Tag Archive for: driving

The Most Ground-Breaking Inventions For Logistics

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February 11th is National Inventors Day! And in celebration, we’ve taken a look at the top three ground-breaking inventions for the world of logistics, and the impact these have had on us at Barnes…

 

The invention of the HGV was a hugely important factor for the development of the logistics industry as far more goods could be transported in one haul in comparison to horse and carts. The first steam-powered wagon was built as early as 1769 but were not commonly used until the mid 1800s. Towards the end of the 19th century Karl Benz designed and built the first truck to ever use an internal combustion engine, and soon after other manufacturers swiftly followed. It was only in the 1930s that the diesel engine become common in trucks – partly due to a change in road tax rules that ensured that they were more economical.

 

An invention that has greatly improved the efficiency within the automated logistics industry was the bar code. The first model was created by Bernard Silver in 1948 using ultraviolet ink and light, and has developed throughout the decades to be computerised. Information on bar codes is stored as a sequence of black and white bars with varying width, which is then read by a laser and stored or sent. The use of bar codes in logistics means that goods can be accounted for, far quicker than manually identifying and noting by hand – an essential so that our Barnes warehouse workers can then dedicate more time to their many other tasks.

 

An invention that is so ingrained into our daily lives that we take it for granted is, of course, the internet! This ‘network of networks’ was the work of dozens of dedicated and pioneering scientists, but in 1990 Tim Berners-Lee created of the World Wide Web which made the internet accessible to all. The internet was hugely important to the development of telematics systems, which is now seen as a vital part of road haulage in the logistics industry. From monitoring road speed to measuring fuel efficiency to accurate GPS locating, thanks to the invention of the internet, telematics was born and has hugely aided the industry by improving cost efficiency and driver safety – something we at Barnes pride ourselves on.

 

All of these ground breaking inventions have been immensely important to the world of logistics, and have played a huge part in how we at Barnes Logistics can work as effectively and efficiently as we do today.

What Might 2017 Look Like For Logistics?

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It’s the beginning of a brand new year, and we’re starting to wonder what 2017 might bring. Although it’s impossible to predict what might happen in the future, we can always wonder about what 2017 might look like in the world of logistics.

 

The advancement of technology is something we have pondered upon before in previous blogs. Telematics have become a near-essential in the driving world to improve the safety of drivers and their freight, as well as increasing efficiency and customer trust. With 90% of the fleet industry using telematics, how will this increased use affect the advancement of the technology itself? Will further investment be made to make telematics even more accurate for both drivers and customers?

 

Another modern technology which surfaced in the logistics industry was the use of drones for deliveries. The delivery arrived after 13 minutes, but will this mean that the robots will take over? There are certain drawbacks – these drones can usually only carry less than 3kg of goods, and safety issues in airways have been reported by UK airports. Will this technology be developed to produce safer drones capable of more efficient loads?

 

Last year’s trend for ditching the department stores for online shopping isn’t looking to slow down. After an unprecedented rise, particularly during national sales days such as Black Friday, increased online shopping puts the pressure on warehousing and haulage to perform in more demanding conditions than ever. Armed with the knowledge of previous years, will the logistics industry be able to cope with next year’s rushes?

 

We are certainly hoping that after the new law bringing tougher penalties, that we will see a decrease in the number of road users using mobile phones. With the Government now enforcing six points on drivers’ licenses and a doubled fine of £200 for those caught, we hope that we will see less people tempted to reach for their phone – especially those who are ‘just checking a text.’ Hopefully drivers across the country will think twice, and countless lives will be saved from mobile phone road accidents.

 

Although, of course, we can’t say for sure what the future will, we can’t help but wonder about 2017. We hope that this upcoming year at Barnes Logistics will be just as successful as the last (which you can read about here), and that yours will be too!

The Driver Shortage – What Can Be Done?

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It’s been hard to avoid the news throughout the past months about the shortage that the UK haulage industry has been suffering from in terms of drivers for HGVs. But how serious is the situation, and what can be done to remedy it?

 

In November, the Financial Times reported that that the level of drivers “shrank to its lowest levels since records began in 2005.” Although this means that levels of unemployment amongst drivers was, conversely, at its lowest point with unemployed drivers virtually a non-existent concept in 2016.

 

So, what’s caused this shortage? Some claim that less immigrant drivers are choosing to work in the UK. Others place the blame on the high cost of HGV licences. However, many believe that new workers are simply being tempted by other areas of work, including non-driving careers and driving smaller vehicles.

 

The Road Haulage Association also noted that this year the industry may stand to lose a further 20,000 drivers as current drivers retire. But there is certainly no lack of young people looking for better jobs than the abundant zero-hours contracts – so where’s the gap? The Guardian believe that the Government may to be blame as they expect new drivers to pay for their own courses to become fully qualified, with “long waits to do so, due to lack of government examiners.”

 

So, how can this be remedied? It is clear that more needs to be done to highlight the benefits of the life as a HGV driver. Such as the advantage of a more autonomous working life, and the satisfaction of the responsibilities. It is a job for ambitious people who want to take themselves to new places in a fulfilling career, and the Government should aid this as it does with other industry apprenticeships and training.

 

A further factor is the stereotype of HGV driving being a male profession – an issue which we at Barnes Logistics have written about previously. There are several new technologies such as hydraulic lifting equipment which will help encourage women to uptake this rewarding career, but the male-dominant atmosphere is one which will not be fixed quickly. Luckily there are incredible groups such as ‘Women in Logistics’ which supports women throughout the whole of the logistics sector.

 

Let’s hope that 2017 will bring Britain out of its shortage, and we will see an influx of new recruits ready to take up the wheel and pursue their career.

2016 Yearly Round Up

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Another year has passed us by, and we’re looking forward to what 2017 will bring us here at Barnes Logistics. But before we look too far ahead, it’s important to look back and reflect on some of the successes of this past year.

 

We have purchased 13 vehicles throughout the year – 10 Scania R440 6×2 tractors and 3 Scania P230 18 tonne box body ridged vehicles, equating to an investment of almost £750,000 and taking our fleet to over 60 vehicles.

 

It was also great to be able to expand our business and help our clients and customers meet the demand for their products and extend our range and reach to match the ever-growing demand for effective logistics solutions.

 

The expansion of our fleet meant it was also time for us to move to bigger and better headquarters! Our 60 plus fleet now has a new home in Rochdale. Not only was this site a great location for our vehicles, but it also benefitted from two office blocks, state of the art warehousing and was conveniently located near to excellent road networks – being less than two miles from the M62.

 

With a larger fleet and a new base, naturally came an expansion to our team! We were delighted to welcome 3 new members of staff to the business to work across both the transport and HR departments. On top of this, in 2016 we also employed more drivers than ever before – we now have over 100 drivers on the road every day.

 

It’s certainly been a busy time so, as we head to the holiday season we’d like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous and Happy New Year. What will 2017 have in store? We can’t wait to find out!

STAYING SAFE AT CHRISTMAS

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After the year that called for a lower alcohol limit, we are now heading into the party season and there has recently been a fresh call to reduce the drink driving limit as well as the new clamp down on using mobile devices whilst driving.

 

The move followed the release of new statistics that show that drink-driving figures have shown no improvement since 2010.  A 2015 Government study has found that the number of drivers who failed a breath test following a collision has risen for the first time in 10 years. The figure of 240 people killed in collisions where at least one driver was over the drink-drive limit has remained unchanged since 2013.

 

The new campaign for a lower limit is being led by the Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS) and supported by a number of stakeholders in the industry.  The current 80mg limit in England in Wales was set in 1965, but in 2014, Scotland lowered its drink-drive limit to 50mg/100ml – bringing it in line with the rest of Europe.  Malta, the only remaining country with a drink-drive limit the same as England and Wales, is also set to lower its limit to 50mg/100ml, leaving us behind.

 

According to the IAS, reducing the limit to 50mg/100ml would save at least 25 lives per year.

The Department for Transport statistics also show that drink driving costs Great Britain £800m each year, and a British Social Attitudes Survey shows 77 per cent of the public support a lower legal limit.

 

Due to car and technological advances, we have seen a continual improvement in road safety in every other area except in regards to drink driving.  Every year more than 3,000 people in the UK are killed or injured as a result of crashes on our roads relating to drink–driving and this number predictably spikes over the Christmas period.

 

Mobile devices also cause major road accidents, just glancing down for a second during your journey, means you are not looking at the road for 25 metres, and a lot can happen in that time.  Being caught on your mobile can mean six points on the license and a fine of up to £1,000.

 

So whilst we pick out our outfits for the office party season, forces across the country are braced for their traditionally hectic festive and New Year period, trying hard to raise awareness of the dangers on our roads in order to keep people safe as they travel around.

 

Even a very small amount of alcohol can affect driving performance with two drinks almost doubling the risk of a fatal accident.  In general, people are getting far better at staying away from the wheel after one too many during the night but too many are quick to jump back behind it after a sleep, unaware that they are still over the limit.   And be sure to stay off those mobiles, nothing is worth the risk.

 

So don’t take chances. Drive safe and stay safe this winter.

THE GOVERNMENT CRACKS DOWN ON DISTRACTED DRIVING

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There has been a significant rise in the number of people using applications like Snapchat to record their latest rendition of Adele while driving; using Pokémon Go at a low speed in an attempt to ‘walk their eggs’ or posting status updates on Facebook, all from behind the wheel.

With a growing number of apps and distractions, It’s no wonder the Government has cracked down on the laws regarding the use of hand-held mobile phones while driving. But what changes have actually been made to the laws, how do these new laws affect HGV/LGV drivers and when are the laws in effect from?

The previous restrictions on driving while using your mobile phone including texting, making calls, taking photos/videos could have seen you get 3 penalty points on your license and fined up to £100 with the maximum fine being £1000. For those driving large goods vehicles the stakes are higher and so, the fine could be up to £2500.

So, how common is it for people in the UK to use their handheld mobile while driving? According to a recent survey carried out by the RAC, a third of drivers admit to having used their mobile while driving and 14% admitting to taking photos and videos with their phone:

 

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These statistics are worrying, and do beg the question – how many incidents have occurred due to drivers using their phone while driving?

‘In 2013 the use of a mobile at the wheel was a factor in 22 fatal accidents and this is likely to be underreporting of the true figure.’ The RAC

With this set to rise each year, it’s become apparent why the government wants to clamp down on this particular law, especially when there are so many applications and devices to distract drivers.

The new penalties for using your phone while driving will include receiving a minimum of six points on your licence and a hefty £200 fine. Twice as many points and twice the charge as the current penalties for offending.

A higher fine up to £1,000 and a six-month driving ban could apply to more experienced or professional drivers including those operating HGV/LGV’s.

The Department of Transport has said the new laws are set to come into effect in the first half of 2017.

What are your thoughts on the new penalties? Do you think they are fair, too severe or not strict enough? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

OUR ACCREDITATIONS

 

Contact Details

Tel: 0161 684 3070
Email: admin@barneslogistics.com

About us

Barnes Logistics’ fleet operates from more than seven sites across the country and supports a nationwide client base.

Our Service

We supply ‘just in time’ logistics support and warehousing to businesses across the UK.

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Barnes Logistics Ltd
Cowm Top Lane
Rochdale
OL11 2RG