TruckandTrackSpring2020

www.truckandtrack.com Spring 2020 Truck and Track 49 PALLET NETWORKS With school closures affecting the UKworkforce fromFriday 20 March, the Association of Pallet Networks (APN) is calling for government to recognise all the pallet network sector support staff as key workers in order to keep essential supplies moving. Currently delivery drivers are recognised as key workers and therefore will be eligible for school support. However, says APN chairman Paul Sanders, this overlooks the crucial role of those who manage inventory, load and unload supplies, and keep the supply chain moving. “It is essential that government recognises that all distribution workers are necessary to keep critical supplies moving around the UK during this crisis,” says Sanders. “Without forklift drivers, warehouse staff and other distribution workers, delivery drivers will have nothing to deliver,” he says. “In order to keep these peopleworking and the UK economymoving to ensure the supply of essential goods food and medicines, we need all distribution workers in our sector to be eligible for school support for their children.” The Association of Pallet Networks represents the UK’s eight pallet networks which between them comprise 30,000 employees, 23,500 vehicles, 750 depots throughout the country and offer 100% coverage by postcode. “Our sector is uniquely placed to enable essential deliveries to every corner of the UK during this national crisis. But we cannot achieve that unless we can assure staff that their children are being cared for appropriately while they labour to get goods where they need to go,” says Sanders. “The supply of essential supplies for critical operations – not least ensuring food in our supermarkets and well stocked pharmacies and hospitals – is one of the most important aspects of protecting the UK public during this crisis. www.theapn.co.uk Paul Sanders, Chairman of the Association of Pallet Networks APN calls for all distribution workers to be eligible for school support Key worker status is vital for warehouse staff, forklift drivers and other supply chain operatives, says the Association of Pallet Networks The Association of Pallet Networks (APN), representing eight pallet networks and almost 800 UK hauliers, is calling on government to suspend fuel duty for the logistics industry with immediate effect. Like most businesses, haulage firms are currently suffering substantial disruption, unpredictable order patterns and diminishing demand from many customers – yet these operations must continue to ensure the supply of essential goods and to support critical services. APN chairman Paul Sanders is writing to the Road Haulage Association, and the Freight Transport Association to ask their aid in lobbying the Treasury for a derogation to take pressure off our most essential supply chain businesses. HGVs deliver approximately 90+% of UK freight, lifting 1.41 bn tonnes in 2018 and moving 152bn tonne kilometres. Multimodal operations (eg also using trains for freight movements) accounts for only a small percentage of freight, and all freight requires final mile deliveries by HGVs. Sanders says: “The majority of UK haulage operations are small or SME businesses. Their business model is very vulnerable to cash flow issues and their fuel bills usually account for between 30 and 40% of operating costs. “A derogation on fuel duty couldmake a huge difference to business continuity and inminimising the number of losses fromour sector,” he adds. “The UK logistics industry is in the spotlight right now, providing one of the most important jobs next to healthcare. It is imperative we do all we can to ensure business continuity and the protection of vital jobs and distribution services.” APN calls for fuel duty derogation to help the UK logistics industry fulfil its vital role during time of national crisis The UK logistics industry needs a fuel duty derogation to help it continue to provide essential services at a time of economic stress, says the Association of Pallet Networks COMBINED TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS 01543 420 121 www.deker.co.uk