Under the UK Skill bootcamp system, there are a number of free courses aimed at the haulage industry. The course fall into three categories:
Those new to HGV driving
Those looking to upgrade their existing HGV driver's license
Those returning to the HGV industry
Most courses are flexible, held over 16 weeks and are free to anyone aged 19 and over who lives in England; and is either employed or seeking employment.
The current course centres and their contact…
Unite, the UK’s leading union, which represents tens of thousands of HGV drivers, has reacted with dismay to the news that the government is intent on further relaxing regulations governing how long lorry drivers can work.
You can read their article on the issues and their concerns at this [link].
The following is taken from Gov.uk:
A sweeping review will seek to improve compulsory ongoing training for HGV and bus drivers, in the latest of 30 measures to support the road haulage sector and encourage even more people to return to the profession.
Drivers currently need to undergo 5 days of periodic training every 5 years to ensure they remain fully qualified to drive heavy goods vehicles and buses professionally and up to date with road safety standards.
Read more at this [link].
Whilst the industry can take some solace in the fact that the number of HGV drivers within the UK grew by 30,00 in the third quarter; there is also grounds for concern as 9000 drivers aged 45 and under leave the profession within the same period.
This is an unexpected turn for the industry; perhaps releasing some of the pressure and concerns the whole industry has felt since the start of the pandemic. But the inability to retain drivers within the…
The regulations commonly known as "cabotage" currently limits international drivers to two deliveries within the UK over a seven-day period- including the one they enter the country with.
The Department for Transport is proposing waiving theses rules in light of the current HGV driver shortage; as a means to keep the industry moving over the upcoming holiday period.
However experts within the industry suggest the move doesn't tackle the issues that are keeping people out of the industry and will have a…
Changes to HGV and bus driving tests and allowing car drivers to tow a trailer without an extra test
The following is taken from an email circular released by the DVSA:
Summary
Seeking views on changes to HGV and minibus, bus and coach driving tests, and allowing car drivers to tow trailers without taking another test.
This consultation closes at
11:59pm on 7 September 2021
Consultation description
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency is seeking views on proposals to:
allow drivers to take one test to drive both a rigid and articulated lorry, rather than having to pass a test…
On the 23rd August 2021, there is set to be a national lorry drivers' strike - in response to which the UK Military has been set on standby amid fears of a complete breakdown and/or failure of the UK's distribution network & supply chains.
Army personal with a valid HGV license could be put to work filling job positions within the industry during the strike - with plans to house them across many hotels, hostels and motels across the UK.
You can…
The Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD) has been in constant talks with the UK Government recently as the UK Driver shortage is starting to effect multiple industries including "supermarkets, restaurants, pubs, schools and care homes".
Among several measures the FWD has proposed; including reinstating the relaxation of Drivers' Hours, ending furlough for drivers, temporarily waiving the need for medical certificates or a completed Drivers' CPC - The FWD have called for Army staff to be deployed to ensure that supply routes…
It has been widely reported for some time now by bodies such as the RHA and Logistics UK that the UK is set to experience a Driver shortage in the wake of Brexit; and it seems now that we are starting to see signs outside the haulage industry of this crisis.
On the 8th June 2021, Nationwide Produce; one of the UK's largest fresh food distribution companies confirmed in an article released on their site that literally truckloads of graded food…
The UK Government has recently outlined plans in increase the fines issued to drivers found to be carrying migrant stowaways; as part of their New Plan for Immigration, though many within the haulage industry have argued against them.
With the current UK Driver shortage after Brexit and the countries separation from Europe, many in the industry are concerned that this will simply exacerbate an issue which is already affecting all corners of the UK's supply chains and logistics industry.
Logistics UK (Formerly…