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Many of us are now getting used to life amid COVID-19, and over the last year what with multiple lockdowns and disruption there has been a growth in demand for delivery drivers and supply chain workers. Everyone must do their bit to keep safe amid COVID-19, but this can be particularly challenging for LGV and HGV drivers due to the nature of their work – here’s our top tips for keeping drivers safe.

Safety first! Those in charge of loading sites must make sure everyone is safe at all times, following current government guidance. That includes site workers and drivers, who may be from other sites, and how they interact and support one another.

Access to facilities. Drivers must have access to toilets and handwashing facilities whilst on site – it is a legal requirement. Make sure facilities are well sign posted and consider ways to keep everyone safe, including providing separate facilities where possible.

Ensure social distancing. If you have a break room or driver waiting room, ensure users keep to social distancing rules. Put up signage and provide handwashing and sanitation facilities. Depending on the site, if social distancing is not possible drivers could as a temporary measure wait in their cabs, as long as driver and worker safety is adhered to.

You can find out more by visiting the government website: https://www.gov.uk/transport/driving-and-road-transport

For more information about our online CPC driver training and to book your next training session, contact us on 01582 383033 or rue@wetraincpc.co.uk.

IR35 was due to come into effect back in April 2020, but with the coronavirus pandemic the rollout was delayed until April 2021. But what is IR35, does it affect you, and what changes do you need to make when working?

If you are a driver operating via a Limited company, IR35 means you may have to change the way you operate. You can continue to operate under a Limited company if you meet two of the following criteria:

• Turnover £5.2m or less per annum
• Profit £10.4m or less per annum
• Less than 50 direct employees in their organisation

If you don’t meet two of the above requirements, you will need to operate via a PAYE system.

Additional guidance is available via the government website. WeTrainCPC provides affordable and flexible CPC driver training, but if you would like further guidance and advice on IR35 please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

You can contact us on 01582 383033 or rue@wetraincpc.co.uk.

We’re all expecting some snow in the next few weeks – and snow unfortunately can cause a lot of disruption on the roads. It’s vital that LGV and HGV drivers take extra precautions when driving in the snow – here’s what to look out for.

Be prepared for anything. Take the essential things you need with you, so you can take action should challenges arise – Stock up your vehicle with de-icers, jump leads, salt, a torch, a blanket and extra coat, water and some healthy snacks.

Inspect your vehicle thoroughly. Check that your tyres are in good condition and free of snow. Clear your vehicle and lights of any excess snow. It’s also very important to check your vehicle fluids and battery.

Drive extra safely and smoothly. Make sure you give yourself plenty of room and leave lost of space between you and the vehicle in front. Take your time and drive slower than normal, keeping a consistent speed.

Keep up to date with the weather conditions. Just having the radio on in the background is enough to keep you informed should there be a big shift in the weather – really important should you need to rethink your travel.

For more information about our online CPC driver training and to book your next training session, contact us on 01582 383033 or rue@wetraincpc.co.uk.

The deal is done and now, after 4 years, the UK is about to enter a new trade agreement with the EU. But what does that mean for logistics, and drivers who regularly travel between the UK and the EU? Here’s a few headlines on what to expect.

The existing Community Licence has been replaced by the UK Licence for the Community – The licence works in the same way and were posted before Christmas, so licences should have been received before 31^st December!

UK hauliers are no longer able to undertake combined transport operations in the EU. As of now, only two cabotage trips may be undertaken by EU hauliers in the UK and combined transport rules no longer apply.

UK issued European health insurance cards (EHIC) are still being accepted in EU countries, but there will be different rules for people travelling to Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland from January.

You can find lots more information on the government website here.

For more information about our online CPC driver training and to book your next training session, contact us on 01582 383033 or rue@wetraincpc.co.uk.

There’s not long to go now until the transition period after the UK left the EU in January 2020 comes to an end, and it’s important for LGV and HGV drivers working in the EU to be ready for some potential changes to their normal routine. Here’s what you need to be aware of.

From January 1^st, you may require an ECMT permit to travel through EU countries. You can read more about these permits in our previous blog.

The following types of trailers must be registered before travelling through EU countries:

• Commercial trailers weighing over 750kg
• Non-commercial trailers weighing over 3,500kg

A certificate for abnormal loads should be kept in your vehicle to present at border crossings. Some countries have different regulations when it comes to abnormal loads, so you may need to check!

GB stickers will need to be displayed on the back of your vehicle and the trailer, but not when driving through Ireland.

You won’t require a visa for travelling in the EU; you can stay for up to 90 days in any 180 day period.

For more information, visit the government website here.

We provide low cost, flexible driver CPC training according to your needs. To book your driver CPC training, contact us on 01582 383033 or rue@wetraincpc.co.uk.

Logistics is a 24 hour business, with HGV and LGV drivers often working night shifts to tight deadlines. It’s really important that drivers are extra diligent when it comes to driving at night, even if it becomes the norm – here’s our top tips.

Take refreshments. We recommend water and healthy snacks, and advise caution when reaching for the coffee. Caffeine may give you an instant energy kick but could leave you feeling more drained in the long run.

Keep your vehicle comfortable. Make sure all windows are cleaned inside and out to avoid dazzle; if you are struggling against the dazzle of oncoming headlights, try turning on your interior light to reduce the impact. Make sure your cab is well ventilated – plenty of oxygen will keep you feeling refreshed and alert!

Take plenty of breaks! Always take your break in full. Try to get out of your vehicle if you can safely to stretch out during your break. If you feel too tired to keep on driving, stop immediately.

Stay legal and avoid costly fines – Book your CPC driver training with us today! We provide low cost, flexible driver CPC training according to your needs. To book your driver CPC training, contact us on 01582 383033 or rue@wetraincpc.co.uk.

Are you aware of ECMT Permits and the application process? With the Brexit transition period coming to an end, it’s important your organisation is prepared to ensure a full continuation of your services.

ECMT permits give permission to carry most types of good and products or drive an empty vehicle through ECMT member countries. You may need a ECMT licence from January 2021 to travel through the EU, depending on your services.

You can check if you need a ECMT permit and apply via the government website here.

You need an ECMT permit to carry most products or drive an empty vehicle through the EU (except Cyprus), Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the UK to these 13 countries:

Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia, Turkey, and Ukraine.

The deadline for applications is Friday 20^th November, so don’t delay! More information is available here.

We provide low cost, flexible driver CPC training according to your needs. To book your driver CPC training, contact us on 01582 383033 or rue@wetraincpc.co.uk.

Fuel is an important commodity – and it’s costly! There are a number of ways you can adjust your driving, even if you’re driving a HVG or LVG, to save on fuel. Here’s our suggestions.

Plan ahead. LGV and HGV drivers are used to reading the road ahead of them well in advance to stay safe, but there are other benefits too, such as saving fuel – by anticipating braking in advance, rather than slamming on the brakes, you’ll use less fuel to get back up to speed.

Don’t be held back. As your vehicle speeds up air resistance or drag builds up, which can result in using more fuel. Fitting wind deflectors can have a huge impact on keeping fuel costs down.

Check your tyres! Under inflated tyres result in the engine having to work much harder, resulting in higher fuel consumption. They also pose a safety risk, so check your tyres regularly.

Limit the air conditioning. The power used for the air conditioning comes from the engine which increases fuel consumption. Think about limiting your use of air conditioning where possible and definitely turn it off when you have the windows open.

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

CPC driver courses are mandatory training for anyone wanting to drive a lorry, bus or coach. Anyone driving these vehicles must complete 35 hours of training every 5 years, spread out to suit their schedules. As well as being a legal requirement, there are a number of benefits to CPC training – Here’s just a few.

Employment opportunities. Drivers are in demand – and if you’re considering a career change to driving large vehicles, having completed CPC driver training already is a huge bonus.

Become a healthy and aware driver. Awareness when driving larger vehicles is hugely important – especially when it comes to your own health. CPC courses teach drivers to be aware of their own tiredness and stress and the implications when driving when weary or distracted, making roads safer for everyone.

Good for the environment – and bank balance. CPC training teaches drivers how to be effective and efficient drivers, as a result using less fuel. Less fuel consumption is better for the environment and saves money along the way – what have you got to lose?!

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

The coronavirus pandemic is something none of us expected this year, and it has had a huge impact on logistics. LGV and HGV Drivers are in demand more than ever, but it’s vital that drivers stay safe during these unprecedented times. Here’s how.

Make sure there are clear guidelines in place. Organisations are required to have clear COVID safety guidelines available to all those on site, including drivers who may not be on site all the time. Guidelines must take into account drivers travelling to and from sites and how everyone can stay safe at all times.

Give drivers access to the facilities. It’s a legal requirement to give any and all drivers access to toilets and hand washing facilities whilst they are on site. Signage giving directions to facilities or designating separate facilities for drivers are great ways to keep everyone safe.

Always adhere to social distancing. Provide safe break rooms or spaces for drivers, with room for everyone to social distance safely. If you’re limited on space, drivers could also wait safely in their cabs.

Stay safe everyone!

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