Commercial fleet briefs: Latest from Logistics UK, Yodel, Webfleet, Hubl Logistics, Snap, PGS and Verizon Connect

Freight commissioner required for London’s businesses, says Logistics UK

The next Mayor of London must appoint a dedicated freight commissioner if the capital’s businesses are to drive growth for the capital, says Logistics UK.

The call for a dedicated freight commissioner for the capital is part of Logistics UK’s London manifesto, which has been launched ahead of the upcoming Mayoral and London Assembly elections.

“Logistics is one of London’s key economic sectors and has the potential to accelerate real benefits for the capital’s economy if its role is considered and supported by policy makers,” explained Chris Yarsley, Logistics UK’s senior policy advisor.

“The capital’s 35,000 logistics businesses deliver everything London needs, every day, and the industry provides jobs for more than a quarter of a million Londoners – almost 5% of the city’s employees. 

“Yet the needs of the sector are often relegated to an afterthought once decisions on construction, manufacturing, infrastructure and even waste management have been made.”

He added: “If London is to maintain its role as one of the world’s most dynamic, progressive cities, it is critical that logistics is considered as part of the wider plans for the capital’s future, and not viewed in isolation or simply as a mode of transport.”

Alongside the call for a London Freight Commissioner, Logistics UK’s manifesto includes calls to develop innovative and integrated infrastructure plans that will ensure goods are moved in the most productive, strategic and green manner. 

Hubl Logistics secures more funding for clean refrigeration

Hubl Logistics has secured two grants from Innovate UK to reduce the environmental effects and cost of food transport in Africa.

Funding of £1 million from Innovate UK’s Energy Catalyst Fund will cover the next two years enabling Hubl Logistics and partners, Aston University, Engineeronics and Malawi Fruits to address clean food refrigeration in Malawi.

This comes on top of an initial £1.3m from Innovate UK awarded in 2021 for product research and development.

Founded by engineering entrepreneur Hugh Frost, with a team that combines 80 years of industry experience, Hubl Logistics design technology that aims to transform the climate impact of chilled goods delivery and transport support systems.

Frost said: “The Innovate UK funding has enabled us to rapidly accelerate our innovation, tackling harmful emissions caused by food transport refrigeration - both here in the UK and overseas.”

Currently in trial with UK wholesalers, newly launched CoolRun pods are stackable, mobile units for vans and trucks that reduce harmful emissions from refrigerated vehicles.

Fitted with smart technology that remotely regulates temperature through sensors, CoolRun units feature an air flow system that enables uniform and adjustable cooling.

This year, the Hubl team will be working with their partners to implement a new micro mobile, affordable and accessible refrigeration system for farmers in Malawi, East Africa, called CoolRun Malawi.

It will enable Malawian farmers to eradicate heat associated food waste and access wider sales and growth opportunities.

Truckstop of the year finalists revealed

Snap has announced the shortlist for its first ‘Truckstop of the Year’ award after receiving almost 1,000 votes.

More than 100 truck parks were nominated, with four making it on to the shortlist: Red Lion Truck Stop; Chippenham Pit Stop; Route 74 Truckstop; and Rasthof Körfez61 GmbH.

The winner will be announced at the RSS Expo and Awards on March 21, at Carden Park in Chester. 

Myra McPartlin, head of commercial sales at Snap, said: "We wanted the truck stop of the year to be decided by the drivers who use them daily, and although it is the first time, we asked drivers to vote for their most-loved truck stops, we are blown away by the response rate from our audience. 

"The votes showed the popularity of a vast range of truck parking options across Europe."

Verizon Connect offers more flexible contracts to customers

Verizon Connect has launched new customisable term options, enabling business owners and fleet managers to tailor their contracts to better match their company’s specific needs.

When new customers sign-up for Verizon Connect Reveal fleet management solutions, they can now choose how long of a commitment they want to make.

Verizon Connect says that flexibility is key for its customers and it was excited to be able to offer customers access to its fleet solutions with contract terms that suit their needs.

Following the initial chosen term, services will automatically continue on a month-to-month basis at the discounted rate.

Webfleet brake performance report meets DVSA standard

The Webfleet brake performance report, engineered to monitor trailer brake performance remotely, has met the Driver Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) standard for Electronic Brake Performance Monitoring Systems (EBPMS).

It allows fleet operators to effectively monitor the status of their trailers’ brakes at all times.

“This achievement affirms our commitment to delivering industry-leading solutions and marks a significant step in enhancing road safety and operational efficiency for UK fleets,” said Beverley Wise, Webfleet regional director for Bridgestone Mobility Solutions.

The announcement comes in the wake of the DVSA's updated Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness, which has served to reemphasise the importance of brake testing.

From April 2025, laden roller brake tests or EBPMS will be the only accepted methods for brake testing, with few exceptions.

Delivery Mates partners with Yodel to ‘transform’ deliveries

Delivery Mates has announced a strategic partnership with Yodel to enhance and expand their delivery services in Glasgow be deploying cargo bikes.

The specially designed bikes offer a greener alternative and contribute to reducing traffic congestion, promoting a cleaner environment, and addressing carbon emission concerns in the region.

"We are excited about our partnership with Yodel as we believe it aligns perfectly with our vision of creating a more sustainable and efficient delivery ecosystem," said Kevin Savage, CEO of Delivery Mates.

"By incorporating cargo bikes into our operations, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also actively contributing to improving the urban environment in Glasgow."

Mike Hancox, CEO of Yodel, added: “We are really looking forward to working with Delivery Mates and expanding our delivery services in Glasgow.

“We are proud of the progress we have already made on our journey towards net zero and this partnership further signifies our commitment to sustainable delivery options and reducing our climate impact.”

PGS deploys electric HGV in Birmingham

PGS Global Logistics (PGS) has addinged the Volvo FM EV 4x2 tractor to its growing line-up of electric vehicles (EVs).

To date, PGS has already invested in a fleet of 10 EVs for use both in its warehouse facilities and on the road, and it is planning to adopt more zero-emission vehicles throughout 2024.

The electric HGV will be used for overnight trunking across its operations for the Pallet-Track network and APC Overnight parcel network. 

It will be charged by day solely from solar generated energy at the company’s £12 million West Bromwich logistics hub, which opened in 2023 and is fully-equipped for energy capture and electricity generation.

The 80,000 sq. ft facility generated 71% of its own energy in November 2023, which means the site will be entirely off-grid and self-sufficient by the time the spring and summer months roll around. 

The new Volvo FM EV Globetrotter tractor unit has been supplied by the Hartshorne Group, features six batteries producing 490kw (666bhp).

The truck is also equipped with full air suspension, Volvo dynamic steering, full air kit with side skirts, I-See predictive cruise control and full Volvo Connect package.

PGS founder and managing director, Paul Eyles, said the West Bromwich site is already generating enough energy to enable him to add even more EVs to his fleet.

“Being 71% self-sufficient in a winter month was excellent, so we will eventually be able to run off-grid and create even more capacity for charging electric vehicles,” added Eyles.

PGS has two new electric vans on order to help service its APC Overnight parcel services.