The Importance of Managed Warehousing for your Business

Local Buzz Marketing Latest news January 17, 2023 0 Comment

Managed warehousing is an essential aspect of any business that deals with the storage and distribution of goods. It is a cost-effective and efficient solution that can help businesses of all sizes to streamline their operations and improve their bottom line. In this blog post, we will explore the many benefits of managed warehousing and why it is important for your business.

One of the main benefits of managed warehousing is cost savings. By outsourcing your warehouse operations to a third-party provider, you can reduce your overhead costs associated with maintaining and running your own facility. This includes costs related to staffing, equipment, and maintenance. Furthermore, managed warehousing providers often have economies of scale, which allows them to offer services at a lower cost than if you were to handle everything in-house.

Another benefit of managed warehousing is the ability to focus on your core business. Running a warehouse can be time-consuming and requires a significant amount of resources. By outsourcing your warehouse operations, you can free up time and resources to focus on other aspects of your business, such as marketing, sales, and product development. Additionally, managed warehousing providers are experts in their field, and they can provide you with valuable insights and advice to help you improve your operations.

Managed warehousing also offers scalability and flexibility. As your business grows, it can be difficult to manage an in-house warehouse to keep up with the demands of your customers. Managed warehousing providers can easily adapt to your changing needs and can provide you with additional space and resources when you need it. This is particularly beneficial for businesses that experience seasonal fluctuations in demand.

Managed warehousing also provides better inventory control. Providers use advanced technology, such as inventory management software, to track and manage your inventory, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. This can help you avoid stockouts and overstocking, which can negatively impact your business. Furthermore, managed warehousing providers can also provide other value-added services such as kitting, packaging, and assembly, which can help to streamline your operations and save you time and money.

In conclusion, managed warehousing is an essential aspect of any business that deals with the storage and distribution of goods. It offers a cost-effective and efficient solution that can help businesses of all sizes to streamline their operations and improve their bottom line. Managed warehousing providers can help with cost savings, focus on core business, scalability, flexibility and inventory control. It’s a wise decision to consider a managed warehousing solution for your business.

Are you looking for warehousing in Cambridgeshire? At Swannells Transport, our storage and handling facilities consist of 60,000 square feet of warehousing. We have separate areas for food ingredients and hazardous chemicals. We also have racking facilities for palletised goods. Orders for distribution can be picked, packed and loaded from our warehouse facilities.

For more information, get in touch with our team today on 01487 822 065 or email traffic@swannells.co.uk

Swannells Transport – the go-to haulage company for all your needs!

Local Buzz Marketing Uncategorized January 3, 2023 0 Comment

Experience and expertise make Swannells Transport the go-to delivery company for all your needs

As a company that has been in business since 1981, Swannells Transport has a long history of providing reliable and high-quality delivery services to clients throughout the UK. With a large and reliable fleet of vehicles, we are able to handle dedicated contracts as well as return load work for a wide range of clients.

We feel that one of the key strengths here at Swannells Transport is our dedicated commitment to providing an excellent level of customer service to our clients. We are a small enough company to care about the needs of each and every one of our clients, but we are also big enough to handle large-scale delivery projects with great ease. This great combination of personal attention and professional expertise is what sets us apart and has allowed us to maintain a reputation for excellence throughout our 40-year successful history.

As we look towards the future for this year and beyond, we are always interested in hearing from new clients who are in need of reliable, professional and efficient delivery services. Whether you are a small business looking for a trusted partner to handle your shipping needs, a new start-up business venture or even a larger organisation with complex logistics requirements, we have the capabilities to meet your individual needs.

So if you need a delivery partner who is both small enough to care and big enough to deliver, look no further than Swannells Transport. We have the experience, expertise, and dedication to ensure that your goods are delivered on time and in perfect condition, every time.

To discuss your haulage requirements please call our friendly team today at Swannells Transport on 01487 822065 – www.swannells.co.uk

Driving Safe this Summer

admin Uncategorized June 28, 2022Driving Tips, Road Trip, Safer Driving, Summer Driving 0 Comment

Driving in the heat can be dangerous, very hot weather can hinder your vehicle and your ability to drive safely. Here are some things that you can do to stay safe on the roads this summer:

Travel earlier or later in the day:

During the summer, the hottest part of the day will be between the hours of 10 am and 5 pm. Try to schedule your travel time before or after those hours. It will keep you cool, keep you out of the main traffic and will reduce stress.

Prepare for road congestion:

With many people going on holiday, there will be more cars on the road and it will lead to heavy congestion. Make sure you have snacks and cold water In the car in case of long wait times. It’s extremely important to keep hydrated.

Inspect your car:

– Tires

Heat causes air in your tires to expand. If there is too much pressure, your tires can blow out. Prevent this from happening by checking the tread and pressure before setting off.

– Coolant System

The pressure caps, hoses, belts, and radiator should all appear in good condition with no cracks or obvious wear. Make sure there are no leaks.

– Fluid Levels

Make sure your coolant levels are adequate before you leave, and take along some extra coolant and oil if you have room.

Wear Sunglasses:

Wearing sunglasses when you are behind the wheel for a summer road trip is a smart and easy way to protect your eyes from potential ultraviolet (UV) damage. Wearing sunglasses limits the impact of sun glare, which occurs when the sun’s strong rays reflect off other vehicles’ windshields or mirrors, road signs, building windows, and other smooth, reflective surfaces.

If you wear prescription glasses, consider purchasing a pair of prescription sunglasses or investing in transition lenses that automatically adjust depending on the light.

Windscreens:

Dazzle from the sun causes lots of accidents but you can reduce the effect by keeping your windscreen nice and clean, and by replacing worn or damaged windscreen wipers.

Consider Summer Allergies:

In England alone, around 10 million people live with hay fever – a condition that makes driving very difficult.

Hay fever tablets are known to have side effects such as blurred vision and drowsiness, which can impair a person’s ability to drive. Therefore, make sure to check the label of your medication before taking it – especially if you’ll be driving shortly afterwards.

Safe Driving:

Hot weather simply puts a higher load on your vehicle, so pushing it to drive at high speeds can wear it down even further. Drive the speed limit to reduce the wear on your vehicle and practice safe driving habits simultaneously.

Winter Driving

Local Buzz Marketing Latest news November 11, 2021 0 Comment

With winter just around the corner, we are seeing the nights come quicker and the temperatures drop further. With this comes the increased risk of treacherous road surfaces and a need to take care with your driving. We are here to give some recommendations on how to drive safely during the winter, to help put your mind at ease.

When driving on icy roads, stopping distances can increase to around 10 times the normal distance in some cases. For this reason, driving at slower speeds and allowing for gentler manoeuvres are essential to keeping yourself and others safe on the roads in these difficult conditions. No matter if you’re late for work or just need to get somewhere quickly, nothing is more important than people’s safety and that is why it is so important to follow these tips.

Another way to manage the difficult weather would be to allow more time for your planned journeys. This can help deal with the stress of possible road delays associated with the conditions and will result in you being able to drive with more regard for the road surfaces. Choosing to plan your routes to follow major roads is also a beneficial way of staying clear of roads that tend to get less maintenance due to less congestion; these can often become the most dangerous roads to drive on.

It is also important to always have a window scraper and de-icer available in your car for when the weather might unexpectedly turn. Having these important tools at your disposal will ensure that you are always prepared and never drive when your vision of the road is impaired.

We hope these tips will help to keep you safe on the roads this winter and put you at ease so you can enjoy the festivities that the winter months always bring.

The Government confirms Britain will ban all new diesel and petrol HGVs by 2040 – What does this mean for our industry?

Local Buzz Marketing Latest news July 29, 2021environment, government, HGV, news, petrol, petrol ban, sustainability 0 Comment

On July 14th, 2021, the Government have announced that Britain will be banning the sale of new petrol and diesel HGV and vans by the year 2040, as a part of Boris Johnsons’ “10-point climate plan” to decrease greenhouse gas emissions within the transport sector to net zero by the middle of the century. All new polluting diesel and petrol cars will also plan to come to an end by 2035.

The UK’s transport sector is currently one of the most polluting industries within the nation. However, this announcement means there will be a significant phase-out of all polluting road vehicles within the next two decades. “Transport is not just how you get around. It is something that fundamentally shapes our towns, cities and countryside, our living standards and our health.” Transport Secretary Grant Shapps states as he says the new Transport Decarbonisation Plan was “just the start”.

haulage company in Cambridgeshire — Swannells Transport – Haulage company in Cambridgeshire

Approximately 1.6 billion tons of freight are transported within the UK every year. This is a figure that is expected to rise due to the significant increase in online shopping since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

The government is planning to fully convert its own 40,000 strong vehicle fleet to zero emissions by 2027, whilst they have also reiterated its commitment to a net-zero rail network by 2050.

Transport secretary, Grant Shapps, said his department had published a consultation on phasing out the sale of all new non-zero emission heavy good vehicles by 2040, “demonstrating our commitment to tackle the second largest source of domestic transport carbon emissions and furthering our ambition to decarbonise UK roads.”

Also as a part of the Transport Decarbonisation Plan (TDP) agenda, the Government have launched a “genuine” consultation seeking views on when to end the sale of petrol and diesel HGVs, with a proposal that the sales of new non-zero emissions HGVs less than 26 tonnes will end in 2035, and greater than 26 tonnes will end in 2040. This proposal means no new LNG, CNG or other fossil-fuelled vehicles will be allowed to be purchased from those dates.

So what does this mean for our industry? The latest response from the Road Haulage Association (RHA) demonstrates their support and appreciation for the overall policy aim to decarbonise the UK roads. They are planning to release a comprehensive view of the plans sometime in August, to ensure the future of the Transport sector is affordable, sustainable, and embraces all businesses.

Here at Swannells Transport, as a leading haulage company in Cambridgeshire, we support having a green nation in the future, and we are interested to see the next steps in approaches and visions to initiate the TDP in the future.

Useful Travelling Tips for 2021

Local Buzz Marketing Latest news April 8, 2021covid-19, Haulage Company in Cambridgeshire, holiday, transportation, travelling 0 Comment

For the last year, travelling via plane, train and even car have been limited to prevent the spread of coronavirus. But after a year of staying safe indoors, and a hopeful “one-way ticket” back to normality set by the Government, restrictions are slowly beginning to ease, including our travel restrictions.

Something we have all probably missed is holidays and getaways. It is important that moving forward, we are planning holidays that will not be affected by policy changes or further travel restrictions.

As a haulage company in Cambridgeshire celebrating 40 years on the road this April, we would like to offer our readers some useful travelling tips for 2021.

Cancellation fees

One thing we have learned during the pandemic is that the future is unpredictable. With travel restrictions and quarantines still changing and varying in different countries, it’s important to make sure when booking a holiday that your plans can be cancelled or amended without any fees.

Although this is to protect the airline or accommodation you are staying in, peace of mind should be more of a priority, so if anything unexpected happens, you will not lose money.

With this in mind, this would also be a good opportunity to research the area you are visiting – ensuring it is in a convenient location with useful forms of transportation, no restrictions in place etc.

Ensure you have the right travel essentials

Whether you are travelling an hour from home or visiting a different country, you always need to remember the right travel essentials.

It may be a good idea to make a checklist in preparation for your packing. Don’t forget the useful technology; cameras and mobiles.

Saving, converting and protecting money

Money is a vital concern for your holiday, especially if you are travelling internationally. You want to make sure you have enough money and cash to survive the duration of your holiday, for food, emergencies etc. so saving up a little bit of cash a few months prior to your holiday will give you peace of mind and extra adventure.

If you’re travelling internationally, you will need to convert your money to the correct currency. To avoid being scammed or confused, finding a suitable app to help convert your currency is probably most suitable. You also want to make sure that any cash you have on you will be kept safe.

Appreciating restrictions

While the UK’s vaccine programme is underway, there are some countries that have not got one in place yet or are still under strict lockdown rules. We would suggest researching locations prior to booking your holiday. If you end up visiting an area with some lockdown rules, remember to pack your mask and other social distancing essentials to help prevent the spread.

Staying safe & healthy

Last, but certainly not least, make sure you keep yourself safe and healthy during your holiday. A holiday is a time to relax and get away from your daily responsibilities. The last thing anyone would want is to get sick.

There are plenty of ways you can prevent this, including:

Sun protection: wearing plenty of suncream when necessary
Hydration: drinking plenty of water
Layering up in cold or wet weather
Carrying antibacterial gel around you and regularly washing your hands
Consider what and where you eat
Getting plenty of rest

Swannells Transport – your haulage company in Cambridgeshire

Throughout the pandemic and the economic circumstances that have come with it, Swannells Transport has continued to travel and provide our haulage services in and around the Cambridgeshire area.

Keep safe out there! To enquire, please contact 01487 822065.

Building An Environmentally Friendly Logistics Industry

Local Buzz Marketing Latest news February 15, 2021eco-friendly, environment, fuel efficiency, goals, haulage, haulage companies in huntingdon, logistics chain 0 Comment

Nurturing an environmentally friendly, sustainable supply chain will benefit the environment and the future of the industry significantly. Across the entire national (and international) economy, the environment is a topic that has risen to the top of the agenda in recent years and become a priority for the majority of companies.

The logistics industry is undoubtedly one of the most significant contributors to environmental issues as a result of the high number of deliveries and distributions that take place every day. However, that is all beginning to change as eco-friendly becomes the new trend. Courtesy of Swannells Transport, here are a few ways your transportation and warehousing network can go green.

Set Goals

One of the most motivating ways to do anything, in fact, is to set goals. Ambitious goals will spark action within the workplace e.g. Nestlé has committed to cutting food loss and waste in half by 2030. Setting a goal such as improving fuel efficiency or recycling more etc. will drive initiative for all of the team involved and get things done.

Improving Fuel Efficiency

The amount of fuel we use and waste during a journey is a particular factor that has seriously affected the environment in recent years. Analysing driver performance and efficient journey preparation will provide an opportunity to resolve this issue. This includes identifying how drivers function, whether drivers are taking efficient routes and what are the changes that can be made to improve fuel efficiency within your supply chain.

A top tip would be to prepare for your journeys ahead. This includes having a full tank before departure, planning your route and anticipating traffic/roadworks, as well as bringing along any necessary food, drink or accessories that will prevent any detours or stops.

Reduce Wasted Driving Time

“Empty miles” is a term often used to describe a driver’s non-revenue or “deadhead” mileage. These refer to the miles used that are not earning money or pays a large cost to the economy… essentially wasted miles. It would be beneficial to implement an effective strategy that will reduce the number of empty miles used in the business e.g. limit number of stops or route planning.

Packaging

As well as switching up driving techniques, there are also several ways you can make a big difference in your warehouse space. One of the most praised changes is switching to eco-friendly packaging. This can include choosing locally sourced packaging rather than nationally shipped or reducing the amount of plastic or non-recyclable materials you use to pack.

Analyse Warehouse Space

Haulage companies in huntingdon — Haulage companies in Huntingdon – Analysing Your Warehouse Space

The space within your warehouse is genuinely important when it comes to design and management efficiency and there are plenty of ways you can adjust this without having to spend a penny. For example, organising your warehouse into a layout that cuts the distance traveled between actions, reducing both labour and energy costs.

In addition to this, a clean and systematic layout allows many warehousing teams to work quicker and more sensibly, as well as within a smaller facility, or avoid expanding.

A Less Wasteful Warehouse System

A less wasteful warehouse will help reduce the amount of waste that can be problematic to the environment. Proper disposal and recycling within the supply chain will improve resourcefulness and minimise the amount of wasted resources overall. Be sure to educate all warehouse (and driver) staff of these new rules for sustainability.

Swannells Transport – haulage companies in Huntingdon

Here at Swannells Transport, we are aware and fully comprehend the seriousness of improving our carbon footprint and economical value within the industry. However, many businesses searching for a haulage companies in Huntingdon will often find us. We have built an enviable reputation as a warehousing and distribution company you can trust to provide a high quality, supportive service. Give us a call today on 01487 822065.

It’s National Lorry Week!

Local Buzz Marketing Latest news November 18, 2020haulage, industry news, lorry, national lorry week 0 Comment

Every year, National Lorry Week celebrates the UK’s fifth-largest industry, the road transport industry. This vital and often-overlooked role is responsible for transporting and delivering 98% of our essential consumer goods across the nation, including food and medicine – so it deserves a little celebration.

Considering the dent Coronavirus has had on the economy, it’s been amazing to be part of an industry that has continued to thrive their workload and be the backbone of the nation so desperately needed. That’s why the sixth National Lorry Week is rumoured to become bigger and better the ever before.

Running from 16th-22nd November, well-known organisations including National Lorry Week and the Road Haulage Association (RHA) have launched a variety of activities this year, from careers to success stories, to help encourage young people and those who may be considering joining the next generation of drivers, managers, and technicians.

1 in 12 of the UK’s workforce are involved in logistics. With hundreds of logistic companies and organisations, there are thousands of different career paths and responsibilities that will support the process.

For the next 5 days, there will be a variety of stories available on National Lorry Week, from people who have successfully made a career in the sector. Their stories talk about their journeys, and what it means to work such a vital role.

In addition to this, to educate young children on the industry that fills the shop’s shelves and keeps the country from struggling, the RHA is hosting three competitions for Nurseries, Primary Schools, and Secondary Schools across the nation – with opportunities to win up to £1000 worth of Amazon vouchers for the school.

Europe’s largest truck wash, Lymm Truckwash, has partnered with the RHA to hold an open day on Thursday 19th November, where a range of companies including D4Drivers, Snap, and Maple Fleet, will be on-site to offer free industry advice and goodie bags!

With so much on offer this week, National Lorry Week is an exciting time of year for the sector and the perfect opportunity for people to find out more about the road transport industry.

Thank you for reading.

What Can Haulage Companies Do To Reduce Their Carbon Footprint?

Local Buzz Marketing Uncategorized October 27, 2020 0 Comment

As the years go by, there is an increasing need for every business and organisation to be more considerate of their carbon footprint every day. The transportation industry is undoubtedly the reason why fuel consumption in the country is so high, but we are also responsible for over 80% of all goods transported across the country and overseas, so the industry and workload is vital for the economy.

Across all sectors nationwide, a review of existing processes and systems is underway to identify the strengths and weaknesses, and any opportunities to minimise these impacts at a significant rate. Asa Haulage company in Cambridgeshire, we understand that achieving this will be a huge step in support for not only the UK but the world’s climate targets in creating a brighter future and less-damaged environment for generations to come.

Improving sustainability standards within the transportation industry will involve important evolution in how communities move around, how products are transported, and how future road routes are designed. But there are also plenty of things HGV drivers individually can do to reduce their company’s carbon footprint.

1. Walk or bike to work

While you can’t exactly avoid these long journeys in your HGV, as it is your job and it is the most effective way of transporting goods to short and long distances, you definitely can adjust your method of transportation on getting to work and back. If you live a reasonable distance from your workplace, biking and walking are healthy, eco-friendly alternatives. Don’t forget… Every little helps!

Walking or Biking to Work: Reducing our Carbon Footprint as a Haulage company in Cambridgeshire

2. Don’t run on empty

It is estimated that around a third of HGVs run empty during their journey. This occurs more frequently on the vehicle’s journey home, as most drivers tend to fill up before or during the journey ahead, so the return leg of the journey is essentially an empty trip – increasing in carbon footprint and wasting time, money, and fuel.

In addition to this, due to the increasing expenses of running this type of business, there is an escalating pressure for haulage companies to minimise costs by day. And it’s safe to say, HGVs running on empty doesn’t contribute to that nicely. Make sure your vehicle has a reasonable amount of petrol throughout the whole trip – making use of this can help cut out millions of miles of journeys with empty vehicles, reducing your carbon footprint and improving costs, too.

3. Watch your speed limit

This goes hand in hand with being safe on the road, in general, but one of the simplest and easiest ways to help reduce your carbon footprint is to adapt an effective driving habit of watching your speed limit. The more you put your foot down, the harder it will be to avoid emitting extra CO2 into the atmosphere.

4. Recycle rubbish

Long journeys will definitely involve some snacks and drinks on the way. It keeps drivers energised and motivated throughout the day. However, eating and drinking in your vehicle will inevitably cause a build-up of rubbish, especially if you don’t have your own little bin.

As this is your job, the presentation of your vehicle will represent your company, so it’s important it is clean and free from rubbish. When disregarding your plastic bottles and food wrappers, be sure to dispose of them appropriately using bins and recycling sources.

5. Plan your routes to minimise driving time

Planning your route before leaving for your journey will not only keep you organised, but it will also save time and petrol. Getting lost is also very irritating! If you take a wrong turn, come across a big traffic jam, or a road closure, you are forced to turn around and find a different route to make your delivery on time.

Relevantly, this extra driving time will increase the fuel consumption of your journey. Perhaps not a lot, but enough to produce more greenhouse gases. And now more than ever, creating sustainable transport is vital for the industry.

Swannells Transport: Haulage Company in Cambridgeshire (01487 822065)

COVID-19: Prioritising your health as an HGV Driver

Local Buzz Marketing Latest news September 9, 2020coronavirus, health, HGV driver, prioritise 0 Comment

As the Coronavirus pandemic continues to affect day-to-day lives worldwide, health and safety has became an even bigger priority than before. For businesses, keeping the environment clean and social distance secure is the primary focus, to ensure everyone is kept safe when visiting and working.

As individuals, maintaining good health should always be important for us, but prioritising it when balancing your work and social life should always be your main aim. Below are a few ways drivers can keep clean and safe during these tough times.

1. Disinfect your vehicle

In order to control the spread of germs, it’s important you keep your “working environment” clean. Germs live on skin, clothes, and most surfaces, so be sure to regularly wipe down your seats, steering wheel, and dashboard. Be aware of your hygiene when you visit petrol stations, too. Recent findings from Admiral have found 41% of UK road users say they are scared about catching the virus from using fuel pumps. After touching the petrol pump, most drivers return to their vehicles and contaminate items in their vehicles. Think about how often you clean and disinfect your vehicle?

2. Keep hand sanitiser and wipes handy

Health — Prioritising your health – Hand sanitiser

Having spare hand sanitiser and wipes in your vehicle will be super handy for desperate times you need to clean your hands or spillages. This will be particularly good if you make regular stops, handle loads, and interact with other individuals throughout your daily routine.

3. Watch what you eat

The food and liquid you ingest every day has a huge impact on your energy, emotional and physical levels. It fuels our body, keeping us motivated and happy throughout the day. However, poor eating habits have been proven to impact driver performance, so it’s vital you stick to a healthy diet plan. We’re not suggesting never touching a takeaway again (who could possibly do that?), but simply prioritising your food plan by swapping out fizzy drinks for water, preparing lunch in advance, and having healthy snacks available rather than your sneaky stash of chocolates – will definitely keep you feeling healthy and energised for the workday ahead.

4. Keep updated with Coronavirus hotspots

As an HGV driver, it’s highly likely you will be traveling to various cities and counties on a regular basis. Stopping for regular breaks and deliveries, it’s safe to say you will be interacting with a lot of different places and people. As a result, during these uncertain times, it would be a really good idea to keep yourself updated with the coronavirus hotspots.

5. Obtain an adequate sleep schedule

When driving on a road, especially in a dangerous, heavy vehicle full of goods, it’s pivotal you feel in a healthy, rested state to make the journey safely. Tiredness impairs driving performance more than anything else, as it reduces reaction time, alertness, and concentration, putting you, passengers, and other drivers close by inconsiderate danger. There are plenty of ways you can avoid the risk of an accident:

Make sure to have a good, early night rest before the day of the journey.
Change drivers if possible and if the passenger is feeling alert themselves.
Make a stop for food, caffeine, or to rest.

Swannells Transport – Haulage Company in Cambridgeshire.

Here at Swannells Transport, as well as providing a quality service in haulage and warehousing, our main focus is keeping our drivers and team safe during these tough times. For more information, please contact us on 01487 822065.