First Electric Forklift Sound Alert Study

Travis Perkins Group, distributor of building materials, has partnered with University of Salford Manchester’s specialist acoustics testing team to conduct an evidence-based study into the development of electric forklift truck sound alerts.

Keeping people safe and well is the Group’s number one priority, and this study was commissioned by the business to address colleague concern about the quietness of an electric forklift truck compared to a traditional diesel engine, and the potential safety risk this could pose. It follows the announcement earlier this year that the Group is accelerating its Science Based Targets Initiative approved decarbonisation plan, by switching out up to1100 diesel forklift trucks with electrics to reduce scope 1 carbon emissions by up to 6,600 tonnes per annum.

Similarly to the warning sounds that have been incorporated into electric vehicles to warn pedestrians and other vulnerable road users of their presence, Travis Perkins plc and the Acoustic Centre for Excellence at University of Salford will be working together to develop a sound alert for forward-moving electric forklift trucks to alert customers and colleagues.

“There should always be a safe distance between people and working machinery, but exclusion zones work best if people are alerted as they approach any high-risk areas. Given the pioneering nature of this decarbonisation project, research is required to ensure we develop alerts that work well as effective warning systems for both our operators, and the colleagues and customers who may come into contact with our exclusion zones,” explained HSE & Fleet Director at Travis Perkins plc, Richard Byrne.

The Salford acoustic team was selected on the basis of their world renowned reputation and the expertise they have developed on the back of a similar electric scooter study. With support from Briggs Equipment, which is the forklift provider to Travis Perkins plc, this research will involve the Group’s businesses, including forklift truck operators and colleagues from Travis Perkins, BSS and CCF, to ensure the solution will be of optimum benefit for everyone.

Following successful research on alerting sounds for electric micro-mobility, the team at Salford led by Dr Antonio Torija Martinez who is Reader in Acoustical Engineering at the University, who is assisted by Postdoctoral Research Fellow Dr Tim Walton, will use innovative virtual reality (VR) technology alongside measurements from an anechoic chamber to help develop the most effective sound to make the electric forklifts as safe as they can be.

Dr Antonio Torija Martinez said: “This work aligns with our strategy to perform excellent research to enable the wider adoption of electric vehicles, and contribute to establishing Salford as a Centre of Excellence on acoustics for e-mobility”.

Dr Tim Walton added: “We will be conducting a series of VR experiments to test some candidate alert sounds from both the perspective of customers of Travis Perkins, and also from the perspective of the machine operators. One of the key things we will be looking at is to balance detectability and operator acceptability. Using virtual reality to create immersive and realistic scenarios in a safe and controlled laboratory environment will allow us to achieve robust results. By working closely with Travis Perkins, we can ensure that the sound we develop is the best fit for their needs.”

“We are committed to lead on decarbonisation, and as an early adopter of electric forklifts this requirement for sound alerts was not something anyone in the industry had foreseen. This study is therefore a really important contribution to enhance safety in that it will solve a problem that applies to so many in our industry,” Richard Byrne concluded.

Once the outcome of this study is available later this year, there is potential for the findings to be shared with the industry to promote best practice, and for the electric forklift truck sound alerts to be applied as a new standard nationally and internationally.

First Electric Forklift Sound Alert Study

Travis Perkins Group, distributor of building materials, has partnered with University of Salford Manchester’s specialist acoustics testing team to conduct an evidence-based study into the development of electric forklift truck sound alerts.

Keeping people safe and well is the Group’s number one priority, and this study was commissioned by the business to address colleague concern about the quietness of an electric forklift truck compared to a traditional diesel engine, and the potential safety risk this could pose. It follows the announcement earlier this year that the Group is accelerating its Science Based Targets Initiative approved decarbonisation plan, by switching out up to1100 diesel forklift trucks with electrics to reduce scope 1 carbon emissions by up to 6,600 tonnes per annum.

Similarly to the warning sounds that have been incorporated into electric vehicles to warn pedestrians and other vulnerable road users of their presence, Travis Perkins plc and the Acoustic Centre for Excellence at University of Salford will be working together to develop a sound alert for forward-moving electric forklift trucks to alert customers and colleagues.

“There should always be a safe distance between people and working machinery, but exclusion zones work best if people are alerted as they approach any high-risk areas. Given the pioneering nature of this decarbonisation project, research is required to ensure we develop alerts that work well as effective warning systems for both our operators, and the colleagues and customers who may come into contact with our exclusion zones,” explained HSE & Fleet Director at Travis Perkins plc, Richard Byrne.

The Salford acoustic team was selected on the basis of their world renowned reputation and the expertise they have developed on the back of a similar electric scooter study. With support from Briggs Equipment, which is the forklift provider to Travis Perkins plc, this research will involve the Group’s businesses, including forklift truck operators and colleagues from Travis Perkins, BSS and CCF, to ensure the solution will be of optimum benefit for everyone.

Following successful research on alerting sounds for electric micro-mobility, the team at Salford led by Dr Antonio Torija Martinez who is Reader in Acoustical Engineering at the University, who is assisted by Postdoctoral Research Fellow Dr Tim Walton, will use innovative virtual reality (VR) technology alongside measurements from an anechoic chamber to help develop the most effective sound to make the electric forklifts as safe as they can be.

Dr Antonio Torija Martinez said: “This work aligns with our strategy to perform excellent research to enable the wider adoption of electric vehicles, and contribute to establishing Salford as a Centre of Excellence on acoustics for e-mobility”.

Dr Tim Walton added: “We will be conducting a series of VR experiments to test some candidate alert sounds from both the perspective of customers of Travis Perkins, and also from the perspective of the machine operators. One of the key things we will be looking at is to balance detectability and operator acceptability. Using virtual reality to create immersive and realistic scenarios in a safe and controlled laboratory environment will allow us to achieve robust results. By working closely with Travis Perkins, we can ensure that the sound we develop is the best fit for their needs.”

“We are committed to lead on decarbonisation, and as an early adopter of electric forklifts this requirement for sound alerts was not something anyone in the industry had foreseen. This study is therefore a really important contribution to enhance safety in that it will solve a problem that applies to so many in our industry,” Richard Byrne concluded.

Once the outcome of this study is available later this year, there is potential for the findings to be shared with the industry to promote best practice, and for the electric forklift truck sound alerts to be applied as a new standard nationally and internationally.

Milestone with Latest Consignment

Wolverhampton, UK-based pallet network Pallet-Track has moved 30 million consignments without losing a single pallet in the hub.

Pallet-Track has just handled the milestone consignment at its central hub on Millfields Road, after moving 56 million individual pallets during its 19 years of operation. The consignment, which was sent to Hull-based plumbers’ merchants James Hargreaves and contained bathroom supplies, was collected by Action Express in Northampton and transported to the network’s central hub, before being delivered to its final destination by Harrison Solway Logistics.

The central hub’s no lost pallets achievement is due to the significant investments Pallet-Track has made in tracking technology, which is used by every haulier in its network of 90-plus members.
It has partnered with software specialist Vigo to provide improved visibility on all consignments that are transported by its network, with each individual pallet scanned nine times from its collection point to its delivery destination.

The comprehensive scanning procedures have seen nearly half a billion tracking events recorded to date. Pallet-Track handled 852 pallets on its first night in February 2004 and now averages 18,000 pallets per night at its 267,000 sq ft distribution centre.

Caroline Green, chief executive at Pallet-Track, said: “This is a significant achievement for our network members, and demonstrates the strength of our position in the sector. We have invested heavily in our software to ensure that Pallet-Track offers the most reliable service for palletised goods, which is underlined by the fact that we haven’t lost a single pallet in almost two decades. Thanks to our hub and spoke model, we’ve also ensured that the 56 million pallets handled by Pallet-Track have been delivered in the most efficient way, helping to reduce environmental impact. As a pallet network, we’ve come a long way since our first night of operation and continue to develop our service and future-proof our network for the benefit of our members, who have enabled us to celebrate this milestone.”

John Vickers, managing director at Vigo Software, said: “Vigo Software is proud to have been a key part of the growth and success of Pallet-Track. At Vigo, we always strive to provide our customers with the tools and support they need to achieve their strategic goals. Our partnership with Pallet-Track has enabled us to anticipate and fulfil their needs and that of their member depots and their customers. Vigo is committed to continuing this partnership and providing innovative solutions for the logistics industry and their customers.”

Pallet-Track handles consignments from a wide range of businesses, including manufacturers, retailers and industrial brands, transporting anything from building and construction materials, to consumer goods.

Milestone with Latest Consignment

Wolverhampton, UK-based pallet network Pallet-Track has moved 30 million consignments without losing a single pallet in the hub.

Pallet-Track has just handled the milestone consignment at its central hub on Millfields Road, after moving 56 million individual pallets during its 19 years of operation. The consignment, which was sent to Hull-based plumbers’ merchants James Hargreaves and contained bathroom supplies, was collected by Action Express in Northampton and transported to the network’s central hub, before being delivered to its final destination by Harrison Solway Logistics.

The central hub’s no lost pallets achievement is due to the significant investments Pallet-Track has made in tracking technology, which is used by every haulier in its network of 90-plus members.
It has partnered with software specialist Vigo to provide improved visibility on all consignments that are transported by its network, with each individual pallet scanned nine times from its collection point to its delivery destination.

The comprehensive scanning procedures have seen nearly half a billion tracking events recorded to date. Pallet-Track handled 852 pallets on its first night in February 2004 and now averages 18,000 pallets per night at its 267,000 sq ft distribution centre.

Caroline Green, chief executive at Pallet-Track, said: “This is a significant achievement for our network members, and demonstrates the strength of our position in the sector. We have invested heavily in our software to ensure that Pallet-Track offers the most reliable service for palletised goods, which is underlined by the fact that we haven’t lost a single pallet in almost two decades. Thanks to our hub and spoke model, we’ve also ensured that the 56 million pallets handled by Pallet-Track have been delivered in the most efficient way, helping to reduce environmental impact. As a pallet network, we’ve come a long way since our first night of operation and continue to develop our service and future-proof our network for the benefit of our members, who have enabled us to celebrate this milestone.”

John Vickers, managing director at Vigo Software, said: “Vigo Software is proud to have been a key part of the growth and success of Pallet-Track. At Vigo, we always strive to provide our customers with the tools and support they need to achieve their strategic goals. Our partnership with Pallet-Track has enabled us to anticipate and fulfil their needs and that of their member depots and their customers. Vigo is committed to continuing this partnership and providing innovative solutions for the logistics industry and their customers.”

Pallet-Track handles consignments from a wide range of businesses, including manufacturers, retailers and industrial brands, transporting anything from building and construction materials, to consumer goods.

DPD Launches new EcoLab

DPD is looking for companies that specialise in sustainable solutions to reduce carbon emissions in transport, delivery, and buildings for their first EcoLab.

DPD is partnering with L Marks to launch an EcoLab to discover additional sustainable solutions for their business. This initiative will be centered around carbon reduction in transport, delivery, and buildings, with the goal of minimising DPD’s environmental impact. The EcoLab will bring together experts in sustainability, technology, and innovation to develop and test new ideas that can help DPD further reduce its carbon footprint. This partnership is a key step towards DPD’s goal of reaching net zero by 2040.

Tim Jones, Director of Marketing, Communications & Sustainability DPDgroup UK commented, “We are delighted to be partnering with L Marks to launch this EcoLab. The project will play a key part in shaping our sustainability strategy and helping achieve our stated aim of being the most sustainable parcel delivery company in the UK. Investing in and developing new sustainable technologies and innovations is crucial in the next few years to ensure we can reach net zero, and partnering with experts in this way can accelerate that progress.”

L Marks will scout and identify businesses to apply for a unique opportunity to take their innovative ideas to the next level. The EcoLab will be a ten-week immersive programme where participants will have the opportunity to validate their solutions, access to DPD’s network and resources, and mentorship from industry experts.

Applications open on the 12th of June 2023 seeking to solutions in the following areas:

Carbon Emission Reduction in Transport: Fleet Decarbonisation
DPD has over 1,000 Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) operating on the roads across the UK every day. DPD has greatly improved their HGVs’ environmental impact but wants to reduce their fleet’s carbon footprint further. The company is looking for solutions around alternative fuel sources, electric batteries and alternative delivery methods.

Carbon Emission Reduction in Collection & Delivery
In order to be the UK’s most sustainable delivery company, DPD is investing heavily in their all-electric delivery fleet, which currently consists of 3,000 electric vehicles in their operation’s Collection and Delivery area. DPD is looking for solutions to make driving electric vehicles easier for drivers. Solutions may include EV charging stations and alternative electric vehicles.

Carbon Emission Reduction in Buildings: ‘Hub of the Future’
DPD operates across a network of more than 100 buildings, including depots, hubs, and offices. As this number is constantly growing, reducing the carbon footprint of these buildings and the operations that take place within them is essential. DPD wants to find the leading solutions and innovations that can be retrofitted into their current depots and/or installed in their future depots.

Looking further out, DPD is also looking to design and build depots in the ‘greenest’ way possible moving forward.

“We are excited to be working with DPD on this important initiative,” said Daniel Saunders, CEO of L Marks. “The EcoLab is a testament to DPD’s commitment to sustainability and their willingness to embrace new ideas and technologies to achieve their goals. As the world becomes more conscious of the impact of carbon emissions, companies like DPD are leading the way in finding innovative solutions that safeguard the planet for future generations”.
Applications will close on 16/07/23.

DPD Launches new EcoLab

DPD is looking for companies that specialise in sustainable solutions to reduce carbon emissions in transport, delivery, and buildings for their first EcoLab.

DPD is partnering with L Marks to launch an EcoLab to discover additional sustainable solutions for their business. This initiative will be centered around carbon reduction in transport, delivery, and buildings, with the goal of minimising DPD’s environmental impact. The EcoLab will bring together experts in sustainability, technology, and innovation to develop and test new ideas that can help DPD further reduce its carbon footprint. This partnership is a key step towards DPD’s goal of reaching net zero by 2040.

Tim Jones, Director of Marketing, Communications & Sustainability DPDgroup UK commented, “We are delighted to be partnering with L Marks to launch this EcoLab. The project will play a key part in shaping our sustainability strategy and helping achieve our stated aim of being the most sustainable parcel delivery company in the UK. Investing in and developing new sustainable technologies and innovations is crucial in the next few years to ensure we can reach net zero, and partnering with experts in this way can accelerate that progress.”

L Marks will scout and identify businesses to apply for a unique opportunity to take their innovative ideas to the next level. The EcoLab will be a ten-week immersive programme where participants will have the opportunity to validate their solutions, access to DPD’s network and resources, and mentorship from industry experts.

Applications open on the 12th of June 2023 seeking to solutions in the following areas:

Carbon Emission Reduction in Transport: Fleet Decarbonisation
DPD has over 1,000 Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) operating on the roads across the UK every day. DPD has greatly improved their HGVs’ environmental impact but wants to reduce their fleet’s carbon footprint further. The company is looking for solutions around alternative fuel sources, electric batteries and alternative delivery methods.

Carbon Emission Reduction in Collection & Delivery
In order to be the UK’s most sustainable delivery company, DPD is investing heavily in their all-electric delivery fleet, which currently consists of 3,000 electric vehicles in their operation’s Collection and Delivery area. DPD is looking for solutions to make driving electric vehicles easier for drivers. Solutions may include EV charging stations and alternative electric vehicles.

Carbon Emission Reduction in Buildings: ‘Hub of the Future’
DPD operates across a network of more than 100 buildings, including depots, hubs, and offices. As this number is constantly growing, reducing the carbon footprint of these buildings and the operations that take place within them is essential. DPD wants to find the leading solutions and innovations that can be retrofitted into their current depots and/or installed in their future depots.

Looking further out, DPD is also looking to design and build depots in the ‘greenest’ way possible moving forward.

“We are excited to be working with DPD on this important initiative,” said Daniel Saunders, CEO of L Marks. “The EcoLab is a testament to DPD’s commitment to sustainability and their willingness to embrace new ideas and technologies to achieve their goals. As the world becomes more conscious of the impact of carbon emissions, companies like DPD are leading the way in finding innovative solutions that safeguard the planet for future generations”.
Applications will close on 16/07/23.

Ready for the New EU Import Checks?

As proposals for new UK border import checks have now been announced, logistics and worldwide transport specialist cargo-partner is reminding importers to get ready and be prepared.

New import checks for all goods coming into the UK have been expected since the Brexit trade deal. Now the UK Government has provided a draft Border Target Operating Model, setting out a new approach to importing into the UK that is expected to be progressively introduced from the end of October 2023.

cargo-partner can support customers to prepare for these new checks and ensure they have the best solution in place to support both their import and export requirements.

Neil Murray, Managing Director for cargo-partner UK, said: “cargo-partner offers a dedicated customs clearance service, as part of our comprehensive range of transport solutions. Our UK and Ireland teams are experienced in connecting shipments across the Irish Sea, across the English Channel and supporting customers with the movement of goods between Great Britain and the rest of Europe, so we’re always up-to-date on the latest customs checks. We offer comprehensive customs brokerage services, assisting our customers with documentation, duty management, and trade compliance. By partnering with cargo-partner, our clients can navigate the complexities of customs procedures with confidence.”

With over 200 employees specialising in customs clearance and brokerage, based across 160 offices and 40 countries, cargo-partner can provide tailored and personal solutions to and from any location in the world.

cargo-partner is a privately owned full-range info-logistics provider offering a comprehensive portfolio of air, sea, land transport and warehousing solutions. With 40 years of expertise in information technology and supply chain optimization, the company designs tailor-made services for a wide range of industries to create competitive benefits for its customers all around the world. Founded in 1983, cargo-partner generated a turnover of over 2.06 billion euro in 2022 and currently employs more than 4,000 people worldwide.

Ready for the New EU Import Checks?

As proposals for new UK border import checks have now been announced, logistics and worldwide transport specialist cargo-partner is reminding importers to get ready and be prepared.

New import checks for all goods coming into the UK have been expected since the Brexit trade deal. Now the UK Government has provided a draft Border Target Operating Model, setting out a new approach to importing into the UK that is expected to be progressively introduced from the end of October 2023.

cargo-partner can support customers to prepare for these new checks and ensure they have the best solution in place to support both their import and export requirements.

Neil Murray, Managing Director for cargo-partner UK, said: “cargo-partner offers a dedicated customs clearance service, as part of our comprehensive range of transport solutions. Our UK and Ireland teams are experienced in connecting shipments across the Irish Sea, across the English Channel and supporting customers with the movement of goods between Great Britain and the rest of Europe, so we’re always up-to-date on the latest customs checks. We offer comprehensive customs brokerage services, assisting our customers with documentation, duty management, and trade compliance. By partnering with cargo-partner, our clients can navigate the complexities of customs procedures with confidence.”

With over 200 employees specialising in customs clearance and brokerage, based across 160 offices and 40 countries, cargo-partner can provide tailored and personal solutions to and from any location in the world.

cargo-partner is a privately owned full-range info-logistics provider offering a comprehensive portfolio of air, sea, land transport and warehousing solutions. With 40 years of expertise in information technology and supply chain optimization, the company designs tailor-made services for a wide range of industries to create competitive benefits for its customers all around the world. Founded in 1983, cargo-partner generated a turnover of over 2.06 billion euro in 2022 and currently employs more than 4,000 people worldwide.

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