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TRAVEL TROUBLE
Page 68
Page 69
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• There is a serious shortage of information for hauliers on what to do in an emergency while working abroad — if your load gets stolen, your vehicle breaks down or you get on the wrong side of the local police. Even the Department of Transport admits: "We do not issue any guidelines. We tend to advise people to see the British Embassy or Consul."
The best advice for an operator about to embark on a European trip is — prepare your journey. Although this cannot prevent the worst from happening, it will save your firm time and money.
First, it is important to be familiar with all the documentation needed for the trip (CM 25-31 May). Commercial Motor legal columnist Colin Ward says all too often hauliers find themselves in trouble because they did not check all the paperwork before leaving Britain. If you are carrying food or chemicals, make sure you comply with each country's individual legislation. And take note of each country's requirements. For example, dipped headlights are compulsory when driving through tunnels in Italy; and in Greece all vehicles must carry a warning triangle, first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher. Other countries also demand that each vehicle over 3.5 tonnes or with more than nine seats must carry an extra set of bulbs.
Also, check each country's speed limit: they do vary. Ward says speeding is the most common offence committed by British drivers while driving on the Continent.
Every transport firm must also take out a full insurance policy for the trip, as this can be a life saver in a tricky situation. This can include vehicle and driver cover, medical cover, accident cover and even provide the money if a driver needs to be bailed out of jail.
The vehicle must also be in a roadworthy condition. "Far too many people get stopped by police for defective lights when this could so easily be rectified," says Linda Palmer of the Road Haulage Association's Insurance Services.
This advice is echoed by Carol Headington, director of Poole-based haulage firm PC Horridge. She says: "It is very very expensive to call out private breakdown firms on the Continent. Therefore regular maintenance is essential. Each truck should have a full service every four to si; weeks and if a unit is more than five year: old, a firm should think twice before send. ing it out of the country."
Finally, before leaving the depot, make sure the driver knows his route, because some countries do not allow goods vehicles to travel at weekends or during Bank Holidays.
So what should a driver do if he does get into difficulties while abroad? An inter national haulier should either have an agreement with its truck manufacturer which will allow the nearest dealer to supply it with the required parts, or a breakdown policy. Truck recovery organisation Octagon is currently considering extending its European services. It hopes to open a second office in Germany by th( end of the year and is also looking at site in Italy and Spain. The International Road Transport Union and German fuel card company DKV also provide European breakdown services.
Operators should also look at a DIY breakdown service. Barry Hammond, general manager of haulier HJ Cutler says "In the past we have had a vehicle break down just outside Paris. We put the parts in a car, along with a fitter, and drove to France. This was cheaper by several hundred pounds than using a local dealer."
If a vehicle or load is stolen, the driver must contact the company back in Britain and the local police immediately. The company will inform the insurance company and the owner of the cargo. If the trailer is rented, the firm must report the theft to the rental company. The driver must also contact customs because if the load has no custom clearance, the firm could be liable to pay custom charges. "It is important for the driver to get some sort of written confirmation of the vehicle/load theft, which may be needed in the insurance claim," says the Freight Transport Association's international and customs procedures manager Dave Green.
If you are involved in an accident abroad, it is essential to remember that each European country follows a different procedure. However, it is always important to contact both the firm back home and the local police. If it is a serious accident or someone is injured, contact the nearest British Embassy or Consul. They can lend you money, appoint an interpreter, and find someone who understands the local legal proceedings. The British firm can also contact their legal representative in the UK who
U17.3 should be able to find a lawyer in
Europe to deal with the case.
Green advises drivers not to say anything to the police they might regret — just basic information about the accident, vehicle, and themselves.
However, it is important to remember I that in some countries such as France it is a criminal offence not to talk!
It is also a good idea for drivers to carry some currency abroad as they could be asked to pay an onthe-spot fine for an offence.
"Never carry too much money, otherwise you make yourself a target. Just ensure you can get cash along the line of the route," says Green.
The important thing to remember in the case of any emergency is "Don't Panic," says Rob McIlugh of Owner Operators UK. Most problems can be avoided if UK firms plan what they would do in an emergency. Look at insurance policies and consider setting up a network of European agents or lawyers who could help in an emergency. There are also several publications produced by various trade associations and the Department of Transport. One of the most useful is "A guide to taking your lorty abroad", produced by the International Road Freight Office. This lists all the documents needed in Europe, each country's truck regulations and a list of most European embassies. LI by Tanya Cordrey