The Haulage & Logistics Buyers Magazine TruckandTrack www.deker.co.uk www.u-p-n.co.uk 0844 833 0300 The fastest growing palletised freight network in the UK A first class service backed up by our market leading IT systems o Firstclass travel... ...isabout moving faster thanyourcompe The cheetah accelerates from 0 to 60m Fastest growingUKpalletis Focussed on service, qualit Local servicewith a nationa The industriesmost advanc Widest range of pallet sizes Tofind outmore about what UP First class travel for pal WINTER 21/22
www.truckandtrack.com Winter 21/22 Truck and Track 3 FOREWORD by Barbara Ryan, Publishing Director, Truck and Track Over the past few years, many references have made about the ‘new normal’ and its impact on doing business against a backcloth of Brexit, Covid, rising fuel prices and driver shortages. Whilst these concerns are perfectly understandable, I believe that it’s important to avoid falling victim to pessimism and seeing our glass as half empty. The truth is that, for one reason or another, our industry has always been tough. It’s also true that, historically, we have striven to make an honest living in challenging circumstances. In my opinion, I think we can all be proud of ourselves, for not only striving, but succeeding! This issue is packed full of success stories, new innovations and products, latest technological advances, order announcements and much more. Merridale and Handling Equipment UK draw attention to the impending change of regulations regarding red diesel fuel. From 1st April 2022, the government is removing the entitlement to use red diesel and rebated biodiesel in most sectors. The change could hit users of fork trucks so now’s the time to look at other options. Pallet networks are also continuing to set new standards of growth with the Association of Pallet Networks (APN) announcing an increase in volumes of 18% with 24 million pallets delivered up to the end of September 2021. Palletline reported an almost 20% increase in turnover, reaching £179.4m, whilst UPN continues in ‘Making Jaws Drop’ with its focus on IT development to support its network of 95 regional hauliers. I would urge you also to take a look at information from a few newcomers to Truck and Track. London Waterproofing Specialists offer proven roof waterproofing services and protective floor coatings which could be of particular interest to warehouse operators. Also, checkoutTive Inc–ashipment tracking specialist that ensures real-time visibility throughout the entire shipment process. Other newcomers include GoWash who highlight their smartphone app and The CILT(UK) Learning Centre which offers a range of accessible courses and learning solutions. Just a reminder about a couple of dates for your diaries – this year’s CV Show will take place at the NEC on 24th–26th May followed by the Multimodal Show, also at the NEC, on 14th-16th June. The Truck and Track team hope to catch up with as many of you as possible at one or both of these exhibitions. Barbara Ryan CONTENTS Page 4 BUSINESS NEWS 20 DESCARTES 24 SHIPMENT TRACKING 26 TACHOGRAPH ANALYSIS 30 CILT(UK) LEARNING CENTRE 32 LOGISTICS 37 PALLET NETWORKS 42 LONDON WATERPROOFING SPECIALISTS 45 WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT 50 FUEL MANAGEMENT 52 OILS & LUBRICANTS 56 TRAILERS 62 SAFETY & SECURITY 68 DANGEROUS GOODS 76 PTV GROUP – COMPANY PROFILE 79 PORTS 82 RAILFREIGHT Truck and Track The Haulage & Logistics Buyers Magazine Truck and Track The Haulage & Logistics Buyers Magazine To advertise, contact Barbara Ryan, Publishing Director, Truck & Track Multi Media Limited, via email barbara.ryan@truckandtrack.com Designed and published by Truck & Track Multi Media Limited Creative Director: Marc Pittaway Printers: Warwick Printing Company Limited DISCLAIMER Everycarehasbeentakenduringtheproductionofthismagazinewithcompilingadvertisements, editorialandadvertorial.However,Truck&TrackMultiMediaLimitedcannotacceptresponsibility for material supplied by third parties and excludes all liability either relating to any products and services promoted in this publication or arising from any error, omission or inaccuracy. Nor is Truck & Track Multi Media Limited responsible for the content of external websites. Finally, the views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views of its Publishers. Copyright © Truck & Track Multi Media Limited. All rights reserved. TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TO ALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk
Truck and Track Winter 21/22 www.truckandtrack.com 4 BUSINESS NEWS Local commercial experts, ST Fleet and TruckEast Specialist Services, unite and re-brand as TE Fleet. The roots of Suffolk based Scania Dealer Group, TruckEast Limited in the commercial industry stretch back over 50 years. In that time, the business has traded under various guises and grown into the operation it is today. Since officially becoming TruckEast, the company has significantly invested to support customer demands including the formation of TruckEast Specialist Services, initially a tail-lift division, and the acquisition of Northampton based ST Fleet Services in 2019. Both operations complement TruckEast’s primary function as a commercial dealer in supporting local operators with their specialisms in trailer and ancillary equipment repairs and maintenance but have continued to carry their original names due to being well established at the time. From January 2022, both ST Fleet and TruckEast Specialist Services have rebranded to TE Fleet, bringing the branding in line with the TruckEast group and amalgamating the two subdivisions. Group Aftersales Director, Martyn Clipston comments, “We hope this re-brand will continue to strengthen our presence and further build recognition of our expertise in the area we operate. We want to reassure our customers that the services they have come to expect will remain and we look forward to continuing to support them with their fleet maintenance.” Covering a diverse range of solutions for the transport industry, services include trailer repair and maintenance, tail-lift, tanker, tachograph and municipal services, and truckwash as well as its ATF for HGV, PSV and Class 4 and 7 MOT. And for the ultimate convenience for its customers, not only do both sites operate a fully comprehensive workshop, but they also offer onsite repairs thanks to its fleet of mobile technicians. www.truckeast.co.uk Northamptonshire commercial specialists announce re-brand Logistics UK is celebrating the successful return of its everpopular Transport Manager conference series for 2021, with almost 1,500 delegates attending the event in December, following the 2020 virtual alternative due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The series consisted of 11 live events at venues around the UK and an additional well-attended online virtual conference. Sponsored by Bridgestone Tyres and Brigade Electronics, the conferences highlighted key issues for anyone involved in running vehicle fleets and provided professional advice to help delegates remain compliant and up to speed on the latest legislative developments. As well as a compliance update, key topics discussed included logistics in urban centres, low emission vehicles and working safely with alternative fuels. Katia Yakovleva, Logistics UK’s Head of Events, comments: “We are delighted to have seen the return of our in-person Transport Manager conference series and enjoyed meeting so many delegates face-to-face once again. It has been a challenging 18 months for operators and our Transport Manager conferences provide attendees with the peace of mind that they are equipped with the information they need moving forward. “We are thrilled with the success of this year’s conference series and it was wonderful to see nearly as many attendees as prior to the pandemic in 2019, demonstrating operators’ commitment to remain compliant throughout such uncertain times. Our final event, held early in December in Coventry, was once again a very popular event, with more than 230 delegates registered. The Transport Manager series will return in 2022 to deliver the next set of crucial compliance updates and we look forward to seeing both new and familiar faces there.” Logistics UK is one of the UK’s leading business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With Covid-19, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. For more information about the organisation and its work, including its ground-breaking research into the impacts of Covid-19 on the whole supply chain, please visit logistics.org.uk Logistics UK celebrates successful return of its Transport Manager conference series Elizabeth de Jong, Logistics UK’s Director of Policy TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TO ALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk
TruTac is ER-accredited For peace of mind and complete compliance control of your fleet, call us today! 024 7669 0000 info@trutac.co.uk www.trutac.co.uk Complete Compliance Control Part of the Microlise group We are talking 30% Less Vehicle Downtime and Workshop Administration! TruFleet switches seamlessly between tachograph analysis, daily checks and maintenance calendars. We save all round and I have a 360-degree view of drivers and vehicles for planning, compliance and management. Like all TruTac compliance control software, it makes it hard to put a foot wrong. Shane Benton. Benton’s Haulage. THE QUEEN’S AWARDS FOR ENTERPRISE: INNOVATION 2020
Truck and Track Winter 21/22 www.truckandtrack.com 6 BUSINESS NEWS Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT) will host a series of sessions at Multimodal 2022, which takes place in Birmingham, 14th – 16th June. IOE&IT will lead sessions on the first and second days of the free-to-attend exhibition and show, giving practical advice and guidance on best practice for international trade to and from the UK. Delegates taking part in the seminars will qualify for IOE&IT Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points. “It is more important than ever that we support the industry to ensure supply chains are resilient and, by working with IOE&IT to stage sessions offering training and guidance, we will be empowering our visitors to do just that,” said Robert Jervis, Director, Multimodal. “Multimodal brings representatives from across the entire logistics sector together under one roof and it is an ideal opportunity for us to learn from each other and find new ways of driving efficiencies.” As well as running seminars, the IOE&IT will also be hosting a pavilion for members. “In this extraordinary year for trade, traders tell us that key priorities for them this year are attending in-person events for networking, while having the opportunity to further professionalise through training that delivers vital CPD points,” said Helen Hastie, Membership Services Manager, IOE&IT. “We have been looking for the right event partner and best format to help us deliver these outcomes and are delighted to be working with Multimodal as the established exhibition in the international trade calendar. “Hosted at Birmingham’s NEC, Multimodal offers a convenient and Covid-secure space for IOE&IT members and the wider trade community to attend, network and learn the latest trade thinking and procedural guidance.” Multimodal, now in its 15th year, will also be working with Logistics UK, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), the British International Freight Association (BIFA), and the Rail Freight Group (RFG) to develop further seminar tracks. Last year’s event saw over 7500 supply chain decision makers and innovators meet face-to-face to network and do business, and this year’s show is set to be even bigger. A record-breaking 800 people attended the Multimodal Awards 2021 celebrating innovation and achievement by companies and individuals from across the supply chain. Multimodal teams up with The Institute of Export & International Trade to deliver new seminar series Irish Ferries is pleased to announce the addition of a third ro-ro ferry to its Dover to Calais route. The ship is expected to enter service in the first quarter of 2022, joining the Isle of Inishmore and the recently announced Isle of Innisfree. Ciudad de Mahon, to be renamed in the coming weeks, was built in 2000 by the by Astilleros Espanoles S.A. (AESA) shipyard in Spain and originally delivered as Northern Merchant, and is no stranger to the short straits, having originally operated on the Dover to Dunkirk route following her delivery. The Ship has the capacity to carry up to 589 passengers and over 90 freight vehicles. The ship offers a host of facilities for freight drivers/ passengers such as a self-service restaurant, café/bar, onboard duty-free shop and spacious outdoor decks. Andrew Sheen, Irish Ferries Managing Director, said: “The addition of a third vessel on our Dover to Calais route will allow us to offer a departure from either Dover or Calais every 90 minutes. This is a further sign of our commitment to this route and will offer customers even greater choice along with the capacity, frequency and reliability that is required to service this important route between GB and France.” www.irishferries.com Irish Ferries hat-trick grows frequency by 50% with third Dover to Calais ship TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TO ALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk
www.truckandtrack.com Winter 21/22 Truck and Track 7 BUSINESS NEWS One of London’s leading logistics companies has invested more than £1 million to future-proof its fleet with the addition of nine new advanced tractor units. Wimbledon-based ELB Partners, a member of the Pallet-Track network, has purchased the fleet of Volvo FM Globetrotter 6x2 units, all of which have a three-star rating under London’s direct vision standard (DVS). The DVS measures how much an HGV driver can see directly through their cab windows and indicates the level of risk to vulnerable road users, such as people walking and cycling near the vehicle. The Volvo units purchased by ELB are the first three-star rated cabs to leave its factory and be pressed into service. With each costing around £100,000, the total investment will top £1 million once camera-enabled technology is fitted in place of conventional mirrors. Two of the units have already been delivered to ELB’s headquarters in Weir Road, with seven more to follow. ELB managing director Peter Eason said: “Every new vehicle now has to be at least one-star but these new units we have purchased are the first to come from their factory to meet the three-star standard. “This is part of our continuing investment to ensure we stay ahead of the game in London. “The global microchip shortage means there are huge waits on vehicles so, by purchasing these cabs now, we are futureproofing the fleet at a critical time.” ELB has achieved FORS Gold status for seven consecutive years and celebrated 50 years in business in 2020. Caroline Green, chief executive of Pallet-Track, said: “This is a perfect example of the forward-thinking actions our members regularly display to keep providing the best possible service to their customers and the network as a whole. “ELB has invested heavily in its fleet over its history and these latest additions show it has no intention of letting up.” ELB partners’ £1m investment in Direct Vision Standard fleet Wimbledon-based ELB Partners has invested in nine new Volvo FM Globetrotter 6x2 tractor units, all of which have a three-star rating under London’s direct vision standard (DVS) info@stertil.co.uk Tel. 08707 700471 www.stertilcombilokg2.com/uk /Stertil-b-v- Stertil Dock Products @Stertil Stertildock AUTOMATIC UNIVERSAL VEHICLE RESTRAINT SYSTEM Maximum safety. Flexible versatility; broad range of vehicles types, wheel sizes and axles. Space-saving design, for more shunting area and vehicle manoeuvrability. Extremely durable galvanised sturdy construction and integrated wheel guide. Reliable Stertil® hydraulic system. Audio & visual safety options. TÜV Rheinland Approved According to the EC Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. THE NEXT LEVEL IN SAFETY NEW CONTACT US TODAY! Watch the COMBILOK® G2 Film:
Truck and Track Winter 21/22 www.truckandtrack.com 8 BUSINESS NEWS Europa Road continues to recognise team talent with the announcement of two internal promotions at its Birmingham branch. Europa Road is part of Europa Worldwide Group and offers European road freight services for both import and export customers across Europe. Based at Prologis Park, Europa Worldwide Group’s Birmingham site employs a total of 100 across its Road, Air & Sea, Showfreight, Road, Warehouse and Forwarding services. The pioneering firm Europa Worldwide Group, has operations across the UK including a brand new £60m facility in Corby. Europa Road in Birmingham is one of 13 local branches situated across the UK, servicing clients in the vicinity with European road freight services. It is an exciting period of growth for Europa Road which is currently on a major recruitment drive to increase its UK sales team by 60%. As part of investment into the team, Jamie Hedgecox (previously Birmingham Branch Manager) has become Regional Manager (Central) after being with the company for three years. Whilst Abigail Brooks has been promoted to Branch Manager for Birmingham. Having joined Europa as a Senior Account Manager Jamie has moved through the ranks at the business and his new role sees him leading on support for five regional branches and a growing team of 50. On starting his new role as Regional Manager, Jamie said: “The promotion to Regional Manager and the faith that the company has in me means everything! From the first interview, I could tell that the culture fit was completely in line with my way of thinking, and I genuinely don’t want to be anywhere but Europa. I will be using the experienced I’ve gained in Birmingham team to help build our relationships with customers across the central region and continue to provide them with an excellent service.” Abigail Brooks is now taking on the role as Branch Manager and is the first person within Europa to be internally promoted from customer service all the way through to account manager and then Branch Manager. Abigail commented on becoming Birmingham’s new Branch Manager “This promotion brings me a great sense of achievement and it’s a role that I’ve aspired towards since joining the team in 2019. I’m thrilled to be heading up the team, especially at such an exciting time for Europa Road, as we continue to expand and grow. I look forward to driving the team forward and building our customer network.” Europa Road has seen significant success following the introduction of its new unique solution, Europa Flow – which allows goods to move quickly and efficiently between the EU and UK with minimal delays. Adrian Redmile, Branch Network and Sales Director at Europa Worldwide Group, said: “We’re delighted to be able to recognise existing talent within the team and see individuals grow at Europa. It’s a dynamic time for European road freight and we’re looking forward to continued growth and expansion for the business and across our teams.” Europa Worldwide Group is an ambitious independent logistics operator with six divisions – Europa Road, Europa Air & Sea, Europa Showfreight, Europa Warehouse, Europa Contact Centre and Continental Cargo Carriers. Europa was recently featured in The Sunday Times Top Track 250 for the third time and employs over 1100 across the UK and Hong Kong. Talented Team Recognised with Double Promotion Left to right Jamie, Adrian and Abigail from Europa Whilst Allports has been trading in its current guise since 1959, the roots go back a lot further. This image sent in by a friend to the business, we think dates back to 1876 and shows Mark and Paul Sanders’ great great grandfather, William Allport. Back then Sutton Coldfield was a small Market Town with a population of approximately 18,000. At that time the railway from Birmingham terminated at Sutton Coldfield; and William Allport, an enterprising man, thought this was a good opportunity to go into business transporting passengers and goods to and from the Railway Station. Around 1910 his son James William Allport took over the business, which prospered until the outbreak of the Great War in 1914, when most of the horse were commanded by the Army, and many employees when into Military Service. After the War, people were more mechanically minded, and horse drawn vehicles were replaced by Motor Vehicles. The business expanded steadily until War broke out again in 1939. After 1945, when the War ended, the company continued to expand and in the early 1950’s, multi-wheel vehicles were purchased to carry larger loads (with a speed limit of 20 mph!). Further expansions and acquisitions ensued, resulting in the formation of Allports Garages in 1959. What an incredible journey and 145 years in the making so far! www.allportsgroup.co.uk TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TO ALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk 145 years of Allports’ success
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www.truckandtrack.com Winter 21/22 Truck and Track 11 BUSINESS NEWS TruckEast Norwich gains Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) approval to become an Approved Tachograph centre. The twelfth of its Scania branches to now achieve this status, the approval followed months of hard work, the installation of new equipment including a dedicated tachograph office and the training of technicians. As Scania’s reigning depot of the year, the team at Norwich are always looking for ways to further support their customers. Having this service available on-site will enable the team to further minimise any unnecessary downtime. Open from 06:00 until 22:00 Monday to Friday and then 08:00 until 12:00 on Saturdays, the branch is authorised for both analogue and digital tachographs for all makes and models. “The approval means local operators can benefit from tachographs inspections, calibrations and repairs carried out on-site by our team. We saw this investment as a worthwhile addition to our existing services and are pleased to finally offer it to our customers. By removing the need for third-party providers, we can control any planned work and keep downtime to a minimum,” comments Depot Manager, Paul Loades. Based on Bowthorpe Industrial Estate, TruckEast Norwich offers a wide range of services including all makes servicing and repairs, roller brake testing, MOT preparation and presentation, trailer and tail-lift servicing, parts, Scania truck sales and now tachograph. www.truckeast.co.uk TruckEast Norwich adds Tachograph Services into its offering TruckEast Norwich, now appointed as an authorised Tachograph Centre Using around 2000L of per month? UK’s leading independent producer of All AdBlue production certified to ISO22241 Nationwide delivery using in-house logistics Installation, repairs and maintenance included GSM telemetry as standard for reorder management is a registered trademark of the Verband der Automobilindustrie eV (VDA) is a licensed trademark of Tennants Distribution in the UK and Ireland Contact us for details info@greenoxsolution.co.uk 0161 205 4454 www. greenoxsolution.co.uk Upgrade to a Bulk Tank and get your first 1000L FREE TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TO ALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk
Truck and Track Winter 21/22 www.truckandtrack.com 12 The GoWash Fleet Account – Streamlining the washing of your company’s forgotten fleet vehicles Innovative smartphone app GoWash, which allows drivers to make contactless payments at any of their nationwide network of hand car-wash sites, has launched a service that streamlines the admin associatedwith keeping forgotten fleet vehicles clean. The GoWash Fleet Account provides a streamlined cleaning solution for branded company vans and general company cars, such as those driven by staff and directors, that often fall by the wayside when it comes to vehicle washing. Although your main fleet may be HGVs, smaller vehicles like vans and cars are representing your brand when they’re out on the road. We expect staff to dress correctly and look presentable with branded uniforms or smart attire, yet the vehicle they drive is often overlooked regardless of the key part it plays in creating a first impression. GoWash makes it easy to drive clean and simplifies your vehicle washing admin at the same time without the need for receipts or petty cash. One account, one invoice, hundreds of locations nationwide
www.truckandtrack.com Winter 21/22 Truck and Track 13 Drivers simply download the app, use the filtered search to quickly find one of hundreds of car wash sites across the UK, and pay for a wash through your fleet account. Thanks to our nationwide network of hand car wash sites your drivers are never far away from a clean ride with a GoWash Fleet Account. Admin staff and fleet managers can load individual vehicles to their account, track and control expenses, specify how often vehicles can be washed, and even generate reports flagging up if certain cars or vans aren’t being cleaned when they should be. Complete control Billing is itemised and there’s no need for paper receipts or petty cash. Invoices are automatically generated each week and payment is taken via direct debit. Itemised invoicing Clean fleet. Clean paperwork. It’s simple to apply and requires very little time input to set up and manage. Simply add the registration details of all vehicles approved to charge their washes to your account, stipulate a wash frequency, and send the app download link to your drivers. Once they’ve entered their vehicle registration into the app their account is connected to your fleet account, and they can find and pay for a wash nearby. For more information visit www.gowash.co.uk or email www.gowash.co.uk
Struggling to keep your company vans and cars clean? Introducing the GoWash Fleet Account... The GoWash Fleet Account gives your drivers access to hundreds of hand car wash sites through one, nationwide account, without the need for petty cash and receipts. One account to manage all your fleet washing expenses Add/Remove vehicles and set frequency limits to control expenses Drivers charge the cost to the fleet account once at a GoWash site Download your weekly invoice taken by Direct Debit (inc 5% admin charge) Check which vehicles have not been cleaned with our activity reporting Want to know more? Find out more details on our website gowash.co.uk/fleets or email hello@gowash.co.uk to discuss your fleet cleaning requirements.
www.truckandtrack.com Winter 21/22 Truck and Track 15 BUSINESS NEWS STARK Deutschland GmbH is the first company in the German building materials trade to take part in a practical test for eLogistics in cooperation with Fulda University of Applied Sciences. The focus of this real-life application test is the delivery of building materials with an all-electric truck from MAN Truck & Bus, the MAN eTGM, in combination with an electric truck-mounted forklift. For the MAN eTGM, this is the first deployment in the building materials trade, which represents a new area of application for the electric truck due to its less uniform routes. STARK Germany is part of the international STARK Group, headquartered in Copenhagen, and one of the leading building materials dealers in Germany. In about 260 branches, around 6,000 employees generate an annual turnover of approximately 2.5 billion euros. Nils Heine, who is responsible for the eMobility Truck Sales Division at MAN Truck & Bus SE, classifies the use of the MAN eTGM in the building materials trade as follows: “On the way to sustainable freight transport, it is necessary for all sectors to be on board. That’s why I’m very pleased that we were able to convince STARK, a customer from an area of application in the construction sector, of the performance of our electric truck. We at MAN are firmly convinced that electric mobility is the key technology with which the transformation of the transport sector will succeed ecologically and economically.” The area of operation for this practical test, accompanied by the Fulda University of Applied Sciences, is the Rhine-Main region. Charging stations with 55 kW charging power have been set up at the Frankfurt am Main and Darmstadt branches of Raab Karcher, a brand of STARK Germany. The MAN eTGM will start and end its tours there. As part of the practical test, data will be collected in the coming months to investigate the potential of eTrucks in delivery traffic. The starting signal for the project, with which the building materials dealer is driving forward an initiative of the federal state of Hesse to promote sustainable transport, was marked by the commissioning of the MAN eTGM with a 26-tonne GVW on 29 November 2021. “As early as March 2021, the STARK Group committed to the 1.5° target of the Paris Climate Agreement as part of the ‘Science Based Targets’. With the acquisition of the eTruck and the start of the project, we are now striving towards this goal even more strongly in Germany together with the University of Fulda and our strong supplier partners,” says Michael Knüppel, CEO at STARK Germany. Christoph Huber, Chairman of the Executive Board of MAN Truck & Bus Deutschland GmbH, also focuses on the aspect of sustainability: “The long-term goal is a more sustainable orientation of the transport sector in Germany. As a commercial vehiclemanufacturer, we want tomake an essential contribution here with our locally emission-free vehicles and, at the same time, provide our customers with comprehensive support on their way to electromobility, including 360° advice, driver training and excellent service.” Michael Voll, Head of MAN Transport Solutions Consulting, adds that the consulting project at STARK Germany was a particularly interesting one. He provides the following insight: “First, we analysed the possible tours in three different cities. Then, by means of a shortlist, we drew up a recommended course of action for the client for the initial deployment of the eTGM.” Since more than 95% of the approximately 260 branches in the STARK Germany brand network are already powered by green electricity, the project’s carbon footprint is also improved by “filling up” with green energy. In urban areas in particular, the noise pollution is also an enormous advantage of the eTGM, which, in contrast to trucks with combustion engines, glides almost silently over the roads. “After two weeks in operation, the reactions of our customers confirm that we made the right and, above all, pioneering decision by participating in the joint project with Fulda University of Applied Sciences,” says Timo Kirstein, Managing Director Sales at STARK Germany. “We are sure that the topic of sustainability will be an even stronger success factor in the future.” The range of the MAN TGM 26.360 E LL (its official type designation) is up to 200 kilometres, depending on the area of operation, climatic and topographical conditions. The eTGM is powered by a 264 kW (360 hp) electric motor that provides a maximum torque of 3,100 Nm. Ancillary units such as the power steering, air compressor and air conditioning are operated electrically and controlled by the energy management system according to demand, thus saving energy. The batteries can be charged either with a charging power of 22 or 44 kW with alternating current or as so-called “high-power charging” with up to 150 kW/800V direct current. In addition, the vehicle is equipped with an electric truck-mounted forklift, which has a payload of up to 2.5 tonnes and is powered by a 13 kW electric motor. Powerful with electricity: MAN eTGM opens up new areas of application TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TO ALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk
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www.truckandtrack.com Winter 21/22 Truck and Track 17 BUSINESS NEWS Fargo Systems has been confirmed as the UK’s leading logistics software supplier as voted for by the sector, winning the prestigious Technology Company of the Year at the recent Multimodal Awards 2021 at the Vox, Birmingham. Multimodal news readers, exhibitors and industry peers were asked to vote for the technology company they considered the best in the UK from a strong field comprising nine finalists, respectively. Digital Minister Chris Philp MP, said: “It’s great to see companies like Fargo Systems using technology to find smarter ways of working and driving digital innovation. “We recently published our AI Strategy, which includes newplans to double the number of scholarships available in data science and AI and measures to help businesses commercialise their ideas and use more technology so we can all take advantage of this golden age in UK tech.” Fargo Systems founding director, Kevin Terrill, said: “We are grateful to everyone who voted for us. Praise goes to our fantastic teams based in Ipswich and Exeter, who work so hard to ensure our customer service level is exceptional and consistent. “We have long positioned ourselves as the UK’s leading software supplier to the multimodal industry, and to be recognised as Technology Company of the Year is a tremendous achievement for our company.” Fellow founding director, Hemant Patel, added: “Our company strapline - together, further - reinforces our commitment to working with our clients. Our key strength lies in our collaboration with our customers to deliver innovative transport management solutions that become part of a client’s DNA. We are appreciative of all those that voted for us.” In summary, Steve Collins said: “The last eighteen months have been like no other for us and the whole sector. To be recognised by our industry peers as Technology Company of the Year and, more widely, as a digital innovator is an incredible acknowledgement for the whole of Fargo Systems.” www.fargosystems.com Logistics software specialist crowned Technology Company of the Year Digital Minister praises Fargo Systems for driving innovation in golden age of UK tech www.HandlingEquipment.co.uk On 1st April 2022, the government is removing the entitlement to use Red Diesel and rebated biodiesel in most sectors to help meet its climate change and air quality targets. Make 2022 the year that you ditch your dirty diesel yard trucks and future-proof your business. Choose latest generation LiFePO4 battery powered electric trucks from Handling Equipment UK – Cleaner No loss of performance Fast charging from empty No transmission = no moving parts = no loss of efficiency DON’T BE LATE – CONTACT HANDLING EQUIPMENT UK TODAY Handling Equipment UK Limited Telephone: 01384 423330 Mobile: 07970 129095 DON’T BE AN APRIL FOOL! ON BOARD CHARGING AVAILABLE
Truck and Track Winter 21/22 www.truckandtrack.com 18 BUSINESS NEWS 2021 saw many major challenges for logistics and supply chain professionals. With capacity constraints, ecommerce growth and driver shortages creating dilemmas for many as well as the increased focus from the industry on environment and machine learning, it was a year that was definitely not without its tests. While reflecting on some of the ways the industry sought to overcome these challenges, Chris Jones, Executive Vice President, Industry & Services at Descartes Systems Group, takes a look at what to look out for in 2022. Global supply chains will be busy, congested, and chaotic The challenges facing global supply chains show no signs of slowing down, with UK businesses left to navigate the complexities of Brexit and the subsequent delays to their operations, alongside the extra administrative burdens. Whilst some of the uncertainties surrounding the transition are beginning to ease, many firms remain concerned about how delays could impact their operations post-Brexit. The key to navigating customs clearance is undoubtedly preparation. Planning is crucial not only for compliance - but also for growth and resilience - and businesses that are yet to lay the groundwork risk accidental non-compliance and further congestion at ports. With full UK customs changes now in effect as of January 1st 2022, businesses should prioritise the implementation of supply chain software solutions to take back control and handle customs declarations in-house or ensure they work with a customs partner who can provide full transparency at every step of the process. Online buying will continue to fuel growth in home deliveries, presenting challenges that demand new strategies The pandemic saw an increase in ecommerce that is set to continue in 2022 as the changes in consumer buying behaviour become more structural. This clearly presents both an opportunity and challenge for retailers and last mile logistics companies. The increase in volume will increase the challenge on an already tight last mile delivery capacity. Speed and reliability of deliveries will either come with a premium price, or remain as uneven as it has been over the last two years. For example, Amazon’s Whole Foods business is now incrementally charging for delivery to offset increased delivery costs. We anticipate that more companies will re-evaluate their “free” delivery strategies and look for alternative delivery strategies such as combining deliveries for individual customers or locations, in order to minimise delivery costs and maximise the available delivery capacity. The Great Resignation will accelerate the existing driver exodus, increasing the focus on retention Whether long haul or last mile, the driver shortage is endemic and will continue to materially impact retail, distribution, and logistics companies. While finding new drivers to replace or add capacity will remain important, it’s also much harder to find drivers now than it has been in the past. Instead, in 2022, companies will focus more on driver retention and productivity. Lowering turnover - which has traditionally been high - puts less pressure on the number of drivers that need to be hired and keeps the more experienced ones improving delivery performance. Keeping drivers driving and reducing stress will be the top retention priorities. Companies will need to do a better job at reducing wait times and improving driver quality of life through routes that are more realistic to execute, that don’t result in extended wait or on the road time and facilitate more predictable hours. Driver shortage will force an emphasis on better planning The increase in home delivery and driver shortage combined exacerbated supply chain vulnerabilities that, until now, retailers were just about managing to cope with - and have paid the price in terms of consumer expectations. In the absence of effective planning, logistics companies and retailers will compromise a satisfactory delivery experience. While continuing to seek to recruit and train drivers, improving the overall productivity of existing drivers by optimising delivery routes should be the first port of call. By using advanced route optimisation software, all delivery options can be evaluated instantaneously, ultimately maximising capacity and increasing efficiency. Sustainability will become an opportunity, not a challenge for supply chains The focus on sustainability will increase in 2022 and it won’t just be from consumers. Many investment funds are taking an increasingly stronger stance on companies’ sustainability strategies and actual performance. This powerful combination will push companies to move faster to reduce their impact on the environment. It also presents an excellent opportunity for supply chain and logistics professionals to raise the visibility and value of supply chain strategies and operations. Productivity enhancement is at the heart of any good supply chain performance improvement program and almost always results in greater efficiency, reduced paper and other waste that directly translates into reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Equally, many consumers are looking for delivery choices that help the environment, which presents retailers with the opportunity to look at innovative ways to combine or steer deliveries to reduce the mileage associated with home delivery. This will not only benefit the environment and delight the consumer but will also result in lower delivery costs for retailers. Machine learning will gomainstream in supply chain technology This year, we expect machine learning (ML) to continue to be quickly adopted by supply chain technology providers because of the rich supply chain data that exists to teach ML algorithms. The result will be more accurate plans, estimated-time-ofarrival (ETA) and improved recommendations that make supply chain and logistics operations more productive and reliable. Rather than displace existing supply chain technology, ML will augment it through embedded uses, such as optimising stop times, delivery locations, drive times and ETAs, or as part of greater data analytics solutions that are used to provide deeper insights into supply chain performance. While 2022 will undoubtedly be a challenging year for logistics and supply chain professionals, the “C-suite” will recognise that their supply chains need to be world-class to help drive revenue and profitability. This will provide plenty of opportunities to show the value of advanced logistics and supply chain strategies, tactics and technology—and transformation will not only be the key to success but, for some, the key to survival. Chris Jones - Executive Vice President, Industry & Services at Descartes Systems Group Chris has over 30 years of experience in the supply chain market, including the last 10 years as a part of the Descartes leadership team. Prior to Descartes, he has held a variety of senior management positions in other organisations including: Senior Vice President at The Aberdeen Group’s Value Chain Research division, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Development for SynQuest and Vice President and Research Director for Enterprise Resource Planning Solutions at The Gartner Group and Associate Director Operations & Technology for Kraft Foods. https://routinguk.descartes.com/ Six Supply Chain Predictions for 2022
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Truck and Track Winter 21/22 www.truckandtrack.com 20 DESCARTES As the challenges facing retailers and the logistics sector continue, Andrew Tavener, Head of Marketing, Descartes, discusses how software solutions can unlock customer experience objectives and sustainability goals simultaneously for competitive advantage. After an unusual Christmas in 2020 - followed by another year of lockdowns and COVID restrictions - British consumers look set to go large and make up for lost time this year, causing greater demand than ever. Although the first stumbling block for many retailers will undeniably be the huge influx of orders, have logistics providers anticipated the avalanche of returned goods likely to make their way back to the warehouses? The lack of breathing space between the Christmas supply chain chaos and January sales / returns mania may cause problems for many businesses, and those who have not implemented an effective strategy to ensure efficient operations under heightened pressure will certainly struggle to perform well. The shortage of HGV drivers in the UK shows no signs of slowing down, and as driver pools deplete whilst the steep shift towards online purchasing continues, logistics providers run a high risk of stretching themselves too thin. And, whilst the general public may sympathise with the difficult circumstances facing providers, consumer expectations of the quality of delivery remain higher than ever. From convenient and timely deliveries to overall environmental performance, British shoppers are growing increasingly hard to please. Things won’t get easier on their own. For retailers vying for both the consumer pound and longer-term customer loyalty, meticulous planning and a forward-thinking approach is vital. Those who fail to implement an effective and environmentally responsible strategy that optimises logistics operations and prepares for every eventuality risk providing an inadequate service – and will ultimately fall behind. Withstanding the Pressure Recent studies found that British consumers spent £10.4 billion online in October 2021, a 58% rise since 2019 and a clear indication that shoppers are choosing e-commerce sites over bricks and mortar stores to make their purchases. Whilst retailers welcome the boost in sales, research has also highlighted that 60% of 16-34-year olds have returned an online order within the last year. With a doubled workload, logistics providers tasked with managing both the out-bound and return journey must streamline their operations in order to meet both demand and fulfil brands’ and retailers’ promised services. Managing demand while meeting consumers’ eco-expectations to gain a competitive edge
www.truckandtrack.com Winter 21/22 Truck and Track 21 DESCARTES In order to withstand the pressure and stay in the game, logistics providers’ first port of call must be to prioritise efficiency and improve the overall productivity of drivers by optimising delivery routes. By using the latest optimisation software, all delivery options can be evaluated instantaneously, ultimately selecting the right combination of routes and stops to maximise delivery capacity and increase efficiency. By implementing automated route planning, delivery capacity can be increased by up to 35% and offer vast improvements to delivery services, alleviating the pressure on providers to keep up with the demand which may have once seemed impossible. Soaring Standards Despite the challenges facing the UK supply chain, e-commerce consumers still consider delivery service excellence as paramount. Expectations are still evolving, and receiving packages at a time and place that is convenient for them is considered a key factor within a positive delivery experience. If e-commerce businesses wish to grow within a highly competitive market, it is essential that they meet these needs. However, studies suggest that delivery experiences across the country are slipping, with just 16% of UK consumers completely satisfied - according to Descartes’ recent consumer research. Retailers – and by default their logistics providers - that fail to implement the necessary infrastructure ultimately risk their customers having a negative experience as a result of poor logistics planning. In order to meet the needs of the customer and ensure a good reputation for the brand, it is crucial that logistics are as efficient and streamlined as possible. Whilst convenient and timely deliveries should remain a top priority, there are other factors to consider. For instance, parcels being left in unsecure locations being damaged in transit, or a sub-optimal returns process are also common issues experienced by customers when ordering online. These are issues that must be mitigated with streamlined and efficient logistical operations. In short, consumers want a simple and convenient service with zero hassle. With GPS-based real-time vehicle tracking, logistics providers can improve their delivery execution and gain trust from their customers. Customer service can also be enhanced with mobile electronic proof of delivery / proof of collection, as well as automated notifications and delivery status alerts, providing the thoughtful communication that today’s customers are looking for. Eco Expectations Convenience is a key motivator for 70% of consumers, with studies showing that almost half of shoppers are unlikely to repeat order from retailers that do not deliver their packages within the promised timeframe. However, for many consumers, interest in the sustainability credentials and environmental impact of those they are ordering from is growing. As we reach another year closer to the net-zero deadline and discussions following the COP26 summit continue, the pressure on businesses to consider their emissions is rising. It is vital that retailers and logistics providers act now to retain customers, reduce their environmental impact and make better, more responsible decisions to gain a competitive edge. According to Descartes’ research conducted in Autumn 2021, 23% of UK consumers would think twice about ordering groceries online due to the environmental impact, and this grows to a staggering 60% in relation to online orders across all categories. In light of this, retailers must consider transforming their delivery experience to aid retention of current customers and the acquisition of new customers. With the ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles a key priority in the UK Government’s green plan, the presence of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road is increasing. Many delivery companies are starting to make the move to EVs as a way to address the costs associated with the UK’s Clear Air Zones and improve environmental credentials, but is that a problem solved? Retailers and logistics companies must go one step further from just buying these vehicles - they must be used in the most effective way to really impact the delivery experience. By using dynamic delivery appointment scheduling fleet operators can further improve productivity by increasing delivery density. Customers can be offered delivery appointment options at the point of purchase and given incentives to select delivery slots that are closer to existing booked deliveries. With the growing interest on the environment, allowing the customer to pick an ‘eco-friendly’ delivery option that uses less CO2 is a benefit to both customers and the business and is likely to increase customer satisfaction with the delivery company and retailer. Finally, the ability to dynamically schedule appointments and optimise routes with sustainability in mind applies equally to the returns process, with fleet operators able to coordinate in real-time, deliveries to and collections from the same locations. Invaluable Innovation Digital transformation is fundamental to survival both during and following the peak trading season. With an influx of packages heading to and from warehouses and consumer patience wearing thin, logistics providers can expect to be overstretched this quarter and must aim to optimise their end-to-end operations and improve their delivery service offerings. Innovative software solutions could be game-changing investments for businesses currently trying to juggle the HGV driver shortage, supply chain disruption, increased demand and evolving customer expectations. Smooth logistics ultimately lead to happier customers and greener operations, as well as a multitude of benefits for the business. For retailers seeking the opportunity to meet customer experience objectives and sustainability goals simultaneously for competitive advantage, maximising their fleet’s potential and minimising their impact on the environment may be the answer. https://routinguk.descartes.com/
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