Training for today’s logistics industry is critical no matter your role, says Logistics UK

A vital part of logistics is training. Whether you are an HGV driver, warehouse operative or transport manager, every role requires initial training and depending on the profession, ongoing training known as Continued Professional Development (CPD) is required.

As Ray Marshall, Manager of Compliance Information at Logistics UK’s Member Advice Centre, points out, this is crucial to ensure that workers can do their job effectively while ensuring their safety, and the safety of those around them.  

SAFETY FIRST

The safety of all road users is an absolute priority: HGV drivers must undergo extensive training to become a qualified HGV driver. First-time applicants must hold a full car licence in order to apply for a provisional HGV licence and pass the five different training elements that make up the full test.

HGV driving licences do not need to be renewed (unless for medical reasons) until the driver reaches the age of 45, and then under normal conditions must continue to be renewed every five years up until the age of 65, after which the licence will need to be renewed annually.

To remain qualified the driver must undertake 35 hours of periodic Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) training every five years - this can be taken at any time within the five-year period or spread throughout it. Drivers will receive their Driver CPC card, which can be referred to as a driver qualification card or a DQC, when they have completed the full 35 hours of periodic training.  

It’s important to note that there are exceptions to the Driver CPC periodic training. If driving is not the main part of the individual’s job, or if the vehicle is exempt – such as carrying passengers or goods for personal use and not commercially or only driving for certain tasks, like taking the vehicle to a test centre – the driver might not need the full Driver CPC.

Training – as a new HGV driver – can take anywhere between eight to ten weeks to complete, with the actual driving element of the HGV lessons lasting approximately five days. Costs on average can be as much as £2,000 from the initial application to the pass certificate, however, with the creation of the government’s HGV Skills Bootcamps there is potential for these to be part funded.  

TRANSPORTING DANGEROUS GOODS

Logistics operators carry a wide variety of goods across all transport modes, including items classed as dangerous or hazardous, and therefore certain rules and regulations are implemented to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

HGV drivers looking to become a dangerous goods (ADR) vehicle driver can do so regardless of how long ago they acquired their HGV driving licence, but must undergo further training and pass exams to receive an ADR card.

The ADR qualification lasts for five years and drivers who want to retain their ADR licence must take refresher training and exams before the current card expires. Refresher training can be done one year before the current card expires and, if successful, the qualification will be extended for another five years from the expiry date of the current card.

It’s important to note that if the refresher training is started more than one year before the expiry of the current card, then the new ADR card will be valid five years from the pass date of the refresher exam. Drivers must always keep their ADR card with them when in an ADR vehicle to comply with regulations. 

SUPPORTIVE COURSES

Logistics UK recognises the importance of training and offers a wide range of courses to support the logistics industry, from Transport Manager CPC and Driver CPC, to dangerous goods and aviation security courses, managing transport operations, passenger operations and technical training.

There are a variety of online and face-to-face courses to provide operators with the knowledge and qualifications required.

These include the organisation’s Dangerous Goods Awareness e-Workshop, IATA, IMDG, ADR and RID training courses. 

In addition, the business group runs an online version of the Transport Manager CPC course (e-TM CPC) to ensure transport managers continue to receive vital compliance without having to travel, as well as face-to-face Transport Manager CPC – Road Haulage sessions. 

To see a full list of courses available, and to book your place please visit the Logistics UK training page.

*www.logistics.org.uk/training

Published On: 22/06/2023 12:00:00

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