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Reefermen are hot under the collar

19th February 1998
Page 9
Page 9, 19th February 1998 — Reefermen are hot under the collar
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

• Transfrigoroute, the association representing reefer operators, is to draw up a list of grievances about the way supermarkets treat hauliers, and it will present its findings to the worst culprits. At a general meeting last week members cited a number of problems they are experiencing—especially long delays before unloading. One says it is particularly galling to be held up at one store, only to be criticised for being late at the next. Depots operated by Asda and Sornerfield were labelled the worst offenders. Complaints against the retail sector include:

• Depots selling pallets at hauliers' expense; • Disputes over quantities after unloading when drivers cannot check; • Drivers being forced to wait for hours to unload after missing a delivery slot by five minutes—or even when delivering on time; • Retailer claims against hauliers for lost profits as a result of late deliveries—even when goods are subsequently accepted and sold. Transfrigoroute president Tim Wilkins (pictured) called on members to provide estimates of the time and costs of delays over the next six months.

Transfrigoroute will then meet the worst offenders to present their findings: "Everyone has the same problem, from Land's End to John O'Groats," he says. J Joseph Grealy, of Transfrigoroute International's technical committee, told the same meeting that the EC is considering adopting the UN Agreement for Transport of Perishable foodstuffs (ATP).

He warned that such a move would unnecessarily add to running costs, size and environmental impact.

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Organisations: United Nations

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