A new initiative to cut road miles is being launched by the IGD Efficient Consumer Response UK board. 

The move is hoped to encourage companies to work collaboratively and deliver more efficient transport and logistics networks. 

Dubbed Reducing Wasted Miles, the initiative follows research by ECR UK that found 78 per cent of retailers and 71 per cent of suppliers believe reducing road miles would offer the most significant opportunity to save costs throughout their supply chains. 

Supply chain insight manager at IGD Darren Smillie said that the scheme is not so much about cutting miles as reducing wasted miles and aiming for improved efficiency. 

"We believe the way forward will consist of a combination of approaches from businesses to help reduce wasted miles. ECR will be fostering and encouraging these cooperative approaches across the supply chain," he commented, adding that this will offer the kind of step change required within the industry.