VTA Launches Driver Exchange Program

While many areas of the transport supply chain are operating at peak levels during the Covid-19 crisis, others areas have slowed down as parts of the economy have been shut-down in an effort to contain the virus. The Victorian Transport Association (VTA) is aiming to address this imbalance through its recently launched Driver Exchange initiative.

The program has been designed to create a pathway for companies to effectively exchange drivers, based upon their needs.

VTA CEO Peter Anderson says, “The focus of the Driver Exchange is to keep drivers working by encouraging resource-sharing within our industry, and to maintain efficient supply chains.”

According to Anderson, “The VTA will assist in matching the requirements and ensuring that there is a smooth transition of drivers from one company to another.”

On a practical level, it is expected that drivers will take leave without pay from their principal employer and work on a monthly basis as a casual with the other company, VTA explains.

“The background of the driver would be documented by a third party in Logical Staffing Solutions to enable a smooth, seamless and cost-effective transition.

Anderson emphasises the importance of remembering the crisis won’t last forever, “which is why it is critical that the transport industry keeps its most important assets – its people – busy and working”.

“Transport will be in even greater demand when the crisis starts to ease, and our people are essential for the recovery.”

The program has the backing of employment agency Logical Staffing Solutions and toll road operator Transurban.

The VTA is calling for expressions of interest from operators with excess drivers and from those who are in need of additional drivers. To learn more and to register interest, visit www.vta.com.au or call the association on 03 9646 8590.