Why doesn't the government realise the essential contribution haulage makes?
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THE LONGER I am in this industry the more frustrated I become. Transport in the UK is treated as a necessary evil and not given the professional status our Continental counterparts seem to enjoy. It is only when parts of our industry decide to strike that consumers realise transport is the lifeblood of our island — but only when everything begins to grind to a halt.
Unfortunately, memories are short and our industry is left to tight out for the top spot of failed firms with the construction industry and with no support or handouts that the banking sector benefits from.
Professional customers respect the value of a good haulier, with realistic rates and fuel escalators. Unfortunately, in most cases, it is who is the cheapest, and so begins the merrygo-round of switching hauliers as undercutting starts to take its toll. The industry is legislated to the hilt, and there is very little to which we can object.
Why then is the government incapable of realising that the hidden costs from legislation are imposing such a burden on our industry?
This is allowing that the governing authorities, who supposedly represent our industry, only seem capable of restricting our businesses, as opposed to offering their support and allowing us to move forward_ How much longer will the government be blind and ignore the transport industry's plight, while throwing billions at the banks? Carl Stephens Via email