Hauliers left in the lurch in North-East
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• Hauliers in the North-East are Finding themselves penniless after signing a contract which offered a steady stream of work in return for loyalty to one distribution firm.
Bad rates, or simply a lack of work, are among the most common complaints from ownerdrivers who committed themselves to Redland Distributions Independent Contract Haulier (ICH) scheme.
The hauliers, mainly based at Rediand's Thrislington, Co Durham depot, claim they have pushed for a meeting with Redland managers to discuss the problems but have so far had no response.
The company persistently refused to comment to Commercia Motor when questioned about the dispute.
In particular, it refused to clear up confusion over whether the hauliers are allowed to drive for other firms once the Redland work dries up.
One haulier CMspoke to was told not to work for other companies as this would be a breach of contract. But another said he had carried out other haulage and had not been reprimanded.
Even when the work is there, some hauliers claim they err being paid as little as £250 for a 460-mile round trip working out of a quarry in South Wales. Further fears surround this contract as hauliers claim the quarry work is going out to tender later in the year.
Most ICHs have signed up to a lease-purchase agreement for their trucks with Redland Leasing. In these cases the payments for the vehicles are subtracted from any earnings received under the . ICH contract, If the earnings cannot cover these payments the financial burden is even greater.