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Driver shortages remain the top operator concern for the next 12 months, reveals research

Charting the road ahead

Difficulty recruiting skilled HGV drivers tops the list when it comes to key challenges facing operators in the next 12 months, according to new industry research published today.

In the latest edition of the ‘Asset Alliance Group Industry Monitor’ produced in partnership with Motor Transport and Commercial Motor, 29% of respondents revealed the driver shortage was the most troubling concern for their business.

Next in line was the fear of a poor economic outlook for the UK with 17% of the vote, while legislation featured in third and fourth place: 16% were concerned about the effect of localised urban regulations, such as clean air zones, while a further 11% feared the uncertain legislative environment outside of the EU.

And like the voting public, when it came to Brexit, there was an even spread of responses as to how it will affect the prospects of the UK’s road transport sector going forward: 37% of respondents thought prospects would be slightly or significantly better with the UK now flying solo, while 38% thought the opposite was true. The rest sat firmly on the fence.

Despite the challenges ahead, operators demonstrated a robust optimism when it came to business confidence for the year ahead. Nearly half of all respondents were expecting their trading performance to be better during 2021 than 2020, as the UK aims to bounce back from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The ‘Asset Alliance Group Industry Monitor 2021’ is based on a robust 625-strong sample from the readership of Motor Transport and Commercial Motor. It provides analysis of key challenges – such as urban regulations, a national driver shortage and truck crime – and gauges the impact this is having on operators, both large and small.

There is also an in-depth look into expected buying patterns for the year ahead, from the numbers of new trucks anticipated to be bought, to choosing the latest alternatively-fuelled models.

You’ll find your free copy of this must-read report inside today’s Motor Transport, and it is also available to download free of charge at: commercialmotor.com/ cmspecials

TPN cooks up solution to industry’s recruitment problem

The Pallet Network (TPN) is seeking to tackle the crisis in driver recruitment and a poor industry image by offering free evening meals to its trunking drivers.

The network said it wanted to inspire the UK logistics industry to improve conditions for HGV drivers at a time when firms were reporting a serious shortage of staff, coupled with a record-breaking spike in volumes.

TPN said it was providing hot meals in an on-site pop-up restaurant, with dedicated serving areas under a marquee and outdoor seating to allow for social distancing. It said the menus had been chosen to be popular, but also nutritious, and the meal on offer will vary each night. The free meal scheme started three months ago and is available every week night from late evening until 4am. In order to encourage healthy habits, drivers must pay for additional fizzy drinks and confectionery.

Mark Kendall, TPN MD, said: “Many of our drivers face long journeys, and we do not want them having to rely on snack food or over-priced service station fare.

“The least we can do for people driving for hours at night is make sure they have a free, hot meal awaiting them when they arrive.”

HVO webinar offers a recipe for change

With carbon-reduction now a core focus for HGV operators and their customers, the latest generation of sustainable drop-in fuels, such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), could provide a solution. Freight in the City has partnered with DAF Trucks to bring to life the potential of using HVO in a webinar taking place at 10.30am on Wednesday 16 June.

You will learn how HVO is compatible with existing Euro-6 models without engine modifications and how the fuel plays a key part in the manufacturer’s environmental strategy.

Green Biofuels will talk through the practical aspects of HVO, from its CO2 and particulate matterreduction capabilities, through to options for refuelling your fleet, availability and costs.

Hovis is already using HVO, and its head of logistics operations support Tony Stuart will be on hand to explain how the firm switched its fleet.

To book your free webinar place go to motortransport.co.uk

Start your journey towards net zero

Freight in the City is hosting a free online roadshow next month to help HGV and van operators explore the route they need to take on their journey to decarbonise fleet movements.

It will help you understand the UK government’s strategy in reaching its ambition of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and why it is essential to start making plans today for your business.

The event is supported by Birmingham City Council, which will share its own decarbonisation strategy, while Volvo Trucks will bring vehicle technology to life for operators, from drop-in biofuels and renewable natural gas, through to electric and hydrogen fuel cells.

There will also be knowledge-sharing sessions from a strong line-up of industry speakers, from parcels giant DPD through to the BVRLA, Energy Saving Trust, Tyseley Energy Park and Zemo Partnership.

The online roadshow takes place at 10am on Thursday 17 June, so register for free at motortransport.co.uk