All Opinion articles – Page 2
-
Article
Satnavs have changed our world - but could still do better
GPS is the most famous of the four global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) and one of the marvels of the modern world. A GNSS constellation consists of a number of satellites that circle the globe to provide worldwide position, time and velocity information. Since these are low power signals and ...
-
ArticleCold chain must remain focused on net zero target to reap sustainability and efficiency rewards
With record temperatures surging throughout the globe this July, the era of ‘global boiling’, as its now coined, has seemingly arrived with a vengeance.The need to drive decarbonisation has never been greater. Increased energy costs – which still remain above pre-pandemic levels despite the drop of wholesale gas prices by ...
-
ArticleWe need urgent help with our growing HGV technician shortage
Sally GilsonIt’s impossible to ignore that the UK is suffering from skills shortages. Not a week goes by without an occupation being highlighted and a plea to train more people or for access to non-UK workers.The driver shortage which reached its peak in autumn 2021 is an obvious one for ...
-
ArticleBanish the nightmare of predicting and right-sizing peak warehouse space
It is now the time of year where many retailers and their supply chain partners will be starting to plan and secure their warehousing space and resource requirements for the big one – the ‘golden quarter’ and the Christmas peak.Predicting requirements seven or eight months ahead is always a nightmare, ...
-
ArticleShowcasing our commitment to more sustainable live events
KB Event, a specialist transport company for the entertainment sector, has joined forces with event creator Showcase to launch #DrivingSustainabiltyTogether, a campaign to promote sustainability in live events.With a professional relationship that spans almost 10 years and shared values regarding the impact their operations will have on future generations, it ...
-
ArticleBVRLA: Why we need a Van Plan...
The road to achieving a net zero transport network is far from a straight line. Barriers and roadblocks are arising all the time. When looking at commercial vehicles, this testing landscape becomes even more fraught.Van fleets are struggling to make the zero-emission transition and the 2030 Phase Out target for ...
-
ArticleAwarding border checks contract to French company makes a mockery of Brexit
Last July, PML issued a statement regarding the crippling impact of the constant government U-turns in relation to the handling of post-Brexit border control facilities.Many businesses invested heavily, in preparation for the changes, believing the information that was disseminated by those in power. Some of the UK’s biggest seaports considered ...
-
Article"The era of big new warehouses is over" - how 2023 e-commerce trends will impact on operators...
As retailers attempt to bounce back from the impact of Covid, Brexit and Putin’s war in Ukraine, which developments will fuel the fastest growth and which retail fads will fizzle? And what will be the knock-on effect for the transport and logistics sector?We've identified five strong growth areas and five ...
-
ArticleTen top tips for surviving the coming storm
It is no secret the haulage sector is facing an uphill battle; recent Office for National Statistics estimates show that one in five transport businesses have run out of cash amid the current economic climate. So how can businesses ensure continuity?There is no doubt that the UK economy is facing ...
-
ArticleFlexibility, honesty, and outsourcing the way ahead for uncertain times to come
The last few years have been extremely tough for many businesses which have had to adapt to stay afloat during a global pandemic.But while we may have emerged from one crisis, businesses are now facing an array of new challenges. From economic uncertainty and strikes to a global supply chain ...
-
ArticleSqueezing even more efficiency from retail supply chains will be top priority for 2023
ASCG recently surveyed 100 retailers about plans and strategies for dealing with the impact of the cost-of-living crisis. ‘Reviewing supply chains to find efficiencies’ came out top, with 40% of retailers prioritising this as a solution for reducing costs and protecting margins as sales and bottom lines feel the effects ...
-
ArticleWhy the logistics industry needs to double down on 'nearshoring'
Could switching from 'just in time' to 'just in case' help cut costs and ease supply chain pressure? Bart Coppelmans, director industry solutions, global head of supply chain and logistics, HERE Technologies explains the benefitsMajor geopolitical issues and Covid-19 have had huge detrimental impacts on strained global supply chains. Uncertainty ...
-
ArticleLogistics companies thinking outside the box on flexible, low cost warehouse automation
With margins under pressure and labour in short supply, forward thinking logistics service providers are taking a new, radical approach to winning business using flexible automation.There is an emerging sea change in the traditional 3PL–client relationship around automation. Whereas a 3PL would normally win a contract first and then possibly ...
-
ArticleDual-pressure hydrogen stations for buses and HGVs spread cost and encourage local take-up
A new model of hydrogen-powered double decker bus was rolled out in Aberdeen in 2021, following an £8.3m grant from the EU and Scottish Government. These buses have now travelled more than one million miles, preventing 1,700 tonnes of CO2 emissions being released into the atmosphere. This is a great ...
-
ArticleGovernment action on driver training capacity should be applauded, but the real test will be Christmas
The government has made strides in addressing the HGV driver shortage over the past year, and the recent increase in testing capacity is the latest positive example. Yet the upcoming Christmas period will, like most years, put pressure on testing and training capacity. It should remind the government and industry ...
-
ArticleEnergy price cap not enough to save Christmas
This week, the UK’s new PM Liz Truss announced her energy relief package to help with the current cost of living crisis and the soaring electricity and gas prices. Central to this package is the energy price guarantee. Taking effect from 1 October, energy bills will be capped at £2,500 ...
-
Article25.25m, 60-tonne GVW combinations could significantly boost fleet efficiency and remove road miles, says Hazcomp MD
News that government is looking for operators willing to trial longer heavier vehicles (LHVs) up to 25.25m in length and at 60 tonnes gross vehicle weight (GVW) has sparked a wider debate about what sort of combinations might be permitted.At Road Transport Expo's Business & Technology stage, Hazcomp MD Kevin ...
-
ArticleBootcamps will provide welcome injection of new HGV drivers to ease shortage
The logistics sector is the backbone of the nation’s economy and vital to its financial success, employing around 2.56m people and contributing £129bn gross value added. The country’s economy relies heavily on the logistics sector and with depleting numbers in experienced drivers, especially since the UK left the EU, there ...
-
ArticleBe prepared just in case a driver has a serious accident on the road
There has been much talk recently of how HGV drivers are treated in the UK and whether companies, as well as the industry as a whole, are doing enough to provide them with decent facilities, good pay and relevant benefits.It is recognised that this is a highly skilled profession and ...
-
ArticleViewpoint: a roadmap for fleet electrification - start planning your journey today
Ahead of this month's exciting new industry show - the Road Transport Expo - MT caught up with the show's Charging Partner and infrastructure expert EQUANS to hear its guidance to operators on planning for a zero-emission future...Heavy transportation vehicles are responsible for around 7% of global carbon emissions. That’s ...