Green to gold?

Every year is a big year in transport and 2013 was no different. But with the economy at last appearing to be on the turn the moment is nigh to adapt the lessons of the hard times to the challenges of growth in 2014 and beyond.  The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) looks at the scene.

The transport and logistics sector began the year basking in its success during the London Olympics when it received the praise of Government, industry and customers in delivering the goods that made the Games work so well and simultaneously sustained Londoners.

Relatively underdeveloped logistics schemes, including night deliveries, increased load consolidation, consolidated deliveries and joint ventures, have now been adapted from Games necessity to everyday practice to the benefit of operators and customers. And, with the expectation for 2014 likely to be increased productivity resulting from economic growth, then these new techniques will come to the fore.

Logistics has always been a major user of new technology and the increasing benefits of telematics schemes designed to enhance routeing and scheduling, traffic office planning, live congestion avoidance, and the ability to make every turn of the wheels as productive as possible, has been paramount. All of this contributed to the fight to increase fuel efficiency and to ensure that no journey was wasted.

In addition to telematics the challenge was also answered by utilising improved engine technology and enhanced driver training. And even the Chancellor pitched in by freezing fuel duty until 2015.

The staggering growth in public demand for home deliveries, and the sector’s skill in making such deliveries, is a key example of the way in which logistical progress has worked to the benefit of both supplier and customer – at present some 30 per cent of all sales are home delivered. But it is forecast that this will increase to 60 per cent by 2020!

For 2014 the Government has a full agenda of spending potential on major transport infrastructure projects – HS2, Heathrow or another south-eastern airport, and road building. All are vital, but all are costly and environmentally controversial.

The year also saw further substantial growth in cycling, sadly accompanied by a growth in deaths and serious injury to cyclists at a time when overall road safety is improving and accidents reducing.  Achieving the health, financial and environmental benefits of increased cycling, whilst ensuring the safety of cyclists, constitutes a substantial challenge for 2014 and beyond.

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

Tel: 01536 740100

www.ciltuk.org.uk