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SUTTONS THE OPERATOR'S VIEW

27th March 2008, Page 46
27th March 2008
Page 46
Page 47
Page 46, 27th March 2008 — SUTTONS THE OPERATOR'S VIEW
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Suttons' UK road tanker division operates nationally using the largest shareduser tanker fleet in the UK, including multi-compartment solvent barrels. Suttons has a team of full-time driver trainers based at St Helens, Lancashire, and every driver undergoes a rigorous induction programme and regular training updates.

The company's emergency response system provides 24/7, year-round cover, operating from regional centres with highly trained incident managers. ISO 9001:2000 is seen as a minimum standard accreditation and is supplemented by regular internal audits and external audits by assessment body WQA. All operations are planned and managed with GPS technology for tracking vehicle movements and monitoring sensitive temperature-controlled products.

Along with its international division, Suttons operates a modern fleet of 4,003 bulk liquid and 800 gas tank containers, with capacities from 17,000 to 35,000 litres, in addition to traditional road tanker barrels.

Group managing director Andrew Palmer and tanker division managing director Mark Haslam say the future for very hazardous movements is optimistic and they have observed substantial investments in the efficiency of UK chlorine production. Although there has been a small decline in other areas of toxic cargo, Suttons' size and industry knowledge have allowed it to move into associated areas such as petroleum and gases.

Road transport is increasingly at the beginning and end of a global journey involving Suttons' ISO containers, which are best suited to long-distance movements and are more cost-efficient, flexible and environmentally friendly than sending a road tanker all the way.

"This is a business that works every day, including Christmas," says Palmer. "Our customers run continuous manufacturing processes they cannot shut down." Suttons' approach to the most hazardous goods it carries is the same as for less volatile products. It works in long-term partnerships with customers, adding value to and taking cost out of their business. "We look at the whole supply chain," Haslam says. Its competitors are TDG, Hoyer and increasingly DHL, which took over the Exel Tankfreight business.

"We have no problem in attracting good drivers, there's a waiting list," says Palmer. Prospective employees need LGV and ADR licences as minimum qualifications: Suttons' trainers then add a range of skills as drivers develop their careers. Consequently, these are among the best qualified and paid drivers in the industry, earning on average more than £30.000. Those who do antisocial hours and overtime can earn a lot more.

-Our problem is not turnover," says Haslam. "but demographics" management speak for drivers getting older and not necessarily living in the right area.

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