Fleet Geeks Podcast by Flagship Partners

How to amend a Goods Vehicle Operator Licence, it can be tricky if you haven't had to do it in a while.   In this episode we discuss how to amend, that includes, increase, decrease fleet size, change a Transport Manager or add or remove operating centres.  The good news is we carry out this work all the time and guide you through the process. The Fleet Geeks are; Mike Vickers 'The Training Guy' &...

About THAT 100k salary advert!  If you didn't spot it, a TM CPC Training company that we won't name recently advertised their TM CPC Training solution with a headline of earning '£100k+' along with the CILT logo too. In this episode we discuss a little around marketing and transport manager salary bands too.  As well as the responsibility we have for ensuring the content we use to advertise is rea...

How do you apply for a Goods Vehicle Operators Licence?  It can be a tricky and complex process particularly if like the majority of Transport Managers, it is a rare occurrence you do it. In this episode we discuss how to apply and the things to remember.  The Fleet Geeks will often have multiple applications in for prospective operators so is something they commonly deal with in the day job with...

What is financial standing for goods vehicle operators? Why do we need it? The requirement for financial standing is set out by the Office of the Traffic Commissioner. In this episode we discuss what financial standing is and why it is a good thing! The Fleet Geeks are; Mike Vickers 'The Training Guy' & Pete Rushmer 'The Founder'. Each week these guys will discuss all things relevant and topical i...

Farewell and Good Luck to our Safety Guy, Fleet Geek Jamie. He is moving on to pastures and challenges new! In this episode we discuss what Jamie's new role is and wish him well for his future. The Fleet Geeks are; Mike Vickers 'The Training Guy', Jamie Bielawski 'The Safety Guy' & Pete Rushmer 'The Founder'. Each week these guys will discuss all things relevant and topical in the Fleet and Transp...

What is the latest with the 28 day Tachograph rule (October 22)? There seems to be weekly updates on this very subject! In this episode we discuss what has changed recently regarding manual record keeping for part time vocational & truck drivers. The Fleet Geeks are; Mike Vickers 'The Training Guy', Jamie Bielawski 'The Safety Guy' & Pete Rushmer 'The Founder'. Each week these guys will discuss al...

How do I read and understand Brake Test Reports for my fleet? It is a question we get asked regularly and often a pass doesn't always mean a pass. In this episode we discuss what items we should be checking when we review our brake test sheets on our vehicles.  This is to help new or learning Transport Managers think about how they can make sure they are on top of defects and maintenance for their...

What should I check on my vehicle inspection or PMI sheets?  It is a question we get asked regularly. In this episode we discuss what items we should be checking when we review our maintenance sheets on our vehicles.  This is to help new or learning Transport Managers think about how they can make sure they are on top of defects and maintenance for their fleet. The Fleet Geeks are; Mike Vickers 'T...

Meet the Fleet Geeks Peer to Peer Mentors - Tom Reddy. We meet Tom Reddy one of the Mentors in the Fleet Geeks Peer to Peer Mentoring Group. In this episode we discuss what Tom's role as a mentor in the Fleet Geek Peer to Peer Group is.  If you are interested to try a free session of the mentoring group drop us a line on hello@flagshippartners.co.uk The Fleet Geeks are; Mike Vickers 'The Training...

Why we joined the Fleet Geeks Peer to Peer Mentoring Group, we speak to John, Ellie & Jack to understand what made them interested in the group. In this episode we discuss with the Peers in our mentoring group why they joined and what they get out of the group.  If you are interested to try a free session of the mentoring group drop us a line on hello@flagshippartners.co.uk The Fleet Geeks are; Mi...

Operating HGVs in London, what you need to know! There is a lot for operators to consider. Night time bans, HGV Safety permit, DVS, ULEZ, LEZ & the 'Safer Lorry Scheme'. There is also Dart Charge, Congestion Charges & DVS too! There is lots for operators to consider so we help breakdown the acronyms & you better understand what you need to consider. In this episode we discuss that local London-bas...

My mate reckons or MMR as we call it, in the Fleet Sector, Mike sometimes calls them 'Herbert Whatifs'! We mean this in a tongue in cheek way. However in the sector there are many people who comment on things they do not understand or research or will happily take you down for your opinion too. We often see people on training who have heard some outrageous stuff through 'hearsay'. In this episode...

Do I need to manage my maintenance provider?  What are my responsibilities?  In short yes you do and you have many responsibilities to ensure your vehicles are roadworthy.  Therefore ensuring competence of your maintenance provider is vital & you are held responsible by DVSA and the OTC. In this episode we discuss how you can manage the relationship and things you can do proactively to protect and...

Should we reintroduce Driver License Category C1 as an automatic entitlement?  There is a consultation due to take place as requested by Transport Secretary Mr Grant Schapps. Back pre 1997 when drivers passed their driving license for a car they were automatically entitled to drive an HGV up to 7.5T.  In this episode we discuss the suggestion of this and whether it could be a good or a bad idea! T...

What can DVSA detect from your tachograph remotely?  We recorded this following some confusion on social media of what can and can't be achieved and enforced remotely from a tachograph. In this episode we discuss the communication released by the DVSA about new technology to support enforcement of the incorrect tacho use.  This podcast helps dispel the myths on what can and can't be achieved. The...

Understanding Peer to Peer Mentoring with Fleet Geeks. Fleet Geeks have been running their Peer to Peer mentoring group for 3 months now with the 4 session happening on the 31st August this month. This is YOUR invitation to join us for 1 session for FREE. We are opening the group for new applications and therefore offering fleet and transport professionals like you the opportunity to try the mento...

Is a Fixed Penalty Notice or FPN notifiable to the Traffic Commissioner? After all an FPN is not a conviction once it has been discharged? Right? In this Fleet Geeks Podcast episode we explore what to do with an FPN and your requirements to notify the TC. The Fleet Geeks are; Mike Vickers 'The Training Guy', Jamie Bielawski 'The Safety Guy' & Pete Rushmer 'The Founder'. Each week these guys will d...

What are the rules around your commercial vehicle emissions and inspections? We discuss what the requirements as well as explore the role of an auditor. In this Fleet Geeks Podcast episode we explore why ensuring you check vehicle emissions is important and how to ensure you evidence this. The Fleet Geeks are; Mike Vickers 'The Training Guy', Jamie Bielawski 'The Safety Guy' & Pete Rushmer 'The Fo...

The Importance of Driver Health and sharing concerns. It is vital that professional, vocational drivers ensure they address and share any health concerns early. In this Fleet Geeks Podcast episode we explore why this is and why drivers may not be forthcoming with health concerns. The Fleet Geeks are; Mike Vickers 'The Training Guy', Jamie Bielawski 'The Safety Guy' & Pete Rushmer 'The Founder'. Ea...

Who are the unsung heroes in the transport industry? Drivers, planners, transport managers? In this Fleet Geeks Podcast episode we explore who we think are the unsung heroes in the Fleet & Transport Sector. The Fleet Geeks are; Mike Vickers 'The Training Guy', Jamie Bielawski 'The Safety Guy' & Pete Rushmer 'The Founder'. Each week these guys will discuss all things relevant and topical in the Fle...

What to expect as a newcomer to the transport and fleet sector. It is a whole new world for people to learn and experience! In this Fleet Geeks Podcast episode we explore what your experience may be as you join the Transport sector as well as some of the joys and wonders that await! The Fleet Geeks are; Mike Vickers 'The Training Guy', Jamie Bielawski 'The Safety Guy' & Pete Rushmer 'The Founder'....

Holiday! What is a holiday? For busy Transport & Fleet Managers, do you even have a holiday? With a particular focus on standalone and External Transport Managers, how do you manage your holiday? In this Fleet Geeks Podcast episode we explore why it's vital to ensure you have a proper rest and share some ideas on how you can make that happen. The Fleet Geeks are; Mike Vickers 'The Training Guy', J...

How to have effective 121's with your Transport Team. Do you get together 1 on 1 with your team? In this Fleet Geeks Podcast episode we explore why it's vital to catch up 1 on 1 with your team regularly including the drivers and how you do it and what skills you need. The Fleet Geeks are; Mike Vickers 'The Training Guy', Jamie Bielawski 'The Safety Guy' & Pete Rushmer 'The Founder'. Each week thes...

Can truck stops demand fridge trailers be turned off? What are your thoughts on a refrigerated trailer next to you overnight? In this Fleet Geeks Podcast episode we explore why it's kicked off recently about fridge trailers. The Fleet Geeks are; Mike Vickers 'The Training Guy', Jamie Bielawski 'The Safety Guy' & Pete Rushmer 'The Founder'. Each week these guys will discuss all things relevant and...

What is a whistleblower process and why should a Transport Manager have one? In this Fleet Geeks Podcast episode we explore why a whistleblowing process could save you time and stress with managing disgruntled drivers. The Fleet Geeks are; Mike Vickers 'The Training Guy', Jamie Bielawski 'The Safety Guy' & Pete Rushmer 'The Founder'. Each week these guys will discuss all things relevant and topica...