Notes on the Government Road Haulage Scheme
Page 18
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THE CHARTERED FLEET. The first vehicles to be called up for the chartered fleet began operations on Monday, March 2. Each lorry was wearing the red ensign of the fleet—a placard with the crown and the words " Ministry of War Transport Chartered Vehicle." The number of vehicles operated on this, the first calling-up day, was between 50 and 60. From this modest beginning, however, the fleet will be steadily built up, as required, and may eventually reach an establishment strength of 2,500 vehicles. These vehicles are, of course, additionalito the 1,600 vehicles already taken over from the Meat Transport Pool. Offers of siTehicles are still coming in. The number of vehicles already offered totals over 2,000, of which about 1,300 have been found suitable. This is considered a reasonably good start and encourages the hope that offers for the other half will soon be forthcoming.
PORT POOLS ABSORBED. The port pools at Bristol, Glasgow, Hull, Liverpool and Manchester have been absorbed in the Government Scheme. These pools were created in response to the call for the more rapid clearance of goods from the ports, and they have fulfilled their purpose admirably. Members will now have an opportunity of continuing their good work by joining the National Pool and offering suitable vehicles for the chartered fleet. Continuity of service is also assured by the fact that in most cases the pool managers and their staffs are undertaking similar duties in the new area organizations.
DEFENCE LINES. Some hauliers have raised the question as to whether an operator who has registered with the Hauliers' National Traffic Pool can offer his vehicles for the ." Defence Lines." The answer is emphatically " Yes," and the same reply can be given to operators who have vehicles .earmarked for a particular purpose. Misunderstandings on this point may account for
the fact that the response to the Government's invitation is at present inadequate. If so, the Ministry hopes there will now be a rush of offers. The possibility of grave emergencies arising at any moment cannot be ruled out, and the Minister knows he can rely on hauliers if and when such times come, but he wants your efforts now. Let it never be said of hauliers that their response was "too little and too late."
HAULIERS' NATIONAL TRAFFIC POOL, Good news comes from the Hauliers' National Traffic Pool. Over 1,300 firms have intimated that they are participating in the Pool, and further registrations are still coming in. There is, of course, no limit to the number of registrations which can be accepted. Already 125 firms have applied for appointment as sub-agents. In this connection, firms are reminded of the terms governing the appointment of sub-agents, as set out, in Document RH/D/32.
APPLICATION FORMS. Carriers and others are again reminded that application forms to join the chartered fleet, the Hauliers' National Traffic Pool and the Defence Lines are _available at all sub-district managers' offices.