We’re excited by the dawn of a new year. The last few years have been tumultuous for the entire transport logistics sector, so it’s exciting to look ahead and see the potential for a new start.  

 

If you’re looking to supply goods across the UK, throughout Europe or around the world next year, then it’s essential to periodically review your current systems and processes. It’s the perfect opportunity to streamline any processes, identify any cost savings and simplify your haulage solutions.  

 

Here at Waller Transport Services, we do everything we can to make sure you are fully supported throughout your transport logistics processes. We always prioritise each shipment on its own merits, focusing on specific cost savings, haulage processes and timescales, so you’re getting the right solution each and every time.  

 

But a lot of our work is also spent focusing on collaboration with you and your in-house team. We understand the need to think strategically, which is why we’re sharing some of our best practice tips to help you prepare for a successful 2024.  

 

Start the year by reviewing your current contracts   

When was the last time you reviewed your transport logistics contracts? Are you tied into a lengthy deal, or have your business needs changed since you began working with your haulage partner? Can you renegotiate terms with partners throughout your wider supply chains? 

One of the reasons why clients have come to us for over fifty years is because of our attention to detail. We know you’re relying on us to help you scale up (or down) your business as needs change, so it’s essential to have a flexible solution in place that works with your changing business needs, not against them.  

Right now, the transport logistics sector has been impacted heavily by fluctuating fuel prices – and we know this is causing havoc with your budget plans. We appreciate the difficulties changing fuel prices are having, which is why it’s more important than ever before to identify those potential cost savings that might have a huge impact on your bottom line.  

 

Don’t be afraid to change the way you work 

One of the things we often hear from potential new clients is they’ve relied on the same delivery methods for years. They know what works for them, and what to expect from their transport logistics partners.  

We like to go against the status quo.  

Here at Waller, we offer a fresh take on domestic, European and international freight; one where we focus on each individual shipment, rather than offering the same transportation methods each time.  

We’re proud of how we’ve simultaneously helped clients reduce their shipping costs and maximise their profitability. Just because one haulage solution was right for one shipment, doesn’t mean it’s right for the next delivery. Our approach is to look at how we can streamline your costs every single time.  

For example, if you’ve got a smaller delivery coming up, we may suggest benefiting from a part-load solution. Or if you have an extended deadline, we may consider a longer transportation time. But where speed is of the essence, we can prioritise rapid or same-day deliveries.  

By re-educating clients that you can change your transport solutions to meet the individual needs of each shipment, you’ll be well positioned to streamline your costs and your efficiencies.  

 

Understanding the growing issues associated with climate change 

Freight solutions are complex; often you must rely on road freight or air freight to get your goods from A-B. But where does that leave you when it comes to your sustainability pledges? 

Clients are increasingly coming to us, asking for environmentally friendly shipping solutions. We know you have a duty as part of your ESG to demonstrate your commitment to tackling climate change. However, we also know you may not have the funds to invest in your wider infrastructure.  

But climate change isn’t going to go away.  

We all have a duty to play our part in reducing carbon footprints, and we will be focusing on offering more environmentally friendly shipping solutions throughout 2024. If this is important to you, we will work with you to find the most appropriate shipping routes to meet your sustainability objectives. 

Just ask. 

 

Asia-North Europe freight rates are predicted to soar. 

We’re constantly monitoring shipping events and recently there’s been talk of shipping costs between Asia and Europe rising. This is due to the impact of some westbound voyages being paused and others being diverted around Africa to avoid increasing attacks by Yemen-based Houthi rebels on merchant shipping approaching the Suez Canal. 

According to recent media reports, the escalating security crisis in the Red Sea region has led some ocean carriers to re-route ships from Asia to Europe via the Cape of Good Hope, avoiding the canal, which will add at least another 10 days to voyage times. 

Reports predicts several weeks, if not months, of supply chain disruption, with ships and containers in the wrong places in the build-up to Chinese New Year, which starts on 10 February. 

If your business relies on these routes, please get in touch as a matter of urgency to ensure your goods are in the right place, at the right time. 

 

The upcoming sporting events could see an increase in shipping demand  

2024 is shaping up to be a bumper year for sport, and this could have wider implications for your global shipping needs.  

The UEFA European Championships in Germany and the 2024 Paris Olympics may see demand for additional merchandise, or if you’re a food or drink retailer, you may need to order additional deliveries with temperature-controlled trucks. We suggest preparation is key, and booking in your shipments as early as possible will ensure the smooth running of your business.  

 

Global political events could impact shipping costs 

Finally, it’s worth nothing that 2024 is potentially a politically important year.  

Any changes in global parliamentary elections could have significant implications for fuel costs, climate change initiatives or trade deals. If you’re using European or Global freight solutions, it’s important to keep up to date with the latest developments.  

Key elections to look out for in 2024 include: 

  • March – Putin is seeking re-election in Russia, potentially keeping him in power until 2030. 
  • April – Narendra Modi is looking for a third successive term in India, an election which could see 1bn+ people voting.  
  • June – The European Parliament elections could have a big impact on those shipping across the EU.  
  • November – Could we see a return of Trump v Biden in the US presidential election? 

And of course, we still don’t know if we may see a UK General Election next year. The latest it will take place will be January 2025, but it may be called earlier, with many suggesting it could be as early as May 2024.  

 

Waller Transport can help you succeed in 2024 

While there’s no way of knowing what we can expect from the next 12 months these are just a few things you should think about as you prepare to kick off 2024.  

At Waller, our role is to prioritise your customer service and transport efficiencies, simplifying your UK or international shipping. Together we can embark on a journey that allows you to benefit from maximum national or international reach with minimum fuss. 

Talk to us to find out how.  

Back to Info Hub