Key Components of a Policy

1. Vehicle Maintenance & Condition

Roadworthiness: Drivers must ensure vehicles are always in a legal, roadworthy condition.

Loading Space: Policies should require the loading space to be dry, clean, and free of dust and odors.

Maintenance Intervals: Vehicles must be repaired and maintained at legally required intervals or manufacturer recommendations.

2. Driver Safety & Responsibility

Safety Training: Drivers need training on general site safety precautions, particularly during loading and unloading.

Responsible Operation: Drivers must operate vehicles responsibly and considerately to minimize accident risks.

3. Delivery Procedures

Checklists: Simple delivery safety checklists can help drivers assess site safety.

Damage Inspection: Inspect cargo for damage upon delivery and note any findings on the delivery receipt before signing.

Notification of Damage: Policies should specify how and when to report damage discovered after delivery.

4. Handling Exceptions & Delays

Reporting Procedures: Establish clear steps for drivers and staff to report exceptions or potential issues during delivery.

5. Use of Company Vehicles

Internal Use: Policies should define acceptable uses of company vehicles, such as for internal company purposes and dispatching or receiving goods for the company's operations.

6. Compliance

Regulatory Adherence: Ensure all vehicle operations and delivery procedures comply with national and local transport and health and safety legislation.

7. Compliance and Consequences

8. Regulatory Adherence

Policies ensure compliance with safety regulations and legal requirements.

Driving Requirements

Authorised Drivers

Employees must be aged 21 years or over and must have passed their full NIGERIA driving test for at least 24 months prior to driving a company vehicle. The car must never be driven by any person holding only a provisional license (even in "an emergency").

Special dispensation must be agreed for drivers fewer than 21 or with less than 2 years driving experience. Anyone with points on their licence must be authorized by the insurance Company to drive a company vehicle.

Only people who hold a NIGERIA driving license to drive our company vehicles. Employees from other ECOWAS/AU countries must possess the NIGERIA license to be able to drive a company vehicle.

Before Driving a Company Vehicle

Prior to driving a company vehicle drivers will:

• Provide their driving license
• Provide check code for license to be checked
• Read and sign acceptance to the Transport Policy/ Driver Handbook
• Complete and pass the eye test check
• Get clearance from Insurance to drive a company vehicle (if required)

Driving Licence Check Procedure

Driving licenses must be submitted for inspection before employment commences and will be rechecked every 6 months.

Employees with 4-8 points will be checked every 3 months and 9+ points every month.

Drivers must inform the Fleet Manager immediately of any points received on their driving license.

Eyesight Tests

Drivers will always ensure that their eyesight is adequate to meet the statutory requirements for driving (Ref Highway Code).

If the Company has cause to question an employee’s ability to comply with the legal requirement, the employee may be asked to confirm their current ability to meet the minimum requirement as specified in the Highway Code, either by an examination by a qualified optician or by an internally conducted eyesight test and re-tested every 6 months.