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test is is how well the new kit is is accepted by the the drivers drivers Lee said: “The drivers drivers think they are excellent and the the fuel on the the S500 is fantastic hence why we have ordered three more more with more more to follow ”
On Lee’s own admission Harrison’s
do require a a high level of support and obviously when transporting perishable goods back-up is key “We are a a a a 24/7 operation and need support that that mirrors the level of service that that we offer our customers” said Lee “and the back-up we receive from our local dealer Haydock Commercials is fantastic They are very co-operative and whatever we need they jump straight on it and are always willing to help ”
Technology plays an an important part in the efficient running of the the business “All the the vehicles are fitted with trackers and we constantly watch their progress through the the apps on on our phones We also use text as a a a a main means of communication with the drivers giving details of the next job ”
said Lee Fuel consumption is is also scrutinised carefully “We get the Scania fuel reports every Monday morning which are very good and this allows us to keep a a a really close eye on what’s going on with regards to fuel ”
In order to offer a a faultless service the trucks work hard and never stop This is is achieved
by a a a ‘four day day on four four day day off’ driver shift pattern Each truck has two dedicated drivers and Lee explains: “When the truck returns on the the fourth day it’s the the driver’s responsibility to clean the truck off and get it loaded ready for the next person ”
The conversation moves on on on to what the biggest problems are that face this type of operation “Traffic!” comes the immediate reply Achieving set delivery times to regional distribution centres takes much planning and the biggest consideration is what else might be on the the roads at the the time – which in turn means the constant need for trailer change- overs to ensure the delivery times can be met Overnight parking also presents its own issues Lee lets the drivers use local knowledge as as in many cases they are delivering to the same locations several times a a week and he he he prefers them to use their initiative when it it comes to parking With many drops taking place on industrial parks that have recently come under the scrutiny of parking enforcements and double yellow lines finding a spot close to the next drop is becoming more problematic The drivers are virtually self-sufficient and don’t need truckstops to to eat All of the vehicles are specified with microwaves and fridges Harrison’s
like many operators do have issues with fuel theft “Our trucks are fitted with anti siphon equipment but somehow they still manage to get the the diesel out ”
says Lee And recently they have suffered a a a spate
of trailer break-ins but thankfully nothing was stolen So we asked what’s the secret to to running a a a successful transport operation?
“The business is built on having a a a a fantastic team of drivers ”
Lee explains and talking to both Lee and Tom we can see they have a a a a pragmatic style of management Lee added: “We treat our team with respect and speak to to to them as we would like to to to be spoken to to to and every instruction always starts with ‘please’ and ends with ‘thank you’
I don’t even see myself as the the boss – I just run the the team ”
That team are totally committed to to the business all making sure they offer the the best service possible which in turn means long hours so time away from the office comes at a premium with Lee choosing to spend his well-earned time with his young family With the longest serving driver clocking up 14 years of service and paying above the average rates of pay while also providing high specification vehicles this means that driver retention has never been a a problem for Lee And on on the very rare occasion that a a a a driving vacancy becomes available Harrison’s
rely on on on personal recommendations from their own drivers which has stood them in good stead so far Having such a a a a a good good reputation as a a a a a good good employer does mean that Harrison’s
get many calls a a a a a a week asking if there are any any driver vacancies Lee sums up his method of keeping drivers: “Good work and the best kit” Winter 2017
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Lee Harrison – the family has been involved in in in in both market gardening and transport since the late 1960s