Acumen Distribution a leading logistics provider to the automotive industry has appointed Labyrinth Logistics Consulting as its training partner for Driver CPC periodic training. The appointment is a continuation of the partnership between the two companies, which began in 2002 when Acumen appointed Labyrinth as its Health and Safety adviser.

The training has been specifically tailored to Acumen’s requirements, with specific risk assessments used to illustrate key points and vehicle walk-round checks carried out on the actual types of vehicle used by the drivers. This is particularly important for Acumen, as part of the company’s business is Kerbside Recycling Collections, which utilises different vehicles to the standard tractors and trailers used in other parts of the business.

Labyrinth is working in partnership with Hopkinson Transport Ltd, which has JAUPT registration for the scheme, to deliver the 7 hours’ periodic training. Two modules, LGV Essentials and Health, Safety and Security, have been covered so far.

Commenting, Chris Doughty, Managing Director of Acumen says: “Acumen aims to get ahead of its competitors in this area. The drivers are very pleased with the level of training, which they have rated excellent or good. Not only have they found that it is a lot more interesting than they anticipated it is also enabling them to build up their 35 hours periodic training which needs to be completed by September 2014 in order for them to continue working as commercial drivers.”

The training is enabling Acumen’s drivers to meet their commitments under the legislation. At the end of each course, the driver has the 7 hours’ periodic training uploaded to his licence and he is issued with a certificate confirming that the training has been completed. Although the Driver CPC is an extension of the driver’s licence, and therefore it is the driver’s personal responsibility to organise the 35 hours of period training over the five-year period, companies could face the prospect of having no employable drivers when the first year period ends in 2014.

Therefore, like Acumen, many companies are taking a middle line, organising and paying for the training but asking drivers to attend it in their own time. This also means that companies can ensure that the training drivers do is relevant and worthwhile.

A leading logistics provider to the automotive industry, Acumen Distribution has built a reputation of providing inbound logistics and European freight solutions for a range of Tier One and Tier Two automotive clients. The company also provides a range of contractual services, which include kerbside recycling collections, the transport of gases and chemicals and healthcare and retail logistics.

Acumen provides innovative, customised solutions to some of the UK’s most successful companies.

Acumen Distribution Ltd

Tel: 01604 748888

E: j.stocker@acumen-dist.co.uk

www.acumenlogistics.com

Comments are closed.