THE COMMERCIAL PRINTER
We’ve just started implementing an electric courier service for one of our major London-based clients that wanted a sustainable alternative to traditional methods of transporting goods.
As a result, we no longer pay the con-gestion charge, and in some cases there are no parking charges. It is a unique approach, and we had to do quite a lot of research before we started offering the service.
The van’s speed may be an issue for some firms, though. An electric vehicle is an effective way to deliver within central London but it might not be fast enough for motorway travel.
It is easy to overlook the issue of logistics, especially in the print-on-demand sector where demand can overshadow other business areas and cost is disregarded.
Ikon Office Solutions head of outsourcing, Mark Smyth


THE LOGISTICS SPECIALIST
People look upon logistics as a very complicated business and often take the view that if a system is working there’s no need to change it. If people don’t understand how the logistics industry ticks, it’s hard to reduce costs.
Logistics decisions depend on the size and design of a firm. There are a number of changes all companies can make to improve delivery services and reduce costs. For example, if a firm is shipping goods into the UK, it should consider the port the delivery is going to in relation to its final destination. Take control of your delivery chain, and look at the individual requirements for each job.
Freight Logistics managing director, Robert Winfield

THE DELIVERY SPECIALIST
We are now offering a shipping service online aimed at small to medium-sized printers that don’t necessarily need, or might not own, large carriers.
For small printers, organising deliveries can be difficult. As a company, fuel is our biggest spend and prices are
increasing rapidly, so logistics can be an expensive business. But we have 1,600 vehicles in more than 100 locations and so can transport goods efficiently by filling carriers.
Printers specialise in printing, not logistics. If a small company goes out with just two consignments, it can be costly and time consuming.
We often take up to 60 consignments at a time, making our delivery service much more cost-effective. It’s not competitive for firms to deliver a handful of jobs, even in a local area.
Interlink Express chief executive, Dwain McDonald