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DFDS LOGISTICS

15th March 2001, Page 52
15th March 2001
Page 52
Page 52, 15th March 2001 — DFDS LOGISTICS
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Things seem buoyant at the Immingham, North-East Lincolnshire depot of DFDS Logistics— the 130 trucks based there are kept busy transporting loads ranging from food packaging to marine paint. Major contracts are the order of the day and, like any sensible haulier, DFDS Logistics looks after its customers. But attention is not invested solely in the client: over the past two years the firm has taken steps to ensure all employees, including drivers and fitters, have their say.

Nigel Slatcher, general manager of the firm's South Shields and Immingham depots, does not beat around the bush: "Drivers are as important as managers in our industry— there must be a two-way communication with staff because at the end of the day they are the company's representatives, and it is important that we listen to them."

DFDS Logistics is the type of large fleet operator which has true national coverage. The firm has depots in Tamworth, Ipswich, Harwich and Colnbrook, as well as Immingham and South Shields. It was founded in 1999, effectively becoming a sister firm of DFDS

Transport. The DFDS Logistics fleet runs to 500 trucks; Immingham is a major haulage hub in its own right with 116 artics and 14 rigids. To keep that fleet running Immingham employs 146 drivers, 27 management and office staff, 27 fitters and 22 warehouse workers.

The work is certainly varied. Customers include marine paint producer Jotun Henry Clark; Hartman UK, which makes egg trays; Rockfon, the suspended ceiling firm; and food packaging manufacturer Britton-Merlin.

DFDS Logistics transports dry cargo to the docks for export, moving imported goods around the UK. Artics dominate in this role but rigids have their role to play. "Rigids provide us with a lot of flexibility," says Slatcher. "We would not send an artic into the middle of Leeds, for example."

Up to 50 artics a day work for sister company DFDS Food Transport. Immingham has a 3o,000m2 warehouse with 18 loading ramps; it is manned 24 hours a day, six days a week. There's a lot to do, but Slatcher is convinced that a successful operation is only possible if the conditions are right for all employees.

We entered into a partnership agreement with the Transport and General Workers Union two years ago," he explains. "This means that every DFDS Logistics branch has a number of shop stewards and a senior steward who attend pay negotiations as part of a bargaining committee."

As well as maintaining close links with the T&G, DFDS Logistics nurtures one of its most important assets: its drivers. Slatcher says: "We have our own driver development team. Every driver undergoes a five-year development programme, which includes defensive driving instruction. It gives the driver a sense of being part of the team. If we can reduce his unnecessary gearchanging by 30% then he should reach his delivery point more relaxed. This means he has a less stressful day."

Company news is channelled through to all staff. "At Immingham we have a monthly management-union meeting," says Slatcher. "After each meeting a newsletter is published with the details of the minutes. We also have a quarterly statement briefing which gives details of new contracts and information on legislation."

"We have to be more communicative," he concludes. "Some people believe that communication is just about issuing memos but it is more than that—it is about encouraging people to freely express their opinions."

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People: Nigel Slatcher
Locations: Leeds

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