It was top tips galore at the August Freight People Summer #talkingtransport social evening . Rather than listening to a presentation on an industry hot topic, top tips were shared by attendees from all areas of the transport community: hauliers, the Office of the Traffic Commissioner, tachograph analysis providers, security providers, trainers and consultants.

The top tip from Freight People sponsor, Claire Howarth from Novis & Co Chartered Accountants was a focus on cash flow, cash flow, cash flow. Whilst cash is king for all businesses, the impact of being cash poor or not meeting Operator’s Licence financial standing requirements can have a catastrophic impact for Operators Licence holders.

Claire, who has a history of working with transport companies offered a free 60 minute consultation for freight people forum attendees.

Previous presenters, Dr David Lee from Sleep Unlimited, Jennifer Rawlinson from Flourish in Mind and Andrew Drewary from Road Safety Smart focussed on driver wellbeing, fitness to drive and assessing possible sleep apnoea at induction and on an ongoing basis – using the STOP BANG theory!

Regular attendee, Mike Dawber from NavCIS warned against ‘fictitious collection advice scams’ , giving an array of top tips for being alert to the same.

Attendees left with over 20 top tips for their businesses Concluding the evening meeting, Lesley O’Brien reminded attendees of the change in EU Drivers hours and tachograph rules from 20 August 2020 and encouraged everyone to contribute to the Highway Code review consultation, which introduces a hierarchy of responsibility – a major impact for heavy goods vehicle drivers.

Freight People forum organiser, Lesley O’Brien of transport consultancy, Freight Train said, the overriding aim of Freight People is to provide a forum where the transport community can meet, discuss common issues, support one another and best practice.

“I am delighted that this ethos was very much evidenced at our August meeting, where attendees were abundant in their sharing of knowledge,” Lesley said.

The next Freight People forum is on 15 September at the usual time of 0800 – 1000 hours.

Nina Day, CEng DGSA, Policy Advisor, Transport & Public Services at the Health and Safety Exec, will be talking through the recent consultation on use of tail lift vehicles, along best practice advice for working at heights

This meeting is a must for any vehicle operator – Transport Company owners, planners, Transport Managers and drivers.

Freight People forum

About the Author: John Loughran