A director of Roger Warnes Transport in Great Dunham explains why he is proud to be part of the transport industry ahead of National Lorry Week

The operations director of a family-owned bulk haulage business based in Great Dunham said that he is proud to be part of an industry which has responded positively during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ian Barclay, who has 44 years experience in logistics, works for Roger Warnes Transport and was speaking about the industry ahead of National Lorry Week, which takes place from November 16 to 22.

As the operations director he is responsible for looking after the fleet of 108 bulk carrying vehicles, ensuring that they, along with their drivers, are safe, compliant and run profitably.

He said: "I'm proud to be part of an industry that always reacts positively to any challenges put before us. We’ve shown this during the pandemic by keeping the country fed."

He joined the industry during the 1970s recession as a school leaver. "I found my first job working on a farm which had just a couple of trucks," he said.

"In my 44 years I’ve witnessed the introduction of the internet and new technologies which have drastically changed how we communicate. Technology has provided countless efficiencies when it comes to operating a logistics business."

Roger Warnes Transport offers a complete service to the agricultural industry offering everything from sugar beet, grain and fertiliser haulage to grain and sugar beet pulp storage.

It also specialises in the distribution of aggregates across the UK.

The firm is investing in a greener future, he said. "We have a fleet replacement policy for euro 6 every four years and the average age of trucks in our fleet is currently two years old. We also have a commitment to driver training and telematics to make us more efficient."

He said of National Lorry Week: "For me it’s about sector awareness and capturing the public’s imagination to promote and celebrate our industry and the many opportunities that it has to offer school leavers.

"The industry is extremely diverse with opportunities, so make sure to maximize on the opportunities you get and make the most out of your career."

The logistics sector is the fifth largest in the UK and employs more than 2.5 million people including logistics co-ordinators, data analysts, IT specialists, designers, warehouse staff, administrators, accountants, managers, technicians, planners, drivers and more.

National Lorry Week is promoted by the Road Haulage Association, a trade membership body representing the interests of road transport operators.