Compliance risk in logistics is one of the biggest threats to operational stability yet many breaches stem from simple, avoidable mistakes. Whether it’s poor planning, missed checks, or unclear expectations for agency drivers, the consequences can be serious.At Employ Recruitment, we work with clients to reduce compliance risk at every stage from driver vetting and licence checks to shift planning and legal monitoring. Here are ten of the most common pitfalls we see and how to stay clear of them.
10 Mistakes That Put Your Operation at Compliance Risk
1. Failing to Monitor Driver Hours Effectively
Inconsistent monitoring of driving, working and rest hours creates major compliance risk — especially during busy periods.
✅ Avoid it: Our Driver Recruitment Software (DRS) flags legal limits in real time and prevents non-compliant shift planning.
2. Overlooking Licence Checks
Drivers with expired or restricted licences create legal liability — even if the issue is unintentional.
✅ Avoid it: Employ Recruitment conducts live DVLA checks before every placement, giving clients peace of mind.
3. Skipping Proper Induction for Agency Drivers
A lack of site-specific safety briefing is one of the leading causes of early shift incidents and compliance failures.
✅ Avoid it: Deliver short, clear inductions to all drivers — including temps — and ensure key safety rules are understood.
4. Ignoring Infringement Data
If you’re not monitoring infringements or recurring issues, you’re leaving risk unmanaged.
✅ Avoid it: Share trends with your recruitment provider to address root causes before they escalate.
5. Planning Shifts Too Tightly
Overloading your schedule without proper rest breaks increases driver fatigue and legal breaches.
✅ Avoid it: Plan early, avoid stacking shifts, and keep the WTD’s 6-hour break rule front of mind.
6. Assuming All Agencies Are Fully Compliant
If your staffing partner cuts corners, your Operator’s Licence is still on the line.
✅ Avoid it: Choose recruitment agencies that can prove their compliance standards — like Employ Recruitment.
7. Weak Record Keeping
Missing tacho data, vehicle checks or shift logs can lead to fines or enforcement during audits.
✅ Avoid it: Use automated systems or work with partners who provide digital audit trails for every shift.
8. Not Addressing Fatigue or Driver Feedback
When tired drivers stay silent, risk increases. Culture matters.
✅ Avoid it: Empower drivers to report fatigue, issues or unsafe pressure — and support them when they do.
9. Inconsistent Walkaround Checks
Incomplete or skipped vehicle checks compromise safety and legal standing.
✅ Avoid it: Make walkarounds a visible, reinforced step at the start of every shift — no exceptions.
10. Poor Visibility Across Multiple Agencies
Using several providers without central oversight creates blind spots in compliance.
✅ Avoid it: Partner with one trusted agency with strong systems in place — and a record of accountability
Managing Compliance Risk in Logistics Starts with the Right Partnership
Compliance doesn’t happen by accident. It takes the right tools, planning and providers to stay protected — especially when managing a flexible driver workforce.
At Employ Recruitment, we specialise in delivering safe, compliant, and fully traceable driver staffing backed by tech that gives you visibility and control. From licence checks to shift compliance and ongoing insight, we help reduce your exposure to compliance risk in logistics.
Want to improve compliance and reduce risk across your operation? Let’s talk.
