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Peanuts and monkeys
Page 10
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Mr X despairs at the short sighted measures hauliers are forced to adopt in order to keep trucks moving despite low rates and driver shortages.
I wonder how many other employers are facing the New Year with trepidation, living in the shadow of the upheaval that a sudden influx of new drivers brings?
Down in the South-East, where the shortage seems to be at its worst, my guess is that I am far from alone, But, rather like certain other manly symbols, the actual size of the subject is not always accurately represented!
Without doubt we are now paying the price for lack of investment in this problem. Additionally we employers are our own worst enemies.
With the possible exception of London, most regions are geographically 'packaged' and employers can therefore compare notes on driver trends involving accidents, attitude towards compliance, customer awareness and attendance. Oh yes, I nearly forgot: honesty too.
Be honest with yourselves — how many of you, when faced with a crucial shortage of drivers, actually takes comprehensive references? Do you test not only their ability to drive, but their knowledge of the tacho and the laws relating to it? Do you ensure they are conversant with the latest equipment so they don't land you in court over a "minor" technicality such as an ABS suzie left unconnected?
No, you don't. How do I know? Because in the South-East there are many, many drivers on a constant merry-go-round of employers, none of whom are talking to each other until its too fate. No point being asked for a reference on someone you sacked a few weeks ago when that person has already been re-employed, potentially causing mayhem in his new environment.
As always, the problem and its solution are to do with money. The only answer is to obtain higher rates from our customers (feel free to insert your own "blood out of a stone" comment here) in order to attract and retain the best drivers As an industry we must work together to convince our customers that if they want their goods delivered intact and on time then the only way to do this is to pay us more. True professionalism comes with a hefty price tag.