In an attempt to alleviate the ongoing HGV driver shortage in the UK, the DVSA is said to be considering scrapping the current requirement for motorists to take an additional test for towing heavy loads. As things stand, anyone passing their standard driving test after 1st January 1997 is only able to drive vehicles with a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of 3,500kg and a trailer up to 750kg MAM.

Those passing their test before this date have Grandfather Rights, allowing them to drive car and trailer combinations up to 8,250 kg MAM. The move – if it comes to pass – will see these rights extend to all motorists, eliminating the need for almost 30,000 trailer tests and relieving the significant pressure currently on HGV driver examiners. However, some say this raises ‘major safety concerns’.

6 in 10 Caravans Have Serious Safety Issues

IAM Roadsmart – the trading name of the Institute of Advanced Motorists – has expressed concern about this potential move, suggesting that an existing road safety situation would almost certainly be exacerbated. The situation mentioned refers to the Driver & Vehicle Safety Agency (DVSA) discovery that 6 out of every 10 caravans stopped on the UK’s roads have serious safety issues.

The scrapping of the tests would represent a lowering of the current standards, potentially making the problem worse. It is felt that standards and awareness of road safety should be increased, not relaxed and that it will ultimately result in more accidents occurring, especially as the number of people caravanning has risen much over recent years as an alternative to holidays abroad.

4 In 10 Small Trailers Also Had Major Safety Problems

Director of Policy & Research at IAM Roadsmart had this to say about the potential move. “We are very concerned the decision will exacerbate an existing safety situation as currently, as per DVSA’s own safety checks, up to one in six caravans they stopped had a serious safety issue, while four in 10 small trailers were also found with serious safety issues”.

He continued “Many of these problems could have been avoided by better training and awareness of towing safety best practice. The DSA had a clear safety reason for introducing the test in 1997, and these reasons are still valid. People need proper training to be able to drive an articulated vehicle, particularly when they are doing so for the first time.”

The Battle Against the HGV Driver Shortage Continues

There’s a continuing battle being waged by the government and organisations within the logistics sector to alleviate the ongoing HGV driver shortage. At HGVC, we’re contributing to the overall effort by providing both small and large-scale licence acquisition programs to companies across the UK. Our expertise in this field allows us to provide a fully managed service that takes all the stress out of the process.

If you’d like to know more about us and how we do things, click on ‘contact us’ and drop us a message. Alternatively, to talk to a member of our team about your business’s training needs, simply give us a call on 0330 818 8888.

With the HGV driver shortage in the United Kingdom currently showing little sign of easing, logistics companies are doing everything they can to overcome the current challenges. And in a bid to alleviate these issues, at Insite, we’re announcing the launch of our Their House to Wheels (TH2W) scheme that provides an on-demand supply of future drivers to locations across the country.

Offering a new take on the Warehouse to Wheels concept that’s common across the logistics industry, our scheme seeks to provide qualified drivers precisely where they’re needed. Serving many companies that have been severely impacted by the current skills gap, our aim is to play a major role in keeping the wheels of commerce turning during this difficult time.

How the TH2W Scheme Works

The TH2W scheme is designed to make things much easier for companies to grow their driver workforce despite the increasingly scarce pool of HGV drivers available for recruitment. First, our clients inform us of the volume and location of their driver requirement. We then leverage our extensive network and huge database of consumer leads to find potential candidates interested in a career as a driver. We screen all applicants and send the suitable ones to the business for an interview. If successful, the candidate will join the business and begin employment there, carrying out various different functions while they train for their HGV licence with Insite. After completing their HGV training with us and acquiring their licence entitlement, the employee ‘graduates’ to becoming a fully-qualified HGV driver, ready to embark on their rewarding new career and the business gets one more qualified HGV driver to fill their open vacancy.

Well Placed to Offer Industry-Leading Training

At Insite, we are very well placed to provide this kind of large-scale training program, as it’s something we’ve been doing with great success for many years. The fully managed solutions that we provide are proven to deliver results and our vast UK network gives us the capacity to deal with HGV licence acquisition programs of all sizes.

Our pass rates are the highest in the industry too, with over 75% of our students achieving their HGV driving licence at the first time of asking. The experienced instructors we employ are able to do all this while providing training that delivers success fast, meaning businesses get the required skilled employees sooner.

In addition to this, our partnership with Manpower – the largest recruitment provider in the country – gives us access to one of the largest talent pools in existence. So, whatever the size of the requirement, we have the experience, expertise and infrastructure to deliver what’s needed.

Interested in Knowing More About the TH2W Scheme?

So, if your delivery or logistics operations are currently being impacted by the driver shortage, the TH2W scheme could be the key to resolving your issues. Contact us via our contact form to get in touch with a member of our team.

Alternatively, if you would like to speak to us directly about your HGV driver needs, we’ll be more than happy to talk to you about our scheme in greater detail. You can get in touch today by calling us on 0330 818 8888.

As part of our commitment to playing a major role in the success of the UK’s haulage sector, we’re proud to say that HGVC will be in attendance at Multimodal 2021 this October. Held at Birmingham’s NEC, we’ll be part of a large number of industry organisations and bodies exhibiting at the event.

Joining us will be a large number of attendees from a diverse range of logistics-related sectors to include construction, energy, pharmaceuticals, retail, automotive, fashion, electronics and more. In fact, as many as 500 separate exhibitors will be there over the three days that span the 19th-21s October 2021 and we’d be delighted if you were able to come and pay us a visit at stand number 8058.

So, What Is Multimodal?

Multimodal 2021 marks a 14 year anniversary for a company that excels at helping all the different stakeholders in the logistic sector connect with each other. The event being held in October is known as the premier event for UK and Northern European companies and it showcases all of the latest innovations and solutions in the supply chain and logistics sector.

Irrespective of whether you’re a third-party logistics (3PL), Beneficial Cargo Owners (BCO), shipping line, logistics provider or pallet network operator, the event represents an opportunity to get quality face-to-face time with up-and-coming and established companies within the industry. Each year, many cargo owners and shippers attend in order to meet new suppliers and find new and improved ways to distribute their products.

Multimodal’s Flagship Event

Multimodal 2021 will be, as has been the case in all of its previous years, the company’s flagship event and it’s ideal for anyone looking to make good contacts in the industry. In addition to coming to talk to the HGVC team about our innovative and scalable HGV driver training services, attendees will also get to enjoy all the other 499 exhibitor stands, plus a series of ground-breaking seminars and networking events.

The value of attending the event is high, as many of the logistics sector’s leading lights will be there, available to talk to in a way that’s rarely granted. Meet the right contact at the event and it could lead to the discovery of better, more efficient ways of working that could result in greater levels of success for businesses present. At HGVC, we believe that we very much fit into this category.

Leading the Way in the HGV Training World

At HGVC, we offer industry-leading HGV training to companies across the United Kingdom and thanks to our experience, expertise and infrastructure, we’re able to cater for both small and large-scale license acquisition programmes. The stress-free, fully-managed solutions we provide empower businesses to take control of their logistical needs by upskilling their existing staff.

If you would like to know more about us and what we do, you should visit us online at hgvcstaging2.wpenginepowered.com where you’ll find everything you need and more. Alternatively, if you would like to discuss your business’s HGV training needs with us directly, simply call us on 0330 818 8888 today.

The worsening HGV driver crisis in the United Kingdom is something that the government has been struggling with for some time and now reports that they’re thinking of drafting in specialists from the Army’s Royal Logistics Corps (RLC) to help alleviate the issue have been met with disdain by the head of the Road Haulage Association (RHA) Richard Burnett.

The deployment of army personnel to address the UK’s shortage of lorry drivers was described by Burnett as a derisory measure that would not even “scratch the surface” of the problem. And with the issue now leading to visible gaps on the shelves of supermarkets across the country, it’s something that is being brought into sharper focus with each passing day.

Reports Denied By Official Spokesman

The official word from the government at this point is that they’re denying the veracity of these reports, but according to Burnett, it would be a largely ineffective measure anyway. He also had this to say on the matter “This measure really wouldn’t provide any reassurance as things get worse during the Summer, as drivers take more holidays. We’ve got no drivers to backfill, so this isn’t really a resolution to the problem at all”.

Instead, he pointed towards the exodus of European HGV drivers from the UK market at the start of the pandemic as being the primary reason for the acute issues faced, with the likelihood of them returning being unlikely due to Brexit. This has led to the current shortfall of qualified drivers hitting the 100,000 market, with little or no sign that the issue will improve in the near future.

More Meaningful Measures Required

Burnett went on to say that the current situation requires the government to dispense with half-measures and accept the gravity of the situation. He called for those in charge to take far more meaningful action, starting with a relaxation of immigration rules.

He continued…”We really need the government to wake up and realise that the only solution here is to address the problem through the Home Office shortage occupation list and with temporary visas to provide us with short-term additional labour while we train a UK-based workforce – something that’s  going to take at least 18 months to tackle”.

Working Hard to Offer Meaningful HGV Training Services

It’s perhaps no surprise that calling in the Army is viewed with such scepticism, as it would only add somewhere in the region of 2,000 extra drivers into the equation. Logistics firms are actively upping bonuses and overall pay to encourage the recruitment process, but the on-going disruption seems certain to increase in the lead up to Christmas.

At Insite, we’re working hard to do our part by providing high quality HGV driver training for companies across the UK, with our industry-leading ManPower-backed driver training programmes able to cater for both small and large-scale driver acquisition needs. With our help, companies are able to upskill their existing staff and circumvent the currency scarcity of drivers.

If you would like to know more about us and how we work, you can call us on 0330 818 8888 today and speak to a member of our friendly team to discuss your HGV training needs.

Britain’s HGV driver shortage has been ongoing for some time now, with the pandemic and a number of other factors restricting the amount of available talent in the logistics sector. Whether talking about an ageing population, a lack of appeal to the younger generation or Brexit, these impactful elements have made HGV driving one of the most in-demand skill sets around.

At Insite, we’re doing everything we can to fight back against this shortage, with the launch of our Driver Academy in conjunction with Manpower already responsible for providing thousands of new HGV drivers for the UK market. Well, we’re working with Manpower again – this time to tackle the extremely low representation of women in the industry.

Supporting Women in Logistics

We believe that one of the factors that’s critical to solving the HGV driver shortage in the UK is by supporting women into the industry. Not only will this provide a much larger pool of talent, but it will ultimately boost the bottom line of delivery companies, as a PwC report shows that a more gender-balanced workforce typically results in higher financial returns.

So, in partnership with Manpower and with the support of the UK government, our new Women Driving Scholarship is being launched. We are committed to putting a select group of female individuals through our well-established Driver Academy Programme to give them the training, mentoring, certification and work experience needed for a successful HGV driving career.

An Historically Male-Dominated Industry

One of the most difficult things to overcome in this venture is the perception that HGV driving isn’t for women, as historically, just 1% of all UK lorry drivers have been female and that’s still the case today. There’s also a misconception that huge physical strength is required for the role or that sexism is rife within the sector.

While there is still work to do, the haulage industry has changed much. Proof of this comes from Chloe Kendrick, a recent graduate from our Driver Academy who said “It’s understandable a female wanting to work in a male-dominated environment doesn’t seem the ideal thing, but it’s a change that I really needed.

The Driver Academy program found me my ideal Class 2 role, from which I’m able to progress through to my Class 1. At first it was a worry if I’d ‘fit in’, but almost two months down the line I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’ve experienced the highs and lows, travelled most of the UK and I love it.”

A New Pipeline of HGV Driving Talent

At Insite, we’ve long been advocates for attracting more women into the haulage sector and by committing to this new program while actively championing the benefits of a rewarding HGV driving career, we hope to create a brand new pipeline of driving talent to turn the tide of the chronic shortage of HGV driving skills in the UK.

If you’re interested in hearing more about our Women in Driving Scholarship, or discussing our driver training solutions in general, call us today on 0330 818 8888.

In a move designed to alleviate the worsening HGV driver shortage in the United Kingdom, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced a new package of measures. Declared in an open letter to the haulage sector, a pledge was made that ministers would work hard with industry leaders to simplify training and attract more new drivers.

Highlighting the fact that the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has already ensured that 1,500 HGV drivers are passing their test each and every week, Mr Shapps stated that the government would be going much further to ensure new drivers are available as soon as possible.

A New Consultation to Streamline the Process

Part of the package includes a new consultation that is set to be launched into permitting drivers to take a single test to cover both rigid and articulated lorries. The measure would streamline the process of obtaining an HGV licence, increasing the appointment availability for lorry tests, however, drivers would still require supervision until fully qualified.

The same consultation will also look into the possibility of HGV trainers examining off-road manoeuvres as part of the HGV driving test and whether specific car/trailer tests would be necessary. It’s believed that this will allow a meaningful increase in the number of HGV driving tests that can be taken, while maintaining standards of road safety.

Appreciation For Work Already Done

The transport secretary had this to say about the announcement “I want to thank all those in the road haulage industry who have worked so hard throughout the pandemic to provide such a vital service.

I understand the challenges faced by drivers and operators right now and while longer-term solutions must be led first and foremost by industry leaders, today we are saying this government is here to help.

This set of measures will kickstart that help, easing pressure on the sector as we work together to attract new drivers, improve conditions and ensure the industry’s future is a prosperous one”.

Improving Working Conditions For Drivers

Another key element of the newly-announced government measures concerns the need to improve the working conditions of those in the industry. As things stand, there is insufficient infrastructure on Britain’s roads in terms of safe parking spaces and lorry park facilities and this is a factor that can actively work against efforts to bring new blood into the role.

The ultimate goal is to illustrate that a long, profitable and successful career can be had by anyone willing to consider entering the sector. One idea is for the industry to run a Year of Logistics during which new methods of attracting people from all walks of society would be highlighted.

Doing Our Bit To Keep The Country Moving

The battle to keep the country moving amidst the biggest HGV driver shortage we have ever seen is an ongoing one that needs to be won. Whether this latest announcement will realise the desired outcomes remains to be seen, but there does at least seem to be some urgency emanating from government sources to focus more on solving the wider issues.

At Insite, we’re doing our own bit to provide more HGV drivers by offering the very best HGV licence acquisition programs available in the UK. Able to cater for both small and large-scale needs, our proprietary Manpower-backed Driver Academy offering provides a time and cost-efficient way of meeting your need for driving skills.

If you would like to know more about anything mentioned here or about how we work, speak to a member of our team about your training requirements by calling us on 0330 818 8888 and we’ll be delighted to help any way we can.