Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport UK News

Chinese authorities issue ETS ban to airlines

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:58:45 GMT

Airlines in China will not be permitted to join the European Union's (EU's) Emissions Trading System (ETS) for aviation.

This is after authorities in the country issued a ban to carriers based in China regarding the controversial scheme, the BBC reports.

Chinese airlines have also been blocked from raising their charges in response to the ETS, after a levy on flights in EU airspace came into force on January 1st.

Siva Govindasamy of Flightglobal explained to the news source that the move by Beijing "is going to be very tricky", with the EU potentially retaliating by blocking Chinese flights to the region, which could create problems for both administrations.

The China Air Transport Association has already stated its members are not supportive of the scheme and other organisations around the world have also criticised it.

Launched in 2005, the ETS works on a "cap and trade" principle and is intended to tackle climate change, with the start of this year seeing it extended to the aviation industry.

Increase in 2011 turnover for professional drivers agency

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:58:45 GMT

An agency specialising in commercial drivers has reported an increase in its 2011 turnover as a result of growing demand for its services.

Agency Drivers Network (ADR Network) revealed that its preliminary results reveal a 13 per cent year-on-year increase in turnover to £65 million, with operating margins expected to be similar to 2010.

This result was achieved despite rises in overhead costs and the continuing effects of the economic downturn, as the company reported that it pressed ahead with its expansion plans in 2011.

In 2008, ADR Network reported turnover of £31.45 million and has substantially expanded its market share since, hoping to reach a target of ten per cent of the sector last year.

The company, which supplies professional drivers to companies across the UK, provides a flexible solution to clients and is run by logistics specialists, having been founded 13 years ago.

It has 26 sites across Britain and employs and provides jobs for 2,000 drivers each week, with 802 of these directly employed by the firm.

Vehicle fleet operators failing to take advantage of efficiency savings

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:58:45 GMT

Many of the UK's vehicle fleet operators are missing out on substantial savings from their drivers operating more effectively.

This is the statement that has been made in a new report from TomTom Business Solutions, which suggests that more than half (54 per cent) of firms with a numbers of cars, vans or trucks do not provide training for workers on more efficient ways of motoring.

According to the research for TomTom Business Solutions, despite sharp increases in petrol and diesel prices in recent years, 35 per cent of the companies surveyed do not provide any driving tips about how to save fuel.

"Appropriate driver training can have a significant impact on a fleet’s cost base," commented TomTom Business Solutions UK and Ireland director Giles Margerison.

The Energy Saving Trust offers a range of tips regarding more efficient driving, which can save as much as 20p per litre for motorists, including advice to avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration, slowing down, checking tyre pressures frequently and switching off air conditioning.

Environmental groups issue EU biofuels warning

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:58:45 GMT

Costs to consumers from the European Union's biofuels targets are being estimated at £15 billion per year in petrol and diesel charges, which could equate to £2 billion for UK motorists alone.

This is the claim made in a new report by Friends of the Earth Europe and ActionAid, which warns that the overall amount people in the region will pay out in extra costs could be £78-104 billion.

According to the organisations, scientific research has indicated that biofuels from crops may actually generate 12 million tonnes of additional carbon per year.

In addition, production of supplies is being viewed as responsible for pushing up food prices around the world, as it competes with production.

"The government keeps talking about bringing down costs but here we are paying billions for biofuels that do nothing to boost our economy and nothing to tackle climate change," declared Friends of the Earth biofuels campaigner Kenneth Richter.

An April 2009 EU directive set a goal to promote renewable energy sources within transport of a minimum of ten per cent for each of the 27 member states by 2020.

Businesses 'failing to make significant supply chain carbon savings'

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:58:45 GMT

Companies in the UK need to do more to reduce the overall impact of supply chain operations on the environment.

This is the claim that has been made in a new report by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and Accenture, which outlines the need to boost environmental management throughout businesses.

According to the study of large global organisations, businesses are not fully realising the potential benefits they can gain from the cost savings generated by making their activities greener or the need for them to consider the overall impact of their supply chains on the planet.

However, CDP program director Frances Way pointed out that some companies "are evolving the way they operate to better capitalise on the opportunities presented by carbon efficient supply chains".

Asia and Europe were found to be the regions in which organisations are making the most significant moves to ensure their supply chains are more sustainable.

For example, Typhoo has revealed that it has formed a new partnership with the port of Liverpool that is aimed at reducing its carbon emissions and road miles by bringing in at least 45 per cent of all the tea it imports to the UK during 2012 through the facility, which lies close to its Moreton factory on the Wirral.

Floods in Thailand 'to have major effect on PC shipments'

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:58:45 GMT

Global PC shipments have not yet felt the brunt of the effects of mass flooding in Thailand last year.

Towards the end of 2011, the country saw widespread devastation as a result of the heaviest monsoon rains in a generation, with hard disk drive (HDD) production and shipments severely affected.

Now a new report from Gartner has warned that "a major impact will be felt" as a result of the October 2011 disaster during the first half of 2012.

Many of the production facilities serving the global PC and technology market with HDDs are based in Thailand and were in areas affected by the floods.

According to the analyst, there was a limited impact on PC shipments and prices during the fourth quarter of 2011, but supply chains are facing substantial problems into 2012 that are likely to temporarily lower market growth.

There was a 1.4 per cent contraction in worldwide sales of PCs during the last three months of 2011, although shipments grew by 0.5 per cent over the year.

Fall in British road fatalities and serious injuries

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:58:45 GMT

The number of fatalities and seriously-injured casualties on roads in the UK declined in the year to September 2011 by four per cent.

In addition, the 12 months in question saw a drop in deaths alone of under 0.5 per cent, with a total of 1,900 individuals killed on highways during the period.

The latest statistics from the Department for Transport for the year show there were 24,430 people killed or seriously injured in road accidents and a total of 204,350 casualties.

There was a year-on-year drop in child casualties of less than 0.5 per cent in the 12 months to September to 19,890 and a seven per cent decline in deaths and serious injuries to 2,400.

Over the same 12 months, there was a contraction in motor vehicle traffic levels of 0.7 per cent.

In further Department for Transport news, the government has taken the decision to retain existing regulations regarding MOT test frequency in order to maintain the UK's strong road safety performance.

Evidence gathered about the possibility of altering the rules indicated that some defects were missed and roadworthiness of vehicles not accurately assessed.

Drivers urged to prepare for freezing conditions

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:58:45 GMT

Motorists travelling in the UK this week should take additional care and plan their journeys before setting off.

This is the warning issued by the Highways Agency, which has recommended setting off only when all necessary preparations have been made, as cold weather is expected to sweep across the UK.

According to the organisation, freezing conditions can create a range of dangers such as slippy roads even if there is no snow, with drivers urged to pack vehicles with warm clothing, snow shovels and other items forming an emergency kit in case of breakdowns in inclement weather.

"If you break down on the motorway it’s dangerous to stay in your vehicle," Jason Glasson of the Highways Agency winter team explained, stressing the importance of taking warm clothes, footwear and blankets on journeys.

The Met Office has issued cold weather warnings for the whole of England, stating that sub-zero temperatures are expected this week and the 500-strong gritting fleet for the Highways Agency is likely to see a busy few days.

BAA loses Stansted appeal case

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:58:45 GMT

An attempt by airports operator BAA to appeal against a decision to force it to sell Stansted Airport has failed.

The company was ordered three years ago by the Competition Commission that it should sell either Gatwick or Stansted Airports near London because of its dominance of the city's aviation sector.

In a statement BAA said that it was "disappointed with the decision" by the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal, which it would take time to consider before commenting further.

It has challenged the commission's ruling on the grounds that Heathrow - which it also owns - and Stansted serve different markets and provide bases for different airlines.

The company has previously sold Gatwick Airport as part of a portfolio that also includes sites at Heathrow, Aberdeen and Southampton.

BAA announced in October 2011 that it had made the decision to sell Edinburgh Airport after the Competition Commission issued a decision requiring the sale of that facility or Glasgow Airport.

However, it requested a judicial review of the ruling on Stansted amid concerns over making such a sale in the current economic climate.

UK export orders continue to expand in Q4 2011

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:58:45 GMT

The pace of growth of UK export orders slowed in the last three months of 2011, but the sector continued to experience growth, new data show.

According to fourth quarter figures from DHL and the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) for last year, the country saw a 3.7 per cent year-on-year increase in goods sold overseas.

In addition, there were some "positive signs" in the manufacturing industry with regard to exports, despite recent figures indicating there was a 0.9 per cent decline in orders over the period in question.

However, there is concern about expansion in 2012, which has affected confidence among exporters and worries about exchange rates have reached their highest point since the end of 2010.

BCC director general John Longworth said: "Companies across the country are exporting innovative, best of British products and services, but we want to see thousands more take the plunge and start selling overseas."

The Ernst & Young ITEM Club recently stated that gross domestic product growth was boosted by exports from the UK during the last three months of 2011, with the organisation stating that overseas trade has "held up surprisingly well" in recent months.

LCV shortages 'could affect business supply chains'

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:58:45 GMT

Companies in the UK could experience problems with their supply chains because of a shortage of light commercial vehicles (LCVs).

A poll for British Car Auctions (BCA) found that good-quality LCVs are becoming more expensive and less widely available, something that could be detrimental to small businesses, sole traders and partnerships in particular.

Carried out by researchers at Buckingham University Centre for Automotive Management, the survey also discovered there will be a decline in supplies of LCVs over the coming years as a result of lower sales caused by the recession and large corporate fleets choosing to retain vehicles for longer periods.

Lead on the project Professor Peter Cooke explained: "Small businesses as a group are the largest buyers of used vans and typically prefer vehicles up to five years old."

Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders recently showed that there was a 1.4 per cent fall in commercial vehicle output in the UK during 2011, with December witnessing a 2.7 per cent year-on-year dip in production.

Greater control to be granted over local transport

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:58:45 GMT

Businesses and local communities could be provided with greater control over capital budgets and decisions relating to major transport projects in their areas from 2015.

Transport secretary Justine Greening announced the new proposals from the government, which include roads, public transport schemes, rail stations and pedestrian routes.

A consultation on the devolution of local transport plans and the creation of democratically accountable local bodies to oversee projects is currently taking place, replacing a current system where ministers must approve all transport developments over £5 million.

"We want a system that is much more responsive to local needs and it makes good sense to give local residents and passengers a greater say in the transport infrastructure that they rely on so much," stated Ms Greening.

Another consultation has also been launched by the Department for Transport proposing a reduction in red tape for councils that want to implement measures aimed at combating the problems caused by disruptive road works without seeking approval from the government.

Manchester commutes 'worst in the UK'

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:58:45 GMT

Those living or working in Manchester face the worst commuting times in the UK, with an average of one hour and 55 minutes per day when conditions are busy.

Each trip for such workers is an average of 25.4 miles to and from their place of employment, but heavy traffic results in speeds of 13.3 mph.

This is according to a new report on congestion on UK roads, which has discovered that rush hour times for commuters across the country average just 15.2 mph.

Delays and traffic building up at peak times means the Direct Line research discovered Birmingham, Bradford, London and Glasgow are also hotspots for delays.

"The working day is far from nine to five for commuters who drive to the office, particularly when congestion can add almost two hours to daily travelling times," stated Direct Line car insurance head Steve Price.

Britons driving to and from work cover around 6,862 miles per year each, with five per cent claiming their daily round trip is more than 100 miles.

Commuters may also wish to heed a recent warning by insurer Zurich that motorists in the UK leave belongings worth £1.6 billion in their vehicles, leaving items such as sat navs, sunglasses and clothes vulnerable to thieves.

DfT plans could reduce council spending and improve services

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:58:45 GMT

Changes to the ways in which local authorities handle traffic restrictions have been proposed by the government.

Under the plans, unveiled by transport minister Norman Baker, the move could improve services and reduce red tape and expenditure for councils by providing them with more power to make decisions in this area.

The Department for Transport has also suggested that the changes would cut costs for businesses by streamlining the processes that must be gone through before work is carried out.

Current legislation requires councils to put a Traffic Regulation Order in place outlining controls such as parking restrictions and advertise plans in local newspapers, with this requirement estimated to cost £20 million a year for local authorities and the Highways Agency. Businesses involved in works meet around 40 per cent of the total costs.

Commenting as a consultation on the proposals was launched, Mr Baker said agencies should "have the freedom to use their local knowledge" to decide on the best way to tell residents and firms about traffic restrictions.

The government has also revealed it is granting local authorities additional powers to apply lane rental charges of up to £2,500 per day for maintenance work being carried out on roads in order to incentivise companies to conduct activities overnight and at off-peak times.

National transport campaign unveiled ahead of 2012 Olympics

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:58:45 GMT

The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London are expected to cause widespread disruption to travel services in the city and across the UK.

As a result, Transport for London (TfL) has launched a major new campaign to reduce the impact of the sporting event on traffic flow.

Entitled Get Ahead of the Games, it is intended to help those living and working in affected areas to travel more easily while the Olympics take place this summer.

The advertising campaign is backed by the government, London 2012 organisers, transport networks and the Mayor of London and explains where traffic hotspots will occur, with efforts to assist businesses in preparing for the Games running for more than a year.

London transport commissioner Peter Hendy explained: "On the busiest days, we expect around an additional three million journeys on the capital's transport networks at Games time."

New enhanced travel information services from TfL may help companies and individuals with their preparations ahead of the international event, including access to a network of cameras and a live feed on Twitter.

Network Rail plead guilty in train tragedy case

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:58:45 GMT

A case in which two girls were killed at a level crossing has led to Network Rail plead guilty of a breach of health and safety legislation.

Campaigners hope that the move will lead the infrastructure group to carry out work that will improve safety at such sites.

The organisation is facing three charges relating to health and safety breaches and lawyers for Network Rail indicated during a hearing at Basildon Magistrates' Court that it would plead guilty. Sentencing will take place at Chelmsford Crown Court in March.

Olivia Bazlinton, 14 and 13-year-old Charlotte Thompson died in December 2005 while crossing train tracks.

The pair died using a footpath level crossing near Elsenham Station in Essex, after they watched one train pass and opened the unlocked gate, stepping out into the path of a second oncoming engine.

"In this tragic case, Network Rail accepts that it was responsible for failings and therefore we have pleaded guilty," stated chief executive Sir David Higgins.
According to Network Rail, the UK has more than 7,000 level crossings in total.

Ryanair witnesses 13% jump in revenues

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:58:45 GMT

The third quarter of its financial year saw Ryanair generate profits of €14.9 million (£12.5 million), with revenues rising by 13 per cent over the period.

This followed a €10.3 million loss for the same period of the previous year, although there was a two per cent drop in passenger numbers over the quarter to December 31st 2011 to 16.7 million.

Revenue rose from €746 million year-on-year to €844 million, as profit after tax leapt by 244 per cent, boosted by a 17 per cent rise in fares and mild weather conditions in December.

However, fuel costs were 18 per cent higher over the period and Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary said new routes and bases had been performing well in recent months, with new destinations being added in Germany, Spain, Denmark, Cyprus and Poland this spring.

"The EU recession, higher oil prices, the unfolding failure of the package tour operator model, significant competitor fare increases and capacity cuts, has created enormous growth opportunities for Ryanair," he added.

Last Friday (January 27th), Ryanair launched a €49 euro special one-way "rescue fare" for any holidaymakers that had been left stranded on the continent by the collapse of travel company Spainair.

Suttons announces Air Liquide distribution contract

webmaster@ciltuk.org.uk — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:58:45 GMT

A major new contract has been signed by logistics specialist Suttons for the transportation of gases.

Air Liquide has awarded the company a distribution deal for its industry, health and environment products.

Under the terms of the agreement, Suttons will be responsible for moving gases by road from key operational sites across the UK to customers.

"Through the provision of our logistics service we will support Air Liquide UK with their ongoing and continual development programme for enhanced customer service and satisfaction levels," Andrew Palmer, managing director of Suttons, told Logistics Manager.

Commenting on the pact, Air Liquide UK operations manager Tony Bonnett explained that prospective suppliers had undergone "an extremely tough selection process", with strict criteria to be met under the contract in relation to service levels and safety.

Suttons is based in Widnes, Cheshire, with more than 80 years experience in logistics and provides a range of specialist solutions to companies around the world, with its 2010-11 group revenues rising year-on-year by 25.8 per cent to £135.7 million.