AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

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26th September 1941
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

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ROAD-HAULAGE PRESENTATION

THE expression that the onlooker sees most of the game is undoubtedly true, and this certainly applies in my own particular case. As an observer it is my desire to paint a clear and authentic picture of the road-transport industry and its representative bodies. In this series of articles I have tried throughout to write fearlessly and without favour, for I am conscious that the average member has little knowledge of what goes on behind the scenes.

Admittedly, the association journals transmit news items of general interest, such as new regulations and orders, etc., but little information is circulated regarding details of control and administration. If ray information be correct, thp affairs of one national body have been almost entirely controlled by a small committee since the outbreak of war, with but infrequent and irregular meetings of its national council. Whether the reason for this be an antipathy to convening meetings on the part of the officers concerned, or whether it be occasioned by feelings of apprehension, I cannot say—possibly the cause is a mixture of both. Whatever may or may not be the reason, it is clear. that the membership should not be denied its constitutional rights. This is a matter

of paramount importance. ...

Control of Policy Should

Be More General Information desired by any member in respect of the administration of the affairs of his particular association should be supplied without hesitation or qualiffcation. There would appear to be too great a...tendency for the chosen few to impose their will. This may not always be in the best interests of the membership. Moreover, this. is a form of government which invites criticism and, is in no wise commendable. It invests the "inner circle" with inordinate powers regarding control and administration. In such instances only matters of major importance , are referred to the national council, as, for example, the Standing Joint Committee's scheme. .

Suspicion and apprehension will be eliminated only when members can be assured of receiving regular periodical reports regarding association work and activities, with special reference to domestic matters. Leaders must be amenable to criticism, which, in fact, is the members' prerogative. The average member does not ask a great deal and when he is dissatisfied and complains there are usually genuine grounds for his. dissatisfaction. Those in authority are inclined to resent criticism and to regard it in the light of personal attack. Dogmatism should be replaced by receptivity. The statement that "an association belongs to its members" is often made at association propaganda meetings—a pious expression not always carried out in practice.

There a-re Too Many Cooks Spoiling the Broth

Upon many occasions the position of the two major associations has been the source of heated discussions and arguments—in fact, in one form or another such dissension is always in evidence, and even the most friendly disposed persons must admit that this state of affairs is unsatisfactory. It would be most interesting to know the opinion of the Ministry of War Transport on the subject and whether its attitude is one of indifference or that of an amused spectator. Probably the latter, for there is no lack of material for the causing dl amusement; the position, in effect, would be comedy savouring of the Gilbertian were it not so serious in . _aspect. Moreover, it is very obvious that the dissentient note provides ample Opportunity to the Ministry for the playing off of one association against the other. Particularly is this the ease when definite decisions must be pached. I often wonder as to the extent to which the

industry has suffered on this account and visualize the tremendous strength which the professional hauliers would gain from being united in one solid block. Indeed, their position would be almost unassailable, as they would have the backing of strength, power and influence to a degree which can never be achieved so long as there prevails a divided front. Unification would put an end to the policy Of pitting . one association against another and would force Ministerial recognition of this as the only negotiating body. I am confident that I am correct in asserting that the need for some such development reflects the considered opinion of the majority of haulage contractors. What steps should be taken to achieve this end?

Previous Efforts at Road-transport Unification It will be recalled that some few years ago efforts were made to unite the C.M.U.A. and the R.H.A. (as it then was styled), which later became known as the present A.R.O. At one stage of the negotiations success appeared assured, but for reasons which already are well known the proposals terminated in a complete collapse. From time to time rumours have intimated that feelers were being put out in an effort to probe the possibilities of reopening conversations, but these, I understand,. have so far met with but little success. If I were questioned as to ray personal opinion regarding the possibility of any fusion of the C.M.U.A. and the A.R.O. into one body, J. should be inclined to predict against the likelihood of any such eventuality. This view is based upon my knowledge of past history and my opinion regarding present-day circumstances.

Let us examine the history and development of the two associations which are concerned. The C.M.U.A. has been in existence for many years—some 30-odd I believe. During the greater part of that time it stood alone as the sole national road-transport organization. No one can deny its record of useful work and achievement. The Association enjoys the lustre of royal patronage and, through it arrangement with the R.A.C., members materially participate in .the services and, amenities of that club. It must be remembered, how'ever, that the C.M.U.A. has, in the past, been concerned chiefly, with the ancillary users, from whom, at one time, the subscription income was mainly derived. During those years little attention was paid to the professional haulier; however, with the advent of the Road and Rail Traffic Act of 1933 the claims of the haulage contractor developed a significance which could not be disregarded.

Many Hauilers Welcomed a Fighting Body

By then the R.H.A. had succeeded in establishing itself as a force to be reckoned with and was securing, in increasing numbers, an appreciable membership from the ranks of the hauliers. The C.M.U.A. became stimulated by the activities of its contemporary and, after resting on its laurels for a considerable time, entered the competitive arena in an effort to attract the haulage

section of the industry. An extensive propaganda and membership campaign was launched throughout the couniry and during that campaign numerous operators, mainly in the haulage field, heard of the C.M.U.A. for the first time. This, undoubtedly, was a reflection upon the Association, which had failed • previously to appreciate the needs and claims of the hauliers and to cater for them accordingly. Why the C.M.U.A. remained dormant in this sphere for so long it is difficult to understand, for it was competition-free and enjoyed

position which was unparalleled.

Now with regard to the A.R.O. On delving into the pages of the past they reveal a significant part which was played. by the Editor of "The Commercial Motor" —a part in fact, which was destined to make history. At the period in question the needs of the haulage contractor were making themselves felt and the hauliers—a large proportion of whom had never been members of any association—were demanding the seivices of an organization designed to meet their particular requirements.

The Birth of a Strong Hauliers' Association

Appreciating the serious situation, the Editor of the "

CM." stepped into the breach and invited to luncheon on April 29, 1930, a,number of prominent haulage contractors, for the purpose of exploring the position and deliberating as to the steps to be taken to meet the situation. The conversations culminated in the formation of a committee to provide evidence which was urgently needed by the Royal Commission on Transport. Following upon this, the long-distance hauliers formed an association -which, later, linked with the shortdistance operators. This combination became known as the Road Haulage Association, which rapidly expanded its membership and made its presence felt in a variety of ways. At a later stage in its career the R.H.A., by amalgamation with the Motor Hirers' Association (exclusively P.S.V. operators) became the A.R.O. This latter Association has never received royal patronage, neither does the membership enjoy the benefits of the R.A.C. I have heard, however, that unsuccessful efforts were made to negotiate for similar privileges with the Automobile Association. Like the C.M.U.A., the A.R.O. must be credited with having accomplished much useful work. It would, however, appear to have a leaning towards the formation of subsidiary companies which never seem to fulfil the expectations or ambitions of the promoters.

The purpose of this brief thumbnail sketch of the two associations is designed not to resurrect old controversies, reopen old wounds or compare the respective merits of the two bodies': but to point the way to future procedure.

Members Have the Power to Better Conditions

It is undoubtedly the desire of the individual members of the respective associations to establish better uniformity of representation. What, then, are the best means to that end? Having regard to past experience it is evident that any such move must originate from the members themselves rather than from the headquarters of the associations concerned. In this connectioi? I support the views, so admirably expressed by some time ago, when he actually offered his services to stump the country to bring about the end to be desired. If it can be established that the officials of the respective head office are in any way obstructing the fruition of such a scheme immediate steps should be taken by the memberships concerned to deal with the situation thus arising. Are the members as yet sufficiently aware of the position and have they the necessary initiative to act with determination and decision?


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