Opinion – Page 6
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'Road to zero' can sometimes feel like the road to nowhere
The original UK government transport policy on emissions control published in 2018 was titled the ‘Road to zero’. In the aftermath of the ground-breaking Paris Agreement in 2015, a global plan to restrict air temperature rise to 1.5 deg was agreed by almost every nation in the world, and to ...
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The absurdity of forcibly retiring drivers on spurious grounds in a skills crisis
As the country pulls away from the Covid crisis, and rightly gets back to work, demand across industry is sure to increase. This could well bring on another crisis, this time far more economically driven. When the hospitality sector fully reopens demands on the transport sector will vastly outstrip current ...
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Warehouse automation in demand as driver shortage extends to forklift trucks
An exceptional shortage of forklift drivers is prompting more and more UK companies to adopt automated materials handling equipment to optimise the efficiency of their warehouse intralogistics processes.We hear a lot about the problems caused by the present lack of HGV drivers but the scarcity of qualified MHE operators is ...
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As leader, I'll transform Unite and put members first
Empty supermarket shelves are the picture of summer 2021. According to the Road Haulage Association, we're short of 100,000 HGV drivers, but the truth is, the sector is an unappealing prospect for workers.Financial inducements to lure drivers won't address the problems at the heart of the industry. The government doesn't ...
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Hoyer is ready for future powered by green hydrogen
Green hydrogen is a key to many countries and continental communities achieving climate neutrality. The EU, the US, Canada, Argentina and Japan among others want to be climate-neutral by 2050, and China has set itself this aim by 2060. Global demand for hydrogen will rise significantly in the coming years ...
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Government must dangle carrots as well as wave stick to speed take up of electric LCVs
A record year for EVs. A record year for home deliveries. What comes next? Ideally, the electric van boom.Up until recently, electric LCVs (e-LCVs) were considered somewhat of a fantasy. Batteries weren’t powerful enough - and were too big and cumbersome – to allow for proper cargo transportation.But manufacturers have ...
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Government’s 2040 diesel lorry ban 'impractical and short-sighted'
The government finally confirmed its short-sighted decision to ban the sale of new diesel lorries by 2040. This deadline may even be brought forward if "technically feasible”.This at a time when the industry is struggling to overcome a huge shortfall in qualified HGV drivers, and it’s predicted the amount of ...
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Check your insurance cover as cargo theft continues to rise
“Police warn drivers over recent upsurge in cargo thefts” (Motor Transport 8/2/21)Whilst police have been warning drivers about the alarming rise in cargo thefts since the beginning of 2021, haulage and logistics operators should heed this stark warning.With more than 60 cargo thefts from trucks reported since the beginning of ...
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How do we get the industry back in the driving seat?
Aztek Logistics MD Stuart Charter (pictured) assesses the logistics sector's existential crisisAs a regional, national and international haulier, we have always been able to respond to the ebb and flow of customer demand by flexing our mix of directly-employed and agency drivers, a state of affairs that remains the case ...
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Some good news but Budget could have done more to help fill the logistics skills gap
Following a turbulent 12 months for the nation, the 2021 Spring Budget was vital in laying out the path to Britain’s economic recovery. In the view of Logistics UK and its members, there were many positive aspects of the Budget.But Chancellor Rishi Sunak could have gone further to invest ...
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Unlocking the potential of connected technologies
MT caught up with commercial contract hire, fleet management and rental firm Fraikin following the publication of MT’s ‘Hot Topic Industry Insight 2021’ report, available to download free of charge. The report looks at a range of topical challenges and opportunities for freight operators, with investment and fleet technology a ...
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What will 2021 mean for logistics and supply chain?
Almost a year ago the country faced its first lockdown and the initial three weeks eventually lasted an unbelievable 14 weeks or so.During that time the supply chain network of the UK was not only put under immense pressure, it also proved its unswerving resilience as it adapted to the ...
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Whatever happens with Covid-19 retailers need to remain agile
If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that you never know what challenges are around the corner or how disruptive they will be. With the UK in the grips of its third national lockdown and retailers across the country having closed their high street stores for business yet again, we expect ...
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Direct Vision a good step - but does not go far enough
The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) for commercial vehicles in London is a positive step towards better HGV road safety, but does not go far enough.All goods vehicles over 12 tonnes now require a permit to drive into Greater London, including vehicles from outside the UK.Enforced by TfL, the DVS legislation ...
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Apprenticeships DO work for HGV driver training
Caroline Moody with her 2020 Amazon Everywoman in Transport & Logistics freight leader awardThroughout this Covid-19 pandemic the logistics sector has demonstrated the valuable role it plays in enabling this country to function. But is has failed to address the long-term shortage of LGV drivers, estimated at around 50,000, which ...
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Biomethane can cut carbon emissions from heavy trucks right now
HGVs are the most challenging road vehicles to transition to electric or hydrogen power, a practical and affordable solution is 20 to 30 years away. This is why major logistics companies across the UK are today switching away from diesel to biomethane gas as a transport fuel, which can be ...
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Internet of Things can safely improve efficiency of logistics operations
Supply chains are constantly battling challenges, with unforeseen delays, restrictions and thefts causing disruption at every turn. More recently, the pandemic threatened the continuity of supply chains more severely than any event in recent memory.Lockdowns imposed across Europe and the rest of the world in response have caused disruption to ...
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Don't forget handling equipment when looking at electric vehicles
Electrification within the transport industry has been gaining traction for some years, but the discussion rarely includes truck mounted equipment or cranes. Lifting equipment plays a vital role in the sector and shouldn’t be overlooked.The whole industry needs to think more holistically about developing greener equipment and electrification is just ...
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How do you do home delivery of a washing machine in a Covid-19 world?
So, it is pretty well documented that those of us involved in e-commerce and home delivery have benefited from an increase in online shopping during this pandemic. As a result, despite the massive changes that we have had to implement to keep our people and customers safe, and the subsequent ...
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Controlling your fleet in the backdrop of the Covid-19 oil price crash
The commercial fuel market is complex at the best of times. However, in a year that has seen many factors impact the price of fuel, it is important to take a look at these factors and help fleets with the best tips in managing their fuel consumption.The price of fuel ...