There’s an important deadline fast approaching for companies involved in the transportation of dangerous cargo in the United Kingdom. From the 31st of December 2022, any company undertaking that transports, consigns, fills, packs, loads, or unloads dangerous goods must appoint a Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA). 

The decision on whether to train existing staff or contract a 3rd party DGSA is the responsibility of the employer. Whatever the case, the DGSA must have both the time and the resources to undertake these responsibilities fully. As such, large, complex operations over multiple sites may require more than one DGSA. 

What Are a DGSA’s Responsibilities?

Essentially, a DGSA’s primary responsibility is to prevent risks associated with the transportation of dangerous goods. This pertains specifically to risks to people, property and the environment and includes:

• Overseeing compliance with the guidelines that govern the transportation of dangerous goods and providing advice on their carriage
• Preparation of a yearly performance report about the carriage of dangerous goods
• Investigation of regulation infringements or accidents and report preparation
• Overseeing training provision & advice for other staff
• Reporting of accidents and incidents to the Department for Transport (DfT)

It’s important to note that a DGSA’s responsibilities only relate to travel by road, rail or inland waterway, and they’re not expected to oversee procedures relating to the transportation of dangerous goods by air or sea. 

Who Must Appoint a DGSA?

As previously stated, any company that consigns, packs, loads, unloads or fills dangerous goods on a regular basis via inland waterway, rail or road must appoint a DGSA. These rules apply in the United Kingdom. However, similar (but separate) legislation has been introduced to govern these procedures in Northern Ireland. 

The approaching deadline is something that organisations need to be mindful of, particularly if training existing staff to become DGSAs. Qualification requires vocational training certification and written exams, which are held in March, June and September each year. The marking of these exams takes around 8 weeks, so enough time needs to be accounted for it.

We’re currently in a transition period for the requirements prescribed by the relevant dangerous goods carriage regulations, which ends on the 1st of January 2023, so it’s imperative that you take the necessary action in good time. For information on how to go about doing that, visit the UK government website.

Are You Prepared For the December 31st Deadline?

Meeting the December deadline for appointing a DGSA is not optional, so if you’re an organisation that needs to, act now, as you’ll otherwise not be compliant. There are exceptions to the rule, which can also be found on the government website link above, so be sure to check which rules apply to you and your business. 

At Insite, we offer industry-leading HGV licence acquisition programs across our Nationwide network of training centres. Regardless of the size and scale of your requirement, we can cater for all of your driver training needs, thanks also to our highly experienced trainers. 

To find out more about Insite and how we do things, why not take a browse around our website, where you’ll find everything you want to know. Alternatively, to talk to us directly, simply call 0330 818 8888, and a member of our team will be happy to discuss your needs. 

On the 11th of January 2022, official statistics from the UK’s Department of Transport have revealed that there has been a surge in HGV driving tests being taken between January and March. Compared to pre-pandemic levels, an increase of 74% was noted – something that represents positive news in the fight to address the ongoing driver shortage. 

The reasons cited for the increase include government changes to simplify the process, something that now allows the lorry test’s off-road element to be carried out by non-DVSA assessors. Also included in the total of 33 separate actions was the removal of a separate car & trailer test and the recruitment of more vocational driving examiners. 

11,000 HGV Driver Training Places Available 

Another reason for the upturn is the increased number of driver training tests available, with 11,000 being accessible through Skills Bootcamps. This is part of a sustained boost that’s also helped by a £52.5m investment in lorry parking and roadside facilities. Since the government chose to intervene, industry bodies state that the number of HGV drivers is stabilising. 

This clearly indicates that the government initiatives mentioned have begun to yield results, demonstrating that a change has occurred in perceptions of the industry. As a result, more people are being compelled to train and qualify as professional HGV drivers, coming as it does as part of a wider effort to encourage more people into work. 

“Swift Action Was Taken” – Karl McCartney, Transport Minister 

Speaking about this welcome news for the HGV industry, UK Transport Minister Karl McCartney had this to say:

“The government took swift action and introduced 33 measures to support our vital freight sector throughout a global driver shortage and to maintain our country’s supply chains. Those measures have worked, with the number of lorry driver tests being taken on the rise, and the sector reporting driver numbers are stabilising.

We’ll continue to work with the industry to remove any potential barriers to a rewarding, successful career in logistics and to boost and maintain driver numbers.”

DVSA Chief Executive Loveday Ryder was also keen to recognise the hard work of vocational training providers, stating:

“We recognise the haulage industry keeps the wheels of our economy turning. I want to say thank you to all vocational training providers and our vocational driving examiners for supporting the changes.

It’s their hard work and commitment that have allowed us to offer an additional 11,197 tests and increase the number of drivers joining the industry”.

Promising Signs For the UK Haulage Industry

While we refrain from getting too far ahead of ourselves, this news is certainly welcome in the face of the chronic driver shortage that has persisted for so long. 11,000+ new HGV drivers will provide a much-needed boost to the logistics sector and our supply chain as a result. It certainly looks like there are promising signs for the UK logistics sector. 

At Insite, we continue to do our bit to combat the UK’s ongoing HGV driver shortage through the provision of industry-leading HGV licence acquisition programs. This is made possible thanks to our nationwide network of training centres and the experienced trainers that staff them. As such, we’re well placed to meet your driver training needs, regardless of scale. 

To find out more about Insite and how we work, we encourage you to browse our website, where you’ll find lots of useful info. Alternatively, to speak to us direct, click on ‘contact us’ or call 0330 818 8888 and a member of our team will be happy to discuss your requirements. 

In a bid to reduce the impact on the haulage industry of inflation and record high fuel prices in the United Kingdom, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Road Freight & Logistics has called upon the government to introduce an essential user fuel rebate of a minimum of 15p per litre (ppl) for logistics operators, road freight and coach operators, with immediate effect. 

In the latest report from the group led by MP Greg Smith, a warning was made about the effect of rising fuel prices on everyday goods and commodities. It was also stated that urgent action is required to protect haulage companies from going bankrupt and family household budgets that are already under pressure from historically high energy prices and more. 

Little Or No Effect From Existing 5p Per Litre Drop

Back in March of 2022, the government introduced a 5ppl drop per litre for UK haulage companies. However, according to the APPG survey, 92% of hauliers have felt little to no impact from it, given that this figure has been wiped out by increased fuel prices. 

What it also revealed is that average running costs for an articulated lorry have risen sharply in recent times, from £45,000 to £62,300, and that these increased costs are something operators are being forced to pass on to onward services and consumers. 

A particularly low figure of 3.5% was highlighted by the research as being the number of haulage businesses who believe that they can continue to be profitable in the absence of support with fuel prices. An uncertain future is currently being seen by many operators. 

Considerably Higher Than EU 27 Average 

Given that UK diesel is considerably higher than the EU 27 average, it would seem that there is room in which to manoeuvre for the government. This disparity puts UK hauliers at a distinct disadvantage when compared to EU operators and weakens UK logistics as a whole. 

This is compounded by the fact that EU countries have taken a number of steps to protect their respective haulage sectors from both increased fuel prices and Covid. The 15 ppl rebate is being recommended as a way to address this gap, with Logistics UK having this to say:

“Our hauliers are essential to keeping our economy strong and our supply chains moving, but at present, they are being hit by sky-high fuel prices, leaving many with little choice but to pass on these costs to consumers.

This vicious cycle is pushing up prices and driving inflation, and it is imperative that the government counter this by introducing an essential user rebate of at least 15 pence per litre for hauliers and coach operators.

“A failure to act now risks making an already challenging situation significantly worse, and we urge the government to act and introduce an essential user rebate without delay.”

Supporting Our Vital Haulage Industry & Supply Chain

High fuel prices are something that affects everyone, from haulage companies trying to make a living to consumers who are themselves trying to make ends meet. As such, we’re fully behind any step that will provide relief to struggling hauliers, resulting in everyone’s household budgets stretching further. 

Meanwhile, at Insite, we continue to support the industry with leading HGV driver training programs via our nationwide network of testing centres. If you’d like to know more about us, please take a few moments to look around our website, where you’ll find everything you need to know and more. 

Alternatively, to speak with us directly, click on ‘contact us’ or call 0330 818 8888, and we’ll be delighted to discuss your training needs.

The UK’s haulage sector has seen its fair share of news over the last few months and we’re back to tell you about the launch of the UK’s first hydrogen-electric truck. This new type of vehicle is the first hydrogen fuel, cell-supported Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) to be designed and manufactured right here in the United Kingdom.

This new 7.5-tonne HGV is the brainchild of Tevva, a scale-up business based in Tilbury, in the South East of England. It was unveiled in June of 2022 at the Warwickshire Road Transport Expo and it is said to have a range of up to 310 miles on a full charge. It’s also said to be a true zero-emissions design that will work for both urban and extra-urban companies.

The Same Refuelling Time As a Diesel HGV

In addition to offering an impressive range, hydrogen comes with the extra advantage of taking around the same time to refuel as a diesel lorry (5 to 20 minutes). Tevva has stated that the design is one that can futureproof customers, as the industry moves away from the use of fossil fuels. This will help to successfully phase out fossil fuel-powered trucks by 2040.

The Essex-based innovator also claims that its proprietary software allows the battery and hydrogen cells to operate at optimum efficiency at all times. This optimises cost-effectiveness – an aspect that cannot currently be said about diesel due to record high prices. Other benefits also include resilience, fuelling convenience and ‘carbon effectiveness’.

Vital In the Decarbonisation of UK Transport

Speaking recently, Tevva founder and CEO Asher Bennett had this to say about the exciting new launch for his company:

“We are excited to launch our hydrogen-electric HGV, creating a landmark moment for Tevva and UK manufacturing. We firmly believe that the post-fossil fuel future, which is quickly approaching, will see a range of technologies and fuels take centre stage in the transport industry.

By embracing hydrogen, we are futureproofing ourselves, our clients and the industries and communities they operate in.”

The government was equally effusive about the technology, with Transport Minister Trudy Harrison having this to say:

“Hydrogen fuel cells and other zero emission technology will be vital in helping us decarbonise transport. A thriving UK hydrogen industry could not only help us meet our climate change obligations, but also support thousands of jobs across the country in years to come”.

A Greener Future Lies Ahead For UK Haulage

Decarbonisation of transport is something that has been spoken about for some time, but now it seems, the reality of non-fossil fuel-powered trucks is here. It’s something that we welcome and we look forward to seeing the technology – and others like it- rolling out over the coming years, creating a greener, healthier future for us all.

In the meantime, the Insite team will continue to provide industry-leading HGV licence acquisition programs via our national network of training centres. If you’d like to know more about what we’re doing to help address the chronic HGV driver shortage, please take the time to browse our website where you’ll find everything you need.

Alternatively, to get in touch directly, either click ‘contact us’ or call 0330 818 8888, and a member of our team will be more than happy to discuss your needs.

With Bank of England interest rates rising, along with the cost of fuel and everyday living, UK citizens are finding their income is being stretched. This is reflected in figures published by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) that show that high street shopping habits are being mirrored in the online world, with sales falling 1.7% in May of 2022.

The impact of the current cost of living crisis is most apparent when compared to 2021, which saw sales 7.9% higher than they are now. The chief driver in this equation is inflation, which has accelerated significantly in recent months. With people finding it hard to make ends meet and buy basic essentials, it’s changing how people are spending.

Consumer Demand Being Squeezed

Speaking about this latest update on online consumer spending, British Retail Consortium (BRC) chief executive Helen Dickinson had this to say.

“Households reined in spending as the cost-of-living crunch continued to squeeze consumer demand. Many customers are buying down, particularly with food, choosing value range items where they might previously have bought premium goods.

Higher operational and input costs have filtered through to prices, meaning both retailers and their customers are in for hard times ahead. Retailers are doing what they can to support households by absorbing as much of the costs as possible.

They’re expanding their value ranges, offering discounts for some vulnerable groups, and investing in their own supply chains to reduce future costs. If costs continue to spiral, the Government will need to be ready to support struggling households.”

93% Say Basic Food Shopping Costs are Key Driver

As part of the ONS study, people were surveyed as to the influencing factors that are changing spending their habits. A staggering 93% of respondents told the ONS that the reason why they are spending more online is not for luxury goods, but due to the increased cost of basic foods.

Despite the overall drop, the average amount being spent per purchase rose by 0.6% during the same period. However, this increase is due to the purchase of everyday items. The price of food essentials is something that affects everyone and people are cutting back on them.

Delivery firm Parcelhero’s Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks echoed this fact, stating:

“Consumers are cutting back on all non-essential spending, not just food shopping. Despite this fall, online shopping retained 26.6% of the overall retail market, considerably more than the 19.7% it achieved in February 2020, before the pandemic changed shopping habits forever”

Longer-term, UK retailers must align their High Street and online sales to counteract a likely further fall in consumer confidence in the months ahead.”

Challenging Times Ahead for Consumers & Hauliers Alike

Much has happened in the retail world in recent years. Brexit, HGV driver shortages, supply chain issues and now inflation are putting pressure on consumers and the decisions they make. This latest announcement simply serves to show that the UK logistics industry’s journey back to health is far from being a simple one, with many challenges needing to be overcome.

At Insite, we will continue to do our part in addressing the ongoing HGV driver shortage with our industry-leading, scalable, HGV licence acquisition programs. To find out more about us, please take a few minutes to browse our website, which contains everything you need to know.

Alternatively, to talk with us directly, either click ‘contact us’ or call us on 0330 818 8888, and we’ll be more than happy to discuss your training needs.