Truck and Track Autumn 2021

Truck and Track Autumn 2021 www.truckandtrack.com 64 DANGEROUS GOODS RS: How did Labeline become a multimodal service provider? KK: Once I’d put together a service that offered a range of products for the Air DG industry, I looked at the issues with Road and Sea and found an even worse situation to that of the air. I set up Labeline with the objective to be the company that everyone could rely on and turn to for their DG compliance needs. Using my contacts, I built up a chain of knowledge and support for industry to help satisfy this objective. One of the key developments that helped with the company’s rapid growth was the introduction of emails and the internet - I believe Labeline was one of the first companies to have B2B online sales and products. RS: So why are we now based in Barnstaple – it’s hardly the centre of the DG industry? KK: I will be quite honest…simply by accident! When I was young, I used to be a good surfer, then life changed with family responsibilities etc. At 50, life changed again, and I wanted to slow down a bit. I was driving my daughter’s VW camper van heading for Cornwall, if you have ever owned or driven one, you will understand you cannot travel fast, and why they have a bed in the back. I didn’t make it to Cornwall as it was taking too long, so I veered off to North Devon and became a bit nostalgic about the area. I stayed a while and started surfing again as it’s good for the soul. Prices of commercial builds were affordable then, even more so in North Devon, so it seemed logical at the time to operate from down here, and the business has remained in Barnstaple ever since. In August 2021, Labeline moved into a brand new facility that we can be proud of on the same site - and who would not like our waterfront outlook? We have a cafe next door, a gym and brewery….it could be Heaven not Devon for some. Quite honestly, the office could be anywhere, as most of our business is by internet and online communications these days. As you well know, it’s been challenging to create our new offices over the past few years and, at last, after moving several million products from one warehouse to another, we are now settled in our new home. We have a great team and of course Covid presented its challenges to all of us. These last 18 months have been the hardest as we were hit with everything a business could do without. We have weathered that storm and our customer base and financial situation stays strong with steady growth. RS: Labeline provides a cost-effective and very efficient worldwide service. Explain how we do this so successfully: KK: We carry a high level of stock across all products, enabling us to pick and despatch on the same day as orders are placed. We use bespoke packaging to protect our shipments so that they arrive at our customers in A1 condition. Labeline has had a longstanding relationship with an international forwarding company that consistently provides a swift and reliable service. RS: How have you seen the industry evolve over the years? KK: The dangerous goods industry has grown up of course. There are now many more organisations with the relevant expertise than there were when I started Labeline. For those who are just opening their door to “what is dangerous goods”, or want to develop their knowledge to the next level, the field is wide. RS: Labeline often exhibits at industry events such as ChemUK, Multimodal, BADGP seminars, and we organise and host the Biennial Dangerous Goods Roadshow – is this a good investment? KK: For Labeline, attending these events is more about making people aware of what we do and to highlight the services that we offer. It is also very important that we maximise the opportunities to meet our customers and support those who inform the DG industry of regulatory changes (I call it, giving back), updates and developments. To this end, Labeline has hosted the Biennial DG Roadshows every two years since 2016. This is a series of regulatory update seminars which brings together DG professionals from different sectors and from around the world. RS: So, what are the products and services that Labeline offers (I do know the answer by the way)? KK: Well, Labeline International Ltd. is a world leading authorised reseller of all the DG regulations that govern the transport of dangerous goods, many of which are available in digital / online formats. Shall we start with them: For Air, these are… IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations and ICAO Technical Instructions. Labeline is IATA’s only authorised reseller in UK and Ireland for their regulatory publications, including those for Lithium Batteries, Perishable Cargo, Temperature Control and Training Workbooks. Labeline’s brand new facility in Barnstaple