3 minute read
Specialised support for competitive advantage
Running a commercial transport fleet comes with significant challenges, including maintenance and compliance responsibilities, people costs, and balance sheet impact. One effective strategy to address these challenges is outsourcing logistics to third-party logistics (3PL) providers like Wincanton. This approach helps companies overcome skills gaps, technology barriers, and ultimately drives both sustainability and resilience.
Bridging the skills gap
The logistics sector is grappling with a significant skills gap. With the average age of HGV drivers in the UK being 53 and more drivers leaving the profession than entering it, recruitment and retention are critical issues. Moreover, as fleets incorporate more alternative fuel vehicles, the need for specialised skills becomes more pressing. Partnering with an expert logistics provider like Wincanton can alleviate these challenges. Wincanton’s extensive experience and skilled workforce ensure that businesses have access to the necessary expertise without the need to invest heavily in training and recruitment.
Overcoming technology barriers
Technology plays a pivotal role in optimising logistics operations, yet adopting and implementing the latest technologies can seem daunting and costly. Wincanton’s EyeQ solution exemplifies how digital innovation can enhance logistics efficiency. EyeQ combines technology, people, and processes to deliver a fully managed transport service, enabling real-time optimisation and valuable data insights. By outsourcing logistics to a provider with advanced technological capabilities, companies can benefit from state-of-the-art solutions without the significant capital investment and risk associated with new technology adoption.
Benefits of outsourcing to a 3PL provider
Outsourcing logistics to an expert partner like Wincanton offers several advantages:
- Cost reduction: By optimising fleet operations, reducing empty miles, and improving route planning, Wincanton helps businesses optimise operational costs.
- Sustainability: Through initiatives such as using alternative fuels and optimising vehicle schedule, Wincanton supports companies in reducing their carbon footprint. Wincanton’s EyeQ solution also facilitates collaboration, enabling companies to share logistics resources and further cut CO2 emissions.
- Resilience: Wincanton’s vast network and expertise provide businesses with the flexibility to scale operations according to market demands. This adaptability ensures continuity and stability, even in fluctuating economic climates.
- Enhanced customer experience: By leveraging Wincanton’s advanced logistics capabilities, companies can improve delivery reliability and speed, leading to better customer satisfaction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, outsourcing logistics to a supply chain partner like Wincanton is a strategic move for businesses aiming to achieve sustainability and resilience. By bridging the skills gap, overcoming technology barriers, and realising significant cost and environmental benefits, companies can focus on their core competencies while ensuring a robust and sustainable logistics operation. Wincanton’s expertise and innovative solutions position them as a valuable partner in this journey towards a greener and more resilient future.
About the Author: Helen Flanagan
Product Director - EyeQ
Helen Flanagan is the product lead for EyeQ, Wincanton's digital transport control tower product. She joined Wincanton in 2023 and plays a key role in the strategic shift in the business to focus on transport services powered by digital technology. Helen brings a depth of experience in logistics operations, sales, solutions design and consulting and has enjoyed varied roles at DHL Supply Chain and Kuehne & Nagel.