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UTE takes on giants
Page 6
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• A European hauliers' cooperative which will champion small-to medium-sized haulage companys' interests in the single European market is on the lookout for UK members.
The union of European hauliers (UTE) aims to create "an EC-wide network of independent hauliers, capable of competing with the bigger international groups". Set up in May last year, UTE now represents 14 French transport companies, including TGF and Multi-Transports, with a total of 1,700 employees. Membership will rise to 22 companies, with Dutch and Italian representatives, by April. UTE is keen to sign up UK firms by the summer.
According to founder and president Bernard Jamon, the purpose of UTE is to provide its members with opportunities and services that small corn panies on their own could not generate. Potential members will be screened for good reputation and sound financial standing thus aiming to give members the backing of a reliable organisation.
A major concern of UTE is lobbying for the harmonisation of operating conditions. The group intends to submit proposals to Brussels based on its members' needs and to take part in EC studies.
Other schemes include the launch of a freight bank this spring/summer, which will give members contacts for return and cabotage loads, as well as allowing members to subcontract to other member companies if needed, offering a guaranteed standard of service. LI urE contact: Christine Guillon, 57 Rue de Lancry, 75010 Paris. Tel: (010 33 1) 42 49 34 84.