Supply chain issues have been ever-present over the last few years, and they are likely to remain throughout 2023. From abrupt changes in demand and a lack of storage affecting production, labour shortages, inflation and the energy crisis, key issues are continuing to impact business around the UK and beyond. These are all coupled with the Government’s ever-approaching targets to reduce carbon emissions, adding to the growing list that businesses need to find solutions.

Although carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from freight transport by road in the UK have reduced in the last decade, they are still a long way from where the Government targets say they should be. According to the Department for Transport, transport is the largest emitting sector, producing nearly a quarter of the UK’s total emissions in 2020, of which 35% is caused by HGVs and vans.

Low Emission Zones (LEZ) and Clean Air Zones (CAZ) have been set up at key locations across the country to curtail this in city centres, and whilst this is essential to improve the air quality in those areas as well as reduce the effect on the environment, it is already having an impact on the supply chain. HGV operators running vehicles in these areas could be subject to fees of up to £18,250 per truck per year, which simply is not sustainable.

Dawsongroup has the solution for fleet operators – and it may not be what you think.

Growing With Your Business

Regional distribution centres (RDCs) from Dawsongroup tcs provide added value to the supply chain with no capital outlay. RDCs enable HGVs to deliver their loads outside low-emission zones to a facility which provides additional temperature-controlled storage whilst transferring products to smaller, lower-emission vehicles. The LCVs complete the last section of delivery without incurring the same charges HGVs would.

RDCs can also double as temporary production facilities, enabling you to cater for any sudden increases in demand, and due to their modular nature and the flexibility of our contract hire solutions, they can expand with your business as it grows.

You can install any combination of cross docking, loading docks, and modular complexes that include blast freezers, tempering units, and cold stores to create the perfect RDC for your business needs.

Streamlining Your Processes

Install charging points on RDCs to allow electric or hybrid vehicles to charge during loading and unloading. This reduces range anxiety, saves time, and streamlines processes.

In addition to this, Dawsongroup vans can advise you on the best and most cost-effective way of transitioning to low or zero-emission LCVs, with contract hire solutions that enable your business to be flexible and agile in line with changing demands.

Preparing for the Future

Whilst it seems that things are ‘getting back to normal’ in some ways, the reality is that the world will never be the same again. Companies need to take advantage of this opportunity and change their practices to ensure that the next time a global event occurs, they will not only avoid the same issues but thrive, as well as future-proof their business for any other changes that may impact the supply chain.

Add value to your supply chain and contact us to start benefitting today.

Contact Us

For all your cross docking, dock loading pods, modular loading docks and other solutions, contact Dawsongroup tcs here or on 01623 518538.

For all your low and zero-emission van needs contact Dawsongroup vans, and for all your HGV needs contact Dawsongroup truck and trailer. Find out how Dawsongroup’s Smarter Asset Strategy can provide you with supply chain solutions.