The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has announced the launch of a new initiative that will aim to address the UK's ongoing issue of a serious shortage of professional drivers within the freight and logistics sector.

Road to Logistics is a new programme from the body that will see the RHA working in partnership with telematic systems provider Microlise and armed services charity Care After Combat.

The new scheme was unveiled at this year's Microlise Transport Conference earlier this week (May 18th).

RHA chief executive Richard Burnett stated: "Road to Logistics will create and maintain a national training programme to encourage new talent into the transport and logistics industry from sections of society where individuals need help and support to regain their self-confidence and independence."

He added that the scheme will open up additional avenues of support for new entrants into the industry, while at the same time encouraging more people to pursue a career in a profession that is crying out for new starters.

Moreover, before the training of applicants even begins, each of them will undergo a rigorous selection process, as well as being required to sign up to the scheme's strict Road to Logistics code of conduct.

Mr Burnett concluded: "Care After Combat has the source for potential drivers, Microlise will create the training academies, and we, through our membership, have the jobs."