MINISTER FOR ROADS AND LOCAL TRANSPORT GETS BEHIND THE WHEEL OF DHL HEAVY-DUTY ELECTRIC TRUCK

DHL Supply Chain has welcomed Minister for Roads and Local Transport, Richard Holden, to its Transport Development Centre in Crick for a first-hand experience of DHL’s LGV driver training programme and the chance to test-drive one of the UK’s first new heavy-duty electric trucks.

The Transport Development Centre (TDC) has been designed to facilitate Driving Ambition, DHL’s new training programme which provides fully funded training for applicants to qualify as LGV drivers. New recruits are taken through an end-to-end course, covering everything from medical checks to driving theory and practical training. Since launch, over 600 prospective drivers have obtained LGV licences through the TDC.

Roads Minister, Richard Holden said: “It was great to get behind the wheel of one of the UK’s first fully electric trucks and see DHL’s comprehensive training first-hand.”

“Moving goods across the country is the backbone of our economy and that is why we have extensively worked with the sector to encourage more people into the sector and aid the transition to an electric fleet through nearly £200m.”

Under close supervision from a DHL Driver Assessor, Minister Holden got behind the wheel of one of the UK’s first fully electric heavy-duty tractor units to undertake a series of test manoeuvres. DHL took delivery of the new vehicles in March 2023, and they are now in regular operation on the roads, directly replacing diesel vehicles.

Natalie Frow, DHL’s Managing Director for Retail, says: “We were delighted to host Minister Holden to our unique training facility and give him the chance to test drive one of the most sustainable heavy-duty trucks on UK roads. Since launching the TDC it’s been a huge success, breaking down barriers to candidates who want to explore a driving career and creating a pipeline of qualified new drivers into our business.”