Good And Bad Logistics News For UK Freight Haulage Operators

UK – The news this week that the Government has finally scraped up the money to fund the National Skills Academy for Logistics will go some way to soften the news that all the EU requirements to complete driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) training must be implemented by all freight haulage operators by the September 2014 deadline.

The Academy can now be confident of being up and running by this October and available to give advice to all truckers on matters of training requirements. Most HGV drivers will need to have undergone a full 35 hour course of instruction by the EU deadline no matter what their age and experience.

Another bonus for employers is the initial offer of a first year’s membership to the Academy at reduced rates which will enable them to gain priority access to all services, discounts on the cost of countrywide workshops, membership forums and free admission to the Academy conference. Smaller companies employing less than 200 staff will pay an initial annual membership fee of only £50, whilst larger operators will stump up just £100. Applications can be made HERE.

Dr Mick Jackson, CEO of the Academy has been quoted as saying the organisations key role is to raise the quality of logistics training across the board both for existing operatives and newcomers, making the industry a more attractive career choice. The Academy however sees itself as something more than an aid to driver training ensuring standards are relevant, even handed and professional.

A statement on the Academy website states the intention is to take on challenges which face the industry including low margins, increasingly complex technology and legislation, together with an ageing workforce and the poor image of the industry. British hauliers will hope that the partially Government funded operation will add more weight to the other associations already supporting their cause.