Transport

Efficient Distribution

We aim to reduce the external impacts of our transport by 20% by 2012 compared to 2002.

A significant change in our operational footprint in 2010/11 saw the outsourcing of our central wholesale distribution centre in England and primary transport movements to and within England to a new partner, Eddie Stobart Ltd, in June. A major part of this contract is our commitment to utilise rail freight and, since we started using rail transport, we have transferred c.30% of loads from road to the daily rail service. Stobart Rail’s successful freight trains represent a major positive environmental development. The diesel trains we utilise are c.50% more efficient than standard HGVs.

Driver education continues to play an important role in delivering improved driving characteristics and MPG. Monitoring and managing the fuel used by our vehicles is vital. By implementing a fuel management programme, we aim to reduce our fleet’s fuel consumption by c.5%. Use of safe and fuel efficient driving techniques as part of a fuel management process will also contribute to this fuel saving.

Introduction to SAFED for HGVs

Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving (‘SAFED’) for HGVs has been designed to improve the safe and fuel efficient driving techniques used by HGV drivers.

The SAFED training programme has been developed specifically to enable both vehicle operators and training providers to implement driver training within the road freight industry.

Training on best practice in SAFED techniques is given to our drivers. The drivers are then assessed by recording improvements in driving performance and actual fuel consumption.

Driver education is supported by a programme of vehicle replacement, which will continue in 2011/12 with the delivery of new vehicles with streamlined bodies, providing reduced emissions and the capability of reducing fuel usage by up to 15%. Our electric vehicle trial at our Walthamstow site is continuing and is also contributing to a reduction in CO2 emissions across the fleet.

A review of our Company car provision in 2009/10 resulted in us setting an upper limit for CO2 emissions which was significantly lower than that contained in the previous policy; this continues to deliver year on year reductions in CO2 emissions from these vehicles.