Question: Hi Craig, what is your role within CML Express Delivery please?
Answer: Company Director
Question: How did you get into the temperature-controlled distribution sector?
Answer: I was involved with Temperature Controlled Warehouse & Distribution from 1999-2005 working as a stock controller before moving into refrigerated transport as a planner for a leading haulier involved in the meat industry looking after 40+ vehicles delivering palletised & carcasses across the UK & Europe from 2005-2017.
Question: How did you get into the temperature-controlled distribution sector and what is your role within CML Express Delivery?
Answer: I purchased my first refrigerated van in 2016 in preparation for going on my own when the time was right, I started on my own in January 2017. I already had a vast customer base to tap into from my previous job roles in the industry which many of them were happy to offer me work to get me on my way. Since May 2022 I obtained an O Licence to allow me to trade with the EU which is of great benefit.
Question: Can you firstly tell us what temperature-controlled vehicles that CML Express Delivery operates?
Answer: Currently I have 2 Ford Transit 2.0 Ecoblue Euro6 LWB Vans both fitted with Identical Hubbard Zero380 Twin Evap Fridge / Freezers, Transcan ADR2 & Transcan Advanced Temperature Data Loggers converted by CoolKit in Burnley.
Question: What has been the most important technical development in your temperature-controlled bodies and refrigeration systems in recent years and how has it impacted on your operations within CML Express Delivery?
Answer: The box conversion offered by CoolKit and the Hubbard Zero 380 Fridge/ Freezer is from my experience one of the best combinations for my business, easy to use and maintain.
Question: Are you using telematics across your fleet currently? If so, what advantages do you see this gives your clients?
Answer: Currently my Telematics is with Radius Velocity which does what I need it to do, but as I type I am currently looking at moving to Fleetmatics which I’m familiar with from my transport planner days. I think the Fleetmatics will give my customers a more in-depth analysis of the tracking / Temp of their product as they can have their own login to the telematics.
Question: Customer needs are constantly changing, so what are you finding is now the biggest request from your customers?
Answer: When I first started quality of service was paramount which obviously there was a cost to a quality service, which with my own customers this is still the case. Lately I’ve noticed that many ad-hoc jobs being offered this is not the case, lowest price is paramount regardless of quality of service and vehicle. I take pride in our appearance and the service that we offer.
Question: What environmental measures does CML Express Delivery incorporate to ensure best practice?
Answer: Currently running Euro6 Vehicles which get serviced religiously every 2 months to ensure the best running of our vans that they can be, I am currently looking into electric / hybrid power vehicles however for my business to run effortlessly I don’t think that the technology is quite there yet to meet my requirements.
Question: If you could give one piece of advice to a newcomer to our industry, what would it be?
Answer: my advice would be is to keep your equipment smart in appearance, try to be unique in what service you offer & try hard to get your own work.
Question: Lastly, would you like to share any news about your company that you feel would benefit the TCS&D readers?
Answer: We are always looking to expand our customer base for UK & Europe Refrigerated deliveries, which hopefully will allow me to grow the fleet.
