Lifelong learning is also a must in the freight forwarding industry. There are various further training opportunities in the commercial and technical fields to choose from. The more digitalization becomes established, the greater the need for continuous training. New technologies, new machines, new systems and structures form the dynamic environment in which training and further education are worthwhile. The increasing shortage of skilled workers also speaks for continuous training. Not only to be able to fill positions with existing employees. Also to increase employee satisfaction.
WHY DO YOU NEED TRAINING IN THE FREIGHT FORWARDING SECTOR?
It is appropriate to review the current state of Germany’s road infrastructure. The transport infrastructure has made considerable progress in recent years and is constantly being improved. However, in order to obtain a complete picture, data evaluations were carried out which showed that there is still much to do and much to improve.
Analysis of the data confirms that the number of freeways has risen continuously in recent years. According to information from the Federal Highway Research Institute (BaSt), the German road network currently includes
- about 12,000 km of highway,
- almost 40,000 km of federal highways,
- 87,000 km of national roads,
- 91,000 km of district roads and
- around 395,000 km of municipal roads.
This leads to the conclusion that Germany’s infrastructure as a whole is extremely well developed.
However, there are also some problems that need to be addressed. Many roads in Germany are not yet state of the art. Some are in poor condition, resulting in inadequate road safety and poor driving conditions. There is also a lack of adequate equipment with traffic signs and signals, which are essential for safe driving.
The state must invest in road construction infrastructure to ensure road safety, optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion if Germany is to become a global innovation leader in the coming years. Such investment will make it possible to sustainably improve the current level of German infrastructure.
EXAMPLES OF CLASSIC TRAINING AND FURTHER EDUCATION IN THE FREIGHT FORWARDING INDUSTRY
In addition to the individual, company-specific training courses, there are some typical areas and common topics in the freight forwarding industry in which further training often makes sense and is popular:
- Forklift license and other vehicle-related courses
Driving a forklift truck requires certain specialist knowledge, among other things to prevent accidents. Anyone working in warehousing and logistics requires a driving license in accordance with BG regulations to operate industrial trucks such as forklift trucks. Forklift trucks are used throughout the freight forwarding sector. The forklift license enables employees to operate the equipment. In further training, which is offered by TÜV academies for example, employees learn about the legal and technical framework in which the operation of a forklift truck is integrated. The training ends with a theoretical examination and, if passed, with the forklift license.
Obtaining a forklift license once is not enough. Anyone who works with these vehicles must undergo further training once a year. Forklift training sessions are also offered in this area.
In some areas of logistics and forwarding, for example, a crane driver’s license can also be useful.
- Further training in road transport
There are various further education and training courses. Some, such as the master craftsman for road transport IHK or the specialist for freight transport and logistics, are recognized qualifications. They enable graduates to take on management tasks in the company.
In addition to these more extensive further training courses in transportation, there are also smaller courses and training sessions. Examples include courses on load securing or social regulations for professional drivers. There are very specific training courses, for example on securing loads in containers.
Anyone aspiring to a position as a transport manager or independent entrepreneur in the transport sector can acquire the necessary knowledge with a complete course to prepare for the road haulage operator qualification test at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
Further training courses with potential for the future include introductory courses in driverless transport systems in digital production and general logistics.
- Qualified persons
Qualified persons” are required in many individual areas of freight forwarding and logistics. They undergo further training in order to be able to assess certain safety-relevant equipment such as cranes, bridges, lifting and towing equipment during regular inspections.
Qualified persons generally perform important inspection tasks in companies that serve to ensure safety. A qualified person requires special expertise and specialist knowledge. This knowledge is acquired in further education and training courses.
- Further education/training for forwarding agents
Forwarding agents and other employees in the commercial area of forwarding companies can choose from a whole range of interesting further training courses with additional qualifications.
Examples are the following training courses:
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- Dispatcher
- Fleet manager
- Logistics clerk
- Specialist in passenger transport and mobility or rail operations
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WHAT DO COMPANIES GAIN FROM TRAINING THEIR EMPLOYEES?
Haulage companies that take care of and finance regular training for their employees retain skilled workers in the company. They also ensure that the company remains up to date in terms of safety, technology and commercial structure. At the same time, the need for companies to be constantly willing to change should not be underestimated.
Digitalization and globalization are creating high competitive pressure. Many freight forwarding and transport companies are also struggling with an acute shortage of drivers. With good organization and the bundling of transport orders, these difficulties can be overcome to some extent.
The forwarding business is becoming ever faster and more dynamic. Just-in-time deliveries with reduced customer warehousing are increasing the demand for transportation orders. Freight forwarding companies have to adapt flexibly to this. In addition, the warehousing business of forwarding companies is becoming increasingly automated. The automation of warehouse structures requires employees to be trained in the use of self-learning and automated systems.
STATE FUNDING PROGRAMS FOR FURTHER EDUCATION
Under certain conditions, freight forwarding and logistics companies can have the state contribute to the costs of further training for their employees. For example, the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) has a program to promote training and further education, qualification and employment in road haulage companies. Sub-programs allow the industry-specific qualification of employees with financial participation from the ministry.
SHOULD EVERY EMPLOYEE RECEIVE FURTHER TRAINING?
In times of a constant shortage of skilled workers, it is an important concern for all forwarding companies to find new employees and keep the existing ones in the company. Enabling employees to attend further education and training courses is also a sign that their work is valued.
Reputable forwarding companies are interested in ensuring that their employees at all levels have the opportunity for further training. In a modern business environment, it is no longer enough to obtain certain qualifications just once. It is important that all employees in the company are able to adapt to changing legal, structural and technical conditions. This ensures the overall performance of the respective company.
The future of freight forwarding companies lies in having well-trained and educated human resources at all times. Today’s knowledge can be outdated tomorrow. The pace of technological and legal change is enormous. Only if all employees are brought up to speed will the company as a whole remain up to date.
WHAT SPEAKS AGAINST TRAINING/FURTHER TRAINING IN THE FREIGHT FORWARDING SECTOR?
It is not without reason that some companies consider their day-to-day business to be so demanding that they do not want to send their employees for further training. This is a very short-sighted approach. The employee may not be available at work at the moment due to a training event. On the other hand, they will be more motivated to return to work after their training.
Some companies are also afraid of financing further education and training for their employees, only to lose them to the competition shortly afterwards. Contractual agreements to cover the costs of training measures can counteract this kind of exodus. Employees commit to staying with the company for a certain period of time after a training or further education measure has been financed.
There are no reasonable arguments against training/continuing education for employees in forwarding companies. For serious and ambitious companies, continuous further training should be a welcome matter of course.
HOW IS THE RIGHT TRAINING OPPORTUNITY SELECTED?
It is ideal if a specific employee, for example from the HR department, is responsible for employee training in a forwarding company. Ideally, he or she has up-to-date information on possible further training and training measures. Together with the individual employee, they determine which measure makes sense for which employee at which point in time. They are also the point of contact for employees’ own requests for further education or training.
FURTHER TRAINING AS A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
It seems that freight forwarding companies are always in demand and cannot complain about a lack of orders. Nevertheless, competition within the industry is fierce.
Small and medium-sized companies in particular can fall behind. With the possibilities of company representation on the Internet and online marketing , employee training can be presented as a major plus. Small and medium-sized companies can also score points here.
To the outside world, a company with constantly freshly trained employees embodies a modern and future-oriented image. It gives customers the assurance that the freight forwarder is not lagging behind in competition with other companies. Further training measures in the area of technical vehicle equipment and automation, for example, can make a forwarding company particularly attractive.
CONCLUSION: THE NEED FOR TRAINING AND FURTHER EDUCATION IS INCREASING
Due to the rapidly advancing technological development of vehicles, steering and drive systems, changing structures in warehousing and logistics, the need for training and further education is increasing. In the future, qualified personnel will play a decisive role in determining how a company positions itself in competition. The shortage of skilled workers makes trained employees a particularly valuable resource for any forwarding company.
In addition, many external framework conditions for freight forwarders and transport companies will change in the coming years and decades. The transport revolution is imminent. It is not yet possible to predict how this will affect companies in concrete terms.
Companies and their employees will have to get used to new drive systems and vehicles. Changing vehicles create new safety requirements and new risks. With electrically powered vehicles of all kinds, the batteries in particular are a safety-relevant point. Dealing with new technology creates new needs for training and further education.
Due to the shortage of drivers, transportation companies in particular must do everything they can to make the driving profession more attractive. This will enable them to attract trainees and career changers. A job in which you can constantly improve your personal skills and have opportunities for promotion could be much more interesting than the image of drivers has been to date.
No haulage company can avoid the topic of further education and training. In particular, further training for drivers and warehousing will continue to gain in importance. Companies should always keep up to date with useful further education and training.
Image sources:
Image 1: stock.adobe.com © ASDF
Image 2: stock.adobe.com © Stefan_Weis
Image 3: stock.adobe.com © industrieblick
