'Don't chase work without advice'
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• The liquidator of Manchesterbased Haulage Techniques has warned hauliers against chasing Continental business without adequate professional advice.
Haulage Techniques, which was set up in 1989, collapsed last month owing over £250,000 to creditors including 50 other haulage companies.
A spokesman for the liquidator, Leonard Harris and Partners, says the Haulage Techniques' collapse typifies the problems of hauliers desperate to pursue the huge financial rewards which they believe can be earned on the Continent.
"For the unwary, it is a minefield," warns the company.
"Debt collection is very diffi cult as foreign customers take much longer than the usual 60 days to pay.
"Hauliers should first contact the Export Credit Guarantee Department for government financial support.
"They should also ask their local chamber of commerce to provide information on export and import documentation and other advice."
Haulage Techniques was based in Burscough, Lancs. In January last year it expanded into continental haulage. Eight months later it ran into debt collection problems.
Haulage Techniques was finally forced out of business when several customers went into liquidation owing it large sums of money.