Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport UK News

Pothole damage claims 'rise 600%'

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:37:10 GMT

An increase of more than 600 per cent has been seen in the number of claims made by motorists for damage caused by potholes in the past three years alone.

This is according to new figures from AA Insurance, which show that public concern about the state of repair of the UK's road network is not unjustified.

Damage caused to vehicles in February is estimated by the organisation to have cost insurers £2.85 million, with an estimated 1,900 claims filed during the month.

AA Insurance's Simon Douglas explained "it takes serious damage to make it worth an insurance claim", with garages dealing with thousands of punctured tyres, broken springs and tracking problems as a result of potholes this year.

The big freeze this winter, which saw temperatures plummet across the country and snow and ice cover roads caused widespread damage to UK roads, with North Yorkshire county council imposing an increase in tax to fund its pothole repair programme.

DfT unveils plans to improve bus travel

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:37:10 GMT

The experience of passengers on buses could be improved as a result of new government plans.

Under the Department for Transport (DfT) proposals, anti-social behaviour will be tackled and buses made more pleasant and safer for travellers.

The proposals - published in a consultation paper - include a total ban on consumption of alcohol onboard buses in order to improve the safety of services.

Additional measures such as requiring operators to give greater advanced warning of any changes to services and permitting local councils to set maximum far prices are also out forward in the document.

Transport minister Sadiq Khan claims that the moves will help to combat congestion and reduce carbon emissions in the UK, with two out of three public transport trips taken by bus.

He claimed the plans "are a significant step towards … ensuring this vital part of our transport system continues to thrive".

On March 9th, Mr Khan announced almost £20 million is being invested by the government in bus services in Leeds in order to improve lanes and reduce journey times for passengers.

Widening trade gap "cause for further concern"

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:37:10 GMT

Concerns are likely to grow as a result of the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), which show a widening trade gap for the UK.

Barclays head of trade product Iain Macdonald explained that a full recovery from the recession could be affected in the short term by "sluggish growth and fiscal instability in markets which have traditionally been UK exporting destinations".

He explained interest is growing by markets that have not been so severely affected by the downturn and the weak pound could boost exports as "UK manufacturing gathers pace", although he urged caution for the remainder of 2010.

According to the government data, an increase from £2.6 billion in December to £3.8 billion in January was witnessed in the seasonally adjusted goods and services trade deficit for the UK.

The volume of exports dipped by six per cent over the period - excluding oil and erratic items - while imports fell during the month by 1.2 per cent and the deficit with non-EU nations widened considerably from £3.4 billion to £4.8 billion.

Network Rail proposes level crossing tests

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:37:10 GMT

Motorists are risking injury and death by failing to fully understand how to use level crossings.

This is the assertion of Network Rail, which has called for mandatory tests to be introduced for drivers in order to improve safety and prevent accidents at crossings.

Figures released by the operator reveal that 2009 saw 14 crashes and 13 deaths on level crossings, while there were a further 145 "near misses" recorded and 3,244 "incidents of misuse".

However, the organisation suggests this figure could be much higher and its chief executive Iain Coucher has suggested that compulsory questions on level crossings should be included in the driving theory test, as an estimated 95 per cent of incidents involve pedestrian or motorist misuse of throughways.

"Motorists are too often playing Russian roulette with a 200 tonne train - and tragically some lose their lives gambling at level crossings," Mr Coucher stated.

There are more than 7,600 level crossings on public and private land in the UK and a campaign entitled Don't Run the Risk is being run by Network Rail to raise awareness of the potential risks they pose if used incorrectly.

Agreement reached in UK postal dispute

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:37:10 GMT

Participants in talks aimed at ending a long-running dispute regarding pay and modernisation within the UK's postal service have reached a deal.

Talks between Royal Mail staff and managers have resulted in a business transformation agreement intended to secure the future of the organisation and the universal postal service, the company claims.

A series of national strikes during 2009 caused widespread disruption to mail services, but the dispute now looks set to end following successful negotiations between bosses and the Communication Workers Union (CWU).

The three-year agreement has the support of all parties and union members will be balloted for their backing over the coming weeks.

It includes provision for a 6.9 per cent rise in basic pay and allowances for postmen and women during the three years from April 1st and a reduction in the working week from 40 to 39 hours, in addition to lump sums as a reward for workers' part in modernising the body.

Royal Mail chief executive Adam Crozier called the deal "good and fair" and "a real credit to those involved", while CWU deputy general secretary Dave Ward remarked it "has been a long time coming" and "delivers on the major issues which postal workers have fought for".

Norbert Dentressangle wins Black Sheep contract

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:37:10 GMT

A distribution agreement has been signed between Norbert Dentressangle and producer Black Sheep for the national warehousing and distribution of products.

Covering the UK, the contract award follows assistance provided by the logistics business in the wake of the collapse of its previous service provider, with operations transferred and restarted within two weeks.

Jo Theakston, Black Sheep Brewery head of off trade sales, commented: "The speed and efficiency with which Norbert Dentressangle reacted to an extremely urgent requirement was most impressive."

Based in Yorkshire, the Black Sheep brewery was founded by Paul Theakston in 1992 following the sale of his family's business to Scottish & Newcastle.

It produces five beers for sale to retail outlets and a range of cask ales for pubs across the UK, with an estimated 140,000 bottles of product being stored at Norbert Dentressangle's 450,000 square foot bonded distribution centre in Buxton for onward transportation.

In related news, Norbert Dentressangle was recently appointed by Netto to manage a centralised returns handling centre for non-food items returned to its stores in the UK.

TNT Hoau finishes China road distribution network

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:37:10 GMT

A new nationwide road distribution network has been completed by TNT Hoau in China.

The Chinese arm of TNT revealed that the day-definite system has been expanded over th past two months to Chengdu, Chongquing, Xiamen, Xian, Yantai and Zhengzhou.

TNT Hoau chief executive Edward Xu claimed that the firm's clients "will now be able to enjoy the full business benefits of a high-standard, national-level day-definite road distribution service, at a price well below the cost of domestic air freight".

Across the network, customers can now take advantage of a complex of 800 depots across China covering 26 of the largest cities.

Services available include door-to-door transport and online track and trace, with shipments barcoded and trucks tracked using GPS systems.

In February, TNT revealed it saw an improvement in trading conditions across its businesses during the fourth quarter of 2009, with underlying operating income improving year-on-year over the period for the first time since the second quarter of 2008.

Independent university by founded by Kuehne

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:37:10 GMT

A new private independent university is being planned for Germany by the Kuehne Foundation.

The non-profit organisation claims that the facility, which will be founded by its Kuhne School of Logistics and Management, will form part of a cluster of logistics research institutions in Hamburg.

It will focus on business management in the logistics sector and the company is looking at possible locations to build the facility, with plans to commence teaching activity this October.

The Kuhne Logistics University (KLU) will develop a bachelor's programme, two international master's degrees, a PhD fellowship scheme and a continuing education system.

Michael Kuehne, the body's sole donor and founder of Kuehne + Nagel, explained: "The Kuehne-Foundation wants to increase the attractiveness of the globally active industry of logistics as an academic subject and as a field of research."

In the UK, Skills for Logistics recently called on the government to introduce advanced training and qualifications for those who drive as part of their work in order to reduce carbon emissions, boost safety and enhance business efficiency.

Transport an "important component" of eco strategy

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:37:10 GMT

Companies are increasingly focusing on the "important" transport element of their eco strategies.

This is according to Kurt Salmon Associates UK vice-president Richard Traish, who said a recent drive towards more locally-sourced products has led many retailers to consider different price points and promotions.

They are looking to offer more "regionalism", which will aid cost-effectiveness and environmental agendas, he added.

One of the most crucial parts of any green effort is transport and distribution.

Mr Traish explained: "I think there is a trend for localisation ... the transport aspect of that is an important component, which again is going to apply a pressure there to try and see if we can do things closer to home."

His comments come after results were released last month of the Efficient Consumer Response UK Sustainable Distribution Initiative, which discovered 124 million HGV miles were removed from the road in three years.

This is the equivalent of taking 2,000 lorries off the UK's network.

Consultation for eco-driver training begins

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:37:10 GMT

A consultation setting out options for eco-driver training programmes has been launched.

The Department for Transport said today (March 8th) the scheme will enable nine out of ten lorry drivers to learn techniques for more environmentally-friendly motoring.

Plans include making the training compulsory for all LGV handlers who need to obtain the EU Driver Certificate of Professional Competence.

And, according to transport minister Paul Clark, some £300 million in fuel costs and three million tonnes of carbon dioxide could be saved over five years.

"We are absolutely committed to reducing emissions from across the transport sector. Given that 20 per cent of all transport emissions come from road freight, these drivers must be a priority," he added.

The consultation is scheduled to last for 16 weeks. Also proposed is increased promotion of eco-motoring benefits, to encourage greater take-up.

Mr Clark, MP for Gillingham and Rainham will soon unveil a report on the "quality of life" on streets in the area.

Aviation industry witnesses demand growth

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:37:10 GMT

Further growth was seen in air traffic figures for the international aviation industry during January.

This is according to the latest data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which has revealed that passenger demand rose by 6.4 per cent year-on-year, while the freight sector saw growth of 28 per cent compared with a low recorded in December 2008 to January 2009.

Cargo activity jumped between December 2009 and January this year by three per cent in a month and IATA director general and chief executive Giovanni Bisignani described this as "particularly encouraging".

He noted that air traffic demand "is moving in the right direction, but stressed that two or three years' growth in the sector has been lost and passenger yields still remain down.

Last month, Travel Weekly editor Lucy Huxley claimed that some "positive signs" are being seen in the travel sector following a difficult 2009, with more people appearing to plan an overseas trip for 2010.

Changes to DfT criticised

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:37:10 GMT

There have been five changes to the transport secretary during the past five years and the Department for Transport (DfT) needs greater stability, a group of MPs has concluded.

According to the House of Commons transport select committee, the government needs to do more to build on the successes of the organisation and meet its goals over the coming years.

Commenting on the investigation, committee chairman Louise Ellman said: "Any company that changed its chief executive as frequently as happens with the Department for Transport would be viewed with great suspicion by shareholders."

In its report on the DfT, the MPs praised the achievements made in recent years in terms of reducing road accident deaths and encouraging use of public transport, as well as the new direction devised for the UK under Lord Adonis.

However, they insisted that more still needs to be done to integrate local services and tackle congestion.

The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety recently called for more detailed road safety targets that take the conditions existing in particular areas into consideration.

BA 'hopeful of Iberia merger completion'

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:37:10 GMT

British Airways (BA) has declared that it remains hopeful that its proposed merger with Spanish carrier Iberia will be completed by the end of the month.

Speaking to reporters in a conference call, the company's group treasurer explained that the two firms could be combined within weeks, Reuters reports.

"We're aiming to sign the merger agreement with Iberia by the end of the first quarter of 2010, that's the plan," George Stinnes declared.

He also announced that bookings are improving year-on-year following a drop in numbers caused by the downturn and weather disruption in February 2009.

According to Mr Stinnes, 1.1 per cent more passengers flew with the airline in February this year, with growth of five per cent in premium and business class traffic.

Meanwhile, BA has been training staff in case proposed strike by cabin staff go ahead, with chief executive Willie Walsh declaring that 1,000 employees will have completed courses to cover flights in the event of industrial action by the end of next week.

Call for at-work drivers qualifications

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:37:10 GMT

Advanced training and qualifications for those who drive as part of their work should be introduced, a sector skills council has stated.

Skills for Logistics (SfL) is backing government proposals for such measures, which would apply to around three and a half million van drivers and 2.5 million motorists with company cars.

The organisation suggests that the move would enhance business efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, cut fuel bills, increase legal compliance and prevent accidents.

In a statement, SfL chief executive Dr Mick Jackson said: "The introduction of new qualifications to match the vocational qualifications already available for logistics professionals would undoubtedly raise driving standards, generating benefits for both employers and employees."

At-work drivers of cars and vans often do no more training beyond their basic licence test and Dr Jackson claimed it is important to top up knowledge and awareness to improve safety.

Skills for Logistics is licensed by the government to address the skills and productivity needs of the UK's freight logistics industries.

Ceva achieves £113m in cost savings

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:37:10 GMT

A total of £113 million worth of costs have been eliminated from its business in 2009, according to new data from Ceva Logistics.

The global supply chain management company revealed that it exceeded its cost saving target for the year by 25 per cent, Logistics Manager reports.

According to the news source, pre-tax profits were not as severely affected by the recession, dipping 28.5 per cent year-on-year to £221 million on sales of £5 billion.

Initiatives such as improving cash management and consolidation improved its performance, in addition to a ten per cent rise in new business wins during 2009.

"Following a challenging first quarter we delivered solid progressive results across the remainder of 2009 and overall we believe that Ceva is well positioned for the future," chief executive John Pattullo remarked.

Operating in more than 100 countries around the world, Ceva employs 54,000 people and provides customers with a range of contract logistics and freight forwarding solutions.

BA prepares for further industrial action

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:37:10 GMT

New strikes are being planned by British Airways (BA) cabin crew and the airline has declared that it is preparing for them.

The company has stated that thousands of employees have volunteered to cover absences taking place as a result of any industrial action, although no dates have yet been announced.

According to the carrier's chief executive Willie Walsh, 1,000 staff members will have completed training to cover flights by the end of next week if further walkouts take place.

BA also has plans to charter 23 planes and flight crew from competitors, insisting that few services will be affected by strikes.

Speaking to employees at an internal briefing, Mr Walsh also warned staff that further cuts could be seen in the event of industrial action and insisted that changes introduced last year will remain in place.

His comments have been criticised by assistant general secretary of Unite Len McCluskey, who described them as "inflammatory and confrontational" and stated that the union is currently "engaged in meaningful talks with the company."

MPs criticise ministers over Metronet collapse

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:37:10 GMT

The failure of Tube company Metronet was partly a result of mistakes made by ministers regarding its financial liabilities.

An inquiry has been carried out by the House of Commons public accounts committee after the London Underground upgrade firm went into administration in July 2007, costing taxpayers an estimated £410 million.

The panel of MPs has now concluded that the Department for Transport (DfT) acted in a "naive" way in promising to meet 95 per cent of financial liabilities connected to Metronet.

Committee chairman Edward Leigh declared: "The DfT got itself into a position with the Metronet contracts whereby it was exposed to big financial risks which it had little scope or means of mitigating."

He added that such mistakes "must never be repeated" and government departments must intervene in similar cases in the future.

The two Metronet contracts transferred to Transport for London in May 2008 and it was confirmed in October 2009 that London Underground will continue to assume responsibility for the maintenance and renewal of former Metronet lines on a permanent basis.

CitySprint strengthens Midlands operations with Goldstar Couriers

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:37:10 GMT

An agreement has been reached by CitySprint and Goldstar Couriers for the sale of the latter.

Privately-run courier firm CitySprint plans to use the purchase to expand its Midlands base, with previous Goldstar Couriers owner Caroline Davey remaining with the group to ensure continuity of customer service.

The company has made three strategic acquisitions during the past 16 months and now has major service centres established in Birmingham, Nottingham, Telford and Warwick.

Goldstar began trading as CitySprint on March 1st and is now operating from the MidlandsCentre in Warwick.

"In the current economic climate it has been a struggle for small businesses like us, joining forces with CitySprint enables us to offer our customers an enhanced service," Ms Davey said.

CitySprint recently announced that it is working with House of Fraser to create a new delivery service that provides couples with greater choice and flexibility over when they receive their wedding gifts.