All professional truck and bus drivers must now attend a one-day training course per year and according to Tony Hynes of CPC.ie, while a lot of drivers were hesitant and sceptical about the course initially, the feedback has been brilliant.

The drivers who have attended the Driver CPC modules with CPC.ie are extremely enthusiastic about the course and have praised the practicality of the content, according to Tony.

In the current economic environment operators have been very impressed with the cost savings, which can be applied to the bottom line. Others, because of the relevance of the subject matter, have even attended the course even though they are not obliged to. For example Orla Canton, who did a Transport Manager CPC course with CPC.ie, attended the Driver CPC Module 1 training recently, even though she is not obliged to do this training. Orla enthused: “This course is brilliant and even though I didn’t have to do it, I found it very useful, money saving, great value and totally practical.”

Tony has been inundated with enquiries from the haulage and passenger industry for the Driver CPC course and this should be seen an excellent reflection on the industry and on how positively the training is being received.

“This training is a win/win situation for everyone concerned and most importantly will promote excellence in road safety and accident prevention,” Tony said.

CPC.ie is offering a Special Offer of €49 for the Driver CPC Course for all HGV Ireland.com readers. You can also view their DVD (as seen on TV) on CPC.ie or you can contact 066-7185556; 087-6363003; or at tony@cpc.ie.

Our picture shows: Noreen Toye busy taking calls, while boss Noel Sweeney and new                       husband, Denis Sheridan, looks on.

Swilly Group Administration Officer, Noreen Toye didn’t bargain on this when she planned her wedding to Denis Sheridan right in the middle of the August Driver CPC rush.

As the wedding party made its way from the idyllic church in Creeslough, Co Donegal to the reception in Ballybofey, the group diverted to Swilly Group headquarters in Letterkenny for a champagne reception.

Swilly Group founder, Noel Sweeney, greeted Noreen as her very own personal waiter dressed in full uniform, black wig and in a thick French accent! Orange juice a plenty was laid on for all the designated drivers.

While enjoying the unplanned diversion, telephones were ringing as normal and a client, unaware of Noreen’s wedding, asked for Noreen, Without hesitation Noreen slipped into her chair and dealt with the client as if it was a normal day! Wedding dress or not, work must go on!

Brian Sweeney founder of the Swilly Group commented: “Non compliance with the Driver CPC periodic training is likely to cause business interruption and in some cases incur financial penalties to drivers and transport companies in 2013/2014.”

Drivers with both a truck and bus licence who intend driving buses and trucks professionally must complete all six of the driver CPC modules in every five year cycle. Modules 1 through 4 are common for bus and truck drivers. However module 5 (The Professional Truck Driver) is specific to truck drivers and module 6 (The Professional Bus Driver) is specific to bus drivers.

It is important that drivers who have both a truck and bus licence complete specific modules 5 and 6 in the one year. Completing either of these modules on their own in any one year may create compliance problems.

Sweeney added: “The feedback we have received from our tutors delivering Driver CPC courses is that drivers are not fully aware of the consequences of non-compliance with the Driver CPC regulations”.

“Planning the sequence a driver (with both licences) completes the Driver CPC periodic modules must be carried out carefully to ensure full compliance”.

“If drivers are not fully compliant with the Driver CPC regulations, they may be prevented from driving professionally in 2013/2014.”

The Swilly Group has uploaded a short blog on its website site, www.swillygroup.com entitled “Driver CPC Modules – What Sequence?” outlining the importance of planning the sequence of driver CPC periodic training modules for drivers with bus and truck licences.

Aidan Flynn, FTA Ireland’s General Manager Business Services, said: “We are delighted to announce that FTA Ireland is now an approved Driver CPC training provider, with a team of experts available to deliver the highest quality training for all Driver CPC modules in Ireland. With the deadline for this year’s training of 9 September fast approaching, I would advise Irish companies to contact us to book their training as a matter of urgency.”

The Driver CPC was introduced across the EU in 2008 for professional bus drivers and in 2009 for professional truck drivers to set and maintain high standards of road safety, health and safety and driving among professional drivers of buses and trucks.

Drivers must undergo 35 hours of Driver CPC training over a five year period, on a one-day-per-year basis. With the deadline for this year’s CPC training of 9 September fast approaching, Irish companies are being advised to book their training as a matter of urgency.

FTA Ireland currently has two training centres registered in Dublin, with plans to go nationwide by January 2012 to meet the needs of the association’s growing membership base in Ireland.

For further information contact Aidan Flynn at FTA Ireland on 087 3546954 (mobile) or 01 8220040 (office), or email aflynn@ftai.ie

Continued high order intake for new refrigerated trailers has seen Schmitz Cargobull move to triple-shift operations at its Vreden plant to help reduce lead times for UK and European customers.

Managing Director of Schmitz Cargobull UK, Paul Avery, said the decision means that standard reefers can be delivered to customers in as little as 12 weeks, compared to the average six-month turnaround currently being quoted in the market.

“No one likes to be reminded of Christmas in the summer months, but in reality this is one of the busiest times of the year for trailer manufacturers,” said Avery. “Customers are already planning what assets will be available for the run- up to Christmas; this leads to high order volumes which can ultimately create extended delivery lead times.

“By increasing our production capacity we aim to help customers meet delivery requirements; even orders placed as late as mid-September can be guaranteed for delivery before the end of December.”

Schmitz Cargobull’s modern 120,094m2 facility in Vreden, Germany, is the manufacturing hub for all temperature controlled and dry freight box-van trailers sold throughout Europe. Production capacity currently stands at 15,000 units per year.

The Irish School of Motoring (ISM) has reported an increase in the number of people booking Driver CPC courses, and is warning applicants to make sure that they are applying to sit the appropriate modules.

“Drivers need to double check the modules that they are booking and make sure that they are not booking modules that they took in 2009 / 2010,” a spokesman commented.

“Drivers should check their receipts or contact their training providers for details of previous courses,” he added

ISM is currently offering a special discounted offer of €50 at selected venues nationwide. To book call 1850 530 430

The Irish School of Motoring (ISM) Training Services says the RSA CPC unit are currently working on the course material.

“The updates are being implemented to ensure that drivers receive the most accurate and up to date information when participating in periodic training,” an ISM spokesman commented.

He continued: “This highlights how important the feedback forms given to each trainee are as comments of relevance documented on the Driver CPC evaluation sheets (which we receive after training) are taken into consideration when deciding what areas of the module to amend / change.”

“The RSA had intended to have all the modules updated and reviewed before the start of the next five year period, however it seems that the process should be complete before then,” he added.

“The updated material will be circulated to approved training providers once each module review has been completed.”

The ISM is currently offering a special offer of €50 per day for the month of April. To avail of this offer, call 1850 530 430 immediately.

“When you consider the quality of the other companies who were short listed for the awards, we were totally shocked when our name was called out for the overall award,”said Brian Sweeney, Managing Director of Swilly Group.

“I’m delighted for my parents Noel and Mary, who have worked hard for the past 36 years building the business. We have an excellent team of employees who give us 100 per cent week in week out and we couldn’t have achieved this without their hard work and commitment. They are Paddy Maguire, James Greene, Noreen Toye, Michael McGill, Liam Casey, Don Ponsonby, Susan Wasson, Damian Kerin and Karen Boyle. We also have a large group of part time tutors and training partners who have worked extremely hard for the company and I want to acknowledge their contribution also.”

Michael Tunney, CEO of Donegal County Enterprise Board, said: “The Sweeney family richly deserve this award. They have developed a small family business into one that is delivering services across the island. They combine excellent service delivery with an eye for marketing and promotional opportunities, and they devote significant resources to training themselves and their staff to constantly improve their capabilities.”

The Swilly Group is the biggest driving school outside Dublin and the third biggest in the country. It was founded by Noel Sweeney in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal in 1975.

Noel’s wife Mary joined him in the business in the early 90s and now his sons Brian, Stephen and Karl are also actively involved in the business, which employs 14 full-time staff and over 30 part-time and contract staff.

The company has expanded across Ireland and Northern Ireland and offers driver training and consulting services for learner drivers, truck and bus drivers, fleet operators and driving instructors.

The company’s training unit also delivers IT, health and safety and general business training. The Swilly Group opened new offices in Tallaght and Finglas in Dublin in February this year and is about to open a further office in Belfast.

Noel also generated a lot of coverage with his YouTube video recorded in December describing how to drive in snow. The video received over 14,000 views in a few days, with viewers coming from as far afield as New Zealand.

The warning comes from the Irish School of Motoring (ISM), which is urging truck and bus drivers to keep on top of their Driver CPC training.

“Demand grows dramatically over the summer months and it is recommended to book early to ensure a date. The ISM is offering a special discounted rate of €50 per person for the month of April,” an ISM spokesperson confirmed.

For more information you can visit their dedicated CPC page

“Today’s news will certainly get a cautious welcome from UK hauliers,” said RHA Chief Executive Geoff Dunning.

The current unrest in the Middle East is seeing oil prices rising on an almost daily basis. Every $3 on the barrel price equates to an extra 1 penny per litre at the pump; a cost that the haulier has no choice but to pass on. Today’s cut will go some way to bringing relief to an industry that has quite literally been fighting for its survival. However, the inflation element has not been cancelled but simply postponed and we face two sharp increases I quick succession next year.

“The tireless campaigning that has taken place over the past few months has paid off; it makes a welcome change for a Chancellor to not only listen, but to take positive action.

“The RHA’s weekly fuel survey shows that costs for a heavy goods vehicle have risen by £2,700 a year in just six weeks! Hauliers have no choice but to recover these increases through higher haulage rates. We know that other costs are rising sharply but today’s cuts will bring some relief to hauliers and their customers”.

The lucky winner taken from Fiat Commercial sales in 2010 was Danny Thompson from Thelinor, winning one week’s family holiday in the 5 star resort The Sheraton Pinecliffs in Portugal.

Pictured with Danny (centre) is Stephen McLernon, (left) Marketing & Commercial Director, Fiat Group Automobiles (FGA) and Dave Dalton, Sales Manager, BOD VSS.

Winner of the workshop “Fancy your Luck, Book in your Truck” promotion was Gerry McConville (centre) from Duleek, Co Meath winning €750.

Pictured with Gerry (centre) is Stephen McLernon, (left) Marketing & Commercial Director, FGA and Dave Dalton, Sales Manager, BOD VSS.

ISM Training Services has received a lot of queries regarding the issuing of official Driver CPC Cards following the completion of training, a spokesman confirmed.

”All drivers should have received an official receipt from the trainer after the completion of each Driver CPC training Module. The Road Safety Authority has confirmed that they will be issuing Driver CPC Cards to all drivers who at the end of five years have completed five training modules,” the ISM spokesman explained

“It is essential that all drivers complete one module per year in order to maintain their Driver CPC qualification. Any driver who has not yet completed CPC training should do so as soon as possible and contact the RSA to explain the reason for the delay,” he added

He concluded: “The ISM would like to reiterate how important the receipts are. If you did not receive one on completion of your training you should contact your training provider and ask them to issue you with one immediately.”

Thereafter training will be on an on-going basis in this particular module. If you wish to be facilitated on any date that is not already scheduled, please contact IRHA head office and they seek to facilitate your requirements.

Training takes place at IRHA head-office, Bracetown, Clonee, Co. Meath.

Drivers that miss the September 10 by that date will have to explain to the Road Safety Authority why they did not take the first training module.

“Any professional driver that missed their first module will need to contact the RSA CPC unit with a reason as to why they missed the module. Once this is done the RSA will confirm that they can undertake another module within the second year with their RSA Approved Driver CPC Modular Training Venue. If they do not register then the second Module will be classed as null and void,| Eric Hanlon, HGV/Coach Operations Supervisor, ISM Training Services explained.

If you have any queries regarding the Driver CPC email the Editor.

All queries and responses will be published on hgvireland.com For more information on the Driver CPC, click on the ISM Training Services button advertisement on this page.

In these very challenging times, transport and logistics offers many excellent opportunities for those wishing to broaden their customer base and expertise. The CPC in Transport Management (which is obligatory if you want to put your own truck or bus on the road) is increasingly becoming an extremely beneficial qualification for those in the Construction industry especially Engineers, Managers, Architects, Office Administrators etc.

As well as enhancing your career, qualifying you as a Transport Manager and up-skilling, it is also an internationally recognised qualification for life. If you are unemployed or facing the loss of your job you may be entitled to funding for the course from your local FAS, Local Employment Offices (Obair) or Social Welfare.

Certified by the Chartered Institute of Transport & Logistics the subjects covered in the course include: setting up and managing a transport business; effective marketing techniques; employment, health and safety and contract law; costing/pricing and financial management; tachograph and hours of driving legislation; national and international documentation etc.

Approved CPC courses in Transport Management are run at weekends by Tony Hynes who has successfully put thousands of students through the CPC exam by using his own specially developed materials and his unique dynamic delivery style.

Lawrence O’Brien, who attended this course with Tony commented: “Tony’s course was fantastic and I highly recommend it to anybody who is interested. Tony is a fantastic instructor very energetic and extremely helpful and I thoroughly enjoyed it. His h and-outs are excellent

and straight to the point and if ever I needed help which I did on a couple of occasions I rang Tony and got the information I needed there and then. My advice is to do this course”.

CIF members can avail of a special discount price of only €1000 (normally €1195) for this course. Tony will also include a Free Driver CPC course for any CIF member who enrols for the Transport Manager CPC course.

Tony’s next courses begin in Mallow on 12th June, Birr on 2nd July and Dublin on 9th July for the next exam on Friday 10th Septemeber . If you wish to obtain further information you can contact Tony at 086-2458379, tony@cpc.ie or visit his dedicated website at www.CPC.ie.

“This training is designed to enhance driver knowledge and skill and reduce death and injuries on our roads,” Tony Hynes of CPC.ie commented

“The training also focuses on reducing running costs, increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of drivers as well as helping to protect the environment,” he added.

Tony revealed that each training day is one module per year and these modules include: excellence in vehicle control, health and safety for drivers, tachographs and hours of driving and unlocking your potential as a professional driver.

One of Tony’s students, Orla Canton, who did a Transport Manager course with him, attended the Driver CPC Module 1 training recently, even although she is not obliged to do the Driver CPC training.

Orla enthused: “This course is brilliant and, even though I didn’t have to do it, I found it very interesting and useful. Everyone should attend one of Tony’s CPC courses as you will have a unique learning experience.”

Tony is Ireland’s is a dedicated CPC Specialist and runs Driver and Transport Manager CPC courses nationwide. The Transport Manager CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence), which is awarded by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, qualifies you as a Transport Manager and also entitles you to apply to set up a haulage or bus passenger business.

A CPC is also extremely beneficial for career advancement, up- skilling and promotional prospects.

Tony is currently offering Transport Manager and Driver CPC Courses at locations near you so if you wish to obtain further information  you can contact Tony at 066-7185556; 087-6363003; 086-2458379 or tony@cpc.ie or visit his dedicated website at www.CPC.ie.