Common Mistakes Made in the Haulage Industry

Haulage work is typically perceived as being relatively easy and hassle free. However, there's much more to this job than simply the collection and delivery of goods. While drivers have the option (and it's a good one) of advertising their services in places like a freight exchange, they need to separate the most suitable contracts from the non-profitable ones. They must also learn skills like how to handle variously sized vehicles and deal with troublesome customers. Below are a few common errors rookie drivers make. Take note and make sure to avoid them.

Refusing to Accept Responsibility

A number of issues may arise during the completion of jobs obtained via a freight exchange, or in any other manner. Fragile items may be broken while driving over bumps in the road, or deliveries may be delayed due to unexpected tailbacks. However, honesty is the best policy in these kinds of negative scenarios. It may even be necessary to take the blame for mistakes that have been made by co-workers in certain cases – it's all part of biting the bullet and providing the very best customer service experience.

Failing to Record Packages

Specialist delivery workers may be required to deliver hundreds of packages on a daily basis. It is absolutely essential to keep a record of the goods that need to be delivered to specific addresses. The customers may even make special demands regarding the delivery times. Failure to comply with such requests may lead to dissatisfaction and even refusal payment.

Breaking The Law

Professional drivers are required to comply with a variety of stringent rules and regulations. Those who manage to obtain international freight exchange contracts are legally required to obtain special licenses and permits. It's also important to resist the temptation of keeping any packages that haven't been claimed. Workers who fail to heed the above advice may receive negative customer reviews and even face legal prosecution.

Failing to Act With Professional Respect

It's absolutely essential to act with professional dignity and respect when carrying out work sourced from a freight exchange. This means resisting the temptation of engaging in banter with clients (which could be misconstrued as negative or rude), and ensuring great care is taken when delicate or fragile items. Drivers who don't follow this advice may end up causing offence or having to reimburse their customers for damages.

Ignoring Road Safety Advice

Lorry drivers who fail to act in accordance with the essential road safety rules stand a relatively high chance of being involved in serious accidents. It is worth considering the great variety of risks and treating other road users with courtesy at all times. Speed limits should be obeyed and aggressive motoring tactics should be avoided. Hauliers who are particularly worried about motoring dangers are advised to sign up for specialist courses; it's worth paying the price for expert tuition in order to minimise the chances of road accidents and maintain professional credentials.

Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading hub for haulage work in the express freight exchange industry. Over 2,500 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading jobs and capacity in a safe 'wholesale' environment.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.