Logistics UK shares tips to keep operators safe during cold weather conditions

Icy weather conditions can pose significant challenges for vehicles to remain safe on the roads. According to the AA, the most common cause of winter breakdowns is battery-related issues (24%), with tyres a close second (16%). As the days grow darker and colder, Logistics UK is highlighting best practices for operators, to navigate weather-related challenges and reduce the risk of disruption to their operations.

From driving in the dark to managing icy roads and defrosting vehicles, winter weather conditions introduce a wide range of challenges, and with road freight accounting for over 80% of goods movements, it is essential that the chance of disruption is minimised.

Logistics UK’s Chief Executive Ben Fletcher said: “Haulage is a sector that operates year-round, with logistics businesses working 24/7 to deliver essential goods that keep UK industries and businesses moving, making it a possibility that operators encounter challenging weather.

“To reduce the risk of disruption and enable the continuous and safe flow of goods, it is essential that operators are mindful of adverse weather and road conditions and have appropriate adjustments in place.”

Tips to operate safely during adverse weather conditions include:

• Check the electrical system including the battery and charging systems, as engine starting in cold weather makes the battery work harder (battery failure is one of the most likely causes of breakdown).
• Ensure electrical connections are secure and check the alternator to confirm it charges at the correct rate when operating under full load.
• Inspect the condition of the radiator, hoses and thermostat (engine reaches normal temperature) to ensure they are serviceable and operational as required. Ensure that engine coolant is topped up and mixed with antifreeze as per manufacturer guidelines, same with windscreen washer fluid to ensure it does not freeze in low temperatures.
• Ensure that any other engine fluids are checked and topped up as necessary, including power train and gearbox oils, replacing any filters if required.
• Consider introducing a temporary minimum tread depth of 5mm for the duration of the adverse weather.
• Consider the use of winter tyres if you operate in areas commonly affected by snowfall and icy roads. The order of fitment priority is: firstly to drive axles, followed by steered axles and then to remaining axles (such as lift and trailer axles).

To support safe operations during winter, Logistics UK Shop stocks a wide range of products to keep employees warm while on the job, with workwear from Portwest, BLÅKLÄDER, Dunlop and Hard Yakka, alongside cold weather accessories and equipment for vehicles, including ice scrapers from ProScraper and the AA, and AutoSocks for tyres.

“Operators need to be prepared for anything, which is why our products support safe operation, with a focus on keeping employees and vehicles protected from weather conditions,” said Logistics UK’s Head of Retail Operations, Tim Hyde.

Products for winter weather are available from Logistics UK Shop.

Business group Logistics UK champions the logistics sector, the backbone of the UK economy and global trade, providing a unique, authoritative voice for its members. As the only trade association representing the whole industry, it supports more than 22,000 members, operating in road, rail, waterways, sea and air freight, in ports, airports and warehousing, as well as the customers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers. The group delivers industry representation, services and thought leadership to support a sector that is critical to economic growth, employing 8% of the UK workforce, contributing £175 billion in annual GVA and enabling over £1 trillion of international trade. For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit logistics.org.uk