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Specialist Transport Planning

We’ll help you design logistics solutions that fit outside of the ‘normal’. From delivery of special loads that don’t conform to standard pallet or cage configuration, to the most efficient and cost effective way to move passengers around a far flung holiday destination.

About our service

Specialist transport planning

When drivers aren’t just drivers, but multi-skilled crew members with a broad working remit, it can bring an additional layer of complexity into your route modelling and network planning. 

Incorporating multi-skilled crew into logistics strategies demands a comprehensive approach that goes beyond traditional route planning. It requires a thorough understanding of each crew member’s capabilities, their training, and the specific operational requirements of the tasks they undertake. 

At Hatmill, our proactive approach to specialist transport planning mitigates potential challenges but also unlocks opportunities for innovation and streamlined operations. It reflects our commitment to delivering tailored solutions that meet the unique demands of each client and industry we serve, ultimately driving sustainable growth and operational excellence.

Why invest in specialist transport consultancy?

Investing in specialist transport consultancy offers tailored logistics solutions, ensuring your business operations are efficient, cost-effective, and compliant with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Our expert logistics consultants will provide strategic planning, route optimisation, and advanced scheduling, accommodating complex needs such as multi-skilled crew, transportation of people and non-standard goods.  

By leveraging our deep industry knowledge and access to cutting-edge technologies, we’ll enhance your operation’s flexibility and resilience, preventing disruptions and driving sustainable growth. This investment ultimately leads to improved service quality, reduced operational costs, and a competitive advantage in the market.

Process & considerations

The Hatmill approach to specialist transport planning

Our expert logistics consultants will guide your specialist transport project from concept to completion. We’ll assess your current operational framework, develop customised solutions, and ensure seamless implementation to meet your specific needs. Here’s how we’ll approach it:

Comprehensive needs assessment

We’ll start with a detailed analysis of your unique transport requirements, including goods types, regulatory constraints, and handling needs. This ensures our solutions are precisely tailored to your business.

Custom solution development

We’ll then design bespoke transport strategies that address operational complexities such as special loads, challenging delivery locations, and multi-skilled crew, ensuring efficiency and compliance.

Implementation & integration

We’ll seamlessly integrate our proposed solutions into your existing operations, coordinating with your team, training staff, and working with selected partners to set up the necessary infrastructure and technology.

Performance monitoring & optimisation

Post-implementation, we continuously monitor and adjust the transport plan to maintain efficiency and effectiveness, addressing issues proactively to optimise operations.

Safety & compliance

We’ll advise you on achieving best practice including being compliant with health and safety, transport industry and legal regulations.

Technology integration & innovation

Using advanced planning tools and real-time data, we model and optimise transport strategies, ensuring your operations can quickly adapt to changing conditions and maintain a competitive edge.

“Hatmill have a wealth of knowledge within logistics and supply chain and importantly they really got to know and understand our business. This combination has always led to high-quality output and delivery.”

– Neil Griffiths, Divisional Director – Logistics, Arco

Driving change through specialist transport planning

We will help identify opportunities for improvement within your specialist transport operation and actively implement them. As experienced project managers, we will meticulously plan and oversee change management processes, working collaboratively across business departments and with external suppliers to ensure seamless integration and execution.

Stakeholder management & reporting

At the outset, we’ll assess the current performance of your transport operations to establish a baseline for measuring improvements. We’ll provide regular, detailed reports, enabling you to share progress and outcomes with stakeholders across the business. This transparency ensures that all parties are informed and aligned throughout the process.

FAQs

What should you know?

  • Our consultants come from a wide range of different operational backgrounds. From medical equipment and art to events and technology we have the knowledge and experience to help you with a variety of specialist transport planning.

  • When transporting non-standardised freight or employing multiskilled crew, you need to account for different considerations. It requires specialised software and vehicle solutions, specific loading and unloading processes and a knowledgeable team to carry out the work.

  • “Ugly freight” refers to items that are difficult to ship because of their size, shape, weight, or awkwardness. Examples include:

    • Art: Fragile paintings and sculptures
    • Medical equipment: Items that require careful handling
    • Technology: Servers and large monitors
    • Home appliances: Refrigerators and carpets
    • Building materials: Lumber and steel beams
    • Hazardous goods: Paint and pressurised cans

    These items require special attention and sometimes special equipment for transportation.

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