Logistics consultancy, Davies & Robson has helped access equipment hire company, Lavendon, to improve the operating efficiency of its collection and delivery service within the UK and Germany.
Lavendon plc is the UK market leader in the hire of access equipment with operations in Europe and the Middle East. Within the UK, Lavendon operates 43 depots under the Nationwide Platforms brand.
A key part of the operation is the collection and delivery of powered access equipment, ranging from small scissor lifts to large self propelled 'cherry pickers'. Transport is undertaken by an in-house fleet of circa 124 vehicles (excluding truck mounts) and some 70+ contractors.
As part of a Group wide profit improvement initiative, Lavendon sought to improve the efficiency of its transport operations, bringing in Davies & Robson to provide specialist advice and support.
The company undertook a detailed analysis of volume trends and core fleet requirements, accurately modelling Lavendon's transport operations in the UK and Germany in order to determine the optimum number of owned vehicles for each hire depot. Davies & Robson also carried out an analysis of cost savings which could be achieved through shift optimisation based on volumes at Lavendon's Birmingham depot.
The company worked with Lavendon to introduce a programme to reduce fuel consumption and improve transport purchasing, including the preparation of new terms and conditions for 'Approved', 'Primary' and 'Premier' contractors.
The project also identified Lavendon's transport controllers as the key to more effective cost management and assisted in the development and delivery of an in-house training programme.
Finally, Davies & Robson made recommendations for improvements to Lavendon's management information system measures to monitor depot performance and changes to the accounting systems to support improved transport pricing.
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