letters
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We welcome letters for publication on transport topics. Address them to Commercial Motor, Dorset House, Stamford Street, London SE1.
What's in a name?'
It was with interest that I read the article by George Wilmot, entitled "What's in a name?" (Profit from learning, CM April 7), and prior to accepting any invitations for the purpose of coining new descriptions and terminology of jobs allied to the transport industry, particularly in the higher management category. I think it advisable for you to consider those titles which already exist and for the responsibility which is involved in such titles.
Frankly, those suggested by Mr Wilmot, in general, appear to be at least awkward, and convey nothing of the responsibilities which are attached, or should be attached thereto.
It is pleasing to see that Mr Arthur Beckenham, the director of education and training at the Chartered Institute of Transport, has quite rightly been giving this matter a great deal of thought, as evidenced in his recent paper "Transport and Professionalism". In an effort to assist and possibly qualify existing terminology, I suggest we look at the accompanying schematic diagram illustrating what should be the personnel company structure in relation to any viable transport department and organization.
In this diagram I have endeavoured to illustrate the two salient features of any transport organization, also their chain of responsibility, and I would suggest that due consideration is given to this facet of organization. If consideration is given in the depth that is obviously necessary, I would suggest that there is no requirement of any alteration to the current job description terminology. All that is necessary is that those qualified in their various spheres assume the titles with which such qualifications should" endow them. I believe that the trouble today with so many people searching for alternative recognized titles is merely a cover for lack of genuine qualifications. It, therefore, occurs to me that the first step in any current rethinking is to ensure that the basic requirements currently in vogue are genuine and that those assuming their respective titles are doing so by virtue of practical experience and the necessary qualifications.
It will be interesting to receive the comments from your readers on what will undoubtedly become a controversial matter.
F. STREET MIRTE (Reg Tech Eng) Hatch End, Middx.
Contract hire specialist
In advising a questioner as to companies providing contract hire services (CM April 149), the Q and A Bureau omitted to mention the one which we believe is the largest, and we assure your readers that, as contract hire specialists, our interest is in offering a complete service for one vehicle or many.
As to Scania vehicles in particular — of course, if that is what the customer wants! A. S. EVANS, Contracts Supervisor, SRS (Contracts) Ltd, Whetstone, London, N.20.