IRHA launches
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lorry co-op
A NATIONAL freight agency has been launched by the Irish Road Haulage Association which it says will bring dramatic benefits to transport users and reduce empty running for its own members.
Called the Irish Road Haulage Co-Operative Society, the agency was launched at the association's annual conference in Kilkenny to market the services of its members and use its power for bulk purchasing.
At least 150 companies are expected to apply for the minimum 1£1,000 shareholding in the cooperative before shares issue closes this month. The benefits for the transport user, according to IRHA national organiser Seamus Cleere, is a total transport package on a single invoice.
Cynics in the industry have always dismissed the idea of a transport co-operative as impractical but Mr Cleere points out that a strict code of discipline will deal with any malpractice. Apart from general rules setting out the legal basis of the society, a code of conduct will ensure that each member gets a fair share of the work as it becomes available.
The co-operative will negotiate the rates and under-cutting will be dealt with severely.