Do you need to be thinking about the new Driver CPC requirements?

If you do, maybe Containerlift can help? Containerlift are investing heavily in ongoing, in house training for all the driving staff. The programme of training was recently opened to other hauliers and there has been a great deal of interest.

‘Containerlift is taking the training of its driving staff very seriously,’ explains Dave Heys, Containerlift’s Southampton Manager and now head of driver training. ‘There is an attitude by some in the industry that the Driver CPC programme is yet more legislation in an industry already bogged down by red tape. Regardless of opinions, the Driver CPC programme is here to stay so we are using it, and driver training in general, as a positive step. We are making it something that works for Containerlift, investing in our staff to see benefits in many more ways than simply just the bottom line. Containerlift has trained me up to instruct the Driver CPC programme and the HSE Safe Manual Handling course. Money has also been spent setting up a fully equipped and approved classroom at our depot in Southampton.’

The success of a transport company, in many ways, is in the hands of its drivers. The biggest cost for a typical transport company is diesel. Drivers use the diesel. There are important rules which are not terribly straightforward governing the amount of time a driver can drive to ensure the safety of all road users. Drivers must understand and manage their driving time.  The driver is also the face of the company both on the road and onsite directly with customers. Comprehensive driver training can have a major impact on improving performance across the board.

Containerlift’s training schedule should see its entire driving staff complete the following three courses as a minimum during 2010:

1. Driver CPC – Driving hours and tacho module
2. Health & Safety Executive – Safe Manual Handling
3. Economical and safe driving

A number of subcontracts and owner drivers who have heard about the courses simply through word of month have chosen to attend. The convenience of carrying out the training in Containerlift’s Southampton depot means there is no problem with drivers parking their trucks in a secure location, using the shower facilities if needs be and enjoying plenty of tea, coffee and biscuits. Once the training has been completed attendees can jump straight back into their vehicles and crack on with the job.

If you would like more information about driver training and how competitive our pricing is, please do not hesitate to contact our HR Manager Marie Morton on 01371 879410.