THE Pallet Network (TPN) is now serving free evening meals to all its trunk drivers in a move it says is intended “to inspire the UK logistics industry to improve conditions for HGV drivers and stem the worsening driver shortage.”
In a statement, the logistics company explains that the hot meals are provided in an on-site pop-up restaurant, which has dedicated serving areas under a marquee and plenty of outdoor seating which allows for social distancing.
The firm also says its menus are carefully chosen to be popular but also nutritious, and that the meal on offer varies each night. In order to encourage healthy habits, drivers must nonetheless pay for additional fizzy drinks and confectionery.
The scheme started three months ago and is available every weeknight from late evening until 4am. According to TPN, almost 350 hot meals are provided every night.
TPN Managing Director Mark Kendall explains that the meals scheme will reduce drivers’ reliance on snack food and service station offerings, which tend to offer very bad value for money:
Many of our drivers face long journeys, and we do not want them having to rely on snack food or over-priced service station fare. The least we can do for people driving for hours at night is make sure they have a free, hot meal awaiting them when they arrive at the Hub.
Kendall also says that the UK logistics industry needs to do more to look after its drivers, stressing that truckers should not have to “live off microwaved soup or toast”:
We are very aware that many sites in the UK do not even provide the basic facilities which drivers need for human dignity, let alone places to make themselves comfortable and take the comfort and statutory rest breaks they need. TPN has great driver facilities, with a rest room, access to TVs, shower, toilet facilities and a full kitchen. However, we need to go further as a sector. We don’t want our drivers having to live off microwaved soup or toast. Anyone working the night shift is already forgoing family time and most social meals as they provide an essential service while most UK residents are in their beds. It is time we all started to think about what more we can do to ensure that drivers’ journeys are as easy and well accommodated as possible.
Photo credit: THE Pallet Network (TPN)