Worksop based Seafield Logistics is reporting significant benefits by taking part in the government's SAFED initiative. The SAFED (Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving) programme was introduced by Seafield last year as part of its ongoing strategy to deliver improvements for customers and staff.
The government launched SAFED in 2003 and following its success across the industry as a whole, a further SAFED programme was introduced specifically for the aggregate transport industries.
The intial programme demonstrated the following benefits:
• Average fuel saving of 10%
• Average gear change reductions of 37%
• Reduced CO2 emissions
• Increased defensive driving skills
Seafield's SAFED programme involved four drivers being trained to SAFED standards as driver trainers. On completion of their training the four, Andy Griffin, Danny Kimber, Matt Hazelhurst and Phil Hawkins will undertake training of all the Seafield Logistics Group drivers; approximately 200 in total across the country. All drivers joining the company in future will also be brought within the programme.
Seafield has already seen improvements in the performance of the four drivers and multiplied across the company this will undoubtedly have substantial financial implications but Andrew Cottrell, Seafield's Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality Manager says it's not just about money. "We're also doing it for environmental reasons and because of our aspirations to obtain ISO14001 Environmental Management System. The initial training has shown unbelievable improvements in fuel efficiency of up to 24.6%. Once all the drivers are trained it will have a huge impact on the business." Andrew adds, "Our driver trainers are keen to ensure that after training is finished the improved levels of performance are maintained so that the training is always 'live'. We will be looking at ways of achieving this."
The SAFED initiative also recommends the involvement of drivers in safety programmes. This is something that Seafield has embraced with drivers and other operational staff now having a greater involvement and sense of identity with safety issues.
Liquid Management Solutions, part of the Simon Group of companies, undertook the intial training programme for Seafield.
The Seafield Logistics group of companies includes Seafield Logistics Ltd, Ken Thomas Logistics Ltd and Ken Thomas Ltd. The main activities of Seafield Logistics and its associated companies are; distribution (specialising in bulk powder, chemicals (non hazardous), FMCG, glass, packaging, retail and steel); dedicated distribution centre operation and management and; contract packing and re-labelling. Seafield operate a fleet of over 150 vehicles and employ 200 drivers across 16 locations. The company manages over 1.3 million square feet of warehousing.
Seafield Logistics' head office is in Worksop, Nottinghamshire with other operating centres located in Aylesham, Barnsley, Guyhirn, Northwich and Scunthorpe.
Customers include:
• B&Q
• Brunner Mond
• Campbells
• Corus
• Dow Chemicals
• Gainsborough Showers
• London Fancy Box
• Makro
• MKF Folien
• Omya
• Rockware Glass
• Sharp Interpack
• Singleton Birch
• Solvay Chemicals
• WBB Minerals
• Wilkinsons
For further information about Seafield Logistics visit www.seafield.co.uk