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Nov 2010 | On The Road

As seen in europeansupplychainmanagement.co.uk- 30th November 2010

Handling up to 800 containers each day, Roadways Container Logistics offers efficient container solutions through its leading network of depots and terminals

As one of the UK’s leading multimodal transport and container handling specialists, Roadways Container Logistics has become an integral part of many supply chains through its combination of road, rail and storage capabilities. Roadways operates a unique network with depots strategically positioned near to major UK ports, supported by inland container storage terminals close to commercial areas. These sites are located throughout the UK, in Felixstowe, Southampton, Tilbury, Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool and Tamworth. With its own rail terminals and road haulage fleet Roadways is able to offer reliable and flexible services that can be adapted in line with any changes in the delivery schedule.

Adopting the Roadways name in 1996, the company’s history can actually be traced back to the 1850s when the transport method was a horse and cart. Following a number of different acquisitions by names such as P&O and Maersk Line, and company divisions, today Roadways operates as an independent company owned by Aegeus Transport. Roadways’ systems and infrastructure have been specifically developed to provide an efficient container management service, which translates into innovative and cost effective solutions for clients.

“Roadways has two typical client sectors – shipping lines and freight forwarders,” explains Nick Matthews, commercial director. “Our wide portfolio of clients contains over 100 active clients and extends to major names in both industry sectors. These include shipping companies like Maersk Line, CMA-CGM, NYK Line and Evergreen, and freight forwarders such as Kuehne and Nagel, CEVA Logistics, Allport and Damco. Although we are a domestic supplier, our clients operate on a global basis.”

He continues to describe the company’s key market strengths: “Roadways is far from your everyday haulage company – our expertise, experience and exceptional service delivery ensures that customer requirements are fully understood, whilst maintaining our market leading status. One of the many challenges facing the transport industry is the ever-increasing delays arising from road and port congestion. Through the use of inland terminals, goods can be moved inland closer to the delivery point ahead of schedule, reducing delays in the final leg of the journey. Empty containers can also be stored inland ready for export loading, reducing the need to run empty miles and the environmental impact. Using modern lifting equipment Roadways can offer loaded and empty container handling, storage and repairs.”

Earlier this year Roadways invested in new transport and container depot management software systems supplied by Fargo Systems. The TOPS (Transport Operations and Processing System) transport management system will be used nationwide to integrate Roadways’ 275 vehicle transport operations, whilst the CYMAN (Container Yard Manager) container depot solution will be implemented at each inland terminal. These more up-to-date software systems will help improve operational efficiency and to drive the business further forwards.

Recently North Warwickshire Borough Council granted planning permission to IM Properties to extend the Birch Coppice Business Park, where Roadways operates the Birmingham Intermodal Freight Terminal (BIFT). The new 124 acre extension will provide up to two million square feet of rail served warehousing facilities with Roadways’ BIFT forming a key attraction for new businesses. “We are hopeful that the advantages of Railfreight will allow us to develop close working relationships with the new businesses attracted to Birch Coppice,” says Nick.

Another key development is the rail gauge clearance project, which once complete will enable the movement of high cube containers approximately nine feet high on standard rail wagons from Southampton to Nuneaton and onto Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow. Currently these high cube containers can only be moved by rail using special low platform wagons, which are not readily available and reduce load capacity. Nick comments on how this may affect Roadways: “Given our two inland rail terminals, this project is good news for both the shipping industry and Roadways, with great potential for the future.”

Certainly the current market conditions remain difficult with the economic crisis continuing to squeeze the haulage industry in its grip. “There has been a consistent downward pressure on rates, with up to a 17 per cent decrease over the last 18 months,” describes Nick. “These challenges have meant that Roadways has had to re-engineer itself, working with our staff and unions to ensure the remuneration packages were adjusted to meet the current market conditions. We also work closely with our clients to ensure efficient operations and look at the transport mode for each delivery to ensure the best product is achieved.”

Despite the pressures of the market Nick sees a number of opportunities for Roadways going forwards: “The container industry continues to grow as new products are outsourced to economies which can produce goods cheaper than within Europe. Although the economic downturn has slowed this growth, it has not stopped and looks set to increase as the market recovers. In line with this demand Roadways is set to grow in the future and to strengthen its standing as a leader in the container haulage and handling industry.”

Roadways Container Logistics
Services: Container handling and transport

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All press enquiries and image requests should be directed to info@roadways.co.uk