Staying compliant despite driver shortages
As anticipated, the infamous nationwide shortage of HGV drivers shows no signs of slowing down. Whilst the pandemic undoubtedly exacerbated the situation, with the loss of around 12 months of driver training and tests, consumer demand has not ceased in light of the lifted restrictions.
Following the World Economic Forum report which predicted that the increase in last mile deliveries will persist well after the pandemic is declared over, logistics companies and retailers are desperately searching for short-term solutions to relieve the pressure ahead of the peak shopping season.
From temporary visa schemes to 50,000 expedited driving tests per year, the UK government is overhauling existing regulations in an attempt to fill the shortfall and boost capacity.
Some retailers and logistics providers have resorted to extending drivers’ hours through recent enforcement relaxations, whereas others have increased salaries and offered attractive sign-on incentives to motivate their depleting pool of drivers and retain staff.
The question is, if the DVSA drivers’ hours regulation was introduced for health and safety reasons, why is this concern no longer a priority? Surely, it should be considered that an increase in drivers’ hours could lead to an increase in incidents on the road.
Additionally, continually increasing salaries to poach from other businesses is undeniably a short-term – and short-sighted – solution. Salaries can only be increased so far and, combined with compromised levels of safety and work/life balance, could set damaging precedents.
In order to guarantee optimum health and safety amongst HGV drivers, there must be a focus on monitoring and ensuring compliance. As new drivers come into play, it is vital that their licences and CPC are verified at the very first stage of the recruitment process and at regular intervals once employed. Things can change quickly and a driving licence check once a year is simply not enough.
If the status of a licence changes, or if new points have been added to someone’s record, it is essential that the employer takes proactive steps to maintain their existing pool. By using smart solutions, businesses can streamline the process without compromising on the safety of their staff, and others on the road.
Descartes’ SmartLicence software enables organisations to seamlessly verify licence details with the DVLA and conduct regular checks in accordance with the risk level of each individual driver – the more points on a licence, the more frequent the checks.
Whilst it is undeniable that there is an evident skills gap that needs to be filled, companies cannot afford to not be 100 per cent sure drivers are legally entitled to drive for them.
Similarly, Descartes’ Smartanalysis tachograph analysis allows operators to automate and manage compliance with the UK drivers’ hours and EU working time directive regulations with changing and relaxed enforcement in place, so transport managers can be assured they have the necessary systems and processes in place to ensure driver and road safety.
It is clear that the HGV driver shortage will be troubling businesses for the foreseeable future. Seeking shortcuts, unsustainably increasing wages and haste in the recruitment process must not be considered as feasible long-term solutions, and it is vital that businesses do not sacrifice the health and safety of their drivers – or their own compliance – in order to maximise capacity within the incredibly challenging market.
Whilst there is no denying the importance of sourcing new drivers to reduce the immense pressure that is currently facing operators, it is time for intelligent, long-term solutions.
The recruitment of new drivers must be conducted appropriately and all driver performance / status monitored continuously to ensure compliance and, whilst the shortage is unfortunately forecasted to continue, smart solutions have the capabilities to help fill the gap without putting anyone at risk.
