The costs and environmental impact of distributing and storing timber and wood based products could be reduced by introducing a small number of important changes, companies were told at a TRADA supply chain workshop.
The changes were recommendations of a key DTI-sponsored research report released at the August 6 workshop, which involved companies from a range of timber associated sectors.
The report says companies can reduce fuel consumption by correct vehicle and trailer selection, driver training and efficient distribution patterns.
Project co-ordinator Miles Brown, of TRADA Technology Ltd, said the European Working Time Directive might hit timber companies hard. He said it could increase the shortfall of HGV drivers and, along with increasing road congestion, make just-in-time deliveries more difficult.
He advised companies to “take steps now”, possibly by developing co-operation between customers and suppliers, reviewing delivery patterns and making greater use of modern communication technologies.
Partners in the project, which cost £155,000, included TRADA, the Timber Trade Federation, AW Jenkinson Forest Products, UK Forest Products Association and the Wood Panel Industries Federation.
