Ferry company P&O Ferries has announced the launch of a number of new driver initiatives . The company says that it recognises the challenges that freight drivers have faced in recent months, and wants to further support their well-being as well as raising awareness of the valuable contribution they make to the economy.
So that drivers feel fresh and refuelled after their crossing, P&O is offering free food, discounts in onboard shops, and cabin upgrades.
Free Food February
Earlier this month, P&O Ferries launched “Free Food February” for freight drivers travelling between Dover and Calais. This means that all drivers sailing between designated times can enjoy a complimentary meal. The company says that the menu has been “specifically designed to be filling and hearty”.
Up to two freight drivers per vehicle can claim a complimentary meal between midnight and 8am, Monday to Friday by presenting their boarding pass. The offer is also available on all weekend sailings, beginning midnight Friday to 8am Monday morning.
Free Cabin Upgrade
On the North Sea, P&O Ferries is offering a free Club Cabin upgrade for freight drivers. The company has also arranged for refreshments to be brought directly to the drivers cabin. This measure is designed to help with COVID-19 social distancing.
Discount on Onboard Shopping
Freight drivers also qualify for 10% discount in all of P&O’s “World Duty Free” shops. The shops already offer discounts of up to 50% versus the high street, following the reintroduction of duty free earlier this year.
New Push to Support Freight Drivers
P&O says that these initiatives “are part of a new push by the company to support freight drivers and raise awareness of their indispensable contribution to society and the global economy”.
The company states that it has established an internal team tasked with investigating what further changes can be made to support the welfare of freight drivers to ensure they get the rest and relaxation they need while onboard a P&O crossing.
Peter Hebblethwaite, Managing Director RoPax Ferry Services, said:
“The wellbeing of our passengers is our highest priority and I am delighted to be able to announce that we are taking these special measures to support freight drivers during these challenging times. Road haulage is the lifeblood of the global economy and the dedication and hard work of freight drivers ensures supply chains remain intact and keeps food on the shelves.
“To make this month easier for freight drivers, we have rolled out a great many changes to maximise their wellbeing, so they can carry on moving our customers’ vital goods, including food, vaccines and medical supplies. We are always working hard to improve our services and these changes signify a new focus of P&O Ferries: to support the people who do so much in keeping our business and the wider economy alive.”
About P&O
P&O is a leading pan-European ferry and logistics group at the heart of the Europe’s economy and a part of DP World, the leading provider of smart logistics solutions and enabler of the flow of trade across the globe.
P&O Ferries is a major provider of freight transport and passenger travel services, sailing on eight major routes between Britain, France, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Holland and Belgium. Its logistics business,
P&O Ferrymasters, operates integrated road and rail links to countries across the continent including Italy, Poland, Germany, Spain and Romania, and facilitates the onward movement of goods to Europe from Asian countries via the Silk Road.
