Logistics firms have been reminded of the importance of training their drivers to be compliant with new EU rules.

Andy Keane, UK motor portfolio manager at Brit Insurance, has claimed that failing to get haulage firm staff up to speed by the 2014 deadline could have a hugely detrimental impact on the industry – as well as on businesses in other sectors.

Mr Keane said failure to comply with the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence could have a number of serious consequences.

He said: "The prospect of a major breakdown in the distribution and supply chain where shops' shelves are left bare of basic staples such as milk and bread if truck drivers and their employers fail to comply with these regulations is a real possibility."

Mr Keane added that there is a shortfall of five million hours worth of training in the logistics sector and this could translate into almost a third of all drivers being non-compliant with the new EU rules when they come into effect in 2014.

He concluded that such a shortfall would be "devastating" for the already-ailing British economy.

Driver training can have a number of other positive consequences – including the potential for reducing fuel overheads.

Andrew Low, head of driver training at Volvo Trucks, said that haulage firm employees can help reduce diesel consumption if they are well trained and understand that on an individual level they can make a difference.

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Posted by Steve Clarke