Farmer-controlled businesses Grainfarmers and Centaur Grain have joined forces with DHL Exel Supply Chain to increase efficiency by offering a collaborative approach to transporting grain in the UK.
Following a series of trials, which involved flour miller Rank Hovis, transit times were reduced from 30 to 18 minutes, a saving of 40 per cent.
The project has also helped to deliver more efficient on-farm loading practices, as well as improving communication and co-ordination between farmers and hauliers.
Roly Taplin, business director at DHL Exel Supply Chain’s Industrial Sector UK, said: “Given the rising fuel costs it is imperative that those involved in the agricultural supply chain work together to find the most effective way to manage the complete logistical model.
“We see this initiative as a very positive development for all those concerned, especially farm-controlled businesses and hauliers who are under huge pressure now to improve efficiencies and reduce costs.”
The collaborative project is being supported by English Farming and Food Partnerships, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ Agricultural Development Scheme.
