Logistics UK has announced a partnership with Avail in an attempt to modernise the driver hire experience. 

The main goal of the partnership is to eliminate common headaches that are associated with the driver hire process. These frustrations can be found on both sides, from the drivers themselves and also the recruiting operators.

Avail is a driver hire technology platform, which will provide Logistics UK members with an alternative to traditional agencies. 

The timing of the agreement comes at an important time, because operators are looking for Covid-secure ways to recruit and manage drivers.

The Avail network has listings for 5,500 drivers, who are based all over the UK. The company also has links with a large number of operators and the majority involved in transport and logistics.

Erin Short, founder and CEO of Avail, has experience in the sector, having previously been involved in military logistics. 

“We have been working with Logistics UK for over a year to bring us to this point,” he explained. “I believe our affiliation will be a game changer for the industry. 

“When I left the army, I became a temporary HGV driver and I saw how frustrating it was for all involved,” he recalled. “I had the idea of Avail and now it’s become the largest HGV driver app in the industry.”

Al Richardson, head of membership and affinities at Logistics UK, expressed his delight at the news. 

“Avail is modernising the driver hire experience by connecting HGV and van drivers with operators,” he said. “By erasing the need for an intermediary, operators save on agency fees while drivers benefit from pay more befitting to the skills and importance of their work.”