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Is your head in the sand?
Page 18
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So much to do, so little time to do it in. And why do it now anyway? CM Editor-in-Chief Brian Weatherley believes short-termism is preventing the industry from meeting the challenges of the future.
The other day I had a call from the Financial Times, wanting to know if I could knock up a quick overview of the road transport industry and current trends within it. I could but didn't have the time, so I gladly passed it on to my colleague Andy Salter. Its probably better coming from you as CM'seditor anyway," I told him. But if there's anything I can do to help, just shout" Back came an e-mail from Andy saying everything was in hand — but he added that if I did think of anything relevant beyond the obvious Euro-4. digital tachographs, Compulsory Training Directive and driver shortages (select one from Column A and one from Column B) to let him know.
I found myself thinking about it over the Easter break, and in particular about a recent remark aimed at me (and several other members of Her Majesty's Truck Press) by John Baker, Mercedes-Benz's sales and marketing director. According to John, we had all spent far too much time writing about Euro-4 and not enough about smart-card tachos something he believeo was likely to have a far greater impact on the road transport industry.
"You're kidding!"
I told him. "I've been writing about the damn things ever since they were first mooted and that was a good three to four years ago." And I'm certainly not alone in that. So why are digitachs suddenly causing everyone such a problem? Because most operators have approached them with exactly the same 'don't bother me with it now, I'll deal with it when I have to attitude they adopt for all major changes. And this is the industry's Achilles heel. From the Working Time Directive to congestion charging. when it comes to embracing major changes most UK truck operators would rather stick their heads in the sand, Unfortunately, long term-planning means more than simply making it through tomorrow morning. With such a shortsighted attitude to managing change, the future may come around sooner than you think. But it is a future you won't want to look forward to.
• Read more from CM'S Editor-in-Chief Brian Weatherley at www.bizbuzzmedia.com/blogs/biglorry blog