The University of Cambridge research indicates that a significant portion of freight transportation in the UK is done by trucks, accounting for around 80% of the 200 billion tonne km in 2022. This reliance on truck freight is also a major contributor to the country’s domestic transport greenhouse gas emissions, with 20% attributed to trucks in 2021.
Recent data from the UK government shows that freight is responsible for 31% of all CO2 emissions in the country’s transportation sector. However, an interesting statistic reveals that 30% of trucks on UK roads are operating with empty loads, presenting an opportunity for the logistics industry to reduce emissions through efficiency improvements.
A consortium of tech companies has developed a sophisticated platform, utilizing data feeds and algorithms, to tackle the challenge of optimizing truck utilization. A pilot program conducted with AF Blakemore, a wholesaler and Spar convenience store operator, has demonstrated the potential to enhance the efficiency of existing vehicles on UK roads, with plans to scale up the initiative.
The Logistics Living Lab (L3) project, led by Digital Catapult and supported by various tech firms, aims to leverage technology to facilitate intelligent vehicle slot filling, routing, and tracking. The platform, known as Sequence, utilizes distributed ledger technology to enable data sharing among retailers, suppliers, and vehicle operators within the transport and logistics network.
The pilot program has shown promising results, with potential cost savings, improved vehicle fill rates, and significant carbon emission reductions. By matching vehicle transport capacity with shipment needs, the platform could help decrease overall transport costs, increase efficiency, and achieve environmental sustainability goals.
The industry mindset towards collaboration and data sharing is crucial for the success of such initiatives. Retailers and suppliers need to work together to synchronize orders, optimize routes, and maximize the utilization of existing resources. By embracing supply chain optimization projects and adopting a collaborative approach, retailers can not only save costs but also contribute towards decarbonization and sustainability goals.
The success of the L3 project has garnered interest from major retailers, highlighting the industry’s readiness to embrace innovative solutions for supply chain optimization. Collaboration between companies like AF Blakemore and Simply Supply Chain is essential for driving long-term impact and innovation in the transportation and logistics sector.
