Driving the Future of Transport Compliance and Innovation
At AS Miles Consulting, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of the transport and logistics industry. That’s why our Managing Director, Andy Miles, had the privilege of representing us at the Institute of Couriers (IOC) – Heads of Industry January Q1 Roundtable, held in the heart of the City of London. This prestigious event gathered key leaders from across the transport and express logistics sector to discuss critical issues shaping the industry’s future.
🔑 Key Highlights from the Event
The roundtable featured a dynamic agenda, addressing the most pressing topics in the industry today. Here are some of the standout discussions:
🚗 London Road Charges
Updates were shared on the upcoming Silvertown Tunnel charges, set to launch on April 7, 2025. This development is expected to have significant implications for fleet operators navigating London’s road network, with discussions focused on how businesses can adapt to these changes effectively.
⛽ Fuel Value Impact
Fuel costs remain a critical concern for operators. Callum Macpherson provided valuable insights into the political and economic factors influencing fuel prices, helping businesses better anticipate and manage fluctuations in their operational expenses.
🛑 Counterfeit Goods Alert
One of the more shocking revelations came from discussions around counterfeit automotive parts—including brake pads made from sawdust! This alarming trend highlights the need for rigorous compliance checks and supplier vetting to ensure vehicle safety is never compromised.
📦 The Future of Delivery
A thought-provoking session focused on the duty of integrity in parcel delivery. Industry leaders voted on key principles to guide the next generation of delivery practices, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high ethical standards in an increasingly fast-paced sector.
🌍 Clean Air Zones (CAZs)
Updates from DEFRA provided a nationwide overview of Clean Air Zones, with a particular focus on developments in Manchester. These environmental regulations continue to shape fleet strategies, especially concerning sustainability and emissions compliance.
🤖 AI in Fleet Maintenance
Tom Cocker showcased exciting innovations in dynamic fleet management, highlighting how artificial intelligence is transforming maintenance practices. AI’s potential to enhance efficiency, predict issues, and reduce downtime is a game-changer for operators looking to optimize performance.
💬 Collaboration at the Core
The event concluded with an inspiring address from Alison Gowman CBE, who emphasized the power of collaboration within the transport industry. Her message resonated with all attendees, reinforcing the importance of working together to tackle challenges and drive progress.
🤝 Why Events Like This Matter
Beyond the presentations, the roundtable provided invaluable opportunities for:
- Networking with industry leaders
- Benchmarking best practices
- Sharing insights on sustainability, EV adoption, and compliance trends
- Discussing the future of transport education and workforce development
At AS Miles Consulting, we’re proud to engage with industry thought leaders and bring back the latest insights to support our clients in being safe, compliant, and profitable.
