Eight per cent of the 28.5 billion kilometres (17.7 billion miles) clocked up by British trucks on the country's road network every year are totally superfluous, according to new figures.
Analysis of the UK's freight industry carried out by logistics efficiency consultants Key3 Partners has revealed 2.2 billion kilometres (1.4 billion miles) could be shaved off the total distance travelled by the UK's 426,000 trucks, freeing up the nation's roads and drastically reducing emissions.
This would mean over 50,000 fewer truck journeys or a reduction of more than almost 8 million kilometres (5 million miles) being driven around the UK each day.
Key3 Partners say the figures - based on making an 8% efficiency saving across the whole freight transport industry - could be made if companies involved in logistics were to examine their operating procedures and use technology to remove wasted kilometres.
By working with high profile clients such as Exel plc, Business Post, and The Big Food Group, Key3 Partners has clearly demonstrated that any organisation can reduce costs and mitigate the burden of legislation.
Savings across all clients range from 5%-20% of each company's annual kilometre total which could translate to a national saving of anywhere from 1.4 billion to 5.7 billion kilometres (884 million to 3.5 billion miles) a year.
And, the number of kilometres driven is about to become critical for all logistics operations as the Government plans in 2008 to change the current taxation system for both commercial and private vehicles in favour of a pioneering new road charging scheme based on the distance travelled.
Key3 Partners claims transport operations now offer the greatest cost-saving improvement in the supply chain as historically companies have focused their attention on other issues such as warehousing efficiency and inventory reduction.
Craig Bunker, Managing Director of Key3 Partners, said: "We have proved there is a way to reduce the number of trucks on our roads, but unfortunately the industry does not attract the skills to implement the change and maximise the benefits from technology. Considering the importance of the industry and the effect it has on our everyday lives, it is incredible how unsophisticated and inefficient transport is when compared to other sectors."
But logistics operations are also faced with the impact of recent changes to the Working Time Directive which cuts drivers' hours from an average of 55 to 48 a week. The Government estimates this alone will mean a further 21,000 drivers are needed to cope with the existing workload.
Bunker argues: "While the figure of 21,000 extra drivers appears accurate, if we were to modernise our operating practices and seek to reduce the number of kilometres travelled every year, we could cover the same amount of work with less driver hours, thereby minimising the impact of the Working Time Directive change."
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