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Let drivers have their say
Page 9
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Brian Lee of Allan Morris Transport respects his drivers; he wonders why fitters and customers seem unable to do likewise.
Compared wilh 15 years ago most vehicle fleets are relatively new. I, like many operators, use a four-year contract-hire deal. I have no desire to own the front end it's Lear jets and villas dotted around the world that I aspire to. Fat chance in road haulage. The advantage of a youngish fleet is, you would expect, reliability. In this age of sophisticated distribution and 'just in time' delivery we need reliable vehicles. Let's face it, motor vehicle technology is hardly at the cutting edge of civilisation's progress.
However, last week I had a vehicle with a wonky immobiliser that opened the door but wouldn't start the engine, then wouldn't lock the door. Although the main agent was only a stone's throw away the driver called the 24hr assistance number, explained his predicament and even provided a solution: bring new batteries for the key fob. Two hours later the seventh cavalry arrived armed with everything except the batteries. When asked why he hadn't brought them the fitter replied: "You driver, me diagnose and fix it." Seconds later he admitted all that was wrong was that the immobiliser needed a new battery.
Why is there this automatic assumption that HGV drivers are brain dead?
This has another consequence for us. Buried in the middle of England is a mine that contains the product every self-respecting building constructor needs. But they are experiencing a lot of problems. Their problems become the road haulage industry's problems by creating waiting times. When we hauliers have to bring this up with our customers, thE suits at the mine use the best form of defence: attack what the perceive to be the weakest link... the HGV driver.
Even when you confront these suits with tachograph evidence of their loading incompetence, they look you straight In the navel and persist in blaming the driver. One day the worm will turn, so beware. "Even when you confro these suits with tachogra evidence they persist in blaming the driver"