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On the subject of your campaign to recruit more drivers into the industry, I have to say it is probably the only side of haulage I would be prepared to encourage people to have a go at First off, though, they need to find a company which has a good chance of surviving this year. Most in the business agreed that the government's show of goodwill amounted to nothing in the real world. Both the haulage associations welcomed the moves, but weren't they blowing their own trumpets? After all, both their "bottom-line" requests were ignored.
The Road Haulage Association's essential user rebate will never see the light of day, and the Freight Transport Association's lbp off a litre of diesel might as well be delivered by flying pigs.
And if they think the concessions are the start of a beautiful relationship they will have to think again. I reckon this government has given Joe Haulier all it's going to. Still, it was nice to see the small man having such a big impact on the country.
Sure, the Brrt Disc is welcome in principle, but how many companies will be around to reap the benefrts? We can only hope the playing field isn't tilted further towards our Continental colleagues in that period.
So to any driver who wants to join the industry, I would say: good luck. There are still plenty of reputable, solid hauliers out there who need good quality, skilled drivers. That's right, it is a skill. Anyone who says it isn't clearly hasn't tried to reverse 40 tonnes of metal into a tight space.
Shane Gardiner, Guildford Surrey.