Training for agency drivers
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A transport and warehousing firm has launched a driver-training course to improve the standard of agency drivers and help ease truck driver shortages.
The Southampton-based Meachers Group put 10 agency drivers through the one-day course which covers the hours laws, tachographs, speed limits and vehicle checks.
It includes a 23-point driving course on gears, brakes, steering, mirrors, attitude and awareness, Meachers, which tops up its 90-driver workforce with up to 10 agency drivers a day, aims to run one course a month.
'There's sometimes a big gap between our expectations and what comes through the door," says general manager Chris Hodgson, who ran the course in collaboration with the driver agent SMS Agencies.
But more was asked of agency drivers than employees, he adds; "Assignments change from week to week, they have no proper induction or chance to settle. However. I need to know they won't drive down the road playin Rule Britannia on the gear box."
Meachers hopes the courses wi save money by reducing day-to-da bumps and scrapes.
"I can use staff knowing they can fi In a tachograph properly, understan laws and new equipment," says Hodgsoi "Rather than just complain, it was bet ter to do something to improve star dards. We want more staff in the indin try and hope this will help. It's not ju: about pay, but continuing development