The retail landscape is constantly evolving, and logistics must adapt to keep pace. SHS have revolutionised “Quiet Store deliveries”, offering those who move roll-cages a smarter, more considerate approach to out-of-hours distribution.
Implementing quieter delivery practices benefits supermarkets, convenience retailers, commercial laundry services, local community, and the environment.
Here we explore the advantages of quiet deliveries, how they work, and how retailers can effectively implement them – aligning with the Department for Transport’s Quiet Deliveries Good Practice Guidance.
Why Quieter Deliveries Matter
Traditional roll cage deliveries are noisy and disruptive. Rescheduling deliveries outside standard working hours can help alleviating traffic congestion and improve logistics planning, but it also raises concerns for local communities.
If you’ve ever stayed in a city hotel, or live near a retail store, supermarket or laundry facility, you’re likely familiar with the clatter of roll cages arriving at 5.00 AM. This disturbance affects residents, businesses and delivery teams alike.
The LIFTEK CAGEMOVER transforms roll cage movement, significantly reducing noise and making early-morning or late-night deliveries more practical and community friendly.
Retailer Benefits
Retailers know that fully stocked shelves drive customer satisfaction and a competitive edge. However, balancing operational efficiency with community impact is a challenge.
Quieter deliveries enhance logistics by:
• Improving route planning for reduced vehicle turnaround times.
• Optimising in-store fleets, ensuring goods are efficiently moved.
• Supporting 24/7 retail operations, including convenience stores and petrol stations reliant on food roll cage deliveries
For retailers with associated petrol stations that rely on pallet trucks and food roll cage deliveries as part of their daily operations, adopting noise-reducing equipment allows for seamless overnight restocking without disrupting local communities.
Department for Transport Guidance
Retailers often struggle with site selection due to noise restrictions. The Department for Transport’s ‘Quiet Deliveries Good Practice Guidance’, provides a structured approach to overcoming these challenges.
At SHS we align these guidelines, offering practical solutions that help retailers:
• Minimise noise pollution while maintaining efficiency.
• Engage with stakeholders without compromising delivery schedules
We recognise that no single solution fits all. A collaborative approach – uniting retailers, freight operators, local authorities, and community groups – is essential to ensuring quiet deliveries succeed.
What is a Quiet Delivery Scheme (QDS)?
A Quiet Delivery Scheme (QDS) is a structured approach to extending delivery times, often to include nighttime or early morning hours, while minimising noise and disruption. It’s not just about shifting schedules – it’s about rethinking how deliveries happen.
Retailers play a crucial role in identifying opportunities for QDS solutions. This might involve site-specific adjustments or a broader, area-wide approach. SHS partners with retailers to explore tailored solutions, incorporating innovations like the CAGEMOVER to enable quieter roll cage movement.
By reducing delivery-related noise, retailers can also cut operational costs – savings that can be reinvested into further business efficiencies.
Minimising Noise: A Shared Responsibility
Adopting noise-reduction practices and equipment is a core component of quiet deliveries. Retailers investing in quieter solutions, like the CAGEMOVER, also enhance:
• Loading bay infrastructure for smoother operations
• Driver best practices, with safety and noise awareness at the forefront.
• Overall handling of roll cages, reducing unnecessary noise
The DfT guidance offers specific recommendations in these areas to help retailers and users create a robust, noise-sensitive delivery strategy.
Steps to Implement a QDS
Retailers looking to implement a Quiet Delivery Scheme should follow a structured approach:
1. Identify Goals: Are you aiming to reduce congestion, improve logistics or enhance customer service?
2. Engage Stakeholders: Discuss the potential benefits with your logistics partners, local authorities, and community groups.
3. Understand Restrictions: Thoroughly research existing delivery, noise restrictions and regulations affecting your delivery schedules.
4. Develop a Plan: Create a comprehensive QDS implementation plan, outlining delivery schedules, noise mitigation strategies, and communication protocols.
5. Seek Approval: Work with local authorities to secure the necessary approvals and permits.
6. Implement and Monitor: Roll out your QDS and continuously monitor its performance. Gather feedback and adjust as needed.
Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are key. Assessing the effectiveness of solutions like the CAGEMOVER ensures continuous improvement.
Access the DfT’s full guidance HERE.
A Win-Win Approach
Quieter deliveries are more than just an operational move – they offer a competitive advantage, enhanced benefits, enhanced community relation and environmental benefits.
At SHS , we take the consultative approach, working with retailers, roll cage operators and logistics teams to implement practical, DfT compliant solutions so you can stay ahead of the curve and thrive in the ever-evolving world of Food and Linen Service delivery.
By embracing innovation and industry best practices, retailers can stay ahead of evolving regulations while ensuring efficient, sustainable, and community friendly roll cage movement.
Let’s make quiet deliveries the new standard. With the right material handling equipment, you can reduce noise and improve efficiency. Contact our experts for a free consultation on implementing a Quiet Delivery Solution (QDS) in your business. Call us at 0800 619 0800.
References: Department for Transport. Quiet Deliveries Good Practice Guidance – Key Principles and Processes for Retailers.