Behind the glamour of next-level productions, mesmerising special effects, and sold-out world tours there are critical logistical challenges when transporting tours which require innovative approaches and out-of-the-box strategies in order to keep the show on the road.
Excerpt from the feature in IQ Magazine:
‘From soaring fuel prices and labour shortages to unpredictable customs delays, the trucking and freight forwarding industry is grappling with a perfect storm of challenges. And for touring productions, where every hour counts and every cost matters, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Yet amidst the hurdles, opportunities to innovate are emerging. With smarter routing strategies, cutting-edge logistics platforms, and a growing focus on eco-friendly transport, there are real opportunities to streamline operations, cut costs, and ensure the show goes on.’
KB Event’s CEO, Stuart McPherson, shared his experience with rising costs due to supply and demand during the pandemic, and when asked about driver wages he said “Since 2021, our driver pay levels have increased in excess of 57%,” The shortage of truck drivers means finding – and retaining – the right people is harder than ever.
It pays to involve trucking and freight operators from the beginning of the planning process to help cut and optimise costs. “Our advice to all our clients is to involve us as early as possible – if we’re able to advise on routing and truck options, we can minimise running costs and maximise space utilisation to reduce the overall number and/or types of truck and route as cost effectively as possible,” says McPherson.
Check out the full feature on ‘The logistical labyrinth of transporting tours’ for a great insight into transporting tours what it takes to keep shows on the road around the globe.
