Setting the Standard: Essential Training for New HIAB and Moffett Drivers in Builders’ Merchant Branches
In the highly competitive builders’ merchant sector, on-time, damage-free deliveries are critical. With just-in-time ordering, restricted site access, and rising customer expectations, drivers are no longer just deliverers, they are frontline ambassadors, safety enablers, and key representatives of your branch operation.
Why Proper Training Pays
Operating a vehicle-mounted crane (HIAB) or truck-mounted forklift (Moffett) carries significant hazards, including overhead obstacles, load instability, ground subsidence, and interactions with site personnel or equipment. Poorly trained operators dramatically increase the risk of accidents, property damage, and delayed deliveries, all of which can affect customer satisfaction and your branch’s reputation.
With the ongoing driver shortage across the UK logistics sector, it is more essential than ever to invest in structured training for employees. Businesses that provide high-quality training are more likely to attract and retain talent, particularly as 84% of employees expect training from their employer, and 41% of employers report new hires leaving within the first 12 weeks when onboarding falls short.
What New Starters Must Be Trained In
To perform safely and efficiently in a merchant delivery context, new HIAB and Moffett drivers should complete a structured training programme that covers the following modules:
A. Regulatory & Standards Knowledge
- Legal duties under the Health & Safety at Work Act, Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER), and Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER)
- Site-specific requirements (traffic management, permits, induction rules)
- Roles and expectations under ALLMI certification (for HIAB) and equivalent standards for Moffett (e.g. ITSSAR or RTITB)
B. Theory of Application & Load Calculation
- Centre of gravity, load charts, boom geometry, and safe lifting envelopes
- Structural stability, tipping risk, and load securement
- Use of attachments (brick grabs, forks, buckets) and safe changeover procedures
- Environmental factors: wind, slope, and ground conditions
C. Pre-Use Inspection and Daily Maintenance
- Checks on mechanics, hydraulics, lubrication, wear, control systems, and safety locks
- Daily walkaround inspections, tyre and underbody checks
- Correct documentation and defect reporting protocols
D. Practical Control & Operations
- Boom manipulation, slewing, and articulation in confined spaces
- Safe outrigger deployment and ground pad strategy
- Load picking and placement during multi-drop deliveries
- Vehicle manoeuvring while carrying a load
- Correct stowing and securing of crane/fork for road transit
E. On-Site Deliveries & Customer Interaction
- Offloading in constrained spaces or site accommodation areas
- Communication with site teams and compliance with banksman instructions
- Professional customer interface and basic problem-solving (e.g. repositioning or load layout adjustments)
F. Refresher, Assessment & Certification
- Structured refresher training every 2–4 years (or sooner following incidents)
- Formal competency assessments under ALLMI or equivalent
- Continuous monitoring and on-the-job evaluation (e.g. trainer accompaniment during early shifts)
A foundational HIAB course might take two days for experienced learners, while complete novices may require additional time. True competence, however, develops through ongoing supervision, mentoring, and repetition.
Phased Roll-Out and Mentorship
An effective new starter rollout should follow a phased approach rather than relying solely on a one-off training course. It typically includes:
- Pre-Start Orientation: Company policies, safety culture, branch layout, and a site tour (around half a day).
- Classroom and Simulation: Theoretical modules covering load charts, regulations, and risk awareness (one day).
- Hands-On Training: Supervised practical sessions focusing on lifting operations and safety controls (one to two days).
- Shadowing and Mentorship: Pairing new drivers with experienced operators to gain confidence through real-world experience.
- Assessment and Feedback: Independent ride-along audits and competency validation before solo operation.
Mentorship underpins this entire process — pairing a new driver with a seasoned operator helps embed safe behaviours, ensure compliance, and build long-term confidence. Organisations that implement mentoring see up to 49% lower early turnover, highlighting its importance in successful onboarding.
Essential Training for New Starters in Merchant Branches: Key Takeaways
Delivering construction materials via HIAB or Moffett is no longer an “add-on” skill. It’s central to a merchant branch’s customer promise, safety record, and operational efficiency. Poorly trained drivers introduce hidden costs through damage claims, downtime, and reputational loss.
By contrast, a systematic, competency-based induction programme protects your assets, enhances customer satisfaction, and helps you recruit and retain the best drivers.
Role of SDR in Enabling Best Practice
As a specialist driver resourcing partner, SDR supports builders’ merchants nationwide in delivering the highest standards of driver training and competence. We vet and deploy HIAB and Moffett-qualified drivers as PAYE employees and offer industry-specific induction programmes tailored to merchant operations.
Book trained, certified, and sector-experienced drivers ready to support your team as needed. Call 02380 989 444 or email info@specialistdrivers.com to find out more.