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Our transport workers have much to learn from Continental cousins
Page 24
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NOW THAT ANOTHER Christmas is over, perhaps we should reflect on just how everybody was able to have such a good time and on the unrecognised effort made by the majority of commercial transport workers.
On a recent trip to Spain we came away from Almeria slightly bemused. Having arrived at our first loading point just before midnight, we were met by a watchman who declared that as the paperwork was ready and he had nothing else to do he would load our 16 pallets of tomatoes.
Shortly afterwards at our second loading point the watchman apologised that the paperwork was not ready so we would have to wait until morning. However, he allowed us to park on the loading bay and showed us toilet and washing facilities which were immaculately clean.
When I went in search of the loader the next morning he shook my hand and asked if he could put the balance of 10 pallets on our trailer and then we could go when we were ready. He was puzzled when Tasked him if he wanted our truck keys and wondered why we were trusted with an asset worth around £100,000 but not with the common sense to keep the truck on the loading bay while loading. Both places were modern, clean and well lit — with not a daffodil-coloured jacket in sight!
On the way down south we resisted the temptation to go on the toll road around Madrid as we were unsure if there was a twinning with Birmingham, so we joined in the vehicular comedancing on the busy ring road. However, on the way north we were less hesitant and decided we probably had enough in petty cash.
Our concern was unfounded because it cost us just €3.30 (E2.20) — and apart from the toll areas we were not off the limiter. Like the motorway around Pamplona, we suspect that the toll road is cheaper for trucks to use than cars.
Even if you get stressed there are many garages with rest areas and working men's clubs in which to rest and recuperate.
On return to the UK we thought that if a popular Scandinavian beer brand did transport management,it wouldn't be here. Perhaps those responsible for transport should take a visit abroad to some of the place we go, to see how far behind our EU partners we are falling.
John Vincent Penfro Peche Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire