Most retail companies that don’t run weekly mega-sales operate around four major seasons — and when those hit, they hit hard. Major retailers rely on a core team of 300–400 drivers per depot. Sites like Magna Park near Birmingham are already busy on a regular day. But during peak season? They’re under pressure to move thousands of loads — fast.

And that’s where things get expensive.

The numbers don’t lie

Some retail fleets report maintenance bills as high as £15,000 per week outside of peak season. Recent industry data shows average HGV repair costs are £1,772 per incident, while forklift dockside accidents can cost around £150,000 in property damage per incident. Now imagine those numbers with a fresh batch of agency drivers navigating unfamiliar stores and depot layouts — drivers who may have never seen your specific safety protocols or site layout before their first shift.

To keep shelves stocked and customers happy, companies bring in agency drivers. They need to onboard them fast, keep operations safe and efficient, and decide — often in days — who’s up to the job and who’s not.

Even with strong agency partnerships, the shortage of skilled drivers makes this a growing challenge.

• Every poor decision costs money.
• Every missed hazard disrupts the operation.
• Every unprepared driver is a risk you can’t afford.

The reality check

You’ve got 30 agency drivers arriving next Monday. Some are experienced, others are new. A few have never been to your depot, don’t know your store layouts, and haven’t seen your safety expectations.

1. You don’t have time for a full classroom induction.
2. You don’t have time for trial and error.
3. You just need to know — who’s ready and who’s not.

Right now, you’re relying on a generic briefing, maybe a buddy system, and your gut instinct. Sometimes that’s enough. But during peak season, when one incident can cost thousands, it’s not.

What if you could help drivers improve — before they even start the engine?

Using your existing training materials and a short depot video, we create an interactive, mobile-first experience that agency drivers can complete in under 30 minutes. They’ll watch a 360-degree or eye-tracking video of your actual site — and as they go, they’ll tap on real hazards: a pedestrian between trailers, a misplaced pallet, or a tight corner near the bay.

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The system tracks every interaction, scores how well they identify risks, and highlights where they need support. If they miss anything critical, it automatically recommends short follow-up modules — focused, relevant, and easy to complete. But the real benefit?

1. ‍Drivers get familiar with your site before they arrive. They’ll know the layout, the entrance, where to park, and how to approach safely, reducing stress, confusion, and costly mistakes on their first day.‍
2. How long does it take to set up? With your existing materials and a simple depot video, the setup takes about four weeks.‍
3. Do you need special equipment? No. A standard GoPro or similar camera is enough. Want to include eye-tracking footage? You can rent it from us for a week or a month — it’s completely up to you. This isn’t about catching drivers out. It’s about preparing them better — so they perform better, right from day one.

This isn’t about fancy tech — it’s about control

You’re not waiting to see who causes the first incident. You’re proactively identifying who’s ready — and who’s not — before anyone sets foot in a vehicle. It’s fast.It’s scalable. And it’s designed for the real world of peak season logistics, where time is tight and the margin for error is even tighter.

Here’s what you get

1. Clearer decisions about which agency drivers to retain
2. Faster onboarding without compromising safety
3. Fewer near misses and avoidable incidents
4. A digital performance trail linked to each driver — no paperwork chasing
5. Greater confidence heading into your busiest weeks of the year

When you’re spending £10K–£15K a week just keeping vehicles on the road, this isn’t a luxury. It’s a safeguard.

When the pressure’s on, you need more than good intentions

Peak season doesn’t wait for perfect planning. It doesn’t care if your induction is too long, or your safety briefings are too short. It just shows up — fast, chaotic, and unforgiving. And when you’re operating on tight margins, with high volumes and even higher expectations, there’s no room for guesswork. You need a way to make better staffing decisions faster. To spot gaps in awareness before they become safety incidents. To train drivers in a way that respects their time and protects your bottom line.

Because in the end, the question isn’t:
“Did we train them?”
It’s:
“Did it make a difference?”

Ready to see it in action?

Book a 15-minute demo and we’ll show you exactly what your drivers would experience — using your own depot footage, layouts, and the hazards that matter most to your operation.