Six  businesses and individuals from across the country are celebrating following the announcement of Logistics UK’s Van Awards 2023. The awards, which were presented during a celebratory lunch at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham on September 15, recognised the exceptionally exacting standards demonstrated by van operators and how they have gone above and beyond for their customers. Kevin Green, Director at Logistics UK, commented: “Van operators can be undervalued or overlooked by industry, but they are invaluable to keep the economy working efficiently – which is something that has become e ..read more

If the logistics sector is to decarbonise effectively, in line with the government’s 2050 net zero deadline, more support will be needed to enable operators to do so, according to a new report by business group Logistics UK. The organisation’s Electric Vehicle Report 2023 demonstrates that factors including a lack of fiscal support and an inadequate public charging network are having a significant impact on the confidence of operators to invest in electric vehicles (EVs). In 2022, EVs represented 0.9% of the UK’s van fleet, up from 0.3% in 2019. And while the majority of the businesses surveye ..read more

New research has revealed that, despite wanting to start the transition to electrified vehicles (EVs), some small and medium fleets are struggling to seize the opportunity – with 45% of fleet managers citing a lack of time or expertise needed to take the necessary first steps. Businesses operating small to medium-sized fleets account for the vast majority of the UK’s total fleet population, and hence contribute significantly to meeting the upcoming 2030 ban of the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles. Pressure to meet both government and business environmental deadlines means demand for EVs ..read more

By Tom Rowlands,  above, Managing Director, Global EV Solutions at FLEETCOR There has yet to be a year when electric vehicle (EV) sales haven’t hit a record high – with the cut-off point for the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) cars and vans looming, more people than ever are choosing to go electric. We’ve seen significant increases in the amount of EV charging that our customers are using, though petrol and diesel still make up the overwhelming majority of commercial fuel spend. However, it has also been a volatile year for fuel overall: fuel prices have surged, and because t ..read more

fuelGenie has expanded its petrol station network significantly with the launch of fuelGenie+, which can be used at most Shell forecourts.  fuelGenie+ provides fleet users and small businesses with a convenient network of around 2,200 locations to top up their tank for less, including on the UK’s main transit routes and in towns and cities including over 900 Shell sites as well as at Tesco’s, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s. Among the other benefits fuelGenie+ includes more access to 24/7 petrol stations for drivers, higher forecourt canopies for larger vehicles or vans, and the opportunit ..read more

By Thom Groot, below, co-founder, The Electric Car Scheme Decarbonisation is good for business. Consumers show in survey after survey a preference for brands that walk the talk on sustainability. And with serious regulation of carbon emissions on its way over the coming years, cleaning up your business now will help get ahead of any nasty surprises. But all too often that sustainable push amounts to a few efficient light bulbs and purchasing some carbon credits. Offsetting is a good solution for processes that you genuinely can’t make emissions-free – but avoiding the emissions in the fir ..read more

Lee Prentice (middle) with TC Gerallt Evans and Kate Jennings Greggs Transport Manager Lee Prentice has been named the first ever Transport Manager of the Year at Logistics UK’s Transport Manager event in Coventry. David Wells, Chief Executive at Logistics UK, said: “After a challenging contest, we are thrilled to present Lee with the title of Transport Manager of the Year 2022. The judges were impressed with Mr Prentice’s passion and dedication for his role, which is reflected in his duties overseeing 120 drivers. This competition truly represents the best of the best and I would also like to ..read more

Most UK small businesses want to switch to electric vehicles but are held back by rising vehicle costs and electricity bills, new data from NatWest shows. Despite the research revealing that 81% of SMEs want to transition to green transport, the current economic conditions are delaying plans rather than causing them to be abandoned entirely. Of those looking to take their first steps into greener transport, only 40% plan to start within the next 2 years, highlighting the need for greater support to allow businesses to fulfil their climate ambitions sooner. SMEs are reporting that the pric ..read more

The shortlist for Logistics UK’s prestigious Logistics Awards 2022 has been revealed, following receipt of a record number of entries – around double the figure received in previous years. Logistics UK’s Board – which comprises representatives from some of the country’s most influential logistics businesses – will now complete the final round of judging before winners are announced at the highly anticipated 2022 celebratory awards dinner. This will take place at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge on the evening of Thursday, December 8. The awards – sponsored by Kärcher – recognise and celebrate ..read more

When former Scania intrapreneur Jonas Svanholm saw the statistics on how prone truck drivers were to accidents and injury at work, he and his team decided to take on the challenge of making such workplaces safer for all professionals, by making the safety vest the drivers are obliged to wear outside the vehicle into something smarter and more helpful in hazardous situations.Being a professional truck driver tops the most hazardous work environments both in Sweden and across the globe; out of 404 fatal work accidents, truck drivers make up 66 deaths during the period 2011-2020 according to the ..read more