Technology is constantly evolving and always changing the ways in which we operate. It has the ability to completely change industries and shape their future, as is the case for logistics and transportation. There are a huge number of opportunities for technology to change and improve the industry forever, from making it safer, to making it quicker and more efficient.
Self-driving vehicles
Although we already have self-driving vehicles, they’re still in very early stages and haven?t made their way into the logistics and transport sector yet. From what we have seen so far though, these vehicles have huge potential to transform the way in which goods are transported ? they could reduce human errors on the road, allow drivers to get more rest on the road and improve fuel economy.
It?s only a matter of time before we start to see this tech merge into the logistics industry and it will be exciting to see how useful it will be to drivers and companies.
Next-Gen GPS
GPS and navigations systems are extremely helpful in getting from point A to point B. When they first came about, they were extremely limited, only being able to show single routes, estimated times of arrival and rough mileage calculations. Nowadays, they provide far more help to drivers ? from exact arrival times, to route alterations and traffic avoidance, to speed limit indicators.
Overall, modern GPS systems can greatly improve journeys for those who use them, and it won’t be long before we see even more features incorporated with the potential to yet again improve the driving experience.
Collision Avoidance Technology
Lorries and large vehicles pose extra danger on the roads, simply due to their size and lack of manoeuvrability. Over 52% of all fatal motorway accidents involve HGVs, something which could be greatly reduced with new technology. Collision avoidance tech has already been seen in cars like Tesla?s and in some lorries, where vehicles can autonomously act to avoid an accident by braking, swerving or changing lanes quickly. Increased use of this technology in lorries could go a long way in preventing fatal accidents as it would reduce the likelihood of full-on collisions with HGVs involved.
Drones
The use of drones to deliver goods is becoming more and more popular. Companies like amazon are already utilising them to deliver smaller orders autonomously. Although they?ll likely only ever be limited to smaller deliveries, drones could vastly improve the delivery chain by reducing costs and improving safety. They don’t require fuel and don’t require drivers, so they are cheaper to operate. They?ll also help to reduce road congestion and the need for even more delivery vehicles which would in turn make roads that little bit safer.
Delivery Tunnels
This is technology that is currently still in its planning phase, however, has the most potential to transform the logistics, transport and delivery industry. A British company named Magway is planning to build underground tunnels that would transport packages in pods. The tunnels would mean that delivery times could remain far more consistent than they do now, with far less traffic congestion and emissions. Underground delivery tunnels therefore have the potential to make logistics more efficient, more sustainable, cheaper and far safer for everyone.
These are just some of the technologies that have changed, are changing or could change transportation and logistics. Whether it’s making the process quicker, more sustainable for the future, safer, or cheaper, there are so many ways in which technology can improve transportation of goods. Which are you most excited to see development in?
The last year has seen huge changes for almost all businesses. With much of the economy shutting down for large periods of time, it’s created extremely difficult times for a wide range of industries. How has it affected logistics though?
An Essential Industry
Whilst many industries have been forced to stay shut during lockdowns, the logistics sector has been seen as an essential sector, allowing it to continue running. With the need for supplies to be transported and food to be delivered to supermarkets, the logistics industry as a whole has been crucial to keeping the nation going.
With the need for more supplies, household products and foods to be delivered than ever, it has created an intense and busy period for logistics companies who have needed to meet tight deadlines with huge deliveries.
Due to the increased demand required from the logistics industry, many businesses have found that they are now busier than they?ve ever been, helping to grow the industry as a whole!
Increased online demand
Last year saw a huge increase in the use of online shopping. Whether it’s for food deliveries, new furniture or clothes shopping, many people in the UK resorted to staying at home and ordering it all online.
This led to a 50% increase in the UK?s ecommerce sector, helping the logistics industry to boom even more. Given that everything needed to be delivered ? not just to warehouses and stores, but now to houses as well ? it has intensified the busy period for logistics companies.
A Strong Industry
Overall, the pandemic has proven the logistics industry to be extremely strong and resilient, no matter what the conditions are like. At the very beginning of the pandemic, many logistics workers had been furloughed and activity had slowed, however just a few weeks later the industry was able to bounce back and return stronger than ever.
Since then, it has continued to prove itself as a major industry that is able to grow even during the hardest of times. Although we don’t yet know what lies ahead for the logistics industry, it’s safe to say that it will be able to handle almost anything and continue to be as strong as ever.
Each year, Black Friday and Cyber Monday create an extremely busy shipping period, putting extra strain on delivery and logistics companies over that weekend. This year, it will be no different. Millions of orders will be placed and perhaps thanks to Covid-19, even more than usual.
How Big Will This Increase Be?
In 2019, over ?5.5 billion was spent over the Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend. The spending created around 30 million total orders, of which, over 22 million required shipping to the customer.
This year, spending is predicted to hit closer to ?6 billion and an even larger percentage of orders are likely to be placed online due to the impacts of Covid-19. Given that last year?s spending resulted in a 5x increase in daily order volume, it’s likely that logistics companies will again see a massive surge in demand in such a short space of time.
What Impacts Will This Demand Have On Logistics Companies?
It is estimated that 2019?s effect of Black Friday on logistics lead to an extra 210,000 delivery trips. As we know, this year is going to be at least as intense, if not even more so. Companies in the UK can expect to see an overall increase above 250,000 extra journeys during Black Friday and the following week, which will create a need for extra vehicles, increased fuel and maintenance costs and more driver costs.
The busy period is also likely to create delays and complications for logistics companies that they will need to be able to deal with effectively. Reducing the knock-on effect of build-ups, preventing extreme delays and dealing with customer queries will all be extremely important to stay on top of.
What?s more is that it?ll likely lead to busy distribution centres ? warehouses will become crowded and overfilled and there might be a sense of urgency to get vehicles loaded and sent out. Logistics and delivery companies will need to pay extra attention here as not managing this properly could lead to injuries, dangerous situations and cargo spills.
Keep an eye out for our next Blog post to find out what steps logistics companies can take in order to cope with and handle the busy Black Friday and Cyber Monday Weekend!
With a new year, comes new trends and focus points with every industry. Here, we’re looking at five of the main trends and focuses that we’re likely to see within logistics over the course of 2021.
1. IoT (Internet of Things)
The IoT allows for the monitoring, control and use of data by connecting multiple devices or systems without human intervention. Large logistics companies require the ability to synchronise various transactions, manage fleets and warehouses efficiently and have a view of everything happening across the supply chain.
With the implementation of IoT, logistics companies will be able to operate and manage all processes easily and efficiently. As no human interference is needed, systems can run with great alignment and with fewer errors or delays.
2. AI (Artificial Intelligence)
AI can provide a huge range of benefits within logistics and the supply chain that all help to create an efficient and effective chain. From demand forecasting, to damage detection, to automation of office tasks and customer service, to self-driving delivery vehicles, there are so many ways in which AI can help logistics companies to become as efficient as they possibly can be, with a hugely reduced potential of delays, issues and mistakes.
3. Automation
Automation is becoming a key tool that businesses can use to speed up their processes, as well as making them cheaper and improving their efficiency. By automating tasks that are carried out on huge scales within large warehouses ? such as moving goods, loading goods, packing goods and monitoring goods ? logistics companies are able to keep a constant workflow that will reduce the potential for errors and mistakes.
4. Autonomous Vehicles
The production and use of autonomous vehicles is on the rise, and although it’s still in very early stages, several large companies are already using this technology to fulfil their deliveries.
Automated trucks and drones are able to deliver goods safely, quickly and cheaply with less risk of accidents or errors. What?s more is that these are, for the most part, electrically powered, meaning that they are cheaper to run than fuelled vehicles, and they help to reduce emissions that are produced by the logistics sector.
5. Sustainability
Many countries, including the UK, are focusing on achieving carbon emissions goals by 2050 under the Paris Agreement. As a result of this, logistics companies are having to think about their emissions and sustainability more and more. 2021 will be no different, and sustainability is likely to play a large role in many decisions that are made. Logistics companies will all have to follow suit and start planning on how they will reduce their emissions in the near future.
With many new technologies coming about, it’s becoming easier and easier to find ways to limit carbon emissions and so many businesses will be able to utilise these in 2021.
In the UK, there are a number of laws and rules to follow when securing loads. In this article we will go over a few of the most important ones and some tips for added safety. Although we can’t cover all of the rules, you can visit this comprehensive government guide.
Safety Tip
The DVSA recommend a simple, six-question ?test? that you should ask yourself as a basic risk assessment when securing any load. This will help you to establish any potential risks and goes as follows:
Can the load slide or tip, forwards or backwards?
Can the load slide or tip sideways?
Is the load unstable?
Is there anything loose that could fall off?
Is the load securing equipment suitable and in good condition?
Does the vehicle present an immediate likelihood of causing danger of injury due to its load security or stability?
Load Securing: The Basics
You should always make sure that the vehicle you use is fit for the load you want to carry. If you are transporting heavy, long items then a strong and long vehicle would be best.
The vehicle should be loaded properly: stack the load against the headboard and make sure the centre of gravity is as low as possible. Make sure the items are stable on their own, to avoid them tipping during unloading.
Choose the correct load securing method. Cargo straps and Ratchet Straps are often best, however consider the fragility of your loads. If something is fragile, it may need a different form of equipment to prevent any damage.
Communication is key. Drivers should be given clear information on the loads they are carrying, how to unload them and what to do if they shift.
If you are responsible for loading vehicles, you should make sure that the load remains in a safe condition during loading, transit and unloading. You should also decide who will carry out the loading, what training they should have and how they will be supervised.
If you are responsible for unloading vehicles, you should help drivers by making them aware of what?s expected on our site and who is responsible for each process. You should also consider what to do if a vehicle arrives with a shifted load.
If you are responsible for hauling the load, then you must make sure that the vehicle used is suitable for the load, and that the vehicle has been loaded safely for road transit.
Consequences of poor load securing
Poor load securing can result in death and serious injury. It can have serious consequences for the driver, other road users and those responsible for unloading.
An incident caused by poor load securing could damage reputation ? there may be adverse publicity in the press, or you may lose business contracts due to unreliability.
You may be prosecuted for causing serious injury or death of an employee or member of the public due to negligence.
Enforcement
Prohibition and Fixed Penalty: a prohibition prevents the vehicle from being moved until the load has been resecured properly. When a prohibition is issued, the driver is given a fixed penalty notice. The driver has 60 minutes to resolve the problem, otherwise the DVSA immobilisation policy is followed with a release fee incurred.
In certain conditions, penalty points may be issued. If the vehicle is deemed to be in a dangerous condition due to the condition, suitable purpose, weight, distribution, packing or adjustment of the load, then 3 penalty points may be issued.
In serious incidents, there may be legal proceedings against you or there may be a report issued to the Traffic Commissioner.
Now that you are familiar with some of the rules and regulations when it comes to load securing, you should be able to play a safe role in the transport chain. Be sure to read the full guide on all of the rules and regulations that are involved Here.
Looking for UK ratchet straps that have been tested, and conform to UK road securing laws? Shop here for the UK’s best prices!
There?s a range of tools or methods that are regularly used to secure cargo and heavy loads in trailers and in the back of vehicles. Have you ever wondered if there are certain methods that are more effective than others, and what makes them better? If so, you?re in the right place!
What are the main methods and tools used to secure loads?
With all of the different ways for you to secure your load, it can get complicated knowing which are best, what the benefits of each are and why certain methods can only be used in certain cases. Here are the main ones and some information on each of them.
Chains ? Chain Binders are long chain tensioning devices that are used to hold down and secure heavy loads. Due to their strength and durability, they are primarily used to secure vehicles and machinery onto the back of trailers. Due to them being hard and uneven, they are not as ideal for using with general cargo or securing painted vehicles as they can potentially scratch and damage your cargo.
Cargo Nets ? Cargo netting is usually a large, singular net that can be tied down in multiple places along each side. They are great for securing items with an odd shape or for specific load and load carrying types. For example, for truck beds ? you can find one that matches the exact size of your truck bed so that it fits on and off perfectly. However, for larger trailers, they often don’t fit properly. They?re also designed for light-duty usage only and can allow for movement of your cargo, so any heavy duty or fragile loads should not be secured with nets.
Rope ? Rope can be a good method of securing loads as it is cheap, strong and won’t cause too much damage to your cargo. However, not all ropes are legally allowed to be used for load securing, so you must make sure that any rope you use is officially load rated. In addition to this, the only way to secure a rope is by tying a knot ? if this isn?t done properly or securely enough, then it can create a dangerous and unstable load.
Ratchet Straps ? Ratchet straps (also known as tie down straps or securing straps) are another good way to secure your cargo. They are all created with the sole purpose of keeping heavy cargo secure, so they’re designed perfectly for this application. They are also adjustable and have sturdy hooks at each end, allowing you secure them properly over your cargo, no matter what size it is. Although they can be more expensive than other load securing methods, they are created to withstand weather and resist any stretching, meaning that they’re likely to last longer than other equipment.
So which method is best and why?
As you can see, each of the main load securing methods and equipment have their own benefits and drawbacks, and often it comes down to your personal requirement as to which is best.
Overall, ratchet straps are likely to be the best option as they can cover the widest range of uses. Whether you?re securing small loads, motorbikes onto trailers, kayaks onto cars, or extremely heavy loads on trucks, ratchet straps have you covered. On top of that, they’re durable and easy to use safely ? other methods are liable to breaking sooner and are harder to secure entire loads properly and safely.
