In Profile - Dave Crabbe

Dave Crabbe - Transport Manager

As CWR's Transport Manager, Dave is based at the Kingmoor Recycling Centre, where he is responsible for the team of drivers whose job it is to collect waste and recyclable materials from around Cumbria.  Far from joining CWR in the role he has today, Dave has worked his way up through the ranks as the company has grown.

"I started as a driver in 2003, serving the HWRC sites.  Today I am responsible for the drivers, their training, and the legal compliance of the vehicle fleet."

Dave came to CWR from career in driving - firstly for the British Army, then long distance for 12yrs, with 6yrs internationally - so already had a sound knowledge of driving when he joined CWR, but thanks to the training the company offers, he has developed management skills an is also now a qualified driver instructor for hook-lift vehicles.

"Coming to CWR you see a very different side to driving.  There are various different kinds of vehicles to learn - multi-compartment wagons, hook-lifters, and the like - plus, all our drivers are trained in fuel efficient driving (SAFED).  It's not at all like long distance - all our drivers get to go home at night."

Dave's role as the drivers' manager and his duties as a trainer ensure he gets a lot of contact with the drivers themselves - operationally, training and assessing, and matching drivers with jobs. Unlike traditional driving jobs where drivers are largely out on their own, driving with CWR is clearly all about teamwork, and Dave enjoys the rapport he has developed with the drivers.

"I understand the drivers because I have done the job myself.  That helps me because if I need to get something done, I know what is reasonable to ask of them."

Far from simply being about collecting recyclables, the job has had its fair share of surprises:

"We do get the odd challenge, like supervised burials of MOD casings.  Then there was the flood - and two nights working on the canal.  We have also had staff come on board in Barrow as CWR has expanded; that was a big change for us, and in just two days!  A challenge, but good fun."

Dave Crabbe can be indirectly contacted at:
enquiries@cumbriawaste.co.uk
Tel: (01228) 822100

(Interview December 2008)