world have put Uber under the microscope, including Australia.

A Huge Petition – Swannells Transport – Haulage Companies in Huntingdon

Uber have until October 13th to appeal the ruling, which they have already confirmed they will be doing in an attempt to keep their 40,000 drivers in London on the road. But the appeal process could take a number of months.

Since the decision was announced to strip Uber of its license, over 800,000 people have signed a petition for the decision to be reversed.

“Our new CEO is looking forward to meeting with the commissioner next week,” an Uber spokesman said. “We want to work with London to make things right.”

Swannells Transport – Haulage Companies in Huntingdon

London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who has previously criticised the firm, backed the ruling and said it would be wrong to license Uber if its conduct threatened the safety and security of Londoners. While Prime Minister Theresa May said a blanket ban was disproportionate but safety concerns must be resolved.

Premium car service Addison Lee announced their plans to increase competition in the capital by increasing the number of drivers they have in London by a quarter.

This isn’t the first time Uber has face regulatory and legal setback. They have been forced to quit several countries including Denmark and Hungary, amid opposition from traditional taxi services and concern among some regulators.

Uber CEO Khosrowshahi has already apologised to Londoners for Uber’s mistakes, marking a break with the firm’s usual combative tone.

Swannells Transport – Haulage Companies in Huntingdon

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Ford Scrappage Scheme – Swannells – Haulage Companies in Huntingdon

Local Buzz Marketing Latest news August 23, 2017haulage companies in huntingdon

Ford is the latest car company to launch an incentive for UK consumers to trade in cars over 7 years old, by offering £2,000 off some new models.

Unlike the schemes launched by Mercedes and BMW, which are only for diesel vehicles, Ford will also accept petrol vehicles.

Ford has stated that any cars handed in as part of the scheme will be scrapped, having an immediate effect on air quality.

Campaigners have said although this is a step in the right direction, the government still have a lot more to do.

A Journey to Improve Air Quality – Swannells – Haulage Companies in Huntingdon

Chairman and Managing Director of Ford of Britain, said its scrapple scheme is ‘part of a journey’ to improve air quality.

“We have some pretty large incentives here, up to £7,000 if you have a commercial transit vehicle,” he said.

“We’re the only scheme open to commercials. It is part of a journey.

“Air quality is a much bigger debate and getting older vehicles off the road is part of that.

“New technology, such as plug-in hybrids etc, are all part of that longer journey we need to work together.”

He denied accusations of the scheme being a clever marketing ploy to look good while selling more cars.

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The Scheme

Consumers will be given £2,000 off new Ford models that range in price from £10,000 to more than £20,000. Ford have said that by combining the scheme with other standard offers, customers could receive up to £4,000 off a car or £7,000 off a van.

Under the scheme, any old car from any manufacturer can be exchanged until the end of December.

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Urban Charges & Lorry Bans Across UK – Swannells – Haulage Companies in Huntingdon

Local Buzz Marketing Latest news August 10, 2017haulage companies in huntingdon

A number of cities across the UK will start levying prohibitively high charges on older HGVs and vans, for air quality reasons during 2019. At the same time, London has plans the could see a number of HGVs banned from the capital for having insufficient direct vision. Operators need to plan procurement or other coping strategies now to ensure the business impact is minimised.

The Freight Transport Association’s Transport Manager Conferences will be covering the topic, ensuring that attendees have the latest information about what will happen where, as well as what vehicles will be affected and how they should plan to avoid the least disruption possible.

The Government has named 32 local authorities across England that have to take further action on air quality, but it is a complicated picture as to which of these will result in a charging zone affecting commercial vehicles. The conference will also give the FTA an opportunity to give its insight. The FTA will also brief on the effects of the London Direct Vision Standard, which could potentially see more than half of the +12 tonne HGVs that currently visit London banned completely by 2020.

Swannells Transport – Haulage Companies in Huntingdon

Christopher Snelling, FTA’s Head of Nation & Regional Policy, had this to say: “Over the next three years a series of blanket restrictions will come into force in UK cities for HGVs and vans. With retrofitting of existing vehicles unlikely to be an option for most operators, transport managers need to be prepared for what is ahead, so the procurement of future fleets can be planned.”

A Manufacturers Perspective – Swannells Transport – Haulage Companies in Huntingdon

This year, the conference will be sponsored by Iveco, who is also expected to give a vehicle manufacturer’s perspective on the proposed changes. Iveco’s Alternative Fuel Director, Martin Flach said: We applaud local authorities’ efforts to improve inner city air quality. The impact on truck operators is likely to be great, with many having to replace significant parts of their fleets to avoid incurring heavy penalties. This may be a fact they are not fully aware of. Iveco welcomes the opportunity to inform the audience at these important conferences.”

Last year, there were record numbers at the conference, something that the FTA is hoping to repeat this year.

Swannells Transport – Haulage Companies in Huntingdon

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10,000 haulage firms on ‘red list’ – Swannells – Haulage Companies in Huntingdon

Local Buzz Marketing Latest news March 15, 2017haulage companies in huntingdon

Around 10,000 haulage firms are on a ‘red list’ because of the threat they pose to other road users, according to the body that enforces lorry safety in Britain.

The list represents one in eight transport companies and is used by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to target enforcement.

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According to the DVSA, the hauliers are failing to ensure adequate maintenance and safety or to monitor drivers’ hours. The body went on to say that the sanctions for repeatedly flouting the rules are inadequate.

Gareth Llewellyn, DVSA chief executive said that the regulatory system was ‘ripe for review’.

Transport companies with vehicles that weigh 3.5 tonnes of more need an operator license, which carries obligations to ensure vehicles are safe, road worthy and regularly inspected.

The DVSA enforces the regulations through roadside spot checks. During 2015, almost 30,000 were checked at the roadside or companies premises, and nearly 9,000 were served with prohibition notices.

Impound Vehicles – Swannells Transport – Haulage Companies in Huntingdon

Depending on how severe the defect, a vehicle is immobilised until repaired or the operator is given a deadline to get it fixed.

The DVSA scores operators on the likelihood their vehicles will be operating, with a green, amber or red rating.

Mr Llewellyn said: “Where we believe there is something of imminent impact for the public, we will impound that vehicle – it is about making sure those things that are really posing a risk to the public are taken out very quickly.”

But Chris Snelling from the Freight Transport Association, said the red list in itself was not an indicator of the industry’s safety record, but of the capability of the DVSA to undertake enforcement.

He went on to say if safety standards across the industry rose, he would anticipate the DVSA would still maintain a red list of 10,000 lower-performing operators.

Swannells Transport – Haulage Companies in Huntingdon

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£1.2bn Funding for Roads – Swannells – Haulage Companies in Huntingdon

Local Buzz Marketing Uncategorized January 18, 2017haulage companies in huntingdon

Andrew Jones, Transport Minister announces funding to improve roads, cut congestion and improve journey times. The funding includes money from the new National Productivity Investment Fund, announced in the Autumn Statement and the Pothole Action Fund.

Swannells Transport – Haulage Companies in Huntingdon

The £1.2bn includes £75m which councils are able to bid for, in order to repair and maintain local infrastructures such as bridges, street lighting and rural roads.

Since the announcement of the funding, the government has also published further information on what it will be spent on – the latest step in the economic plan to stimulate the economy and build a country that works for everyone.

A key part of his is putting in place improves transport links including better roads, to help people access work, school and services.

Transport Minister, Andrew Jones had this to say: “The funding we have allocated today is focused on relieving congestion and providing important upgrades to ensure our roads are fit for the future – helping to build an economy that works for everyone.”

In an attempt to reduce the number of potholes, the Department for Transport will begin a new innovative trail, working together with Thurrock and York Councils which could completely change the way in which potholes are identified and managed.

A pothole-spotter system, mounted to refuse collection vehicles, comprising of high-definition cameras, integrated navigation system and intelligent software will be deployed to help identify any potential road surface problems before they become potholes.

The Department for Transport (DfL) has also announced it will support plans for a new motorway junction on the M11, near Harlow in Essex. This will help ensure the delivery of 15,000 homes and support continued growth in the local economy.

The new junction will be called Junction 7A, and it will sit just to the north of Harlow and should make journeys to Stagnated and Cambridge much easier.

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Road Tunnels to Ease Congestion – Haulage Companies in Huntingdon

admin Latest news February 5, 2016haulage companies in huntingdon

Two major road tunnels across London could significantly ease congestion, London’s mayor Boris Johnson has said as he unveiled plans to send more traffic underground.

Transport for London (TfL) could also seek to ease traffic flow more locally smaller ‘flyunders’ and mini-tunnels.

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The mayor said the first tunnel, the Northern Cross City Corridor, could be opened in 20 years and be funded by toll charges. The 18kmtunnel would run from west to east, linking west the A40 at Park Royal to the A12 at Hackney Wick. A second 25km tunnel could be developed to the south from the A4 in Chiswick to the A13 in Beckton. The tunnels could cut congestion in central London by 20%, Johnson claimed.

TfL planners will now carry out detailed feasibility studies into the two routes, which have superseded Johnson’s previous vision for an orbital tunnel, although that is said to still be a possibility.

More tunnels?

City planner have announced that they are also examining nine other potential sites for smaller tunnels and flyunders, which would move stretches of busy roads underground and create new space on the surface for parks and homes. By removing the physical barrier to pedestrians, the flyunders would be expected to regenerate the surrounding area. Possible locations include parts of the A13 in Barking and the A3 in Tolworth.

Swannells – Haulage Companies in Huntingdon

With the capital’s population predicted to grow by almost 20% to 10.3 million by 2030, Johnson and TfL are also considering revising road charging to manage traffic. Goods traffic in particular could face new restrictions, including bans or higher charges on freight vehicles at certain times of the day.

Johnson said: “London is booming and, as our great capital thrives, our ambitions for the veins and arteries that keep our city alive must grow with it.

“Around eight of every 10 journeys in London are made using our roads – whether by car, taxi, motorbike, bus, cycle, foot or freight – which is why it is vital that we think big. We must deliver long-term solutions that will not just make the most of the space we have for road users but bring environmental and amenity improvements to local areas.”

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Brand new £3million logistics academy to open in Liverpool

admin Latest news November 16, 2015haulage companies in huntingdon, logistics, warehousing companies in huntingdon

A bid to build a brand new £3million specialist logistics academy has just been given the go ahead as part of the £232million Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Deal in Liverpool City Region. The £3million academy is supported by logistic businesses including Stobart Group, Wincanton, Stena Line and the Chartered Institute of Transport and Logistics.

The Proposal

The proposal for the academy was developed collaboratively by St. Helens College and Knowsley Community College.

The academy is set to open in 2016, will combine the expertise of St. Helens College and Knowsley Community College, as well as employers in the sector. The main focus of the academy will be to “prepare both young people and adults for a career in the growing supply chain industry” as well as attracting fresh talent from around the UK and updating skills within the industry.

Investment in a logistics academy

Robert Hough, chair of Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership said: “The Superport initiative is a key growth sector for the city region and the provision of high quality training for current and prospective logistic employees is a key priority going forward. Investment in a logistics academy creates a vital and important new asset for the city region and another reason for logistics businesses to invest here.”

What will the academy offer?

With the logistics industry going through many changes, the academy will offer support from employers, who will work alongside both, St. Helens College and Knowsley Community College to tackle the changes that are happening in the sector. According to Knowsley Community College, the academy will act as a “one stop shop for transport, distribution and supply chain management.”