What Does 2020 Have In-Store For The HGV Industry?

Local Buzz Marketing Latest news February 3, 20202020, cambridgeshire, HGV, industry, technology, warehousing company in cambridge

As we enter a new decade, it’s a good time to reflect on the impacts and developments made in the 2010s. With over 80% of all basic, personal items being distributed and delivered by Heavy Goods Vehicles, it’s understandable that the industry is continuously growing.

So what’s in store for specialists in the HGV and forklift industry? In this article, Swannells Transport is exploring a few theories about the future of HGV driving in 2020 and beyond…

1. Stricter Laws and Qualifications

With safety becoming a bigger priority than ever, we predict that stricter laws and qualifications will come into play, to improve professional capacity, publicity and most importantly, safety on the roads. It’s highly likely we will suddenly see the introduction of more difficult qualifications in becoming an HGV driver or specialist.

After all, the use of HGVs for businesses are increasing exponentially. So, increased regulation will improve working conditions and safety.

2. A Gender Neutral Industry

Since the beginning, HGV driving has historically been a male-dominated industry. However, as we enter 2020 more and more females are stepping into the role in an increasing demand for skilled drivers.

Additionally, with stricter laws and qualifications also potentially coming into play, the better working conditions and salary is making the career more appealing for men and women. In fact, we have already begun the decade with more women working as HGV drivers than at any other point in history.

We can imagine a future where the ratio of drivers has a more equal ratio – we are excited to see how this decade will change those statistics.

3. Tesla Semi Electric Lorry Launch

In 2019, Elon Musk announced the launch of the brand’s new electric lorry was delayed until this year. The Semi is the new addition to Tesla’s well-known and popular electric vehicle range and will be capable of driving for up to 600 miles on a single charge, even when fully loaded.

Furthermore, this range of vehicle will be capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in 5 seconds, so a powerful truck it shall be. However, according to the UK HGV drivers, the production of HGV vehicles shouldn’t be about power, it should be about efficiency and safety.

It’s claimed that the Semi’s energy recovery systems are capable of recovering 98% of kinetic energy to the battery – which is a lot more than other electric vehicles already on the road. With a low wind resistance, surround cameras and even a new Enhanced Autopilot system with emergency braking, automatic lane keeping and lane departure warning, this vehicle sounds like a very exciting addition to the range, with some environmental benefits too!

Tesla Launch 2020 – Warehousing Company in Cambridgeshire

4. Expected Increase in ADAS

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) is a type of truck safety technology that ensures a safer driving experience. 90% of road accidents are caused by a mistake made by a driver, so ideally, this system is aiming to create an accident-free future for the roads.

ADASs are electronic systems designed to assist a driver while in use of the vehicle using a wide range of powerful technologies that can either alert the driver of potential hazards or take temporary control of the vehicle if reaction times aren’t up to standards.

As safety and efficiency is a huge, huge factor of concern in the HGV industry, it is highly expected that ADAS will be seen as a mandatory feature, rather than an optional one.

As a haulage company in Cambridgeshire, Swannells Transport like to keep up to date with the industry and the worldwide news. This allows us to improve the quality of our services, our equipment and our team.

For more information, contact Swannells Transport today or alternatively, follow us on social!

Becoming an official HGV driver for a haulage company

Local Buzz Marketing Latest news, Uncategorized October 11, 2018cambridgeshire, company, haulage, HGV driver, huntingdon

HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) drivers are responsible for the transportation of goods between suppliers and customers. It is a significant job that requires a wide amount of knowledge and awareness. You probably pass these huge vehicles every day but have you ever considered what it takes to be qualified to be behind the wheel of one? If so, that is precisely what we are talking about today.

Haulage Company in Cambridgeshire

Before you become an official HGV driver…

Employees must provide valid evidence that they:

Are 18 years old or more.
Have a full driving license.
Have a Certificate of Professional Competence.
Have completed a training course/apprenticeship relevant to the job (this only applies to some jobs.

Failure to provide this will result in your application being rejected. Not only do you need these significant requirements, but you need to be well informed on the job you are applying for, especially for this industry. This meaning, you need to understand the dangers and benefits of entering the profession. For example, balance the facts that although you will become acquainted with different parts of the country, whilst meeting new people, representing the brand AND getting paid simultaneously, you will also be driving a huge vehicle containing important, fragile goods, all in various weather conditions and surrounded by pedestrians and other much smaller vehicles.

The whole team at Swannells Transport are fully educated and qualified to drive our heavy goods vehicles and are fully aware of both the benefits and dangers of this profession.

Responsibilities of an HGV driver:

According to The Telegraph, the daily responsibilities HGV driver’s may have to face every day are:

Plan and take delivery routes that provide the best journey productivity.
Coordinate and organise drop-offs and pick-ups with customers.
Supervise the loading and unloading of deliveries.
Ensure products are safe and secure in the vehicle.
Check routes for alterations i.e. traffic, accidents, roadworks.
Inspect lorries thoroughly before leaving for journeys.
Logging hours and filling in delivery forms.
Responsible for any maintenance of the vehicle.
Reports any accidents or issues with the company dispatcher.
Be polite and respectful to all customers, represent the brand.

Skills of an HGV driver:

For any job in any industry it’s important you have some sort of skills to expose in your application or portfolios. For an HGV driver, some of the typical (and obvious) skills you may need are:

Excellent driving skills.
Road safety knowledge
Independent work.
Concentration/alertness.
Customer service skills.
Manners and politeness.
The ability to complete paperwork on time and accurately.
Good physical stamina.
Time management.

After you have become an official HGV driver…

So we have discussed what you need to do before you become an official HGV driver, but what about after you have become qualified?

Well, HGV drivers can continue training to obtain qualifications such as an Advisory Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) Certificate – meaning that they can handle more hazardous materials and drive a tanker.

You can also work your way up the career ladder, upgrading to higher paying positions such as an LGV instructor or maybe even the manager of an HGV company.

Here at Swannells, we are a group of confident, educated and qualified drivers, contact us today or visit our careers page to find out more!

Thanks for reading.