Commercial fleet briefs: Latest from Panther Logistics, Wickes, Vehicle Weighing Solutions and CILT

Wickes strikes multi-million pound contract with CitySprint

Wickes, has announced that it has signed a new three year, multi-million pound contract with CitySprint.

The distribution company started working with Wickes in 2016, supporting home deliveries for Wickes’ online customers from a network of over 200 stores across the UK, named ‘smart fulfillment’.

The new contract will see CitySprint continuing to provide single and two-person local delivery services from stock held by local Wickes stores and then delivered within pre-advised delivery windows.

Darren Taylor, business solutions director at CitySprint, said: “The expansion of our partnership with Wickes reflects the success of our collaboration over the last year.

“We look forward to continue working with them to provide their customers with the delivery options that are most convenient to them.”

Panther Logistics invest £2m in fleet

Panther Logistics is expanding its fleet with an investment of over £2 million to support increasing demand being driven by the rise in online shopping.

The new vehicles, which have been provided by MAN in Northampton, comprise four 18 tonne MAN TGM vehicles, 22 MAN TGL 7.5 tonne vehicles scheduled for April delivery. 

The 44 SDC trailers have been supplied by Hireco as part of a contract hire package.

The new SDC Fleetspan curtainsider trailers are of a postless design to make loading and unloading easier and each trailer comes with tracking facilities.  The curtains are made to EN12641-2 standard.

All vehicles will be fitted with front, rear and side cameras and are DVS compliant.

Panther will also be unveiling a new livery on the new fleet.

Panther’s logistics director, Guy Burges, said: “The pandemic has certainly given rise to an exponential shift in buying habits, moving the consumer from the high street to online. Therefore, in order to cope with this ever-growing demand, we believe it is vital to be prepared and cater to this hike.  Our new vehicles will be a welcome addition to the fleet.”

Vehicle Weighing Solutions announces new production facility

Vehicle Weighing Solutions (VWS) has announced new plans to expand its premises with a new production facility being added to their Chesterfield location.

The new building will be an extension of where VWS manufacture, install and service their vehicle weighing, bin weighing and overload protection systems.

The new development will allow the weighing specialists to maintain complete control of their supply chain.

"The strategic decision to expand our operations in Chesterfield will position VWS to meet customer demand, particularly considering the large number of recent orders that we have received," said Julian Glasspole, CEO.

The groundworks for the 14,000 sq ft facility have already commenced with the completion date set for August 2021.

CILT launches plan for transport and logistics to reach net zero

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) believes that the industry achieve net-zero by 2050 through a range of measures recommended to Government in its latest report, Routes to Net-Zero 2050: 2020 Year End Summary. 

The report includes 21 recommendations for action covering all transport modes and activities.

Kevin Richardson, chief executive of CILT, said: “Transport accounts for 28% of UK carbon emissions and, despite the downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic, transport emissions will grow with recovery unless action is taken.

“Government is clearly the key player, but industry, organisations and individuals are also urged to take action, and we believe there is plenty to be achieved, starting today.” 

Recommendations for government include: setting carbon budgets for the transport sector; mandating the use of sustainable fuel; continuing to incentivise the take-up of electric vehicles through grants and incentives; and setting a clear, long-term policy that taxation will be aligned to decarbonisation, and fuel duty and vehicle tax will be replaced by road pricing.