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The Importance Of Maintaining Mental Health In Logistics

The logistics industry plays a critical role in keeping our global economy moving by transporting goods and products from one location to another. With the rise of e-commerce and online shopping, the demand for logistics services has increased significantly in recent years, leading to an increasingly competitive and fast-paced environment for those working in the sector.

While physical health and safety are important considerations for those working in logistics, the importance of maintaining good mental health is often overlooked. Here at Drivers Direct, we want to explore the importance of mental health in logistics and how drivers across the country can take care of themselves on the job.

The Impact of the Job on Mental Health

Working in logistics can be a demanding and stressful role. Drivers are often required to work long hours, drive long distances and manage tight delivery schedules. They may also face challenges such as traffic congestion, adverse weather and difficult road conditions.

Unsurprisingly, these challenges can have a significant impact on the mental health of drivers, for example, prolonged periods of driving can lead to fatigue, anxiety, and stress. Drivers may also experience social isolation and loneliness due to spending long periods of time on the road. These factors combined can cause depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

The Importance of Mental Health in Logistics

It is crucial for drivers to prioritise their mental health as it can directly impact their ability to perform their jobs safely and effectively. When drivers look after their mental health, they can make better decisions, stay alert, and react quickly to any situation that arises on the road, creating a safer environment for themselves and other road users.

In addition to the safety benefits, taking care of mental health can also lead to greater job satisfaction and improved performance. Drivers who care about their mental health can concentrate better, manage their emotions more effectively, and communicate clearly and positively with their colleagues and customers. This not only helps create a positive work environment but also improves the overall experience for everyone involved.

Tips for Maintaining Good Mental Health

Now that we know that having good mental health is very important when working within logistics, we can discuss how we can maintain a positive outlook whilst on the road.

Prioritise Sleep: Getting enough sleep is essential for your mental health. After long hours on the road, drivers should try to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night.

Stay Active: Regular exercise can help to reduce stress and anxiety and improve your mood. Try to incorporate exercise into your routine by taking regular breaks to stretch or do simple exercises in your vehicle.

Eat a Healthy Diet: Whilst this can be difficult on the road, maintaining a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help to improve your mood and energy levels.

Connect with Others: Social support is essential for good mental health. It’s very important that you stay connected with family and friends whilst on the road. Take regular breaks from driving to contact family through phone calls, video chats, and even catch up with friends through social media.

Take Breaks: Taking regular breaks can help to reduce stress and prevent fatigue. You should aim to take a break every two hours to stretch your legs and rest your eyes.

Seek Help: If you are struggling with mental health issues, it’s imperative that you speak out. You can seek help from a mental health professional or even talk to your employer about resources that are available.

We hope you can take away some points from this blog to improve your mental health and continue a positive and effective journey whilst on the road!

Looking for more tips for being on the road? Check out some of our previous blogs.

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5 Things You Should Know Before Becoming An HGV Driver

Becoming an HGV driver can be an exciting and rewarding career choice, but it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you dive in. HGV driving requires a certain set of skills and qualifications, as well as a willingness to work long hours and be away from home for extended periods of time.

In this blog, we will cover five things you should know before becoming an HGV driver and by the end, we hope you’ll have a better understanding of what it takes to become a successful trucker and whether this career path is right for you.

1. Starting your HGV journey

Becoming an HGV driver in the UK requires obtaining a Category C or C+E license, which involves meeting eligibility criteria. To obtain a Category C or C+E license, you will need to be at least 18 years old, have a valid UK driving license, and pass a medical examination. You will also need to pass a theory test and a practical driving test that includes on-road driving and manoeuvring exercises.

The cost of obtaining an HGV license in the UK can be significant, with training courses ranging from a few hundred pounds to several thousand pounds, depending on the type of license you require and the training provider you choose. However, government-funded training schemes are available for eligible candidates and despite the investment of time, money, and effort required, the profession offers high earning potential and job security in a growing industry.

2. Working hours

Concerned about driving long hours alone as an HGV driver? Rest assured that there are laws and guidelines in place to prevent excessive driving. As a trained HGV driver, you are permitted to work up to 15 hours for three days of the week, and up to 12 hours for the other two or three days. It is important to note that there is a distinction between driving hours and working hours. While a driver can drive for a maximum of 9 hours per day, with a possible extension to 10 hours twice in one week, their overall working hours should not exceed 56 hours in a single week or 90 hours over two consecutive weeks. Regulations also require you to take 45 hours of rest every week and take a 45-minute break every 4.5 hours of driving to ensure you’re always alert on the road. So taking frequent breaks is crucial for safety and your mental health

3. Your earning potential

Of course, when looking into a new career, everyone’s first questions is how much money you can earn, so let’s take a look… As an HGV driver in the UK, you can expect a competitive salary which varies depending on your experience, the type of vehicle you’re driving, and the company you work for. According to the National Careers Service, the average salary for an experienced HGV driver is around £30,000 per year, with the potential to earn up to £40,000 or more with overtime and bonuses.

However, it’s important to note that salaries may be lower for new drivers with less experience, although some companies may offer benefits such as paid time off and pension contributions, which can increase the overall value of the job.

4. Opportunity to travel the world

Being an HGV driver means you don’t have to wait all year to save up for a holiday to explore the world. Instead, you can earn money while travelling as part of your job. Your work can take you to various locations, from different parts of the UK on a contract job to exotic destinations in mainland Europe. With a job as an HGV driver, you can see and experience new places and cultures whilst earning a living!

5. There Are Job Opportunities Across Many Industries

Finally, HGV drivers are in high demand across a variety of industries, including transportation, logistics, and construction. This means that there are many job opportunities available, with the potential for high earnings and job security. However, it’s important to research potential employers carefully and choose a company that aligns with your values and career goals.

In conclusion, becoming an HGV driver can be a rewarding career path, but it’s important to understand the obligations of the job before getting started. With the right training, mindset, and employer, you can build a successful career as an HGV driver.

We hope that our blog has provided you with valuable insights into the world of HGV driving and has helped you to determine if it’s the right career choice for you. If you’re eager to take the next step and start your career as an HGV driver, please visit our website to explore the available roles with Drivers Direct.

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The Women Behind The Wheel – A Talk with Recruitment Consultant Kate

As International Women’s Day 2023 approaches, we’d love to celebrate all the fantastic and hard work our female employees put in to keep Drivers Direct trucking. Within our business, we acknowledge that the logistics industry is male-dominant but aim to encourage women to get involved within a range of roles and prove that women can do it too!

We caught up with our female recruitment consultant Kate and spoke to her about how she got interested in her role in logistics, along with her thoughts and experiences of being a woman working in a male-heavy industry.

Let’s meet Kate!

1.Introduce yourself

I have been with Drivers Direct Recruitment for a year and 3 months to be precise. Since starting it has been a great journey and I have gained lots of experience within my job role.

2. What made choose your role as a recruitment consultant?

My late aunt encouraged me to work within recruitment, I had to keep the gene alive! I always remember when I was a little girl watching her doing a payroll. I mean, I couldn’t help back then, but look at me now! I am a payroll master! Or so I think…

Prior to becoming a recruitment consultant, I worked in the mental health industry as a Support Worker. I will be completely honest, I wasn’t sure if I would suit the transport and logistics industry as a 20-year-old woman, but I am so glad I took the risk. This was a completely new career path for myself, and I can honestly say I feel as if I am made for this role.

3. What is one thing you love about your job?

I thoroughly enjoy getting to know all my drivers as this creates a positive attitude to how they work and of course, to how I work too. The professional relationships that I have built with all the transport managers speaks volumes for the job and it doesn’t feel like a job to me anymore. I love where I work.

4. What is your average day/ week like at Drivers Direct?

No day is ever the same within logistics or recruitment, but I think this is why I love working with Drivers Direct. I love learning something new every day and using my knowledge to encourage others around me. The excitement you gain when you acquire a client that you worked so hard to get outweighs any bad day you ever have.

5. What skills and experience have you gained whilst working at Drivers Direct?

Since I have been here with Drivers Direct I’ve gained a lots of experience and I have been granted many opportunities here. For example, I have been given the chance to oversee the Cardiff branch which was a massive step for me. This started out great and it compelled me to be the best consultant I could be.

In addition to this, further down the line I was then offered to monitor the Bristol branch. This again, has widened my knowledge and has given me the chance to try and multitask two branches which I am hugely proud of.

6. What are your thoughts on women entering the logistics industry?

Transport hasn’t always been a female heavy industry. However, it is so refreshing to see how many women are now introducing themselves into logistics. It shows that this fast-paced environment is made for us! Whether this is driving or working offices, both job roles can be a tough performance no matter the gender.

It can be a daunting position being in a room full of male transport managers, but it also creates diversity within the transport sector. It is a fast-paced moving environment I won’t sugar coat that, but it is what we are made for! Multitasking is one of the many things women are good at, and it is needed within this environment. It’s an exhilarating role working in recruitment and when working with a gender equality firm it creates a great atmosphere in the work place.

7. What are your plans for the future?

I would love to attain my HGV licence in the upcoming years and Drivers Direct have encouraged my view to do this. They have also said they will help me along the way, I was nervous about mentioning me gaining my licence but when I spoke with our Managing Director Danny, he was nothing but support and furthered my excitement to attain it. I have not yet taken the next step, but when having find the time, it will be my next achievement for sure.

8. What would you say to others who are looking to join Drivers Direct?

I genuinely feel lucky to be a member at Drivers Direct and I feel valued here. You are not just a number like many other work places. You are part of a team here and it goes a long way. Like all jobs, we have bad days. However, we all pull together (women and men) and face problems as a team here at Drivers Direct.

To find out more about how Drivers Direct support women, check out our website you can also keep up-to-date with all things logistics over Twitter and LinkedIn.

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Transport Apprenticeships In 2023 – What You Need To Know

If you’re just finishing your education or looking to get into a role that doesn’t necessarily follow the traditional path of university, then an apprenticeship may be the ‘road’ for you (no pun intended). With it being National Apprenticeship Week this week, this could be the best time to begin exploring your options.

Taking up a transport apprenticeship in 2023 is a great option, as it helps you gain new skills and qualifications whilst being paid at the same time, which many other traditional paths don’t offer. Technical jobs like those in driving and logistics require a more hands-on approach when it comes to learning, that’s why at Drivers Direct, we encourage anyone interested in the field of work to get involved in apprenticeships.

Thinking of applying for a transport apprenticeship in 2023 but not sure where to start? Here’s what you need to know! 

What Do Transport Apprenticeships Involve?

The transportation and logistics industry is a broad, all-encompassing term for what is, as we all know, a very complex and meticulously planned supply chain. Not just in this country but across the world! The industry is built up of various jobs, from delivery drivers and warehouse workers to logistics managers and office staff.

We understand it can be hard to know where you fit in. But we’re here to help explain some of the key roles in transport and shed some light into how you can apply.

Choosing The Best Role For You

Transport apprenticeships offer a challenging but rewarding career opportunity. As the logistics industry covers a wide spectrum of roles and professions, it’s easy to find one which is best suited to you. A few examples of sectors you could branch into include:

  • Distribution – a logistics or distribution managers key task is to organise the safe and efficient storage and transportation of goods, as well as analyse logistical problems and plan transportation routes for vehicles.
  • Warehousing – warehouse management plays a strategic role in the supply chain by enabling inventory distribution, sorting, or sometimes even cross-docking processes that strive to meet the growing demand of the market.
  • Supply chain – working as part of the direct supply chain helps ensure shop floors have items to sell. You’ll monitor the levels of stock in an inventory, plan timetables for delivery, ensure suppliers have enough stock to meet store needs, track products and oversee the arrival of goods. It’s a good client-facing role if you’re a people person!
  • Transport – there are an array of opportunities for transport apprentices, you could be maintaining vehicles, driving them, planning to reduce delays, transporting goods, or working within freight, just to name a few!

Taking a deeper look into roles, and basing your current skills, along with skills you would like to learn can help you choose an interesting yet challenging path within logistics.

Transport Apprenticeships In 2023 – When To Apply?

The best thing about a transport apprenticeship is that you can start at any age and any level, and there is typically no ‘right time’ to apply!

Whether you’ve just finished your GCSEs or secondary education, are opting for a change after university, or have decided on a new career route, you can apply for an apprenticeship at any stage that is best suited to you!

With apprenticeships, there are four levels you can apply for:

  • Intermediate – Level 2 – GCSE equivalent
  • Advanced – Level 3 – A level equivalent
  • Higher – Levels 4,5,6 and 7 – Foundation degree and above equivalent
  • Degree – Levels 6 and 7 – Bachelor’s or master’s degree equivalent

With each offering a different accreditation based off previous qualifications, you can find a space best suited to you.

Transport Apprenticeships In 2023 – Where To Apply

There are so many resources online to find out more about, and where to apply for, apprenticeships! A great website to get you started is Amazing Apprenticeships, which offers webinars, local events, and even group sessions to discuss your future career path.

Or you already know the route you are ready to go down, you can find all accredited apprenticeship opportunities at gov.uk/apprenticeships. By creating an account, you can sign up to be alerted of opportunities in your area of interest and desired location.

We hope to have given you a good insight on what to expect when choosing an apprenticeship in transport. And maybe someday you may come across a role with us here at Drivers Direct! Have any other questions on applying for a transport apprenticeship? Let us know over on our socials Twitter and LinkedIn. For more reasons why you should consider an apprenticeship or a career in logistics in general, check out our other blogs!

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How To Be Involved In Veganuary As A Driver

At this time of year, many of us promise to improve ourselves one way or another. Whether it’s keeping a journal, hitting the gym, or starting a new diet! This month, we’re challenging some of you to take on the Veganuary challenge.

Healthy eating can be a difficult task for truck drivers. They spend up to 14 hours a day on the road, delivering goods and fuelling the country. But when it comes to mealtime it’s often about speed or doing the best with what they have.

It’s easy to forget about healthy eating or meal prep, but this doesn’t have to be the case. We’ve put together some quick tips on how you can get involved with Veganuary.

Start Small

As we mentioned before, baby steps! No one is expecting you to cut out all meat and dairy and never be tempted again, maybe start with one night a week you make a meat-free meal when you get back from a shift? Or, try a small change like swapping your regular milk for oat milk or almond or soy… Or whatever tickles your fancy (we’re partial to a little coconut milk).

Prep Your Meals

Prepping your meals the week / weekend before really does take the stress out of meal times, especially when you’re trucking. It also minimises food waste, washing up time and money spent on meal deals or takeaways too. Meal prepping, especially for Veganuary as a driver, can be an all-round great quick fix at mealtimes when all you have to do is heat up your food (or eat up cold if the dish you’ve prepared is better suited to that)!

There are many meal prep ideas online, on social media and in print. A few of our favourites include Quorn Bolognese, ‘Chicken’ Tikka Masala and Noodle dishes.

Stop And Swap

Shopping is often draining and most of us can switch to autopilot, buying the same / similar things week in and week out. At Drivers Direct, we’re challenging you to stop and swap. Stop and think about what easy changes you can make, and swap a few things in your basket for their vegan alternatives for Veganuary. See how it goes.

Keep An Eye On Your Options

Vegan Meats

When adjusting your diet to try our Veganuary, looking at meat-alternatives is a great place to start as there are SO MANY options! Whether you’re looking for a thick burger or a vegetable fritter alternative, the supermarkets will have you covered. Look out for brands like Quorn, Meatless Farm, The Tofoo co., and Linda McCartney, as well as supermarket own brands.

Don’t forget companies like Richmond that do meat-free sausages that are some of the best alternative sausages on the market too. There are also high-protein options and non-soya products for those with allergies.

Rice & Legumes

For days when you’re off the road and you feel like cooking or have no meal preps left, rice and legumes are a great way to feel full and satisfied after a quick and easy vegan meal. It’s always great to have some on hand for when you find yourself in a pinch or parked up for the night with no shops in sight.

Now that you have a bit more information on how you can get involved with Veganuary, see if there are any simple and easy swaps you can make to your weekly shop. Even if it’s one meal a week, every little decrease in meat consumption helps lessen the impact that the meat industry has on the environment. We’d love to hear about how you get on via our social media on Twitter and LinkedIn.

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Our Predictions For The Logistics Industry In 2023

From fuel price hikes and driver shortages to more positive changes like improving infrastructure and the UK’s route to Net Zero, 2022 has served us a whirlwind of unexpected events. But as we see the year draw to a close, we must make expectations for 2023.

If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected. But at Drivers Direct we like to make predictions for the year head and try best to prepare for anything that might come our way in this industry.

Here’s what our team thinks 2023 might look for the logistics and transport industries.

1. Rising Fuel Prices

One of the biggest implications to the way the sector operates this year, has undoubtably been the rise in fuel costs. From January to June this year, the Russia-Ukraine crisis has been a chief cause of the increasing figures in the UK and across the globe. Petrol prices saw a rise of 16% in 2022, and Diesel costs had a whopping 28% increase! 2023 does not look good for fuel prices either, as in March, fuel duty is set to rise by another 23% according to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).

Whilst this may seem like a worrying statistic, logistics companies have already begun to make the changes to combat fuel issues, and help us towards our Net Zero goal! With companies like DHL already switching to electrical vehicles to battle the rising fuel costs, we are hoping to see a number of companies following suit in 2023 and beyond.

2. Growth Of The Sector

One of the most promising trends for the next tear is a continued downward trend in carrier rates.

At the height of the pandemic, consumer spending on goods skyrocketed and capacity diminished as a result. Due to this, carriers hiked up rates for both sea and land transportation, and service levels worsened as labour shortages and lockdowns caused transportation backlogs. Shippers had almost no choice but to deal with delays and other issues. As demand has levelled off, capacity has increased and backlogs have subsided, this trend has started reversing—and we expect the industry will continue to rebalance in 2023, which is good news indeed.

3. Growth In Employment

Finally, we have some great news on the employment front for 2023, as an independent analysis by Frontier Economics, commissioned by Amazon and backed by Logistics UK, found that logistics is one of the UK’s fastest expanding job sectors! According to the research, the sector has added 190,000 workers since 2019 and has been a major contributor to the development of another 125,000 employment in local areas. Since 2012, employment in logistics has increased by 50%, and in 2023, it’s expected to surpass NHS England as the largest employer in the UK.

At Drivers Direct we’re always keen to help combat the driver shortage, and even partnered with the MoD earlier this year in a scheme to train those out of combat and into a career in transportation.

2023 looks to be a positive year for logistics, but we must always prepare for its challenges. What are your predictions for the year? Let us know your thoughts over on our Twitter and LinkedIn. You can also stay up to date with all things logistics over on our website.

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Why Our Team Love Drivers Direct!

If you’re looking at a career in logistics, it can be difficult to decipher which companies are not only going to give you the most out for your role, but which businesses go that extra mile (every pun intended) to ensure employees have job satisfaction.

At Drivers Direct we pride ourselves on providing our employees with roles that not only challenge their skills, but also inspire development and growth throughout their careers. If you’re thinking of a new role in the logistics industry, here’s a list of reasons why you should choose Drivers Direct!

Best Workplace Award 2022

Did you know, we achieved an award for ‘Best Workplace’ in this year’s WorkL Employee’s Voice Best Workplace Awards?! We’re pretty proud of that one! Our wonderful employees independently entered Drivers Direct into the awards, then undertook a test, answering questions on how satisfied they were within their job roles. We achieved the best work place award in November and are proud to be recognised as a positive and engaging workplace. Which is a fantastic reason to join us if we do say so ourselves.

Outstanding Reviews

When applying for any new role, it’s important to do your research as it will benefit you in the long run. Many use external sites like Indeed or Trustpilot, to look for reviews from past and current employees on their experience with a company.

At Drivers Direct, we have positive reviews across all external platforms online including an overall 4.4-star review on the employee review site Glassdoor, which feature some fantastic testimonials!

Experience and Stability

When considering a logistics recruitment agency consider that it’s important to review their level of experience and stability. Going for an organisation that has long term experience will be able to give you more opportunities with less risk involved. At Drivers Direct, we’ve been in the business for over 12 years, and are growing from strength to strength every day with over 20 branches across the UK now!

Are you Interested?

With so many branches across England, and transport becoming one of the fastest growing employers within the UK, Drivers Direct will always have a role to best suit you. if you are interested in applying for a role with us, you can visit our website. Otherwise, you can also keep up-to-date with all things logistics on our LinkedIn and Twitter.

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From the Front Lines to The Cab

“Is It Just Driving?” Roles In Transport Explained By Us

The common misconception about jobs in the logistics industry is that it’s “just driving” but in actual fact it is much, MUCH more than that.

The Transportation and Logistics industry is a broad, all-encompassing term for what is, as we all know, a very complex and meticulously planned supply chain. The industry comprises of various jobs, from delivery drivers and warehouse workers to logistics managers and office staff.

What Does A Transportation Role Include?

It can often be hard to navigate (no pun intended) the world of logistics and especially for someone looking to join it. We understand how it can be hard to know where you fit in. But, we’re here to help explain some of the key roles in transport and shed some light into just what it is that they do to keep the supply chain moving.

Depending on the company type and size, logistics employees can oversee:

  • Supply chain management and the order cycle
  • Transport costs, schedules, and delivery times
  • Inventory management of goods and raw materials
  • Business development
  • Service automation
  • Health and safety
  • Inventory and stock auditing
  • Transporting goods or people to their destinations safely
  • Loading and unloading finished goods
  • Moving products or equipment in and out of storage
  • Transportation and logistics skills

Straight away from that, it’s evident that logistics is definitely not “just driving”! This stereotype is often harmful for the industry, there are many key roles that need to be filled but are flying under the radar because they are overshadowed by this perception. Here’s a closer look at some of those key jobs.

Jobs In Logistics Explained

Drivers

Drivers are what we all think of when we think logistics. They require an HGV license and depending on the vehicles operated and the type of employer, further qualifications too.

Roles and responsibilities:

  • Loading and transporting items
  • Delivering goods to destination on time
  • Reviewing orders to ensure all items are correct and the customer is satisfied
  • Helping load and unload delivery and transport vehicles
  • Checking routes and road traffic beforehand
  • Preparing documents and reports for deliveries
  • Maintaining regulation rest times and keeping yourself in check

Logistics Management

Logistics managers oversee the distribution activities within a business. Although they work from the office, they are just as vital as those behind the wheel, making sure everyone else has the tools and information they need to do their job.

Roles and responsibilities:

  • Planning and overseeing logistical operations
  • Managing the order cycle
  • Negotiating with clients and customers
  • Handling client account contracts
  • Supervising logistics staff and resources
  • Planning delivery routes and ensuring quality
  • Preparing budgets and managing costs
  • Customers and suppliers management

Warehouse workers

Warehouse workers conduct a wide range of important duties storing, retrieving, and moving stock, supplies, and products. Qualifications are not required to perform the role making it a career opportunity for all. However, a forklift truck license is sometimes needed.

Roles and responsibilities:

  • Accepting deliveries and checking packages for signs of damage
  • Packing and wrapping items in preparation for dispatch
  • Monitoring stock levels, conducting checks, and reporting discrepancies
  • Maintaining clear aisles and adhering to health and safety practices
  • Following picking lists and entering data into warehouse databases
  • Using a forklift truck to move palletised goods in and out of storage
  • Lifting heavy objects or light objects repetitively
  • Maintaining stated productivity and quality levels


Warehouse managers

Warehouse Managers are excellent leaders who make sure everything is where it is meant to be on time and safely. They manage the warehouse workers to create one well-oiled machine.

Roles and responsibilities:

  • Managing warehouse workers
  • Overseeing deliveries of incoming goods
  • Organising distribution and warehouse maintenance activities
  • Monitoring and ensuring all operations comply with operational policies
  • Maintaining a safe and secure working environment
  • Planning staff rotas and overseeing training

At Drivers Direct, we specialise in placing the right people into logistics jobs and no – it’s not “just driving”! If you’re looking for a new and exciting challenge then why not pop us a message? Or, for more inspiration, read our blog, or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn.

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When’s The Best Time To Apply For A Role In Logistics?

If you are just starting your career or looking to change paths, logistics could be the next step in your career progression. Depending on your situation, or stage in life or work you may be thinking about when is the best time to apply for a role in logistics?

We want to shed a light on a logistics career and that no matter the experience or situation, the timing is always right for starting a role in logistics.

First of all, there are many things to love about working in the logistics industry! As an industry it employs over 2.5 million people and is a constantly growing thanks to a huge boost in online retail and evolving customer expectations. The earning potential within a logistics role can be upwards of £30,000 with many added bonuses!

With many more benefits to working within the industry, staring a role within logistics could be the best move for you.

So, when is the best time to apply?

After education

If you are just finishing education, a role in logistics could be your next step! Many students leave school ready to travel the world, but in this current financial climate that can be less achievable for some. With a logistics role, you can travel the world and earn money whilst driving. Branching into a role like this can also develop your skills in a number of areas that you wouldn’t experience in other jobs. These skills can then be transferable into different areas of a logistics role, or further afield.

Later in life

You may feel the need for change at some stage in your life, and that’s completely normal. However, may feel daunting starting fresh at a late stage in life. Luckily in logistics, the industry is always looking for mature people with experience to enter the role. With many years of experience in other areas of work, you are already ahead with the skills you can bring to your new role, which are also very valuable to the industry.

A change of pace

Being in a job for many years can become tedious, and there’s no shame in looking for new opportunities. A role in logistics can bring a new wealth of excitement into your working life! With great travel opportunities within HGV driving, you can explore places you may have never seen. Specifically for HGV driving, you have a great freedom when it comes to being on the open road. There’s no office politics to deal with! You can relax in your own environment and concentrate on your own tasks at hand.

No matter your age or situation, there’s never a wrong time to apply for a role in logistics. The industry is flourishing, with thousands of people being employed every year. Within logistics there will never be a shortage of work which ensures you have good job security.  No matter how advanced technology gets, good, qualified drivers will always be in demand. 

If you are interested in a role in logistics, you can visit our job section on our website or email us on admin@driversdirect.co.uk

You can also look out for updates across our Twitter and LinkedIn

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It’s Been A Year Since The Driver Shortages, What’s Changed?

It’s been a year since the impact of Covid 19 and Brexit brought havoc to the supply chain and HGV recruitment across the country. Though we at Drivers Direct have been banging the ‘skills shortage’ drum for some time now, it seemed overnight the country turned on and began asking “where have all the drivers gone?”. Regrettably, a year on, we’re still asking the same questions.

We’re hoping to change this at Drivers Direct, and are seeing things that encourage us to feel more positive every day, including being involved in exciting training programmes and exercises that reinforce the benefits of working in the logistics industry.

At points in 2021, the HGV driver shortage became chronic, and goods were left undelivered and shops empty. However, with the number of drivers in employment not falling as significantly more recently, the group Logistics UK has expressed cautious optimism that initiatives introduced by the Government and transport industry in the latter part of 2021 and into 2022 are starting to yield results.

Such initiatives include the increase in funding to allow for more HGV driving tests to be completed, the relaxing of test rules, increased monetary incentives to attract more drivers to the field, and a call for retirees to take the wheel once more. All of which, we wholeheartedly agree are the positive changes our industry needs.

The Numbers

The industry, in cooperation with the Government, worked hard to address the key issues which have affected the recruitment of HGV drivers in the past as shortages really started to make headlines last August.

The reduction in numbers of HGV drivers in employment slowed in the first quarter of 2022, compared with the second half of 2021, which illustrates how the actions we’ve all taken are beginning to address the loss of skilled workers.

Figures revealed by Logistics UK indicate that while the number of HGV drivers in employment is estimated to have fallen by 30,300 in the first quarter of 2022, this is less of a reduction than in Q3 and Q4 2021 which saw falls of 44,000 and 49,000 respectively. 

Meanwhile, improved throughputs at DVSA testing facilities have shown that 26,388 practical HGV tests were conducted in Q1 2022, an increase of 43% compared with the same period in 2019. March 2022 saw a record 10,481 tests undertaken, with a 60% pass rate.

HGV driver wages have also increased, helping to retain existing staff and attract new drivers, with advertised salaries for those qualified to drive the heaviest vehicles increasing by an average of 25% in Q1 2022 compared with a year ago.

Such a large increase in the number of HGV tests being undertaken is testament to the work being done by DVSA to address its testing backlog, alongside the industry’s commitment to encourage new recruits to join the industry. Simultaneously, the very low number of HGV drivers claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance fell 70% from Q1 2019 to Q1 2022, indicating that there are hardly any surplus HGV drivers available for work.

That’s a lot of numbers to digest, but to break it down, the stats tell us that there are more drivers joining the industry, and just as important – more staying put!

Recruitment

Attracting and retaining new recruits and existing HGV drivers in the sector remains a critical priority for the logistics industry to secure a skills pipeline for years to come.

It’s vitally important that these initiatives continue to maintain recruitment levels and ensure that a sustained future flow of skilled drivers can be available to support the supply chain as the economy recovers after the impact of the pandemic.

Future Focuses

What we believe at Drivers Direct, is that the industry needs a renewed focus on the improvement of facilities for drivers across the strategic roads network, to provide the services and support which key workers deserve during their business hours.

To this effect, the government recently invested £20 million in the development of HGV facilities – with a focus on facilities for women in the hopes of more women drivers in the future! Naturally, this is a very welcome change for us all, and particularly the female members of our team.

We’d like to hear from our fellow drivers too though, what do YOU feel has changed in this past year in regard to the industry? Get in touch via our Twitter or LinkedIn.

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