TruckandTrackSpring2020

www.truckandtrack.com Spring 2020 Truck and Track 13 BUSINESS NEWS At the end of last year, Descartes Systems UK welcomed over 100 logistics professionals to its UK Customer and Partner event. Held at the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire, the theme for the day was the future of logistics and supply chain operations. With the new HMRC Customs Declaration Service and Brexit on the agenda, there was considerable interest in the program and speakers. Speakers at the event included Guy Clapperton, near-futurist guest speaker, along with representatives from Kharon, eComGlobal and Descartes. In addition, James ChokWing took to the stage to discuss CDS migration on behalf of HM Revenue & Customs. The event program focused on overcoming challenges and taking advantage of opportunities that will emerge in the near future with international trade and customs compliance. Unsurprisingly, Brexit was a concern for many delegates and the event highlighted how organisations involved with trade in the EU are ensuring they are Brexit-ready with Descartes. Delegates also discussed the management of sanctions risk in global supply chains. A timely discussion from HMRC delivered updates and advice on the migration from CHIEF to CDS. Descartes has been working closely with HMRC to develop and provide feedback on the new system and has successfully helped a significant number of its clients to transition smoothly and efficiently, whilst ensuring compliance. Other issues addressed during the event included global trends around sustainability, including the need to reduce carbon footprint and improve first-and last-mile supply chain efficiency, while meeting ever-increasing customer expectations. Descartes is responding to these challenges and helping its customers to achieve market leading results with its customer fulfilment and dynamic booking solution increasing sales and improving the end- customer experience. With the continued growth in eCommerce Descartes’ advanced eCommerce, Warehouse Management Solution is helping customers increase efficiency in the warehouse, saving walking time by 40%, reducing packaging and shipping time by 50% and achieving 100% picking accuracy, with significant financial benefits to customers. Andrew Tavener, Head of Marketing, Descartes Systems UK, comments, “We are always excited to bring together our customers, partners and regulatory bodies such as HMRC to discuss trends, challenges and opportunities within the global supply chain. The industry is facing an unprecedented amount of change, and we welcome the chance to share learnings on how collectively we can harness advanced technology for competitive advantage.” www.descartes.com The future of supply chain & logistics: Descartes presents expert advice to industry professionals Strong product performance and dependable dealer support seal the deal for Kings Lynn based Ge-Be Transport, as they choose to invest in six new Scania 44-tonners in their eye- catching livery. Supplied by local dealer, TruckEast, the new tractor units consist of three R450 and three S450 6x2/2Highlinemid-lifts, equippedwith front steel and rear air suspension systems. Powered by Scania’s 13-litre fully SCR engines they produce 331 kW (450hp) and deliver maximum torque with 2,350 Nm, making them the perfect combination for the general haulage operation. Past experience with their PRGmodel R450s has proved the Scania to be a highly reliable performer on the fleet. So much so that when the finance agreement came to an end, the six vehicles were extended instead of being replaced as originally intended. This, combined with a demand for business growth, meant the company looked for new additions to the fleet. “Due to the known lifecycle of a Scania and previous performance, we know they’ll just keep going so it made sense to extend them,” comments General Manager for Ge-Be Transport, Jay Goldspink. “The product is already very good so we are keen to see how the next generation models fare.” This latest investment reflects the company’s commitment to its drivers – one where they provide a working environment designed with comfort as a priority. Inside, the cabs benefit from a high specification including a driver’s package plus leather trims, heated and cooling seats, electronically controlled air conditioning, a fridge, microwave, large infotainment system and much more. “Our trucks average around 120,000km annually and are pretty much fully loaded all the time, ready to go. The drivers are out in them for the best part of a week, so being able to completely tailor the specification for what we (and they) need is a real plus point,” states Jay. A perfect example of this is the internal storage. Historically, the company had dual bunks in their vehicles in spite of them only having single occupancy. Now the option to add the rear lockers instead provides that extra level of storage. Especially when combining it with the external lockers on both the driver and passenger sides that offer convenient access from both inside and outside the cab. The Scanias were purchased on a 5-year contract hire agreement through Scania Financial Services. Included with this is full repair and maintenance which, alongside all inspections, will be carried out at TruckEast’s Kings Lynn branch with whom Ge-Be already have a long-standing relationship. “The service levels we receive fromKings Lynn were a huge factor in us returning to Scania for these trucks. I really can’t fault them and that back-up is supported nationwide, which is important when our vehicles operate all over. If I have an issue with one of my trucks, I know I can pick the phone up to the team at Kings Lynn and they’ll be on the case,” continues Jay. “I’ve even had a situation of a vehicle breaking down that was another marque, and they sorted me out with a replacement straight away. We’re a 24-hour operation and that downtime could significantly cost us, but they understand our business, and that goes a long way for me,” he concludes. Ge-Be Transport Ltd was established in 1982 with just one truck and operated from home. Over the years, the family business has continued to expand with two core operations – palletways and general haulage. In 2019, further milestones were accomplished as they moved into a new warehouse and purchased an additional yard to support the growth. www.truckeast.co.uk GE-BE Transport goes for growth with 6 new Scania trucks