Dealing with extreme weather is becoming part of the norm for logistics operators in the UK. And with the temperature rising again over the coming week, there’s a very real risk that some businesses could fall behind on their last-mile delivery schedules. This is where operations for many logistics teams are already under pressure from the likes of congestion, road disruption and tight delivery windows.

Naturally, for any good business, driver safety and wellbeing will be the first priority in these conditions. That means giving drivers realistic schedules, clear guidance, regular breaks and the ability to raise concerns if conditions become unsafe. However, this doesn’t mean deliveries need to suffer. While having air conditioning in vehicles can, of course, help provide drivers comfort as they drive; businesses should also look at how they plan routes and working patterns so drivers aren’t placed under unnecessary pressure during the hottest parts of the day.

By utilising transport intelligence, companies can be better equipped to assist their workers and provide superior service to their consumers. For example, delivery scheduling and route optimisation software can help ensure delivery teams are making a manageable number of deliveries throughout the day, ensuring they are finished in a timely and effective manner. Also, to make sure customer satisfaction remains high, businesses must lean on order tracking and automated notifications technology to keep customers in the loop on the ETA of their parcels and can see if there are any upcoming delays.

Vehicle safety inspection apps also have an important role to play in extreme weather conditions. This technology can serve as a daily tool for drivers to record and report the results of their vehicle safety inspections to the depot. During extreme heat, this becomes even more important, as tyres, brakes and cooling systems come under additional strain. This will help keep disruption low and service levels high during the heat.