Commercial fleet briefs: Latest industry news from CitySprint, Whistl, Prohire, the Driver Academy Group, Tom Tom and Bridgestone

CitySprint recruiting couriers ahead of peak season rush

CitySprint has announced that it is recruiting couriers across the UK to support with increased demand during the 2023 festive season.

The weeks leading up to Christmas are the busiest period annually for the same day distribution company.

The new recruits will join CitySprint’s team of more than 3,000 couriers across the UK and will work across a wide range of vehicles, with a particular hiring focus on long wheel-based drivers.

Demand for drivers also extends to CitySprint’s electric vehicles (EVs), with the company’s fleet continuing to expand. 

Mark Footman, chief operations officer at CitySprint, said: “The festive season is crunch time for the logistics industry, and shoring up the supply chain is integral to successfully meeting rising demand.

“This is why we take the measure every year to bolster our teams and make sure they’re in the best position to provide a first-class service for our customers.

“As always, we’re dedicated to keeping our client’s operations moving during this year’s peak season.”  

Recruitment is focused across the UK, with a specific focus across the following cities: London; Cardiff; Oxford; Plymouth; Manchester; Nottingham; Edinburgh; and Gatwick.

Whistl recognised as Van Excellence Operator

Whistl has been recognised as a Logistics UK Van Excellence Operator, with certification independently audited against The Van Excellence Code.

The standard, administered by Logistics UK, is broken down into four main areas: vehicles; drivers; safe working practices; and record keeping.

Accreditation demonstrates the organisation is compliant with current legislation and best practice; reduces corporate and operational risk; cost savings through adopting best practice; and, improved operational efficiency with increased driver competence.

Nick Wells, executive chairman of Whistl, said: “Our transport team is the backbone of our logistics operations across the UK ensuring items are moved around in the safest and most efficient way. 

“I am delighted their professionalism has been recognised by their acceptance into the Logistics UK Van Excellence Operator scheme.”

Workforce triples as Prohire depot expands thank to six-figure investment

Staffordshire-based Prohire, has expanded its operations in the south and into London by unveiling a brand new workshop.

The Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, Councillor Hugh Pattison, did the honours at the official opening of the new workshop by cutting the ribbon.

He was joined by representatives from Prohire, including eight new colleagues recruited for Prohire South, tripling the size of the firm’s workforce at Tunbridge Wells.

Key to the depot, which offers the full rental process from on to off hire, is the new vehicle maintenance unit (VMU), which includes Prohire’s workshop along with two mobile technicians who can now service customers’ vehicles on the road or off-site.

The team, led by newly recruited branch manager Ashley Bourne, can maintain the full asset class of vehicles.

Gary Banister, group operations director at Prohire, said: “This is a significant development for Prohire and our valued customers, offering those based in the south an enhanced service delivered by our talented team.

“It’s fantastic to grow the team in Tunbridge Wells, creating eight new roles and boosting local employment, with further expansion to come.”

Prohire provides nationwide commercial vehicle rental and long-term vehicle contract hire, together with fleet maintenance, accident repair management, and fleet compliance to customers across the UK.

Third-party logistics firms train HGV drivers through Skills Bootcamps scheme

The Driver Academy Group (DAG) is helping 53 third-party logistics firms to train 122 employees as part of its majority-funded Skills Bootcamps in HGV Driving scheme.

While the immediate HGV driver shortage has been solved, the long-term shortage remains.

Third-party logistics firms need to continue to recruit new and younger drivers into the profession, says DAG, a consortium led by HGV training specialist HGVC and comprising workforce solutions group Manpower and trade body Logistics UK. 

The HGV Skills Bootcamps are flexible courses of up to 16 weeks, helping people build up sector-specific skills.

First launched in December 2021, the  Department for Education (DfE) extended the programme until March 31, 2024.

The Skills Bootcamps are 70% funded by the DfE. Employers pay the remaining 30% of the course cost.   

HGVC’s courses primarily focus on novice training, helping novice drivers gain their Category C (rigid lorry) licence, a Category C+E (articulated lorry) licence or helping those with a Category C licence upgrade to a Category C + E.

James Clifford, CEO of HGVC, said: “We are now helping 53 logistics firms train 122 employees. But we have the capacity to train more.

“That’s why we’re encouraging these firms to apply for the HGV Skills Bootcamps scheme, 70% funded by the DfE. For employers considering training budgets, this is a huge opportunity to train up new drivers or existing staff without blowing the budget.”

HGVC’s courses are open to any organisation looking to train any employee with a driver’s license. The training courses are available at 60 locations across the country. 

TomTom and Bridgestone Mobility Solutions deepen relationship to enhance fleet electrification 

TomTom has announced a multi-year contract with Bridgestone Mobility Solutions to support businesses in optimising their fleets and accelerating the transition to electric vehicles (EVs).

Bridgestone Mobility Solutions' fleet management software Webfleet leverages TomTom’s navigation, maps, and live traffic data from more than 600 million connected devices worldwide.

The result, it says, is an integrated fleet management solution that allows businesses to manage all their vehicles on a single platform.

As part of the extended relationship, Webfleet has incorporated TomTom's latest EV data and routing products into their solutions portfolio for EVs.

"Improving global logistics and helping our customers solve the challenges that come with fleet electrification remains a key goal for us at TomTom," said Mike Schoofs, chief revenue officer at TomTom.

“We’re excited to continue working with Bridgestone Mobility Solutions, a partner who shares our commitment to driving innovation in the fleet and logistics industry.

“Through this collaboration, both companies integrate what they do best into one solution to help businesses run smoothly and confidently electrify." 

Paul Verheijen, vice president of product strategy and partnerships at Bridgestone Mobility Solutions, added: “Through this collaboration with TomTom, we help accelerate fleet electrification while utilising industry-leading traffic data, maps and navigation to better optimise fleet deliveries, improve driving behavior and range, and increase overall fleet productivity.

“We look forward to unlocking the full potential of e-mobility for a successful clean energy transition.”