Guidance & Support

The RTITB (Road Transport Industry Training Board) has introduced a new LGV/HGV Driver Mentor course to support new drivers in refining their skills and learning best practices. This training aims to build confidence and competence on the road while addressing challenges around safety, talent attraction, and driver retention. Statistics show that employees with access to mentors are 35% less likely to leave their employer within the first year, highlighting the importance of mentorship in the logistics sector.

Laura Mack, Academy Manager at RTITB, emphasised the critical role mentors play in shaping new drivers’ habits and ensuring high safety standards. “The initial shifts for new drivers are vital for instilling a company’s culture and standards. Having a trained mentor with the right knowledge and communication skills is essential for providing proper support,” she said. While many companies assume experienced drivers can act as mentors, training ensures they are fully equipped to guide their colleagues effectively.

The two- or three-day LGV/HGV Driver Mentor course provides experienced drivers with skills to help new colleagues maintain safety and efficiency standards while progressing in their careers. Based on the European Mentoring and Coaching Council’s framework, the course covers communication techniques, delivering feedback, managing diversity, and supporting mentees in adhering to legal requirements.

Mentorship also benefits companies by improving driver retention, career progression, and job satisfaction. Trained mentors help build trust, address wellbeing concerns, and support professional development, making LGV/HGV driving a more appealing career choice. With the logistics industry continuing to face driver shortages, introducing mentorship programmes demonstrates a company’s commitment to supporting its workforce, enhancing its reputation as an employer of choice.

Amazon has unveiled its most advanced automated warehouse to date, integrating robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) throughout its 3-million-square-foot facility in Shreveport, Louisiana. Despite the cutting-edge technology, the site will still rely on a substantial human workforce, with over 1,400 employees already hired and plans to grow to 2,500. The new centre aims to streamline operations during the busy holiday season, balancing automation with human oversight to manage the physically demanding and repetitive tasks inherent in warehouse work.

The Shreveport facility features innovative robotic systems, including robotic arms and mobile units that transport shelves, enhancing speed and efficiency. However, some roles remain challenging to automate fully, as Amazon's vast product range - over 400 million items varying in size and fragility - requires a level of adaptability and precision that robots have yet to master. For now, robots bring storage bins to human workers, who identify, pick, and pack individual items for customers.

Safety improvements have been a key focus as the warehousing sector continues to face scrutiny over workplace injuries. Amazon has invested in technology to enhance safety and claims its automated roles are not only safer but also better paid than traditional warehouse jobs. The Shreveport site serves as a testbed for these innovations, which Amazon plans to expand to other facilities in the coming year.

While automation increases productivity, it also creates unique challenges requiring human intervention. Robots handle routine tasks, but human workers manage exceptions, load and unload trucks, and pack irregularly shaped orders. With the capacity to process one million orders daily, Amazon’s Shreveport facility highlights the evolving partnership between humans and machines in modern logistics.

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has welcomed the Scottish Government’s decision to consult on the National Speed Management Review, which includes proposals to raise the speed limit for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) on single carriageway roads. Currently set at 40mph in Scotland, the proposed change would bring the limit in line with the 50mph limit already in place across England and Wales since 2015.

The RHA has long campaigned for this change, arguing it would reduce risky overtaking, improve road safety, and deliver environmental and economic benefits. A recent trial on the A9, where HGVs were permitted to travel at 50mph, demonstrated a decrease in dangerous overtaking and accidents, with evidence suggesting similar outcomes could be achieved across other Scottish single carriageways. The association also highlighted that lorries travelling at 50mph consume less fuel and produce fewer emissions, resulting in cost savings that could benefit consumers.

Martin Reid, the RHA’s Policy Director for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, praised the Scottish Government for exploring this issue. He noted that data from England and Wales shows no negative impact on safety, with a decade of evidence supporting the benefits of increased speed limits for HGVs.

IAM Roadsmart, a UK road safety organisation, also backed the proposals, citing research indicating that raising the HGV speed limit to 50mph has reduced accidents, injuries, and fatalities. They stressed that government policy should align with evidence, emphasising that safer, more efficient roads benefit everyone. Both organisations hope the consultation will lead to meaningful changes that improve road safety and support the transport sector.

On 21 November, global supply chain software provider Blue Yonder suffered a ransomware attack, causing significant disruption to its managed services environment. The incident has had widespread repercussions for the company’s clients, which include major names such as Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, and Starbucks, highlighting the vulnerabilities in interconnected supply chain networks.

Based in Arizona, Blue Yonder is a leading provider of AI-driven supply chain solutions, supporting businesses with planning, fulfilment, delivery, and returns. Established in 1985, the firm serves over 3,000 clients across 76 countries, primarily within the retail, manufacturing, and logistics sectors. In a statement following the attack, Blue Yonder confirmed that external cybersecurity experts were assisting with their recovery efforts. While progress is being made, the company has yet to provide a timeline for full restoration.

The fallout has been felt keenly by major supermarkets and FMCG suppliers in the UK and US. Starbucks reported disruptions to staff payment and scheduling systems due to backend issues, while UK retailers such as Sainsbury’s and Morrisons also faced operational challenges. Sainsbury’s assured that contingency plans were in place, but customers reported gaps in Morrisons’ shelves, prompting frustration on social media. Morrisons clarified that frozen and ambient products were unaffected and that backup systems were ensuring continuity.

With the Christmas trading season underway, the timing of the attack has amplified its impact. Blue Yonder’s UK clients, including Tesco, Waitrose, and Asda, are also closely monitoring developments. The situation underscores the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect supply chain infrastructure, which is essential to ensuring reliable service for businesses and customers alike.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Freight and Logistics has launched its latest report, Securing Our Supply Chains: How the Government Can Crack Down on Freight Crime. Published on 19 November, the report highlights the growing issue of freight crime, which poses a significant threat to the UK’s supply chains. Logistics UK participated in the event, which provided a roadmap for tackling this serious problem.

Freight crime in 2023 resulted in £68.3 million in stolen goods' wholesale value, with the true cost estimated at £680-£700 million. Organised criminal groups exploit weaknesses in current laws, treating theft from lorries as low-risk, high-reward offences. Beyond the direct losses, these crimes impact the wider economy, damaging the viability of logistics companies, hampering staff retention, and discouraging investment. The report’s launch included presentations from MPs, police representatives, and other stakeholders, focusing on preventative strategies.

In response, the MAC shared its top five tips to protect vehicles and cargo. Drivers and operators are advised to park in secure locations with barriers, 24-hour surveillance, and proper lighting. If secure facilities are unavailable, vehicles should be parked in well-lit areas with frequent activity and, ideally, CCTV. Route planning should also vary to prevent organised gangs from tracking vehicles.

Drivers and logistics staff are urged to remain vigilant, reporting suspicious activity such as vehicles following them or loitering near loading sites. Coordination between drivers, loading staff, and traffic offices is crucial for reducing risks and protecting supply chains from further disruption.

For the first time, lorries are being rated for safety, with the safest and least safe heavy goods vehicles named under a new star system. The ratings, ranging from five stars for the safest to one star for the least safe, aim to improve lorry safety standards in a manner similar to how car safety has progressed since 1997.

The new initiative, led by EuroNCAP, highlights the lack of safety features in many lorries compared to modern cars. Features like autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane-keeping assistance, and collision avoidance systems for cyclists and pedestrians are often absent. These systems could prevent tragic accidents, such as the fatal crash on the A34 involving a distracted lorry driver, or the collision that claimed the life of 8-year-old Dev Naran on the M6.

Matthew Avery, EuroNCAP’s director of strategy, emphasised the urgency of addressing lorry safety. Despite representing only 3% of road vehicles, lorries are involved in 15% of fatal accidents. He also pointed out that many lorries lack basic safety measures, such as seat belt reminders, which are standard in modern cars. Tests of six heavy goods vehicle brands revealed a wide disparity, with Volvo earning five stars and a 2024 Iveco model receiving just one.

Campaigners like Meera Naran, whose son was killed in a lorry crash, have welcomed the scheme as a milestone for road safety. They urge manufacturers to prioritise safety, not only for lorry drivers but also for vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians.

The DVLA may revoke driving licences for motorists taking certain medications, including strong painkillers, some antidepressants, and tranquillisers. Greg Wilson, CEO of insurance comparison service Quotezone, has highlighted the risks associated with these medications, which can impair driving ability by causing side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision.

Wilson explained that medications such as opioid painkillers and certain antidepressants are likely to come with warnings against driving, particularly if they cause drowsiness or have labels advising users not to operate heavy machinery. The NHS also cautions that some antidepressants can affect coordination and alertness, especially during the initial stages of treatment. Drivers experiencing these side effects are advised to avoid driving and consult their doctor.

The DVLA states that drivers must inform them if any medical condition or medication affects their ability to drive safely. Failing to do so could result in a fine of up to £1,000, or even prosecution if an accident occurs as a result. Those unsure about how their condition or treatment might impact their driving are encouraged to seek advice from a medical professional.

Drivers must complete the DVLA’s M1 questionnaire if their condition could impair their driving ability. The DVLA may consult with healthcare professionals or require further assessments before making a decision. In most cases, individuals can continue driving while their application is under review, though stricter rules apply for bus or lorry licences.

Surge pricing on shipping during Black Friday could significantly impact the profits of UK warehousing and logistics firms. Recent data shows that nearly a third of supply chain businesses experienced rising carrier costs in November last year, with some reporting increases of up to 25% during Black Friday Week. These costs rose from an average of £3.50 to £4.37 per item, driven by peak season surcharges imposed by carriers from mid-November to early January.

The rising costs, coupled with consumer expectations for free or low-cost shipping, are forcing retailers and fulfilment companies to absorb the increases, squeezing their margins. Industry leaders are calling for greater collaboration with carriers to manage price pressures sustainably. Some logistics providers negotiate early to mitigate surcharges and ensure smooth operations during the busiest e-commerce period.

In addition to rising costs, seasonal staffing shortages and operational challenges are major concerns for supply chain firms. Over 90% rely on temporary staff to manage increased demand, but 18% report difficulties filling positions. Despite this, order volumes are expected to rise again this year, following a 17% increase in 2023. Efficient stock and order management remain top priorities, with many firms turning to technology to streamline processes and reduce errors.

Experts urge businesses to invest in automation and technology to handle peak season surges. By integrating order processing, inventory management, and dispatch systems, firms can improve efficiency and manage rising demands while reducing reliance on manual labour. Early preparation and robust tech solutions are vital to meeting consumer expectations and navigating the challenges of peak trading periods.

Insolvencies among logistics companies have risen by 14% in the past year, increasing from 464 in 2022/23 to 530 in 2023/24, according to research by Forvis Mazars. Many of these businesses were established during the pandemic to meet the surge in demand for home deliveries. However, as demand has fallen back to pre-pandemic levels, many smaller operators are now struggling to remain viable.

During the pandemic, online sales accounted for 34% of all retail sales in May 2020 but have since dropped to 28% by July 2024. This decline, coupled with the resurgence of high street shopping, has reduced the need for logistics services, which are closely linked to e-commerce growth. Some online retailers have also introduced fees for returning goods, prompting consumers to cut back on bulk ordering and returns, further dampening delivery volumes.

Consumer spending has declined since the pandemic, partly due to high interest rates reducing disposable income. Retail sales volume indices have dropped from 105 in July 2020 to 99 in July 2024. Rising costs, including wage inflation and vehicle leasing expenses, are adding to the challenges faced by logistics companies, particularly smaller operators.

Rebecca Dacre, Partner at Forvis Mazars, noted that smaller logistics firms are finding it increasingly hard to compete with larger players. She highlighted that falling demand, economic pressures, and the need for significant investment in electric vehicles are creating a challenging environment for many in the sector. With these factors at play, the future remains uncertain for smaller logistics businesses.

Hauliers are calling on the Government to intervene as record diesel prices threaten to erode their profits completely. The average cost of diesel has soared to £1.56 per litre, driven by surging oil prices following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, leaving many in the logistics sector struggling to stay afloat.

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has urged ministers to delay changes to the use of untaxed red diesel by a year to ease the pressure on the industry. It is also calling for a two-year freeze on fuel duty and more flexibility with the Apprenticeship Levy to help tackle driver shortages. The association argues these measures are essential to prevent further damage to the sector.

Rod McKenzie, RHA’s executive director for policy and public affairs, highlighted the dire situation, noting that the haulage industry operates on thin margins, with average annual profits of just 3%. He explained that rising fuel costs, amounting to an additional £77 to £87 per week per truck, are effectively erasing these slim profits. “This leaves many businesses on the brink, with no choice but to pass on costs, adding to inflationary pressures for everyone,” he said.

McKenzie warned that without government action, some hauliers may not survive, exacerbating inflation and increasing costs for UK consumers. He urged the Government to act swiftly to support the industry and mitigate wider economic impacts.