But, for those who need to find a firm of subcontractors at short notice, it's easy to come unstuck unless sensible precautions are taken.
No matter how tight the deadline, it's vital to check the subcontractor is who they say they are and to make sure they have a sound track record. Steps to take include:
Check that the subcontractors' address and telephone numbers provided are genuine
Get references from firms the subcontractor has or is working for
Obtain their 'O' licence number and check their credentials on the VOSA website via the operator search facility
Go to the Companies House website and check their credentials there
Obtain company number and tax number if dealing with an EEA registered company
Check, and periodically re-check, all relevant documents such as 'O' licences and driving licences to make sure they are valid
Firms such as The Licence Bureau can be used to check driving licences
Make sure the subcontractor is experienced in the type of work that is required of them and has the necessary equipment.
Agency drivers and owner-drivers working exclusively for you need to be managed particularly carefully:
Treat these drivers in the same way as you would your own employees
Make sure they receive the same training, written instructions, manuals and so on
Make sure they know what steps they must take as regards load handling and load security
Make sure they know what to do as regards daily vehicle checks and the procedures for dealing with defects
Make sure they know how to contact your Traffic Office if they have things like accidents, breakdowns or delivery queries or issues
Check not just vocational driving licences but also other relevant records such as digital tachograph cards and ADR certificates
And finally, take particular care with foreign nationals. Make sure they are entitled to work and hold an appropriate vocational driving licence that allows them to drive your trucks in the UK
Taking these basic steps can help you avoid potentially serious problems that might otherwise ensue further down the line.
Date: August 20, 2021
Category: Commercial Vehicle