UK hauliers in Euro intermodal initiative
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• Several UK hauliers are to become partners in a European intermodal venture with the Road Haulage Association, Railfreight and French Railways.
The company, Combined Transport, will be launched in September and be operational ahead of the Channel Tunnel opening in May 1993.
Transport Secretary Malcolm Rifkind, unveiling the initiative, said it was designed to encourage more freight on to the railways. "We have had over 100 enquiries from companies interested in Section 8 grants since they were increased," he said.
But the Transport Secretary was not prepared to commit money to help hauliers with capi tal equipment. Both the RHA and the FTA have called for assistance so hauliers can invest in items such as swap bodies.
Initially 18 transport operators will take shares in Combined Transport. These are believed to include Wincanton, United Transport, TDG, P&O Ferrymasters, Hoyer, Danzas, Merzario UK, Cavewood, Archfield Shipping, Exel Logistics and JG Russell.
British Rail says a further 18 are interested, but cannot be included at present.
The RHA believes its combined shareholding with the transport operators will be up to 40% — the rest will be held by the other partners.