Route planning and fleet management key to a successful delivery operation
Oct 08, 2019
Route planning and fleet management are key to a successful delivery operation, according to the recently appointed Logistics Director of two-man, white-glove specialist Panther Warehousing.
Guy Burgess – who took up the reins at the Northamptonshire-based company earlier this year – believes strategically managing assets is essential, especially when delivering seven days a week.
“You must ensure your fleet is fully operational and ready to meet demand at all times,” said Guy, who has more than 25 years’ experience in logistics, more than five of them in the two-man delivery sector.
“You cannot afford to be caught out in such a competitive market.
“You don’t want to let customers and consumers down – but on the other hand you also don’t want to send vehicles out half-empty, so it is a constant balancing act between speed and efficiency. That’s where great route planning comes in – it makes a real difference.”
Fast-expanding Panther’s fleet comprises LGV’s, trailers and light vans with extra equipment being hired in at peak times when necessary. All vehicles are Euro 6 compliant the majority under two years old.
Panther also benefits from having its own pool of directly employed LGV drivers, an advantage during the current national shortage of drivers. Driver behaviour is monitored as all the LGVs are fitted with telematics and forward facing cameras, making it easier to manage an efficient fleet.
Describing himself as a “specialist in field and network strategy” Guy joined as Programme Manager at the end of 2018 and was promoted to Logistics Director five months later.
Guy said: “Panther is unique in the market-place with an unrivalled next-day delivery offer in the two-man, white-glove sector. We deliver seven days a week and now offer early morning and evening premium deliveries as well.
“My commitment to providing a premier service to both client and customer, and my enthusiastic and dynamic approach to managing teams have produced significant results in each role I’ve fulfilled.
“It’s fantastic to be joining Panther which is leading the field with its flexible, responsive deliveries tailored to customer demand.”
At Panther he closely manages suppliers and vehicle movements to ensure the company’s assets are deployed efficiently and effectively and all vehicles are fully compliant with its Operators licence requirements.
