- With the aim of giving visibility to the figure of the driver and promote a corporate culture of dignity of the profession, the Clock Building has hosted ‘El conductor al frente day’ in which the main problems of the sector have been discussed.
- The PAV has collaborated in the organization of the event promoted by the European Shippers’ Council (ESC) through its delegation in Spain, Transprime
- Néstor Martinez, deputy general manager of the PAV, has inaugurated the event stressing “the importance of joining this commitment” in which the figure of the driver is valued and is a further step for the seal of quality ‘Marca de Garantía’ of Valenciaport
Dignify the profession, attract new drivers and promote the corporate culture of the sector. With these objectives, the Port Authority of Valencia has joined this morning the European initiative ‘The driver in front’, a proposal promoted by the European Shippers’ Council (ESC) through its delegation in Spain, Transprime and IRU (International Road Transport Union) with ASTIC and has been presented in the framework of a day with the same name that has hosted the iconic Clock Building.
As Néstor Martinez, deputy general manager of the PAV, pointed out at the opening of the event, “more than six thousand trucks transit through the Port of Valencia every day. This figure makes us leaders in the freight sector in this country. That is why it is essential for us to value the figure of the carrier and do everything in our power to improve their conditions and make the driver’s environment attractive”.
Martinez also recalled that “this signature is an instrument that helps to meet the needs of our customers and improve the quality objectives assumed by the ‘Marca de Garantía’ seal, which has been in operation for 20 years. Therefore, the purpose of this adhesion is to continue working to improve the conditions of carriers and all groups that make up the port community”.
‘El conductor al frente’ day
During the day, the promoters of the initiative have detailed the protocol and the advantages of adhesion to the commitment ‘El conductor al frente’. Likewise, and in order to contextualize the needs of the sector and its professionals, the debate table ‘Collaboration as a basic pillar of modern logistics’ was held, moderated by the deputy general manager of the PAV.
The director of the Chema Ballester Group, Lorena Ballester, the president of FVET, Carlos Prades, and the general secretary of Transcont, Víctor Gonzalez, participated in the round table. In addition to discussing proposals for improvement for the professionals, the work of the PAV to improve the conditions of the carriers has been valued. In this sense, Martinez highlighted the work of the APV in digitalization, which has allowed “more than 90% of the procedures that drivers have to carry out to be done online and without getting off the truck”.
Finally, the Universal Decalogue “Charter” IRU-ESC has been presented and the foundations and scope of the Responsible Shipper Certification (CCR) have been detailed.
‘El conductor al frente’ charter
‘El conductor al frente’ charter is a European initiative that aims to promote a corporate culture of dignity for the haulier and to attract new drivers to the profession. It contains a series of proposals that help to improve the treatment of drivers at loading and unloading sites and thus improve working conditions, increase operational efficiency and ultimately contribute to making the driving profession more attractive.
By adhering to this initiative, all parties commit to ensure respectful and fluid communication, to plan and execute operations in a proper, safe and efficient manner and to report any changes that may affect an operation. PAV also undertakes the following commitments:
– To provide drivers with access to adequate male and female toilet facilities and other on-site facilities, such as rest rooms and cafeterias, that meet relevant standards and are commensurate with the size of the delivery facilities and to ensure that such facilities are properly operated.
– Provide appropriately trained personnel on site for loading and unloading activities.
– Provide drivers with access to secure parking (overnight where possible) that is suitable for heavy vehicles.
– Ensure driver safety at loader facilities by ensuring that appropriate areas are well lit, pedestrian and waiting areas are clearly marked, and there is sufficient space for trucks to maneuver.
– Ensure that provisions are made for the above infrastructure (accessible toilet facilities, sufficient, spacious, well-lit, safe and secure pedestrian areas and parking areas) when constructing new sites.
– Ensure the overall efficiency and speed of collection, delivery and transport operations.
– Provide flexible delivery times and good agreement between the parties, taking into account external factors that may influence operations.
– Recognize driving and rest time rules, working time and tachograph regulations to minimize internal movement during any loading or unloading operation.