Geneva Considering New International Rules
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SPEAKING in French, Mr. L. O. lb-) Woodbridge (Woodbridge and Co., Ltd.) reported to F.I.D.I. on the agreement on international road transport being prepared by the Economic Commission for Europe.
Regulations for international road transport which were being studied at Geneva covered two aspects, he said. The first concerned an agreement between Governments, providing for the allotment of permits to operators and vehicles, which would allow only those authorized to work internationally by road.
This agreement laid down rules for the employment of staff, the ,wording of consignment notes, insurance requirements, rates, and so on [which would be conditions of the licences]. Breaches of the regulations might cause the suspension or revocation of permits.
The second aspect dealt with an international convention modifying and unifying common law in each country regarding conditions of carriage and carriers' liability. This conven
tion was intended to have legal force in each subscribing country.
It would, said Mr. Woodbridge, have been disastrous to removers if furniture removals had been made the subject of the conditions applying to normal loads. The Federation believed that their representations to the E.C.E. on this subject last month had been successful. It would now be for F.I.D.I. to submit further proposals.
The main problem was essentially .one of finding a basis of agreement on contractors' liability.
Dealing with the present situation in aerial removals, Mr. Ellis said that furniture was not suitable traffic for aircraft. Air transport was too expensive and packing costs were high. Moreover, furniture received a buffeting during take-off and landing.
The only saving by the use of air transport was in time, but in the case of household removals, it was not important. Often furniture had to lie in store at its destination.
Furniture could not be subjected to several handlings. If removed by lift
van, furniture could be stored in the container whileawaiting final delivery. Aero containers were needed to suit current aircraft. The question of ownership of the containers was a subject for discussion.
A representative of Silver City Airways replied.
Presenting the president's report, Mr. J. Verdonck, of Belgium, said that the formation of an affiliated organization of F.I.D.I. was being considered in America. An association—the 10th member organization—had already been set up in Italy.
F.I.D.I. had been granted consultative status by the E.C.E. and in making representations was acting in conjunction with the International Road Union. The results so far had exceeded expectations.
Last year's work had brought substantial results, but intensive publicity was needed to enrol members and consolidate the Federation's position.
Mr. E. Fall (E. Fall Intern. Mobeltransporte Spedition), Austria, succeeded Mr. Verdonck as president.