How did you get into the temperature-controlled distribution sector and what is your role within Igloo Thermo Logistics?
Initially I started working in the transport industry back in 2005 as a van driver, making my way up to passing my class 1 in 2013. I started my career in temperature controlled distribution back in 2014 as a HGV driver for AF Blakemore in Wakefield.
In 2015 I made the move into an officemanagement role, starting off as a Transport supervisor, moving up to sites Transport manager and passing the Transport manager CPC in August 2016. In 2018 I joined Igloo Thermo Logistic as the Leeds site Operations Manager. My current role now includes Group Fleet this has shown Igloo’s growth over the last 5 Years. Igloo Currently have 120 vehicle assets ranging from vanHGV/Trailers to Artics.
Can you firstly tell us what temperature-controlled vehicles that Igloo Thermo Logistics operates?
We currently run a mixed fleet at Igloo Thermo Logistics ranging from Sprinter vans to HGV. Vans are all Mercedes Sprinters from MWB to Box vans, 7.5T,18 Tonne Rigids and 45’ Trailers, all of which are Dual Compartment. We are currently waiting on 3x Double decker’s from Gray and Adams due in next year.
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 Igloo Thermo Logistics?
Controlling the temperature of a product is extremely important in ensuring that it’s been delivered in the correct temperature-controlled environment., Telematics is an essential investment in our transport operation we have the ability to track temperature trackingmonitoring from collection point to delivery point. We renew our fleet on average every 3 years to keep in line with new legislation and working with our Fridge maintenance providers is also key to keeping our fleet at maximum temperature controlled. Currently have 3x New DAFCarrier Iceland 18 Twin cool Diesel free Ridged due in November 2022.
Are you using telematics across your fleet currently? If so, what advantages do you see this gives your clients?
Igloo runs as a Groupage operator, and we need to provide multi temp collections and delivery option for our customers.
All our vehicles run as dual temp where required, Telematic are fitted to our entire fleet, Dash camTrackersDriver performance/temperature monitoring is all provide by Add-Secure which gives our system full view on our vehicle and driver movements.
Add-Secure Telematics has helped to coach our drivers to reduce our Carbon footprint. We have worked really hard over the last 12 months to move all our Telematics to a one stop systems which provides our transport team an easier more efficient system to work with.
Customer needs are constantly changing, so what are you finding is now the biggest request from your customers?
SERVICES is the one word I hear. Customers are expecting a quality service from A to B. We have an excellent working partnership with our customers where we can provide live time windows and collection and delivery info. Our procedures and operational processes must satisfy the highest standards. We have external audits yearly from BRCISO9001MHRA to which our accreditations are testimony. Time – Customers are wanting stock earlier, next day service with our expertise Igloo can provide the service within our own network.
What environmental measures does Igloo Thermo Logistics incorporate to ensure best practice?
We have a vehicle replacement program approximately every 3 years depending on the type of vehicle which ensures our vehicles are updated and meet environmental standards. With more clean air zones around the country our fleet have to meet the required environmental standards
The last 24 months has thrown us all a curve ball, how has business been for Igloo Thermo Logistics since the pandemic started?
Hopefully with the pandemic behind us, we all know it’s been a difficult 24 months for everyone, we lost significant amount of work but on the other hand gained new customers. During lockdown we had opportunities to teach and learn our workforce new skills. We currently have an HGV training program where our van drivers are getting the opportunities to upskill to HGV class 2.
If you could give one piece of advice to a newcomer to our industry, what would it be?
Gain Knowledge about your industry, I would recommend reading and learning about the industry you want to have a career in. Attend Tradeshows and seminars, the industry changes every year reading articles in TCS&D and other provides.
Lastly, would you like to share any news about your company that you feel would benefit the TCS&D readers?
After our acquisition of BWRC Couriers in the SW last year we are constantly on the lookout for other business’s to buy to grow our network. Soon we will be moving our existing depot in Leeds to a new facility which will increase our warehousing and delivery capabilities in the North of England. Taking receipt of 30 plus new Sprinter Box vans and adding capacity to our trunking network with double deck trailers will also improve and increase our capacity across the country. Internally we are looking to update our systems/processes as well as working towards Investors in People Accreditation.
