With existing clients having predicted a 15 - 20% increase in demand for agency drivers to cover their requirements for the London 2012 Summer Olympics, leading logistics services company trg has worked closely with its customers, in terms of forecasting and demand, to successively meet these challenging targets.
According to Nick Gordon, CEO of trg, "The limitations placed on delivering into London and the Olympic village has meant that clients have had to look closely at their delivery operations, the types of vehicle being run and also the use of drivers that are prepared to work flexible hours for store deliveries. We haven't underestimated the effect of the Olympics and many months ago put plans into operation for increasing the bank of drivers available well in advance."
In the month prior to the start of the London 2012 Olympic programme, trg were receiving upwards of 200 new driver applications over a typical weekend period, a 300% increase in comparison to a typical weekend.
"This summer has seen a number of high profile events in the capital, starting with the Jubilee in May and now finishing with the Olympic and Paralympic Games. This has prompted a significantly higher than normal demand for agency drivers but, by detailed advanced planning, we have been able to satisfy the demand placed on our logistics supply services," added Nick Gordon.
As part of the Olympic security protocols, trg has also had to incorporate enhanced security clearance with its drivers, not just through standard CRB checks, but also by designating individual drivers and registering them with the Olympics authorities.