Market Trends

Sustainability and carbon reduction is now the number one business priority for almost half of UK commercial fleets (45 per cent), according to new research from mobility solutions specialists Bridgestone and Webfleet Solutions. The need to decarbonise topped both the digital transformation of fleet processes (cited by 42 per cent of decision-makers) and driver safety (37 per cent), with the same number prioritising cost reduction. Despite their net zero commitment, however, the study among 300…

New industry index data reveals March’s average haulage and courier price-per-mile was up 12% year-on-year. This comes as the whole UK supply chain is feeling the knock-on effects of the Ukraine invasion, with impacts on businesses and consumers. The average price-per-mile for haulage and courier vehicles increased from 100.6 points to 112.2 points between March 2021 and March 2022, according to the TEG Road Transport Price Index. These year-on-year increases have now continued for 14 months…

Almost a third (31%)* will be sending gifts or cards to their mothers through the post for Mother’s Day this year. When it comes to presents, flowers and plants (51%); chocolate (21%); wine and champagne (13%); and handmade gifts (8%) are set to be the most popular gifts sent to mothers this year. Other popular gifts include books, candles, cakes and tea. Alongside delivering physical gifts and cards for Mother’s Day, Royal Mail has a…

The crisis in Ukraine is providing logistics providers, merchants, and marketplaces with major compliance challenges. It has put a global spotlight on the importance of screening for denied parties and prohibited and restricted goods following the imposition of sanctions on Russia, Belarus and a growing list of their citizens. Martin Palmer, Chief Content and Compliance Officer at cross-border data specialist Hurricane Commerce, said: “In the case of denied parties – individuals, companies, or entities it…

Businesses using red diesel-powered forklift trucks in their warehouse facilities need to be prepared for a hit to their operating costs when the Government’s red diesel subsidy ends in just a few weeks’ time, warns a leading energy expert at materials handling specialists Linde UK. Red diesel, which is primarily used for off road purposes such as warehousing vehicles and construction machinery, currently attracts significantly less fuel duty – 46.81 pence per litre – than…

New analysis published today by IRI, a leading provider of big data, predictive analytics and forward-looking insights, calls on FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) retailers and manufacturers to look beyond the current headlines on inflation and adopt a different mindset to tap into rapidly changing consumer behaviour.  Describing the current economic uncertainty as an ‘imperfect inflation’, ‘Beyond the Headlines: A different mindset for a different inflation’ highlights a major convergence of several demand and supply factors, including rising…

ParcelHero says ‘Putin’s War’ is already having an impact on costs, supply chains and international trade that goes far beyond the borders of Ukraine and Russia.  The international delivery expert ParcelHero says freight transport services to Ukraine are at a virtual stop, and many services to Russia have been suspended. It warns the costs of the conflict will impact on UK companies, even if they have no business in Eastern Europe. ParcelHero’s Head of Consumer…

When most retailers are knee-deep managing the demands of their Black Friday and Christmas peak, florists are in the process of gearing up, knowing their own intense peak is still to come. Valentine’s Day sees people in the UK collectively spending around £261 billion on flowers – and in some cases, February 14th alone accounts for a third of florists’ annual sales. And unlike Christmas gifts, you can’t buy flowers three months ahead and keep…

Industry index reveals 2022 began with higher road freight prices than the previous three Januarys. As rising interest rates and inflation bite, logistics industry experts uncover what else is set to impact the supply chain in 2022. The average price-per-mile for haulage and courier vehicles increased from 101.5 points to 116.8 points between January 2021 and January 2022, according to the TEG Road Transport Price Index – a 15% year-on-year increase.  As in previous years,…