by Frank Woodward
Page 61
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Go international!
DOOR to door deliveries by road can now be made to anywhere in Europe, as well as to many other countries in the Middle East and North Africa, with the roll on/roll off facilities at the major ports in the UK and the Continent, the movement of full loads between all European countries has been made very easy.
For the own-account operator with customers and suppliers in Europe, and for hauliers providing distribution services to industry, it allows direct, driver-accompanied movements with the minimum of handling and under secure conditions.
The own-account operator with a restricted 0-licence needs no additional licences. He can deliver his company's product or carry supplies intended for his own company's use.
Operators holding the standard 0-licence cannot, however, operate internationally — a standard international 0licence (green disc) is needed with the additional requirement of the owner having, or employing a manager who has, a Certificate of Professional Competence (International).
Operating within the EEC. Customs Notices Nos 750, 750A and 751 give full details of the procedures to comply with the requirements of Community transit documentation. It is essential that the correct Transit form (T Form) is used for each journey.
Although freedom of movement is said to exist across and within the EEC Member States, delays at frontier crossings still occur if the correct documentation is not available. Some countries require deposits or guarantees, and when international journeys are made, it is recommended that the driver is supplied with Community Transit Guarantee Vouchers which remove the need for deposits when crossing EEC State borders. The cost of a voucher is £3.75 and these are available from the RHA or the ETA, both associations being approved guarantors.
Permits to operate. A general quota of permits is made available for transport operators to move goods across Community borders — each Member State limits the allocation available. Within the UK, a central office has been established to issue these permits, and application should be made to: International Road Freight Office (IRFO), Westgate House, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 11W.
Operators with regular schedules can apply for a period permit which allows an unlimited number of trips within the stated period — this costs £95 per year. A single trip permit costs £2.50. Permits are also available for a prescribed number of trips — these cost V .50 per trip.
There are many variations and regulations around the issue of international permits as well as a number of exemptions from the need to have a permit.
Operators who are planning international movements within or across the EEC Member States are recommended to request full details of the requirements necessary from the IRFO at Newcastle. . . it is important to apply early in order to ensure that all the required documents can be completed in time for the movement to take place.
One important exemption from the need to have a permit is for trips to EEC countries using roIro, and where "the trip" is within a 25km radius of the ferry terminals. This means that the starting point of the vehicle carrying the goods must be within 25km of the port of departure, and the end of the journey is no farther than 25km from the port of arrival.
Collecting and delivering goods in the same country by a foreign-registered vehicle is prohibited in all countries — the term used is cabotage.
The International Road Haulage Permits Act 1975. With the opening up of more mfr.° facilities and the increase in the movement of goods by road to the EEC Member States, the permits available in the early seventies were subject to a strict and limited allocation. This produced a market for forgeries. The 1975 Act introduced legislation to stop these forgeries and the misuse of permits. A conviction now carries a penalty of up to two years' imprisonment.
It is also an offence to use a goods vehicle for hire and reward or for journeys from the UK to, or in transit through, Austria, France, Italy or West Germany unless a permit has been issued.
Own-account operators do not require a permit, but must carry a document showing the purpose of the journey. These documents are available from the Freight Transport Association.
Helping the driver. There are many ways that help can be • given to the driver of an international journey, all of which will ensure that the goods are delivered with the minimum of delay, and the driver and vehicle are able to complete the trip with the minimum of problems. They include: • Fuel. The EuroShell service scheme provides a refuelling and lubrication service in all the European countries. No payments are made by the driver, the invoice when received can be paid in UK currency.
• Breakdown services. AMI-1 International 'Breakdown Service covers an extensive assistance service network in over 20 countries and is available to all drivers in possession of an AMI credit card. This service is aimed at helping the drivers of goods vehicles if stranded overseas and will guarantee the paym of expenses incurred for any service supplied. The AMI cr cards are available from the at a cost of E7 each.
• DKV Europa Service. On the most comprehensive cre cards for international journi available from DKV, a GermE company with branches inn' European countries. The address in the UK is: DKV Europa Service (UK) Ltd, Gainsford House, 115 Statioi Road, West Wickham, Kent E OPX.
This card can be used to obtain fuel oil, servicing and repairs, vehicle recovery, fer crossings, custom clearance services, tunnel fees and ma other services in countries a: away as Cyprus in the south Norway to the north. With th card comes a full directory o services available in each country. UK operators are at to pay all the accounts in sterling.
• Medical aid card. No responsible operator would allow a driver to take a vehic out of the UK without provid for assistance in case the dri. was taken ill or was injured ii accident. Transmed is a mec insurance cover available foi drivers engaged on internati journeys. It provides a 24-ho protection and emergency service not only in Europe, b the Middle East and Africa.
Always plan the trip and ensure that your documenta is in order and that all the necessary permits are carrie the driver.
Prepare a simple set of common phrases translated the language of the countrie through which drivers will pi Do not forget to provide al assistance available in case problems arising on the trip always provide medical insurance for the driver and other crew members. Remember, the problems wi always arise on that trip whe the "insurance cover" is forgotten.