Ep. 17 - Sustainable Fleets, Smarter Supply Chains - Alan Livingston

In this episode of Chain Reaction, Michael Ostroumov sits down with Alan Livingston, Transport and Logistics Manager at A&M Insulation, to discuss how logistics operations are evolving in one of the UK’s most competitive and fast-changing industries. With decades of experience spanning aggregates, consumer goods, and insulation, Alan shares his journey from manual planning boards to AI-driven logistics systems, highlighting both the opportunities and the roadblocks along the way.The conversation dives deep into the operational challenges of running a nationwide delivery network across 11 depots, the importance of customer-centric logistics, and the balancing act between cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and service excellence. Alan also opens up about the realities of electrification, the promise of hydrogen technology, and the role of AI in shaping the future of transport.Guest BioAlan Livingston is Transport and Logistics Manager at A&M Insulation, where he oversees nationwide operations spanning 11 depots and thousands of weekly deliveries. With a career beginning in aggregates at Tarmac in the late 1990s, Alan rose through supervisory and management roles to become a respected leader in logistics.He has previously held senior roles at AO.com, managing up to 25,000 daily deliveries across the UK, before joining A Insulation to lead its transport transformation. Alan is passionate about operational efficiency, sustainability, and the integration of new technologies, from AI planning to alternative fuels, that will shape the next era of logistics.Key TakeawaysCareer progression in logistics often blends intentional moves with unexpected opportunities.Technology has transformed planning, from manual boards to data-driven platforms like Paragon.AO.com highlighted the scale and stress of handling 25,000+ daily deliveries.A&M Insulation runs 2,500 - 3,000 deliveries weekly, with performance 38% above average.Customer demand and weather create constant operational volatility.AI planning is on the horizon, with trials expected by 2025 - 26.Sustainability drives logistics decisions, reducing empty runs is more impactful than simply electrifying fleets.Infrastructure remains a major bottleneck for EV adoption in logistics.Hydrogen could emerge as the most viable long-term fuel, though costs remain high.Hybrid fleets may provide a transitional solution while infrastructure catches up.Driver behaviour monitoring has saved A Insulation ~£120,000 in fuel annually.Alan remains cautious on autonomous vehicles, stressing the need for strong foundations before widescale adoption.Chapters00:00 Welcome and introduction to Alan Livingston 01:00 Alan’s journey into logistics 02:00 Lessons across industries: aggregates, consumer goods, insulation 04:30 Complexity of A&M Insulation’s operations across 11 depots 06:40 Supplier and customer dynamics in insulation logistics 07:10 Technology adoption and AI planning in logistics 10:20 Sustainability and cost-effectiveness in fleet operations 13:20 Collaborating with suppliers on environmental initiatives 15:00 Shifting attitudes among partners and suppliers 18:00 Infrastructure bottlenecks in electrification 21:00 Hydrogen vs. electric: which future for logistics? 24:45 If given a blank cheque: Alan’s preferred tech investment 27:00 The role of AI and operational software in logistics 29:20 Driver behaviour monitoring and efficiency gains 31:30 Autonomous vehicles: opportunities and risks 34:00 Closing reflections and future outlookLinkedIn ProfilesFollow Alan Livingston Follow Michael Ostroumov