Cement tanker training ‘a huge step forward’

By Tim Wallace

Aggregate Industries and its Lafarge Cement business have partnered with hauliers Simon Gibson Transport and Lomas Distribution to produce a new training package for cement tanker drivers.

The Cement Drivers Skills Qualification (CDSQ) has received Driver CPC accreditation and recognises the necessary specialist training and accreditation required for the niche skillset.

Currently all drivers undertake the Mineral Products Qualifications Council (MPQC) driver skills training as part of their CPC accreditation, a course aimed at lorry drivers in general but which doesn’t recognise the specialist procedures and risks involved in driving and operating

Moody Logistics has spent £30,000 on tail-lift safety mechanisms and replaced 17 hand-operated pumpaction warehouse pallet trucks with electric versions to make workloads easier and safer.

The investment followed a review of its freight management procedures and involved sister firm Heathline Commercials installing the tail-lift protection systems, including rear door retaining arms and a retractable strap that acts as a safety barrier.

Moody Logistics has also issued its drivers with updated safety

Steve Thorpe has been appointed head of commercial at Palletline, with a brief to help members develop new business and support their existing customers.

Thorpe joined Palletline in 2021 as a regional general manager covering the South East after holding multiple positions within transport and logistics for over 30 years, working his way up from the traffic desk.

He also sits on Palletline’s commercial steering group with a number of selected Palletline members, who investigate and introduce new products, services and initiatives to support the growth of the Palletline network.

a cement tanker.

The CDSQ will be a key part of the ongoing professional training required for Driver CPC validation and could also fit in as part of the MPQC card package.

The training covers all areas of competency but with significant content on the delivery process, with health and safety at the core.

Martin Glynn, supply planning manager for Lafarge Cement, said: “The aim of this new training is to bridge what many in the industry have felt is a significant gap for a relevant course which recognises the hazards and pressures a cement tanker driver faces.

“We have come up with a huge step forward which can only lead to a raising of skills and standards and improving health and safety.”

One of these initiatives is the introduction of a series of new commercial support packages, which are designed to support Palletline members with their sales and marketing activity to boost brand awareness and increase sales leads. The plans are broken down into three packages: Essentials, Standard and Premium Plans.

Logistics tycoon John Lau is suing buyout fund EV Cornerstone, managed by private equity firm EmergeVest, plus MD Heath Zarin over its portfolio company EV Cargo’s plans to operate in China.

“Without my help and financial backing, there would have been no EmergeVest today.

procedures, which include the use of additional ratchet straps to ensure pallets remain secure and pose no risk during the loading and unloading process.

The Cramlington-based firm has contacted customers to request that they use robust pallets and ensure packaging is resilient enough to withstand extra strapping to the sides and tops of pallets.

A writ of summons was filed in Hong Kong’s high court on 19 June, outlining demands that Lau’s investment of $45.5m (£35m) in EmergeVest Logistics Fund be returned, including profits and proceeds.

In a bullish statement, Lau, who is the founder of Cargo Services Group, said: “I was the anchor investor in Heath Zarin’s formation of EmergeVest in 2013.

“My investment played a critical role in the creation of EmergeVest and subsequently EV Cargo Holdings, which operates in the industry that I have had a career in for the past 30 years.

“It does not make any commercial sense for me to continue with our investment in EV Cargo, whose strategy is to compete with our business in China,” he added.

“I am prepared to pursue this legal path until my rights are vindicated.”