New appointments at DMN’s Rapid Logistics

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DMN Group has appointed James Hopkins, founder of Kendall One Consulting, as the interim MD and Maria Avery, former commercial director at City Auction Group as account director at their recently launched Rapid Logistics division .

Not only is James the interim MD, supporting the development of the service, overseeing business operations and ensuring the services’ mission, goals, and vision are met, but he is also joining the DMN Group board.

Through networking opportunities, DMN Group developed a professional working relationship with James and after numerous discussions, coupled with his background, DMN determined he was the right person to join the board.

Within this role, James will offer independent new and used car automotive supply chain advice, support and guidance. His previous roles included director of strategic development at BCA, MD at BCA Fleet Solutions and operations director & head of remarketing, LeasePlan.

Nick Chadaway, managing director at DMN Group said: “James has extensive experience in the automotive industry, with excellent skills in building strategic partnerships and has proven time and time again to be a driving force of growth and development, within his previous roles. He is an asset to the company and will undoubtedly help build the rapid logistics operation.”

In her new role, Maria will take on the operational leadership of a new fast-moving, time-critical vehicle logistics division, account managing complex public sector authority and outsourced fleet management companies, with demanding KPIs.

Maria’s past roles include, commercial director at City Auction Group; head of business at Tesla and sales manager roles at Norton Way Mazda, Sytner Mercedes Benz and Marshalls Toyota.

Nick added: “Maria has an extensive background in the motor industry. Her experience in leadership within a fast-paced, demanding environment makes her the ideal person for this position. Maria has a great aptitude for building and maintaining client relationships. She also possesses excellent planning and leadership abilities which we feel will help exceed performance KPIs and I believe will deliver on the financial expectations of the service.”

James Hopkins added, “I’m excited to take on these new roles at DMN. As a board member, my background in operational and product strategic development will help support their growth plans. And as interim MD, I will support every aspect of development for this service.”

Maria said, “I am thrilled to be joining DMN at an exciting time of expansion and growth. This new service is fast-paced, and demanding and I cannot wait to inject my expertise into this division and watch as it becomes a success.”

DMN expands vehicle storage capacity to over 1000 extra vehicles

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October 2023 – DMN Fleet Services has opened four additional vehicle storage sites, in strategic locations, to improve transport efficiency, reduce carbon footprint and meet increased demand for storage sp

ace.

The new sites are in Hixon, Staffordshire, Romford, to service within the M25 and South-East, Peterborough, and Livingston.

Each site is fully equipped with state-of-the-art EV charging facilities, ready to accommodate fleets who have begun their EV switchover.

The additional operational bases will improve delivery and cost efficiency with DMN utilising bulk transport moves from ports to the network of hubs before DMN’s home delivery fleet complete the final leg and provide white glove handover at private or commercial locations. This approach also results in reducing the carbon footprint of moving vehicles.

The new depots also enable DMN Group to expand its pool fleet management operation, so customers have faster access to pool cars and unlock the full capacity of a fleet so drivers can experience a new level of flexibility and efficiency.

Nick Chadaway, managing director at DMN Group said, “This expansion offers huge opportunities for us, and our customers as enhanced transporting efficiency will reduce costs and downtime, which, especially, benefits our new entrant customers.

“The ever-changing transport needs of customers have prompted us to be innovative in the services we provide, offering bespoke fleet services to support the efficient running of fleets and fleet management.

Our new sites are strategically located to reduce the distance for single vehicle re-allocation, key for key handovers, and ease of vehicle collection and delivery from port, which supports DMN Group’s commitment to reducing our carbon footprint.

“The depots also serve to drive efficiency in the single vehicle road driven movement operation, with hubs located closer to our customers, reducing miles driven and making vehicle collections and delivery more efficient -in terms of both time and cost.

“And as we move forward with our growth plans, we aim to continue trying to tackle the environmental issues that our sector creates, whilst providing a service that is second to none.”

DMN Logistics gains ISO-certified accreditation

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DMN Logistics has been awarded ISO 9001,14001, 27001 and 45001 accreditation certificates from the British Assessment Bureau, demonstrating competence and integrity within the Group as well as adding additional reassurance to stakeholders and customers.

The British Assessment Bureau offers UKAS-accredited certification and is the only government-backed body for ISO certification in the UK. Accreditation determines the competence and integrity of the organisations offering reassurance that there has been a rigorous testing and certification service.1

Collectively, these certificates represent DMN’s commitment to ensuring their business is environmentally aware, takes a positive and proactive approach to the health and safety of their employees; provides a quality assured service to customers; and is able to securely manage customers information.

Nick Chadaway, managing director at DMN, said: “We are extremely proud of these ISO accreditations. We work tirelessly to ensure we are compliant in every aspect of our business and these certificates highlight our commitment to providing a superior level of service to our customers and staff.

“We took the unusual decision to attain all four accreditations at the same time and that we achieved this will reassure potential and existing customers, and our team, that our approach to business is the right one. We care about our employees and are committed to the health and safety of all our staff.

“We are environmentally aware throughout all of our processes and services, and we have some amazing, secure IT systems in place that manage and protect all of our customers’ data. To back all of this up we have a quality management system in place for all of our processes to ensure our service is always first-class.

“We are constantly preparing for the future, and these accreditations help support that.”

ISO 14001 recognises DMN has environmental management systems in place that allow them to identify, manage, monitor and control environmental processes, validating their green credentials, reducing costs, overheads and wastage and ensuring legislative awareness and compliance.

DMN’s Quality Management System achieved the ISO 9001 accreditation, which shows their ability to implement clear, repeatable processes that help maintain a quality service for their customers every time – improving performance efficiency and productivity to achieve operational excellence.

As a business, a commitment to improving workplace safety for employees led to the ISO 45001 accreditation. This includes factors such as reducing employee injuries, assessing risk and monitoring workplace activities – demonstrating commitment to safety.

The ISO 27001 Information Security Management accreditation recognises DMN’s robust data systems’ ability to securely manage information assets and data such as customer and employee details, financial information and third-party data. Their systems assess information security risks, have robust security controls and processes in place, and embed information security management.

 

  1. British Assessment Bureau

PlaterPal owner heads for new role at DMN

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3rd August 2023 – Daz Johnson, director and founder of PlaterPal, has been appointed Transport Operations Manager at JLL Vehicle Distribution, which is now part of DMN Group

JLL Vehicle Distribution offers specialist boutique and EV vehicle transporter operations for Norton Way, Inchcape Audi and Autorola as well as other large dealer groups, vehicle brokers and multiple brands. Additionally, they provide home delivery to corporate leasing clients alongside undertaking customer handovers.

In this new role Daz will support DMN Group’s ambitious growth plans as they look to continue to increase its fleet size and will report directly to James Lee, JLL’s managing director.

Additionally, Daz will provide development and support across the driver base including on-going training and upskilling, and delivering enhanced efficiencies by increased fleet utilisation, and selective sub-contracting of overflow volume to support clients’ service level agreements.

Daz commented: “I am looking forward to this new role. Since the purchase by DMN Group, there has been a huge increase in interest in the transporter logistics part of the business and I’m looking forward to converting that interest and growing the client base.

“I have a proven track record of working well with people, leadership and developing good relationships with new contacts whilst maintaining relationships with existing customers – plus, an extensive background in logistics spanning 40 years, and I am delighted to start this new journey.”

James Lee, managing director at JLL Vehicle Distribution added: “We are excited that Daz is joining the team. His experience speaks for itself, he’ll prove invaluable to us as we aim to implement our ambitious growth plans and for that we need the best people for the job. Daz understands the vehicle logistics sector, and has extensive experience in managing people and operations, so he was the obvious choice!”

Nick Chadaway, managing director at DMN Group concluded: “These are exciting times for DMN Group, and we are thrilled to have Daz on board. We acquired JLL to increase opportunities with the aim of further expanding into the vehicle logistics home delivery marketplace, especially with the emerging new entrant OEMs who are looking to expand into the UK. Daz’s expertise and familiarity in this sector, and relationships with both suppliers and providers ensures he is the well placed to help us achieve this.”

 

DMN Logistics acquires EV logistics specialist JLL Vehicle Distribution

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DMN Logistics has completed the acquisition of JLL Vehicle Distribution, boosting its EV and transported vehicle logistics operation.

Alvechurch-based JLL Vehicle Distribution, established as a father and son business in 2010, offers boutique and EV transport operations for Inchcape, Autorola, Audi as well as other large dealer groups, vehicle brokers and multiple brands. The business also provides delivery, vehicle transfer services and customer handovers to the corporate and dealer sectors.

DMN Logistics initially approached JLL Vehicle Distribution director James Lee to explore collaborative opportunities. Following extensive talks, both parties agreed upon a full acquisition of JLL.

Nick Chadaway, managing director at DMN Logistics, said: “Both our companies specialise in vehicle logistics but the scale we want to achieve in the marketplace cannot be accomplished as quickly as we hope if we are separate entities.”

The deal enables DMN Logistics to leverage increasing opportunities with many of the emerging Chinese and American OEMs, which are seeking expansion into the UK and growth in the vehicle logistics marketplace.

Chadaway continued: “We have ambitious plans to expand in the EV logistics and automotive sectors and this strategic acquisition will help achieve our aims. With the JLL business, we are able to capitalise on the opportunities presented by the new entrants and as EVs become mainstream.” Nick Chadaway DMN

James Lee will remain in the business as managing director and will focus on building relationships, new business development and developing ways to improve operational efficiency.

He commented: “This acquisition benefits both us and DMN Logistics. Our contacts can support their expansion while they are better equipped to support our infrastructure. It’s a win-win for both companies.”

Nick Chadaway added: “It is no secret that we have been more focused on business growth since the pandemic, and this acquisition instantly increases our fleet size. We have already placed orders for more vehicles and further orders planned to increase our ability to offer more EV movements.”

2023 to be another challenging year but we remain optimistic

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7th December 2022 – Recruitment, price hikes, supply shortages and the rise in EV registrations will continue to challenge the vehicle logistics sector but do provide opportunities for growth, according to Birmingham-based national vehicle movement and inspection firm DMN Logistics.

Delivery driver recruitment problems have been a recurring theme throughout 2022 and are likely to remain a challenge in 2023 as drivers continue to be tempted by higher salaries offered by last mileage delivery firms and local driving operators.

Nick Chadaway, managing director at DMN Logistics commented, “Vehicle logistics requires a level of skill and training with a wage that reflects an industry standard. These roles provide longevity and a career, but many defer to the alternative option for instant cash, which is understandable given the state of the rising costs of living but remains detrimental to our sector. DMN is here to provide a career path and not just an immediate job opportunity.”

Rising costs in electricity, gas, fuel, insurance and business rates will force businesses to review internal operations to remain competitive and dynamic in the marketplace. As costs continue to increase, businesses will have to evaluate pricing strategies and review them periodically in an attempt to sustain and maintain their level of service.

Nick said: “It is unfortunate but inevitable that the rising costs we encounter as an industry will be passed on to the customer. Businesses must look at dynamic pricing strategies and review pricing accordingly to not only remain competitive in the marketplace, but also keep afloat.

“At DMN Logistics, if a customer has an agreed fuel inclusive rate, we vary their charging by the week based on what the market is doing, and this may need to be the case with EVs and the cost of the public charging infrastructure. It is a situation we are constantly monitoring to ensure we can fully support the logistics needs of our Customers and continue to say ‘Yes’ to their needs.”

Supply issues continue to affect overall vehicle delivery  volumes, however even with this reduced volume we are seeing capacity issues across the market, driven mainly by the difficult recruitment market and desire for EV movements that are different to the traditional ICE delivery.

An area that had seen previous growth and is a necessary sector of our industry , the  aggregating / transport auction platforms  are, in my opinion, starting to see large reductions in the level of support from the suppliers in the vehicle movement industry. Not only are the suppliers being affected by driver shortages but also a realisation that the low prices being demanded by these platforms are not a sustainable form of business.

Nick added: “Platforms like these are great when logistics supply outweighs demand but when the opposite is true   price-driven platforms must alter their approach to match the market forces.

“Our viewpoint is that price dictates service and although our prices may have to rise in line with rising costs, we offer more to our direct customers. We are specialists in our field and our commitment and reputation within the sector is second-to-none.”

As the 2030 target fast approaches, EV registrations will steadily continue to saturate the marketplace providing an opportunity for logistics companies to offer a different level of service offering. Public charging networks will need to prepare for the impending influx of driven deliveries in order to support the supply chain that is delivering this switchover.

Nick concluded: “Whilst we see many roadblocks ahead, we remain optimistic about 2023 and what we are aiming to achieve. We know that EV registrations will continue to increase and with the arrival of many new players in the EV market there will be growth overall in our sector.  With our expansion into transported deliveries, vehicle storage and pool fleet management we are well placed to prosper in the year to come

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Collection & Delivery – Social distancing and safe working – Updated June 2020

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We’ve introduced the following working instructions to help keep our workforce and clients safe at the point of collection and delivery, we thought it would be good to share them with you.

  • Contact made with the colletion / delivery points to check safety and anyone with symptoms or self-isolating
  • Pre arrival telephone contact by the driver to advise of ETA
  • On arrival driver will contact client and follow any further localised instructions
  • Our driver will wipe touch points with antibacterial wipes
  • Mask and gloves will be worn by the driver and they will have access to hand gel
  • Documents and keys will be handed over without direct touch contact
  • A minimum of 2m distance will always be observed
  • Our driver will identify the condition of the vehicle and an email with the all the relevant details will be sent directly via our MiVIS app
  • The client will not be asked to sign due to potential cross contamination off the handheld device
    • MiVIS has geotags enabled to support delivery/collection point data, we get the exact co-ordinates of where this takes place
    • The driver will also image the vehicle in the location to support geotagging data

You can see our full Driver briefing document here

 

We aim to get the automotive industry moving again but in a safe and responsible manner so if you require support email moves@dmnlogistics.co.uk or call us on 0203 3971981

Single vehicle road driven movements and the challenge of social distancing

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LIke so many others, we are putting the safety of all our team and customers first and this presents us with the challenge of social distancing in an environment that relies on working closely together. What does this mean in practice?

 

Before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic it was a common sight to see maybe 4 or 5 “Trade Plate” drivers using a hire-car or in a minibus to get from previous delivery point to the next collection. This is no longer acceptable or indeed safe.

We have spent a long time working on methods of operation, best practice and technology to support our team and practice safe contact with each other and our Customers. We have created specific work instructions, started to distribute PPE and amend our systems to ensure we can constantly practice and enforce our message as we return to more normal trading. We will need to minimise risk by not using multi occupancy hire cars, taking precautions when on public transport (when it absolutely has to be used !) and following Government advice on vehicle sharing by ensuring maximum distance between driver and any single passenger. These measures will be the same as you will see in many operations across the service industry, and the team will be observing any specific local instructions at collection or delivery points.

 

We want to get the automotive industry moving again but in a safe and responsible manner. We are phasing our operation back in during May so that we can test, assess and refine all of our working practices. If you require support email moves@dmnlogistics.co.uk in the first instance and one of our team will be in touch.  

DMN

Streamlined vehicle inspection services adding £500 per vehicle into the fleet owner supply chain

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A new breed of streamlined vehicle inspection services is estimated to be adding in excess of £500 per vehicle to the fleet owner supply chain according to DMN.

DMN – the vehicle movement people – has calculated that for every fleet vehicle it processes using its new Inspect & Collect service, it could potentially be adding £500 back into the value chain for fleet operators. The value creation stems from a combination of accurate insight, consistent methodologies and real time data management.

End of vehicle lease costs

With end of lease repair costs in the region of £300 per vehicle; delayed vehicle collection costing upwards of £10 per day; and a near £300 premium on vehicles sold at the first time of offering at auction – vehicle inspection and collection services have a vital role to play in stemming leakage from the fleet owner value chain.

‘Time is money when it comes to vehicle asset management,’ explained DMN managing director, Nick Chadaway. ‘We understand that the biggest challenge for fleet owners is the speed it takes to get the vehicle inspected from the end user, collected and then delivered into the auction or remarketing site. This has real cost of anywhere between £10 – £30 a day attached, depending on the type of vehicle, meaning it could be costing businesses anywhere between £300 to £1,000 per month.’

Vehicle damage accurately recorded and processed

Nick continued, ‘The other major challenge is ensuring vehicle damage is accurately recorded and processed, in order that excess costs can be charged to the driver. Typical damage such as a couple of scuffed alloy wheels, and a small dent repair, could cost anywhere in the region of £300 to rectify highlighting just how key accurate and transparent inspections need to be.’

And with 75% of major fleet and leasing company returning stock sold through auction, Nick also points to the National Association of Motor Auctions (NAMA) insight which suggests there is a £289 premium on the value of vehicles sold at the first time of offering, reinforcing the need for accurate, speedy and transparent processes.

True enabler in reducing frictional cost

‘Inspect & Collect is a true enabler in reducing frictional cost within the fleet owner supply chain and helping to streamline what has traditionally been a dysfunctional series of loosely linked events,’ said Nick.

‘The reality is that £500 per vehicle is a modest value to place on a process which is becoming increasingly important for vehicle asset managers as the leasing market continues to grow and competition advances.’

Seamless vehicle inspection and collection

DMN’s Inspect & Collect service, which uses the company’s MIVIS real time automotive solutions App, offers a seamless vehicle inspection and collection solution to fleet operators across the UK. The App allows DMN trained personnel to image any vehicle damage, obtain a signature at the point of inspection and immediately remove a vehicle from the client’s location in one seamless transaction. The service includes a real time, fully configurable damage and charge matrix, and ensures all inspections are date, time stamped and geotagged.