The New Association for Road *Hauliers
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_Confined Entirely to Road Hauliers of Goadsfor Hire or Reward, and Democratically Constituted so That it Shall Operate for the Benefit of Al! and Not for the Few -THE new Association for bauliers, to I which reference has recently been made in our columns, has now reached the stage of having form and substance. We can therefore briefly out-' line its aims, constitution and policy. It is, in the first place, essential to emphasize that this new body is simply and solely an organization of hauliers. None but those who carry goods by road for hire or reward is acceptable as a member.
It has but one object: to take care of the interests of haulage contractors, particular regard being had to the fact that the average number of vehicles owned by operators in this country is less than three. In other words, it recognizes that the bulk of hauliers are what is called small operators and its policy is shaped accordingly. More than that; th4 constitution of the Association is such that it must be formed of hauliers who themselves must take a direct share in the cohtrol and management.
It is believed to be the most democratic trade association ever conceived in this country.
How It Differs From Others
The fundamental difference betweenthis and other associations is that this is formed by the rank and file of the industry who remain always in control. It is made impossible for the management ever to be vested in the hands of a few.
Each member, on acceptance, is required to form a "group," or become a member of a group. Assistance and guidance fo that end or in the formation of new groups will be given. A chairman is elected by eacl'. group and a group with its chairman is the unit of the Association. A number of groups is linked together to form a " district." The chairmen of the groups in a district form the committee for the district. Each district elects its chairman. The districts in each Traffic Area combine, forming a " region." The chairmen of districts, • in like manner to the case of the groups, become the committee for the region. Each regional committee elects three of its number to the council of the Association. One-third of the mem tiers of the council retires each year, and the retiring Members may not be re-elected for a period of three years.
This is a new feature in association constitution. It provides positively against the control of the Association becoming vested in what is called " The Old Gang." As a further precaution there is no provision in the constitution for members of council to be co-opted. Another advantage is that a much larger number of members is enabled to take a share in the control. That must maintain interest in the work of the Association and go a long way towards eliminating apathy.
Co-operative Groups Apathy is, moreover, eliminated by the character of the groups. Each of these, which must' have five or more members, has as its principal purpose the sharing of traffic, the handing out of surplus traffics from one member of the group to another who is short. In times when traffic is scarce it is expected that what there is will be shared proportionately within the group, so removing the incentive to rate-cutting.
The idea of grouping is not new. There are many groups in the country. some of them formal, most of them informal. In practice it has been found that working in groups diminishes distrust and jealousy, and stabilizes rates at an economic level. Members of groups meet frequently and, since business is the purpose, all meetings are well attended.
Most groups will be local in character and each should comprise large and small operators together. In some cases, where the nature of the traffic demands, groups may be functional.
No hard-and-fast rules are to be laid down for the formation of groups, it .being considered that the hauliers in each locality, knowing their own particular problems, will wish to deal with
them in their own way. Each group will be self-contained 'and deal with its own finances.
The council of the Association will not interfere with the working of groups, but will give 'advice and assistance when requested. The business of the council will be to keep all the members advised of developments affecting them. Above all, it is to fight for the interests of road hauliers, putting their case before Government. Departments and .protecting them in every possible way. -To do that effectively it must be able to state, without possibility of being questioned, that it represents road hauliers and no other interests and that it represents them because its membership comprises nearly all the hauliers in the kingdom.
Events are moving quickly and they are moving against the haulier. Prompt action is essential. A minimum membership of 20,000 within six months is absolutely 'necessary, and this should rise to 40,000 in a year.
Of, By and For the Industry
It is firmly intended that this Association shall be of the industry, by the industrk and for the industry. There is therefore an obligation for all operators to see that their neighbours and friends in the industry register with the organization. All must be prepared to put forth some effort, so that the grave possibility of total extinction of the industry may be fought.
Specific provision is to be made to ensure that this new organization shall be entirely open in its dealings. It will at no time be a party to secret negotiations of any kind or description. Full publicity will be given to all its actions.
Those hauliers who are in accord with such a policy should join now, and have their problems handled at once, and effectively. The subscription is only one pound per annurn,, irrespective of the number of vehicles owned, and there is no entrance fee.
Applications from intending members, or requests for further information should be addressed cio H. Scott ' M.I.A.E., M.I.T.A., 5, Tudor Chambers, Station Road, London, N.22.