HGV Driver Shortage to Impact Holiday Shopping Season

As a leading provider of HGV training, we are acutely aware of the current driver shortage and what it means to the British economy. Nevertheless, perhaps things are even more serious than we thought. According to the Freight Transport Association (FTA), a majority of their members are seriously concerned about their ability to offer timely delivery services in the weeks leading up to the busy holiday shopping season.

According to HGV Ireland, 82% of the transport managers attending a recent FTA conference say that the shortage of HGV drivers is a very serious problem. It also believes that the shortage will negatively affect Christmas shopping as transport companies struggle to keep up with the necessary deliveries.

Industry representatives are quick to point out that online shopping does not alleviate the problem. Consumer goods imported from outside of the UK still have to be transported across the British Isles by truck. That means virtually everything that comes into Britain spends at least some time in the back of an HGV. Without enough drivers to get products to market, both online and brick-and-mortar retailers will likely suffer.

Another area of concern, according to the FTA, is compliance with new CPC requirements among agency drivers who do not have regular employment. The deadline for completing CPC training is just a few days away, and some analysts wonder out loud if the majority of agency drivers will complete that training at their own expense.

Train and Get Working

The HGVT training centre wants to encourage you to consider a career as a professional driver. HGV training through our company is affordable, timely, and more than capable of preparing you for a long and rewarding career. We urge you to start training and get working as soon as you can. The current driver shortage means you should have no trouble finding work with a valid licence.

We provide comprehensive HGVT training at more than 60 facilities around the UK. Our training is based on a fast-paced and concentrated approach enabling you to learn and retain what you need to know to pass your tests. As evidence our approach works, consider the fact that our students pass the theory test the first time, at a rate of 92%.

To get your training started you need to already possess a full car licence. If that is the case, you will need to have a routine medical exam conducted by an NHS GP or approved private physician. We can help you make sure your paperwork is completed and submitted correctly.

The next step is to apply for your provisional entitlement and study for the 100-question theory test. Successfully passing the test enables you to begin practical skills training at one of our facilities. We provide you with classroom and behind-the-wheel training, and send one of our trainers with you when it is time for you to take your final test. The HGV training centre will have you looking for work in no time at all.

Sources:

HGV Ireland – http://www.hgvireland.com/09/10/shortage-of-drivers-could-mean-road-to-hell-fta/