Archives March 2022

Driving for a living is a hugely rewarding career, but it’s vital that drivers make sure they take care of themselves in this sometimes fast paced and pressured environment. Read our top tips below for staying fit and healthy on the road.

Eat well and often. With all those service stops, the opportunity for fast food is everywhere – not good for long distance driving! Eat a meal heavy in fibre and protein before you hit the road, and take plenty of healthy snacks with you to enjoy on your journey. Snacking in the right way has huge benefits, and will keep drivers well nourished, full of energy and in good spirits.

Think exercise. It’s so important that drivers find the time for exercising before driving and in breaks to the journey. Even a small amount of exercise will keep drivers in top shape and give a big boost to energy levels.

Keep it social. Driving for a living can sometimes be lonely, so keeping contact safely with friends and family via social media channels or by phone can ease the loneliness and keep up morale. Even using audio books or the radio to fill the silence can make all the difference.

Rest when you need to. Although those who drive for a living are well experienced in the art of driving, it is so important that drivers take a rest from the road regularly.

For more information about our CPC courses, contact WeTrainCPC on 01582 383033 or rue@wetraincpc.co.uk.

Last year saw widespread reports of a shortage of HGV drivers alongside a multitude of other challenges facing logistics and haulage. And whilst the government has stepped in and tried to alleviate some of the pressures facing the sector, we’re still facing challenges this year.

The good news is that government intervention has led to a reduction in the driver shortage, with new drivers joining the sector over the last few months. But given an ongoing lack of investment in facilities and conditions, there are concerns that those that have entered the sector afresh may not stay for the long haul. Factors such as high pay and free training will have an impact on whether drivers both continue to join the sector and stay on.

The reports detailing the driving shortage last year highlighted the need for more investment in HGV driver facilities, with the government announcing £50m of funding to improve HGV driver’s parking and rest areas. But how long will it take for the announcement to become a reality for drivers? This could be a crucial development to stopping increased pressures on the sector later on this year.

We’re not out of the woods yet – whilst government intervention is welcome drivers and haulage organisations will be looking for swift changes to make sure the pressures on logistics don’t get worse.

For more information about our CPC courses, contact WeTrainCPC on 01582 383033 or rue@wetraincpc.co.uk.