Twenty-two percent tariffs for ‘no-deal’ imported HGVs will cripple UK hauliers, says RHA

14th March 2019

The Road Haulage Association is astounded at Government’s latest plans to slap an additional 22 percent tariff on the cost importing a new HGV from mainland Europe in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

The new tariff schedule will apply from 11pm on 29 March and will be in place for up to 12 months.

Commenting, RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett said: “With profit margins averaging at two percent hauliers are already struggling to make ends meet. There is no sensible scale to these increases. They range from a 10 percent tariff for a vehicle under five tonnes while anything over (with the exception of special purpose vehicles) will be charged at 22 percent. With the average price of a tractor unit with an engine rating of Euro VI starting at around £85,000, the prospect of paying over £100,000 for a new truck will, for many, make new vehicle acquisition almost impossible.

“Government has already devolved responsibility for clean air zones and low emission zones to the regions resulting in a completely uncoordinated pricing structure. These latest charges are just another hammer blow to an industry already on its knees.

“This is a ludicrous situation. UK hauliers, particularly those already at a loss as regards future border crossing processes, will now be faced with massive, additional financial burdens to add to their worries.

“For those who can afford these excessive tariffs, they will have no alternative but to increase their rates by a substantial amount. For those unable to pass the additional cost on, there’s a real risk that Brexit will be the final straw.”

-ENDS-