Roadway – The Podcast: Episode 16 – Pallet Networks: Inside the Backbone of Logistics

Roadway – The Podcast: Episode 16 – Pallet Networks: Inside the Backbone of Logistics

In this episode of Roadway – The Podcast, Richard Smith is joined by Paul Sanders from Allports APN to discuss the key pressures facing UK road transport and logistics operators and what can be done to support the sector through a period of significant change. The conversation explores the impact of rising fuel costs, economic uncertainty and global instability on transport businesses, examining how operators are managing increasing costs, tighter margins and ongoing volatility across supply chains. Richard and Paul also discuss the importance of Government policy in supporting the industry, including fuel duty, payment terms and the measures needed to help operators remain competitive and financially resilient. The episode looks at the ongoing workforce challenges facing the sector, the role of the National Logistics Careers Partnership, and how the industry can attract, develop and retain the next generation of transport professionals. The discussion also focuses on decarbonisation, exploring the opportunities and challenges associated with zero-emission vehicles, depot infrastructure investment and the practical realities of transitioning fleets while maintaining operational efficiency. This episode provides valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing UK operators and highlights the importance of collaboration between industry, Government and stakeholders to secure a sustainable future for road transport and logistics. Key Themes * Rising costs and economic pressures * Fuel prices and Government policy * Cashflow and payment terms * Workforce and driver shortages * Decarbonisation and fleet transition * Industry collaboration and resilience Road Haulage Association (RHA) [https://www.rha.uk.net/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Contact: marketing@rha.uk.net [marketing@rha.uk.net]

Roadway – The Podcast: Episode 15 – The Worshipful Company of Carmen – Heritage, Relevance and the Future

In this episode of Roadway – The Podcast, Richard Smith is joined by Andy Miles, Master of the Worshipful Company of Carmen, Allison Kemp, Senior Warden and member of the Administration Committee, and Vincent Digman, Junior Warden and Business Performance & Transport Group Manager at the City of London, to discuss the heritage, relevance and future of one of the City of London’s historic Livery Companies. The conversation explores the long history of the Worshipful Company of Carmen and its deep-rooted connection to the transport and logistics sector, from the movement of goods by horse-drawn carts through to the modern logistics industry of today. Richard and the guests discuss how the Company continues to support professional development, leadership, engagement across the sector, and the next generation entering transport and logistics. The discussion also explores how historic organisations can remain relevant in a rapidly changing industry shaped by technology, decarbonisation, workforce challenges and evolving expectations. The episode also provides personal reflections from the guests on leadership, heritage, and the importance of maintaining strong professional communities within the transport sector. This episode offers a fascinating insight into the role the Worshipful Company of Carmen continues to play in connecting the history of transport with its future. Key Themes * The Worshipful Company of Carmen * Heritage and history within transport * Leadership and professional development * Supporting the next generation * The future of transport and logistics * Industry engagement and collaboration https://www.rha.uk.net/ [https://www.rha.uk.net/] Contact: marketing@rha.uk.net [marketing@rha.uk.net]

Roadway – The Podcast: Episode 14 – The Future of HGV Driver Training and Industry Challenges

In this episode of Roadway – The Podcast, Richard Smith speaks with Carl Hughes, Managing Director of Hughes Driver Training, about the future of HGV driver training and the workforce challenges facing the logistics sector. The discussion explores the ongoing driver shortage, barriers preventing new entrants from joining the industry, and the importance of creating clear and accessible career pathways into transport and logistics. Carl also shares his perspective on funded learning, government bootcamps, DVSA testing capacity, and the operational pressures currently facing training providers. Richard and Carl also discuss the realities of leading a long-established family business within a changing industry, including succession planning, investing in people, and maintaining standards across more than 35 years of operation. This episode provides practical insight into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of driver training, workforce development, and long-term industry sustainability. Key Themes * HGV driver shortages * Workforce attraction and retention * Funded learning and training pathways * DVSA testing capacity and delays * Family businesses within logistics * Future workforce sustainability https://www.rha.uk.net/ [https://www.rha.uk.net/] Contact: marketing@rha.uk.net [marketing@rha.uk.net]

Roadway – The Podcast: Episode 13 – Wellbeing at work the RHA way

In this episode of Roadway – The Podcast, Richard Smith speaks with Hannah Harper, HR Advisor at RHA, about the importance of culture, leadership, and putting people at the heart of a modern transport organisation. The discussion explores how a strong organisational culture supports both employees and members, and how leadership continues to evolve in a fast-moving and operationally focused sector. The conversation also highlights the challenges of attracting and retaining talent, supporting employee wellbeing, and ensuring organisations remain relevant as workforce expectations and industry pressures continue to change. Hannah also shares insights on employee engagement, learning and development, and building a resilient workforce for the future. This episode offers practical insight into the people strategies that help organisations support their teams while continuing to deliver for the wider transport sector. Key Themes - Organisational culture and leadership - Workforce attraction and retention - Employee wellbeing and engagement - Future skills and people development https://www.rha.uk.net/ [https://www.rha.uk.net/] Contact: marketing@rha.uk.net

Roadway – The Podcast: Episode 12-  Insuring The Future Of Freight

In this episode of Roadway, host Richard Smith is joined by Liam Chatfield from RHA Insurance to explore the changing insurance landscape facing road transport and logistics operators. With rising operational costs, increasing claims values, vehicle theft, and the transition towards electric and alternatively fuelled vehicles, insurance is becoming more than just a compliance necessity — it is a vital part of protecting business continuity and long-term resilience. Richard and Liam discuss the key risks affecting operators today, why specialist sector knowledge matters when arranging cover, and how businesses can take practical steps to reduce risk and future-proof their fleets. This episode provides valuable insight for fleet operators, transport managers, and logistics businesses looking to better understand how insurance can support safer, stronger, and more resilient operations. Topics covered include: • The current insurance risk landscape • Rising premiums and claims trends • The importance of specialist transport insurance • Future considerations for electric and alternatively fuelled vehicles • Practical risk management advice for operators Listen now to stay informed on the issues shaping the future of road transport.    https://www.rha.uk.net/ [https://www.rha.uk.net/] Contact: marketing@rha.uk.net