Responsible Trucking Launches its First Spot-Check Tool for Truck Drivers
The tool comprises two surveys on drivers’ human & labour rights’ conditions as well as the state of the facilities they access.
The instrument ensures suppliers’ compliance with the Truck Transport Social Guidelines co-developed by CSR Europe with platform partners BMW Group, H&M Group, IKEA Supply AG, IVECO Group, MAN, Postnord, Raben, Scania, Volvo, Volvo Group, and Baton Transport.
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On July 19th, Responsible Trucking partners Baton Transport, BMW Group, H&M Group, Ikea Supply AG, MAN, Postnord, Raben, Scania, Volvo Cars, Volvo Group and Iveco Group, launched the Spot-Check Tool for truck drivers.
The launch of the Spot-Check Tool follows the adoption of Responsible Trucking partners’ Truck Transport Social Guidelines (TTSG), the first-ever to be developed by the industry to formalise requirements and expectations towards logistic suppliers and improve the well-being of road transport workers across Europe. In other words, it allows partners to identify and assess social risks within their logistic supply chain.
This instrument consists of two surveys directly distributed to drivers to get insights into the working conditions they face daily. While one survey is mainly focused on the respect of human rights and labour rights, the second one seeks feedback on the state of facilities. Answers are asked on topics such as forced labour, remuneration, driving and resting time, state of the toilets and other basic services in the facilities, as well as accessibility to emergency lines and grievance mechanisms.
In order to ensure the widest participation possible, tier-1 logistic suppliers and subcontractors have been directly involved in the project. They were asked to distribute the survey to their drivers via link on texting apps like WhatsApp or Viber. For the survey related to the state of facilities, posters with QR codes have been hung in the warehouses of platform members for easy and immediate access. The document, accessible in 15 languages, is designed with a set of questions offering three response options: "Yes", "No", and "Not Applicable".
While the first survey cycle has been completed, a second one is foreseen for Q4 2023 to compare and validate results. For this second round, more translations could be made available.
Furthermore, the Spot-Check Tool allows Responsible Trucking companies to assess social risks within their logistic supply chain thoroughly, understand where critical issues are, and engage with suppliers to solve them.
Also, as common hurdles are identified, the platform will discuss and develop targeted actions, leveraging collaboration to achieve the best impact possible and mitigate the identified risk.
As a result, Responsible Trucking supports companies in developing and implementing effective due diligence processes within their logistic supply chain. As required by the forthcoming Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), the platform helps its company members to assess social risks and adverse impacts related to logistic operations and put in place the needed measures to put them to an end.
NEXT STEPS
In November 2023, the platform will organise an open event to discuss and share information on truck drivers’ working conditions and how to address the global and European shortage of truck drivers in the market. At the event, the first results and main findings of the Spot-Check Tool will be showcased.
For more information:
Senior Project Manager
UPCOMING EVENTS