Not just a new network.24 Dec 2019 06:43
As for parcels, it is not just the case, for RMG that is, of setting up three new hubs specifically targeted at this all important vastly growing market...there needs to be far more than just that. Not only will there have to be a new network, I don't care what Rico says "tweaking it" will not be enough, but, also, at some point, the Royal Mail planners will need to look at new ways of increasing the amount of mail their vehicles carry; as someone on the other board commented quite some time back: "if RMG were a transport company they would have gone bust years ago". The case being that it is not economically viable or sustainable to put thousands of vehicles on the road every day half-filled; sometimes a lorry with a capacity of say 87, 90 , 95, 98 or even a 110 is going out with only 4 or 5 Yorks on -- utter madness!! I understand of course about the stringent laws concerning HGV's and drivers hours...but there has to be a better way. In my opinion sending out a lorry at a pre-determined departure time just because a driver is on an eight hour shift and therefore HAS to go is not the most economical (obviously) way of going about it. Surely there must be a solution? If RMG can get it right the savings would be truly enormous! All people talk about is how much extra revenue RMG can generate by competing and capturing more of these new emerging markets...but cutting costs might generate even more revenue -- considerably more! I do know several depots are experimenting with loose loads (not entirely convinced about this) and also some are actively involved in condensing Yorks (a better way of going about it I would have to say) but surely the point has to come when the planners take a good, long, hard and critical look at the inflexibility of the drivers themselves...compelled to leave whether empty or full because of the limitations of their shift patterns. This is not something that can be resolved quickly...but in the next several years Royal Mail is going to have to take it on. Interesting times ahead. Talks with no preconditions? The CWU likes the idea of that. But thats a cake that slices both ways...is it not?
Sign In
Follow the stocks
