Thanks to everyone who attended our first face to face Freight People since Tip-Ex Tank-Ex last year.
There was such a buzz in the room and engagement from everyone.
Lesley O’Brien opened the meeting, giving an update on crime figures and sharing the NaVCIS (National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Services) latest annual figures for 2021. To the end of May 2022 there have been 1732 HGV related cases reported to NaVCIS, with an estimated cost price value of £25.5 million. Figures therefore are not on the decline.
Lesley stressed that our industry must continue to report and to raise awareness of the amount of HGV crime, irrespective of the common belief that nothing would be done. Only if all crime is reported will the true cost be known. She told attendees that it was a frightening fact that HGV crime has the same crime classification as theft from a car, thus making it low risk but HIGH reward for criminals. She asked, ‘by changing the crime classification for theft from an HGV and increasing the penalty, wouldn’t this deter criminals, reduce insurance claims and costs, protect our drivers and encourage more to enter the industry?
Charlotte Le Maire, Arch Law, shared important information with regard to change in legislation due to come into force from 28 June 2022:
These new penalties mean that what could be perceived as a minor driving infringement resulting in injury could result in imprisonment, with the possibility of vehicles being impounded. Charlotte asked, ‘Could points on a driving licence become a thing of the past and shouldn’t companies be advising drivers of these new penalties and reviewing policies? Never before has it been more critical for drivers to benefit from the 24/7 roadside legal protection offered by Arch Fleet, not only protecting drivers, but ultimately a company’s band, reputation and indeed safeguarding directors!
Given the increase in penalty for causing death by careless driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs, Gareth Salisbury of D.Tec International reminded us of frightening statistics and the D.tec offering, reminding us of the importance of having policies in place to inform, educate, deter and detect.
We enjoyed animated and constructive discussions and collaborative relationships were built. Particularly informative for all parties were discussions around the relationship between agencies and hauliers. Like the transport industry, many agencies work on low margins. It was agreed that in order to provide the exemplar service hauliers seek, agencies too may need to increase rates, which would be yet another cost increase for transport and which would have to be passed on to customers. Agency compliance guru Sadie Weston, founder of Driver Recruitment Software, acknowledged that there was a big gap in standards between the many agencies – not unlike the transport industry! Perhaps we have much in common after all!
Sadie was first to step forward and to take the very simple, but effective and unobtrusive drug test….negative of course.
The forum concluded with a presentation from Abbey Logistics Group Managing Director, David Patten giving his view the industry.
David said that regretfully the driver shortage had not gone away. The transport industry had just learnt how to deal with it, as the shortage had become the new norm. Ever adapting to change, this new norm forced Abbey Logistics to take the decision to develop its own internal recruitment team, which has proved beneficial. Internal extensive training prior to a driver taking one of Abbey Logistics’ tankers is a must for the company. This inevitably incurs a cost, whilst not adding an obvious value for customers. It does however demonstrate Abbey’s focus on safety and Abbey Logistics did not feel that it could adjust its rates to customers until it could be sure of sustained service levels.
David talked passionately on the subject of ‘Transport Security’, investing in the future, and working with its partners to support the supply chain development and flow. He stated ‘we still have some headwinds to navigate for the foreseeable future, and it will be key to keep engaged with all our suppliers and customers in order to best be successful, together’.
We are confident that Abbey Logistics will continue to be the UK market leader and the vehicle operator to follow.
THANK YOU once again to the Abbey Logistics’ team for supporting the Freight People #talkingtransport forum, for your hospitality, fabulous and abundant refreshments and for making us all feel so welcome. Thanks also to all Freight People colleagues who came along to #talktransport, share best practice ideas and to support one another. We just love #talkingtransport with you.
