‘RHA Smart App’ goes live

The Road Haulage Association is pleased to announce that it has now had the green light for the “RHA Smart App”; designed and developed to help with both company and driver needs. 

Free to download from the Apple store at http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/rha-smart-app/id518997969?mt=8, RHA Smart App has the following capabilities:

Defect Report Pad
Designed to save time, space and cost compared and much less hassle than completing paper defect pads. Simply complete the daily check report then automatically email a copy back to the transport office, or to any email address.

RHA Log Book 
Quickly complete the log book form on the app and automatically send a copy back the office, or to any email address 

Countdown Timer
Essential for accurately timing rest breaks

View RHA Publications
Including RHA Haulage manual, training prospectus, the latest Hauliers’ Shop catalogue.  Plus the latest Drivers’ hours & tachograph legislation

Traffic news
Receive up to date traffic news direct on the app; saving you both time and money. 

Online store
Buy Haulier's Shop products through the App  

“This is going to be a real help for everyone”, said RHA Chief Executive Geoff Dunning. “It has taken a while to develop a product that covers just about every aspect of the job but I think it has been well worth the wait. For today’s haulier, time really is money and I am confident that the RHA Smart App will go a long way to saving transport operators both!

RHA Smart App is available for iPhone at http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/rha-smart-app/id518997969?mt=8

The Android version will be available soon - check out www.rha.uk.net, for news.

Road Haulage Association – phone us first 
 
For more details, contact RHA Head of Media Relations, Kate Gibbs on . . . 
Tel:    +44 (0) 1932 838917
Mob: + 44 (0) 7979 531451 

Diesel price at all-time high says RHA

Diesel prices are now at their highest-ever level, says the Road Haulage Association.

The RHA's weekly fuel price survey - the most reliable guide to what hauliers actually pay for diesel deliveries to their depots - shows an national average price of 116.33 pence before VAT (139.60 after VAT.) The latest price has been published this afternoon.

"Diesel has never cost so much and there is nothing the industry can do about it. This is bad news for customers because haulage rates simply have to keep pace with rising costs. For a typical articulated lorry,  diesel is at least 35% of costs and often a significantly greater proportion," says RHA director of policy Jack Semple "Inevitably, rising transport costs pushes up the price of everything we buy, including food and clothing.

"There is a clear message for companies buying transport - you must pay a sustainable haulage rate".

"There is a message for the Chancellor, which we will be pressing again at the Treasury next week. The duty on diesel, already much the highest in Europe, should be reduced in the up-coming Budget; and it is inconceivable that the Chancellor should go ahead with the 3.02 pence a litre increase planned for August.

Acting Senior TC to present at RHA National Training Conference

The Road Haulage Association is pleased that Acting Senior Traffic Commissioner, Beverley Bell, has agreed to present at the RHA Training Conference at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham on Wednesday 27th June.

The one-day Conference will focus on training issues, with particular reference to Driver CPC and will be held at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham on Wednesday 27th June.

“I am delighted that Mrs Bell has been able to accept our invitation to present at this unique event”, said RHA Head of Training, Steve Ellis. “The Traffic Commissioners' view of the importance of well-structured training is pivotal to operators' acceptance of the need for investment in their staff.

“The attendance of the Acting Senior Traffic Commissioner will send a very strong message regarding the important part that trainers play in delivering the skills required to ensure compliant operation of Goods Vehicles”.

For more information, contact 01733 261131 or email training@rha.uk.net.

Road Haulage Association – phone us first

For more details, contact RHA Head of Media Relations, Kate Gibbs on . . .

Tel:    +44 (0) 1932 838917

Mob: + 44 (0) 7979 531451

Industry pledges support for TruckPol through Fight Freight Crime campaign

The Road Haulage Association, the Freight Transport Association and leading sector publisher Road Transport Media, are joining forces to help secure the future of TruckPol through the “Fight Freight Crime, Save TruckPol” campaign.

Since the withdrawal of government funding in April last year, the national police intelligence unit has been funded entirely by an appreciative and generous private sector. But unless further, urgent funding is found, the writing looks to be on the wall for what is the only resource of its kind dedicated to fighting road freight crime.

The Fight Freight Crime campaign is looking for support and funding from the road freight sector it represents; to raise funding for TruckPol at a time when organised truck crime is a growing threat.

RHA Chief Executive Geoff Dunning said: “To manage a problem one must have the ability to first measure its true scale. TruckPol provides vital information on such criminal activity and is the only police resource dedicated to collating and disseminating data and intelligence on UK truck crime.  To see the demise of this unit would be a catastrophe and would set us back ten years.”

Theo de Pencier, FTA Chief Executive also commented: “TruckPol plays a key role in the fight against criminal gangs which target a sector that is both vulnerable and attractive to thieves. The fact that the industry it helps to protect has kept it afloat this last year shows how highly regarded it is.  Sadly, without government funding, TruckPol is once again facing closure and it is up to industry to save it at the eleventh hour.”

It costs approximately £120,000 to fund TruckPol for 12 months. However, in these straightened times the collective pot of private sector funding is still some £30,000 short of the mark and with April fast approaching time is running out.

For further information about supporting the campaign to secure TruckPol’s future, contact Chrys Rampley at c.rampley@rha.uk.net.

Road Haulage Association – phone us first

For more details, contact RHA Head of Media Relations, Kate Gibbs on . . .

Tel:    +44 (0) 1932 838917

Mob: + 44 (0) 7979 531451

RHA welcomes charge for foreign hauliers

The Road Haulage Association welcomes the government’s proposals to charge foreign trucks for using UK roads, which were published in a consultation by transport minister Mike Penning this morning.

“This scheme is good news for UK transport operators and should be welcomed also by motorists, many of whom have complained that foreign hauliers pay nothing for using our roads,” said RHA Head of Communications, Kate Gibbs.

“The RHA has been working with government officials to get the best scheme possible under EU rules and we believe this is what the new proposals represent. We are urging ministers to press forward with this project as a priority, both in terms of Parliamentary time and commercial dealings, so that the original deadline of spring 2014 start-up can be met.”

Road Haulage Association – phone us first

For more details, contact RHA Head of Media Relations, Kate Gibbs on . . .

Tel:    +44 (0) 1932 838917

Mob: + 44 (0) 7979 531451

RHA welcomes new Traffic Commissioner appointments

The Road Haulage Association welcomes the news that Secretary of State for Transport, Justine Greening has appointed Nick Denton as Traffic Commissioner for the South Eastern and Metropolitan Area and Kevin Rooney as Commissioner for the North Eastern Area.  

“This comes as very good news for both the Road Haulage Association and for the industry at large”, said RHA Chief Executive Geoff Dunning.

“Both Nick Denton and Kevin Rooney are well known to the RHA and I am confident that these appointments will bring a new dimension to what has always been an excellent working relationship between Association staff and the traffic area offices throughout the UK."

Road Haulage Association – phone us first

For more details, contact RHA Head of Media Relations, Kate Gibbs on . . .

Tel:    +44 (0) 1932 838917

Mob: + 44 (0) 7979 531451

Free London 2012 support package for freight operators and their customers

• Over 200 free Transport for London (TfL) workshops, both inside and outside the capital, to help hauliers and their customers in transport ‘hotspots’ keep running smoothly during the Games
  

• Guidance and support offered to London’s major wholesale markets
  

• Team of advisors to visit retailers, pubs and restaurants in transport ‘hotspot’ areas to offer face-to-face advice
  
  A widespread support package to help freight operators and their customers continue to operate effectively during the London 2012 Games was announced today (Thursday 12 January) by TfL.
  
  At the centre of the package, known as TfL’s Freight Advice Programme, are 230 free workshops aimed at businesses in Games transport ‘hotspot’ areas which receive freight deliveries, and those companies that deliver to them.
  
  The free workshops, which aim to attract businesses from across all sectors and will help them to plan and prepare, start on 30 January and run until the end of April. Around 160 sessions will be held in London and 70 will be held outside the capital, in cities including Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff and Southampton which have a significant concentration of businesses supplying London.
  Other areas which also generate a large number of freight movements into and out of the capital will also be targeted, including Slough, Northampton, Chelmsford and Milton Keynes.
  
  To apply for a free workshop place, businesses should visit www.tfl.gov.uk/2012 where there is a full list of workshop dates, times and locations.
  
  As part of the Freight Advice Programme, TfL is also offering free guidance and support to London’s major wholesale markets: New Spitalfields, New Covent Garden, Billingsgate, Smithfield, and Western International - with Borough Market also receiving advice.
  
  Starting this month, each market will be assigned an advisor who will ensure that tenants, customers and suppliers are aware of the transport challenges of the Games and are given support to put the necessary plans in place to help them continue to run smoothly during the summer.
  
  In addition, a team of advisors will visit small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) including retailers, pubs and restaurants in Games transport ‘hotspot’ areas - such as Whitehall and St James’ in central London and Stratford Town Centre - to offer them face-to-face support.
  
  London’s Transport Commissioner, Peter Hendy, said: “Ensuring that London’s supermarkets, restaurants and pubs remain stocked this summer will be critical to the overall success of the London 2012 Games. Businesses based in transport ‘hotspot’ areas that make or receive freight deliveries need to start planning now to ensure they continue to operate effectively – and profitably - next summer.
  
  “Our new programme of workshops and tailored advice for freight operators and their customers greatly enhances the support package already on offer to help businesses of all sizes stay one step ahead during the Games.
  
  “I’d like to urge all businesses in affected areas, and the freight companies that deliver to them, to take advantage of the hundreds of free workshops starting this month and log on to www.tfl.gov.uk/2012 to book a place.”
  
   Sarah Bell, lead Traffic Commissioner for Olympic Delivery, said: “The Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain are delighted that TfL are offering these seminars and urge operators to take advantage of the opportunity to assist their preparation and planning for the commercial opportunities that the Games will bring. The very experienced TfL freight team have worked closely with Traffic Commissioners, the trade associations and other partners to produce a wealth of information in a user friendly format. The seminars will offer a practical insight into how best to use that information and ask questions directly relevant to particular business sectors.”
  
  Natalie Chapman, the Freight Transport Association’s Head of Policy for London, said: “It is critical that the supply chain is fully prepared for the massive challenges it faces when the largest event in the world hits the capital next summer. These free workshops will supplement existing guidance to arm operators with the advice and information they need to deliver a successful Games for London.”
  
  Kate Gibbs at the Road Haulage Association said: “We welcome this move by TfL to help haulage operators at such a critical time and we shall certainly be urging our members to take advantage of the practical advice and information available. An effective, cost effective and efficient transport network is crucial to the success of the Games; this initiative will ensure that operators are fully prepared.”
  
  Greg Lawrence, Chairman of The Smithfield Market Tenants’ Association, said: “The London 2012 Games present a big challenge for Smithfield Market but, as the largest wholesale meat and poultry market in the UK, we are committed to working closely with TfL and others to ensure that traders can continue to provide the finest products to a wide range of customers across the capital and beyond. It is clear that certain adjustments and a degree of flexibility will be needed to achieve this but we are confident that by starting to plan for the Games period now we will be well placed to continue to provide the excellent service that we pride ourselves on.”
  
  Helen Evans, Head of Business Support at New Covent Garden Market, said: “As the largest fruit, vegetable and flower market in the UK, we recognise that the London 2012 Games will offer unrivalled opportunities but there will also be significant challenges for the many small and medium sized businesses that trade from our site. TfL has been very proactive in contacting us with tailored, site specific advice to ensure we are prepared for the transport challenges that the Games will present and can continue to supply London’s leading chefs, florists, restaurants, hotels and hospitals with first class food and flowers throughout what will be a very busy summer.”

New Year Honour for RHA Past Chairman

The Road Haulage Association is delighted that the hard work and dedication of past Chairman Andy Boyle has been recognised in the announcement that he has received an OBE in the New Year Honours list.

Commenting, Andy Boyle of Ledbury-based ABE said: “I was greatly surprised and honoured to be given this award; I see it as an acknowledgement of the efforts of the Road Haulage Association on behalf of the industry as a whole. Indeed it was the RHA and FTA, in collaboration with FairFuelUK, that saw the fuel duty increase planned for 1 January abandoned.

Although the award has been given in my name, I in turn would like to acknowledge the tremendous number of unsung heroes both within the RHA, the industry. Thanks too to my own staff. It was only through their help and support keeping the business running that made my time as RHA Chairman possible.

RHA Chief Executive, Geoff Dunning was equally delighted. “Andy was a member of the RHA Board of Directors for many years before being elected Chairman. His integrity, judgement and overall professionalism are exemplary; he has, and continues to be a pleasure to work with”.

Road Haulage Association – phone us first

For more details, contact RHA Head of Media Relations, Kate Gibbs on . . .

Tel:    +44 (0) 1932 838917

Mob: + 44 (0) 7979 531451

RHA welcomes TfL decision on retrofit

The Road Haulage Association has welcomed today’s announcement by Transport for London that it will not penalise operators who have booked their slots for retrofitting of particulate filters, provided they have placed an order in advance of the 3 January deadline.

This is a sensible decision” said RHA Director of Policy Jack Semple.  “We have been urging members to make the changes for some months now, but it is inevitable that some will leave it until the last minute.  However, operators will still be fined if they are unable to provide the TfL Contact Centre with evidence that they have ordered their system prior to the 3 January deadline when the new LEZ rules come into force.”

Road Haulage Association – phone us first

For more details, contact RHA Head of Media Relations, Kate Gibbs on . .

Tel:    +44 (0) 1932 838917

Mob: + 44 (0) 7979 531451

DVLA Local Offices Christmas Opening Hours 2011/12

DVLA Local Offices will be closed from 12pm on Friday 23rd December and will re-open at 9am on Tuesday 3rd January 2012 in England and Wales and Wednesday 4th January 2012 in Scotland. 

 (Northern Ireland, Channel Island and Isle of Man services will be open as usual during the Christmas period.)

The following guidance explains how DVLA plans to support commercial customers prior to, during and immediately after the Christmas period.

Click on the link below for the ful details:

DVLA Opening times

Assess trailer needs now, urges RHA

The Road Haulage Association notes the announcement of trials of longer semi-trailers lasting up to ten years.

Director of Policy Jack Semple says: “These are extensive trials and they are likely to have a material impact on the industry.

“Mike Penning, the roads and logistics minister, has made clear from the start his intention to bring in longer trailers, on the basis that those who wanted to operate them should be allowed to do so, if that can be done safely.  His decision not to move swiftly to regulation, as was proposed,  increases the investment risk to hauliers.

“Nonetheless, we welcome his commitment to work to minimise any disadvantage there might be to medium-sized and smaller transport firms – an issue that we have highlighted during extensive engagement with the Department for Transport on the issue of longer semi-trailers.

“It is clear that the industry is split on the issue of longer trailers, with the majority of transport companies opposed to them being allowed on our roads for a variety of reasons that we set out those concerns in our consultation response. That opposition has if anything strengthened in recent months.

“We have now moved past that point, however, and we will be urging our members to assess, as a matter of urgency, how many of the new lengths to apply for, which length suits their business, and which axle designs are best for their operation,” Semple says.

Road Haulage Association – phone us first

For more details, contact RHA Head of Media Relations, Kate Gibbs on . . .

Tel:    +44 (0) 1932 838917

Mob: + 44 (0) 7979 531451

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RHA welcomes Scottish duty rebate proposals

13.09.11

The Road Haulage Association has welcomed the news that the European Commission has approved the UK Government application for the rural fuel duty rebate scheme in principle and has formally published the legislative proposal required for a change in EU law.

“The proposal of a rural fuel duty rebate scheme of a 5 pence per litre duty discount comes as good news for hard pressed hauliers across Scotland”, said RHA Director Phil Flanders. “However”, he continued, “this will only be seen as the first step. Island communities have been and continue to be particularly hard hit by the rising cost of transporting goods essential for day to day living. The extent of any scheme will need to be looked at both urgently and closely.

“There are numerous areas on the Scottish mainland which are very remote in terms of freight journeys; Ardnamurchan and the Mull of Kintyre for example. Pump prices in these areas are particularly high compared to mainland areas because of the high transport and distribution costs.

“A 5 pence per litre duty discount will go some way to helping ease the financial burden in these areas but more must be done. Yes, these proposals are a start, but there is still a very long way to go.  The proposals, as they stand, amount to using a small sledgehammer to crack a very large nut”.

Road Haulage Association – phone us first

For more details, contact RHA Head of Media Relations, Kate Gibbs on . . .

Tel:    +44 (0) 1932 838917

Mob: + 44 (0) 7979 531451