THE TRANSPORT MANAGER IN FOCUS
Page 10
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
The transport manager is at the centre of a transport operation. In most cases, it is the transport manager who will be in charge of the operation’s drivers, therefore the relationship between the transport manager and drivers is crucial as it can have a significant effect on the success of the business.
We asked Trucking Britain respondents about their or their transport manager’s relationship with drivers, and whether that relationship could be improved. Only a third (34%) thought there is room for improvement, while nearly half (46%) thought there was no improvement to be had.
Verbatim responses reveal that less than 10% described the relationship as strained or poor, while 14% described the relationship as acceptable. Nearly half (49%) said the relationship is good and 25% very good.
One respondent said of the relationship between their transport manager and their drivers: “A quirky mix of banter underpinned with a clear line about who is the manager – that works both ways.” Another offered this harder-edged response: “Acceptable, [but] there are always tensions in this business and you cannot be their friend.” One respondent highlighted another important point: “We have a good relationship, however the Driver CPC is not popular and is affecting our good working relationship.” There were less than rosy answers too: “Drivers think the transport manager knows nothing,” one said. “Always a strained relationship,” said another. One respondent offered a cryptic description: “Too friendly but I’m working on it.”