Truckers defy Gulf risk
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• British T1R truckers are defying Government advice by making the potentially hazardous trip to the Gulf.
Maidstone-based Astrans has 15 subcontracted drivers en route to the war zone this week, carrying everything from consumer goods to oil engineering equipment. "The truck is the most flexible means of transport there at the moment," says Astrans` Uwe Moog. As long as the route is clear and drivers are happy to go, we'll go."
Other hauliers are preparing to leave this weekend. Chester-based owner-driver John Price says that he is "not too worried" about leaving for Doha on 28 January. Price came back from his previous Gulf trip on 2 January. He would like an extra £300 on top of his usual £6,000 rate — but only to cover increased fuel and living costs.
Astrans stresses that none of its drivers are being pressurised into making the trip. "Four or five of my regulars said they just wanted to go as far as Turkey and I respect that," says Ploog.
He had just been in touch with three of his subcontrac
tors in Qatar when CM contacted him. Fortunately they had an uneventful trip, but Saudi officials had tried to dissuade them from continuing their journey at the border.
All of Astrans` trucks travel in pairs or threes, and drivers relay information back to the UK as they go along.
Essex-based operator Ian Snodgrass had to abandon one of his two trucks in Baghdad at the start of hostilities and does not expect to see it again. His driver was held hostage after arriving in Iraq on the day of the Kuwait invasion; now Snodgrass will not send his truck further than Turkey.
The Foreign Office and Freight Transport Association warn that vehicle or goods in transit insurance do not cover war damage, and that carnets de passages, even for Turkey, are no longer available as insurance indemnity.
Transit drivers should contact local embassies or commissions if they find themselves in danger; the Foreign Office's emergency unit is on 071-839 5656.