Commercial fleet briefs: Latest from DPD, XPO Logistics, Webfleet, Samsara, Drivetech, Snap and Smith Bros

DPD helps guide dog Amelia make friends with delivery robot

A guide dog from Raunds has made friends with a DPD delivery robot that spooked her when out walking with her owner, thanks to a little help from the local DPD depot team.

Six-year-old labrador Amelia was guiding owner David Holmes when she spied Levi, the local DPD delivery robot coming towards them. 

“We were just waiting to cross a road when Amelia started to behave oddly and barking,” explained Holmes. “I could hear a noise behind me like a buggy, but it was only when I got home and my wife, Eileen asked if I had seen the delivery robot, that I worked out what had happened. It was the first time Amelia had seen one and obviously didn't know what to make of it."

Posting about the experience on Facebook, Holmes was contacted a staff member at the DPD depot and offered to help. 

Inviting them to the depot to familiarise the guide dog with the robot, Gareth Chisholm, depot general manager, said: “We set up a getting-to-know-you session at the depot. 

“After a number of familiarisation exercises we were able to simulate the different situations in which Amelia might meet the robot.”

Holmes added: “I'm really grateful to Gareth and the team for their response.”

DPD first introduced the autonomous robots in Milton Keynes in July 2022 and a year later confirmed plans to expand robot deliveries to 10 UK towns and cities.

Based at DPD's depot at Warth Park on the western edge of Raunds, the robots deliver to nearby residential areas within a mile of the depot, via the existing network of footpaths. 

XPO Logistics holds fourth annual UK female drivers forum

XPO has held its fourth annual female drivers forum at the company’s national distribution centre in Crick, Northamptonshire.

All XPO Logistics female drivers are invited to attend the forum, which is designed to provide a safe space for drivers to bring any matters of concern to the attention of XPO´s senior management. It is also a valuable networking opportunity for female drivers.

Every year, the XPO Female Drivers Forum has a core theme and agenda, with this year’s focus on the creation and implementation of a ‘Driver Wellbeing Plan’.

Lynn Brown, vice president, human resources in the UK and Ireland for XPO Logistics, said: “Discussions like these are the ideal place to hear, first-hand, how we, as a company, can accelerate our journey to becoming the employer of choice for female drivers, both in the UK and Ireland as well as abroad.

“They’re an opportunity for us to actively engage with our drivers and understand the challenges and barriers women face in the traditionally male-dominated logistics industry.”

JJX Logistics reduces fleet emissions by 17%

JJX Logistics has improved the safety and sustainability of its fleet operations by implementing artificial intelligence (AI) solutions from Samsara.

The move has enabled JJX Logistics to achieve a 17% reduction in fleet emissions in just three months and become one of the seven UK companies to gain Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) Trucking Security Requirements (TSR) Level 1 approval.

With more than 70% of goods handled by JJX Logistics being UN-regulated dangerous goods — such as commercial lithium-ion battery packs and Class 8 corrosive liquids — Samsara has helped ensure the safety of drivers carrying dangerous, high-value cargo.

By fitting its fleet of 58 hard-bodied, soft-sided and temperature-regulated trailers, Sprinter vans, and articulated trucks with Samsara’s dual-facing cameras and AI-driven Vehicle Gateways, JJX Logistics has full visibility of every vehicle, which can be monitored and tracked on a single screen.

The ability to monitor idling times has also helped to shape changes in driver behaviour, saving almost 400 gallons of fuel in the second half of 2023.

Edward Martin, head of security and fleet compliance at JJX Logistics, said: “Our vehicles are now being driven better, and this is increasing sustainability, fuel efficiency and hopefully insurance costs.

“The real-time tracking, transparency and efficiency we can now achieve is part of our credibility as a business.”

Philip van der Wilt, SVP and GM EMEA at Samsara, said: “We’re pleased that our technology is playing a pivotal role in that, and we’re looking forward to seeing our partnership with JJX grow even further.” 

Drivetech launches driver training course to boost minibus safety

Drivetech, part of The AA, is on a mission to improve safety while traveling by minibus with the launch of its latest dedicated driver training course.

Minibus Safe Drive has been specifically designed to support minibus drivers with the range of skills required, as well as improve driver and passenger wellbeing.

From specific operation of the vehicle, through to how to react in an emergency, rules of the road and dealing with vulnerable passengers, the driver training specialist’s course provides a holistic look at minibus driving.

Importantly, it acknowledges the high level of responsibility minibus drivers face and the duty of care they have under health and safety regulations to ensure the minibus is fit for purpose and operated safely.

Nick Butler, director at Drivetech, said: “Our course goes beyond just safety, it also prioritises driver and passenger wellbeing.”

Minibus Safe Drive from Drivetech is available now as a two-day, on-road course. 

Webfleet charts path to sustainable transport

Webfleet will play host to an event this summer, designed to help redefine the role of commercial fleets in today’s green transport revolution.

Staged at Bridgestone HQ in the heart of Royal Leamington Spa, Fleet Decarbonisation Live on Monday, June 3, 12.30pm to 4pm – will act as a catalyst for change, offering insights, connections and tools to help businesses navigate the path to sustainability.

The event will showcase new electric vehicle (EV) solutions, government initiatives and real-world journeys towards fleet decarbonisation. It will also offer an opportunity for delegates to engage with a panel of industry experts and peers.

Moderated by John Curtis of the EV Café, the event will feature a dynamic live panel discussion in a BBC Question Time-style format.

Beverley Wise, Webfleet regional director for Bridgestone Mobility Solutions, said: “Attendees are encouraged to network, engage in live debates and pose questions, benefiting from the collective wisdom of a community united by a common goal.”

Fleet operators can register for the event here. 

Hunt for ‘UK’s sexiest truck’

A competition to find the ‘sexiest truck’ in the UK has been launched and will be judged by TikToker Trucker Tim.

Smith Bros, which offers a range of used trucks and commercial vehicles, is offering the sexiest mother trucker a £500 Greggs voucher, equivalent of around 212 steak bakes or 344 sausage rolls.

Whether it’s a Mercedes, Volvo, DAF or Scania, Smith Bros wants to see all candidates for the best-looking truck in the UK. It doesn’t matter how big or small modifications are - whether it’s a paint job, or a decked-out interior with all of the mod cons.

All entrants need to do is upload clear photos of the interior or exterior of their lorries to here by Tuesday, May 7. 

Will Pringle, sales director at Smith Bros, said: “We’ve seen so many weird and wonderful trucks over the years, and now we’re calling on the public to share them with us.”

Red Lion crowned Snap’s first Truck Stop of the Year award

The Red Lion clinched the title as the trucking community's favourite stop against shortlisted finalists: Chippenham Pit Stop, Route 74 Truckstop, and Rasthof Körfez61 GmbH.

Accommodating more than 200 HGV parking spaces and providing truck washing facilities, the Red Lion Truck Stop has become the go-to destination for drivers in the area.

Described as a trucker's paradise, its communal feel and the vast range of facilities made this stop a firm favourite for the drivers voting. 

Ali Sadrudin, site operator at The Red Lion Truck Stop, said: “We have a fantastic team in place and couldn’t have done this without their hard work. Every push to keep improving has been worth it.”

Myra McPartlin, head of commercial sales at Snap, added: “Every finalist on the shortlist was a worthy contender, and The Red Lion Truck Stop proved a deserving winner. Their innovative thinking and dedication to providing the trucking community with high-quality facilities and security is paving the way for a new standard of truck stops."

Snap will open the voting for next year's Truckstop of the Year in Autumn 2024.