IRU says the event also showcased a new EU tool, the Responsible Shipper Certification, which is designed to incentivise shippers to sign the IRU Charter on improving the treatment of drivers at loading and unloading sites.
The Charter is seen as a universal decalogue for shippers to commit to a series of basic actions to develop trust between drivers and logistics actors.
Transporters that sign the charter must commit to the following:
- Ensure respectful and non-discriminatory communication between all parties involved in pick-up, delivery and transport operations.
- Plan and execute operations safely, securely and efficiently.
- Advise the relevant parties in due time about any changes that might affect an operation, including early arrivals or delays.
- Provide contact points to whom parties can report early arrivals or delays, as well as emergencies and incidents.
- Ensure mutual trust and cooperation between all parties involved in transport operations.
- Ensure drivers have easy and safe access to sanitary equipment and facilities to foster driver well-being during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shippers have a long list of commitments too:
- Provide drivers with access to suitable, appropriately equipped for men and women respectively, conveniently located, private, well lit, ventilated and secure sanitary facilities for women and men which are free of charge to use.
- Provide other on-site welfare facilities, such as break rooms, cafeterias and changing rooms, that meet the relevant standards and are proportionate to the size of the shipper’s facilities.
- Ensure that available facilities are operated correctly and establish effective maintenance and cleaning systems.
- Provide properly trained personnel on site for loading and unloading activities.
- Provide drivers with access to safe and secure parking (overnight where possible) that is suitable for heavy goods vehicles.
- Guarantee the safety of drivers at the shippers’ premises by ensuring that the appropriate areas are well-lit, pedestrian zones and waiting zones are clearly marked, and there is sufficient space for trucks to manoeuvre.
- Ensure that provisions are made for the aforementioned infrastructure (accessible sanitary facilities, pedestrian zones, and sufficient, spacious, well-lit, safe and secure parking areas) when constructing new sites.
- Provide flexible collection and delivery windows in good agreement between the parties, taking into account external factors that might influence operations.
- Acknowledge applicable driving and rest time rules, working time and tachograph regulations to minimise internal movement during any loading or unloading operation.
Finally, shippers must ensure safety and speed up operations by:
- Allocating slots to avoid queuing at gates, as well as communicating and reallocating slots in case of delays/incidents.
- Taking into account driving/working time constraints when planning ramp management/slot allocation.
- Providing accurate paperwork in due time, minimising loading/unloading times, and facilitating the integration of such times in the overall working time of drivers, taking into account the relevant regulatory constraints.
- Ensuring the availability of sufficient qualified personnel to process deliveries and assist drivers, including outside of regular loading/unloading hours.
- Guaranteeing safe and secure operations on site by delivering clear instructions including the relevant facility characteristics and updates on the shipment status, and closely supervising all operations as far as possible.
According to the IRU, the Responsible Shipper Certification recognises good practices in the treatment of drivers by shipping companies. Its fundamental pillars include respect for drivers, the conditions for the delivery and collection of goods and documents, and compliance with rules to load and unload within one hour, in accordance with current regulations.
The conference in the Port of Algeciras was the first in a series of events taking place across the ports of Valencia, Bilbao and Barcelona that will acknowledge the efforts of loaders and carriers instituting best practices towards drivers.
It is worth noting here that Spain has banned the practise of drivers having to participate in loading and unloading activities.
Commenting on the meeting and the Charter, IRU EU Advocacy Director, Raluca Marian, said:
“We are really proud to see our member ASTIC and other key stakeholders in the Spanish market advancing the Charter and enhancing cooperation and trust between shippers and carriers. We hope this will serve as an example for other countries and catapult the implementation of the Charter across the EU.”
Marian continued:
“The main objective of the Charter is to ameliorate the treatment of drivers at loading and unloading sites, which will enhance their working conditions, significantly increase operational efficiency and, ultimately, make to profession more attractive. We hope to collect many more signatories in the very near future.”
Ramón Valdivia, Executive Vice President of IRU member ASTIC and IRU Presidential Executive member, also added:
“Our drivers deserve to be treated with dignity. We must build adequate infrastructure, ensuring their safety and comfort. It’s equally important for carriers and shippers to work together and improve other working conditions,” he added.
The shippers’ association in Spain and over 400 European companies have already signed the Charter.