Supply chain shortages will cause delays DPD rolls out Project Breathe in major cities FORS udates van training

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Supply chain shortages will cause delays

Companies thinking of investing in new or replacement vans this year will need to get their orders in quickly, as supply chain problems threaten to delay production and lead to extended delivery times. It has been well documented that there is a global shortage of computer microchips, which are used in many systems within cars and vans. There are also said to be global problems with rubber delivery, used in all manner of insulation, mounting components, suspension and of course tyres.

These delays to production lines, many of which have themselves been partially closed due to pandemic shutdowns, are already leading to growing waiting lists for new vehicles. This in turn, is pushing up the price of used vans, as last-mile delivery companies in particular seek to boost their fleet numbers.

“We foresee disruption in the wholesale market well into 2022,” said James Davis, customer insight director at Cox Automotive, parent company of auctioneer Manheim.

Profound effect

“We’ve all seen the challenges the new vehicle sector is experiencing with raw material and component shortages. This is having a profound effect on the used market, delaying de-fleet programmes and affecting the flow of used stock to wholesale. Supply and demand of new and therefore used vans will remain in flux until new lead times and supply levels return to pre-pandemic times.”

Cox Automotive reports that there are warnings from within the industry of acute lead time extensions, with some volume OEMs now stating up to 12 months for delivery of their most popular models. Raw material and microchip shortages, coupled with production and logistical challenges due to COVID-compliant working practices, are seeing some factory production severely restricted or even halted. Manufacturers are working with suppliers to allocate available resources to ultimately determine which models should be prioritised for production. “We are in uncharted waters and clearly this places more pressure on the remaining months of 2021 to ramp up new registrations to hit the SMMT’s upward revised forecast,” said Davis.

“With lead times for new Euro 6 vans impacted, used Euro 6 van prices will continue to rise. Clearly this distinct two-tier wholesale market of Euro 6 and pre-Euro 6 stock is seeing ever increasing divergence in the average sale prices, but used van inflation is baked into the market now and we do not foresee any price realignment or crash. Until the flow of new vans recovers, the supply constriction of de-fleeted and part exchanged used vans will cause a supply crisis for the wholesale market.”

FORS updates van training

FORS (the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme) has updated its Van Smart eLearning module, to help upskill the growing number of LCV drivers across the UK. There are new learning scenarios and an updated format, designed to make the information easier for drivers to digest.

The eLearning is part of the FORS Professional Van Smart training package, that aims to help van drivers to reduce their impact on the environment, maximise fuel use, correctly load vehicles and know how to avoid incidents with vulnerable road users.

Comprehensive

The package covers everything from judging fitness to drive, daily walkaround checks, defect reporting, safe vehicle loading, route planning and safe and efficient driving techniques.

“The light commercial vehicle sector continues to grow, buoyed by an increase in online retail,” said Livia Gergely.

“It is therefore imperative that, as with HGV drivers, van drivers are given the training they need to get their job done safely.”

DPD rolls out Project Breathe in major cities

Delivery company DPD has announced an air quality monitoring programme across London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff. The scheme – dubbed Project Breathe – is already live in London, where the company has 100 mobile air quality sensors mounted on the roof of its vans, along with 20 fixed sensors at its DPD PickUp shops close to schools and play areas.

The sensors take readings every 12 seconds and are focused on the most critical health impactor, fine particles PM2.5 at breathing level. This testing will provide data to help visualise air quality issues and identify hotspots. The UK roll-out is part of a Europe-wide programme in partnership with air quality tracking provider Pollutrack. The company plans to have 2,400 sensors by the end of the year.

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