/ By Admin / Warehouse/ • • / 0 Comments

Raising productivity & morale in the warehouse

It’s a well-known fact that happy and motivated workers produce better results. A recent study found that happier workers were 12% more productive than their counterparts. It underlines staff morale and wellbeing is not just an HR goal: it’s fundamental to business performance levels.

The logistics sector employs millions of workers around the world and must actively manage morale to ensure it attracts and retains the best employees. The warehouse is a key focus here, and traditionally may not be seen as the happiest of working environments. But warehouse managers do now have the tools to keep workers motivated, in both what they are doing and how they are doing it, without even physically being there.

The concept of talking to a machine may not sound like a great motivator, but voice technology has been found to have positive effects on warehouse workers’ worklife balance and overall wellbeing. How? Through providing clear guidance and direction over the course of the shift, and enabling greater efficiency. Through voice-directed work, warehouse staff use small belt-worn portable devices and headsets, leaving them hands-free and eyes-free, focused on the task at hand.

Instructions from the warehouse management system are delivered through the headset, one simple command at a time. The picker confirms each instruction verbally and the system is updated in real time. As instructions are given on an as-needed basis, pickers can concentrate on single actions without distraction or delay, thereby reducing errors.

Compared to manual processes, which involve checking lists or screens while simultaneously trying to carry out high volumes of goods without making mistakes, a great deal of the stress associated with warehouse picking can also be removed.

The result? Businesses adopting voice have seen an average increase of 20% in worker productivity compared with previous systems. At the same time, accuracy rates have risen up to 99,98%, critical when considering that the cost of returning an incorrect item is up to five times as much as processing a new sale.

 

/ By Admin / Jobs/ • • / 0 Comments

Premium Express Way goes into administration

Seafield Logistics has gone into administration and two of its operational units have been sold.

David Riley, Les Ross and Joe McLean of Grant Thornton UK LLP were appointed joint administrators of Seafield Logistics Limited on 11 June.

Tthe bulk powder transport business has been sold to Abbey Logistics, while the warehousing business based at Winsford has been sold to Lomas Distribution.

David Riley said: “The stakeholders of Seafield Logistics have experienced uncertainty for some time and the two sales provide a positive outcome. We are delighted that we have been able to secure in excess of 110 jobs as well as provide continuity to the customers.”

Abbey Logistics Group is taking over the Winsford, Middlewich and Immingham bulk powder transport operations, increasing its fleet by 47 trucks and 57 powder tanks. This takes its total powder fleet to 104 trucks and 129 tankers.

Steve Granite, managing director at Abbey, said: “We are extremely pleased to have secured this deal to acquire certain assets of Seafield Logistics which is a significant step forward for our bulk powder division. We entered this market in 2011 with the acquisition of RH Stevens, we organically grew that business by 120 per cent in 3 years and this latest acquisition will take that growth to 320 per cent in 4 years.

The acquisition is expected to add some £6m revenue taking Abbey’s turnover to an expected £42m for the year ending June 2015.

Seafield had sales of £41.3 million for the 18 months to 31st December 2012, the last year for which accounts are available. However, it produced a loss for the period of £395,000.

Only last month, Tropicana, the fruit juice business which is part of Pepsico, renewed its logistics contract with Seafield Aylesham. Other customers include: TATA Chemicals, retailer Wilkinsons, and Premier Foods.

/ By Admin / Transport/ • • / 0 Comments

Transport managers grow scarce

Welcome to the Logistics Job Shop Newsletter; your need-to-know digest and analysis of the events of the past fortnight in the road transport industry.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Around 34% of transport managers intend to quit within five years, a new survey from the FTA has found. The figure, based on data collected from 328 transport managers, is a significant increase compared with last year’s response to the same question, when 23% of the participants stated their intention to leave within the time period.

UK-registered goods vehicles’ share of the international road freight market has fallen to a fresh low of just 13% (2014: 15%, new figures from the DfT have shown. In the year to the end of June, there were 2.3 million journeys recorded from the UK to mainland Europe by powered goods vehicles – up 10% on the previous 12 months. Of these, UK-registered vehicles accounted for just 304,000 trips – down 4% – while foreign registered vehicles’ share surged 12%.

Transport for the North (TfN) is to create a dedicated freight and logistics strategy in a bid to boost freight activity and job opportunities in the north of England. TfN, the body formed of stakeholders and authorities from a selection of northern cities as part of the Government’s Northern Powerhouse agenda, has appointed consultancy firms Mott Macdonald and MDS Transmodal to oversee the development of the freight and logistics strategy.

Are you looking for the best jobs in driving, distribution and warehousing? Why not use Commercial Motor Jobs http://www.commercialmotorjobs.com/ , powered by Logistics Job Shop , to reach thousands of skilled professionals.

OPERATOR NEWS 

DHL Supply Chain has won a two year extension to its NHS Supply Chain contract on the understanding it will deliver another £150m of savings over the period and operate in a more transparent manner. The NHS awarded the two year extension to DHL after an NHS review panel rejected the option of extending the contract by five years.

XPO Logistics (formerly Norbert Dentressangle) has extended the reach of Radius Systems’ supply chain to include daily distribution service to Ireland and Northern Ireland, after it signed a five year contract with the piping manufacturer earlier this year. The process will increase the delivery frequency of pipe fittings from twice weekly to daily. Through its next-day pallet network, XPO has expanded its existing solution to include direct deliveries into Belfast and Dublin within 48 hours.

A two year deal between Saint-Gobain Isover and Bibby Distribution will extend a partnership that has run since October 2010, with new measures to be put in place to further increase safety,

sustainability and efficiency. Saint-Gobain Group’s insulation division Isover will utilise Bibby for a further two years to provide distribution for their sustainable building and technical insulation materials.

Are you looking for the best jobs in logistics, freight forwarding, distribution and transport? Go to Commercial Motor Jobs http://www.commercialmotorjobs.com/, powered by Logistics Job Shop, for the very latest roles

PEOPLE NEWS

Pall-Ex has appointed Mark Tapper as its group operations director, less than a year after predecessor Kevin Morley was placed in an equivalent position. Tapper’s role incorporates the former UK operations director position, which was held by Morley until earlier this year when he departed just six months after he’d started. Morley was the first senior staff member appointed by former group MD Cris Stephenson, who took the role in June 2014. Stephenson was then replaced by former Palletline MD Kevin Buchanan in November of that year.

Are you looking for a senior role in the logistics industry? You can find the best senior and management positions on Commercial Motor Jobs http://www.commercialmotorjobs.com/ , powered by Logistics Job Shop.

/ By Admin / Logistics • Tip & Trick/ • • • / 0 Comments

How do recruit specialist logistics talent?

Looking to recruit a specific type of candidate for your logistics business? Need someone with unique or specialist qualifications or require distinct professional credentials?

Find out why the Logistics Job Shop has been helping employers and recruiters successfully hire expert logistics candidates for the freight, road transport, warehouse,and distribution sectors.

Over the last 10 years, the Logistics Job Shop has posted 400,000 plus jobs in logistics, warehousing, freight and distribution. Why is this? Our independent research has found that niche online job boards – like the Logistics Job Shop –  attract top talent from the relevant sectors and disciplines, giving you quality candidates with the experience or interest from a specific industry.

With our indepth logistics industry knowledge, our experienced Logistics Job Shop team has successfully helped recruit candidates specifically looking for careers in logistics for UK logistics employers – from HGV drivers and warehouse operatives to transport managers and logistics manager jobs.

Our team have found that up to 62% of open logistics jobs are posted to niche online job sites like the Logistics Job Shop. Posting logistics jobs on niche recruitment sites are a good way to target whatever type of talent recruiters are looking for. We’ve placed and helped the largest logistics employers in the UK – as well as logistics SMEs and logistics owner operators – find the perfect candidate from over 90,000 candidate CVs and resumes that we hold on our dedicated Logitics Job Shop database.

Why should I post a logistics and transport job vacancy on the Logistics Job Shop?

Experience and testimonials from satisified clients tell us that the best job search sites target niche communities and publications. Logistics employers and logistics employers also tell us that our online recruitment features are very easy to use and allow them to:

  • Post an online logistics job vacancy – and have access to our partner publications and sites
  • Easily manage candidate applications
  • Successfully hire an experienced candidate
  • Fill their logistics job vacancy

Why is the Logsitics Job Shop successful?

The Logistics Job Shop achieves success through highly targeted marketing through our online job site, posting jobs on social media and effectively using email marketing to raise awareness and target candidates our team feel ate most suitable for your logistics job vacancy.

At the same time, candidates can set up logistics job alerts that are posted to their smartphones, tablets and PCs to ensure they do not miss out on the very best logistics jobs in the UK. Through the quality of our service, the Logistics Job Shop is able to attract the very best logistics, warehousing and freight distribution talent and professional in the UK.

Online logistics jobs – find the most suitable candidates looking for careers in logistics, tpl, distribution, warehouse and supply chain at the Logistics Job Shop.

The Logistics Job Shop has partnered with Road Transport Media to ensure that your job vacancy is viewed by arguably the largest logistics, driver and warehouse audience in the UK and to can help your HR and recruitment team find the best candidate for your logistics job or logistics career.

Based in Bristol and with a background in the logistics industry, our dedicated sales and customer service team at the Logistics Job Shop help post, find and fill logistics sector specific jobs across the UK. We also offer:

  • Logistics Job Posting Packages
  • Fixed Fee Logistics Resourcing Services
  • Executive Logistics Recruiting Solutions

Contact our Sales and Customer Service team to find out more about our logistics job posting packages on 0117 985 9119 or 07500 864 399.

/ By Admin / Transport/ • • / 0 Comments

Transport select committee review of LT

Many of you will be aware that the Transport Select Committee is conducting an inquiry into the skills and workforce planning of the road haulage sector.  In particular the Committee is investigating what action Government has taken to address concerns about a lack of skilled drivers in the Logistics Sector and in turn consider how effective that response has been.

The deadline for written submissions was 19 October 2015,  so we should expect the open sessions to begin in the New Year.

The team at Logistics Job Shop was delighted to learn of the intention to investigate this issue for several reasons.

When the Committee set out the scope of its inquiry it showed a perception of professional drivers which has been and continues to be sadly lacking.  It clearly talks about skilled drivers.

Those of us in the Logistics Sector know this is exactly what our drivers are.  Skilled professionals, frequently responsible on a daily basis for cargos and machinery equivalent in value to an average house.  And we face new challenges on a daily basis

Drivers literally deliver our way of life and they do so, almost always, in an efficient, safe and timely manner.

But being a professional driver isn’t easy.  It is a skilled occupation.  Many people probably have a memory of a few driving lessons at 17 and consequently think that becoming a professional can’t be much harder!  Do they watch the Rugby World Cup and think that because they played at school they could now take on Sam Warburton or Chris Robshaw?  Of course not.  And the perception that ours is anything other than a highly skilled occupation goes against what those of us in the sector know and appreciate.

But most people will accept that when they first passed their test they weren’t half the driver they are now.  they might have been good enough to pass the test, but experience, hours on the road has improved their skills to a much higher level.  If you don’t believe me, try and insure your 18 year old son on your car!  I bet some of you are thinking that a bus pass might be a better option!

But remember that this investigation by the Select Committee of course comes  only two months after the decision by the Department for Innovation and Skills (BIS) not to approve the Apprenticeship in LGV Driving.

Working in recruitment, the team at Logistics Job Shop know that employers are working hard to find good quality drivers.  It our daily job to help them.  If we can help you find your next role, or help you to recruit the right people contact our Sales Team on 0117 9859119 or 07500 864 399 now.

/ By Admin / Warehouse/ • • / 0 Comments

Huge warehouse planned in yorkshire

A major new distribution warehouse is to be built at Thorp Arch Estate, near Wetherby, after a decision by national drinks distributor, Matthew Clark Wholesale Ltd, to relocate there.

Building work will start on the 62,925 sq ft purpose-built facility in January with completion during early summer 2016 after the plan was backed by Leeds City Council planners this month.

Matthew Clark Wholesale Ltd, which distributes alcoholic and soft drinks to thousands of pubs, hotels, clubs and restaurants throughout the North, is to move its Yorkshire operation from Derwent Valley Industrial Estate, Dunnington, near York, where it has been based for more than 15 years.

Tenders for the building work, in which property and construction consultants, LHL Group, York, will be employer’s agent, have been issued and the appointment of a contractor will be announced soon.

Thorp Arch Estate, a 385-acre former Royal Ordinance wartime munitions factory, has demolished three former units, which had a combined area of 93, 614 sq ft, to make way for the new warehouse.

Director of Wharfedale Property Management, which manages the estate for owner, Rockspring Hanover Property Unit Trust, Tim Munns, says: “Attracting Matthew Clark Wholesale Ltd is another significant coup for Thorp Arch Estate as we continue to develop one of the most dynamic business communities in Yorkshire.

“As with many of our tenants, Matthew Clark has chosen to relocate to Thorp Arch Estate due to our proximity to the A1 and national motorway network. This is one of the most significant industrial property deals in Yorkshire this year and reinforces the estate’s ideal location equidistant between Leeds, York and Harrogate.”

Matthew Clark’s regional managing director, Ian Gordon, says: “I’m delighted to be relocating our regional operations to this new, purpose-built facility.  Our business has grown dramatically during the past few years which has meant that we are unable to continue to operate from our existing site.

“Our new warehouse will enable us to continue to offer our customers industry leading service and the best selection of our award-winning range of drinks.  This is a very exciting time for the Matthew Clark business and this expansion is the result of a continuing successful collaboration between our suppliers, employees and customers.  This new development paves the way for the next phase of growth of the Matthew Clark business.”

The two-million sq ft Thorp Arch Estate is base for a diverse range of more than 140 businesses, from start-ups to large Plcs, operating in local, national and international markets and employing more than 1,800 people. Thorp Arch Retail Park, which forms part of the estate, was the first out-of-town shopping centre in the country when it opened in 1959 and is complemented by a variety of leisure facilities.

/ By Admin / Delivery • Shipping/ / 0 Comments

Why choose our warehousing service?

Our warehousing services are known nationwide to be one of the most reliable, safe and affordable, because we take pride in delivering the best of warehousing services, at the most reasonable prices. Our own warehouses, as well as our partner’s warehouses are located at strategic locations to ensure that there is no additional cost you need to bear during and before transport of freight.

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/ By Admin / Cargo • Shipping/ / 0 Comments

Top benefits of hiring our trucking service

Moving freight is a tough task that needs experience and expertise, because there is a lot at stack. Only the deliverables are not at stack here, but the commitment and trust. And, any mishap here can lead to the company having a bad market reputation, and would certainly impact the customer satisfaction it provides negatively.

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/ By Admin / Cargo • International/ / 0 Comments

Logistic service providers would understand your business

Lowering costs and outsourcing logistics would lead to lowering the overhead costs associated with maintaining a fleet of carriers, manpower on company’s payroll, warehousing maintenance and related taxes, processing charges, equipment costs, cross docking expenses, and so on. With such load taken off the shoulder of the company, it can focus on other important aspects of the business and provide better products and services to end users.

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