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Ai/AA . • • II
Page 22
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Rikki Chequer, community manager of TruckNet UK. reports on some of the current hot topics at the driver forums.
Perhaps a timely reminder this week with all the glitz and glamour of the CV Show are a couple of topics on the forums about how the transport industry is still a tough game to be in. Drivers from Ramage Distribution reported the company's demise before it became widely known a few lucky ones have been taken on by other haulers to cover Ramage's work, but still face an uncertain future.
There have been rumours on the forums regarding the well-known and respected family-run firm E Pawson & Son. Comments about trouble obtaining fuel etc were posted by concerned drivers a couple of weeks ago. The firm appeared to have made it through a cash-flow crisis when it was announced on the forums that it had called in the administrators. At least one driver only found out about this via the forums.
The Pawson's drivers posting on TruckNet UK seem almost unanimous in support of the management, most stating that they are sad to see the company go, and that if it could find a way out of the problems and start up again they would go back to work for it in a moment.
One owner-driver has posted the pictures of his pride and joy, a smart 'blinged-up Scania. Some users are quite vitriolic, stating that the tassels and lights do not pay the bills, while others are in total support, feeling that spending money makes the truck stand out and look good to the general public.
This seems to be a subject that will rumble on, and both sides of the discussion look as though they will not concede any points to the other.
A word here about how the forums operate. The TruckNet UK forums are an online community of transport professionals. Reed Business Information provides the systems and servers for the community to exist, but it is run and policed by the members of the community itself.
The volunteer staff, all connected with the industry, spend many hours each week checking the content posted to ensure that it stays within guidelines set up by themselves, that it is informative, and that it is enjoyable for all. It is, in effect, self-policing.
And it goes to show that the rumours are incorrect the transport industry can work together for a common end. The huge, vibrant, successful online community on TruckNet UK is the proof,
• To take part in all the discussions on TruckNet UK, visit www.trucknetuk.com registration is free and only takes a moment.