Following on from the “Big Picture” issues that I ran through in the last Transport Minute, today I’d like to give a flavour of how the team at NRC are helping out our members at the grass roots level. It never ceases to amaze me the breadth of issues that our team helps members with on a daily basis, and I thought I’d run through some of these as it highlights the range of challenges we can assist with.
There has been a significant lift in the number of cost models being done both for existing businesses wanting to cast fresh eyes over an established run and for new businesses looking to start their transport career.
Working through how to turn red ink into black is both challenging and rewarding.
Another tool that has had a spike in use is the Customisable Cost Index and as more operators are using it we are working through what other information they need from the data to help them make the right decisions. Members can look forward to new information being added to the index shortly based on your feedback.
Our regulations are often confusing and we have had a few calls this week from members on how to understand mass and dimension, driver licencing, work time and vehicle defects. These calls are useful to us as well as they can often highlight a shift in enforcement focus or a potential wider issue.
Some of the issues dealt with this week by the team:
- Can I drive an unregistered car 20m on a road to deliver it to a car yard?
- I’m operating a tow truck but am not doing recovery or breakdowns do I need a V endorsement?
- I need to work out how much carbon is used by my trucks per km?
- My driver needs to bring his mother-in-law into NZ to look after the baby after the death of his wife. Can you help? (yes we could)
- How can I tell if my staff are working a second job exposing me to breaches of worktime rule?
- Trouble finding a certifier to assist with the importing of a specialist truck.
- One of my drivers has been involved in a serious crash, I don’t think he is coping, how can I help him?
- My customer does not understand FAF will you help explain it to them?
- The company I work for has changed how I’m paid. I think it’s in breach of their contract?
- The company I work for has lost a major contract can you help me find a new source of work?
- I need help with administration and staff management but can’t afford a full-time manager.
- The council want me to change to an electric bus. What will the running cost be compared to my diesel bus?
- VTNZ don’t have enough booking spaces. My trucks always pass how do I move to 12-month COF’s?
- How do I prepare for increased weigh in motion sites when my customer won’t declare weights accurately?
- I need to make some staff redundant how do I avoid getting into trouble?
- I have a driver ready to upgrade his licence but there are no bookings available for testing officers.
The underlining message is regardless of the issue – we are here to help.
We love serving our members, so don’t be afraid to pick up the phone or fire through an e-mail as in every one of these there was something that could be done to help.
Have a great weekend.
Justin
Justin Tighe-Umbers
CEO | National Road Carriers Assn
DDI: +64 9 636 2951
