Guidance & Support

Worcestershire's White Logistics is gearing up to test hydrogen-fuelled trucks from Hydrogen Vehicle Systems (HVS) next year as part of the Transition to Zero Programme. This initiative allows haulage companies to use hydrogen fuel cell trucks in their delivery operations and get acquainted with hydrogen refuelling technologies.

Under a memo of understanding with HVS, White Logistics will collaborate on hydrogen electric vehicle technology and infrastructure, sharing operational data. If successful, the company may convert a significant part of its fleet to zero-emission hydrogen-powered HGVs. White Logistics, established over 50 years ago, operates more than 150 delivery vehicles and is committed to reducing its carbon footprint.

CEO Graeme White emphasised the company's effort to adopt cutting-edge, environmentally friendly technologies. John McLeister, HVS' Chief Commercial Officer, praised White Logistics' commitment to decarbonisation, which aligns with their goals to integrate hydrogen fuel cell HGVs into their fleet.

The Transition to Zero programme supports its participants with technology exploration, infrastructure setup, safety guidance, financing options, and training programs, aiming for a smooth adoption of hydrogen FCEV technology in line with sustainability goals.

A recent survey highlights a shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) among UK fleet managers, with many increasing or maintaining their EV fleets. The Future of Transport research, involving 100 fleet managers who oversee more than 100 vehicles each, shows a trend towards full electrification within four years, down from a previously estimated seven years.

The survey found that 86% of managers have upped or maintained their EV count in the last year, with nearly two-thirds planning to expand their EV fleets further after a delay in the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate. Despite the government pushing the ZEV deadline to 2035, managers aim for earlier electrification.

Denise Beedell of Logistics UK praised the accelerated transition to electric fleets and highlighted the logistics sector's commitment to sustainability. However, she pointed out existing barriers, such as the need for better charging infrastructure and more supportive policies, including incentives for electric vans.

Lex Autolease, a fleet management, and financing expert under Lloyds Banking Group, produced the report. Nick Williams, managing director at Lex Autolease, remarked on the proactive steps businesses are taking towards sustainability, enhancing their green credentials and attractiveness to employees.

A recent study has highlighted a significant increase in pothole repairs on local roads across England and Wales, marking the highest activity in eight years. This financial year, it's estimated that around two million potholes will be addressed, a surge of 43% from the 1.4 million repairs conducted in the prior year. This figure represents the most considerable number of repairs since the 2015/16 period, which saw 2.2 million potholes filled.

The report also sheds light on the current state of local roads, with only 47% considered to be in good condition. Another 36% were deemed adequate, and 17% were classified as poor. Despite an average increase of 2.3% in highway maintenance budgets for the 2023/24 financial year, the cost to clear the backlog of needed road repairs has escalated to a record £16.3 billion, marking a 16% increase from last year's £14.0 billion.

On average, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and vans incur repair costs of £575.74 and £246.87, respectively, adversely affecting the supply chain due to vehicle downtime. In response, the government announced in October 2023 an allocation of £8.3 billion over the next 11 years specifically for pothole repairs in England, reallocating funds from the halted HS2 project extension north of Birmingham as part of the Network North strategy.

In an innovative effort to address reckless driving, Lincolnshire is set to equip 100 HGVs and coaches with dashcams as part of Operation Journey, a £45,000 initiative aimed at enhancing road safety. Captured footage of driving violations will be submitted to Lincolnshire Police's website, potentially leading to enforcement actions by the police.

The primary goal of this initiative is to reduce the incidents of fatalities and serious injuries on Lincolnshire's roads, with a focus on high-risk travel routes. The project is funded by the government, facilitated through Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones, and includes additional resources for the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership to analyse the submitted video evidence.

Lincolnshire Police's previous strategies have included the use of unmarked HGVs to detect and deter unsafe driving behaviours. Commissioner Marc Jones emphasises that the intention behind Operation Journey is to promote safer driving practices and prevent accidents, rather than simply issuing fines. Depending on its effectiveness, there's potential for expanding the program to include other motorists and even the general public.

London Gatwick Airport has announced a significant reduction in carbon emissions, achieving a 90% decrease by switching its diesel vehicle fleet to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). This move has led to an annual carbon saving of over 950 tonnes.

Derived primarily from recycled cooking oils, HVO fuel dramatically lowers greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% and reduces air particulates by 85%. As a cleaner alternative to traditional diesel, HVO is nearly devoid of impurities and offers cleaner combustion. It has the potential to decrease other emissions like Carbon Monoxide, with the extent of reduction varying based on the engine type and how it's used.

The airport's initiative includes transitioning all 300 of its diesel vehicles, which constitute 85% of its total fleet, to HVO. These vehicles will use HVO until they are phased out in favour of electric vehicles, aligning with Gatwick's Decade of Change Sustainability Program. After thorough testing, Gatwick found that HVO does not compromise vehicle performance. This ensures that essential vehicles, such as fire engines, maintain their operational efficiency, including the ability to reach any part of the airfield within three minutes in emergencies.

Gatwick is committed to further reducing its carbon footprint by investing over £250 million in low carbon alternatives for its entire operations, enhancing energy efficiency, and increasing its reliance on renewable energy sources, including on-site solar power, while sourcing 100% of its electricity from renewable energy.

Morrisons is embarking on a reorganisation of its logistics sector, potentially impacting about 300 jobs. This overhaul affects its seven in-house distribution centres, consolidating leadership into single operation manager positions and reducing certain managerial roles in both its ambient and chilled supply chains, as well as canteen team coordinators.

The supermarket has informed employees that positions such as warehouse managers, team leaders, and HR advisors are under review for redundancy, with decisions based on interviews, conduct, and performance metrics. The consultation process, set to finalise by April 21st, promises alternative job options where feasible, excluding the third-party managed Bellshill site from these changes.

Furthermore, the company plans to abandon the four-day workweek model for the majority of its warehouse and logistics staff. From April 22nd, workers are expected to adopt a five-day schedule, working eight-hour shifts, including Saturdays.

A spokesperson for Morrisons conveyed that this restructuring is part of the company's broader strategy to streamline and expedite operations. By reorganising the logistics teams at seven sites, Morrisons aims to create a leaner, more agile structure that better supports its stores throughout the week.

In a significant boost to the UK automotive industry, Stellantis, the parent company of Vauxhall, has revealed plans to commence the production of electric vans at its Luton factory next year. This strategic move not only secures the future of 1,500 jobs at the site but also marks a pivotal step towards sustainable manufacturing within the sector.

The decision comes after Stellantis previously warned that it might close its UK operations if tariffs were introduced on UK-EU exports. However, a last-ditch agreement between Westminster and Brussels has facilitated this new investment, ensuring the Luton plant's operational continuity.

The Luton facility is set to produce up to 100,000 medium-sized electric vans annually. This production line will focus primarily on right-hand-drive vans for the UK market, including popular models such as the Vauxhall Vivaro, Peugeot e-Expert, Citroën ë-Dispatch, and Fiat E-Scudo. While these models share near-identical designs, their sales strategies are tailored to different national markets.

This announcement follows Stellantis' commencement of electric van production at its Ellesmere Port factory in Cheshire. The shift from manufacturing passenger cars to commercial vans at Ellesmere Port was a strategic move that prevented the facility's closure, highlighting Stellantis' commitment to adapting its operations in line with evolving market demands and environmental considerations.

During National Apprenticeship Week [5-11 February], UK Transport Minister Guy Opperman MP celebrated the first successful year of the Generation Logistics campaign, highlighting its role in changing the image of the logistics sector and promoting it as a key driver of economic growth.

Minister Opperman praised the joint efforts of the government and businesses in making logistics careers more attractive and emphasised the importance of attracting new talent to maintain a strong supply chain for the economy's health.

The campaign's achievements were showcased at a parliamentary event attended by representatives from over 50 companies and trade associations, along with young Generation Logistics ambassadors. These ambassadors are crucial in engaging with future employees and highlighting the sector's varied opportunities.

A new careers guide for teachers and advisers was introduced at the event, aiming to increase awareness of logistics professions. Bethany Windsor, the campaign's program director, noted an 11% rise in awareness and a 140% increase in positive sector perceptions in the first year. The initiative, supported by sponsors and ambassadors, plans to further reach out to educators and integrate logistics into school curriculums, positioning logistics as a top career choice for young people.

In a bold heist on the M6 in Staffordshire, thieves made off with technology goods valued at £269,000 from a lorry parked at Keele Services, all while the driver was asleep. The incident, involving the theft of 24 pallets loaded with cameras and other valuable tech items, occurred between midnight on January 23 and 3 a.m. the following day.

In a calculated move, the thieves also commandeered a white Volkswagen panel van from a flat-bed truck within the same parking area, utilizing it to ferry away the stolen loot. Staffordshire Police later reported the recovery of the stolen van.

The local law enforcement has since launched an appeal to the public, urging anyone who might have witnessed the theft or possesses any relevant CCTV or dashcam footage from around the area to come forward. The police are particularly keen on piecing together the events that transpired during those critical hours to trace the perpetrators.

A spokesperson for the Staffordshire Police highlighted the significance of the stolen goods and the audacity of the crime, given it was executed while the truck driver was asleep. The police have conducted initial investigations at the scene, including reviewing CCTV footage.

Two leading road haulage firms, Youngs Transportation & Logistics and North West Cargo, have faced insolvency, resulting in significant job cuts. The industry is grappling with economic downturns and global disruptions, as outlined by Leonard Curtis’ director Alex Cadwallader. Leonard Curtis took control of both companies on January 31st, after they struggled with cash flow problems amidst a challenging global and domestic economic landscape.

Youngs and North West Cargo, with a history spanning over 50 years and a workforce of 250 across five locations, had a combined annual revenue exceeding £40 million. Despite managing to sell a Northwest site to save some jobs and executing additional sales to keep operations afloat, the companies have had to make considerable redundancies due to the closure of other sites.

The logistics sector's woes are attributed to the tough economic conditions and shipping challenges, forcing Youngs and North West Cargo into administration. Efforts to sell the companies as a whole were unsuccessful, though parts of the business were saved through smaller transactions. The administrators are now aiding the affected employees.

This situation reflects a broader distress within the transport industry, with several other logistics companies also entering administration recently. The outlook remains bleak, with expectations of continued difficulties in the UK logistics market through the first half of 2024.