Why Transport & Logistics Businesses Benefit From Working With an Accredited Recruitment Agency The transport and logistics sector works under constant pressure with fast turnarounds, changing regulations, and the need for reliable people every single day. Having the right recruitment partner can make all the difference. Choosing an agency that holds respected industry accreditation's, such as : British Institute of Recruiters (BIOR) Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) Association of Labour Providers The Responsible Recruitment Toolkit is one of the smartest ways to protect your business, your compliance, and your reputation and here’s why - 1. Accreditation's Give You Confidence in Full Legal & Regulatory Compliance Transport & logistics is one of the most face-paced sectors so working with an accredited agency gives you reassurance that the people you’re hiring have been sourced, checked, and managed to the highest professional standards. This reduces the risk of non-compliance, penalties, or reputational damage—protecting your business where it matters. 2. Reliable, Pre-Vetted Staff Who Understand Transport Demands Accredited agencies must demonstrate: robust vetting transparent processes consistent quality standards This means the workers you receive are not only compliant, but also better prepared for the fast-paced, safety-critical environment of transport & logistics . You get fewer no-shows, fewer issues on shift, and a more dependable workforce across driving, warehousing, and logistics roles. 3. Improved Risk Management Across Your Entire Supply Chain Transport and logistics businesses are under increasing scrutiny to show ethical labour practices, especially when supplying into food, retail, or regulated industries. A fully accredited agency helps you: strengthen your supply chain integrity demonstrate responsible recruitment to customers meet audit expectations reduce exposure to labour exploitation risks This is especially important for businesses that undergo regular compliance checks or external audits from major retailers. 4. Better Worker Welfare = Stronger Performance on the Road and in the Warehouse A well-accredited agency commits to ethical treatment of workers, fair pay, and responsible recruitment. This leads to: better engagement higher motivation stronger productivity improved retention Happy workers = more reliable operations. In a sector where delays cost money, this matters. 5. A Partner You Can Trust Through Peak Periods Accredited agencies are held to higher operational and service standards. As a result, they are typically better equipped to: scale up quickly support seasonal peaks ensure rapid compliance checks deliver safe, legal staffing solutions at volume Whether you’re gearing up for Easter, Summer Peaks, Black Friday or sudden spikes in demand, you have a partner who won’t cut corners and won’t let you down. 6. Protecting Your Brand and Reputation Customers, auditors, and regulators look closely at how labour is sourced. Working with an accredited agency sends a clear message: “We take compliance, safety, and worker welfare seriously.” This strengthens: your brand reputation your customer relationships your audit outcomes your long-term commercial opportunities It’s a strategic advantage and not just a hiring preference. Final Thoughts: Accreditation Isn’t a Badge, It’s a Business Benefit For transport and logistics companies, choosing an accredited recruitment partner means: safer staffing stronger compliance reduced operational risk better workforce reliability enhanced brand protection In a sector where the smallest mistake can have the biggest impact, an accredited agency provides the assurance, stability, and professionalism you need to keep your operation running smoothly. Be Compliant, Be Protected, Be Elite
Temporary vs Permanent Recruitment – Which One Is Right for Your Operation? In the logistics and transport industry, staffing isn’t just about filling roles, it’s about keeping your entire operation moving safely, efficiently, and compliantly. But when demand shifts, peaks hit, or long-term growth kicks in, it’s not always clear whether you need temporary cover , a permanent hire , or a mix of both. At Elite, we support clients across transport, logistics, and freight with both solutions — and each comes with its own strengths. Here’s a clear, honest breakdown to help you determine what’s right for your business. When Temporary Recruitment Makes Sense Temporary recruitment is ideal when your operation needs speed, flexibility, and short-term cover without long-term commitment. Best for: Peak season increases Sickness or holiday cover Unpredictable workloads Launching new contracts Filling urgent shifts at short notice Key Benefits: 1. Rapid Response Need drivers for tonight? A warehouse team for tomorrow? Temps deliver immediate cover, keeping your operation running while you manage demand. 2. Total Flexibility Scale up or down based on real-time needs — no long-term overheads. 3. Cost Control You pay only for the hours worked. No permanent commitments, no hidden costs. 4. Guaranteed Compliance When done properly, temporary recruitment offers full vetting, licence checks, references, WTD compliance, and shift management. (And at Elite — this is our foundation.) When Permanent Recruitment Is the Better Fit Permanent hires strengthen your long-term stability, culture, and operational leadership. Best for: Transport office & planning roles Management or leadership hires Customer-facing or sales roles Building continuity and retention Growing your structure or expanding regionally Key Benefits: 1. Long-Term Stability Permanent staff offer consistency, reliability, and a deeper commitment to your business. 2. Cultural Fit They become part of your team — improving morale, communication, and ownership. 3. Future-Proofing Your Operation Strategic hires bring expertise that supports long-term performance, compliance, and growth. 4. Higher Retention = Lower Costs A strong perm hire reduces turnover and training costs over time. Which Option Should You Choose? Both models add value — the key is matching them to the right scenarios . Temporary is right if: Your workflow changes from day to day You need speed or last-minute cover You want flexible staffing for Peak You want to test a worker before committing Permanent is right if: You’re building your team for the long term You need consistency in key roles You want to strengthen culture and capability You’re planning growth in new regions What Most Successful Operators Do The strongest logistics businesses don’t choose one or the other —they use both strategically . Temps keep your operation reactive and flexible. Permanents build your foundation and future. At Elite, we help clients balance both — ensuring every hire (temporary or permanent) is: Fully vetted, Compliance-checked, Culture-matched, And capable of representing your brand. How Elite Helps You Make the Right Choice With over a decade supporting the logistics sector, we give clients clarity on: The true cost of each option How workload patterns impact staffing needs Where temps can protect your operation Where perms can strengthen it Compliance requirements for both models And because we offer both temp and perm recruitment , our advice is always unbiased — based on what’s best for your operation. Let’s Build a Workforce Strategy That Works for You Whether you need fast, flexible cover or a long-term hire who will grow with your business, Elite is here to help. - Speak to our team on 0151 420 1219 - Jobs@elite-employ.com - elite-employ.com Elite — The Recruitment Partner You Want to Work With.
How to Avoid Bridge Strikes: Practical Tips Every Driver Needs to Know Bridge strikes remain one of the most disruptive, dangerous, and expensive incidents on UK roads. Every year, thousands of bridges are struck by vehicles that are too tall or incorrectly routed, causing major disruptions , vehicle damage , rail delays , and even risking lives . For HGV drivers, avoiding a bridge strike isn’t just about protecting the load. It’s about protecting your licence , your safety , and the reputation of your employer . In almost all instances, Bridge Strikes are preventable when drivers follow correct procedures and route planning practices, so, we’ve put together a practical, easy-to-follow guide on how to prevent bridge strikes on every journey. 1. Know Your Vehicle Height — Don’t Guess You must know your exact vehicle height , including the cab, trailer, load, and any equipment attached. Height can change due to factors such as fifth-wheel adjustments or changes in load status. Before setting off: Measure the overall vehicle height Check the height of the trailer and its load Display the correct maximum height clearly inside the cab (a legal requirement if your vehicle exceeds 3m) Do not rely solely on the headboard , as it may be inaccurate depending on how the trailer is coupled. 2. Plan Your Route Carefully — Use HGV-Specific Navigation Shortcuts and Sat Nav’s that are sold for Car Users are key contributors to bridge strike incidents. Always use: ✔ HGV-specific sat nav systems ✔ Approved transport routes ✔ Company route directions (where applicable) Avoid shortcuts to save time — they can lead straight to low bridges. If you are diverted from your planned route, slow down and reassess. If you’re unsure whether the diversion is safe for your vehicle height, stop in a safe place and re-route using an HGV system. 3. Understand Traffic Signs and What They Mean There are two types of signs warn drivers of height restrictions: Red circles = Prohibition ( Do NOT pass if you exceed the height displayed) Red triangles = Warning of an upcoming restriction At arch bridges , additional features may appear: “Goal posts” showing the usable height clearance White road markings showing the safe width for tall vehicles Always position your vehicle centrally and only use the middle of the road when it is safe to do so. 4. Know the Lowest Bridges on Your Route Identify the lowest bridges along their planned route before departing. This proactive approach helps eliminate surprise encounters with low clearances. 5. Stay Alert While En Route Even with planning, you must always remain alert. Pay attention to: New or temporary signs Diversions Environmental factors such as weather or darkness Vehicle height changes after loading/unloading If the height displayed on a restriction is lower than your vehicle: 👉🏼 STOP. Do NOT attempt to pass - The consequences far outweigh the delay. 6. If in Doubt — Stop and Check If you’re unsure whether your vehicle will fit under a bridge, the safest action is to stop and seek advice. No delivery deadline is worth risking: A bridge strike Your licence Public safety 7. Understand the Consequences of a Bridge Strike A bridge strike has severe consequences including serious injury or death to drivers and passengers, significant financial costs for repairs and compensation, legal and regulatory action, and major operational disruptions. These incidents can lead to fines, licence suspension or revocation, and damage to a company's reputation. On the railway Potential derailments Catastrophic loss of life Train service disruption Major infrastructure damage On road users Injury or fatality risk Severe traffic disruption On drivers & employers Licence loss Prosecution Job loss Increased insurance premiums Operator’s licence at risk High financial penalties (inspections, repairs, recovery, delays) Bridge strikes are not minor incidents — they're serious safety events. 8. What to Do If a Bridge Strike Happens For railway bridges : Call the Rail Authority immediately using the phone number on the bridge identification plate. Contact the police via 999. Inform your employer. Do NOT move the vehicle. Keep the public away. For non-rail bridges , contact the police and your employer, then follow the same safety precautions. 🚛Final Thoughts: Awareness Prevents Incidents Bridge strikes are nearly always preventable. With correct planning, awareness of vehicle height, respect for signs, and safe driving behaviour, you significantly reduce the risk. At Elite, we’re committed to supporting both drivers and clients with practical safety guidance throughout their careers. Staying alert and informed protects: ✔ Your safety ✔ Your licence ✔ Your employer ✔ The public ✔ The rail and road network You can find out more information about best practice to prevent Bridge Strikes from the Government Website Here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevention-of-bridge-strikes-good-practice-guide Stop. Check. Stay safe. Stay Elite.
