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Automotive Articles and Ezines
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251. Designer Services: English Heritage's Filling Stations
February 21, 2019
When is a petrol station not a petrol station? When it’s the Red Hill filling station in Leicestershire! If you travel via the A6 at Loughborough Road to drop off goods or pick up return loads you may be familiar with this space age looking road stop, but what you might not know is that it holds a pretty special honour. And it’s not the only one…
English Heritage on Display
In 2012, two filling stations in the UK – the one Red Hill and one at Markham Moor in Nottinghamshire – were listed as significant buildings and put under the protection of English Heritage. It may seem a little s... (read more)
Author: Laura Jeeves
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252. Could Potholes Become a Thing of the Past?
February 20, 2019
One of the biggest problems drivers face when completing courier jobs is potholes. At their worst, these serious defects on the road surface can be impossible to predict and very difficult to avoid.
But all that could be about to change. Under pressure from both the transport industry and ordinary drivers, the government is trialling new techniques to make potholes a thing of the past. Read on to find out more.
The Problem
Most road users have experienced trouble due to poor surfaces at some point in the past. But the sheer scale of the problem might still be surprising. ... (read more)
Author: Laura Jeeves
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253. Ice, Ice, Baby: Top Tips for Safe Driving on Icy Roads
February 20, 2019
As anyone in the transport industry knows, driving in poor weather can be anything from annoying to downright dangerous. The standard advice to stay off the roads unless your journey is absolutely necessary just doesn’t work for those doing courier work. Staying at home means not getting paid so it’s simply not an option.
Driving on icy roads is a necessary evil, then. But that doesn’t mean it has to be dangerous. Follow these top tips and you should be able to complete your deliveries safely all year round.
Black Ice
Before we get into our top tips, it’s worth focusing on th... (read more)
Author: Laura Jeeves
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254. Carrying a Bigger Payload? Give Yourself a Bigger Braking Distance
February 20, 2019
Over time, anyone working as an owner driver in the delivery industry becomes intimately acquainted with their van. You know how it handles, you learn its capabilities and you get an understanding of how it brakes, corners and accelerates. But, here’s a million-pound question for you: did you know that having a heavier load in the back affects braking distances? In theory, for the 50% of you who scoffed and said ‘well of course I knew that’, the other 50% did a bit of a double take and said ‘whaaat?’. That’s what the results of a survey carried out by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles found... (read more)
Author: Laura Jeeves
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255. The Proof is in the Pudding: Fleet Managers Are Buying EVs
February 20, 2019
Over the past few years, there’s been so much hype and genuine innovation surrounding the advent of electric vehicles (EVs), and it’s left more than a few heads (and tyres) spinning in the delivery industry. In fact, recent figures from manufacturer Kia Motors UK show that the tide has definitely turned, and switching to electric is now, if not quite the norm, certainly well on its way to being so.
Electric Statistics
According to Kia’s 2019 Fleet Green Perspectives Report, there’s been an increase of 27% in the uptake of EV vehicles in UK fleets in the past year. Of the 150 fleet ma... (read more)
Author: Laura Jeeves
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256. Keeping Your Drivers Fit for the Job
February 20, 2019
If you’re a fleet manager, part of your role is ensuring the company’s biggest assets (the vehicles) are in perfect working order. That means regular maintenance checks, daily walk-arounds and investment in upgrades. But reverse back one step, because actually, a transport company has a whole lot of other assets equally important to the company: their people. And as a boss, you’re ultimately responsible for them.
For a courier driver, staying safe and productive on the job depends not only on their van, but also on their mental and physical health. Fatigue is the biggest cause of road-r... (read more)
Author: Laura Jeeves
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257. Smaller Fleet Operators' Growing Interest in Gas
February 18, 2019
If you’re the manager of a smaller haulage company, I’ve got one question for you: how do you fuel your fleet? In the past, the answer was obvious – diesel was the only way to go. Today, however, that’s not necessarily the case. Biomethane has become increasingly popular over time for a variety of reasons. Read on for more information as to why those in the logistics industry are gassing up the idea of running solely on gas.
The Small Haulage Company and the Benefits of Switching to Gas
The push to go green has done nothing but increase, especially over the past few years, and this i... (read more)
Author: Laura Jeeves
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258. Make Delivery Work Delicious and Low Calorie with Chippenham Pit Stop's New Breakfast Choice
February 15, 2019
Nothing works up an appetite like delivery work – after all, being a haulier is a hard (and hungry!) job. However, when you’re on the road for hours, and sometimes even days at a time, it can be hard to find the time and opportunity to eat healthily, especially when the only chance you have to fill up your stomach is when you’re filling up your tank at a petrol station… and the snacks they sell there are not known for being the best for you.
Luckily, Chippenham Pit Stop has chipped in to save the day with their new meal deals and extended menu. Read on to see how their full English will k... (read more)
Author: Laura Jeeves
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259. Look After Your Van: Driving Habits to Avoid
February 15, 2019
If you’re in the business of delivery work, or indeed are an owner driver with your own courier vehicle, chances are you’ll want to look after your van, either for the company’s sake or to avoid repair costs coming out of your own pocket.
Though vehicle maintenance can often seem like common sense, there are a few driving habits that motorists often adopt that can seriously damage a van over time. If you’re looking to change the way you handle your precious delivery vehicle, read on for some helpful advice. Avoid these common habits and you’ll find it a lot easier to keep your van in goo... (read more)
Author: Laura Jeeves
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260. Want to Save Money on Fleet Insurance? Here's How
February 15, 2019
Whether you’re well experienced in the courier industry or a complete newbie, it should come as no surprise that insurance can be one of the biggest costs in the business. Happily, it’s also one of the easiest to save on. While of course you’d never want to go cheap and leave yourself or any employees unprotected, there are plenty of tips that can help lower your premiums. And in doing so, you save, insurers are less likely to have to pay out and drivers are safer.
Read on to find out how to secure these benefits for your firm.
Focus on Data
Before taking any action, you sh... (read more)
Author: Laura Jeeves
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261. Southampton Council Says ‘No' to the CAZ and ‘Yes' to Other Green Alternatives
February 14, 2019
If you work in the haulage industry, you’d have to have been living with your head under a rock not to notice the push to go green. The environment is at the forefront of many people’s minds (and rightly so) and more and more individuals and businesses are becoming conscious of their carbon footprints.
However, despite the fact that this is a positive mind set, and that cleaning up Mother Earth is an admirable feat we are undertaking, oftentimes it seems as though the brunt of this burden tends to fall on the shoulders of those whose careers are in haulage. Although it’s understandable th... (read more)
Author: Laura Jeeves
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262. Knowing These Warning Signs Will Tell You When You Need to Visit a Mechanic
February 14, 2019
A serious mechanical fault can be one of the biggest problems transport industry workers have to deal with. Often, when your van is in for unexpected repairs, you simply can’t work and those lucrative courier loads will just go to other drivers. And, if the problem persists, clients may look for another company for their jobs. For these reasons, it’s crucial that you know the warning signs to look out for in order to catch any issues before they become debilitating.
Of course, modern vehicles give a lot of information on their performance, and key indicators like oil levels, fuel consump... (read more)
Author: Laura Jeeves
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263. The Benefits of Ute Storage Drawers
February 07, 2019
Believe it or not, some Tradies are not yet aware of the benefits that a good set of ute storage drawers provide. Having them and keeping them organised might seem like a bit of a hassle at first, but they can really provide some major aid. Who wouldn’t want a ute that could be set up for work, camping, and road trips all at the same time!
With a ute drawer system that is a possibility.
First, the drawers add an extra level of protection for your equipment; protection not just from theft, but also from bumps, bruises, and entanglements during long off-road drives. No one likes havin... (read more)
Author: Edmund Brunetti
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264. Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu felicitates Dr. Sohini Sastri
January 31, 2019
For immediate release
New Delhi, January 31, 2019: The Hon’ble Vice-President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu recently felicitated Dr. Sohini Sastri, a renowned social worker from Kolkataat the Champions of Change Award ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. Dr. Sastri was chosenfor this award due to her various social work initiatives and excellence in other fields. Dr. Sastri is a renowned astrologer by profession.
The awardees were selected by a jury headed by Mr. K.G. Balakrishnan, former Chief Justice of India. The jury comprised such prominent personalities from various field... (read more)
Author: Lein West
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265. How to be a Fantastic Fleet Manager
January 28, 2019
Effectiveness in management is all about maximising potential. Haulage companies, like firms in other sectors, have a lot of areas in which good management can make a major difference. From getting the best performance data to keeping up to date on technological changes, these tips will help you be the best fleet manager you can be.
Set Goals
It’s almost impossible to get where you need to go without some idea of the best route to get there. For this reason, it’s imperative to set clear goals for employees at all levels.
But how do we set goals? One especially helpful tip is ... (read more)
Author: Laura Jeeves
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266. Top Tips for How to Banish Bad Driving
January 28, 2019
Bad driving is the bane of anyone involved in haulage work. And while most drivers are professional and safe on the road, it only takes one or two to rack up hefty costs to a company’s funds and reputation.
Luckily, there are ways to solve the problem, and managers can play a crucial role in maintaining high standards. The following tips offer a helpful guide on how you can banish bad driving for good within your firm.
The Risks
Recent surveys show as many as 87% of drivers engage in at least one risky behaviour in a month. This can mean anything from driving aggressively or... (read more)
Author: Laura Jeeves
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267. How Fleet Managers Can Improve Fleet Maintenance
January 28, 2019
Fleet maintenance is one of the largest expenses in the transport industry, and it’s easy to see why: if your vehicles aren’t running, they aren’t making a profit. You can’t complete haulage jobs on time and reliably without a well maintained fleet.
It’s also crucial to stay on top of maintenance. The upfront costs of regular servicing are nothing compared to the hit you’ll take if you wait until repairs are desperately needed. Read on for some tips on how to make sure your fleet is always ready to run smoothly.
Scheduling
There’s a serious risk of managers becoming reactive w... (read more)
Author: Laura Jeeves
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268. The Advantages of Outsourcing your Fleet Maintenance
January 28, 2019
More and more haulage companies are outsourcing fleet maintenance, taking advantage of savings and often getting a more efficient, flexible service. Different approaches are more appropriate for different firms, of course, but all managers should look into the concept of outsourcing – even if in-house maintenance works for your business, you might benefit from mixing and matching.
Find out more about the benefits of outsourcing.
Flexibility
Maintenance needs vary over time. Even with regular checkups, many firms experience long stretches of quiet along with flurries of activi... (read more)
Author: Laura Jeeves
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269. Prevent Occupational Road Accidents with RoSPA's Training Course
January 24, 2019
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, or RoSPA for short, plays a vital role in UK health and safety. Part of their work involves supporting organisations, businesses and other groups to become safer and healthier, including helping businesses to enhance the measures they have in place to protect their workers.
The occupational safety department at RoSPA provides a wealth of information and advice regarding good practice in the workplace, and can guide businesses and organisations through the process of improving the ways they can help prevent accidents.
For anyone in ... (read more)
Author: Laura Jeeves
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270. Keeping Fit: How to Avoid Work Injuries as an Owner Driver
January 24, 2019
Maintaining healthy habits can lead to more productive work and a longer career. Luckily, there a few simple steps that owner drivers can take to protect themselves from injury and keep fit. These few precautionary measures pay a big dividend over the course of a driver’s career, especially if they often work in poor weather or transport lots of heavy cargo.
Preparing the Vehicle
On the road, anything can happen. That’s why safety starts before even leaving the parking area. It’s always a good idea for an owner driver to make sure that their vehicle is in good working condition bef... (read more)
Author: Laura Jeeves
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271. Could You Already Be an Owner Driver?
January 24, 2019
Drive a lot for work? You may already qualify as a courier and not even know it! It used to be that only private delivery companies could get hired for jobs delivering parcels and packages all around the country. But not anymore. These days, private owner drivers are realising that they can put their time on the road to good use. If you’re already driving, why not get paid for it?
Earn Extra Money through the Work You Already Do
One of the most convenient things about being an owner driver is that it takes advantage of the work you’re already doing. Driving to Leeds for a job in the... (read more)
Author: Laura Jeeves
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272. Is Smart Traffic the Answer to Congested Commutes?
January 24, 2019
Congested and time consuming commutes can be a real source of frustration when you’re trying to complete a packed day’s worth of courier jobs. Smart traffic has been suggested as a solution to this issue, with those who support the idea pointing to how it could reduce congestion during the busiest hours of the day.
For couriers, reduced congestion time would mean shorter delivery times and, with that, a more efficient and productive working day. Another benefit of reduced congestion would be that drivers wouldn’t have to spend as much time sitting stationary for long periods on their cou... (read more)
Author: Laura Jeeves
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273. Fingerprint Technology: What Is It and Will It Enter the Courier Network?
January 24, 2019
Whilst fingerprint technology is currently only available in cars, there is no reason to say that this kind of technology won’t be used throughout the delivery industry sooner rather than later. It is something that could transform the way in which a courier network operates on a day-to-day basis.
Here’s how the future may be closer than you think.
Hyundai Santa Fe
At present, fingerprint unlock and start technology is only available in the Hyundai Santa Fe car. At the touch of the driver’s fingerprint, this car will unlock and start immediately, without the need for a traditio... (read more)
Author: Laura Jeeves
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274. Could Singles Day Come to the UK?
January 24, 2019
In China, Singles Day is a shopping event like no other. In 2018, shoppers spent $30.8 billion on a single Sunday, far eclipsing comparable buying frenzies elsewhere around the world. If it were to come to the UK, Singles Day could mean a whole lot of business for owner drivers making deliveries all across the country. What Is Singles Day?
Think of it like the opposite of Valentine’s. For more than a decade, China has celebrated the 11th November as an opportunity for people not in a relationship to go mad. You’ll notice that the date in numerals is 11-11, or several ones in a row. T... (read more)
Author: Laura Jeeves
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275. How to See the Unseen: Nissan's New I2V Technology Unveiled
January 24, 2019
Anyone who works haulage jobs knows that your eyes are your most important tool on the job – and hauliers are known for their eagle eyesight. After all, when you drive for a living you become accustomed to keeping a keen lookout for a number of things at once, so much so that it becomes second nature to you. You know you constantly need to be aware of other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, animals who may have accidentally wandered onto the motorway, debris in the road, accidents, ambulances… the list goes on and on.
However, as much as you might like to, you can’t see what isn’t in your l... (read more)
Author: Laura Jeeves
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