Delivering the Goods
I n recent years the industry has faced a barrage of new legislation and regulations, it has also had to face the challenge of its own somewhat negative public image, a point that James Mainwaring, Director of Kersey Freight agrees needs to be contested: “The public perception of our industry isn’t the best, yet we have been making huge advances in the cleanliness and efficiency of our vehicles, and our drivers are as professional as the machinery operators from any other sector. We pride ourselves on running some of the cleanest and tidiest vehicles on the road, all of which conform to the EU Euro VI efficiency and emissions criteria and we work hard to ensure they are maintained to the highest standards.” New technology is being introduced all the time to improve conditions for drivers, connecting them to the wider workforce and giving them the tools they need to drive safely and comfortably at all times. Kersey’s drivers are each allocated their own vehicle, and fully trained by a professional instructor from the manufacturer’s dealership. All drivers have to complete a CPC or Certificate of Professional Competence and most then work as ‘trampers’ which means working away all week, thus improving scheduling efficiencies as the lorries can be moved fully loaded on each leg of the journey, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. It cannot have escaped anyone’s attention that the haulage industry has been facing huge challenges as a result of the situation at Channel ports, where hundreds of illegal immigrants attempt on a daily basis to break in to trailers in a bid to reach the UK. James admits this has tested their security procedures, and they now only send hard- sided box trailers that are securely sealed, locked and fitted with door sensors which alerts their base if anyone opens the door. Furthermore the drivers are instructed to park at least 100km from Calais, or else use one of two secure service areas. The situation reached crisis point last year when a series of wildcat strikes by French dockworkers compounded an already difficult situation, and local MP James Cartlidge spoke up on
The agricultural and manufacturing heritage of East Anglia is well known. Yet all of this would be nothing without a thriving transport and logistics industry, to get the items from the region’s manufacturers to consumers across the UK and beyond. Adviser spoke to Ipswich-based Kersey Freight about some of the issues surrounding road haulage today.
Kersey’s behalf in the House of Commons. Since then things have improved, although it remains a demanding problem with no quick fix in sight. Notwithstanding the problems on the Continent, Kersey Freight are seeing their UK business improve considerably as more manufacturers use outsourced logistics to store and deliver their produce. They now have 26 drivers and are looking to recruit more in the next few months as new contracts with supermarkets and a large furniture manufacturers come into play. And their 55,000 sq ft of warehousing space at Hadleigh and Sudbury means they are able to provide additional services to retailers bringing in goods from overseas. “For firms needing warehouse space in the UK renting your own 20,000 square feet of warehouse can be far more expensive and time consuming than taking space from a third party logistics firm”, says James. “By outsourcing storage you also reduce the risks on your capital which is a major consideration for any business.” Scrutton Bland has worked with Kersey Freight for a number of years. “ Sharon Gravener has given us invaluable advice on cash flow,” comments James. ”Each one of our trucks costs about £90,000 and a trailer is another £20,000 so that’s a big outlay which needs to be properly planned. Sharon can give us assistance on the day-to-day financial things plus she’s there to help with big projects like purchasing land, not to mention processes like filing our annual tax return. With her help we’re free to get on with running our business. There’s a lot to be positive about the seamless way in which goods are transported from Suffolk across the UK and around the world.” Scrutton Bland provides corporate advice to a range of businesses, including advising on changing opportunities and alerting clients to new legislation which could affect them. If you would like any corporate financial information or advice, please contact with Sharon Gravener sharon.gravener@scruttonbland.co.uk or tel 01473 267 000.
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