In recognition of the important role and valuable contributions of SmarTrucking drivers to the success of its organization, DHL SmarTrucking celebrated Drivers’ Day, 17th September 2019, with a series of activities. DHL SmarTrucking CEO, Vikash Mohan, joined the SmarTrucking drivers, also called SmarTruckers, for the occasion, at the Bhiwandi SmartHub.
Health camps were conducted with support from Indian Oil under their Extra Power initiative, at DHL SmartHubs (pit stops where drivers can rest, recharge themselves and refuel their trucks) in Bhiwandi, Nagpur, Bangalore and Bilaspur, free health checkups, including diabetes and blood pressure checks, and eye checkups including for cataract, were provided to SmarTrucking drivers (also known as SmarTruckers). Spectacles were also provided free of charge to those who needed them.
In addition, all DHL SmartHubs, including Ambala, Hyderabad, Chennai, Cochin, Kolkata, Guwahati, Pune, Ahmedabad and Goa also held various entertainment and game activities, such as film screenings and volleyball, for the drivers, and showcased safety-related videos. DHL SmarTrucking also distributed safety jackets to the SmarTruckers present on the occasion. DHL SmarTrucking’s Bhiwandi SmartHub also conducted a drive to plant saplings in the area, while the Kolkata SmartHub conducted Vishwakarma pooja with the SmarTruckers in attendance.
“We are proud of our SmarTruckers. They are the sentinels of our company, helping us protect the goods our customers entrust to us, and our warriors, aiding us in our battle against time to deliver those goods to their destination,” said Vikash Mohan, CEO, DHL SmarTrucking India. “On this Drivers’ Day, we reiterate our respect for them, and refresh our resolve to continue to support and nurture them, so that they can, in turn, support and nurture their families.”
DHL SmarTrucking has established a “Center of Excellence” for the training and development of SmarTruckers, to ensure that they can continuously provide high-quality service to customers, are able to stay safe while on the road, are optimally engaged with and committed to the organization, and to promote safety and good driving practices.
Dedicated, skilled trainers provide classroom training on defensive driving techniques, safe and efficient driving practices, night-driving techniques and hold in-cab assessment of drivers; through evidence-based Telematics Data provide one-to-one counseling, mentoring and periodic refresher trainings. Reefer manufacturers provide temperature maintenance training, while OEM training is provided by the truck manufacturers. In addition, there is a continuous screening and monitoring process in place to encourage mindful driving.
SmarTruckers are assigned duty hours in proper proportion to the resting hours. The company also provides Mediclaim coverage for hospitalization and insurance for accidental death and disability.
Besides educating SmarTruckers on the various government initiatives that can benefit them, DHL SmarTrucking also conducts frequent yoga and meditation sessions at its SmartHubs to help them relax and recharge themselves. The company is also planning to roll out physiotherapy sessions.
DHL SmarTrucking’s hybrid model is specially designed with a view to driver wellness. Each SmarTruck is assigned two drivers, who alternate places while enroute to their destination. The cab of the SmarTruck contains a berth for the off-duty driver. This ensures that SmarTruckers get enough rest during their journey and the cargo keeps moving as well. DHL SmarTrucking also provides clean and hygienic resting and sleeping facilities for SmarTruckers at their Smarthubs.
DHL SmarTrucking currently has a team of over 2,100 SmarTruckers, and is constantly recruiting and training new drivers, to meet the industry’s demands.