Road User Levy Exceeds the Estimated Yearly Revenue in Six Months

The Government introduced a new tax on 1^st April 2014, where foreign haluiers were charged to use UK roads.  This HGV road user levy has been put into place to ensure that foreign hauliers make a contribution towards the upkeep of UK roads.

At its intorduction, the levy was expected to generate around £20 million in taxation revenue, however during a transport question session in Parliament Patrick McLoughlin, Secretary of State for Transport, reveiled that it has raised £23.4 million in its first six months.

The levy is structured in a series of bands based on the type of vehicle, maximum weight and axel confirguration, so the higher charges are made to heavier and more road wearing vechiles.

The funds raised by this new initiative will not be used solely for road maitenace and imporvements, but will go into the general taxtion funds. 

Chocolate in Print

Since I heard about National Chocolate week the thought has barely left me.  Well, this and the recent news of the usable chocolate tea pot has lead me to think about what can be done with this delicious medium, then it hit me – can we print with chocolate?

Anyone who knows me; will know that I have a total fascination with 3D printing; frankly the subject blows my mind.

So, several internet searches later and there it is, I’m excited to say that, yes, it can be done, and the technology is being worked on as I’m writing!

Here is a YouTube clip of the magic at work, this is a clip of the world’s first chocolate printer, but the technology has moved on since then.  I’ve recently read about an Australian company called ChocaByte has reported to have produced a limited run of 500 affordable chocolate3D printers before it is looking at mass production.  Also, the American chocolate giants Hershey’s are currently working together with 3D Systems looking into the development of this technology.

Now, here’s a thought for you, I’m certain that 3D chocolate printing will become an everyday thing.  Imagine how you would use it – would it be to create the perfect, personalised gift for a loved one or as quirky way to promote a business, what about your company logo make out of chocolate to hand out at a trade show.  The possibilities are utterly endless, which is why I think I’m so drawn to this subject.

BBC’s Ten Pieces

Creativity within children is at the forefront of the BBC’s Ten Pieces initiative.

The project is aimed at primary school children and sees the creation of a film containing 10 pieces of classical music from some of the best known names from classical music, and features a piece commissioned for this project from contemporary composer, Anna Meredith.

The style of music is out of reach for many youngsters in our modern day world, so this scheme comes as an inspirational way to introduce a new generation to classical music and acts as a focus to encourage children to use their imagination.

The scheme doesn’t end with the film, but has a programme running through the entire school year.  During the autumn term children will be asked to respond to the film creatively through either their own composition, dance, digital art or animation.

The final stage of the initiative, running between April and July, is set to see the BBC Orchestras and singers holding interactive concerts throughout the county.

The project is set to end with a major event which will showcase the work of the children.

Here is a list of the works included in the Ten Pieces, the links will take you to the BBC’s website where you can listen to each piece.

1. John Adams:  Short Ride in a Fast Machine
2. Beethoven:  Symphony No. 5 (1st movement)
3. Britten:  ‘Storm’ Interlude from ‘Peter Grimes’
4. Grieg:  In the Hall of the Mountain King
5. Handel:  Zadok the Priest
6. Holst:  ‘Mars’ from ‘The Planets’
7. Mozart:  Horn Concerto No. 4 (3rd movement)
8. Mussorgsky:  A Night on the Bare Mountain
9. Stravinsky:  The Firebird – suite (1911) (Finale)
10. Anna Meredith:  Connect It

The Ten Pieces film will be available to watch on the BBC’s iplayer throughout  October 2014, click here to view the entire film. 

Brand New CSM Logistics, Brand New Website

Business Delivery

Personal Service

That’s our ethos in four words!  We love a clear statement.  It is with this view that we at CSM are delighted to reveal our new look and new website. 

What’s New?

We have changed the structure of the site with users in mind.  The navigation has been improved and new concise, informative text given to guide users to the information that they require.

We have introduced a new weights and dimensions calculator to assist users to gain an accurate cost for deliveries along with details about maximum parcel sizes and weights.

An additional, time saving feature for CSM’s clients has been developed.  Now clients have the ability to void a parcel if the delivery is no longer required, previously this would have had to be requested.

Why the Change?

Our business has been growing and evolving over the last 18 years, and we felt that it was time for a change.  We have updated our look to include a vibrant orange to reflect our zest and passion for delivering our reliable courier services.

One aspect that we will not change is our energetic efficient team, who are at the end of the phone to assist you with your every requirement, offering a truly personal service.

We are so proud of our new look; and are feeling refreshed and ready to deliver!


Come and see us at www.csmlogistics.co.uk.

Underground Overground Contact Free!

When I heard the news that from 16^th September London’s Underground, Overground, Trams and DLR were using contactless payments I couldn’t get the Wombles theme out of my head, my childhood has a lot to answer for at times!

I think the contactless scheme for travel is an improvement on the Oyster card scheme currently in place, as it is set to automatically offer everyone getting around our fair capital the best value rate for their travel, if they use the system correctly.  I’ve been looking into this area recently; thought I would share my findings.

Using Your Card

Using your contactless card is much the same as an Oyster card.  You need to touch the yellow card reader at the beginning and end of your journey.  It is essential that this is done to ensure your fair is charged correctly.

Using the Same Card

The system is set to calculate the best fare for each day or week, based on when and where you have travelled.  But this will only be if you use the same contactless card.

Here’s the cleaver part, not only will the system cost the journeys you make each day it will cap the fees appropriately daily, and will also sum the cost of your travel between Monday and Sunday and apply the capped rate for the week, if appropriate, meaning your travel will always be charged at the best rate possible.

Keep You Cards Apart

I’ve heard that there is a potential issue with the new contactless travel, and that is of conflict between multiple contactless cards if you have multiples, so to avoid this care should be taken to keep the card your purse or wallet away from the reader when using the contactless readers.

How You Are Charged

This is the difference between using an Oyster card and using the new contactless system, each individual step of your journey is recorded and at the end of the day a calculation is made giving the cost of your travel and capped fees are given wherever applicable.  No money is deducted from your account as you are using the system, instead a charge will be taken at the end of the day.  Meaning that you haven’t got the extra steps of adding credit as is obligatory with an  Oyster card.

As I mentioned earlier the system also works from Monday to Friday, so the charges will be calculated daily and when charges meet the cost of the weekly capped rate, no further payments will be required for that particular week.  All of these fees are based on adult fares and capped rate fares are offered at a better rate than a Travelcard.

“Tickets Please” Oh, I don’t have one

Do not fear!  If an inspector askes for your ticket just show your contactless card.  From 16^th September inspectors will carry a mobile reader, there is no need for your to hand your card over, but instead touch it on the mobile reader.   The inspector will not be able to view any of your card details, but will be shown confirmation of your journey.  Be sure to offer the correct card here to avoid confusion.

Protecting Your Fragile Items

There is always a risk of breakage when shipping a fragile item, however, there are steps you can take to protect delicate items.  Here we give you some pointers to help you protect fragile goods.

Box Selection

When choosing a box for a fragile item you should select a strong ridged box.  If you are shipping with CSM you have a weight allowance of 30kg for most services so you have plenty of scope weight-wise to choose a sufficiently strong box.

The box must be a little bigger than the items you are sending to allow for packing.

Wrap the Items Separately

Each fragile item should be individually wrapped.  Bubble wrap is ideal, but this is an area where newspaper and tissue paper can be recycled.

If possible, put the wrapped items in an inner box or container for added protection.  Cardboard dividers also work well as shock absorbers to protect multiple items form knocking together.

Packing the Box

When placing the items in the box you are looking to place your delicate items in the centre of the package, as this is the area which offers the most protection.  Make sure you surround the items with cushioning material such as bubble wrap or packing peanuts at the top, bottom and all the sides.  Fill the box as much as possible to avoid movement in the package. 

It is also advisable to protect the corners of the box as these points are likely to knock against other parcels, and protected corners will help to absorb any impact your parcel may encounter.

Securely Fasten the Box

Once carefully packed the box should be closed and carefully sealed to avoid opening in transit.  Reinforced tape is ideal for this; all seams of the box should be taped for extra security.

Mark the box Fragile

If you clearly mark your package as being Fragile then handlers will be aware of that your package contains delicate items.

Insurance

Every effort will be made to deliver your items safely, but we would recommend that you look at taking out insurance for added piece of mind.

Vehicle Tax Changes – How will the Changes Affect You?

It is thought that close to half of UK drivers are unaware of the upcoming changes to vehicle tax, are you one of these people?

The windscreens of our vehicles are set to change from 1^st October 2014 when the familiar British Tax Disc becomes obsolete.

However, the changes are greater than the abolition of the printed disc.  The Government are taking this opportunity to update the vehicle tax scheme, here is summary of the changes and importantly the new requirements when buying and selling a vehicle.

Displaying a Tax Disc

Tax discs will not need to be displayed in vehicles from 1^st October 2014. 

Does My Vehicle Still Require Taxing

If you want to drive or keep a vehicle on the road, you will still need to have tax on your vehicle. 

How Do You Know If a Vehicle is Taxed

Records of the tax status of any vehicle can be checked on the DVLA’s website by entering the registration and make.

How Will I Know When to Renew the Tax?

A reminder will be sent to the Registered Keeper advising that the tax will expire.

Paying for Vehicle Tax

From October an additional monthly payment option will be available.  Therefore, if your vehicle tax is due for renewal from November 2014 you can choose to pay for your tax either annually, 6 monthly or monthly by direct debit.

Monthly payments can be made provided you keep a valid MOT on the vehicle.  These payments will be taken until you inform the DVLA to stop taking the payments or you cancel the direct debit with your bank.

How Will Car Tax Evaders be Caught?

Cars will be tracked by automatic number plate recognition cameras, so motorists who are not up to date with their tax payments can be identified, and related fines will be issued.

Buying a Vehicle

After 1^st October 2014 the vehicle tax will no longer be transferred to the vehicle purchased.  Therefore, you will need to get new vehicle tax before you can use the vehicle.

Tax can be purchased online using the New Keeper Supplement of the Vehicle Registration Certificate or by phone using an automated service, or at a branch of the Post Office.

Selling a Vehicle

Vehicle tax refunds are available for anyone selling a car after 1^st October 2014.  If you inform the DVLA you will automatically get a refund for any full calendar months left on the vehicle tax.

Sellers should notify DVLA of any change to ownership straight away or face fines for the delay.

Vehicle Tax Refunds

Refunds will be automatic once the DVLA receive notification from the person named on the DVLA vehicle register that the vehicle has either been sold or transferred, scrapped at an Authorised Treatment Facility, exported, registered with a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) or if the registered keeper has changed the tax class on the vehicle to an exempt duty tax class.

Exclusions for the Direct Debit Scheme

The monthly Direct Debit scheme is not available for first registration vehicles, fleet schemes and HGV’s (paying the Road User Levy).