A Week in the Life of a Transport Consultant for Total Compliance
Monday
Early start today, with renewed inspiration to get back in the gym, I left London at 4.30am and headed to The Gym at Bedford, close to today's site visit. After a workout and shower, I made the 15-minute drive to today's customer.
Merit Garden Products. This operator has a restricted operators licence and only one 7.5t vehicle at the moment. they utilise a couple of smaller 3.5t vehicles. They have a range of garden products, as well producing bespoke products.
They're always receptive to advice given, and it's always nice to return each month and see the things you've advised in place and working.
Compliance audit completed and an assist with a drug and alcohol policy.
They'll be looking for driver CPC soon, so I was able to advise them of our upcoming courses. Either online or in person, whatever suits their needs.
Zipped back down the M1 before rush hour(s) and returned home just after lunch, decided to walk the dog and catch up the hours later.
Back home and it's catching up with some admin, logging today's visit and review of a training PowerPoint, due to be delivered on Wednesday, with a little help from the dog!
Two site visits tomorrow.
Tuesday
Another early start and another day at The Gym Group, this time in Hastings as my first client of the day operates out of Battle. I arrived early and was about to start some stretches when I was asked if I was there for the class...I said sure, why not.
The sadistic personal trainer then proceeded to work my quads and gluteus maximus' like they've not been worked before! After that, stairs became my nemesis for the rest of the day! A quick nostalgic shot of the beach, as East Sussex is the county I grew up in, then on to the first call of the day. Arriving at 7.55am for an 8am start to satisfy my OCD with timekeeping.
Howard Brothers Joinery is a very well-run operation. They do bespoke joinery for office fit outs and similar kinds of work. They have one 10.5t HGV.
We also helped them achieve their FORS Silver, and recently they were able to maintain that accreditation, with a little help from Total Compliance. Their transport compliance is spot on, so little to advise on today. Another spreadsheet assistance was also needed, and I'm always happy to help out with Excel.
Zipped back up the A21, with a sandwich and Teams call at the services just off the Blue Boys Roundabout.
The second client of the day was HSA Transportation Ltd in Dartford, where I am on an application to be their Transport Manager. Whilst we wait for the Traffic Commissioners decision, we continue to guide, assist, and maintain compliance.
A quick scoot through the Dartford tunnel and off home to wind down while walking the dog.
Delivering an online training course tomorrow.
Wednesday
Online training today, so I thought I use today as a bit of a recovery day from the gym. Legs are still sore from the brutal onslaught they received yesterday. The fact this gave me a lie in until 6am had nothing to do with this decision!
Up and out of bed, scruffy clothes on, walk the dog, shower, breakfast and make coffee...ready to deliver the LoCITY training course today. I love my coffee machine!
Training is one of my favourite things in my job role. I love meeting people from all corners of the transport industry, learning their experiences and providing them with first class training, hoping they can implement newly learned ideas into their job roles.
All licences are checked at the start of the day, always one joker in the group! (see photos!)
These training courses are key in providing consistent driver development and training. Today's course was really enjoyable, the group of 15 really engaged with the subject, offering different viewpoints and experiences.
The LoCITY course today will be a step further in this operators FORS accreditation. Currently silver...aiming for GOLD!
A little bit of time at the end of the day to respond to some queries and a little admin.
DVSA earned recognition audit tomorrow.
Thursday
Chilly start this morning, headed for The Gym Group in Chadwell Heath, as always, a short journey away from today's client.
A good work out listening to a bit of Jon Secada...it's “Just another day” in the life of a Transport Consultant!
A quick 10-minute drive to the London Borough of Redbridge, Ley Street depot. Arrived 30 minutes early, so time to pop open the laptop and answer a few emails.
Today's task was a DVSA Earned Recognition audit for the customer. They have both PSV and HGV operator licences here, so they need two audits completed...no problem. Got a good start on the audit, and day two is tomorrow at the same operating centre.
It's a big undertaking to become a DVSA Earned Recognition operator, but it's nice to be a blue operator.
Day two of the same audit tomorrow.
Friday
A few important emails and enquiries to respond to this morning, so the gym will wait until this evening. With those completed, I headed back to The London Borough of Redbridge, Ley Street depot.
You know it's going to be a good day when Heart 80's radio starts playing some bangers! Love a bit of Fergal Sharkey! A good heart may be hard to find, but good operators are found with Total Compliance!
Today was day two of the double DVSA earned recognition audit. the operator holds both PSV and HGV O-licences at this operating centre. So two DVSA audits are needed. Double the audit, double the fun!
Another productive day with the friendly staff at the Let Street depot. One more day to go with the operator on Monday. then it's time to finish off the write up on Tuesday.
It's a challenge to be a DVSA earned recognition operator, but the rewards are great. If you're thinking about it, get in touch with Total Compliance on 0345 9001312 and we can offer you advice.
A busy but enjoyable week comes to an end, time to relax with the family and treat the dog to a county park somewhere!
I hope you all have a great weekend.