A Half Dozen Things Podcast by Pete Rushmer

Transport Manager musings with Tom Reddy Transport Consultant | AHDT S2#61

In this episode I interview Tom Reddy for a second time. Previously we had discussed technical elements for a Transport Manager and External Transport Manager role.

In this session we chew the fat on various other challenges in the sector including;

-How should an ETM structure there business dealings?

-Is the TM CPC fit for purpose? What would we change?

-Facebook groups, the good the bad and the ugly.

We hope you enjoy this session, please do subscribe and share with your friends.

The lessons so far, your host Pete Rushmer gets interviewed! 2nd Anniversary Special | AHDT S2#60

In this episode your host Pete Rushmer gets grilled. Mike Vickers from the Fleet Geeks takes over as host and interviews Pete for today's episode.

Pete's A Half Dozen Things are;

Why- Set your vision, Focus on your personal development, become a leader, understanding principles and values are vital, the value of networking and finally being true to you & your relationships.

Please do check it out and let us know what you think, we hope you enjoy this 2nd anniversary special to mark 2 years of A Half Dozen Things Podcast.

Coping with stress in your transport office with Jonathan Pittam | AHDT S2#59

In this episode previous guest Jonathan Pittam rejoins us for a Lunchtime LIVE on how to cope with stress in a transport office.

Driver stress and mental health challenges are well documented. With the Mental Health Driver CPC course a big hit with our clients.

However rarely do we address the copious amounts of stress endured by the Transport Office and in particular the Transport Manager.

The role has a huge responsibility and we explore that and the stress in this this episode. What is stress? Why is a Transport Office stressful? What can we do to improve?

Understanding instructional design with expert Keith Gray | AHDT S2#58

In today's episode I am joined by Keith Gray. Keith currently is an expert in instructional design and dangerous goods, running his own business covering both areas. In his career he has spent almost 13 years with the FTA (Freight Transport Association) building and then heading up their training department. Keith shares amazing insights about training.

I really enjoyed interviewing Keith and it has delivered a fantastic episode so do enjoy.

The 6 areas we discuss are;

1. How a trade association works

2. The Training Budget – statutory vs non-statutory training (inc. quasi statutory)

3. A Transport Manager’s professional development – beyond TM CPC

4. Instructional Design principles – why thinking often trumps doing when it comes to designing content

5. the beauty of Lifelong learning - see book recommendations below!

6. DGSA Academy

Book recommendations are;

Obliquity by John Kay – really interesting book from renowned economist about how life’s goals are best approached indirectly.

The Essential Drucker by Peter Drucker – the Grandfather of management consultancy and a very sharp mind. Many of his original concepts (SMART / management by objectives) have been so embedded into business as usual that we have long forgot the origin.

21 Letters on Life and Its Challenges by Charles Handy – Although his books are about organisational dynamics, he’s really a philosopher at heart. His books are beautifully written - accessible but you also feel like you’ve learned something on every page.

The Second Curve by Charles Handy – yes, chucked another in. He makes you stand back with him and shows you a different view on the accepted principles of society and life in general.

Business Model Generation by Alex Ostewalder – This became an instant business classic on strategy when it came out. It takes a look at how different business models work (and what specifically makes them work). The ‘canvas’ in there is really useful as a lens for your own business.

Good to Great by Jim Collins – perhaps a bit dated when you look at the case studies but another good one about business principles.

Design for How People Learn by Julie Dirksen – a good primer on Instructional Design

What should an External Transport Manager charge? Fleet Geeks Webinar special | AHDT S2#57

What should an External Transport Manager charge? This is a question the Fleet Geeks get asked so often. In this episode we showcase the recent Fleet Geeks Webinar.

What is the going rate for an ETM? In this webinar Fleet Geeks Mike and Pete are joined by industry experts and ETM's Tom Reddy and Richie Iddon to discuss what is the 'going rate'?

Why ETM's should NOT follow others pricing models instead deciding their own rates and negotiate on a case by case basis with their prospective operators. We touch on how some ETM agencies will suggest fees and what you should do about it.

What do you think? Please drop us a comment below.

How to retain the best drivers in your Fleet X Fleet Geeks Mashup | AHDT S2#56

Check out this episode of A Half Dozen Things, we mash it up the Fleet Geeks joining me to discuss how vital it is to attract and retain the best drivers for your fleet.

The 6 areas we discuss are;

1) respect

2) cash & remuneration

3) covering drivers costs - inc CPC

4) Equipment and investment

5) management capability

6) culture - how do you support your people?

Listen in for 6 key focus areas that you can work on today that will help stop Drivers leaving you and ensure you you retain drivers......the one's you want to keep anyway!

Becoming a third generation director in the family business with Kim Lane | AHDT S2#55

In this episode I speak to the awesome Kim Lane. Kim is an ex female Ice Hockey star and company director of both HD Teamwear and more recently Dalrod UK. They are a national drainage franchise based in Peterborough. Kim has her work cut out as a 3rd generation company director t ensure she follows in her parents footsteps!

Hear from her today and her a Half Dozen Things for business success.

1. Communication

2. Trust & Relationships

3. Family Values

4. Teamwork

5. Don’t take it personal

6. Patience

6 Top Tips to improve your Fleet Compliance with Jamie Bielawski | AHDT S2#54

What are your top tips for maintaining Fleet compliance?

Jamie shares his insights in this episode on simple ways Transport and Fleet managers can proactively improve fleet compliance.

In this Podcast episode we explore Jamie's 6 top tips for Fleet compliance. The Fleets 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 Transport Sector. If you are a Fleet or Transport Professional who wants to develop your skills, network and opportunities.

The Fleet Geeks are here to support you on your journey. Our mission is to Develop Fleet and Transport Professionals. Join our FREE community over on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/244794840391782/

Understanding National Highways and their plans with Mark Cartwright | AHDT S2#53

In this episode I speak to Mark Cartwright who is Head of Commercial Vehicle Incident Prevention at National Highways.

He shares incredible insights as well as amazing plans the the National Highways have coming up, here are the areas we covered in this interview;

1. Mark's experience and background

2. What National Highways and Mark's Commercial Vehicle Incident Prevention team does

3. Existing / ongoing activity from the National Highways;

a. Operation Tramline

b. Van Driver Toolkit

c. CALMDriver – mental health initiative with Campaign Against Living Miserably

4. Developmental activity that is work in progress;

a. PING – looking at using data / images captured from existing sensors on network to let opted-in operators know what their vehicles are up to out on the roads.

b. Post-crash response – Plan A: stop crashes. Plan B: keep victims alive until ambulance arrives. Looking at development of elearning and supporting app, to deliver First Aid Training.

c. 'I Drive a Truck and Know Stuff' – equipping professional drivers with nuggets of information to raise awareness of issues with their peer groups.

There is some amazing stuff in the pipeline and thanks Mark for joining me for this awesome interview. The links discussed in the show are;

The link to Van Driver Toolkit is vandrivertoolkit.co.uk

CALMDriver is drivingforbetterbusiness.com/calmdriver

Driving for Better Business is drivingforbetterbusiness.com

Building your business as a young person with Harry Howells | AHDT S2#52

In this episode I speak to 21 year old business owner Harry who owns Spark Agency. He set up his business in 2020 at 19 just before the pandemic.

Harry is a man of many talents, including, photography, videography and social media. In this episode we explore;

1. How did spark agency start?

2. When did Harry start working, he is only 21!?

3. How has being young in business work for you?

4. What drives Harry on a day to day basis?

5. What Harry does outside of work?

6. His hopes and aspirations for the future of his business?