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Driver's beef with Asda
Page 16
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A TRUCK DRIVER is accusing management at supermarket giant Asda of incompetence after having suffered a three-hour delay at its chilled distribution centre near Bedford.
Alf Buckman says that well over half the 83 bays for loading and unloading HGVs were empty while he was waiting to deliver frozen Yorkshire puddings two weeks ago.
"Several other drivers had to wait six or seven hours," he claims. "Asda is just using us as free storage space. These trucks cost half a million each, and you have to keep the wheels turning to earn money to pay for them.
Buckman, who works for Clan International Transport Services in Dover. says Asda needs to employ a trucker to help sort out mismanagement at the centre.
"They've got economics graduates in charge who've got no idea." Buckman claims. He is also bringing the company's attention to a lack of catering facilities for drivers at the centre in Kempston.
A spokeswoman for Asda says the bays are in continual use although some are assigned to particular products. and deliveries are programmed to take place at set times. She adds that the centre has two waiting rooms for drivers who can use the company canteen as well as food and drink machines.