‘It’s about being proactive,’ says SunSkips transport manager

A great skip hire experience should be simple: the skip arrives when the customer wants and is collected once the clearout is complete.

But in reality, there’s so much more happening behind the scenes at SunSkips to make sure Suffolk and Cambridgeshire customers get their skips on time.

And the man behind the smooth running of the company’s fleet of vehicles says “being proactive” is the key to the waste management firm’s reputation for punctuality and great customer service.

Check, check and check again

Joe Neill, who started his career driving lorries, transitioned into the role of group transport manager at SunSkips last year.

His job requires him to be one of the first managers on site so that nothing escapes his attention.

“I get in between 6am and 7am,” says Joe. “I make sure the drivers are all at the site. If a driver hasn’t arrived, I need to check if they’re sick in case something has happened to them on the way into work.”

Describing his typical day, Joe emphasises the ability to think on your feet as the driving force for success.

“Most of my day is about solving problems,” he says.

From punctures to hydraulic pipe bursts, Joe’s role involves orchestrating breakdown services and managing the aftermath of vehicles being out of action.

MORE: SunSkips handles traffic complaint, then meets famous owner

The day starts with the first of two thorough vehicle checks.

“Vehicles need to leave the yard in MOT condition. If the drivers report anything, we’ll repair what we can in-house, assuming we have the parts, or else I’ll have to organise a mechanic.”

Joe’s role demands a unique set of skills and a deep understanding of the industry to inform his decision making.

“It’s about being proactive. Problems are inevitable and when they happen, you need to be ready with solutions.”

With a fleet of roadworthy lorries at his command, Joe is ready to send them out to fulfil all the orders. And fortunately, he’s got some handy tech to make sure everyone knows where they’re going.

Tech built for waste management

Photo credit: VWS

With lorries coming and going for multiple sites across East Anglia, keeping on top of it all requires the right digital tools.

“The PurGo system we use is pretty good,” explains Joe. “You just put the jobs in the time slots and the driver gets their schedule for the day sent to their tablet.”

PurGo combines a CRM (customer relationship manager), route planner, and most importantly for Joe, features live tracking and updates so he can make adjustments on the fly. Joe praises the tool’s effectiveness for scheduling the drivers.

“It was built by individuals that understand the waste management industry, so it’s really optimal for what we do at SunSkips.”

Joe also uses FleetCheck to keep an eye on the lorries and make sure they’re getting the care and attention they deserve.

“FleetCheck works really well for us,” Joe enthuses. “I have access to everything I need: MOTs, LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998), brake tests, driver checks…”

But despite having all of SunSkips’ transport data at his fingertips, Joe still likes to keep records the old-fashioned way.

“I like to keep spreadsheets as a backup,” he admits. “Just in case.”

MORE: How technology is making waste management safe and efficient

While technology is an important part of keeping everything on schedule, Joe says it’s the people on his team that really set SunSkips apart as a leader in local skip hire.

Behind the wheel

A company like SunSkips is only as good as the people that work there, something Joe understands only too well.

To get behind the wheel of a lorry, drivers have their work cut out for them to be compliant with strict industry regulations.

“I really feel for the drivers,” admits Joe. “They need a CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) every five years, which means 35 hours of training in a classroom.

“And they’ve got a lot on their shoulders. It’s the driver’s responsibility to make sure the load is safe. If something falls off the skip, that’s down to the driver’s decision to take it.”

If a customer goes over the maximum fill height on the container, drivers are required to report it to the office and shouldn’t attempt to take it.

“If they were to be pulled over by DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency), they’d likely take them to one of their sites, check the lorry over, and if they find a problem, they can issue a prohibition.”

On top of the twice daily checks and highly trained team, Joe is also keen to evaluate the latest vehicles to optimise the fleet.

Maximum efficiency

At the heart of Joe’s operation are the lorries themselves. The company currently operates with DAF and Volvo vehicles, but Joe is always interested in test driving potential additions.

“Right now, we are demoing artic lorries,” reveals the self-confessed “truck geek” with a smile.

“We’re always keen to see what new models and manufacturers can do for our efficiency. We run the numbers to see how many miles they’ve covered, what the fuel return is…”

SunSkips recently added four new Volvo FL 250 4X2 Rigid 18-tonne skip loaders to the fleet.

“Upgrading the fleet and decommissioning less efficient vehicles is a testament to SunSkip’s commitment to sustainability and keeping everyone safe,” says Joe proudly.

“SunSkips isn’t trying to be the cheapest skip hire company in East Anglia, but we do believe we offer the best value for money because we invest in the best vehicles and site equipment

“For customers who care about using a safe and compliant waste management firm, we’re definitely going to tick all those boxes.”

MORE: Latest fleet upgrade rolls into SunSkips’ Ipswich site

While Joe has tested some modern electric lorries, it’s advances in hydrogen that really gets his motor running.

“Hydrogen looks like a really promising alternative. Not just for HGVs, but for plant machinery too.”

And sustainability isn’t just a box-tick for Joe. The father-of-two is keen to leave a better world for his children’s generation.

Family man

Joe has been involved with lorries all his life.

The 32-year-old wasn’t drawn to academic topics at school and instead found his calling outside of the classroom

“It’s what I know,” says Joe. “I wasn’t very good at school. I didn’t leave with any qualifications. Everything I learned that’s been worth knowing, I learned outside of school.

“I started as a driver, but once I got to grips with that, I wanted to take the next step.”

As SunSkips’ resident specialist in fleet coordination and vehicle compliance, Joe needs to draw on his years of experience to get the job done. He cites “attention to detail, problem solving skills, and people management” as the core qualities in a good transport manager.

When he’s not directing skip lorries around East Anglia, Joe spends his spare time with his wife, Samantha, and two children.

His dedication to his family serves as a powerful motivator, driving him to excel in his career and provide a stable and happy future for his loved ones.

“It’s all about family, for me. Our children are still young, so everything I do is for them.”

The SunSkips team is committed to investing in the most efficient, sustainable and safe transportation possible to serve our customers and is proud of Joe and our drivers for making it happen every day.