Latest news – Page 350
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Drivers' hours suspension: the industry reacts...
With mounting pressure on a number of distribution operations, the government has taken steps to ease the pressure on drivers and transport operations to make sure that the supplies that we all need continue to get through.The relaxation gives some stretch to daily, weekly and fortnightly drivers’ hours and lengthens ...
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Truck and trailer MOT tests suspended for three months
The DVSA has announced that all MOT testing of trucks and trailers will be suspended for three months in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.Any trucks and trailers due for test in the suspension period will be issued with exemptions automatically. Some vehicles, such as those due for their first MOT ...
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Pallet networks call for fuel duty derogation during COVID-19 pandemic
The Association of Pallet Networks (APN) is calling on government to suspend fuel duty for the logistics industry to protect hauliers from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and secure the supply chain.The APN, which represents the UK’s eight pallet networks, is also calling on the RHA and FTA to ...
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Maze Logistics Solutions takes delivery of two 44-tonne Volvo FH Globetrotters
Ipswich-based Maze Logistics Solutions has added two 44-tonne Volvo FH Globetrotters to its 18-strong fleet.The 6x2 tractor units will be used for container haulage, pulling tri-axle skeletal trailers across the UK and each truck will cover up to 130,000km annually.The deal comes with a four-year Volvo Financial Services contract hire ...
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Drivers' hours relaxed until 21 April but 'must not be abused recklessly'
The Department for Transport has announced that the current limited drivers’ hours relaxation will be extended until 23.59hrs on Tuesday 21 April 2020 and apply to all road haulage operations.The move follows discussions between RHA chief executive Richard Burnett (pictured) and secretary of state for transport, Grant Shapps.“This is a ...
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European Automobile Manufacturers Association calls for urgent EU action to avoid "irreversible damage" to sector
The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) has warned that the COVID-19 pandemic will have grave consequences for the transport and logistics sector without urgent action at national and EU level.Most ACEA members have already announced temporary closures of plants due to collapsing demand, supply shortages and government measures and are ...
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FORS suspends audits
FORS – the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme – has announced that, following the impact of the coronavirus outbreak, all FORS Bronze site audit activity will be suspended from Monday 23 March 2020 until further notice.An official communication to the scheme’s primary and secondary contacts yesterday (19 March), stated: "Organisations with ...
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Laura Ashley and distributor Premier Home Logistics enter administration
The distribution company for Laura Ashley has entered administration along with the troubled retailer.In a statement, Laura Ashley said that for the seven weeks to 13 March, trading had improved by 24%, but that the COVID-19 outbreak had pushed it to the brink.The company has appointed administrators from PricewaterhouseCoopers, which ...
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Expect Distribution reports increased revenues
Contract wins and investment in infrastructure led to revenues at Expect Distribution increasing by 13.6% in 2019.In its latest financial results, the Bradford logistics firm said revenues from its distribution activities rose by 7.24% to £27.1m for the year ending 30 November 2019, assisted by two further wins in its ...
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OTC does work hard to comply with the Code but simpler guidance would be welcome
We are well aware of the distinction between the Office of the Traffic Commissioner (OTC) and the DVSA. However, the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Act 2006 and the relevant statutory instruments from which the Code derives, expressly relates to both institutions and, in the constraints of a short article, we ...
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Transport workers on new government list of those still able to send their children to school
Transport workers are among those on a new government list of people deemed "critical to the COVID-19 response" and whose children will therefore be prioritised for educational provision in schools.Schools are currently being asked to continue to provide care for a limited number of children who are either vulnerable or ...
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Parcel delivery protocols changed in response to COVID-19
Protocols for parcel deliveries by some of the UK’s largest couriers have been changed to reflect increasing concerns over health and safety in light of the current pandemic.As online purchases soar, Hermes said it was introducing “contact-free delivery” to everyone’s doorsteps, and requesting that customers choose a safe place for ...
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Motor Transport Awards postponed
"This has been a week of unprecedented measures for all of us," writes Road Transport Media divisional director Vic Bunby. "The continued spread of the COVID-19 virus, daily changes in government advice and guidelines around travel restrictions and social gatherings have been challenging, and unlike anything we’ve seen before. Like ...
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"Supply chain will cope if public don't panic," FTA insists
The FTA has reassured UK businesses that the supply chain is capable of handling the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic but said it would take the support of government and a flexible approach to keep goods flowing.“Logistics is one of the UK’s most flexible and adaptable industries,” explained policy ...
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ELB Partners buys two Mercedes Actros as part of 50-year anniversary investment
Wimbledon-based ELB Partners has marked 50 years of business with two new Mercedes Actros, wrapped in a distinctive anniversary white and silver livery.The 20-plate HGVs, which come with camera-enabled technology to replace conventional mirrors, join two new DAFs as part of a £500,000 investment.“This year - 2020 - is a ...
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"Volumes at Christmas levels," claims EV Cargo Logistics
EV Cargo Logistics is reporting volumes at "Christmas levels" as it responds to increased demand for groceries across the UK.And the company said “a collaborative spirit” has developed across the industry, as it works with subcontractors and other hauliers to ensure shelves remained stocked in the face of significant operational ...
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DVSA suspends vehicle tests for two days
The DVSA has suspended vehicle tests for two days to reduce the spread of COVID-19.The move comes as hauliers reported that they were struggling to book vehicle inspections and MOTs due to shortfalls of staff.A DVSA spokesman said: “We are working to put contingency plans in place to help reduce ...
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Government's £330bn pledge for industry welcomed by hauliers
The government’s promise to provide a £330bn package of financial measures to keep the UK industry afloat has been welcomed by hauliers, although questions remain over how quickly they can access help.Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the government was prepared to do whatever it takes to shore up the economy and ...
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HSE to prosecute Reason Transport following investigation into death of HGV driver Petru Pop
Reason Transport is facing charges under the Health and Safety at Work Act following an HSE investigation into the death of HGV driver Petru Pop in November 2016.Pop died while making a delivery to a residential address in High Wycombe on behalf of Reason Transport.He was crushed to death beneath ...
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Morrisons to recruit 3,500 extra drivers and warehouse staff
Morrisons is employing 3,500 drivers and warehouse workers as it ramps up its home delivery network in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.It also said it would introduce new ways of delivering to customers, including vulnerable people and those affected by the virus.The supermarket wants to recruit 2,500 drivers and ...