Driver Hire, the UK’s leading supplier of staff to the road transport & logistics industry, is celebrating 40 years in business.
From a single office in Shipley, West Yorkshire, its network now extends across the whole of the UK and Northern Ireland. Driver Hire also has an international presence following the establishment of Driver Hire Australia in 2012. Annually, its army of temps fills over half a million shifts for a wide variety of transport operators and other organisations.
“So much has changed within the industry since Driver Hire first opened its doors for business,” says CEO, Chris Chidley. “Trucks are bigger but easier to drive. Following the pandemic there’s increased awareness of the industry’s importance. The logistics sector as a whole has grown massively since the ‘80s. Partly fuelled by the growth in home deliveries and warehousing, the latest Logistics UK report suggests that one in every twelve jobs in the UK (8.2%) is in this sector.”
When a business has been around for four decades it’s clearly getting it right when it comes to service delivery. “Our core mission is to deliver the best specialist recruitment service, 24/7,” says Chris. “Because we’ve been in business for 40 years, Driver Hire has the industry knowledge and know-how to do that. Our service helps our clients stay on the road, making vital deliveries whenever they face short-term staffing issues. And we’re just as busy helping with contract or long-term staff as well, including drivers and a wide range of other logistics roles.”
To mark its achievement, teams from Driver Hire’s offices across the UK have been visiting customers delivering birthday cakes and other treats. The business will also celebrate its business milestone with a series of internal events for staff.
“It’s difficult to predict the future in an industry that is as vibrant and fast-moving as road haulage,” says Chris. “The vehicles may be very different – with different drivetrains and potentially, a different role for the driver. But the need for efficient, reliable service will remain, and people will still be vital to the successful delivery of that service. And if the past 40 years are any indication of the future, Driver Hire will be there to meet those needs”.