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Rising fuel costs are of major concern for freight management companies such as ours. As prices creep over 150p, and in some parts of the country hover around 160p, these hikes are taking their toll on the landscape of the UK logistics sector.
Numerous haulage firms have suffered as a direct result of the increases and of course, that brings its own issues for companies such as ours as the price of road haulage goes up to compensate for more expensive fuel. What we are endeavouring to do, however, is to try and control these increases in the best interests of our customers.
In order to counter the effect of forces which are outside our control and keep the cost of goods and services down, John Good Logistics are trialling a range of innovative measures designed to save energy and money.
These measures include:
Increased fuel efficiency
Investment in new technology is key to cost saving and we have recently purchased a new generation R480 Scania truck which is designed to offer increased fuel efficiency, which we hope will contribute in helping to counteract the sustained increase in the cost of fuel. The trial is going very well and early signs are very encouraging.
Navman Wireless Technology
Designed to track a vehicle’s movements using GPS technology, the Navman system can dramatically cut wasted miles by constantly tracking our fleet of 27 vehicles and optimising efficiencies across the breadth of our business. Drivers can accurately pinpoint the most efficient route to their final destination, saving both time and fuel. The technology also allows us to process driver hours efficiently whilst ensuring that all of our staff comply strictly with the working time directive.
Driver training
After trialling the Navman technology, making sure our drivers had the skills to operate their trucks more economically seemed the obvious next step. All of our drivers have undergone SAFED training (Safe And Fuel Efficient Driving) during which they have learned how to use fuel more efficiently, reduce down time, reduce the impact on the environment as well as cut down journey time and wear and tear. Simply breaking less, for example, reduces revs and saves on fuel.