Public image
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• Why do we bother? Road haulage is treated as a charity. Customers seem to believe that allowing a haulier to deliver their goods for them is reward enough, without having to pay their bills.
Our public image is non-existent; our workforce subdued by poor facilities and overwork. Nowhere else is an employee called on to be company representative, labourer, legal interpreter and perform for 60-plus hours a week.
We know the service we provide as an industry is essential to everyone in Britain. We also know that anyone not involved directly with road transport is unaware of its complexities. Why not embark on a campaign to improve our image, and educate our customers and the public? It worked for British Nuclear Fuels (remember the advertisements).
It could also work for us. A simple series of TV ads or posters, paid for from a voluntary fund, is perhaps all that's needed. It only requires a little effort and determination.
There is another dark cloud on our horizon. The Dip has discovered intermodal trailers. As a haulier, I am horrified at the prospect of handing my trailer over to BR for delivery — the process of coupling, and the time it would take.
Surely a better system is to drive on to the train, as with the French, German and proposed Chunnel systems. It would be quicker and the haulier would retain control of his load and equipment. It would also allow any existing vehicles, including rigids, to use the system.
With both major political parties having a mind to put freight on rail, we must as an industry educate them to our needs.
P B Treble
Coventry.