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MAC briefings - keeping members updated
In conjunction with the latest round of Freight Council meetings which have been taking place across the UK, the Member Advice Centre (MAC) took the opportunity to brief members on changes to legislation and practical steps they can take to ensure best practice.
Logistics UK's Head of Compliance Information, Martin Candish said: “The MAC is providing legal and operational advice to members on a daily basis but our member briefings provide the opportunity for us to highlight the key developments and pass on practical advice to ensure our members remain compliant.
"It is also great for members to be able to meet the MAC team face to face and cement relationships, which can be incredibly important when dealing with confidential and sensitive enquiries.”
One of the key topics discussed was the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) and members were urged to check their Driver Qualification Card (DQC) to ensure training has not expired and the Driver CPC is still valid.
The CPC qualification lasts for five years but it is possible for an individual module of periodic training to expire before the DQC itself, rendering the CPC invalid.
It’s illegal to drive professionally if the training is not complete and drivers can be fined up to £1,000 for driving professionally without a Driver CPC. Driver CPC periodic training hours can be checked here.
The briefings also emphasised the importance of effective driver walk round checks, provided advice on how to communicate with Traffic Commissioners, or the Transport Regulation Unit for members in NI, and reminded members of the dangers of driver fatigue and stressed how sleep is the only cure.
The Logistics UK’s Member Advice Centre is a knowledge hub freely accessible to Logistics UK members. The team consists of experienced transport professionals able to advise on all aspects of transport legislation and operations, including drivers’ hours, operator licensing and dangerous goods.
Logistics UK members can contact the MAC about legal and operational issues on 0370 605 0000 (9am-5pm weekdays) or email mac@logistics.org.uk.
Published On: 23/05/2024 15:00:00
