Stowmarket-based Bacton Transport Services has been tackling the driver shortage by doubling its numbers of drivers for 7.5 tonne vehicles and training them up to drive artics with its own driver training program.

In quick succession, Ron Cavill, Paolo Bongiovanni and Alastair Titchmarsh have progressed through the ranks and having successfully completed their C+E tests now drive artic vehicles as utility drivers covering all aspects of the Woolpit operation. 

The initiative has been so successful that other members of the 7.5-tonne driving team are currently working towards obtaining their category C licences with the goal to join Ron, Paolo and Alastair on the artic fleet. 

MD Charles Downie says: “Our strategy is based on a people-first approach to life. We all think transport is about big, expensive trucks but the reality is your people are the most important resource and your best assets.” 

In addition to their own in-house schemes, the company is working in partnership with a local training company and further education college to provide courses and career advice to young people interested in careers in the transport industry.