Relay Technical Transport Ltd

Thank you for your support during 2024. We wish you all a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Please find our Christmas & New Year opening hours here: https://lnkd.in/dKnUzg-n

At Relay, we welcome Transport Scotland’s National Speed Management Review Consultation * and are interested in the proposal to raise the speed limit for HGVs on single carriageway roads to 50mph. This would bring Scotland in line with England and Wales, where safety has not been compromised by an increased speed limit. Efficient logistics are vital to the UK economy, and increasing the speed limit would allow HGVs to travel at more optimal speeds, reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions while also alleviating driver stress and frustration. This aligns perfectly with Relay's commitment to sustainability and driver well-being. No matter the outcome of this consultation the industry must work together towards a modern, efficient transport network that supports Scotland’s economic growth and sustainability goals. *https://lnkd.in/ez6EEvJw

President Elect Donald J. Trump will be due to take office in January 2025 and, as with any change of leadership in the most powerful country in the world, there is a period of international uncertainty.

The Logistics Living Lab* demonstrates the transformative potential of deep technologies such as IoT and distributed ledger technology to tackle critical challenges like decarbonisation and efficiency. As a technical logistics provider, Relay understands the importance of reducing environmental impact while maintaining operational excellence. The innovative approach to shared digital infrastructure and intelligent route optimisation has the potential to significantly reshape the sector, not just by cutting CO2 emissions but also by improving cost-efficiency and collaboration across the supply chain. We look forward to seeing the next steps in scaling this solution and exploring how initiatives like these can continue to drive positive change in our industry and beyond. *https://lnkd.in/e3QiQeqf

The latest Logistics Confidence Index* brings positive news for the UK transport and logistics sector. With confidence climbing to 57.6 from 47.3 in 2023, the industry is showing resilience and optimism, marking the highest confidence level since 2015 (excluding 2021's bounce-back). For example, 82% of logistics operators expect business conditions to stay the same or improve in the next 12 months, while 70% of respondents expect turnover to increase, with 50% anticipating a rise in profits. At Relay, we see these findings as a testament to the hard work and adaptability of UK logistics businesses. *https://lnkd.in/e_n_wWsS

We are all businesses wishing to grow in profitability in order to power the services we offer to users, reward the work and productivity of our employees and thereby benefit the UK economy and national wellbeing. So how has the 30th October Budget helped us and our customers deliver these goals?

The Chancellor’s decision to freeze fuel duty for another year is a significant relief for the logistics sector. This move acknowledges the essential role logistics plays in powering every part of the UK economy, from hospitals to homes. As a sector operating on narrow margins, with fuel representing a substantial part of our operating costs, this freeze helps to ease pressures and provides a needed boost to our resilience. In the past year, rising costs have contributed to numerous business closures in our sector, underscoring the challenges faced by logistics companies across the UK. The fuel duty freeze demonstrates a commitment to stabilising the environment in which we operate, allowing us to focus on delivering efficient, reliable services for our customers. At Relay, we are proud to be part of the backbone of the UK’s supply chain, helping to keep businesses running smoothly. This announcement supports our continued ability to deliver high-quality services and strengthens our confidence in meeting the needs of our customers. We look forward to continuing our work as a trusted logistics partner, driving growth and reliability across the UK.

The European pharmaceutical cargo market is undeniably robust, supported by the region's status as a key production hub and continuous advancements in logistics infrastructure. Major airports, including Brussels, Frankfurt, and Vienna, have invested significantly in enhancing their pharma-handling capabilities to meet the rising demand for secure, efficient, and regulatory-compliant transport solutions. However, challenges remain, especially regarding regulatory alignment across EU member states. Collaborative efforts are essential to address any discrepancies and ensure a level playing field that supports seamless, compliant operations. With demand for temperature-sensitive, high-value shipments only expected to grow, Europe’s pharmaceutical logistics network stands ready to support the sector. This resilience positions the region to lead in both regulatory innovation and operational efficiency, making Europe a trusted partner in the global pharmaceutical supply chain. https://lnkd.in/edmZVU7U

At Relay, we are pleased to see the Government’s recent announcement of £14m to improve lorry parking and working conditions for HGV drivers. This is a step in the right direction, and the addition of 430 new parking spaces, along with improved facilities, will undoubtedly make a positive impact. However, we echo Logistics UK’s call for further action.* As a logistics company operating across the UK, we are all too aware of the difficulties drivers face when trying to find safe and secure places to park overnight. The shortage of adequate parking and rest facilities is not just a logistical challenge but a matter of safety and well-being for drivers, who deserve proper rest and secure locations to take their legally mandated breaks. Freight is indeed the engine of our economy, and for the industry to operate at its best, drivers need to be supported with appropriate infrastructure. While the new funding is welcome, much more is needed to meet the actual demand. We hope this marks the beginning of ongoing investment in both facilities and a broader recognition of the critical role road freight plays in sustaining the UK’s supply chains. Relay remains committed to supporting our drivers and looks forward to further developments in this area. *https://lnkd.in/eYT5-xPt

As a member of Logistics UK, Relay stands with the industry in urging the government to prioritise infrastructure improvements. The logistics sector plays a critical role in the UK’s economy, underpinning every other sector by delivering the goods that keep businesses running.