Guidance & Support

Interns with learning disabilities at a Trentham Logistics Centre have received praise from colleagues and Staffordshire County Council. Ben Matthews, 21, and Zain Abbas, 19, started at the site in Autumn 2023 through the Mencap Internship Programme, which aims to increase employment for people with learning disabilities, with less than 5% currently employed according to the UK charity.

Ben Matthews, who faced job rejections before becoming an intern dispatcher, shared, “With a learning disability, it isn’t easy, but I’ve managed to find something and I’m happy.” The supported internships programme, coordinated by Staffordshire County Council, offers a work-based study programme for young adults aged 16 to 24. Interns split their time between education and the workplace, supported by a job coach. Russ Guest from Screwfix, who mentored Ben and Zain, praised their progress, noting, "They've gone from being really quiet in the background to being right up there - having confidence that you wouldn't believe."

Colleague Bev Parry highlighted the positive impact on the team. "Having people with needs onsite has brought it to the forefront in people's minds. It's brought out the best in a lot of people." Michelle Edwards, who trained the interns, believes the programme can succeed anywhere. "You just break it down for them. They learn in the same way; it might just take them a little longer. If you put in the time and effort, they'll bring ultimate value to your company."

Overall, the success of Ben and Zain's internships demonstrates the potential and benefits of inclusive employment practices, encouraging other businesses to consider similar programmes.

Veterans into Logistics, a Greater Manchester charity, has proudly launched three new red Volvo trucks. This achievement was made possible by generous donations from Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland, Asda, and a £30,000 grant from the Veterans’ Foundation. Founded in 2020 by former Royal Artillery Airborne Gunner Darren Wright, the charity supports 150 ex-military personnel each year, helping them transition into new careers as HGV drivers.

The new Volvo trucks, replace older vehicles in the charity's fleet and will operate primarily in North-West England. These environmentally friendly trucks will help reduce CO2 emissions compared to diesel vehicles. Carl White from Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland explained their involvement, noting the meticulous preparation of the trucks, while David Shaw from the Veterans’ Foundation highlighted their ongoing support through grants and donations.

A distinctive feature of the new fleet is the life-size images of veterans Abi Howard and Wez Thomson on the rear doors. Both Abi and Wez completed their HGV training through Veterans into Logistics and now work for Mϋller UK & Ireland and Asda. They expressed their gratitude for the charity’s support and the positive impact it has had on their careers.

The launch of the new fleet coincided with Veterans into Logistics being Highly Commended at The National Facilitator Awards, which celebrate trainers who create meaningful change. This recognition underscores the charity's significant role in helping veterans transition to successful civilian careers.

Starting on October 28th, hauliers operating HGVs over 12 tonnes in London must comply with the new Direct Vision Standard (DVS) Progressive Safe System (PSS) criteria. Trucks will need to be equipped with updated, compliant equipment, but many operators report they won't be ready by the launch date.

There is ongoing confusion about which equipment meets the standards, and businesses nationwide express concerns about being prepared in time. The three-month grace period from TfL is seen as insufficient, with three-quarters of operators in a recent survey doubting they’ll be ready and 80% requesting more time. Additionally, many experienced lorry drivers have negative experiences of driving in London, and over 95% of firms say their drivers don’t feel valued.

Concerns also exist about the availability, cost, and reliability of approved equipment. Businesses unable to upgrade their fleets may face significant financial strain, with daily charges of £550 for non-compliant trucks operating in London. TfL estimates that 216,000 trucks across the country are affected by the new DVS requirements, and there are doubts about the capacity of installers to meet the rising demand.

Some key haulage firms have called for an extended grace period to allow more time for compliance with the new DVS regulations. However, the final decision on the length of this grace period has been delayed until July 18 due to the upcoming General Election, which has shifted focus and resources. Despite these challenges, the overarching goal remains clear: improving the safety of London’s roads is of paramount importance.

During a four-day operation, roads policing officers issued penalty notices and warnings to HGV drivers for carrying dangerous loads on the region's roads. Operation Chemical involved checks on eighty-six lorries along the A11 in Norfolk, A14 in Suffolk, M11 in Essex, and A1 in Cambridgeshire.

The operation, conducted from 7 to 10 May, included collaboration among Commercial Vehicle Units (CVUs) from Essex, Norfolk, and Suffolk forces, along with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. Sgt Jason Dearsley of Essex Police noted that intervention was necessary when ten drivers were found to be exceeding their allowed driving hours, risking reduced concentration and increased danger.

The focus was on the safe transportation of hazardous goods, vehicle roadworthiness, and driver welfare. Sgt Dearsley emphasised the importance of stringent regulations for the safe movement of goods to protect all road users.

A notable incident involved a HGV being driven by someone without the required HGV licence. The operation resulted in four drivers receiving penalty notices, sixteen receiving warnings or advice, and one case involving a radioactive shipment requiring further investigation. Additionally, twelve vehicles were stopped for carrying overweight loads, eight for insecure loads, and eight drivers were found not wearing seatbelts.

New heavy goods vehicle (HGV) registrations have fallen for the first time in two years, with a -3.9% decline in Q1 2024, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Despite this, 11,068 new HGVs were registered between January and March, only 449 fewer than the same period in 2023, which had the strongest start to a year since the pandemic.

Demand for tractor units, the largest market sector, fell by -16.7%, and tipper uptake declined by -6.3%. However, curtainsiders saw a 23.1% increase, flat lorries rose by 21.6%, and box vans grew by 20.6%. Regional uptake varied, with the Southwest seeing the largest growth at 11.8% with 994 new HGVs. East Anglia had the largest decline, down -26.4% to 457 units. The Southeast remained the largest investor in new heavy vehicles, with 2,351 registrations, despite a -2.7% decline.

Zero emission vehicle (ZEV) registrations reached 0.5% of overall HGV registrations, up from 0.3% the previous year, marking a 56.3% increase in volume. Growth in ZEV uptake remains limited due to low operator confidence and a cumbersome grant system, which results in fewer than half of all ZEV models being eligible. Additionally, the UK has a shortage of dedicated HGV charging points, with only one truck-specific charging station located at the M61 southbound service station. This lack of infrastructure hampers longer-distance operators from adopting greener vehicles.

Reforming the grant system and implementing a national infrastructure plan would facilitate the switch to zero emission HGVs, potentially reducing CO2 emissions by around 19 million tonnes annually.

Nottingham-based logistics firm Mitchells of Mansfield, part of Palletways UK, has launched the Carbon Co-op initiative to advance its decarbonisation efforts.

Mitchells of Mansfield is part of Palletways UK’s network of over 120 depots, leveraging shared resources to deliver palletised freight efficiently. Palletways Group, known for its IT and operational systems, spans over 450 depots and 20 hubs, providing services across 24 European countries, including the UK.

Partnering with climate action platform Ecologi, the Carbon Co-op allows businesses to offset consignment emissions by paying a small fee based on travel distance. These fees support global climate projects aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals. Businesses in the Carbon Co-op can track their impact through Ecologi's “virtual forest”, monitoring CO2 avoided, and trees planted.

Managing Director of Mitchells of Mansfield, Richard Montgomery highlighted the initiative's role in helping customers make sustainable choices effortlessly. The firm also runs a monthly Carbon Free Day, offsetting all customers' CO2 emissions at no extra cost. Aiming to become climate positive by 2027, Mitchells of Mansfield has funded 2,000 trees and avoided 532.5 tons of CO2 - equivalent to 409 long-haul flights or 1,321,133 miles driven. Inspired by Palletways UK's efforts, they track progress on Ecologi's virtual forest.

A weight limit zone to prevent heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) from passing through several small villages in North Lincolnshire is now permanent. Since 2022, a trial has restricted vehicles over 7.5 tonnes from traveling through one council ward.

The initiative was prompted by concerns from the Ulceby Road Safety Group, Parish Council, and Ferry ward councillors. Stuart Smith of the Ulceby Road Safety Group celebrated the decision as "absolutely fantastic" and long overdue. Mr. Hannigan told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “It’s been successful beyond our expectations. It was a long campaign to achieve this, but we succeeded.”

The weight-restricted zone in Ferry ward includes Ulceby, Kirmington, Thornton Curtis, Burnham, Croxton, and Wootton. Ferry ward councillor Richard Hannigan praised the trial, noting it had "exceeded expectations" and improved residents' quality of life. Based on feedback from Humberside Police, vehicles exceeding the weight limit will be allowed through only if there are diversion routes, road closures, or roadworks.

The Road Haulage Association (RHA), representing HGV-operating companies, opposed the traffic order. The RHA argued that alternative routes would be more costly and environmentally harmful due to longer travel times.

Cumbria Police recently concluded a five-day road safety initiative, utilising a high-visibility HGV to monitor and enforce driving laws. The operation focused on tackling the "fatal four" major traffic violations often linked to severe and fatal accidents. These violations include speeding, using a mobile phone while driving, not wearing a seatbelt, and impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs.

In collaboration with National Highways, the campaign leveraged the HGV's elevated vantage point to better observe and record traffic offenses. Throughout the duration of the operation, officers documented a total of 31 infractions. These included instances of mobile phone use while driving, speeding, driving under the influence, driving without insurance, careless driving, operating a vehicle without a valid driver's license, and vehicles that lacked proper MOT certification, tax, or were involved in other traffic-related offenses.

Sergeant Jack Stabler from Cumbria Constabulary highlighted the significance of the campaign. He noted that many of the offenses were deliberate actions that compromised the safety of both the perpetrators and other road users. Sergeant Stabler reaffirmed the commitment of the Roads Policing Unit to continue such enforcement measures to enhance road safety across the county.

On April 11th, 2024, Roads Minister Guy Opperman announced proposals designed to attract more young people to careers as bus, coach, and lorry drivers. One key proposal is the lowering of minimum age requirements for bus and coach drivers. Currently, while fully trained drivers aged 18-20 can operate an articulated lorry with no distance limit, those in the same age group driving buses and coaches are restricted to routes of up to 50km.

The Department for Transport (DfT) emphasises that training standards will remain rigorous to ensure road safety. Minister Opperman noted that these changes would help bring young talent into the transport sector, improve job opportunities for school leavers, and alleviate ongoing driver shortages.

Declan Pang from the Road Haulage Association (RHA) supported the initiatives, pointing out that easing age restrictions could level the playing field between coach and HGV drivers and boost the coach sector.

The government's focus on promoting logistics careers among youth continues with further investments in facilities for HGV drivers and extended training programs, part of a broader strategy to enhance the logistics sector.

Over 300 members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union at Heathrow Airport, representing Border Force officers across terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5, are set to strike for four days from April 29th to May 2nd, just before the May bank holiday weekend. This follows a previously cancelled strike during the Easter holidays aimed at allowing further negotiations with the Home Office.

The strikes are prompted by disagreements over new rosters that could lead to approximately 250 staff members being reassigned from their passport control duties. The union has highlighted concerns that these changes could disproportionately affect disabled workers or those with caring responsibilities.

Fran Heathcote, PCS general secretary, criticised the roster changes, urging the Home Office to retain its experienced personnel. In response, the Home Office expressed disappointment over the planned strike but noted that “The new rosters will align to Heathrow's working patterns with other ports and improve service quality.”

The Home Office also assured that “Keeping our borders secure remains our top priority and we have robust plans in place to minimise any potential disruption.”